bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indacyclopentadienes and Aromatic Indacyclopentadienyl Dianions: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Zhang Yongliang , Yang Zhenqiang , Zhang Wen‐Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: January 2019

A series of unprecedented metallacycles of indium, including indacyclopentadienes (2), spiro indacyclopentadienes (3), aromatic indacyclopentadienyl dianions with an In−Li bond (4), and aromatic indacyclopentadienyl dianions with an In−In bond (5), were synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis for the first time. Both indacyclopentadienes 2 and 3 were synthesized by reaction of 1,4‐dilithio‐1,3‐butadienes with InCl3. Structural transformations between 2 and 3 were observed. Reduction of indacyclopentadienes 2 with an excess amount of lithium afforded aromatic indacyclopentadienyl dianions 4 with an In−Li bond or 5 with an In−In bond, respectively, depending on the substituents on the ring. The aromatic character of 4 and 5 was confirmed by both experimental measurements and theoretical analysis.
Enantioseparation of chiral pharmaceuticals by vancomycin‐bonded stationary phase and analysis of chiral recognition mechanism
Authors: Li Jiaxi , Liu Ruixia , Wang Liyang , Liu Xiaoling , Gao Hongjie
Published: January 2019

The drug chirality is attracting increasing attention because of different biological activities, metabolic pathways, and toxicities of chiral enantiomers. The chiral separation has been a great challenge. Optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods based on vancomycin chiral stationary phase (CSP) were developed for the enantioseparation of propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol, venlafaxine, fluoxetine, and amlodipine. The retention and enantioseparation properties of these analytes were investigated in the variety of mobile phase additives, flow rate, and column temperature. As a result, the optimal chromatographic condition was achieved using methanol as a main mobile phase with triethylamine (TEA) and glacial acetic acid (HOAc) added as modifiers in a volume ratio of 0.01% at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/minute and at a column temperature of 5°C. The thermodynamic parameters (eg, ΔH, ΔΔH, and ΔΔS) from linear van 't Hoff plots revealed that the retention of investigated pharmaceuticals on vancomycin CSP was an exothermic process. The nonlinear behavior of lnk′ against 1/T for propranolol, atenolol, and metoprolol suggested the presence of multiple binding mechanisms for these analytes on CSP with variation of temperature. The simulated interaction processes between vancomycin and pharmaceutical enantiomers using molecular docking technique and binding energy calculations indicated that the calculated magnitudes of steady combination energy (ΔG) coincided with experimental elution order for most of these enantiomers.
Locally efficient semiparametric estimators for a class of Poisson models with measurement error
Authors: Liu Jianxuan , Ma Yanyuan
Published: January 2019

The presence of measurement error may cause bias in parameter estimation and can lead to incorrect conclusions in data analyses. Despite a large body of literature on general measurement error problems, relatively few works exist to handle Poisson models. In this article we thoroughly study Poisson models with errors in covariates and propose consistent and locally efficient semiparametric estimators. We assess the finite sample performance of the estimators through extensive simulation studies and illustrate the proposed methodologies by analyzing data from the Stroke Recovery in Underserved Populations Study. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 157–181; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Anaerobic Digestion of Olive Mill Wastewater: Focusing on the Effect of Nitrogen Source
Authors: Zarkadas Ioannis S. , Zachariou Stavros , Stamou Ioannis , Kaldis Fokion V. , Lioti Marilena , Sarigiannis Dimosthenis A.
Published: January 2019

Olive oil production is a seasonal agricultural activity taking place around the Mediterranean Sea with high financial importance and significant environmental footprint. Unfortunately, olive milling is generating olive mill wastewater (OMWW), which is an effluent with high carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio and low pH. The aim of this work is to assess the application of different high nitrogen substrates for overcoming the problem of nitrogen deficiency of the mono‐digestion of olive mill wastewater. The nitrogen‐rich substrates are fish meal, bone, and meat meal (BMM), blood meal (BM), feather meal (FEM), mixtures of FEM and BM, soybean meal, and corn‐gluten meal, which are mixed with the olive mill wastewater in order to attain C/N = 20:1. The substrates are evaluated in batch and tank reactors. According to the results, the type of protein is an insignificant process parameter and the process can be developed without inhibition phenomena to be presented with any of the co‐substrates assessed. The maximum bio‐methane potential registered for the mixture of olive mill wastewater and bone, and meat meal with 449 mL CH4 g−1 volatile solidsadded (VS) with an organic loading rate (OLR) of 3.6 kg V−1s−1 m−3 per day. The overall process presented remarkable tolerance during the stepwise increase of OLR from 3.6 to 5.8 kg V−1s−1 m−3 per day with the efficiency of the process to be reduced by 15% for all co‐digestion mixtures while the volumetric production increased from 1.5 to 2.1 m3 CH4 m−3 per day.
Assessment and management of cognitive changes in patients with cancer
Authors: Parsons Michael W. , Dietrich Jorg
Published: January 2019

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment has been a contentious issue in the past, but 2 decades of research have improved our understanding of the problem. It is time to move these advances into routine clinical care for cancer patients.
Exposure‐Response Analysis for Efficacy of Daclatasvir, Asunaprevir, and Beclabuvir Combinations in HCV‐Infected Patients
Authors: Ueno T. , Osawa M. , Shiozaki T. , Green M. , Garimella T.
Published: January 2019

The combination regimen of daclatasvir, asunaprevir, and beclabuvir (3DAA regimen) was developed as a fixed‐dose combination for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Japan. The objectives of this analysis were to characterize the relationship between drug exposure and sustained virologic response at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12) in HCV‐infected subjects and to evaluate the impact of demographic covariates and clinical factors on the exposure‐response (E‐R) relationship. The E‐R efficacy analysis was performed with data from phase 2 and phase 3 studies in HCV‐infected subjects treated with the 3DAA regimen. The relationship between the probability of achieving SVR12 and exposure to daclatasvir, asunaprevir, and beclabuvir was described using a logistic regression model and included assessments of the potential covariate effects. The impacts of the covariates on the rate of SVR12 and interactions of covariates with the individual drug effects were tested. The final model for SVR12 included effects of non–genotype‐1a status, resistance‐associated NS5A‐Q30 substitution in genotype‐1a subjects, and baseline RNA level on the intercept, and effect of prior peg‐interferon failure on the beclabuvir slope. Sex, race, age, weight, fibrosis score, alanine transaminase, and cirrhosis status had no statistically significant impact on the rate of SVR12. The individual E‐R relationships with each drug, were relatively flat, and the effects of exposure were not significant. With the exception of the NS5A‐Q30 substitution in genotype‐1a subjects, statistically significant covariate effects had little impact on SVR12 rates. Overall, the E‐R model was developed that captured the high SVR12 rates and the effect of covariates for the 3DAA regimen in HCV‐infected patients.
Synthesis and Characterization of Surface‐Active Ionic Liquids Used in the Disruption of Escherichia Coli Cells
Authors: Sintra Tânia E. , Vilas Miguel , Martins Margarida , Ventura Sónia P. M. , Lobo Ferreira Ana I. M. C. , Santos Luís M. N. B. F. , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Tojo Emília , Coutinho João A. P.
Published: January 2019

Twelve surface‐active ionic liquids (SAILs) and surface‐active derivatives, based on imidazolium, ammonium, and phosphonium cations and containing one, or more, long alkyl chains in the cation and/or the anion, were synthetized and characterized. The aggregation behavior of these SAILs in water, as well as their adsorption at solution/air interface, were studied by assessing surface tension and conductivity. The CMC values obtained (0.03–6.0 mM) show a high propensity of these compounds to self‐aggregate in aqueous media. Their thermal properties were also characterized, namely the melting point and decomposition temperature by using DSC and TGA, respectively. Furthermore, the toxicity of these SAILs was evaluated using the marine bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri (Gram‐negative). According to the EC50 values obtained (0.3–2.7 mg L−1), the surface‐active compounds tested should be considered “toxic” or “highly toxic”. Their ability to induce cell disruption of Escherichia coli cells (also Gram‐negative), releasing the intracellular green fluorescent protein (GFP) produced, was investigated. The results clearly evidence the capability of these SAILs to act as cell disruption agents.
Influence of Seed Size on the Quality of High‐Performance Multicrystalline Silicon Ingots Grown by Fused Quartz Particle Seeding
Authors: Mi Changcheng , Ding Junjing , Cai Yanhuan , Zhou Bing , Dong Hui , Luo Jianming , Huang Xinming
Published: January 2019

The performance of high‐performance multicrystalline silicon ingots is studied as a function of fused quartz seed particle size. Four kinds of Si ingots are grown using fused quartz particles having four distinct particle sizes, seed Nos. 1–4, corresponding to mesh sizes of 10–30, 30–50, 50–70, and 70–100, respectively. Each seed type is employed to have the same particle density area of ≈220 particles per cm2. The experimental results show that the Si ingot grown using 50–70 mesh seeds (seed No. 3) has the best uniformity of initial nucleation and subsequent grains, resulting in the lowest density of dislocation clusters. The Si ingots are cut into bricks and Si wafers are sliced from different positions of each brick and further studied. As a result, the average conversion efficiency is the highest for the ingot grown using No. 3 seeds (50–70 mesh) at 18.34%, ≈0.22% (absolute value) higher than that observed when employing 10–30 mesh seeds (seed No. 1, 18.12%).
High‐Throughput Dimensional Evaluation of Hexagonal Boron Nitride 2D Nanomaterials
Authors: Sato Kimiyasu , Tominaga Yuichi , Hotta Yuji
Published: January 2019

Exfoliation of layered materials is a key to obtaining high‐performance 2D nanomaterials. Rapid and inexpensive exfoliation methods of the layered materials have been proposed recently. Along with the development, high‐throughput dimensional evaluation methods for the 2D nanomaterials are required as well. A novel method of dimensional evaluation for 2D nanomaterials is evolved. That can be characterized by utilization of synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction. A bulky amount of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) particles in solvents via wet jet milling is exfoliated and h‐BN 2D nanomaterials in plenty is obtained. Employing the resultant h‐BN 2D nanomaterials as measurement specimens, validity of the dimensional evaluation method is verified. With the powerful characterization method at hand, it is expected that optimization of various exfoliation processes will flourish in the near term.
Corporate governance and environmental social governance disclosure: A meta‐analytical review
Authors: Lagasio Valentina , Cucari Nicola
Published: January 2019

This paper provides, to the best of the authors' knowledge, the first meta‐analysis of evidence about the influence of the corporate governance on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure, in a setting where the disclosure of information is voluntary but not discretionary. We apply meta‐analysis to a sample of 24 empirical studies to clarify the relationship of board size, board independence, women on board, number of board meeting, CEO duality, and company ownership with ESG disclosure. Our results show that board independence, board size, and women directorship visibly enhance ESG voluntary disclosure; board ownership and CEO duality do not improve the level of ESG disclosure; and some hesitations remain in respect of the number of board meetings and institutional and family ownership. The paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the corporate governance mechanisms that lead to more ESG disclosure and highlight the need of new approach on these issues.
Porous Mn‐Doped FeP/Co3(PO4)2 Nanosheets as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting in a Wide pH Range
Authors: Liu Haoxuan , Peng Xianyun , Liu Xijun , Qi Gaocan , Luo Jun
Published: January 2019

Development of highly active and stable electrocatalysts for overall water splitting is important for future renewable energy systems. In this study, porous Mn‐doped FeP/Co3(PO4)2 (PMFCP) nanosheets on carbon cloth are utilized as a highly efficient 3 D self‐supported binder‐free integrated electrode for the oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER) over a wide pH range. Specifically, overpotentials of 27, 117, 85 mV are required for the PMFCP nanosheets to attain 10 mA cm−2 for HER in 0.5 m H2SO4, 1.0 m phosphatebuffered saline (PBS), and 1.0 m KOH, respectively. In addition to the excellent performance for HER electrocatalysis, PMFCP nanosheets were also efficient electrocatalysts for the OER. Thus, the PMFCP nanosheets can serve as anodes and cathodes for overall water splitting (OWS). The OWS working voltages to attain 10 mA cm−2 are found to be 1.75, 1.82, and 1.61 V in acid, neutral, and alkaline electrolytes, respectively. Chronopotentiometric tests show that the PMFCP electrode can maintain its excellent pH‐universal OWS activity for more than 30 000 s. This work also provides new insights into developing high‐performance electrocatalysts for water splitting over a wide pH range. The improvement in electrochemical performance by introduction of Mn dopant and nano‐holes offers new opportunities in the development of effective electrodes for other energy‐related applications.
Synthesis of MCM‐41‐Supported Metal Catalysts in Deep Eutectic Solvent for the Conversion of Carbohydrates into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Feng Yunchao , Yan Guihua , Wang Ting , Jia Wenlong , Zeng Xianhai , Sperry Jonathan , Sun Yong , Tang Xing , Lei Tingzhou , Lin Lu
Published: January 2019

A series of MCM‐41 supported metal catalysts (denoted M/D41) were prepared by using the deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐mediated ionothermal synthesis strategy. Al/D41 was found to have excellent performance in the conversion of carbohydrates into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Furthermore, the production of HMF from glucose could be performed at high concentrations in choline chloride aqueous solution (CAS; 32 wt %, relative to the reaction phase) and as a result, CAS is a more promising solvent than water and DES for HMF production.
Rapid Nondestructive Fractionation of Biomass (≤15 min) by using Flow‐Through Recyclable Formic Acid toward Whole Valorization of Carbohydrate and Lignin
Authors: Zhou Hao , Tan Liping , Fu Yingjuan , Zhang Huayong , Liu Na , Qin Menghua , Wang Zhaojiang
Published: January 2019

Whole valorization of carbohydrate and lignin from biomass was achieved by rapid flow‐through fractionation (RFF) within 15 min. Wheat straw was effectively deconstructed into its principle components without degradation by using easily recyclable aqueous formic acid (72 wt %) at 130 °C. The obtained cellulose‐rich solid showed a nearly complete glucan recovery and 73.8 % glucose conversion after enzymatic hydrolysis. Xylan also reached full recovery with negligible furfural formation with a sum of 80 % of oligo/mono xylose in spent liquor and 20 % of xylan remaining in the solid. Up to 75.4 % lignin was dissolved in the spent liquor and further fractionated into water‐insoluble (WIL) and water‐soluble lignin (WSL) by dilution with water. WIL showed a non‐condensed and well‐preserved structure with 84.5 % β‐O‐4 remaining, which is believed to be beneficial for catalytic conversion into low‐molecular‐weight chemicals and fuels. The concentration of employed formic acid was below the formic acid/water azeotrope, and therefore the reaction medium could be restored through simple distillation. Together with the joint valorization of lignin and carbohydrates, the presented RFF is a promising process for sustainable biorefinery.
Controlled Synthesis of Surfactant‐Free Water‐Dispersible Colloidal Platinum Nanoparticles by the Co4Cat Process
Authors: Quinson Jonathan , Kacenauskaite Laura , Bucher Jan , Simonsen Søren B. , Theil Kuhn Luise , Oezaslan Mehtap , Kunz Sebastian , Arenz Matthias
Published: January 2019

The recently reported Co4Cat process is a synthesis method bearing ecological and economic benefits to prepare precious‐metal nanoparticles (NPs) with optimized catalytic properties. In the Co4Cat process, a metal precursor (e.g., H2PtCl6) is dissolved in an alkaline solution of a low‐boiling‐point solvent (methanol) and reduced to NPs at low temperature (<80 °C) without the use of surfactants. Here, the Co4Cat process to prepare Pt NPs is described in detail. The advantages of this new synthesis method for research and development but also industrial production are highlighted in a comparison with the popular “polyol” synthesis. The reduction of H2PtCl6 from PtIV to PtII and further to Pt0 is followed by UV/Vis and XANES/EXAFS measurements. It is demonstrated how the synthesis can be accelerated, how size control is achieved, and how the colloidal dispersions can be stabilized without the use of surfactants. Despite being surfactant‐free, the Pt NPs exhibit surprisingly long‐term (up to 16 months) stability in water over a wide pH range (4–12) and in aqueous buffer solutions. The Co4Cat process is thus relevant to produce NPs for heterogeneous catalysis, electro‐catalysis, or bio/medical applications.
Linked Picolinamide Nickel Complexes as Redox Carriers for Nonaqueous Flow Batteries
Authors: Chu Terry , Popov Ivan A. , Andrade Gabriel A. , Maurya Sandip , Yang Ping , Batista Enrique R. , Scott Brian L. , Mukundan Rangachary , Davis Benjamin L.
Published: January 2019

The use of nickel complexes utilizing non‐innocent ligands based on picolinamide to function as redox carriers in flow batteries was explored. The picolinamide moiety was linked together with −CH2CH2− (bpen), −CH2CH2CH2− (bppn), and −C6H4− (bpb) moieties, resulting in two, three, and four quasi‐reversible waves, respectively, for the nickel complexes and >3 V difference between the outermost positive and negative waves. The redox events were theoretically modelled for each complex, showing excellent agreement (<0.3 V difference) between the experimental and modelled potentials. Bulk cycling of the most soluble complex, Ni(bppn), indicated only one of the three waves was reversible. Therefore, Ni(bppn) has the ability to act as a negative charge redox carrier in flow cells.
Insulin Response to Oral Glucose Load is Consistently Decreased in Established Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus: the Usefulness of Decreased Early Insulin Response as a Predictor of Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: kosaka K. , Kuzuya T. , Hagura R. , Yoshinaga H.
Published: January 2019

We studied the plasma insulin response during a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in subjects with NIDDM and various other conditions associated with glucose intolerance. The criteria for definite diabetes and previously definite diabetes is proposed for those whose fasting blood glucose (FBG) is, or has been, greater than 140 mg dl−1 in the past. A diabetic type glucose tolerance with FBG lower than 140 mg dl−1 was called 'equivocal diabetes'. Insulin response was almost invariably lower in definite diabetes and previously definite diabetes compared to control groups with similar degree of glucose intolerance even in the states of non‐diabetic glucose tolerance. This was in contrast to other conditions which are often associated with glucose intolerance such as corticosteroid treatment, post‐gastrectomy, liver diseases, in which insulin response is increased with the impairment of glucose tolerance as far as the FBG remains below 140 mg dl−1. The low insulin response in definite diabetes can be represented by a decreased insulinogenic index, the ratio of increment of plasma insulin (μml−1) to that of blood glucose (mg dl−1) 30 min after the glucose load. Insulin response was judged to be low when this index was less than 0.5. Low insulin response was a reproducible feature, better than the category of glucose tolerance. It was highly correlated with acute insulin response (AIR) elicited by intravenous glucose injection. The prevalence of low insulin responders was high among groups with a family history of NIDDM. Diabetes with elevated FBG occurred more frequently in low insulin responders than in normal insulin responders. Fasting and 2‐h insulin levels are lower in definite diabetes than in control groups with similar blood glucose levels. The so‐called inverted‐U shape relationship of plasma insulin to blood glucose was not so apparent in definite diabetes. We conclude that a low insulin response · to oral glucose, as represented by a low insulinogenic index, is an important inherent characteristic in definite diabetes and probably plays a predominant role in the pathogenesis of NIDDM in most Japanese patients.
Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) in Asians in the UK
Authors: Yudkin J.S.
Published: January 2019

South Asian subjects in the United Kingdom have a substantially increased risk of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The excess risk of cardiovascular disease is not explained by risk factors such as smoking, blood pressure or dyslipidaemia. It has been proposed that the insulin resistance syndrome, perhaps consequent upon central obesity, may underlie the risk of both glucose intolerance and cardiovascular disease. In non‐diabetic south Asian subjects we have found higher concentrations of insulin and of proinsulin‐like molecules, higher blood pressure, and lower concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, but no elevation of activity of plasminogen activator inhibitor. Newly diagnosed diabetic subjects from the south Asian population are younger and thinner than newly diagnosed europid subjects, but are more centrally obese and hyperinsulinaemic. It is possible that the coexistence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease represents the consequence of a common antecedent.
Overview of Non‐insulin‐dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) in Different Population Groups
Authors: Fujimoto W.Y.
Published: January 2019

There are remarkable world‐wide differences in the prevalence of diabetes, ranging from virtually 0 % in Papua, New Guinea, to over 50 % in the Pimas of Arizona. There are also notable rural‐urban (e.g. Polynesians in rural and urban Western Samoa) and nativemigrant (eg Chinese in China and in Mauritius) differences. The reporting of a high prevalence of diabetes in many populations that have undergone either urbanization or migration suggests that environmental factors related to lifestyle are contributory. Two such factors may be physical inactivity and dietary animal fat. There are also remarkable differences in ethnic susceptibility to non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), indicative of a strong genetic factor. Obesity is a risk factor for NIDDM. In addition to body weight, however, the pattern of distribution of body fat must also be considered. In some ethnic groups a central pattern of body fat distribution has been shown to be a significant risk factor even in the absence of obesity. This is particularly true in many Asian populations. It is proposed that genetic predisposition plus environment (lifestyle) interact and lead to visceral adiposity and insulin resistance, and that heredity and lifestyle also interact to cause a beta‐cell lesion that affects insulin production and secretion. Development of insulin resistance facilitates the emergence of the beta‐cell lesion. A consequence of this sequence of events is the development of glucqse intolerance, and eventually, NIDDM.
Urinary mitochondrial DNA: A potential early biomarker of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Cao Hongdi , Wu Jining , Luo Jing , Chen Xiaolan , Yang Junwei , Fang Li
Published: January 2019

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic sterile inflammation are common features of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) could be a biomarker implicated in the progression of type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy and explore the underlying mechanism.

Material and Methods

We developed a method for relative quantification of mtDNA content in clinical practice. qRT‐PCR was used to measure the mtDNA content both in vivo in CD‐1 mice with diabetes induction by streptozotocin and in vitro in murine endothelial cells and conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes. By pumping mtDNA into the mouse circulation, the effect of mtDNA on the kidney was assessed in mice. In patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 42; 24 males; mean age 57.9 ± 12.00 years), plasma mtDNA was evaluated.

Results

Plasma mtDNA content was significantly decreased in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with significant proteinuria. In vitro, high glucose treatment suppressed intracellular mtDNA content and facilitated the extracellular release of mtDNA, so excessive circulatory mtDNA induced by high glucose might be filtered through the kidney and then into urine. Indeed, urinary mtDNA content was significantly increased in both diabetic patients and mice. Moreover, by pumping excess mtDNA into circulation in mice, filtered mtDNA could trigger inflammation and induce kidney injury.

Conclusion

Excessive mtDNA filtered through the kidney under diabetic conditions may be involved in chronic renal inflammation. Reduced plasma mtDNA content and increased urinary mtDNA/creatinine ratio might play a potential role as an early biomarker of diabetic nephropathy.
Ringed seal demography in a changing climate
Authors: Reimer Jody R. , Caswell Hal , Derocher Andrew E. , Lewis Mark A.
Published: January 2019

Climate change is affecting species’ distributions and abundances worldwide. Baseline population estimates, against which future observations may be compared, are necessary if we are to detect ecological change. Arctic sea ice ecosystems are changing rapidly and we lack baseline population estimates for many ice‐associated species. Provided we can detect them, changes in Arctic marine ecosystems may be signaled by changes in indicator species such as ringed seals (Pusa hispida). Ringed seal monitoring has provided estimates of survival and fertility rates, but these have not been used for population‐level inference. Using matrix population models, we synthesized existing demographic parameters to obtain estimates of historical ringed seal population growth and structure in Amundsen Gulf and Prince Albert Sound, Canada. We then formalized existing hypotheses about the effects of emerging environmental stressors (i.e., earlier spring ice breakup and reduced snow depth) on ringed seal pup survival. Coupling the demographic model to ice and snow forecasts available from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project resulted in projections of ringed seal population size and structure up to the year 2100. These projections showed median declines in population size ranging from 50% to 99%. Corresponding to these projected declines were substantial changes in population structure, with increasing proportions of ringed seal pups and adults and declining proportions of juveniles. We explored if currently collected, harvest‐based data could be used to detect the projected changes in population stage structure. Our model suggests that at a present sample size of 100 seals per year, the projected changes in stage structure would only be reliably detected by mid‐century, even for the most extreme climate models. This modeling process revealed inconsistencies in existing estimates of ringed seal demographic rates. Mathematical population models such as these can contribute both to understanding past population trends as well as predicting future ones, both of which are necessary if we are to detect and interpret future observations.
Why is premorbid BMI consistently elevated in clinical samples, but not in risk factor samples, of individuals with eating disorders?
Authors: Muratore Alexandra F. , Lowe Michael R.
Published: January 2019

Body image disturbance is widely viewed as contributing to the development and maintenance of disordered eating. Yet this perspective is not inconsistent with the possibility that elevated premorbid BMIs also increase the risk of developing eating disorders. Research examining whether actual body size may play a role in eating disorder development reveals a curious pattern of findings. Few prospective risk factor studies conducted with community‐based samples found a relationship between premorbid BMI and subsequent eating disorder pathology whereas retrospective research conducted with clinical samples indicates a consistent pattern of elevated premorbid BMIs relative to population norms or control groups. This study documents these disparate findings, considers potential explanations for them and proposes further study of premorbid BMI as a factor contributing to the psychopathology of eating disorders, particularly among those who come to the attention of treatment providers.
Hitchhiking the high seas: Global genomics of rafting crabs
Authors: Pfaller Joseph B. , Payton Adam C. , Bjorndal Karen A. , Bolten Alan B. , McDaniel Stuart F.
Published: January 2019

Population differentiation and diversification depend in large part on the ability and propensity of organisms to successfully disperse. However, our understanding of these processes in organisms with high dispersal ability is biased by the limited genetic resolution offered by traditional genotypic markers. Many neustonic animals disperse not only as pelagic larvae, but also as juveniles and adults while drifting or rafting at the surface of the open ocean. In theory, the heightened dispersal ability of these animals should limit opportunities for species diversification and population differentiation. To test these predictions, we used next‐generation sequencing of genomewide restriction‐site‐associated DNA tags (RADseq) and traditional mitochondrial DNA sequencing, to investigate the species‐level relationships and global population structure of Planes crabs collected from oceanic flotsam and sea turtles. Our results indicate that species diversity in this clade is low—likely three closely related species—with no evidence of cryptic or undescribed species. Moreover, our results indicate weak population differentiation among widely separated aggregations with genetic indices showing only subtle genetic discontinuities across all oceans of the world (RADseq FST = 0.08–0.16). The results of this study provide unprecedented resolution of the systematics and global biogeography of this group and contribute valuable information to our understanding of how theoretical dispersal potential relates to actual population differentiation and diversification among marine organisms. Moreover, these results demonstrate the limitations of single gene analyses and the value of genomic‐level resolution for estimating contemporary population structure in organisms with large, highly connected populations.
The Klingon batbugs: Morphological adaptations in the primitive bat bugs, Bucimex chilensis and Primicimex cavernis, including updated phylogeny of Cimicidae
Authors: Ossa Gonzalo , Johnson Joseph S. , Puisto Anna I. E. , Rinne Veikko , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Waag Austin , Vesterinen Eero J. , Lilley Thomas M.
Published: January 2019

The Cimicidae is a family of blood‐dependent ectoparasites in which dispersion capacity is greatly associated with host movements. Bats are the ancestral and most prevalent hosts for cimicids. Cimicids have a worldwide distribution matching that of their hosts, but the global classification is incomplete, especially for species outside the most common Cimicidae taxa. In this study, we place a little‐studied cimicid species, Bucimex chilensis, within a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Cimicidae by sequencing the genomic regions of this and other closely related species. For this study, we collected B. chilensis females from Myotis chiloensis in Tierra del Fuego, 1,300 km further south than previously known southernmost distribution boundary. We also sequenced COI regions from Primicimex cavernis, a species which together with B. chilensis comprise the entire subfamily Primiciminae. Using Bayesian posterior probability and maximum‐likelihood approaches, we found that B. chilensis and P. cavernis clustered close to each other in the molecular analyses, receiving support from similar morphological features, agreeing with the morphology‐based taxonomic placement of the two species within the subfamily Primiciminae. We also describe a previously unrecognized morphological adaptation of the tarsal structure, which allows the austral bat ectoparasite, B. chilensis, to cling on to the pelage of its known host, the Chilean myotis (Myotis chiloensis). Through a morphological study and behavioral observation, we elucidate how this tarsal structure operates, and we hypothesize that by clinging in the host pelage, B. chilensis is able to disperse effectively to new areas despite low host density. This is a unique feature shared by P. cavernis, the only other species in Primiciminae.
Determination of HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 and ‐DQB1 allele and haplotype frequencies in heart failure patients
Authors: Roura Santiago , Rudilla Francesc , Gastelurrutia Paloma , Enrich Emma , Campos Eva , Lupón Josep , Santiago‐Vacas Evelyn , Querol Sergi , Bayés‐Genís Antoni
Published: January 2019

Aims

Cell therapy can be used to repair functionally impaired organs and tissues in humans. Although autologous cells have an immunological advantage, it is difficult to obtain high cell numbers for therapy. Well‐characterized banks of cells with human leukocyte antigens (HLA) that are representative of a given population are thus needed. The present study investigates the HLA allele and haplotype frequencies in a cohort of heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods and results

We carried out the HLA typing and the allele and haplotype frequency analysis in 247 ambulatory HF patients. We determined HLA class I (A, B, and C) and class II (DRB1 and DQB1) using next‐generation sequencing technology. The allele frequencies were obtained using Python for Population Genomics (PyPop) software, and HLA haplotypes were estimated using HaploStats. A total of 30 HLA‐A, 56 HLA‐B, 23 HLA‐C, 36 HLA‐DRB1, and 15 HLA‐DQB1 distinct alleles were identified within the studied cohort. The genotype frequencies of all five HLA loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We detected differences in HLA allele frequencies among patients when the etiological cause of HF was considered. There were a total of 494 five‐loci haplotypes, five of which were present six or more times. Moreover, the most common estimated HLA haplotype was HLA‐A*01:01, HLA‐B*08:01, HLA‐C*07:01, HLA‐DRB1*03:01, and HLA‐DQB1*02:01 (6.07% haplotype frequency per patient). Remarkably, the 11 most frequent haplotypes would cover 31.17% of the patients of the cohort in need of allogeneic cell therapy.

Conclusions

Our findings could be useful for improving allogeneic cell administration outcomes without concomitant immunosuppression.
Ab Initio Modeling of Solar Cell Dye Sensitizers: The Hunt for Red Photons Continues
Authors: Fantacci Simona , De Angelis Filippo
Published: January 2019

Despite the swift surge of lead halide perovskites, research in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) has continued over the last few years, with a steady increase in record device efficiencies. A major requisite of an efficient solar cell sensitizer is that of showing an extended UV/Vis absorption spectrum closely matching that of solar radiation. This has given rise to what we call here the hunt for red photons, and ab initio computational modeling plays a major role in designing and screening new dyes with tailored characteristics. In this microreview, we highlight recent developments in modeling transition metal polypyridyl dyes by means of advanced ab initio simulations, including solvation and relativistic effects. We illustrate the molecular design rules that have led to the best performing ruthenium and osmium dyes to date, showing the information which can be extracted from ab initio simulations and how to exploit such information for engineering novel dye candidates.
Decarboxylative Arylation of Pyridine 1‐Oxides and Anilides with Benzoic Acid via Palladium‐Catalyzed C–H Functionalization
Authors: Dabiri Minoo , Alavioon Seyed Iman , Movahed Siyavash Kazemi
Published: January 2019

A novel method for the palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative ortho C–H bond arylation of pyridine 1‐oxides and anilides with benzoic acids as aryl sources is described. The established methodology provides a direct approach for the synthesis of 2‐arylpyridine 1‐oxides and 2‐aryl anilides in good isolated yields.
The Seven‐Membered Ring in Bis‐Azuleno‐Naphthalene is Non‐Aromatic
Authors: Stanger Amnon
Published: January 2019

The magnetic properties of the title compound (1) were studied using NICSπ,zz and NICS‐XY‐scan. It was found that the seven‐membered ring is non‐aromatic. The small paratropic values are the result of three diatropic moieties that surround this ring.
Multigenerational exposure of populations of Oppia nitens to zinc under pulse and continuous exposure scenarios
Authors: Jegede Olukayode O. , Hale Beverley A. , Siciliano Steven D.
Published: January 2019

Current soil remediation guidelines for metals reflect single-generation laboratory studies, but in the field, organisms are exposed to metals for more than one generation. The present study assessed the multigenerational effect of zinc (Zn) on Oppia nitens under a pulse or continuous exposure scenario. Synchronized adult mites (parents) were exposed to 6 concentrations of Zn in a field soil. For the pulse exposure, juveniles of parent mites from 3 of the 6 concentrations (105, 158, 237, 335, 553, and 800 mg/kg) were kept in clean media and reared until the third generation. At every generation, the sensitivity of the mites to Zn was tested in a dose–response manner. For the continuous exposure, the mites produced from the parents were re-exposed to the same concentration as their parents. According to critical-level estimates like the median effect concentration, all populations of the F2 and F3 generation mites in the pulse exposure were less sensitive to Zn than the parents and were protected at 250 mg/kg of Zn (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment [2018] soil quality guideline). However, the mite generations of the continuous exposure remained as sensitive as the parent generation and were not protected by the Zn guideline level. The Zn niche width narrowed considerably for all continuously exposed mite populations, indicating that they were more sensitive than the parent. Our results show that Zn has a deleterious multigenerational effect on continuously exposed populations of mites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:896–904. © 2019 SETAC
Chronic ammonia toxicity to juveniles of 2 tropical Australian freshwater mussels (Velesunio spp.): Toxicity test optimization and implications for water quality guideline values
Authors: Kleinhenz Linda S. , Humphrey Christopher L. , Mooney Thomas J. , Trenfield Melanie A. , van Dam Rick A. , Nugegoda Dayanthi , Harford Andrew J.
Published: January 2019

Freshwater mussels play key roles in aquatic ecosystems, but are experiencing a global decline. Although studies have reported high acute sensitivity of mussels to some contaminants, chronic toxicity data are lacking for deriving high-reliability water quality guideline values. Ammonia is a contaminant of potential concern in some catchments of tropical northern Australia, where freshwater mussels are important ecological and cultural components. The extremely soft waters (hardness < 5 mg/L) of these environments can result in increased toxicity of many contaminants including ammonia, and regionally relevant tropical guideline values are needed to adequately protect these unique ecosystems. An optimized 14-d toxicity test protocol was used to assess the chronic toxicity of ammonia for 2 species, the lotic Velesunio sp. and the lentic Velesunio angasi. Ammonia exposures were conducted at pH 6.0 and 27 ± 0.5 °C to represent local environmental conditions, using shell length growth rate as the endpoint. Chronic toxicity estimates indicated high sensitivity to ammonia, with mean median effect concentrations (in total ammonia nitrogen) being 7.0 mg/L for V. angasi from the semi-urbanized Lake Bennett, 9.2 mg/L for V. angasi from Sandy Billabong, and 11.3 mg/L for Velesunio sp. from Gulungul Creek. When the 10% effect concentration values were compared with other chronic ammonia data (normalized to pH 7.0 and 20 °C), Velesunio spp. were found to be more sensitive than 8 of 16 other temperate and 7 of 9 tropical invertebrate and fish species. These chronic toxicity estimates will be used to further inform regionally relevant and site-specific guideline values. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:841–851. © 2019 Commonwealth of Australia. Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Response surface optimization for recovery of polyphenols and carotenoids from leaves of Centella asiatica using an ethanol‐based solvent system
Authors: Gunathilake K. D. P. P. , Ranaweera K. K. D. S. , Rupasinghe H. P. V.
Published: January 2019

Response surface methodology has been used to optimize the extraction conditions for total phenolics and carotenoids from leaves of Centella asiatica. Solvent concentration (30%–100%), extraction temperature (30–60°C), and extraction time (30–90 min) were used as the independent variables. A second‐order polynomial model produced a satisfactory fitting of the experimental data with regard to total phenolics (R2 = 84.75%, p < 0.004) and carotenoid (R2 = 78.74, p < 0.019) contents. The optimum extraction conditions of ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, and extraction time for phenolics were 6.1%, 70.2°C, and 110.5 min and for carotenoids, the optimum parameters were 100%, 70.2°C, and 110.5 min, respectively. The optimal predicted contents for total phenolics (9.03 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/g DW) and carotenoid (8.74 mg/g DW) values in the extracts were agreed with the experimental values obtained with optimum extraction conditions for each response, and also they possess significantly higher total antioxidant capacity.
Evaluation of 10 genotypes of sweetpotato for fries
Authors: Laryea Damian , Koomson Debora , Oduro Ibok , Carey Edward
Published: January 2019

The potential use of selected genotypes of sweetpotato for fries was evaluated. Moisture, fat, browning index, and beta‐carotene content of fries from 10 sweetpotato genotypes, Apomuden, Bohye, Nanungungu, Otoo, CIP442162, Patron, CIP440390, Obare, Dadanyuie, and Tu‐Purple, were determined by standard methods. Sensorial properties of the fries were further evaluated by an in‐house trained panel of eight members using standard methods. Fat content was highest in CIP442162 and low in Dadanyuie, while beta‐carotene content decreased by 44.27% in Bohye and 13.20% in Nanungungu after frying. Browning index was highest in the orange‐fleshed and purple genotypes, but this was mostly due to their flesh colors and not the frying conditions. Fries from orange‐fleshed genotypes, Apomuden and Nanungungu, were considered to be sweeter than the other genotypes. Detection of caramel and starch (rawness sensation) was very low for all genotypes assessed. Oily mouthcoat, moistness, and sogginess were detected in mostly the orange‐fleshed genotypes, particularly Apomuden and Nanungungu. Tu‐Purple, Bohye, and CIP440390 produced moderately crunchy fries and had the highest score for desirable attributes compared with the other genotypes. Tu‐Purple, Bohye, and CIP440390 could be explored in commercial production of fries for enhanced utilization of developed sweetpotato genotypes.
Left Ventricular Longitudinal Contractility Predicts Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure Development and Mortality After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
Authors: Jansen Christian , Schröder Anna , Schueler Robert , Lehmann Jennifer , Praktiknjo Michael , Uschner Frank E. , Schierwagen Robert , Thomas Daniel , Monteiro Sofia , Nickenig Georg , Strassburg Christian P. , Meyer Carsten , Arroyo Vicente , Hammerstingl Christoph , Trebicka Jonel
Published: January 2019

Acute deterioration of liver cirrhosis (e.g., infections, acute‐on‐chronic liver failure [ACLF]) requires an increase in cardiac contractility. The insufficiency to respond to these situations could be deleterious. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS) has been shown to reflect left cardiac contractility in cirrhosis better than other parameters and might bear prognostic value. Therefore, this retrospective study investigated the role of LV‐GLS in the outcome after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and the development of ACLF. We included 114 patients (48 female patients) from the Noninvasive Evaluation Program for TIPS and Their Follow‐Up Network (NEPTUN) cohort. This number provided sufficient quality and structured follow‐up with the possibility of calculating major scores (Child, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD], Chronic Liver Failure Consortium acute decompensation [CLIF‐C AD] scores) and recording of the events (development of decompensation episode and ACLF). We analyzed the association of LV‐GLS with overall mortality and development of ACLF in patients with TIPS. LV‐GLS was independently associated with overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.123; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.010‐1.250) together with aspartate aminotransferase (HR, 1.009; 95% CI, 1.004‐1.014) and CLIF‐C AD score (HR, 1.080; 95% CI, 1.018‐1.137). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis for LV‐GLS for overall survival showed higher area under the curve (AUC) than MELD and CLIF‐C AD scores (AUC, 0.688 versus 0.646 and 0.573, respectively). The best AUROC‐determined LV‐GLS cutoff was −16.6% to identify patients with a significantly worse outcome after TIPS at 3 months, 6 months, and overall. LV‐GLS was independently associated with development of ACLF (HR, 1.613; 95% CI, 1.025‐2.540) together with a MELD score above 15 (HR, 2.222; 95% CI, 1.400‐3.528). Conclusion: LV‐GLS is useful for identifying patients at risk of developing ACLF and a worse outcome after TIPS. Although validation is required, this tool might help to stratify risk in patients receiving TIPS.