bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Risk Assessment for Carcinogenic and Non Carcinogenic Heavy Metal Exposure from Hibiscus Leaf Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria
Authors: Yaradua A. I. , Alhassan A. J. , Nasir A. , Matazu K. I. , Usman A. , Yau S. , Idi A. , Muhammad I. U. , Yaro S. A. , Mashi J. A.
Published: April 2019

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Hibiscus leaves cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Hibiscus leaves in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated Hibiscus leaves were collected in the year 2017 from the selected area.  Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks for the adult and children population through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals in the samples was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study shows that with the exception of Pb with mean concentration of (0.508-0.978), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.135-0.261), Cd (0.042-0.051), Fe (0.684-0.978) and Zn (1.048-1.208) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in both samples and the health risk index (HRI) for all the heavy metals were <1. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for the samples for both the adult and children population was in the decreasing order of Zn>Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd. ILCR for Cd is below the threshold risk limit (>10−5) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd in samples from Dabai, Daura, Funtua, Matazu and Zango for all samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Birchi, Dutsinma, Kafur, Katsina and Malunfashi were beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed: Funtua > Daura > Dutsinma > Katsina > Malunfashi > Matazu > Zango > Ingawa > Kafur > Dabai > Birchi for both adult and children, cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied Hibiscus samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adult. While in children with the exception of the sample from Birchi, Dabai and Kafur which are within the moderate cancer risk (>10−3) limit, all other samples were beyond the moderate cancer risk (>10−2) limit. The study suggests that consumption of the studied samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.
Factors that Influence Online Purchasing Behavior among Students in Universiti Utara Malaysia
Authors: Harunar Rashid Nur Ainun Nadhirah , Yusof Zahayu Md , Misiran Masnita , Mahmuddin Massudi
Published: April 2019

Aims: The rapid growth in Internet access among Malaysian showed more ventures towards e-commerce activity that contributes to significant value in national growth domestic product. As technology-driven industry is normally associated with younger generations that are more technology savvy, their purchasing behavior through online shopping platform is of interest.

Methodology: Undergraduate students online purchasing behavior will be assessed, and factor analysis will be adopted.

Results: Result shows that there are three major factors that influence online purchasing behavior, which are the attitude towards online shopping, trust, and perceived benefit. Result also indicated that 41.9% of the respondents have been victimized by financial fraud during online transaction at least once, thus the need to educate people in managing online financial risk is a must.

Conclusion: There are three factors that influence students’ attitude towards online shopping. The factors are behavior towards online shopping, trust and perceived benefit. Technological advances nowadays influence current students’ purchasing pattern that are more likely to buy products through online platforms.
Hemispheric Dominance and Laterality in Mobile Phone Use in Adults: An Observational Study
Authors: Onyeagwara N. C. , Okhakhu A. L.
Published: April 2019

Aims: Mobile/cell phone use has become an important socio-medical means of communication. The reason people use a particular ear to answer phone calls more frequently may be associated with hemispheric dominance/ handedness. We aim to determine association between hemispheric and or auditory dominance in laterality in mobile phone use.   

Study Design:  This was a three month prospective cross-sectional study involving all consenting medical and paramedical respondents.

Place and Duration of Study: Hospital community in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City , between 15th March to 15th June 2018.

Method: A modification of the Edinburgh handedness inventory (EHI) was the survey tool. Information retrieved included social demographics, hand most commonly used for activities like writing and picking of phone calls and ear used for phone conversation and the reasons. Data was analyzed using SPSS 19.0

Results: Of the 300 questionnaires distributed, 234 (78%) were completed by the respondents. There were 120(51.3%) males and114 (48.7%) females.  Age ranged from 18 - 80years. A total of 201(85.9%) were right handed, 16(6.8%) left handed and 14(6.0%) ambidextrous. One hundred and fifty four (66%) routinely use their right hand to pick phone calls, 50(21.4%) left and 27 (11.5%) use both hands.

A total of 141(60%) receive calls with the right ear, 60 (25.6%) with left, and 31(13.2%) had no preference.  Reasons advanced for the use of any particular ear included convenience 173 (73.9%), and better acuity 35(15%). Forty two (17.9%) agreed that the use of cell phone made them aware of their poor hearing in a particular ear. Using Pearson’s two tailed test of significance the probability of a right hander using the right hand to pick a phone call and placing it on the right ear is 0.99 or 99%, Vis a Vis left hander.

Conclusion: There appears to be an association between hemispheric dominance and laterality when using the mobile phone.
Defense Gene Expression of Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek., against Cercospora Leaf Spots (CLS)
Authors: K. Koche Deepak , Chaudhary Arvind D.
Published: April 2019

Most cultivars of Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek grown in Indian subcontinent are susceptible to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) is a major biotic stress resulting in poor yield of this crop. Therefore, it is essential to investigate resistance status of different cultivars to CLS and develop effective strategy. Present investigation was focused on the role of biochemical compounds in resistance response of this crop to CLS in naturally grown population and after artificial induction with pathogen derived elicitor. The defense responses in vivo and in vitro were analyzed in the form of phytoalexin genestein, PAL and PR- proteins in their leaves. PR-proteins, PAL and genestein were assayed employing established protocols. In naturally grown population, four cultivars- Kopergaon, TARM-1, TARM-2 and TARM-18 showed lesser accumulation of genestein and lower level of PAL and PR- proteins. However, Pant M-3, ML-1037 and ML-936 showed resistant interaction with very high accumulation of genestein, PAL and PR proteins. Similar trends of accumulation of these biochemicals were observed in in vitro condition after elicitation with pathogen derived elicitor. The correlation study showed that the cultivars with lower defense related expression showed high disease incidence (51-61%) and with higher defense related expression were with less than 5% CLS incidence. It could be stated that PR-proteins, PAL and genestein has prominent role in defense mechanism of mungbean against CLS  as biochemical markers and further their utility in early screening for disease resistance of crop plants could be explored.
Recommended Ways to be Assertive and Committed in Overweight and Obesity Control and Prevention: A Review
Authors: Wankasi H. I.
Published: April 2019

Aim: This systematic review article recommends how one who yearns and willing to control/lose weight in order to prevent obesity can be assertive and committed to the intended course.

Study Context: The study started at the last lap of study in United Kingdom 2014 and concluded in Nigeria 2015. The recommendations herein are not for a particular setting, as these may be useful to anyone if the outlined principles are adopted by all affected persons irrespective of ethnicity, gender and location.

Methodology: A critical online searches were conducted to identify existing strategies and interventions designed to reduce the trend of obesity. Materials comprising of journal publications from Pub MED, Science Direct, NIH websites, several books from University and College libraries, personal books as well as books from charity shops covering period from 1992-2014 were accessed and explored.

Findings: At least 70 articles were accessed, of which 54 were used as sample.  Out of the 54 materials, 77% stressed regular exercise, adequate sleep and selective/control diet as obesity preventive/control measures, 14% emphasised exercise, diet rich in vegetables and drugs, 6% said avoid stress and ensure communication, while 3% articles advocate diet and surgery as well as reports on nursing staff counselling clients and regular exercises.

Conclusion: Based on the relevance of the existing programmes, this paper postulates the need to tackle the obesity scourge by applying these two leadership concepts (assertiveness and commitment) to enhance effectiveness (achieve desired weight reduction) of these already existing weight reducing activities.
Crude and Chitosan Nano-particles Extracts of Some Maggots as Antioxidant and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Hasaballah Ahmed I.
Published: April 2019

The antioxidant effects besides anticancer activities of Musca domestica, Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya albiceps maggots extracts against human liver carcinoma (HepG-2) and human colon carcinoma (HCT-116) were investigated. Two kinds of extracts, crude and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared. The antioxidant activity of different tested extracts was performed by DPPH radical scavenging method, the results obtained revealed that, the highest levels of DPPH scavenging activity were exhibited by the crude extracts of tested maggots with preference to C. albiceps extract, which exhibited a much more potent activity followed by L. sericata and M. domestica in crude and CNPs extracts. Crude extracts have lower anticancer activity than the CNPs extracts; however, the lowest percentage of cell viability (6.7±0.7%) was recorded by L. sericata crude extract against HCT-116, followed by C. albiceps crude extract (7.57±1.25%) against HepG-2 at the highest used concentration 100 µg/ml. The strongest anticancer activity was observed with CNPs extracts and it was recorded at concentrations of 80, 90 and 100 µg/ml against cell lines tested. Depending on Median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of maggots crude and CNPs extracts, the IC50 values were in the range of 37.3 to 74.3 µg/ml and the highest anticancer activity was obtained by C. albiceps CNPs extracts against cell lines tested. In conclusion, both tested extracts have optimistic antioxidant activity. CNPs extracts have great therapeutic potential due to its anticancer inducing activities.
Algaeculture: An Alternative to Solving Energy Sustainability Crises in Developing Countries
Authors: Adeyinka Ojo-Awo , Phillip A.
Published: April 2019

There is an impending need to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels in these areas of the world considering the ever depleting conventional oil resources and climate change, induced by greenhouse gas emissions. Algae are currently being prompted as a potential next generation bioenergy feedstock due to the fact that they do not compete with food or feed crops. They also produce much higher areal oil yields than the current agricultural crops. They can be produced on barren lands and have broad bioenergy potentials as they can be used to produce liquid transportation and heating fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol, or anaerobically digested to produce biogas. Algae are fast growing organisms capable of fixing high amount of carbondioxide through photosynthesis to produce biomass. Diverse technologies are currently being pursued to produce algae for bioenergy applications. The successful culture of algae could serve as a solution to the impending energy crises in both developed and developing countries.
DDX41 mutations in myeloid neoplasms are associated with male gender, TP53 mutations and high‐risk disease
Authors: Quesada Andrés E. , Routbort Mark J. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos E. , Kanagal‐Shamanna Rashmi , Khoury Joseph D. , Thakral Beenu , Zuo Zhuang , Yin C. Cameron , Loghavi Sanam , Ok Chi Y. , Wang Sa A. , Tang Zhenya , Bannon Sarah A. , Benton Christopher B. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Kantarjian Hagop , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Patel Keyur P.
Published: April 2019

Myeloid neoplasms with germline DDX41 mutations have been incorporated into the 2017 WHO classification. Limited studies describing the clinicopathologic features and mutation profile are available. We searched for myeloid neoplasms with a DDX41 gene mutation tested by an 81‐gene next‐generation sequencing panel over a 7‐month period. We identified 34 patients with myeloid neoplasms with DDX41 abnormalities; 26 (76%) men and 8 women (24%) [median age, 70 years], 20 acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 10 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), 1 chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and 3 myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Fifty‐nine DDX41 variants were detected: 27 (46%) appeared somatic and 32 (54%) were presumably germline mutations. The majority of presumed germline mutations were upstream of the Helicase 2 domain (93%) and involved loss of the start codon (30%). The majority of somatic mutations were within the Helicase 2 domain (78%), with the missense mutation p.R525H being most common (67%). There was a significant difference in the location of germline or somatic mutations (P < .0001). Concomitant mutations were detected involving 19 genes, but only TP53 (n = 11, 32%), ASXL1 (n = 8, 24%), and JAK2 (n = 4, 12%) were recurrent. Twenty (59%) patients showed diploid cytogenetics. Twenty‐three (68%) patients presented with AML or MDS‐EB‐2, suggesting an association with high‐grade myeloid neoplasm. Patients with myeloid neoplasms carrying DDX41 mutations show male predominance (3:1), higher age at presentation, association with TP53 mutations, and association with high‐grade myeloid neoplasms in our cohort at a referral cancer center setting. These findings support the recognition of myeloid neoplasms with DDX41 mutation as unique, need for germline confirmation, and further assessment of family members.
Mantle cell lymphoma: 2019 update on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, prognostication, and management
Authors: Jain Preetesh , Wang Michael
Published: April 2019

Unprecedented advances in our understanding of the pathobiology, prognostication, and therapeutic options in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) have taken place in the last few years. Heterogeneity in the clinical course of MCL—indolent vs aggressive—is further delineated by a correlation with the mutational status of the variable region of immunoglobulin heavy chain, methylation status, and SOX‐11 expression. Cyclin‐D1 negative MCL, in situ MCL neoplasia, and impact of the karyotype on prognosis are distinguished. Apart from Ki‐67% and morphology pattern (classic vs blastoid/pleomorphic), the proliferation gene signature has helped to further refine prognostication. Studies focusing on mutational dynamics and clonal evolution on Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib) and/or Bcl2 antagonists (venetoclax) have further clarified the prognostic impact of somatic mutations in TP53, BIRC3, CDKN2A, MAP3K14, NOTCH2, NSD2, and SMARCA4 genes. In therapy, long‐term follow‐up on chemo‐immunotherapy studies has demonstrated durable remissions in some patients; however, long‐term toxicities, especially from second cancers, are a serious concern with chemotherapy. The therapeutic options in MCL are constantly evolving, with dramatic responses from nonchemotherapeutic agents (ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and venetoclax). Chimeric antigen receptor therapy and combinations of nonchemotherapeutic agents are actively being studied and our focus is shifting toward making the treatment of MCL chemotherapy‐free. Still, MCL remains incurable. The following aspects of MCL continue to pose a challenge: disease transformation, role of the cytokine‐microenvironmental milieu, incorporation of positron emission tomography‐computerized tomography imaging, minimal residual disease in the prognosis, circulating tumor DNA testing for clonal evolution, predicting resistance to BTK inhibitors, and optimal management of patients who progress on BTK/Bcl2 inhibitors. Next‐generation clinical trials should incorporate nonchemotherapeutic agents and personalize the treatment based upon the genomic profile of individual patient. Recent advances in the field of MCL are reviewed.
Genetic resiliency and the Black Death: No apparent loss of mitogenomic diversity due to the Black Death in medieval London and Denmark
Authors: Klunk Jennifer , Duggan Ana T. , Redfern Rebecca , Gamble Julia , Boldsen Jesper L. , Golding G. Brian , Walter Brittany S. , Eaton Katherine , Stangroom Julianna , Rouillard Jean‐Marie , Devault Alison , DeWitte Sharon N. , Poinar Hendrik N.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

In the 14th century AD, medieval Europe was severely affected by the Great European Famine as well as repeated bouts of disease, including the Black Death, causing major demographic shifts. This high volatility led to increased mobility and migration due to new labor and economic opportunities, as evidenced by documentary and stable isotope data. This study uses ancient DNA (aDNA) isolated from skeletal remains to examine whether evidence for large‐scale population movement can be gleaned from the complete mitochondrial genomes of 264 medieval individuals from England (London) and Denmark.

Materials and Methods

Using a novel library‐conserving approach to targeted capture, we recovered 264 full mitochondrial genomes from the petrous portion of the temporal bones and teeth and compared genetic diversity across the medieval period within and between English (London) and Danish populations and with contemporary populations through population pairwise ΦSTanalysis.

Results

We find no evidence of significant differences in genetic diversity spatially or temporally in our dataset, yet there is a high degree of haplotype diversity in our medieval samples with little exact sequence sharing.

Discussion

The mitochondrial genomes of both medieval Londoners and medieval Danes suggest high mitochondrial diversity before, during and after the Black Death. While our mitochondrial genomic data lack geographically correlated signals, these data could be the result of high, continual female migration before and after the Black Death or may simply indicate a large female effective population size unaffected by the upheaval of the medieval period. Either scenario suggests a genetic resiliency in areas of northwestern medieval Europe.
Diet variability among pre‐Dogon and early Dogon populations (Mali) from stable isotopes and dental diseases
Authors: Dlamini Nonhlanhla , Sealy Judith , Mayor Anne
Published: April 2019

Aims and Objectives

This article reports on diet variability in the Dogon Country (Mali) through a bio‐archeological study of pre‐Dogon and early Dogon human remains (7th century to 19th century AD) from collective burial caves in the Bandiagara Escarpment.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and twenty crania from collections curated in Leiden, Paris, and Bamako were studied for dental diseases. In a subset of teeth (n = 175), δ13C and δ15N were measured in bulk dentine samples.

Results

δ13C and δ15N values vary widely (−15.4 to −6.0‰ for δ13C, 6.0–14.8‰ for δ15N, n = 175), and indicate diets dominated by C4‐based foods with a focus on plants; animal products played a minor role. There are significant differences between the δ13C values from older (pre‐Dogon) and younger (Dogon) periods. Frequencies of caries, antemortem tooth loss, and abscesses increase significantly through time. Individuals from northern caves have more positive δ13C and δ15N values than southern ones.

Discussion and Conclusions

The temporal shifts are probably due to progressive diversification of foods, consistent with archeological evidence showing the addition of rice and vegetables to pearl millet. The geographical disparity is explained by a combination of climatic, environmental, and cultural factors. Last, intersite differences imply that different communities (or subsections thereof) disposed of their dead in different caves.

Based on a large sample extending over a wider area and longer time frame than previous work, our study shows that diets in the Dogon Country were neither uniform nor continuous through time, as previously proposed. Our results attest to a complex history of settlement and foodways.
Visible‐Light Photoredox‐Catalyzed and Copper‐Promoted Trifluoromethoxylation of Arenediazonium Tetrafluoroborates
Authors: Yang Shaoqiang , Chen Miao , Tang Pingping
Published: April 2019

We report the development of photoredox‐catalyzed and copper‐promoted trifluoromethoxylation of arenediazonium tetrafluoroborates, with trifluoromethyl arylsulfonate (TFMS) as the trifluoromethoxylation reagent. This new method takes advantage of visible‐light photoredox catalysis to generate the aryl radical under mild conditions, combined with copper‐promoted selective trifluoromethoxylation. The reaction is scalable, tolerates a wide range of functional groups, and proceeds regioselectively under mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, mechanistic studies suggested that a Cs[Cu(OCF3)2] intermediate might be generated during the reaction.
Biosynthesis of l‐4‐Chlorokynurenine, an Antidepressant Prodrug and a Non‐Proteinogenic Amino Acid Found in Lipopeptide Antibiotics
Authors: Luhavaya Hanna , Sigrist Renata , Chekan Jonathan R. , McKinnie Shaun M. K. , Moore Bradley S.
Published: April 2019

l‐4‐Chlorokynurenine (l‐4‐Cl‐Kyn) is a neuropharmaceutical drug candidate that is in development for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Recently, this amino acid was naturally found as a residue in the lipopeptide antibiotic taromycin. Herein, we report the unprecedented conversion of l‐tryptophan into l‐4‐Cl‐Kyn catalyzed by four enzymes in the taromycin biosynthetic pathway from the marine bacterium Saccharomonospora sp. CNQ‐490. We used genetic, biochemical, structural, and analytical techniques to establish l‐4‐Cl‐Kyn biosynthesis, which is initiated by the flavin‐dependent tryptophan chlorinase Tar14 and its flavin reductase partner Tar15. This work revealed the first tryptophan 2,3‐dioxygenase (Tar13) and kynurenine formamidase (Tar16) enzymes that are selective for chlorinated substrates. The substrate scope of Tar13, Tar14, and Tar16 was examined and revealed intriguing promiscuity, thereby opening doors for the targeted engineering of these enzymes as useful biocatalysts.
Syngas‐Free Highly Regioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Transfer Hydroformylation of Alkynes to α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Tan Guangying , Wu Yimin , Shi Yang , You Jingsong
Published: April 2019

The hydroformylation of alkynes is a fundamental and important reaction in both academic research and industry. Conventional methods focus on the conversion of alkynes, CO, and H2 into α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, but they often suffer from problems associated with operation, regioselectivity, and chemoselectivity. Herein, we disclose an operationally simple, mild, and syngas‐free rhodium‐catalyzed reaction for the hydroformylation of alkynes via formyl and hydride transfer from an alkyl aldehyde. This synthetic method uses inexpensive and easy‐to‐handle n‐butyraldehyde to overcome the challenge posed by the use of syngas in traditional approaches and employs a commercially available catalyst and ligand to transform a broad range of internal alkynes, especially alkynyl‐containing complex molecules, into versatile stereodefined α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes with excellent chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselectivity.
Catalytic effect of rice straw‐derived chars on the decomposition of naphthalene: The influence of steam activation and solvent treatment during char preparation
Authors: Krerkkaiwan Supachita , Fukuda Suneerat
Published: April 2019

Rice straw char (RSC) was prepared as the catalyst for naphthalene decomposition in this work. The effects of steam activation and solvent treatment on the catalytic naphthalene decomposition during the char preparation were investigated. Four chars were prepared: RSC, steam‐activated RSC at 500°C (SRS500), steam‐activated RSC at 800°C (SRS800), and solvent‐treated RSC (ResC). The catalytic activity of each catalyst was discussed, and the catalytic mechanisms were also proposed. The results revealed that the SRS catalysts gave a higher catalytic activity than the RSC, due to the enhancement of the surface area after steam activation. The SRS800 gave the highest naphthalene conversion and net gas yield: approximately 76.9% and 45%, respectively. However, its catalytic activity was more rapidly decreased by coke deposition than the other chars. Compared with the RSC, the ResC showed a slightly lower naphthalene conversion, but the net gas yield was slightly higher, especially that of H2 and CH4, due to the existence of K in silicate form.
Design and testing of high‐density polyethylene nanocomposites filled with lead oxide micro‐ and nano‐particles: Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed E. , El‐Khatib Ahmed M. , El‐Sharkawy Rehab M. , Rashad Amal R. , Badawi Mohamed S. , Gepreel Mohamed A.
Published: April 2019

This research discusses the mechanical behavior and the microstructure of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)‐based composites, manufactured using the melt‐mixing and thermal‐pressing techniques, where HDPE is mixed with various percentages of either bulk lead monoxide (bulk PbO) or PbO nanoparticles (PbO‐NPs) acting as fillers. The scanning electron microscope and the field emission transmission electron microscope were utilized to identify the morphology of polymeric composites. Both showed the proper dispersion of PbO in the HDPE matrix without substantial agglomerations. The effect of PbO on the thermal behavior of the HDPE was studied using the thermogravimetric analysis. Tensile tests were implemented to find out how the mechanical characteristics of the composites were affected. Yield stress, % elongation at break, stiffness, tensile energy (toughness), ultimate tensile strength, and ultimate tensile strain were elucidated in this work. The values of stiffness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield stress increased by increasing either the bulk PbO or PbO‐NPs' loading up to 40.0 wt % with reference to the hosting matrix. The values of ultimate tensile strain, tensile energy, and % elongation at break of the assembled composites diminished dramatically by increasing the filler's content from 10.0 to 50.0 wt %. Besides, composites with PbO‐NPs as a filler were identified as having higher mechanical characteristics than those with bulk PbO for the same wt %. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47812.
DNA Origami as Scaffolds for Self‐Assembly of Lipids and Proteins
Authors: Dong Yuanchen , Mao Youdong
Published: April 2019

Since first being reported in 2006, the DNA origami approach has attracted increasing attention due to programmable shapes, structural stability, biocompatibility, and fantastic addressability. Herein, we provide an account of recent developments of DNA origami as scaffolds for templating the selfassembly of distinct biocomponents, essentially proteins and lipids, into a diverse spectrum of integrated supramolecular architectures. First, the historical development of the DNA origami concept is briefly reviewed. Next, various applications of DNA origami constructs in controllable directed assembly of soluble proteins are discussed. The manipulation and self‐assembly of lipid membranes and membrane proteins by using DNA origami as scaffolds are also addressed. Furthermore, recent progress in applying DNA origami in cryoelectron microscopy analysis is discussed. These advances collectively emphasize that the DNA origami approach is a highly versatile, fast evolving tool that may be integrated with lipids and proteins in a way that meets future challenges in molecular biology and nanomedicine.
Hydrogen and CO2 Management in the Refinery with Fuzzy Multiobjective Nonlinear Programming
Authors: Sardashti Birjandi Mohammad Reza , Shahraki Farhad , Razzaghi Kiyanoosh
Published: April 2019

An innovative approach for optimization of the hydrogen network in a refinery is presented. The optimization problem was formulated as a fuzzy‐based multiobjective nonlinear programming (FMONLP), aiming at simultaneous minimization of the total annual cost and CO2 emission. This is achieved by defining an objective function with a weighted sum of the annual cost and CO2 emission. The weighting factors are considered as fuzzy parameters which are described based on the experts' experiences. The applicability of the proposed approach is illustrated by optimization of an Iranian refinery hydrogen network.
Data‐Driven Subgrid‐Scale Modeling for Convection‐Dominated Concentration Boundary Layers
Authors: Weiner Andre , Hillenbrand Dennis , Marschall Holger , Bothe Dieter
Published: April 2019

A flexible modeling approach for the accurate approximation of convection‐dominated reactive‐species boundary layers is introduced. A substitute problem is solved numerically and analyzed by employing statistical methods. The numerical data are then used to train a machine learning model that can be used to approximate the reactive mass transfer locally if a direct resolution of the concentration boundary layer is infeasible. Compared to previous modeling approaches, the machine learning model replaces the analytical solution of a simplified substitute problem, which makes it applicable to more complicated and general settings.
Water‐Induced Breaking of the Coulombic Ordering in a Room‐Temperature Ionic Liquid Metal Complex
Authors: Hiraoka Tomoaki , Ohtani Ryo , Nakamura Masaaki , Lindoy Leonard F. , Hayami Shinya
Published: April 2019

Control of ion arrangements in ionic liquids represents a major challenge owing to the presence of the predominant coulombic interactions between cationic and anionic ion species that forms the coulombic ordering. Here, water‐induced ion rearrangement in a room‐temperature ionic liquid (RT‐IL) metal complex, (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium)2[MnN(CN)4], is demonstrated through coordinative interactions between anions. Solidification occurred, which was associated with the formation of a “separated” structure consisting of cation columns and anionic cyanide‐bridged one‐dimensional coordination polymers. The energy diagram is in accord with the resultant RT‐IL incorporating mononuclear [MnN(CN)4]2− molecules being a kinetic phase stabilized by inter‐ion repulsions of the anionic divalent metal complex moieties. Water acts to decrease the coulombic interactions, including repulsion, giving rise to breaking of the coulombic ordering arising from coordination bond formation in the IL phase.
Dehydrogenation of Amine–Boranes Using p‐Block Compounds
Authors: Boom Devin H. A. , Jupp Andrew R. , Slootweg J. Chris
Published: April 2019

Amine–boranes have gained a lot of attention due to their potential as hydrogen storage materials and their capacity to act as precursors for transfer hydrogenation. Therefore, a lot of effort has gone into the development of suitable transition‐ and main‐group metal catalysts for the dehydrogenation of amine–boranes. During the past decade, new systems started to emerge solely based on p‐block elements that promote the dehydrogenation of amine–boranes through hydrogen‐transfer reactions, polymerization initiation, and main‐group catalysis. In this review, we highlight the development of these p‐block based systems for stoichiometric and catalytic amine–borane dehydrogenation and discuss the underlying mechanisms.
Efficient Self‐Assembled DNA Nanoparticles through Rolling Circle Amplification for siRNA Delivery in vitro
Authors: Yao Qian , Chen Yuqi , Wu Fan , Wu Fan , Liu Chaoxing , Hong Tingting , Li Wei , Chen Yi , Zhou Xiang
Published: April 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Effective and low toxicity delivery of siRNA is of great importance for clinical gene therapy. Herein, self‐assembled DNA nanoparticles (NPs) based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) with a small interfering RNA (siRNA) payload were successfully developed as a facile and efficient siRNA delivery strategy. This intracellular gene silencing strategy exhibits various advantages including low toxicity, high efficiency, and good stability. The synthesized DNA NPs serve as siRNA carriers, protecting the siRNA against nuclease degradation. We demonstrate that the obtained self‐assembled siRNA/NP/PEI system can successfully deliver enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐siRNA into HeLa cells, realizing the same EGFP knockdown efficiency with less toxicity as that of commercial Lipofectamine 2000.
The fraction of CD117/c‐KIT‐expressing erythroid precursors predicts ESA response in low‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Raimbault Anna , Itzykson Raphael , Willems Lise , Rousseau Alice , Chapuis Nicolas , Mathis Stéphanie , Clauser Sylvain , Radford‐Weiss Isabelle , Bouscary Didier , Fontenay Michaela , Kosmider Olivier , Bardet Valérie
Published: April 2019

Background

Compelling evidence has emerged for the relevance of flow cytometry (FC) in the diagnostic work‐up of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) but due to technical issues, the erythroid lineage has been under investigated, specifically in the therapeutic context.

Methods

Using the “no red cell lysis” method developed to set up the RED‐score, we specifically quantified the fraction of CD117/c‐KIT‐expressing erythroid precursors in a cohort of 144 MDS patients and studied the correlation with response to erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESA) in a sub cohort of 63 low‐risk MDS patients.

Results

We confirmed the previously reported increase in CD117/c‐KIT‐expressing erythroid precursors in a subset of MDS patients and demonstrated a strong association between a cut off of CD117/c‐KIT‐expressing erythroid precursors ≥3% and ESA response (P = 0.001), independent of red blood cell requirement. From our observations, we hypothesized that a decrease in CD117/c‐KIT‐expressing erythroid precursors could be a mechanism of ESA failure. Moreover, the fraction of CD117/c‐KIT‐expressing erythroid precursors was correlated with progression‐free survival in low‐risk MDS patients (P = 0.018). In vitro, we demonstrated in an EPO dependent cell line that CD117/c‐KIT expression is necessary for cell survival under EPO stimulation.

Conclusions

The quantification of the CD117/c‐KIT‐expressing erythroid precursors could be proposed as a new theranostic and prognostic marker in MDS treated by ESA. Future studies will be required to determine whether modulating CD117/c‐KIT expression and signaling could be used to improve anemia in MDS. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Treat‐to‐target HbA1c and lipid profile to prolong β‐cell mass/function and optimize treatment goal attainment
Authors: Gagliardino Juan J. , Elgart Jorge , Forti Luján , Guaita María Silvina , Chantelot Jean M.
Published: April 2019

Background

To evaluate the relation between different serum lipid fractions and other known barriers to attain the HbA1c ≤ 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) target.

Methods

Data on 2719 patients with type 2 diabetes were collected from the five waves of the International Diabetes Mellitus Practice Study implemented in Argentina (2006 to 2012) including demographic/socioeconomic profile, clinical, metabolic (HbA1c and serum lipids) data, and treatment type and also, percentage of treatment goal attainment. Descriptive statistical analyses included ANOVA, χ2 test, and Fisher exact test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, which identified predictive factors for HbA1c ≤ 7% (53 mmol/mol).

Results

The average age was 63 years, primary/secondary education, health insurance, 10‐year type 2 diabetes duration, most associated with cardiovascular risk factors and some microvascular/macrovascular complications; 94.5% received antihyperglycaemic drugs. Percentage of people on target: HbA1c 51.2%, blood pressure 23.5%, total cholesterol 62.6%, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 38.9%, and triglycerides 61.1%. HbA1c on target depended markedly on treatment type: more of those treated with lifestyle changes and significantly fewer of those receiving insulin. Only 4.1% had all parameters simultaneously on target. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that achieving HbA1c ≤ 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) was associated with higher educational level, shorter diabetes duration, and having reached goals for LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, whereas opposite results were obtained with insulin treatment and longer diabetes duration.

Conclusions

High LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels simultaneously potentiate development/progression of chronic complications, exerting this effect in the long term by decreasing β‐cell mass/function, thereby making it more difficult to reach HbA1c values able to prevent complications.
Neuronal Plasticity in the Mushroom‐Body Calyx of Bumble Bee Workers During Early Adult Development
Authors: Kraft Nadine , Spaethe Johannes , Rössler Wolfgang , Groh Claudia
Published: April 2019

Division of labor among workers is a key feature of social insects and frequently characterized by an age‐related transition between tasks, which is accompanied by considerable structural changes in higher brain centers. Bumble bees (Bombus terrestris), in contrast, exhibit a size‐related rather than an age‐related task allocation, and thus workers may already start foraging at two days of age. We ask how this early behavioral maturation and distinct size variation are represented at the neuronal level and focused our analysis on the mushroom bodies (MBs), brain centers associated with sensory integration, learning and memory. To test for structural neuronal changes related to age, light exposure, and body size, whole‐mount brains of age‐marked workers were dissected for synapsin immunolabeling. MB calyx volumes, densities, and absolute numbers of olfactory and visual projection neuron (PN) boutons were determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy and three‐dimensional image analyses. Dark‐reared bumble bee workers showed an early age‐related volume increase in olfactory and visual calyx subcompartments together with a decrease in PN‐bouton density during the first three days of adult life. A 12:12  h light‐dark cycle did not affect structural organization of the MB calyces compared to dark‐reared individuals. MB calyx volumes and bouton numbers positively correlated with body size, whereas bouton density was lower in larger workers. We conclude that, in comparison to the closely related honey bees, neuronal maturation in bumble bees is completed at a much earlier stage, suggesting a strong correlation between neuronal maturation time and lifestyle in both species.
Il n'y a pas d'amour heureux pour Casanova: Chemical‐ and bio‐analysis of his Memoirs
Authors: Zilberstein Gleb , Zilberstein Roman , Zilberstein Svetlana , Fau Guillaume , D'Amato Alfonsina , Righetti Pier Giorgio
Published: April 2019

The original manuscript of Casanova's Memoirs is stored at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris. We have gained access to it and explored the surfaces of chapters one and two (via the ethylene vinyl acetate [EVA] film technology, i.e., of diskettes of ethylene vinyl acetate with embedded strong cation and anion exchangers and C8 resins) in search of potential diseases of the author, especially of the gonorrhea bacterium, since Casanova reported that he had several bouts of this pathology along his adventurous life. Although the bacterium was not found, we have detected high levels of HgS as red spots along the lines of the manuscript, suggesting that Casanova was using this chemical as a cure for his venereal disease. Additionally, among the several bacteria identified on the surface via mass spectrometry, we could detect traces of Streptococcus uberis, a typical animal infection, found also in humans, together with a few strains of Lactobacilli, probably present in his saliva. The EVA film technology appears to open new horizons for investigating the world Cultural Heritage.
An improved parallel compact scheme for domain‐decoupled simulation of turbulence
Authors: Fang J. , Gao F. , Moulinec C. , Emerson D.R.
Published: April 2019

An improved domain‐decoupled compact scheme for first and second spatial derivatives is proposed for domain‐decomposition‐based parallel computational fluid dynamics. The method improves the accuracy of previously developed decoupled schemes and preserves the accuracy and bandwidth properties of fully coupled compact schemes, even for a very large degree of parallelism, and enables the Navier‐Stokes equations to be solved independently on each processor. The scheme is analysed using Fourier analysis and error analysis, and tested on one‐dimensional wave‐packet propagation, a two‐dimensional vortex convection problem, and in the direct numerical simulation of the three‐dimensional Taylor‐Green vortex problem and turbulent channel flow. Our results demonstrate the scheme's effectiveness in performing direct numerical simulation of turbulence in terms of accuracy and scalability.
MicroRNA‐223 Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Cancer by Targeting Multiple Inflammatory and Oncogenic Genes in Hepatocytes
Authors: He Yong , Hwang Seonghwan , Cai Yan , Kim Seung‐Jin , Xu Mingjiang , Yang Dingcheng , Guillot Adrien , Feng Dechun , Seo Wonhyo , Hou Xin , Gao Bin
Published: April 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of diseases ranging from simple steatosis to more severe forms of liver injury including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In humans, only 20%‐40% of patients with fatty liver progress to NASH, and mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) develop fatty liver but are resistant to NASH development. To understand how simple steatosis progresses to NASH, we examined hepatic expression of anti‐inflammatory microRNA‐223 (miR‐223) and found that this miRNA was highly elevated in hepatocytes in HFD‐fed mice and in human NASH samples. Genetic deletion of miR‐223 induced a full spectrum of NAFLD in long‐term HFD‐fed mice including steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and HCC. Furthermore, microarray analyses revealed that, compared to wild‐type mice, HFD‐fed miR‐223 knockout (miR‐223KO) mice had greater hepatic expression of many inflammatory genes and cancer‐related genes, including (C‐X‐C motif) chemokine 10 (Cxcl10) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (Taz), two well‐known factors that promote NASH development. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Cxcl10 and Taz are two downstream targets of miR‐223 and that overexpression of miR‐223 reduced their expression in cultured hepatocytes. Hepatic levels of miR‐223, CXCL10, and TAZ mRNA were elevated in human NASH samples, which positively correlated with hepatic levels of several miR‐223 targeted genes as well as several proinflammatory, cancer‐related, and fibrogenic genes. Conclusion: HFD‐fed miR‐223KO mice develop a full spectrum of NAFLD, representing a clinically relevant mouse NAFLD model; miR‐223 plays a key role in controlling steatosis‐to‐NASH progression by inhibiting hepatic Cxcl10 and Taz expression and may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of NASH.
A Frizzled‐Like Cysteine‐Rich Domain in Glypican‐3 Mediates Wnt Binding and Regulates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Growth in Mice
Authors: Li Na , Wei Liwen , Liu Xiaoyu , Bai Hongjun , Ye Yvonne , Li Dan , Li Nan , Baxa Ulrich , Wang Qun , Lv Ling , Chen Yun , Feng Mingqian , Lee Byungkook , Gao Wei , Ho Mitchell
Published: April 2019

Wnt signaling is one of the key regulators of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor progression. In addition to the classical receptor frizzled (FZD), various coreceptors including heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are involved in Wnt activation. Glypican‐3 (GPC3) is an HSPG that is overexpressed in HCC and functions as a Wnt coreceptor that modulates HCC cell proliferation. These features make GPC3 an attractive target for liver cancer therapy. However, the precise interaction of GPC3 and Wnt and how GPC3, Wnt, and FZD cooperate with each other are poorly understood. In this study, we established a structural model of GPC3 containing a putative FZD‐like cysteine‐rich domain at its N‐terminal lobe. We found that F41 and its surrounding residues in GPC3 formed a Wnt‐binding groove that interacted with the middle region located between the lipid thumb domain and the index finger domain of Wnt3a. Mutating residues in this groove significantly inhibited Wnt3a binding, β‐catenin activation, and the transcriptional activation of Wnt‐dependent genes. In contrast with the heparan sulfate chains, the Wnt‐binding groove that we identified in the protein core of GPC3 seemed to promote Wnt signaling in conditions when FZD was not abundant. Specifically, blocking this domain using an antibody inhibited Wnt activation. In HCC cells, mutating residue F41 on GPC3 inhibited activation of β‐catenin in vitro and reduced xenograft tumor growth in nude mice compared with cells expressing wild‐type GPC3. Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrates a detailed interaction of GPC3 and Wnt3a, reveals the precise mechanism of GPC3 acting as a Wnt coreceptor, and provides a potential target site on GPC3 for Wnt blocking and HCC therapy.