bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Timing is everything: Dichogamy and pollen germinability underlie variation in autonomous selfing among populations
Authors: Koski Matthew H. , Kuo Liao , Niedermaier Kerstin M. , Galloway Laura F. 
Published: March 2018

Premise of the StudyThe evolution of multiple floral traits often underlies the transition from outcrossing to selfing. Such traits can influence the ability to self, and the timing at which selfing occurs, which in turn affects the costs of selfing. Species that display variation in autonomous selfing provide an opportunity to dissect the phenotypic changes that contribute to variability in the mating system.MethodsIn a common garden, we measured dichogamy and herkogamy in 24 populations of the protandrous mixed‐mating herb Campanula americana, and related these to autonomous fruit set (autonomy). We then measured the timing of self‐pollen deposition and fruit production in populations with high and low autonomy, and determined whether pollen germinability across floral development contributes to variation in autonomy.Key ResultsPopulations that transitioned more rapidly to female phase displayed elevated autonomous selfing, but herkogamy was unassociated with autonomous selfing. Selfing occurred more rapidly in highly autonomous populations because of greater self‐pollen deposition early in female phase. Pollen germinability in low‐autonomy populations remained constant across floral development, but in high‐autonomy populations it increased after floral anthesis and was highest near the onset of female phase.ConclusionsReduced dichogamy, elevated self‐pollen deposition, and higher pollen germination late in male phase contribute to both earlier selfing and greater selfing. These traits vary among populations, likely reflecting past selection on the mating system. While delayed selfing bears fewer fitness costs, the evolution of earlier selfing may be favored if self‐pollen availability decreases over floral development.
Sequential Ytterbium(III) Triflate Catalyzed One‐Pot Three‐Component Thia‐Michael Addition
Authors: Huang Hsin‐Yi , Liang Chien‐Fu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA ytterbium(III) trifluoromethanesulfonate catalyzed one‐pot three‐component thia‐Michael addition reaction of thiolate salts, organic halides, and α,β‐unsaturated compounds has been developed for the formation of carbon‐sulfur bonds. In this study, potassium thioacetate serves as the sulfur source in a nucleophilic substitution reaction, which is followed by a Yb(OTf)3‐catalyzed (OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate) S‐deacetylation and subsequent thia‐Michael addition reaction. Three important pharmaceutical derivatives were successfully prepared by using the intramolecular version of this one‐pot thia‐Michael addition reaction. The advantages of this YbIII‐catalyzed process include its operational simplicity, its capacity towards the preparation of structurally diverse products in 40–93 % yield, its use of relatively low toxic or nontoxic reagents, and its catalyst loading of only 1–2 mol %.
The Stapedial Artery in the Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: Kuchinka Jacek 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe persistent stapedial artery is a component of the main arterial roads of the head in some animal groups (Frąckowiak: Roczn Akad Roln Poznań 336 (2003) 1–81). This type of vascularization occurs in the Mongolian gerbil, among others. The stapedial artery is common in a variety of forms in rodents. It has been described, for example, in Sciuridae, Muridae, Heteromyidae, Geomyidae, Splacidae, Cricetidae, Arvicolinae, and in genus Jaculus (Cox and Hautier: Evolution of the Rodents: Advances in phylogeny, Functional Morphology and Development, 2015). The aim of this study was the analysis of morphology, and of course, of the stapedial artery in this species. Investigations were performed on 10 animals of both sexes, weighing 50–60 g. After lethal anesthesia, the vascular system of every animal was filled with colored latex. After latex coagulation and decalcification of skull bones, fixed tissues were delicately prepared, and the head vascular system was exposed. The stapedial artery separates from the internal carotid artery, runs toward the auditory bulb and passes through the stapes. After the branching of the medial meningeal artery, the stapedial artery runs rostrally, forming its infraorbital branch. This branch, in the further course, gives the branch forming the short trunk of the ophthalmic artery, which supplies orbital structures (muscles, lacrimal gland, Harderian gland, and eyeball). The performed investigations revealed that the maintained infraorbital branch of the stapedial artery is the only source of arterial supply of the orbit in this species. Anat Rec, 301:1131–1137, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Natural Glycyrrhizic Acid‐Tailored Light‐Responsive Gelator
Authors: Fang Heshu , Zhao Xia , Lin Yuan , Yang Song , Hu Jun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe construction of stimuli‐responsive materials by using naturally occurring molecules as building blocks has received increasing attention owing to their bioavailability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Herein, a symmetrical azobenzene‐functionalized natural glycyrrhizic acid (trans‐GAG) was synthesized and could form stable supramolecular gels in DMSO/H2O and MeOH/H2O. Owing to trans–cis isomerization, this gel exhibited typical light‐responsive behavior that led to a reversible gel–sol transition accompanied by a variation in morphology and rheology. Additionally, this trans‐GAG gel displayed a distinct injectable self‐healing property and outstanding biocompatibility. This work provides a simple yet rational strategy to fabricate stimuli‐responsive materials from naturally occurring, eco‐friendly molecules.
Pseudohalogenogermylenes versus Halogenogermylenes: Difference in their Complexation Behavior towards Group 6 Metal Carbonyls
Authors: Sharma Mahendra Kumar , Sinhababu Soumen , Yadav Dhirendra , Mukherjee Goutam , Rajaraman Gopalan , Nagendran Selvarajan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPseudohalogenogermylenes [(iBu)2ATI]GeY (Y=NCO 4, NCS 5) show different coordination behavior towards group 6 metal carbonyls in comparison to the corresponding halogenogermylenes [(iBu)2ATI]GeX (X=F 1, Cl 2, Br 3) (ATI=aminotroponiminate). The reactions of compounds 4–5 and 1–3 with cis‐[M(CO)4(COD)] (M=Mo, W, COD=cyclooctadiene) gave trans‐germylene metal complexes {[(iBu)2ATI]GeY}2M(CO)4 (Y=NCO, M=Mo 6, W 11; Y=NCS, M=Mo 7) and cis‐germylene metal complexes {[(iBu)2ATI]GeX}2M(CO)4 (M=Mo, X=F 8, Cl 9, Br 10; M=W, X=Cl 12), respectively. Theoretical studies on compounds 7 and 9 reveal that donor–acceptor interactions from Mo to Ge atoms are better stabilized in the observed trans and cis geometries than in the hypothetical cis and trans structures, respectively.
Liquid chromatography–tandem MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of paracetamol, chlorzoxazone and aceclofenac in human plasma: An application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Mohamed Dalia , Hegazy Maha A. , Elshahed Mona S. , Toubar Safaa S. , Helmy Marwa I. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA facile, fast and specific method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for the simultaneous quantitation of paracetamol, chlorzoxazone and aceclofenac in human plasma was developed and validated. Sample preparation was achieved by liquid–liquid extraction. The analysis was performed on a reversed‐phase C18 HPLC column (5 μm, 4.6 × 50 mm) using acetonitrile–10 mM ammonium formate pH 3.0 (65:35, v/v) as the mobile phase where atrovastatin was used as an internal standard. A very small injection volume (3 μL) was applied and the run time was 2.0 min. The detection was carried out by electrospray positive and negative ionization mass spectrometry in the multiple‐reaction monitoring mode. The developed method was capable of determining the analytes over the concentration ranges of 0.03–30.0, 0.015–15.00 and 0.15–15.00 μg/mL for paracetamol, chlorzoxazone and aceclofenac, respectively. Intraday and interday precisions (as coefficient of variation) were found to be ≤12.3% with an accuracy (as relative error) of ±5.0%. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of the three analytes after being orally administered to six healthy volunteers.
Using open technologies for automatically creating question‐and‐answer sets for engineering MOOCs
Authors: Beg Azam , Beg Ajmal 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTwo of the main challenges faced by today's massive open online courses (MOOCs) are low completion rates and lack of equivalence with the traditional classroom‐based courses. Both of these issues are somewhat related and can be attributed to the assessments which are primarily conducted online and are unsupervised. Enhancing the credibility of the assessment process can lead to higher acceptability of the MOOCs, which in turn is expected to encourage more students to complete the online courses. One way of improving the assessment is providing each online student with a unique set of questions for assignments and examinations. The MOOCs can be taken concurrently by hundreds, if not thousands of students. For such class‐sizes, the manual preparation of distinct questions, especially if they include drawings (e.g., circuit schematics, block diagrams, etc.), is a very daunting proposition due to the required time and effort. To enable the automatic creation of large sets of questions‐and‐answers, we present a system based on open technologies. Although the system currently covers only the circuits‐related courses in Electrical and Computer Engineering, the system's underlying principles are applicable to the conventional/online courses in other fields of engineering and science.
UHPLC‐HRMS/MS Based Profiling of Algerian Lichens and Their Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Brakni Rafika , Ali Ahmed Monia , Burger Pauline , Schwing Aurélie , Michel Grégory , Pomares Christelle , Hasseine Lillia , Boyer Laurent , Fernandez Xavier , Landreau Anne , Michel Thomas 
Published: March 2018

Lichens are complex symbiotic organisms able to produce a vast array of compounds. The Algerian lichen diversity has only prompted little interest even given the 1085 species listed. Herein, the chemodiversity of four Algerian lichens including Cladonia rangiformis, Ramalina farinaceae, R. fastigiata, and Roccella phycopsis was investigated. A dereplication strategy, using ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐high resolution‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS/MS), was carried out for a comprehensive characterization of their substances including phenolics, depsides, depsidones, depsones, dibenzofurans, and aliphatic acids. Some known compounds were identified for the first time in some species. Additionally, the lichenic extracts were evaluated for their antifungal and antimicrobial activities on human pathogenic strains (Candida albicans, C. glabrata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli). Cyclohexane extracts were found particularly active against human pathogenic fungi with MIC80 values ranging from 8 to 62.5 μg/mL, without cytotoxicity. This study highlights the therapeutic and prophylactic potential of lichenic extracts as antibacterial and antifungal agents.
Detection of Taenia saginata infection mimicking Crohn's disease using video capsule endoscopy
Authors: Nussinson Elchanan , Yair‐Sabag Shira , Shibli Fahmi 
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical MessageCapsule endoscopy was used to detect intestinal Taenia saginata infection in a 19‐year‐old man. The patient was initially believed to have Crohn's disease due to a notable family history of the disease. Capsule endoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing tapeworm infection even when Crohn's disease is suspected.
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm
Authors: Rai Manoj Ponadka , Bedi Prabhjot Singh , Kandola Samanjit Kaur , Kavuturu Shilpa , Singhal Rashi 
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical MessageBlastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is an aggressive neoplasm with a median survival of only a few months despite treatment. An exhaustive immunohistochemical workup is required to differentiate it from myeloid sarcoma and extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma. Treatment is with induction using a regimen utilized for leukemia. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is recommended for those who achieve remission following induction.
Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene‐Supported Iron Catalyst for Highly Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes
Authors: Wei Zuojun , Hou Yaxin , Zhu Xinmiao , Guo Liangyu , Liu Yingxin , Zhang Anyun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA nitrogen‐doped graphene‐supported iron catalyst was used for the first time in the hydrogenation of a series of nitroarenes to give the corresponding amines with excellent activity and chemoselectivity under mild reaction conditions. Physicochemical characterization of the catalyst by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed the formation of iron particles with an iron oxide core and a metallic iron shell that were coated by a few layers of nitrogen‐doped graphene. The unique structure of FeNx/C in the catalyst was proven to contribute to the hydrogenation activity.
Synergetic Catalysis of Nickel Oxides with Oxygen Vacancies and Nickel Phosphide for the Highly Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Li Yunhua , Zhao Yafei , Chen Binghui , Wang Wenju 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe highly efficient hydrodeoxygenation of oxygenated chemicals at a low temperature is a critical issue for biomass crude oil upgrading to reduce equipment and operation expense. The unique electronic features of oxygen vacancies have been found to facilitate deoxygenation above 250 °C. In this work, a series of NiOx/SiO2 catalysts that contain oxygen vacancies was prepared by a sol–gel and controllable temperature‐programmed reduction method. Results show that NiOx/SiO2 has a superior phenol hydrogenation activity in deoxygenation even at 180 °C to Ni2P/SiO2. The high hydrogenation activity derives from the flat adsorption of phenolics over low‐valence Ni cations induced by connected oxygen vacancies. After the introduction of NiOx into Ni2P catalysts, composite NiOx‐Ni2P/SiO2 (0.43≤x<1) bifunctional catalysts demonstrate better phenol hydrodeoxygenation performances under mild reaction conditions in comparison with individual Ni2P and NiOx catalysts and most catalysts presented previously because the coexistence of oxygen vacancies from NiOx and the acidity induced by Ni2P results in the synergistic effect of the adsorption configuration and hydrodeoxygenation ability. Besides, this composite catalyst also has a high activity for the hydrodeoxygenation of different bio‐derived cresol isomers. The reuse test results confirm that oxygen vacancies are relatively stable in comparison with the phosphide.
Millimeter‐Long Vertically Aligned Carbon‐Nanotube‐ Supported Co3O4 Composite Electrode for High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor
Authors: Yin Yaolong , Xu Yong , Zhou Yu , Yan Ya , Zhan Ke , Yang Junhe , Li Jianqiang , Zhao Bin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles uniformly anchored on vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays (VACNTs) are synthesized by means of an effective supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) assisted impregnation followed by a thermal annealing process. Benefiting from their desirable 3D nanostructure, the Co3O4/VACNTs (CVN) composites manifest a high specific capacitance of 833 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and a good rate capacity with capacitance retention of 89 % even after 20‐fold increase in current density. Coupled with a Fe3O4/VACNTs (FVN) anode (350 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) prepared by the same method, the assembled CVN//FVN asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) delivers a high energy density of 36 Wh kg−1 (1.65 mWh cm−3) at a power density of 0.93 kW kg−1 (0.05 W cm−3), and a maximum power density of 13.6 kW kg−1 (0.62 W cm−3) at an energy density of 10.6 Wh kg−1 (0.51 mWh cm−3). Moreover, even after 5000 charge‐discharge cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1, the ASC still retains 87 % of its initial specific capacitance. The extraordinary electrochemical performance of the ASC device demonstrates the promise of our VACNTs‐based pseudocapacitive electrode for future energy storage systems.
Spatially Resolved Experiments to Monitor the Singlet Oxygen Initiated Oxidation of Lipid Droplets in Emulsions
Authors: Banerjee Chiranjib , Breitenbach Thomas , Ogilby Peter R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are present in lipid systems ranging from cell membranes to food products. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) degrade PUFA‐based lipids, often resulting in undesired consequences. Thus, understanding mechanisms of ROS‐mediated lipid oxidation, including means to inhibit such oxidation, are important. Of significance are oxidation 1) at interfaces in heterogeneous samples, and 2) that may propagate from one lipid droplet to another in an emulsion. We used an optical technique to study spatially resolved aspects of lipid oxidation in oil‐in‐water emulsions. We initiated oxidation using two‐photon photosensitized production of singlet oxygen, O2(a1Δg), confined in a small volume either inside or outside a lipid droplet. The products initially formed (e. g. hydroperoxides) spawned the formation of other ROS (e. g. alkoxyl radicals) that propagated in time and space. We monitored these reactions in imaging experiments using fluorescent probes. Among our results, we demonstrated that the oxidation of one droplet did not appear to spread rapidly to a neighboring droplet. Our observations set the stage for a host of systematic studies.
Model–data fusion approach to quantify evapotranspiration and net ecosystem exchange across the sagebrush ecosystem at different temporal resolutions
Authors: Mitra Bhaskar , Mackay D. Scott , Pendall Elise , Ewers Brent E. , Kwon Hyojung , Cleary Meagan B. , Naithani Kusum J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractEvapotranspiration (ET) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) are driven by both high and slow frequency scalar fluxes. Quantifying the variation of these two processes at different timescales remains a challenge. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial in order to improve insights of the impact of biotic and abiotic factors modulating these fluxes as well as for accurate estimation of gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Re). This issue was addressed using a model–data fusion approach within a Bayesian framework by running the model against ET and NEE observations at three different time steps: subdaily (30 min), daily (1 day), and intermediate (7 days). The model was tested against eddy covariance data collected for a 2‐month period (June and July) from a sagebrush‐steppe ecosystem in the United States. The 95% credible interval (CI) of fast processes such as transpiration and photosynthesis reduced by more than 90% compared with its a priori range when model was run at 30‐min time step. The reduction in CI of the same parameters varied between 30% and 70% when the model was run at 1‐ or 7‐day time step. The 95% CI of slow process such as root respiration reduced by 89% and 73% when model was run at 7‐day and 30‐min time step, respectively. We found strong confidence in predicting ET and NEE at subdaily timescale, whereas uncertainty increased with increase in temporal resolution. GPP and Re varied strongly as the system transitioned from a traditionally wet (June) to a dry (July) month.
Clinical testing of three novel transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 antagonists in a pharmacodynamic intradermal capsaicin model
Authors: Sjögren E. , Kullenberg T. , Jonzon B. , Segerdahl M. , Stålberg O. , Halldin M.M. , Sundgren‐Andersson A.K. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V 1 (TRPV1) is involved in nociception and has thus been of interest for drug developers, as a target for novel analgesics. However, several oral TRPV1 antagonists have failed in development, and novel approaches to target TRPV1 with innovative chemistry are needed.MethodThis work describes an intradermal microdosing approach in humans for pharmacodynamic deductions and pharmacological profiling of compounds. First, a human capsaicin model was developed, to generate pharmacodynamic translational data (Study Part A, n = 24). Then, three small molecule TRPV1 antagonists (AZ11760788, AZ12048189 and AZ12099548) were investigated in healthy volunteers (Study Part B, n = 36), applying the established model. Pain and flare were assessed by Visual Analogue Score and laser Doppler, respectively.ResultsThe developed model proved useful for pharmacologic deductions; all compounds caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of capsaicin‐induced pain and flare responses, with a rank order potency of AZ11760788 > AZ12048189 ≫ AZ12099548. In addition, the dose–response data showed that the minimal antagonist concentrations needed to inhibit TRPV1 was ≥6–7 times the equilibrium dissociation constant for each compound.ConclusionWith careful design of a pharmacodynamic translational human pain model, it was possible to rank order TRPV1 efficacy among three investigational TRPV1 antagonists, and to estimate human efficacious concentrations.SignificanceThis fast and cost‐effective translational approach allows for generation of human target engagement information early in drug development. This could be of value for other development programmes where pharmacological targets are expressed in peripheral sensory nerves.
The timing of oceanic anoxic events in the Cretaceous succession of Cauvery Basin: Constraints from 40Ar/39Ar ages of glauconite in the Karai Shale Formation
Authors: Bansal Udita , Pande Kanchan , Banerjee Santanu , Nagendra Raghavendramurthy , Jagadeesan Koyyodan Cheria 
Published: March 2018

This study presents 40Ar/39Ar ages of autochthonous glauconites from the lower segment of the onshore Karai Shale Formation of the Cauvery Basin that constrain its age from 100.3 ± 0.7 to 92.6 ± 0.6 Ma. The 40Ar/39Ar plateau ages of the 3 glauconite samples are consistent with the existing biostratigraphic age of Late Albian to Middle Turonian of the Karai Shale Formation. These ages are significant because of the occurrences of oceanic anoxic event (OAE)1d and oceanic anoxic event (OAE)2 in contemporaneous offshore deposits, the Sattapadi Shale and Bhuvanagiri Formation, respectively. Although in the onshore deposits, the glauconite ages mark condensed deposits of the transgressive Karai Shale. As onshore glauconitic deposits may be transitional to organic‐rich black shale deposits offshore in modern and ancient sedimentary settings, the 40Ar/39Ar ages precisely constrains the timing of Cretaceous oceanic anoxic events reported in the Cauvery Basin.