bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric N−H Functionalization of Quinazolinones with Allenes and Allylic Carbonates: The First Enantioselective Formal Total Synthesis of (−)‐Chaetominine
Authors: Zhou Yirong , Breit Bernhard 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAn unprecedented asymmetric N−H functionalization of quinazolinones with allenes and allylic carbonates was successfully achieved by rhodium catalysis with the assistance of chiral bidentate diphosphine ligands. The high efficiency and practicality of this method was demonstrated by a low catalyst loading of 1 mol % as well as excellent chemo‐, regio‐, and enantioselectivities with broad functional group compatibility. Furthermore, this newly developed strategy was applied as key step in the first enantioselective formal total synthesis of (−)‐chaetominine.
A stereodynamic fluorescent probe for amino acids. Circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence analysis
Authors: Carmo dos Santos Nadia Alessandra , Badetti Elena , Licini Giulia , Abbate Sergio , Longhi Giovanna , Zonta Cristiano 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe use of stereodynamic probes is becoming one of the leading strategies for the fast and effective determination of enantiomeric excess. Recently, we reported a series of novel molecular architectures based on a modified tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine complex (TPMA), which are able to amplify the electronic CD, in the case of Zn(II) assemblies and vibrational CD, in the case of Co(II) assemblies. Herein, we report a structural modification of the ligand with the purpose to obtain a fluorescent chiral probe. The study deals with the synthesis of the novel ligand, the formation of the self‐assembly system with amino acids, and the study of the electronic CD and circularly polarized luminescence.
Strategies for Efficient Charge Separation and Transfer in Artificial Photosynthesis of Solar Fuels
Authors: Xu Yuxing , Li Ailong , Yao Tingting , Ma Changtong , Zhang Xianwen , Shah Jafar Hussain , Han Hongxian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractConverting sunlight to solar fuels by artificial photosynthesis is an innovative science and technology for renewable energy. Light harvesting, photogenerated charge separation and transfer (CST), and catalytic reactions are the three primary steps in the processes involved in the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy (SE‐CE). Among the processes, CST is the key “energy pump and delivery” step in determining the overall solar‐energy conversion efficiency. Efficient CST is always high priority in designing and assembling artificial photosynthesis systems for solar‐fuel production. This Review not only introduces the fundamental strategies for CST but also the combinatory application of these strategies to five types of the most‐investigated semiconductor‐based artificial photosynthesis systems: particulate, Z‐scheme, hybrid, photoelectrochemical, and photovoltaics‐assisted systems. We show that artificial photosynthesis systems with high SE‐CE efficiency can be rationally designed and constructed through combinatory application of these strategies, setting a promising blueprint for the future of solar fuels.
Cytomorphologic features of metastatic endometrioid carcinoma by fine needle aspiration
Authors: Johnson Daniel N. , Barroeta Julieta E. , Antic Tatjana , Lastra Ricardo R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough metastatic disease is commonly seen in high grade carcinomas of gynecologic origin, it also occurs in low to intermediate grade endometrioid carcinomas (LGEMCAs), and may even be the primary presentation of disease. Tissue confirmation is necessary to guide therapy, but performing biopsies might not always be feasible or practical. In such instances, fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe and efficient alternative. No comprehensive series describing the cytomorphologic features of metastatic LGEMCA on FNA samples has been published. This study describes clinical and cytomorphologic features of metastatic LGEMCA diagnosed by FNA.MethodsThe pathology archives at 2 academic institutions were searched for patients with endometrial or ovarian endometrioid carcinoma, with concurrent or subsequent sampling of metastatic sites by FNA.ResultsTwelve cases were identified; all slides were reviewed and cytomorphologic features recorded. Four cases were obtained from metastatic sites as primary presentation of disease, and 8 cases were obtained from metastatic sites in patients with known history of LGEMCA. Metastatic LGEMCAs generate cellular specimens composed of cohesive clusters of cells with areas of gland formation. Consistent cytomorphologic features included nuclear overlapping, low to intermediate nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios, round to elongated nuclear shape, finely vacuolated cytoplasm, mild to moderate nuclear membrane irregularities, squamous metaplasia, and inconspicuous nucleoli. Variability was seen with regards to the presence of necrosis (50% of cases) and mitosis (25% of cases).ConclusionThe presence of these features on FNA samples should raise concern for an underlying gynecologic malignancy.
Carbon isotopes of C3 herbs correlate with temperature on removing the influence of precipitation across a temperature transect in the agro‐pastoral ecotone of northern China
Authors: Liu Xian‐zhao , Zhang Yong , Li Zhen‐guo , Feng Teng , Su Qing , Song Yan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPlant δ13C–temperature (δ‐T) relation has been established in many systems and is often used as paleotemperature transfer function. However, it is still unclear about the exact contributions of temperature variation to plant 13C discrimination because of covariation between temperature and precipitation (aridity), which reduces confidence in reconstruction of paleoclimate. In this study, we measured carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of 173 samples of C3 perennial herbs from 22 sites across a temperature gradient along the 400 mm isohyet in the farming‐pastoral zone of North China. The results showed that precipitation obviously affected the correlations of temperatures and foliar δ13C. After removing the influence of precipitation by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), a more strongly positive relationship was obtained between site‐mean foliar δ13C and annual mean temperature (AMT), with a regression coefficient of 0.1636‰/°C (p = .0024). For widespread species, Artemisia lavandulaefolia and Artemisia capillaries, the slopes (or coefficients) of foliar δ13C and AMT were significantly steeper (larger) than those of foliar δ13C and AMT where the precipitation influence was not excluded, whereas the δ‐T coefficients of Polygonum persicaria and Leymus chinensis showed little change across the transect after deducting the precipitation effect. Moreover, the positive relationship between temperature and δ13C over the transect could be explained by soil moisture availability related to temperature. Our results may afford new opportunities for investigating the nature of past climate variability.
Reference intervals of trimester‐specific thyroid stimulating hormone and free thyroxine in Chinese women established by experimental and statistical methods
Authors: Han Lican , Zheng Wei , Zhai Yanhong , Xie Xin , Zhang Jingnan , Zhang Shaozu , Zhao Zhen , Cao Zheng 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundAs a result of physiological and metabolic changes during pregnancy, thyroid hormones can be affected significantly throughout entire three trimesters. According to the guidelines published by American Thyroid Association in 2017, it is strongly recommended to establish population‐based trimester‐specific and assay method‐specific reference intervals (RIs) using local population.MethodsA total of 1209 pregnant women without personal or family history of thyroid disease were recruited from July 2015 to April 2017 at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Those initially selected patients were further tested for TSH, FT4 and thyroid peroxidase antibody (aTPO), performed on the chemiluminescent platform Siemens ADVIA Centaur® XP. Only patients tested negative for aTPO were included in reference interval establishment. RIs for both TSH and FT4 were determined as 2.5th percentile to 97.5th percentile on the data distribution.ResultsThe TSH and FT4 trimester‐specific RIs were as follows: 0.59‐3.54 mIU/L, 11.8‐18.4 pmol/L (n = 188, 1st trimester); 0.80‐4.46 mIU/L, 11.6‐17.4 pmol/L (n = 133, 2nd trimester); 0.72‐4.19 mIU/L, 9.7‐15.1 pmol/L (n = 157, 3rd trimester). The RIs of TSH and FT4 determined by Hoffmann method for first trimester outpatient pregnant women were 0.33‐3.96 mIU/L (n = 9924) and 11.7‐17.5 pmol/L (n = 10039), respectively.ConclusionTrimester‐specific thyroid function tests RIs are distinct from those provided by assay manufacturers. The RIs determined by direct sampling and Hoffmann indirect calculation showed no statistical difference.
The radial forearm free flap as a “vascular bridge” for secondary microsurgical head and neck reconstruction in a vessel‐depleted neck
Authors: Ciudad Pedro , Agko Mouchammed , Date Shivprasad , Chang Wei‐Ling , Manrique Oscar J. , Huang Tony C. T. , Lo Torto Federico , Trignano Emilio , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundIn a vessel‐depleted neck, distant recipient sites may be the only option for secondary free flap reconstruction. While interposition vein grafts and arteriovenous loops can bridge the gap between the recipient and donor pedicle, they are not without risks. In these scenarios, we examinate the reliablity of a radial forearm free flap (RFFF) as an alternative vascular conduit.Patients and methodsA retrospective review of cases between March 2005 and May 2016 was performed. Demographic data, prior surgical history, intraoperative details and outcomes were recorded. A total of ten patients, eight male and two female, with a mean age of 54.2 years (range, 39–74) were identified. The RFFF was initially anastomosed to either the thoracoacromial (n = 6) or internal mammary vessels (n = 4) and subsequently served as the recipient pedicle for the second “main” flap, an anterolateral thigh (n = 4), jejunum (n = 3) or fibula flap (n = 3).ResultsThe average RFFF dimensions were 13.8 cm by 5.8 cm. All twenty flaps, ten RFFF and ten "main' flaps survived completely with only one case of minimal epidermal loss. One patient with esophageal reconstruction with jejunum developed a fistula that required closure with a local falp. At a mean follow‐up of 18.4 months (range 8–29), the reconstructive goals had been achieved in all cases.ConclusionsThe RFFF serves as a reliable “vascular bridge” that extends the reach of distant recipient sites to free flaps in secondary head and neck reconstruction.
Technical Note: Parallel implementation of the EGSnrc Monte Carlo simulation of ionizing radiation transport using OpenMP
Authors: Doerner Edgardo , Caprile Paola 
Published: November 2017

PurposeTo present the implementation of a new option for parallel processing of the EGSnrc Monte Carlo system using the OpenMP API, as an alternative to the provided method based on the use of a batch queuing system (BQS).MethodsThe parallel solution presented, called OMP_EGS, makes use of OpenMP features to control the workload distribution between the compute units. These features were inserted into the original EGSnrc source code through properly defined macros. In order to validate the platform, the possibility of producing results in exact agreement with the serial implementation was assessed. The performance of OMP_EGS was evaluated against the BQS method, in terms of parallel speedup and efficiency.ResultsAs the OpenMP features can be activated or deactivated depending on the compilation options, the implementation of the platform allowed the direct recovery of the original serial implementation. The validation tests showed that OMP_EGS was able to reproduce the exact same results as the serial implementation. The performance and scalability tests showed that OMP_EGS is a better alternative than the EGSnrc BQS parallel implementation, both in terms of runtime and parallel efficiency.ConclusionsThe presented solution has several advantages over the BQS‐based parallel implementation available for the EGSnrc system. One of the main advantages is that, in contrast to the BQS alternative, it can be implemented using different compilers and operative systems, which turns it into a compact and portable solution that can be used on a wide range of working environments. It does not introduce artifacts on the simulated distributions, as it only handles the distribution of work among the available computing resources and it proved to have a better performance.
Bay‐annulated indigo based near‐infrared sensitive polymer for organic solar cells
Authors: Zhu Jingshuai , Li Tengfei , Shi Keli , Wang Jiayu , Lin Yuze , Yu Gui , Zhan Xiaowei 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTA new conjugated polymer (PBAIIDTT) based on bay‐annulated indigo and indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene was designed, synthesized, and characterized. PBAIIDTT shows strong absorption in 400–500 and 600–800 nm, and its HOMO and LUMO energy levels are −5.45 eV and −3.65 eV, respectively. In organic field‐effect transistors, the polymer exhibits a relatively high hole mobility of 0.39 cm2 V−1 s−1. PBAIIDTT was added to poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) based organic solar cells. Ternary blend solar cells with 10% PBAIIDTT show an increased short circuit current density due to the broadened photocurrent generated in the near‐infrared region, and a power conversion efficiency of 3.78%, which is higher than that of the P3HT:PC61BM binary control devices (3.33%). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 213–220
Tribological evaluation of environmentally friendly ionic liquids derived from renewable biomaterials
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Li Weimin , Nian Jingyan , Lou Wenjing , Wang Xiaobo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUnlike most of the conventional ionic liquids (ILs) derived from non-renewable resources, five environmentally friendly ILs ([Ch][AA] ILs) derived from amino acids (AAs) and choline (Ch) were synthesized using biomaterials by a simple, green route: acid–base reaction of Ch and AAs. The thermal and corrosion properties, as well as viscosity, of the prepared ILs were examined. The results revealed that the anion structure of ILs plays a dominant role in their thermal and viscosity behavior. These ILs exhibited less corrosion toward copper, related to their halogen-, sulfur-, and phosphorus-free characteristics. The tribological behavior of the synthesized ILs was examined using a Schwingungs Reibung und Verschleiss tester, and the results indicated that these ILs exhibit good friction-reducing and anti-wear properties as lubricants for steel/steel contact. Results from energy-dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the good tribological properties of [Ch][AA] ILs are related to the formation of a physically adsorbed film on the metal surface during friction.
Mesenchymal stromal cells improve human islet function through released products and extracellular matrix
Authors: Arzouni Ahmed A. , Vargas-Seymour Andreia , Rackham Chloe L. , Dhadda Paramjeet , Huang Guo-Cai , Choudhary Pratik , Nardi Nance , King Aileen J.F. , Jones Peter M. 
Published: November 2017

Aims: The aims of the present study were (i) to determine whether the reported beneficial effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on mouse islet function extend to clinically relevant human tissues (islets and MSCs), enabling translation into improved protocols for clinical human islet transplantation; and (ii) to identify possible mechanisms through which human MSCs influence human islet function.Materials and methods: Human islets were co-cultured with human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (hASCs) or pre-treated with its products – extracellular matrix (ECM) and annexin A1 (ANXA1). Mouse islets were pre-treated with mouse MSC-derived ECM. Islet insulin secretory function was assessed in vitro by radioimmunoassay. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to screen human adipMSCs for potential ligands of human islet G-protein-coupled receptors.Results: We show that co-culture with hASCs improves human islet secretory function in vitro, as measured by glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, confirming previous reports using rodent tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these beneficial effects on islet function can be partly attributed to the MSC-derived products ECM and ANXA1.Conclusions: Our results suggest that hASCs have the potential to improve the quality of human islets isolated for transplantation therapy of Type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, it may be possible to achieve improvements in human islet quality in a cell-free culture system by using the MSC-derived products ANXA1 and ECM.
Manipulation of sensory input can improve stretching outcomes
Authors: Capobianco Robyn A. , Almuklass Awad M. , Enoka Roger M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe primary purpose of our study was to assess the influence of modulating sensory input with either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or self‐massage with therapy balls on the maximal range of motion (ROM) about the ankle joint when stretching the calf muscles. We also investigated the influence of these two conditions on the force capacity and force control of plantar flexor muscles. Twenty healthy adults (25 ± 3 yr) performed three sessions of ankle plantar flexor stretching (three stretches of 30 s each): stretching alone (SS), stretching with concurrent TENS (TENS), and stretching after self‐massage using therapy balls (SM). TENS was applied for 60 s prior to and during each stretch, and SM was performed for 60 s prior to each of the three stretches. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque and force steadiness at 20% MVC were recorded before and at 15 min after the final stretch. Ankle dorsiflexion ROM was assessed before, after, and at 5, 10, and 15 min after the last stretch. The increase in ROM was greater after SM (24%) than after SS (13%) and TENS (9%; p < .001). Maximal discomfort level (0–10 VAS) during stretching was similar for all conditions. MVC torque increased after SM only (p < .001, Cohen's D = 1.5): SM, 16%; SS, –1%; TENS, –3%. Force steadiness did not change. The sensory fibres that contribute to stretch tolerance were engaged by self‐massage but not by TENS, resulting in greater increases in flexibility and MVC torque after self‐massage.
AIRVF: a filtering toolbox for precise variant calling in Ion Torrent sequencing
Authors: Shin Sunguk , Lee Hanna , Son Hyeonju , Paik Soonmyung , Kim Sangwoo 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Summary
Ion Torrent sequencing is one of the most frequently used platforms in healthcare research and industry. Despite many advantages, platform-specific artifacts complicate efficient separation of true variants from errors, especially in variants with lower allele frequencies (&lt;15%). Here, we developed a multi-step filtering toolbox AIRVF that works on flowgram, raw and mapped reads and called variants to reduce artifact-driven false variant calls. Tests on sequencing data of standard reference material showed up to ∼98% reduction of false variants when combined to conventional public pipelines and ∼48% to the in-house commercial solution, with a minimal loss of sensitivity.

Availability and implementation
The program with a detailed manual is available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/airvf/.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Additive effects of pCO2 and temperature on respiration rates of the Antarctic pteropod Limacina helicina antarctica
Authors: Hoshijima Umihiko , Wong Juliet M , Hofmann Gretchen E 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The Antarctic pteropod, Limacina helicina antarctica, is a dominant member of the zooplankton in the Ross Sea and supports the vast diversity of marine megafauna that designates this region as an internationally protected area. Here, we observed the response of respiration rate to abiotic stressors associated with global change—environmentally relevant temperature treatments (−0.8°C, 4°C) and pH treatments reflecting current-day and future modeled extremes (8.2, 7.95 and 7.7 pH at −0.8°C; 8.11, 7.95 and 7.7 pH at 4°C). Sampling repeatedly over a 14-day period in laboratory experiments and using microplate respirometry techniques, we found that the metabolic rate of juvenile pteropods increased in response to low-pH exposure (pH 7.7) at −0.8°C, a near-ambient temperature. Similarly, metabolic rate increased when pteropods were exposed simultaneously to multiple stressors: lowered pH conditions (pH 7.7) and a high temperature (4°C). Overall, the results showed that pCO2 and temperature interact additively to affect metabolic rates in pteropods. Furthermore, we found that L. h. antarctica can tolerate acute exposure to temperatures far beyond its maximal habitat temperature. Overall, L. h. antarctica appears to be susceptible to pH and temperature stress, two abiotic stressors which are expected to be especially deleterious for ectothermic marine metazoans in polar seas.
Arabidopsis HIPP27 is a host susceptibility gene for the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Radakovic Zoran S. , Anjam Muhammad Shahzad , Escobar Elizabeth , Chopra Divykriti , Cabrera Javier , Silva Ana Cláudia , Escobar Carolina , Sobczak Miroslaw , Grundler Florian M. W. , Siddique Shahid 
Published: November 2017

SummarySedentary plant-parasitic cyst nematodes are obligate biotrophs that infect the roots of their host plant. Their parasitism is based on modification of root cells to form a hypermetabolic syncytium from which the nematodes draw their nutrients. The aim of this study was to identify nematode susceptibility genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and to characterize their roles in supporting the parasitism of Heterodera schachtii. By selecting genes that were most strongly upregulated in response to cyst nematode infection, we identified HIPP27 (HEAVY METAL-ASSOCIATED ISOPRENYLATED PLANT PROTEIN 27) as a host susceptibility factor required for beet cyst nematode infection and development. Detailed expression analysis revealed that HIPP27 is a cytoplasmic protein and that HIPP27 is strongly expressed in leaves, young roots and nematode-induced syncytia. Loss-of-function Arabidopsis hipp27 mutants exhibited severely reduced susceptibility to H. schachtii and abnormal starch accumulation in syncytial and peridermal plastids. Our results suggest that HIPP27 is a susceptibility gene in Arabidopsis whose loss-of-function reduces plant susceptibility to cyst nematode infection without increasing susceptibility to other pathogens or negatively affecting plant phenotype.
Population adaptation in efficient balanced networks
Authors: Gutierrez Gabrielle J. , Denève Sophie 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAdaptation is a key component of efficient coding in sensory neurons. However, it remains unclear how neurons can provide a stable representation of external stimuli given their history-dependent responses. Here we show that a stable representation is maintained if efficiency is optimized by a population of neurons rather than by neurons individually. We show that spike-frequency adaptation and E/I balanced recurrent connectivity emerge as solutions to a global cost-accuracy tradeoff. The network will re-distribute sensory responses from highly excitable neurons to less excitable neurons as the cost of neural activity increases. This does not change the representation at the population level, despite causing dynamic changes in individual neurons. By applying this framework to an orientation coding network, we reconcile neural and behavioral findings. Our approach underscores the common mechanisms behind the diversity of neural adaptation and its role in producing a reliable representation of the stimulus while minimizing metabolic cost.