bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implanting Atomic Dispersed Ru in PtNi Colloidal Nanocrystal Clusters for Efficient Catalytic Performance in Electro‐oxidation of Liquid Fuels
Authors: Li Binsheng , Yang Shaohan , Chen Guozhu , Li Cuncheng , Lv Yipin , Yang Xiaodong , Gao Daowei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAlthough PtRu alloy nanocatalysts have been certified to possess excellent electrocatalytic performance and CO‐poisoning tolerance toward formic acid and methanol electro‐oxidation, the unaffordable usages of ruthenium (Ru) and platinum (Pt) have greatly limited their widespread adoption. Here, a facile one‐pot method is reported for implanting atomic dispersed Ru in PtNi colloidal nanocrystal clusters with different Ru/Pt/Ni molar ratios, greatly reducing the dosages of Pt and Ru, and further improving the catalytic performances for the electro‐oxidation of formic acid and methanol. Through simple control of the amount of Ni(acac)2 precursor, trimetallic Ru0.3Pt70.5Ni29.2, Ru0.6Pt55.9Ni43.5, Ru0.2Pt77.3Ni22.5, and Ru0.9Pt27.3Ni71.8 colloidal nanocrystal clusters (CNCs) are obtained. In particular, the Ru0.3Pt70.5Ni29.2 CNCs exhibit excellent specific activities for formic acid and methanol electro‐oxidation, that is, 14.2 and 15.3 times higher, respectively, than those of the Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, the Ru0.3Pt70.5Ni29.2 CNCs also possess better anti‐CO‐poisoning properties and diffusion ability than the other RuPtNi CNCs. The excellent formic acid and methanol electro‐oxidation activities of RuPtNi CNCs are ascribed to the optimal ligand effects derived from the Pt, Ni, and atomic dispersed Ru atoms, which can improve the OH adsorption ability and further the anti‐CO‐poisoning capability. This research opens a new door for increasing the electro‐oxidation properties of liquid fuels by using lower dosages of noble metals in Pt‐based catalysts.
How Does Iron Storage Protein Ferritin Interact with Plutonium (and Thorium)?
Authors: Zurita Cyril , Tsushima Satoru , Bresson Carole , Garcia Cortes Marta , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Jeanson Aurélie , Creff Gaëlle , Den Auwer Christophe 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe impact of the contamination of living organisms by actinide elements has been a constant subject of attention since the 1950s. But to date still little is understood. Ferritin is the major storage and regulation protein of iron in many organisms, it consists of a protein ring and a ferrihydric core at the center. This work sheds light on the interactions of early actinides (Th, Pu) at oxidation state +IV with ferritin and its ability to store those elements at physiological pH compared to Fe. The ferritin–thorium load curve suggests that ThIV saturates the protein (2840 Th atoms per ferritin) in a similar way that Fe does on the protein ring. Complementary spectroscopic techniques (spectrophotometry, infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy) were combined with molecular dynamics to provide a structural model of the interaction of ThIV and PuIV with ferritin. Comparison of spectroscopic data together with MD calculations suggests that ThIV and PuIV are complexed mainly on the protein ring and not on the ferrihydric core. Indeed from XAS data, there is no evidence of Fe neighbors in the Th and Pu environments. On the other hand, carboxylates from amino acids of the protein ring and a possible additional carbonate anion are shaping the cation coordination spheres. This thorough description from a molecular view point of ThIV and PuIV interaction with ferritin, an essential iron storage protein, is a cornerstone in comprehensive nuclear toxicology.
Selective Modification for Red‐Shifted Excitability: A Small Change in Structure, a Huge Change in Photochemistry
Authors: Becker Yvonne , Roth Sina , Scheurer Maximilian , Jakob Andreas , Gacek Daniel A. , Walla Peter J. , Dreuw Andreas , Wachtveitl Josef , Heckel Alexander 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe developed three bathochromic, green‐light activatable, photolabile protecting groups based on a nitrodibenzofuran (NDBF) core with D‐π‐A push–pull structures. Variation of donor substituents (D) at the favored ring position enabled us to observe their impact on the photolysis quantum yields. Comparing our new azetidinyl‐NDBF (Az‐NDBF) photolabile protecting group with our earlier published DMA‐NDBF, we obtained insight into its excitation‐specific photochemistry. While the “two‐photon‐only” cage DMA‐NDBF was inert against one‐photon excitation (1PE) in the visible spectral range, we were able to efficiently release glutamic acid from azetidinyl‐NDBF with irradiation at 420 and 530 nm. Thus, a minimal change (a cyclization adding only one carbon atom) resulted in a drastically changed photochemical behavior, which enables photolysis in the green part of the spectrum.
Surface Propensity of Anions in a Binary Ionic‐Liquid Mixture Assessed by Full‐Range Angle‐Resolved X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Surface‐Tension Measurements
Authors: Oz Erdinc , Sahin Ozgur , Okur Halil I. , Suzer Sefik 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAngle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact‐angle measurements guided by a signal attenuation model are utilized to extract molar composition and anion enrichment in the vacuum interface of a binary ionic liquid mixture, having a common quaternary ammonium cation and two different anions. By using the intensity ratio of the F1s peaks belonging to the two different anions recorded at the full electron take‐off angle range, from 0° to 80°, we have determined that only a fractionally covered and anion enriched surface layer can predict the AR‐XPS data, which is also consistent with surface tension measurements. Moreover, the more bulky and non‐spherical anion enrichment is evident even at the conventional and the so assumed bulk sensitive take‐off angle of 0°. This methodology provides a surface enrichment factor of the molecular ions and clearly serves as an experimental evidence for recently debated surface layering and/or island structure in ionic liquid systems.
Scaled Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Börger Verena , Staubach Simon , Dittrich Robin , Stambouli Oumaima , Giebel Bernd 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) provide therapeutic effects in many diseases. Contrary to initial hypotheses, they act in a paracrine rather than a cellular manner. To this end, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to mediate the therapeutic effects, even when harvested from MSC‐conditioned cell culture supernatants. Lacking self‐replicating activity and being so small that MSC‐EV preparations can be sterilized by filtration, EVs provide several advantages as therapeutic agents over cellular therapeutics. At present, methods allowing EV preparation from larger volumes are scarce and regularly require special equipment. We have developed a polyethylene glycol−based precipitation protocol allowing extraction of EVs from several liters of conditioned medium. MSC‐EVs prepared with this method have been successfully applied to a human graft‐versus‐host disease patient and to several animal models. Although the method comes with its own limitations, it is extremely helpful for the initial evaluation of EV‐based therapeutic approaches. Here, we introduce the technique in detail and discuss all critical steps. © 2020 The Authors.Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of MSC‐conditioned medium for scaled MSC‐EV productionBasic Protocol 2: PEG precipitation OF MSC‐EV from MSC‐conditioned medium
Novel methodology for measuring intraoral wear in enamel and dental restorative materials
Authors: F. Esquivel‐Upshaw Josephine , Hsu Shu‐Min , Bohórquez Ana C. , Abdulhameed Nader , Scheiffele Gary W. , Kim Mijin , Neal Dan , Chai John , Ren Fan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo test the hypotheses that (a) the chairside/handheld dental scanner combined with a metrology software will measure clinical wear in vivo in agreement with measurements from X‐ray computed microtomography and; (b) polished monolithic zirconia does not cause accelerated wear of opposing enamel.Materials and methodsThirty single crowns were randomized to receive a monolithic zirconia or metal‐ceramic crown. Two non‐restored opposing teeth in the same quadrants were identified to serve as enamel controls. After cementation, quadrants were scanned using an intraoral dental scanner. Patients were recalled at 6‐months and 1‐year for re‐scanning. Scanned images were compared using a metrology software to determine maximum vertical wear of teeth. The accuracy of the scanning measurements from this new method was compared with X‐ray computed microtomography (micro‐CT) measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U test to determine significant differences between wear of enamel against zirconia, metal‐ceramic or enamel. Linear regression analysis determined agreement between measurements obtained using intraoral scanning and micro‐CT.ResultsRegression analysis demonstrated that there is a quantitative agreement between depth and volume measurements produced using intraoral scanning and the micro‐CT methodologies. There was no significant difference between the wear of enamel against polished monolithic zirconia crowns and enamel against enamel.ConclusionsIntraoral scanning combined with a matching software can accurately quantify clinical wear to verify that monolithic zirconia exhibited comparable wear of enamel compared with metal‐ceramic crowns and control enamel. Agreement between the intraoral scanner and the micro‐CT was 99.8%. Clinical Trials.gov NCT02289781.
Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of the hybrid molecules between amoxicillin and derivatives of benzoic acid
Authors: Li Zhonglin , Lin Hao , Zhou Junwen , Chen Liangzhu , Pan Zhikun , Fang Binghu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDue to the increasing problem of bacterial resistance worldwide, the demand for new antibiotics is becoming increasingly urgent. We wished to: (a) prepare hybrid molecules by linking different pharmacophores by chemical bonds; (b) investigate the antib acterial activity of these hybrids using drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant pathogens in vitro and vivo. A series of hybrid molecules with a diester structure were designed and synthesized that linked amoxicillin and derivatives of benzoic acid via a methylene bridge. Synthesized compounds were evaluated for activities against Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 29213, ATCC 11632; methicillin‐resistant S. aureus [MRSA] 11; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Salmonella LS677, GD836, GD828, GD3625) by microdilution of broth. Synthesized compounds showed good activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria in vitro. In particular, amoxicillin‐p‐nitrobenzoic acid (6d) showed good activity against Salmonella species and had better activity against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 64 μg/ml) than the reference drug, amoxicillin (MIC = 128 μg/ml). Amoxicillin‐p‐methoxybenzoic acid (6b) had the best antibacterial activity in vivo (ED50 = 13.2496 μg/ml). The hybrid molecules of amoxicillin and derivatives of benzoic acid synthesized based on a diester structure can improve the activity of amoxicillin against Salmonella species and even improve the activity against MRSA.
Pretreatment motivation and therapy outcomes in eating disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sansfaçon Jeanne , Booij Linda , Gauvin Lise , Fletcher Émilie , Islam Farah , Israël Mimi , Steiger Howard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveIdentifying modifiable predictors of outcomes following treatment for eating disorders may help to tailor interventions to patients' individual needs, improve treatment efficacy, and develop new interventions. The goal of this meta‐analysis was to quantify the association between pretreatment motivation and posttreatment changes in eating disorder symptomology.MethodWe reviewed 196 longitudinal studies reporting on change on indices of overall eating‐disorder symptomatology, weight gain, binge‐eating, vomiting, anxiety/depression, and treatment adherence. Meta‐analyses were performed using two complementary approaches: (a) combined probability analysis using the added Z's method; (b) effect size analyses. Using random‐effect models, effect sizes were pooled when there were at least three studies with the same type of statistical design and reporting statistics on the same outcome. Heterogeneity in study outcome was evaluated using Q and I2 statistics. Studies were reviewed qualitatively when the number of studies or reported data were insufficient to perform a meta‐analysis.ResultsForty‐two articles were included. Although samples and treatments differed substantially across studies, results across studies were remarkably consistent. Both combined‐probability and effect‐size analyses indicated positive effects of pretreatment motivation on improvement in general eating‐disorder symptoms (Cohen's r = .17), and an absence of effects on anxiety/depression symptoms. Remaining outcome indices were subject to selective reporting and/or small sample size bias.DiscussionOur findings underscore the importance of incorporating treatment engagement approaches in the treatment of eating disorders. Optimal reporting of study findings and improving study quality would improve future efforts to obtain an in‐depth understanding of the relationship between motivation and eating disorder symptoms.
Genome structure and content of the rice root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola)
Authors: Phan Ngan Thi , Orjuela Julie , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Klopp Christophe , Perfus‐Barbeoch Laetitia , Kozlowski Djampa K. , Koutsovoulos Georgios D. , Lopez‐Roques Céline , Bouchez Olivier , Zahm Margot , Besnard Guillaume , Bellafiore Stéphane 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDiscovered in the 1960s, Meloidogyne graminicola is a root‐knot nematode species considered as a major threat to rice production. Yet, its origin, genomic structure, and intraspecific diversity are poorly understood. So far, such studies have been limited by the unavailability of a sufficiently complete and well‐assembled genome. In this study, using a combination of Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Illumina sequencing data, we generated a highly contiguous reference genome (283 scaffolds with an N50 length of 294 kb, totaling 41.5 Mb). The completeness scores of our assembly are among the highest currently published for Meloidogyne genomes. We predicted 10,284 protein‐coding genes spanning 75.5% of the genome. Among them, 67 are identified as possibly originating from horizontal gene transfers (mostly from bacteria), which supposedly contribute to nematode infection, nutrient processing, and plant defense manipulation. Besides, we detected 575 canonical transposable elements (TEs) belonging to seven orders and spanning 2.61% of the genome. These TEs might promote genomic plasticity putatively related to the evolution of M. graminicola parasitism. This high‐quality genome assembly constitutes a major improvement regarding previously available versions and represents a valuable molecular resource for future phylogenomic studies of Meloidogyne species. In particular, this will foster comparative genomic studies to trace back the evolutionary history of M. graminicola and its closest relatives.
Genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow analysis of lowland bamboo [Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro] in Ethiopia
Authors: Oumer Oumer Abdie , Dagne Kifle , Feyissa Tileye , Tesfaye Kassahun , Durai Jayaraman , Hyder Muhammad Zeeshan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBamboo, a member of subfamily Bambusoideae in the grass family (Poaceae), is one of the most important nontimber forest resources and a potential alternative to wood and wood products. Ethiopian lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) is an economically and ecologically important species which accounts about 85% of total bamboo coverage in the country. This species is experiencing population decline due to a number of anthropogenic factors. As a foundation step, genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow analysis of various O. abyssinica populations found in Ethiopia are studied using inter‐simple sequence repeat markers. One hundred and thirty isolates of bamboo belonging to 13 geographically diverse populations were collected for DNA extraction and analysis. Heterozygosity, level of polymorphism, marker efficiency, Nei's gene diversity (H), and Shannon's information index (I) analysis, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), analysis for cluster, principal coordinates (PCoA), and admixture analyses were performed based on the markers banding pattern. The results indicated high genetic variation (84.48%) at species level. The H, I, observed and effective number of alleles at the species level were 0.2702, 0.4061, 1.8448, and 1.4744, respectively, suggesting a relatively high level of genetic diversity. However, genetic differentiation at the population level was relatively low. Using grouped populations, AMOVA revealed that most (61.05%) of the diversity was distributed within the populations with FST = 0.38949, FSC = 0.10486, and FCT = 0.31797. Cluster analysis grouped the populations into markedly distinct clusters, suggesting confined propagation in distinct geographic regions. STRUCTURE analyses showed K = 2 for all populations and K = 11 excluding Gambella population. Using these markers, we found strong evidence that the genetic diversity of the lowland bamboo is associated with distinct geographic regions and that isolates of Gambella Region, with their unique genetic origin, are quite different from other bamboos found in the country.
Isotopic niche size of Coregonus artedi (sensu lato) Increases in the presence of Mysis diluviana, expanded habitat use and phenotypic diversity
Authors: Ridgway Mark S. , Piette‐Lauzière Gabriel , Bell Allan H. , Turgeon Julie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPost‐glacial colonization of lakes in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada resulted in food webs with cisco (Coregonus artedi sensu lato) and either Mysis diluviana or Chaoborus spp. as the dominant diel migrator. Mysis as prey, its diel movements and benthic occupancy, are hypothesized to be key elements of ecological opportunity for cisco diversity in the Laurentian Great Lakes. If correct, the hypothesis strongly implies that lakes with Mysis would have greater trophic niche size and drive greater adaptive radiation of cisco forms relative to lakes without Mysis. The dichotomy in diel migrator in Algonquin Park lakes was an opportunity to assess the isotopic niche size of cisco (δ15N and δ13C) and determine if niche size expands with Mysis presence. We found the presence of Mysis is necessary to expand isotopic niche size in our study lakes. The use of habitats not typically associated with the ancestral form of cisco (e.g., benthic habitats) and phenotypic diversity (blackfin and cisco) also continue to expand niche size in Mysis‐based food webs. Partial ecological speciation based on a large niche space appears to be present in one lake (Cauchon Lake) where use of alternative habitats is the only real difference in cisco. The presence of blackfin expands niche space in Cedar and Radiant Lakes. This was not matched in Hogan Lake where niche space was relatively smaller with similar forms. Possible reasons for this discrepancy may be related to the asymmetric basin of Hogan Lake and whether the two forms overlap during cool and cold‐water periods of the annual temperature cycle. By comparing trophic niche size among lakes with and without Mysis, we conclude that Mysis provides a key ecological opportunity for cisco diversity in our study lakes and likely more widely.
Ground‐dwelling mammal diversity responds positively to productivity and habitat heterogeneity in a fire‐prone region
Authors: Swan Matthew , Christie Fiona , Steel Erin , Sitters Holly , York Alan , Di Stefano Julian 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEnvironmental heterogeneity has a consistent, positive effect on species diversity globally, principally due to increased niche space in heterogeneous environments. In flammable ecosystems, fire‐mediated heterogeneity (pyrodiversity) is expected to increase species diversity, and the application of diverse fire regimes is a common management goal. We used landscape‐scale sampling units and linear mixed models to determine the response of ground‐dwelling mammal alpha, beta, and gamma diversity to spatial habitat heterogeneity (functional heterogeneity) and three indirect measures of spatial heterogeneity, two pyrodiversity indices based on fire history maps, and another based on mapped vegetation types. In addition, we tested the consistency of species diversity responses across a productivity gradient and examined the extent to which prescribed fire influenced habitat heterogeneity. Beta diversity responded positively to habitat heterogeneity across the productivity gradient, but more strongly at high compared with low productivity. In contrast, alpha and gamma diversity responded positively to productivity, while a weak negative effect of habitat heterogeneity on alpha diversity was also evident. At the scale of our investigation, the productivity gradient across the study area was the most influential driver of species diversity. Spatial heterogeneity within 100‐ha landscapes increased community differentiation among sites (beta diversity), had a weak negative effect on alpha diversity, but had no influence on landscape‐scale species richness (gamma diversity). The occurrence of recent fire had a strong, positive effect on habitat heterogeneity, while the diversity of vegetation types and postfire age classes had a smaller positive influence. Our findings show that prescribed fire can be used to increase landscape‐scale structural heterogeneity, but this will not always result in additional species. Finally, we suggest that using a functional representation of spatial heterogeneity (e.g., the spatial arrangement of habitat structure) as a predictor of species diversity is likely to reveal responses that may otherwise be overlooked. Modern remote‐sensing technologies will aid the development of habitat‐based heterogeneity metrics across large spatial extents.