bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organellomic data sets confirm a cryptic consensus on (unrooted) land‐plant relationships and provide new insights into bryophyte molecular evolution
Authors: Bell David , Lin Qianshi , Gerelle Wesley K. , Joya Steve , Chang Ying , Taylor Z. Nathan , Rothfels Carl J. , Larsson Anders , Villarreal Juan Carlos , Li Fay‐Wei , Pokorny Lisa , Szövényi Péter , Crandall‐Stotler Barbara , DeGironimo Lisa , Floyd Sandra K. , Beerling David J. , Deyholos Michael K. , von Konrat Matt , Ellis Shona , Shaw A. Jonathan , Chen Tao , Wong Gane K.‐S. , Stevenson Dennis W. , Palmer Jeffrey D. , Graham Sean W.
Published: December 2019

Premise

Phylogenetic trees of bryophytes provide important evolutionary context for land plants. However, published inferences of overall embryophyte relationships vary considerably. We performed phylogenomic analyses of bryophytes and relatives using both mitochondrial and plastid gene sets, and investigated bryophyte plastome evolution.

Methods

We employed diverse likelihood‐based analyses to infer large‐scale bryophyte phylogeny for mitochondrial and plastid data sets. We tested for changes in purifying selection in plastid genes of a mycoheterotrophic liverwort (Aneura mirabilis) and a putatively mycoheterotrophic moss (Buxbaumia), and compared 15 bryophyte plastomes for major structural rearrangements.

Results

Overall land‐plant relationships conflict across analyses, generally weakly. However, an underlying (unrooted) four‐taxon tree is consistent across most analyses and published studies. Despite gene coverage patchiness, relationships within mosses, liverworts, and hornworts are largely congruent with previous studies, with plastid results generally better supported. Exclusion of RNA edit sites restores cases of unexpected non‐monophyly to monophyly for Takakia and two hornwort genera. Relaxed purifying selection affects multiple plastid genes in mycoheterotrophic Aneura but not Buxbaumia. Plastid genome structure is nearly invariant across bryophytes, but the tufA locus, presumed lost in embryophytes, is unexpectedly retained in several mosses.

Conclusions

A common unrooted tree underlies embryophyte phylogeny, [(liverworts, mosses), (hornworts, vascular plants)]; rooting inconsistency across studies likely reflects substantial distance to algal outgroups. Analyses combining genomic and transcriptomic data may be misled locally for heavily RNA‐edited taxa. The Buxbaumia plastome lacks hallmarks of relaxed selection found in mycoheterotrophic Aneura. Autotrophic bryophyte plastomes, including Buxbaumia, hardly vary in overall structure.
Nur durch eine Lewis‐Base stabilisierte Phosphanylalane und ‐gallane
Authors: Weinhart Michael A. K. , Lisovenko Anna S. , Timoshkin Alexey Y. , Scheer Manfred
Published: December 2019

Die Synthese und Charakterisierung der ersten, nur durch eine Lewis‐Base (LB) stabilisierten Phosphanylalan‐ und ‐galan‐Stammverbindungen wird berichtet. Die dazugehörigen, substituierten Verbindungen wie IDipp⋅GaH2PCy2 (1) (IDipp=1,3‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐imidazolin‐2‐yliden) wurden durch die Reaktion von LiPCy2 mit IDipp⋅GaH2Cl erhalten. Jedoch wurden die LB‐stabilisierten Stammverbindungen IDipp⋅GaH2PH2 (3) und IDipp⋅AlH2PH2 (4) mittels Salzmetathese von LiPH2⋅DME mit IDipp⋅E′H2Cl (E′=Ga, Al) bzw. mittels H2‐Eliminierungsreaktionen von IDipp⋅E′H3 (E′=Ga, Al) mit PH3 synthetisiert. Die Verbindungen wurden als kristalline Festkörper isoliert und vollständig charakterisiert. Ergänzende DFT‐Rechnungen liefern sowohl Einblicke in die Bildungswege als auch in die Stabilität dieser Verbindungen hinsichtlich ihres Zersetzungsverhaltens.
Synthesis and material properties of elastomeric high molecular weight polycycloacetals derived from diglycerol and meso‐erythritol
Authors: Law Ariah C. , Stankowski Dakota S. , Bomann Blake H. , Suhail Shanzay , Salmon Kyle H. , Paulson Samuel W. , Carney Michael J. , Robertson Nicholas J.
Published: December 2019

Copolymerizing glutaraldehyde with tetraols such as diglycerol, meso‐erythritol, and pentaerythritol is particularly effective for forming very high molecular weight polycycloacetals (Mn up to 65,000 g/mol) with elastomeric properties and up to 70% biorenewable content by weight. Altering the tetraol monomer feed ratio provides control over the polycycloacetal's tensile properties. The polymerizations are high‐yielding, readily scalable, and employ commercially available starting materials that are used without further purification. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48780.
Development, characterization, and cross‐amplification of 17 microsatellite markers for Filipendula vulgaris
Authors: Čortan Dijana , Krak Karol , Vít Petr , Mandák Bohumil
Published: December 2019

Premise

Polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed as a tool for genetic investigations of Filipendula vulgaris (Rosaceae) and related species.

Methods and Results

Seventeen new polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for F. vulgaris using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Polymorphism of the 17 loci was tested in three populations. We identified a total of 203 alleles, ranging from four to 19 per locus, with levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.267 to 1.000 and 0.461 to 0.899, respectively. Primers were also tested for cross‐amplification in three related species. Seven loci successfully cross‐amplified in F. camtschatica and F. ulmaria, whereas we detected positive cross‐amplification in only three loci in Geum urbanum.

Conclusions

The newly developed microsatellite primers will serve as useful genetic tools for further population genetic studies on F. vulgaris and related species.
A new strategy proposal to monitor ray fins landings in south‐east Brazil
Authors: Almeida Marques Rebeca , Guimarães Julio Tainá , Sole‐Cava Antonio Mateo , Vianna Marcelo
Published: December 2019

Statistical fisheries data are usually obtained during landings, through rapid fish classification and their categorization under the trade names given to species or groups of species. However, species classification is often difficult, particularly concerning elasmobranchs whose fins and heads have been removed, leading to labelling errors.

The aim of this paper is to identify the ray species composition landed in south‐east Brazil, providing identification strategies to support a plan for more efficient labelling and management.

Samples were obtained from artisanal fleet landings, between November 2012 and May 2014. For taxonomic identification of whole or processed animals (n = 279, belonging to 10 species), morphological, metric, and molecular techniques were employed. The common name used by fishermen was more related to the location where they lived than the fishing gear used.

Morphometric analyses resulted in pectoral fin to length and weight conversion equations of whole individuals for each species, and 10 variables were found to be diagnostic of each genus.

A genetic identification, based on sequencing of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome b and cytochrome oxidase I, was applied to verify morphological identification. A dichotomous key that allowed ray identification at the species level from pectoral fin morphology was developed. The approach was field tested and deemed adequate, leading to a robust monitoring strategy for estimating the biomass of specific landed rays.
Heparan sulfate in human cutaneous Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles
Authors: García‐Piqueras Jorge , García‐Suárez Olivia , García‐Mesa Yolanda , García‐Fernandez Beatriz , Quirós Luis M. , Cobo Ramón , Martín‐Biedma Benjamin , Feito Jorge , Vega José A.
Published: December 2019

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are pericellular/cell surface molecules involved in somatosensory axon guidance in the peripheral nervous system. However, the distribution of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix of human cutaneous sensory corpuscles is unknown. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were performed to define the localization of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in human cutaneous Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles using two anti‐heparan sulfate antibodies together with anti‐S100 protein, anti‐PGP9.5, anti‐CD34 (to immunolabel basement membranes, Schwann cells, axon and the intermediate endoneurial layer of Pacinian corpuscles, respectively), anti‐Type IV collagen, and anti‐chondroitin sulfate antibodies. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans were colocalized with Type IV collagen in Meissner's corpuscles and were located in the outer core lamellae and capsule, but not in the inner core or the intermediate layer, in Pacinian corpuscles. Chondroitin sulfate was observed in the intermediate layer of Pacinian corpuscles but was never colocalized with heparan sulfate proteoglycans. The present results strongly suggest that heparan sulfate proteoglycans are associated with the basement membranes of the lamellar cells in Meissner's corpuscles and with the complex outer core capsule in Pacinian corpuscles. The functional significance of these results, if any, remains to be elucidated.
Korrekturfaktoren der Einsturzwahrscheinlichkeit von Brücken
Authors: Proske Dirk , Hostettler Sascha , Friedl Herbert
Published: December 2019

Das Konzept der Minimierung von Lebenszykluskosten verwendet unter anderem den Parameter der Versagenswahrscheinlichkeit. Im Gegensatz zu allen anderen Parametern in diesem Konzept wird ein Zusammenhang zwischen Berechnung (Versagenswahrscheinlichkeit) und Beobachtung (Einsturzhäufigkeiten) in der Literatur häufig verneint. In diesem Beitrag werden basierend auf der Auswertung von Einsturzstatistiken Faktoren zur Korrektur der berechneten Versagenswahrscheinlichkeiten vorgestellt. Diese Faktoren berücksichtigen z. B. den Baustoff, die Art des statischen Systems oder die Brückenart. Diese Informationen liegen in der Regel in den Datenbanken der Infrastrukturbetreiber vor, sodass das Verfahren relativ einfach in bestehende Datenbanken integriert und gleichzeitig für jede Brücke ein realistischer individueller Wert bestimmt werden kann.
Meta‐analysis of clinical trials with competing time‐to‐event endpoints
Authors: Meddis Alessandra , Latouche Aurélien , Zhou Bingqing , Michiels Stefan , Fine Jason
Published: December 2019

Recommendations for the analysis of competing risks in the context of randomized clinical trials are well established. Meta‐analysis of individual patient data (IPD) is the gold standard for synthesizing evidence for clinical interpretation based on multiple studies. Surprisingly, no formal guidelines have been yet proposed to conduct an IPD meta‐analysis with competing risk endpoints. To fill this gap, this work details (i) how to handle the heterogeneity between trials via a stratified regression model for competing risks and (ii) that the usual metrics of inconsistency to assess heterogeneity can readily be employed. Our proposal is illustrated by the re‐analysis of a recently published meta‐analysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, aiming at quantifying the benefit of the addition of chemotherapy to radiotherapy on each competing endpoint.
Identification and circumvention of bottlenecks in CYP21A2‐mediated premedrol production using recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: König Lisa , Brixius‐Anderko Simone , Milhim Mohammed , Tavouli‐Abbas Daniela , Hutter Michael C. , Hannemann Frank , Bernhardt Rita
Published: December 2019

Synthetic glucocorticoids such as methylprednisolone are compounds of fundamental interest to the pharmaceutical industry as their modifications within the sterane scaffold lead to higher inflammatory potency and reduced side effects compared with their parent compound cortisol. In methylprednisolone production, the complex chemical hydroxylation of its precursor medrane in position C21 exhibits poor stereo‐ and regioselectivity making the process unprofitable and unsustainable. By contrast, the use of a recombinant E. coli system has recently shown high suitability and efficiency. In this study, we aim to overcome limitations in this biotechnological medrane conversion yielding the essential methylprednisolone‐precursor premedrol by optimizing the CYP21A2‐based whole‐cell system on a laboratory scale. We successfully improved the whole‐cell process in terms of premedrol production by (a) improving the electron supply to CYP21A2; here we use the N‐terminally truncated version of the bovine NADPH‐dependent cytochrome P450 reductase (bCPR−27) and coexpression of microsomal cytochrome b5; (b) enhancing substrate access to the heme by modification of the CYP21A2 substrate access channel; and (c) circumventing substrate inhibition which is presumed to be the main limiting factor of the presented system by developing an improved fed‐batch protocol. By overcoming the presented limitations in whole‐cell biotransformation, we were able to achieve a more than 100% improvement over the next best system under equal conditions resulting in 691 mg·L−1·d−1 premedrol.
‘Momma bear wants to protect’: Vicarious parenting in practitioners working with disturbed and traumatised children
Authors: Fixsen Alison , Ridge Damien , Evans Carys
Published: December 2019

Practitioners working with disturbed and neglected children and young people face many practical and personal challenges, including countertransference and secondary trauma reactions. One underexplored area is the practitioner requirement to negotiate with children's parents and to process feelings towards both parents and children. We explore the experiences of female counsellors and psychologists working with children and young adults in the UK mental health care sector, using an inductive thematic analysis. While participants spoke positively about their vocation and satisfaction gained from acting as an agent of change in young people's lives, they also related highly intense emotional work and traumatic accounts, using powerful metaphors to convey the impact of hearing and processing stories, indicating vicarious trauma effects and a strong parental invocation in therapists, including maternal feelings towards some children (‘vicarious parenting’). Some parents were cast as potentially harming a child and obstructing the professional's work. Our paper fleshes out vicarious parenting as a particular form of countertransference.
Example‐based image recoloring in an indoor environment
Authors: Lin Xianxuan , Wang Xun , Li Frederick W. B. , Li Jinyu , Yang Bailin , Zhang Kaili , Wei Tianxiang
Published: December 2019

Color structure of a home scene image closely relates to the material properties of its local regions. Existing color migration methods typically fail to fully infer the correlation between the coloring of local home scene regions, leading to a local blur problem. In this paper, we propose a color migration framework for home scene images. It picks the coloring from a template image and transforms such coloring to a home scene image through a simple interaction. Our framework comprises three main parts. First, we carry out an interactive segmentation to divide an image into local regions and extract their corresponding colors. Second, we generate a matching color table by sampling the template image according to the color structure of the original home scene image. Finally, we transform colors from the matching color table to the target home scene image with the boundary transition maintained. Experimental results show that our method can effectively transform the coloring of a scene matching with the color composition of a given natural or interior scenery.
Wet milling of deoxynivalenol‐contaminated wheat: Effect on physicochemical properties of starch
Authors: Magallanes López Ana M. , Manthey Frank A. , Simsek Senay
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a water‐soluble mycotoxin that contaminates cereals, causing a negative economic impact on producers. Wet milling is a process that separates plant components based on chemistry (starch, gluten, lipid, and fiber), which can result in profitable products for the ingredients market. This research aimed to compare the effectiveness of three laboratory‐scale wet‐milling processes (Martin, medium shear, and high shear) on the extraction and functionality of starch from wheat samples containing DON.

Findings

DON concentration in farina (3.0 mg/kg) and semolina (8.8 mg/kg) exceeded the security threshold for human consumption. After wet milling, DON was not detectable in the starch fraction. Starch produced from the medium shear process had significantly (p ≤ .05) lower protein contamination while transition temperatures significantly (p ≤ .05) decreased compared to the other two wet‐milling procedures. Martin process resulted in the method with the greatest starch damage and significantly (p ≤ .05) different thermal and pasting properties when compared to medium and high shear processes.

Conclusions

The three laboratory‐scale wet‐milling processes were effective for obtaining starch free of DON. Depending on the wet‐milling process applied, differences were detected regarding physical damage of the granules, and the proportion of A and B granules which impacted the viscous and thermal properties.

Significance and novelty

Wet milling provides a valuable alternative for the use of DON‐contaminated grain in the industrial production of wheat starch.
Is anti‐snake venom required for all snakebites: A case report
Authors: Dorji Thinley
Published: December 2019

The classification of snakebite is based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. In cases, of suspected hemotoxic snakebite, the anti‐snakebite venom (ASV) is administered based on 20‐minute whole blood clotting time. However, the use of ASV should be guided by the presence of bleeding diathesis along with raised clotting time.
Coronary artery bypass grafting for an octogenarian with R II‐B type with isolated single coronary artery
Authors: Kumagai Motoyuki , Shinoda Eiji , Takehara Makoto , Nishizawa Junichiro
Published: December 2019

We experienced a very rare case of isolated single coronary artery, in which the left main coronary artery passes between the aorta and pulmonary artery. It is the most potentially serious among the coronary artery anomalies, because it has the risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death in young ages.
Photosystem I Multilayers within Porous Indium Tin Oxide Cathodes Enhance Mediated Electron Transfer
Authors: Wolfe Kody D. , Dervishogullari Dilek , Stachurski Christopher D. , Passantino Joshua M. , Kane Jennings G. , Cliffel David E.
Published: December 2019

Understanding and improving charge transfer pathways between extracted Photosystem I (PSI) protein complexes and electrodes is necessary for the development of low‐cost PSI‐based devices for energy conversion. We incorporated PSI multilayers within porous indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and observed a greater mediated photocurrent in comparison to multilayers on planar ITO. First, the mediated electron transfer (MET) pathway in the presence of 2,6‐dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) and ascorbate (AscH) was studied via photochronoamperometry on planar ITO. ITO nanoparticles were then used to fabricate two porous electrode morphologies; mesoporous (20–100 nm pores) and macroporous (5 μm pores). PSI multilayers within macroporous ITO cathodes produced 42±5 μA cm−2 of photocurrent, three times the photocurrent produced by mesoporous ITO. Additionally, macroporous cathodes are able to utilize twice as much active surface area, when compared to mesoporous cathodes. Our findings show that MET within PSI multilayers is greater in 5 μm macropores than mesoporous ITO due to both an increase in electrode surface area and the location of PSI complexes within the pores. Improving MET in PSI‐based bioelectrodes has applications including improving the total charge transfer achieved in PSI‐based photoelectrochemical cells or even incorporation in bio‐photocatalytic cells.
Binding Modes of Salicylic Acids to Titanium Oxide Molecular Surfaces
Authors: Liu Caiyun , Hu Junyi , Liu Weiming , Zhu Feng , Wang Guo , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wang Yifeng
Published: December 2019

A set of titanium oxide clusters (TOCs) comprised of 4 to 16 Ti atoms are synthesized with substituted salicylates (SSAs). The interfacial coordination environment of these SSA/Ti oxide hybrids are surveyed and found to be limited to four binding modes, with the bridging chelate mode being the most common one. The SSA‐functionalized TOCs show strong visible light absorption properties. The contribution of the SSAs in the frontier orbitals of the TOCs are analyzed by using TD‐DFT calculations based on the molecular geometries determined by X‐ray diffraction. For TOCs of relatively high O/Ti ratio, the SSAs narrow the band gap of the TOCs by contributing solely to the HOMOs. Both binding modes and locations of the SSAs are important for the roles of SSAs in changing the HOMOs and thereby the absorption onsets.
Redox‐Induced Modulation of Exchange Interaction in a High‐Spin Ground‐State Diradical/Triradical System
Authors: Nagata Atsuki , Hiraoka Shinsuke , Suzuki Shuichi , Kozaki Masatoshi , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Tanaka Rika , Okada Keiji
Published: December 2019

A triplet ground‐state diradical molecule, bis(nitronyl nitroxide)‐substituted diphenyldihydrophenazine (1..), that can be converted into a one‐electron oxidized species,1…+, in the quartet ground state has been developed. Surprisingly, these species,1..and1…+, can be used under ambient conditions because they are reasonably stable under aerobic conditions, even in solution. The temperature‐dependent magnetic susceptibilities reveal that1..and1…+are in the triplet state, with a weak exchange interaction (J1/kB= +3.1 K) and quartet ground state with a strong exchange interaction (J2/kB= +160 K), respectively. The interconversion between the neutral and one‐electron oxidized species can be realized through electrochemical reactions. Significantly different absorption bands in the near‐IR region newly appeared in the electronic spectra acquired during electrochemical oxidation/reduction.
Structure‐Based Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Triazole‐Based smHDAC8 Inhibitors
Authors: Kalinin Dmitrii V. , Jana Sunit K. , Pfafenrot Maxim , Chakrabarti Alokta , Melesina Jelena , Shaik Tajith B. , Lancelot Julien , Pierce Raymond J. , Sippl Wolfgang , Romier Christophe , Jung Manfred , Holl Ralph
Published: December 2019

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, which affects over 200 million people worldwide and leads to at least 300,000 deaths every year. In this study, initial screening revealed the triazole‐based hydroxamate 2 b (N‐hydroxy‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐carboxamide) exhibiting potent inhibitory activity toward the novel antiparasitic target Schistosoma mansoni histone deacetylase 8 (smHDAC8) and promising selectivity over the major human HDACs. Subsequent crystallographic studies of the 2 b/smHDAC8 complex revealed key interactions between the inhibitor and the enzyme's active site, thus explaining the unique selectivity profile of the inhibitor. Further chemical modifications of 2 b led to the discovery of 4‐fluorophenoxy derivative 21 (1‐[5‐chloro‐2‐(4‐fluorophenoxy)phenyl]‐N‐hydroxy‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4‐carboxamide), a nanomolar smHDAC8 inhibitor (IC50=0.5 μM), exceeding the smHDAC8 inhibitory activity of 2 b and SAHA (vorinostat), while exhibiting an improved selectivity profile over the investigated human HDACs. Collectively, this study reveals specific interactions between smHDAC8 and the synthesized triazole‐based inhibitors and demonstrates that these small molecules represent promising lead structures, which could be further developed in the search for novel drugs for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Computational fluid dynamics of blood flow in an idealized left human heart
Authors: Dedè Luca , Menghini Filippo , Quarteroni Alfio
Published: December 2019

We construct an idealized computational model of the left human heart for the study of the blood flow dynamics in the left atrium and ventricle. We solve the Navier‐Stokes equations in the ALE formulation and we prescribe the left heart wall displacement based on physiological data; moreover, we consider the presence of both the mitral and aortic valves through the resistive method. We simulate the left heart hemodynamics by means of the finite element method and we consider the variational multiscale large eddy simulation (LES) formulation to account for the transitional and nearly turbulent regimes of the blood flow in physiological conditions. The main contribution of this paper is the characterization of the blood flow in an idealized configuration of the left heart aiming at reproducing function in normal conditions. Our assessment is based on the analysis of instantaneous and phase averaged velocity fields, blood pressure, and other clinically meaningful fluid dynamics indicators. Finally, we show that our idealized computational model can be suitably used to study and critically discuss pathological scenarios like that of a regurgitant mitral valve.
Role of TFF3 as an adjunct in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus using a minimally invasive esophageal sampling device—The CytospongeTM
Authors: Paterson Anna L. , Gehrung Marcel , Fitzgerald Rebecca C. , O'Donovan Maria
Published: December 2019

The incidence of esophageal carcinoma continues to increase whilst its prognosis remains poor. The most dramatic reduction in mortality is likely to follow early diagnosis of the preinvasive precursor lesion, Barrett's esophagus (BE), coupled with treatment of dysplastic lesions. The major risk factor for BE is gastroesophageal reflux disease, however this is highly prevalent and only a small proportion of individuals have BE, therefore an endoscopy‐based screening strategy to detect BE is unfeasible. Minimally invasive esophageal sampling devices offer an alternative, cost‐effective strategy which can be deployed within an at‐risk population in a primary care setting to identify individuals with probable BE who can then be referred for endoscopic confirmation. The device that has currently progressed furthest in clinical trials is the CytospongeTM which collects cells from the gastric cardia, gastroesophageal junction and along the whole esophageal length. The cell sample is processed into a formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded block and sections assessed for the presence of intestinal metaplasia. TFF3 immunohistochemistry has consistently been shown to be a valuable adjunct that increases the accuracy of the CytospongeTM test by highlighting early goblet cells which may be missed on morphological assessment and by allowing pseudogoblet cells to be differentiated from true goblet cells.
The underdog invader: Breeding system and colony genetic structure of the dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus Mayr)
Authors: Eyer Pierre‐André , Espinoza Elida M. , Blumenfeld Alexander J. , Vargo Edward L.
Published: December 2019

Ants are among the most successful species at invading new environments. Their success undeniably comes from their various modes of reproduction and colony breeding structures, which influence their dispersal ability, reproductive potential, and foraging strategies. Almost all invasive ant species studied so far form supercolonies, a dense network of interconnected nests comprising numerous queens, without aggression toward non‐nestmates. This strategy results in invasive colonies that are able to grow extremely fast and large while avoiding intraspecific competition, allowing them to monopolize environmental resources and outcompete native species.

Here, we developed and used 10 microsatellite markers to investigate the population structure and breeding system of the dark rover ant Brachymyrmex patagonicus Mayr in its introduced range. We determined whether this species exhibits a supercolonial structure by assessing whether different nests belonged to the same genetic colony. We inferred its dispersal ability by investigating isolation by distance and estimated the numbers of queens per colonies and mating per queen through parent‐offspring inferences. We found that most of the colonies of B. patagonicus were comprised of a single nest, headed by a single queen. Each nest was distinct from one another, without isolation by distance, which suggests strong dispersal ability through nuptial flights. These features are commonly observed in noninvasive and native ant species, but they are surprising for a successful invasive ant, as they strongly differ from other invasive ants. Overall, we discuss how this seemingly unfavorable strategy for an invasive ant might favor the invasive success of the dark rover ant in the United States.
Clinical implications of the blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio in heart failure and their association with haemoconcentration
Authors: Sujino Yasumori , Nakano Shintaro , Tanno Jun , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Goda Ayumi , Mizuno Atsushi , Nagatomo Yuji , Kohno Takashi , Muramatsu Toshihiro , Nishimura Shigeyuki , Kohsaka Shun , Yoshikawa Tsutomu ,   for the West Tokyo Heart Failure Registry Investigators
Published: December 2019

Aims

The blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine ratio is a strong prognostic indicator in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, the clinical impact of a high BUN/creatinine ratio at discharge with respect to renal dysfunction, neurohormonal hyperactivity, and different responsiveness to decongestion therapy remains unclear. Herein, we examined (i) the predictive value of a high BUN/creatinine ratio at discharge and (ii) its haemoconcentration‐dependent effects, in patients with ADHF.

Methods and results

The West Tokyo Heart Failure registry was a multicentre, prospective cohort registry‐based study that enrolled patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of ADHF. The endpoint was post‐discharge all‐cause death. Based on the degree of haemoconcentration, patients (n = 2090) were divided into four subcategories. In multivariate proportional hazard analyses, a higher BUN/creatinine ratio was independently associated with higher all‐cause mortality in the total population and in the extreme haemodilution (ΔHaemoglobin ≤ −0.9 g/dL) and haemoconcentration (0.8 g/dL ≤ ΔHaemoglobin) subcategories, but not in the modest haemodilution/haemoconcentration subcategories.

Conclusions

A higher BUN/creatinine ratio at discharge was independently associated with higher post‐discharge all‐cause mortality in patients with ADHF. The predictive value of a high BUN/creatinine ratio at discharge was haemoconcentration dependent and may be an unfavourable predictor in patients showing excessive haemoconcentration and haemodilution, but not in those showing modest haemoconcentration/haemodilution.
Imaging in patients with suspected acute heart failure: timeline approach position statement on behalf of the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Authors: Čelutkienė Jelena , Lainscak Mitja , Anderson Lisa , Gayat Etienne , Grapsa Julia , Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Manka Robert , Nihoyannopoulos Petros , Filardi Pasquale Perrone , Vrettou Rosa , Anker Stefan D. , Filippatos Gerasimos , Mebazaa Alexandre , Metra Marco , Piepoli Massimo , Ruschitzka Frank , Zamorano Jose Luis , Rosano Giuseppe , Seferovic Petar
Published: December 2019

Acute heart failure is one of the main diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in clinical practice due to a non‐specific clinical manifestation and the urgent need for timely and tailored management at the same time. In this position statement, the Heart Failure Association aims to systematize the use of various imaging methods in accordance with the timeline of acute heart failure care proposed in the recent guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. During the first hours of admission the point‐of‐care focused cardiac and lung ultrasound examination is an invaluable tool for rapid differential diagnosis of acute dyspnoea, which is highly feasible and relatively easy to learn. Several portable and stationary imaging modalities are being increasingly used for the evaluation of cardiac structure and function, haemodynamic and volume status, precipitating myocardial ischaemia or valvular abnormalities, and systemic and pulmonary congestion. This paper emphasizes the central role of the full echocardiographic examination in the identification of heart failure aetiology, severity of cardiac dysfunction, indications for specific heart failure therapy, and risk stratification. Correct evaluation of cardiac filling pressures and accurate prognostication may help to prevent unscheduled short‐term readmission. Alternative advanced imaging modalities should be considered to assist patient management in the pre‐ and post‐discharge phase, including cardiac magnetic resonance, computed tomography, nuclear studies, and coronary angiography. The Heart Failure Association addresses this paper to the wide spectrum of acute care and heart failure specialists, highlighting the value of all available imaging techniques at specific stages and in common clinical scenarios of acute heart failure.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Metal‐Free Trifluoromethylselenolation of Electron‐Rich Heteroarenes Using the Nucleophilic [Me4N][SeCF3] Reagent
Authors: De Zordo‐Banliat Arnaud , Barthélémy Lucas , Bourdreux Flavien , Tuccio Béatrice , Dagousset Guillaume , Pégot Bruce , Magnier Emmanuel
Published: December 2019

A metal‐free visible‐light‐promoted regioselective trifluoromethylselenolation of electron‐rich heteroarenes has been developed using C–H functionalization. This eco‐friendly, atom‐economical, and easy‐to‐operate protocol provides direct access to a wide range of functionalized SeCF3‐containing heteroarenes in high yields, and is amenable to continuous flow techniques. A radical mechanism was supported by EPR experiments.
Toward the use of approach/avoidance tendencies as attitude measures: Individual‐ and group‐level variability of the ingroup bias
Authors: Rougier Marine , Muller Dominique , Courset Rémi , Smeding Annique , Devos Thierry , Batailler Cédric
Published: December 2019

Approach/avoidance paradigms could constitute an interesting alternative in measuring intergroup attitudes, notably if they overcome one criticism often addressed toward classic indirect tasks: Measuring attitudes beyond the influence of cultural knowledge. Using intergroup stimuli and a population likely to be exposed to a similar cultural knowledge, we observed two informative results regarding this issue: Approach/avoidance effects measured by the Visual Approach/Avoidance by the Self Task (VAAST) varied across participants (i.e., consistent with the variability of intergroup attitudes; Experiment 1) and both participants of dominant and non‐dominant groups produced an ingroup bias (Experiment 2). A last experiment (Experiment 3) showed that compatibility scores in the VAAST predict trustworthiness ratings of the ingroup/outgroup. This experiment also investigated potential differences between the VAAST and the IAT. These results suggest that approach/avoidance tasks (notably the VAAST) could be relevant to assess personal attitudes when it comes to normatively sensitive topics.
Selective Electrochemical Determination of Dopamine with Molecularly Imprinted Poly(Carbazole‐co‐Aniline) Electrode Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Sağlam Şener , Arman Aysu , Üzer Ayşem , Ustamehmetoğlu Belkıs , Sezer Esma , Apak Reşat
Published: December 2019

Dopamine (DA) is a significant neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, coexisting with uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA). UA and AA are easily oxidizable compounds having potentials close to that of DA for electrochemical analysis, resulting in overlapping voltammetric response. In this work, a novel molecularly imprinted (MI) electrochemical sensor was proposed for selective determination of DA (in the presence of up to 80‐fold excess of UA and AA), relying on gold nanoparticles (Aunano)‐decorated glassy carbon (GC) electrode coated with poly(carbazole (Cz)‐co‐aniline (ANI)) copolymer film incorporating DA as template (DA imprinted‐GC/P(Cz‐co‐ANI)‐Aunano electrode, DA‐MIP‐Aunano electrode). The DA recognizing sensor electrode showed great electroactivity for analyte oxidation in 0.2 mol L−1 pH 7 phosphate buffer. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) was performed within 10−4–10−5 mol L−1 of DA, of which the oxidation peak potential was observed at 0.16 V. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were 2.0×10−6 and 6.7×10−6 mol L−1, respectively. Binary and ternary synthetic mixtures of DA‐UA, DA‐AA and DA‐UA‐AA yielded excellent recoveries for DA. Additionally, DA was quantitatively recovered from a real sample of bovine serum spiked with DA, and determined in concentrated dopamine injection solution. The developed SWV method was statistically validated against a literature potentiodynamic method using a caffeic acid modified‐GC electrode.
LAMSTAR: For IoT‐based face recognition system to manage the safety factor in smart cities
Authors: Medapati Prema Kumar , Tejo Murthy P.H.S. , Sridhar K.P.
Published: December 2019

Digital transformation played a vital role in smart cities because of its ability to process the different data to providing sustainability, connectivity, and mobility to data effectively. According to the diver operational productivity, preserving public safety government law enforcement integrated that face recognition is more important in smart cities. Traditional face recognition system fails to predict the exact facial features that leads to reduce the facial recognition accuracy. The false facial point detection process maximizes the computation complexity. Therefore, in this work, effective and artificial intelligence internet of things–based facial expression detection system is implemented to predict and match the face from the database. Initially, the facial images are captured from the internet of things sensor device, which is processed by applying the Perona‐Malik diffusion algorithm. Then, face location is cropped from the image, geometric face shape model is created for predicting the exact face from the template face image. From the face shape, different facial features are extracted from various region using Fisher linear discriminant analysis. The derived features are trained with the help of convolution network and the face recognition process is done by using the adaboost large memory storage and retrieval neural network. The network successfully recognizes the face from the template, which is used to eliminate the safety related risk in smart cities.
Production technology, nutritional, and microbiological investigation of traditionally fermented mare milk (Chigee) from Xilin Gol in China
Authors: Guo Liang , Xu Wei‐Liang , Li Chun‐Dong , Ya Mei , Guo Yuan‐Sheng , Qian Jun‐Ping , Zhu Jian‐Jun
Published: December 2019

Mare milk originated from female horses, known as mares, to feed their foals during lactation. The health‐promoting characteristics of traditionally fermented mare milk (Chigee) are well known for the function of clinic treatment in the traditional Mongolian medicine. This study was conducted to investigate the production technology of Chigee and to evaluate the nutritional and microbiological characteristics of mare milk and Chigee based on 188 samples. The nutritional analysis of mare milk and Chigee indicated that lactose significantly decreased from 6.95 ± 0.45% to 2.82 ± 1.65% and acidity and alcoholic content significantly increased to 136.72 ± 57.88°T and 1.22 ± 0.7%, respectively, after spontaneous fermentation of mare milk. The microbiological analysis of Chigee showed that the total lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count varied from 5.32 to 8.56 log cfu/ml and total yeast count varied from 2.41 to 6.98 log cfu/ml. Moreover, the acidity of Chigee rose with the increase in LAB count within limits, and high acidity (≥178°T) inhibited the growth of coliforms. These findings provide an understanding of traditional production technology, nutrition, and microbiology that is fundamental for establishing the food standard of Chigee in China and will contribute to standardize the fermentation process for the industrial production of Chigee in the future.
Antihyperglycemic effect of rice husk derived xylooligosaccharides in high‐fat diet and low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced type 2 diabetic rat model
Authors: Khat‐udomkiri Nuntawat , Toejing Parichart , Sirilun Sasithorn , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat , Lailerd Narissara
Published: December 2019

Rice husk (RH) is an agricultural waste obtained from rice milling process. Our previous study demonstrated the optimized process of extracting xylooligosaccharides (XOS), a prebiotic that can support the growth and activity of beneficial gut microbiota, from RH. Accumulated evidences indicate that the composition of gut microbiota is involved in the progression of insulin resistance and diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect and putative mechanisms of RH‐XOS using a diabetic rat model induced by high‐fat diet and streptozotocin injection. Diabetic rats were randomly assigned to receive vehicle (DMC), XOS (DM‐XOS), metformin (DMM), and a combination of XOS and metformin (DMM‐XOS). An additional group of rats were fed with normal diet plus vehicle (NDC) and normal diet plus XOS (ND‐XOS). Supplementation with RH‐XOS for 12 weeks successfully decreased the fasting plasma glucose, insulin, leptin, and LPS levels in DM‐XOS compared with DMC. Likewise, the insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake assessed by in vitro study was significantly enhanced in DM‐XOS, DMM, and DMM‐XOS. The diminished protein expressions of GLUT4 and pAktSer473 as well as pAMPKThr172 were significantly modulated in DM‐XOS, DMM, and DMM‐XOS groups. Interestingly, RH‐XOS supplementation reversed the changed gut permeability, elevated the number of beneficial bacteria, both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp., and increased SCFAs production. Taken together, the results confirm the efficacy of RH‐XOS in achieving good glycemic control in diabetes by maintenance of gut microbiota and attenuation of endotoxemia. The findings reveal the benefits of RH‐XOS and open an opportunity to improve its value by its development as a nutraceutical for diabetes.
Palaeoenvironment and organic matter of the Triassic Chang 9 lacustrine shales, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Xu Zhengjian , Liu Luofu , Jiang Shu , Wang Tieguan , Fang Chao , Zhang Zhihuan , Wu Kangjun , Feng Yanjun , Dou Wenchao
Published: December 2019

The Ordos Basin, a large mainly non‐marine basin, is an important petroliferous basin in northern China. The Triassic Chang 9 shales, including the delta plain shale (DPS), delta front shale (DFS), and deep lake shale (DLS), are proven to be the main source rocks in the lower Yanchang Formation (LYF). This study investigates the source rock potential, palaeoenvironment, and organic matter (OM) source. According to the OM thermal maturity, abundance, and type, the shales have excellent source rock potential. The DLS has the highest quality with average TOC of 7.08%, S1 + S2 of 14.41 mg HC/g rock, and Type II1–II2. According to correlations of Rb/Sr versus Sr/Cu, the shales were mainly deposited in arid conditions. Based on the major element (S), trace elements (V, Ni, Co, Cr, U, and Th), rare earth element (Ce) concentrations, and biomarkers (Pr, Ph, dibenzofuran, fluorene, and dibenzothiophene), redox conditions for the DPS, DFS, and DLS were oxidizing, sub‐oxidizing to sub‐reducing, and reducing, respectively. The palaeosalinity was fresh‐ to brackish‐water, ascertained by the trace elements (Sr and Ba) and biomarkers (gammacerane). The water stratification was controlled by the temperature changes and the palaeosalinity differences, and the maximum water depth was ~100 m during the Chang 9 deposition. Aquatic microorganisms (e.g., algae, bacteria, and phytoplankton) were the main organic matter sources for the shales, mixed together with terrigenous plants in DPS and DFS. The DLS has the most aquatic microorganisms and has the least higher plant fragments, supported by the higher TOC (up to 14%), lowest vitrinite contents (Avg. = 14.1%), and highest liptinite contents (Avg. = 59.5%). Laterally, the DPS, DFS, and DLS were distributed successively from the lake margin to the depocentre. Vertically, the DLS, DFS, and DPS were developed successively from the bottom lake to the upper lake. The DLS was mainly formed in an environment of high‐level sapropelinite and favourable preservation conditions, and the DPS was mainly formed in an environment of high‐level terrigenous inputs and poor preservation conditions, while the DFS was mainly formed in an environment of medium‐level of sapropelinite productivity and terrigenous inputs and fair preservation conditions. The DPS and DFS were formed during both the early stage (shallow lake) and the late stage (deep lake) of the Chang 9 deposition, while the DLS was only developed in the deep lake during the late Chang 9 deposition. The high‐level sapropelinite production and favourable preservation controlled the formation of the organic‐rich shales, especially for the organic‐rich DLS.
Neurostructural correlates of optimism: Gray matter density in the putamen predicts dispositional optimism in late adolescence
Authors: Lai Han , Wang Song , Zhao Yajun , Qiu Chen , Gong Qiyong
Published: December 2019

Dispositional optimism reflects one's generalized positive expectancies for future outcomes and plays a crucial role in personal developmental outcomes and health (e.g., counteracting related mental disorders such as depression and anxiety). Increasing evidence has suggested that extraversion is an important personality factor contributing to dispositional optimism. However, less is known about the association between dispositional optimism and brain structure and the role of extraversion in this association. Here, we examined these issues in 231 healthy high school students aged 16 to 20 years (110 males, mean age = 18.48 years, SD = 0.54) by estimating regional gray matter density (rGMD) using a voxel‐based morphometry method via structural magnetic resonance imaging. Whole‐brain regression analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between dispositional optimism and the rGMD of the bilateral putamen after adjusting for age, sex, family socioeconomic status (SES), general intelligence, and total gray matter volume (TGMV). Moreover, prediction analyses using fourfold balanced cross‐validation combined with linear regression confirmed a significant connection between dispositional optimism and putamen density after adjusting for age, sex, and family SES. More importantly, subsequent mediation analysis showed that extraversion may account for the association between putamen density and dispositional optimism after adjusting for age, sex, family SES, general intelligence, TGMV, and the other four Big Five personality traits. Taken together, the current study provides new evidence regarding the neurostructural basis underlying dispositional optimism in adolescents and underscores the importance of extraversion as an essential personality factor for dispositional optimism acquisition.