bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High gene flow in two migratory Neotropical fish species, Salminus franciscanus and Brycon orthotaenia, and implications for conservation aquaculture
Authors: Coimbra Maria R.M. , Dantas Hozana L. , Luna Manuela M.S. , Lima Maíra A. , Sales Mondrian , da Silva Bruno C.N.R. , Lima Ana P.S.
Published: April 2020

Two migratory and endangered freshwater fish species, Salminus franciscanus and Brycon orthotaenia, are endemic to one of the most important basins for hydropower capacity in South America. These two fish are target species of conservation aquaculture programmes along the São Francisco River system.

In order to implement effective strategies for the conservation of these species, microsatellite markers were developed and used to assess the genetic diversity and structure among wild groups. Fish were collected during the spawning season at four sampling sites, covering more than 1000 km.

Polymorphism loci were assessed, and a total of 133 and 107 alleles were found for S. franciscanus and B. orthotaenia, respectively. Despite the critical conservation status, B. orthotaenia showed high levels of genetic diversity, comparable with those of other closely related species.

Salminus franciscanus exhibited half of the genetic diversity of its sister species in terms of allelic diversity, indicating that this species will be more prone to genetic drift and inbreeding in conservation aquaculture programmes.

The results of an analysis of molecular variance for microsatellite markers in these species (FST = 0.007 for S. franciscanus and FST = 0.003 for B. orthotaenia) and the estimated recent migration rates (>40% among sampling sites) support panmixia in both species, despite the heterogeneities of the riverscape.

The results of this study and the microsatellites developed will play an important role in assisting agencies in making informed decisions on conservation aquaculture programmes.
Single‐Step Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon Nitride/Molybdenum Sulfide Nanohybrids for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Sungho , Cha Wangsoo , Ramadass Kavitha , Singh Gurwinder , Kim In Young , Vinu Ajayan
Published: April 2020

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is a promising candidate as a high‐performing anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its large interlayer spacing. However, it suffers from continued capacity fading. This problem could be overcome by hybridizing MoS2 with nanostructured carbon‐based materials, but it is quite challenging. Herein, we demonstrate a single‐step strategy for the preparation of MoS2 coupled with ordered mesoporous carbon nitride using a nanotemplating approach which involves the pyrolysis of phosphomolybdic acid hydrate (PMA), dithiooxamide (DTO) and 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole (5‐ATTZ) together in the porous channels of 3D mesoporous silica template. The sulfidation to MoS2, polymerization to carbon nitride (CN) and their hybridization occur simultaneously within a mesoporous silica template during a calcination process. The CN/MoS2 hybrid prepared by this unique approach is highly pure and exhibits good crystallinity as well as delivers excellent performance for SIBs with specific capacities of 605 and 431 mAhg−1 at current densities of 100 and 1000 mAg−1, respectively, for SIBs.
Addressing Challenging Behavior During Hospitalizations for Children with Autism: A Pilot Applied Behavior Analysis Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sanders Kevin , Staubitz John , Juárez A. Pablo , Marler Sarah , Browning Whitney , McDonnell Erin , Altstein Lily , Macklin Eric A. , Warren Zachary
Published: April 2020

This study evaluated the feasibility, acceptance, and potential clinical benefit of brief applied behavior analysis (ABA)—based interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) displaying challenging behaviors during hospitalizations. Participants included 36 children diagnosed with ASD, 6–17 years of age, who were medically or psychiatrically hospitalized. Children in the intervention group received a brief ABA intervention and were compared to children in the evaluation and monitoring‐only group. Families and staff recommended the intervention, children receiving the intervention demonstrated significantly more improvement in unblinded ratings of clinical severity, data from physicians indicated a positive effect of the intervention on levels of staffing and restraints and attending medical providers universally reported satisfaction and benefit of the intervention. Improvements in challenging behaviors were not significantly different as reported by parents, and the length of hospitalization did not differ between the groups. Ultimately, the outcomes of this pilot study suggest incorporating specialized ABA‐based assessment and intervention during hospitalization may be feasible and well accepted by clinicians and families. However, future research must address potent methodological challenges related to capturing meaningful data during hospitalizations in order to answer questions of ultimate pragmatic, clinical, and system‐level benefits. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02339935, Registered 16 January 2015, First participant consented 23 February 2015. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1072‐1078. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Inpatient hospitalizations for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and severe behavior are common, challenging, and costly in terms of human experience. This study evaluated the benefit of brief applied behavior analysis‐based interventions to children and adolescents with ASD displaying challenging behaviors during hospitalizations. Families and staff evaluating the procedures noted perceived potential benefits of the intervention, but this initial pilot study did not document changes in hospitalization length or blinded rating of improvement.
Optimisation of Formation and Conditioning Protocols for Lithium‐Ion Electric Vehicle Batteries
Authors: Rubio Lopez Irene , Lain Michael J. , Kendrick Emma
Published: April 2020

The formation process and subsequent conditioning (cell ageing) protocols for a commercial EV lithium‐ion cell chemistry have been studied to understand their effect on the electrochemical performance and chemical interface. The temperature and duration were varied for both the formation and conditioning steps, and the state of charge was investigated for the conditioning step. The optimum conditioning temperature was shown to be dependent on the previous formation conditions. After formation at room temperature, a longer cycle life was observed when conditioning was performed at 5 °C. After formation at 5 °C, conditioning at 45 °C gave the best cycle life. These results show that the conditioning process is important for cell longevity, and is dependent upon the initial formation. The formation process creates an initial interface layer from reduction of the electrolyte, which rearranges chemically during conditioning. The rearrangement has been followed though impedance studies and XPS analysis. After conditioning at 45 °C, surface analysis of the graphite showed increased quantities of boron and phosphorus in the interface layer, and the fluorine content increased by 20 % during the conditioning process. For low temperature formation, greater levels of lithium and oxygen were observed, which subsequently decreased during conditioning.
Phytochemical composition profile and space–time accumulation of secondary metabolites for Dracocephalum moldavica Linn. via UPLC–Q/TOF–MS and HPLC–DAD method
Authors: Wu Chao , Liu Hanze , Rong Xiaojuan , Liu Jiahao , Ding Wenzheng , Cheng Xuemei , Xing Jianguo , Wang Changhong
Published: April 2020

The aerial parts of Dracocephalum moldavica L. are extensively used in traditional ethnic medicines in China as a remedy for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular damage. However, the chemical composition and the accumulation of main secondary metabolites of D. moldavica in different natural environments remain unclear. This study aimed to conduct a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the main secondary metabolites to explore the quality variation of D. moldavica in markets. The evaluation of space–time accumulation of main secondary metabolites in D. moldavica was carried out during different growth periods and in different geographical locations. A total of 35 ingredients were detected and 24 identified, including 21 flavonoids, two phenolic acids and one coumarin by UPLC–QTOF–MS method. Furthermore, a simple and convenient HPLC method was successfully developed for the simultaneous determination of lutelin‐7‐O‐glucuronide and tilianin and rosmarinic acid in D. moldavica. The results of space–time accumulation analysis showed the distinct variation of secondary metabolites of D. moldavica with the growth period and geographical location. Finally, the current study provided a meaningful and useful approach for comprehensively evaluating the quality of D. moldavica.
Molecularly imprinted cryogel cartridges for the selective recognition of tyrosine
Authors: Bakhshpour Monireh , Göktürk Ilgım , Bereli Nilay , Denizli Adil
Published: April 2020

Molecularly imprinted polymers are used for creating a specific cavity and selective recognition sites for the structure of a target molecule in a polymeric structure. In this study, specific molecularly imprinted cryogel cartridges were synthesized using two distinct functional monomers to compare imprinting efficiency for the selective recognition of Tyrosine (Tyr). Tyr‐imprinted cryogel cartridge (MIP1) was prepared using metal‐chelate coordination for the imprinting process by free‐radical bulk polymerization under frozen conditions, and Tyr‐imprinted cryogel cartridge (MIP2) was prepared in the same way using hydrophobic effects for imprinting. After the characterization of the cryogel cartridges was carried out, the optimum adsorption conditions of both were determined according to the different parameters such as flow rate (0.5–2.5 ml/min), pH of the medium (4.0–8.0), initial Tyr concentration (0.1–3.0 mg/ml), and temperature (4–45°C). Selectivity experiments of Tyr‐imprinted and non‐imprinted cryogel cartridges were carried out by using phenylalanine, tryptophan, and cysteine. Besides, the eluted Tyr from MIP1 and MIP2 cryogel cartridge were applied to FPLC system. Also, the reusability experiments of Tyr‐imprinted cryogel cartridges was observed no significant decrease in the adsorption capacity.
Associations between prostate cancer‐related anxiety and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Erim Daniel O. , Bennett Antonia V. , Gaynes Bradley N. , Basak Ram S. , Usinger Deborah , Chen Ronald C.
Published: April 2020

Background

There are uncertainties about prostate cancer‐related anxiety's (PCRA) associations with health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and major depression, and these could affect the quality of mental healthcare provided to prostate cancer patients. Addressing these uncertainties will provide more insight into PCRA and inform further research on the value of PCRA prevention. The goals of this study were to measure associations between PCRA and HRQOL at domain and subdomain levels, and to evaluate the association between PCRA and probable (ie, predicted major) depression.

Method

We analyzed secondary cross‐sectional data from the North Carolina Prostate Cancer Comparative Effectiveness & Survivorship Study (NC ProCESS—a population‐based cohort of prostate cancer patients enrolled shortly after diagnosis [between January 2011 and June 2013] and followed prospectively). Patient‐reported measures of PCRA and HRQOL from 1,016 enrollees who participated in NC ProCESS’s 1‐year follow‐up survey were assessed. Outcomes of interests were a) linear correlations between contemporaneous memorial anxiety scale for prostate cancer (MAX‐PC) and Short Form 12 (SF‐12) scores, and b) measures of association between indicators of clinically significant PCRA (ie, MAX‐PC > 27) and probable depression during survey contact (ie, SF‐12 mental component score ≤43).

Results

PCRA measures had notable associations with SF‐12’s mental health subscale (assesses low mood/nervousness [rho = −0.42]) and emotional role functioning subscale (assesses subjective productivity loss [rho = −0.46]). Additionally, the risk of probable depression was significantly higher in participants with clinically significant PCRA compared with those without it (weighed risk ratio = 5.3, 95% confidence interval 3.6‐7.8; P < .001).

Conclusion

Prostate cancer patients with clinically significant PCRA should be assessed for major depression and productivity loss.
Simulating the impact of centralization of prostate cancer surgery services on travel burden and equity in the English National Health Service: A national population based model for health service re‐design
Authors: Aggarwal Ajay , van der Geest Stéphanie A. , Lewis Daniel , van der Meulen Jan , Varkevisser Marco
Published: April 2020

Introduction

There is limited evidence on the impact of centralization of cancer treatment services on patient travel burden and access to treatment. Using prostate cancer surgery as an example, this national study analysis aims to simulate the effect of different centralization scenarios on the number of center closures, patient travel times, and equity in access.

Methods

We used patient‐level data on all men (n = 19,256) undergoing radical prostatectomy in the English National Health Service between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014, and considered three scenarios for centralization of prostate cancer surgery services A: procedure volume, B: availability of specialized services, and C: optimization of capacity. The probability of patients travelling to each of the remaining centers in the choice set was predicted using a conditional logit model, based on preferences revealed through actual hospital selections. Multivariable linear regression analysed the impact on travel time according to patient characteristics.

Results

Scenarios A, B, and C resulted in the closure of 28, 24, and 37 of the 65 radical prostatectomy centers, respectively, affecting 3993 (21%), 5763 (30%), and 7896 (41%) of the men in the study. Despite similar numbers of center closures the expected average increase on travel time was very different for scenario B (+15 minutes) and A (+28 minutes). A distance minimization approach, assigning patients to their next nearest center, with patient preferences not considered, estimated a lower impact on travel burden in all scenarios. The additional travel burden on older, sicker, less affluent patients was evident, but where significant, the absolute difference was very small.

Conclusion

The study provides an innovative simulation approach using national patient‐level datasets, patient preferences based on actual hospital selections, and personal characteristics to inform health service planning. With this approach, we demonstrated for prostate cancer surgery that three different centralization scenarios would lead to similar number of center closures but to different increases in patient travel time, whilst all having a minimal impact on equity.
Rethink management, operation of sports in light of COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: April 2020

As the world continues to confront COVID‐19, every governing body, conference, and association, and virtually every collegiate institution, continues to carefully monitor, evaluate, and consider both the current situation and their next steps.
Helicid Reverses Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Inflammation and Promotes GDNF Levels in C6 Glioma Cells through Modulation of Prepronociceptin
Authors: Zhang Yuanxiang , Luan Di , Liu Yanhao , Li Hongjin , Dong Jian , Zhang Xiaotong , Yuan Lili , Zhong Zhengling , Jiang Lan , Li Xuyi , Ye Mingquan , Tong Jiucui
Published: April 2020

Helicid suppresses inflammatory factors and protects nerve cells in the hippocampus of rats with depression, but the mechanisms underlying its protective effects are unclear at present. In this investigation, we conducted gene silencing, Helicid intervention and rescue experiments to explore the protective actions of PNOC, the prepronociceptin gene known to regulate inflammatory processes, and Helicid on a C6 cell model of inflammation induced by LPS. Collective data from Western blots, ELISA, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry experiments showed that PNOC silencing or administration of Helicid led to reduced inflammatory factor levels, oxidative stress and expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), along with increased glial cell lines‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression. Furthermore, expression of p‐Akt in the Akt signaling pathway was increased. Interestingly, overexpression of PNOC in the Helicid treatment group partially reversed the Helicid‐induced changes in the above biochemical indexes. Our collective results provide strong evidence of Helicid‐mediated regulation of the Akt signaling pathway through PNOC to improve cell inflammation and oxidative stress.
Diterpenoids and Flavonoids from the Twigs of Cephalotaxus fortunei var. alpina
Authors: Huang Qing‐Pu , Guo Kai , Liu Yan , Liu Yan‐Chun , Li Wen‐Yuan , Geng Hao , Wang Ying , Li Sheng‐Hong
Published: April 2020

Three new diterpenoids (a cephalotane, an abietane and a 9(10→20)‐abeo‐abietane) and one new flavonoid, together with 11 known compounds, were isolated from the twigs of Cephalotaxus fortunei var. alpina. The new compounds were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic (including 1D and 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS) analysis. Anti‐inflammatory, immunosuppressive and cytotoxic activities of three new compounds were evaluated. 3β,20‐epoxyabieta‐8,11,13‐triene‐3α,12‐diol showed weak cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines NCI−H1975, HepG2, MCF‐7, while fortalpinoid R and 3‐acetonyl‐3,5,7,4′‐tetrahydroxy‐2‐methoxyflavanone were not active at 80 μM. None of these compounds showed anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities.
Effects of stent postdilatation during primary PCI for STEMI: Insights from coronary physiology and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Karamasis Grigoris V. , Kalogeropoulos Andreas S. , Gamma Reto A. , Clesham Gerald J. , Marco Valeria , Tang Kare H. , Jagathesan Rohan , Sayer Jeremy W. , Robinson Nicholas M. , Kabir Alamgir , Aggarwal Rajesh K. , Kelly Paul A. , Prati Francesco , Keeble Thomas R. , Davies John R.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the impact of stent optimization by NC‐balloon postdilatation (PD) during primary‐PCI for STEMI with the use of coronary physiology and intracoronary imaging.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02788396). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and physiological measurements were performed immediately before and after PD with the operators blinded to all measurements. The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), coronary flow reserve (CFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) were measured. OCT analysis was performed for assessment of stent expansion, malapposition, in‐stent plaque‐thrombus prolapse (PTP) and stent‐edge dissections (SED). The change in IMR before and after PD as a measure of microvascular injury was the primary objective of the study.

Results

Thirty‐two STEMI patients undergoing primary‐PCI had physiological measurements before and after PD. All patients received second‐generation DES (diameter 3.1 ± 0.5 mm, length 29.9 ± 10.7 mm) and postdilatation with NC‐balloons (diameter 3.6 ± 0.6 mm, inflation pressure 19.3 ± 2.0 atm). IMR (44.9 ± 25.6 vs. 48.8 ± 34.2, p = 0.26) and CFR (1.60 ± 0.89 vs. 1.58 ± 0.71, p = 0.87) did not change, while FFR increased after PD (0.91 ± 0.08 vs. 0.93 ± 0.06, p = 0.037). At an individual patient level, IMR increased in half of the cases. PD improved significantly absolute and relative stent expansion, reduced malapposition, and increased PTP. There was no difference in clinically relevant SED.

Conclusion

In this exploratory, hypothesis‐generating study, postdilatation during primary‐PCI for STEMI improved stent expansion, apposition and post‐PCI FFR, without a significant effect on coronary microcirculation overall. Nevertheless, IMR increased in a group of patients and larger studies are warranted to explore predictors of microcirculatory response to postdilatation.
Possible modulation of the amplitude and frequency of resting parkinsonian tremor by touching the trapezius muscle
Authors: Hasegawa Takafumi , Ishiyama Shun , Nakamura Takaaki
Published: April 2020

The pathophysiological mechanism of resting tremor in Parkinson's disease remains obscure. Spinal/peripheral mechanisms may modulate oscillatory activity from central origin, thereby changing amplitude and frequency of tremor in Parkinson's disease.
Two Simple and Highly Efficient Variants of the Griffith‐Ley Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Weingart Pascal , Hütchen Patrick , Damone Angelo , Kohns Maximilian , Hasse Hans , Thiel Werner R.
Published: April 2020

The Griffith‐Ley oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes and ketones is performed with either RuCl3 ⋅ (H2O)xor a highly stable, well‐defined ruthenium catalyst and with cheap trimethylamineN‐oxide (TMAO) as the oxygen source. The use ofn‐heptane as the solvent, which forms a second phase with TMAO and a part of the alcohol, allows the reactions to be performed with a minimum amount of catalyst. This results in high local concentrations and thus to very rapid conversions. Detailed quantum chemical calculations suggest, that the Griffith‐Ley oxidation not necessarily requires high oxidation states of ruthenium but can also proceed with RuII/RuIVspecies.
β‐Cyclodextrin‐modified covalent organic framework as chiral stationary phase for the separation of amino acids and β‐blockers by capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Li Yingjie , Lin Xiaotong , Qin Shili , Gao Lidi , Tang Yimin , Liu Shuren , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: April 2020

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as a novel stationary phase have attracted much attention in the field of chromatography owing to their permanent nanoscale porosity, higher surface area, and exceptional stabilities. Here, a novel isocyanate‐β‐cyclodextrin‐modified COF (MDI‐β‐CD‐modified COF) was synthesized using isocyanate‐β‐cyclodextrin as the chiral selector and imine‐based TpPa‐1 COF as the matrix by a bottom‐up strategy. The reaction condition and the structure of MDI‐β‐CD‐modified COF were optimized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra, nitrogen adsorption/desorption (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller [BET]), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). And then the coated open‐tubular column (OT column) was prepared using MDI‐β‐CD‐modified COF as chiral stationary phase (CSP) by in situ growth approach, which exhibited excellent stability and repeatability. For seven consecutive runs, the intraday and interday relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in range from 0.35% to 2.21% for the migration time of histidine. The column‐to‐column reproducibility ranged from 2.39% to 3.08%. Meanwhile, the separation of eight compounds including four amino acids and four β‐blockers by capillary electrochromatography sufficiently verified the favorable chiral resolution properties of the MDI‐β‐CD‐modified COF‐coated OT column. This strategy of fabricating MDI‐β‐CD‐modified COF‐coated OT column expanded the application of imine‐based COFs in chromatographic analytical fields.
Silver‐Mediated N‐Trifluoromethylation of Amides and Peptides
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , He Jiayan , Zhu Lin , Xiao Haiwen , Fang Yewen , Li Chaozhong
Published: April 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

We report herein the direct N‐trifluoromethylation of N‐H amides. Promoted by AgOTf and 2‐fluoropyridine, the reaction of a variety of amides with Selectfluor, TMSCF3 and CsF proceeds smoothly at room temperature leading to the corresponding N‐trifluoromethylated products in satisfactory yields. The protocol is also applicable to amino acid derivatives, resulting in efficient and chemoselective N‐trifluoromethylation of di‐ and tri‐peptides with retention of configuration. A mechanism involving reductive elimination of Ag(III) intermediates to form N—CF3 bonds is proposed.
Synthesis of Novel Pyridine‐Carboxylates as Small‐Molecule Inhibitors of Human Aspartate/Asparagine‐β‐Hydroxylase
Authors: Brewitz Lennart , Tumber Anthony , Thalhammer Armin , Salah Eidarus , Christensen Kirsten E. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: April 2020

The human 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG)‐dependent oxygenase aspartate/asparagine‐β‐hydroxylase (AspH) is a potential medicinal chemistry target for anticancer therapy. AspH is present on the cell surface of invasive cancer cells and accepts epidermal growth factor‐like domain (EGFD) substrates with a noncanonical (i. e., Cys 1–2, 3–4, 5–6) disulfide pattern. We report a concise synthesis of C‐3‐substituted derivatives of pyridine‐2,4‐dicarboxylic acid (2,4‐PDCA) as 2OG competitors for use in SAR studies on AspH inhibition. AspH inhibition was assayed by using a mass spectrometry‐based assay with a stable thioether analogue of a natural EGFD AspH substrate. Certain C‐3‐substituted 2,4‐PDCA derivatives were potent AspH inhibitors, manifesting selectivity over some, but not all, other tested human 2OG oxygenases. The results raise questions about the use of pyridine‐carboxylate‐related 2OG analogues as selective functional probes for specific 2OG oxygenases, and should aid in the development of AspH inhibitors suitable for in vivo use.
Development of Novel Benzodiazepine‐Based Peptidomimetics as Inhibitors of Rhodesain from Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
Authors: Di Chio Carla , Previti Santo , Amendola Giorgio , Cosconati Sandro , Schirmeister Tanja , Zappalà Maria , Ettari Roberta
Published: April 2020

Starting from the reversible rhodesain inhibitors 1 a–c, which have Ki values towards the target protease in the low‐micromolar range, we have designed a series of peptidomimetics, 2 a–g, that contain a benzodiazepine scaffold as a β‐turn mimetic; they are characterized by a specific peptide sequence for the inhibition of rhodesain. Considering that irreversible inhibition is strongly desirable in the case of a parasitic target, a vinyl ester moiety acting as Michael‐acceptor was introduced as the warhead; this portion was functionalized in order to evaluate the size of corresponding enzyme pocket that could accommodate this substituent. With this investigation, we identified an irreversible rhodesain inhibitor (i. e., 2 g) with a k2nd value of 90 000 M−1 min−1 that showed antitrypanosomal activity in the low‐micromolar range (EC50=1.25 μM), this may be considered a promising lead compound in the drug‐discovery process for treating human African trypanosomiasis (HAT).
Renal cell carcinoma with isolated lymph node metastases should be reclassified as stage IV
Authors: Shapiro Daniel D. , Abel E. Jason
Published: April 2020

On the basis of institutional and population‐based data, it has become clear that the risk of progression is distinctly different for lymph node–positive (LN+)/M0 renal cell carcinoma in comparison with locally advanced, nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma. It is critical that the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system recognize the increased risk with LN+/M0 tumors and consider reclassification of LN+/M0 as stage IV.
Fabrication and Functioning of Magnetically Gated PET Nanochannels
Authors: Li Yaning , Du Guanghua , Zhao Jing , Guo Jinlong , Wu Ruqun , Liu Wenjing , Mao Guangbo , Shen Cheng
Published: April 2020

Nanochannel gating exists extensively in biological systems and has wide applications in nanofluidic studies. Magnetic control is non‐contact and penetrative compared to chemical or electrical gating. This work introduces the fabrication of magnetically gated single nanochannels by grafting superparamagnetic nanoparticles, via bridging of DNA single strands, onto the inner surface of the PET nanochannels which were prepared by single ion hit and ion track etching. The nanochannel showed sub‐second magnetic response with an ON/OFF ratio of 18 measured by ionic conductance under control with a permanent magnet. These magnetically gated single PET nanochannel are speficically advantageous for superficial drug‐delivery and non‐contact control in nanofluidic applications.
Photocatalytic Conversion of Lignin into Chemicals and Fuels
Authors: Xiang Zhiyu , Han Wanying , Deng Jin , Zhu Wanbin , Zhang Ying , Wang Hongliang
Published: April 2020

Lignin, an underutilized component of lignocellulosic biomass, is regarded as a rich reservoir for the production of aromatic chemicals and fuels. Despite extensive research in recent years, lignin's potential is far from being fully unlocked. Photocatalysis that uses sustainable solar energy to drive lignin conversion under mild conditions has been identified as a promising strategy and received growing research interest. This review aims to present a critical introduction to the photocatalytic conversion of lignin, including a summary of lignin conversion pathways and mechanisms, as well as the latest cutting‐edge innovations on photocatalyst design and reactor construction. Moreover, the screening of solvents and regulation of other key factors that are involved in photocatalytic lignin conversion are also elucidated and future perspectives and challenges for photocatalytic conversion of lignin into valuable products are discussed.
Manipulations of sensory experiences during development reveal mechanisms underlying vocal learning biases in zebra finches
Authors: James Logan S. , Davies Ronald , Mori Chihiro , Wada Kazuhiro , Sakata Jon T.
Published: April 2020

Biological predispositions in learning can bias and constrain the cultural evolution of social and communicative behaviors (e.g., speech and birdsong), and lead to the emergence of behavioral and cultural “universals.” For example, surveys of laboratory and wild populations of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) document consistent patterning of vocal elements (“syllables”) with respect to their acoustic properties (e.g., duration, mean frequency). Furthermore, such universal patterns are also produced by birds that are experimentally tutored with songs containing randomly sequenced syllables (“tutored birds”). Despite extensive demonstrations of learning biases, much remains to be uncovered about the nature of biological predispositions that bias song learning and production in songbirds. Here, we examined the degree to which “innate” auditory templates and/or biases in vocal motor production contribute to vocal learning biases and production in zebra finches. Such contributions can be revealed by examining acoustic patterns in the songs of birds raised without sensory exposure to song (“untutored birds”) or of birds that are unable to hear from early in development (“early‐deafened birds”). We observed that untutored zebra finches and early‐deafened zebra finches produce songs with positional variation in some acoustic features (e.g., mean frequency) that resemble universal patterns observed in tutored birds. Similar to tutored birds, early‐deafened birds also produced song motifs with alternation in acoustic features across adjacent syllables. That universal acoustic patterns are observed in the songs of both untutored and early‐deafened birds highlights the contribution motor production biases to the emergence of universals in culturally transmitted behaviors.
Shifts in food plant abundance for flower‐visiting insects between 1900 and 2017 in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Wohlgemuth Thomas , Nobis Michael , Nyffeler Reto , Kessler Michael
Published: April 2020

Adult flower‐visiting insects feed on nectar and pollen and partly collect floral resources to feed their larvae. The reduction in food availability has therefore been proposed as one of the main causes for the drastic decline in flower‐visiting insects in Central Europe. We compared the current (2012–2017) abundances of food plants of different groups of flower‐visiting insects to that of 1900–1930 in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Comparisons were done separately for different vegetation types, flowering months, and groups of diurnal flower‐visiting insects, such as bees, bumble bees, wasps, butterflies, hoverflies, flies, and beetles. We found a general decrease in food plant abundance for all groups of flower‐visiting insects and in all vegetation types except ruderal areas. Reductions of food plant abundance were most pronounced for wetlands and agricultural fields, reflecting the massive transformation of wetlands into other habitat types and the intensified management of agricultural fields. Food plant abundance for specialized flower visitors (bees, bumble bees, butterflies) of wetlands decreased most strongly in May and for generalized flower visitors (wasps, hoverflies, flies, beetles) in July. Specialized plant species, i.e., species with few groups of flower visitors, decreased more strongly in abundance than species with many groups of flower visitors. Finally, we found a homogenization of food plant assemblages in all vegetation types except ruderal areas, where the opposite pattern emerged. Our results suggest a significant reduction in the diversity and abundance of food plants for flower‐visiting insects over the past century, which has been most severe for the more specialized insect groups. The trend of insect decline, in particular those specialized on few plant species, can only be stopped by extending suitable habitats, i.e., by increasing food availability and reestablish selected plant populations.
Dietary carotenoid supplementation facilitates egg laying in a wild passerine
Authors: García‐Campa Jorge , Müller Wendt , González‐Braojos Sonia , García‐Juárez Emilio , Morales Judith
Published: April 2020

During egg laying, females face a trade‐off between self‐maintenance and investment into current reproduction, since providing eggs with resources is energetically demanding, in particular if females lay one egg per day. However, the costs of egg laying not only relate to energetic requirements, but also depend on the availability of specific resources that are vital for egg production and embryonic development. One of these compounds are carotenoids, pigments with immuno‐stimulatory properties, which are crucial during embryonic development. In this study, we explore how carotenoid availability alleviates this trade‐off and facilitates egg laying in a small bird species, the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus). Blue tits have among the largest clutch size of all European passerines and they usually lay one egg per day, although laying interruptions are frequent. We performed a lutein supplementation experiment and measured potential consequences for egg laying capacity and egg quality. We found that lutein‐supplemented females had less laying interruptions and thus completed their clutch faster than control females. No effects of treatment were found on the onset of egg laying or clutch size. Experimentally enhanced carotenoid availability did not elevate yolk carotenoid levels or egg mass, but negatively affected eggshell thickness. Our results provide hence evidence on the limiting role of carotenoids during egg laying. However, the benefits of laying faster following lutein supplementation were counterbalanced by a lower accumulation of calcium in the eggshell. Thus, even though single components may constrain egg laying, it is the combined availability of a range of different resources which ultimately determines egg quality and thus embryonic development.
Uncommon southwest swells trigger sea urchin disease outbreaks in Eastern Atlantic archipelagos
Authors: Hernández José Carlos , Sangil Carlos , Lorenzo‐Morales Jacob
Published: April 2020

Recurrent sea urchin mass mortality has recently affected eastern Atlantic populations of the barren‐forming sea urchin Diadema africanum. This new episode of die‐off affords the opportunity to determine common meteorological and oceanographic conditions that may promote disease outbreaks. The population dynamics of this sea urchin species are well known—urchin barrens have persisted for many decades along most of the coastlines off the archipelagos of Madeira, Selvages, and the Canary Islands, where they limit macroalgae biomass growth. However, this new and explosive mortality event decimated the sea urchin population by 93% on Tenerife and La Palma Islands. Two severe episodes of southwestern rough sea that led to winter storms, in February 2010 (Xynthia) and February 2018 (Emma), preceded both mass mortality events. The autumn and winter months of those years were anomalous and characterized by swells with an average wave height above 2 m that hit the south and southwest sides of the islands. The amoeba Paramoeba brachiphila was the only pathogen isolated this time from the moribund and dead sea urchins, suggesting that the amoeba was the primary cause of the mortality. This new sea urchin die‐off event supports the “killer‐storm” hypothesis that has been already described for western Atlantic coasts. These anomalous southwest storms during winters generate pronounced underwater sediment movement and large‐scale vertical mixing, detected in local tide gauge, which may promote paramoebiasis. This study presents valuable insights about climate‐mediated changes in disease frequency and its impacts on the future of coastal marine ecosystems in the Atlantic.
Developing and population analysis of a new multiplex panel of 18 microhaplotypes and compound markers using next generation sequencing and its application in the Shaanxi Han population
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Ye , Cui Wei , Chen Chong , Guo Yu‐Xin , Zhang Xing‐Ru , Xing Guo‐Hui , Lan Jiang‐Wei , Zhu Bo‐Feng
Published: April 2020

Compound marker consists of two different types of genetic markers, like deletion/insertion polymorphism and single nucleotide polymorphism in the genomic region of 200 bp, and microhaplotype consists of a series of closely linked single nucleotide polymorphisms in a small DNA segment (<300 bp), which show great potential for human identifications and mixture analyses. In this study, we initially selected 23 novel genetic markers comprising 10 microhaplotypes and 13 compound markers according to previously reported single nucleotide polymorphism or deletion/insertion polymorphism loci. Genetic distributions of these 23 loci in different continental populations showed that they could be used as valuable loci for forensic human identification purpose. Besides, high informativeness values (>0.1) were observed in six loci which could be further employed for forensic ancestry analyses. Finally, 18 loci were successfully developed into a multiplex panel and detected by the next generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Further analyses of these 18 loci in the studied Shaanxi Han population showed that 15 loci exhibited relatively high expected heterozygosities (>0.5). Cumulative power of discrimination (0.999 999 999 99 4835) of these 18 loci revealed that the multiplex panel could also be utilized for human identifications in the studied Shaanxi Han population.
Promoter hypermethylation in CSF3R induces peripheral neutrophil reduction in benzene‐exposure poisoning
Authors: Ren Jing‐chao , Wang Tongshuai , Wu Hantian , Zhang Guang‐hui , Sun Daoyuan , Guo Kongrong , Li Haibin , Zhang Fengquan , Wu Weidong , Xia Zhao‐lin
Published: April 2020

Benzene is a global pollutant and has been established to cause leukemia. To better understand the role of DNA methylation in benzene toxicity, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from six benzene‐poisoning patients and six matched controls for genome‐wide DNA methylation screening by Illumina Infinium Methylation 450 BeadChip. The Gene Chip Human Gene 2.0 ST Array (Affymetrix) was used to analyze global mRNA expression. Compared with the corresponding sites of controls, 442 sites in patients were hypermethylated, corresponding to 253 genes, and 237 sites were hypomethylated, corresponding to 130 genes. The promoter methylation and mRNA expression of CSF3R, CREB5, and F2R were selected for verification by bisulfite sequencing and real‐time PCR in a larger data set with 21 cases and 23 controls. The results indicated that promoter methylation of CSF3R (p = .005) and F2R (p = .015) was significantly higher in cases than in controls. Correlation analysis showed that the promoter methylation of CSF3R (p < .001) and F2R (p < .001) was highly correlated with its mRNA expression. In the poisoning cases, neutrophil percentage was significantly different among the high, middle, and low CSF3R‐methylation groups (p = .002). In particular, the neutrophil percentage in the high CSF3R‐methylation group (48.10 ± 9.63%) was significantly lower than that in the low CSF3R‐methylation group (59.30 ± 6.26%) (p = .012). The correlation coefficient between promoter methylation in CSF3R and the neutrophil percentage was −0.445 (p = .020) in cases and − 0.398 (p = .060) in controls. These results imply that hypermethylation occurs in the CSF3R promoter due to benzene exposure and is significantly associated with a reduction in neutrophils.
Improvement of solar flat‐plate collector performance by optimum tilt angle and minimizing top heat loss coefficient using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Pourfayaz Fathollah , Shirmohammadi Reza , Maleki Akbar , Kasaeian Alibakhsh
Published: April 2020

In this paper, the efficient amounts of radiation received by a flat‐plate collector and top heat loss coefficient along with affecting parameters are investigated using measured data in different climates of Iran. Coded program in MATLAB software is then distributed to calculate the optimum tilt angle for extracting the highest solar radiation in different months of the year for five cities of Iran with different geographic latitudes. An optimal annual slope is obtained for maximum utilization and for conditions where the collector can only be adjusted at an angle during the year. Using an interpolation, an equation has been derived for obtaining the optimal tilt angle of collector for areas with latitude between 27° and 37°. Inasmuch as the top heat loss coefficient is required for evaluating the thermal performance of solar collectors, the value for different temperatures is obtained at ambient temperature up to 200°C for the absorber plate. Effects of key parameters such as collector slope, number of covers, wind speed, emittance coefficient of adsorption plate, and cover spacing on top heat loss coefficient are investigated. In the end, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method is employed to minimize the top heat loss coefficient. The minimum amount of top heat loss coefficient is obtained with the amount of 0.99 W/m2K.
Metabolic changes in human brain evolution
Authors: Bauernfeind Amy L. , Babbitt Courtney C.
Published: April 2020

Because the human brain is considerably larger than those of other primates, it is not surprising that its energy requirements would far exceed that of any of the species within the order. Recently, the development of stem cell technologies and single‐cell transcriptomics provides novel ways to address the question of what specific genomic changes underlie the human brain's unique phenotype. In this review, we consider what is currently known about human brain metabolism using a variety of methods from brain imaging and stereology to transcriptomics. Next, we examine novel opportunities that stem cell technologies and single‐cell transcriptomics provide to further our knowledge of human brain energetics. These new experimental approaches provide the ability to elucidate the functional effects of changes in genetic sequence and expression levels that potentially had a profound impact on the evolution of the human brain.
Petrogenesis and tectonic implications from the Ayishan Group in the South Qilian Belt, NW China
Authors: Sun Yi , Niu Manlan , Li Xiucai , Wu Qi , Cai Qianru , Yuan Xiaoyu , Li Chen
Published: April 2020

The Ayishan Group in the Lajishan area is sandwiched between the South Qilian Belt and the Qilian Block, which is transitionally interpreted to represent the products of the post‐collision setting or the continental marginal arc during the Early Ordovician or Silurian and is associated with the evolution of the Proto‐Tethyan Ocean. While the detailed information about the age, geochemistry, and tectonic setting of the Ayishan Group is lacking, our geological mapping and analyses demonstrates that the Ayishan Group consists of andesites, rhyolites, ignimbrites, sandstones, and conglomerates, which unconformably overlies the Cambrian–Ordovician arc‐ophiolite complex. Zircon U–Pb dating of the rhyolites demonstrated that the Ayishan Group formed between 447 and 442 Ma and is Late Ordovician. Geochemical analyses demonstrated that rhyolites have high and variable SiO2 contents of 69.6–76.5 wt% and an aluminium saturation index (A/CNK) of 0.85–1.45, belonging to calc‐alkaline to high K calc‐alkaline series. They are subdivided into two subtypes of high‐Sr/Y rhyolites (HSRs) and normal rhyolites (NRs) based on the geochemical characteristics. The HSRs show lower total rare earth elements (34.77–62.78 ppm), lower Yb (0.19–0.21 ppm) and Y (1.77–1.99 ppm) contents, and relatively higher Sr contents (159–193 ppm), compared with NRs, and with positive Eu anomalies. Both subtypes exhibit extremely high whole‐rock δ18O values of 12.63–13.21‰, but various initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios and εNd(t) values, indicating a dominant origin of terrigenous sediments and the HSRs exhibit a more terrestrial composition than the NRs. Various magma sources further caused the assorted residual phase leading to the different geochemistry between the HSRs and the NRs. Combined with the previous data, these results imply that the rhyolites of the Ayishan Group were produced in the process of the amalgamation of the Qilian Block with the Qaidam Block during the Late Ordovician, which further indicated that the Proto‐Tethyan Ocean closed 450 Ma ago.
Partitioning heritability analyses unveil the genetic architecture of human brain multidimensional functional connectivity patterns
Authors: Feng Junjiao , Chen Chunhui , Cai Ying , Ye Zhifang , Feng Kanyin , Liu Jing , Zhang Liang , Yang Qinghao , Li Anqi , Sheng Jintao , Zhu Bi , Yu Zhaoxia , Chen Chuansheng , Dong Qi , Xue Gui
Published: April 2020

Resting‐state functional connectivity profiles have been increasingly shown to be important endophenotypes that are tightly linked to human cognitive functions and psychiatric diseases, yet the genetic architecture of this multidimensional trait is barely understood. Using a unique sample of 1,704 unrelated, young and healthy Chinese Han individuals, we revealed a significant heritability of functional connectivity patterns in the whole brain and several subnetworks. We further proposed a partitioned heritability analysis for multidimensional functional connectivity patterns, which revealed the common and unique enrichment patterns of the genetic contributions to brain connectivity patterns for several gene sets linked to brain functions, including the genes expressed preferentially in the central nervous system and those associated with intelligence, educational attainment, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. These results for the first time reveal the genetic architecture of multidimensional brain connectivity patterns across different networks and advance our understanding of the complex relationship between gene sets, neural networks, and behaviors.