bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using expressed behaviour of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to evaluate the vulnerability of upriver migrants under future hydrological regimes: Management implications and conservation planning
Authors: Flitcroft Rebecca , Lewis Sarah , Arismendi Ivan , Davis Chante , Giannico Guillermo , Penaluna Brooke , Santelmann Mary , Safeeq Mohammad , Snyder Jeff
Published: February 2019

Globally, river systems have been extensively modified through alterations in riverscapes and flow regimes, reducing their capacity to absorb geophysical and environmental changes.

In western North America and elsewhere, alterations in natural flow regimes and swimways through dams, levees, and floodplain development, work in concert with fire regime, forest management practices, as well as agriculture and urban development, to change recovery trajectories of river systems.

Hydroregime scenarios for coho salmon, Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792), were investigated in Washington and Oregon, USA, where long‐term records of discharge, water temperature, and upstream fish passage are available. This novel approach combines hydrological and ecological data in a single visualization, providing empirical foundations for understanding upstream behavioural movement and tolerances of native fishes.

The timing of coho salmon movement with respect to temperature and discharge were compared with scenarios representing possible future hydrological conditions associated with a changing climate.

This approach provides a framework for the study of future hydrological alterations in other locations, and can inform local and regional conservation planning, particularly in view of water management policy. Management implications and recommendations for action that may expand the capacity of riverscapes to absorb perturbations are discussed.
Developing a standard approach for assessing the hydromorphology of lakes in Europe
Authors: Boon Philip , Argillier Christine , Boggero Angela , Ciampittiello Marzia , England Judy , Peterlin Monika , Radulović Snežana , Rowan John , Soszka Hanna , Urbanič Gorazd
Published: February 2019

Methods for assessing the hydrology and morphology of lakes (‘hydromorphology’) are needed for reporting under national and international legislation, as well as to assist in lake management and restoration. Despite this, no consistent approaches have been developed around Europe for monitoring lake hydromorphology.

To address this need, representatives from 12 countries met at a series of workshops to develop two protocols for monitoring, published under the auspices of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). The first standard (EN 16039) describes six categories for assessing lake hydromorphology: hydraulics, morphometry, bedforms/landforms and substrate, connectivity and continuity, and land cover. The second standard (EN 16870) sets out a scoring system for assessing the degree of modification of lake hydromorphology, which was designed, tested and refined using data from 127 lakes in seven European countries.

The CEN standards focus on four lake zones—riparian, shore, littoral, and open water—but recognize the importance of considering lakes within their wider catchment context. The field techniques described are based largely on Lake Habitat Survey but also rely on existing databases, maps and remote‐sensing data.

These standards are aimed at scientists, conservation bodies and environmental regulators, and are relevant not only for monitoring lakes under the Water Framework Directive, but also for contributing to programmes of lake conservation. For example, in the UK, parts of the CEN standards have been incorporated within the methods used for monitoring and reporting on the condition of Special Areas of Conservation (under the Habitats Directive) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest under national legislation.

It is hoped that this pan‐European approach will improve the ability to compare data across many countries, and ultimately ensure that the results of monitoring are translated into measures for improving the hydromorphological condition of lakes and the biological communities they contain.
Neural Mechanisms Involved in the Noxious Physical Stress‐Induced Inhibition of Ovarian Estradiol Secretion
Authors: Uchida Sae , Kagitani Fusako
Published: February 2019

Stress is known to change the secretion of ovarian steroid hormones via the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian (HPO) axis. Noxious physical stress can cause reflex responses in visceral function via autonomic nerves. This article reviews our recent animal studies on neural mechanisms involved in ovarian estradiol secretion induced by noxious physical stress stimulation. In anesthetized rats, noxious physical stress (pinching the hindpaw or electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve) decreased ovarian estradiol secretion. These noxious stress‐induced ovarian hormonal responses were observed after decerebration but were abolished after spinal transection. Electrical stimulation of the ovarian sympathetic nerves (superior ovarian nerves: SON) decreased ovarian estradiol secretion. The reduced secretion of ovarian estradiol induced by hindpaw pinching was abolished by bilateral severance of the SON. Efferent activity of the SON was increased following hindpaw pinching. Thus, the inhibition of ovarian estradiol secretion during noxious physical stress was mainly integrated in the brainstem, and this inhibitory response was due to reflex activation of sympathetic nerves to the ovary. In rats, the sympathetic inhibitory regulation of ovarian estradiol secretion was pronounced when the HPO axis was inhibited by chronic estradiol treatment. Considering the female life cycle, extensive physical stress may inhibit ovarian function, especially before puberty and during old ages when the HPO axis is inactive. Anat Rec, 302:904–911, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear sequential fusion estimation for clustered sensor networks
Authors: Zhou Kang , Teng You , Zhang Dan , Zhang Wen‐An
Published: February 2019

This paper is concerned with distributed fusion estimation problem for discrete‐time nonlinear systems with asynchronous sampling data in the clustered sensor networks. A nonlinear sequential fusion method consisting of a sequential measurement fusion (SMF) method and a sequential state fusion (SSF) method is proposed. It is shown that the SMF estimator using the Unscented Kalman Filtering (UKF) method can handle the asynchronous measurement data sequentially and the SSF estimator which uses sequential matrix weighting method can get a close performance as the centralized batch matrix weighting method but has a lower computational complexity. The proposed measurement fusion method is able to deal with asynchronous measurements and has lower computational complexity as compared with the augmentation method. A simulation example shows the effectiveness of the proposed nonlinear sequential fusion method.
Coordination of Timers and Sensors in Cell Signaling
Authors: Qian Junbin , Gelens Lendert , Bollen Mathieu
Published: February 2019

Timers and sensors are common devices that make our daily life safer, more convenient, and more efficient. In a cellular context, they arguably play an even more crucial role as they ensure the survival of cells in the presence of various extrinsic and intrinsic stresses. Biological timers and sensors generate distinct signaling profiles, enabling them to produce different types of cellular responses. Recent data suggest that they can work together to guarantee correct timing and responsiveness. By exploring examples of cellular stress signaling from mitosis, DNA damage, and hypoxia, the authors discuss the common architecture of timer‐sensor integration, and how its added features contribute to the generation of desired signaling profiles when dealing with stresses of variable duration and strength. The authors propose timer‐sensor integration as a widespread mechanism with profound biological implications and therapeutic potential.
Improved CRISPR‐Cas12a‐assisted one‐pot DNA editing method enables seamless DNA editing
Authors: Wang Liping , Wang Haojun , Liu Huayi , Zhao Qiyuan , Liu Bing , Wang Lian , Zhang Jun , Zhu Jie , Bao Rui , Luo Yunzi
Published: February 2019

As the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–Cas12a (previously known as Cpf1) system cleaves double‐stranded DNA and produces a sticky end, it could serve as a useful tool for DNA assembly/editing. To broaden its application, a variety of engineered FnCas12a proteins are generated with expanded protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) requirements. Two variants (FnCas12a‐EP15 and EP16) increased the targeting range of FnCas12a by approximately fourfold. They can efficiently recognize a broad range of PAM sequences including YN (Y = C or T), TAC and CAA. Meanwhile, based on our demonstration that FnCas12a is active from 16 to 60°C, we developed an "improved CRISPR‐Cas12a‐assisted one‐pot DNA editing" (iCOPE) method to facilitate DNA editing by combining the crRNA transcription, digestion, and ligation in one pot. By applying iCOPE, the editing efficiency reached 72–100% for two DNA fragment assemblies, and for the 21 kb large DNA construct modification, the editing efficiency can reach 100%. Thanks to the advantages of Cas12a, iCOPE with only one digestion enzyme could replace current a variety of restriction enzymes to perform the cloning in one pot with almost no sequence constraints. Taken together, this study offers an expanded DNA targeting scope of CRISPR systems and could serve as an efficient seamless one‐pot DNA editing tool.
Complications and outcomes in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with gastric lesions treated with R‐CHOP
Authors: Kadota Tomohiro , Seo Sachiko , Fuse Hiroe , Ishii Genichiro , Itoh Kuniaki , Yano Tomonori , Kaneko Kazuhiro , Tsukasaki Kunihiro
Published: February 2019

Standard therapy for gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is considered to be chemotherapy with or without involved‐field radiation therapy. Although R‐CHOP therapy alone is widely used for DLBCL with gastric lesions (DLBCL‐GL), the outcome and incidence of treatment‐related gastric complications following R‐CHOP are not well known. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome after R‐CHOP therapy in patients with gastric DLBCL including gastric complications and to identify risk factors for the complications. Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL‐GL treated with R‐CHOP between 2003 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated. DLBCL‐GL was defined only when pathologically confirmed in the stomach. Of the 96 patients with DLBCL‐GL, 63 patients were diagnosed with gastric symptoms. Eighty‐eight patients (92%) completed six to eight cycles of R‐CHOP. The complete remission (CR) rate was 86%, and 3‐year and 5‐year overall survival rates were 80% and 73%, respectively. Patients were well stratified according to the Revised International Prognostic Index (R‐IPI). Complication rate was 8% (8/96); seven patients had bleeding and three had stenosis. No patients had gastric perforation. Bleeding occurred during the first cycle of R‐CHOP in five patients (5/7, 71%). Patients with gastric complications had a lower R‐CHOP completion rate (50%, P = 0.001) and a lower CR rate (25%, P < 0.001) than those without complications. A low serum albumin level at diagnosis was the only risk factor identified for gastric complications (P = 0.001) and six of the eight patients with complications were shown to be at stage IV. Further studies of DLBCL‐GL are warranted to identify patients at high risk for gastric complications and to provide better treatment strategies.
Protein Microarray Copying: Easy on‐Demand Protein Microarray Generation Compatible with Fluorescence and Label‐Free Real‐Time Analysis
Authors: Kilb Normann , Herz Tobias , Burger Jürgen , Woehrle Johannes , Meyer Philipp A. , Roth Günter
Published: February 2019

Protein microarrays are essential to understand complex protein interaction networks. Their production, however, is a challenge and renders this technology unattractive for many laboratories. Recent developments in cell‐free protein microarray generation offer new opportunities, but are still expensive and cumbersome in practice. Herein, we describe a cost‐effective and user‐friendly method for the cell‐free production of protein microarrays. From a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) flow cell containing an expressible DNA microarray, proteins of interest are synthesised by cell‐free expression and then immobilised on a capture surface. The resulting protein microarray can be regarded as a “copy” of the DNA microarray. 2 His6‐ and Halo‐tagged fluorescent reference proteins were used to demonstrate the functionality of nickel nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni‐NTA) and Halo‐bind surfaces in this copy system. The described process can be repeated several times on the same DNA microarray. The identity and functionality of the proteins were proven during the copy process by their fluorescence and on the surface through a fluorescent immune assay. Also, single‐colour reflectometry (SCORE) was applied to show that, on such copied arrays, real‐time binding kinetic measurements were possible.
The different expression of key markers on urothelial holoclonal, meroclonal, and paraclonal cells in in vitro culture
Authors: Buhl Monika , Kloskowski Tomasz , Jundzill Arkadiusz , Gagat Maciej , Balcerczyk Daria , Adamowicz Jan , Grzanka Alina , Nowacki Maciej , Drewa Gerard , Olszewska‐Słonina Dorota , Drewa Tomasz , Pokrywczynska Marta
Published: February 2019

Urothelial cell populations which differ in morphology and proliferation capacities can be isolated from the urinary bladder. The goal of this study was to analyze a clonal, proliferative, and self‐renewing potential of porcine urothelial cells and to compare expression of selected adhesion and tight junction molecules, urothelial and stem cell markers for the urothelial clone types. Urothelial cells were isolated from 10 porcine urinary bladders. Three different clone types: holoclone‐, meroclone‐and paraclone‐like colonies were identified based on their morphology. To characterize and compare the urothelial clones the immunofluorescent stains were performed. Expression of pancytokeratin (PanCK), Ki‐67 and p63 was higher for holoclone‐ like cells compared to meroclone‐and paraclone‐like cells (P < 0.05). Meroclone‐like cells expressed higher levels of p63 compared to paraclone‐ like cells (P < 0.05). The level of Ki‐67 and PanCK for meroclone‐ and paraclone‐ like cells was comparable (P > 0.05). β1 and β4 integrins were not expressed. Expression of zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) in cell‐cell junctions for paraclone‐, meroclone‐and holoclone‐like cells was 17.6 ± 0.6, 14.7 ± 0.5, and 16.1 ± 0.4, respectively. The results of actin filaments (F‐actin) expression were 253,634 ± 6,920 for meroclone‐like cells, 198,512 ± 7,977 for paraclone‐like cells and 133,544 ± 3,169 for holoclone‐like cells. Three urothelial cell types with differing features can be isolated from the bladder. Holoclone‐like cells are the richest in stem cells and should be used in further studies for construction of neo‐bladder or neo‐conduit using tissue engineering methods.
Supported Palladium Nanoparticles that Catalyze Aminocarbonylation of Aryl Halides with Amines using Oxalic Acid as a Sustainable CO Source
Authors: Bal Reddy C. , Ram Shankar , Kumar Ajay , Bharti Richa , Das Pralay
Published: February 2019

Polystyrene‐supported palladium (Pd@PS) nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to catalyze the aminocarbonylation of aryl halides with amines using oxalic acid as a CO source for the first‐time for the synthesis of amides. Furthermore, o‐iodoacetophenones participated in amidation and cyclization reactions to give isoindolinones in a single step following a concerted approach. Oxalic acid has been used as a safe, environmentally benign and operationally simple ex situ sustainable CO source under double‐layer‐vial (DLV) system for different aminocarbonylation reactions. Catalyst stability under a CO environment is a challenging task, however, Pd@PS was found to be recyclable and applicable for a vast substrate scope avoiding regeneration steps. Easy handling of oxalic acid, additive and base‐free CO generation, catalyst stability and effortless catalyst separation from the reaction mixture by filtration and introduce of DLV are the added advantages to make the overall process a sustainable approach.
Herbicidal Ionic Liquids Containing the Acetylcholine Cation
Authors: Czuryszkiewicz Daria , Maćkowiak Adam , Marcinkowska Katarzyna , Borkowski Andrzej , Chrzanowski Łukasz , Pernak Juliusz
Published: February 2019

This study presents a new group of herbicidal ionic liquids (HILs) based on a cation occurs commonly in nature−acetylcholine. The HILs were obtained with a high yield through ion exchange between acetylcholine chloride and potassium or sodium salts of selected acids with herbicidal activity. The results of the herbicidal activity measurement against common oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) exceeded those of the commercial products. Spray solutions of the synthesized HILs revealed high surface activity and wetting properties which further manifested as higher herbicidal activity. The reduction of surface tension and low contact angles together with the specific action of acetylcholine allowed for better penetration of synthesized HILs into plant tissues. In addition, OECD 301F tests confirmed high mineralization of the HILs. The simple transformation of commercial herbicides into acetylcholine HILs proved to be a very effective method of increasing their activity, and constitutes an interesting solution to the problem of weed infestation with the use of a substance commonly found in nature.
Bile cytology: A new scoring system for improving diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Hayakawa Chie , Hoshikawa Masahiro , Imura Johji , Ueno Takahiko , Koike Junki
Published: February 2019

Background

Benign and malignant cells need to be distinguished in any cytological examination of bile. Here, we report an original scoring system to improve the diagnostic accuracy of bile cytology.

Methods

The study used 158 bile aspiration samples obtained for cytological examination. Fourteen cytological findings were used to differentiate benign and malignant samples. Statistical significance tests and multivariate analysis were used to determine and quantify significant findings and develop a scoring system.

Results

Four cytological findings were significant in discriminating between benign and malignant cells: abnormal chromatin, irregularly arranged nuclei, irregularly overlapped nuclei, and irregular cluster margins. Our newly developed scoring system based on these four cytological findings yielded excellent results with a sensitivity of 87%, specificity of 98%, and an odds ratio of 329.

Conclusions

The use of our new scoring system is expected to contribute to the diagnostic accuracy of cytological evaluations of bile samples.
Identifying and responding to child maltreatment when delivering family‐based treatment—A qualitative study
Authors: Kimber Melissa , McTavish Jill R. , Couturier Jennifer , Le Grange Daniel , Lock James , MacMillan Harriet L.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

This study describes practitioner strategies, perceptions, experiences with identifying and responding to child emotional abuse (CEA) and child exposure to intimate partner violence (CEIPV) when providing Family‐Based Treatment (FBT) to children and adolescents with eating disorders.

Method

Using qualitative interpretive description, this study recruited a purposeful sample of practitioners (N = 30, 90% female) implementing FBT for adolescent eating disorders. Semi‐structured interviews focused on eliciting their perspectives regarding identifying and responding to CEA and CEIPV in practice. Interviews were conducted over the phone, were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using conventional content analysis. Interim member checking, the thoughtful clinician test, and coding memos were used to ensure the integrity of the analysis.

Results

Participants were 31–57 years old and practicing FBT in five countries. Three data patterns emerged: (a) perceptions of child maltreatment prevalence and identification; (b) complicating factors; and finally (c) strategies to support family‐based work. Practitioners described important considerations for CEA and CEIPV identification, as well as possible FBT adaptations that can support the safety of children and adolescents while simultaneously ensuring the treatment of the eating disorder.

Conclusions

Practitioners describe a need for additional training to identify and respond to CEA and CEIPV within FBT and within practice more broadly. There is a need for trials that detail the appropriateness and efficacy of FBT for patients experiencing CEA and/or CEIPV.
Body mass as a supertrait linked to abundance and behavioral dominance in hummingbirds: A phylogenetic approach
Authors: Bribiesca Rafael , Herrera‐Alsina Leonel , Ruiz‐Sanchez Eduardo , Sánchez‐González Luis A. , Schondube Jorge E.
Published: February 2019

Body mass has been considered one of the most critical organismal traits, and its role in many ecological processes has been widely studied. In hummingbirds, body mass has been linked to ecological features such as foraging performance, metabolic rates, and cost of flying, among others. We used an evolutionary approach to test whether body mass is a good predictor of two of the main ecological features of hummingbirds: their abundances and behavioral dominance. To determine whether a species was abundant and/or behaviorally dominant, we used information from the literature on 249 hummingbird species. For abundance, we classified a species as “plentiful” if it was described as the most abundant species in at least part of its geographic distribution, while we deemed a species to be “behaviorally dominant” when it was described as pugnacious (notably aggressive). We found that plentiful hummingbird species had intermediate body masses and were more phylogenetically related to each other than expected by chance. Conversely, behaviorally dominant species tended to have larger body masses and showed a random pattern of distribution in the phylogeny. Additionally, small‐bodied hummingbird species were not considered plentiful by our definition and did not exhibit behavioral dominance. These results suggest a link between body mass, abundance, and behavioral dominance in hummingbirds. Our findings indicate the existence of a body mass range associated with the capacity of hummingbird species to be plentiful, behaviorally dominant, or to show both traits. The mechanisms behind these relationships are still unclear; however, our results provide support for the hypothesis that body mass is a supertrait that explains abundance and behavioral dominance in hummingbirds.
Seeing is believing? Comparing plant–herbivore networks constructed by field co‐occurrence and DNA barcoding methods for gaining insights into network structures
Authors: Zhu Chunchao , Gravel Dominique , He Fangliang
Published: February 2019

Plant–herbivore interaction networks provide information about community organization. Two methods are currently used to document pairwise interactions among plants and insect herbivores. One is the traditional method that collects plant–herbivore interaction data by field observation of insect occurrence on host plants. The other is the increasing application of newly developed molecular techniques based on DNA barcodes to the analysis of gut contents. The second method is more appealing because it documents realized interactions. To construct complete interaction networks, each technique of network construction is urgent to be assessed. We addressed this question by comparing the effectiveness and reliability of the two methods in constructing plant–Lepidoptera larval network in a 50 ha subtropical forest in China. Our results showed that the accuracy of diet identification by observation method increased with the number of observed insect occurrences on food plants. In contrast, the molecular method using three plant DNA markers were able to identify food residues for 35.6% larvae and correctly resolved 77.3% plant (diet) species. Network analysis showed molecular networks had threefold more unique host plant species but fewer links than the traditional networks had. The molecular method detected plants that were not sampled by the traditional method, for example, bamboos, bryophytes and lianas in the diets of insect herbivores. The two networks also possessed significantly different structural properties. Our study indicates the traditional observation of co‐occurrence is inadequate, while molecular method can provide higher species resolution of ecological interactions.
Wildfire activity and land use drove 20th‐century changes in forest cover in the Colorado front range
Authors: Rodman Kyle C. , Veblen Thomas T. , Saraceni Sara , Chapman Teresa B.
Published: February 2019

Recent shifts in global forest area highlight the importance of understanding the causes and consequences of forest change. To examine the influence of several potential drivers of forest cover change, we used supervised classifications of historical (1938–1940) and contemporary (2015) aerial imagery covering a 2932‐km2 study area in the northern Front Range (NFR) of Colorado and we linked observed changes in forest cover with abiotic factors, land use, and fire history. Forest cover in the NFR demonstrated broad‐scale changes 1938–2015 and overall cover increased 7.8%, but there was notable spatial variability and many sites also experienced Forest Loss. Recent (1978–2015) wildfire was the largest single driver of Forest Loss, with fires burning 14.3% of the total study area. Recently burned areas showed net losses of 36.9% forest cover. Reasons for Forest Gain were more complex, with elevation, past mining density, fire history, and topographic heat load index being the strongest predictors of increases in forest cover. Historical mining activity is one of the dominant anthropogenic impacts in ecosystems in the NFR and it had a complex, non‐linear relationship with 20th‐century changes in forest cover. Subalpine stands originating after stand‐replacing fires circa mid‐1800s to early 1900s showed some of the greatest gains in forest cover, indicative of slow and continuous post‐fire recovery through the 20th century. We also investigated factors such as land ownership, road density, forest management activities, and development intensity, which played detectable, but more minor roles in observed change. Twentieth‐century changes in forest cover throughout the NFR are a result of ecological disturbances and anthropogenic influences operating at varying timescales and overlaid upon variability in the abiotic environment.
Stopping antibiotics after surgical amputation in diabetic foot and ankle infections—A daily practice cohort
Authors: Rossel Anne , Lebowitz Dan , Gariani Karim , Abbas Mohamed , Kressmann Benjamin , Assal Mathieu , Tscholl Philippe , Stafylakis Dimitrios , Uçkay Ilker
Published: February 2019

Objective

The appropriate duration of antibiotic therapy for diabetic foot infections (DFI) after surgical amputations in toto is debated. There are discrepancies worldwide.

Methods

Using a clinical pathway for adult DFI patients (retrospective cohort analysis), we conducted a cluster‐controlled Cox regression analysis. Minimum follow‐up was 2 months.

Results

We followed 482 amputated DFI episodes for a median of 2.1 years after the index episode. The DFIs predominately affected the forefoot (n = 433; 90%). We diagnosed osteomyelitis in 239 cases (239/482; 50%). In total, 47 cases (10%) were complicated by bacteremia, 86 (18%) by abscesses and 139 (29%) presented with cellulitis. Surgical amputation involved the toes (n = 155), midfoot (280) and hindfoot (47). Overall, 178 cases (37%) required revascularization. After amputation, the median duration of antibiotic administration was 7 days (interquartile range, 1‐16 days). In 109 cases (25%), antibiotics were discontinued immediately after surgery. Overall, clinical failure occurred in 90 DFIs (17%), due to the same pathogens in only 38 cases. In multivariate analysis, neither duration of total postsurgical antibiotic administration (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.99‐1.01) nor immediate postoperative discontinuation altered failure rate (HR 0.9, 0.5‐1.5).

Conclusion

According to our clinical pathway, we found no benefit in continuing postsurgical antibiotic administration in routine amputation for DFI. In the absence of residual infection (ie, resection at clear margins), antibiotics should be discontinued.
Pd‐Catalyzed Synthesis of γ‐Keto Esters as Key Intermediates for the Synthesis of γ‐Hydroxybutenolides
Authors: Schacht Mathias , Mohammadi Djawid , Schützenmeister Nina
Published: February 2019

We herein report a robust and safe palladium catalyzed domino‐carbonylation/Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction of vinyltosylates with arylboronic acids using Mo(CO)6 as CO‐source. The derived γ‐keto ester were subsequently cyclized under acidic conditions to obtain γ‐hydroxybutenolides, an important structural motif, which occurs in biologically active natural products.
Sodium Arenesulfinates‐Involved Sulfinate Synthesis Revisited: Improved Synthesis and Revised Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Ji Yuan‐Zhao , Li Hui‐Jing , Zhang Jin‐Yu , Wu Yan‐Chao
Published: February 2019

Reaction of alcohols with sodium arenesulfinates could afford either sulfones or sulfinates, and O‐attack of sulfinate anions onto the in situ generated carbocation intermediates from alcohols was the previous proposed reaction mechanism in many syntheses of sulfinates. This concept, which is often used consciously or unconsciously, was revised herein by using isotopic labeling experiments and development of an improved sulfinate synthesis. The improved sulfinate synthetic protocol possesses many advantages such as a high sulfinate/sulfone selectivity, a broad substrate scope, metal‐free, and mild reaction conditions. The revised reaction mechanism necessitates revision of many previous proposed reaction mechanisms in literatures.
Highly Sensitive Temperature‐responsive Sensor Based on PS‐PDEA‐PS/C60‐MWCNTs for Reversible Switch Detection of Catechol
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhao Pengcheng , Li Chunyan , Xie Yixi , Fei Junjie
Published: February 2019

A new type of temperature‐responsive electrochemical sensor was constructed based on a glass carbon electrode modified by the composite containing temperature‐responsive polymer polystyrene‐poly N, N‐diethyl acrylamide‐polystyrene (PS‐PDEA‐PS) and fullerenes‐carboxylate multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (C60‐MWCNTs). The sensor was used for the electrochemical detection of catechol (CC). When the temperature is higher than the critical temperature (LCST) of PS‐PDEA‐PS, the electrochemical behavior of CC can be detected, which it is in the “on” state. When the temperature is lower than LCST, the composite modified film is in the “off” state and the electrochemical behavior of CC was not detected. Under the best experimental conditions, the sensor has a good detection range for catechol from 4.0 to 135.0 μM, with a LOD of 1.45 μM. In addition, the proposed sensor has good stability and reproducibility, and was successfully applied to the determination of catechol in real tap water.
Electrochemical Fabrication of Prussian Blue Nanocube‐decorated Electroreduced Graphene Oxide for Amperometric Sensing of NADH
Authors: Eryiğit Mesut , Temur Elif , Özer Tuba Öznülüer , Doğan Hülya Öztürk
Published: February 2019

In this study, Prussian blue (PB) film on the electroreduced graphene oxide (ERGO)‐modified Au electrode surface (ERGO/PB) is easily prepared by means of cyclic voltammetric technique in the mixture of K3Fe(CN)6 and FeCl3. Its electrochemical behaviors for NADH biosensor are studied. The structural and morphological characters of modified electrode material are analyzed with using of XPS, XRD, Raman, EDS, and SEM techniques. ERGO/PB hybrid nanocomposite for NADH biosensor is exhibited to the higher catalytic effect (linear range from 1.0 to 100 μM, detection limit of 0.23 μM at S/N=3) compared to naked Au, ERGO‐modified Au, and PB‐modified Au electrodes. In addition to, ERGO/PB electrode was used to voltammetric and amperometric detection of H2O2. ERGO/PB electrodes also showed the same behavior as the NADH sensor. This ERGO/PB‐modified electrode supplied a simple, new, and low‐cost route for amperometric sensing of both NADH and H2O2.
Effect of Fiber Chemical Treatments on Performance of Date Palm Fibers Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Amini Niaki Seyed Reza , Kharrat Fatemeh Gholi Zadeh
Published: February 2019

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of optimized alkali treatment on the lignin reduction of date palm fibers. This kind of fiber treatment is used to improve the performance of natural fibers. The experiments conducted by central composite design (CCD) through response surface methodology (RSM) with four independent factors, each at five levels. Raw fibers underwent a surface modification method by alkali treatment with four independent variables, hydrogen peroxide (2–6 wt %), sodium hydroxide (3–7 wt %), temperature (30–46°C), and treatment time (14–18 h). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile properties, and thermal gravimetry analysis of untreated, treated, and optimized treated fibers were investigated. The results showed that the optimized levels for hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide were 4.9 and 5.2 wt %. The optimum temperature and treatment time were found to be 38.8°C and 17.8 h, respectively. At the optimized values of the independent variables, the lignin content of the fibers was 10.11%. Meantime, the tensile test results show that alkali treatment with optimized values improves the performance of fibers, although no high values are obtained. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Effect of homogenizer pressure and temperature on physicochemical, oxidative stability, viscosity, droplet size, and sensory properties of Sesame vegetable cream
Authors: Amiri Samani Sara , Naji Mohammad Hadi
Published: February 2019

In this study, the effects of homogenization pressure (125, 145, and 165 bars) and temperature (45, 60, and 75°C) on the properties of Sesame vegetable cream are investigated. The physical stability of cream was characterized by droplet size and syneresis, and chemical stability of it was evaluated by determining peroxide value and p‐anisidine. The results showed that the cream in the presence of high pressure and temperature treatment exhibits lower stability. At 75°C temperature and 165 bar, the vegetable cream had highest peroxide value (3.61) and p‐anisidine (2.16). However, pressure could protect the droplets against aggregation in the high pressure (165 bar) and greatly increased the physical stability. During increase in process parameters, the syneresis of cream was decreased with a rise of pressure and extension of temperature. The process condition in 145 bar and 60°C led to the high acceptability of vegetable cream.
Combined effect of chitosan coating and modified atmosphere packaging on fresh‐cut cucumber
Authors: Olawuyi Ibukunoluwa F. , Park Jong Jin , Lee Jae Jun , Lee Won Young
Published: February 2019

Fresh‐cut cucumber was coated with different concentrations of edible chitosan solutions and packaged in air‐, nitrogen‐, and argon‐based MA to preserve quality and extend shelf life. The effectiveness of individual and combined treatments on some quality parameters was examined at intervals during 12 days storage at a temperature of 5°C. The concentration of chitosan solutions significantly affected the performance of fresh‐cut cucumber in MA packages. Improved quality retention and reduced carbon dioxide production were observed in chitosan‐coated fresh‐cut samples. Argon‐based MA packaged samples exhibited better potential than air and nitrogen‐based MA packaging in retarding tissue respiration, physiological changes, chlorophyll degradation, and extending shelf life of fresh‐cut cucumber. Combined chitosan coating with MA packaging maintained quality, microbial safety, and extended the shelf life of fresh‐cut cucumber.
Long noncoding RNA HOXD‐AS1 induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in breast cancer by acting as a competing endogenous RNA of miR‐421
Authors: Li Yinyan , Han Xu , Li Qiaobei , Wang Chunyan , Lou Zhe , Wang Xuemei
Published: February 2019

Breast cancer (BCa) is the most common malignant tumor in females. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are deregulated in many types of human cancers, including BCa. The purpose of the present study was to examine the expression profile and biological role of HOXD cluster antisense RNA 1 (HOXD‐AS1) in BCa. Our results revealed that HOXD‐AS1 was upregulated in BCa tissues and cell lines, and high HOXD‐AS1 expression was correlated with aggressive clinicopathological characteristics of BCa patients. Further gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function analysis showed that HOXD‐AS1 overexpression promoted, whereas HOXD‐AS1 knockdown inhibited BCa cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion, indicating that HOXD‐AS1 may function as a novel oncogene in BCa. Mechanistically, HOXD‐AS1 could activate epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BCa cells. We further proved that HOXD‐AS1 might serve as a competing endogenous RNA of miR‐421 in BCa cells, and miR‐421 was downregulated and negatively correlated with HOXD‐AS1 expression in BCa tissues. Besides, we confirmed that SOX4, a master regulator of EMT, was a direct target gene of miR‐421. Further, rescue experiments suggested that miR‐421 overexpression partly abrogated the oncogenic role of HOXD‐AS1 in BCa cells. Therefore, we shed light on that HOXD‐AS1/miR‐421/SOX4 axis may be considered as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of BCa patients.
Muslims and mental health concerns: A social ecological model perspective
Authors: Tanhan Ahmet , Francisco Vincent T.
Published: February 2019

Muslims in the United States experience many psychosocial issues and underutilize mental health services. This study sought to systematically identify the common issues and strengths of the Muslims affiliated with a college in the Southeast region of the United States and address them accordingly. A survey comprising 33 items and 2 open‐ended questions regarding common issues and strengths was constructed. A total of 116 participants completed the survey. The overall rating for items was quite high, whereas the satisfaction rating was very low. The most important item was, “You have prayer places/rugs, ablution stations, and water in restrooms,” with an importance rating of 94.52% and a satisfaction rating of 20.50%. Four items regarding mental health were rated as the least important, and participants reported lack of knowledge regarding mental health services. This is the first study that includes a list of common concerns and strengths of the Muslim communities affiliated with colleges in the United States.
Heterogeneous catalytic degradation of methylparaben using persulfate activated by natural magnetite; optimization and modeling by response surface methodology
Authors: Rostamifasih Zeinab , Pasalari Hasan , Mohammadi Farzad , Esrafili Ali
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

In this study, a naturally magnetic semiconductor mineral (NM‐SCM) was used as a highly active, easily separable and green catalyst to activate persulfate (SPS) for the degradation of methylparaben (MeP) in aqueous solution by a heterogeneous catalyst system (SPS/NM‐SCM). NM‐SCM properties were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analyses. The effects of contributing factors such as solution pH, NM‐SCM loading, SPS dosage and initial MeP concentration on MeP degradation were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM) and Box–Behnken design (BBD).

RESULTS

The RSM model obtained from the present study (R2 > 0.99) showed a suitable correlation between the predicted values and experimental results of MeP degradation. Under optimized conditions (pH 6.5, SPS 5 mmol L−1, NM‐SCM 0.3 g L−1 and MeP 10 µmol L−1), a removal efficiency of 99.5% and a mineralization degree of 37% were achieved. The removal efficiency of MeP was reduced in the presence of inorganic ions as follows: chloride > nitrate > carbonate > phosphate. After five successive catalyst reuses, the degradation efficiency was >90%, indicating the excellent potential reusability of NM‐SCM catalyst.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the generation of highly reactive oxidizing species (SO4•−) and easy separation of the catalyst, the integration of NM‐SCM and SPS has great potential for the degradation of MeP from water and wastewater matrices. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Is contralateral breast ultrasound worthwhile in preoperative staging of breast cancer?
Authors: Leblond Michel‐Alexandre , Duchesne Nathalie , Provencher Louise , Hogue Jean‐Charles , Pinault Sylvie
Published: February 2019

Background

Women with invasive breast cancer are at higher risk of contralateral synchronous cancer. This study aimed at determining if contralateral breast ultrasound (CBUS) examination should be routinely performed in the preoperative evaluation of breast cancer patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of preoperative CBUS examinations performed between January 2012 and April 2015. The charts of patients presenting for biopsy of a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) 5 lesion and who had undergone a concomitant contralateral breast US examination were reviewed. Index tumor, lymph node status, American College of Radiology (ACR) breast density on mammogram, total scanning time, and results of CBUS were recorded.

Results

Of the 3007 patients who underwent breast biopsies during the study period, 360 patients met the inclusion criteria. Index mass size was 19 ± 10 mm. CBUS examination led to 76 biopsies, of which 12 were positive in 11 patients. Detection rate for mammographically occult contralateral invasive cancers was 3.1% (11/360). Contralateral lesion size was 13 ± 10 mm. Breast density was rated ACR C/D for nine women and ACR B for two. In the ACR C/D subgroup (82%), the contralateral cancer detection rate was 4.1%. Average additional scanning time spent required to perform CBUS examination was 3.1 ± 4.9 min. Patients diagnosed with contralateral invasive breast cancer underwent surgery and/or chemotherapy. The treatment strategy was changed in all 11 patients after the detection of a second primary cancer.

Conclusion

Preoperative CBUS is effective and most beneficial with women presenting ACR C/D breast density. Given its impact on decreasing future morbidity, its routine use should be considered to improve quality healthcare for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Three‐dimensional echocardiographic demonstration of aortic wall erosion after percutaneous atrial septal defect closure
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Mohsen , Türkmen Irem , Abdrabou Mostafa Mahmoud Mohamed , Kemaloğlu Oz Tuğba
Published: February 2019

Although late complications of percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD), including cardiac erosion and thrombosis, are rare, they are the most lethal. Data are still lacking regarding the usefulness of new imagining modalities, such as three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE), for the detection of these complications. Here, we report the case of a 57‐year‐old woman in whom cardiac erosion was very well visualized by 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) after percutaneous ASD closure.
Estimating volumes from common carp hepatocytes using design‐based stereology and examining correlations with profile areas: Revisiting a nutritional assay and unveiling guidelines to microscopists
Authors: Rašković Božidar , Cruzeiro Catarina , Poleksić Vesna , Rocha Eduardo
Published: February 2019

Assessing fish liver status is common in aquaculture nutrition assays. This often implies determining hepatocytes profile areas in routine thin (5–7 μm) histological sections. However, there are theoretical problems using planar morphometry in thin sections: inherent sampling cells biases, too small numbers of sampled cells, under/overestimation of size, measuring size as areas when cells are three‐dimensional (3D) entities. The gold standard for assessing/validate cell size is stereology using thick sections (20–40 μm). Here, we estimated the volume of hepatocytes and their nuclei by the nucleator and optical disector stereological probes (in thick sections), and, innovatively, in thin sections too (using single‐section disectors). The liver of common carp eating feed containing either low or high level of lipids was targeted. Results were compared with prior profile areas from planar morphometry using thin sections, and with profile areas estimated here with the two‐dimensional (2D) nucleator. Ratios between nucleus and cell/cytoplasm (N/C) areas and volumes were calculated and compared. There was high positive correlation between volumes in thin and thick sections (r = .85 to .89; p < .001), empirically validating the single‐section disector. Strong correlations existed between profile‐derived versus 2D‐nucleator areas (r = .74 to .83; p < .001). There was systematic underestimation of cells and nucleus size using planar morphometry. The N/C ratios derived from the 2D‐nucleator data were higher than those from planar morphometry. Despite theoretical premises for using simple planar morphometry in thin sections are flawed, our results support that such morphometry on carp/fish hepatocytes may offer some valid biological conclusions. Anyway, we advanced guidelines for implementing proper methods.
The conspicuous postmetamorphic coloration of fire salamanders, but not their toxicity, is affected by larval background albedo
Authors: Sanchez Eugenia , Pröhl Heike , Lüddecke Tim , Schulz Stefan , Steinfartz Sebastian , Vences Miguel
Published: February 2019

Experimental work in the early 20th century showed that background albedo experienced by larvae of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) induce a durable morphological modification of the postmetamorphic color pattern, which needed confirmation due to the controversies regarding Paul Kammerer's experiments. Such a carry‐over effect would be relevant as the black and yellow pattern of the alkaloid‐containing adult fire salamanders has been suggested to serve as an aposematic signal. Hence, we hypothesized that (a) adult coloration is conspicuous to potential predators under light conditions at night, given the nocturnal activity of this species, and (b) a condition affecting the salamander's coloration pattern would also affect its toxicity to maintain a quantitatively honest aposematic signal. To test the first hypothesis, we used spectrometry to model the vision of potential avian and snake predators and confirmed that fire salamander's black‐and‐yellow pattern is contrasting enough against the forest leaf litter to be considered conspicuous at night. To test the second hypothesis, we first confirmed the background carry‐over effect on black and yellow proportions in the dorsal skin of experimentally reared fire salamanders, using a rigorous experimental design. Then, we calculated the conspicuousness and determined the alkaloid profiles of these individuals. We did not find a correlation between conspicuousness and toxicity at the intrapopulation level. Moreover, there was no background carry‐over effect on the alkaloid profile. We discuss our results in a physiological, ecological, evolutionary, and historical context.