bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ground surface vs. black globe temperature in northern bobwhite resource selection
Authors: Olsen Benjamin R. L. , Fulbright Timothy E. , Hernández Fidel , Grahmann Eric D. , Wester David B. , Hehman Michael W.
Published: September 2018

Understanding thermal ecology of endotherms is becoming increasingly important with predicted increases in temperature associated with climate change. Patterns of resource selection may depend in part on temperature thresholds outside which animals avoid warmer or cooler temperatures. During summer, northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus; hereafter bobwhite) in semiarid areas often exist at the limits of their thermal tolerance. We sought to determine (1) selection bounds for black globe and ground surface temperatures, (2) whether ground surface temperature is a better predictor of the thermal environment used by bobwhites than black globe temperature, and (3) how time of the day influences thermal resource use. We radio‐marked 40 bobwhites and located them two to three times a week from April to September in 2014–2016. At each location, we measured ground surface and black globe temperatures at the bird location and at a location 20 m away in a random direction. We calculated continuous selection functions to estimate bounds of thermal characteristics suitable for bobwhites. We used generalized linear models to determine times of day bobwhites select cooler microclimates. Finally, we used case‐controlled logistic regression models to generate thermal resource selection functions. We compared models that included ground surface temperature, black globe temperature, and an index created from both variables with principal component analysis and selected the best model based on Akaike's information criterion adjusted for sample size (AICc) and log‐evidence ratios. Upper and lower selection bounds for black globe temperature and ground surface temperature were 24.5–42.5°C and 23.0–39.5°C, respectively. A principal component of black globe combined with ground surface temperature was a better predictor of bobwhite resource selection than either black globe temperature or ground surface temperature alone. In early afternoon (13:01–17:30 hours) during August, bobwhite locations had 13°C cooler black globe temperatures and 18°C cooler ground surface temperatures than random locations. Availability of thermally usable coverts (woody plant thickets) may be a limiting factor for bobwhites in the study area based on the findings that mean ground surface and black globe temperatures at used locations were close to the upper bounds for use in late summer during the middle of the day.
Revisiting the Betti Synthesis: Using a Cheap, Readily Available, Recyclable Clay Catalyst under Solventless Conditions
Authors: Bosica Giovanna , Abdilla Roderick , Demanuele Kaylie
Published: September 2018

One‐pot multicomponent reactions have gained significant importance in recent years because they are usually more selective, simple, efficient, atom‐economic and green than their multistep counterparts. The Betti synthesis involves the combination of aldehydes, amines and 2‐naphthol to form compounds which can serve as catalysts or as biologically active compounds. In this study, Montmorillonite K30 was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Betti reaction at 60 °C in relatively short reaction times. Positively, it is cheap, readily and commercially available and requires no preparation, it can be used in neat conditions whilst minimizing excess reagent amounts. Most importantly, it is fully recoverable and can be recycled up to 5 times. In reactions involving secondary aliphatic amines, very good to excellent results were obtained whilst primary ones including benzylamine gave appreciable yields. In addition, the heteroaromatic aldehyde 4‐pyridinecarboxaldehyde and the polyaromatic aldehyde 1‐naphthaldehyde also gave encouraging results.
Anion Recognition by Partial Cone Dihomooxacalix[4]arene‐Based Receptors Bearing Urea Groups: Remarkable Affinity for Benzoate Ion
Authors: Augusto Ana S. , Miranda Alexandre S. , Ascenso José R. , Miranda Margarida Q. , Félix Vítor , Brancatelli Giovanna , Hickey Neal , Geremia Silvano , Marcos Paula M.
Published: September 2018

Tetraureido‐dihomooxacalix[4]arenes (tert‐butyl 4a and phenyl 4b) were synthesised and obtained in a partial cone conformation in solution and in the solid state, as confirmed by NMR and X‐ray diffraction studies. Their complexation ability towards halides, pseudo‐halides and oxoanions was assessed by 1H NMR and UV/Vis titrations. Structural and energetic insights of phenylurea 4b complexes were also obtained using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The binding data showed that the association constants are strongly dependent on the nature of the substituent (alkyl/aryl) at the urea unit. tert‐Butyl urea 4a is a much weaker receptor than phenylurea 4b, and showed association constants that decrease with decreasing of anion basicity. Phenylurea 4b is a highly efficient anion receptor, exhibiting a remarkable binding ability towards BzO– ion (log Kass = 4.81). In comparison to the phenylurea analogue bearing a butyl spacer and a cone conformation, receptor 4b containing a shorter spacer (three carbon atoms) and a partial cone conformation is more pre‐organized, displaying a strong enhancement of its binding efficiency. MD simulations have shown that the anions are preferentially bound to the urea moieties of the macrocycle lower rim, in agreement with the ROESY spectrum carried out with phenylurea 4b and BzO– anion.
Cyclizations of The Isothiocyanates‐Derived Azatrienes: The CuBr–Catalyzed Switching from Thiophenes to Pyrroles
Authors: Tarasova Ol'ga A. , Nedolya Nina A. , Albanov Alexander I. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: September 2018

Azatrienes, alkyl 2‐alkoxy‐N‐buta‐2,3‐dienimidothioates, prepared from isothiocyanates, lithiated alkoxyallenes, and alkyl 2‐bromoacetates, readily cyclize in the presence of CuBr to selectively give rare functionalized pyrroles in up to 82 % yield that contrasts with the base‐catalyzed cyclization of the same azatrienes affording only thiophenes. This switching becomes possible due to the preisolation of azatrienes and their further contact with CuBr (6–9 mol‐%). A synthetically convenient route to so far inaccessible densely functionalized pyrroles has been developed.
Design and Synthesis of N‐Phenylcarbazole‐Substituted Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Monomers and Dimers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Popli Charu , Patil Yuvraj , Misra Rajneesh
Published: September 2018

In an effort to see the effect of conjugation length and substitution at different positions of N‐phenylcarbazole, herein we have designed and synthesized symmetrical and unsymmetrical acetylene bridged N‐phenylcarbazole‐based diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs 5–9) by the Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira cross‐coupling and Stille coupling reactions. A comparative study of isomeric N‐phenylcarbazole (meta‐ and para‐isomers) attached to the DPP is performed. The N‐phenylcarbazole‐based DPP monomers (5–7, 10 and 11) exhibit absorption in the visible region, whereas the corresponding dimers (8 and 9) show broad absorption towards the near‐infrared (NIR) region with lowering of the HOMO–LUMO gap. The para‐N‐phenylcarbazole‐based DPPs (8, 10, and 11) show red shifted absorption compared to their meta‐substituted analogues (9, 5, and 6). The emission spectra reveal that DPP monomers (5–7) are fluorescent in nature, whereas quenching of fluorescence was observed in DPP dimers (8 and 9). The thermogravimetric analysis shows higher thermal stability for meta‐N‐phenylcarbazole‐based DPPs as compared to their para‐based analogues. Monomers of carbazole‐based DPPs are thermally more stable than their dimers. The electrochemical study reveals multiple oxidation waves related to donor moieties (such as thiophene and carbazole) and one reduction wave corresponding to the DPP unit.
Massively parallel sequencing of 12 autosomal STRs in Cannabis sativa
Authors: Houston Rachel , Mayes Carrie , King Jonathan L. , Hughes‐Stamm Sheree , Gangitano David
Published: September 2018

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is an emerging technology in the field of forensic genetics that provides distinct advantages compared to capillary electrophoresis. This study offers a proof of concept that MPS technologies can be applied to genotype autosomal STRs in Cannabis sativa. A custom panel for MPS was designed to interrogate 12 cannabis‐specific STR loci by sequence rather than size. A simple workflow was implemented to integrate the custom PCR multiplex into a workflow compatible with the Ion Plus Fragment Library Kit, Ion™ Chef, and Ion™ S5 System. For data sorting and sequence analysis, a custom configuration file was designed for STRait Razor v3 to parse and extract STR sequence data. This study represents a preliminary investigation of sequence variation for 12 autosomal STR loci in 16 cannabis samples. Full concordance was observed between the MPS and CE data. Results revealed intra‐repeat variation in eight loci where the nominal or size‐based allele was identical, but variances were discovered in the sequence of the flanking region. Although only a small number of cannabis samples were evaluated, this study demonstrates that more informative STR data can be obtained via MPS.
A tetrad apparatus for protein gel casting, electrophoresis, staining, and scanning techniques with dual sensors for automatic detection of gel polymerization and protein migration
Authors: Maurye Praveen , Basu Arpita , Naskar Malay , Bandyopadhyay Tapas Kumar , Biswas Jayanta Kumar
Published: September 2018

Recent advancements in biochemical sciences have facilitated researchers to explore the structure and function of macro molecules in a cell. PAGE is one of the most favored and adapted laboratory techniques. Due to its simple and economical procedures, several variants or new modifications are routinely observed in the basic electrophoresis technique that comprises gel casting, electrophoresis, staining, and imaging process which consequently necessitates additional apparatuses/components in the laboratory. Operation of these additional apparatuses/components lengthens the pre‐ and postelectrophoresis procedures involving many intermittent tedious and time‐consuming steps. A universal apparatus that can facilitate all such associated techniques is lacking and is of utmost importance for fast and effective results. An apparatus that can perform synchronized action of slab gel casting (16 × 16 cm), electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), dye staining (Coomassie), and imaging (scanning) techniques with real‐time monitoring through sensor technology is described in this article. The estimated cost (∼$150) of fabrication of the apparatus is very economical and simple assembly procedure of the main apparatus can be completed within ∼30 min after fabrication.
3D Mesoporous Ni(OH)2/WS2 Nanofibers with Highly Enhanced Performances for Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Jiang Zimin , Xu Tingting , Dai Shuge , Yan Congcong , Ma Caiyun , Wang Xinchang , Xu Junmin , Zhang Sen , Wang Ye
Published: September 2018

3D Ni(OH)2/tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanofibers composed of ultrathin nanoflakes are synthesized by electrospinning followed by a hydrothermal process, which have a large specific surface of 64.56 m2 g−1. When tested in a three‐electrode configuration, the WS2/Ni(OH)2 nanofiber‐based electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 354 C g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The hybrid storage device, in which WS2/Ni(OH)2 nanofibers and graphene are used as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, exhibits a high energy density of 34 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 940 W kg−1 and a high capacity retention of 83% after 4000 cycles at 4 A g−1. The as‐synthesized 3D Ni(OH)2/WS2 nanofibers provide a way for the WS2 nanostructure to optimize its viability and potential in constructing a high‐performance energy storage device.
Biorefinery of Lignocellulosic Biomass from an Elm Clone: Production of Fermentable Sugars and Lignin‐Derived Biochar for Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Martín‐Sampedro Raquel , Eugenio María E. , Fillat Úrsula , Martín Juan Antonio , Aranda Pilar , Ruiz‐Hitzky Eduardo , Ibarra David , Wicklein Bernd
Published: September 2018

Valorization of lignocellulosic feedstock from a Dutch elm disease tolerant Ulmus minor clone was studied as a new biomass resource. Herein, fermentable sugars and activated carbons from the side‐stream lignins were produced. For the sugar extraction organosolv and acid hydrolysis pretreatments prior to enzymatic hydrolysis were compared for the first time for this clone prior to enzymatic hydrolysis; organosolv was more efficient for delignification (49 %), while acid hydrolysis was more efficient at eliminating hemicelluloses (95 %). A high final glucose concentration of 22–23.5 g L−1 was obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis suggesting that this clone can be considered a potential source for glucose‐based biofuel production. The side‐stream lignins were converted to microporous biochars of high surface area (1220 m2 g−1) and micropore volume (0.42 cm3 g−1). These biochars exhibited excellent properties as electrodes in supercapacitors with a specific capacitance of 118 F g−1 and a high energy density of 14 Wh kg−1 at 7000 W kg−1, while they were also efficient adsorbents in water remediation of model contaminants.
A matrix‐free high‐order discontinuous Galerkin compressible Navier‐Stokes solver: A performance comparison of compressible and incompressible formulations for turbulent incompressible flows
Authors: Fehn Niklas , Wall Wolfgang A. , Kronbichler Martin
Published: September 2018

Both compressible and incompressible Navier‐Stokes solvers can be used and are used to solve incompressible turbulent flow problems. In the compressible case, the Mach number is then considered as a solver parameter that is set to a small value, M ≈0.1, in order to mimic incompressible flows. This strategy is widely used for high‐order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretizations of the compressible Navier‐Stokes equations. The present work raises the question regarding the computational efficiency of compressible DG solvers as compared to an incompressible formulation. Our contributions to the state of the art are twofold: Firstly, we present a high‐performance DG solver for the compressible Navier‐Stokes equations based on a highly efficient matrix‐free implementation that targets modern cache‐based multicore architectures with Flop/Byte ratios significantly larger than 1. The performance results presented in this work focus on the node‐level performance, and our results suggest that there is great potential for further performance improvements for current state‐of‐the‐art DG implementations of the compressible Navier‐Stokes equations. Secondly, this compressible Navier‐Stokes solver is put into perspective by comparing it to an incompressible DG solver that uses the same matrix‐free implementation. We discuss algorithmic differences between both solution strategies and present an in‐depth numerical investigation of the performance. The considered benchmark test cases are the three‐dimensional Taylor‐Green vortex problem as a representative of transitional flows and the turbulent channel flow problem as a representative of wall‐bounded turbulent flows. The results indicate a clear performance advantage of the incompressible formulation over the compressible one.
Prediction and suppression of internal blue discoloration in roots of daikon, the Japanese radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Teranishi Katsunori , Nagata Masayasu
Published: September 2018

The internal blue discoloration of edible daikon roots often occurs on day 3 after harvest during storage at 20°C and is a serious problem. This study reports a rapid and simple method for predicting discoloration at harvest and proposes two methods for suppressing the discoloration of roots that are at discoloration risk. The soaking of freshly harvested roots in aqueous hydrogen peroxide resulted in immediate blue discoloration. The correlation between discoloration after storage at 20°C and discoloration after soaking in hydrogen peroxide was positive. Discoloration using hydrogen peroxide at harvest is a useful way of predicting discoloration risk. The storage of roots at 10°C in air or at 20°C in an atmosphere containing 1% (v/v) molecular oxygen resulted in no discoloration for at least 8 days. These storage conditions can guarantee no discoloration for the distribution after harvest.
Content of university alcohol policies in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Chitty Kate M. , Chow Chuen Johanna A. P. , Howse Eloise , Thow Anne Marie
Published: September 2018

Issue addressed

This study aimed to develop a working checklist for university alcohol policies and apply this checklist to current policies in universities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

We developed a working checklist of possible university alcohol policy approaches, drawn from the World Health Organization's alcohol policy recommendations, university alcohol policy research from the United States and norms and expectations currently incorporated in Australian university alcohol policies. We then conducted a content analysis of university alcohol policies in NSW, Australia, based on this checklist. All NSW university websites were searched for any policies or guidelines related to alcohol. The content of each policy or guideline was assessed in terms of whether it satisfied the various components of the checklist.

Results

All 11 universities in NSW have an alcohol policy, and these policies are readily available and accessible online. There were two main themes identified in the aims across documents: maximising health and safety of individuals and protecting the university as an institutional entity. Inclusiveness and safety were the predominant themes that satisfied policy content. No document incorporated methods for monitoring/evaluating policy impact.

Conclusions

University alcohol policies that incorporated both individual‐level and population‐based approaches to alcohol harm reduction were more likely to score higher on the checklist. However, this analysis highlighted many opportunities to strengthen policies by increasing their comprehensiveness and incorporating means to evaluate their effectiveness.

So what?

We present a working checklist that can be used for future research and policy development, regarding university alcohol policies and guidelines.
Laboratory diagnosis for thalassemia intermedia: Are we there yet?
Authors: Ansari Saqib , Rashid Nabil , Hanifa Anny , Siddiqui Saima , Kaleem Bushra , Naz Arshi , Perveen Kousar , Hussain Zeeshan , Ansari Iqra , Jabbar Qammar , Khan Tahir , Nadeem Muhammad , Shamsi Tahir
Published: September 2018

Background

Differentiation between thalassemia major and thalassemia intermedia at presentation is not uniformly characterized, for which an absolute criteria needs to be developed. This study investigated the primary and secondary genetic modifiers to develop a laboratory finding by forming different genetic mutational combinations seen among thalassemia intermedia patients and comparing them with thalassemia major.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study analyzed 315 thalassemia intermedia patients. One hundred and five thalassemia major patients were recruited on the basis of documented evidence of diagnosis and were receiving blood transfusion therapy regularly. Various mutational combinations were identified, and comparison was performed between thalassemia intermedia and major using statistical software STATA 11.1.

Results

The mean age of the total population was 5.9 ± 5.32 years of which 165 (52%) were males. Of the two groups (thalassemia intermedia and thalassemia major), IVSI‐5, IVSI‐1, and Fr 8‐9 were more prevalent among the thalassemia intermedia cohort. When comparison was performed between the thalassemia intermedia and thalassemia major patients, it showed significant results for the presence of Xmn‐1 polymorphism.

Conclusion

The presence of IVSI‐5 homozygous with Xmn‐1, IVSI‐5 heterozygous with Xmn‐1, Cd 30 homozygous with or without Xmn‐1 and IVSI‐1 homozygous or heterozygous either with or without Xmn‐1 prove to be strong indicators towards diagnosis of thalassemia intermedia.
MiR‐24‐3p regulates cell proliferation and milk protein synthesis of mammary epithelial cells through menin in dairy cows
Authors: Qiaoqiao Cao , Li Honghui , Liu Xue , Yan Zhengui , Zhao Meng , Xu Zhongjin , Wang Zhonghua , Shi Kerong
Published: September 2018

MiR‐24‐3p, a broadly conserved, small, noncoding RNA, is abundantly expressed in mammary tissue. However, its regulatory role in this tissue remains poorly understood. It was predicted that miR‐24‐3p targets the 3′ untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), an important regulatory factor in mammary tissue. The objective of this study was to investigate the function of miR‐24‐3p in mammary cells. Using a luciferase assay in mammary epithelial cells (MAC‐T), miR‐24‐3p was confirmed to target the 3′‐UTR of MEN1. Furthermore, miR‐24‐3p negatively regulated the expression of the MEN1 gene and its encoded protein, menin. miR‐24‐3p enhanced proliferation of MAC‐T by promoting G1/S phase progression. MiR‐24‐3p also regulated the expression of key factors involved in phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activators of transcription signaling pathways, therefore controlling milk protein synthesis in epithelial cells. Thus, miR‐24‐3p appears to act on MAC‐T by targeting MEN1. The expression of miR‐24‐3p was controlled by MEN1/menin, indicating a negative feedback loop between miR‐24‐3p and MEN1/menin. The negatively inhibited expression pattern of miR‐24‐3p and MEN1 was active in mammary tissues at different lactation stages. The feedback mechanism is a new concept to further understand the lactation cycle of mammary glands and can possibly to be manipulated to improve milk yield and quality.
Down‐regulation of PKM2 decreases FASN expression in bladder cancer cells through AKT/mTOR/SREBP‐1c axis
Authors: Tao Ting , Su Qiongli , Xu Simeng , Deng Jun , Zhou Sichun , Zhuang Yu , Huang Yanjun , He Caimei , He Shanping , Peng Mei , Hocher Berthold , Yang Xiaoping
Published: September 2018

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) catalyzing the terminal steps in the de novo biogenesis of fatty acids is correlated with low survival and high disease recurrence in patients with bladder cancer. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) regulates the final step of glycolysis levels and provides a growth advantage to tumors. However, it is unclear whether the change of PKM2 has an effect on FASN and what is the mechanisms underlying. Here we describe a novel function of PKM2 in control of lipid metabolism by mediating transcriptional activation of FASN, showing the reduced expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c). We first discovered that PKM2 physically interacts with the SREBP‐1c using biochemical approaches, and downregulation of PKM2 reduced the expression of SREBP‐1c by inactivating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which in turn directly suppressed the transcription of major lipogenic genes FASN to reduce tumor growths. Furthermore, either PKM2 inhibitor‐Shikonin or FASN inhibitor‐TVB‐3166 alone induced a strong antiproliferative and anticolony forming effect in bladder cancer cell line. The combination of both inhibitors exhibits a super synergistic effect on blocking the bladder cancer cells growth. It provides a new target and scientific basis for the treatment of bladder cancer.
The prevalence of sarcopenia and relationships between muscle and bone in ageing West‐African Gambian men and women
Authors: Zengin Ayse , Jarjou Landing M. , Prentice Ann , Cooper Cyrus , Ebeling Peter R. , Ward Kate A.
Published: September 2018

Background

The rapidly rising ageing population in low and middle‐income countries (LMIC) will lead to a concurrent increase in musculoskeletal diseases. Sarcopenia is a disease caused by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, leading to adverse outcomes including frailty, falls, fractures, and premature mortality. We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia, assessed the suitability of current diagnostic guidelines and explored muscle–bone relationships in ageing men and women from rural Gambia.

Methods

A total of 249 women and 239 men aged 40–75+ years were recruited. Body composition was measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Comparisons of the Foundations for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) and European Working Group On Sarcopenia (EWGSOP) definitions of sarcopenia to define prevalence and to identify poor physical capability were determined. Functional ability was assessed by jumping mechanography to calculate lower limb muscle force and power; grip strength was assessed by a hand dynamometer. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to assess muscle–bone relationships.

Results

The prevalence of sarcopenia in Gambian men and women significantly varied depending on the definition used; in men 20% and 19% and in women 45% and 10% for FNIH and EWGSOP, respectively. The FNIH appendicular lean mass cut‐off had greatest sensitivity and specificity in identifying low functional ability in Gambian adults. Muscle force was positively associated with measures of tibial bone size, strength, and mineral content.

Conclusions

The variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia depends on the definition used and highlights the importance of measuring functional capability across ethnic populations.
Reactive oxygen species stimulated pulmonary epithelial cells mediate the alveolar recruitment of FasL+ killer B cells in LPS-induced acute lung injuries
Authors: Zhang Hushan , Wang Zhiming , Liu Ronghua , Qian Tingting , Liu Jiajing , Wang Luman , Chu Yiwei
Published: September 2018

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are electrophilic chemical species produced from incomplete oxidation. They have long been known as aggressive molecules that lead to direct tissue and cellular damage. Recent studies have reconsidered ROS as second messengers in the initiation and amplification of cell signaling, but how ROS regulate lung tissue and immune cell remain unknown. In this study, we used a LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model to observe disease, progression and determine ROS-related immune responses. We found that ROS play an essential pathogenic role in ALI, however, the major role of ROS in exacerbating ALI was increasing bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) B cells rather than eliciting tissue damage. Moreover, these pathogenic B cells are FasL+ killer B cells, which reported to damage Fas-sensitive target cells including pulmonary epithelial cells. Furthermore, via in vitro transwell assays and in vivo treatment with neutralizing antibodies. ROS promoted pulmonary epithelial cells to produce CXCL9 and CXCL10, which recruited B cells into BALF. These results demonstrated that during lung injury, instead of causing oxidative damage, ROS mainly serve as second messengers, interacting with tissue and immune cells to enhance immune responses that lead to more severe disease.

ROS function as a second massager result in chemokines secretion and pathogenic B cells recruitment during ALI.
Update on multiparametric MRI of urinary bladder cancer
Authors: van der Pol Christian B. , Chung Andrew , Lim Christopher , Gandhi Niket , Tu Wendy , McInnes Matthew D.F. , Schieda Nicola
Published: September 2018

While many institutions perform MRI during the work‐up of urinary bladder cancer, others use MRI rarely if at all, possibly due to a variation in the reported staging accuracy and unfamiliarity with the potential benefits of performing MRI. Through increased application of functional imaging techniques including diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) imaging, there has been a resurgence of interest regarding evaluation of bladder cancer with MRI. Several recent meta‐analyses have shown that MRI is accurate at differentiating between ≤T1 and T2 disease (with pooled sensitivity/specificity of ∼90/80%) and differentiating between T2 and ≥T3 disease. DWI and DCE, in combination with high‐resolution T2‐weighted images, improves detection and possibly local staging accuracy of bladder cancer. High b value echo‐planar DWI is particularly valuable for tumor detection. Zoomed field of view and segmented readout DWI techniques improve image quality by reducing susceptibility artifact, while methods to extract calculated high b value images save time and improve the contrast‐to‐noise ratio. DCE traditionally required imaging of the pelvis with high temporal but lower spatial resolution; however, advances in parallel and keyhole imaging techniques can preserve spatial resolution. The use of compressed sensing reconstruction may improve utilization of DCE of the bladder, especially when imaging the abdomen simultaneously, as in MR urography. Quantitative imaging analysis of bladder cancer using pharmacokinetic modeling of DCE, apparent diffusion coefficient values, and texture analysis may enable radiomic assessment of bladder cancer grade and stage.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:882–896.
Identification of up‐regulated transcripts during Pleurotus ostreatus primordium stage and characterization of PoALDH1
Authors: Qi Yuancheng , Sun Xiankai , Zhang Mengke , Wen Qing , Qiu Liyou , Shen Jinwen
Published: September 2018

In order to isolate the differentially expressed genes in the primordium stage of Pleurotus ostreatus, the SSH cDNA library was constructed using the cDNA from dikaryotic mycelium stage as a driver and the cDNA from primordium stage as a tester. There were 423 significantly differently expressed clones among 2055 positive clones after three times of reverse Northern blot differential screening. After the repeated sequences being removed, 46 genes were identified which were putatively involved in cell rescue and defense, energy metabolism, transcription and protein regulation, membrane proteins, and signal transduction; 18 genes encoding hypothetical proteins with unknown function; 5 genes without any homology. PoALDH1 and its full‐length cDNA sequence were cloned using the Aldehyde dehydrogenase EST isolated from the library. The amino acid sequence of PoALDH1 contains conservative glutamic acid and cysteine residues active sites of aldehyde dehydrogenase family. When exposed to different concentrations of sodium chloride, the mycelium growth was inhibited and the expression level of PoALDH1 was significantly higher than that of the control one, which indicated that PoALDH1 may have the ability to relieve salt stress. The results of this study will provide useful information for isolating growth and development related genes of P. ostreatus.
Extreme temperature events on the Iberian Peninsula: Statistical trajectory analysis and synoptic patterns
Authors: Mohammed Ali J. , Alarcón Marta , Pino David
Published: September 2018

The occurrence of heat waves and cold spells has been receiving special attention in recent years due to their impact on human health, ecosystems and other aspects, such as the economy. The present work uses a Lagrangian approach to analyse the physical processes leading to temperature extremes in the Iberian Peninsula (IP) for the 20‐year period 1994–2013. Principal component analysis has also been carried out to identify the associated synoptic scale configurations. Spatial pattern analysis shows that the highest temperatures during hot events are reached in the SW region and the lowest ones in the NE, while a latitudinal gradient of 26 K was obtained for the cold events, with the lowest values in the NE regions and the Pyrenees. Most of the extremes persisted between 1 and 3 days for both hot and cold events. Rather than meridional advection, the primary cause behind the occurrence of hot extremes seems to be progressive diabatic warming, which becomes accentuated in its final stage and is caused, on the one hand, by air masses with long residence times over the IP and, on the other hand, by recirculation processes during summer days of weak baric gradient. The air masses producing the extreme cold events have faster trajectories and mainly originate in north and northeast Europe, due to a relative low in the central Mediterranean and a blocking high in the North Atlantic and/or in northeast Europe.
Investigating observed northwest Australian rainfall trends in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 detection and attribution experiments
Authors: Dey Raktima , Lewis Sophie C. , Abram Nerilie J.
Published: September 2018

Mean and extreme northwest Australian (NWA) summertime rainfall has increased significantly since 1950. While previous studies have explored a range of possible factors impacting NWA rainfall, the causes of this increase and possible future changes remain uncertain. This study explores the increasing NWA summertime rainfall trends in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models. By using a suite of models that contributed realizations of the historical period with various forcings, we explore the impact to this region of greenhouse gases and aerosol emissions since 1950 on mean rainfall and three extreme rainfall indices. The observed NWA rainfall trend is better captured in models when all forcings are included compared to simulations with only greenhouse gas forcing or with only natural forcing, although the models have a large spread. We hypothesise that anthropogenic aerosols played a major role in the observed rainfall trends, and the associated increase in monsoonal flow, and hence historicalNat and historicalGHG simulations tend not to capture observed rainfall trend. Throughout the 21st century, CMIP5 models simulate a stronger increase in mean summer precipitation and extreme indices of NWA rainfall in representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 simulations than in RCP2.6. The NWA region shows intensified extreme events with fewer heavy precipitation days, but the reliability of these projections in this region should be further tested with estimates of future anthropogenic aerosol changes.
Multiple polycomb epigenetic regulatory proteins are active in normal and regenerating adult olfactory epithelium
Authors: Goldstein Bradley J. , Choi Rhea , Goss Garrett M.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To investigate epigenetic mechanisms contributing to regulation of cellular renewal and neurogenesis in adult olfactory epithelium (OE).

Study Design

Prospective basic science study.

Methods

Olfactory basal cell cultures were prepared from adult mice per established protocols. in vivo studies were performed using the mouse methimazole lesion–regeneration paradigm. Nasal tissue sections were prepared from adult mice 7 days following lesion, or from unlesioned controls. Polycomb proteins were assessed by Western blot from culture or nasal tissue lysates, and by gene expression studies from cultures. In addition, in vivo expression patterns of Polycomb proteins were examined using immunohistochemistry. Chromosome immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed to investigate epigenetic modifications and specific chromatin interactions for Polycomb proteins in olfactory basal cells.

Results

Subunits of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) were identified in basal cell cultures and in vivo. In regenerating OE, basal progenitor cells identified by expression of the c–KIT receptor were found to coexpress the PRC2 protein EZH2. Because multiple variants of PRC1 subunits give rise to diverse PRC1 complexes serving different functions, expression of specific PRC1 variants was further examined. We identified PRC1 components including MEL18 (PCGF2) in immature neurons, and confirm BMI1 (PCGF4) expression in mature neurons. Moreover, we identified CBX8 as a neuron–specific PRC1 subunit. ChIP assays from OE cells demonstrated binding of PRC proteins to regulatory regions of specific transcription factors, consistent with PRC–mediated epigenetic silencing mechanisms active in adult OE.

Conclusions

Multiple Polycomb proteins have cell type–specific expression patterns in the adult OE. Findings presented here, together with evidence from prior studies, suggest that PRC–mediated epigenetic silencing contributes to regulation of cellular renewal and tissue homeostasis in the OE. Efforts to define the mechanisms that regulate repair in the OE are essential for development of new therapeutic strategies for olfactory disorders.

Level of Evidence

N/A
Living in a browning environment: Effects on Daphnia’s growth and fatty acid pattern
Authors: Nova Clarice Casa , Bozelli Reinaldo Luiz , Spitzy Alejandro , Müller‐Navarra Dörthe
Published: September 2018

To assess whether different concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) rich in humic substances (HS) affect growth rates, reproduction and fatty acids (FA) composition of Daphnia pulex under bright light, we performed microcosms controlled laboratory trials. Experiments were run using two microalgae as food source, Cryptomonas erosa and Scenedesmus acutus at four DOM additions (0 mg C L−1, 15 mg C L−1, 30 mg C L−1, and 60 mg C L−1) under unlimited food concentrations. Results show that daphnids’ growth rates were significantly higher feeding on Scenedesmus than on Cryptomonas, but were not significantly affected by the HS‐rich‐DOM concentrations. In contrast, clutch sizes increased with increasing concentrations of HS‐rich‐DOM, with nonsignificant differences between both food treatments. As expected, FA in daphnids were mainly impacted by the food. Irrespectively of food, the content of total FA and especially saturated FA were lower in the treatments with the highest addition of HS‐rich‐DOM. In the Scenedesmus trial, certain highly unsaturated FA (HUFA) susceptible to UV degradation could only be observed in the treatments with higher concentrations of HS‐rich‐DOM (e.g., eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and arachidonic acid [ARA] at 30, and EPA, ARA and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] only at 60 mg L−1). In the Cryptomonas trial, DHA levels increased with increasing concentrations of HS‐rich‐DOM. Our results show that FA mediated food quality impacted how HS‐rich‐DOM affected Daphnias’ growth. As the high dietary content in HUFA probably caused daphnids lower growth rates under UV exposure, there seems to be a trade‐off between beneficial and potential detrimental effects of feeding on a diet rich in HUFA.
Methodological review and meta‐analysis of dilution assays for estimates of virus‐ and grazer‐mediated phytoplankton mortality
Authors: Staniewski M. A. , Short S. M.
Published: September 2018

This manuscript reviews methodological differences among modified dilution assay studies used to partition phytoplankton mortality into virus‐ and grazer‐mediated fractions, and discusses their implications. A meta‐analysis is also described, based on virus‐ and grazer‐mediated mortality and instantaneous growth rates extracted from these studies. As the α value used to assess the significance of these rates was not consistent across studies, metadata was re‐analyzed (i.e., rates were re‐calculated) using three levels of significance: α = 0.05, α = 0.1, and α‐not‐considered. The average virus‐mediated mortality rate observed for each re‐analysis was 0.04 d−1, 0.10 d−1, and 0.08 d−1, respectively. Further, 80%, 74%, and 56% of virus‐mediated mortality rates were between −0.1 d−1 and 0.1 d−1. Power analysis was used to demonstrate that typical modified dilution assays lack the sensitivity to consistently detect small virus‐mediated mortality rates, and shows how dilution scheme modifications can affect power. Rates of virus‐mediated mortality were also discriminated based on salinity, depth, use of nutrient amendments, and choice of technique for estimating apparent growth rates. For all three re‐analyses, a significant positive correlation was observed between virus‐mediated mortality (d−1) and instantaneous growth rate (d−1) (Pearson r = 0.72, 0.74, 0.32, all p values < 0.01), suggesting that virally mediated mortality is intimately linked to host growth. This manuscript highlights the need for greater standardization in the analysis and presentation of information when using the modified dilution approach for estimating phytoplankton mortality, and provides recommendations for the application of future assays.
Effects of transcranial photobiomodulation with near‐infrared light on sexual dysfunction
Authors: Cassano Paolo , Dording Christina , Thomas Garrett , Foster Simmie , Yeung Albert , Uchida Mai , Hamblin Michael R. , Bui Eric , Fava Maurizio , Mischoulon David , Iosifescu Dan V.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Transcranial photobiomodulation (t‐PBM) consists of the delivery of near‐infrared (NIR) or red light to the scalp designed to penetrate to subjacent cortical areas of the brain. NIR t‐PBM has recently emerged as a potential therapy for brain disorders. This study assessed the efficacy of repeated sessions of NIR t‐PBM on sexual dysfunction.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a double‐blind clinical trial on t‐PBM for major depressive disorder (MDD). Twenty individuals received NIR t‐PBM (n = 9) or sham therapy (n = 11) twice a week for 8 weeks. Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm were assessed using the Systematic Assessment for Treatment‐Emergent Effects‐Specific Inquiry (SAFTEE‐SI).

Results

The mean improvement in sexual function (decrease in SAFTEE sex total score) in subjects receiving t‐PBM in NIR‐mode was significantly greater than in subjects receiving sham‐mode in the whole sample (NIR [n = 9] −2.55 ± 1.88 vs. sham [n = 11] −0.45 ± 1.21; z = 2.548, P = 0.011]) and in the completers (NIR [n = 5] −3.4 ± 1.95 vs. sham [n = 7] −0.14 ± 1.21; z = 2.576, P = 0.010]).

Conclusion

This exploratory study with a small sample size indicates that repeated sessions of NIR t‐PBM may be associated with therapeutic effects on sexual dysfunction. The latter appeared unrelated to the antidepressant effect of t‐PBM in our cohort. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:127–135, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative metagenomics of the gut microbiota in wild greylag geese (Anser anser) and ruddy shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea)
Authors: Wang Wen , Zheng Sisi , Li Laixing , Yang Yongsheng , Liu Yingbao , Wang Aizhen , Sharshov Kirill , Li Yao
Published: September 2018

Gut microbiome contributes to host health by maintaining homeostasis, increasing digestive efficiency, and facilitating the development of immune system. Wild greylag geese (Anser anser) and ruddy shelducks (Tadorna ferruginea), migrating along the central Asian flyway, appear to be one of the most popular species in the rare birds rearing industries of China. However, the structure and function of the gut microbial communities associated with these two bird species remain poorly understood. Here, for the first time, we compared gut metagenomes from greylag geese to ruddy shelducks and investigated the similarities and differences between these two bird species in detail. Taxonomic classifications revealed the top three bacterial phyla, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria, in both greylag geese and ruddy shelducks. Furthermore, between the two species, 12 bacterial genera were found to be more abundant in ruddy shelducks and 41 genera were significantly higher in greylag geese. A total of 613 genera (approximately 70%) were found to be present in both groups. Metabolic categories related to carbohydrate metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism were significantly more abundant in ruddy shelducks, while greylag geese were enriched in nucleotide metabolism and energy metabolism. The herbivorous greylag geese gut microbiota harbored more carbohydrate‐active enzymes than omnivorous ruddy shelducks. In our study, a range of antibiotic resistance categories were also identified in the gut microbiota of greylag geese and ruddy shelducks. In addition to providing a better understanding of the composition and function of wild birds gut microbiome, this comparative study provides reference values of the artificial domestication of these birds.
The relationships between urinary glycosaminoglycan levels and phenotypes of mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Lee Chung‐Lin , Lo Yun‐Ting , Wang Tuan‐Jen , Huang Sung‐Fa , Chen Tzu‐Lin , Wang Yu‐Shan , Niu Dau‐Ming , Chuang Chih‐Kuang , Lin Shuan‐Pei
Published: September 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to use the liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method to quantitate levels of three urinary glycosaminoglycans (GAGs; dermatan sulfate [DS], heparan sulfate [HS], and keratan sulfate [KS]) to help make a correct diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).

Methods

We analyzed the relationships between phenotypes and levels of urinary GAGs of 79 patients with different types of MPS.

Results

The patients with mental retardation (n = 21) had significantly higher levels of HS than those without mental retardation (n = 58; 328.8 vs. 3.2 μg/ml, p < 0.001). The DS levels in the patients with hernia, hepatosplenomegaly, claw hands, coarse face, valvular heart disease, and joint stiffness were higher than those without. Twenty patients received enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for 1–12.3 years. After ERT, the KS level decreased by 90% in the patients with MPS IVA compared to a 31% decrease in the change of dimethylmethylene blue (DMB) ratio. The DS level decreased by 79% after ERT in the patients with MPS VI compared to a 66% decrease in the change of DMB ratio.

Conclusions

The measurement of GAG fractionation biomarkers using the LC‐MS/MS method is a more sensitive and reliable tool than the DMB ratio for MPS high‐risk screening, diagnosis, subclass identification, and monitoring the efficacy of ERT.
Interpolation of monogenic functions by using reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces
Authors: Cerejeiras Paula , Kähler Uwe , Legatiuk Dmitrii
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we present results on interpolation of monogenic functions in the unit ball of
using reproducing kernels and randomly chosen interpolation points. The main theoretical results are proved based on the concept of uniformly discrete sequences. Furthermore, estimates for the interpolation error as well as for the eigenvalues of the interpolation problems are presented. Numerical results are presented in the end.