bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteological Re‐Assessment and Taxonomic Revision of “Tanius laiyangensis” (Ornithischia: Hadrosauroidea) from the Upper Cretaceous of Shandong, China
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Guang , Wang Ke‐Bai , Chen Shu‐Qing , Liu Di , Xing Hai
Published: February 2019

Tanius is the earliest named ornithischian genus from China. Since 1929, three species of this genus, namely T. sinensis (the type species), “T. chingkankouensis” and “T. laiyangensis”, have been reported based on remains from the Wangshi Group of Shandong, China, and were previously recognized as hadrosaurines. Following the recent achievement of consensus on the phylogenetic placement of T. sinensis outside Hadrosauridae, the assignments of the “T. chingkankouensis” and “T. laiyangensis” material of hadrosaurid origin to the genus Tanius become problematic. Related taxonomic issues of “T. laiyangensis” therefore need re‐appraisals. Here, we provide an overall taxonomic revision of “T. laiyangensis” from the Jingangkou Formation of northeast Shandong, by means of approaches of comparative anatomy, phylogeny and geometric morphometrics. Our osteological comparisons confirm the hadrosaurine affinity of “T. laiyangensis”, given the presence of a suite of characters largely typical of Hadrosaurinae in the single specimen (i.e., a nearly complete sacrum and a partial right ilium), including a dorsoventrally narrow central plate of the ilium with the depth/length ratio <0.80. In the proposed phylogenetic framework, “T. laiyangensis” is inferred to be a member of Kritosaurini within Hadrosaurinae, as the sister taxon to Secernosaurus koerneri. The relative warp analysis on the lateral outline of the supraacetabular process also reveals a close resemblance of shape between the two species. Based on these different lines of evidence and considering no identification of any diagnostic characters from the specimen, we argue that the “T. laiyangensis” material comes from an indeterminate kritosaurin hadrosaurine in Asia. Anat Rec, 303:790–800, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Selective Detection of Hg2+ Ions with Boron Dipyrromethene‐Based Fluorescent Probes Appended with a Bis(1,2,3‐triazole)amino Receptor
Authors: Shi Wen‐Jing , Liu Jian‐Yong , Lo Pui‐Chi , Ng Dennis K. P.
Published: February 2019

By using a copper‐promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition reaction, two boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives bearing a bis(1,2,3‐triazole)amino receptor at the meso position were prepared and characterized. For the analogue with two terminal triethylene glycol chains, the fluorescence emission at 509 nm responded selectively toward Hg2+ ions, which greatly increased the fluorescence quantum yield from 0.003 to 0.25 as a result of inhibition of the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. By introducing two additional rhodamine moieties at the termini, the resulting conjugate could also detect Hg2+ ions in a highly selective manner. Upon excitation at the BODIPY core, the fluorescence emission of rhodamine at 580 nm was observed and the intensity increased substantially upon addition of Hg2+ ions due to inhibition of the PET process followed by highly efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the BODIPY core to the rhodamine moieties. The Hg2+‐responsive fluorescence change of these two probes could be easily seen with the naked eye. The binding stoichiometry between the probes and Hg2+ ions in CH3CN was determined to be 1:2 by Job′s plot analysis and 1H NMR titration, and the binding constants were found to be (1.2±0.1)×1011 m−2 and (1.3±0.3)×1010 m−2, respectively. The overall results suggest that these two BODIPY derivatives can serve as highly selective fluorescent probes for Hg2+ ions. The rhodamine derivative makes use of a combined PET‐FRET sensing mechanism which can greatly increase the sensitivity of detection.
Cross‐helically forced and decaying hydromagnetic turbulence
Authors: Brandenburg A. , Oughton S.
Published: February 2019

We study the evolution of kinetic and magnetic energy spectra in magnetohydrodynamic flows in the presence of strong cross helicity. For forced turbulence, we find a weak inverse transfer of kinetic energy toward the smallest wavenumber. This is plausibly explained by the finiteness of scale separation between the injection wavenumber and the smallest wavenumber of the domain, which here is a factor of 15. In the decaying case, there is a slight increase at the smallest wavenumber, which is probably explained by the dominance of kinetic energy over magnetic energy at the smallest wavenumbers. Within a range of wavenumbers covering almost an order of magnitude, the decay is purely exponential, which is argued to be a consequence of a suppression of nonlinearity due to the presence of strong cross helicity.
State approaches to addressing cyanotoxins in drinking water
Authors: Yeager Nicole , Carpenter Adam
Published: February 2019

Cyanobacterial blooms present a risk to water supplies, especially in nutrient‐enriched bodies of water. Some algal blooms can produce cyanotoxins at levels of concern for human health and aquatic ecosystems. Currently no federally enforceable limits exist for microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, or any other cyanotoxins. However, several states have taken action based on nonenforceable U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) health advisories and their own processes. This study assessed the status and scope of those state‐level programs. Data were collected through interviews with state regulatory officials accompanied by publicly available information. The authors contacted officials in each of the 50 U.S. states. Forty‐six provided responses, and four have only publicly available information. Twenty‐nine states reported to have already developed or are currently developing guidance, while 13 indicated that cyanotoxins are not an issue of concern within their jurisdiction. Two states appear in both categories. The statuses of the remaining 10 states' programs fall in between.
The role of returnee executives in improving green innovation performance of Chinese manufacturing enterprises: Implications for sustainable development strategy
Authors: Hao Yingjie , Fan Congcong , Long Yunguang , Pan Jieyi
Published: February 2019

Environmental problems in China have attracted global attention. Grafting returnee executives' green resources to Chinese manufacturing enterprises is an effective way to solve China's sustainable development problems. This paper focuses on the impact of returnee executives and the heterogeneity of returnee and local executives on green innovation performance and the moderating effects of environmental regulation and managerial ties. The paper builds on data from 276 Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The results show that returnee executives tend to achieve sustainable development through green innovation. However, not all kinds of heterogeneity between returnee and local executives can promote green innovation performance. In addition, environmental regulation and managerial ties, as two important external moderation variables, have different impacts and different extents of impact on the relationship between returnee executives and four aspects (R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and management) of green innovation performance, that is, environmental regulation positively moderates the relationship between returnee executives and green manufacturing and management innovation performance but negatively moderates the relationship between returnee executives and green R&D and marketing innovation performance. These findings have clear management implications for Chinese manufacturing enterprises.
Environmental sustainability orientation, competitive strategy and financial performance
Authors: Danso Albert , Adomako Samuel , Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph , Owusu‐Agyei Samuel , Konadu Renata
Published: February 2019

Extant research has established that environmental sustainability orientation (ESO) has a positive influence on performance outcomes. Nevertheless, several contingencies tend to affect the strength of this relationship. In this study, we draw on natural resource‐based theory to introduce competitive strategies as moderators in the ESO–performance nexus. Using time‐lagged data obtained from 269 firms in Ghana, this study finds that firms pursuing the differentiation strategy can positively boost performance outcomes with ESO than without differentiation strategy. We also find that firms can use the low‐cost or the integrated strategy to get higher impact on performance with ESO, respectively. Based on the results, firms in Ghana do not need differentiation strategy in order to boost the effect of ESO on financial performance. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effect of dilute acid pretreatment on the saccharification and fermentation of rye straw
Authors: Robak Katarzyna , Balcerek Maria , Dziekońska‐Kubczak Urszula , Dziugan Piotr
Published: February 2019

This research shows the effect of dilute acid pretreatment with various sulfuric acid concentrations (0.5–2.0% [wt/vol]) on enzymatic saccharification and fermentation yield of rye straw. After pretreatment, solids of rye straw were suspended in Na citrate buffer or post‐pretreatment liquids (prehydrolysates) containing sugars liberated after hemicellulose hydrolysis. Saccharification was conducted using enzymes dosage of 15 or 25 FPU/g cellulose. Cellulose saccharification rate after rye straw pretreatment was enhanced by performing enzymatic hydrolysis in sodium citrate buffer in comparison with hemicellulose prehydrolysate. The maximum cellulose saccharification rate (69%) was reached in sodium citrate buffer (biomass pretreated with 2.0% [wt/vol] H2SO4). Lignocellulosic complex of rye straw after pretreatment was subjected to separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) or separate hydrolysis and co‐fermentation (SHCF). The SHF processes conducted in the sodium citrate buffer using monoculture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ethanol Red) were more efficient compared to hemicellulose prehydrolysate in respect with ethanol yields. Maximum fermentation efficiency of SHF processes obtained after rye straw pretreatment at 1.5% [wt/vol] H2SO4 and saccharification using enzymes dosage of 25 FPU/g in sodium citrate buffer, achieving 40.6% of theoretical yield. However, SHCF process using cocultures of pentose‐fermenting yeast, after pretreatment of raw material at 1.5% [wt/vol] H2SO4 and hydrolysis using enzymes dosage of 25 FPU/g, resulted in the highest ethanol yield among studied methods, achieving 9.4 g/L of ethanol, corresponding to 55% of theoretical yield.
Semi‐continuous scale‐down models for clone and operating parameter screening in perfusion bioreactors
Authors: Bielser Jean‐Marc , Domaradzki Jakub , Souquet Jonathan , Broly Hervé , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: February 2019

Perfusion cell culture, confined traditionally to the production of fragile molecules, is currently gaining broader attention in the biomanufacturing of therapeutic proteins. The development of these processes is made difficult by the limited availability of appropriate scale‐down models. This is due to the continuous operation that requires complex control and cell retention capacity. For example, the determination of an optimal perfusion and bleed rate for continuous cell culture is often performed in scale‐down bioreactors and requires a substantial amount of time and effort. To increase the experimental throughput and decrease the required workload, a semi‐continuous procedure, referred to as the VCDmax (viable cell density) approach, has been developed on the basis of shake tubes (ST) and deepwell plates (96‐DWP). Its effectiveness has been demonstrated for 12 different CHO‐K1‐SV cell lines expressing an IgG1. Further, its reliability has been investigated through proper comparisons with perfusion runs in lab‐scale bioreactors. It was found that the volumetric productivity and the CSPRmin (cell specific perfusion rate) determined using the ST and 96‐DWP models were successfully (mostly within the experimental error) confirmed in lab‐scale bioreactors, which then covered a significant scale‐up from the half milliliter to the liter scale. These scale‐down models are very useful to design and scale‐up optimal bioreactor operating conditions as well as screening for different media and cell lines.
MicroRNA‐224 enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of hMSCs via Rac1
Authors: Cai Qing , Zheng Peng , Ma Fuzhe , Zhang Huiyan , Li Zuntai , Fu Qiyue , Han Chunyu , Sun Yingying
Published: February 2019

Osteogenesis is the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that target specific genes to mediate translational activities. In this study, we investigated how miR‐224 regulates the osteoblastic differentiation of human MSCs (hMSCs) as well as the underlying mechanism. The results revealed the upregulation of miR‐224 during hMSC differentiation. In vitro experiments showed that the downregulation of miR‐224 suppressed the differentiation of hMSCs into osteoblasts. However, upregulation of miR‐224 was concomitant with increased expression of relevant genes and augmented activity of alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, the results indicated that Rac1 acted as the bona fide target of miR‐224 and that Rac1 depletion promoted osteogenic differentiation in miR‐224–silenced hMSCs. In addition, we found that both JAK/STAT3 and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways were repressed by Rac1 depletion using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Our data indicate a novel molecular mechanism in relation to hMSCs differentiation into osteoblasts, which may facilitate bone anabolism via miR‐224.

Significance of the study

In this study, we mainly explored the effects of miR‐224 on hMSCs differentiation into osteoblasts. We find that induced miR‐224 expression in hMSCs is considered closely associated with specific osteogenesis‐related genes, alkaline phosphatase activity, and matrix mineralization, indicating that miR‐224 may serve as a promising biomarker for osteogenic differentiation. Our data indicate a novel molecular mechanism in relation to hMSCs differentiation into osteoblasts, which may facilitate bone anabolism via miR‐224.
Proteomic analysis of the effects of cell culture density on the metastasis of breast cancer cells
Authors: Guo Man‐Lan , Sun Mi‐Xin , Lan Jin‐Zhi , Yan Li‐Sha , Zhang Jing‐Juan , Hu Xiao‐Xia , Xu Shu , Mao Da‐Hua , Yang Hai‐Song , Liu Ya‐Wei , Chen Teng‐Xiang
Published: February 2019

Cancer cell progression and proliferation increase cell density, resulting in changes to the tumour site, including the microenvironment. What is not known is if increased cell density influences the aggressiveness of cancer cells, especially their proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities. In this study, we found that dense cell culture enhances the aggressiveness of the metastatic cancer cell lines, 4T1 and ZR‐75‐30, by increasing their proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities. However, a less metastatic cell line, MCF‐7, did not show an increase in aggressiveness, following dense cell culture conditions. We conducted a differential proteomic analysis on 4T1 cells cultured under dense or sparse conditions and identified an increase in expression for proteins involved in migration, including focal adhesion, cytoskeletal reorganization, and transendothelial migration. In contrast, 4T1 cells grown under sparse conditions had higher expression levels for proteins involved in metabolism, including lipid and phospholipid binding, lipid and cholesterol transporter activity, and protein binding. These results suggest that the high‐density tumour microenvironment can cause a change in cellular behaviour, leading towards more aggressive cancers.

Significance of the study

Metastasis of cancer cells is an obstacle to the clinical treatment of cancer. We found that dense cultures made metastatic cancer cells more potent in terms of proliferation, migration, and invasion. The proteomic and bioinformatic analyses provided some valuable clues for further intensive studies about the effects of cell density on cancer cell aggressiveness, which were associated with events such as pre‐mRNA splicing and RNA transport, focal adhesion and cytoskeleton reorganization, ribosome biogenesis, and transendothelial migration, or associated with proteins, such as JAM‐1 and S100A11. This investigation gives us new perspectives to investigate the metastasis mechanisms related to the microenvironment of tumour sites.
Long‐term follow‐up of covered stent implantation for various coronary artery diseases
Authors: Hachinohe Daisuke , Latib Azeem , Laricchia Alessandra , Iannopollo Gianmarco , Demir Ozan M. , Ancona Marco B. , Mangieri Antonio , Regazzoli Damiano , Giannini Francesco , Azzalini Lorenzo , Mitomo Satoru , Chieffo Alaide , Montorfano Matteo , Carlino Mauro , Colombo Antonio
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to evaluate the long‐term clinical outcomes after coronary covered stent (CS) implantation and to compare the results according to the indications.

Background

To date, data on the long‐term follow‐up of coronary CS are limited, and no studies have been conducted to compare outcomes on the basis of specific lesions treated.

Methods

A total of 190 consecutive patients (212 lesions) implanted with CS and surviving until discharge between May 1997 and February 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared using the Gehan–Breslow–Wilcoxon test.

Results

CS was mainly used for the treatment of a saphenous vein graft (SVG) (51.4%), followed by coronary artery perforation (CAP) (25.0%) and coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) (11.8%). The median follow‐up duration was 6.0 (interquartile range: 1.6–13.5) years. Target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), target vessel occlusion, target lesion revascularization, and stent thrombosis, frequently occurred in the early follow‐up period (7.3%, 16.6%, 21.5%, and 8.9% at 1 year, respectively) and continued to increase throughout the long‐term follow‐up (14.8%, 38.6%, 38.7%, and 17.8% at 10 years, respectively). Target vessel occlusion, target vessel MI, and ST were not identified in CAA with superiority to CAP (Gehan–Breslow–Wilcoxon p‐value = 0.010, 0.047, and 0.046, respectively). SVG had a higher rate of target vessel occlusion than CAA (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Clinical events after CS implantation frequently occurred in the early period and steadily increased in the long‐term period. CS implantation in CAA was associated with fewer adverse cardiac events and may lead to safe and acceptable outcomes. However, CS implanted in CAP and SVG are associated with a high risk of long‐term cardiac events.
Sirolimus‐eluting BiOSS LIM dedicated bifurcation stent in the treatment of unprotected distal left main stenosis
Authors: Briguori Carlo , Visconti Gabriella , Golino Marco , Focaccio Amelia , Signoriello Giuseppe
Published: February 2019

Background

Proximal optimization technique (POT) has been proposed to adapt the conventional drug‐eluting stent (DES) with the fractal anatomy of the bifurcation. However, only few DES are labeled for post‐expansion beyond 5.0 mm. Furthermore, recrossing in the side branch (SB) through the main vessel (MV) stent cells may be challenging.

Objectives

To compare the sirolimus‐eluting, balloon‐expandable dedicated bifurcation stent BiOSS LIM DES versus the second generation DES in the treatment of distal unprotected left main coronary arteries (ULMCAs) lesions.

Methods

Forty‐two consecutive patients with distal ULMCA lesions were treated with the BiOSS LIM (BiOSS LIM group) in our center. A matched‐group of patients treated with second‐generation DES was selected from our database (Control group). The primary endpoint was the procedural complication rate, including (a) SB occlusion, defined as intraprocedural TIMI flow grade <3 immediately after MV stenting; and/or (b) trouble in SB access, defined as the need of ≥2 guidewires or a failure to recross in the SB trough the MV stent cells. The need of POT in the two groups was also analyzed.

Results

The primary endpoint occurred in four (9.5%) patients in the BiOSS LIM group and in 13 (31%) in the Control group (p = 0.028; OR = 4.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.25–14.43). POT was performed more often in the Control group (71% vs. 35%; p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Compared to conventional DES, the BiOSS LIM stent (1) facilitates SB recrossing and (2) fits well with the fractal anatomy of the left main bifurcation.
The predictors of complications in balloon pulmonary angioplasty for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ikeda Nobutaka , Kubota Shuji , Okazaki Toru , Iijima Raisuke , Hara Hidehiko , Hiroi Yukio , Nakamura Masato
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate risk factors of complications of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) and (2) assess the mechanism of the complications.

Background

BPA represents a promising treatment option in patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, the complication ratio differs across reports, and the causes remain controversial.

Methods

All complications found by angiography and non‐contrasted computerized tomography (CT) immediately after BPA were recorded. New emergences of a ground‐glass pattern or consolidation in CT after BPA that were not recognized on CT images before BPA were counted as pulmonary bleeding. Lesion morphologies were classified into four types (web, ring, abrupt narrowing and occlusive lesions) according to selective pulmonary angiography.

Results

Thirty patients consented to analysis of the BPA‐related images, and 879 lesions (112 sessions) were evaluated. One hundred and twenty‐two (99.2%) of 123 complications were confirmed to be associated with BPA procedures at the local area. In the multivariate analysis, occlusive lesions were the sole independent predictor of procedure‐related complications (adjusted odds ratio 5.83, 95%CI [1.94–17.47], p = 0.002). Hemodynamic parameters were not predictors of complications. CT images after BPA presented the predictive value for the occurrence of hemoptysis.

Conclusions

Almost all complications were attributed to operators' procedures. Lesion morphology was the sole predictor of BPA‐related complications, while hemodynamic parameters were not associated with the frequency of complications. CT scan images after BPA were useful to identify bleeding complications and to predict hemoptysis.
Case report: Atrioventricular block after transcatheter atrial septal closure using the Figulla® Flex II ASD occluder
Authors: Sato Jun , Kato Atsuko , Takeda Sho , Nishikawa Hiroshi
Published: February 2019

We report a 7‐year‐old male patient who developed severe atrioventricular block after transcatheter closure of the atrial septal defect with an Occlutech Figulla® Flex II ASD occluder (FSO). He had a small aortic rim and the defect measuring 22.3 mm by balloon sizing. When a 24 mm FSO was deployed, he developed Wenckebach second‐degree heart block; however, it recovered to sinus rhythm. Hence, the device was implanted. The rhythm deteriorated to a fixed 2:1 heart block within 7 hr. He underwent surgical retrieval of the device and closure of the defect. Intraoperative findings demonstrated the right atrium disk compressing the triangle of Koch, resulting in a small hematoma. The rhythm recovered completely by 7 days after the surgery. Care must be taken when a relatively large device is deployed in a patient with small rims as even “soft and flexible” device like the FSO can injure the endocardium.
Lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation in two liver transplantation patients under tacrolimus and antifungal azoles
Authors: Chouchane Ikrame , Stremler‐Lebel Nathalie , Reix Philippe
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

We report the initiation of CFTR modulator lumacaftor/ivacaftor combination (LUM/IVA) in two adolescents with cystic fibrosis who were treated with antifungal azoles (AZO) and tacrolimus (TCS) for liver transplantation. Despite multiple drug‐drug interactions, maintaining therapeutic TCS levels was achievable. During the following year, LUM/IVA was well tolerated, providing clinical benefits.
ReGeneraTing Agents (RGTA®): A new option for healing and improving treatment outcomes for traumatic and burn injuries of the hand
Authors: Roohi Sharifah Ahmad , Barritault Denis
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

CACIPLIQ20® significantly improved the outcomes of severe burn injuries of the hand. Healing was accelerated, with little or no scarring, allowing for greater mobility over the joints and maintained suppleness. Functional recovery was achieved in all cases.
Facile Preparation of 1T/2H‐Mo(S1‐xSex)2 Nanoparticles for Boosting Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Lin Zhiping , Lin Bo , Wang Zongpeng , Chen Shougang , Wang Chengwei , Dong Mengyao , Gao Qiang , Shao Qian , Ding Tao , Liu Hu , Wu Shide , Guo Zhanhu
Published: February 2019

2D transition metal dichalcogenides with a formula MoX2 (X=S or Se) have been explored as promising earth‐abundant catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), especially those with 1T phases. Theoretical calculations and experiments have indicated that optimal catalytic performance can be achieved by regulating the atomic ratio of S and Se in Mo(S1‐xSex)2. However, the preparation of 1T phase Mo(S1‐xSex)2 is challenging because of the differences of S and Se elements. Here, we propose a facile and effective hydrothermal method for the production of 1T/2H Mo(S1‐xSex)2, with which products with various x values are prepared. The as‐prepared Mo(S1‐xSex)2 samples give a low Tafel slope of 42.8 mV dec−1 (x=0.25), and an overpotential of 161 mV (x=0.5), which are state‐of‐the‐art among the tremendous MoX2 works. The excellent electrocatalytic performance is derived from the coexistence of S and Se atoms which reduces the reaction potential energy, and the presence of the 1T phase which improves the conductivity. Additionally, the ratio of 1T phase to 2H phase of Mo(S1‐xSex)2 is found controllable over reaction temperature.
Catalytic Wacker‐type Oxidations Using Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Ho Yee Ann , Paffenholz Eva , Kim Hyun Jin , Orgis Benjamin , Rueping Magnus , Fabry David C.
Published: February 2019

A combined palladium/photoredox catalytic system for the efficient oxidation of terminal olefins to the corresponding methyl ketones is presented. The interplay of air, water, and light leads to a protocol in which the stoichiometric oxidants required for oxidative palladium catalysis are substituted with catalytic, single‐electron transfer processes. Detailed mechanistic investigations revealed the role of the key components, in situ generated species, and catalysts. A broad range of substrates was examined in homogeneous as well as heterogeneous photoredox protocols, delivering the desired products in good yields.
Cell type‐specific distribution of GABAA receptor subtypes in the mouse dorsal striatum
Authors: Boccalaro Ida Luisa , Cristiá‐Lara Leonardo , Schwerdel Cornelia , Fritschy Jean‐Marc , Rubi Lena
Published: February 2019

The striatum is the main input nucleus of the basal ganglia, mediating motor and cognitive functions. Striatal projection neurons are GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSN), expressing either the dopamine receptor type 1 (D1‐R MSN) and forming the direct, movement‐promoting pathway, or dopamine receptor type 2 (D2‐R MSN), forming the indirect movement‐suppressing pathway. Locally, activity and synchronization of MSN are modulated by several subtypes of GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons. Overall, GABAergic circuits in the striatum remain poorly characterized, and little is known about the intrastriatal connectivity of interneurons and the distribution of GABAA receptor (GABAAR) subtypes, distinguished by their subunit composition, in striatal synapses. Here, by using immunofluorescence in mouse tissue, we investigated the distribution of GABAARs containing the α1, α2, or α3 subunit in perisomatic synapses of striatal MSN and interneurons, as well as the innervation pattern of D1R‐ and D2R‐MSN soma and axonal initial segment (AIS) by GABAergic and cholinergic interneurons. Our results show that perisomatic GABAergic synapses of D1R‐ and D2R‐MSN contain the GABAAR α1 and/or α2 subunits, but not the α3 subunit; D2R‐MSN have significantly more α1‐GABAARs on their soma than D1R‐MSN. Further, interneurons have few perisomatic synapses containing α2‐GABAARs, whereas α3‐GABAARs (along with the α1‐GABAARs) are abundant in perisomatic synapses of CCK+, NPY+/SOM+, and vAChT+ interneurons. Each MSN and interneuron population analyzed received a distinct pattern of GABAergic and cholinergic innervation, complementing this postsynaptic heterogeneity. In conclusion, intra‐striatal GABAergic circuits are distinguished by cell‐type specific innervation patterns, differential expression and postsynaptic targeting of GABAAR subtypes.
Versatile Molten Salt Synthesis of Manganite Perovskite Oxide Nanocrystals and Their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Gonell Francisco , Alem Naoual , Dunne Peter , Crochet Guillaume , Beaunier Patricia , Méthivier Christophe , Montero David , Laberty‐Robert Christel , Doudin Bernard , Portehault David
Published: February 2019

Manganite perovskite oxides exhibit a wide range of properties relevant for catalysis, energy conversion and spintronics. Such behaviors can be deeply modified at the nanoscale where confinement and surface effects may prevail. Interesting properties could then emerge from manganite perovskite nanocrystals, although their synthesis remains a challenge. The present study reports a versatile synthesis of manganite perovskite nanocrystals by using molten salts as high temperature liquids in the 600–750 °C range. Through X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, we show that many substitutions on the A perovskite site are within reach by applying the approach to La2/3Sr1/3MnO3, La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 and La1/3Pr1/3Ca1/3MnO3 cubic‐shape nanocrystals with diameter of 20, 22 and 38 nm, respectively. The magnetic properties of these nanocrystals are then investigated at 5 K, highlighting the coexistence of a ferromagnetic phase typical of the bulk, with disordered and non‐magnetic domains, which presumably arise from the nanoscale and surface effects.
Selective intracellular delivery of perfluorocarbon nanodroplets for cytotoxicity threshold reduction on ultrasound‐induced vaporization
Authors: Ishijima Ayumu , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Azuma Takashi , Kobayashi Etsuko , Shibasaki Yoshikazu , Nagamune Teruyuki , Sakuma Ichiro
Published: February 2019

Background

Phase‐change nanodroplets (PCNDs), which are liquid perfluorocarbon nanoparticles, have garnered much attention as ultrasound‐responsive nanomedicines. The vaporization phenomenon has been employed to treat tumors mechanically. However, the ultrasound pressure applied to induce vaporization must be low to avoid damage to nontarget tissues.

Aims

Here, we report that the pressure threshold for vaporization to induce cytotoxicity can be significantly reduced by selective intracellular delivery of PCNDs into targeted tumors.

Methods and results

In vitro experiments revealed that selective intracellular delivery of PCNDs induced PCND aggregation specifically inside the targeted cells. This close‐packed configuration decreased the pressure threshold for vaporization to induce cytotoxicity. Moreover, following ultrasound exposure, significant decrease was observed in the viability of cells that incorporated PCNDs (35%) but not in the viability of cells that did not incorporate PCNDs (88%).

Conclusions

Intracellular delivery of PCNDs reduced ultrasound pressure applied for vaporization to induce cytotoxicity. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry revealed that prolonged PCND‐cell incubation increased PCND uptake and aggregation. This aggregation effect might have contributed to the cytotoxicity threshold reduction effect.
Anthraquinone‐Based Oligomer as a Long Cycle‐Life Organic Electrode Material for Use in Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Yao Masaru , Sano Hikaru , Ando Hisanori , Kiyobayashi Tetsu , Takeichi Nobuhiko
Published: February 2019

An anthraquinone (AQ)‐based dimer and trimer linked by a triple bond (−C≡C−) were newly synthesized as active materials for the positive electrode of rechargeable lithium batteries. These synthesized oligomers exhibited an initial discharge capacity of about 200 mAh g−1 with an average voltage of 2.2–2.3 V versus Li(C.E.). These capacity values are similar to that of the AQ‐monomer, reflecting the two‐electron transfer redox per AQ unit. Regarding their cycling stability, the capacity of the monomer electrode quickly decreased; however, the electrodes of the prepared oligomers showed an improved cycling performance. In particular, the discharge capacities of the trimer remained almost constant for 100 cycles. A theoretical calculation revealed that the intermolecular binding energy can be increased to the level of a weak covalent bonding by oligomerization, which would be beneficial to suppress the dissolution of the organic active materials into the electrolyte solutions. These results show that the cycle‐life of organic active materials can be extended without lowering the discharge capacity by the oligomerization of the redox active molecule unit.
Impact of disclosure and assurance quality of corporate sustainability reports on access to finance
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Hussain Nazim , Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , Ruiz‐Barbadillo Emiliano
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure quantity, quality, and external validation concerning assurance on capital constraints. We examine if these disclosure characteristics matter to the investors in the financial market, then they should be positively evaluated by financial market participants. More specifically, we study the effects of disclosure quantity, quality, and assurance on the access to financial resources for reporting firms. Analysis of data of an international sample for the period of 2007–2016 significantly supports the value relevance idea of CSR disclosure quality. We document that availability of more information about the firm's CSR initiatives eases the financial access. Furthermore, the quality and external assurance of CSR disclosure further strengthen the relationship between disclosure and access to finance. Our paper not only provides support for buying assurance but also argue for better assurance quality.
Benchmarking vdW‐DF first‐principles predictions against Coupled Electron–Ion Monte Carlo for high‐pressure liquid hydrogen
Authors: Gorelov Vitaly , Pierleoni Carlo , Ceperley David M.
Published: February 2019

We report first‐principles results for the nuclear structure and optical responses of high‐pressure liquid hydrogen along two isotherms in the region of molecular dissociation. We employ density functional theory with the vdW‐DF approximation (vdW) and benchmark the results against existing predictions from Coupled Electron–Ion Monte Carlo (CEIMC). At fixed density and temperature, we find that the pressure obtained from vdW is higher than that from CEIMC by about 10 GPa in the molecular insulating phase and about 20 GPa in the dissociated metallic phase. Molecules are found to be over‐stabilized using vdW, with a slightly shorter bond length and with a stronger resistance to compression. As a consequence, pressure dissociation along isotherms using vdW is more progressive than that computed with CEIMC. Below the critical point, the liquid–liquid phase transition is observed with both theories in the same density region, but the one predicted by vdW has a smaller density discontinuity, i.e. a smaller first‐order character. The optical conductivity computed using Kubo–Greenwood formulation is rather similar for the two systems and reflects the slightly more pronounced molecular character of vdW.
The geometry of habitat fragmentation: Effects of species distribution patterns on extinction risk due to habitat conversion
Authors: May Felix , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Schurr Frank M. , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: February 2019

Land‐use changes, which cause loss, degradation, and fragmentation of natural habitats, are important anthropogenic drivers of biodiversity change. However, there is an ongoing debate about how fragmentation per se affects biodiversity in a given amount of habitat. Here, we illustrate why it is important to distinguish two different aspects of fragmentation to resolve this debate: (a) geometric fragmentation effects, which exclusively arise from the spatial distributions of species and habitat fragments, and (b) demographic fragmentation effects due to reduced fragment sizes, and/or changes in fragment isolation, edge effects, or species interactions. While most empirical studies are primarily interested in quantifying demographic fragmentation effects, geometric effects are typically invoked as post hoc explanations of biodiversity responses to fragmentation per se. Here, we present an approach to quantify geometric fragmentation effects on species survival and extinction probabilities. We illustrate this approach using spatial simulations where we systematically varied the initial abundances and distribution patterns (i.e., random, aggregated, or regular) of species as well as habitat amount and fragmentation per se. As expected, we found no geometric fragmentation effects when species were randomly distributed. However, when species were aggregated, we found positive effects of fragmentation per se on survival probability for a large range of scenarios. For regular species distributions, we found weakly negative geometric effects. These findings are independent of the ecological mechanisms which generate nonrandom species distributions. Our study helps to reconcile seemingly contradictory results of previous fragmentation studies. Since intraspecific aggregation is a ubiquitous pattern in nature, our findings imply widespread positive geometric fragmentation effects. This expectation is supported by many studies that find positive effects of fragmentation per se on species occurrences and diversity after controlling for habitat amount. We outline how to disentangle geometric and demographic fragmentation effects, which is critical for predicting the response of biodiversity to landscape change.
When rarity has costs: coexistence under positive frequency‐dependence and environmental stochasticity
Authors: Schreiber Sebastian J. , Yamamichi Masato , Strauss Sharon Y.
Published: February 2019

Stable coexistence relies on negative frequency‐dependence, in which rarer species invading a patch benefit from a lack of conspecific competition experienced by residents. In nature, however, rarity can have costs, resulting in positive frequency‐dependence (PFD) particularly when species are rare. Many processes can cause positive frequency‐dependence, including a lack of mates, mutualist interactions, and reproductive interference from heterospecifics. When species become rare in the community, positive frequency‐dependence creates vulnerability to extinction, if frequencies drop below certain thresholds. For example, environmental fluctuations can drive species to low frequencies where they are then vulnerable to PFD. Here, we analyze deterministic and stochastic mathematical models of two species interacting through both PFD and resource competition in a Chessonian framework. Reproductive success of individuals in these models is reduced by a product of two terms: the reduction in fecundity due to PFD, and the reduction in fecundity due to competition. Consistent with classical coexistence theory, the effect of competition on individual reproductive success exhibits negative frequency‐dependence when individuals experience greater intraspecific competition than interspecific competition, i.e., niche overlap is less than one. In the absence of environmental fluctuations, our analysis reveals that (1) a synergistic effect of PFD and niche overlap that hastens exclusion, (2) trade‐offs between susceptibility to PFD and maximal fecundity can mediate coexistence, and (3) coexistence, when it occurs, requires that neither species is initially rare. Analysis of the stochastic model highlights that environmental fluctuations, unless perfectly correlated, coupled with PFD ultimately drive one species extinct. Over any given time frame, this extinction risk decreases with the correlation of the demographic responses of the two species to the environmental fluctuations, and increases with the temporal autocorrelation of these fluctuations. For species with overlapping generations, these trends in extinction risk persist despite the strength of the storage effect decreasing with correlated demographic responses and increasing with temporal autocorrelations. These results highlight how the presence of PFD may alter the outcomes predicted by modern coexistence mechanisms.
Autophagy and immunological aberrations in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Qi Yuan‐yuan , Zhou Xu‐jie , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2019

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease, in which immune defects can occur at multiple points of the cascading auto‐aggressive immune reactions, resulting in a striking heterogeneity of clinical presentations. The clinical manifestations of such autoimmune response can be severe: common manifestations symptoms include rash and renal inflammation progressing to kidney failure. Autophagy, the cellular “self‐digestion” process, is a key factor in the interplay between innate and adaptive immunity. Dysregulation of autophagy has been implicated in numerous autoimmune diseases. Several lines of evidence from genomic studies, cell culture systems, animal models, and human patients are emerging to support the role of autophagy in progression and pathogenesis of SLE. In this review, we summarize recent key findings on the aberrations of autophagy in SLE, with a special focus on how deregulated autophagy promotes autoimmunity and renal damage. We will also discuss how the observed findings may be translated into therapeutic settings.
Comparative Analyses of DHA‐Phosphatidylcholine Forage and Liposomes on Alzheimer's Disease in SAMP8 Mice
Authors: Meng Jing , Zhou Miaomiao , Wang Chengcheng , Xue Changhu , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Yuming
Published: February 2019

The present work comparatively evaluates the efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid – phosphatidylcholine (DHA‐PC) forage and liposome on Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the senescence‐accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mice and illustrates the potential mechanism. The dose of DHA‐PC in forage group (1% of total diets) is equal to that of liposome group. The results of Morris maze test show that both DHA‐PC forage and liposome obviously alleviated cognitive impairment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the administration of DHA‐PC liposome shows advantage than forage in reducing β‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, DHA‐PC forage exhibits excellent inhibition on the IL‐1β protein expression (P < 0.05) and improvement in the protein levels of SYN and BDNF (P < 0.05). These data are the first to perform comparative analysis of DHA‐PC forage and liposome on AD.

Practical Applications: The outcomes in the present study might help to understand the bioactivities of DHA‐PC forage and liposomes, which might exert potential application value for dietary supplement with neuroprotective effects.

Both docosahexaenoic acid – phosphatidylcholine (DHA‐PC) forage and liposome shows benefits in alleviating Alzheimer's disease development in senescence‐accelerated prone 8 mice by inhibiting β‐amyloid generation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, neural inflammation, and enhancing neurotrophins pathway in different degrees.
Tris‐Fused Tetrathiafulvalenes Extended with an Anthraquinoid Spacer as New Positive Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Ogi Daisuke , Fujita Yusuke , Kato Minami , Yamauchi Tomokazu , Shirahata Takashi , Yao Masaru , Misaki Yohji
Published: February 2019

Tris‐fused π‐electron donors composed of two tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs) and one extended TTF with anthraquinoid spacer (3) were successfully synthesized. The cyclic voltammograms of the tetrakis(n‐hexylthio)‐ and bis(ethylenedioxy) derivatives 3c and 3d consisted of three‐pairs of two‐electron redox waves. Spectroelectrochemitry of 3c indicated that two positive charges in 3c2+ are located mainly on the central extended TTF moiety. Coin‐type cells composed of the positive electrodes incorporating the unsubstituted‐3 (3a) and 3d showed the discharge capacities of 192 and 160 mAh g–1, respectively, in which six electrons per molecule are involved.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Synthesis of N‐Heterocycles from 1‐Chloro‐2‐fluorobenzenes
Authors: Yuan Yang , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: February 2019

A simple and efficient synthesis of pyrido‐fused quinazolinones and dibenzoxazepinones by palladium‐catalyzed annulation of commercially available substituted 1‐chloro‐2‐fluorobenzenes and 2‐aminopyridines or 2‐aminophenols has been developed. The reaction involves carbonylation/aromatic nucleophilic substitution sequential in a one‐pot manner.
High Energy Density in Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐Chlorotrifluoroethylene) Nanocomposite with Oriented Graphene Exfoliated with Assistance of Fluoro Hyperbranched Copolymer
Authors: Ye Huijian , Zhang Xuanhe , Zhu Yunfei , Xu Chunfeng , Xu Lixin
Published: February 2019

Although a polymer film capacitor releases a huge power density in pulse time, its electrical capability is limited by the low energy density for the embedded hybrid device. It is still a challenge to increase the energy density and retain high charge–discharge efficiency of the polymer film. High dielectric properties and high energy density are obtained in the uniaxial stretching poly(vinylidene fluoride‐chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐CTFE)) nanocomposite incorporated with few‐layer graphene, which is exfoliated with the assistance of a fluoro hyperbranched polyethylene‐graft‐poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (HBPE‐g‐PTFEMA) copolymer via CH—π noncovalent interactions. The graphene/P(VDF‐CTFE) nanocomposite film is prepared via solution casting, and then, the in‐plane orientation of nanosheets is accomplished by uniaxial deformation. The relative content of the β phase reaches 96.0% in 0.8 vol% nanocomposite due to the combination of improved compatibility and the alignment of macromolecular chains. The energy density of a 0.1 vol% graphene/P(VDF‐CTFE) film achieves 9.5 J cm−3 as E = 400 MV m−1, which is attributed to the large‐content electroactive phase and interfacial polarization. The P(VDF‐CTFE) nanocomposite incorporated with aligned graphene exhibits a promising energy storage capability, which indicates that the orientation of nanosheets is an effective solution to enhance the energy density of the polymer film with large charge–discharge efficiency.