bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of eosin for green spectroscopic determination of mebendazole
Authors: Roshdy Aya , Elmansi Heba , Shalan Shereen , Elbrashy Amina
Published: February 2020

New, sensitive, and reliable spectroscopic methods were constructed for the fast determination of the anthelmintic drug mebendazole. The methods depended on the reaction of the amino group in mebendazole with eosin in acidic medium forming an ion pair complex. The first method, Method I, relied on quenching of the native fluorescence of eosin after reaction with mebendazole at pH 3.7 using acetate buffer. Fluorescence quenching was measured at 538 nm after excitation at 518 nm. This method showed a linear response over the concentration range 5.0–20.0 μg/ml. The second method, Method II, was based on measuring the absorbance of the formed complex at 554 nm; the method showed good linearity from 7.0 to 22.0 μg/ml. Different parameters that influenced the formation of the reaction product were carefully investigated to reach the optimized conditions. A comparison between the proposed methods and a previous spectrophotometric method was carried out and there was no significant difference between them. The methods could be applied successfully to determine mebendazole in its tablet form. Moreover, the methods used water as diluting solvent, which made them compatible with the ‘green’ analytical chemistry principles. No organic solvents were used throughout the study.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐31 weakens cisplatin resistance of medulloblastoma cells via NF‐κB and PI3K/AKT pathways
Authors: Ma Hui , Cao Wei , Ding Meili
Published: February 2020

Background

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant intracranial tumor. Cisplatin is a broad‐spectrum antitumor drug. It is important to study the cisplatin resistance of MB cells for the treatment of MB. In this article, we preliminarily studied the cisplatin resistance of microRNA (miR)‐31 and the possible mechanism in DAOY and UW228 cells, laying a theoretical foundation for clinical treatment of MB.

Methods

Following anti‐miR‐31 and pre‐miR‐31 transfections, cell viability, BrdU, CyclinD1, and apoptosis levels of DAOY and UW228 cell were detected by CCK8, BrdU, and western blot. Meanwhile, migration, invasion, and western blot assay were respectively used to detect the functions of miR‐31 migration and invasion. miR‐31 levels were changed by cell transfection and detected by RT‐qPCR. Furthermore, the related‐proteins of pathways were also detected by western blot.

Results

Anti‐miR‐31 increased DAOY and UW228 cells viability, BrdU+ numbers, and expression of CyclinD1. The migration/invasion rate and expression levels of MMP‐9 and vimentin after anti‐miR‐31 transfection were increased. Furthermore, anti‐miR‐31 enhanced cells' cisplatin resistance and triggered PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB pathways. Pre‐miR‐31 played opposite roles and promoted the apoptosis.

Conclusion

miR‐31 regulated cell growth, migration, invasion and cisplatin resistance of MB cells via PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB pathways.
Predictive immunohistochemical features for tumour response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Shinto E , Omata J , Sikina A , Sekizawa A , Kajiwara Y , Hayashi K , Hashiguchi Y , Hase K , Ueno H
Published: February 2020

Background

Reduced expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 133 and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) 2, and increased density of CD8+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes, are associated with a favourable tumour response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This study aimed to evaluate these markers in relation to tumour response after preoperative CRT in two rectal cancer cohorts.

Methods

Patients with low rectal cancer who underwent radical resection and preoperative short-term CRT in 2001–2007 (retrospective cohort) and long-term CRT in 2011–2017 (prospective cohort) were analysed. Pretreatment biopsies were stained immunohistochemically using antibodies to determine CD133 and COX-2 expression, and increased CD8+ density. Outcome measures were tumour regression grade (TRG), tumour downstaging and survival.

Results

For 95 patients in the retrospective cohort, the incidence of TRG 3–4 was 67 per cent when two or three immunohistochemistry (IHC) features were present, but only 20 per cent when there were fewer features (P < 0·001). The incidence of tumour downstaging was higher in patients with at least two IHC features (43 versus 22 per cent with fewer features; P = 0·029). The 49 patients in the prospective cohort had similar rates to those in the retrospective cohort (TRG 3–4: 76 per cent for two or more IHC features versus 25 per cent with fewer features, P < 0·001; tumour downstaging: 57 versus 25 per cent respectively, P = 0·022). Local recurrence-free survival rates in patients with more or fewer IHC features were similar in the retrospective and prospective cohort (P = 0·058 and P = 0·387 respectively).

Conclusion

Assessment of CD133, COX-2 and CD8 could be useful in predicting a good response to preoperative CRT in patients with lower rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. Further studies are needed to validate the results in larger cohorts and investigate a survival benefit.
Thermal Expansion Behavior of Thermally Expandable Microspheres Prepared by Suspension Polymerization Using P(AN‐MMA‐MAA) Core/Shell
Authors: Kim Hyun Tae , Jaladi Ashok Kumar , Lee Yong Jin , An Duk Keun
Published: February 2020

Thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs) have widespread industrial applications. In this study, high heat resistant and largely expandable TEMs have been synthesized by suspension polymerization. Microspheres were prepared with acrylonitrile (AN) as the main monomer. Initial thermomechanical analysis of TEMs containing AN and methyl acrylate (MA) showed good thermal expansion, leading to the investigation of the polymerization using various monomers at variable weight ratios. TEMs with co‐polymer AN, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and methacrylic acid (MAA) were investigated for the first time. They displayed wider heating range and larger expansion rate than the microspheres with MA monomer. The effect of varying amounts of monomer ratios on the thermal expansion behavior is discussed.
Gene polymorphisms and motor levodopa‐induced complications in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Michałowska Małgorzata , Chalimoniuk Małgorzata , Jówko Ewa , Przybylska Iwona , Langfort Józef , Toczylowska Beata , Krygowska‐Wajs Anna , Fiszer Urszula
Published: February 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of individual and combined single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine transporter (DAT), and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) genes with the occurrence of motor levodopa‐induced complications (MLIC) in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Materials and Methods

We studied 76 patients with PD (MLIC occurred in 56.6%) and 60 controls. Allelic discrimination of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680 COMT (Val158Met) genes were genotyped. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using multinominal logistic regression. Orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) analysis and OPLS discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) were used to analyze qualitative genetic data.

Results

The risk of PD in subjects with the AG BDNF genotype was increased sixfold (OR = 6.12, 95% CI = 2.88–13.02, p < .0001), and AG BDNF and AG DAT genotypes were correlated with PD in OPLS‐DA (VIP > 1). There were no differences in distributions of BDNF, DAT and COMT genotypes between PD groups with and without MLIC, while OPLS model showed that genotype combination of AG BDNF, AG DAT, and GG COMT was correlated with MLIC and genotypes combination of GG BDNF, AA DAT, and AA COMT with lack of MLIC in PD patients (VIP > 1).

Conclusions

Our results confirmed the association of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met) with the risk of PD and suggest a synergic effect of rs6265 BDNF (Val66Met), rs397595 DAT (SLC6A3), and rs4680 COMT (Val158Met) polymorphisms on the occurrence of MLIC.
Early stage neuroglobin level as a predictor of delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Ding Chenyu , Kang Dezhi , Chen Pengqiang , Wang Ziliang , Lin Yuanxiang , Wang Dengliang , Lin Zhangya , Gu Jianjun
Published: February 2020

Background

The neuroglobin (Ngb) is well recognized as a potential biomarker for the hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury. However, connection between Ngb and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is still unclear.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between early stage Ngb level of aSAH patient and the occurrence of DCI.

Methods

We evaluated 126 aSAH patients who were enrolled into a prospective observational cohort study. Serum Ngb level on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 after aSAH were determined using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. The relationship between Ngb level and DCI was analyzed.

Results

Forty‐six (36.5%) aSAH patients experienced DCI. Patients with DCI had significantly higher Ngb levels than those without (p < .001). Multivariate model analysis revealed that day 3 Ngb level remained a significant factor after adjusting for World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade, modified Fisher grade, clipping and Ngb levels on days 1, 2, 5, and 7. Sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index of day 3 Ngb level for identifying DCI were derived as 73.9%, 72.5%, and 0.46, respectively, based on the best threshold of 8.4 ng/ml. Regardless in good‐grade group or in poor‐grade group, patients having day 3 Ngb level > 8.4 ng/ml has a significantly worse DCI survival rate than those having day 3 Ngb level <=8.4 ng/ml (p = .026 and .009, respectively).

Conclusions

Serum Ngb level was significantly elevated in DCI patients. Early stage aSAH Ngb level has the potential of being used as a novel DCI occurrence predictor, especially when Ngb level was combined with WFNS grade.
Identification of nonclinical interventions for spontaneous recovery of depression using mathematical modeling
Authors: Mohan Gayathree , Kandaswamy Dinesh Kumar , Chikkaharohalli Ramakrishna Mohan Kumar
Published: February 2020

Background

In order to make a risk or vulnerability assessment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescents and suggest nonclinical interventions for spontaneous recovery for low‐vulnerable adolescents a novel network mathematical model has been proposed.

Methods

In the existing network theory, the theoretical model consists of a symptom network surrounded by the triggering factors as external field which are the cause for adolescents being diagnosed with MDD. But in our network model, the triggering external field is replaced by nonclinical interventions, easily implementable in schools and colleges with teachers as facilitators.

Results

The four variables of subjective well‐being (SWB), emotional quotient—Attention (EQ‐A), emotional quotient—Clarity (EQ‐C) and emotional quotient—Reparation (EQ‐R) were the symptoms considered for stratification of the vulnerability. The mathematical model was created using the four symptoms and the four nonclinical interventions of technology use, physical exercise, peer pressure positive and peer pressure negative, and their inter‐relationship.

Conclusion

A balance of tech use and physical exercise and of the peer pressure help maintain the adolescents in the low‐vulnerability group in our study with 227 adolescents in Bangalore. Furthermore, we predict that positive peer pressure and physical exercise could increase the EQ thus suggesting a preventive model for the onset of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Market orientation practices enhancing corporate environmental performance via knowledge creation: Does environmental management system implementation matter?
Authors: Jiang Wenbo , Rosati Francesco , Chai Huaqi , Feng Taiwen
Published: February 2020

The academic literature on environmental management has provided extensive insights into the determinants of corporate environmental performance. However, few empirical studies have explored whether and how three core components of corporate market orientation (i.e., customer orientation, competitor orientation, and interfunctional coordination) affect environmental performance. Building on institutional theory and the absorptive capacity perspective, this study investigates the relationships among market orientation, knowledge creation, and environmental performance, as well as the moderating effects of environmental management system implementation. On the basis of survey data from 237 Chinese manufacturing firms, we used hierarchical multiple regression analyses to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that knowledge creation completely mediates the influence of competitor orientation on environmental performance and partially mediates the influence of customer orientation and interfunctional coordination on environmental performance. In addition, environmental management system implementation positively moderates the relationship between knowledge exchange and environmental performance.
The clinical significance of the retromolar canal and foramen in dentistry
Authors: Ngeow Wei Cheong , Chai Wen Lin
Published: February 2020

The mandibular canal is nowadays acknowledged as a major trunk with multiple smaller branches running roughly parallel to it. Most of these accessory canals contain branches of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle that supplies the dentition, jawbone, and soft tissue around the gingiva and lower lip. This article reviews the prevalence, classification and morphometric measurements of the retromolar canal and its aperture. A retromolar canal is a bifid variation of the mandibular canal that divides from above this main canal, and travels anterosuperiorly within the bone to exit via a single foramen or multiple foramina into the retromolar fossa. This foramen, termed the retromolar foramen, allows accessory branches of the inferior alveolar neurovascular bundles to supply tissues at the retromolar trigone. Clinically, it is of the utmost importance to determine the exact location of the mandibular canal and to identify its retromolar accessory branches when surgery in the posterior mandible is to be performed.
PD‐1 inhibitors for non‐small cell lung cancer patients with special issues: Real‐world evidence
Authors: Byeon Seonggyu , Cho Jang Ho , Jung Hyun Ae , Sun Jong‐Mu , Lee Se‐Hoon , Ahn Jin Seok , Park Keunchil , Ahn Myung‐Ju
Published: February 2020

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have provided new therapeutic options for non‐small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) patients. However, due to concerning increases in immune‐related adverse events, clinical trials usually exclude patients with special issues such as viral hepatitis, tuberculosis (Tbc), interstitial lung disease (ILD) and autoimmune disease.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of NSCLC patients who received ICIs, and analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients with special issues.

Results

Between January 2015 and October 2018, 237 patients received ICIs. Of these patients, 26% (61/237) had special issues: 32 had hepatitis B viral (HBV) infections, 20 Tbc, six ILD, one HIV infection, one Behçet's disease and a past HBV infection, and one rheumatoid arthritis. The incidence of hepatitis tended to be higher in patients with HBV infections than in those without (18.8% vs 8.91%, P = .082). Severe hepatitis (grade 3 or higher) was more common in HBV‐infected patients (12.5% vs 1.9%, P = .0021), but the AEs were well‐managed. During ICI treatment, three of the 20 patients with a history of pulmonary Tbc developed active pulmonary Tbc, considered reactivations. No aggravation of ILD was noted. One RA patient experienced a disease flare and was treated with a low‐dose steroid. There was no significant difference in the overall response rate or progression‐free survival between patients with and without special issues.

Conclusion

Given the relatively low incidence of immune‐related AEs and the comparability of clinical outcomes, ICIs can be treatment option of NSCLC patients with special issues.
Theoretically informed qualitative psychotherapy research: A primer
Authors: Hissa Joana , Timulak Ladislav
Published: February 2020

This paper presents an introduction to theoretically informed qualitative psychotherapy research (QPR). Although QPR researchers have traditionally remained silent on theory, we suggest this has resulted in an implicit and unacknowledged use of theory. We argue instead for a clear articulation of qualitative researchers' theory and outline how theory can be incorporated to inform the entire qualitative research process. This approach assumes the research problem is embedded in a clearly defined and articulated theoretical framework, which also informs data collection and data analysis. We outline how researchers can use explicit theoretical frameworks to inform research question formulation, data collection and data analysis and illustrate this with specific applications of the method in practice. We believe that starting from a declared theoretical framework sets up a dialogue between the research problem, the type of data required and their meaningful analysis and interpretation. This aims not only to achieve greater depth in the final product of research, but also to enhance its utility in terms of practice; it contributes to building, altering and differentiating theory; and it allows for greater transparency by openly articulating the theoretical framework that scaffolds the entirety of the research process.
Successful treatment of acanthoma fissuratum with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide
Authors: Ramroop Shivaughn
Published: February 2020

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide is an effective treatment for acanthoma fissuratum, and recognition of this condition can negate the need for unnecessary surgical intervention.
Reactive Grinding synthesis of La(Sr,Ce)CoO3 and their properties in toluene catalytic total oxidation
Authors: Heidinger Bertrand , Royer Sébastien , Giraudon Jean‐Marc , Gardoll Olivier , Alamdari Houshang , Lamonier Jean‐François
Published: February 2020

Perovskites‐type metal oxides are an attractive alternative to noble metal‐based materials for environmental catalysis. Nevertheless, they suffer from major issues such as unattractive textural properties and lower intrinsic activities than those of noble metal counterparts. Reactive grinding (RG) has been already proved to be a powerful method to produce materials with improved textural properties. La1‐xA’xCoO3 (A’: Sr, Ce) perovskite‐type materials were synthesized by RG synthesis as a 3‐steps top down method: (i) conventional solid‐state reaction – SSR (leading to microcrystalline material); (ii) high energy ball milling – HEBM and (iii) low energy ball milling – LEBM. The physicochemical properties of perovskite materials were investigated by XRD, N2‐physisorption, H2‐TPR, O2‐TPD and XPS, while their catalytic performances were evaluated for the toluene total oxidation reaction. In this study we showed that the HEBM step leads in a drastic reduction in crystal size to nanometric scale along with aggregation into dense particles. The LEBM step allows the deagglomeration of particles and specific surface areas were significantly increased. Their performances in the toluene total oxidation increased along grinding steps and a maximum of catalytic performance was observed for La0.9Sr0.1CoO3. This material also exhibited a high catalytic stability as a function of the reaction time, under dry and wet air reaction conditions.
Self‐Assembly of DNA–Peptide Supermolecules: Coiled‐Coil Peptide Structures Templated by d‐DNA and l‐DNA Triplexes Exhibit Chirality‐Independent but Orientation‐Dependent Stabilizing Cooperativity
Authors: Lou Chenguang , Boesen Josephine Tuborg , Christensen Niels Johan , Sørensen Kasper K. , Thulstrup Peter W. , Pedersen Martin Nors , Giralt Ernest , Jensen Knud J. , Wengel Jesper
Published: February 2020

DNA nanostructures have been designed and used in many different applications. However, the use of nucleic acid scaffolds to promote the self‐assembly of artificial protein mimics is only starting to emerge. Herein five coiled‐coil peptide structures were templated by the hybridization of a d‐DNA triplex or its mirror‐image counterpart, an l‐DNA triplex. The self‐assembly of the desired trimeric structures in solution was confirmed by gel electrophoresis and small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and the stabilizing synergy between the two domains was found to be chirality‐independent but orientation‐dependent. This is the first example of using a nucleic acid scaffold of l‐DNA to template the formation of artificial protein mimics. The results may advance the emerging POC‐based nanotechnology field by adding two extra dimensions, that is, chirality and polarity, to provide innovative molecular tools for rational design and bottom‐up construction of artificial protein mimics, programmable materials and responsive nanodevices.
CO2 Methanation on Fe Catalysts Using Different Structural Concepts
Authors: Kirchner Johann , Zambrzycki Christian , Kureti Sven , Güttel Robert
Published: February 2020

The hydrogenation of carbon dioxide towards methane and water is evaluated on different types of iron catalysts. The catalysts refer to different structural concepts implying a bare iron oxide, a silica‐supported and a core‐shell system. Highest CO2 conversion of about 20 % is achieved with the bulk catalysts and the supported material. However, although revealing reduced CH4 formation rate, the core‐shell catalyst exhibits pronounced resistance against coke formation as well as thermal sintering and particle attrition upon syngas reaction.
New Bicistronic TALENs Greatly Improve Genome Editing
Authors: Martín‐Fernández José María , Fleischer Aarne , Vallejo‐Diez Sara , Palomino Esther , Sánchez‐Gilabert Almudena , Ruiz Raúl , Bejarano Yazmine , Llinàs Pere , Gayá Antoni , Bachiller Daniel
Published: February 2020

Genome editing has become one of the most powerful tools in present‐day stem cell and regenerative medicine research, but despite its rapid acceptance and widespread use, some elements of the technology still need improvement. In this unit, we present data regarding the use of a new, more efficient type of transcription activator‐like effector nuclease (TALEN) for gene editing. Our group has generated bicistronic genes in which classical TALEN coding sequences are linked by 2A elements to different reporter molecules, such as fluorochromes (TALEN‐F) or membrane receptors (TALEN‐M). This structure results in two proteins transcribed from the same transcript, of which the second (the reporter) can be used as the target for selection by fluorescence‐assisted cell sorting (FACS) or magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS). The application of these new TALEN genes allows a rapid enrichment of cells in which both members of the TALEN pair are active, thus eliminating the need for lengthy selection in culture and laborious characterization of a large number of clones. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Generation of new TALENs

Basic Protocol 2: Genome editing using TALEN‐F

Alternate Protocol 1: Generation of TALEN‐M

Support Protocol 1: mRNA in vitro transcription (IVT) of TALEN‐T2A‐reporter expression vector

Alternate Protocol 2: Editing of primary T cells using TALEN‐M

Basic Protocol 3: Verifying gene editing

Support Protocol 2: Rapid expansion protocol for edited T‐cells
Metabolic regulation of activins in healthy individuals and in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Perakakis Nikolaos , Kokkinos Alexander , Peradze Natia , Tentolouris Nikolaos , Ghaly Wael , Tsilingiris Dimitrios , Alexandrou Andreas , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: February 2020

Objective

Follistatin binds and inactivates activins, which are potent inhibitors of muscle growth and metabolism and are currently being developed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We have recently reported that follistatin is regulated by glucose (and not lipids) and can prospectively predict the metabolic improvements observed after bariatric surgery. We utilized novel assays herein to investigate whether activins are regulated by glucose or lipids, whether their circulating levels change after bariatric surgery and whether these changes are predictors of metabolic outcomes up to 12 months later.

Design and Methods

Activin A, B, AB and their ratios to follistatin were measured in (a) healthy humans (n = 32) undergoing oral or intravenous lipid or glucose intake over 6 h, (b) morbidly obese individuals with or without type 2 diabetes undergoing three different types of bariatric surgery (gastric banding, Roux‐en‐Y bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) in two clinical studies (n = 14 for the first and n = 27 for the second study).

Results

Glucose intake downregulates circulating activin A, B and AB, indicating the presence of a feedback loop. Activin A decreases (~30%), activin AB increases (~25%) and activin B does not change after bariatric surgery. The changes in activin AB and its ratio to follistatin 3 months after bariatric surgery can predict the BMI reduction and the improvement in insulin and HOMA‐IR observed 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Activins are implicated in glucose regulation in humans as part of a feedback loop with glucose or insulin and predict metabolic outcomes prospectively after bariatric surgery.
Annexin A3 is necessary for parallel artery‐vein alignment in the mouse retina
Authors: Huang Katie , Crist Angela M. , Patel Nehal R. , Blanks Avery , Carter Kelsey , Cleaver Ondine , Meadows Stryder M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Annexin A3 (Anxa3) is a member of the calcium‐regulated, cell membrane‐binding family of annexin proteins. We previously confirmed that Anxa3 is expressed in the endothelial lineage in vertebrates and that loss of anxa3 in Xenopus laevis leads to embryonic blood vessel defects. However, the biological function of Anxa3 in mammals is completely unknown. In order to investigate Anxa3 vascular function in mammals, we generated an endothelial cell‐specific Anxa3 conditional knockout mouse model (Anxa3f/f;Tie2‐Cre).

Results

Anxa3f/f;Tie2‐Cre mice are born at Mendelian ratios and display morphologically normal blood vessels during development. However, loss of Anxa3 leads to artery‐vein (AV) misalignment characterized by atypical AV crossovers in the postnatal and adult retina.

Conclusions

Anxa3 is not essential for embryonic blood vessel formation but is required for proper parallel AV alignment in the murine retina. AV crossovers associated with Anxa3f/f;Tie2‐Cre mice are similar to AV intersections observed in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), although we did not observe occluded vessels. This new Anxa3 mouse model may provide a basis for understanding AV crossover formation associated with BRVO.
Ecological fitting is a sufficient driver of tight interactions between sunbirds and ornithophilous plants
Authors: Janeček Štěpán , Chmel Kryštof , Uceda Gómez Guillermo , Janečková Petra , Chmelová Eliška , Sejfová Zuzana , Luma Ewome Francis
Published: February 2020

Plant–bird pollination interactions evolved independently on different continents. Specific adaptations can lead to their restriction when potential partners from distant evolutionary trajectories come into contact. Alternatively, these interactions can be enabled by convergent evolution and subsequent ecological fitting.

We studied the interactions between New World plants from the genus Heliconia, Asian plants of genus Etlingera and African sunbirds on a local farm in Cameroon. Heliconia spp. evolved together with hummingbirds and Etlingera spp. with spiderhunters —an oriental subgroup of the sunbird family.

Sunbirds fed on all studied plants and individual plant species were visited by a different sunbird spectrum. We experimentally documented a higher number of germinated pollen grains in sunbird‐visited flowers of Etlingera spp. For Heliconia spp., this experiment was not successful and pollen tubes were rarely observed, even in hand‐pollinated flowers, where enough pollen was deposited. The analyses of contacts with plant reproductive organs nevertheless confirmed that sunbirds are good pollen vectors for both Heliconia and Etlingera species.

Our study demonstrated a high ecological fit between actors of distinct evolutionary history and the general validity of bird‐pollination syndrome. We moreover show that trait matching and niche differentiation are important ecological processes also in semi‐artificial plant‐pollinator systems.
Novel universal primers for metabarcoding environmental DNA surveys of marine mammals and other marine vertebrates
Authors: Valsecchi Elena , Bylemans Jonas , Goodman Simon J. , Lombardi Roberto , Carr Ian , Castellano Laura , Galimberti Andrea , Galli Paolo
Published: February 2020

Metabarcoding studies using environmental DNA (eDNA) and high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) are rapidly becoming an important tool for assessing and monitoring marine biodiversity, detecting invasive species, and supporting basic ecological research. Several barcode loci targeting teleost fish and elasmobranchs have previously been developed, but to date primer sets focusing on other marine megafauna, such as marine mammals, have received less attention. Similarly, there have been few attempts to identify potentially “universal” barcode loci which may be informative across multiple marine vertebrate orders. Here we describe the design and validation of two new sets of primers targeting hypervariable regions of the vertebrate mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes, which have conserved priming sites across virtually all cetaceans, pinnipeds, elasmobranchs, boney fish, sea turtles, and birds, and amplify fragments with consistently high levels of taxonomically diagnostic sequence variation. “In silico” validation using the OBITOOLS software showed our new barcode loci outperformed most existing vertebrate barcode loci for taxon detection and resolution. We also evaluated sequence diversity and taxonomic resolution of the new barcode loci in 680 complete marine mammal mitochondrial genomes demonstrating that they are effective at resolving amplicons for most taxa to the species level. Finally, we evaluated the performance of the primer sets with eDNA samples from aquarium communities with known species composition. These new primers will potentially allow surveys of complete marine vertebrate communities in single HTS metabarcoding assessments, simplifying workflows, reducing costs, and increasing accessibility to a wider range of investigators.
Ultra‐stable and High‐rate Lithium Ion Batteries Based on Metal–organic Framework‐derived In2O3 Nanocrystals/Hierarchically Porous Nitrogen‐doped Carbon Anode
Authors: Xu Hanjiao , Wang Lei , Zhong Jiang , Wang Tao , Cao Jinhui , Wang Yaya , Li Xiuqi , Fei Huilong , Zhu Jian , Duan Xidong
Published: February 2020

Exploring electrode materials with attractive specific capacity and prominent cyclic durability is of the essence for promoting lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In2O3 has shown an extraordinary promise for LIBs with advantageous gravimetric capacity (theoretically 965 mA h g−1) and low working voltage. However, In2O3 still suffers from the inherent weaknesses of metal oxides in practical application, especially low conductivity and incorrigible volume expansion upon the cycling process. Here, we demonstrate the architecture of metal–organic framework (MOF)‐derived In2O3 nanocrystals/hierarchically porous nitrogen‐doped carbon composite (In2O3/HPNC) for ultra‐stable LIBs anode. This hierarchically porous structure (micro/meso/macro‐pores) with nitrogen doping not only ensures exceptional mechanical strength and accommodates the volume expansion of In2O3 nanocrystals, but also offers electrons and lithium ions efficient interpenetrating pathways to migrate rapidly during charge/discharge processes. Thus, In2O3/HPNC exhibits excellent cyclic stability with a high specific capacity of 623 mA h g−1 over 2000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, corresponding to an ultra‐low specific capacity decay of 0.017% per cycle (the best among the In2O3‐based anode for LIBs), and outstanding rate performance, suggesting a critical step toward achieving long‐life and high‐rate LIBs in practical devices.
Oral health and dental behaviour of patients with left ventricular assist device: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Garbade Jens , Rast Josephine , Schmalz Gerhard , Eisner Mirjam , Wagner Justus , Kottmann Tanja , Oberbach Andreas , Lehmann Sven , Haak Rainer , Borger Michael A. , Binner Christian , Ziebolz Dirk
Published: February 2020

Aims

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was the assessment of dental behaviour, oral health, as well as oral health‐related quality of life of patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Methods and results

Patients (128) with LVAD were recruited from the University Department for Cardiac Surgery at Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany. A healthy control group (HC, n = 113) was included. Dental behaviour was assessed with a standardized questionnaire, and to evaluate oral health‐related quality of life, the German short form of oral health impact profile was applied. The presence of decayed, missing, and filled teeth; dental treatment need; periodontitis severity; and periodontal treatment need were assessed. These findings were correlated to disease‐related and device‐related factors. The minority of patients used aids for interdental hygiene (16.4%). For the LVAD patients, a German short form of oral health impact profile sum score of 4.96 ± 8.67 [0.5; 0–6] was assessed. The LVAD group suffered from more missing teeth (11.91 ± 9.13 vs. 3.70 ± 3.77; P < 0.01) than HC. More severe periodontitis was found in LVAD group (LVAD = 41.4% and HC = 27.4%; P < 0.01). Periodontal treatment need was high in both groups, without a significant difference (LVAD = 84.4% vs. HC = 86.7%; P = 0.71). LVAD therapy as bridge to transplantation was correlated with periodontal treatment need (odds ratio = 11.48 [1.27; 103.86]; P = 0.03). Further correlations between treatment need and disease specific factors were not detected.

Conclusions

Patients with LVAD suffer from a high periodontal treatment need and a lack in oral behaviour. Interdisciplinary special care concepts appear recommendable to improve oral health in LVAD patients.
Pentanuclear Spirocyclic Ni4Ln Derivatives: Field Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation in the Dysprosium and Erbium Analogues
Authors: Shukla Pooja , Roy Soumalya , Dolui Dependu , Cañón‐Mancisidor Walter , Das Sourav
Published: February 2020

Five pentanuclear heterometallic isostructural complexes, [Ni4Ln(L)2(LH)2(CH3CN)3Cl]·xH2O·yCH3OH {Ln = YIII (1), GdIII (2), TbIII (3), DyIII (4) and ErIII (5)} [for 1 and 2, x = 2, y = 1; for 3, x = 6, y = 2; for 4, x = 5, y = 1; for 5, x = 2, y = 2] were prepared by the reaction of (E)‐2‐(hydroxymethyl)‐6‐{[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}‐4‐methylphenol (LH3) with LnCl3·6H2O and Ni(OAc)2·4H2O in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBA‐OH) base. The structural characterization reveals that compounds 1–5 contain a spirocyclic pentanuclear core [Ni4Ln(µ3‐O)4(µ2‐O)4]3+ where two triangular motifs [Ni2Ln(µ3‐O)2(µ2‐O)2]3+ are fused together through a common vertex of the LnIII ion. The central LnIII ion forms an eight‐coordinated distorted triangular dodecahedron geometry, while the nickel(II) ions form a distorted octahedron geometry. Comprehensive dc magnetic studies reveal that antiferromagnetic exchange interaction exists between the NiII centres. The ac susceptibility measurement revels that dysprosium and erbium analogue shows field induced slow magnetic relaxation with an anisotropic barrier (Ueff) of 25.12 cm–1 and 22.13 cm–1 respectively.
1,2‐Bis(trifluoromethylthiolation) of Aromatic Epoxides with AgSCF3
Authors: Liu Yin‐Li , Qing Feng‐Ling , Xu Xiu‐Hua
Published: February 2020

A tandem ring‐opening and deoxytrifluoromethylthiolation of aromatic epoxides with AgSCF3 and nBu4NI/KI has been developed. This protocol provides a convenient access to a series of novel 1,2‐bis(trifluoromethylthiolated) products, which has been rarely reported and might find applications in medicinal and material chemistry.
Elucidating the Relative and Absolute Configuration of Organic Compounds by Quantum Mechanical Approaches
Authors: Lauro Gianluigi , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: February 2020

Different examples of the application of quantum mechanical (QM) methods combined with experimental approaches, such as NMR spectroscopy and electronic circular dichroism (ECD), are reported to highlight their successful application in the determination of the stereochemical arrangement of organic compounds. A first part is dedicated to various examples and methodological studies based on the comparison of experimental NMR parameters (13C and 1H NMR chemical shifts, homonuclear and heteronuclear J coupling constants) and their related values calculated at the QM theory level, with particular applications in the assignment of the relative configuration of organic compounds. A final section is focused on the determination of the absolute configuration by the comparison of experimental and predicted NMR parameters and ECD spectra.
Determination of phenytoin in exhaled breath condensate using electromembrane extraction followed by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Seyfinejad Behrouz , Meshkini Ali , Habibolahi Paria , Ozkan Sibel A. , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: February 2020

Application of hollow fiber‐based electromembrane extraction was studied for extraction and quantification of phenytoin from exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Phenytoin is extracted from EBC through a supported liquid membrane consisting of 1‐octanol impregnated in the walls of a hollow fiber, and into an alkaline aqueous acceptor solution inside the lumen of the fiber. Under the obtained conditions of electromembrane extraction, that is, the extraction time of 15 min, stirring speed of 750 rpm, donor phase pH at 11.0, acceptor pH at 13.0, and an applied voltage of 15 V across the supported liquid membrane, an enrichment factor of 102‐fold correspond to extraction percent of 25.5% was achieved. Good linearity was obtained over the concentration range of 0.001–0.10 µg/mL (r2 = 0.9992). Limits of detection and quantitation were 0.001 and 0.003 µg/mL, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine phenytoin from EBC samples of patients receiving the drug. No interfering peaks were detected that indicating excellent selectivity of the method. The intra‐ and interday precisions (RSDs) were less than 14%.
Generalized dynamic analysis of structural single rocking walls (SRWs)
Authors: Kalliontzis Dimitrios , Schultz Arturo E. , Sritharan Sri
Published: February 2020

The investigation of structural single rocking walls (SRWs) continues to gain interest as they produce self‐centering lateral load responses with reduced structural damage. The simple rocking model with modifications has been shown to capture these responses accurately if the SRW and its underlying base are infinitely rigid. This paper advances previous rocking models by accounting for (1) the inelastic actions at or near the base of the SRW and (2) the flexural responses within the wall. Included in the proposed advancements are hysteretic and inherent viscous damping associated with these two deformation components so that the total dynamic responses of SRWs can be captured with good accuracy. A system of nonlinear equations of motion is developed, in which the rocking base is discretized into fibers using a zero‐length element to locate the associated compressive deformations and damage. The flexural deformations of the rocking body are captured using an elastic term, while the impact events are modeled using impulse‐momentum equations. Comparisons with experiments of structural precast concrete and masonry SRWs show that the proposed approach accurately estimates the dynamic responses of different SRWs with and without unbonded posttensioning, for various dynamic excitations and degrees of hysteretic action. Using the proposed approach, a numerical investigation employs different configurations of structural SRWs to quantify the various sources of energy loss, including hysteretic action and impact damping, during various horizontal ground motions.
Test‐Based Accountability Systems: The Importance of Paying Attention to Consequences
Authors: Lane Suzanne
Published: February 2020

The impetus for test‐based accountability systems is to improve the educational opportunities afforded to all students so as to improve their learning; therefore, integral to the validity argument of these systems is the appraisal of test‐based inferences and decisions in terms of their consequences. Both positive and negative consequences of test‐based decisions have different effects on different groups of students and in different schools, and these differential effects need to be examined as part of the validity argument and in addressing fairness issues. This paper addresses intended and potentially unintended consequences of test‐based accountability systems in the validity argument. Legislation for test‐based accountability systems, as well as studies evaluating their consequences, is discussed. A conceptual framework that provides a principled approach for evaluating both intended and unintended consequences of assessment and accountability systems, including those that arise due to using tests as policy levers for educational change, is provided.
Nonorthogonal multiple access systems optimization to ensure maximum fairness to users
Authors: Jacob Jaime L. , Abrão Taufik
Published: February 2020

In this contribution, the optimization of power proportion allocated for each user in the downlink (DL) nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems have been developed. Successive interference cancellation technique recovers users' signal with high difference between channel gains, to find the lowest optimum power proportion required to guarantee an equal data rate for all active users. Following the same approach, the optimum power proportion for each user and also the minimum total power to achieve the same rate for all users (maximum fairness) were obtained as a design goal. Moreover, the same design methodology was developed seeking to maximize the NOMA system energy efficiency (EE). It was possible to find the maximum EE point and the respective power distribution among the users for a certain circuitry power consumption. For all NOMA users, in which the optimal operation point for EE maximization was parameterized, it was possible to find the total power, power ratio, and the equal rate values. As a result, one can find the trade‐off point between EE and sum rate for each system scenario, as well as the best resource efficiency operation point. By considering the same rate for all users, the system attains maximum fairness among the users.
Fabrication of fullerene decorated by iron compound and its effect on the thermal stability and flammability for high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Guo Zhenghong , Pan Yanqun , Guo Ruifeng , Fang Zhengping
Published: February 2020

Fullerene decorated by iron compound (C60‐Fe) is fabricated via solution reaction and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Upon incorporating C60‐Fe into high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix by melt blending, the thermal and thermo‐oxidative stability of HDPE are considerably increased, the oxidative induction time (OIT) is dramatically extend. When the concentration of C60‐Fe reached 5 wt%, the onset degradation temperature in air increased from 352°C to 422°C, and the OIT dramatically delayed from 4.5 to 47.8 minutes. Moreover, from microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC), C60‐Fe can reduce the peak heat release rate (PHRR), heat release capacity (HRC), and total heat release (THR) values of the composites, all of which are very important parameters for evaluating the fire retardancy of a polymeric material.
When is informed trading more prevalent?—An examination of options trading around Indian M&A announcements
Authors: Mohil Soniya , Nayyar Reena , Patro Archana
Published: February 2020

This study examines the prevalence of informed trading around proximate‐date versus far‐date mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Further, different options strategies pursued by informed traders in proximate‐date M&As are identified. The results highlight that proximate‐date M&As are associated with a significantly higher level of informed trading vis‐à‐vis far‐date M&As. Results on the choice of options strategies highlight that risk‐averse, informed traders may pursue a straddle strategy to profit from their private information, while risk‐seeking, informed traders may use a vertical call spread strategy. Informed traders desirous of hedging their existing positions may employ a protective put strategy.
Geochronology, geochemistry, and petrogenesis of the Kezijiaer gabbros, southern Chinese Altai: Evidence for ridge subduction
Authors: Wang Zuopeng , Li Yongjun , Yang Gaoxue , Zhang Yuling , Li Hai , Zhao Yumei , Lindagato Philemon
Published: February 2020

The Chinese Altai as a key part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt is characterized by wide outcrops of Palaeozoic granitoids and minor mafic plutons. It is widely accepted that Devonian ridge subduction played an important role in the tectonic evolution of the Chinese Altai. However, Carboniferous magmatism related to ridge subduction has received little attention. Here, we report zircon U–Pb age and whole‐rock geochemistry of the Kezijiaer gabbros in the southern Chinese Altai, aiming to elucidate their emplacement age and petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating shows that the Kezijiaer gabbros were emplaced in the Early Carboniferous with a crystallization age of 348 ± 3 Ma (mean square of weighted deviates = 0.46). Geochemically, the Kezijiaer gabbros exhibit low SiO2, high MgO, Fe2O3, Ni, and Cr concentrations, as well as enrichments of light rare earth elements and large‐ ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, and U) relative to high‐field‐strength elements and heavy rare earth elements. Meanwhile, they have high TiO2, Nb/Ta, Zr/Hf, and Ti/V and low La/Yb values. These features show that the gabbros share geochemical signatures of both island arc basalt and mid‐ocean ridge basalt. Together with low La/Sm, Sm/Yb, and Dy/Yb ratios, it is suggested that the Kezijiaer gabbros mainly originated from partial melting of a spinel lherzolite mantle wedge metasomatized by subduction‐related fluids and sediment melts with input of asthenospheric components, subsequently followed by fractional crystallization of olivine and clinopyroxene. Taking into account regional geology and published data, we argue that an Early Carboniferous ridge subduction regime responsible for the Kezijiaer gabbros might have also exerted a pivotal role in the tectonic evolution processes of the Chinese Altai in the Palaeozoic.
Medical marijuana and workers' compensation claiming
Authors: Ghimire Keshar M. , Maclean Johanna Catherine
Published: February 2020

We study the effect of state medical marijuana laws (MMLs) on workers' compensation (WC) claiming among adults. Medical marijuana is plausibly related to WC claiming by allowing improved symptom management, and thus reduced need for the benefit, among injured or ill workers. We use data on claiming drawn from the Annual Social and Economic supplement to the Current Population Survey over the period 1989 to 2012, coupled with a differences‐in‐differences design to provide the first evidence on this relationship. Our estimates show that, post MML, WC claiming declines, both the propensity to claim and the level of income from WC. These findings suggest that medical marijuana can allow workers to better manage symptoms associated with workplace injuries and illnesses and, in turn, reduce need for WC. However, the reductions in WC claiming post MML are very modest in size.