bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How ecological processes shape the outcomes of stock enhancement and harvest regulations in recreational fisheries
Authors: Johnston Fiona D. , Allen Micheal S. , Beardmore Ben , Riepe Carsten , Pagel Thilo , Hühn Daniel , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: August 2018

Fish stocking and harvest regulations are frequently used to maintain or enhance freshwater recreational fisheries and contribute to fish conservation. However, their relative effectiveness has rarely been systematically evaluated using quantitative models that account for key size‐ and density‐dependent ecological processes and adaptive responses of anglers. We present an integrated model of freshwater recreational fisheries where the population dynamics of two model species affect the effort dynamics of recreational anglers. With this model, we examined how stocking various fish densities and sizes (fry, fingerlings, and adults) performed relative to minimum‐length limits using a variety of biological, social, and economic performance measures, while evaluating trade‐offs. Four key findings are highlighted. First, stocking often augmented the exploited fish population, but size‐ and density‐dependent bottlenecks limited the number of fry and fingerlings surviving to a catchable size in self‐sustaining populations. The greatest enhancement of the catchable fish population occurred when large fish that escaped early bottlenecks were stocked, but this came at the cost of wild‐stock replacement, thereby demonstrating a fundamental trade‐off between fisheries benefits and conservation. Second, the relative performance of stocking naturally reproducing populations was largely independent of habitat quality and was generally low. Third, stocking was only economically advisable when natural reproduction was impaired or absent, stocking rates were low, and enough anglers benefitted from stocking to offset the associated costs. Fourth, in self‐sustaining fish populations, minimum‐length limits generally outperformed stocking when judged against a range of biological, social and economic objectives. By contrast, stocking in culture‐based fisheries often generated substantial benefits. Collectively, our study demonstrates that size‐ and density‐dependent processes, and broadly the degree of natural recruitment, drive the biological, social, and economic outcomes of popular management actions in recreational fisheries. To evaluate these outcomes and the resulting trade‐offs, integrated fisheries‐management models that explicitly consider the feedbacks among ecological and social processes are needed.
Modeling long‐distance dispersal of emerald ash borer in European Russia and prognosis of spread of this pest to neighboring countries within next 5 years
Authors: Orlova‐Bienkowskaja Marina J. , Bieńkowski Andrzej O.
Published: August 2018

Aim

To develop an approach to model the spatial dynamics of emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) in European Russia. This tree‐killing pest was detected in Moscow 15 years ago and began to spread, posing a threat to ashes all over Europe. The aim was to determine its probable current range and to evaluate the probability of its dispersal to neighboring countries within the next 5 years.

Location

Cities and transport hubs of European Russia and neighboring countries. Ash trees in this region occur mainly in urban plantations and along highways.

Methods

Pairwise distances between all locations were used as the main parameter determining the probability of pest spread. For each location, the probability of detection of A. planipennis was calculated using three simulation recurrent models of long‐distance dispersal. Parametrization was made by comparison with results of surveys in 2003–2015. Field data on the range of A. planipennis in 2016‐2017 were mapped and used for model verification. A prognosis of spread of the pest by 2022 was made.

Results

A model based on fat‐tailed kernel corresponds to both negative and positive results of surveys. According to the model, the current range is likely to be restricted to Russia, but probability of detection of the pest in the east of Belarus, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania by 2022 is 15%–40%.

Main conclusions

The forestry services of neighboring countries probably have about 5 years to prepare for the invasion of this pest, but regular surveys are necessary, since the pest can appear at any time. The case considered shows that the simple approach based on a fat‐tailed kernel and just one parameter—pairwise distance between cities—can be used for modeling long‐distance dispersal of alien pests of urban plantations.
Eomes controls the development of Th17‐derived (non‐classic) Th1 cells during chronic inflammation
Authors: Mazzoni Alessio , Maggi Laura , Siracusa Francesco , Ramazzotti Matteo , Rossi Maria Caterina , Santarlasci Veronica , Montaini Gianni , Capone Manuela , Rossettini Beatrice , De Palma Raffaele , Kruglov Andrey , Chang Hyun‐Dong , Cimaz Rolando , Maggi Enrico , Romagnani Sergio , Liotta Francesco , Cosmi Lorenzo , Annunziato Francesco
Published: August 2018

It is well accepted that Th17 cells are a highly plastic cell subset that can be easily directed toward the Th1 phenotype in vitro and also in vivo during inflammation. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding the reverse plasticity (conversion from Th1 to Th17). We show here that ectopic ROR‐γt expression can restore or initiate IL‐17 expression by non‐classic or classic Th1 cells, respectively, while common pro‐Th17 cytokine cocktails are ineffective. This stability of the Th1 phenotype is at least partially due to the presence of a molecular machinery governed by the transcription factor Eomes, which promotes IFN‐γ secretion while inhibiting the expression of ROR‐γt and IL‐17. By using a mouse model of T cell‐dependent colitis we demonstrate that Eomes controls non‐classic Th1 cell development also in vivo and promotes their pathogenic potential. Eomes expression associates to a highly inflammatory phenotype also in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Indeed, it favors the acquisition of a cytotoxic signature, and promotes the development of IFN‐γ+GM‐CSF+ cells that have been described to be pathogenic in chronic inflammatory disorders.
Label‐free Voltammetric Detection of Products of Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Tailing Reaction
Authors: Hermanová Monika , Havranová‐Vidláková Pavlína , Ondráčková Anna , Kumar Swathi Senthil , Bowater Richard , Fojta Miroslav
Published: August 2018

A label‐free approach that takes advantage of intrinsic electrochemical activity of nucleobases has been applied to study the products of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) tailing reaction. DNA homooligonucleotides A30, C30 and T30 were used as primers for the tailing reaction to which a dNTP – or a mixture of dNTPs – and TdT were added to form the tails. Electrochemical detection enabled study of the tailing reaction products created by various combinations of primers and dNTPs, with pyrolytic graphite electrode (PGE) being suitable for remarkably precise analysis of the length of tailing reaction products. Furthermore, the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) was able to reveal formation of various DNA structures, such as DNA hairpins and G‐quadruplexes, which influence the behavior of DNA molecules at the negatively charged surface of HMDE. Thus, the described approach proves to be an excellent tool for studying the TdT tailing reactions and for exploring how various DNA structures affect both the tailing reactions and electrochemical behavior of DNA oligonucleotides at electrode surfaces.
Effects of heavy‐ion beam irradiation on avermectin B1a and its analogues production by Streptomyces avermitilis
Authors: Wang Shuyang , Bo Yongheng , Chen Jihong , Zhou Xiang , Li Wenjian , Liang Jianpin , Dong Miaoyin
Published: August 2018

The biggest challenge in anabolism research is to improve the stability and safety of microbial metabolite production on an industrial scale. One class of metabolites, avermectins, are produced by Streptomyces avermitilis. In this study, an avermectin B1a‐high‐producing mutant was produced using heavy ion mutagenesis and selected based on LTQ‐MS and HPLC‐UV method. The mutants ZJAV‐Y‐147 and ZJAV‐Y‐HS, obtained after subjecting the spores of S. avermitilis to 70 Gy of 12C6+ heavy ion irradiation, were found to best improve the avermectin B1a production (4822.23 μg/mL and 4632.17 μg/mL, respectively). These two mutants’ yielded of avermectin B1a were 2‐fold high than the original strains. The DNA of the original and mutant strains were analyzed by RAPD technique with four random primers after irradiated with ion beam irradiation. The results show that different high‐titer S. avermitilis strains contain different genetic modifications. In addition, the mutation position, mutation type and sequence context of all mutations of aveC, aveD, aveI, aveR gene in two mutants S.avermitilis were researched, and the production of avermectin B1a and its analogues of wild‐type and mutants were analyzed by fermenting 240 h, which was suggested that the partial base deletion of aveI gene may be the key sites for increasing avermectin B1a production after the 12C6+‐ion irradiation. All these modifications promote increased avermectin biosynthesis, leading to multiple high‐titer S. avermitilis strains. The results demonstrate that this is an effective approach to engineer S. avermitilis as a host for the biological production of commercial analogs.
Effect of Atomic Ordering on the Activity for Methanol and Formic Acid Oxidation of Pt‐Based Electrocatalysts
Authors: Antolini Ermete
Published: August 2018

Recently, the use of intermetallics as catalysts in various chemical transformations, such as hydrogenation/dehydrogenation, oxidation, and steam reforming, as well as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction, and their advantages over random alloys in the same composition have been reported. Herein, the effect of atomic ordering on the activity for methanol and formic acid oxidation of low‐temperature fuel cell platinum‐based electrocatalysts is discussed, by comparing ordered and disordered structures with the same Pt/M (in which M is the first and second row transition metal) atomic ratio (3 and 1).
Spatially resolved opto‐electrical performance investigations of Cu2ZnSnS3.2Se0.8 photovoltaic devices
Authors: Neubauer Christian , Samieipour Ali , Oueslati Souhaib , Ernits Kaia , Meissner Dieter
Published: August 2018

A new statistical analysis of spatially resolved photocurrent and electroluminescence images has been developed and applied to Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1−x)4 (CZTSSe) monograin solar cells. CZTSSe as an absorber material has the potential to significantly reduce manufacturing costs and develop new application fields in photovoltaics. Deep understanding of the performance related parameters in various production steps is crucial for further development of the technology. In this paper we show that by a thorough investigation by means of a combination of opto‐electrical measurement methods such as light beam induced current mapping, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, photoluminescence, and electroluminescence measurements a correlation with different current‐voltage (j/V) measurement parameters can be established. Hereby, we clearly identify barrier variations at the active interface as the main reason for current variations across the cell, which for record cells can largely be avoided. These variations show up clearly in the microscopic spatial analysis developed. The detailed analysis of the homogeneity of the solar cell photocurrent presented in this study is relevant for all kinds of solar cells including thin‐film and wafer‐based cells.
General Protocol to Obtain D‐Glucosamine from Biomass Residues: Shrimp Shells, Cicada Sloughs and Cockroaches
Authors: Bertuzzi Diego L. , Becher Tiago B. , Capreti Naylil M. R. , Amorim Julio , Jurberg Igor D. , Megiatto Jackson D. , Ornelas Catia
Published: August 2018

A general protocol is developed to obtain D‐glucosamine from three widely available biomass residues: shrimp shells, cicada sloughs, and cockroaches. The protocol includes three steps: (1) demineralization, (2) deproteinization, and (3) chitin hydrolysis. This simple, general protocol opens the door to obtain an invaluable nitrogen‐containing compound from three biomass residues, and it can potentially be applied to other chitin sources. White needle‐like crystals of pure D‐glucosamine are obtained in all cases upon purification by crystallization. Characterization data (NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry) of D‐glucosamine obtained from the three chitin sources are similar and confirm its high purity. NMR investigation demonstrates that D‐glucosamine is obtained mainly as the α‐anomer, which undergoes mutarotation in aqueous solution achieving equilibrium after 440 min, in which the anomeric glucosamine distribution is 60% α‐anomer and 40% β‐anomer.
Chromian spinel compositions from Madawara ultramafics, Bundelkhand Craton: Implications on petrogenesis and tectonic evolution of the southern part of Bundelkhand Craton, Central India
Authors: Mohanty Niranjan , Singh Surya Pratap , Satyanarayanan Manavalan , Jayananda Mudlappa , Korakoppa Madiwalappa Mallappa , Hiloidari Sikha
Published: August 2018

Madawara ultramafic complex (MUC) in the southern part of Bundelkhand Craton, Central India comprises peridotite, olivine pyroxenite, pyroxenite, gabbro, and diorite. Coarse‐grained olivine, clinopyroxene (Cpx), amphibole (Amp), Al‐chromite, Fe‐chromite, and magnetite with rare orthopyroxene (Opx) are common minerals in peridotite. Chromites are usually coarse‐grained euhedral found as disseminated crystals in the olivine matrix showing both homogeneous and zoned texture. Al‐chromite, primarily characterizes Cr‐spinels and its subsequent fluid activity and alteration can result in the formation of Fe‐chromite, chrome magnetite, and magnetite. Mineral chemistry data suggest that Al‐chromite is characterized by moderately high Cr2O3 (38.16–51.52 wt.%) and Fe2O3 (3.22–14.51 wt.%) and low Al2O3 (10.63–21.87 wt.%), MgO (1.71–4.92 wt.%), and TiO2 (0.22–0.67 wt.%), whereas the homogeneous Fe‐chromite type is characterized by high Fe2O3 (25.54–47.60 wt.%), moderately low Cr2O3 (19.56–37.90 wt.%), and very low Al2O3 (0.06–1.53 wt.%). Subsequent alteration of Al‐chromite and Fe‐chromite leads to formation of Cr‐magnetite and magnetite. The Cr# of Al‐chromite varies from 55.12 to 76.48 and γFe3+# from 8 to 19, whereas the ferrian chromite has high Cr# varying from 94.27 to 99.53 while its γFe3+# varies from 38 to 70. As a whole, the primary Al‐chromite shows low Al2O3, TiO2 contents, and high Fe#, Cr# values. Olivines have forsterite ranging from 75.96% to 77.59%. The bulk‐rock geochemistry shows continental arc geochemical affinities indicated by the high concentration of large‐ion lithophile elements and U, Th relative to the low concentration of high‐field strength elements. These petrological and mineralogical as well as primary Al‐chromite compositions plotted in different discrimination diagrams suggest an arc environment that is similar to Alaskan‐type intrusion.
Cambrian magmatism in the Tethys Himalaya and implications for the evolution of the Proto‐Tethys along the northern Gondwana margin: A case study and overview
Authors: Zhang Lin Kui , Li Guang Ming , Santosh M. , Cao Hua Wen , Dong Sui Liang , Zhang Zhi , Fu Jian Gang , Xia Xiang Biao , Huang Yong , Liang Wei , Zhang Shou Ting
Published: August 2018

The Cuonadong Dome in southern Tibet is a newly discovered gneiss dome in the Tethys Himalaya. Here, we investigate the Late Cambrian augen gneiss (orthogneiss) within the core of this dome to address the controversy surrounding early Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the northern margin of eastern Gondwana. We report new zircon laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐(MC‐)ICP‐MS) U‐Pb ages, Lu‐Hf isotopes, whole‐rock major and trace element geochemistry, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb data on representative samples from the granitic gneiss. The weighted mean of 116 analyses of zircon grains yields an age of 498.2 ± 1.5 Ma (mean square weighted deviation [MSWD] = 1.2). Forty‐one spots analyses on these grains show consistent εHf (t) values of −2 to +4 (average = +1.1), corresponding to Hf crustal model age (TDM2) of 1.3 to 1.6 Ga (average = 1.39 Ga). The orthogneiss (metagranite) is characterized by high Si and K contents, with low Al, Mg, and Ti, and A/CNK values ranging from 0.87 to 0.98 with an average of 0.92, indicating a metaluminous composition and I‐type granitoid affinity. The granitoid displays significant enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and relatively flat high rare earth element (HREE) patterns, with strong negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.26–0.31). The primitive mantle‐normalized trace elements show a relative enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements, such as Rb, and high‐field strength elements, such as Th, U, Zr, and Hf, with depletion in Ba, Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti. The rocks show high initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7221–0.7248) and low εNd (t) values (−8.9 to −7.3) with Nd model ages (TDM) of 1.79–1.91 Ga. Their radiogenic Pb isotopic compositions show (206Pb/204Pb)t = 18.804–19.110, (207Pb/204Pb)t = 15.730–15.768, and (208Pb/204Pb)t = 38.409–39.054, indicating an ancient upper middle continental crustal origin. Our study shows that the protolith of the metagranite was most likely derived from the partial melting of upper continental crust with a minor contribution of depleted mantle materials. Through integration of the regional information on early Palaeozoic magmatism and metamorphic events, we contend that the protolith of the Cuonadong granitic gneiss formed in an accretionary setting associated with the early Palaeozoic Proto‐Tethys Oceanic plate subduction beneath the Gondwana continent.
What drives Alpine Tethys opening? Clues from the review of geological data and model predictions
Authors: Roda Manuel , Regorda Alessandro , Spalla Maria Iole , Marotta Anna Maria
Published: August 2018

Permo‐Triassic remnants (300–220 Ma) of high‐temperature metamorphism associated with large gabbro bodies occur in the Alps and indicate a high thermal regime compatible with lithospheric thinning. During the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic, an extensional tectonics leads to the break‐up of Pangea continental lithosphere and the opening of Alpine Tethys Ocean (170–160 Ma), as testified by the ophiolites outcropping in the Central–Western Alps and Apennines. We revise geological data from the Permian to Jurassic of the Alps and Northern Apennines, focusing on continental and oceanic basement rocks, and predictions of existing numerical models of post‐collisional extension of continental lithosphere and successive rifting and oceanization. The aim is to test whether the transition from the Permo‐Triassic extensional tectonics to the Jurassic opening of Alpine Tethys occurred. We enforce the interpretation that a forced extension of 2 cm/year of the post‐collisional lithosphere results in a thermal state compatible with the Permo‐Triassic high‐temperature event suggested by pressure and temperature conditions of metamorphic rocks and widespread igneous activity. Extensional or transtensional tectonics is also in agreement with the generalized subsidence indicated by the deposition of sedimentary successions with deepening upward facies occurred in the Alps from the Permian to Jurassic. Furthermore, a rifting developed on a thermally perturbed lithosphere agrees with a hyperextended configuration of the Alpine Tethys rifting and with the duration of the extension necessary to the oceanization. The review supports the interpretation of Alpine Tethys opening developed on a lithosphere characterized by a thermo‐mechanical configuration inherited by the post‐Variscan extension which affected Pangea during the Permian and Triassic. Therefore, a long‐lasting period of active extension can be envisaged for the breaking of Pangea supercontinent, starting from the unrooting of the Variscan belts, followed by the Permo‐Triassic thermal high, and ending with the crustal break‐up and the formation of the Alpine Tethys Ocean.
Effects of trench‐perpendicular ridge subduction on accretionary wedge deformation: Clues from analogue modelling
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Ding Weiwei , Li Jiabiao , Dong Chongzhi , Fang Yinxia , Tang Limei , Ma Letian , Zhao Yanghui , Cheng Zihua
Published: August 2018

Basement highs (e.g., seamounts and ridges) often exist on subducted oceanic plates. However, their effects on the deformation of accretionary wedges have not been well understood, in particular the sequential cross‐sectional evolutionary processes caused by ridge subduction. To evaluate the effects of ridge subduction on accretionary wedges, analogue models were run to observe the deformation processes in both plan and cross‐sectional views. The results show that ridge subduction induces an inverted‐U‐shaped uplifted area, while seamount subduction always causes a circular uplifted area in plan view. Both ridge and seamount subduction will result in a radial fan‐shaped strike‐slip fault system in plan view, with opposite slip directions of the faults in the two wings. During ridge subduction, the faults in the left wing of the ridge axis are sinistral, and those in the right are dextral, which is reverse to that of seamount subduction. This may result from the backward flow in the overlying sediments during the rapid subsidence in the wake of the seamount, which would reverse the initial movement along the strike‐slip faults. The subducted ridge induces migration of wedge material from the frontal margin to the distal part, expressed by changes in structural geometry and kinematics (e.g., reduction in wedge length and taper angle and increase in wedge height). The accretionary prism adapted to the variation of taper angle by the development of back‐thrust faults and out‐of‐sequence thrust fault. Our model results shed lights on understanding the interior structural deformation pattern and mechanism caused by natural cases of ridge subduction, such as Gagua Ridge and North d'Entrecasteaux Ridge.
Genetic influences on neonatal cortical thickness and surface area
Authors: Jha Shaili C. , Xia Kai , Schmitt James Eric , Ahn Mihye , Girault Jessica B. , Murphy Veronica A. , Li Gang , Wang Li , Shen Dinggang , Zou Fei , Zhu Hongtu , Styner Martin , Knickmeyer Rebecca C. , Gilmore John H.
Published: August 2018

Genetic and environmental influences on cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) are thought to vary in a complex and dynamic way across the lifespan. It has been established that CT and SA are genetically distinct in older children, adolescents, and adults, and that heritability varies across cortical regions. Very little, however, is known about how genetic and environmental factors influence infant CT and SA. Using structural MRI, we performed the first assessment of genetic and environmental influences on normal variation of SA and CT in 360 twin neonates. We observed strong and significant additive genetic influences on total SA (a2 = 0.78) and small and nonsignificant genetic influences on average CT (a2 = 0.29). Moreover, we found significant genetic overlap (genetic correlation = 0.65) between these global cortical measures. Regionally, there were minimal genetic influences across the cortex for both CT and SA measures and no distinct patterns of genetic regionalization. Overall, outcomes from this study suggest a dynamic relationship between CT and SA during the neonatal period and provide novel insights into how genetic influences shape cortical structure during early development.
Does retirement improve health and life satisfaction?
Authors: Gorry Aspen , Gorry Devon , Slavov Sita Nataraj
Published: August 2018

We utilize panel data from the Health and Retirement Study to investigate the impact of retirement on physical and mental health, life satisfaction, and health care utilization. Because poor health can induce retirement, we instrument for retirement using eligibility for Social Security and employer‐sponsored pensions and coverage by the Social Security earnings test. We find strong evidence that retirement improves reported health, mental health, and life satisfaction. In addition, we find evidence of improvements in functional limitations in the long run. Although the impact on life satisfaction occurs within the first 4 years of retirement, many of the improvements in health show up four or more years later, consistent with the view that health is a stock that evolves slowly. We find no evidence that the health improvements are driven by increased health care utilization. In fact, results suggest decreased utilization in some categories.
Incomplete Differentiation of Engrafted Bone Marrow Endothelial Progenitor Cells Initiates Hepatic Fibrosis in the Rat
Authors: Maretti‐Mira Ana C. , Wang Xiangdong , Wang Lei , DeLeve Laurie D.
Published: August 2018

Normal liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) promote quiescence of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Prior to fibrosis, LSECs undergo capillarization, which is permissive for HSC activation, the proximate event in hepatic fibrosis. The aims of this study were to elucidate the nature of and mechanisms leading to capillarization and to determine how LSECs promote HSC quiescence and why “capillarized LSECs” lose control of HSC activation. The contribution of bone marrow (BM) endothelial progenitor cells to capillarization was identified using rats transplanted with transgenic enhanced green fluorescent protein–positive BM. Shotgun proteomics and informatics were used to identify the LSEC mediator that maintains HSC quiescence. The study shows that capillarization is due to repair of injured LSECs by BM endothelial progenitors that engraft but fail to fully mature. Lack of maturation of BM‐derived LSECs is due to cell autonomous pathways that inhibit the nitric oxide pathway. We identify heparin binding epidermal growth factor–like growth factor (HB‐EGF) as the signal that maintains HSC quiescence and show that immature LSECs are unable to shed HB‐EGF from the cytosolic membrane. Conclusion: Chronic liver injury can recruit BM progenitors of LSECs that engraft and fail to fully differentiate, which creates an environment that is permissive for hepatic fibrosis; elucidation of these early events in the fibrotic process will provide targets for treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Effects of Endotoxin on Type 3 Inositol 1,4,5‐Trisphosphate Receptor in Human Cholangiocytes
Authors: Franca Andressa , Carlos Melo Lima Filho Antonio , Guerra Mateus T. , Weerachayaphorn Jittima , Loiola dos Santos Marcone , Njei Basile , Robert Marie , Xavier Lima Cristiano , Vieira Teixeira Vidigal Paula , Banales Jesus M. , Ananthanarayanan Meenakshisundaram , Leite M. Fatima , Nathanson Michael H.
Published: August 2018

Clinical conditions that result in endotoxemia, such as sepsis and alcoholic hepatitis (AH), often are accompanied by cholestasis. Although hepatocellular changes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have been well characterized, less is known about whether and how cholangiocytes contribute to this form of cholestasis. We examined effects of endotoxin on expression and function of the type 3 inositol trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3), because this is the main intracellular Ca2+ release channel in cholangiocytes, and loss of it impairs ductular bicarbonate secretion. Bile duct cells expressed the LPS receptor, Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), which links to activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). Analysis of the human ITPR3 promoter revealed five putative response elements to NF‐κB, and promoter activity was inhibited by p65/p50. Nested 0.5‐ and 1.0‐kilobase (kb) deletion fragments of the ITPR3 promoter were inhibited by NF‐κB subunits. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that NF‐κB interacts with the ITPR3 promoter, with an associated increase in H3K9 methylation. LPS decreased ITPR3 mRNA and protein expression and also decreased sensitivity of bile duct cells to calcium agonist stimuli. This reduction was reversed by inhibition of TLR4. ITPR3 expression was decreased or absent in cholangiocytes from patients with cholestasis of sepsis and from those with severe AH. Conclusion: Stimulation of TLR4 by LPS activates NF‐κB to down‐regulate ITPR3 expression in human cholangiocytes. This may contribute to the cholestasis that can be observed in conditions such as sepsis or AH.
mTOR Signaling in X/A‐Like Cells Contributes to Lipid Homeostasis in Mice
Authors: Li Ziru , Yu Ruili , Yin Wenzhen , Qin Yan , Ma Liangxiao , Mulholland Michael , Zhang Weizhen
Published: August 2018

Gastric mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is inversely associated with the expression and secretion of ghrelin, a 28‐aa peptide hormone produced by gastric X/A‐like cells. Ghrelin contributes to obesity and hepatic steatosis. We sought to control global lipid metabolism via the manipulation of gastric mTOR signaling in X/A‐like cells. We established a ghrl‐cre transgene in which the Cre enzyme is expressed in X/A‐like cells under the control of the ghrelin‐promoter. mTORflox/flox
and tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1)flox/flox
mice were separately bred with ghrl‐cre mice to generate mTOR‐ghrl‐cre or TSC1‐ghrl‐cre mice, within which mTOR signaling was suppressed or activated, respectively. Lipid metabolism in liver and adipose depots was analyzed. Under the control of the ghrelin‐promoter, the Cre enzyme was exclusively expressed in stomach X/A‐like cells in adult animals. Knockout of mTOR in X/A‐like cells increased circulating acyl‐ghrelin and promoted hepatic lipogenesis with effects on adipose depots. Activation of mTOR signaling by deletion of its upstream inhibitor, TSC1, decreased ghrelin expression and secretion, altering lipid metabolism as evidenced by resistance to high‐fat diet–induced obesity and hepatic steatosis. Both ghrelin administration and injection of rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, altered the phenotypes of TSC1‐ghrl‐cre mice. Conclusion: Gastric mTOR signaling in X/A‐like cells contributes to organism lipid homeostasis by regulating hepatic and adipose lipid metabolism. Gastric mTOR signaling may provide an alternative strategy for intervention in lipid disorders.
Circulating exosomal long noncoding RNA PRINS—First findings in monoclonal gammopathies
Authors: Sedlarikova Lenka , Bollova Bozena , Radova Lenka , Brozova Lucie , Jarkovsky Jiri , Almasi Martina , Penka Miroslav , Kuglík Petr , Sandecká Viera , Stork Martin , Pour Ludek , Sevcikova Sabina
Published: August 2018

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy characterized by focal lesions of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. These lesions contain subclones that directly influence survival of patients. Bone marrow biopsies are single‐site biopsies and thus cannot contain all information about the tumor. In contrast, liquid biopsies analyze circulating cells and molecules that are secreted from all sites of the tumor. Long noncoding RNA molecules are one class of these molecules. We performed a two‐phase biomarker study investigating lncRNA expression profiles in exosomes of peripheral blood serum of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients in comparison with healthy donors (HD). Surprisingly, this analysis revealed dysregulation of only one exosomal lncRNA PRINS in MM vs HD. Overall, MM and MGUS patients were distinguished from HD with sensitivity of 84.9% and specificity of 83.3%. Our study suggests a possible diagnostic role for exosomal lncRNA PRINS in monoclonal gammopathies patients.
Female genital mutilation and noninvasive cervical abnormalities and invasive cervical cancer in Senegal, West Africa: A retrospective study
Authors: Osterman Allison L. , Winer Rachel L. , Gottlieb Geoffrey S. , Sy Marie‐Pierre , Ba Selly , Dembele Birama , Toure Papa , Dem Ahmadou , Seydi Moussa , Sall Fatima , Sow Papa Salif , Kiviat Nancy B. , Hawes Stephen E.
Published: August 2018

Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is a traditional practice that affects a significant portion of women in sub‐Saharan Africa, Egypt, areas of the Middle East and some countries in Asia. While clinical and epidemiological studies have established a close association between inflammation and carcinogenesis, particularly in epithelial cancers, the relationship between FGM/C and cervical cancer is not well known.

We performed a secondary analysis using combined data from six research studies conducted in and around Dakar, Senegal from 1994 to 2012. Study subjects included both asymptomatic women who presented to outpatient clinics but were screened for cervical cancer, and women with cancer symptoms who were referred for cervical cancer treatment. We used unconditional logistic regression to estimate adjusted pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between FGM/C and (1) Invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and (2) noninvasive cervical abnormalities. After adjusting for confounding, women with ICC were 2.50 times more likely to have undergone FGM/C than women without cervical abnormalities (95% CI, 1.28–4.91). Restricting to HPV‐positive women increased the strength of the association (OR = 4.23; 95% CI 1.73–10.32). No significant associations between FGM/C and noninvasive cervical abnormalities were observed, except in commercial sex workers with FGM/C (OR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.19–3.40). The potential increased risk for ICC suggested by our study warrants further examination. Study results may impact cancer prevention efforts in populations where FGM/C is practiced and draw awareness to the additional health risks associated with FGM/C.
Flexible Estimation of Demand Systems: A Copula Approach
Authors: Velásquez‐Giraldo Mateo , Canavire‐Bacarreza Gustavo , Huynh Kim P. , Jacho‐Chavez David T.
Published: August 2018

In this paper we study the own‐price elasticity for gasoline in demand systems involving three expenditure categories in the transportation sector in Canada: gasoline, local transportation, and intercity transportation for Canadian households from 1997 to 2009. In particular, we conduct a replication of Chang and Serletis, (The demand for gasoline: Evidence from household survey data, Journal of Applied Econometrics, 2014, 29, 291–343) hereafter CS, who—using TSP version 5.1—estimated Deaton and Muellbauer, 's Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) (American Economic Review, 1980, 70, 312–326), Banks et al., 's Quadratic AIDS (Review of Economics and Statistics, 1997, 79, 527–539), and Barnett, 's Minflex Laurent (ML) (Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 1983, 1, 7–23) models to demand systems consisting of these three goods, analyzing and enforcing theoretical economic regularity—that is, the compliance of estimates with positivity, monotonicity, and curvature. Using the R statistical language instead, we found that our estimates are similar to those of CS using data for single‐member households and married couples without children, but differ for households with one child. (All replicated estimation tables in CS, as well as our full implementation, are available as supplementary material in the online version of this paper.) However, using a more flexible copula model, a total of 168 possible specifications for each type of household and their resulting gasoline own‐price elasticities are also estimated. We find that allowing for skewness in the marginal distributions of local transportation budget shares greatly improves the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) of our models.
Large field of view correction by using conjugate adaptive optics with multiple guide stars
Authors: Zhao Qi , Shi Xin , Zhu Xinpei , Zheng Yao , Wu Chenxue , Tang Hengjie , Hu Lejia , Xue Ying , Gong Wei , Si Ke
Published: August 2018

Adaptive optics has been widely used in the optical microscopy to recover high‐resolution images deep into the sample. However, the corrected field of view (FOV) with a single correction is generally limited, which seriously restricts the imaging speed. In this article, we demonstrate a high‐speed wavefront correction method by using the conjugate adaptive optical correction with multiple guide stars (CAOMG) based on the coherent optical adaptive technique. The results show that the CAOMG method can greatly improve the corrected FOV. For 120‐μm‐thick mouse brain tissue, the corrected FOV can be improved up to ~243 times of the conventional pupil adaptive optics (PAO) without additional time consumption. Therefore, this study shows the potential of high‐speed imaging through scattering medium in biological science.
Eliminating symmetry problems in electronegativity equalization and correcting self‐interaction errors in conceptual DFT
Authors: von Szentpály László
Published: August 2018

The chemical potential is by definition constant in molecules, and electronic charge is in principle equilibrated by bonding. Does electronegativity offer the best scale to unify these principles? According to conceptual density functional theory (c‐DFT), the electronegativity equalization (ENE) and chemical potential equalization (CPE) principles seem rigorous and identical. However, the operational formulations of CPE and ENE fail to validate this claim, and frequently dramatic deviations from equalization are reported. We here eliminate the deviations to a very large extent. The problems originate from (i) c‐DFT's exclusive reference to ground states and violations of the Wigner‐Witmer symmetry constraints for bonding, (ii) electron self‐interaction and delocalization errors. The problems are solved, and much more accurate ENE and bond polarities are obtained by replacing the ground‐state electronegativity (χGS) by the valence‐state electronegativity (χVS) and its generalization, the valence‐pair‐affinity (VPA, αVP). The VPA is a charge dependent pair‐sharing potential connected to Ruedenberg's bond theory that emphasizes the role of electron pair‐density. The performances of the valence‐pair equilibration (VPEq) and c‐DFT's operational CPE are compared for 89 molecules with very diverse bond characters, including the “exotic” dimers Be2, Mg2, B2, C2, and Mn2. The accuracy of VPEq is about 9 times better than that of operational CPE. Without requiring ad hoc calibrations, the VPEq bond polarities agree very well with results of state‐of‐the‐art population analyses, and charges derived from vibrational spectra. A paradigm shift emphasizing valence states seems in order for c‐DFT. Electronegativity and the chemical potential should be regarded as separate properties. Copyright © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical investigations of Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric 1,4‐addition to enones using planar‐chiral phosphine‐olefin ligands
Authors: Kawashima Kyohei , Sato Takehiro , Ogasawara Masamichi , Kamikawa Ken , Mori Seiji
Published: August 2018

Recently, planar‐chiral phosphine‐olefin ligands based on (η6‐arene)chromium(0) and (η5‐cyclopentadienyl)manganese(I), which are known as first‐ and second‐generation, respectively, have been developed. These ligands were employed for Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric 1,4‐addition to enones. First‐generation ligands involve high enantioselectivity for cyclic enones (>98% ee). Second‐generation ligands involve high enantioselectivity for not only cyclic enones but also for acyclic enones (>98% ee). In this study, we have performed DFT calculations to investigate the origin of enantioselectivity. The theoretical values of enantioselectivities were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values obtained for a cyclic enone, 2‐cyclopenten‐1‐one, using both the first‐ and second‐generation ligands. Regarding an acyclic enone, 3‐penten‐2‐one, it was found that thes‐cistype decreases the enantioselectivity because the transition states in thes‐cistype have a large steric repulsion. Energy decomposition analysis (EDA) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis indicate that it is important to study the orbital interactions in the transition states of the insertion step for the acyclic enone attacked fromsi‐face with the second‐generation ligand. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photophysical properties of fluorescent imaging biological probes of nucleic acids: SAC‐CI and TD‐DFT Study
Authors: Shiraogawa Takafumi , Candel Gaelle , Fukuda Ryoichi , Ciofini Ilaria , Adamo Carlo , Okamoto Akimitsu , Ehara Masahiro
Published: August 2018

Recently, exciton‐controlled hybridization‐sensitive fluorescent oligonucleotide (ECHO) probe, which shows strong emission in the near‐infrared region via hybridization to the target DNA and/or RNA strand, has been developed. In this work, photophysical properties of the chromophores of these probes and the fluorescent mechanism have been investigated by the SAC‐CI and TD‐DFT calculations. Three fluorescent cyanine chromophores whose excitation is challenging for TD‐DFT methods, have been examined regarding the photo‐absorption and emission spectra. The SAC‐CI method well reproduces the experimental values with respect to transition energies, while the quantitative prediction by TD‐DFT calculations is difficult for these chromophores. Some stable structures of H‐aggregate system were computationally located and two of the configurations were examined for the photo‐absorption. The present results support for the assumption based on experimental measurement in which strong fluorescence is due to the monomer unit in nearly planar structure and its suppression of probes is to the H‐aggregates of two exciton units. Stokes shifts of these three chromophores were qualitatively reproduced by the theoretical calculations, while the energy splitting due to H‐aggregate in the hybridized probe was slightly overestimated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Research on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) mechanism of g‐C3N4 doped by Ag based on first‐principles calculations
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Huang Naibao , Zhou Feng , He Qiuchen , Zhan Su
Published: August 2018

Developing non‐platinum composite catalysts has become a hot research topic for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, Ag/g‐C3N4 (the mass ratio of Ag and g‐C3N4 = 3%) catalysts were prepared through a photoreduction method. The catalytic performance of g‐C3N4 was greatly enhanced after Ag doping. The current density of Ag/g‐C3N4 was −21 μA/mm2, which is 3 times that of pure g‐C3N4. The mechanism of ORR activity enhancement is discussed based on first‐principles calculation. Ag, as the active site, can reduce the reaction barrier and enhance ORR activity. Combining experimental and computational results forms the subject of this study.
Synthesis of W‐doped TiO2 by low‐temperature hydrolysis: Effects of annealing temperature and doping content on the surface microstructure and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Moslah Cherif , Aguilar Teresa , Alcántara Rodrigo , Ksibi Mohamed , Navas Javier
Published: August 2018

A series of tungsten‐doped Titania photocatalysts were synthesized using a low‐temperature method. The effects of dopant concentration and annealing temperature on the phase transitions, crystallinity, electronic, optical, and photocatalytic properties of the resulting material were studied. The X‐ray patterns revealed that the doping delays the transition of anatase to rutile to a high temperature. A new phase WyTi1‐yO2 appeared for 5.00 wt% W‐TiO2 annealed at 900 °C. Raman and diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy showed that band gap values decreased slightly up to 700 °C. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that surface species viz. Ti3+, Ti4+, O2−, oxygen‐vacancies, and adsorbed OH groups vary depending on the preparation conditions. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated via the degradation of methylene blue using LED white light. The degradation rate was affected by the percentage of dopants. The best photocatalytic activity was achieved with the sample labeled 5.00 wt% W‐TiO2 annealed at 700 °C.
Serine/threonine kinase 31 promotes PDCD5‐mediated apoptosis in p53‐dependent human colon cancer cells
Authors: Kwak Sungmin , Lee Seung‐Hyun , Han Eun‐Jung , Park Soo‐Yeon , Jeong Mi‐Hyeon , Seo Jaesung , Park Seung‐Ho , Sung Gi‐Jun , Yoo Jung‐Yoon , Yoon Ho‐Geun , Choi Kyung‐Chul
Published: August 2018

Although programed cell death 5 (PDCD5) is an important protein in p53‐mediated proapoptotic signaling, very little is known about PDCD5‐related cell death. In this study, we report that serine/threonine kinase 31 (STK31) interacts with PDCD5, which maintains the stability of PDCD5. STK31 overexpression significantly activated PDCD5 stabilization and p53‐mediated apoptosis in response to etoposide (ET). However, STK31 knockdown did not enhance apoptosis by ET treatment. Moreover, when STK31 was depleted, PDCD5 inhibited the activation of the p53 signaling pathway with ET, indicating that the PDCD5–STK31 network has an essential role in p53 activation. Importantly, STK31 activated the p53 signaling pathway by genotoxic stress through positive regulation of PDCD5‐mediated apoptosis. We thus demonstrated that overexpression of STK31 greatly inhibited tumorigenic growth and increased the chemosensitivity of HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the STK31–PDCD5 complex network regulates apoptosis of cancer cells, and STK31 is a positive apoptosis regulator that inhibits tumorigenesis of colon cancer cells by inducing PDCD5‐mediated apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress.
The concurrent effects of the South Asian monsoon and the plateau monsoon over the Tibetan Plateau on summer rainfall in the Tarim Basin of China
Authors: Zhao Yong , Yu Xiaojing , Yao Junqiang , Dong Xinning , Li Hongjun
Published: August 2018

Based on the observed rainfall data at 34 stations over the Tarim Basin (TB) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data during 1961–2012, the concurrent effects of the plateau monsoon (PM) over the Tibetan Plateau and the South Asian monsoon (SAM) on summer rainfall over the TB are investigated. Mid‐upper tropospheric temperature (MUTT) plays an important role in linking the PM and the SAM with summer rainfall over the TB. The concurrent influential mechanisms of the PM and the SAM on summer rainfall over the TB can be summarized as follows. The strengthened (weakened) PM and the weakened (strengthened) SAM cause mid‐upper tropospheric cooling (warming), which tends to result in the migration of the subtropical westerly jet further southward (northward). Then an anomalous southerly (northerly) flow prevails over the TB, and more (less) water vapour is transported into the TB by a two‐step process. All above contribute significantly to an increase (decrease) in the occurrence of summer rainfall over the TB. In addition, we also discuss the relative contribution of the PM and the SAM to summer rainfall over the TB. Partial correlations show that the PM and the SAM can both individually influence summer rainfall over the TB. The PM has a direct effect on summer rainfall over the TB, for its considerable relations not only with MUTT but also with atmospheric circulation. Whereas the SAM has an indirect effect for its only influence on MUTT, which then give rise to an anomalous circulation related to summer rainfall over the TB.