bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of COI metabarcoding primers for terrestrial arthropods
Authors: Elbrecht Vasco , Braukmann Thomas WA , Ivanova Natalia V , Prosser Sean WJ , Hajibabaei Mehrdad , Wright Michael , Zakharov Evgeny V , Hebert Paul DN , Steinke Dirk
Published: June 2019

Metabarcoding can rapidly determine the species composition of bulk samples and thus aids ecosystem assessment. However , it is essential to use primer sets that minimize amplification bias among taxa to maximize species recovery. Despite this fact, the performance of primer sets employed for metabarcoding terrestrial arthropods has not been sufficiently evaluated. Thus this study tests the performance of 36 primer sets on a mock community containing 374 species. Amplification success was assessed with gradient PCRs and the 21 most promising primer sets selected for metabarcoding. These 21 primer sets where also tested by metabarcoding a Malaise trap sample. We identified eight primer sets, mainly those including inosine and/or high degeneracy, that recovered more than 95% of the species in the mock community. Results from the Malaise trap sample were congruent with the mock community, but primer sets generating short amplicons produced potential false positives. Taxon recovery from the 21 amplicon pools of the mock community and Malaise trap sample were used to select four primer sets for metabarcoding evaluation at different annealing temperatures (40-60 Co) using the mock community. Temperature did only have a minor effect on taxa recovery that varied with the specific primer pair. This study reveals the weak performance of some primer sets employed in past studies. It also demonstrated that certain primer sets can recover most taxa in a diverse species assemblage. Thus there is no need to employ several primer sets targeting the same amplicon. While we identified several suited primer sets for arthropod metabarcoding, the primer selection depends on the targeted taxonomic groups, as well as DNA quality, desired taxonomic resolution, and sequencing platform employed for analysis.
Sykelig overvektiges erfaringer ved å delta i en livsstilsintervensjon, et beskrivende design
Authors: Skyrud Randi Vangen , Trollvik Anne
Published: June 2019

The experiences and challenges faced by morbid obese subjects when participating in lifestyle intervention The aim of this study was to examine the experiences and challenges of the morbidly obese when participating in a long-term lifestyle intervention. The subjects, whom qualified as morbidly obese, participated for over a year in a group-based lifestyle intervention with ongoing treatments. A qualitative design was chosen to collect descriptive information throughout semi-structured interviews. There was a total of seven informants (male and female). Weight loss in the morbidly obese is typically achieved through conservative management and lifestyle intervention, with bariatric surgery reserved as a last option. Patients diagnosed with morbid obesity are often concerned about failing yet again after multiple attempts of weight loss. However, when guidance, education, and support from health professionals is provided in addition to active participation within a supportive group with other morbidly obese people, patients become reality-oriented and able to both initiate and sustain an effective lifestyle change.
Regulation of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in health and disease
Authors: Bär Ludmilla , Stournaras Christos , Lang Florian , Föller Michael
Published: June 2019

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is mainly produced in the bone and, upon secretion, forms a complex with a FGF receptor and coreceptor αKlotho. FGF23 can exert several endocrine functions, such as inhibiting renal phosphate reabsorption and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 production. Moreover, it has paracrine activities on several cell types, including neutrophils and hepatocytes. Klotho and Fgf23 deficiencies result in pathologies otherwise encountered in age‐associated diseases, mainly as a result of hyperphosphataemia‐dependent calcification. FGF23 levels are also perturbed in the plasma of patients with several disorders, including kidney or cardiovascular diseases. Here, we review mechanisms controlling FGF23 production and discuss how FGF23 regulation is perturbed in disease.
Sex‐Modified Effects of Depression, Low Back Pain, and Comorbidities on Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis
Authors: Perruccio Anthony V. , Fitzpatrick Jessica , Power J. Denise , Gandhi Rajiv , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Mahomed Nizar N. , Davey J. Roderick , Syed Khalid , Veillette Christian , Badley Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2019

Objective

The influence of sex on post–total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes has been variable in the literature. Though sex is often reported as an averaged effect, we undertook this study to investigate whether sex modified the influence of presurgery characteristics on post‐TKA knee pain.

Methods

This was a prospective study with data derived from 477 TKA osteoarthritis patients (279 women, 198 men). Questionnaires were completed presurgery and at 3 months postsurgery. The association between 3‐month post‐TKA knee pain and presurgery covariates (body mass index, comorbidity count, symptomatic joint count, low back pain, knee pain, and depressive symptoms) was assessed by linear regression. Sex‐specific effects were evaluated using interactions.

Results

Women had significantly worse presurgery knee pain, joint count, and depressive symptoms, and worse postsurgery knee pain, than men. With simple covariate adjustment, no sex effect on pain was found. However, sex was found to moderate the effects of comorbidities (worse for women [P = 0.013]), presence of low back pain (worse for men [P = 0.003]), and depressive symptoms (worse for men [P < 0.001]) on postsurgery pain. Worse presurgery pain was associated with worse postsurgery pain similarly for women and men.

Conclusion

The influence of some patient factors on early post‐TKA pain cannot be assumed to be the same for women and men; average effects may mask underlying associations. Results suggest a need to consider sex differences in understanding TKA outcomes, which may have important implications for prognostic tool development in TKA.
Relation of Patellofemoral Joint Alignment, Morphology, and Radiographic Osteoarthritis to Frequent Anterior Knee Pain: Data from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study
Authors: Macri Erin M. , Neogi Tuhina , Tolstykh Irina , Widjajahakim Rafael , Lewis Cora E. , Torner James C. , Nevitt Michael C. , Roux Michael , Stefanik Joshua J.
Published: June 2019

Objective

Patellofemoral (PF) alignment and trochlear morphology are associated with PF osteoarthritis (OA) and knee pain, but whether they are associated with localized anterior knee pain is unknown, which is believed to be a symptom specific to PF joint pathology. We therefore aimed to evaluate the relation of PF alignment and morphology, as well as PFOA and tibiofemoral OA, to anterior knee pain.

Methods

The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study is a cohort study of individuals with, or at risk for, knee OA. We evaluated cross‐sectional associations of PF alignment, trochlear morphology, and PF and tibiofemoral radiographic OA, with localized anterior knee pain (defined with a pain map). We used 2 approaches: a within‐person knee‐matched evaluation of participants with unilateral anterior knee pain (conditional logistic regression), and a cohort approach comparing those with anterior knee pain to those without (binomial regression).

Results

With the within‐person knee‐matched approach (n = 110; 64% women, mean age 70 years, body mass index [BMI] 30.9), PF alignment, morphology, and tibiofemoral OA were not associated with unilateral anterior knee pain. Radiographic PFOA was associated with pain, odds ratio 5.3 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.6–18.3). Using the cohort approach (n = 1,818; 7% of knees with anterior knee pain, 59% women, mean age 68 years, BMI 30.4), results were similar: only PFOA was associated with pain, with a prevalence ratio of 2.2 (95% CI 1.4–3.4).

Conclusion

PF alignment and trochlear morphology were not associated with anterior knee pain in individuals with, or at risk for, knee OA. Radiographic PFOA, however, was associated with pain, suggesting that features of OA, more so than mechanical features, may contribute to localized symptoms.
High‐Throughput Growth of Microscale Gold Bicrystals for Single‐Grain‐Boundary Studies
Authors: Gan Lucia T. , Yang Rui , Traylor Rachel , Cai Wei , Nix William D. , Fan Jonathan A.
Published: June 2019

The study of grain boundaries is the foundation to understanding many of the intrinsic physical properties of bulk metals. Here, the preparation of microscale thin‐film gold bicrystals, using rapid melt growth, is presented as a model system for studies of single grain boundaries. This material platform utilizes standard fabrication tools and supports the high‐yield growth of thousands of bicrystals per wafer, each containing a grain boundary with a unique <111> tilt character. The crystal growth dynamics of the gold grains in each bicrystal are mediated by platinum gradients, which originate from the gold–platinum seeds responsible for gold crystal nucleation. This crystallization mechanism leads to a decoupling between crystal nucleation and crystal growth, and it ensures that the grain boundaries form at the middle of the gold microstructures and possess a uniform distribution of misorientation angles. It is envisioned that these bicrystals will enable the systematic study of the electrical, optical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of individual grain boundary types.
ZnO Thin Film Flexible UV Photodetectors: Regulation on the ZnO/Au Interface by Piezo‐Phototronic Effect and Performance Outcomes
Authors: Duan Yuhan , Cong Mingyu , Jiang Dayong , Zhang Wei , Yang Xiaojiang , Shan Chuncai , Zhou Xuan , li Meng , Li Qian
Published: June 2019

The ZnO flexible ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs) with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate are manufactured successfully at room temperature, and the effect of strain on PDs performance are studied. When subjected to 0.2 tensile stress, the responsivity of PDs is increased by 20% and sensitivity is increased by 770%. This is due to the influence of piezo‐phototronic effect on the transport behavior of photogenerated carriers at the interface of ZnO/Au Schottky junction. The polarization charge generated by the piezoelectric element breaks the original thermodynamic equilibrium. As a consequence, the charge at the interface is being redistributed, and the Schottky barrier height (SBH) and depletion layer width change, thus regulating the interface characteristics. This effect has value for the optimization and regulation of the UV PDs performance. Furthermore, current study proves that the piezo‐phototronic effect not only exists in ZnO nanomaterials, but also has a significant piezo‐phototronic effect on high‐quality thin film ZnO materials. In addition, this study also provides an extension field for flexible UV PDs based on piezo‐phototronic effect of semiconductor materials.
Memristor‐Based Efficient In‐Memory Logic for Cryptologic and Arithmetic Applications
Authors: Xu Liying , Yuan Rui , Zhu Zhenhua , Liu Keqin , Jing Zhaokun , Cai Yimao , Wang Yu , Yang Yuchao , Huang Ru
Published: June 2019

As the era of big data dawns, conventional digital computers face increasing difficulties in performance and power efficiency due to their von Neumann architecture, leading to an urgent requirement for computing paradigms that can merge logic and memory. An efficient in‐memory logic approach based on unipolar memristors that is capable of implementing all 16 Boolean logic functions in the same cell in less than 3 logic steps using a thermochemical metallization cell, where the confinement of filament diameter and thus switching location have reduced the threshold voltages and improved the switching uniformity, is experimentally demonstrated. The high efficiency of the logic units allows for the construction of novel encryption hardware in which both the encryption and decryption processes are achieved by memristor logic while the encryption key is also generated from the intrinsic stochasticity of resistive switching. The memristive array is also used to implement the calculation of Hamming distance and 1‐bit binary full adder with high efficiency, thus paving a way for future non‐von Neumann computing architectures.
Steering the Self‐Assembly Outcome of a Single NDI Monomer into Three Morphologically Distinct Supramolecular Assemblies, with Concomitant Change in Supramolecular Polymerization Mechanism
Authors: Markiewicz Grzegorz , Smulders Maarten M. J. , Stefankiewicz Artur R.
Published: June 2019

Noncovalent self‐assembly creates an effective route to highly sophisticated supramolecular polymers with tunable properties. However, the outcome of this assembly process is highly dependent on external conditions. In this work, a monomeric naphthalene diimide (NDI), designed to allow solubility in a wide range of solvents, can assemble into three distinct noncovalent supramolecular species depending on solvent composition and temperature. Namely, while the self‐assembly in chlorinated solvents yields relatively short, hydrogen‐bonded nanotubes, the reduction of solvent polarity changes the assembly outcome, yielding π–π stacking polymers, which can further bundle into a more complex aggregate. The obtained polymers differ not only in their global morphology but—more strikingly—also in the thermodynamics and kinetics of their supramolecular self‐assembly, involving isodesmic or two‐stage cooperative assembly with kinetic hysteresis, respectively. Ultimately, three distinct assembly states can be accessed in a single experiment.
Hydrogen‐Bonding‐Network‐Assisted Regioselective Trifluoromethylthiolation and Sulfenylation of Electron‐Rich (Hetero)arenes
Authors: Liu Shiwen , Zeng Xiaojun , Xu Bo
Published: June 2019

We have developed an efficient and straightforward hydrogen‐bonding‐network‐assisted regioselective sulfenylation and trifluoromethylthiolation of electron‐rich arenes using the electrophilic SCF3 reagent and N‐thiosuccinimides. This catalyst‐free protocol offers good yields for a wide range of arenes and shows good functional group tolerance without any protecting groups.
Influence of poly(acrylic acid) grafting density on switchable protein adsorption/desorption of poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline)/poly(acrylic acid) mixed brushes
Authors: Gong Kai , Pan Chao , He Kang , Zhu Haikun , Chen Lijuan , Hou Mingxin , Wang Yanmei
Published: June 2019

Poly(dopamine) is employed as an anchor to obtain a series of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PMOXA) mixed brush coatings by sequential grafting to methods with PAA chains longer than PMOXA chains. Then, the prepared mixed brush coatings are rigorously characterized. The results show that the grafting density of PAA in mixed brushes could be well adjusted by changing the concentration of PAA solution used for the preparation of mixed brush coatings and the amounts of lysozyme adsorbed on PMOXA/PAA mixed brushes increase with increasing the grafting density of PAA chains while the desorption amounts decrease significantly when the grafting density of PAA is higher than one‐half of PMOXA chains. When the grafting density of PAA is about one‐half of PMOXA chains, the mixed brush could absorb high amounts of lysozyme (898.4 ng cm−2), and then more than 90% of adsorbed proteins could be released sharply by changing pH and ionic strength (I). © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 48135.
Microsatellite markers for Saussurea polylepis (Asteraceae), a vulnerable continental island species endemic to Korea
Authors: Yun Seon A , Kim Seung‐Chul
Published: June 2019

Premise

Nuclear microsatellite markers were developed for Saussurea polylepis (Asteraceae), a vulnerable species with very limited distribution in a few southwestern continental islands of the Korean peninsula, in order to facilitate future population genetic studies.

Methods and Results

Based on the Illumina sequence data, a total of 21 microsatellite primer pairs were designed and tested for their suitability. Nineteen of these primers, with two to 11 alleles per locus, were polymorphic in three natural populations of S. polylepis. The levels of expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 0.842 and 0.000 to 0.933, respectively. Sixteen of these simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were successfully cross‐amplified in five congeneric species, namely S. gracilis, S. grandifolia, and S. tanakae for all 21 loci, and S. maximowiczii and S. pulchella for 18 loci.

Conclusions

The SSR markers developed here will be useful for future population genetic studies on S. polylepis and related species.
RETRACTED: Furowanin A Exhibits Antiproliferative and Pro‐Apoptotic Activities by Targeting Sphingosine Kinase 1 in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wei Ke , Sun Haixia , Chen Xinhui , Chen Qiwang , Li Yuehong , Wu Haihao
Published: June 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common malignant bone tumors among children and young adults. Furowanin A (Fur A), one of the active ingredients of Millettia pachycarpa Benth, has been found to exert pro‐apoptotic activity in human leukemia cells. This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of Fur A against OS. The effect of Fur A on cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. Western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) were performed to determine the protein and mRNA level of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1), respectively. To validate the role of SphK1 in the pro‐apoptotic activity of Fur A, overexpressing SphK1 vector and siRNA targeting SphK1 were utilized to transfect OS cells. Moreover, an OS xenograft murine model was used to analyze the therapeutic efficacy of Fur A in vivo. Fur A treatment led to a dose‐dependent decrease in the number of viable cells. It also exhibited antiproliferative activity and significantly promoted apoptotic cell death in OS cell lines. Our results showed that the anticancer activity of Fur A was associated with downregulation of SphK1 and inactivation of its downstream signaling. The mediatory role of SphK1 was validated when the pro‐apoptotic activity of Fur A was significantly blocked by SphK1 overexpression, while SphK1 knockdown sensitized the OS cells to Fur A. We concluded that Fur A can exhibit anti‐growth and pro‐apoptotic activities in vitro and in vivo in OS by downregulating SphK1. Our study highlights the possibility of utilizing Fur A as a chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of OS. Anat Rec, 302:1941–1949, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Histochemical and Ultrastructural Study of Developing Gonial Bone With Reference to Initial Ossification of the Malleus and Reduction of Meckel's Cartilage in Mice
Authors: Shibata Shunichi , Takahashi Masato , Fujikawa Kaoru
Published: June 2019

Development of mouse gonial bone and initial ossification process of malleus were investigated. Before the formation of the gonial bone, the osteogenic area expressing alkaline phosphatase and Runx2 mRNA was widely recognized inferior to Meckel's cartilage. The gonial bone was first formed within the perichondrium at E16.0 via intramembranous ossification, surrounded the lower part of Meckel's cartilage, and then continued to extend anteriorly and medially until postnatal day (P) 3.0. At P0, multinucleated chondroclasts started to resorb the mineralized cartilage matrix with ruffled borders at the initial ossification site of the malleus (most posterior part of Meckel's cartilage). Almost all CD31‐positive capillaries did not run through the gonial bone but entered the cartilage through the site where the gonial bone was not attached, indicating the forms of the initial ossification site of the malleus are similar to those at the secondary ossification center rather than the primary ossification center in the long bone. Then, the reducing process of the posterior part of Meckel's cartilage with extending gonial bone was investigated. Numerous tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive mononuclear cells invaded the reducing Meckel's cartilage, and the continuity between the malleus and Meckel's cartilage was completely lost by P3.5. Both the cartilage matrix and the perichondrium were degraded, and they seemed to be incorporated into the periosteum of the gonial bone. The tensor tympani and tensor veli palatini muscles were attached to the ligament extending from the gonial bone. These findings indicated that the gonial bone has multiple functions and plays important roles in cranial formation. Anat Rec, 302:1916–1933, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Extra‐Framework Aluminum Species of Zeolite that Surrogate the Growth of Metal Organic Framework from Zeolite Matrix
Authors: Rani Poonam , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: June 2019

Constructing a robust hybrid material with a porous inorganic and a porous organic framework is highly intriguing owing to its diverse functionality and porosity. However, the line of synthesis is not straightforward, since their nucleation and crystal growth processes are incompatible. Here, a simple method for the fabrication of hybrid zeolite/metal–organic framework of different framework structures is developed wherein the less‐useful extra‐framework aluminum species present in the zeolite surrogate the growth of metal organic framework (MOF) from the zeolite matrix in the presence of organic linkers of the corresponding MOF. An NMR study confirms that all the octahedral Al species are converted to Al‐MOF. TGA analysis shows that 32 % Al of H‐Beta is converted to Al‐MOF. Furthermore, NH3 TPD analysis shows that most of the weak acid sites disappear but strong acid sites are preserved suggesting the utilization of weakly bound Al species of H‐Beta in the growth of Al‐MOF. The synthesis strategy is successfully demonstrated using H‐Beta, H‐ZSM‐5, and H‐Y zeolites for the growth of MIL‐53 and MIL‐96 MOFs from the zeolite matrix. This synthesis strategy enables application‐based engineering of the framework structures, functionality, and porosity of the materials.
Spatial distribution characteristics of tumor marker CA724 reference values in China
Authors: Jing Jing , Ge Miao , Yang Ziqi , Li Peng
Published: June 2019

Objects

This study aims to explore the Cancer antigen 724 (CA724) reference values spatial distribution characteristics in healthy Chinese adults. The study can provide regional reference for medical diagnosis.

Study Design

The relationship between CA724 and 25 geographical environmental factors was analyzed firstly. Artificial neural network simulation training was used to construct the prediction model. The national forecast distribution map of the CA724 reference values was obtained by the geostatistical mapping method. Analyzing and exploring the influence mechanism of geographical environment factors on CA724 reference values.

Methods

Collecting 34470 cases from more than 106 cities healthy adults CA724 reference values via several paper databases in 10 recent years. Correlation analysis, RBF artificial neural networks and trend surface analysis were applied to explore if there was any tendency of spatial variation. The Kriging interpolation of geostatistical analysis was developed to reveal the spatial distribution characteristics of the CA724 reference values.

Results

The distribution of CA724 reference values of Chinese healthy adults shows a downward trend from south to north. CA724 reference values have negative correlations with latitude, annual sunshine duration and topsoil cation exchange capacity in clay. CA724 have positive correlations with annual mean air temperature, annual mean relative humidity, and annual precipitation amount. High temperature and high humidity environment will reduce gastrointestinal function and breeze various mold bacteria. Lack of sunshine can easily lead to vitamin C deficiency in the body. These will increase the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases and gastric cancer, then increase the CA724 value.

Conclusion

CA724 reference values show spatial autocorrelation and regional variation. There are some geographical environment factors effected Chinese healthy adults CA724 reference values. Geographic factors such as sunshine, temperature, and humidity have effects on CA724 reference values can provide new ideas and directions of prevention and clinical diagnosis in the future.
“Highlighting” red nuclei by atypical posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vaysman Tetyana , Xu Prissilla , Vartanian Tara , Michalak Peter , Pike Kesley , Liu Antonio
Published: June 2019

This is a case report in which a patient with SLE had a brainstem variant of PRES, and MRI demonstrated atypical distribution of FLAIR hyperintensity in the thalami and the midbrain sparing the red nuclei bilaterally (Figure 1). This impressive lesion pattern may reveal the disease mechanisms of PRES in patients with SLE.
Pseudohyperphosphatemia in a patient with relapsed multiple myeloma after bone marrow transplantation: A case report
Authors: Kritmetapak Kittrawee , Dumrongsukit Sophon , Jinchai Jittirat , Wongprommek Panibud
Published: June 2019

Pseudohyperphosphatemia is a laboratory artifact characterized by falsely elevated serum phosphate mostly due to paraprotein interference on the conventional automated analyzer. Clinician recognition of this phenomenon and pre‐analytical preparation, including dilution or protein precipitation, can obviate unnecessary therapy and potentially unveil the diagnosis of paraproteinemia especially related to multiple myeloma.
Unique Half Embedded/Exposed PdFeCu/C Interfacial Nanoalloy as High‐Performance Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Jyoti Borah Biraj , Saikia Himadri , Goswami Chiranjita , Kashyap Hazarika Kumar , Yamada Yusuke , Bharali Pankaj
Published: June 2019

Design of high‐performance non‐Pt electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications is greatly anticipated. Herein, we have developed a unique half‐embedded and half‐exposed interfacial PdFeCu nanoalloy anchored onto carbon matrix. The stable electronic coupling between the carbon matrix and PdFeCu nanoalloy possess very fast interfacial electron transfer which in turn enhances the electron conductivity. This makes the trimetallic nanoalloy high performing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst in both basic and acidic media. The PdFeCu/C nanoalloy exhibits enhanced electrochemically active surface area than various PdFe/C bimetallics as well as benchmark 20 wt% Pt/C and Pd/C. As a result, it offers larger active sites for ORR and eased the electron transport during the electrocatalysis. It exhibits 1.5‐ and 2.4‐fold higher mass activity in comparison to the Pt/C and Pd/C. Furthermore, it exhibits long‐term stability and low onset potential compared to those of the other catalysts. Thus, the present investigation shows potential strategy for the design and synthesis of Pt‐free electrocatalyst with remarkable catalytic activity and stability.
An Alternative Carbon Carrier in Green Preparation of Efficient Gold/Carbon Catalyst for Acetylene Hydrochlorination
Authors: Lai Huixia , Wang Bolin , Yue Yuxue , Sheng Gangfeng , Wang Saisai , Feng Feng , Zhang Qunfeng , Zhao Jia , Li Xiaonian
Published: June 2019

Au catalysts supported with carbon‐based carriers have been extensively studied for the hydrochlorination of acetylene and expected to replace toxic mercury catalysts. However, removal of the highly corrosive aqua regia used in the preparation of carbon‐based catalysts while maintaining catalytic activity and stability remains a key challenge. Herein, we present a green technology carrier, activated carbon fibers (ACF), to support gold catalysts for the hydrochlorination of acetylene. TPD and XPS analyses confirmed the presence of surface oxygen‐containing functional groups (SOGs) and pyrrolic N species on the ACF. The Au/ACF−H2O catalyst exhibited better catalytic activity and stability than Au/ROX0.8(AQ)−H2O. Characterization results revealed that the catalytic properties of Au/ACF−H2O could be attributed to the anchoring and stabilization of gold active species on the SOGs, leading to atomic dispersion, and to the improvement of HCl adsorption with the synergistic effect of electron‐donating pyrrolic N groups. The results indicated that usage of this green carrier can be considered as the a new approach to reduce or eliminate the use of strong oxidizing reagents in the preparation of Au catalysts.
Phase and Vacancy Modulation in Tungsten Oxide: Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Sharma Lalita , Kumar Pawan , Halder Aditi
Published: June 2019

Defects in crystal structures often contribute to an increase in the number of catalytically active sites and, in turn, enhance the electrochemical performances. In the present work, we modulate the phase transition of tungsten oxide from hexagonal to the monoclinic by tuning annealing conditions in vacuum environment. This phase transition also accompanies the incorporation of oxygen vacancies in crystal structures. WO3‐x annealed at 550 °C (Vac‐550) shows a transition from heaxagonal to monoclinic with superior hydrogen evolution activity, exhibiting a Tafel slope of only 30 mV/dec, which is comparable that of commercial Pt/C. XRD, in situ TEM, EPR, and XPS analysis provide detailed insights into the structural transition as well as oxygen vacancy concentration of the annealed WO3‐x samples in a vacuum environment. This work paves the way towards a generalized methodology for enhancing electrochemical activity by the vacancy modulation in transition‐metal oxides.
Connections of the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus with the habenular‐interpeduncular‐raphe system
Authors: Bueno Debora , Lima Leandro B. , Souza Rudieri , Gonçalves Luciano , Leite Fernanda , Souza Stefani , Furigo Isadora C. , Donato Jose , Metzger Martin
Published: June 2019

The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg) is a hindbrain cholinergic cell group thought to be involved in mechanisms of arousal and the control of midbrain dopamine cells. Nowadays, there is increasing evidence that LDTg is also engaged in mechanisms of anxiety/fear and promotion of emotional arousal under adverse conditions. Interestingly, LDTg appears to be connected with other regulators of aversive motivational states, including the lateral habenula (LHb), medial habenula (MHb), interpeduncular nucleus (IP), and median raphe nucleus (MnR). However, the circuitry between these structures has hitherto not been systematically investigated. Here, we placed injections of retrograde or anterograde tracers into LDTg, LHb, IP, and MnR. We also examined the transmitter phenotype of LDTg afferents to IP by combining retrograde tracing with immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization techniques. We found LHb inputs to LDTg mainly emerging from the medial division of the LHb (LHbM), which also receives axonal input from LDTg. The bidirectional connections between IP and LDTg displayed a lateralized organization, with LDTg inputs to IP being predominantly GABAergic or cholinergic and mainly directed to the contralateral IP. Moreover, we disclosed reciprocal LDTg connections with structures involved in the modulation of hippocampal theta rhythm including MnR, nucleus incertus, and supramammillary nucleus. Our findings indicate that the habenula is linked with LDTg either by direct reciprocal projections from/to LHbM or indirectly via the MHb‐IP axis, supporting a functional role of LDTg in the regulation of aversive behaviors, and further characterizing LHb as a master controller of ascending brainstem state‐setting modulatory projection systems.
Optical Spectra and Fluorescence Quenching in Azaacenes Bearing Five‐Membered Rings
Authors: Hodecker Manuel , Ganschow Michael , Abu‐Odeh Mahmud , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Dreuw Andreas
Published: June 2019

Optical absorption and emission properties as well as fluorescence quenching via introduction of an additional unsaturated five‐membered ring in some azaacenes are investigated computationally. It is shown that non‐radiative decay via conical intersections or intersystem crossing is rather unlikely. Instead, the additional double bond alters the electronic structure of the first excited singlet state, turning it into a dark state with long lifetime and hence low fluorescence rate, that cannot be seen anymore with the naked eye.
Selective Transformation of CO2 and H2 into Lower Olefins over In2O3‐ZnZrOx/SAPO‐34 Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Dang Shanshan , Li Shenggang , Yang Chengguang , Chen Xinqing , Li Xiaopeng , Zhong Liangshu , Gao Peng , Sun Yuhan
Published: June 2019

Because lower olefins (C2=–C4=) are important bulk petrochemicals, their direct production from CO2 hydrogenation is highly attractive. However, the selectivity towards C2=–C4= by the modified Fischer–Tropsch synthesis is restricted to 56.7 % with high undesired methane selectivity. Here, a series of bifunctional catalysts containing In2O3‐ZnZrOx oxides and various SAPO‐34 zeolites with different crystal sizes (0.4–1.5 μm) and pore structures was developed for the production of lower olefins by CO2 hydrogenation. The C2=–C4= selectivity reached as high as 85 % among all hydrocarbons with very low CH4 selectivity of only 1 % at a CO2 conversion of 17 %. This demonstrated that the small crystal size, hierarchical pore structure, and appropriate amount of Brønsted acid sites of SAPO‐34 endowed the bifunctional catalysts with high C2=–C4= selectivity. This work shows an efficient way for developing bifunctional catalysts for direct CO2 hydrogenation to lower olefins.
Effects of interleukin‐6 receptor blockade on allergen‐induced airway responses in mild asthmatics
Authors: Revez Joana A , Bain Lisa M , Watson Rick M , Towers Michelle , Collins Tina , Killian Kieran J , O'Byrne Paul M , Gauvreau Gail M , Upham John W , Ferreira Manuel AR
Published: June 2019

Background

Interleukin (IL)‐6 signalling has been implicated in allergic asthma by animal, genetic association and clinical studies. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that tocilizumab (TCZ), a human monoclonal antibody that blocks IL‐6 signalling, can prevent the development of allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction in humans.

Methods

We performed a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, with eligible participants completing two allergen inhalation challenge tests, conducted before and after treatment with a single dose of TCZ or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the magnitude of the late asthmatic response recorded between 3 and 7 after allergen challenge. The secondary efficacy endpoint was the early asthmatic response, measured 20 min to 2 h after allergen challenge.

Results

A total of 66 patients enrolled between September 2014 and August 2017, when the trial was stopped for futility based on results from an interim analysis. Eleven patients fulfilled all eligibility criteria assessed at baseline and were subsequently randomised to the TCZ (n = 6) or placebo (n = 5) groups. Both the primary and secondary efficacy endpoints were not significantly different between the two groups. Five patients reported adverse events (AEs), three in the TCZ group (11 AEs) and two in the placebo group (four AEs). Only one AE was TCZ‐related (mild neutropenia), and there were no serious AEs. Significant treatment effects were observed for serum levels of C‐reactive protein, IL‐6 and soluble IL‐6R levels.

Conclusion

In a small proof‐of‐concept clinical trial, we found no evidence that a single dose of tocilizumab was able to prevent allergen‐induced bronchoconstriction. (Trial registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12614000123640).
Temporal and spatial dynamics of competitive parapatry in chewing lice
Authors: Hafner David J. , Hafner Mark S. , Spradling Theresa A. , Light Jessica E. , Demastes James W.
Published: June 2019

We synthesize observations from 1979 to 2016 of a contact zone involving two subspecies of pocket gophers (Thomomys bottae connectens and T. b. opulentus) and their respective chewing lice (Geomydoecus aurei and G. centralis) along the Río Grande Valley in New Mexico, U.S.A., to test predictions about the dynamics of the zone. Historically, the natural flood cycle of the Rio Grande prevented contact between the two subspecies of pocket gophers. Flood control measures completed in the 1930s permitted contact, thus establishing the hybrid zone between the pocket gophers and the contact zone between their lice (without hybridization). Since that time, the pocket gopher hybrid zone has stabilized, whereas the northern chewing louse species has replaced the southern louse species at a consistent rate of ~150 m/year. The 0.2–0.8 width of the replacement zone has remained constant, reflecting the constant rate of chewing louse species turnover on a single gopher and within a local pocket gopher population. In contrast, the full width of the replacement zone (northernmost G. centralis to southernmost G. aurei) has increased annually. By employing a variety of metrics of the species replacement zone, we are better able to understand the dynamics of interactions between and among the chewing lice and their pocket gopher hosts. This research provides an opportunity to observe active species replacement and resulting distributional shifts in a parasitic organism in its natural setting.
Development of sexual dimorphism in two sympatric skinks with different growth rates
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhao Jinming , Diaz Raul E. , Lyu Nan
Published: June 2019

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) is widespread in animals, especially in lizards (Reptilia: Squamata), and is driven by fecundity selection, male–male competition, or other adaptive hypotheses. However, these selective pressures may vary through different life history periods; thus, it is essential to assess the relationship between growth and SSD. In this study, we tracked SSD dynamics between a “fading‐tail color skink” (blue tail skink whose tail is only blue during its juvenile stage: Plestiodon elegans) and a “nonfade color” tail skink (retains a blue tail throughout life: Plestiodon quadrilineatus) under a controlled experimental environment. We fitted growth curves of morphological traits (body mass, SVL, and TL) using three growth models (Logistic, Gompertz, and von Bertalanffy). We found that both skinks have male‐biased SSD as adults. Body mass has a higher goodness of fit (as represented by very high R2 values) using the von Bertalanffy model than the other two models. In contrast, SVL and TL for both skinks had higher goodness of fit when using the Gompertz model. Two lizards displayed divergent life history tactics: P. elegans grows faster, matures earlier (at 65 weeks), and presents an allometric growth rate, whereas P. quadrilineatus grows slower, matures later (at 106 weeks), and presents an isometric growth rate. Our findings imply that species‐ and sex‐specific trade‐offs in the allocation of energy to growth and reproduction may cause the growth patterns to diverge, ultimately resulting in the dissimilar patterns of SSD.
Reduced vertebrate diversity independent of spatial scale following feral swine invasions
Authors: Ivey Matthew R. , Colvin Michael , Strickland Bronson K. , Lashley Marcus A.
Published: June 2019

Biological invasions often have contrasting consequences with reports of invasions decreasing diversity at small scales and facilitating diversity at large scales. Thus, previous literature has concluded that invasions have a fundamental spatial scale‐dependent relationship with diversity. Whether the scale‐dependent effects apply to vertebrate invaders is questionable because studies consistently report that vertebrate invasions produce different outcomes than plant or invertebrate invasions. Namely, vertebrate invasions generally have a larger effect size on species richness and vertebrate invaders commonly cause extinction, whereas extinctions are rare following invertebrate or plant invasions. In an agroecosystem invaded by a non‐native ungulate (i.e., feral swine, Sus scrofa), we monitored species richness of native vertebrates in forest fragments ranging across four orders of magnitude in area. We tested three predictions of the scale‐dependence hypothesis: (a) Vertebrate species richness would positively increase with area, (b) the species richness y‐intercept would be lower when invaded, and (c) the rate of native species accumulation with area would be steeper when invaded. Indeed, native vertebrate richness increased with area and the species richness was 26% lower than should be expected when the invasive ungulate was present. However, there was no evidence that the relationship was scale dependent. Our data indicate the scale‐dependent effect of biological invasions may not apply to vertebrate invasions.
Hypoglycaemia and treatment patterns among insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes who switched to insulin glargine 300 units/mL versus other basal insulin in a real‐world setting
Authors: Zhou Fang L. , Nicholls Charlie , Xie Lin , Wang Yuexi , Vaidya Neel , Meneghini Luigi F.
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by worsening pancreatic β‐cell function often requiring treatment escalation with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and eventually insulin. Although there is much evidence available on the initiation of basal insulins, fewer studies have investigated the effects of switching from one basal insulin to another. This study aims to evaluate treatment persistence and hypoglycaemia in adult patients with T2D on prior basal insulin who were switched to insulin glargine 300 units/mL (Gla‐300) or other basal insulins in a real‐world setting.

Materials and methods

This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of patient‐level data extracted from the Optum® Clinformatics™ database between 1 October 2014 and 30 June 2016. Adult patients (≥18 years) with T2D who were being treated with basal insulin during the 6‐month baseline period, who switched to either Gla‐300 or other basal insulins, were followed up for ≥3 months after switching. Outcomes included treatment persistence, and incidence and number of hypoglycaemic events.

Results

Of the included patients, 1204 switched to Gla‐300 and 616 switched to other basal insulins. Adjusting for baseline confounders, patients who switched to Gla‐300 were 34% less likely to discontinue their basal insulin than patients who switched to other basal insulins (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54‐0.81; P < 0.001). Patients who switched to Gla‐300 were less likely to experience hypoglycaemia at 3‐month follow‐up (odds ratio [OR] 0.56, 95% CI 0.32‐0.97; P = 0.039) and at 6‐month follow‐up (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38‐0.87; P = 0.009) compared with patients who switched to other basal insulins.

Conclusions

Patients with T2D on prior basal insulin in a real‐world setting who switched to Gla‐300 were more persistent with their basal insulin and experienced less hypoglycaemia than patients who switched to other basal insulins.
Self‐Assembly of Chiral 1,8‐Diaza‐3,6,10,13‐tetraphosphacyclotetradecanes via Dynamic Transformation of 7‐ and 14‐Membered Aminomethylphosphines
Authors: Musina Elvira , Wittmann Tatiana , Latypov Shamil , Kondrashova Svetlana , Lönnecke Peter , Litvinov Igor , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie , Karasik Andrey
Published: June 2019

Chiral 1,8‐diaza‐3,6,10,13‐tetraphosphacyclotetradecanes were obtained by condensation of 1,2‐bis(phenylphosphanyl)ethane, paraformaldehyde and optically pure (S)‐(+)‐sec‐butylamine or racemicsec‐butylamine. The covalent self‐assembly stereoselectively led to only one enantiomer, 14‐P4SSSSC2SS, starting with the optically puresec‐butylamine, and to two enantiomeric pairs, 14‐P4SSSSC2SS/14‐P4RRRRC2RRand 14‐P4SSSSC2RS/14‐P4RRRRC2RS, when employing the racemicsec‐butylamine. It was demonstrated that all stereoisomers undergo dynamic transformation into three diastereomers of 7‐membered cycles: two stereoisomers with the same configuration (rac) and one isomer with different configuration of the phosphorus atoms (mesoform) of both phosphorus atoms.
Self‐Assembly of Hexanuclear Lanthanide Carboxylate Clusters of Three Architectures
Authors: Grebenyuk Dimitry , Martynova Irina , Tsymbarenko Dmitry
Published: June 2019

Synthesis of new lanthanide‐based poly‐hydroxo clusters is a key challenge in the deliberate design of novel metal‐organic frameworks with functional properties. Most of the current approaches fail to isolate stable hexanuclear entities to be used as pre‐existing building blocks for such frameworks. Herein we highlight the new two‐step synthetic route for the new family of hexanuclear lanthanide hydroxo pivalate compounds: self‐controlled hydrolysis and subsequent introduction of amine ligand. Three different octahedral architectures stabilized by intermolecular hydrophobic interactions and intramolecular H‐bonds have been found within the system of lanthanide pivalate and diethylenetriamine, and supramolecular organization of the compounds was examined. This is the first demonstration of isolation of hollow and O‐centered LnIII6(OH)8 cluster from the same system.
Transformation of TBHQ in Lard and Soybean Oils During Room Temperature Storage
Authors: Xu Xiaolan , Bi Yanlan , Wang Hongyan , Li Jun , Xu Ziyan
Published: June 2019

Tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) has been widely used in oils and oleaginous foods as powerful antioxidants, and TBHQ can be easily converted to tert‐butylquinone (TQ) at room temperature. In this work, the changes in TBHQ and TQ contents in lard and soybean oil during storage are investigated in detail. Results show TBHQ content decreases gradually during storage as the TQ content increases in both lard and soybean oil at room temperature. Moreover, the decrement in TBHQ is much larger than the increment in TQ, and the difference increase over storage time. This suggests that TBHQ is transformed into other compounds in addition to TQ. To identify these compounds, lard containing 200 mg kg−1 of TBHQ stored for 150 days is extracted by methanol. Prep‐LC is used to purify the transformation products of TBHQ during storage. The products are identified as 2‐methylallyl‐hydroquinon and 2‐(2‐methoxy‐2‐methylpropyl)‐hydroquinone by LC/MS and NMR. The transformation mechanism of these products is also proposed.

Practical Applications: TBHQ is very prone to transformation due to its strong antioxidant activity. However, the transformation products of TBHQ in fats and oils may have an adverse effect on the shelf‐life and safety of lipid rich products. Moreover, the accuracy of TBHQ quantitative detection is also affected. The contents change of TBHQ, TQ, and other transformation products in lard and soybean oil containing 200 mg kg−1 TBHQ are investigated at room temperature. Apart from TQ, other transformation products of TBHQ are purified and identified. This work enriches the research on the transformation mechanism and products of TBHQ in lipid systems at room temperature. It provides better understanding on the safety and detection accuracy of TBHQ as well.

Lard and soybean oil containing 200 mg kg−1 tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) are stored for 150 days at room temperature. TBHQ and the transformation products of TBHQ are extracted by methanol and detected by NP‐HPLC. To identify the transformation products of TBHQ, Prep‐LC is used to isolate and purify the transformation products of TBHQ during storage. The products are identified as 2‐methylallyl‐hydroquinon and 2‐(2‐methoxy‐2‐methylpropyl)‐hydroquinone by LC‐MS and NMR. The transformation mechanism of these products is also proposed.