bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration and sociodemographic factors associated with sense of place attitudes among migrants of African background in Northern and Western Netherlands
Authors: Counted Victor , Moustafa Ahmed , Renzaho Andre
Published: August 2018

This article investigates migration and sociodemographic factors associated with attitudes toward specific geographic settings (place attachment [PA], place identity, place dependence [PD]) in a cross‐sectional data (N = 175) of sub‐Saharan African residents in the Northern Netherlands and the Western Netherlands. Overall, it was found that scores of PA and PD were stronger in long‐term African residents (more than 5 years) than among short‐term residents (less than 5 years). The region of residence was positively related to PD, with participants in western Netherlands having stronger PD compared to those in the northern region. Language proficiency was inversely associated with PD among participants with a little knowledge of Dutch compared to those who could speak Dutch fluently. Older African residents (aged 46–55 years) were more likely to develop PA and PD than their younger counterparts (aged 18–25 years). PA scores were significantly lower for participants with a tertiary education background compared to those with a high school education or less educational attainment. PD scores were lower in females than males, and participants from Western Africa had stronger levels of PD compared to those from Central Africa. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Downregulation of microRNA‐9 reduces inflammatory response and fibroblast proliferation in mice with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through the ANO1‐mediated TGF‐β–Smad3 pathway
Authors: Dai Wen‐Jing , Qiu Jing , Sun Jian , Ma Chun‐Lan , Huang Na , Jiang Yi , Zeng Jun , Ren Bo‐Chen , Li Wan‐Cheng , Li Yun‐Hui
Published: August 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease with increasing occurrence, high death rates and unfavorable treatment regimens. In the current study, we identified the expression of microRNA‐9 (miR‐9) and anoctamin‐1 (ANO1) in IPF mouse models induced by bleomycin, and their effects on inflammation and fibroblast proliferation through the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)–Smad3 pathway. To verify the targeting relationship between miR‐9 and ANO1, we used bioinformatics prediction and conducted a dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR‐9 and the target gene ANO1 were investigated mainly with the treatment of miR‐9 mimic, miR‐9 inhibitor, or siRNA against ANO1 in fibroblasts isolated from IPF mice. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed to investigate the effect of miR‐9 or ANO1 on inflammatory factors. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry were used to detect fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were applied to measure the expression of the TGF‐β–Smad3 pathway‐related genes. The determination of luciferase activity suggested that miR‐9 targets ANO1. Upregulation of miR‐9 or silencing of ANO1 intensified inflammation in IPF, promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptotic ability of lung fibroblasts. MiR‐9 negatively modulated ANO1, and thus activated the TGF‐β–Smad3 pathway. These findings suggest that miR‐9 can indirectly activate the TGF‐β–Smad3 pathway by inhibiting the expression of ANO1, thereby aggravating inflammation, promotes proliferation and suppressing apoptosis of lung fibroblasts in mice models of IPF.
ESM‐1 promotes adhesion between monocytes and endothelial cells under intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Sun Haili , Zhang Huina , Li Kun , Wu Hao , Zhan Xiaojun , Fang Fang , Qin Yanwen , Wei Yongxiang
Published: August 2018

Intermittent hypoxia (IH), the key property of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial‐cell‐specific molecule‐1 (ESM‐1, Endocan) is a novel, reported molecule linked to endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of IH on ESM‐1 expression and the role of ESM‐1 in endothelial dysfunction. We found that serum concentration of ESM‐1, inter‐cellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) is significantly higher in patients with OSA than healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). The expression of ESM‐1, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was significantly increased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by treated IH in a time‐dependent manner. HIF‐1α short hairpin RNA and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor inhibited the expression of ESM‐1 in HUVECs. ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expressions were significantly enhanced under IH status, accompanied by increased monocyte–endothelial cell adhesion rate (
p < 0.001). Accordingly, ESM‐1 silencing decreased the expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 in HUVECs, whereas ESM‐1 treatment significantly enhanced ICAM‐1 expression accompanied by increasing adhesion ability. ESM‐1 is significantly upregulated by the HIF‐1α/VEGF pathway under IH in endothelial cells, playing a critical role in enhancing adhesion between monocytes and endothelial cells, which might be a potential target for IH‐induced endothelial dysfunction.
Gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor gene silencing inhibits the development of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition and formation of a calcium oxalate crystal in renal tubular epithelial cells in mice with kidney stones via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xin‐Fang , Zhang Bei‐Hao , Lu Xiao‐Qing , Wang Rui‐Qiang
Published: August 2018

Between 1% and 15% of people are globally affected by kidney stones, and this disease has become more common since the 1970s. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) gene silencing via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on the development of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and formation of a calcium oxalate crystal in renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) of kidney stones. A total of 70 clean and healthy C57BL/6J mice were assigned into the normal (
n = 10) and kidney stones groups (
n = 60). The underlying regulatory mechanisms of GRPR were analyzed in concert with the treatment of shGRPR‐1, LY294002, and shGRPR‐1 + LY294002 in TECs isolated from mice with kidney stones. A series of experiments were conducted for the measurement of urinary oxalate and urinary calcium, the renal calcium salt deposition, the positive rate of GRPR, the expressions of renal TECs related genes and calcium oxalate regulation related genes, and the growth of calcium crystals induced by cells. After treatment of shGRPR‐1 and shGRPR‐1 + LY294002, levels of urinary oxalate and urinary calcium in the serum, as well as positive rate of GRPR, became relatively low, levels of E‐cadherin enhanced, whereas levels of Akt, PI3K, GRPR, extents of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation, α‐SMA, Vimentin and FSP‐1, OPN, MCP‐1, and CD44 decreased and a number of crystals reduced. Taken together, we conclude that GRPR gene silencing suppresses the development of the EMT and formation of the calcium oxalate crystal in renal TECs of kidney stones through the inactivation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Caveolin enhances hepatocellular carcinoma cell metabolism, migration, and invasion in vitro via a hexokinase 2‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Chai Fang , Li Yan , Liu Keyi , Li Qiang , Sun Hongzhi
Published: August 2018

The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been associated with abnormal cellular metabolism. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis RNA sequencing data revealed caveolin‐1 (CAV‐1) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) messenger RNA (mRNA) were significantly upregulated in human HCC compared with normal tissues, and high HK2 expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival in HCC (
p < 0.05). CAV‐1 and HK2 mRNA and protein expression were upregulated and positively correlated in 42 fresh human HCC tissues compared with tumor‐adjacent normal tissues. Overexpression of CAV‐1 or HK2 in SMMC‐7721 and HepG2 HCC cells enhanced glucose and lactate metabolism and increased cell migration and invasion in transwell assays; knocking down CAV‐1 or HK2 had the opposite effects. Overexpression of CAV‐1 increased HK2 expression; overexpression of HK2 did not affect CAV‐1 expression. Knocking down HK2 partially reversed the ability of CAV‐1 to promote cellular metabolism, invasion, and migration in HCC, indicating CAV‐1 enhances glycolysis, invasion, and metastasis in HCC cells via HK2‐dependent mechanism. Further studies of the function and relationship between CAV‐1 or HK2 expression are warranted to explore the potential of these proteins as metabolic targets for the treatment of HCC.
FDA Public Meeting Report on “Drug Interactions With Hormonal Contraceptives: Public Health and Drug Development Implications”
Authors: Akbar Mohammad , Berry‐Bibee Erin , Blithe Diana L. , Day Ruth S. , Edelman Alison , Höchel Joachim , Jamshidi Roxanne , Kim Myong‐Jin , Li Li , Purohit Vivek S. , Turpin Jim A. , Scott Pamela E. , Strauss David G. , Sun Haiying , Tepper Naomi K. , Zhang Lei , Yu Chongwoo
Published: August 2018

Potential drug interactions with hormonal contraceptives are an important public health concern. A public meeting on “Drug Interactions With Hormonal Contraceptives: Public Health and Drug Development Implication” was hosted by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The meeting endeavored to provide an opportunity for the FDA to seek input from experts on the public health concerns associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives and interacting drugs that might affect efficacy and safety, including pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations, in the design of drug interaction studies of hormonal contraceptives for drug development and approaches to translating the results of drug interaction information into informative labeling and communication. The input received could be used to refine FDA's thinking on hormonal contraceptives drug interaction study design and interpretation and labeling communication of drug interaction risk. This meeting benefited from strong and diverse participation from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Swedish Medical Products Agency, pharmaceutical industry, and representatives of academia. This report provides a summary of the key discussion based on the presentations and panel discussion.
Impact of different palliative systemic treatments on skeletal muscle mass in metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Kurk Sophie A. , Peeters Petra H.M. , Dorresteijn Bram , de Jong Pim A. , Jourdan Marion , Kuijf Hugo J. , Punt Cornelis J.A. , Koopman Miriam , May Anne M.
Published: August 2018

Background

Observational studies suggest that loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is associated with chemotherapy‐related toxicity, poor quality of life, and poor survival in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Little is known about the evolution of SMM during palliative systemic therapy. We investigated changes in SMM during various consecutive palliative systemic treatment regimens using repeated abdominal computed tomography scans of mCRC patients who participated in the randomized phase 3 CAIRO3 study.

Methods

In the CAIRO3 study, mCRC patients with stable disease or better after 6 cycles of first‐line treatment with capecitabine + oxaliplatin + bevacizumab (CAPOX‐B) were randomized between maintenance treatment with capecitabine + bevacizumab (CAP‐B) or observation. Upon first disease progression, in both groups, CAPOX‐B or other treatment was reintroduced until the second disease progression, which was the primary study endpoint. We analysed 1355 computed tomography scans of 450 (81%) CAIRO3 patients (64 ± 9.0 years, CAP‐B n = 223; observation n = 227) for SMM at four time points (i.e. prior to the start of pre‐randomization initial treatment, at randomization, and at first and at second disease progression) using the Slice‐o‐matic software and single slice evaluation at the lumbar 3 level. By using accepted and widely used formulas, whole body SMM was calculated. A linear mixed effects model, adjusted for relevant confounders, was used to assess SMM changes for the total group and within and between study arms.

Results

During 6 cycles of initial treatment with CAPOX‐B prior to randomization, SMM decreased significantly in all patients [CAP‐B arm: −0.53 kg (95% CI −1.12; −0.07) and observation arm: −0.85 kg (−1.45; −0.25)]. After randomization, SMM recovered during CAP‐B treatment by 1.32 kg (0.73; 1.90) and observation by 1.20 kg (0.63; 1.78) (median time from randomization to first disease progression 8.6 and 4.1 months for CAP‐B arm and observation arm, respectively). After first progression and during reintroduction treatment with CAPOX‐B or other treatment, SMM again decreased significantly and comparable in both arms, CAP‐B: −2.71 kg (−3.37; −2.03), and observation: −2.01 kg (−2.64; −1.41) (median time from first progression until second progression CAP‐B arm: 4.7 months and observation arm: 6.6 months).

Conclusions

This longitudinal study provides a unique insight in SMM changes in mCRC patients during palliative systemic treatment regimens, including observation. Our data show that muscle loss is reversible and may be influenced by the intensity of systemic regimens. Although studies have shown prognostic capacity for SMM, the effects of subsequent changes in SMM are unknown and may be clues for new future therapeutic interventions.
Sustaining and spreading quality improvement: Decreasing intrapartum malpractice risk
Authors: Santos Palmira , Joglekar Anju , Faughnan Kristen , Darden Jennifer , Masters Lisa , Hendrich Ann , McCoy Christine Kocot
Published: August 2018

Background

Malpractice liability is an ongoing problem in obstetrics. However, developing, sustaining, and spreading effective interventions is challenging. The aim of this study is to examine the spread and sustainability of a multilevel integrated practice and coordinated communication model 66 months after its original implementation.

Methods

Data on labor and delivery patients from 37 hospitals (5 beta sites and 32 expansion sites) were analyzed for the 81‐month time period from January 2010 through September 2016.

Results

High‐risk occurrence rates per 1000 live births decreased by over 70% at both beta and expansion sites. The likelihood of a high‐risk occurrence was statistically significantly lower during the final study period than in the preintervention period at both beta sites (odds ratio [OR] = 0.218; p < .0001) and expansion sites (OR = 0.288; p < .001).

Conclusion

The multilevel integrated practice and coordinated communication model was successfully spread and sustained. Key elements contributing to this success included developing and maintaining evidence‐based guidelines, ensuring leadership buy‐in and support, collecting and reporting performance measures, holding teams accountable, providing training, and ensuring transparent communication.
Role of Art Education in Peace Building Efforts among Out‐of‐School Youth affected by Armed Conflict in Zamboanga City, Philippines
Authors: Labor Jonalou S.
Published: August 2018

This article looks into the value of art education in helping out‐of‐school adolescents to reintegrate to the local community due to armed conflicts in Zamboanga City, Southern Philippines. Using focus group discussion, which was carried out with adolescents living in transitory sites, permanent shelters and informal settlements in the city, findings have revealed that participants in the programme gained knowledge, developed positive attitude and communication skills and practiced peace building behaviours that benefited them, their families and the community at large because of their involvement in the programme. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D mapping of the placenta during early gestation using free‐breathing multiecho stack‐of‐radial MRI at 3T
Authors: Armstrong Tess , Liu Dapeng , Martin Thomas , Masamed Rinat , Janzen Carla , Wong Cass , Chanlaw Teresa , Devaskar Sherin U. , Sung Kyunghyun , Wu Holden H.
Published: August 2018

Background

Multiecho gradient‐echo Cartesian MRI characterizes placental oxygenation by quantifying . Previous research was performed at 1.5T using breath‐held 2D imaging during later gestational age (GA).

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of a free‐breathing (FB) 3D multiecho gradient‐echo stack‐of‐radial technique (radial) for placental mapping at 3T and report placental during early GA.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Thirty subjects with normal pregnancies and three subjects with ischemic placental disease (IPD) were scanned twice: between 14–18 and 19–23 weeks GA.

Field Strength

3T.

Sequence

FB radial.

Assessment

Linear correlation (concordance coefficient, ρc) and Bland–Altman analyses (mean difference, MD) were performed to evaluate radial mapping accuracy compared to Cartesian in a phantom. Radial mapping repeatability was characterized using the coefficient of repeatability (CR) between back‐to‐back scans. The mean and spatial coefficient of variation (CV) of was determined for all subjects, and separately for anterior and posterior placentas, at each GA range.

Statistical Tests

ρc was tested for significance. Differences in mean and CV were tested using Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank and Rank‐Sum tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Z‐scores for the IPD subjects were determined.

Results

FB radial demonstrated accurate (ρc≥0.996; P < 0.001; |MD|<0.2s−1) and repeatable (CR<4s−1) mapping in a phantom, and repeatable (CR≤4.6s−1) mapping in normal subjects. At 3T, placental mean ± standard deviation was 12.9s−1 ± 2.7s−1 for 14–18 and 13.2s−1 ± 1.9s−1 for 19–23 weeks GA. The CV was significantly greater (P = 0.043) at 14–18 (0.63 ± 0.12) than 19–23 (0.58 ± 0.13) weeks GA. At 19–23 weeks, the CV was significantly lower (P < 0.001) for anterior (0.49 ± 0.08) than posterior (0.67 ± 0.11) placentas. One IPD subject had a lower mean than normal subjects at both GA ranges (Z<–2).

Data Conclusion

FB radial provides accurate and repeatable 3D mapping for the entire placenta at 3T during early GA.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:291–303.
Histogram Analysis of Native T1 Mapping and Its Relationship to Left Ventricular Late Gadolinium Enhancement, Hypertrophy, and Segmental Myocardial Mechanics in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wu Chong‐Wen , Wu Rui , Shi Ruo‐Yang , An Dong‐Aolei , Chen Bing‐Hua , Jiang Meng , Bacyinski Andrew , Rahim Ali , Deen James M. , Hu Jiani , Han Tong‐Tong , Xu Jian‐Rong , Wu Lian‐Ming
Published: August 2018

Background

The use of native T1 mapping for evaluation of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is being explored, and its combination with histogram analysis may benefit the accuracy of such assessments.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship of segmental left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT), myocardial fibrosis, and strain parameters with segmental histogram parameters of native T1 mapping in HCM patients.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Ninety‐three HCM patients without previous cardiovascular diseases were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T cardiac MR. Steady‐state free precession cine imaging, modified Look–Locker inversion recovery, phase‐sensitive inversion recovery.

Assessment

Images were assessed by three experienced radiologists.

Statistical Tests

Mann–Whitney U‐tests, area under the curve (AUC), Spearman's rank correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

A higher LVWT value correlated with higher means, minimums, 10th/25th/50th/75th/90th percentiles, maximums, kurtosis, entropy, and lower SD and energy of T1 mapping (P < 0.05 for all), with the correlation being stronger for entropy and energy (Spearman's rho = 0.439 and –0.413, respectively) than other parameters. Late gadolinium enhancement positive (LGE+) segments exhibited higher mean, minimum, 10th/25th/50th/75th/90th percentiles, maximum, entropy, and lower energy of T1 times than late gadolinium enhancement negative (LGE–) segments (P < 0.001 for all). Impaired strain function parameters (peak thickening and thickening rate in radial, circumferential, and longitudinal directions) demonstrated a weak correlation with higher entropy (P < 0.001 for all) and lower energy (P < 0.001 for all).

Data Conclusion

Histogram parameters of native T1 mapping provide more information than mean T1 times alone. Among these parameters, entropy and energy may correlate better with LVWT, myocardial late gadolinium enhancement, and strain parameters than mean T1 times in HCM patients.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:668–677.
DNA sequenced based bacterial taxonomy should entail decisive phenotypic remarks: Towards a balanced approach
Authors: Tabssum Fouzia , Ahmad Qurat‐ul‐Ain , Qazi Javed Iqbal
Published: August 2018

Phenotypic characteristics while complimenting 16S rRNA gene sequencing in identifying bacteria become decisive in solving conflicts of equal % similarity of a given DNA sequence to more than one classified microorganisms. “Phenotypic light” may also indicate right direction when a new species’ 16S rDNA sequence is under consideration. In fact 16S rRNA gene sequences give indication that either a novel species has been isolated or the test organism is identified. In each case additional tests are required for resolving different issues. Predictions of microbial phenotypes from metagenomic data depend heavily on our knowledge of expressed genes. Thus renaissance of microbial phenotypic characterization is likely to emerge at par with genotypic signatures. Interplay of these and other complimentary levels of analyses are likely to lead DNA barcoding for microorganisms as it has provided efficient methods for species‐level identifications of animals and plants. In this review, an attempt has been made to realize the reader(s) importance of interplay of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of bacteria for development of comprehensive and more stable classification schemes. It is expected that future valid classification schemes will be based on the phenetic relationships of microorganisms.
On the relationship between coral δ13C and Caribbean climate
Authors: Winter Amos , Jury Mark , Sammarco Paul W. , Zanchettin Davide
Published: August 2018

A coral (Orbicella faveolata) δ13C isotope ratio record off the southwest coast of Puerto Rico is used to indicate regional ocean–atmosphere conditions over the 20th century. The coral δ13C record is correlated positively with North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) and local evaporation. Spatial correlation maps show a broad area of influence by SST, sea‐level pressure and evaporation to the northeast of Puerto Rico. The composite maps reflect a strengthening of the North Atlantic anticyclone and east Pacific counter‐currents during years of enhanced coral growth. The coral δ13C record presented here corresponds with a local cloud cover increase of ~10% in parallel with a 0.5 °C rise of local SST since 1900. Environmental conditions tend to lead coral growth in a knock‐on effect as seen in local SST, cloud cover and evaporation data. The coral community may thus be a sentinel of both multi‐year fluctuations and centennial trends in Central Caribbean climate.
Surface air temperature variability over the Arabian Peninsula and its links to circulation patterns
Authors: Attada Raju , Dasari Hari Prasad , Chowdary Jasti S. , Yadav Ramesh Kumar , Knio Omar , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: August 2018

This study investigates the long‐term variability of surface air temperature (SAT) over the Arabian Peninsula (AP), using data from the Climate Research Unit (TS 3.22) for the 1960–2010 period. The long‐term climatology suggests that the warmest AP mean temperatures occur during summer, with the highest temperatures over the northern AP (NAP), due to the monsoon–desert mechanism. During winter, the NAP exhibits low SATs under the influence of western disturbances originating from the Mediterranean. The southwestern AP exhibits the lowest temperatures because of its proximity to the Arabian Sea cold waters, and also because of the orographic effects. The inter‐annual variability of the SAT is stronger during winters. A linear trend analysis reveals a significant increase in the SAT anomaly (0.10 °C/decade) across the AP, consistently with the global temperature anomalies. Besides the local convective heating, summer SAT variability is associated with the weakening of the Asian jet stream and a Rossby wave train from the Indian Ocean. This variability is also influenced by the anomalous low pressure over the North Atlantic and the Sahara, a high‐pressure system over Siberia and the northwest Pacific. Both in spring and autumn, sea surface temperature (SST) variations over the Indo‐western Pacific are highly influenced the AP SATs, whereas winter SATs are modulated by the subtropical jet stream and the Middle East jet stream. In all seasons, the AP SAT is strongly influenced by the SST variations over the tropical oceans. The temperature variability is closely associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO). The warm phase of ENSO (i.e., El Niño) is one possible reason behind the inter‐annual increase in SAT over the southern AP. The negative phases of NAO and AO also play a role in increasing AP SAT.
Regional‐scale ocean wave variability associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation‐Madden‐Julian Oscillation combined activity
Authors: Godoi Victor A. , de Andrade Felipe M. , Bryan Karin R. , Gorman Richard M.
Published: August 2018

The significant wave height (Hs) variability caused by wind anomalies associated with the co‐occurrence of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was investigated in the New Zealand region. For this purpose,Hsand wind anomalies composites were created using 23 years (1979–2002) of modelled data during November–March periods, when simultaneous ENSO‐MJO phase pairs are potentially most active. The results show striking features: El Niño‐related wave conditions (which consist of increasedHsalong the west and south coasts of New Zealand) are reinforced during MJO phase 8, whereas the wave conditions associated with La Niña (which consist of largerHsalong the north coast) are enhanced during MJO phase 6; Similar wave anomalies are generated during opposing ENSO phases (La Niña and El Niño) when these are combined with MJO phases 3 and 5, respectively; The majority of statistically significantHsanomalies disappear from the study area during El Niño‐MJO phase 6, El Niño‐MJO phase 2, and La Niña‐MJO phase 4, showing the neutralizing nature of some phase combinations; Finally, negativeHsanomalies are experienced off the country's west coast during El Niño‐MJO phase 4, in contrast to the positive anomalies expected during El Niño events. These results clearly show the importance of remote forcing to wave anomalies in the New Zealand region, and highlight the need to assess atmospheric and oceanic conditions considering multiple climate oscillations.
Revisiting an arid LGM using fluvial archives: a luminescence chronology for palaeochannels of the Murrumbidgee River, south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Mueller Daniela , Jacobs Zenobia , Cohen Tim J. , Price David M. , Reinfelds Ivars V. , Shulmeister James
Published: August 2018

The Riverine Plain in south‐eastern Australia contains numerous palaeochannels that are much larger than the present rivers and provide evidence about past hydrological conditions. Previous research suggested optima in fluvial activity both before and after the peak of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 21 ± 3 ka), and, in some cases, throughout the LGM. In this study, we revisit palaeochannel remnants of the Gum Creek and Yanco palaeochannel systems along the Murrumbidgee River, which drains the high‐elevation catchments of the Australian Alps in south‐eastern Australia. We date fluvial and aeolian sediments using single‐grain optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and apply thermoluminescence (TL) dating to a subset of samples. We compare the OSL ages to new and previously published TL ages and investigate reasons for age discrepancies between these methods, possible effects of partial bleaching and other factors that may affect luminescence ages. We propose a new OSL‐based chronology for the Gum Creek and Yanco palaeochannel systems and assign periods of enhanced fluvial activity for the Tombullen and Yanco phases to 41–29 and 29–18 ka, respectively. Importantly, we infer that conditions of increased sediment and water discharge persisted for the Murrumbidgee River at the time of the LGM.
Synergistic Interaction and Aggregation Behavior in a Mixture of a Tripolar Zwitterionic Surfactant and an Anionic Surfactant
Authors: Luo Siqi , Wang Yingxiong , Wang Meina , Wang Yilin
Published: August 2018

The aggregation behavior of a tripolar zwitterionic surfactant (C14C6Tri) with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in aqueous solution at various molar fractions was investigated using surface tension, turbidity, dynamic light scattering, ζ potential, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The C14C6Tri carries 2 cationic ammonium headgroups and 1 anionic sulfonate headgroup, and the 2 ammonium headgroups are linked by a 6‐methylene chain while the sulfonate group is connected with one of the ammonium headgroups by a 3‐methylene chain. The surface activity parameters, the composition of mixed micelles, and the interaction parameter (β) were evaluated using an ideal mixing model and the regular solution model. The strong synergistic effect between C14C6Tri and SDS leads to a striking reduction in the critical micellar concentration and surface tension values. Both the interaction parameters at the air–water interface (βσ) and in the mixed micelles (β
m) are large negative values. Moreover, the aggregate structures of the C14C6Tri/SDS mixture can be regulated by changing the molar fraction and the concentration. Upon increasing the molar fraction of SDS, the aggregate transitions take place from spherical micelles to vesicles, rod‐like micelles, and spherical micelles at a total surfactant concentration of 2.00 mM, while only small spherical micelles exist as the total surfactant concentration increases to 20.00 mM. The large headgroup, multi‐binding sites and variable conformation of C14C6Tri are responsible for the abundant aggregation behaviors.
Changes in the sucrose metabolism in apple fruit following postharvest acibenzolar‐S‐methyl treatment
Authors: Ge Yonghong , Wei Meilin , Li Canying , Chen Yanru , Duan Bin , Li Xue , Tang Qi , Li Xihong
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Apple (cv. Ralls) fruit were treated with 0.1 g L−1 acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) for 10 min to evaluate the changes in enzyme activity and gene expression in the sucrose metabolism during storage at 20 °C with 30%–40% relative humidity.

RESULTS

The results showed that sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthase synthesis (SS‐s) activity was enhanced by ASM in apple fruit during the entire storage period. Sucrose synthase‐cleavage (SS‐c) and neutral invertase (NI) activity was suppressed by ASM treatment but acid invertase (AI) activity was increased in the middle period after ASM treatment. Acibenzolar‐S‐methyl treatment also significantly inhibited SPS and NI gene expression in apple fruit during storage. However, SS gene expression increased in the ASM‐treated apple fruit. High levels of expression of the fructokinase (FK) and hexokinase (HK) genes were observed during the middle storage period in the ASM‐treated fruit.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that ASM delays the senescence of apple fruit by regulating the sugar metabolism. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Exploration of the effect of blue light on microRNAs involved in the accumulation of functional metabolites of longan embryonic calli through RNA‐sequencing
Authors: Li Hansheng , Chen Xiaohui , Wang Yun , Yao Deheng , Lin Yuling , Lai Zhongxiong
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

The regulation of functional metabolites under light by structural genes and regulatory genes is understood but the roles of microRNAs in this pathway have rarely been reported and their regulation network is not yet clear.

RESULTS

Blue light was most conducive to promoting the synthesis of some functional metabolites in longan embryonic callus (ECs). In this study, we sequenced three small RNA libraries of constructed longan ECs under different light qualities (dark, blue, and white). A total of 29 and 22 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the dark versus blue (DB) and dark versus white (DW) combinations, respectively. According to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, most of the differentially expressed miRNA target genes were involved in plant hormone signal transduction, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and so on. Cytoscape analysis of the target genes of miRNAs indicated that miR396b‐5p and miR5139 had the most target genes in DB. Moreover, this study also found that miR171f_3 targeted DELLA, miR390e targeted BRI1, miR396b‐5p targeted EBF1/2 and EIN3; these miRNAs participated in the blue light signaling network through their target genes and regulated the accumulation of longan functional metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study revealed that the expressions of phase‐specific miRNAs vary with the change of functional metabolites in longan ECs.

This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms that allow light to influence plant metabolism. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Low‐quality rice straw forage increases the permeability of mammary epithelial tight junctions in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Wang Diming , Cai Jie , Zhao Fengqi , Liu Jianxin
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

It is known that milking frequency and plasma hormones play important roles in regulating mammary permeability. However, it is still not known whether nutritional factors can influence udder permeability.

DESIGN

This study was conducted to investigate mammary epithelial tight‐junction permeability in lactating dairy cows fed different forage‐based diets. Twenty mid‐lactating dairy cows were allocated to ten blocks based on their parity and milk yield and then randomly assigned into rice straw‐based diet and alfalfa‐based diet groups. Both diets contained 15% corn silage and 55% concentrate (dry matter basis). In terms of forage sources, rice straw‐based diets (RS) contained 30% rice straw, whereas alfalfa‐based diets (AH) contained 23% alfalfa hay plus 7% Chinese wild rye hay.

RESULTS

The concentrations of Na+, Na+/K+ ratio, bovine serum albumin, and plasmin in the milk, the plasma lactose concentration, and the mRNA abundance of BCL2 associated agonist of cell death, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and insulin like growth factor binding protein 5 in the mammary gland were greater in RS‐fed cows than in AH‐fed animals. Mammary expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and occludin was lower in RS‐fed cows compared with the AH‐fed group. The expressions of growth hormone receptor, claudin‐1, ‐3, ‐4, and ZO‐1 were similar in the two diet groups.

CONCLUSION

The cows fed RS showed higher mammary alveolar permeability, likely due to its effect on proliferation/apoptosis rates of mammary epithelial cells. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complex on growth performance and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing‐finishing pigs
Authors: Lan Ruixia , Kim In Ho
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Probiotics have been used to address antibiotic alternatives and environmental concerns. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis complex supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microflora and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing‐finishing pigs.

RESULTS

Dietary B. licheniformis and B. subtilis complex (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis in a 1:1 ratio) supplementation showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in digestibility of dry matter at weeks 6, 12 and 15, a linear increase (P < 0.05) in digestibility of nitrogen at week 12, a linear increase (P < 0.05) in faecal Lactobacillus counts at weeks 6 and 12, a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in ammonia (NH3) emission at weeks 6 and 12 and a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in total mercaptan emission at weeks 3, 9 and 15.

CONCLUSION

Dietary B. licheniformis and B. subtilis complex supplementation increased digestibility and faecal Lactobacillus counts and decreased faecal NH3 and total mercaptan emissions in growing‐finishing pigs. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Survey of Liver Transplantation Practices for Severe Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis†
Authors: Bangaru Saroja , Pedersen Mark R. , MacConmara Malcolm P. , Singal Amit G. , Mufti Arjmand R.
Published: August 2018

Liver transplantation (LT) has a demonstrated survival benefit in select patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) who do not respond to steroids, but prior studies suggest low adoption among US LT centers. Our study explored current perceptions and practice patterns of LT for SAH in the United States. We administered a Web‐based survey to medical directors of US LT centers between May and October of 2017 to characterize practice patterns and perceptions of LT for SAH. We obtained responses from 45 (41.3%) of 109 surveyed centers, representing all 11 (100%) United Network for Organ Sharing regions. Half (n = 23; 51.1%) reported performing at least 1 LT for SAH, although most (n = 19; 82.6%) of those had performed ≤5 LTs for that indication. Centers expressed near consensus for selection criteria, requiring strong social support (100%), no prior presentations with SAH (91.3%), absence of a severe coexisting psychiatric disorder (91.3%), and official psychosocial evaluation (87.0%). Reported posttransplant survival of SAH patients was excellent, with 17 (73.9%) centers reporting 1‐year posttransplant survival exceeding 90%. Among centers that had not performed LT for SAH, the most commonly cited reason was perceived high risk of alcohol relapse. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that LT is increasingly adopted as a therapeutic intervention for patients with SAH and that careful selection allows for excellent 1‐year posttransplant survival. Despite this, nearly half of US centers do not perform LT for this indication due to perceived high risk of alcohol relapse. Our data support the use of LT for well‐selected patients with SAH.
The roles carbonate and bicarbonate ions play on pre‐passive HRB400 rebars in simulated pore solutions of deteriorating concrete
Authors: Shang Baihui , Ma Yuantai , Meng Meijiang , Li Ying
Published: August 2018

To evaluate the corrosion behavior of HRB400 rebars during the aging process of concrete, corresponding simulated concrete pore solutions were proposed. Using electrochemical measurements and XPS analysis, the depassivation conditions, properties of the pre‐passive films, and rebars corrosion rate were discussed. The effects of carbonate and bicarbonate ions, pH and chloride on the corrosion behavior of pre‐passive HRB400 rebars were investigated. Results show that the influence of carbonate and bicarbonate ions on the pre‐passive HRB400 rebars is reversed before and after its depassivation: before depassivation, carbonate and bicarbonate ions are detrimental to the stability of passive film, but beneficial after depassivation.
A Comparative Study of Self‐Assembled Superstructures from Cellulose Stearoyl Ester and Poly(Vinyl Stearate)
Authors: Wang Yonggui , Zhang Chi , Tian Jia , Xie Yanjun , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2018

Comb‐like cellulose stearoyl ester (CSE3) and poly(vinyl stearate) (PVS) with distinct skeletons are successfully synthesized. Their self‐assembled superstructures are described and discussed comparatively herein. Differential scanning calorimetry investigation indicates that both comb‐like polymers with various molecular weights show the feasibility to form self‐assembled crystalline structures. The self‐assembled superstructures are obtained from both the evaporation‐induced and temperature‐induced phase separation processes. Due to the interference of different skeletons, self‐assembled superstructures of both comb‐like polymers demonstrate totally different morphologies. CSE3 with semi‐flexible skeleton forms robust petals, which further grows into well‐organized flower‐like particles. In contrast, PVS with more flexible skeleton only form non‐ordered porous structures through stacking of the wrinkled and folded nanofilms.
Continuous DNA Nanofibers with Extraordinary Mechanical Properties and High Molecular Orientation
Authors: Maleckis Kaspars , Dzenis Yuris
Published: August 2018

The dual nano–macro nature of continuous nanofibers holds great promise in bridging the unique nanoscale properties of DNA to macroscopic devices. However, due to the limitations of existing manufacturing methods, controlled fabrication of macroscopically long DNA nanofibers has not been achieved so far. This article presents optimized electrospinning of substrate‐free and uniform DNA nanofibers with macroscopic lengths and diameters ranging from ultrafine (<50 nm) to submicron scale. Mechanical tests of individual DNA nanofibers show highly nonlinear deformation in tension that is accompanied by unexpectedly high true strength (>1 GPa) and toughness (>200 MPa) values for the thinnest tested nanofibers. Molecular characterization with X‐ray diffraction and polarized Raman spectroscopy indicates that the high mechanical properties and their unusual size effects in DNA nanofibers originate from the high molecular alignment that is preserved with the increase in diameter. These results show that electrospun DNA nanofibers can overcome the weaknesses of DNA nanostructures manufactured by other top‐down and bottom‐up methods and that they offer novel capabilities for the DNA‐based nanomaterials.
Building Micelle Analog Nanoparticle for Multidrug Delivery: Dual‐Polymer Nanoparticles with Hydrophilic Shell and Double Hydrophobic Layers
Authors: Wu Zhengzhong , Liu Yanjun , Cao Jun , Huang Lei , Luo Xianglin
Published: August 2018

Multidrug delivery systems are capturing much attention while ingenious drug carriers are drug delivery researchers' pursuit. A method building dual‐polymer nanoparticles (DPNs), one analogous micelle nanoparticle, with double hydrophobic core layers and a hydrophilic shell, is developed by combining co‐axial injection and solvent evaporation using a hydrophobic and an amphiphilic polymer. Hydrophobic drugs can be efficiently and zonally encapsulated in core and/or outer hydrophobic zone of DPN. As a result, DPN can sequentially release drugs and appears stronger growth inhibition to Hela cells and cell uptake than normal drug‐loaded micelles. Moreover, this method is universal to other material combinations of hydrophobic/amphiphilic polymers. Therefore, DPN has potential as one multidrug delivery system.
Synthesis of Single‐Ring Nanoparticles Mimicking Natural Cyclotides by a Stepwise Folding‐Activation‐Collapse Process
Authors: Rubio‐Cervilla Jon , Frisch Hendrik , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Pomposo José A.
Published: August 2018

Cyclotides are small cyclic polypeptides found in a variety of organisms, ranging from bacteria to plants. Their ring structure endows those polypeptides with specific properties, such as improved stability against enzymatic degradation. Optimal cyclotide activity is often observed only in the presence of intra‐ring disulfide bonds. Synthesis of soft nano‐objects mimicking the conformation of natural cyclotides remains challenging. Here, a new class of natural cyclotide mimics synthesized by a stepwise folding‐activation‐collapse process at high dilution starting from simple synthetic precursor polymers is established. The initial folding step is carried out by a photoactivated hetero Diels–Alder (HDA) ring‐closing reaction, which is accompanied by chain compaction of the individual precursor polymer chains as determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The subsequent activation step comprises a simple azidation procedure, whereas the final collapse step is driven by CuAAC in the presence of an external cross‐linker, providing additional compaction to the final single‐ring nanoparticles (SRNPs). The unique structure and compaction degree of the SRNPs is established via a detailed comparison with conventional single‐chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) prepared exclusively by chain collapse from the exact same precursor polymer (without the prefolding step). The stepwise folding‐activation‐collapse approach opens new avenues for the preparation of artificial cyclotide mimetics.
Optimized in vivo brain glutamate measurement using long‐echo‐time semi‐LASER at 7 T
Authors: Wong Dickson , Schranz Amy L. , Bartha Robert
Published: August 2018

A short echo time (TE) is commonly used for brain glutamate measurement by 1H MRS to minimize drawbacks of long TE such as signal modulation due to J evolution and T2 relaxation. However, J coupling causes the spectral patterns of glutamate to change with TE, and the shortest achievable TE may not produce the optimal glutamate measurement. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal TE for glutamate measurement at 7 T using semi‐LASER (localization by adiabatic selective refocusing). Time‐domain simulations were performed to model the TE dependence of glutamate signal energy, a measure of glutamate signal strength, and were verified against measurements made in the human sensorimotor cortex (five subjects, 2 × 2 × 2 cm3 voxel, 16 averages) on a 7 T MRI scanner. Simulations showed a local maximum of glutamate signal energy at TE = 107 ms. In vivo, TE = 105 ms produced a low Cramér‐Rao lower bound of 6.5 ± 2.0% across subjects, indicating high‐quality fits of the prior knowledge model to in vivo data. TE = 105 ms also produced the greatest glutamate signal energy with the smallest inter‐subject glutamate‐to‐creatine ratio (Glu/Cr) coefficient of variation (CV), 4.6%. Using these CVs, we performed sample size calculations to estimate the number of participants per group required to detect a 10% change in Glu/Cr between two groups with 95% confidence. 13 were required at TE = 45 ms, the shortest achievable echo time on our 7 T MRI scanner, while only 5 were required at TE = 105 ms, indicating greater statistical power. These results indicate that TE = 105 ms is optimum for in vivo glutamate measurement at 7 T with semi‐LASER. Using long TE decreases power deposition by allowing lower maximum RF pulse amplitudes in conjunction with longer RF pulses. Importantly, long TE minimizes macromolecule contributions, eliminating the requirement for acquisition of separate macromolecule spectra or macromolecule fitting techniques, which add additional scan time or bias the estimated glutamate fit.
Solid‐phase synthesis of peptide β‐aminoboronic acids
Authors: Soor Harjeet S. , Hansen Jonas , Diaz Diego B. , Appavoo Solomon , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: August 2018

Peptide/boronic acid conjugates are attractive scaffolds for chemical probe discovery and drug design. There are only a few reactions that allow for rapid incorporation of boron into peptides. Herein, we report a new approach towards the synthesis of peptide β‐aminoboronic acids on solid support using 2‐chlorotrityl resin and solid‐phase peptide synthesis techniques with only one purification required. Evaluation of model compounds demonstrate the stability of peptide boronic acids toward degradation at physiological pH. This straightforward conjugation process should allow access to a wide range of peptide boronic acid scaffolds for both synthetic and medicinal use.