bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron–Proton Co‐doping‐Induced Metal–Insulator Transition in VO2 Film via Surface Self‐Assembled l‐Ascorbic Acid Molecules
Authors: Li Bowen , Xie Liyan , Wang Zhaowu , Chen Shi , Ren Hui , Chen Yuliang , Wang Chengming , Zhang Guobin , Jiang Jun , Zou Chongwen
Published: July 2019

Charge doping is an effective way to induce the metal–insulator transition (MIT) in correlated materials for many important utilizations, which is however practically limited by problem of low stability. An electron–proton co‐doping mechanism is used to achieve pronounced phase modulation of monoclinic vanadium dioxide (VO2) at room temperature. Using l‐ascorbic acid (AA) solution to treat VO2, the ionized AA− species donate electrons to the adsorbed VO2 surface. Charges then electrostatically attract surrounding protons to penetrate, and eventually results in stable hydrogen‐doped metallic VO2. The variations of electronic structures, especially the electron occupancy of V 3d/O 2p hybrid orbitals, were examined by synchrotron characterizations and first‐principle theoretical simulations. The adsorbed molecules protect hydrogen dopants from escaping out of lattice and thereby stabilize the metallic phase for VO2.
High‐Performance Nucleic Acid Sensors for Liquid Biopsy Applications
Authors: Das Jagotamoy , Kelley Shana O.
Published: July 2019

Circulating tumour nucleic acids (ctNAs) are released from tumours cells and can be detected in blood samples, providing a way to track tumors without requiring a tissue sample. This “liquid biopsy” approach has the potential to replace invasive, painful, and costly tissue biopsies in cancer diagnosis and management. However, a very sensitive and specific approach is required to detect relatively low amounts of mutant sequences linked to cancer because they are masked by the high levels of wild‐type sequences. This review discusses high‐performance nucleic acid biosensors for ctNA analysis in patient samples. We compare sequencing‐ and amplification‐based methods to next‐generation sensors for ctDNA and ctRNA (including microRNA) profiling, such as electrochemical methods, surface plasmon resonance, Raman spectroscopy, and microfluidics and dielectrophoresis‐based assays. We present an overview of the analytical sensitivity and accuracy of these methods as well as the biological and technical challenges they present.
Compensation of London Dispersion in the Gas Phase and in Aprotic Solvents
Authors: Pollice Robert , Fleckenstein Felix , Shenderovich Ilya , Chen Peter
Published: July 2019

The importance of London dispersion for structure and stability of molecules with less than about 200 atoms has been established in recent years but the quantitative understanding is still largely based on computations because of a persistent lack of suitable experimental data. We herein report a comprehensive computational and experimental study of the compensation of London dispersion in proton‐bound dimer dissociations showing that total compensation is largely invariant in both polar and nonpolar aprotic solvents spanning a wide range of bulk polarizabilities. Additionally, we find that compensation by solvent (which is about 40–80 %) largely dominates over compensation in the gas phase (which is about 0–40 %) for typical experimental temperatures.
A Conjugated Polymeric Supramolecular Network with Aggregation‐Induced Emission Enhancement: An Efficient Light‐Harvesting System with an Ultrahigh Antenna Effect
Authors: Xu Linxian , Wang Zaiyu , Wang Rongrong , Wang Lingyun , He Xuewen , Jiang Huanfeng , Tang Hao , Cao Derong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: July 2019

Superior artificial light‐harvesting systems (ALHSs) require exceptional capacity in harvesting light and transferring energy. In this work, we report a novel strategy to build ALHSs with an unprecedented antenna effect (35.9 in solution and 90.4 in solid film). The ALHSs made use of a conjugated polymeric supramolecular network (CPSN), a crosslinked network obtained from the self‐assembly of a pillar[5]arene‐based conjugated polymeric host (CPH) and conjugated ditopic guests (Gs). The excellent performance of the CPSN could be attributed to the following factors: 1) The “molecular wire effect” of the conjugated polymeric structure, 2) aggregation‐induced enhanced emission (AEE) moieties in the CPH backbone, and 3) high capacity of donor–acceptor energy transfer, and 4) crosslinked structures triggered by the host–guest binding between Gs and CPH. Moreover, the emission of the CPSN could be tuned by using different Gs or varying the host/guest ratio, thus reaching a 96 % sRGB area.
Formulation of Blended‐Lithium‐Salt Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Xu Gaojie , Shangguan Xuehui , Dong Shanmu , Zhou Xinhong , Cui Guanglei
Published: July 2019

Blended‐salt electrolytes showing synergistic effects have been formulated by simply mixing several lithium salts in an electrolyte. In the burgeoning field of next‐generation lithium batteries, blended‐salt electrolytes have enabled great progress to be made. In this Review, the development of such blended‐salt electrolytes is examined in detail. The reasons for formulating blended‐salt electrolytes for lithium batteries include improvement of thermal stability (safety), inhibition of aluminum‐foil corrosion of the cathode current collector, enhancement of performance over a wide temperature range (or at a high or low temperature), formation of favorable interfacial layers on both electrodes, protection of the lithium metal anode, and attainment of high ionic conductivity. Herein, we highlight key scientific issues related to the formulation of blended‐salt electrolytes for lithium batteries.
Asymmetric Catalytic [2,3] Stevens and Sommelet–Hauser Rearrangements of α‐Diazo Pyrazoleamides with Sulfides
Authors: Lin Xiaobin , Yang Wei , Yang Wenkun , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: July 2019

Catalytic enantioselective [2,3] Stevens and Sommelet–Hauser rearrangements of α‐diazo pyrazoleamides with sulfides were achieved by utilizing chiral N,N′‐dioxide/nickel(II) complex catalysts. These rearrangements proceeded well under mild reaction conditions, providing rapid and facile access to a series of functionalized 1,6‐dicarbonyls or sulfane‐substituted phenylacetates with high to excellent enantioselectivities. The catalytic system shows excellent stereocontrol, discriminating between the heterotopic lone pairs of sulfur and controlling both the 1,3‐proton transfer and the [2,3]‐σ rearrangement.
Enhanced Raman Scattering by ZnO Superstructures: Synergistic Effect of Charge Transfer and Mie Resonances
Authors: Ji Wei , Li Linfang , Song Wei , Wang Xinnan , Zhao Bing , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: July 2019

A remarkable enhancement of Raman scattering is achieved by submicrometer‐sized spherical ZnO superstructures. The secondary superstructures of ZnO particles with a uniform diameter in the range of 220–490 nm was formed by aggregating ca. 13 nm primary single crystallites. By engineering the superstructure size to induce Mie resonances, leading to an electromagnetic contribution to the SERS enhancement. Meanwhile, a highly efficient charge‐transfer (CT) contribution derived from the primary structure of the ZnO nanocrystallites was able to enhance the SERS signals as well. The highest Raman enhancement factor of 105 was achieved for a non‐resonant molecule by the synergistic effect of CT and Mie resonances. The Mie resonances scattered near‐field effect investigated in the present study provides not only an important guide for designing novel SERS‐active semiconductor substrates, but also a coherent framework for modelling the electromagnetic mechanism of SERS on semiconductors.
Coordination Assisted Distal C−H Alkylation of Fused Heterocycles
Authors: Ramakrishna Kankanala , Biswas Jyoti Prasad , Jana Sadhan , Achar Tapas Kumar , Porey Sandip , Maiti Debabrata
Published: July 2019

Distal C−H bond functionalization of heterocycles remained extremely challenging with covalently attached directing groups (DG). Lack of proper site for DG attachment and inherent catalyst poisoning by heterocycles demand alternate routes for site selective functionalization of their distal C−H bonds. Utilizing non‐productive coordinating property to hold the heterocycle into the cavity of a template system in a host–guest manner, we report distal C−H alkylation (C‐5 of quinoline and thiazole, C‐7 of benzothiazole and benzoxazole) of heterocycles. Upon complexation with heterocyclic substrate, nitrile DG in template directs the metal catalyst towards close vicinity of the specific distal C−H bond of the heterocycles. Our hypothesized pathway has been supported by various X‐ray crystallographically characterized intermediates.
The influence of protection and temperature on subtropical reef fish assemblages in Cape Byron Marine Park
Authors: Hammerton Zan , Bucher Daniel , Page Andrew
Published: July 2019

Diver‐held video transect surveys at a subtropical reef complex in eastern Australia documented a significant difference in the fish assemblages eight years after the area was closed to fishing.

Average sea temperatures at depth were 1–3°C warmer during the second survey period, and autumn averaged 5–6°C warmer than spring.

Large differences in fish assemblages between the seasons in 2006 were not observed in subsequent 2014 surveys. Rather than any general shift towards greater topicalisation of the assemblage in warmer conditions, the difference between the assemblage sampled in the coldest sample period and the three warmer periods was a lower frequency of occurrence of both tropical and non-tropical species and decreased asymptotic species richness.

Species that were otherwise rare, which consisted of a higher proportion of tropical species, were more likely to be absent in colder conditions. This was particularly so at the deepest and coldest location.

Therefore, in this region warmer waters tend to increase the richness and abundance of most fish, but particularly rare tropical species.

Protection from fishing since 2005 also contributed to the inter‐year differences with increased abundance of most fishery‐targeted species regardless of climatic affinities in 2014.
Beyond one bone: Interdisciplinarity to assess nativeness of the tench (Tinca tinca) in Spain
Authors: Clavero Miguel
Published: July 2019

The native or non‐native status of a species can be difficult to discern when it has been present in a territory for a long time. To solve these conflicting cases it is often important to integrate the knowledge from multiple disciplines, because narrow‐focused approaches can produce misleading perceptions around nativeness.

The tench (Tinca tinca) is thought to be native in Spain, and officially considered so, only because of putative Bronze Age remains of the species from a single archaeological site.

This putative prehistoric record is here revisited and put into context using evidence from other approaches and disciplines, to show that the native status of the tench in Spain is solely based on an arguably erroneous identification of the remains of a single bone.

Biogeographical and genetic patterns solidly support the non‐native status of the tench, and historical documents contain explicit records of the importation of the species to Spain in the sixteenth century. The tench must thus be considered a non‐native species in Spain and managed as such.

This review shows how weak observations and errors can be entrenched in the scientific literature as established truths through repeated uncritical citations, with pervasive effects both for knowledge building and for the management of natural resources.
Virtual Reconstruction and Comparative Analyses of the Middle Pleistocene Apidima 2 Cranium (Greece)
Authors: Bräuer Günter , Pitsios Theodoros , Säring Dennis , von Harling Maximilian , Jessen Frederik , Kroll Angelika , Groden Christoph
Published: July 2019

The Apidima 2 fossil cranium from South Peloponnese is one of the most important hominin specimens from Southeast Europe. Nevertheless, there has been continuous controversy as to whether it represents a so‐called Preneandertal/Homo heidelbergensis such as, for example, the Petralona cranium from Northern Greece or a more derived Neandertal. Recent absolute dating evidence alone cannot clarify the issue because both classifications would be possible during the respective Middle Pleistocene time span. Since only limited data were available on the cranium, there have been repeated claims for the need of a broader comparative study of the hominin. The present article presents a CT‐based virtual reconstruction including corrections of postmortem fractures and deformation as well as detailed metrical and morphological analyses of the specimen. Endocranial capacity could be estimated for the first time based on virtual reconstruction. Our multivariate analyses of metric data from the face and vault revealed close affinities to early and later Neandertals, especially showing the derived facial morphometrics. In addition, comparative analyses of Apidima 2 were done for many derived Neandertal features. Here again, a significant number of Neandertal features could be found in the Apidima cranium but no conditions common in Preneandertals. In agreement with a later Middle Pleistocene age Apidima is currently the earliest evidence of a hominin in Europe with such a derived Neandertal facial morphology. The place of Apidima in the complex process of Neandertal evolution as well as its taxonomic classification are discussed as well. Anat Rec, 303:1374–1392, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Spontaneous Complexation of Fullerene Aggregates on Nanodiamond Aggregates and Their Enhanced Photocurrent Generation
Authors: Umeyama Tomokazu , Okawada Yohei , Ohara Tomoya , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Supramolecular composites composed of fullerene C60 and carbon nanodiamond (ND) were constructed through spontaneous complexation of C60 aggregates onto the surface of ND aggregates in N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP). The resulting C60‐ND composite was assembled onto a nanostructured SnO2 electrode by an electrophoretic deposition method. Formation of the C60‐ND composite was confirmed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The C60‐ND composite on the SnO2 electrode showed high incident photon‐to‐current efficiencies (IPCEs) in the visible region as compared with the single component system of C60 or ND. The improved photocurrent generation of the C60‐ND composite may result from the photoinduced charge separation at the interface between C60 and ND. These results obtained here will provide valuable information on the design of optoelectronic devices based on all‐nanocarbon materials.
Time perception and autistic spectrum condition: A systematic review
Authors: Casassus Martin , Poliakoff Ellen , Gowen Emma , Poole Daniel , Jones Luke Anthony
Published: July 2019

Problems with timing and time perception have been suggested as key characteristics of autism spectrum condition (ASC). Studies and personal accounts from clinicians, parents, caregivers, and self‐reports from autistic people themselves often refer to problems with time. Although a number of empirical studies have examined aspects relating to time in autistic individuals, there remains no clear consensus on whether or how timing mechanisms may be affected in autism. A key reason for this lack of clarity is the wide range of timing processes that exist and subsequently the wide range of methodologies, research paradigms, and samples that time‐based studies have used with autism populations. In order to summarize and organize the available literature on this issue, a systematic review was conducted. Five electronic databases were consulted. From an initial 597 records (after duplicates were removed), 45 papers were selected and reviewed. The studies are reviewed within different sections based on the different types of timing ability that have been explored in the neurotypical (NT) population: time sensitivity, interval timing, and higher‐order time perception. Within each section cognitive models, methodologies, possible clinical implications, and research results are discussed. The results show different consistency across studies between the three types of timing ability. The highest consistency of results showing atypical time perception abilities is found in high‐level time perception studies. It remains unclear if autism is characterized by a fundamental time perception impairment. Suggestions for future research are discussed.Autism Res2019, 12: 1440–1462. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This systematic review examines the different types of timing and time perception behavior that have been investigated in autism. Overall, there are a number of studies that show differences between autistic and non‐autistic individuals, but some studies do not find such differences. Group differences are more consistent across studies using complex tasks rather than simpler more fundamental timing tasks. We suggest that experiments across a range of timing tasks would be fruitful to address gaps in our knowledge.
Genetic variants in GRHL3 and risk for neural tube defects: A case–control and case–parent triad/control study
Authors: Yang Wenlei , Xiao Yanhui , Tian Tian , Jin Lei , Wang Linlin , Ren Aiguo
Published: July 2019

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common severe birth defects with complex etiologies. Previous studies conducted on animals have suggested that the Grhl3 gene is essential for closure of the spinal neural tube, but little evidence from human studies on the variants of GRHL3 gene has been provided, especially the common genetic variants.

Methods

To investigate the relationship between common genetic variants of GRHL3 and the risk for NTDs, we performed a case–control study and a case–parent triad/control study. Fast‐target enrichment sequencing was performed to screen exon regions from 503 NTD cases, and three tag SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms, including rs12030057, rs2486668, and rs545809) were selected according to the sequencing results. Then, Sequenom MassARRAY genotyping was performed in 757 case parents and 519 controls to obtain genotype information of the target variant sites among all NTD triads and controls.

Results

The genotype distributions of all SNPs were in accordance with Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) in the control population. In the case–control study, significant associations were found between C27G genetic variants on rs2486668 and risk for spina bifida and encephalocele, respectively, under different genetic models. Consistently, in the case–parent triad/control study, GG genotype on rs2486668 was associated with increased risk for spina bifida, with a RR of 2.15 (95% CI: 1.20–3.83). However, no parent‐of‐origin effect was found for any tag SNPs.

Conclusion

The GRHL3 C67G missense variant may increase the risk for spina bifida and encephalocele phenotypes.
Financing climate change mitigation: An assessment of the private sector investment opportunities in Ghana
Authors: Ahenkan Albert
Published: July 2019

The funding required for climate mitigation in Africa is estimated at 10 billion U.S. dollars annually. Unfortunately, the contributions by advanced countries will not be enough to meet the mitigation needs of developing countries. Emerging economies like Ghana have low financial capacity to effectively mitigate the harsh impacts of climate change. However, the proportion of private sector investment for climate change mitigation (CCM) keeps increasing—making it a major source of climate change finance. The paper examined the investment opportunities in CCM for private firms in Ghana. The study used qualitative research approach through in‐depth interviews with 25 private sector organisations, key development partners, and climate change experts and policy makers. The study found a number of opportunities for private sector investment in energy, agriculture, transport, waste, industry, and buildings in Ghana. The private sector has competencies, which can make a unique contribution to climate mitigation through investment in innovative technology and capacity building. The study revealed a number of barriers, which are hindering the private sector from investing in CCM in Ghana. The paper urged the government to create awareness of the investment opportunities and provide incentives to attract the private firms to scale up climate change financing and investment in Ghana.
Historical vs. modern hard red spring wheat: Analysis of the chemical composition
Authors: Simsek Senay , Budak Bilge , Schwebach Catherine Suzanne , Ovando‐Martínez Maribel
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives

To evaluate possible changes in wheat composition due to breeding practices, the composition of thirty historical and modern hard red spring (HRS) wheat cultivars (released between 1910 and 2013) that were grown in North Dakota, USA, was determined.

Findings

Cultivars showed significant differences (p < .05) in the lipids, arabinoxylan, and dietary fiber contents; however, such differences were not related to the release year. The arabinose/xylose (A/X) ratio showed significant differences (p < .05), and this parameter was genotype‐dependent and related to the release year. Minerals showed significant differences (p < .05) between genotypes, and phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, which were significantly (p < .001) correlated with the release year.

Conclusions

Overall, only A/X ratio and the minerals phosphorus, potassium, and zinc were related to the release year among genotypes. Our findings indicate that wheat breeding strategies did not seem to affect the composition of modern cultivars as compared to historical wheat cultivars.

Significance and novelty

The results obtained in this study will help to refute negative claims about wheat breeding practices and the healthfulness of wheat. The study of the composition of these historical and modern wheat cultivars supports the hypothesis that wheat breeding has not caused changes to the wheat, which would negatively influence human health.
Present bias and financial behavior
Authors: Xiao Jing Jian , Porto Nilton
Published: July 2019

Present bias is an important term in the theory of self‐control in behavioral finance. Empirical research finds that present bias is associated with undesirable spending, borrowing, and saving behaviors. Unlike previous research that focuses on one domain of financial behavior, the purpose of this study is to examine associations between present bias and a set of financial behaviors in various domains: spending, borrowing, saving, and money management. With data from a national urban sample in China, results show that some behavioral patterns are consistent with theoretical predictions that present biased consumers are more likely to spend in the present and less likely to save for the future. The findings have implications for further research on present bias and help researchers better understand this important concept. The results are also informative for financial planners to better serve their clients.
Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8 as pH‐Sensitive Nanocarrier for “Arsenic Trioxide” Drug Delivery
Authors: Ettlinger Romy , Moreno Natalia , Volkmer Dirk , Kerl Kornelius , Bunzen Hana
Published: July 2019

Previous results revealed that arsenic trioxide might be used as promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of some solid tumours as atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours (ATRT). However, in order to become an approved drug for solid tumour treatment, the active formulation has to get more efficient and feasible—but at the same time less toxic. One of the possibilities to achieve this dichotomy is to use nanomedicine tools. Herein, we report on the Zn‐based metal–organic framework ZIF‐8 (Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐8) which turned out to be a promising candidate for the delivery of AsIII species. It conjointly features a high drug loading capacity and a prominent pH‐triggered release behaviour. AsIII‐loaded ZIF‐8 nanoparticles coated and non‐coated with polyethylene glycol were studied by XRPD, IR, Raman, TGA, TEM, EDX, CHN‐elemental analysis, sorption analysis and ICP‐OES, and their cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro.
A semiparametric approach for modelling multivariate nonlinear time series
Authors: Samadi S. Yaser , Hajebi Mahtab , Farnoosh Rahman
Published: July 2019

Abstract

In this article, a semiparametric time‐varying nonlinear vector autoregressive (NVAR) model is proposed to model nonlinear vector time series data. We consider a combination of parametric and nonparametric estimation approaches to estimate the NVAR function for both independent and dependent errors. We use the multivariate Taylor series expansion of the link function up to the second order which has a parametric framework as a representation of the nonlinear vector regression function. After the unknown parameters are estimated by the maximum likelihood estimation procedure, the obtained NVAR function is adjusted by a nonparametric diagonal matrix, where the proposed adjusted matrix is estimated by the nonparametric kernel estimator. The asymptotic consistency properties of the proposed estimators are established. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed semiparametric method. A real data example on short‐run interest rates and long‐run interest rates of United States Treasury securities is analyzed to demonstrate the application of the proposed approach.The Canadian Journal of Statistics47: 668–687; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Structure‐Guided Synthesis and Evaluation of Small‐Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Protein–Protein Interactions of BRCA1 tBRCT Domain
Authors: Kurdekar Vadiraj , Giridharan Saranya , Subbarao Jasti , Nijaguna Mamatha B. , Periasamy Jayaprakash , Boggaram Sanjana , Shivange Amol V. , Sadasivam Gayathri , Padigaru Muralidhara , Potluri Vijay , Venkitaraman Ashok R. , Bharatham Kavitha
Published: July 2019

The tandem BRCT domains (tBRCT) of BRCA1 engage phosphoserine‐containing motifs in target proteins to propagate intracellular signals initiated by DNA damage, thereby controlling cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Recently, we identified Bractoppin, the first small‐molecule inhibitor of the BRCA1 tBRCT domain, which selectively interrupts BRCA1‐mediated cellular responses evoked by DNA damage. Here, we combine structure‐guided chemical elaboration, protein mutagenesis and cellular assays to define the structural features responsible for Bractoppin's activity. Bractoppin fails to bind mutant forms of BRCA1 tBRCT bearing K1702A, a key residue mediating phosphopeptide recognition, or F1662R or L1701K that adjoin the pSer‐recognition site. However, the M1775R mutation, which engages the Phe residue in the consensus phosphopeptide motif pSer‐X‐X‐Phe, does not affect Bractoppin binding, confirming a binding mode distinct from the substrate phosphopeptide binding. We explored these structural features through structure‐guided chemical elaboration and characterized structure–activity relationships (SARs) in biochemical assays. Two analogues, CCBT2088 and CCBT2103 were effective in abrogating BRCA1 foci formation and inhibiting G2 arrest induced by irradiation of cells. Collectively, our findings reveal structural features underlying the activity of a novel inhibitor of phosphopeptide recognition by the BRCA1 tBRCT domain, providing fresh insights to guide the development of inhibitors that target protein–protein interactions.
Highly Efficient and Selective Oxidation of Ethanol to Acetaldehyde by a Hybrid Photocatalyst Consisting of SnO2 Nanorod and Rutile TiO2 with Heteroepitaxial Junction
Authors: Awa Kenta , Akashi Ryo , Akita Atsunobu , Naya Shin‐ichi , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Tada Hiroaki
Published: July 2019

Single‐crystal SnO2 nanorods were grown on rutile TiO2 with a heteroepitaxial relation of SnO2{001}/TiO2{001} (SnO2‐NR#TiO2) by a hydrothermal reaction. Resulting compressive lattice strain in the SnO2‐NR near the interface induces a continuous increase in the a‐axis length extending over 60 nm to relax towards the [001] direction from the root to the tip. UV‐light irradiation of the robust SnO2‐NR#TiO2 stably progresses the selective oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde with an external quantum yield of 25.6 % at excitation wavelength (λex)=365 nm under ambient temperature and pressure. Spectroscopic analyses and density functional theory simulation results suggested that the extremely high photocatalytic activity stems from the smooth interfacial electron transfer from TiO2 to SnO2‐NR through the high‐quality junction and subsequent efficient charge separation due to the lattice strain‐induced unidirectional potential gradient of the conduction band minimum in the SnO2‐NR.
Hydrogenation of Polyesters to Polyether Polyols
Authors: Stadler Bernhard M. , Hinze Sandra , Tin Sergey , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: July 2019

The amount of plastic waste is continuously increasing. Besides conventional recycling, one solution to deal with this problem could be to use this waste as a resource for novel materials. In this study, polyesters are hydrogenated to give polyether polyols by using in situ‐generated Ru‐Triphos catalysts in combination with Lewis acids. The choice of Lewis acid and its concentration relative to the ruthenium catalyst are found to determine the selectivity of the reaction. Monitoring of the molecular weight during the reaction confirms a sequential mechanism in which the diols that are formed by hydrogenation are etherified to the polyethers. To probe the applicability of this tandem hydrogenation etherification approach, a range of polyester substrates is investigated. The oligoether products that form in these reactions have the chain lengths that are appropriate for application in the adhesives and coatings industries. This strategy makes polyether polyols accessible that are otherwise difficult to obtain from conventional fossil‐based feedstocks.
OMIP‐060: 30‐Parameter Flow Cytometry Panel to Assess T Cell Effector Functions and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Liechti Thomas , Roederer Mario
Published: July 2019

We developed this comprehensive 28‐color flow cytometry panel with the aim to measure a variety of T cell effector functions in combination with T cell differentiation markers (CCR7, CD27, CD28, CD45RO, CD95) in γδ T cells and CD4+ and CD8+ αβ T cells (Table 1). The effector functions measured in this panel include activation and co‐stimulatory molecules (CD69, CD137, and CD154), cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐13, IL‐17A, IL‐21, IL‐22, TNF, and IFNγ), the chemokine IL‐8, cytotoxic molecules (perforin and granzyme B), and the degranulation marker CD107a. In addition, Ki67 enables the identification and analysis of recently activated T cells. To characterize regulatory T cells (Tregs), we included CD25, CD39, and the canonical Tregs transcription factor FoxP3. We developed and optimized this panel for cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. However, we successfully tested other types of stimulation such as staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB) or a mix of immunodominant peptides (CEF peptide pool) from cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and influenza. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Usefulness of imprint cytology of gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma in a patient with Turner syndrome and a Y chromosome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nagai Tamiko , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Motegi Emi , Machida Hiromi , Sasaki Hideo , Kato Hikaru , Kosaka Nobuaki , Fukasawa Ichio , Kuroda Hajime
Published: July 2019

Ovarian gonadoblastoma coexisting with a dysgerminoma is extremely rare in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) and a Y chromosome. The cytological findings, including imprint cytology, of these unusual ovarian tumors have rarely been reported. We report a rare patient with a gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma, 3.0 × 2.0 cm in size; she was a 19‐year‐old woman with TS and a Y chromosome. She underwent laparoscopic bilateral gonadectomy, and the tumor was classified as stage IA (pT1aNxM0) according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics classification system. Intraoperative imprint cytology revealed two types of neoplastic cells: small tumor cells surrounding light green‐stained or eosinophilic hyaline globules with marked calcification, suspicious for gonadoblastoma; and large, round, atypical cells with abundant cytoplasm, macronucleoli, and marked lymphocytic infiltration (two‐cell pattern), suspicious for dysgerminoma. The cytology results in our patient may represent the second reported results of imprint cytology describing a gonadoblastoma with dysgerminoma. They are the first reported results in a patient with TS and a Y chromosome.
Temperature‐mediated responses of carbon fluxes to precipitation variabilities in an alpine meadow ecosystem on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhang Yangjian , Zhu Juntao , Zu Jiaxing , Huang Ke , Li Junxiang , Liu Yaojie , Cong Nan , Tang Ze , Wang Li , Zhu Yixuan
Published: July 2019

Effects of climate warming and changing precipitation on ecosystem carbon fluxes have been intensively studied. However, how they co‐regulate carbon fluxes is still elusive for some understudied ecosystems. To fill the gap, we examined net ecosystem productivity (NEP), gross ecosystem productivity (GEP,) and ecosystem respiration (ER) responses to multilevel of temperature increments (control, warming 1, warming 2, warming 3, warming 4) in three contrasting hydrological growing seasons in a typical semiarid alpine meadow. We found that carbon fluxes responded to precipitation variations more strongly in low‐level warming treatments than in high‐level ones. The distinct responses were attributable to different soil water conditions and community composition under low‐level and high‐level warming during the three growing seasons. In addition, carbon fluxes were much more sensitive to decreased than to increased precipitation in low‐level warming treatments, but not in high‐level ones. At a regional scale, this negative asymmetry was further corroborated. This study reveals that future precipitation changes, particularly decreased precipitation would induce significant change in carbon fluxes, and the effect magnitude is regulated by climate warming size.
In Vivo Mutagenicity Testing of Arylboronic Acids and Esters
Authors: Masuda‐Herrera Melisa J. , Dobo Krista L. , Kenyon Michelle O. , Kenny Julia D. , Galloway Sheila M. , Escobar Patricia A. , Reddy M. Vijayaraj , Jolly Robert A. , Trejo‐Martin Alejandra , Brown Caren , Mckeon Marie , Young Megan , Bruce Shannon , Pant Kamala , Dutta Aparajita , Kulkarni Rohan , Bercu Joel P.
Published: July 2019

Arylboronic acids and esters (referred to collectively as arylboronic compounds) are commonly used intermediates in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals but pose a challenge for chemical syntheses because they are often positive for bacterial mutagenicity in vitro. As such, arylboronic compounds are then typically controlled to levels that are acceptable for mutagenic impurities, that is, the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC). This study used ICH M7 guidance to design and conduct a testing strategy to investigate the in vivo relevance of the in vitro positive findings of arylboronic compounds. Eight arylboronic compounds representing a variety of chemical scaffolds were tested in Sprague Dawley and/or Wistar rats in the in vivo Pig‐a (peripheral blood reticulocytes and mature red blood cells) and/or comet assays (duodenum and/or liver). Five of the eight compounds were also tested in the micronucleus (peripheral blood) assay. The arylboronic compounds tested orally demonstrated high systemic exposure; thus the blood and bone marrow were adequately exposed to test article. One compound was administered intravenously due to formulation stability issues. This investigation showed that arylboronic compounds that were mutagenic in vitro were not found to be mutagenic in the corresponding in vivo assays. Therefore, arylboronic compounds similar to the scaffolds tested in this article may be considered non‐mutagenic and managed in accordance with the ICH Q3A/Q3B guidelines. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Panel quantile regressions for estimating and predicting the value‐at‐risk of commodities
Authors: Čech František , Baruník Jozef
Published: July 2019

Using a flexible panel quantile regression framework, we show how the future conditional quantiles of commodities returns depend on both ex post and ex ante uncertainty. Empirical analysis of the most liquid commodities covering main sectors, including energy, food, agriculture, and precious and industrial metals, reveal several important stylized facts. We document common patterns of the dependence between future quantile returns and ex post as well as ex ante volatilities. We further show that the conditional returns distribution is platykurtic. The approach can serve as a useful risk management tool for investors interested in commodity futures contracts.
A Therapeutic Silencing RNA Targeting Hepatocyte TAZ Prevents and Reverses Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Sommerfeld Mark R. , Jahn‐Hofmann Kerstin , Cai Bishuang , Filliol Aveline , Remotti Helen E. , Schwabe Robert F. , Kannt Aimo , Tabas Ira
Published: July 2019

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging as a major public health issue and is associated with significant liver‐related morbidity and mortality. At present, there are no approved drug therapies for NASH. The transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ; encoded by WW domain‐containing transcription regulator 1 [WWTR1]) is up‐regulated in hepatocytes in NASH liver from humans and has been shown to causally promote inflammation and fibrosis in mouse models of NASH. As a preclinical test of targeting hepatocyte TAZ to treat NASH, we injected stabilized TAZ small interfering RNA (siRNA) bearing the hepatocyte‐specific ligand N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc‐siTAZ) into mice with dietary‐induced NASH. As a preventative regimen, GalNAc‐siTAZ inhibited inflammation, hepatocellular injury, and the expression of profibrogenic mediators, accompanied by decreased progression from steatosis to NASH. When administered to mice with established NASH, GalNAc‐siTAZ partially reversed hepatic inflammation, injury, and fibrosis. Conclusion: Hepatocyte‐targeted siTAZ is potentially a novel and clinically feasible treatment for NASH.
Does Compassion Matter in Leadership? A Two‐Stage Sequential Equal Status Mixed Method Exploratory Study of Compassionate Leader Behavior and Connections to Performance in Human Resource Development
Authors: Shuck Brad , Alagaraja Meera , Immekus Jason , Cumberland Denise , Honeycutt‐Elliott Maryanne
Published: July 2019

The transformative power of compassion is critical to leader performance and has garnered increasing interest in business settings. Despite substantive contributions toward the conceptual understanding of compassion, prior empirical work on the relationship between compassion and leader performance is relatively limited. This article presents compassionate leader behavior as a conceptualization of a new leadership construct. A two‐stage, sequential, and equal status mixed method research design was utilized to develop and validate a measure of compassionate leadership. Study 1 used a phenomenological approach to understand how leaders engage with compassion and how their experiences and behaviors associated with compassion affect performance within the context of their leadership. Findings indicated that when leaders focused on compassionate behaviors during routine and focal events in the organization, six distinctive themes—integrity, empathy, accountability, authenticity, presence, and dignity—emerged as individual‐level building blocks of compassionate leadership behavior. In Study 2, we developed and validated a Compassionate Leader Behavior Index (CLBI) based on the six emergent behaviors and found general support for compassionate leadership for both practice and research. Implications of study findings and directions for future research in human resource development (HRD) are discussed.
Analysis of a boundary layer flow over moving an exponentially stretching surface with variable viscosity and Prandtl number
Authors: Govindaraj Nagarathinam , Singh Abhishek K. , Roy Satyajit , Shukla Pankaj
Published: July 2019

Boundary layer flow phenomenons on a stretching sheet find numerous applications in industrial processes such as manufacture and extraction of rubber and polymer sheets. The current study focuses on two‐dimensional water boundary layer flow on exponential stretching surface with a vertical plate for variable physical properties of fluid such as viscosity and Prandtl number. The Quasilinearization technique has been used on governing equations to transform nonlinear to linear equations and these equations are discretized by finite difference techniques to get numerical solutions. The effect of buoyancy parameters (λ), velocity ratio parameter () and streamwise coordinator (ξ) on velocity profiles (F), temperature profiles (θ), local skin‐friction coefficient (Cfx(ReLξexp(ξ))1/2) and the local Nusselt number (Nux(ReLξexp(ξ))−1/2) has been analyzed graphically based on numerical outcome. The magnitude of velocity profiles increases and temperature profile decreases approximately by 4% and 16% with increases the buoyancy parameter from λ = 1 to λ = 3 at = 0.5 and ξ = 1.0. The skinfriction and heat transfer coefficient increases approximately by 22% and 27% with an increase in ξ from 0.5 to 1.0 at fixed  = 0.5 and λ = 1.0. The variations of velocity profiles and temperature profiles have more impact with as compared to ξ and λ. The benchmark studies were carried out to validate the current results with previously published work and found to be in excellent agreement.
Trauma, immigration, and sexual health among Latina women: Implications for maternal–child well‐being and reproductive justice
Authors: Fortuna Lisa R. , Noroña Carmen Rosa , Porche Michelle V. , Tillman Cathi , Patil Pratima A. , Wang Ye , Markle Sheri Lapatin , Alegría Margarita
Published: July 2019

Latina immigrant women are vulnerable to traumatic stress and sexual health disparities. Without autonomy over their reproductive health and related decision‐making, reproductive justice is elusive. We analyzed behavioral health data from 175 Latina immigrant participants (Mage = 35; range = 18–64) of the International Latino Research Partnership (ILRP) study. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to compare immigrant mothers of minor children to those without, regarding their psychological and reproductive health, and correlates of past exposure to sexual trauma. Over one third (38%) of ILRP participants had minor children, and 58% had citizenship in their host country. The rate for sexual assault was 30 and 61%, respectively, for physical assault; these rates were similarly high for women with and without minor children. Women who reported sexual assault scored significantly higher for depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance‐abuse screens. Odds of experiencing sexual assault was highest for women who experienced physical assault (odds ratio = 10.74), and for those from the Northern Triangle (odds ratio = 8.41). Subgroups of Latina migrant mothers are vulnerable to traumatic stress and related sexual and mental health risks. Given these findings, we frame the implications in a reproductive justice framework and consider consequences for caregiver–child well‐being.
Avoidance of psychological pain and suicidal ideation in community samples: Replication across two countries and two languages
Authors: Campos Rui C. , Holden Ronald R. , Lambert Christine E.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

A multidimensional psychological pain model of suicide has been developed that includes three dimensions: affective, cognitive, and avoidance. In the present research, we evaluated the relationships between the three dimensions of psychological pain and suicidal ideation.

Method

Two community samples from Portugal and the U.S. participated in the research.

Results

Hierarchical multiple regression analysis demonstrated that when controlling for the effects of depressive symptoms and psychache, the avoidance dimension, but not the cognitive or affective dimension of psychological pain, explained significant, and unique variance in suicidal ideation in each sample.

Conclusion

Even when individuals perceive psychological pain, there may not be an elevated risk of suicide, provided that they do not consider suicide as a form of coping to decrease that pain.
Rac3, but not Rac1, promotes ox‐LDL induced endothelial dysfunction by downregulating autophagy
Authors: He Dan , Xu Ling , Wu Yuhang , Yuan Yuchan , Wang Ying , Liu Zhenzhu , Zhang Changlin , Xie Wenli , Zhang Lijiao , Geng Zhaohong , Wang Hongli , Wang Hongyan , Qu Peng
Published: July 2019

The endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. The role of autophagy in the process of atherosclerosis has drawn increasing attention. The human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), whose Ras‐related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and Rac3 was knockdown, were used to detect whether the possible molecular mechanisms of Rac1 and Rac3 for anti‐inflammatory in endothelial cells was effected by downregulation of autophagy. The HUVECs were incubated with ox‐LDL. The inflammatory factors and autophagy proteins were evaluated to ascertain and compare the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 on autophagy. Then, 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) as an inhibiter of autophagy was used to detect whether the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 was related to autophagy. ox‐LDL‐induced cell dysfunction in HUVECs was determined by testing the formation of foam cells, the expression of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor protein 3 and NF‐κB p65 and other inflammatory factors, the release of reactive oxygen species by oxidative stress and the dysfunction of the cytomembrane. And ApoE−/− mice on a high‐fat diet were used as an animal model to detect the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 in vivo. The results showed that when Rac1 and Rac3 were decreased in HUVECs, the cell dysfunction caused by ox‐LDL was inhibited. If 3‐MA was used to inhibit autophagy in Rac1 and Rac3 knockdown cells, the injury induced by ox‐LDL on the cells was recovered. These results indicated that the effect of Rac1 and Rac3 was combined with ox‐LDL, which was related to inhibition of autophagy. The effect of Rac3 was more significant than that of Rac1.
Long noncoding RNA FER1L4 acts as an oncogenic driver in human pan‐cancer
Authors: You Zilong , Ge Anqi , Pang Da , Zhao Yashuang , Xu Shouping
Published: July 2019

The function of Fer‐1 like family member 4 (FER1L4) in human pan‐cancer is unknown. Expression of FER1L4 in tumor tissues and nontumor tissues, upstream regulation of FER1L4, and the relationship between its expression with prognosis and chemoresistance were examined by The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Next, these results were validated in breast tumor and paired nontumor tissues in our cohort. FER1L4 expression is higher in tumor tissues compared with the adjacent nontumor tissues. High FER1L4 expression is associated with worse disease outcomes. Hypomethylation and H3K4me3 accumulation in FER1L4 promoter locus activate its transcriptional expression. Moreover, FER1L4 may trigger chemoresistance in human cancer. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that FER1L4 may be involved in processes associated with tumorigenesis. These results indicated that FER1L4 may act as an oncogenic driver and it may be a potential therapy target in human cancer.