bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyruvate‐Kinase‐Coupled Glycosyltransferase Assays: Limitations, Struggles and Problem Resolution
Authors: Fu Huixiao , Pan Weidong , Vincent Stéphane P.
Published: August 2017

Enzyme assays involving coupled pyruvate kinase (PK) have been used for many years to monitor the activity of major classes of enzymes including glycosyltransferases. Numerous potent inhibitors have been discovered and kinetically characterized thanks to this technology. However, when inhibitors of these important enzymes are screened, PK inhibitors or activators are very often observed. In this study we report solutions to resolve the problems encountered either during the screening or during the kinetic characterization of glycosyltransferase inhibitors by means of PK‐coupled assays. The enzyme under study—WaaC—is an important glycosyltransferase involved in the bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis pathway. Firstly we showed that alternative kinases such as nucleoside 5‐diphosphate kinase (NDPK), myokinase (MK), and ADPdependent hexokinase that catalyze similar reactions to PK are prone to the same troubles. Moreover, an ADP chemosensor was used as an alternative but the sensitivity was not sufficient to allow a proper screening. Finally, we found that a stepwise PK/luciferase assay resolved the problems encountered with PK inhibitors and that a WaaC HPLC assay allowed the identification of WaaC inhibitors acting as PK activators, thus allowing false positive and false negative results linked to the coupling to PK to be eliminated.
Supraventricular microreentry in a newborn due to a giant atrial septum aneurysm
Authors: Wagner Franziska , Gebauer Roman , Wagner Robert , Paech Christian
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Supraventricular arrhythmias in neonates are rare and mostly not related to structural heart defects. We present the first case of a newborn with a supraventricular microreentrant tachycardia possibly associated with an atrial septum aneurysm and emphasize the importance of a thorough diagnostic workup allowing a fast and adequate therapy.
Synchronous Hodgkin's lymphoma and seminoma: a rare coexistence and an important lesson
Authors: Singh Prabhsimranjot , Toom Sudhamshi , Shrivastava Makhardwaj , Shaw Jason , Silver David , Balderacchi Jasminka , Lipshitz Jay
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Synchronous presentation of seminoma and lymphoma is rare but has important ramifications for the treatment of both malignancies. Without clinical vigilance, this situation may be easily missed, leading to inappropriate management. We describe a patient with synchronous seminoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma and discuss the implication on his treatment.
Catalytic Activity of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes in Acetylene Hydrogenation
Authors: Bychko Igor B. , Abakumov Alexander A. , Lemesh Natasha V. , Strizhak Peter E.
Published: August 2017

The hydrogenation of acetylene was investigated on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with an average diameter of 35 nm and prepared by chemical vapor deposition from ethylene. The MWCNT structure and surface‐oxygen‐containing functional groups were verified by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Boehm titration. Significant differences in the surface functionalities of the MWCNTs were found before and after catalysis, but the morphology of the MWCNTs did not change. During catalysis, the MWCNTs are characterized by a large number of defects and the surface is functionalized with hydroxy and carbonyl groups. The MWCNTs demonstrated high selectivity towards ethylene formation. The formation of methane was not recorded. Our study indicates that acetylene hydrogenation proceeds according to a Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism.
Rhombic Dodecahedron ZIF‐8 Precursor: Designing Porous N‐Doped Carbon for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Yang , Wei Gangya , Pan Liudi , Xiong Mingyan , Yan Honglin , Li Yuxi , Lu Cong , Qiao Yun
Published: August 2017

The design and synthetic strategy of nanostructure electrodes are crucial in the rapid development of sodium‐ion batteries for energy storage device. Rhombic dodecahedral N‐doped carbon with a porous structure has been prepared by using ZIF‐8 as the precursor, which could be beneficial for electrolyte permeation as well as electron and ion transportation. The nitrogen content and surface structure can be adjusted by controlling the heating temperature. As an anode for sodium‐ion batteries, the as‐derived porous N‐doped carbon with a rhombic dodecahedral structure demonstrates a very high reversible capacity above 300 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, as well as a good cycle stability and excellent rate capability, which could make it an excellent candidate for sodium‐ion batteries with high performance. Additionally, the as‐assembled full cell, using Prussian blue as the cathode, displays a capacity of 76 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 50 cycles. In this way, this work will expand the application of metal‐organic frameworks and their derivatives in large‐scale electric energy storage.
Accessible 3D Integrative Paper Electrode Shapes: All‐Carbon Dual‐Ion Batteries with Optimum Packaging Performances
Authors: Shi Xiaoyuan , Deng Ting , Zhang Bingsen , Zhang Wei , Sui Lu , Yang He , Wang Dong , Shi Wen , Chen Cheng‐Meng , Zheng Weitao
Published: August 2017

Dual‐ion batteries are promising devices, owing to their compatibility of high energy density and high power density, provide that the volume expansion of positive graphite and the decomposition of the electrolyte are well addressed. Herein, we report a facile strategy of using low‐cost carbon fiber paper for package enhancement of dual‐ion batteries. The three‐dimensional structure offers both conductivity and structure integrity, while the highly graphitic fiber paper endows the high intercalation potential towards high energy density. High stability results from such integrative electrode structure. Matching with electrical double‐layer capacitive graphene and ionic liquids, with a wide electrochemical stability window, a dual‐ion battery has been fabricated to achieve a specific energy of 149 Wh/kg at a specific power of 1011 W/kg, and the specific energy retains 85 % after 1000 cycles. This accessible 3D paper electrode provides a new route for an integral electrode construct that can be used in ultrastable, high‐efficiency energy‐storage devices.
Post‐modified non‐negative matrix factorization for deconvoluting the gene expression profiles of specific cell types from heterogeneous clinical samples based on RNA‐sequencing data
Authors: Liu Yuan , Liang Yu , Kuang Qifan , Xie Fanfan , Hao Yingyi , Wen Zhining , Li Menglong
Published: August 2017

The application of supervised algorithms in clinical practice has been limited by the lack of information on pure cell types. Several supervised algorithms have been proposed to estimate the gene expression patterns of specific cell types from heterogeneous samples. Post‐modified non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF), the unsupervised algorithm we proposed here, is capable of estimating the gene expression profiles and contents of the major cell types in cancer samples without any prior reference knowledge. Post‐modified NMF was first evaluated using simulation data sets and then applied to deconvolution of the gene expression profiles of cancer samples. It exhibited satisfactory performance with both the validation and application data. For application in 3 types of cancer, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified from the deconvoluted gene expression profiles of tumor cells were highly associated with the cancer‐related gene sets. Moreover, the estimated proportions of tumor cells showed significant difference between the 2 compared patient groups in clinical endpoints. Our results indicated that the post‐modified NMF can efficiently extract the gene expression patterns of specific cell types from heterogeneous samples for subsequent analysis and prediction, which will greatly benefit clinical prognosis.
FTIR‐ATR adulteration study of hempseed oil of different geographic origins
Authors: Jović Ozren , Jović Alan
Published: August 2017

Adulteration of hempseed (H) oil, a well‐known health beneficial nutrient, is studied in this work by mixing it with cheap and widely used oils such as rapeseed (R) oil and sesame (Se) and sunflower (Su) oil. Many samples of different geographic origins were taken into account. Binary mixture sets of hempseed oil with these 3 oils (HR, HSe, and HSu) were considered. FTIR spectra of pure oils and their mixtures were recorded, and quantitative analyses were performed using partial least squares regression (PLS) and first‐break forward interval PLS methods (FB‐FiPLS). The obtained results show that each particular oil can be very successfully quantified (R2(val) > 0.995, RMSECV 0.9%–2.9%, RMSEP 1.0%–3.2%). This means that FTIR coupled with multivariate methods can rapidly and effectively determine the level of adulteration in the adulterated hempseed oil for these studied and frequently used adulterant oils. Also, the relevant variables selected by FB‐FiPLS could be used for verification of hempseed oil adulteration.
Mild N‐Alkylation of Amines with Alcohols Catalyzed by the Acetate Ru(OAc)2(CO)(DiPPF) Complex
Authors: Figliolia Rosario , Baldino Salvatore , Nedden Hans G. , Zanotti‐Gerosa Antonio , Baratta Walter
Published: August 2017

The acetate complex Ru(OAc)2(DiPPF) (2) obtained from Ru(OAc)2(PPh3)2 (1) and 1,1′‐bis(diisopropylphosphino)ferrocene (DiPPF) reacts cleanly with formaldehyde affording Ru(OAc)2(CO)(DiPPF) (3) in high yield. The monocarbonyl complex 3 (0.4‐2 mol %) efficiently catalyzes the N‐alkylation of primary and secondary alkyl and aromatic amines using primary alcohols ROH (R=Et, nPr, nBu, PhCH2) under mild reaction conditions (30–100 °C) with an alcohol/amine molar ratio of 10‐100. Formation of the monohydride RuH(OAc)(CO)(DiPPF) (4) has been observed by reaction of 3 with iPrOH in the presence of NEt3 at RT through an equilibrium reaction.
Second Generation Grp94‐Selective Inhibitors Provide Opportunities for the Inhibition of Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Crowley Vincent M. , Huard Dustin J. E. , Lieberman Raquel L. , Blagg Brian S. J.
Published: August 2017

Glucose regulated protein 94 (Grp94) is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) resident isoform of the 90 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) family and its inhibition represents a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of many diseases. Modification of the first generation cis‐amide bioisostere imidazole to alter the angle between the resorcinol ring and the benzyl side chain via cis‐amide replacements produced compounds with improved Grp94 affinity and selectivity. Structure–activity relationship studies led to the discovery of compound 30, which exhibits 540 nm affinity and 73‐fold selectivity towards Grp94. Grp94 is responsible for the maturation and trafficking of proteins associated with cell signaling and motility, including select integrins. The Grp94‐selective inhibitor 30 was shown to exhibit potent anti‐migratory effects against multiple aggressive and metastatic cancers.
Identification of a Potent Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase Pan Inhibitor Displaying a Strategic Carboxylic Acid Group and Development of Its Prodrugs
Authors: Pirali Tracey , Ciraolo Elisa , Aprile Silvio , Massarotti Alberto , Berndt Alex , Griglio Alessia , Serafini Marta , Mercalli Valentina , Landoni Clarissa , Campa Carlo Cosimo , Margaria Jean Piero , Silva Rangel L. , Grosa Giorgio , Sorba Giovanni , Williams Roger , Hirsch Emilio , Tron Gian Cesare
Published: August 2017

Activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway is a key signaling event in cancer, inflammation, and other proliferative diseases. PI3K inhibitors are already approved for some specific clinical indications, but their systemic on‐target toxicity limits their larger use. In particular, whereas toxicity is tolerable in acute treatment of life‐threatening diseases, this is less acceptable in chronic conditions. In the past, the strategy to overcome this drawback was to block selected isoforms mainly expressed in leukocytes, but redundancy within the PI3K family members challenges the effectiveness of this approach. On the other hand, decreasing exposure to selected target cells represents a so‐far unexplored alternative to circumvent systemic toxicity. In this manuscript, we describe the generation of a library of triazolylquinolones and the development of the first prodrug pan‐PI3K inhibitor.
A novel relationship for schizophrenia, bipolar and major depressive disorder Part 3: Evidence from chromosome 3 high density association screen
Authors: Chen Xing , Long Feng , Cai Bin , Chen Xiaohong , Chen Gang
Published: August 2017

Familial clustering of schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) was systematically reported (Aukes et al, Genet Med 2012, 14, 338‐341) and convergent evidence from genetics, symptomatology, and psychopharmacology imply that there are intrinsic connections between these three major psychiatric disorders, for example, any two or even three of these disorders could co‐exist in some families. A total of 60, 838 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 3 were genotyped by Affymetrix Genome‐Wide Human SNP array 6.0 on 119 SCZ, 253 BPD (type‐I), 177 MDD patients and 1,000 controls. Thepopulation ofShandong province was formed in 14 century and believed that it belongs to homogenous population. Associated SNPs were systematically revealed and outstanding susceptibility genes (CADPS, GRM7,KALRN, LSAMP, NLGN1, PRICKLE2, ROBO2) were identified. Unexpectedly, flanking genes for the associated SNPs distinctive for BPD and/or MDD were replicated in an enlarged cohort of 986 SCZ patients. The evidence from this chromosome 3 analysis supports the notion that both of bipolar and MDD might be subtypes of schizophrenia rather than independent disease entity. Also, a similar finding was detected on chromosome 5, 6, 7, and 8 (Chen et al. Am J Transl Res 2017;9 (5):2473–2491; Curr Mol Med 2016;16(9):840–854; Behav Brain Res 2015;293:241–251; Mol Neurobiol 2016. doi: 10.1007/s12035‐016‐0102‐1). Furthermore,PRICKLE2play an important role in the pathogenesis of three major psychoses in this population.
The transcription factor Phox2b distinguishes between oral and non‐oral sensory neurons in the geniculate ganglion
Authors: Ohman‐Gault Lisa , Huang Tao , Krimm Robin
Published: August 2017

Many basic characteristics of gustatory neurons remain unknown, partly due to the absence of specific markers. Some neurons in the geniculate ganglion project to taste regions in the oral cavity, whereas others innervate the outer ear. We hypothesized that the transcription factor Phox2b would identify oral cavity‐projecting neurons in the geniculate ganglion. To test this possibility, we characterized mice in which Phox2b‐Cre mediated gene recombination labeled neurons with tdTomato. Nerve labeling revealed that all taste neurons projecting through the chorda tympani (27%) and greater superficial petrosal nerves (15%) expressed Phox2b during development, whereas non‐oral somatosensory neurons (58%) in the geniculate ganglion did not. We found tdTomato‐positive innervation within all taste buds. Most (57%) of the fungiform papillae had labeled innervation only in taste buds, whereas 43% of the fungiform papillae also had additional labeled innervation to the papilla epithelium. Chorda tympani nerve transection eliminated all labeled innervation to taste buds, but most of the additional innervation in the fungiform papillae remained. Some of these additional fibers also expressed tyrosine hydroxylase, suggesting a sympathetic origin. Consistent with this, both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers innervating blood vessels and salivary glands contained tdTomato labeling. Phox2b‐tdTomato labels nerve fascicles in the tongue of the developing embryo and demonstrates a similar stereotyped branching pattern DiI‐labeling.
Selective synaptic connections in the retinal pathway for night vision
Authors: Beaudoin Deborah L. , Kupershtok Mania , Demb Jonathan B.
Published: August 2017

The mammalian retina encodes visual information in dim light using rod photoreceptors and a specialized circuit: rods→rod bipolar cells→AII amacrine cell. The AII amacrine cell uses sign‐conserving electrical synapses to modulate ON cone bipolar cell terminals and sign‐inverting chemical (glycinergic) synapses to modulate OFF cone cell bipolar terminals; these ON and OFF cone bipolar terminals then drive the output neurons, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), following light increments and decrements, respectively. The AII amacrine cell also makes direct glycinergic synapses with certain RGCs, but it is not well established how many types receive this direct AII input. Here, we investigated functional AII amacrine→RGC synaptic connections in the retina of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) by recording inhibitory currents from RGCs in the presence of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) antagonists. This condition isolates a specific pathway through the AII amacrine cell that does not require iGluRs: cone→ON cone bipolar cell→AII amacrine cell→RGC. These recordings show that AII amacrine cells make direct synapses with OFF Alpha, OFF Delta and a smaller OFF transient RGC type that co‐stratifies with OFF Alpha cells. However, AII amacrine cells avoid making synapses with numerous RGC types that co‐stratify with the connected RGCs. Selective AII connections ensure that a privileged minority of RGC types receives direct input from the night‐vision pathway, independent from OFF bipolar cell activity. Furthermore, these results illustrate the specificity of retinal connections, which cannot be predicted solely by co‐stratification of dendrites and axons within the inner plexiform layer.
Designing Efficient Catalysts through Bimetallic Architecture: Rh@Pt Nanocubes as a Case Study
Authors: Harak Ethan W. , Koczkur Kallum M. , Harak Dale W. , Patton Paul , Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: August 2017

Bimetallic nanocatalysts often have increased activities and stabilities over their monometallic counterparts due to surface strain effects and electron transfer between the two metals. Here, we demonstrate that the performance of a nanocatalyst can be precisely manipulated in shape‐controlled nanocrystals through a bimetallic core@shell architecture. This ability is achieved in a model core@shell Rh@Pt nanocube system through control of shell thickness. The enhanced performance with thin‐shelled nanocrystals is correlated with the weakening of surface–adsorbate interactions. In these thin‐shelled Rh@Pt nanocubes, the maximum current density achieved during formic acid oxidation was over 2 times greater than that achieved with similarly sized Pt nanocubes, with a decreased CO poisoning ratio as well. The strategy employed here should also enhance the performance of many other bimetallic nanomaterials composed of more cost‐effective metals too.
Critical Percolation and the Minimal Spanning Tree in Slabs
Authors: Newman Charles , Tassion Vincent , Wu Wei
Published: August 2017

The minimal spanning forest on ℤd is known to consist of a single tree for d ≤ 2 and is conjectured to consist of infinitely many trees for large d. In this paper, we prove that there is a single tree for quasi‐planar graphs such as ℤ2 × {0,…,k}d−2. Our method relies on generalizations of the “gluing lemma” of Duminil‐Copin, Sidoravicius, and Tassion. A related result is that critical Bernoulli percolation on a slab satisfies the box‐crossing property. Its proof is based on a new Russo‐Seymour‐Welsh‐type theorem for quasi‐planar graphs. Thus, at criticality, the probability of an open path from 0 of diameter n decays polynomially in n. This strengthens the result of Duminil‐Copin et al., where the absence of an infinite cluster at criticality was first established. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of stream‐based live data migration strategy in the cloud
Authors: Ma Kun , Yang Bo , Yu Ziqiang
Published: August 2017

Live data migration in the cloud is responsible to migrate blocks of data from one emigration node to several immigration nodes. However, live data migration strategy is a NP‐hard problem like task scheduling. Recently, in‐stream processing is a new technique to process large‐scale data nearly instantaneously. This framework works fast that all decisions are made without a continuous stream of events. In this paper, we explore a real‐time live data migration strategy with stream processing paradigm. First, the nonlinear migration cost model and balance model are introduced as the metrics to evaluate the data migration strategy. Subsequently, a live data migration strategy with particle swarm optimization (PSO) is proposed. Two improvement measures called loop context and particle grouping are proposed. As an improvement of stream processing framework, nested loop context structure is a feedback to support iterative optimization algorithm. As an improvement of PSO, grouping particles before in‐stream processing are to speed up the convergence rate of PSO. Afterwards, we rebuild stream processing framework to implement these methods. The experimental results show the best performance of our method.
Modeling online user product interest for recommender systems and ergonomics studies
Authors: Sulikowski Piotr , Zdziebko Tomasz , Turzyński Dominik
Published: August 2017

This paper presents use of a tool built to monitor human‐website interaction without the need for eye tracking. Behavior indicators calculated from data collected by the tool can be used for many purposes such as web ergonomics enhancement, content adaptation, and, in particular, recommender systems. A random‐forests‐based modeling approach is shown as a generalization for earlier decision‐tree classification approach. Results of a usability survey conducted within the study are presented.
pH‐Driven Wetting Switchability of Electrodeposited Superhydrophobic Copolymers of Pyrene Bearing Acid Functions and Fluorinated Chains
Authors: Ramos Chagas Gabriela , Kiryanenko Denis , Godeau Guilhem , Guittard Frédéric , Darmanin Thierry
Published: August 2017

A smart stimuli‐responsive surface was fabricated by the electro‐copolymerization of pyrene monomers followed by base and acid treatment. Copolymers of pyrenes bearing fluorinated chains (Py‐nF6) and acid functions (Py‐COOH) were produced with different molar concentrations of each monomer (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 % of Py‐nF6 vs. Py‐COOH) by an electrochemical process. Two different perfluorinated pyrenes containing ester and amide groups were used to reach superhydrophobic properties. The relation of those bonds with the final properties of the surface was explored. The pH‐sensitive group of Py‐COOH allowed the surfaces to be reversibly switched from superhydrophobic (water contact angle>θw>150° and very low hysteresis) to hydrophilic (θw<90°). The amide and ester bonds influenced the recovery of the original wettability after both base and acid treatment. Although the fluorinated homopolymer with ester bonds was insensitive to base and acid treatment due to its superhydrophobic properties with ultralow water adhesion, the recovery of the original wettability for the copolymers was much more important with amide bonds due to the amide functional groups be more resistant to the hydrolysis reaction. This strategy offered the opportunity to access superhydrophobic films with switchable wettability by simple pH treatment. The films proved to be a good tool for use in biological applications, for example, as a bacterial‐resistant film if superhydrophobic and as a bacterial‐adherent film if hydrophilic.
Energy harvesting and computing enabled data broadcasting in mobile social networks
Authors: Wang Xiang , Leng Supeng , Ou Shumao , Zhao Quanxin , Qiao Guanhua
Published: August 2017

With the wide use of mobile phones, data broadcasting in mobile social networks benefits from the cooperative relaying among users. The performance of data broadcasting is often affected by 2 tough challenges, ie, inefficient data broadcasting caused by limited communication ranges of devices and intermittent network connectivity, and uncooperative data delivery as the energy cost for data broadcasting and algorithm computing. This paper explores the collaboration of communication, computing, and energy to improve the performance of data broadcasting and cope with the energy cost for communication and computation. We propose a data broadcasting scheme with the cooperation of communication and computing, which contains the relay selection and data dissemination algorithms. In the relay selection algorithm, social knowledge is exploited to measure user's capacity of data broadcasting, and the relay selection is formulated as a maximum weighted independent set problem. The data dissemination is integrated with algorithm computing by using edge computing among the relay nodes. Moreover, an energy allocation scheme under limited energy constrains is proposed to balance the energy consumed by data broadcasting and algorithm computing. With the aid of base station, we integrate radio frequency–based energy harvesting and beamforming technologies into mobile social networks. A Markov decision process–based energy transmission scheme is designed to supplement devices' energy capacity. Finally, simulation results indicate that the proposed schemes effectively improve the performance of data broadcasting and provide energy supplement for communication and computation.
Joint routing and mobile VM selection algorithm in multihop C‐RAN networks
Authors: Liu Peng , Xu Gaochao , Yang Kun , Ge Jiaqi , Kuang Zhejun
Published: August 2017

By combining the cloud radio access network (C‐RAN) and mobile cloud computing, the communication and computation cooperation is convenient to implement, and the mobile operators are able to provide better service for mobile users as well as decrease their construction funds. However, owing to the deficient bandwidths and far distances, some mobile devices are not able to access mobile cloud through C‐RAN directly. In this paper, we propose a multihop C‐RAN network to access mobile cloud that organizes the user equipment (UE) in the C‐RAN into self‐organized network, regarding UEs as relay routers to access the mobile cloud. Under the proposed architecture, the UEs far from remote radio heads are able to access C‐RAN by ad hoc network while the UEs near the remote radio heads will access C‐RAN directly. Besides, considering the benefit of both operators and mobile users, we propose a joint routing and mobile virtual machine (VM) selection algorithm based on the proposed multihop C‐RAN networks where the route is selected for task data transmission, and the VM in the mobile cloud is selected for task execution, which minimizes the total energy cost under the premise of satisfying the task response time required by user. The simulation result shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms conventional separate routing and VM selection on energy saving.
Decrease of ethyl glucuronide concentrations in hair after exposure to chlorinated swimming pool water
Authors: Luginbühl Marc , Nussbaumer Susanne , Weinmann Wolfgang
Published: August 2017

The direct alcohol marker ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is widely used for the assessment of alcohol consumption behavior and abstinence monitoring by hair analysis. We investigated the influence of chlorinated swimming pool water on EtG concentrations in hair in comparison to deionized water (Milli‐Q) containing no chlorine. EtG concentrations were measured with a validated online solid‐phase extraction–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (SPE–LC–MS/MS) method. EtG positive hair samples were obtained from 3 regular drinkers and incubated for 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours at room temperature. EtG concentrations in hair were reduced after 2 hours of incubation in chlorinated water by 20 ± 12% (range: 4–33%), in deionized water by 24 ± 5% (range: 18–29%). Incubation for 10 hours resulted in a decrease in EtG concentrations of 57 ± 6% (range: 52–65%) for chlorinated water and 47 ± 11% (range: 32–60%) for deionized water. To demonstrate washout in forensic hair samples, 20 samples from subjects with known alcohol consumption behavior were investigated additionally. The samples were divided into 2 strands and analyzed with incubation in chlorinated water for 10 hours and for comparison without any incubation. A mean decrease of 53 ± 18% (range: 26–88%) was observed. These results clearly demonstrate that washout effects are caused by water and have a significant impact on EtG concentrations in hair. For people with hair that are regularly exposed to water for a longer period (eg. swimmers), washout effects may lead to a significant decrease of EtG concentrations in hair. Concentrations may fall below threshold concentrations used for the interpretation of consumption habits (7 pg/mg for social consumption, 30 pg/mg for excessive consumption).
Single nucleotide editing without DNA cleavage using CRISPR/Cas9‐deaminase in the sea urchin embryo
Authors: Shevidi Saba , Uchida Alicia , Schudrowitz Natalie , Wessel Gary M. , Yajima Mamiko
Published: August 2017

Background: A single base pair mutation in the genome can result in many congenital disorders in humans. The recent gene editing approach using CRISPR/Cas9 has rapidly become a powerful tool to replicate or repair such mutations in the genome. These approaches rely on cleaving DNA, while presenting unexpected risks. Results: In this study, we demonstrate a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system fused to cytosine deaminase (Cas9‐DA), which induces a single nucleotide conversion in the genome. Cas9‐DA was introduced into sea urchin eggs with sgRNAs targeted for SpAlx1, SpDsh, or SpPks, each of which is critical for skeletogenesis, embryonic axis formation, or pigment formation, respectively. We found that both Cas9 and Cas9‐DA edit the genome, and cause predicted phenotypic changes at a similar efficiency. Cas9, however, resulted in significant deletions in the genome centered on the gRNA target sequence, whereas Cas9‐DA resulted in single or double nucleotide editing of C to T conversions within the gRNA target sequence. Conclusions: These results suggest that the Cas9‐DA approach may be useful for manipulating gene activity with decreased risks of genomic aberrations. Developmental Dynamics 246:1036–1046, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
feedr and animalnexus.ca: A paired R package and user‐friendly Web application for transforming and visualizing animal movement data from static stations
Authors: LaZerte Stefanie E. , Reudink Matthew W. , Otter Ken A. , Kusack Jackson , Bailey Jacob M. , Woolverton Austin , Paetkau Mark , de Jong Adriaan , Hill David J.
Published: August 2017

Radio frequency identification (RFID) provides a simple and inexpensive approach for examining the movements of tagged animals, which can provide information on species behavior and ecology, such as habitat/resource use and social interactions. In addition, tracking animal movements is appealing to naturalists, citizen scientists, and the general public and thus represents a tool for public engagement in science and science education. Although a useful tool, the large amount of data collected usingRFIDmay quickly become overwhelming. Here, we present an R package (feedr) we have developed for loading, transforming, and visualizing time‐stamped, georeferenced data, such asRFIDdata collected from static logger stations. Using our package, data can be transformed from rawRFIDdata to visits, presence (regular detections by a logger over time), movements between loggers, displacements, and activity patterns. In addition, we provide several conversion functions to allow users to format data for use in functions from other complementary R packages. Data can also be visualized through static or interactive maps or as animations over time. To increase accessibility, data can be transformed and visualized either through R directly, or through the companion site:http://animalnexus.ca, an online, user‐friendly, R‐based Shiny Web application. This system can be used by professional and citizen scientists alike to view and study animal movements. We have designed this package to be flexible and to be able to handle data collected from other stationary sources (e.g., hair traps, static very high frequency (VHF) telemetry loggers, observations of marked individuals in colonies or staging sites), and we hope this framework will become a meeting point for science, education, and community awareness of the movements of animals. We aim to inspire citizen engagement while simultaneously enabling robust scientific analysis.
Natives and non‐natives plants show different responses to elevation and disturbance on the tropical high Andes of Ecuador
Authors: Sandoya Verónica , Pauchard Aníbal , Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: August 2017

The aim was to assess patterns of plant diversity in response to elevation and disturbance in a tropical mountain. The study area was located in north‐central portion of the Eastern Cordillera of the Ecuadorian Andes, on a road from 1,150 m a.s.l. (Osayacu) to 4,000 (Papallacta). Along a mountain road spanning a wide altitudinal gradient, at 20 elevations we sampled three plots: one at the roadside and two perpendicular to the roadside. The relationship between elevation and species richness was assessed using linear and quadratic regressions, the effect of disturbance on species richness was determined byANCOVAand attest with parameters obtained from quadratic equations. Similarity of species composition among the roadside and sites distant was evaluated with the Chao‐Jaccard and classic Jaccard similarity indices, the distribution of non‐native species according to their origin were analyzed with linear and quadratic regression. The native species showed a linearly monotonic decrease with elevation, whereas non‐natives showed a quadratic distribution. Disturbed areas had the greatest number of non‐native species and lower native species richness, showing also a high floristic similarity; less disturbed areas showed the opposite. The non‐native species of temperate origin were more numerous and showed unimodal elevational distribution, while species of tropical origin were few and decreased linearly with elevation. We conclude that in a tropical highland mountain range, native and non‐native plant species respond differently to elevation: native species exhibit a monotonically linear decrease, and non‐native species show a unimodal trend. Disturbance positively affects non‐native species showing higher richness and fewer species turnover. In addition, the non‐native species are located along of the elevational gradient in relation to their biogeographic origin.
Among‐tree variability and feedback effects result in different growth responses to climate change at the upper treeline in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Jochner Matthias , Bugmann Harald , Nötzli Magdalena , Bigler Christof
Published: August 2017

Upper treeline ecotones are important life form boundaries and particularly sensitive to a warming climate. Changes in growth conditions at these ecotones have wide‐ranging implications for the provision of ecosystem services in densely populated mountain regions like the European Alps. We quantify climate effects on short‐ and long‐term tree growth responses, focusing on among‐tree variability and potential feedback effects. Although among‐tree variability is thought to be substantial, it has not been considered systematically yet in studies on growth–climate relationships. We compiled tree‐ring data including almost 600 trees of major treeline species (Larix decidua, Picea abies, Pinus cembra, and Pinus mugo) from three climate regions of the Swiss Alps. We further acquired tree size distribution data using unmanned aerial vehicles. To account for among‐tree variability, we employed information‐theoretic model selections based on linear mixed‐effects models (LMMs) with flexible choice of monthly temperature effects on growth. We isolated long‐term trends in ring‐width indices (RWI) in interaction with elevation. The LMMs revealed substantial amounts of previously unquantified among‐tree variability, indicating different strategies of single trees regarding when and to what extent to invest assimilates into growth. Furthermore, the LMMs indicated strongly positive temperature effects on growth during short summer periods across all species, and significant contributions of fall (L. decidua) and current year's spring (L. decidua, P. abies). In the longer term, all species showed consistently positive RWI trends at highest elevations, but different patterns with decreasing elevation. L. decidua exhibited even negative RWI trends compared to the highest treeline sites, whereas P. abies, P. cembra, and P. mugo showed steeper or flatter trends with decreasing elevation. This does not only reflect effects of ameliorated climate conditions on tree growth over time, but also reveals first signs of long‐suspected negative and positive feedback of climate change on stand dynamics at treeline.
Relationships between aboveground biomass and plant cover at two spatial scales and their determinants in northern Tibetan grasslands
Authors: Jiang Yanbin , Zhang Yangjian , Wu Yupeng , Hu Ronggui , Zhu Juntao , Tao Jian , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2017

The relationships between cover and AGB for the dominant and widely distributed alpine grasslands on the northern Tibetan Plateau is still not fully examined. The objectives of this study are to answer the following question: (1) How does aboveground biomass (AGB) of alpine grassland relate to plant cover at different spatial scales? (2) What are the major biotic and abiotic factors influencing on AGB–cover relationship? A community survey (species, cover, height, and abundance) was conducted within 1 m × 1 m plots in 70 sites along a precipitation gradient of 50–600 m. Ordinary linear regression was employed to examine AGB–cover relationships of both community and species levels at regional scale of entire grassland and landscape scale of alpine meadow, alpine steppe, and desert steppe. Hierarchical partitioning was employed to estimate independent contributions of biotic and abiotic factors to AGB and cover at both scales. Partial correlation analyses were used to discriminate the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on AGB–cover relationships at two spatial scales. AGB and community cover both exponentially increased along the precipitation gradient. At community level, AGB was positively and linearly correlated with cover for all grasslands except for alpine meadow. AGB was also linearly correlated with cover of species level at both regional and landscape scales. Contributions of biotic and abiotic factors to the relationship between AGB and cover significantly depended on spatial scales. Cover of cushions, forbs, legumes and sedges, species richness, MAP, and soil bulk density were important factors that influenced the AGB–cover relationship at either regional or landscape scale. This study indicated generally positive and linear relationships between AGB and cover are at both regional and landscape scales. Spatial scale may affect ranges of cover and modify the contribution of cover to AGB. AGB–cover relationships were influenced mainly by species composition of different functional groups. Therefore, in deriving AGB patterns at different spatial scales, community composition should be considered to obtain acceptable accuracy.
Polyphagy and diversification in tussock moths: Support for the oscillation hypothesis from extreme generalists
Authors: Wang Houshuai , Holloway Jeremy D. , Janz Niklas , Braga Mariana P. , Wahlberg Niklas , Wang Min , Nylin Sören
Published: August 2017

Theory on plasticity driving speciation, as applied to insect–plant interactions (the oscillation hypothesis), predicts more species in clades with higher diversity of host use, all else being equal. Previous support comes mainly from specialized herbivores such as butterflies, and plasticity theory suggests that there may be an upper host range limit where host diversity no longer promotes diversification. The tussock moths (Erebidae: Lymantriinae) are known for extreme levels of polyphagy. We demonstrate that this system is also very different from butterflies in terms of phylogenetic signal for polyphagy and for use of specific host orders. Yet we found support for the generality of the oscillation hypothesis, in that clades with higher diversity of host use were found to contain more species. These clades also consistently contained the most polyphagous single species. Comparing host use in Lymantriinae with related taxa shows that the taxon indeed stands out in terms of the frequency of polyphagous species. Comparative evidence suggests that this is most probably due to its nonfeeding adults, with polyphagy being part of a resulting life history syndrome. Our results indicate that even high levels of plasticity can drive diversification, at least when the levels oscillate over time.
Core or Shell? Er3+ FRET Donors in Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Bhuckory Shashi , Hemmer Eva , Wu Yu‐Tang , Yahia‐Ammar Akram , Vetrone Fiorenzo , Hildebrandt Niko
Published: August 2017

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are of high interest for biosensing because of their unique near‐infrared‐excitation and visible‐emission features. An emerging field within UCNP biosensing is the detection of biological interactions through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, the relatively large size, the distribution of emitting lanthanide ions within the nanoparticle, the unknown photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields (QY) of these emitting ions, and the many available core–shell architectures make the interpretation of UCNP‐based FRET data extremely difficult. Here, we present a detailed spectroscopic study of three types of NaGdF4:Er3+,Yb3+ UCNPs with and without shells and lanthanide‐ion doping in the cores or the shells. The different architectures strongly influence the brightness and PL lifetimes of the UCNPs, which are important properties for FRET to Cy3.5 dyes attached to the UCNP surfaces through DNA. Analysis of the FRET‐sensitized dye PL decays allows the determination of the FRET efficiencies, which, in turn, can be used to estimate donor–acceptor distances, Förster distances, and Er3+ donor QYs, all of which are difficult to assess by other methods.
Organic Structure‐Directing Agents in SAPO Synthesis: The Case of 2‐Ethyl‐1,3,4‐trimethylimidazolium
Authors: Vinaches Paloma , Pergher Sibele B. C.
Published: August 2017

Structure direction is a key topic in zeolite synthesis. In this work, the organic cation 2‐ethyl‐1,3,4‐trimethylimidazolium was studied for the first time in the synthesis of SAPO zeolite. Concentrated gels and fluoride media were chosen for the synthesis. To understand the formation of the main products, CHA and LTA zeotypes, several statistical calculi were performed, and the results showed that the structure direction of the LTA zeotype was mainly caused by to the organic cation. For SAPO‐CHA, the temperature and a combination of dilution and synthesis time also influenced the formation. The CHA zeotype was studied thoroughly by other techniques such as thermogravimetry, high‐power decoupled (HPDEC) magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, and nitrogen sorption. We calculated that this zeotype contains one cation per unit cell and observed that the fluoride medium also directs the structure. The silicon atoms in SAPO‐CHA are present in three states [SiO(4X), SiO(3X), and SiO(1X)], aluminium atoms were found in tetrahedral and octahedral coordination environments, and the phosphorus atoms also had tetrahedral geometries. Textural analysis confirmed the formation of a microporous material with a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface are of 510 m2 g–1 and an external surface of 110 m2 g–1.
Convenient Synthesis of 11‐Substituted 11H‐Indolo[3,2‐c]quinolines by Sequential Chemoselective Suzuki Reaction/Double C–N Coupling
Authors: Pham Ngo Nghia , Janke Sophie , Salman Ghazwan Ali , Dang Tuan Thanh , Le Thanh Son , Spannenberg Anke , Ehlers Peter , Langer Peter
Published: August 2017

A pathway to access 11‐substituted 11H‐indolo[3,2‐c]quinolines is described. The protocol features a chemoselective Suzuki reaction of o‐dihaloquinolines with o‐bromophenylboronic acid, followed by double C–N coupling with primary amines. The molecular structure of a representative product is exemplified, and demonstrates well‐defined π‐stacking interactions in the molecular network.
The evil eye: Eye gaze and competitiveness in social decision making
Authors: Giacomantonio Mauro , Jordan Jennifer , Federico Francesca , van den Assem Martijn J. , van Dolder Dennie
Published: August 2017

We demonstrate that a person's eye gaze and his/her competitiveness are closely intertwined in social decision making. In an exploratory examination of this relationship, Study 1 uses field data from a high‐stakes TV game show to demonstrate that the frequency by which contestants gaze at their opponent's eyes predicts their defection in a variant on the prisoner's dilemma. Studies 2 and 3 use experiments to examine the underlying causality and demonstrate that the relationship between gazing and competitive behavior is bi‐directional. In Study 2, fixation on the eyes, compared to the face, increases competitive behavior toward the target in an ultimatum game. In Study 3, we manipulate the framing of a negotiation (cooperative vs. competitive) and use an eye tracker to measure fixation number and time spent fixating on the counterpart's eyes. We find that a competitive negotiation elicits more gazing, which in turn leads to more competitive behavior.
Effect of Heating Rate on Yields and Distribution of Oil Products from the Pyrolysis of Pubescen
Authors: Li Qiuxing , Fu Xing , Li Jindong , Wang Yue , Lv Xiaoyan , Hu Changwei
Published: August 2017

The effect of heating rate on both the yields and the distribution of the oil products obtained from the pyrolysis of pubescen was studied. The molecular weight of the liquid products was mainly distributed in the range 200–500 Da [about 77 % from gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC)]. At 15 °C min−1, the total yield of small‐molecular products from degradation of carbohydrate was 9.53 wt % and the total yield of identified monophenols reached a maximum of 3.57 wt %. Thus, the liquid products were predominantly present as oligomers. Lignin in pubescen was degraded to stable tetramers. The formation of monophenols and/or oligophenols mostly involved the cleavage of the C−C (Cα−Cβ, Cβ−Cϒ, C1−Cα) and C−O bonds (β−O−4, β−O−5, Cα−O, Cϒ−O, and 4‐aryl ether linkages). Carbohydrate‐derived species interacted with each other and then produced oligomers, the formation pathways of which are explained. A decrease of relative content of the species with molecular weight Mn=200–500 Da and an increase of relative content of the species with Mn=500–1000 Da were observed as the heating rate was increased from 2.5 to 15 °C min−1. With further increasing the heating rate from 15 to 25 °C min−1, the molecular‐weight distribution remained almost unchanged. Increase of the heating rate promoted the cleavage of C1−Cα bonds, Cβ−Cϒ bonds in lignin, and the dehydration of Cα−OH units of lignin into Cα=Cβ.