bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plastid phylogenomic analysis of green plants: A billion years of evolutionary history
Authors: Gitzendanner Matthew A. , Soltis Pamela S. , Wong Gane K.‐S. , Ruhfel Brad R. , Soltis Douglas E. 
Published: March 2018

Premise of the StudyFor the past one billion years, green plants (Viridiplantae) have dominated global ecosystems, yet many key branches in their evolutionary history remain poorly resolved. Using the largest analysis of Viridiplantae based on plastid genome sequences to date, we examined the phylogeny and implications for morphological evolution at key nodes.MethodsWe analyzed amino acid sequences from protein‐coding genes from complete (or nearly complete) plastomes for 1879 taxa, including representatives across all major clades of Viridiplantae. Much of the data used was derived from transcriptomes from the One Thousand Plants Project (1KP); other data were taken from GenBank.Key ResultsOur results largely agree with previous plastid‐based analyses. Noteworthy results include (1) the position of Zygnematophyceae as sister to land plants (Embryophyta), (2) a bryophyte clade (hornworts, mosses + liverworts), (3) Equisetum + Psilotaceae as sister to Marattiales + leptosporangiate ferns, (4) cycads + Ginkgo as sister to the remaining extant gymnosperms, within which Gnetophyta are placed within conifers as sister to non‐Pinaceae (Gne‐Cup hypothesis), and (5) Amborella, followed by water lilies (Nymphaeales), as successive sisters to all other extant angiosperms. Within angiosperms, there is support for Mesangiospermae, a clade that comprises magnoliids, Chloranthales, monocots, Ceratophyllum, and eudicots. The placements of Ceratophyllum and Dilleniaceae remain problematic. Within Pentapetalae, two major clades (superasterids and superrosids) are recovered.ConclusionsThis plastid data set provides an important resource for elucidating morphological evolution, dating divergence times in Viridiplantae, comparisons with emerging nuclear phylogenies, and analyses of molecular evolutionary patterns and dynamics of the plastid genome.
The thermoregulatory function of the human hand: How do palm and digit proportions affect heat loss?
Authors: Payne Stephanie , Macintosh Alison , Stock Jay 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe current study assessed whether ecogeographical patterns seen in hand proportions correlate with heat loss directly. Using a brief severe cold immersion experiment on the hand, the influence of hand and digit dimensions on heat loss was evaluated.Materials and methodsA sample of 113 living individuals were tested. Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional scanning techniques were used to assess hand and digit dimensions. Thermal imaging analysis was used to quantify heat loss during a 3‐min ice‐water immersion of the hands.ResultsWhen body size was accounted for, hand width and digit length relative to total hand length were significant predictors of heat loss from the hand.DiscussionThe current study provides empirical evidence to support the link between thermodynamic principles relating to surface area‐to‐volume ratio, and ecogeographical patterns associated with temperature.
Expanding the Chemistry of the Class C Radical SAM Methyltransferase NosN by Using an Allyl Analogue of SAM
Authors: Ji Xinjian , Mandalapu Dhanaraju , Cheng Jinduo , Ding Wei , Zhang Qi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe radical S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) superfamily enzymes cleave SAM reductively to generate a highly reactive 5′‐deoxyadenosyl (dAdo) radical, which initiates remarkably diverse reactions. Unlike most radical SAM enzymes, the class C radical SAM methyltransferase NosN binds two SAMs in the active site, using one SAM to produce a dAdo radical and the second as a methyl donor. Here, we report a mechanistic investigation of NosN in which an allyl analogue of SAM (allyl‐SAM) was used. We show that NosN cleaves allyl‐SAM efficiently and the resulting dAdo radical can be captured by the olefin moieties of allyl‐SAM or 5′‐allylthioadenosine (ATA), the latter being a derivative of allyl‐SAM. Remarkably, we found that NosN produced two distinct sets of products in the presence and absence of the methyl acceptor substrate, thus suggesting substrate‐triggered production of ATA from allyl‐SAM. We also show that NosN produces S‐adenosylhomocysteine from 5′‐thioadenosine and homoserine lactone. These results support the idea that 5′‐methylthioadenosine is the direct methyl donor in NosN reactions, and demonstrate great potential to modulate radical SAM enzymes for novel catalytic activities.
De novo Biosynthesis of “Non‐Natural” Thaxtomin Phytotoxins
Authors: Winn Michael , Francis Daniel , Micklefield Jason 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThaxtomins are diketopiperazine phytotoxins produced by Streptomyces scabies and other actinobacterial plant pathogens that inhibit cellulose biosynthesis in plants. Due to their potent bioactivity and novel mode of action there has been considerable interest in developing thaxtomins as herbicides for crop protection. To address the need for more stable derivatives, we have developed a new approach for structural diversification of thaxtomins. Genes encoding the thaxtomin NRPS from S. scabies, along with genes encoding a promiscuous tryptophan synthase (TrpS) from Salmonella typhimurium, were assembled in a heterologous host Streptomyces albus. Upon feeding indole derivatives to the engineered S. albus strain, tryptophan intermediates with alternative substituents are biosynthesized and incorporated by the NRPS to deliver a series of thaxtomins with different functionalities in place of the nitro group. The approach described herein, demonstrates how genes from different pathways and different bacterial origins can be combined in a heterologous host to create a de novo biosynthetic pathway to “non‐natural” product target compounds.
Kupfervermittelte radikalische Polymerisation mit reversibler Deaktivierung in wässrigen Medien
Authors: Jones Glen R. , Anastasaki Athina , Whitfield Richard , Engelis Nikolaos , Liarou Evelina , Haddleton David M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn den letzten 10 Jahren wurden wesentliche Fortschritte bei der kupfervermittelten radikalischen Polymerisation erzielt. Diese ursprüngliche Reaktion waren kaum in protischen Medien durchführbar, doch mittlerweile wurden Prozesse entwickelt, bei denen die Polymerisation vielfältiger Monomere in rein wässrigen Medien mit Katalysatormengen im ppm‐Bereich kontrolliert werden kann. Als Produkte entstehen wasserlösliche Makromoleküle eines bestimmten Molekulargewichts, einer gewünschten Architektur und chemischen Funktionalität für Anwendungen in verschiedenen Bereichen, von der Wirkstoffabgabe bis zur Erdölförderung. Hier stellen wir Synthesemethoden vor, die zur Kontrolle radikalischer Polymerisationen in Wasser unter Verwendung von Kupferkomplexen entwickelt wurden, und zeigen zukünftige Interessengebiete und noch zu bewältigende Herausforderungen auf.
Umpolung of Imines Enables Catalytic Asymmetric Regio‐reversed [3+2] Cycloadditions of Iminoesters with Nitroolefins
Authors: Feng Bin , Lu Liang‐Qiu , Chen Jia‐Rong , Feng Guoqiang , He Bin‐Qing , Lu Bin , Xiao Wen‐Jing 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA copper‐catalyzed regio‐reversed asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of iminoesters with nitroolefins is disclosed for the first time. This method enables the facile synthesis of polysubstituted chiral pyrrolidines bearing at least one chiral quaternary center in high yields with excellent regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivity. The application of chiral P,S ligands and the unique effect of α‐aryl groups on the iminoesters are key to the success of this method. The practicality and versatility of the reaction are also demonstrated.
Polycarbonate biocomposites reinforced with a hybrid filler system of recycled carbon fiber and biocarbon: Preparation and thermomechanical characterization
Authors: Andrzejewski Jacek , Misra Manjusri , Mohanty Amar K. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present the investigation of the use of a partly biobased hybrid reinforcement system to improve the mechanical properties of polycarbonate (PC). To minimize the amount of recycled carbon fibers (rCFs) used in this study, their initial quantity of 20% was reduced and replaced by pyrolyzed biocarbon (BC) particles in amounts of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The materials were prepared during an extrusion‐/injection‐molding processing procedure. In addition to basic mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, and Izod tests), the samples were also subjected to detailed dynamic mechanical analysis to determine the thermomechanical relationships, such as the C factor, entanglement density, adhesion factor, and reinforcing efficiency. The results confirm the positive effect of hybridization, especially for the samples with low BC contents. In relation to the 20% pure BC composites, the hybrid samples containing the same amount of mixed filler (10%; rCF10–BC10) achieved an almost triple (270%) increase in the tensile strength and a 35% increase in the modulus. The impact resistance was also increased by 170%. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed significant changes in the glass‐transition temperatures for the BC‐rich samples; this was due to the sensitivity of the PC matrix to the processing degradation. The application of a small quantity of epoxy‐based chain extender proved to be effective in reducing this unfavorable phenomenon. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46449.
Synthesis, spectral analysis, and catalytic activity of poly(aniline‐co‐congored)–metal oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Ponprapakaran K. , Harihara Subramani R. , Baskaran R. , Tung Kuo‐Lun , Anbarasan R. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTElectrically conducting, water‐soluble fluorescent copolymer nanocomposites were synthesized by a solution polymerization method under different experimental conditions in the presence of CuO and V2O5 nanoparticles. The prepared copolymer nanocomposites were characterized with analytical tools, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The order of copolymerization was determined on the basis of the UV–vis absorption spectra and fluorescence emission spectra. The copolymer–CuO nanocomposite system exhibited the highest electrical conductivity. The scanning electron microscopy image showed the presence of more CuO nanoparticles on the surface of the copolymer. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the copolymer nanocomposites was tested for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol. All three types of polymer systems exhibited almost the same apparent rate constant values. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46469.
Influence of annealing treatment on the structure and properties of poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene)‐based films and membranes
Authors: Xu Liyang , Wu Gaogao , Yin Bo , Yang Ming‐bo 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) casting films were prepared by melt extrusion and annealed below the melting temperature. The effect of annealing conditions on the structure and properties of casting films and stretched membranes was discussed. In this work, a new peak around annealing temperature, as shown in melting curves, revealed the increase in thickness of lamellar structure. Annealing treatment led to improvements of amorphous thickness and crystal orientation. And the thickness of crystal phase correlated with the logarithm of annealing time. The increase in annealing temperature or time led to the improvements of the hard elasticity of samples. Additionally, the larger porosity of stretched membranes was observed as the annealing time and temperature increased. An optimum annealing condition to prepare microporous membranes was 30 min, 200 °C. This work also discussed the importance of annealing treatment in the preparation of microporous membranes. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46491.
Extraction of phenotypic traits from taxonomic descriptions for the tree of life using natural language processing
Authors: Endara Lorena , Cui Hong , Burleigh J. Gordon 
Published: March 2018

Premise of the StudyPhenotypic data sets are necessary to elucidate the genealogy of life, but assembling phenotypic data for taxa across the tree of life can be technically challenging and prohibitively time consuming. We describe a semi‐automated protocol to facilitate and expedite the assembly of phenotypic character matrices of plants from formal taxonomic descriptions. This pipeline uses new natural language processing (NLP) techniques and a glossary of over 9000 botanical terms.Methods and ResultsOur protocol includes the Explorer of Taxon Concepts (ETC), an online application that assembles taxon‐by‐character matrices from taxonomic descriptions, and MatrixConverter, a Java application that enables users to evaluate and discretize the characters extracted by ETC. We demonstrate this protocol using descriptions from Araucariaceae.ConclusionsThe NLP pipeline unlocks the phenotypic data found in taxonomic descriptions and makes them usable for evolutionary analyses.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Baminercept, a Lymphotoxin β Receptor Fusion Protein, in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: St.Clair E. William , Baer Alan N. , Wei Chungwen , Noaiseh Ghaith , Parke Anne , Coca Andreea , Utset Tammy O. , Genovese Mark C. , Wallace Daniel J. , McNamara James , Boyle Karen , Keyes‐Elstein Lynette , Browning Jeffrey L. , Franchimont Nathalie , Smith Kira , Guthridge Joel M. , Sanz Ignacio , James Judith A. ,   the Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of baminercept, a lymphotoxin β receptor IgG fusion protein (LTβR‐Ig), for the treatment of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and to explore the possible mechanisms of action of this treatment.MethodsIn this multicenter trial, 52 patients with primary SS were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous injections of 100 mg of baminercept every week for 24 weeks or matching placebo. The primary end point was the change between screening and week 24 in the stimulated whole salivary flow (SWSF) rate. Secondary end points included the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), as well as measurements of select chemokines and cytokines and enumeration of peripheral blood B and T cell subsets.ResultsThe change from baseline to week 24 in the SWSF rate was not significantly different between the baminercept and placebo treatment groups (baseline‐adjusted mean change −0.01 versus 0.07 ml/minute; P = 0.332). The change in the ESSDAI during treatment was also not significantly different between the treatment groups (baseline‐adjusted mean change −1.23 versus −0.15; P = 0.104). Although the incidence of adverse events was similar between the treatment groups, baminercept therapy was associated with a higher incidence of liver toxicity, including 2 serious adverse events. Baminercept also produced a significant decrease in plasma levels of CXCL13 and significant changes in the number of circulating B and T cells, consistent with its known inhibitory effects on LTβR signaling.ConclusionIn this trial, treatment with baminercept failed to significantly improve glandular and extraglandular disease in patients with primary SS, despite evidence from mechanistic studies showing that it blocks LTβR signaling.
Finite‐Time H∞ Filtering for Nonlinear Continuous‐Time Singular Semi‐Markov Jump Systems
Authors: Wang Jimin , Ma Shuping , Zhang Chenghui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe stochastic finite‐time H∞ filtering issue for a class of nonlinear continuous‐time singular semi‐Markov jump systems is discussed in this paper. Firstly, sufficient conditions on singular stochastic H∞ finite‐time boundedness for the filtering error system are established. The existence of a unique solution for the corresponding system is also ensured. Secondly, based on the bounds of the time‐varying transition rate, without imposing constraints on slack variables, a novel approach to finite‐time H∞ filter design is proposed in the forms of strict LMIs, which guarantees the filtering error system is singular stochastic H∞ finite‐time bounded and of a unique solution. Compared with the existing ones, the presented results reveal less conservativeness. Finally, one numerical example is exploited to testify the advantage of the proposed design technique.
Adaptive Chattering Free Neural Network Based Sliding Mode Control for Trajectory Tracking of Redundant Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Nguyen Van‐Truong , Lin Chyi‐Yeu , Su Shun‐Feng , Tran Quoc‐Viet 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this paper, an adaptive chattering free neural network‐based sliding mode control (ACFN‐SMC) method is proposed for tracking trajectories of redundant parallel manipulators. ACFN‐SMC combines adaptive chattering free radial basis function neural networks (RBFN), sliding mode control with online updating the robust term parameters, and a nonlinear compensation item for reducing tracking errors. The stability of the closed‐loop system with modeling uncertainties, frictional uncertainties, and external disturbances is ensured by using the Lyapunov method. The proposed controller has a simple structure and little computation time while securing dynamic performance with expected quality in tracking trajectories of redundant parallel manipulators. In addition, the ACFN‐SMC strategy does not need to know the upper bound of any uncertainties. From the simulation results, it is evident that the proposed control strategy not only has significantly higher robustness capability for uncertainties but also can achieve better chattering elimination when compared with those using existing intelligent control schemes.
Molecular determinants of the interaction of EGCG with ordered and disordered proteins
Authors: Fusco Giuliana , Sanz‐Hernandez Maximo , Ruggeri Francesco S. , Vendruscolo Michele , Dobson Christopher M. , De Simone Alfonso 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe aggregation process of peptides and proteins is of great relevance as it is associated with a wide range of highly debilitating disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The natural product (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) can redirect this process away from amyloid fibrils and towards non‐toxic oligomers. In this study we used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to characterize the binding of EGCG to a set of natively structured and unstructured proteins. The results show that the binding process is dramatically dependent on the conformational properties of the protein involved, as EGCG interacts with different binding modes depending on the folding state of the protein. We used replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations to reproduce the trends observed in the NMR experiments, and analyzed the resulting samplings to identify the dominant direct interactions between EGCG and ordered and disordered proteins.
The importance of hippocampal dynamic connectivity in explaining memory function in multiple sclerosis
Authors: van Geest Quinten , Hulst Hanneke E. , Meijer Kim A. , Hoyng Lieke , Geurts Jeroen J.G. , Douw Linda 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIntroductionBrain dynamics (i.e., variable strength of communication between areas), even at the scale of seconds, are thought to underlie complex human behavior, such as learning and memory. In multiple sclerosis (MS), memory problems occur often and have so far only been related to “stationary” brain measures (e.g., atrophy, lesions, activation and stationary (s) functional connectivity (FC) over an entire functional scanning session). However, dynamics in FC (dFC) between the hippocampus and the (neo)cortex may be another important neurobiological substrate of memory impairment in MS that has not yet been explored. Therefore, we investigated hippocampal dFC during a functional (f) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) episodic memory task and its relationship with verbal and visuospatial memory performance outside the MR scanner.MethodsThirty‐eight MS patients and 29 healthy controls underwent neuropsychological tests to assess memory function. Imaging (1.5T) was obtained during performance of a memory task. We assessed hippocampal volume, functional activation, and sFC (i.e., FC of the hippocampus with the rest of the brain averaged over the entire scan, using an atlas‐based approach). Dynamic FC of the hippocampus was calculated using a sliding window approach.ResultsNo group differences were found in hippocampal activation, sFC, and dFC. However, stepwise forward regression analyses in patients revealed that lower dFC of the left hippocampus (standardized β = −0.30; p = .021) could explain an additional 7% of variance (53% in total) in verbal memory, in addition to female sex and larger left hippocampal volume. For visuospatial memory, lower dFC of the right hippocampus (standardized β = −0.38; p = .013) could explain an additional 13% of variance (24% in total) in addition to higher sFC of the right hippocampus.ConclusionLow hippocampal dFC is an important indicator for maintained memory performance in MS, in addition to other hippocampal imaging measures. Hence, brain dynamics may offer new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory (dys)function.
Vibsane‐Type Diterpenoids from Viburnum odoratissimum and Their Cytotoxic and HSP90 Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Zhu Qin‐Feng , Qi Yan‐Yan , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Fan Min , Bi Ran , Su Jia , Wu Xing‐De , Shao Li‐Dong , Zhao Qin‐Shi 
Published: March 2018

Four new vibsane‐type diterpenoids, vibsanol I (1), 15‐hydroperoxyvibsanol A (2), 14‐hydroperoxyvibsanol B (3), 15‐O‐methylvibsanin U (4), and a new natural product, 5,6‐dihydrovibsanin B (5), as well as six known analogues, were isolated from the twigs and leaves of Viburnum odoratissimum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and chemical derivatization method. All compounds showed different levels of cytotoxicity against five cell lines (HL‐60, A‐549, SMMC‐7721, MCF‐7, and SW480). Remarkably, 14,18‐O‐diacetyl‐15‐O‐methylvibsanin U (4a) showed significant cytotoxicity against HL‐60, A‐549, SMMC‐7721, MCF‐7, and SW480, with IC50 values of 0.15 ± 0.01, 0.69 ± 0.01, 0.41 ± 0.02, 0.75 ± 0.03, and 0.48 ± 0.03 μm, respectively. In addition, vibsanin K (10) was identified as a HSP90 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 19.16 μm.
Changes in color and carotenoids of sweet corn juice during high‐temperature heating
Authors: Song Jiangfeng , Meng Lili , Liu Chunquan , Li Dajing , Zhang Min 
Published: April 2018

Background and objectivesChanges in color and carotenoid content of sweet corn juice due to thermal treatment were studied. The visual color was assessed using the CIELAB system, and predominant carotenoids were identified by the C30‐HPLC‐APCI‐MS technique.FindingsThe color L* and b* values were overall decreased, while ΔE value increased to some extent during heating treatment. First‐order kinetic models were well applied to describe carotenoid changes with activation energies of 12.34–17.66 kJ/mol. Several carotenoids showed important changes and had different susceptibilities to high temperature. According to the principal component analysis, PC1 was associated with lutein, zeaxanthin, and α‐cryptoxanthin contents and PC2 with L*×b*/a* value. Limited degradation of carotenoids in juice system led to an imperceptible color change. However, the color L* value was a good indicator monitoring the changes in zeaxanthin and lutein of sweet corn juice.ConclusionsThere was a good relationship between visual color L* value and dominant zeaxanthin/lutein content in sweet corn juice during thermal processing, suggesting the suitability of the visual color parameter in place of carotenoid content for online quality control.Significance and noveltyAlthough limited degradation of carotenoids in sweet corn juice system led to an imperceptible color change, the color L* value could be applied for monitoring the changes in zeaxanthin and lutein.