bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standardized Biogeographic Grouping System for Annotating Populations in Pharmacogenetic Research
Authors: Huddart Rachel , Fohner Alison E. , Whirl‐Carrillo Michelle , Wojcik Genevieve L. , Gignoux Christopher R. , Popejoy Alice B. , Bustamante Carlos D. , Altman Russ B. , Klein Teri E.
Published: December 2018

The varying frequencies of pharmacogenetic alleles among populations have important implications for the impact of these alleles in different populations. Current population grouping methods to communicate these patterns are insufficient as they are inconsistent and fail to reflect the global distribution of genetic variability. To facilitate and standardize the reporting of variability in pharmacogenetic allele frequencies, we present seven geographically defined groups: American, Central/South Asian, East Asian, European, Near Eastern, Oceanian, and Sub‐Saharan African, and two admixed groups: African American/Afro‐Caribbean and Latino. These nine groups are defined by global autosomal genetic structure and based on data from large‐scale sequencing initiatives. We recognize that broadly grouping global populations is an oversimplification of human diversity and does not capture complex social and cultural identity. However, these groups meet a key need in pharmacogenetics research by enabling consistent communication of the scale of variability in global allele frequencies and are now used by Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB).
Can we rely on selected genetic markers for population identification? Evidence from coastal Atlantic cod
Authors: Jorde Per Erik , Synnes Ann‐Elin , Espeland Sigurd Heiberg , Sodeland Marte , Knutsen Halvor
Published: December 2018

The use of genetic markers under putative selection in population studies carries the potential for erroneous identification of populations and misassignment of individuals to population of origin. Selected markers are nevertheless attractive, especially in marine organisms that are characterized by weak population structure at neutral loci. Highly fecund species may tolerate the cost of strong selective mortality during early life stages, potentially leading to a shift in offspring genotypes away from the parental proportions. In Atlantic cod, recent genetic studies have uncovered different genotype clusters apparently representing phenotypically cryptic populations that coexist in coastal waters. Here, we tested if a high‐graded SNP panel specifically designed to classify individual cod to population of origin may be unreliable because of natural selection acting on the SNPs or their linked background. Temporal samples of cod were collected from two fjords, starting at the earliest life stage (pelagic eggs) and carried on until late autumn (bottom‐settled juveniles), covering the period during summer of high natural mortality. Despite the potential for selective mortality during the study period, we found no evidence for selection, as both cod types occurred throughout the season, already in the earliest egg samples, and there was no evidence for a shift during the season in the proportions of one or the other type. We conclude that high‐graded marker panels under putative natural selection represent a valid and useful tool for identifying biological population structure in this highly fecund species and presumably in others.
Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on hypoglycaemia in brittle diabetic patients with decreased endogenous insulin secretion
Authors: Ogawa Susumu , Nako Kazuhiro , Ito Sadayoshi
Published: December 2018

Aims

The effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) on fasting blood glucose concentration (FBG) in patients with unstable FBG despite undergoing intensive insulin therapy (IIT) remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the effects of SGLT2Is on unstable FBGs.

Materials and methods

Thirty brittle diabetic patients with unstable FBGs despite undergoing IIT were included in the study. SGLT2Is were added and used in combination. We evaluated the data of the subjects in Evaluation 1 (immediately before using SGLT2Is) and evaluations 2, 3 and 4 (4, 24 and 48 weeks after starting concomitant therapy, respectively). FBGs were measured every day for a period of 28 days immediately before conducting Evaluations 1, 2, 3 and 4. The mean value of the 28 sets of FBG data (FBG mean) and their standard deviation (SD) values were established as each evaluation's FBGs. The changes in the mean values of the 30 subjects as well as their SD before and after concomitant therapy were evaluated.

Results

The concomitant use of SGLT2Is helped reduce not only FBG mean but also SD. FBG max dropped, and the frequency of occurrence of hyperglycaemic FBG (>11.1 mmol/L) decreased. However, FBG min did not drop, and the frequency of occurrence of hypoglycaemic FBG (<3.9 mmol/L) increased. The frequency of occurrence of subjective hypoglycaemia decreased. The decrease in the SD of FBG was related to the decrease in subjective hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion

Concomitant use of SGLT2Is in patients with brittle diabetes appears to be useful in terms of improvement of FBG and fewer occurrences of hypoglycaemic events.
Communication, Relationships, and Relatability Influence Stakeholder Perceptions of Credible Science
Authors: Runnebaum Jocelyn M , Maxwell Elisabeth A , Stoll Joshua S , Pianka Karen E , Oppenheim Noah G
Published: December 2018

At a time when society appears mistrustful of science, it is critical to understand how scientific credibility is evaluated. Scientists often view the peer review process as establishing the credibility of their science, operating under the assumption that sound design and rigorous analysis stand alone. However, scientific knowledge is sometimes rejected by the very stakeholder groups that it is intended to serve. To understand how fisheries stakeholders assess scientific credibility, marine resource stakeholders from Maine were asked to discuss perceptions of credible science. Text analysis of six small group conversations revealed that stakeholders evaluate credibility based on communication style, relationships, and relatability. These attributes are self-reinforcing and are influenced by transparency. We present examples of how efforts to promote transparency and trust can be incorporated into scientists’ stakeholder engagement strategies and propose that researchers consider these commitments within their respective fields before they design and implement scientific projects, so they may be assigned greater credibility outside of the scientific community.
Vessels That Encapsulate Tumor Clusters (VETC) Pattern Is a Predictor of Sorafenib Benefit in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fang Jian‐Hong , Xu Li , Shang Li‐Ru , Pan Chu‐Zhi , Ding Jin , Tang Yun‐Qiang , Liu Hui , Liu Chu‐Xing , Zheng Jia‐Lin , Zhang Yao‐Jun , Zhou Zhong‐Guo , Xu Jing , Zheng Limin , Chen Min‐Shan , Zhuang Shi‐Mei
Published: December 2018

Sorafenib is the most recommended first‐line systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Yet there is no clinically applied biomarker for predicting sorafenib response. We have demonstrated that a vascular pattern, named VETC (Vessels that Encapsulate Tumor Clusters), facilitates the release of whole tumor clusters into the bloodstream; VETC‐mediated metastasis relies on vascular pattern, but not on migration and invasion of cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to explore whether vascular pattern could predict sorafenib benefit. Two cohorts of patients were recruited from four academic hospitals. The survival benefit of sorafenib treatment for patients with or without the VETC pattern (VETC+/VETC–) was investigated. Kaplan‐Meier analyses revealed that sorafenib treatment significantly reduced death risk and prolonged overall survival (OS; in cohort 1/2, P = 0.004/0.005; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.567/0.408) and postrecurrence survival (PRS; in cohort 1/2, P = 0.001/0.002; HR = 0.506/0.384) in VETC+ patients. However, sorafenib therapy was not beneficial for VETC‐ patients (OS in cohort 1/2, P = 0.204/0.549; HR = 0.761/1.221; PRS in cohort 1/2, P = 0.121/0.644; HR = 0.728/1.161). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that sorafenib treatment significantly improved OS/PRS in VETC+, but not VETC–, patients. Further mechanistic investigations showed that VETC+ and VETC– HCCs displayed similar levels of light chain 3 (LC3) and phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) in tumor tissues (pERK) or endothelial cells (EC‐pERK), and greater sorafenib benefit was consistently observed in VETC+ HCC patients than VETC– irrespective of levels of pERK/EC‐pERK/LC3, suggesting that the different sorafenib benefit between VETC+ and VETC– HCCs may not result from activation of Raf/mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/ERK and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)A/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2)/ERK signaling or induction of autophagy. Conclusion: Sorafenib is effective in prolonging the survival of VETC+, but not VETC–, patients. VETC pattern may act as a predictor of sorafenib benefit for HCC.
Storied Lives: Teaching Memoir Writing Through Multimodal Mentor Texts
Authors: Meixner Emily , Peel Anne , Hendrickson Rachel , Szczeck Lynn , Bousum Kelly
Published: December 2018

In this article, the authors, two teacher educators and three high school teachers, examine the impact of a professional development seminar held in spring 2017. In that seminar, participants read and composed brief autobiographical sketches in a variety of media and learned a new lexicon for multimodal close reading, composition, and design. Using narrative inquiry, the three coauthoring teachers reflected on the importance and anxiety of being positioned as multimodal writers, and their subsequent interaction with multimodal mentor texts in their classrooms. The authors contend that teachers must move beyond conventional textual autobiography and memoir. Expanding teachers’ comfort with multimodal mentor texts is essential for their and their students’ literacy development. Building a lexicon for close reading and composing with multimodal texts can inspire students and empower teachers to invite autobiographical writing into their instruction and teach autobiography and memoir as acts of design.
Long‐run neutrality of demand shocks: Revisiting Blanchard and Quah (1989) with independent structural shocks
Authors: Herwartz Helmut
Published: December 2018

With reference to a stylized theoretical macromodel, Blanchard and Quah (American Economic Review, 1989,79, 655–673) identify empirical aggregate supply (e.g., productivity) and demand shocks by assuming that the latter are neutral for economic activity in the long run. Taking advantage of recent contributions to the structural VAR literature and data‐based identification, we find that effects of unique independent non‐Gaussian structural shocks support this assumption. Moreover, unlike the results in Blanchard and Quah, statistically identified supply shocks exhibit (insignificantly) opposite impacts on gross domestic product and unemployment in the short run. In comparison with benchmark results obtained under assumed long‐run neutrality, statistical identification points to a stronger role of aggregate supply shocks for shaping temporary profiles of US unemployment during the recessionary period 1973:Q3–1975:Q1.
Comparison of BMD Changes and Bone Formation Marker Levels 3 Years After Bisphosphonate Discontinuation: FLEX and HORIZON-PFT Extension I Trials
Authors: Kim Tiffany Y , Bauer Douglas C , McNabb Brian L , Schafer Anne L , Cosman Felicia , Black Dennis M , Eastell Richard
Published: December 2018

An ASBMR Task Force recommends a drug holiday for certain women treated for ≥5 years with oral alendronate or ≥3 years with intravenous zoledronic acid, with reassessment 2 to 3 years later. It is not known whether changes in bone mineral density (BMD) or bone turnover markers differ after oral or intravenous therapy. Our goal was to compare changes in BMD and procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) after oral or intravenous bisphosphonate use. In the Fracture Intervention Trial Long-term Extension (FLEX), women who received a mean 5 years of alendronate were randomized to placebo or continued treatment. In the Health Outcomes and Reduced Incidence with Zoledronic Acid Once Yearly-Pivotal Fracture Trial Extension I (HORIZON-PFT E1), women who received 3 years of zoledronic acid were randomized to placebo or continued treatment. We examined the proportion of participants with BMD loss or PINP gain ≥ least significant change (LSC) and those whose values exceeded a threshold (T-score ≤–2.5 or PINP ≥36.0 ng/mL, a premenopausal median value). After 3 years of placebo, the FLEX group had greater mean total hip BMD decreases (–2.3% versus –1.2% in the HORIZON-PFT E1 group, p < 0.01) and greater rises in PINP (+11.6 ng/mL versus +6.7 ng/mL, p < 0.01). There was a greater proportion of individuals in FLEX with total hip BMD loss and PINP increases that exceeded LSC, and PINP values ≥36.0 ng/mL. In contrast, there were small changes in the proportion of women with femoral neck T-scores ≤–2.5 in both groups. In conclusion, 3 years after bisphosphonate discontinuation, a considerable proportion of former alendronate and zoledronic acid users had meaningful declines in total hip BMD and elevations in PINP. Despite a longer treatment course, alendronate may have a more rapid offset of drug effect than zoledronic acid. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
In vitro and in vivo effects of iron on the expression and activity of glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase in rat spleen
Authors: Gonul Baltaci Nurdan , Guler Caglar , Ceylan Hamid , Kalin Seyda Nur , Adem Sevki , Kocpinar Enver Fehim , Erdogan Orhan , Budak Harun
Published: December 2018

Iron is an indispensable element for vital activities in almost all living organisms. It is also a cofactor for many proteins, enzymes, and other essential complex biochemical processes. Therefore, iron trafficking is firmly regulated by Hepcidin (Hamp), which is regarded as the marker for iron accumulation. The disruption of iron homeostasis leads to oxidative stress that causes various human diseases, but this mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to provide a better in vivo and in vitro understanding of how long‐term iron overload affects the gene expression and activities of some antioxidant enzymes, such as glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), and glutathione reductase (GR) in the spleen. The findings of this study show that iron overload reduces the gene expression of G6pd,
6pgd, and
Gr, but its actual effect was on the protein level.
Downregulating STAT1/caspase‐3 signaling with fludarabine to alleviate progression in a rat model of steroid‐induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Lin Jian , Qi Weihui , Chen Kai , Yan Yingzhao , Li Xiaobin , Feng Zhenhua , Pan Xiaoyun
Published: December 2018

Steroid‐induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH) is mainly induced by glucocorticoids. Fludarabine (Flu) is a specific signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) inhibitor. In this study, we investigated the effect of Flu on SANFH and the role played by the STAT1/caspase‐3 signaling pathway. Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into control, SANFH, and Flu‐treated SANFH groups. Femoral head tissues were collected for hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E) staining and Western blot analysis. The latter was used to measure the levels of stat1, phospho‐stat1, caspase‐3, cleaved caspase‐3, caspase‐9, cleaved caspase‐9, Bax, cytochrome C, Bak, B‐cell lymphoma‐extra large, and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 protein expression. The results showed that Flu regulates protein expression in dexamethasone (Dex)‐induced SANFH. H&E staining showed a decrease in the ratio of empty lacunae induced by Dex. Taken together, our study demonstrated the involvement of the STAT1/caspase‐3 signaling pathway in SANFH and the potential of Flu as a therapeutic agent for patients with SANFH.
Tanshinone I attenuates proliferation and chemoresistance of cervical cancer in a KRAS‐dependent manner
Authors: Dun Sidi , Gao Lan
Published: December 2018

Chemoresistance is a common occurrence during advanced or recurrent cervical cancer therapy when treated by conventional treatment, platinum‐based chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of tanshinone I on attenuating proliferation and chemoresistance of cervical cancer cells. In cervical cancer cells, cell proliferation was examined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell count, and soft‐agar colony‐formation assay. rVista analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to explore the upstream regulator of KRAS, and the expression levels of key genes were also detected. Western blot analysis showed that tanshinone I significantly suppressed KRAS expression and inhibited AKT phosphorylation. rVista analysis and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that ELK1 can binds directly to KRAS promoter and positively regulates KRAS expression. MTT assay showed that KRAS or ELK1 overexpression significantly attenuated the suppressive effects of tanshinone I on HeLa cells proliferation. In addition, tanshinone I recovered the cisplatin sensitivity of HeLa CR cells, whereas KRAS or ELK1 overexpression significantly inhibited this phenomenon. Our results suggested that tanshinone I had anticancer effects on cervical cancer cells via inhibiting ELK1 and downregulating KRAS‐AKT axis, which subsequently suppressed the proliferation and cisplatin resistance of cervical cancer cells.
Ganoderic acid A against cyclophosphamide‐induced hepatic toxicity in mice
Authors: Lixin Xu , Lijun Yan , Songping Huang
Published: December 2018

This study clarified the protective effect of ganoderic acid A (GAA) on cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Hepatic injury mice were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (200 mg/kg). The results showed that the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and liver of the CP group mice were increased, and the levels of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in serum were increased. With the increase of the thioredoxin interaction protein (Txnip)/Trx/NF‐кB pathway, the histological structure of the liver has significantly changed as well as apoptosis events. On the contrary, the levels of ALT, AST, and cytokines in serum and liver in mice have been improved after GAA administration. Furthermore, the protein levels of the Txnip/Trx/NF‐кB pathway and apoptosis‐related protein including Bax, Bcl‐2, caspase‐3, and ‐9 were restored by GAA. In conclusion, GAA can be used as an effective drug to improve the hepatotoxicity caused by CP.
Improved enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol production by combined alkaline peroxide and ionic liquid‐water mixtures pretreatment of rice straw
Authors: Hong Ying‐Ying , Wang Yu‐Tao , Zhu Si‐Ming , Luo Xiao‐Chun , Li Shuang , Zhuo Min , Zhou Ting , Zhu Ming‐Jun
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Rice straw (RS), one of the most plentiful lignocellulosic wastes worldwide, has been considered a potential candidate to produce bioethanol. The object of this work was to develop an efficient and feasible pretreatment process for RS with alkaline peroxide combined with ionic liquid (IL)–water mixtures, reveal the mechanism, and achieve biomass valorization.

RESULTS

Alkaline peroxide pretreatment under mild conditions combined with IL–water mixtures pretreatment at a water content of 30 wt% was established, leading to a maximum lignin removal of 63.8% with an enzymolysis efficiency of 92.1% and a simultaneous saccharification and co‐fermentation efficiency of 91.0%. Furthermore, the recycled IL also showed good performance with the established pretreatment process, resulting in 251.6 g L−1 of reducing sugar and 91.9 g L−1 ethanol at high solid loading. The alkaline peroxide pretreatment enhanced lignin extraction and disrupted the RS structure to facilitate the dissolution of amorphous components by the IL–water mixtures.

CONCLUSION

A simple and efficient pretreatment was successfully established. The IL was successfully recycled for further pretreatments, and high concentrations of reducing sugars and ethanol were achieved using the pretreated RS. The effectiveness of the pretreatment process suggested potential application in future biorefineries. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Anatomy and ultrastructure of the tropical sponge Cladocroce caelum (Haplosclerida, Demospongiae)
Authors: Da Hora Jéssica , Cavalcanti Fernanda Fernandes , Lanna Emilio
Published: December 2018

The main characteristic of sponges (Porifera) is the presence of the aquiferous system—a system formed by canals and choanocyte chambers, in which the sponges carry out most of their physiological functions. Despite of the importance for the biology of the group, the knowledge about this structure is still incipient, even when morphological investigations are taken in account. Here, we investigated the anatomy and ultrastructure of the tropical demosponge Cladocroce caelum (Haplosclerida, Demospongiae) using light and electron microscopy. In the studied region, specimens of this species were repent or repent‐branched, possessing one to several oscula. A uniform and reduced atrium was found just below each osculum. There was a thin ectosome and the choanosome presented meager mesohyl, but a high number of choanocyte chambers. The choanocyte chambers were rounded, and, as in other haplosclerids, they are found separated from the mesohyl by endopinacocytes, “hanging” in the inhalant canals. Even though the utility of the general organization of the aquiferous system has been advocated as a possible tool to understand the phylogeny of the group, we found that these characters might not be as useful as expected. The size of the particles ingested by the sponge and the amount of bacteria to sustain their bodies are discussed. In addition, we found that the density of choanocyte chambers was reduced when the specimens were carrying out the spermatogenesis, indicating that the reproduction may impair the filtering activity of the sponge. Our findings consist in a first step to better comprehend the physiology, development, and adaptation to the environmental conditions where the species is found.
FRET‐based imaging of intracellular ATP in organotypic brain slices
Authors: Lerchundi Rodrigo , Kafitz Karl W. , Winkler Ulrike , Färfers Marcel , Hirrlinger Johannes , Rose Christine R.
Published: December 2018

Active neurons require a substantial amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to re‐establish ion gradients degraded by ion flux across their plasma membranes. Despite this fact, neurons, in contrast to astrocytes, do not contain any significant stores of energy substrates. Recent work has provided evidence for a neuro‐metabolic coupling between both cell types, in which increased glycolysis and lactate production in astrocytes support neuronal metabolism. Here, we established the cell type‐specific expression of the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based nanosensor ATeam1.03YEMK (“Ateam”) for dynamic measurement of changes in intracellular ATP levels in organotypic brain tissue slices. To this end, adeno‐associated viral vectors coding for Ateam, driven by either the synapsin‐ or glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter were employed for specific transduction of neurons or astrocytes, respectively. Chemical ischemia, induced by perfusion of tissue slices with metabolic inhibitors of cellular glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, resulted in a rapid decrease in the cellular Ateam signal to a new, low level, indicating nominal depletion of intracellular ATP. Increasing the extracellular potassium concentration to 8 mM, thereby mimicking the release of potassium from active neurons, did not alter ATP levels in neurons. It, however, caused in an increase in ATP levels in astrocytes, a result which was confirmed in acutely isolated tissue slices. In summary, our results demonstrate that organotypic cultured slices are a reliable tool for FRET‐based dynamic imaging of ATP in neurons and astrocytes. They moreover provide evidence for an increased ATP synthesis in astrocytes, but not neurons, during periods of elevated extracellular potassium concentrations.
Bio‐Based Hybrid Magnetic Latex Particles Containing Encapsulated γ ‐Fe2O3 by Miniemulsion Copolymerization of Soybean Oil‐Acrylated Methyl Ester and Styrene
Authors: Medeiros Anderson M. M. S. , Machado Fabricio , Bourgeat‐Lami Elodie , Rubim Joel C. , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: December 2018

This work reports the use of acrylated fatty acid methyl ester (AFAME) as a biomonomer for the synthesis of bio‐based hybrid magnetic particles poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe2O3 produced by miniemulsion polymerization. Poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe2O3 can be tailored for use in various fields by varying the content of AFAME. The strategy employed is to encapsulate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as γ‐Fe2O3 into a styrene/AFAME‐based copolymer matrix. Raman spectroscopy is employed to ensure the formation of the SPIONs (γ‐Fe2O3) obtained by a co‐precipitation technique followed by oxidation of Fe3O4. The functionalization of SPIONs with oleic acid (OA) is carried out to increase the SPIONs–monomer affinity. The presence of OA on the surface of γ‐Fe2O3 is certified by identification of main absorption bands by fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal analysis (differential thermogravimetry/differential thermo analysis and differential scanning calorimetry) results of poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe2O3 show an increase in AFAME content leading to a lower copolymer glass transition temperature (T
g). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements result in poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe2O3 particles with diameter in the range of 100–150 nm. It is also observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cryo‐TEM techniques that γ‐Fe2O3 particles are successfully encapsulated into the poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME) matrix.
Butyrate inhibits HBV replication and HBV‐induced hepatoma cell proliferation via modulating SIRT‐1/Ac‐p53 regulatory axis
Authors: Pant Kishor , Mishra Amit K. , Pradhan Saman Man , Nayak Baibaswata , Das Prasenjit , Shalimar Dr , Saraya Anoop , Venugopal Senthil K.
Published: December 2018

Butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, has several therapeutic applications, including cancer. However, the effect of butyrate in HBV replication is not known so far. It was hypothesized that butyrate might inhibit HBV replication and host cell proliferation via SIRT‐1. It was found that the increased expression of SIRT‐1 in Hep G2.2.15 cells (HBV expressing cells) than Hep G2 cells. Next the expression of SIRT‐1 and Acetylated p53 (Ac‐p53) were measured in the liver biopsy samples of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with high viral load and compared to CHB patients with low viral load and found that there was a high SIRT‐1 expression and a low Ac‐p53 levels in CHB patients with high viral load compared to CHB patients with low viral load. Incubation of butyrate inhibited SIRT‐1 expression and cell proliferation. Inhibition of SIRT‐1 by butyrate or SIRT‐1 siRNA increased the levels of Ac‐p53. The elevated Ac‐p53 decreased p‐akt, cyclin D1, and thereby inhibited cell proliferation. Incubation of butyrate with Hep G2.2.15 cells also inhibited HBx protein expression, HBV‐DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Taken together, the data showed that butyrate inhibited HBV replication and cell proliferation by inhibiting SIRT‐1 expression in hepatoma cells.
E‐band Indium Phosphide double heterojunction bipolar transistor monolithic microwave‐integrated circuit power amplifier based on stacked transistors
Authors: Squartecchia Michele , Johansen Tom K. , Dupuy Jean‐Yves , Nodjiadjim Virginie , Midili Virginio , Riet Muriel , Konczykowska Agnieszka
Published: December 2018

A monolithic microwave‐integrated circuit 2‐stage power amplifier (PA) realized in indium phosphide double heterojunction bipolar transistor technology is presented in this article. The 2‐ and 3‐stacked transistors are used in the driver and power stages, respectively. As a mean to increase the output power capabilities, 2‐ and 4‐way corporate power combiners are implemented in coplanar waveguide technology. The fabricated PA exhibits a small‐signal gain of 13.6 dB at 77 GHz and a 3‐dB bandwidth ranging from 74 to 86 GHz. At 78 GHz, the saturated output power is >19.6 dBm.
Energy dependence of a radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter for HDR192Ir brachytherapy source
Authors: Hashimoto Shimpei , Nakajima Yujiro , Kadoya Noriyuki , Abe Kota , Karasawa Katsuyuki
Published: December 2018

Purpose

We determined correction factors for absorbed dose energy dependence and intrinsic energy dependence for measurements of absorbed dose to water around an 192Ir source using a radiophotoluminescent glass dosimeter (RPLD) calibrated with a 4‐MV photon beam.

Methods

The ratio of the absorbed dose to the water and the average absorbed dose to RPLD for the 192Ir beam relative to the same ratio in a 4 MV photon beam defines the absorbed dose energy dependence and was determined at distances of 2–10 cm (at intervals of 1 cm) from the 192Ir source in a water phantom using the egs_chamber user code. The RPLD was calibrated to measure absorbed dose to water, Dw, in a 4 MV photon beam using an ionization chamber, which was also used to measure absorbed dose to water, Dw, in a water phantom using the 192Ir source. The detector response radiophotoluminescence (RPL signal per average absorbed dose in the detector) in the 192Ir beam relative to that in the 4 MV photon beam (the relative intrinsic efficiency) was determined experimentally. Finally, the beam quality correction factor was obtained as the quotient between the absorbed dose energy dependence and the relative intrinsic efficiency and corrects for the difference between the beam quality Q0 used at calibration and the beam quality Q used in the measurements.

Results

The relative dose ratio of the average absorbed dose to water relative to RPLD ranged from 0.930 to 0.746, and the beam quality correction factor ranged from 0.999 to 0.794 for distances of 2–10 cm from the 192Ir source. The relative detector response to an 192Ir source and a 4‐MV photon beam was 0.930, and it did not vary significantly with distance.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that corrections for absorbed dose energy dependence and intrinsic energy dependence are required when using an RPLD to measure with sources different from the reference source providing the primary calibration.
Von der Jahrmarktattraktion zur Energiequelle: Kohlenstoffnitride
Authors: Schlomberg Hendrik , Podjaski Filip , Kroeger Julia , Lotsch Bettina
Published: December 2018

Ein zweidimensionales Kohlenstoffnitrid speichert Sonnenenergie über viele Stunden. Es eignet sich für künstliche Photosynthese, denn Licht‐ und Dunkelreaktion lassen sich voneinander trennen. Das ermöglicht, Brennstoffe wie Wasserstoff zeitverzögert freizusetzen. Auf eine Elektrode aufgebracht wirkt das Material als solare Batterie.
Mit Schwefelsäure von Graphit zu Graphen
Authors: Eigler Siegfried
Published: December 2018

Bislang war unklar, wie Graphit Schwefelsäuremoleküle einschließt und zu Graphitsulfat reagiert. Dies haben Chemiker nun mit Ab‐initio‐Moleküldynamiksimulationen geklärt. Soll aus Graphitsulfat wieder Graphen entstehen, entscheiden Korngröße und Schichtfolge, ob und wie gut dies funktioniert.
Vom Reagenzglas in die Zelle
Authors: Ziener Ulrich , Barth Holger
Published: December 2018

Oligo‐ und Polythiophene sind selbstorganisierende Moleküle und eignen sich je nach Substituenten, Strukturänderungen etwa in DNA sichtbar zu machen. Sie sind ein Beispiel dafür, wie sich der Weg maßgeschneiderter Reportermoleküle in Zellen verfolgen lässt.
Beryllium – so giftig wie gedacht?
Authors: Buchner Magnus R.
Published: December 2018

Mit Beryllium arbeiten ist Tod auf Raten, so die landläufige Meinung von Chemikern. Aber das stimmt nicht: Selbst, wer Berylliumstäube inhaliert, erkrankt nicht zwangsläufig an Berylliose. Ausschlaggebend ist das jeweilige Immunsystem. Derzeit wird erforscht, was genau im Körper mit Berylliumverbindungen passiert.
Spannung im Dunkelfeld
Authors: Evers Mathies V. , Wonner Kevin , Tschulik Kristina
Published: December 2018

Aufgrund ihrer Eigenschaften werden Nanopartikel inzwischen in Alltagsprodukten eingesetzt. Dabei ist etwa bei Metallnanopartikeln unklar, wie sie sich chemisch verhalten und wie sie abgebaut werden – und das nicht nur in komplexen Systemen wie Blut oder Oberflächengewässern, sondern auch in einfacher chloridhaltiger Lösung.
Biokraftstoff aus Stroh
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: December 2018

Markus Rarbach von Clariant erhält den Meyer‐Galow‐Preis für eine Technik, mit der sich Ethanol aus lignocellulosehaltigen Rohstoffen erzeugen lässt.
Umweltanalytik: Smoke on the Water: Rußpartikel aus Schiffen
Authors: Czech Hendryk , Orasche Jürgen , Miersch Toni , Stengel Benjamin , Buchholz Bert , Streibel Thorsten , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: December 2018

Schiffsemissionen tragen in Küstengebieten erheblich zur Luftverschmutzung bei. Neben Schwefeldioxid und Stickoxiden belasten Rußpartikel die Umwelt. Thermooptische Kohlenstoffanalyse gekoppelt mit Photoionisationsmassenspektrometrie trägt dazu bei, deren molekulare Zusammensetzung aufzuklären.
Pharmaindustrie: Die Lücke überbrücken
Authors: Lanthaler Werner
Published: December 2018

Arbeitsteilung steigert die Produktivität. In Forschung und Entwicklung teilen sich Hochschule und Industrie die Arbeit bisher aber kaum; das geistige Eigentum war den Unternehmern lange Zeit heilig. Das ändert sich, denn Innovation lässt sich nicht patentieren. Das Beispiel Medikamentenentwicklung.
Tatort Labor – eine chemische Spurensuche
Authors: Ruschewitz Uwe , Smets Daniel , Henneken Heike , van de Sand Markus
Published: December 2018

Chemische Reaktionen sind wichtige Werkzeuge für die Kriminologie, um Verbrechen und Straftaten aufzuklären – warum, zeigte im Juli 2018 die Sommerakademie des Departments für Chemie der Universität Köln. 10 Schülerinnen und 6 Schüler der Oberstufe, bewusst nicht nur aus Leistungskursen ausgewählt, hatten im zdi‐Schülerlabor1) der Universität Gelegenheit, eine Woche lang Reaktionen aus der Forensik nachzustellen und die Chemie dahinter zu verstehen. Zdi steht für Zukunft durch Innovation und ist eine Initiative für den Mint‐Nachwuchs in Nordrhein‐Westfalen.
Partner auf Augenhöhe
Authors: Neubauer Uta
Published: December 2018

Die Zahl der Chemie‐Start‐ups steigt. Zusammen mit etablierten Unternehmen und der Großindustrie stärken diese die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der europäischen Chemie.
27. Bioorganik‐Nachwuchssymposium in Bochum
Authors: Merten Christian , Apfel Ulf‐Peter
Published: December 2018

Mitte September gastierte die 27. Ausgabe des jährlich stattfindenden Nachwuchswissenschaftler‐Symposiums Bioorganische Chemie an der Universität Bochum. Bei dem dreitägigen Treffen präsentierten 23 Nachwuchsgruppenleiter sowie drei Doktoranden ihre Arbeiten und erweiterten ihr wissenschaftliches Netzwerk. Organisiert hatten die Veranstaltung Ulf‐Peter Apfel und Christian Merten.
Plastikproduktion
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: December 2018

Das Stoffstrombild zur Kunststofferzeugung, ‐verarbeitung und ‐verwertung zeigt, wie Polymere im Jahr 2017 als neue Werkstoffe dienten.
Photokatalyse: Für bessere Luft in der Stadt
Authors: Thüsing Anne , Hartmann Jens
Published: December 2018

Sind Fahrverbote die einzige Lösung für das Stickoxidproblem in Großstädten? Experten aus Wissenschaft, Bauwirtschaft, Verkehr und Städteplanung diskutieren über photokatalytisch aktive Baustoffe, die die Luft verbessern sollen.
Chemische Reaktionen mit der Wärmebildkamera betrachtet
Authors: Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia , Kleefeld Simon
Published: December 2018

Das menschliche Auge kann nicht direkt wahrnehmen, wie bei chemischen Reaktionen und physikalischen Prozessen die Wärme fließt. Sichtbar und damit anschaulich macht solche Vorgänge eine Wärmebildkamera, wie sie beispielsweise bei der Gebäudesanierung eingesetzt wird.
4. Internationale Tagung „Bimetallic Complexes“
Authors: Prosenc Marc Heinrich , Niedner‐Schatteburg Gereon , Kappes Manfred
Published: December 2018

Der interdisziplinäre Sonderforschungsbereich Kooperative Effekte in homo‐ und heterometallischen Komplexen veranstaltete Mitte Oktober am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) die vierte internationale Conference on Bimetallic Complexes. An der zweitägigen Veranstaltung beteiligten sich 120 Teilnehmer aus der ganzen Welt mit Vorträgen und Postern sowie anschließenden Diskussionen. Organisiert hatte die Konferenz der Cosprecher des Sonderforschungsbereichs, Manfred Kappes (KIT).
Auf die Sprünge helfen
Authors: Süssmuth Lisa
Published: December 2018

Forscher sollen mehr ungewöhnliche Ideen in Produkte umsetzen, findet die Bundesregierung. Hierfür gibt sie ab 2019 insgesamt 150 Mio. Euro.
Das Making‐of eines Analytikers
Authors: Gros Leo
Published: December 2018

Am 28. Dezember 2018 würde Carl Remigius Fresenius 200 Jahre alt. Wie wurde Fresenius zum „Wegbereiter der analytischen Chemie“? Einblicke – hinter und vor den Kulissen – geben seine frühen Jahre.
Mehr Projekte, gleiches Geld
Authors: Süssmuth Lisa
Published: December 2018

Die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft kürt mehr Exzellenzcluster bei gleichbleibender Geldsumme.
Is the S2N2ring a singlet diradical? Critical analysis of alternative valence bond descriptions
Authors: Penotti Fabio E. , Cooper David L. , Karadakov Peter B.
Published: December 2018

Rival valence bond (VB) descriptions are investigated for theπ‐electron systems of the sulfur‐nitrogen rings S2N2and S4N42+near equilibrium geometry. The lowest‐energy compact spin‐coupled generalized VB (SCGVB) descriptions are provided by variational optimization of two configurations that are found to be symmetry related to one another. Optimization instead of symmetry‐pure single‐configuration SCGVB wave functions introduces three‐center SNS or NSN orbitals, which seem to be an unnecessary complication. For neither system is much achieved by mixing competing solutions. Breathing orbital VB (BOVB) calculations for S2N2confirm NN singlet diradical character to be more important than SS singlet diradical character, but the largest contribution (ca. 60%) comes from the symmetry‐determined linear combination of four symmetry‐equivalent structures that lack any obvious diradical character. Much the same pattern was consistently found using a simple but robust projection of various SCGVB descriptions for S2N2onto the basis of BOVB structures (plus an orthogonal complement).
Effect of Grass Carp Skin Protein Hydrolysates on the Retrogradation Tendency of Gelatinized Rice Starch in the Presence of Non‐Ionic and Ionic Hydrocolloids During Cold Storage
Authors: Luo Yunmei , Niu Liya , Zhang Senwang , Xiao Jianhui
Published: December 2018

Gluten‐free (GF) goods produced from rice starch (RS) are the most preferred products for consumers with celiac disease. But these foods lack essential amino acids and are prone to retrogradation, which are the barriers related to rice starch‐containing GF foods. The objective of this work is to study the synergistic impact of grass carp skin protein hydrolysates (GCSPHs) in the presence of xanthan (XT) and guar gum (GG) on the retrogradation tendency of gelatinized rice starch (GRS). During 14‐day storage at 4 °C, texture profile analysis revealed that combined GCSPHs and XT can significantly reduce the hardness from 1181.8 to 249.3 g, which has a more suppressive effect on retrogradation than that of all the other gel samples. The physical phenomena underlying the reduced retrogradation of GRS based on differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared, low‐field 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy are characterized and it is shown that GCSPHs in GRS/XT gel can remarkably decrease the double helices localized inside crystallites of retrogradation, increase the amorphous region, immobilize the transversal relaxation time, lock the water in the GRS system and form a more homogeneous continuous phase, which can play a significant role in mitigating the retrogradation of GRS. These findings suggest that the synergism of GCSPHs and anionic hydrocolloids (XT) is more effective for inhibiting the retrogradation of GRS and improving the quality and nutrition of RS‐containing GF foods.
River Reach Restored by Dam Removal Offers Suitable Spawning Habitat for Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon
Authors: Johnston Catherine , Zydlewski Gayle Barbin , Smith Sean , Zydlewski Joseph , Kinnison Michael T.
Published: December 2018

The lowermost dam on the Penobscot River, Maine, was removed in 2013, making new habitat available for migratory fish. There is no evidence that endangered Shortnose Sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum have spawned in the Penobscot River in recent years, but dam removal has facilitated access to potential freshwater habitat essential for spawning. Spawning success also depends on the quality of the available habitat. We sought to describe the distribution and amount of suitable spawning habitat in the first 5‐km reach upstream of the removed dam. Previously collected river elevation and bottom substrate data were used to create two‐dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of the reach for spring discharge levels ranging from 310 to 1,480 m3/s using the program River2D. Simulations were validated and adjusted using field‐collected data. Suitable spawning habitat was predicted based on literature‐informed suitability curves of depth, velocity, and bottom substrate. Between 41% and 63% of the study area offered usable spawning habitat, depending on river discharge. Velocity was the most limiting characteristic to overall suitability at all modeled discharges. Embeddedness was minimal at suitable sites. Based on the habitat characteristics considered, the newly accessible reach of the Penobscot River could support Shortnose Sturgeon spawning, offering critical habitat for this endangered species.
Genome mining reveals uncommon alkylpyrones as type III PKS products from myxobacteria
Authors: Hug Joachim J , Panter Fabian , Krug Daniel , Müller Rolf
Published: December 2018

Type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) are comparatively small homodimeric enzymes affording natural products with diverse structures and functions. While type III PKS biosynthetic pathways have been studied thoroughly in plants, their counterparts from bacteria and fungi are to date scarcely characterized. This gap is exemplified by myxobacteria from which no type III PKS-derived small molecule has previously been isolated. In this study, we conducted a genomic survey of myxobacterial type III PKSs and report the identification of uncommon alkylpyrones as the products of type III PKS biosynthesis from the myxobacterial model strain Myxococcus xanthus DK1622 through a self-resistance-guided screening approach focusing on genes encoding pentapetide repeat proteins, proficient to confer resistance to topoisomerase inhibitors. Using promoter-induced gene expression in the native host as well as heterologous expression of biosynthetic type III PKS genes, sufficient amounts of material could be obtained for structural elucidation and bioactivity testing, revealing potent topoisomerase activity in vitro.
Estimation of Natural Radionuclides and Exhalation Rate in Surface Soils of Four Districts of Haryana, India
Authors: Panghal Amanjeet , Kumar Ajay , Kumar Suneel , Singh Joga , Singh Parminder , Bajwa B. S.
Published: December 2018

A comprehensive study is conducted to determine the elemental concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in surface soil samples collected from four well-populated districts of central part of Haryana, India. NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer is used for measurement of 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil samples and SMART RnDuo is used for estimation of exhalation rate in soil samples. Average values of activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K are 27.9 ± 6.0 Bqkg−1, 34.0 ± 6.6 Bqkg−1 and 306.9 ± 15.9 Bqkg−1, respectively. Radium equivalent activity is lower than the recommended limits with an average value of 97.98 Bqkg−1. Absorbed dose rates in air outdoors, effective dose rates for indoor and outdoor, internal and external hazard index, radium equivalent activities and annual effective dose are measured in soil sample of the study area. A weak positive correlation is observed between radionuclides and exhalation rate.
Geology and Active Tectonics of the Lalmai Hills, Bangladesh – An Overview from Chittagong Tripura Fold Belt Perspective
Authors: Khan Md. Sharif Hossain , Hossain Md. Sakawat , Uddin Md. Azim
Published: December 2018

The Lalmai Hills is a low amplitude anticline with significant variations in landforms, situated along the western fringe of the Chittagong-Tripura Fold Belt (CTFB) and immediate east of the Indo-Burmese deformation front. This fold belt of the Bengal Basin along with more easterly Indo-Burman Range (IBR) developed as a consequence of the oblique collision between Indian and Burmese plates. This neotectonic activity is still continuing and shaping the geomorphology of the area. This study is conducted based on the geomorphological observation of the topo maps and satellite images, and through reconnaissance field work. Stream length gradient index (SL Index) and Mountain front sinuosity (Smf) reveals the relative status of tectonic activity. Anomalous SL index values confirm the position of the sympathetic minor faults and also relate to the local stratigraphy. A 2D structural model based on the seismic section reveals thrusts controlled wedge-shape upliftment of the central part as pop-up anticlinal structure. The western thrust is the direct result of the collision of the Indian and Burmese plates, and the eastern one is the back thrust of the western fault. Low Smf value found in the western flank signifies recent tectonics and relatively high Smf value in the eastern flank indicates that weathering intensity is relatively greater compared to western flank. Finally, the findings not only enhanced the understanding of geomorphic evolution and active tectonics of the Lalmai Hills area but also the overall tectonic and geomorphic evolution of the western most folded part of the CTFB.
The Spatial Distribution of CBM Systems under the Control of Structure and Sedimentation: The Gujiao Block as an Example
Authors: Wang Gang , Qin Yong , Xie Yiwei , Shen Jian , Wang Boyang , Du Liqiang , Guo Jingwei
Published: December 2018

A multilayer coal bed methane system with a complex superimposed relationship developed vertically in the Gujiao block. Taking the cumulative thickness of mudstone between neighbouring coal seams and open faults as object of research, the key strata for the division of different CBM systems was defined. The connection of an open fault for the fluid pressure system and the spatial distribution of the CBM system were analysed. The results showed that the porosity of compact mudstone is extremely low. When the mudstone thickness of the roof and floor increases, the gas content increases. Taking the Lijiashe and Wangzhimao faults as the boundary lines, the fluid pressure gradient between the Shanxi and Taiyuan formations is less than 0.08 MPa /100 m in the northern fracture zone, such as the Zhenchengdi, the Xiqu, the Tunlan, and the northern Dongqu well fields. The vertical gas units of different strata may belong to the same CBM system. The structure is simple in the southern Lijiashe fault. The vertical gas units in the southern Lijiashe fault belong to different CBM systems. Combined with the minimum thickness of the mudstone layer (2 m) and coal seam (0.5 m) standards, the spatial distribution of CBM systems was analysed.