bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought and freezing vulnerability of the isolated hybrid aspen Populus x smithii relative to its parental species, P. tremuloides and P. grandidentata
Authors: Deacon Nicholas J. , Grossman Jake J. , Cavender‐Bares Jeannine
Published: June 2019

Aim

We assessed the vulnerability of an isolated, relictual Pleistocene hybrid aspen population of conservation interest (Populus x. smithii) and the nearest populations of its parent species (Populus grandidentata and Populus tremuloides) to springtime post‐bud break freezing and growing season drought stress. Response to these stressors in the three taxa was compared in terms of avoidance and tolerance.

Location

North American Midwest; USA.

Methods

Unique genets from the hybrid Niobrara River population and from the two parental populations were propagated in a common garden from rhizome cuttings. We tracked their phenology before and after bud break and measured their vulnerability to freezing (stem electrolyte leakage and leaf chlorophyll fluorescence) and to drought (stem hydraulic conductance, leaf osmotic potential, stomatal pore index, and gas exchange).

Results

Populus grandidentata was slower to leaf out, showed lower vulnerability to stem freezing and drought‐induced cavitation, but exhibited a lower capacity to tolerate drought stress through leaf resistance traits compared to P. tremuloides. Hybrids were similar to P. grandidentata in their overwintering strategy, exhibiting later bud break, and in their higher resistance to stem freezing damage, but they were more similar to P. tremuloides in their higher vulnerability to drought‐induced cavitation. The hybrids shared various leaf‐level gas exchange traits with both parents. All aspens showed limited loss of leaf photosynthetic function following moderate freezing.

Main Conclusions

The Niobrara River hybrid population is vulnerable to drought due to its combination of inherited drought avoidance and tolerance traits. As climate changes, P. x smithii will likely suffer from increased drought stress, while being unaffected by frost during warmer springs. The two parental species contrast in their survival mechanisms in response to climatic stress, with P. tremuloides tending toward freezing tolerance but drought avoidance and P. grandidentata tending toward freezing avoidance and drought tolerance.
Impact of external odor on self‐grooming of lesser flat‐headed bats, Tylonycteris pachypus
Authors: Liang Jie , Yang Jian , Xie Huanwang , Peng Xingwen , He Xiangyang , Sun Yunxiao , Zhang Libiao
Published: June 2019

Grooming is a common behavior of some mammals. Previous studies have shown that grooming is a means by which animals clean themselves, remove ectoparasites, and lower their body temperature. It is also involved in olfactory communication. Bats belong to the order Chiroptera and, like most mammals, are the natural host of many ectoparasites. Bat grooming, including licking and scratching, is one of the ways to reduce the adverse effects caused by ectoparasites. Bat grooming may also be induced by exogenous odor. In this study, we used lesser flat‐headed bats (Tylonycteris pachypus) to test the hypothesis that exogenous odor affects the self‐grooming behavior of bats. Results showed that external odor from distantly related species caused lesser flat‐headed bats to spend more time in self‐grooming. Lesser flat‐headed bats that received odor from humans spent the longest time in self‐grooming, followed by those that received odor from a different species of bats (T. robustula). Lesser flat‐headed bats that received odor form the same species of bats, either from the same or a different colony, spent the least amount of time in self‐grooming. These results suggest that bats can recognize conspecific and heterospecific through body scent.
Kelp beds and their local effects on seawater chemistry, productivity, and microbial communities
Authors: Pfister Catherine A. , Altabet Mark A. , Weigel Brooke L.
Published: June 2019

Kelp forests are known as key habitats for species diversity and macroalgal productivity; however, we know little about how these biogenic habitats interact with seawater chemistry and phototroph productivity in the water column. We examined kelp forest functions at three locales along the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state by quantifying carbonate chemistry, nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton productivity, and seawater microbial communities inside and outside of kelp beds dominated by the canopy kelp species Nereocystis luetkeana and Macrocystis pyrifera. Kelp beds locally increased the pH, oxygen, and aragonite saturation state of the seawater, but lowered seawater inorganic carbon content and total alkalinity. Although kelp beds depleted nitrate and phosphorus concentrations, ammonium and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were enhanced. Kelp beds also decreased chlorophyll concentrations and carbon fixed by phytoplankton, although kelp carbon fixation more than compensated for any difference in phytoplankton production. Kelp beds entrained distinct microbial communities, with higher taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity compared to seawater outside of the kelp bed. Kelp forests thus had significant effects on seawater chemistry, productivity and the microbial assemblages in their proximity. Thereby, the diversity of pathways for carbon and nitrogen cycling was also enhanced. Overall, these observations suggest that the contribution of kelp forests to nearshore carbon and nitrogen cycling is greater than previously documented.
Boost retention, attract students with a graduate research symposium
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2019

TORONTO — When students decide to attend graduate school, they look forward to conducting research and sharing it with others in their field. A graduate research symposium can give them an opportunity to showcase their work. The event can help you retain those students — and you can even use it to recruit new students.
Implement holistic review for programs of any size
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: June 2019

TORONTO — Holistic review of applications can help you enroll students who are more likely to finish their programs, and the Council of Graduate Schools recommends it as a method of ensuring a diverse student body, said Kathleen Costello, director of graduate admissions and recruitment at Clemson University. She spoke at a session at the NAGAP: The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management annual conference.
Effect of Fe‐Containing Supports Prepared by a Novel Sol–Gel Method in the CO Methanation Reaction: CO Elimination and Synthetic Natural Gas Production
Authors: Jalali Ramin , Rezaei Mehran , Nematollahi Behzad , Baghalha Morteza
Published: June 2019

Herein, the CO methanation reaction is studied over Ni/Fe–Al mixed oxides with various Fe and Al contents. The mesoporous nanocrystalline supports are prepared by a novel sol–gel process using propylene oxide as a gelation agent. The deposition–precipitation method is used for the deposition of nickel on the catalyst support. The samples are characterized by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), temperature programmed oxidation (TPO), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that increasing the iron content and reducing the Al percentage in the catalyst support reduces the specific surface area of the supports from 340 to 8 m2 g−1 and improves the reducibility of nickel in the prepared catalysts. The catalytic results of pre‐reduced catalysts show superior activity for CO elimination even at temperatures below 260 °C. The nonreduced catalysts reveal that the catalysts with a higher content of iron in the catalyst support show higher activity at lower temperatures. However, due to the lower thermal stability of iron oxide compared with that of aluminum oxide and exothermic nature of the CO methanation reaction, the catalysts with a higher content of iron exhibit lower stability during the reaction.
Detrital zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotope study of late Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks in central–eastern Jilin Province, NE China: Constraints for tectonic evolution of the eastern segment of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean
Authors: Shi Chenglong , Ding Xiaozhong , Liu Yanxue , Zhou Xiaodong
Published: June 2019

This paper reports in situ U–Pb ages and Hf isotopic data on detrital zircons from Palaeozoic strata in central‐eastern Jilin Province, NE China, with the aim of constraining the timing of final closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the tectonic evolution of the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Zircons from Middle to Late Permian Fanjiatun and Yangjiagou formations in central Jilin Province are characterized by four major groups of age populations (2.5–2.3 Ga, 1.9–1.7 Ga, 1.3–1.0 Ga, and Late Palaeozoic ages). The Paleo‐Mesoproterozoic and Cambrian zircons have positive εHf(t)values, suggesting that the source was mainly locally derived from the CAOB, whereas a lesser amount of Archean zircons with positive εHf(t)values, indicating that source from the North China Craton (NCC). The Phanerozoic zircons have both positive and negative εHf(t)values indicates that material from bidirectional provenances in the CAOB and the NCC. However, Late Permian Kaishantun Formation in eastern Jilin Province contain a single group of Phanerozoic zircons with positive εHf(t)values, distinct from known igneous zircons in the NCC, suggesting a local source. These observations, along with the results of previous studies on Middle–Late Permian igneous rocks in Jilin Province, indicate that the eastern segment of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean underwent the initial closure in central Jilin Province during the Middle Permian and the final closure in eastern Jilin Province in the Late Permian–Early Triassic. The detrital zircon geochronological data clearly record two stages of tectonic evolution and the scissor‐like closure model of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean in the eastern segment of the CAOB.
Magma chamber processes and geodynamic implications of the Pithora pluton, Bastar Craton, Central India
Authors: Elangovan R. , Asokan Ajay Dev , Pandit Dinesh , Ram Mohan Mekala
Published: June 2019

The interaction between the coeval mafic and felsic magmas result in mixing, mingling, and chemical exchanges between both the end‐member magmas. We document the features relevant to the magma chamber processes and quantify the extent of mixing by means of detailed field, petrographic, mineral, and whole‐rock geochemistry from one of the less known granitic plutons from the Pithora region that forms part of the Kanker granite, Bastar Craton. The study area is composed of granite, granodiorite (mixed zone), and quartz diorite microgranular enclaves (MEs). The occurrence of syn‐plutonic mafic dykes, cuspate contact, magmatic flow textures, and hybridization suggest the coeval emplacement of end‐member magmas. Petrographic evidence such as disequilibrium textures such as resorption, quartz ocelli, and spikes in plagioclase, acicular apatites, and mafic clots are formed by magma mixing. Plagioclase from MEs and the mixed region exhibit disequilibrium textures such as normal, reverse, and oscillatory zoning suggestive of magma mixing. Whole‐rock geochemical data indicates the metaluminous to peraluminous host granites and metaluminous ME. The broadly linear trend of geochemical variation diagrams for these granitoids and MEs showcase the hybridization of two end‐member magmas. The mineral chemistry of the biotites and hornblende show subduction affinity, being further constrained by whole‐rock trace elemental systematics. The granitoids of Pithora region were formed in a subduction setting where large‐scale mantle‐ and crustal‐derived magmas were generated and subsequently mixed at crustal emplacement level.
Myelinated axon physiology and regulation of neural circuit function
Authors: Suminaite Daumante , Lyons David A. , Livesey Matthew R.
Published: June 2019

The study of structural and functional plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS) to date has focused primarily on that of neurons and synapses. However, more recent studies implicate glial cells as key regulators of neural circuit function. Among these, the myelinating glia of the CNS, oligodendrocytes, have been shown to be responsive to extrinsic signals including neuronal activity, and in turn, tune neurophysiological function. Due to the fact that myelin fundamentally alters the conduction properties of axons, much attention has focused on how dynamic regulation of myelination might represent a form of functional plasticity. Here, we highlight recent research that indicates that it is not only myelin, but essentially all the function‐regulating components of the myelinated axon that are responsive to neuronal activity. For example, the axon initial segment, nodes of Ranvier, heminodes, axonal termini, and the morphology of the axon itself all exhibit the potential to respond to neuronal activity, and in so doing might underpin specific functional outputs. We also highlight emerging evidence that the myelin sheath itself has a rich physiology capable of influencing axonal physiology. We suggest that to fully understand nervous system plasticity we need to consider the fact that myelinated axon is an integrated functional unit and adaptations that influence the entire functional unit are likely to underpin modifications to neural circuit function.
Act now: The effects of the 2008 Spanish disability reform
Authors: Hill Matthew J. , Silva Jose I. , Vall Castello Judit
Published: June 2019

The 2008 reform of the Spanish disability system reduced the benefits for individuals who have a short contributory history relative to their age. It also unintentionally introduced an incentive for individuals to apply for disability in the present. We use a lifecycle model and an empirical analysis to understand the overall impact of the reform. Our baseline estimates suggest that men and women who were affected by the reform were 46% and 22% more likely to be on permanent partial disability following the reform, respectively, and 55% and 46% more likely to be on total disability, respectively.
QALYs without bias? Nonparametric correction of time trade‐off and standard gamble weights based on prospect theory
Authors: Lipman Stefan A. , Brouwer Werner B.F. , Attema Arthur E.
Published: June 2019

Common health state valuation methodologies, such as standard gamble (SG) and time trade‐off (TTO), typically produce different weights for identical health states. We attempt to alleviate these differences by correcting the confounding influences modeled in prospect theory: loss aversion and probability weighting. Furthermore, we correct for nonlinear utility of life duration. In contrast to earlier attempts at correcting TTO and SG weights, we measure and correct all these tenets simultaneously, using newly developed nonparametric methodology. These corrections were applied to three less‐than‐perfect health states, measured with TTO and SG. We found considerable loss aversion and probability weighting for both gains and losses in life years, and we observe concave utility for gains and convex utility for losses in life years. After correction, the initially significant differences in weights between TTO and SG disappeared for all health states. Our findings suggest new opportunities to account for bias in health state valuations but also the need for further validation of resulting weights.
Social Justice Literacy Workshop for Critical Dialogue
Authors: Nyachae Tiffany M.
Published: June 2019

The authors featured in this department column share instructional practices that support transformative literacy teaching and disrupt “struggling reader” and “struggling writer” labels.
microRNA‐Mediated Regulation of Bone Remodeling: A Brief Review
Authors: Liu Jin , Dang Lei , Wu Xiaohao , Li Dijie , Ren Qing , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge
Published: June 2019

microRNA (miRNA)‐mediated regulation represents a highly efficient posttranscriptional mechanism for controlling intracellular protein expression. In the past decade, many studies have shown that various miRNAs are involved in regulating bone remodeling by affecting different stages of osteoblastogenesis, osteocytic differentiation, and osteoclastogenesis to govern osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Moreover, miRNAs are recently implicated in mediating the cell‐cell communications among bone cells. This review concentrates on the miRNA‐mediated regulatory mechanisms of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes, and their contribution to bone remodeling. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bone-Forming and Antiresorptive Effects of Romosozumab in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: Bone Histomorphometry and Microcomputed Tomography Analysis After 2 and 12 Months of Treatment
Authors: Chavassieux Pascale , Chapurlat Roland , Portero-Muzy Nathalie , Roux Jean-Paul , Garcia Pedro , Brown Jacques P , Libanati Cesar , Boyce Rogely W , Wang Andrea , Grauer Andreas
Published: June 2019

Sclerostin, a protein produced by osteocytes, inhibits bone formation. Administration of sclerostin antibody results in increased bone formation in multiple animal models. Romosozumab, a humanized sclerostin antibody, has a dual effect on bone, transiently increasing serum biochemical markers of bone formation and decreasing serum markers of bone resorption, leading to increased BMD and reduction in fracture risk in humans. We aimed to evaluate the effects of romosozumab on bone tissue. In a subset of 107 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in the multicenter, international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Fracture Study in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis (FRAME), transiliac bone biopsies were performed either after 2 (n = 34) or 12 (n = 73) months of treatment with 210 mg once monthly of romosozumab or placebo to evaluate histomorphometry and microcomputed tomography-based microarchitectural endpoints. After 2 months, compared with either baseline values assessed after a quadruple fluorochrome labeling or placebo, significant increases (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) in dynamic parameters of formation (median MS/BS: romosozumab 1.51% and 5.64%; placebo 1.60% and 2.31% at baseline and month 2, respectively) were associated with a significant decrease compared with placebo in parameters of resorption in cancellous (median ES/BS: placebo 3.4%, romosozumab 1.8%; P = 0.022) and endocortical (median ES/BS: placebo 6.3%, romosozumab 1.6%; P = 0.003) bone. At 12 months, cancellous bone formation was significantly lower (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) in romosozumab versus placebo and the lower values for resorption endpoints seen at month 2 persisted (P < 0.001), signaling a decrease in bone turnover (P = 0.006). No significant change was observed in periosteal and endocortical bone. This resulted in an increase in bone mass and trabecular thickness with improved trabecular connectivity, without significant modification of cortical porosity at month 12. In conclusion, romosozumab produced an early and transient increase in bone formation, but a persistent decrease in bone resorption. Antiresorptive action eventually resulted in decreased bone turnover. This effect resulted in significant increases in bone mass and improved microarchitecture.© 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Low Vitamin D Status Is Associated With Impaired Bone Quality and Increased Risk of Fracture-Related Hospitalization in Older Australian Women
Authors: Zhu Kun , Lewis Joshua R , Sim Marc , Prince Richard L
Published: June 2019

The vitamin D debate relates in part to ideal public health population levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) to maintain bone structure and reduce fracture. In a secondary analysis of 1348 women aged 70 to 85 years at baseline (1998) from the Perth Longitudinal Study of Aging in Women (a 5-year calcium supplementation trial followed by two 5-year extensions), we examined the dose-response relations of baseline plasma 25OHD with hip DXA BMD at year 1, lumbar spine BMD, and trabecular bone score (TBS) at year 5, and fracture-related hospitalizations over 14.5 years obtained by health record linkage. Mean baseline plasma 25OHD was 66.9 ± 28.2 nmol/L and 28.5%, 36.4%, and 35.1% of women had levels <50, 50 to 74.9, and ≥75 nmol/L, respectively. Generalized additive models showed that total hip and femoral neck BMD and TBS, but not spine BMD, were higher with increasing plasma 25OHD up to 100 nmol/L. Compared with those with 25OHD <50 nmol/L, women with 25OHD ≥75 nmol/L had significantly higher total hip and femoral neck BMD at year 1 (3.3% to 3.9%) and TBS at year 5 (2.0%), all P < 0.05. During the follow-up, 27.6% of women experienced any fracture-related hospitalization and 10.6% hip fracture-related hospitalization. Penalized spline regression models showed a decrease in risk with increased 25OHD levels up to 65 nmol/L and 75 nmol/L for hip fracture and any fracture-related hospitalization, respectively. Cox regression grouped analyses showed that compared with women with 25OHD <50 nmol/L, those with 25OHD levels 50 to 74.9 and ≥75 nmol/L had significantly lower risk for hip fracture [HR 0.60 (95% CI, 0.40 to 0.91) and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.40 to 0.92), respectively], and any fracture-related hospitalization [HR 0.77 (95% CI, 0.59 to 0.99) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.91), respectively]. In older white women, 25OHD levels >50 nmol/L are a minimum public health target and 25OHD levels beyond 75 nmol/L may not have additional benefit to reduce fracture risk. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Rmrp Mutation Disrupts Chondrogenesis and Bone Ossification in Zebrafish Model of Cartilage-Hair Hypoplasia via Enhanced Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Sun Xianding , Zhang Ruobin , Liu Mi , Chen Hangang , Chen Liang , Luo Fengtao , Zhang Dali , Huang Junlan , Li Fangfang , Ni Zhenhong , Qi Huabing , Su Nan , Jin Min , Yang Jing , Tan Qiaoyan , Du Xiaolan , Chen Bo , Huang Haiyang , Chen Shuai , Yin Liangjun , Xu Xiaoling , Deng Chuxia , Luo Lingfei , Xie Yangli , Chen Lin
Published: June 2019

Cartilage-hair hypoplasia (CHH) is an autosomal recessive metaphyseal chondrodysplasia characterized by bone dysplasia and many other highly variable features. The gene responsible for CHH is the RNA component of the mitochondrial RNA-processing endoribonuclease (RMRP) gene. Currently, the pathogenesis of osteochondrodysplasia and extraskeletal manifestations in CHH patients remains incompletely understood; in addition, there are no viable animal models for CHH. We generated an rmrp KO zebrafish model to study the developmental mechanisms of CHH. We found that rmrp is required for the patterning and shaping of pharyngeal arches. Rmrp mutation inhibits the intramembranous ossification of skull bones and promotes vertebrae ossification. The abnormalities of endochondral bone ossification are variable, depending on the degree of dysregulated chondrogenesis. Moreover, rmrp mutation inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis through dysregulating the expressions of cell-cycle- and apoptosis-related genes. We also demonstrate that rmrp mutation upregulates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling; the pharmacological inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin could partially alleviate the chondrodysplasia and increased vertebrae mineralization in rmrp mutants. Our study, by establishing a novel zebrafish model for CHH, partially reveals the underlying mechanism of CHH, hence deepening our understanding of the role of rmrp in skeleton development.
HHEX gene polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case‐control report from Iran
Authors: Galavi Hamidreza , Mollashahee‐Kohkan Fatemeh , Saravani Ramin , Sargazi Saman , Noorzehi Nafiseh , Shahraki Hojat
Published: June 2019

Genome‐wide association studies indicated that hematopoietically‐expressed homeobox (HHEX) gene is a remarkable candidate for type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus susceptibility in spite of the fact that the results are ambiguous in some cases. So, this study aimed to evaluate the possible correlation between HHEX gene polymorphisms and T2D development in a sample of the Iranian population. The rs1111875G/A, rs7923837A/G, and rs5015480C/T HHEX gene polymorphisms were genotyped in 250 cases and 250 matched (age and sex) healthy controls using tetra‐amplification‐refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction method. The finding revealed the all measured inheritance models of rs1111875G/A and of rs5015480C/T variants dramatically increase the risk of T2D while another polymorphism (rs7923837A/G) was not associated with risk/protective role in T2D. The results indicated that rs1111875G/A and rs5015480C/T may contribute to the enhancement of T2D risk in a sample of the southeast Iranian population.
Unraveling the factors and mechanism involved in persistence: Host‐pathogen interactions in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Maurya Shweta , Verma Harshvardhan , Verma Vijay K.
Published: June 2019

Helicobacter pylori and humans have one of the most complex relationships in nature. How a bacterium manages to live in one of the harshest and hostile environments is a topic of unraveling mysteries. H. pylori is a prevalent species and it colonizes the human gut of more than 50% of the world population. It infects the epithelial region of antrum and persists there for a long period. Over the time of evolution, H. pylori has developed complex strategies to extend the degree of inflammation in gastric mucosa. H. pylori needs specific adaptations for initial colonization into the host environment like helical shape, flagellar movement, chemotaxis, and the production of urease enzyme that neutralizes acidic environment of the stomach. There are several factors from the bacterium as well as from the host that participate in these complex interactions. On the other hand, to establish the persistent infection, H. pylori escapes the immune system by mimicking the host antigens. This pathogen has the ability to dodge the immune system and then persist there in the form of host cell, which leads to immune tolerance. H. pylori has an ability to manipulate its own pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, which leads to an inhibition in the binding with specific pattern recognition receptors of the host to avoid immune cell detection. Also, it manipulates the host metabolic homeostasis in the gastric epithelium. Besides, it has several genes, which may get involved in the acquisition of nutrition from the host to survive longer in the host. Due to the persistence of H. pylori, it causes chronic inflammation and raises the chances of gastric cancer. This review highlights the important elements, which are certainly responsible for the persistence of H. pylori in the human host.
MicroRNA‐330 inhibits growth and migration of melanoma A375 cells: In vitro study
Authors: Sehati Nasser , Sadeghie Navaz , Mansoori Behzad , Mohammadi Ali , Shanehbandi Dariush , Baradaran Behzad
Published: June 2019

Melanoma skin cancer is one of the main causes of male cancer‐related deaths worldwide. It has been suggested that miR‐330‐5p can act as a tumor suppressor in various types of cancers. So, in this study, we replaced miR‐330 in melanoma cancer cells by vector‐based miR‐330 to evaluate the effects of this microRNA on the growth and migration inhibition of melanoma cancer cells, and to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying its action. By using the MTT assay, the IC50 of Geneticin antibiotic was obtained as 460 µg/mL. The results of the qRT‐PCR showed the increased expression level of miR‐330 and decreased expression levels of MMP‐9, CXCR4, Vimentin, melanoma cell adhesion molecule, AKT1, and E2F1 messenger RNA in A375 transfected cells. The cytotoxicity assay results demonstrated the inhibition of cancer cells proliferation. Furthermore, the wound healing test results showed a migration reduction of transfected cells with miR‐330 compared with nontransfected ones. In addition, 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindoleLB: Luria‐Bertani (DAPI) staining revealed the significant nucleus fragmentation in miR‐330 replaced cells, which correspond to apoptosis induction in replaced cells. The results showed that increase in miR‐330 expression level could significantly inhibit the tumor cell growth and the migration of melanoma cancer cells.
Pathological and molecular studies on Coxsackie virus A‐16 isolated from hand, foot, and mouth disease cases in India: Approach using neonatal mouse model
Authors: Tikute Sanjaykumar S. , Wangikar Pralhad B. , Gopalkrishna Varanasi
Published: June 2019

The present study highlights pathogenesis and molecular aspects of Coxsackie virus A‐16 (CVA‐16) strains isolated from hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases from India using a neonatal mice model. ICR mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with CVA‐16/311 strain isolated from HFMD cases. Mice developed hind and forelimb paralysis on day 3 of post infection. Histopathological observations of hind limb muscles showed necrosis, dissolution of muscle fiber cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells, marked dilated ventricle, hemorrhages, and neuronal degeneration in the brain. Immunohistochemical studies revealed high expression of CVA‐16/311–specific viral antigen in limb muscles, brain, heart from day 3 till day 7 of post‐infection. VP1 gene‐based reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction conducted in RNA samples of different tissue organs of infected mice followed by sequencing of the positive amplimers revealed presence of CVA‐16/311–specific viral sequences. Phylogenetic analysis based on the VP1 gene showed the presence of B1c sub genotype of CVA‐16/311 strain in targeted tissue organs. Sequence analysis revealed major genetic changes in heart, skeletal muscle tissues at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. Genetic changes occurred in organs of mice might predict some potential targets and might act as markers of virulence for neuronal tropism. Pathogenesis and molecular studies of CVA‐16 strains isolated from HFMD cases using neonatal mice model was conducted for the first time from India.
Theory of characteristic modes for lossy structures: Formulation and interpretation of eigenvalues
Authors: Ylä‐Oijala Pasi , Wallén Henrik , Järvenpää Seppo
Published: June 2019

Volume integral equation (VIE) and surface integral equation (SIE) based characteristic mode (CM) formulations are investigated in the case of lossy objects. Imperfectly conducting metallic structures modelled with an impedance boundary condition and lossy dielectric bodies are considered. Two types of CM formulations are studied. In the first one, the generalized eigenvalue equation is expressed in terms of the Hermitian parts of the integral operators. In the second one, the weighting operator of the eigenvalue equation is defined so that the eigenvectors form a weighted orthogonal set, weighted with respect to radiated power. The first approach gives real eigensolutions and is found to lead to clustering of the eigenvalues as losses are increased. From these solutions it is difficult to separate contributions of radiated, reactive, and dissipated power. This separation appears naturally in the second approach that gives complex eigensolutions. As applications including lossy materials, CM analyses of a graphene sheet and a plasmonic nanoparticle are presented.
Scoping Review of Targeted Ultrasound Contrast Agents in the Detection of Angiogenesis
Authors: Lau Christopher , Rivas Marielena , Dinalo Jennifer , King Kevin , Duddalwar Vinay
Published: June 2019

A systematic search was conducted to categorize targeted ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) used in cancer‐related angiogenesis detection. We identified 15 unique contrast agents from 2008 to March 2018. Most primary research articles studied UCAs targeted to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or αvβ3‐integrin. Breast cancer and colon cancer are the most common neoplastic processes in which these agents were studied. BR55 (Bracco Research SA, Geneva, Switzerland), a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor–targeting UCA, is the first targeted UCA that has completed phase 0 trials. Our review identifies a gap in the literature regarding the application of targeted UCAs in cancer models beyond breast and colon cancers and identifies other promising UCAs.
Optical Access to Arteriovenous Cerebral Microcirculation Through a Transparent Cranial Implant
Authors: Davoodzadeh Nami , Cano‐Velázquez Mildred S. , Halaney David L. , Jonak Carrie R. , Binder Devin K. , Aguilar Guillermo
Published: June 2019

Background and Objective

Microcirculation plays a critical role in physiologic processes and several disease states. Laser speckle imaging (LSI) is a full‐field, real‐time imaging technique capable of mapping microvessel networks and providing relative flow velocity within the vessels. In this study, we demonstrate that LSI combine with multispectral reflectance imaging (MSRI), which allows for distinction between veins and arteries in the vascular flow maps produced by LSI. We apply this combined technique to mouse cerebral vascular network in vivo, comparing imaging through the skull, to the dura mater and brain directly through a craniectomy, and through a transparent cranial “Window to the Brain” (WttB) implant.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The WttB implant used in this study is made of a nanocrystalline Yttria‐Stabilized‐Zirconia ceramic. MSRI was conducted using white‐light illumination and filtering the reflected light for 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, and 610 nm. LSI was conducted using an 810 nm continuous wave near‐infrared laser with incident power of 100 mW, and the reflected speckle pattern was captured by a complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) camera.

Results

Seven vessel branches were analyzed and comparison was made between imaging through the skull, craniectomy, and WttB implant. Through the skull, MSRI did not detect any vessels, and LSI could not image microvessels. Imaging through the WttB implant, MSRI was able to identify veins versus arteries, and LSI was able to image microvessels with only slightly higher signal‐to‐noise ratio and lower sharpness than imaging the brain through a craniectomy.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the ability to perform MSRI‐LSI across a transparent cranial implant, to allow for cerebral vascular networks to be mapped, including microvessels. These images contain additional information such as vein‐artery separation and relative blood flow velocities, information which is of value scientifically and medically. The WttB implant provides substantial improvements over imaging through the murine cranial bone, where microvessels are not visible and MSRI cannot be performed. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two in One: Modified Polyurethane Foams by Dip‐Coating of Halloysite Nanotubes with Acceptable Flame Retardancy and Absorbency
Authors: Wu Fan , Zheng Jingqi , Ou Xianfeng , Liu Mingxian
Published: June 2019

Poor flame retardancy of polyurethane foam (PUF) limits its practical application in many fields. Here, flame‐retardant performance of PUF is improved by a simple dip‐coating method. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) coating can be uniformly bonded to PUF surfaces via hydrogen‐bonding interactions, which is confirmed by element mapping and X‐ray photoelectron spectra. Density and mechanical properties of PUF increase with the concentration of HNT suspension, while porosity of the foam decreases with HNT loading. Weight ratio of HNTs to PUF in the composite can be achieved as high as 65.2%. Surfaces of PUF transfer from hydrophobic to super‐hydrophilic after HNT coating, and the water contact angle decreases from 116° to 0° after HNT coating. As a result, methylene blue adsorption capacity of HNTs‐coated PUF increases from 0.02 to 0.15 mg g−1, and adsorption efficiency can reach 98% after 10 s. HNT coating can prevent PUF from burning and dripping, which suggests that flame‐retardant performance of PUF is significantly improved by HNTs. This work establishes a general procedure for improving flame retardancy and dye absorbency of polymer materials by simple dip‐coating of environmental‐friendly clay nanotubes, which shows great potential in high‐performance polymer and functional composite materials.
Low Temperature‐Based Flexural Properties of Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite Laminates Incorporated with Carbon Nanotube Sheets
Authors: Cheng Xueying , Liu Ling , Feng Xu , Shen Lulu , Wu Zhanjun
Published: June 2019

This study introduces carbon nanotube buckypaper (CNTBP) into the easily fractured sites of [0°]16 and [0°/90°]4S composite laminates, and comparatively explores how the CNTBP affects the flexural properties of the laminates at 25, −15, and −55 °C. Compared to the base [0°]16 and [0°/90°]4S laminates at the same temperature, improvements of the flexural strengths in the order of 4.0–15.3% and 6.5–31.0% are respectively obtained from the corresponding CNTBP‐reinforced [0°]16 and [0°/90°]4S laminates. Importantly, the lower the temperature is, the higher the strength improves. In fact, the CNTBP has little effect on the flexural moduli of the studied laminates, although there is an increasing trend with decreased temperature. Moreover, the introduced CNTBP would significantly change the fracture mechanism of the laminates at low temperature. The present work reveals that the CNTBP exhibits more positive reinforcing capability to the polymer matrix‐based composite laminates at relatively low temperatures.
Organocatalysts for the Synthesis of Poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐isosorbide terephthalate): A Combined Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Stanley Nicholas , Chenal Thomas , Jacquel Nicolas , Saint‐Loup René , Prates Ramalho Joao Paulo , Zinck Philippe
Published: June 2019

Organocatalysts are assessed for the insertion of isosorbide, a rigid, biobased diol monomer, into poly(ethylene terephthalate). A sulfonic acid (p‐toluenesulfonic acid—APTS), an amidine base (1,8‐diazabicyclo [5.4.0] undec‐7‐ene—DBU) and a guanidine base (1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene—TBD) successfully catalyze the polymerization. The reaction mechanisms are studied by density functional theory. A bifunctional activation is observed in the presence of the sulfonic acid, the carbonyl moiety being activated via the acidic proton of APTS and the alcohol via the basic oxygen. Regarding DBU, a mechanism based on a basic activation of the alcohol rather than a nucleophilic attack of the catalyst is evidenced. The difference observed between TBD and DBU is attributed to a better H‐bonding ability of the former versus the latter.
Aberrant ERG expression associates with downregulation of miR‐4638‐5p and selected genomic alterations in a subset of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Shanxiang , Wang Lin , Cheng Liang
Published: June 2019

ERG (avian v‐ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog), an oncoprotein in prostate carcinoma and Ewing's sarcoma is associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and T lymphoblastic leukemia. However little is known about ERG in lymphoma. Here we studied ERG in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) by immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), genome‐wide microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling, real‐time reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and whole exome sequencing (WES). Approximately 30% of de novo DLBCLs (37 of 118) expressed ERG (ERG+). ERG expression showed no significant correlation with DLBCL cell‐of‐origin classification, patient's age, sex, nodal, or extranodal disease status, tumor expression of p53 or p63. There was no ERG rearrangement in 10 randomly selected ERG+ DLBCLs by FISH. Forty‐three miRNAs showed significant differential expression between ERG+ and ERG− DLBCLs. Downregulation of miR‐4638‐5p was confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR. WES not only confirmed known gene mutations in DLBCLs but also revealed multiple novel gene mutations in POLA1, E2F1, PSMD8, AXIN1, GAB2, and GNB2L1, which occur more frequently in ERG+ DLBCLs. In conclusion, our studies demonstrated aberrant ERG expression in a subset of DLBCL, which is associated with downregulation of miR‐4638‐5p. In comparison with ERG‐negative DLBCL, ERG+ DLBCL more likely harbors mutations in genes important in cell cycle control, B‐cell receptor‐mediated signaling and degradation of β‐catenin. Further clinicopathological correlation and functional studies of ERG‐related miRNAs and pathways may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of DLBCL and reveal novel targets for better management of patients with DLBCL.
Cell therapy for Parkinson's disease: Why it doesn't work every time
Authors: Collier Timothy J. , Sortwell Caryl E. , Mercado Natosha M. , Steece‐Collier Kathy
Published: June 2019

The clinical experience with cell replacement therapy for advanced PD has yielded notable successes and failures. A recent autopsy case report of an individual that received implants of fetal dopamine neurons 16 years previously, but at no time experienced clinical benefit despite the best documented survival of grafted neurons and most extensive reinnervation of the striatum, raises sobering issues. With good reason, a great deal of effort in cell replacement science continues to focus on optimizing the cell source and implantation procedure. Here, we describe our preclinical studies in aged rats indicating that despite survival of large numbers of transplanted dopamine neurons and dense reinnervation of the striatum, synaptic connections between graft and host are markedly decreased and behavioral recovery is impaired. This leads us to the hypothesis that the variability in therapeutic response to dopamine neuron grafts may be less about the viability of transplanted neurons and more about the integrity of the aged, dopamine‐depleted striatum and its capacity for repair. Replacement of dopamine innervation only can be fully effective if the correct target is present. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Partial trisomy 21 map: Ten cases further supporting the highly restricted Down syndrome critical region (HR‐DSCR) on human chromosome 21
Authors: Pelleri Maria Chiara , Cicchini Elena , Petersen Michael B. , Tranebjærg Lisbeth , Mattina Teresa , Magini Pamela , Antonaros Francesca , Caracausi Maria , Vitale Lorenza , Locatelli Chiara , Seri Marco , Strippoli Pierluigi , Piovesan Allison , Cocchi Guido
Published: June 2019

Background

Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by the presence of an extra full or partial human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). An invaluable model to define genotype‐phenotype correlations in DS is the study of the extremely rare cases of partial (segmental) trisomy 21 (PT21), the duplication of only a delimited region of Hsa21 associated or not to DS. A systematic retrospective reanalysis of 125 PT21 cases described up to 2015 allowed the creation of the most comprehensive PT21 map and the identification of a 34‐kb highly restricted DS critical region (HR‐DSCR) as the minimal region whose duplication is shared by all PT21 subjects diagnosed with DS. We reanalyzed at higher resolution three cases previously published and we accurately searched for any new PT21 reports in order to verify whether HR‐DSCR limits could prospectively be confirmed and possibly refined.

Methods

Hsa21 partial duplications of three PT21 subjects were refined by adding array‐based comparative genomic hybridization data. Seven newly described PT21 cases fulfilling stringent cytogenetic and clinical criteria have been incorporated into the PT21 integrated map.

Results

The PT21 map now integrates fine structure of Hsa21 sequence intervals of 132 subjects onto a common framework fully consistent with the presence of a duplicated HR‐DSCR, on distal 21q22.13 sub‐band, only in DS subjects and not in non‐DS individuals. No documented exception to the HR‐DSCR model was found.

Conclusions

The findings presented here further support the association of the HR‐DSCR with the diagnosis of DS, representing an unbiased validation of the original model. Further studies are needed to identify and characterize genetic determinants presumably located in the HR‐DSCR and functionally associated to the critical manifestations of DS.
A low‐profile, dual‐band filtering antenna with high selectivity for 5G sub‐6 GHz applications
Authors: Li Yapeng , Zhao Zhipeng , Tang Zhaoyang , Yin Yingzeng
Published: June 2019

A low‐profile patch antenna with dual‐band filtering response is proposed in this letter. By etching a slot at the edge of a rectangle radiating patch, two modified resonate modes are simultaneously excited. More importantly, a natural radiation null is generated between the two operation bands. Additionally, an inverted L‐shaped feedline combined with a stepped‐impedance resonator is introduced, and two radiation nulls are produced outside the two bands. Finally, a dual‐band bandpass filtering response is obtained. Measured results demonstrate that the two operation bands are 3.32‐3.65 GHz and 4.67‐5.15 GHz, which can cover two main bands of 5G sub‐6 GHz applications. Besides, the antenna achieves stable in‐band gains and radiation patterns, and maintains good out‐of‐band gain suppression performances with three radiation nulls. In addition, a low profile of 0.06 λ (at 3.5 GHz) or 0.08 λ (at 4.9 GHz) is also achieved.
A miniaturized absorbed frequency selective surface based on square resistor ring with low radar cross section
Authors: Wang Yongqing , Li Sucheng , Xiong Wei , Zhai Huiqing
Published: June 2019

A miniaturized absorbed frequency selective surface based on square resistor ring is proposed in this research. This miniaturized absorbed frequency selective surface composed of a periodically arranged unit structure, and each unit structure is formed by an upper square resistor ring and a lower frequency selection surface. The structure has a good wave transmission performance from 1 GHz to 2 GHz, and the absorption rate is higher than 90% over the whole Ku band. At the same time, the structure can achieve a monostation radar cross‐section reduction of more than 10 dB covering the whole Ku band. Due to the miniaturized design of this structure, it has the property of eliminating the grating lobes in the absorption band when irradiated by oblique incident waves. Based on ensuring good transmission, it can realize broadband and wide‐angle antenna radar cross section reduction.
Real‐time monitoring of Escherichia coli concentration with planar microwave resonator sensor
Authors: Mohammadi Sevda , Narang Rakesh , Mohammadi Ashani Mehdi , Sadabadi Hamid , Sanati‐Nezhad Amir , Zarifi Mohammad H.
Published: June 2019

This work presents a microfluidic chip integrated with a microwave resonator sensor for real‐time and contactless detection of Escherichia coli bacteria concentration. The design is fabricated on a Rogers RT/duroid 5880 high‐frequency substrate and operates at 2.5 ∼ 2.6 GHz, in the ISM band, with an initial quality factor of 112. The presented sensor demonstrates resonant amplitude sensitivity of −0.01231 dB/log(OD600) and resonant frequency sensitivity of −56 kHz/log(OD600) for E. coli concentration in a constant pH of 7.5. To facilitate the analysis of the proposed structure, a lumped equivalent circuit is presented and simulated in ADS and proven accurate by both HFSS microwave simulations and experimental results.