bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐Wide Association Studies in Plants
Authors: Anderson Robyn , Edwards David , Batley Jacqueline , Bayer Philipp Emanuel 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Cheap genome sequencing technology has made it possible to search for genomic variants called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for hundreds of individuals. Linking these genomic variants to phenotypes is the main goal in running genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). SNPs can be discovered and called using different technologies and methods, and subsequent quality control must be performed taking into account the species of study and genotyping techniques. GWAS can be performed using different mathematical approaches, demonstrated within the current range of software packages, which are used to perform the GWAS and interpret the subsequent results.

Key Concepts

GWAS is a powerful tool to associate genomic variants with phenotypes.

Quality control is core to any good GWAS.

Numerous powerful tools now exist to make running a GWAS straightforward.

Interpreting the output is still a challenge, especially in the presence of hidden confounding factors.

GWAS can be performed using different types of genotyping data, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Signalling
Authors: Bernacchioni Caterina , Cencetti Francesca , Donati Chiara , Bruni Paola 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Studies of the last two decades have clearly established that sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), considered for many years a mere by‐product of the membrane phospholipid sphingomyelin catabolism, serves indeed as powerful signalling molecule. Intensive research in the field have clarified the complexity of S1P metabolism as well as the multifaceted mechanism of action of this potent lysophospholipid, which acts both as intracellular mediator, capable of regulating the properties of different proteins, and high‐affinity ligand of five specific G‐protein coupled receptors, termed S1P
1
‐S1P
5
. In parallel, it has been progressively disclosed the versatile biological activity endowed by S1P, which appears to be crucially implicated in the control of many key parameters, ranging from cell proliferation to cell motility and survival. Besides to act as ubiquitous cellular mediator, notably, circulating S1P plays a significant physiological role. S1P concentrations are high in blood and lymph but low in tissues. S1P chemotactic gradients are indeed essential for lymphocyte egress and physiological cell trafficking.

Key Concepts

S1P is generated via phosphorylation of the amino alcohol sphingosine catalysed by sphingosine kinase (SphK), which exists in two isoforms: SphK1 and SphK2.

Ceramide, either synthesised de novo or formed by sphingomyelin catabolism, is the precursor of sphingosine, released by ceramidase‐dependent deacylation.

Intracellular production of S1P in under the control of a wide array of hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines and growth factors.

S1P is a powerful bioactive sphingolipid, which acts both as intracellular mediator and ligand of specific G‐protein coupled receptors, named S1P receptors (S1PR).

There are five specific S1PR that couple to different G proteins and regulate many downstream signalling pathways. The biological functions of S1P depend on the relative expression of these receptors.

In many instances, S1P acts via inside‐out signalling, intracellularly generated in response to extracellular cues, is exported outside the cell and binds S1PR in paracrine or autocrine fashion.

S1P
1
is crucial for the regulation of lymphocyte trafficking, its downregulation causes redistribution of the immune cells to secondary lymphoid tissues, resulting in the depletion from the circulation.

S1P concentrations are elevated in plasma and lymph compared to the interstitial fluid of tissues. This S1P gradient is essential for many of the physiologic functions provided by extracellular S1P.
Patient Perspectives on Smoking Cessation and Interventions in Rheumatology Clinics
Authors: Wattiaux Aimée , Bettendorf Brittany , Block Laura , Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Ramly Edmond , Piper Megan E. , Rosenthal Ann , Sadusky Jane , Cox Elizabeth , Chewning Betty , Bartels Christie M. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveAlthough smoking is a risk factor for cardiovascular and rheumatic disease severity, only 10% of rheumatology visits document cessation counseling. After implementing a rheumatology clinic protocol that increased tobacco quitline referrals 20‐fold, we undertook this study to examine patients’ barriers and facilitators to smoking cessation based on prior rheumatology experiences, to solicit reactions to the new cessation protocol, and to identify patient‐centered outcomes or signs of cessation progress following improved care.MethodsWe recruited 19 patients who smoke (12 with rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and 7 with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]) to participate in 1 of 3 semistructured focus groups. Transcripts of the focus group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis to classify barriers, facilitators, and signs of cessation progress.ResultsParticipant‐reported barriers and facilitators to cessation involved psychological, health‐related, and social and economic factors, as well as health care messaging and resources. Commonly discussed barriers included viewing smoking as a crutch amid rheumatic disease, rarely receiving cessation counseling in rheumatology clinics, and very limited awareness that smoking can worsen rheumatic diseases or reduce efficacy of some rheumatic disease medications. Participants endorsed our cessation protocol with rheumatology‐specific education and accessible resources, such as a quitline. Beyond quitting, participants prioritized knowing why and how to quit as signs of progress outcomes.ConclusionFocus groups identified themes and categories of facilitators/barriers to smoking cessation at the levels of patient and health system. Two key outcomes of improving cessation care for patients with RA and SLE were knowing why and how to quit. Emphasizing rheumatologic health benefits and cessation resources is essential when designing and evaluating rheumatology smoking cessation interventions.
Antimicrobial Peptide Functionalized Conductive Nanowire Array Electrode as a Promising Candidate for Bacterial Environment Application
Authors: Xing Jun , Qi Suijian , Wang Zhengao , Yi Xin , Zhou Zhengnan , Chen Junqi , Huang Siqi , Tan Guoxin , Chen Dafu , Yu Peng , Ning Chengyun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractConductive polymer electrodes are widely used for electrical signal detection owing to their unique mechanical, redox, and impedance characteristics. However, the performance of electrodes is compromised due to the interference of adhered bacteria and most of the scientists have not taken the microbial environment into consideration during electrode design. Here, a facile approach to construct antimicrobial peptide (AMP) functionalized polypyrrole nanowire array conductive electrodes (PNW‐AMP) is reported. Instead of compromising the electrochemical properties as the other antibacterial agents do, the PNW‐AMP electrodes exhibit excellent redox and low interfacial impedance properties. More importantly, the PNW‐AMP can eliminate bacterial adhesion and maintain electrochemical stability simultaneously in the microbial microenvironment for a long time. The antibacterial rate of the PNW‐AMP electrode reaches 95.8% after exposing the electrode to air for one month, while the charge transfer resistance ( Rct) value only increases by 9% at a bacterium (Escherichia. Coli ) concentration of 1 × 104 colony forming unit (CFU) mL−1. This research makes it possible to construct highly stable conductive polymer electrodes for bacterial environment electrical signal detection.
Dense, Self‐Formed Char Layer Enables a Fire‐Retardant Wood Structural Material
Authors: Gan Wentao , Chen Chaoji , Wang Zhengyang , Song Jianwei , Kuang Yudi , He Shuaiming , Mi Ruiyu , Sunderland Peter B. , Hu Liangbing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWood is one of the most abundant, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing structural materials and is commonly used in building and furniture construction. Unfortunately, the fire hazard of wood is a major safety concern for its practical applications. Herein, an effective and environmentally friendly method is demonstrated to substantially improve the fire‐retardant properties of wood materials by delignification and densification. The densification process eliminates the spaces between the cell walls, leading to a highly compact laminated structure that can block oxygen from infiltrating the material. In addition, an insulating wood char layer self‐formed during the burning process obstructs the transport of heat and oxygen diffusion. These synergistic effects contribute to the material's excellent fire‐retardant and self‐extinguished properties, including a 2.08‐fold enhancement in ignition time (tig) and 34.6% decrease in maximum heat release rate. Meanwhile, the densified wood shows a more than 82‐fold enhancement in compressive strength compared with natural wood after exposure to flame for 90 s, which could effectively prevent the collapse and destruction of wooden structures, and gain precious rescue time when a fire occurs. The facile top‐down chemical delignification and densification process enabling both substantially enhances fire‐retardant performance and mechanical robustness represents a promising direction toward fire‐retardant and high‐strength structural materials.
Strain Sensors with a High Sensitivity and a Wide Sensing Range Based on a Ti3C2Tx (MXene) Nanoparticle–Nanosheet Hybrid Network
Authors: Yang Yina , Shi Liangjing , Cao Zherui , Wang Ranran , Sun Jing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA high sensitivity and large stretchability are desirable for strain sensors in wearable applications. However, these two performance indicators are contradictory, since the former requires a conspicuous structural change under a tiny strain, whereas the latter demands morphological integrity upon a large deformation. Developing strain sensors with both a high sensitivity (gauge factor (GF) > 100) and a broad strain range (>50%) is a considerable challenge. Herein, a unique Ti3C2Tx MXene nanoparticle–nanosheet hybrid network is constructed. The migration of nanoparticles leads to a large resistance variation while the wrapping of nanosheet bridges the detached nanoparticles to maintain the connectivity of the conductive pathways in a large strain region. The synergetic motion of nanoparticles and nanosheets endows the hybrid network with splendid electrical–mechanical performance, which is reflected in its high sensitivity (GF > 178.4) over the entire broad range (53%), the super low detection limit (0.025%), and a good cycling durability (over 5000 cycles). Such high performance endows the strain sensor with the capability for full‐range human motion detection.
Nanogold Flower‐Inspired Nanoarchitectonics Enables Enhanced Light‐to‐Heat Conversion Ability for Rapid and Targeted Chemo‐Photothermal Therapy of a Tumor
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhai Fenfen , Zhou Hong , Yang Wenrong , Zhang Shusheng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractChemo‐photothermal therapy has become a promising tool for clinical noninvasive tumor therapy, which is able to efficiently avoid drug resistance and other side effects from chemical anticarcinogenic drugs. The ability to selectively fast‐heat tumor tissues over surrounding compartments is of fundamental importance and makes effective treatment of tumor margins and complex tumor geometries. Currently existing chemo‐photothermal methods mainly show slow light‐to‐heat conversion with increased temperature up to around 45–57 °C for 5–20 min or a longer time in vitro under regular near‐infrared laser irradiation, and during tumor therapy, worse performance in temperature changes are obtained due to the much longer penetration distance in vivo. Herein, nanoarchitectonics with excellent chemo‐photothermal performance are first proposed for tumors via in situ decoration of nanogold flowers on graphene oxide surface with further modification of the aptamer molecule. Even with simple synthesis processes, these nanoarchitectonics demonstrate impressive increased temperatures up to 85 °C in just 2 min under 808 nm laser irradiation with regular power density. Due to the fast light‐to‐heat conversion ability and specific binding effect between the aptamer and tumor cells, the designed nanocarrier shows a rapid and target therapy system with a targeted chemo‐photothermal tumor treatment.
Ammonia Detection Methods in Photocatalytic and Electrocatalytic Experiments: How to Improve the Reliability of NH3 Production Rates?
Authors: Zhao Yunxuan , Shi Run , Bian Xuanang , Zhou Chao , Zhao Yufei , Zhang Shuai , Wu Fan , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Wu Li‐Zhu , Tung Chen‐Ho , Zhang Tierui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe enzyme nitrogenase inspires the development of novel photocatalytic and electrocatalytic systems that can drive nitrogen reduction with water under similar low‐temperature and low‐pressure conditions. While photocatalytic and electrocatalytic N2 fixation are emerging as hot new areas of fundamental and applied research, serious concerns exist regarding the accuracy of current methods used for ammonia detection and quantification. In most studies, the ammonia yields are low and little consideration is given to the effect of interferants on NH3 quantification. As a result, NH3 yields reported in many works may be exaggerated and erroneous. Herein, the advantages and limitations of the various methods commonly used for NH3 quantification in solution (Nessler's reagent method, indophenol blue method, and ion chromatography method) are systematically explored, placing particular emphasis on the effect of interferants on each quantification method. Based on the data presented, guidelines are suggested for responsible quantification of ammonia in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.
Current topics in liver surgery
Authors: Yamazaki Shintaro , Takayama Tadatoshi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLiver resection is one of the main treatment strategies for liver malignancies. Mortality and morbidity of liver surgery has improved significantly with progress in selection criteria, development of operative procedures and improvements in perioperative management. Safe liver resection has thus become more available worldwide. We have identified four current topics related to liver resection (anatomical liver resection, laparoscopic liver resection, staged liver resection and chemotherapy‐induced liver injury). The balance between treatment effect and patient safety needs to be considered when planning liver resection. Progress in this area has been rapid thanks to the efforts of many surgeons, and outcomes have improved significantly as a result. These topics remain to be solved and more robust evidence is needed. Precise selection of the optimal procedure and risk evaluation should be standardized with further development of each topic. The present article reviews these four current topics with a focus on safety and efficacy in recent series.
Complex Formation of the Tetracycline‐Binding Aptamer Investigated by Specific Cross‐Relaxation under DNP
Authors: Aladin Victoria , Vogel Marc , Binder Robert , Burghardt Irene , Suess Beatrix , Corzilius Björn 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWhile dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) under magic‐angle spinning (MAS) is generally a powerful method capable of greatly enhancing the sensitivity of solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, hyperpolarization also gives rise to peculiar spin dynamics. Here, we elucidate how specific cross‐relaxation enhancement by active motions under DNP (SCREAM‐DNP) can be utilized to selectively obtain MAS‐NMR spectra of an RNA aptamer in a tightly bound complex with a methyl‐bearing ligand (tetracycline) due to the effective CH3‐reorientation at an optimized sample temperature of approximately 160 K. SCREAM‐DNP can spectrally isolate the complex from non‐bound species in an RNA mixture. This selectivity allows for a competition assay between the aptamer and a mutant with compromised binding affinity. Variations in molecular structure and methyl dynamics, as observed by SCREAM‐DNP, between free tetracycline and RNA‐bound tetracycline are discussed.
Photoredox‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective α‐C(sp3)−H Alkylation of Primary Amine Derivatives
Authors: Ashley Melissa A. , Yamauchi Chiaki , Chu John C. K. , Otsuka Shinya , Yorimitsu Hideki , Rovis Tomislav 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe synthetic utility of tertiary amines to oxidatively generate α‐amino radicals is well established, however, primary amines remain challenging because of competitive side reactions. This report describes the site‐selective α‐functionalization of primary amine derivatives through the generation of α‐amino radical intermediates. Employing visible‐light photoredox catalysis, primary sulfonamides are coupled with electron‐deficient alkenes to efficiently and mildly construct C−C bonds. Interestingly, a divergence between intermolecular hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) catalysis and intramolecular [1,5] HAT was observed through precise manipulation of the protecting group. This dichotomy was leveraged to achieve excellent α/δ site‐selectivity.
Efficient Access to Deuterated and Tritiated Nucleobase Pharmaceuticals and Oligonucleotides using Hydrogen‐Isotope Exchange
Authors: Palazzolo Alberto , Feuillastre Sophie , Pfeifer Viktor , Garcia‐Argote Sébastien , Bouzouita Donia , Tricard Simon , Chollet Céline , Marcon Elodie , Buisson David‐Alexandre , Cholet Sophie , Fenaille François , Lippens Guy , Chaudret Bruno , Pieters Grégory 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA general approach for the efficient hydrogen‐isotope exchange of nucleobase derivatives is described. Catalyzed by ruthenium nanoparticles, using mild reaction conditions, and involving either D2 or T2 as isotopic sources, this reaction possesses a wide substrate scope and a high solvent tolerability. This novel method facilitates the access to essential diagnostic tools in drug discovery and development: tritiated pharmaceuticals with high specific activities and deuterated oligonucleotides suitable for use as internal standards during LC‐MS quantification.
Mn‐Catalyzed Dehydrocyanative Transannulation of Heteroarenes and Propargyl Carbonates through C−H Activation: Beyond the Permanent Directing Effects of Pyridines/Pyrimidines
Authors: Zheng Guangfan , Sun Jiaqiong , Xu Youwei , Zhai Shuailei , Li Xingwei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPyridines/pyrimidines are common and effective directing groups in C−H activation. However, they are poorly functionalizable heteroarenes. Reported in this work is Mn‐catalyzed dehydrocyanative transannulation between three classes of heteroarenes and propargyl carbonates. The pyridyl/pyrimidyl groups in the heteroarenes initially function as directing groups to enable C−H allenylation; they then undergo intramolecular Diels–Alder/retro‐Diels–Alder reactions with the allene moiety to afford fused carbo/heterocycles. Three key intermediates at different stages of the reaction were isolated.
β‐Selektive C‐Glycosylierung und ihre Anwendung in der Synthese von Scleropentasid A
Authors: Boehlich G. Jacob , Schützenmeister Nina 
Published: February 2019

AbstractC‐Glycoside sind Kohlenhydrate, welche am anomeren Zentrum mittels einer C‐C‐Bindung an ein Aglykon gebunden sind. Durch ihre höhere Stabilität gegenüber chemischer und enzymatischer Hydrolyse werden diese Verbindungen häufig als Kohlenhydrat‐Mimetika in der Arzneistoffentwicklung eingesetzt. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt eine allgemeine, β‐selektive Methode zur Synthese des Acyl‐C‐glycosidischen Strukturmotivs, welches in der Naturstoffklasse der Scleropentaside vorkommt. Eine Corey‐Seebach‐Umpolung als Schlüsselschritt in der Synthese von Scleropentasid A und Analoga ermöglicht den β‐selektiven Aufbau der anomeren C‐C‐Bindung ausgehend von ungeschützten Kohlenhydraten in nur vier Synthesestufen. Die Methode ist besonders Atom‐ und Topf‐effizient und verzichtet auf die Verwendung von toxischen Schwermetallen.
Study on thermal conductive PA6 composites with 3‐dimensional structured boron nitride hybrids
Authors: Wang Liang , Wu Wei , Drummer Dietmar , Ma Renbo , Liu Zhaowen , Shen Wanting 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTTo develop thermally conductive PA6 composites with the aim of decreasing filler content, structure‐complexed fillers were fabricated. This research presented an effective approach by noncovalent functionalization of poly(dopamine) (PDA) followed by silver nanoparticles decoration to fabricate 3‐dimensional (3‐D) structured boron nitride hybrids (BN@PDA@AgNPs). BN hybrids were then introduced into PA6 to prepare thermally conductive PA6 composites. The results demonstrated that PA6/BN hybrids (PMB) composites exhibited higher thermal conducivity compared with PA6/BN composites, which revealed more effective construction of thermal conductive network in the composites with the addition of 3‐D structured fillers. The effects of BN hybrids with different loadings on thermal stability, mechanical property, as well as electrical resistance of the composites were also analyzed. Overall, the prepared PMB composites exhibited outstanding performance in thermal conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical property, while retaining good electrical insulating property, which showed a potential application in electronic packaging fields. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47630.
Effects of pressure on poly(ether‐ether‐ketone) (PEEK) sintering mechanisms
Authors: Sébileau Jean‐Charles , Lemonnier Sébastien , Barraud Elodie , Vallat Marie‐France , Carradò Adele , Nardin Michel 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTThis study deals with the understanding of the sintering mechanisms that occur during consolidation of an ultra‐high‐performance polymer: poly(ether‐ether‐ketone). In particular, we investigated the effects of uniaxial pressure during spark plasma sintering (SPS) processing. Glass‐transition temperature (Tg) measurements under loading, stress–strain curves and scanning electron microscopy analysis allowed us to determine the role of pressure intensity and temperature of application on macromolecular chain mobility in both the bulk and the surface of the particles. First, a loss of chain mobility in the bulk of the particles was observed under high pressure. Second, it was shown that high pressure applied at low temperature leads to friction effects between the particles which enhances chain mobility in the particle shell through a local melting phenomenon. These experimental conditions favor the healing of particles and high cohesion was then observed in the resulting sintered samples. The level of friction is enhanced when pressure is applied at a low temperature since the powders are still in a glassy state. Finally, the achievement of cohesive grain boundaries was found to be related to the location and conformation of chain ends. Good healing between particles can only occur if a sufficient number of chain ends are available at the surface of the particle shell. We showed that the native powder state plays a significant role. The direct use of as‐received powder leads to final material exhibiting good cohesion whereas pretreatments of the native powder are highly detrimental. It should be noted that this processing does not affect the high initial degree of crystallinity because no bulk melting is observed during consolidation by sintering. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47645.