bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deracemization of Racemic Amines to Enantiopure (R)‐ and (S)‐amines by Biocatalytic Cascade Employing ω‐Transaminase and Amine Dehydrogenase
Authors: Yoon Sanghan , Patil Mahesh D. , Sarak Sharad , Jeon Hyunwoo , Kim Geon‐Hee , Khobragade Taresh P. , Sung Sihyong , Yun Hyungdon
Published: February 2019

A one‐pot deracemization strategy for α‐chiral amines is reported involving an enantioselective deamination to the corresponding ketone followed by a stereoselective amination by enantiocomplementary biocatalysts. Notably, this cascade employing a ω‐transaminase and amine dehydrogenase enabled the access to both (R)‐and (S)‐amine products, just by controlling the directions of the reactions catalyzed by them. A wide range of (R)‐and (S)‐amines was obtained with excellent conversions (>80 %) and enantiomeric excess (>99 % ee). Finally, preparative scale syntheses led to obtain enantiopure (R)‐ and (S)‐13 with the isolated yields of 53 and 75 %, respectively.
Utilization of a Hydrogen Source from Renewable Lignocellulosic Biomass for Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Tan Fang‐Fang , Tang Kai‐Li , Zhang Ping , Guo Yan‐Jun , Qu Mengnan , Li Yang
Published: February 2019

Exploring of hydrogen source from renewable biomass, such as glucose in alkaline solution, for hydrogenation reactions had been studied since 1860s. According to proposed pathway, only small part of hydrogen source in glucose was utilized. Herein, the utilization of a hydrogen source from renewable lignocellulosic biomass, one of the most abundant renewable sources in nature, for a hydrogenation reaction is described. The hydrogenation is demonstrated by reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines in up to 95 % yields. Mechanism studies suggest that the hydrogenation occurs via a hydrogen transformation pathway.
Circularly polarized luminescence of Sm (III) and Eu (III) complexes with chiral ligand (R/S)‐BINAPO
Authors: Cotter Daniel , Dodder Spencer , Klimkowski Valentine J. , Hopkins Todd A.
Published: February 2019

Luminescent lanthanide (III) ions have been exploited for circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) for decades. However, very few of these studies have involved chiral samarium (III) complexes. Complexes are prepared by mixing axial chiral ligands (R/S))‐2,2’‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (BINAPO) with europium and samarium Tris (trifluoromethane sulfonate) (Eu (OTf)3 and Sm (OTf)3). Luminescence‐based titration shows that the complex formed is Ln((R/S)‐BINAPO)2(OTf)3, where Ln = Eu or Sm. The CPL spectra are reported for Eu((R/S)‐BINAPO)2(OTf)3 and Sm((R/S)‐BINAPO)2(OTf)3. The sign of the dissymmetry factors, gem, was dependent upon the chirality of the BINAPO ligand, and the magnitudes were relatively large. Of all of the complexes in this study, Sm((S)‐BINAPO)2(OTf)3 has the largest gem = 0.272, which is one of the largest recorded for a chiral Sm3+ complex. A theoretical three‐dimensional structural model of the complex that is consistent with the experimental observations is developed and refined. This report also shows that (R/S)‐BINAPO are the only reported ligands where gem (Sm3+) > gem (Eu3+).
1‐Hydroxymethyl‐7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene skeleton in enantiopure form through enzymatic kinetic resolution
Authors: Reddy U. Chandrasekhar , Manheri Muraleedharan K.
Published: February 2019

Lipase‐catalysed enantioselective acetylation and deacetylation routes were investigated to prepare 1,5,6‐trisubstituted 7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept‐2‐ene skeleton in enantio‐pure form. The racemic alcohol (6) used in acetylation reaction was accessed through Diels‐Alder reaction of TBDMS‐protected furfuryl alcohol with maleic anhydride, followed by reduction‐benzylation‐desilylation sequence. After systematic screening of lipases and solvents, Candida antarctica B on acrylic resin in pentane was identified as the best system that gave >98% ee towards the (+) acetate with 40% conversion, in 30 minutes. Absolute stereochemistry of this product was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis of its 3,5‐dinitrobenzoate derivative (9). Enantioselective deacetylation of the racemic acetate of this starting material was then studied with the same set of lipases. After various optimization studies, Candida antarctica B in toluene as the solvent was found to be the most effective that gave 49% conversion with >99% ee towards the (+)‐alcohol (8) at the end of 18 hours.
Piloting melt synthesis and manufacturing processes to produce c‐lifepo4: preface
Authors: Patience Gregory S. , Chaouki Jamal , Latifi Mohammad , Dollé Mickaël , Chartrand Patrice , Kasprzak Wojciech , Sun Xueliang , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Liang Guoxian , Sauriol Pierre
Published: February 2019

Since Goodenough's team laid the foundation to apply LiFePO4 as an alternative to lithium cobalt oxide for Li‐ion positive electrodes,[1,2] Web of Science (WoS)[3] has indexed over 6000 articles related to lithium iron phosphate—LFP. Manufacturers synthesize LFP with both solid state and solvent assisted hydrothermal technology. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but society requires inexpensive batteries for automobile applications and fixed electrical storage. Here we scale up each step of the nascent melt synthesis process, which has the potential to displace the current commercial technology because of its superior economics related to raw materials. The research challenges include raw material selection, melt synthesis conditions, thermodynamics, micronization to form nano‐powders, followed by spray drying, and carbon coating.
Longitudinal Variations in Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Healthy Men
Authors: IRVING J. B. , KUSUMI F. , BRUCE R. A.
Published: February 2019

Maximal oxygen consumption [(VO2)max] was measured on three separate occasions over8 years in 12 healthy men. The decline in (VO2)max with age was less than noted in previous studies and was smallest in men taking regular physical exercise. The presence of ST depression during or after exercise did not influence the decline in> (VO2)max.
Clinical Experience of a New Inotropic Agent—Prenalterol—in—Hypotension and Heart Failure
Authors: REIZ S. , WAAGSTEIN F. , HJALMARSON Å
Published: February 2019

The hemodynamic effects of a new cardioselective beta agonist, prenalterol, was evaluated in patients with hypotension secondary to thoracic sympathetic block induced by epidural anesthesia and in patients with low resistance distributive shock secondary to gram‐negative sepsis. The drug was also given to patients on chronic beta blockade suffering from hypotension and backward failure, to patients with acute hypotension developed after acute beta blockade, to one patient with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and shock, and to one patient with shock due to amitriptyline intoxication. Ten milligrams of prenalterol rapidly reversed the fall in cardiac output and systolic blood pressure (SBP) after the sympathetic block in eight patients without affecting heart rate (HR) or systemic vascular resistance (SVR). In five patients with gram‐negative shock, 150 μg/kg prenalterol, after volume substitution to high normal range of pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PADP), increased mean artery pressure from 56±13 to 86±16 and cardiac index from 2.4±0.3 to 3.9±0.71 with no change in SVR, HR, and PADP. In six patients i.v. prenalterol in doses of 5 30 mg successfully reversed the cardiodepressive effect of acute or chronic beta blockade. In two other cases of low output failure due to complicated AMI and overdose of amitriptyline, respectively, prenalterol was found to be of value also in patients with cardiogenic shock. The positive inotropic effect of prenalterol was achieved in these patients with good tolerance and without arrhythmogenic or other side effects.
Androgen deprivation therapy and depression in men with prostate cancer treated with definitive radiation therapy
Authors: Deka Rishi , Rose Brent S. , Bryant Alex K. , Sarkar Reith R. , Nalawade Vinit , McKay Rana , Murphy James D. , Simpson Daniel R.
Published: February 2019

Background

There is no consensus on the association between the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and the risk of developing depression. This study investigated the association between ADT use and the development of depression, outpatient psychiatric services, inpatient psychiatric services, and suicide in a homogeneous group of men with prostate cancer (PC) treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT) after controlling for multiple sources of selection bias.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of 39,965 veterans with PC who were treated with definitive RT and were diagnosed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs health care system between January 1, 2001, and October 31, 2015. Exposure was ADT initiation within 1 year of the PC diagnosis. The primary outcome was new development of depression. Secondary outcomes were outpatient psychiatric use, inpatient psychiatric use, and suicide.

Results

During follow‐up, 934 patients were newly diagnosed with depression, 7825 patients used outpatient psychiatric services, 358 patients used inpatient psychiatric services, and 54 patients committed suicide. In the multivariable competing risks regression model, ADT was associated with the development of depression (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32‐1.71; P < .001). ADT was also associated with outpatient psychiatric utilization (SHR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.27; P < .001). Finally, ADT was not associated with inpatient psychiatric utilization or suicide.

Conclusions

An increase in the risk of depression and the use of outpatient psychiatric services was observed in a large cohort of men with PC who received ADT with definitive RT. These results may provide further evidence for the long‐term risks of ADT for psychiatric health in the treatment of PC.
The distribution and prevalence of human papillomavirus in women in mainland China
Authors: Li Kemin , Li Qingli , Song Liang , Wang Danqing , Yin Rutie
Published: February 2019

We conducted a systematic review of the epidemiology of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in mainland Chinese women to provide a general profile for the application and subsequent effectiveness evaluation of HPV vaccines. The PubMed, Web of Science, Medline (Ovid), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were used for the literature search. The epidemiological studies published from January 2000 to June 2018 on high‐risk HPVs in mainland Chinese women were investigated to systematically evaluate their epidemiological status. A total of 198 eligible studies were included. The results of meta‐analysis showed that the overall infection rate of high‐risk HPVs in mainland Chinese women was 19.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.1%‐20.9%), and the top 5 subtypes with the highest infection rates were 16, 52, 58, 53, and 18. The overall infection rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia I (CINI), CINII+, and cervical cancer patients were 59.6% (95% CI, 52.7%‐66.4%), 84.8% (95% CI, 81.2%‐88.5%), and 89.9% (95% CI, 86.6%‐93.1%), respectively. The high‐risk HPV infections and common subtypes in women of various ages in various regions were different, and the high‐risk HPVs and subtypes in cervical cancer patients in various regions were also different. In conclusion, we systematically analyzed the HPV infections in women who live on the Chinese mainland. The epidemiology of high‐risk HPVs in mainland Chinese women is basically consistent with that for the rest of the world. The HPV vaccines currently licensed in China could cover the major prevalent high‐risk HPV subtypes in China, providing a basis for the development of a cervical cancer screening strategy and vaccine implementation in China.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 in gastrointestinal malignancies
Authors: Nagaraju Ganji Purnachandra , El‐Rayes Bassel F.
Published: February 2019

Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme complex that plays an important role in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are essential modulators of signal transduction pathways, which contribute to the metastatic properties of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. Although COX‐1 is constitutively active, COX‐2 is upregulated by cytokines, growth factors, and mitogen. COX‐2 is involved in malignant cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and antiapoptotic activity. Thus, COX‐2 inhibitors may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GI cancers. In this review, the role of COX‐2 in GI cancers is explored, and its clinical applications as a therapeutic target are discussed.
Construction of Nonmetallic p‐n Heterojunction With Face‐to‐Face Structure for Drastically Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Shuhao , Li Chunmei , Han Juan , Wang Lei , Lu Zhiyuan , Wu Jiacong , Wang Yun
Published: February 2019

It is still a great challenge to exploit high‐efficiency nonmetallic composite photocatalysts by structural design for improving H2 production performance. Here, the nonmetallic p‐n heterojunctions with face‐to‐face structure are prepared via hydrothermal in‐situ polymerization of PEDOT on the surface of g‐C3N4. The face‐to‐face modification of PEDOT on g‐C3N4 not only broadens the response in the visible light region but also increases the electron delocalization of conjugated system, which results in improving the visible light harvest ability and separation efficiency of charge carriers. The obtained PEDOT/g‐C3N4 heterojunctions display the improved H2 production activity, and the optimal H2 production rate reaches up to 3636.6 μmol g−1 h−1 with QE value of 5.6% at 420 nm, which is 5.46 times higher than that of pure g‐C3N4 (665.8 μmol g−1 h−1).
Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the involvement evaluation questionnaire in caregivers of patients with borderline personality disorders
Authors: Marco José H. , Jorquera Mercedes , Fernandez Irene , Baños Rosa , Guillén Verónica
Published: February 2019

The involvement evaluation questionnaire (IEQ) was created to evaluate the caregiver's experience of burden and the consequences of providing care to people with psychotic disorders. To date, the IEQ has not been validated with caregivers of people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The main objective of the study was to confirm the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Spanish version of the IEQ in 151 caregivers of people with BPD, with an average age of 54.52 (SD = 9.91). Two models were tested by means of confirmatory factor analysis, following the original factor structure. The Models 1 and 2 displayed adequate fit, with comparative fit index and Tucker‐Lewis index > 0.90 and root‐mean‐square root of approximation < 0.08; however, Model 2 was more parsimonious. The Cronbach's alphas are adequate, ranging from 0.70 to 0.85. The consequences of providing care to people with BPD had a low or moderate association with the Level of Expressed Emotion scores. IEQ scores of caregivers of people diagnosed with BPD with psychiatric comorbidity did not differ from those of caregivers of people diagnosed with BPD without psychiatric comorbidity. The IEQ has adequate psychometric properties and can be utilized to assess burden in caregivers of people with BPD.
Simultaneous Photoelectrocatalytic Water Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction for Solar Electricity Production in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Zhang Bingqing , He Lihue , Yao Tingting , Fan Wenjun , Zhang Xiangtian , Wen Sheng , Shi Jingying , Li Can
Published: February 2019

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) method offers an alternative approach to photovoltaic devices for solar electricity generation. The water oxidation reaction (WOR) on the anode and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the cathode is an ideal design for energy transfer owing to their superiority in terms of cleanliness, eco‐friendliness, and natural abundance. However, solar electricity production based on O2 circulation by a fuel‐free PEC cell is very challenging because it is extremely hard to extract electrons from water molecules owing to the uphill and sluggish WOR together with enormous overpotential for the cathodic ORR. Herein, a PEC cell based on the OH−/O2 redox pair is reported for efficient and sustainable solar electricity production by using two photoelectrodes of TiO2 and polyterthiophene in alkaline electrolyte. This fuel‐free PEC cell delivers an open‐circuit voltage up to 0.90 V and a maximum power density of 222 μW cm−2 with O2‐saturated NaOH electrolyte under AM 1.5 G solar irradiation. A record solar‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency of 0.22 % is achieved in the case of tandem illumination of the two photoelectrodes. In addition, the dual photoelectrode remains robust in accelerated and day–night cycling operation under natural atmosphere for more than a week. This PEC cell is free of fuel, separating membranes, and cocatalyst, which may guide future designs for clean and simple devices for solar energy conversion.
Emotion regulation and cortisol reactivity during a social evaluative stressor: A study of post‐institutionalized youth
Authors: Perry Nicole B. , Donzella Bonny , Parenteau Anna M. , Desjardins Christopher , Gunnar Megan R.
Published: February 2019

In the current study, we compared emotion regulation abilities between post‐institutionalized (PI; N = 124) and never‐institutionalized non‐adopted (NA; N = 172) children and adolescents (7–15 years). We assessed cortisol reactivity and coded emotion regulation during the speech portion of Trier Social Stress Test (TSST‐M). Parents reported on their children's social, academic, and behavioral adjustment. Results suggest that emotion regulation abilities increased with age, but this increase was greater for NA than PI youth. With regard to cortisol, piecewise growth modeling revealed that at higher levels of emotion regulation PI youth had greater baseline values (after a period of time allowing for acclimation to the laboratory) and had steeper recovery slopes than NA youth. There was also a main effect of emotion regulation on the reactivity slope suggesting that for both groups, as emotion regulation increased, the cortisol reactivity slope decreased. Finally, greater emotion regulation predicted fewer internalizing behavior problems for PI youth but not for NA youth.
Immunological and clinical characteristics of latent autoimmune diabetes in the elderly
Authors: Yohena Silvina , Penas‐Steinhardt Alberto , Muller Clara , Faccinetti Natalia I. , Cerrone Gloria E. , Lovecchio Silvia , Ridner Edgardo , Valdez Silvina , Frechtel Gustavo
Published: February 2019

Background:

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is determined by both a noninsulin‐dependent clinical presentation and an autoimmune pathogenic process. Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) constitutes the most important marker, although IA‐2A and ZnT8A also define LADA presentation. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent type particularly over 65 years old. Studies about autoimmunity in this age group are scarce.

Objective:

The aim of this work was to determine whether three autoantibodies for diabetes autoimmunity were present in elderly T2DM patients, and to assess the distinctive clinical features of autoantibody‐positive patients.

Research Design and Methods:

We recruited 153 patients with diabetes with onset of diabetes after 65 years of age and a BMI under 30 kg/m2.

Results:

The prevalence of at least one of the autoantibodies was 15.68% (24/153). The most prevalent autoantibody was GADA with 8.49% (13/153), followed by ZnT8A with 6.50% (10/153) and IA2A with 1.96% (3/153). The autoimmunity‐positive group presented higher HbA1c (7.01 ± 1.98 vs 6.35 ± 1.01; P = 0.007) and more prevalent insulin therapy (25% vs 10.85%; P = 0.047). GADA‐positive patients with diabetes presented higher FPG (7.79 ± 3.79 mmol/L vs 6.43 ± 1.6 mmol/L; P = 0.014) and insulin therapy more frequently (46% vs 10.71%; p = 0.015). GADA titre levels in the individuals with BMI under 27 kg/m2 were higher (35.00 ± 4.20) than those in the group with BMI over 27 kg/m2 (8.83 ± 3.041; P = 0.0005).

Conclusion:

Autoantibodies GADA and Znt8A may be useful markers in identifying a subgroup of older patients with a clinical presentation of diabetes which could be characterized as latent autoimmune diabetes in the elderly.
Evolutionary maintenance of genomic diversity within arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Scott Thomas W. , Kiers E. Toby , Cooper Guy A. , dos Santos Miguel , West Stuart A.
Published: February 2019

Most organisms are built from a single genome. In striking contrast, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi appear to maintain genomic variation within an individual fungal network. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi dwell in the soil, form mutualistic networks with plants, and bear multiple, potentially genetically diverse nuclei within a network. We explore, from a theoretical perspective, why such genetic diversity might be maintained within individuals. We consider selection acting within and between individual fungal networks. We show that genetic diversity could provide a benefit at the level of the individual, by improving growth in variable environments, and that this can stabilize genetic diversity even in the presence of nuclear conflict. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi complicate our understanding of organismality, but our findings offer a way of understanding such biological anomalies.
Ecological evaluation of a marine protected area network: a progressive‐change BACIPS approach
Authors: Thiault L. , Kernaléguen L. , Osenberg C. W. , Lison de Loma T. , Chancerelle Y. , Siu G. , Claudet J.
Published: February 2019

Marine protected area (MPA) networks, with varying degrees of protection and use, can be useful tools to achieve both conservation and fisheries management benefits. Assessing whether MPA networks meet their objectives requires data from Before the establishment of the network to better discern natural spatiotemporal variation and preexisting differences from the response to protection. Here, we use a Progressive‐Change BACIPS approach to assess the ecological effects of a network of five fully and three moderately protected MPAs on fish communities in two coral reef habitats (lagoon and fore reef) based on a time series of data collected five times (over three years) Before and 12 times (over nine years) After the network's establishment on the island of Moorea, French Polynesia. At the network scale, on the fore reef, density and biomass of harvested fishes increased by 19.3% and 24.8%, respectively, in protected areas relative to control fished areas. Fully protected areas provided greater ecological benefits than moderately protected areas. In the lagoon, density and biomass of harvested fishes increased, but only the 31% increase in biomass in fully protected MPAs was significant. Non‐harvested fishes did not respond to protection in any of the habitats. We propose that these responses to protection were small, relative to other MPA assessments, due to limited compliance and weak surveillance, although other factors such as the occurrence of a crown‐of‐thorns starfish outbreak and a cyclone after the network was established may also have impeded the ability of the network to provide benefits. Our results highlight the importance of using fully protected MPAs over moderately protected MPAs to achieve conservation objectives, even in complex social–ecological settings, but also stress the need to monitor effects and adapt management based on ongoing assessments.
Conservation planning at the intersection of landscape and climate change: brook trout in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Authors: Merriam Eric R. , Petty J. Todd , Clingerman Jason
Published: February 2019

We developed a multi‐scale conservation planning framework for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that incorporates both land use and climate stressors. Our specific objectives were to (1) construct a continuous spatial model of brook trout distribution and habitat quality at the stream reach scale; (2) characterize brook trout vulnerability to climate change under a range of future climate scenarios; and (3) identify multi‐scale restoration and protection priorities for brook trout across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Boosted regression tree analysis predicted brook trout occurrence at the stream reach scale with a high degree of accuracy (CV AUC = 0.92) as a function of both natural (e.g., water temperature and precipitation) and anthropogenic (e.g., agriculture and urban development) landscape and climatic attributes. Current land use activities result in a predicted loss of occurrence in over 11,000 stream segments (40% of suitable habitat) and account for over 15,000 km (45% of current value) of lost functional brook trout fishery value (i.e., length‐weighted occurrence probability) in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Climate change (increased ambient temperatures and altered precipitation) is projected to result in a loss of occurrence in at least 3000 additional segments (19% of current value) and at least 3000 km of functional fishery value (9% of current value) by 2062. Model outcomes were used to identify low‐ and high‐quality stream segments within relatively intact and degraded sub‐watersheds as restoration and protection priorities, respectively, and conservation priorities were targeted in watersheds with high projected resilience to climate change. Our results suggest that traditional restoration activities, such as habitat enhancement, riparian management, and barrier removal, may be able to recover a substantial amount of brook trout habitat lost to historic landscape change. However, restoration efforts must be designed within the context of expected impacts from climate change or those efforts may not produce long‐term benefits to brook trout in this region.
Thermal disruption of soil bacterial assemblages decreases diversity and assemblage similarity
Authors: Weiser Michael D. , Ning Daliang , Buzzard Vanessa , Michaletz Sean T. , He Zhili , Enquist Brian J. , Waide Robert B. , Zhou Jizhong , Kaspari Michael
Published: February 2019

The metabolic theory of ecology assumes that rates of selection and adaptation for organisms are functions of temperature. Niche theory predicts that strong selection pressure should simplify assemblages as species are extirpated and taxa pre‐adapted for the new environment thrive. Here, we use closed mesocosms to test the prediction that higher temperatures decrease species richness and increase assemblage similarity more and faster than lower temperatures. We incubated two temperate forest soil types at constant temperatures from 10° to 35°, destructively sampling mesocosms at 30, 180, and 440 d. We quantified taxonomic richness and assemblage similarity of soil bacteria using 16S rRNA gene amplicons. As predicted, mesocosms at higher temperatures lost more taxa than those at lower temperature. Contrary to predictions, the simplified assemblages at higher temperatures became less similar to each other over time. After 440 d of incubation, the number of taxa lost was a linear function of the difference between treatment temperature and site mean annual temperature, while assemblage similarity decreased as an accelerating function of this temperature difference.
Differential oviposition and offspring success of gray treefrogs in the presence of an invasive fish
Authors: Smith Geoffrey R. , Harmon Johanna J.
Published: February 2019

Females often decide where to place their eggs or offspring based on the relative risks and benefits of a location. One trade‐off may be between ovipositing with predators and ovipositing with competitors. Many amphibians show risk‐sensitive oviposition and select oviposition sites based on offspring performance. We examined differential oviposition and offspring success by gray treefrogs (Hyla versicolor) in response to the presence of caged or free‐ranging invasive western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) using cattletank mesocosms as experimental ponds. Our experiment sought to answer these questions by comparing the number of eggs laid and tadpoles produced among the experimental treatments: (1) Do gray treefrogs exhibit risk‐sensitive oviposition? and (2) What is the relative importance of pre‐colonization and post‐colonization consumptive and trait‐mediated effects of western mosquitofish? Gray treefrogs laid more eggs in control and caged predator mesocosms than in free‐ranging predator mesocosms. At the end of the experiment, there were more tadpoles in control and caged predator mesocosms than in free‐ranging predator mesocosms. Proportional yield was lower in free‐ranging predator mesocosms than control and caged predator mesocosms. Eggs were laid 7–8 d earlier in control mesocosms than caged and free‐ranging predator mesocosms. Western mosquitofish therefore had a negative effect on the successful colonization of experimental ponds by gray treefrogs, most likely through direct physical interactions. Our results also suggest gray treefrogs shift oviposition preferences as the number of conspecifics reaches a threshold where competition risk outweighs predation risk. Western mosquitofish therefore have great potential to affect the distribution of gray treefrogs through pre‐ and post‐colonization effects.
“Digging in” or “Giving in”: Attachment‐related threat moderates the association between attachment orientation and reactions to conflict
Authors: MacDonald Tara K. , Wood Valerie , Fabrigar Leandre R.
Published: February 2019

Prior research suggests that individuals higher in attachment anxiety react to conflict in a more hostile manner than those lower in attachment anxiety. Although less pronounced, there is also evidence that attachment anxiety is associated with submissive behavior in conflict. Thus, the literature presents a paradox, as attachment anxiety is associated with both domineering and submissive responses to relationship conflict. We proposed that attachment‐related threat moderates the effects of attachment orientations on conflict behavior, such that under conditions of low threat attachment anxiety would be associated with dominance, whereas under conditions of high threat attachment anxiety would be associated with submission. Further, we expected that this interaction between attachment anxiety and threat condition would be stronger for individuals lower in attachment avoidance, relative to those higher in avoidance. We found support for our hypotheses, such that attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and threat interacted to predict responses to relationship conflict.
Efficient Pb2+ adsorption of biomorphic porous ZnO derived from legume straw
Authors: Hu Xiaohui , Qiao Yu , Wang Bo , Hou Yatong , Zheng Fulu , Li Qiurong
Published: February 2019

Using legume straw as template, biomorphic porous ZnO (named ZnO‐B) was synthesized by impregnation and calcination methods. Different characterizations were used to analyze the as‐prepared samples, such as Thermal Gravimetric and Differential Thermal (TG‐DTA), powder X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Transmission Electronic Microscope (TEM) methods. The adsorption properties of as‐synthesized samples for Pb2+ were studied. As a result, a baculiform structure with porous surface is formed by well‐crystallized ZnO grain self‐assembly on legume straw. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface areas of ZnO‐B is larger than that of ZnO synthesized without template (expressed as ZnO‐A). The zeta potential isoelectric point of ZnO‐B is pHpzc = 5.31. The ZnO‐B showed the most outstanding performance adsorption properties for Pb2+ than ZnO‐A and ZnO‐C (commercial ZnO), removal efficiency was >97.65% and adsorption capacity was 78.73 mg/g. The adsorption equilibrium can be achieved within 20 min. Decrease of temperature would benefit the adsorption. The adsorption process followed the Pseudo‐second model, and the adsorption isotherm model accorded with the Freundlich isothermal model. The E values in Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) isotherm model indicated that the adsorption is chemisorption. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Insight on a comprehensive profile of volatile compounds of Chlorella vulgaris extracted by two “green” methods
Authors: Lafarge Céline , Cayot Nathalie
Published: February 2019

Some green extraction methods were selected and tested for the extraction of volatile compounds from different samples of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris: ultrasound‐assisted liquid–liquid extraction using environment‐friendly solvents (LLE) and solid‐phase microextraction (SPME). The obtained profiles of volatile chemical compounds were different. Only one molecule was found in common to both extractions. Using the SPME method, the main chemical classes of identified volatile compounds were sulfuric compounds, aldehydes, and alcohols. Using the LLE method, the volatile profile was more balanced with alkanes, fatty acids, terpenes, alcohols, and aldehydes. Multivariate data analyses permitted discrimination among samples. Additionally, the relationship between the physicochemical properties of identified volatile compounds and the methods of extraction was studied. The results showed that the LLE extraction allowed the extraction of volatile compounds having a high boiling point (>160°C) and a high log P (>3). The SPME method was more effective to extract volatile compounds with a low boiling point (<160°C) and a low log P (<3). It is thus necessary to combine several extraction methods to obtain a complete view of the volatile profile for microalgae samples.
Immediate and long‐term effects of a very‐low‐calorie diet on diabetes remission and glycemic control in obese Thai patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Umphonsathien Mongkontida , Prutanopajai Pornsawan , Aiam‐O‐Ran Juntagan , Thararoop Titiprang , Karin Apaporn , Kanjanapha Chanida , Jiamjarasrangsi Wiroj , Khovidhunkit Weerapan
Published: February 2019

Aim

A very‐low‐calorie diet (VLCD) can reverse the underlying defects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in obese subjects. We determined the efficacy, safety, and durability of VLCD in Thai patients with DM and obesity.

Methods

Twenty Thai patients with DM and obesity were enrolled. After a 2‐week trial, VLCD (600 kcal/day) was continued for 8 weeks, followed by a 4‐week transition period. Data on diabetes remission (fasting plasma glucose level <126 mg/dl and HbA1c <6.5% without the use of glucose‐lowering medications), glycemic control, metabolic parameters, and quality of life (QOL) were collected along with indices of insulin resistance (IR) and beta cell function. Glycemic control 12 months after discontinuation of VLCD was also examined.

Results

Among 19 patients (age 48 ± 2 years, BMI 27.7 kg/m2) who completed the study, rapid improvement in glycemic control was observed in the first 2 weeks of VLCD. At both 8 and 12 weeks, diabetes remission was achieved in 79%. Significant weight loss was accompanied by a significant reduction in IR and an increase in beta cell function, starting at 4 weeks of VLCD. QOL also significantly increased. At 12 months after VLCD, however, DM remission was achieved in approximately 30%.

Conclusion

Very‐low‐calorie diet was effective and safe in inducing short‐term diabetes remission in Thai subjects by ameliorating beta cell function and IR. Optimal long‐term glycemic control was potentially durable as one‐third of subjects remained without diabetes medication 12 months after VLCD.
Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of coating with chitosan–citrus essential oil and effect on the quality of Pacific mackerel during chilled storage
Authors: Li Yuan , Wu Chunhua , Wu Tiantian , Yuan Chunhong , Hu Yaqin
Published: February 2019

The goal of the study was to investigate whether chitosan–citrus essential oil composite works as an efficient preservative in Pacific mackerel (Pneumatophorus japonicus) during chilling storage. FT‐IR analysis showed that chitosan–citrus essential oil coating was successfully prepared. Our results demonstrated that chitosan–citrus essential oil coating possessed significantly higher capability of scavenging reactive oxygen species ( and OH−) than chitosan. Furthermore, Pacific mackerel coated with chitosan–citrus essential oil composite could significantly reduce parameters of corruption including physicochemical (drop loss, biogenic amine, and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances) and microbiological parameters (total viable count), as compared with untreated and chitosan groups after 12 days of storage at −3°C. These results indicated that CS‐CEOs could work as efficient preservative for Pacific mackerel storage through ameliorating redox state and inhibiting microbial growth and suggested that chitosan–citrus essential oil composite has great potential in preservation of aquatic products during superchilled storage.
Mycotoxin concentrations in rice from three climatic locations in Africa as affected by grain quality, production site, and storage duration
Authors: Tang Erasmus N. , Ndindeng Sali A. , Bigoga Jude , Traore Karim , Silue Drissa , Futakuchi Koichi
Published: February 2019

Information on the mycotoxin contamination of rice in Africa is limited although the risk of contamination is high. In this study, domestic milled rice processed by actors using suboptimal methods was purchased and total fumonisin (FUM), zearalenone, and aflatoxin concentrations determined at 0, 90, and 180 days after storage. Three different climatic locations, Cotonou (Benin) in the Guinea savanna, Yaoundé (Cameroon) in the Tropical forest, and N'diaye (Senegal) in the Sahel, were selected as storage sites. Subsets of the samples collected from Glazoue (Benin), Ndop (Cameroon), and Dagana (Senegal) were stored in plastic woven bags under room conditions in the respective sites with or without calcium oxide (burnt scallop shell—BSS, 0.1% w/w) treatment. Multivariance analysis showed that FUM concentration was positively influenced by the duration of storage only while zearalenone concentration was negatively influenced by relative humidity and head rice but positively by impurities. Zearalenone concentration was also influenced by sample collection/storage location, processing type, and duration of storage. Aflatoxin concentration was influenced negatively by storage room temperature and head rice but positively by impurities and chalky grains. In addition, aflatoxin concentration was influenced by collection/storage location and processing type. BSS treatment followed by storage for 6 months had no effect on the concentration of the three assessed mycotoxins. Strategies to reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination in study sites will include the improvement of physical rice quality through better pre‐ and postharvest practices and proper packaging of both treated rice and untreated rice in hermetic systems before marketing and storage.
Electric Vehicle‐Grid Integration Spurs Faster Development
Authors: Roper Preston
Published: February 2019

Governments across the world are issuing ambitious plans to decarbonize electric and transportation systems.
New Green Deal's Effects on the US Energy Transition
Authors: Russo Thomas N.
Published: February 2019

In early November 2018, Representative‐Elect Alexandria Ocasio‐Cortez, the New York Democrat, supported a protest by the Sunrise Movement, a youth‐driven grassroots effort to hold elected leaders accountable for a warming planet. The group wants to revive a select committee on global warming in the House of Representatives, which could produce draft New Green Deal legislation by 2020. Finally, it wants incoming Democratic lawmakers to sign a pledge that they won't accept fossil‐fuel money. So far, 19 members of Congress have taken the pledge.
Microglia damage precedes major myelin breakdown in X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy and metachromatic leukodystrophy
Authors: Bergner Caroline G. , van der Meer Franziska , Winkler Anne , Wrzos Claudia , Türkmen Mevlude , Valizada Emil , Fitzner Dirk , Hametner Simon , Hartmann Christian , Pfeifenbring Sabine , Stoltenburg‐Didinger Gisela , Brück Wolfgang , Nessler Stefan , Stadelmann Christine
Published: February 2019

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) are two relatively common examples of hereditary demyelinating diseases caused by a dysfunction of peroxisomal or lysosomal lipid degradation. In both conditions, accumulation of nondegraded lipids leads to the destruction of cerebral white matter. Because of their high lipid content, oligodendrocytes are considered key to the pathophysiology of these leukodystrophies. However, the response to allogeneic stem cell transplantation points to the relevance of cells related to the hematopoietic lineage. In the present study, we aimed to better characterize the pathogenetic role of microglia in the above‐mentioned diseases. Applying recently established microglia markers to human autopsy cases of X‐ALD and MLD we were able to delineate distinct lesion stages in evolving demyelinating lesions. The immune‐phenotype of microglia was altered already early in lesion evolution, and microglia loss preceded full‐blown myelin degeneration both in X‐ALD and MLD. DNA fragmentation indicating phagocyte death was observed in areas showing microglia loss. The morphology and dynamics of phagocyte decay differed between the diseases and between lesion stages, hinting at distinct pathways of programmed cell death. In summary, the present study shows an early and severe damage to microglia in the pathogenesis of X‐ALD and MLD. This hints at a central pathophysiologic role of these cells in the diseases and provides evidence for an ongoing transfer of toxic substrates primarily enriched in myelinating cells to microglia.
LRP1 deficiency in microglia blocks neuro‐inflammation in the spinal dorsal horn and neuropathic pain processing
Authors: Brifault Coralie , Kwon HyoJun , Campana Wendy M. , Gonias Steven L.
Published: February 2019

Following injury to the peripheral nervous system (PNS), microglia in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) become activated and contribute to the development of local neuro‐inflammation, which may regulate neuropathic pain processing. The molecular mechanisms that control microglial activation and its effects on neuropathic pain remain incompletely understood. We deleted the gene encoding the plasma membrane receptor, LDL Receptor‐related Protein‐1 (LRP1), conditionally in microglia using two distinct promoter‐Cre recombinase systems in mice. LRP1 deletion in microglia blocked development of tactile allodynia, a neuropathic pain‐related behavior, after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PNL). LRP1 deletion also substantially attenuated microglial activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression in the SDH following PNL. Because LRP1 shedding from microglial plasma membranes generates a highly pro‐inflammatory soluble product, we demonstrated that factors which activate spinal cord microglia, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and colony‐stimulating factor‐1, promote LRP1 shedding. Proteinases known to mediate LRP1 shedding, including ADAM10 and ADAM17, were expressed at increased levels in the SDH after PNL. Furthermore, LRP1‐deficient microglia in cell culture expressed significantly decreased levels of interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 when treated with LPS. We conclude that in the SDH, microglial LRP1 plays an important role in establishing and/or amplifying local neuro‐inflammation and neuropathic pain following PNS injury. The responsible mechanism most likely involves proteolytic release of LRP1 from the plasma membrane to generate a soluble product that functions similarly to pro‐inflammatory cytokines in mediating crosstalk between cells in the SDH and in regulating neuropathic pain.
Assessment and management of bone health in women with early breast cancer receiving endocrine treatment in the DATA study
Authors: van Hellemond Irene E.G. , Smorenburg Carolien H. , Peer Petronella G.M. , Swinkels Astrid C.P. , Seynaeve Caroline M. , van der Sangen Maurice J.C. , Kroep Judith R. , de Graaf Hiltje , Honkoop Aafke H. , Erdkamp Frans L.G. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W.P.J. , de Boer Maaike , de Roos Wilfred K. , Linn Sabine C. , Imholz Alexander L.T. , Tjan‐Heijnen Vivianne C.G. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG)
Published: February 2019

The phase III DATA study investigates the efficacy of adjuvant anastrozole (6 vs. 3 year) in postmenopausal women with breast cancer previously treated with 2–3 years of tamoxifen. This planned side‐study assessed patterns of care regarding detection and treatment of osteopenia/osteoporosis, and trends in bone mineral density (BMD) during and after therapy. We registered all BMD measurements and bisphosphonate‐use. Time to osteopenia/osteoporosis was analysed by Kaplan Meier methodology. For the trend in T‐scores we used linear mixed models with random patients effects. Of 1860 eligible DATA patients, 910 (48.9%) had a baseline BMD measurement. Among patients with a normal baseline BMD (n = 417), osteopenia was observed in 53.5% and 55.4% in the 6‐ and 3‐year group respectively (p = 0.18), during follow‐up. Only two patients (3‐year group) developed osteoporosis. Of the patients with osteopenia at baseline (n = 408), 24.4% and 20.4% developed osteoporosis respectively (p = 0.89). Three years after randomisation 18.3% and 18.2% used bisphosphonates in the 6‐ and 3‐year groups respectively and 6 years after randomisation this was 23.7% and 20.9% respectively (p = 0.90) of which the majority used oral bisphosphonates. The yearly mean BMD‐change during anastrozole in the lumbar spine showed a T‐score decline of 0.075. After bisphosphonate addition the decline became less prominent (0.047 (p < 0.001)) and after anastrozole cessation, while continuing bisphosphonates, the mean BMD yearly increased (0.047 (p < 0.001)). In conclusion, extended anastrozole therapy was not associated with a higher incidence of osteoporosis. Anastrozole‐use was associated with a BMD decrease; however, the decline was modest and partially reversible after anastrozole cessation.
A comparison of methods to teach foreign‐language targets to young children
Authors: Matter Ashley L. , Wiskow Katie M. , Donaldson Jeanne M.
Published: February 2019

Using instructional strategies based on derived relational responding (DRR) to teach foreign‐language targets may result in emergent, untrained foreign‐language relations. One benefit of using DRR instructional strategies is the efficiency with which an individual acquires additional stimulus relations as a result of emergent responding following acquisition of one or a small number of relations. In the current study, we compared the efficiency of tact training alone to a traditional foreign‐language teaching strategy (i.e., teaching all relations concurrently—mixed training) with four, 4‐year‐old children. The results demonstrated that tact training was more efficient than mixed training for 5 of 7 stimulus sets. The findings add to the research demonstrating that DRR instructional strategies, specifically tact training, may be more efficient than concurrently teaching all targeted relations.