bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polypyrrole/Fe3O4/CNT as a recyclable and highly efficient catalyst for one‐pot three‐component synthesis of pyran derivatives
Authors: Hojati Seyedeh Fatemeh , Amiri Amirhassan , MoeiniEghbali Nasrin , Mohamadi Sakineh
Published: January 2018

Polypyrrole (PPY)/Fe3O4/CNT has been synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, TEM and SEM techniques and its catalytic activity has been evaluated in the synthesis of several series of pyran derivatives. Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyranes, 4H‐pyran‐3‐carboxylates, 4H,5H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes and dihydropyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles have been successfully prepared from one‐pot three‐component condensation of aldehyde, malononitrile and active methylene‐containing compounds (dimedone /ethyl acetoacetate/4‐hydroxycoumarin/3‐methyl‐2‐pyrazoline‐5‐one) using PPY/Fe3O4/CNT as a new and reusable heterogeneous catalyst. The present method offer several advantages such as; high yields of products, short reaction times, easy work‐up procedure and easy separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture due to its magnetic character. Furthermore, chemoselective synthesis of bis‐benzo[b]pyran from terephthalaldehyde can be achieved by this method.
Palladium(II) Immobilized Onto the Glucose Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticle as a New and Efficient Catalyst for the One‐pot Synthesis of Benzoxazoles
Authors: Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Saberi Vahid , Kalhor Sepideh , Veisi Nazila
Published: January 2018

Palladium(II) have been immobilized into the nano magnetic Fe3O4 which was functionalized with glucose in order to achieve a one‐pot synthesis of 2‐substituted benzoxazole derivatives with high yields in the diverse range of organic solvents. The nano catalyst is highly dispersive in polar solvents and can be easily recovered and reused for 6 runs without significant loss of its activity. Finally, the catalyst was fully characterized by FT‐IR, TGA, CHN, SEM, EDX and atomic absorption spectroscopy.
Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 2,2’‐bibenzo[d]thiazole: Synthesis, characterisation and biological studies
Authors: Omaka Omaka N. , Ekennia Anthony C. , Njoku Nwaji N. , Onwudiwe Damian C.
Published: January 2018

Benzothiazole moiety has gained a lot of attention because of its importance as essential pharmacophore in the development of metal based drugs. Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of a benzothiazole based ligand, 2,2’‐bibenzo[d]thiazole (L1), synthesized by the reaction of benzothiazole‐2‐carbonylchloride and o‐aminothiophenol, is reported. The compounds were characterised by elemental and percentage metal analyses, spectroscopic (FTIR and UV–vis), 1H and 13C NMR, Mass spectra, thermal, magnetic moment and molar conductance analyses. The mass spectra, elemental and percentage metal composition of the metal complexes gave a 2:1 ligand to metal stoichiometric mole ratio. The spectral data showed that the ligand was coordinated to the metal ions through the nitrogen atoms of the benzothiazole moiety. The electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that the nickel and copper complexes adopted square planar geometries. The ligand and its metal(II) complexes were screened against some drug resistant microbes and were found to exhibit varied degree of antimicrobial activities. The nickel complex was more active compared to ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Similarly, the antioxidant potential of the ligand was evaluated. The ligand is a better ferrous ion chelating agent compared to 1,10‐phenanthroline and 2,2‐bipyridine. The ligand and its complexes exhibited good antimicrobial and Fe2+ chelating properties making them probable compounds of interest in antibiotic and antioxidant drug researches.
Biological contour, molecular docking and antiproliferative studies of DNA targeted histidine based transition metal(II) complexes: Invention and its depiction
Authors: Arunadevi Alagarraj , Raman Natarajan
Published: January 2018

A novel series of histidine derived transition metal complexes were synthesized and characterized by multispectral techniques such as UV‐Vis., FT IR, EPR, NMR, ESI‐mass analysis and other physico‐chemical methods like elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility. The synthesized compounds were attempted for their biological prospective. The biological studies involved are DNA interaction (binding and damage), antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative and molecular docking. DNA interaction studies were carried out with the help of UV‐Vis absorption titration, viscosity measurement and cyclic voltammetric techniques which revealed that the synthesized compounds could interact with CT‐DNA through intercalative binding mode. A gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated the ability of complexes to cleave the supercoiled pUC18 DNA. The antioxidant property shows that the metal complexes have preferable ability to scavenge hydroxyl radical than the ligand. Moreover, the antimicrobial assay indicates that these complexes are good antimicrobial agents against various pathogens. Furthermore, the in vitro antiproliferative activities of the complexes were examined on HeLa, Hep G2 and NIH 3 T3 cell lines using an MTT assay. The morphological changes were investigated using Hoechst 33258 staining apoptosis assay. In addition, molecular docking studies were executed to considerate the nature of binding of the synthesized complexes with protein and DNA.
Enhanced adhesion force based on microphase separation induced by complexation of ferric ions and polyurethane matrix
Authors: Li Xie , Li Wei , Wang Xiaolin , Guo Heling , Wang Rongjie , Guo Xuhong , Li Cuihua , Jia Xin
Published: January 2018

Waterborne polyurethane elastomer (WPU) has been widely used as a glue, but it still has some drawbacks, including a long cure time and weak adhesive force. In order to overcome these drawbacks, a new composite [PU/ferric ion complexation (Fe/PU)] with high adhesive strength was successfully prepared using ferric ion (Fe3+) as a complexing agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile testing were used to characterize the chemical structure and mechanical properties of the as‐obtained composites. Introduction of the ferric ion induces a certain degree of microphase separation, resulting in better mechanical strength and interfacial adhesion. The mechanical properties of the PU composite with ferric ions are higher than that of pure PU. The adhesive strength of the 25%‐Fe/PU composite is 32.46 ± 3.1 MPa, exhibiting superior adhesive strength. The tensile strength was enhanced 34%, and the elongation was enhanced 23.6% compared to pure PU. Furthermore, the Fe/PU composite, coordinated with ferric ions, exhibits an enhanced storage modulus and reduced loss coefficient compared to PU. We can foresee that Fe/PU composites will play an important role in the building and engineering areas. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46069.
Alkylation‐, Heating‐, and Doping‐Induced Emission Enhancement of a Polyaromatic Tube in the Solid State
Authors: Kuroda Kiyonori , Otsuki Masafumi , Yazaki Kohei , Sei Yoshihisa , Akita Munetaka , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: January 2018

A polyaromatic tube with a subnanometer‐sized cavity was efficiently prepared on a gram‐scale through the stereo‐controlled cyclotrimerization of a diphenylanthracene derivative as a key step. The facile exterior alkylation of the polyaromatic framework leads to a moderately fluorescent tube (R=‐OC10H21; ΦF=20 %) in the solid state. The emission intensity of the solid‐state alkyl‐substituted tube is remarkably enhanced upon heating (up to 1.6 times, ΦF=31 %) as well as doping with fluorescent dyes (up to 4.2 times, ΦF=83 %) through efficient energy transfer.
The nerve supply of zygomaticus major: Variability and distinguishing zygomatic from buccal facial nerve branches
Authors: Kehrer A. , Engelmann S. , Bauer R. , Taeger C. , Grechenig S. , Kehrer M. , Prantl L. , Tamm E. R. , Bleys R. L. A. W. , Mandlik V.
Published: January 2018

The zygomaticus major (ZM) is important for the human smile. There are conflicting data about whether the zygomatic or buccal branches of the facial nerve are responsible for its motor innervation. The literature provides no precise distinction of the transition zone between these two branch systems. In this study, a definition to distinguish the facial nerve branches at the level of the body of the zygoma is proposed. In the light of this definition, we conducted an anatomical study to determine how the source of innervation of the ZM was distributed. A total of 96 fresh‐frozen cadaveric facial halves were dissected under loupe magnification. A hemiparotidectomy was followed by antegrade microsurgical dissection. Any branch topographically lying superficial to the zygoma or touching it was classed as zygomatic, and any neighboring inferior branch was considered buccal. The arborization of the facial nerve was diffuse in all cases. In 64 out of 96 specimens (67%, 95% CI: 56% to 76%), zygomatic branches innervated the ZM. Buccal branches innervated ZM in the other 32 facial halves (33%, 95% CI: 24% to 44%). There were no differences in respect of sex or facial side. All facial halves displayed additional branches, which crossed the muscle on its inner surface without supplying it. In 31 specimens, a nerve branch ran superficial to ZM in its cranial third. According to our classification, the zygomaticus major is innervated by zygomatic branches in 67% of cases and by buccal branches in 33%. Clin. Anat. 31:560–565, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of pre‐procedural hyponatremia on clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Kagase Ai , Yamamoto Masanori , Shimura Tetsuro , Kodama Atsuko , Kano Seiji , Koyama Yutaka , Tada Norio , Naganuma Toru , Araki Motoharu , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Watanabe Yusuke , Hayashida Kentaro
Published: January 2018

Background

Hyponatremia is associated with the increased risk of early and late mortality in patients with cardiac disease. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of hyponatremia in patients who had undergone transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods

We investigated 1,215 consecutive patients (mean age: 84.4 ± 5.0 years) who underwent TAVR using data from the Optimized CathEter vAlvular iNtervention (OCEAN)‐TAVR Japanese multicenter registry. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum sodium value less than 135 mEq/L. The baseline characteristics, procedural outcomes, all‐cause, cardiovascular, and non‐cardiovascular mortality were compared between patients with hyponatremia (n = 106, 8.7%) and without hyponatremia (n = 1,109, 91.3%). A propensity‐matching analysis was used to adjust for the non‐uniform patient characteristics.

Results

Differences in the baseline characteristics were observed between the two groups regarding the prevalence of pulmonary disease (37.7% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.04) and the performance of non‐elective TAVR (10.4% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.01), although these were minimized in the matched model. The 30‐day mortality rates differed between the two groups (7.6% vs. 1.4%, P < 0.001). During a mean follow‐up of 330 days, the all‐cause and cardiovascular mid‐term mortality were higher in the hyponatremia group than in the non‐hyponatremia group (log‐rank test: P = 0.0047, and P < 0.001, respectively). The three findings above were not attenuated in the propensity‐matched model (P < 0.001, P = 0.0044, and P = 0.014, respectively). In contrast, there was no difference in non‐cardiovascular mortality between the two groups in both the overall and matched model (P = 0.40 and P = 0.13, respectively).

Conclusions

Pre‐procedural hyponatremia may be a useful marker for predicting early and mid‐term clinical outcomes after TAVR.
Hemolytic anemia due to native valve subacute endocarditis with Actinomyces israelii infection
Authors: Toom Sudhamshi , Xu Yiqing
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

This case highlights the importance of considering infectious etiology in the management of hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia associated with infectious endocarditis is rare. Actinomyces endocarditis is a rare occurrence and is very challenging to diagnose given the challenges to culture the organism.
Right extrapleural completion pneumonectomy for fibrocavitary nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease
Authors: Yamanashi Keiji , Okumura Norihito , Honda Yohei , Matsuoka Tomoaki
Published: January 2018

Key Clinical Message

We report a case of a 76‐year‐old man with fibrocavitary nontuberculous mycobacterial (FC‐NTM) lung disease, who was successfully treated with right extrapleural completion pneumonectomy. Right extrapleural completion pneumonectomy with careful coverage of the bronchial stump might be effective in patients with FC‐NTM lung disease.
Calcium‐Responsive Liposomes via a Synthetic Lipid Switch
Authors: Lou Jinchao , Carr Adam J. , Watson Alexa J. , Mattern‐Schain Samuel I. , Best Michael D.
Published: January 2018

Liposomal drug delivery would benefit from enhanced control over content release. Here, we report a novel avenue for triggering release driven by chemical composition using liposomes sensitized to calcium—a target chosen due to its key roles in biology and disease. To demonstrate this principle, we synthesized calcium‐responsive lipid switch 1, designed to undergo conformational changes upon calcium binding. The conformational change perturbs membrane integrity, thereby promoting cargo release. This was shown through fluorescence‐based release assays via dose‐dependent response depending on the percentage of 1 in liposomes, with minimal background leakage in controls. DLS experiments indicated dramatic changes in particle size upon treatment of liposomes containing 1 with calcium. In a comparison of ten naturally occurring metal cations, calcium provided the greatest release. Finally, STEM images showed significant changes in liposome morphology upon treatment of liposomes containing 1 with calcium. These results showcase lipid switches driven by molecular recognition principles as an exciting avenue for controlling membrane properties.
Cyclodextrin‐Sandwiched Hexaphyrin Hybrids: Side‐to‐Side Cavity Coupling Switched by a Temperature‐ and Redox‐Responsive Central Device
Authors: Ménand Mickaël , Sollogoub Matthieu , Boitrel Bernard , Le Gac Stéphane
Published: January 2018

Access to allosteric enzyme mimics that ideally associate communicating compartments for catalysis and regulation is still challenging. Whereas a sandwich “cavity–catalyst–cavity” approach, developed mainly with cyclodextrins and porphyrins, appears promising, its counterpart with hexaphyrins featuring rich conformation, aromaticity, and coordination behavior has not been prospected at all. We thus developed sandwich hybrids made of two cyclodextrins triply linked on each side of a hexaphyrin. The latter displays switchable oxidation states with interconvertible conformations (28π antiaromatic and 26π aromatic, each adopting rectangular and dumbbell forms). These four states are connected by two orthogonal switches under redox [aromaticity] and thermal [shape] control. This leads to twin compartmentalized confined spaces either locked or unlocked depending on the conformation of the hexaphyrin, and the reversibility of the lock↔unlock transition relies on the aromaticity of the hexaphyrin. The sandwiched heteroannulene thus behaves as an unprecedented dual‐responsive double‐latched device. Such hybrid systems open interesting perspectives in the allosteric regulation of receptors, catalysts, and machineries.
Three‐Component Domino Knoevenagel/Vinylogous Michael Reaction: Entry to Challenging o‐Terphenyls
Authors: Grau Dominik , Grau Benedikt W. , Hampel Frank , Tsogoeva Svetlana B.
Published: January 2018

An unprecedented organocatalytic three‐component domino Knoevenagel/vinylogous Michael reaction starting from simple enolizable aldehydes, malononitrile, and nitroolefins is reported. This facile two‐step domino process provides a straightforward stereoselective route to multifunctional vinyl malononitrile products (up to 82 % yield, 85:15 d.r.) containing a nitroalkane moiety, and contributes to the development of sustainability and atom economy. The application of the obtained domino products for synthesis of highly functionalized o‐terphenyls (of high interest for materials science and medicinal chemistry) through subsequent new three‐step domino reaction involving cyclization–tautomerization–aromatization steps, has been demonstrated.
Fresst Euch doch selbst
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: January 2018

Tomatenpflanzen werden von den Raupen der Zuckerrübeneule innerhalb kurzer Zeit kahl gefressen. Um dies zu verhindern, produzieren die Pflanzen Substanzen, die die Blätter für die Raupen ungenießbar machen. Infolgedessen verspeisen sich die hungrigen Insekten gegenseitig. Das reduziert nicht nur die Raupenpopulation, sondern sättigt die überlebenden Kannibalen auch noch, so dass sie kein Interesse mehr an der Pflanzennahrung zeigen.
Multicomponent lattice Boltzmann model for simulation of phase change with heat transfer
Authors: Liu Fu‐Min , Wang An‐Lin , Fu Zhen‐Sheng
Published: January 2018

A multicomponent lattice Boltzmann model for simulation of phase change with heat transfer is proposed in this paper. The model combines a thermal single‐component phase change model with a multicomponent model, and the two models are verified separately. The combined model is used to simulate the phase change process of one component in multicomponent fluid with heat transfer. The phase change of a static droplet wrapped in another component and the phase change of fluid flowing into another component with gravity effect are solved numerically based on the proposed model. The ratio of density before and after phase change in the simulation is close to 10. Distribution of temperature field and flow field during phase transition is discussed. Simulation results also show the influence of specific heat capacity on the phase change rate.
Synthesis of N‐Substituted Iminosugar Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Immunosuppressive Activities
Authors: Lv Zhuo , Song Chengcheng , Niu Youhong , Li Qin , Ye Xin‐Shan
Published: January 2018

It is important to find more effective and safer immunosuppressants, because clinically used immunosuppressive agents have significant side effects. A series of N‐substituted iminosugar derivatives were designed and synthesized, and their immunosuppressive effects were evaluated by the CCK‐8 assay. The results revealed that iminosugars 10 e and 10 i, that is, (3R,4S)‐1‐(4‐heptyloxylphenylethyl)pyrrolidine‐3,4‐diol and (3R,4S)‐1‐[2‐(2‐chloro‐4‐(p‐tolylthio)‐phenyl‐1‐yl)ethyl]pyrrolidine‐3,4‐diol, respectively, exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on mouse splenocyte proliferation (IC50=2.16 and 2.48 μm, respectively), whereas the iminosugars containing an amide group near the hydrophilic head (compounds 10 j–n) exhibited no inhibitory effects. Further studies revealed that the inhibitory effects on splenocyte proliferation may have come from the suppression of both IFN‐γ and IL‐4 cytokines. Our results suggest that synthetic iminosugars, especially compounds 10 e and 10 i, hold potential as immunosuppressive agents.
Thalamo‐cortical projections to the macaque superior parietal lobule areas PEc and PE
Authors: Impieri Daniele , Gamberini Michela , Passarelli Lauretta , Rosa Marcello G. P. , Galletti Claudio
Published: January 2018

The exposed surface of the superior parietal lobule in macaque brain contains two architectonically defined areas named PEc and PE. The aim of the present study is the characterization of thalamic afferents of these two areas. For this purpose, retrograde neuronal tracers were injected, or placed in crystal form, in areas PEc and PE. We found that the two areas show a similar pattern of thalamic inputs, mainly originating from Lateral Posterior (LP), Pulvinar (Pul), Ventral Posterior Lateral (VPL), and Ventral Lateral (VL) nuclei, all structures known to be involved in visual, somatosensory, and/or sensorimotor processing. Minor afferents were observed from the Centromedian/Parafascicular complex (CM/PF), Central Lateral (CL), Ventral Anterior (VA), and Medial Dorsal (MD) nuclei. LP and VL were more strongly connected to PEc than to PE, while the other main thalamic inputs to the two areas showed slight differences in strength. The part of the Pul mostly connected with areas PEc and PE was the Medial Pul. No labeled cells were found in the retinotopically organized Lateral and Inferior Pul. In the somatotopically organized VPL and VL nuclei, labeled neurons were mainly found in regions likely to correspond to the trunk and limb representations (in particular the legs). These findings are in line with the sensory‐motor nature of areas PEc and PE, and with their putative functional roles, being them suggested to be involved in the preparation and control of limb interaction with the environment, and in locomotion.
Theoretical Studies of Singlet Fission: Searching for Materials and Exploring Mechanisms
Authors: Japahuge Achini , Zeng Tao
Published: January 2018

In this Review article, a survey is given for theoretical studies in the subject of singlet fission. Singlet fission converts one singlet exciton to two triplet excitons. With the doubled number of excitons and the longer lifetime of the triplets, singlet fission provides an avenue to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency in organic photovoltaic devices. It has been a subject of intense research in the past decade. Theoretical studies play an essential role in understanding singlet fission. This article presents a Review of theoretical studies in singlet fission since 2006, the year when the research interest in this subject was reignited. Both electronic structure and dynamics studies are covered. Electronic structure studies provide guidelines for designing singlet fission chromophores and insights into the couplings between single‐ and multi‐excitonic states. The latter provides fundamental knowledge for engineering interchromophore conformations to enhance the fission efficiency. Dynamics studies reveal the importance of vibronic couplings in singlet fission.
Positive diversity‐functioning relationships in model communities of methanotrophic bacteria
Authors: Schnyder Elvira , Bodelier Paul L. E. , Hartmann Martin , Henneberger Ruth , Niklaus Pascal A.
Published: January 2018

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions such as biomass production and nutrient cycling. Although the majority of the terrestrial biodiversity is hidden in soils, very little is known about the importance of the diversity of microbial communities for soil functioning. Here, we tested effects of biodiversity on the functioning of methanotrophs, a specialized group of soil bacteria that plays a key role in mediating greenhouse gas emissions from soils. Using pure strains of methanotrophic bacteria, we assembled artificial communities of different diversity levels, with which we inoculated sterile soil microcosms. To assess the functioning of these communities, we measured methane oxidation by gas chromatography throughout the experiment and determined changes in community composition and community size at several time points by quantitative PCR and sequencing. We demonstrate that microbial diversity had a positive overyielding effect on methane oxidation, in particular at the beginning of the experiment. This higher assimilation of CH4 at high diversity translated into increased growth and significantly larger communities towards the end of the study. The overyielding of mixtures with respect to CH4 consumption and community size were positively correlated. The temporal CH4 consumption profiles of strain monocultures differed, raising the possibility that temporal complementarity of component strains drove the observed community‐level strain richness effects; however, the community niche metric we derived from the temporal activity profiles did not explain the observed strain richness effect. The strain richness effect also was unrelated to both the phylogenetic and functional trait diversity of mixed communities. Overall, our results suggest that positive biodiversity–ecosystem‐function relationships show similar patterns across different scales and may be widespread in nature. Additionally, biodiversity is probably also important in natural methanotrophic communities for the ecosystem function methane oxidation. Therefore, maintaining soil conditions that support a high diversity of methanotrophs may help to reduce the emission of the greenhouse gas methane.
Human papillomavirus and nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Verma Vivek , Simone Charles B. , Lin Chi
Published: January 2018

Background

There are no existing high‐volume studies characterizing human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC).

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for NPC with known HPV (2004‐2013). Logistic regression ascertained factors associated with HPV‐positivity. Kaplan‐Meier overall survival (OS) was evaluated between HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative cohorts; Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed factors associated with OS. Patients with nonmetastatic disease receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy underwent propensity‐matched OS analysis.

Results

Altogether, 956 patients were analyzed (32% HPV‐positive and 68% HPV‐negative). Median follow‐up was 23 months (range 0‐67 months). The patients with HPV‐positive disease were younger, less likely to be uninsured, lived in more educated areas, and presented with more advanced T (but not N/overall) classification. Median OS for HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative groups were 50 and 43 months, respectively (P = .171). The HPV status did not independently predict for OS (P = .183). No OS differences were observed after propensity matching (P = .734).

Conclusion

In what we believe as the only large study of HPV‐associated NPC, HPV neither correlates with nor predicts survival in NPC. Owing to the difficulty of addressing causality in database studies, further work must corroborate the findings herein.
Effect of Prandtl number on the average exit temperature of coolant in a heat‐generating vertical parallel plate channel: A conjugate analysis
Authors: Samee AD Mohammad , Afzal Asif , Razak RK Abdul , MK Ramis
Published: January 2018

A coupled conduction–convection heat transfer analysis is carried out for a two‐dimensional rectangular, vertical parallel plate channel producing volumetric energy (uniform and nonuniform), subjected to laminar forced‐convection incompressible fluid flow under steady‐state conditions. The equations governing the thermal and flow field are solved by using finite difference method, and the resulting algebraic equations are solved by using the tridiagonal matrix algorithm method. Four coolants with their Prandtl numbers (Pr), namely, liquid sodium (Pr = 0.005), sodium‐potassium (Pr = 0.00753), lead (Pr = 0.02252), and helium (Pr = 0.666) are used for the present conjugate analysis. Effects of different thermal and fluid flow parameters such as Reynolds number (ReH) ranging from 500 to 1500, conduction–convection parameter (Ncc), and total heat generation (Qt) on average exit temperature (θae) of coolants are studied. From the obtained results, it is found that the θae of coolant strongly depends on Pr, ReH, Ncc, and Qt when the aspect ratio (Ar) is kept constant. It is also found that with a nonuniform rate of heat generation, the coolant θae is high compared to uniform heat generation rate, whereas with increasing Ncc, the θae decreases, and with increasing Qt, the θae increases irrespective of coolants.
Impact of Rotational Grazing Systems on the Pasture Crop Coefficient for Irrigation Scheduling
Authors: KC Birendra , Mohssen Magdy , Chau Henry Wai , Curtis Andrew , Cuenca Richard , Bright John , Srinivasan Ms , Hu Wei , Cameron Keith
Published: January 2018

Crop coefficient (Kc) estimations of ryegrass pasture (Lolium perenne) that matches the actual plant canopy represented by height (h) in rotational grazing systems have been assessed. This study investigated the impacts of grazing rotations on Kc, using non‐weighing percolation lysimeters. The FAO Penman–Monteith equation was used to estimate the reference evapotranspiration (ETr) from daily weather data. A water balance approach was applied to drainage data from 20 lysimeters to calculate actual evapotranspiration (ETa). Based on ETa and ETr, Kc was estimated for the different pasture growth stages of a grazing rotation.

Results showed that Kc and h can be modelled by a linear relationship. Pre‐ and post‐grazing pasture heights were typically 30 and 10 cm, respectively, for which estimated Kc values were 1.0 and 0.6, respectively. Thus, due to variations in pasture height at different grazing stages, the conventional irrigation scheduling using a single Kc of 1.0 does not take into account the dynamic water demand for rotationally grazed pasture. Irrigation scheduling that incorporates variations in Kc with pasture growth stage will lead to more efficient water use and importantly less drainage and overland flow, perhaps the biggest environmental challenge for pastoral irrigators in New Zealand, without impacting on productivity. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preclinical evaluation of melanocyte transplantation by chitosan‐based melanocyte spheroid patch to skin prepared by controlled sunburn blistering
Authors: Fan Sabrina Mai‐Yi , Chen Po‐Hua , Tseng Yu‐Ting , Hong Jin‐Bon , Chen Wannhsin , Tsai Tsen‐Fang , Lin Sung‐Jan
Published: January 2018

Transplantation of autologous cultured melanocytes as cell suspension has been used for the treatment of vitiligo. The recipient site is often prepared by laser‐mediated dermabrasion. Such procedures encounter disadvantages including prolonged transplantation duration, unsecured cell adherence to lesional skin and potential scarring. To improve this, here we propose a method by preparing recipient sites before transplantation by psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA)‐induced sunburn followed by transplanting cells with a chitosan‐based melanocyte spheroid patch. We evaluated the method in nude mice. Application of methoxsalen‐soaked filter paper on skin for 30 min followed by ultraviolet A exposure induced controlled sunburn blisters in 2 days. Upon transplantation, the blister roof could be quickly peeled off by a waxing patch. The chitosan membrane on which melanocytes were precultured into multicellular spheroids was transplanted with cells facing the skin. The chitosan patch adhered well to skin and secured the contact of melanocytes with the recipient site. One day later, melanocyte spheroids already detached from the chitosan membrane and adhered to the recipient skin. Our results suggest that the combination of chitosan‐based melanocyte spheroid patch with epidermal ablation by PUVA‐induced sunburn reaction can be a feasible method to facilitate melanocyte transplantation. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2535–2543, 2018.
MiR‐15b/HOTAIR/p53 form a regulatory loop that affects the growth of glioma cells
Authors: Sun Guan , Wang Yingyi , Zhang Junxia , Lin Ning , You Yongping
Published: January 2018

Among the malignant tumors of the human central nervous system, gliomas have the highest incidence and recurrence rate. Therefore, exploration of the molecular mechanism that underlies the development and progression of gliomas is of great clinical significance. Many studies have demonstrated that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the development and progression of tumors. In the present study, both an RNAhybrid analysis and a dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that microRNA‐15b (miR‐15b) binding sites were present in the sequence of HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR). The present study further demonstrated that miR‐15b, HOTAIR, and p53 formed a mutually regulated loop. MiR‐15b upregulated the expression of p53 but inhibited the expression of HOTAIR. In addition, miR‐15b was able to regulate the expression of HOTAIR through p53. P53 promoted miR‐15b expression but inhibited HOTAIR expression. Furthermore, the examination of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion revealed that both miR‐15b and p53 inhibited the proliferation and invasion, but promoted the apoptosis, of glioma cells. In contrast, HOTAIR exerted effects that were the opposite of those exerted by miR‐15b and p53 on glioma cells. The upregulation of HOTAIR suppressed the inhibitory effects of miR‐15b and p53 on cell proliferation and invasion as well as the promoting effect of miR‐15b and p53 on apoptosis. Therefore, it can be concluded that miR‐15b, HOTAIR, and p53 constitute a regulatory loop that is capable of regulating the growth of glioma cells. This finding provides a new target for the treatment of gliomas.
Behind the lines: Toward an aesthetic framework for psychoanalytic psychotherapy
Authors: Pivnick Billie A.
Published: January 2018

This article describes the author's development of an aesthetic approach to psychoanalytic psychotherapy of patients suffering from traumatic levels of grief by describing her experiences as a patient, a therapist, and a consultant to the design firm that partnered with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Using Aristotle'sOn Poeticsas an inspiration, this article explores the ways dialogical storytelling creates a therapeutic “action‐plot” that transforms reversals of fortune. Attending to patients’ first‐person phenomenological experience (without attributing cause), therapists help them transform their losses by listening to their stories. Therapists dwell with them in uncertainties while marking time in regularly scheduled meetings; they accompany their patients on a journey while also orienting to their modes of travel. They simultaneously co‐construct tales of the journey, attentive to the poetic dimensions of sight, sound, and space that they encounter. In so doing, therapists serve not just guides and judges, but artists, bringing meanings to the trail.
Autoregulation of RANK ligand in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumor cells
Authors: Sambandam Yuvaraj , Ethiraj Purushoth , Hathaway‐Schrader Jessica D. , Novince Chad M. , Panneerselvam Ezhil , Sundaram Kumaran , Reddy Sakamuri V.
Published: January 2018

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy among oral cancers and shows potent activity for local bone invasion. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) is critical for bone‐resorbing osteoclast formation. We previously demonstrated that OSCC tumor cells express high levels of RANKL. In this study, confocal microscopy demonstrated RANKL specific receptor, RANK expression in OSCC tumor cell lines (SCC1, SCC12, and SCC14a). We also confirmed the expression of RANK and RANKL in primary human OSCC tumor specimens. However, regulatory mechanisms of RANKL expression and a functional role in OSCC tumor progression are unclear. Interestingly, we identified that RANKL expression is autoregulated in OSCC tumor cells. The RANKL specific inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG) treatment to OSCC cells inhibits autoregulation of RANKL expression. Further, we showed conditioned media from RANKL CRISPR‐Cas9 knockout OSCC cells significantly decreased osteoclast formation and bone resorption activity. In addition, RANKL increases OSCC tumor cell proliferation. RANKL treatment to OSCC cells demonstrated a dose‐dependent increase in RANK intracellular adaptor protein, TRAF6 expression, and activation of IKK and IκB signaling molecules. We further identified that transcription factor NFATc2 mediates autoregulation of RANKL expression in OSCC cells. Thus, our results implicate RANKL autoregulation as a novel mechanism that facilitates OSCC tumor cell growth and osteoclast differentiation/bone destruction.
A new gold standard approach to characterize the transport of Si across cell membranes in animals
Authors: Garneau Alexandre P. , Marcoux Andrée‐Anne , Frenette‐Cotton Rachelle , Bélanger Richard , Isenring Paul
Published: January 2018

Silicon (Si) is increasingly recognized as an essential trace element in animals, especially since the identification of mammalian Si transport systems and Si responsive genes not long ago. During many years, however, efforts to gain substantial insight into the biological role of this element in animals have achieved partial success due in part to the unavailability of validated protocols to study Si movement across biological membranes. To circumvent such limitations, we have developed a general transport assay in which cellular Si content was determined by automated electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry. We have found this assay to provide great analytic sensitivity with Si detection thresholds of less than 1 µM, that is, below or very close to the concentration range of animal cells. We have also found this assay to provide valid and cost‐effective determinations in Si transport studies while requiring workable quantities of samples. The protocol described here should thus become gold standard toward accelerated progress in the field of Si transport.
Rainfall variability over Malawi during the late 19th century
Authors: Nash David J. , Pribyl Kathleen , Endfield Georgina H. , Klein Jørgen , Adamson George C. D.
Published: January 2018

Establishing long‐term records of rainfall variability is essential for understanding changes in the magnitude and frequency of extreme events. The need is particularly pressing for much of Africa, where the instrumental meteorological record rarely stretches back beyond the early 20th century. This study extends the rainfall record for present‐day Malawi back to the mid‐19th century through the analysis of historical documentary materials from British and African archives. Textual evidence within documents is used to construct a semi‐quantitative chronology of rainfall variability spanning the period 1858–1900. Widespread and severe droughts are identified during the austral summer rainy seasons of 1861–1863, 1877–1879, 1885–1888, and 1892–1894, and two unusually wet periods in 1889–1892 and 1894–1898. Instrumental rainfall data from Cape Maclear, Bandawe, and Kaningina spanning the period 1876–1880 – the earliest so far discovered for Malawi – are compared with nearby long‐term records from the Global Historical Climatology Network database. These analyses confirm the classifications for the equivalent years in the semi‐quantitative chronology. The results of this study are considered alongside other annually resolved rainfall reconstructions for the southern African summer rainfall zone to assess the spatial extent of late 19th century drought and wetter episodes and to explore the distribution of teleconnections arising from historical El Niño events. The very strong 1877 El Niño event was associated with drought from northern Malawi to the Eastern Cape. In contrast, drier conditions during the strong 1885 El Niño extended from Malawi as far south as the southern Kalahari, with Lesotho and KwaZulu‐Natal experiencing relatively wet conditions. The very strong 1891 El Niño was associated with very wet conditions from Malawi to KwaZulu‐Natal. In contrast, wetter conditions only extended as far south as Zimbabwe following the moderate 1896 El Niño. The study concludes with suggestions on how to extend historical climate information for the region.
Characteristics of climate change and its relationship with land use/cover change in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Shi Haiyun , Chen Ji
Published: January 2018

This study analysed the characteristics of climate change (including temporal trend and spatial distribution of temperature and precipitation) in Yunnan Province, China during 1961–2011 based on the observed data from 22 meteorological stations, and its relationship with land use/cover change (LUCC) was also discussed. The results showed that: (1) Significant increasing trend in temperature was observed at the annual scale, especially for the period 1987–2011. At the seasonal scale, such trend was the most prominent in winter. (2) Temporally, the annual precipitation showed a non‐significant decreasing trend, which was dominant by the rainy season; spatially, the annual precipitation showed the east‐to‐west and north‐to‐south increasing trends over this region. (3) This study analysed the impacts of elevation and geographical location on climate change patterns, and the statistical equations to estimate the annual temperature and precipitation as well as their changing rates were established based on longitude, latitude and elevation. (4) Through analysing the relationship between climate change and the LUCC, the correlation between the LUCC and temperature was stronger than that between the LUCC and precipitation. The results would be valuable for researchers and managers to better understand the characteristics of climate change as well as its relationship with the LUCC and to make better decisions in future.
Dynamic monitoring of soil erosion in the upper Minjiang catchment using an improved soil loss equation based on remote sensing and geographic information system
Authors: Guo Bing , Yang Guang , Zhang Feifei , Han Fang , Liu Chenggang
Published: January 2018

The upper Minjiang catchment has suffered intensive soil erosion due to frequent geologic hazards and its fragile ecosystem zone with steep slopes. This study fully considers the topographic features and surface cover and introduces improved methods of K, LS, and C to establish a soil loss equation for the upper Minjiang catchment based on remote sensing and geographic information system. Spatial–temporal change patterns of soil erosion intensity and its driving mechanisms are then analyzed and discussed. Results show that (a) the soil erosion modulus of the upper Minjiang catchment for 2005 and 2015 were 1,577.29 t km−2 a−1 and 1,619.77 t km−2 a−1, both of which belong to a level of mild erosion. The slight and mild erosion zones covered the largest area and were widely distributed in the northern part of the study area, whereas zones of intensive and severe erosion were mostly concentrated in Wenchuan County and the lower reaches of the Heishui and Zagunao Rivers. (b) During 2005–2015, changes in erosion intensity showed a trend of “overall stability, local deterioration.” Zones of mild, moderate, and intensive increase were mainly concentrated in the Longmen Mountain Fault Zone, such as southern Maoxian and western Wenchuan Counties. (c) Returning cultivated land to forest and grasslands greatly reduced the erosion intensity and erosion amount, whereas geologic hazards aggravated the soil erosion condition. Zones with a slope of <35° had a positive relationship with soil erosion intensity; these areas are crucial control areas for soil preservation and containing soil loss. In addition, grassland is more effective in conserving soil and water than forestland in the upper Minjiang catchment in areas of steep terrain. These results provide an important reference for estimating soil loss intensity in southwest mountainous regions of China, particularly in the Hengduan Mountains, and greatly contribute to the planning of soil and water conservation.
Treated urban wastewater irrigation effects on bioenergy sorghum biomass, quality, and soil salinity in an arid environment
Authors: Ganjegunte Girisha , Ulery April , Niu Genhua , Wu Yanqi
Published: January 2018

Land degradation due to elevated salinity and sodicity is a serious problem affecting many irrigated regions of the world. Salinity coupled with freshwater scarcity has forced many farmers in arid regions to abandon agricultural lands. This study evaluated irrigation potential of marginal quality treated urban wastewater to produce bioenergy sorghum on saline soils collected from an abandoned degraded salt affected lands in Texas and New Mexico under greenhouse conditions. Study results indicated that the energy sorghum biomass production and quality under wastewater irrigation were comparable to that irrigated with freshwater on nonsaline soils. Soil salinity especially in the subsurface increased over time under wastewater irrigation compared to that under freshwater irrigation. Soil sodicity (measured by sodium adsorption ratios) increased over time in all water–soil treatment combinations. Sodicity values were higher in treatments that received wastewater irrigation with no addition of calcium to counter sodium. Although sodicity exceeded the threshold value, no impairment in soil permeability was observed. Study results indicated a great potential for marginal quality water irrigation to improve degraded saline land productivity. Further field studies are required to confirm our greenhouse study results and the potential of bioenergy crops especially on saline soils and to highlight treated wastewater as a potential irrigation source.
Magnetically Actuated Rolling of Star‐Shaped Hydrogel Microswimmer
Authors: Hu Narisu , Wang Lefeng , Zhai Wenhe , Sun Mengmeng , Xie Hui , Wu Zhiguang , He Qiang
Published: January 2018

A magnetically powered, star‐shaped poly(vinylalcohol)/alginate (PVA/ALG) hydrogel microswimmer is described as a biodegradable motile vehicle for potential biomedical applications. The star‐shaped microswimmer is fabricated by the addition of a mixture containing PVA, ALG, and magnetic nanoparticles in the optimal ratio into the designed star‐shape silicon pattern and subsequent gelation of the mixture inside the pattern. This hydrogel microswimmer displays efficient and controllable propulsion in biological media under a vertical rotating magnetic field. Such star‐shaped hydrogel microswimmers have excellent biodegradability and mechanical capability and thus show promise in biomedical applications such as drug transport and surgery.
Obesity Impairs Oligopeptide/Amino Acid‐Induced Ghrelin Release and Smooth Muscle Contractions in the Human Proximal Stomach
Authors: Vancleef Laurien , Thijs Theo , Baert Florence , Ceulemans Laurens J. , Canovai Emilio , Wang Qiaoling , Steensels Sandra , Segers Anneleen , Farré Ricard , Pirenne Jacques , Lannoo Matthias , Tack Jan , Depoortere Inge
Published: January 2018

Scope

The satiation properties of proteins involve effects on gut peptide release and gastrointestinal motility which may be altered during obesity. This study compares the in vitro response and role of amino acid (AA) taste receptors (TASR) in the effect of AAs and a casein hydrolysate on ghrelin release and smooth muscle (SM) contractions in the proximal gut of lean and obese patients.

Methods and results

Basal ghrelin release, measured from mucosal segments, is maximal in the fundus and decreased distally. Obesity selectively impaires the stimulatory effect of a casein hydrolyaste on ghrelin release in the fundus but does not affect its inhibitory effect in the small intestine (SI). The SM contractions induced by a casein hydrolysate and AAs are stronger in strips from the SI than from the fundus but are reduced in the stomach of obese patients. The region‐dependent expression of AA‐TASRs in the mucosa and SM layer is affected by obesity. Most of the AA‐induced responses are reduced by the umami antagonist, lactisole. l‐Met‐induced responses involve bitter taste receptors.

Conclusion

Region‐specific targeting of AA taste receptors on both enteroendocrine and SM cells with specific AA‐enriched diets might be a useful strategy to combat obesity as well as hypomotility disorders.