bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using parasite genetic and human mobility data to infer local and cross-border malaria connectivity in Southern Africa
Authors: Tessema Sofonias , Wesolowski Amy , Chen Anna , Murphy Maxwell , Wilheim Jordan , Mupiri Anna-Rosa , Ruktanonchai Nick W , Alegana Victor A , Tatem Andrew J , Tambo Munyaradzi , Didier Bradley , Cohen Justin M , Bennett Adam , Sturrock Hugh JW , Gosling Roland , Hsiang Michelle S , Smith David L , Mumbengegwi Davis R , Smith Jennifer L , Greenhouse Bryan
Published: April 2019

Local and cross-border importation remain major challenges to malaria elimination and are difficult to measure using traditional surveillance data. To address this challenge, we systematically collected parasite genetic data and travel history from thousands of malaria cases across northeastern Namibia and estimated human mobility from mobile phone data. We observed strong fine-scale spatial structure in local parasite populations, providing positive evidence that the majority of cases were due to local transmission. This result was largely consistent with estimates from mobile phone and travel history data. However, genetic data identified more detailed and extensive evidence of parasite connectivity over hundreds of kilometers than the other data, within Namibia and across the Angolan and Zambian borders. Our results provide a framework for incorporating genetic data into malaria surveillance and provide evidence that both strengthening of local interventions and regional coordination are likely necessary to eliminate malaria in this region of Southern Africa.
Revision of the Late Jurassic deep-water teleosauroid crocodylomorph Teleosaurus megarhinus Hulke, 1871 and evidence of pelagic adaptations in Teleosauroidea
Authors: Foffa Davide , Johnson Michela M. , Young Mark T. , Steel Lorna , Brusatte Stephen L.
Published: April 2019

Teleosauroids were a successful group of semi-aquatic crocodylomorphs that were an integral part of coastal marine/lagoonal faunas during the Jurassic. Their fossil record suggests that the group declined in diversity and abundance in deep water deposits during the Late Jurassic. One of the few known teleosauroid species from the deeper water horizons of the well-known Kimmeridge Clay Formation is ‘Teleosaurus’ megarhinus Hulke, 1871, a poorly studied, gracile longirostrine form. The holotype is an incomplete snout from the Aulacostephanus autissiodorensis Sub-Boreal ammonite Zone of Kimmeridge, England. The only other referred specimen is an almost complete skull from the slightly older A. eudoxus Sub-Boreal ammonite Zone of Quercy, France. Recently, the validity of this species has been called into question. Here we re-describe the holotype as well as the referred French specimen and another incomplete teleosauroid, DORCM G.05067i-v (an anterior rostrum with three osteoderms and an isolated tooth crown), from the same horizon and locality as the holotype. We demonstrate that all specimens are referable to ‘Teleosaurus’ megarhinus and that the species is indeed a valid taxon, which we assign to a new monotypic genus, Bathysuchus. In our phylogenetic analysis, the latest iteration of the ongoing Crocodylomorph SuperMatrix Project, Bathysuchus megarhinus is found as sister taxon to Aeolodon priscus within a subclade containing Mycterosuchus nasutus and Teleosaurus cadomensis. Notably Bathysuchus has an extreme reduction in dermatocranial ornamentation and osteoderm size, thickness and ornamentation. These features are mirrored in Aeolodon priscus, a species with a well-preserved post-cranial skeleton and a similar shallow and inconspicuous dermal ornamentation. Based on these morphological features, and sedimentological evidence, we hypothesise that the Bathysuchus + Aeolodon clade is the first known teleosauroid lineage that evolved a more pelagic lifestyle.
Behavioral responses around conspecific corpses in adult eastern gorillas (Gorilla beringei spp.)
Authors: Porter Amy , Eckardt Winnie , Vecellio Veronica , Guschanski Katerina , Niehoff Peter Philip , Ngobobo-As-Ibungu Urbain , Nishuli Pekeyake Radar , Stoinski Tara , Caillaud Damien
Published: April 2019

Humans were once considered unique in having a concept of death but a growing number of observations of animal responses to dying and dead conspecifics suggests otherwise. Complex arrays of behaviors have been described ranging from corpse removal and burial among social insects to quiet attendance and caregiving among elephants and primates. Less frequently described, however, are behavioral responses of individuals from different age/sex classes or social position toward the death of conspecifics. We describe behavioral responses of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) to the deaths of a dominant silverback and a dominant adult female from the same social group in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the responses of Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla b. graueri) to the corpse of an extra-group silverback in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. In gorillas, interactions between groups or with a lone silverback often result in avoidance or aggression. We predicted that: (i) more individuals should interact with the corpses of same-group members than with the corpse of the extra-group silverback; (ii) adult females with infants should avoid the corpse of the extra-group silverback; and (iii) in the mountain gorilla cases, individuals that shared close social relationships with the dead individual should spend more time with the corpse than other individuals in the group. We used a combination of detailed qualitative reports, photos, and videos to describe all occurrences of affiliative/investigative and agonistic behaviors observed at the corpses. We observed similar responses toward the corpses of group and extra-group individuals. Animals in all three cases showed a variety of affiliative/investigative and agonistic behaviors directed to the corpses. Animals of all age/sex classes interacted with the corpses in affiliative/investigative ways but there was a notable absence of all adult females at the corpse of the extra-group silverback. In all three cases, we observed only silverbacks and blackbacks being agonistic around and/or toward the corpses. In the mountain gorilla cases, the individuals who spent the most time with the corpses were animals who shared close social relationships with the deceased. We emphasize the similarity in the behavioral responses around the corpses of group and extra-group individuals, and suggest that the behavioral responses were influenced in part by close social relationships between the deceased and certain group members and by a general curiosity about death. We further discuss the implications close interactions with corpses have for disease transmission within and between gorilla social groups.
The cases for and against double-blind reviews
Authors: Cox Amelia R. , Montgomerie Robert
Published: April 2019

To date, the majority of authors on scientific publications have been men. While much of this gender bias can be explained by historic sexism and discrimination, there is concern that women may still be disadvantaged by the peer review process if reviewers’ biases lead them to reject publications with female authors more often. One potential solution to this perceived gender bias in the reviewing process is for journals to adopt double-blind reviews whereby neither the authors nor the reviewers are aware of each other’s identity and gender. To test the efficacy of double-blind reviews in one behavioral ecology journal (Behavioral Ecology, BE), we assigned gender to every authorship of every paper published for 2010–2018 in that journal compared to four other journals with single-blind reviews but similar subject matter and impact factors. While female authorships comprised only 35% of the total in all journals, the double-blind journal (BE) did not have more female authorships than its single-blind counterparts. Interestingly, the incidence of female authorship is higher at behavioral ecology journals (BE and Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology) than in the ornithology journals (Auk, Condor, Ibis) for papers on all topics as well as those on birds. These analyses suggest that double-blind review does not currently increase the incidence of female authorship in the journals studied here. We conclude, at least for these journals, that double-blind review no longer benefits female authors and we discuss the pros and cons of the double-blind reviewing process based on our findings.
New insights into radioresistance in breast cancer identify a dual function of miR‐122 as a tumor suppressor and oncomiR
Authors: Perez‐Añorve Isidro X. , Gonzalez‐De la Rosa Claudia H. , Soto‐Reyes Ernesto , Beltran‐Anaya Fredy O. , Del Moral‐Hernandez Oscar , Salgado‐Albarran Marisol , Angeles‐Zaragoza Oscar , Gonzalez‐Barrios Juan A. , Landero‐Huerta Daniel A. , Chavez‐Saldaña Margarita , Garcia‐Carranca Alejandro , Villegas‐Sepulveda Nicolas , Arechaga‐Ocampo Elena
Published: April 2019

Radioresistance of tumor cells gives rise to local recurrence and disease progression in many patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are master regulators of gene expression that control oncogenic pathways to modulate the radiotherapy response of cells. In the present study, differential expression profiling assays identified 16 deregulated miRNAs in acquired radioresistant breast cancer cells, of which miR‐122 was observed to be up‐regulated. Functional analysis revealed that miR‐122 has a role as a tumor suppressor in parental cells by decreasing survival and promoting radiosensitivity. However, in radioresistant cells, miR‐122 functions as an oncomiR by promoting survival. The transcriptomic landscape resulting from knockdown of miR‐122 in radioresistant cells showed modulation of the ZNF611, ZNF304, RIPK1, HRAS, DUSP8 and TNFRSF21 genes. Moreover, miR‐122 and the set of affected genes were prognostic factors in breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Our data indicate that up‐regulation of miR‐122 promotes cell survival in acquired radioresistant breast cancer and also suggest that miR‐122 differentially controls the response to radiotherapy by a dual function as a tumor suppressor an and oncomiR dependent on cell phenotype.
Protein‐Engineered Functional Materials
Authors: Wang Yao , Katyal Priya , Montclare Jin Kim
Published: April 2019

Proteins are versatile macromolecules that can perform a variety of functions. In the past three decades, they have been commonly used as building blocks to generate a range of biomaterials. Owing to their flexibility, proteins can either be used alone or in combination with other functional molecules. Advances in synthetic and chemical biology have enabled new protein fusions as well as the integration of new functional groups leading to biomaterials with emergent properties. This review discusses protein‐engineered materials from the perspectives of domain‐based designs as well as physical and chemical approaches for crosslinked materials, with special emphasis on the creation of hydrogels. Engineered proteins that organize or template metal ions, bear noncanonical amino acids (NCAAs), and their potential applications, are also reviewed.
A Novel Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)–Mediated Interfacial Polymerization for Direct Deposition of Polyamide Layer on Ceramic Substrates for Nanofiltration
Authors: Bao Yueping , Chen Yunfeng , Lim Teik‐Thye , Wang Rong , Hu Xiao
Published: April 2019

A facile metal–organic framework (MOF)‐mediated interfacial polymerization (IP) method is developed to prepare a polyamide (PA) layer directly on the ceramic substrate for nanofiltration. MOF is introduced to connect ceramic substrate and PA layer via chemical bonding, resulting in a robust separation layer. The optimization of IP can be controlled by MOF growth process via tuning the surface roughness as well as hydrophilicity. This method will provide a new way for the preparation of next generation of organic–inorganic composite membranes.
Elemental Sulfur/DMSO‐Promoted Multicomponent One‐pot Synthesis of Malonic Acid Derivatives from Maleic Anhydride and Amines
Authors: Nguyen Le Anh , Retailleau Pascal , Nguyen Thanh Binh
Published: April 2019

Malonic acid derivatives could be conveniently prepared with high degree of functional flexibility via redox condensation reactions between anhydride maleic, amines, elemental sulfur and DMSO as oxidant. This multicomponent decarboxylative transformation consists in a cascade of ring opening, decarboxylative oxidative thioamidation at temperature as low as 50 °C.

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Asymmetric Double‐Gate β‐Ga2O3 Nanomembrane Field‐Effect Transistor for Energy‐Efficient Power Devices
Authors: Ma Jiyeon , Cho Hyung Jun , Heo Junseok , Kim Sunkook , Yoo Geonwook
Published: April 2019

The ultra‐wide bandgap and cost‐effective melt‐growth of β‐Ga2O3 ensure its advantages over other wide bandgap materials, and competitive electrical performance has been demonstrated in various device structures. In this paper, an asymmetric double‐gate (ADG) β‐Ga2O3 nanomembrane field‐effect transistor (FET) comprised of a bottom‐gate (BG) metal‐oxide field‐effect transistor and a top‐gate (TG) metal‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MESFET) is demonstrated. Schottky contact properties are validated by characterizing the lateral Schottky barrier diode (SBD), which exhibits high rectification ratio and low ideality factor. The top‐gate β‐Ga2O3 MESFET shows reasonable electrical performance with a high breakdown voltage, as anticipated by three terminal off‐state breakdown measurement. These properties are further enhanced by double‐gate operation, and superior device performance is demonstrated; positive‐shifted threshold voltage and reduced subthreshold slope enable the asymmetric double‐gate β‐Ga2O3 FET to operate at low power, and almost twice as much transconductance is demonstrated for high‐frequency operation. These results show the great potential of asymmetric double‐gate β‐Ga2O3 FETs for energy‐efficient high‐voltage and ‐frequency devices with optimal material and structure co‐designs.
Nanosheets‐Assembled CuSe Crystal Pillar as a Stable and High‐Power Anode for Sodium‐Ion and Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Hezhe , Li Malin , Yang Xu , Yu Dongxu , Zeng Yi , Wang Chunzhong , Chen Gang , Du Fei
Published: April 2019

Thanks to low costs and the abundance of the resources, sodium‐ion (SIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have emerged as leading candidates for next‐generation energy storage devices. So far, only few materials can serve as the host for both Na+ and K+ ions. Herein, a cubic phase CuSe with crystal‐pillar‐like morphology (CPL‐CuSe) assembled by the nanosheets are synthesized and its dual functionality in SIBs and PIBs is comprehensively studied. The electrochemical measurements demonstrate that CPL‐CuSe enables fast Na+ and K+ storage as well as the sufficiently long duration. Specifically, the anode delivers a specific capacity of 295 mA h g−1 at current density of 10 A g−1 in SIBs, while 280 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1 in PIBs, as well as the high capacity retention of nearly 100% over 1200 cycles and 340 cycles, respectively. Remarkably, CPL‐CuSe exhibits a high initial coulombic efficiency of 91.0% (SIBs) and 92.4% (PIBs), superior to most existing selenide anodes. A combination of in situ X‐ray diffraction and ex situ transmission electron microscopy tests fundamentally reveal the structural transition and phase evolution of CuSe, which shows a reversible conversion reaction for both cells, while the intermediate products are different due to the sluggish K+ insertion reaction.
Inverse Optical Cavity Design for Ultrabroadband Light Absorption Beyond the Conventional Limit in Low‐Bandgap Nonfullerene Acceptor–Based Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Quan , Toudert Johann , Li Tengfei , Kramarenko Mariia , Martínez‐Denegri Guillermo , Ciammaruchi Laura , Zhan Xiaowei , Martorell Jordi
Published: April 2019

In the subwavelength regime, several nanophotonic configurations have been proposed to overcome the conventional light trapping or light absorption enhancement limit in solar cells also known as the Yablonovitch limit. It has been recently suggested that establishing such limit should rely on computational inverse electromagnetic design instead of the traditional approach combining intuition and a priori known physical effect. In the present work, by applying an inverse full wave vector electromagnetic computational approach, a 1D nanostructured optical cavity with a new resonance configuration is designed that provides an ultrabroadband (≈450 nm) light absorption enhancement when applied to a 107 nm thick active layer organic solar cell based on a low‐bandgap (1.32 eV) nonfullerene acceptor. It is demonstrated computationally and experimentally that the absorption enhancement provided by such a cavity surpasses the conventional limit resulting from an ergodic optical geometry by a 7% average over a 450 nm band and by more than 20% in the NIR. In such a cavity configuration the solar cells exhibit a maximum power conversion efficiency above 14%, corresponding to the highest ever measured for devices based on the specific nonfullerene acceptor used.
Recurrent SLC1A2 variants cause epilepsy via a dominant negative mechanism
Authors: Stergachis Andrew B. , Pujol‐Giménez Jonai , Gyimesi Gergely , Fuster Daniel , Albano Giusppe , Troxler Marina , Picker Jonathan , Rosenberg Paul A. , Bergin Ann , Peters Jurriaan , El Achkar Christelle Moufawad , Harini Chellamani , Manzi Shannon , Rotenberg Alexander , Hediger Matthias A. , Rodan Lance H.
Published: April 2019

SLC1A2 is a trimeric transporter essential for clearing glutamate from neuronal synapses. Recurrent de novo SLC1A2 missense variants cause a severe, early onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy via an unclear mechanism. We demonstrate that all 3 variants implicated in this condition localize to the trimerization domain of SLC1A2, and that the Leu85Pro variant acts via a dominant negative mechanism to reduce, but not eliminate, wild‐type SLC1A2 protein localization and function. Finally, we demonstrate that treatment of a 20‐month‐old SLC1A2‐related epilepsy patient with the SLC1A2‐modulating agent ceftriaxone did not result in a significant change in daily spasm count. ANN NEUROL 2019;85:921–926.
Asymmetric Transmission in the Planar Chiral Nanostructure Induced by Electric and Magnetic Resonance at the Same Wavelength
Authors: Bai Yu , Wang Tiankun , Ullah Hamad , Qu Yu , Abudukelimu Abuduwaili , Zhang Zhongyue
Published: April 2019

Asymmetric transmission (AT) reflects the conversion efficiency of a chiral nanostructure for circularly polarized light and is widely used in polarization and optoelectronic devices. In this study, a new mechanism is proposed to generate AT when a planar chiral nanostructure is illuminated under left‐handed circularly polarized (LCP) and right‐handed circularly polarized (RCP) light illumination. The new mechanism can be achieved by breaking the symmetry of the designed planar chiral nanostructure which give rise to a new transmittance peak and dip at a particular wavelength under RCP and LCP light illumination, respectively. The proposed new mechanism is also capable of actively tuning the generated resonant modes. Besides this, when graphene strips are added to the designed planar chiral nanostructure, similar results are obtained as that from breaking the symmetry of the planar chiral nanostructure. In this case, the generated AT could also be actively tuned by varying the Fermi energies of graphene strips.
Chemistry Design Towards a Stable Sulfide‐Based Superionic Conductor Li4Cu8Ge3S12
Authors: Wang Yingqi , Lü Xujie , Zheng Chong , Liu Xiang , Chen Zonghai , Yang Wenge , Lin Jianhua , Huang Fuqiang
Published: April 2019

Sulfide‐based superionic conductors with high ionic conductivity have been explored as candidates for solid‐state Li batteries. However, moisture hypersensitivity has made their manufacture complicated and costly and also impeded applications in batteries. Now, a sulfide‐based superionic conductor Li4Cu8Ge3S12 with superior stability was developed based on the hard/soft acid–base theory. The compound is stable in both moist air and aqueous LiOH aqueous solution. The electrochemical stability window was up to 1.5 V. An ionic conductivity of 0.9×10−4 S cm with low activation energy of 0.33 eV was achieved without any optimization. The material features a rigid Cu‐Ge‐S open framework that increases its stability. Meanwhile, the weak bonding between Li+ and the framework promotes ionic conductivity. This work provides a structural configuration in which weak Li bonding in the rigid framework promotes an environment for highly conductive and stable solid‐state electrolytes.
Light‐Controlled Orthogonal Covalent Bond Formation at Two Different Wavelengths
Authors: Menzel Jan P. , Feist Florian , Tuten Bryan , Weil Tanja , Blinco James P. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: April 2019

We report light‐induced reactions in a two‐chromophore system capable of sequence‐independent λ‐orthogonal reactivity relying solely on the choice of wavelength and solvent. In a solution of water and acetonitrile, LED irradiation at λmax=285 nm leads to full conversion of 2,5‐diphenyltetrazoles with N‐ethylmaleimide to the pyrazoline ligation products. Simultaneously present o‐methylbenzaldehyde thioethers are retained. Conversely, LED irradiation at λmax=382 nm is used to induce ligation of the o‐methylbenzaldehydes in acetonitrile with N‐ethylmaleimide via o‐quinodimethanes, while 2,5‐diphenyltetrazoles also present are retained. This unprecedented photochemical selectivity is achieved through control of the number and wavelength of incident photons as well as favorable optical properties and quantum yields of the reactants in their environment.
Thermoplastic vulcanizate nanocomposites based on polyethylene/reclaimed rubber: A correlation between carbon nanotube dispersion state and electrical percolation threshold
Authors: Vahidifar Ali , Esmizadeh Elnaz , Elahi Maryam , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza , Naderi Ghasem , Rodrigue Denis
Published: April 2019

A three‐step melt blending process was utilized to produce linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE)/reclaimed rubber (RR)/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites in the presence of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene as a compatibilizer. The effect of LLDPE/RR ratio and CNT content on the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and rheological behavior of these dynamically vulcanized LLDPE/RR nanocomposites were investigated. The morphological study showed that the RR was dispersed in the LLDPE matrix, and CNT addition led to an improved morphology as smaller RR sizes inside LLDPE were observed. The mechanical results revealed that increasing the RR content decreased the hardness, modulus of elasticity, and elongation at break while CNT improved the tensile properties and other mechanical properties. The differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that the CNT improved the LLDPE crystallization by acting as nucleation agents. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed higher storage modulus and lower loss factor as compared to the neat blend due to mobility restrictions of the polymer chains induced by the presence of CNT. For the conditions studied, the electrical percolation threshold was found to occur at a very low CNT concentration (about 1 wt %) compared to the literature because of the specific structure produced leading to CNT residing in the LLDPE matrix and at the interface between both polymeric phases. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47795.
Synergistic effects of surface grafting with heparin and addition of poly(d,l‐lactide) microparticles on properties of poly(l‐lactide) single crystals scaffolds
Authors: Bakry Ahmed
Published: April 2019

Mixtures of heparin grafted poly(l‐lactide) single crystals (Hep‐PLLAsc) and poly(d,l‐lactide) (PDLLA) microparticles are used for assembling hydrophilic and cytocompatible three‐dimensional tissue engineering scaffolds simply by compression molding/salt leaching technique. PLLA is grafted with heparin to promote its surface cytocompatability, while PDLLA is added to reinforce the scaffolds. PLLAsc are aminolyzed with tetraethylenepentamine (13‐atom spacer) to generate sterically accessible amino groups at the surface allowing the covalent attachment of heparin by aqueous carbodiimide chemistry. Morphological and compressive strength studies manifest the integrity and compactness of scaffolds. Toluidine blue assay assures the consistency of heparin distribution throughout the scaffolds, which is in contrary to the conventional grafting reactions by immersing the scaffold in heparin solution. The scaffolds applicability is examined by fibroblast cells seeding experiments. Contrary to pristine scaffolds, Hep‐PLLAsc scaffolds display a hydrophilic and cytocompatible interface for cell adhesion, spreading, growth, and migration. Therefore, combining presurface grafted PLLAsc with PDLLA microparticles could offer durable scaffolds exhibiting bioactive interface and controllable spatial distribution of the grafted biomacromolecules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47797.
Adhesion properties of poly(methylmethacrylate‐co‐n‐butylmethacrylate) copolymers in stent coatings
Authors: Gagliardi Mariacristina
Published: April 2019

This work explores the adhesion properties of polymer solutions and thin coatings obtained by different‐composition poly(methylmethacrylate‐co‐n‐butylmethacrylate) copolymers. Surface wettability, work of adhesion, and work of spreading are calculated for solutions. Increasing amounts of n‐butylmethacrylate lead to higher values of work of adhesion, measured over two stent‐like flat surfaces (AISI 316L and pyrolytic carbon). The same moiety induces the solution viscosity increase and the decrease of the work of spreading and allows obtaining more homogeneous coatings. Adhesion of thin coatings is tested in dry (cross‐cut test) and wet (immersion) conditions. Adhesion tests of coatings obtained by solvent casting reflect thermodynamic parameters evaluated for solutions. Coatings show better strength in cross‐cut tests and a prolonged adhesion in wet conditions by raising the n‐butylmethacrylate fraction. The same trends are confirmed in commercial devices. In conclusion, the study of thermodynamic solution/substrate interactions can explain coating properties. The proposed approach is worthwhile to improve deposition procedures based on polymer solutions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47814.
Preparation and performance of a composite gel as a dust suppressant for coal transportation and storage
Authors: Zhou Gang , Ding Jianfei , Sun Jian , Wang Yuying
Published: April 2019

In the process of coal transportation and storage, a large amount of dust is inevitably generated, which seriously threatens the health of coal miners and causes the waste of resources. How to prevent and control the dust generated during coal transportation and storage is a key issue of coal mine occupational safety research. In this study, sodium alginate is reacted with 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid, and the resulting intermediate is graft copolymerized with acrylic acid to prepare an environment friendly dust suppressant product suitable for coal transportation and storage. The microscopic reaction and structure of the product are analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The optimal synthesis conditions have been obtained by taking the strength of the coking coal as the single factor experiment evaluation index. Through the research on the related properties of the dust suppressant, it is found that this dust suppressant has excellent performance and an obvious dust suppression effect. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47819.
Aromaticity‐promoted C−F Bond Activation in Rhodium Complex: A Facile Tautomerization
Authors: Shen Ting , Xie Qiong , Li Yuanyuan , Zhu Jun
Published: April 2019

Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table. Thus, activation of the carbon–fluorine (C−F) bond, the strongest single bond to carbon, has attracted considerable interest from both experimentalists and theoreticians. In comparison with numerous approaches to activate C−F bonds, the aromaticity‐promoted method is less developed. Herein, we demonstrate that the C−F bond activation could be achieved by a facile tautomerization, benefitting from aromaticity, which can stabilize both the transition states and products. Our findings highlight an important application of aromaticity in the C−F bond activation, providing experimentalists with an alternative approach to activate C−F bonds.
Catalytic Reduction of Cyclic Ethers with Hydrosilanes
Authors: Park Sehoon
Published: April 2019

Catalytic reductive transformations of ethers as a synthetic building block are an important class of chemical reactions because a range of essential chemical feedstocks and fuels in contemporary life can be prepared through the key step of ethereal C−O bond cleavage of cellulosic biomass. Although conventional stoichiometric and catalytic methods for sp2‐ and sp3‐C−O bond cleavage of linear ethers and alcohols with hydrosilanes are well established, silylative ring opening of cyclic ethers has been less highlighted in this context. This review outlines catalytic systems for the silylative reduction of a range of cyclic ethers, including epoxides and sugars, leading to the corresponding alcohols and/or hydrocarbons. The chemical reactivity and selectivity of these ring‐opening catalytic processes are discussed with respect to the type of substrates; the representative catalytic working modes are also described.
Electrophoretic Deposition for Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrode Manufacture
Authors: Lalau Cornel C. , Low Chee T. John
Published: April 2019

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) has received increasing attention as an alternative manufacturing approach to slurry casting for the production of battery and supercapacitor electrodes. This process is of relevance for industrial scalability as evidently seen in the current electrophoretic paints industry. Nevertheless, the reported work so far have only concentrated on thin films of electrophoretically deposited electrodes for energy storage. Here, the electrochemical performance of thick films (up to tens of μm) as lithium‐ion battery electrodes produced by EPD is reported. A commercially sourced LiN1/3M1/3C1/3O2 (5 to 25 μm particle size) was used in this exemplary investigation. This work shows the production of binder‐free high density active material (>90 %) electrodes. Coin cells were assembled and the battery performance was measured. Tests included: cyclic voltammetry, C‐rate vs capacity, battery cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Other investigations also studied: colloidal electrolyte formulation, electrode manufacture, microstructure characterisation and elemental mapping analysis. In short, EPD electrode manufacture can be applied as a platform technology for any battery and supercapacitor material, and the reported manufacturing processes and methodologies represent direct relevance to produce energy storage electrodes useful to practical applications.
Contemporary prevalence of carotid stenosis in patients presenting with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Cheng S F , Brown M M , Simister R J , Richards T
Published: April 2019

Background

Carotid stenosis is a common cause of ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Despite rising recognition and centralization of stroke services there has been a decline in interventions for carotid stenosis in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence and management of carotid stenosis in the UK.

Methods

This was a 1-year prospective observational study of consecutive patients presenting with ischaemic stroke, TIA or ischaemic retinal artery occlusion to a central London hyperacute stroke unit. Patients with significant carotid stenosis, defined as atherosclerotic narrowing of 50 per cent or greater, underwent multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion to determine the cause of stroke/TIA and classify carotid stenosis as symptomatic or incidental.

Results

In total, 2707 patients were seen; half had an ischaemic event and the majority had carotid imaging (1252 of 1444). Carotid stenosis of at least 50 per cent was seen in 238 (prevalence 19·0 (95 per cent c.i. 16·6 to 21·4) per cent). Patients with significant carotid stenosis were more likely to have hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes and ischaemic heart disease. Carotid stenosis was deemed symptomatic in 99 patients (7·9 (6·3 to 9·5) per cent); of these, 17 had carotid occlusion, 17 were unfit for surgery and 58 patients were referred for carotid intervention. Among 139 patients with asymptomatic stenosis, 75 had carotid stenosis ipsilateral to the stroke but, after MDT discussion, the cause was deemed to be atrial fibrillation (32), small-vessel disease (15), another determined cause (5), or not determined owing to atypical imaging or clinical presentation.

Conclusion

Carotid stenosis is common, affecting one in five patients presenting with stroke or TIA. Careful MDT discussion may avoid unnecessary intervention and should be the standard of care.
Survival after radiotherapy versus radical cystectomy for primary muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: A Swedish nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Häggström Christel , Garmo Hans , de Luna Xavier , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Söderkvist Karin , Aljabery Firas , Ströck Viveka , Hosseini Abolfazl , Gårdmark Truls , Malmström Per‐Uno , Jahnson Staffan , Liedberg Fredrik , Holmberg Lars
Published: April 2019

Background

Studies of survival comparing radical cystectomy (RC) and radiotherapy for muscle‐invasive bladder cancer have provided inconsistent results and have methodological limitations. The aim of the study was to investigate risk of death after radiotherapy as compared to RC.

Methods

We selected patients with muscle‐invasive urothelial carcinoma without distant metastases, treated with radiotherapy or RC from 1997 to 2014 in the Bladder Cancer Data Base Sweden (BladderBaSe) and estimated absolute and relative risk of bladder cancer death and all‐cause death. In a group of patients, theoretically eligible for a trial comparing radiotherapy and RC, we calculated risk difference in an instrumental variable analysis. We have not investigated chemoradiotherapy as this treatment was not used in the study time period.

Results

The study included 3 309 patients, of those 17% were treated with radiotherapy and 83% with RC. Patients treated with radiotherapy were older, had more advanced comorbidity, and had a higher risk of death as compared to patients treated with RC (relative risks of 1.5‐1.6). In the “trial population,” all‐cause death risk difference was 6 per 100 patients lower after radiotherapy at 5 years of follow‐up, 95% confidence interval −41 to 29.

Conclusion(s)

Patient selection between the treatments make it difficult to evaluate results from conventionally adjusted and propensity‐score matched survival analysis. When taking into account unmeasured confounding by instrumental variable analysis, no differences in survival was found between the treatments for a selected group of patients. Further clinical studies are needed to characterize this group of patients, which can serve as a basis for future comparison studies for treatment recommendations.
Toxoplasmosis as a cause of life‐threatening respiratory distress in a dog receiving immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Pepper Amy , Mansfield Caroline , Stent Andrew , Johnstone Thurid
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Disseminated toxoplasmosis is a potentially fatal complication in dogs receiving immunosuppressive therapy, particularly if multiple immunosuppressive drugs are used. Toxoplasmosis should be considered if signs of acute respiratory or hepatic disease develop, and diagnosis would rely on demonstration of organisms via cytology or PCR rather than a single time‐point serological assay.
Malignant epidural spinal cord compression secondary to testicular cancer (mixed choriocarcinoma and seminoma) in the immediate post radical orchidectomy period
Authors: Mukendi Alain Mwamba , Friedman Robin , Ismail Abdullah
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

Acute spinal cord compression in the immediate postoperative period from a possible choriocarcinoma syndrome (CCS) on hemorrhagic epidural spinal metastasis has never been described before and needs to be promptly recognized and managed. A low hemoglobin associated with choriocarcinoma should raise suspicion of this syndrome.
Production of α‐Ketoisocaproate and α‐Keto‐β‐Methylvalerate by Engineered L‐Amino Acid Deaminase
Authors: Yuan Yuxiang , Song Wei , Liu Jia , Chen Xiulai , Luo Qiuling , Liu Liming
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to develop an efficient enzymatic strategy for industrial production of α‐ketoisocaproate (α‐KIC) and α‐keto‐β‐methylvalerate (α‐KMV) from L‐leucine and L‐isoleucine, respectively. L‐amino acid deaminase from Proteus mirabilis (PmLAAD) was heterologously expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3) and modified to increase its catalytic efficiency by engineering the PmLAAD substrate‐binding cavity and entrance tunnel. Four essential residues (Q92, M440, T436, and W438) were identified from structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. Residue Q92 was mutated to alanine, and the volume of the binding cavity, enzyme activity, and the kcat/Km value of mutant PmLAAD Q92A increased to 994.2 Å3, 191.36 U mg−1, and 1.23 mM−1 min−1, respectively; consequently, the titer and conversion rate of α‐KIC from L‐leucine were 107.1 g L−1 and 98.1 %, respectively. For mutant PmLAADT436/W438A, the entrance tunnel, enzyme activity, and the kcat/Km value increased to 1.71 Å, 170.12 U mg−1, and 0.70 mM−1 min−1, respectively; consequently, the titer and conversion rate of α‐KMV from L‐isoleucine were 98.9 g L−1 and 99.7 %, respectively. Therefore, augmentation of the substrate‐binding cavity and entrance tunnel of PmLAAD can facilitate efficient industrial synthesis of α‐KIC and α‐KMV.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Aqueous Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wei Zhihong , Spannenberg Anke , Jiao Haijun , Junge Kathrin , Junge Henrik , Beller Matthias
Published: April 2019

Among the known liquid organic hydrogen carriers, formic acid attracts increasing interest in the context of safe and reversible storage of hydrogen. Here, the first molecularly defined cobalt pincer complex is disclosed for the dehydrogenation of formic acid in aqueous medium under mild conditions. Crucial for catalytic activity is the use of the specific complex 3. Compared to related ruthenium and manganese complexes 7 and 8, this optimal cobalt complex showed improved performance. DFT computations support an innocent non‐classical bifunctional outer‐sphere mechanism on the triplet state potential energy surface.
Flexidentate Coordination Behavior and Chemical Non‐Innocence of a Bis(1,3‐Diphosphacyclobutadiene) Sandwich Anion
Authors: Rödl Christian , Wolf Robert
Published: April 2019

The homoleptic 1,3‐diphosphacyclobutadiene sandwich complex [Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)2]− behaved as a versatile and highly flexible metalloligand toward Ni2+, Ru2+, Rh+, and Pd2+ cations, forming a range of unusual oligonuclear compounds. The reaction of [K(thf)2{Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)2}] with [Ni2Cp3]BF4 initially afforded the σ‐complex [CpNi{Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)2}(thf)] (2), which converted into [Co(η4‐CpNi{1,3‐P2C2tBu2‐κP,κC})(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)] (3) below room temperature. The structure of 3 contains an unprecedented 1,4‐diphospha‐2‐nickelacyclopentadiene moiety formed by an oxidative addition of a ligand P−C bond onto nickel. At elevated temperatures, 3 isomerized to [Co(η4‐CpNi{1,4‐P2C2tBu2‐κ2P,P})(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)] (4), which features a 1,3‐diphospha‐2‐nickelacyclopentadiene unit. Transmetalation of [K(thf)2{Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)2}] with [Cp*RuCl]4 (Cp*=C5Me5) afforded tetranuclear [(Cp*Ru)3(μ‐Cl)2{Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)2}] (5), in which the [Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2]− anion acts as a chelate ligand toward Ru2+. The diphosphido complex [(Cp*Ru)2(μ,η2‐P2)(μ,η2‐C2tBu2)] (6) was formed as a byproduct. Pure compound 6 was isolated after prolonged heating of the reaction mixture. The reaction of [K(thf)2{Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2R2)2}] (R=tBu; adamantyl, Ad) with [RhCl(cod)]2 (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene) afforded unprecedented π‐complexes [Rh(cod){Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2R2)2}] (7: R=tBu; 8: R=Ad), in which one μ:η4:η4‐P2C2R2 ligand bridges two metal atoms. The pentanuclear complex [Pd3(PPh3)2{Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)2}2] (10), featuring a Pd3 chain and a rare 1,4‐diphospha‐2‐butene ligand, was synthesized by reacting [K(thf)2{Co(η4‐1,3‐P2C2tBu2)2}] with cis‐PdCl2(PPh3)2. The redox properties of selected compounds were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, whereas DFT calculations gave additional insight into the electronic structures. The results of this study revealed several remarkable and previously unrecognized properties of the [Co(P2C2tBu2)2]− anion.
Pharmacomicrobiomics: The Holy Grail to Variability in Drug Response?
Authors: Sharma Anukriti , Buschmann Mary M. , Gilbert Jack A.
Published: April 2019

The human body, with 3.0 × 1013 cells and more than 3.8 × 1013 microorganisms, has nearly a one‐to‐one ratio of resident microbes to human cells. Initiatives like the Human Microbiome Project, American Gut, and Flemish Gut have identified associations between microbial taxa and human health. The study of interactions between microbiome and pharmaceutical agents, i.e., pharmacomicrobiomics, has revealed an instrumental role of the microbiome in modulating drug response that alters the therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we present our current comprehension of the relationship of the microbiome, host biology, and pharmaceutical agents such as cardiovascular drugs, analgesics, and chemotherapeutic agents to human disease and treatment outcomes. We also discuss the significance of studying diet–gene–drug interactions and further address the key challenges associated with pharmacomicrobiomics. Finally, we examine proposed models employing systems biology for the application of pharmacomicrobiomics and other ‐omics data, and provide approaches to elucidate microbiome–drug interactions to improve future translation to personalized medicine.
Calcium‐Based Sustainable Chemical Technologies for Total Carbon Recycling
Authors: Rodygin Konstantin S. , Vikenteva Yulia A. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: April 2019

Calcium carbide, a stable solid compound composed of two atoms of carbon and one of calcium, has proven its effectiveness in chemical synthesis, due to the safety and convenience of handling the C≡C acetylenic units. The areas of CaC2 application are very diverse, and the development of calcium‐mediated approaches resolves several important challenges. This Review aims to discuss the laboratory chemistry of calcium carbide, and to go beyond its frontiers to organic synthesis, life sciences, materials and construction, carbon dioxide capturing, alloy manufacturing, and agriculture. The recyclability of calcium carbide and the availability of large‐scale industrial production facilities, as well as the future possibility of fossil‐resource‐independent manufacturing, position this compound as a key chemical platform for sustainable development. Easy regeneration and reuse of the carbide highlight calcium‐based sustainable chemical technologies as promising instruments for total carbon recycling.
Low‐Cost Porous Ruthenium Layer Deposited on Nickel Foam as a Highly Active Universal‐pH Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xia Jiawei , Volokh Michael , Peng Guiming , Fu Yongsheng , Wang Xin , Shalom Menny
Published: April 2019

Low‐cost and high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are a key constituent of a low‐carbon industrial economy based on intermittent energy production in the near future. A facile wet‐chemistry strategy has been developed for the synthesis of a porous Ru layer deposited onto Ni foam (NF) as a competitive candidate for HER over the whole pH range, especially under economical alkaline conditions. The catalyst shows outstanding HER performance, which stems from the porosity of the Ru layer, the electronic structure of the electrode, and the charge transfer between the NF and the Ru layer, which gives rise to the strong activity of the Ru layer in the HER process. Moreover, the Ru loading was as low as approximately 1.1 wt %, representing significant potential for application in cost‐effective HER.
Life Cycle Assessment for the Organocatalytic Synthesis of Glycerol Carbonate Methacrylate
Authors: Büttner Hendrik , Kohrt Christina , Wulf Christoph , Schäffner Benjamin , Groenke Karsten , Hu Yuya , Kruse Daniela , Werner Thomas
Published: April 2019

Bifunctional ammonium and phosphonium salts have been identified as potential organocatalysts for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate methacrylate (GCMA). Three of these catalysts showed high efficiency and allowed the conversion of glycidyl methacrylate with CO2 to the desired product in >99 % conversion and selectivity. Subsequently, immobilized analogues of selected catalysts were prepared and tested. A phenol‐substituted phosphonium salt on a silica support proved to be a promising candidate in recycling experiments. The same catalyst was used in 12 consecutive runs, resulting in GCMA yields of up to 88 %. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment was conducted for the synthesis of GCMA starting from epichlorohydrin (EPH) and methacrylic acid (MAA). For the functional unit of 1 kg GCMA, 15 wt % was attributed to the incorporation of CO2, which led to a reduction of the global warming potential of 3 % for the overall process.
Differential localization of histone variant TH2B during the first round compared with subsequent rounds of spermatogenesis
Authors: Beedle My‐Thanh , Topping Traci , Hogarth Cathryn , Griswold Michael
Published: April 2019

Background

Male germ cells are unique because they express a substantial number of variants of the general DNA binding proteins, known as histones, yet the biological significance of these variants is still unknown. In the present study, we aimed to address the expression pattern of the testis‐specific histone H2B variant (TH2B) and the testis‐specific histone H2A variant (TH2A) within the neonatal mouse testis.

Results

We demonstrate that TH2B and TH2A are present in a testis‐enriched for undifferentiated spermatogonia. Co‐localization studies with an undifferentiated marker, ZBTB16, revealed that TH2B and ZBTB16 co‐localize in the neonatal testis. Upon the appearance of the primary spermatocytes, TH2B no longer co‐localized with the ZBTB16 positive spermatogonia but were instead detected within the differentiating spermatogonia. This pattern of expression where TH2B and ZBTB16 no longer co‐localize was maintained in the adult testis.

Conclusion

These findings are in contrast to previous studies, which demonstrated that TH2B and TH2A were found only in adult spermatocytes. Our data are in support of a switch in the expression of these variants following the first round of spermatogonial differentiation. These studies reinforce current understandings that spermatogonia within the neonatal mouse testis are inherently different from those residing within the adult testis.