bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining functional traits and phylogeny to disentangling Amazonian butterfly assemblages on anthropogenic gradients
Authors: Spaniol Ricardo Luís , Duarte Leandro da Silva , Mendonça Milton de Souza , Iserhard Cristiano Agra
Published: August 2019

Environmental gradients consist of sequential changes in the physical and structural characteristics of a region. These allow us to follow species responses and tolerances under different habitat conditions. Among them, forest fragmentation and succession comprise the most common examples of forest gradients, where organismal responses require distinct morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations. However, environmental changes can impose ecological and evolutionary constraints that act on species traits, as well as on local species assemblies through their phylogenetic history. In this study, we evaluated the differences in species distribution and composition on fruit‐feeding butterfly assemblages along forest fragmentation and succession gradients. We combine functional and phylogenetic methods for determining butterfly assemblages, and inferred species resistance and resilience according to habitat changes in tropical forests. We used a database of 471 fruit‐feeding butterflies of 60 species sampled from different environments in the central Amazon rainforest. A total of 13 functional traits were measured, and a phylogenetic tree was obtained for the sampled species. The trait–environment relationship was analyzed along both forest fragmentation and succession gradients, controlling for phylogenetic signal on species distribution and functional composition when necessary. Several traits presented phylogenetic signal, and phylogeny was also driving butterfly species distribution along the successional gradient. After controlling for phylogeny, individual characteristics related to flight speed (thoracic weight) and anti‐predatory strategies (camouflage) increased in early‐successional forests, with large butterflies (body length) prevailing in primary forests. No clear functional and phylogenetic pattern was identified for the fragmentation gradient. Our results are consistent with the idea that butterflies may be employing distinct functional strategies to attenuate habitat change effects. Larger butterflies, with lower dispersal ability, are preferentially susceptible to local extinctions in the early‐successional environments, mainly when forested habitat and its resources become spatially restricted. In addition, several anti‐predatory strategies related to conspicuous colors may be losing their functionality in open areas, where not being distinctive against the background becomes the primary defense against predation.
Hyperglycaemia, adverse outcomes and impact of intravenous insulin therapy in patients presenting with acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction in a socioeconomically disadvantaged urban setting: The Montefiore STEMI Registry
Authors: Shitole Sanyog G. , Srinivas Vankeepuram , Berkowitz Julia L. , Shah Tina , Park Michael J. , Herzig Samuel , Christian Anne , Patel Neeral , Xue Xiaonan , Scheuer James , Kizer Jorge R.
Published: August 2019

Background

Hyperglycaemia occurs frequently in ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is associated with poor outcomes, for which continuous insulin infusion therapy (CIIT) may be beneficial. Information is limited regarding hyperglycaemia in acute STEMI affecting urban minority populations, or how CIIT fares in such real‐world settings.

Methods and results

We assembled an acute STEMI registry at an inner‐city health system, focusing on patients with initial blood glucose ≥180 mg/dL to determine the impact of CIIT vs usual care. Clinical and outcomes data were added through linkage to electronic records. Inverse‐probability‐of‐treatment weighting using propensity scores (PS) was used to compare CIIT vs no CIIT. The 1067 patients included were mostly Hispanic or African American; 356 had blood glucose ≥180 mg/dL. Such pronounced hyperglycaemia was related to female sex, minority race‐ethnicity and lower socioeconomic score, and associated with increased death and death or CVD readmission. CIIT was preferentially used in patients with marked hyperglycaemia and was associated with in‐hospital hypoglycaemia (21% vs 11%, P = .019) and, after PS weighting, with increased in‐hospital (RR 3.23, 95% CI 0.94, 11.06) and 1‐year (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.02, 4.98) mortality. No significant differences were observed for death at 30 days or throughout follow‐up, or death and readmission at any time point.

Conclusions

Pronounced hyperglycaemia was common and associated with adverse prognosis in this urban population. CIIT met with selective use and was associated with hypoglycaemia, together with increased mortality at specific time points. Given the burden of metabolic disease, particularly among race‐ethnic minorities, assessing the benefits of CIIT is a prerogative that requires evaluation in large‐scale randomized trials.
MicroRNA 182 promotes T helper 1 cell by repressing hypoxia induced factor 1 alpha in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Wan Cong , Bi Wuchun , Lin Peng , Zhang Yun , Tian Jiangtian , Fang Shaohong , Li Zhaoying , Wang Xi , Qu Yinan , Mu Lili , Wang Jinghua , Kong Qingfei , Wang Guangyou , Sun Bo , Li Hulun
Published: August 2019

MicroRNA 182 is important for the clonal expansion of CD4+ T cells (Th) following IL‐2 stimulation and is a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we investigated the role of microRNA 182 in the differentiation of pro‐inflammatory CD4+ T helper cell by overexpressing or silencing microRNA 182 expression both in in vivo and in vitro settings. We report that in the studied Chinese cohort, microRNA 182 is upregulated in patients with relapse and remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and this upregulation is associated with increased IFN‐γ producing CD4+ Th1 cells in the circulation. In the murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, global microRNA 182 overexpression exacerbates clinical symptoms and results in augmented CD4+IFN‐γ+ Th1 and CD4+IL‐17+ Th17 differentiation in vivo. Addition of microRNA 182 mimics in vitro represses both the protein expression and transcriptional activity of hypoxia induced factor 1α (HIF‐1α) but increases the level of IFN‐γ transcripts in sorted murine CD4+ T cells. Together, our results provide evidence that microRNA 182 may be one of the transitional hubs contribution to regulate Th cells expansion in response to self‐antigens and differentiation of antigen specific Th cells during the progression of autoimmune inflammations.
Pannexin‐1 promotes NLRP3 activation during apoptosis but is dispensable for canonical or noncanonical inflammasome activation
Authors: Chen Kaiwen W. , Demarco Benjamin , Broz Petr
Published: August 2019

Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complex that assemble in the cytosol upon microbial infection or cellular stress. Upon activation, inflammasomes drive the maturation of proinflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β and IL‐18, and also activate the pore‐forming protein, gasdermin D to initiate a form of lytic cell death known as “pyroptosis”. Pannexin‐1 is channel‐forming glycoprotein that promotes membrane permeability and ATP release during apoptosis; and was implicated in canonical NLRP3 or noncanonical inflammasome activation. Here, by utilizing three different pannexin‐1 channel inhibitors and two lines of Panx1–/– macrophages, we provide genetic and pharmacological evidence that pannexin‐1 is dispensable for canonical or noncanonical inflammasome activation. In contrast, we demonstrate that pannexin‐1 cleavage and resulting channel activity during apoptosis promotes NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Tin and Lead Alkoxides of Ethylene Glycol and Glycerol and their Decomposition to Oxide Materials
Authors: Teichert Johannes , Block Theresa , Pöttgen Rainer , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: August 2019

A comprehensive investigation of the formation of tin and lead alkoxides with the polyalcohols ethylene glycol (C2H6O2, EG) and glycerol (C3H8O3) was conducted. Starting from tin(II) and lead(II) precursors, five alkoxides with either double‐ or triple‐deprotonated alcohol ligands were obtained. Four of them were structurally characterized by single‐crystal and one by powder X‐ray diffraction. The ethylene glycolates of tin(II) and lead(II), Sn(C2H4O2) and Pb(C2H4O2), show polymorphism. α‐ and β‐Sn(C2H4O2) can be synthesized selectively by applying different reaction times. α‐ and β‐Pb(C2H4O2), as well as Pb4(C2H4O2)4(C2H6O2), were obtained by altering the amount of NaOH and/or water used in the synthesis. With glycerol, mixed‐valent tin(II,IV) glycerolate Sn5(C3H5O3)4 and lead(II) glycerolate Pb(C3H6O3) crystallized. Except for Pb(C2H4O2), the obtained alkoxides are stable at ambient conditions for at least several months. The tin alkoxides were thermally decomposed in air to SnO2. A small amount of tin(II) in a SnO2 sample obtained at a low decomposition temperature was revealed by 119Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. At the highest decomposition temperature of 800 °C, only tin(IV) could be detected. The morphology of the alkoxide material is retained upon decomposition; however, the produced SnO2 consists of nanosized crystalline domains. The thermal decomposition of the lead(II) alkoxides in air yielded PbO particles with a significantly changed morphology.
Inherently Chiral Cavitand Curvature: Diastereoselective Oxidation of Tethered Allylsilanes
Authors: Inoue Mami , Fujii Yoshino , Matsumoto Yasuhiro , Schramm Michael P. , Iwasawa Tetsuo
Published: August 2019

Syntheses of inwardly and outwardly directed allylsilanes those are tethered to new inherently chiral cavitands are described. Oxidized with mCPBA, these allylsilanes result in diastereomeric mixtures of epoxide molecules. Thus, it enables us to have comparative study of cavitand‐structure diastereoselectivity relationship, which revealed that an inward allylsilane group flanked by a dibenzo[f, h]quinoxaline and two bridged methylene groups have the best chemical yield and diastereoselection.
Electrophilic Activation of 1‐Aryl‐3‐bromo‐2,2‐difluoropropan‐1‐ones by Triflic Acid in Reactions with Arenes
Authors: Aleksandrova Maiia I. , Ivanov Alexander Yu. , Dilman Alexander D. , Vasilyev Aleksander V.
Published: August 2019

The reactions of 1‐aryl‐3‐bromo‐2,2‐difluoropropan‐1‐ones [Ar(CO)CF2CH2Br] with various arenes Ar′H in the superacid TfOH at room temperature for 1–7 h result in the formation of products of hydroarylation of the carbonyl group, 1,1‐diaryl‐3‐bromo‐2,2‐difluoropropan‐1‐ols [ArAr′C(OH)CF2CH2Br], in yields up to 85 %. The reaction with benzene goes deeper and leads to 1‐aryl‐3‐bromo‐2,2‐difluoro‐1,1‐diphenylpropanes [ArCPh2CF2CH2Br] in good yields. Mainly, the bromomethyl group (CH2Br) of starting ketones remains untouched under the superacidic conditions. Cationic intermediates of the reaction have been studied by means of NMR spectroscopy. Plausible reaction mechanism is discussed.
Tris(1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl) phosphate disturbs mouse embryonic development by inducing apoptosis and abnormal DNA methylation
Authors: Yin Shu‐Yuan , Chen Li , Wu Dan‐Ya , Wang Tao , Huo Li‐Jun , Zhao Shuhong , Zhou Jilong , Zhang Xia , Miao Yi‐Liang
Published: August 2019

Tris(1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) is a kind of additive flame retardants (FRs) and was found to affect early embryonic development in zebrafish; however, there are few studies to investigate whether TDCPP will disturb the development of early mouse embryos. In our studies, we used mouse embryos as models to study the toxicology of TDCPP on the early embryos. The results showed that TDCPP disturbed the development of early mouse embryos in a dose‐dependent manner. 10 μM TDCPP decreased the blastocyst formation and 100 μM TDCPP was a lethal concentration for the mouse embryos. We proved that TDCPP was detrimental to embryonic development potential by increasing the reactive oxygen species level and inducing early apoptosis. Furthermore, TDCPP changed the DNA methylation patterns of imprinted genes in treated blastocysts. The methylation of H19 and Snrpn promoter regions was increased from 37.67% to 46.00% and 31.56% to 44.38% in treated groups, respectively. In contrast, Peg3 promoter region methylation was declined from 86.55% to 73.27% in treated embryos. Taken together, our results demonstrated that TDCPP could adversely impair the early embryonic development in mouse. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trace metals’ contamination in water and soils in the vicinity of a small–medium waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling plant
Authors: Tzoraki Ourania , Zkeri Eirini , Lasithiotakis Michael , Sinioros Panagiotis
Published: August 2019

An e‐waste recycling plant's ecological burden is correlated to soil and water, inside and outside the plant with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Correlation between heavy metal concentrations was calculated with Spearman's rho correlation coefficients. Ecological risk was assessed with ecological risk indexes (RIs) such as Hakanson's ecological RI, Geoaccumulation index, and enrichment factors. Heavy metals in water comply with drinking water criteria, except Pb in one water sample W2. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, and Zn were higher in the rainwater collection tank (43.50, 10.90, 18.87, 81.17, 177.99, and 330.17 μg/L) than the surficial water inside (8.93, 1.27, 4.97, 17.0, 91.87, and 72.97 μg/L) and outside the plant (4.18, 1.28, 1.60, 10.35, 26.21, and 12.10 μg/L). In most water samples, As, Li, Mg, Ca, Na, Ba, Si, Sr, U, and V concentrations were at similar levels and are not influenced by the company's activities except the rainwater tank. Water samples correlation results showed statistically significant positive correlation between (a) Al, Fe, Pb, Ce, Co, La, Nd, Sm, Y and (b) Cu and Mn—an anthropogenic influence related with e‐waste. Ecological RIs for soils showed low to moderate pollution. The most enriched soil samples in Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Hg were two samples west of the plant, and another two east of the plant. Pb comes from cathode ray tubes. A pH‐edge desorption study concluded that the cation exchange processes with clays and the strong sorption affinity of Fe oxides keep metals bound to the soil matrix.
Assessment and optimization of total ammonia nitrogen adsorption in aqueous phase by sodium functionalized graphene oxide using response surface methodology
Authors: Mirahsani Arghavan , Sartaj Majid , Giorgi Javier B.
Published: August 2019

Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) uptake by sodium functionalized graphene oxide as an efficient adsorbent was evaluated and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Batch adsorption tests were carried out based on a central composite design experimental plan at 3 pH levels (6, 7, and 8) and 3 temperature levels (5, 25, and 45°C). The equilibrium condition was reached within 5 min. Quadratic models for percent TAN removal (R%) and solid phase TAN concentration (qe) as response were obtained and evaluated by statistical analysis to predict the experimental data. The models were reduced by eliminating insignificant terms. The final reduced models were significant (p < .0001) with R2 values .96 for R% and .97 for qe, respectively. The optimum pH and temperature to reach the maximum values for R% (58.23%) and qe (27.45 mg/g) were predicted by the RSM. The laboratory experiments were in very good agreement with the predicted optimized values for R% and qe by RMS as the error was 1.2 and 0.3%, respectively.
Permeability improvements of an outburst‐prone coal seam by means of presplitting and blasting with multiple deep boreholes
Authors: Huang Chang‐guo , Zhang Yue‐bing , He Jiang‐fu , Luo Yongjiang , Sun Zhong‐guang
Published: August 2019

Coalbed methane, which is a significant potential unconventional source of energy, exhibits considerable challenges in the implementation of the exploration and production process, especially the degasification in low permeability of coal seams with high gas concentrations. Due to the difficulties in gas extraction, long mining period and low extraction concentration in soft and outburst coal seams, the permeability improvement method using presplitting and blasting technology with multiple boreholes has been proposed and applied to improve the permeability of soft coal seam, which is achieved by optimizing the inseam distribution of generated fractures through multiple control boreholes. Research results showed that the permeability improved by presplitting and blasting with deep boreholes is 2.5 times higher than that of the original coal seam. Within 6 days of extraction, the average extraction concentration and pure volume of the extraction borehole were 40.13% and 0.113 m3/min, respectively, which are 2.9 times and 4.1 times higher than the original data, respectively. Likewise, the average extraction concentration and purity of the extraction hole were 21.75% and 0.063 m3/min after being extracted within 14 days, which is twice and three times higher than that of the original average extraction concentration and purity volume, respectively. Besides, proposed technology has a little influence on the methane concentration of the coal seam 70 m ahead of the heading face. The research results promote the prevention and control of coal‐gas outburst in low permeability and high gas concentration coal seams.
Experimental study of the effects of turbine solidity, blade profile, pitch angle, surface roughness, and aspect ratio on the H‐Darrieus wind turbine self‐starting and overall performance
Authors: Du Longhuan , Ingram Grant , Dominy Robert G.
Published: August 2019

New and comprehensive time‐accurate, experimental data from an H‐Darrieus wind turbine are presented to further develop our understanding of the performance of these turbines with a particular focus on self‐starting. The impact of turbine solidity, blade profile, surface roughness, pitch angle, and aspect ratio on the turbine's performance is investigated, parameters that are thought to be critical for small‐scale VAWT operation, particularly when operating in the built environment. It is demonstrated clearly that high turbine solidity is beneficial for turbine self‐starting and that the selection of a thick, symmetrical aerofoil set at a low, negative pitch angle () is better than a cambered foil. Increased blade surface roughness is also shown to improve a turbine's self‐starting capability at low tip speed ratios and with high turbine solidity and the associated flow physics are discussed. Finally, it was confirmed that blade span has a significant impact on turbine starting. This paper contributes to the understanding of the turbine characteristics during the starting period and provides clear guidance and validation cases for future design and research in order to promote and justify the wider application of this wind turbine configuration.
Anatomy and histochemistry ofManihot caerulescensPohl (Euphorbiaceae) Leaf anatomy ofManihot caerulescens
Authors: Silva Lucimara Reis de Oliveira , Martins Fabiano Machado , Martins Márcio Lacerda Lopes
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to analyze the leaf anatomy ofManihot caerulescens, with emphasis on the ontogeny and secretion composition of the laticifers. Leaf samples were submitted the usual techniques in plant anatomy and histochemical tests to identify the main classes of secondary metabolites. The analyzes were performed using light and scanning electron microscopy. The leaves have a single layered epidermis coated by a uniform cuticle. The epidermal cells are elongated and papillose on the leaf abaxial surface of leaves. The mesophyll is isobilateral and the vascular bundle of the midrib is collateral. The laticifers are originated from ground meristem and procambium, and are of articulated anastomosing type. Besides the laticifers, two types of idioblasts were found: the secretory idioblasts, with a dense content, and the calcium oxalate druses idioblasts. Histochemical tests revealed different classes of chemicals for both secretory idioblasts and laticifers. In idioblasts, a positive reaction was detected for the general phenolic compounds, proteins, total polysaccharides and tannins. The laticifers reacted positively to total lipids and acids, essences, total polysaccharides and rubber. The individuals analyzed here are from caatinga and their leaf anatomical structure showed to be different from that described for the same species growing in the cerrado.
Evidence for Bronze Age and Medieval tin placer mining in the Erzgebirge mountains, Saxony (Germany)
Authors: Tolksdorf Johann Friedrich , Schröder Frank , Petr Libor , Herbig Christoph , Kaiser Knut , Kočár Petr , Fülling Alexander , Heinrich Susann , Hönig Heide , Hemker Christiane
Published: August 2019

Tin is an essential raw material both for the copper–tin alloys developed during the Early Bronze Age and for the casting of tableware in the Medieval period. Secondary geological deposits in the form of placers (cassiterite) provide easily accessible sources but have often been reworked several times during land‐use history. In fact, evidence for the earliest phase of tin mining during the Bronze Age has not yet been confirmed for any area in Europe, stimulating an ongoing debate on this issue. For this study, a broad range of methods (sedimentology, pedology, palynology, anthracology, OSL/14C‐dating, and micromorphology) was applied both within the extraction zone of placer mining and the downstream alluvial sediments at Schellerhau site in the upper eastern Erzgebirge (Germany). The results indicate that the earliest local removal of topsoil and processing of cassiterite‐bearing weathered granite occurred already in the early second millennium BC, thus coinciding with the early and middle Bronze Age period. Placer mining resumed in this area during the Medieval period, probably as early as the 13th century AD. A peak of alluvial sedimentation during the mid‐15th century AD is probably related to the acquisition of this region by the Elector of Saxony and the subsequent promotion of mining.
On the sensitivity of the diffusion MRI signal to brain activity in response to a motor cortex paradigm
Authors: De Luca Alberto , Schlaffke Lara , Siero Jeroen C. W. , Froeling Martijn , Leemans Alexander
Published: August 2019

Diffusion functional magnetic resonance imaging (dfMRI) is a promising technique to map functional activations by acquiring diffusion‐weighed spin‐echo images. In previous studies, dfMRI showed higher spatial accuracy at activation mapping compared to classic functional MRI approaches. However, it remains unclear whether dfMRI measures result from changes in the intracellular/extracellular environment, perfusion, and/or T2 values. We designed an acquisition/quantification scheme to disentangle such effects in the motor cortex during a finger‐tapping paradigm. dfMRI was acquired at specific diffusion weightings to selectively suppress perfusion and free‐water diffusion, then time series of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC‐fMRI) and of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) effects were derived. ADC‐fMRI provided ADC estimates sensitive to changes in perfusion and free‐water volume, but not to T2/T2* values. With IVIM modeling, we isolated the perfusion contribution to ADC, while suppressing T2 effects. Compared to conventional gradient‐echo blood oxygenation level‐dependent fMRI, activation maps obtained with dfMRI and ADC‐fMRI had smaller clusters, and the spatial overlap between the three techniques was below 50%. Increases of perfusion fractions were observed during task in both dfMRI and ADC‐fMRI activations. Perfusion effects were more prominent with ADC‐fMRI than with dfMRI but were significant in less than 25% of activation regions. IVIM modeling suggests that the sensitivity to task of dfMRI derives from a decrease of intracellular/extracellular diffusion and an increase of the pseudo‐diffusion signal fraction, leading to different, more confined spatial activation patterns compared to classic functional MRI.
Mortality Related to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Increasing in the United States
Authors: Paik James M. , Henry Linda , De Avila Leyla , Younossi Elena , Racila Andrei , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: August 2019

Population‐level nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) death rate data are sparse. We described death rates for adults with NAFLD in the United States using mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System multiple‐cause mortality data (2007‐2016). Decedents who had NAFLD were identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes K75.81, K76.0, K74.0, K74.6, and K76.9. Among NAFLD decedents, cause‐specific deaths (e.g., cardiovascular disease [CVD], cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], non‐liver cancer, diabetes mellitus [DM]) were identified by underlying cause of death ICD‐10 codes. Trends were evaluated by average annual percentage change (AAPC) in age‐standardized death rate (ASDR) per 100,000 persons. Among the 25,129,960 decedents aged ≥20 years, 353,234 (1.4%) decedents had NAFLD (212,322 men; 260,765 non‐Hispanic whites, 32,868 non‐Hispanic blacks, 46,530 Hispanics, 5,025 non‐Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Natives [AIANs], 7,023 non‐Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islanders [APIs]), with a mean age at death of 64.47 ± 13.17 years. During the study period, the ASDR for NAFLD increased by 15% (12.94 to 14.90; AAPC, 1.98%; P < 0.001]), while women (AAPC, 2.99% vs. 1.16% men; P = 0.003), non‐Hispanic whites (AAPC, 2.48%), non‐Hispanic AIANs (AAPC, 2.31%), and Hispanics (AAPC, 0.74%) experienced the highest annual increases. Stable trends were noted for non‐Hispanic blacks and non‐Hispanic APIs. Among subgroups, Mexican (AAPC, 1.75%) and Asian Indians (AAPC, 6.94%) experienced annual increases. The top six underlying causes of death (155,894 cirrhosis, 38,444 CVD, 19,466 non‐liver cancer, 10,867 HCC, 8,113 DM, and 5,683 lung disease) accounted for 67.5% of NAFLD‐related deaths. For cause‐specific deaths, ASDR increased for HCC (AAPC, 3.82%), DM (AAPC, 2.23%), non‐liver cancer (AAPC, 2.14%), CVD (AAPC, 1.59%), and cirrhosis (AAPC, 0.96%). Conclusion: NAFLD‐related deaths in U.S. adults are increasing. Cirrhosis is the top cause‐specific death, followed by CVD. Women, non‐Hispanic whites, and non‐Hispanic AIANs (subgroups Mexicans and Asian Indians) experienced the highest increases in deaths. Policies addressing the societal burden of NAFLD are needed.
X‐Ray Crystal Structure of a Second‐Generation Peptide Dendrimer in Complex with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lectin LecB
Authors: Baeriswyl Stéphane , Javor Sacha , Stocker Achim , Darbre Tamis , Reymond Jean‐Louis
Published: August 2019

Dendrimers are regularly branched molecular trees which are notoriously difficult to crystallize. Herein we report the crystal structure of a C‐fucosylated second generation peptide dendrimer as complex with lectin LecB in which the only dendrimer‐lectin contact is the LecB bound glycoside (PDB 6S5S). In contrast to a previously reported crystal structure of a first‐generation peptide dendrimer as LecB complex in which the dendrimer formed trimers connected by intermolecular β‐sheets (PDB 5D2A), the present structure features a globular monomeric state held together by intramolecular backbone hydrogen bonds and assembled into a non‐covalent dimer stabilized by hydrophobic contacts between leucine side‐chains and proline‐phenylalanine CH‐π stacking interactions. Molecular dynamics and circular dichroism studies suggest that this crystal structure resembles the structure of the peptide dendrimer in solution. Structures of a partially resolved dendrimer (PDB 6S5R) and of C‐fucosylated disulfide bridged peptide dimers connecting different LecB tetramers are also reported (PDB 6S7G, PDB 6S5P).
Molecular characterization of colorectal adenomas reveals POFUT1 as a candidate driver of tumor progression
Authors: Komor Malgorzata A. , de Wit Meike , van den Berg Jose , Martens de Kemp Sanne R. , Delis‐van Diemen Pien M. , Bolijn Anne S. , Tijssen Marianne , Schelfhorst Tim , Piersma Sander R. , Chiasserini Davide , Sanders Joyce , Rausch Christian , Hoogstrate Youri , Stubbs Andrew P. , de Jong Mark , Jenster Guido , Carvalho Beatriz , Meijer Gerrit A. , Jimenez Connie R. , Fijneman Remond J.A. ,   In collaboration with the NGS‐ProToCol Consortium
Published: August 2019

Removal of colorectal adenomas is an effective strategy to reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality rates. However, as only a minority of adenomas progress to cancer, such strategies may lead to overtreatment. The present study aimed to characterize adenomas by in‐depth molecular profiling, to obtain insights into altered biology associated with the colorectal adenoma‐to‐carcinoma progression. We obtained low‐coverage whole genome sequencing, RNA sequencing and tandem mass spectrometry data for 30 CRCs, 30 adenomas and 18 normal adjacent colon samples. These data were used for DNA copy number aberrations profiling, differential expression, gene set enrichment and gene‐dosage effect analysis. Protein expression was independently validated by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays and in patient‐derived colorectal adenoma organoids. Stroma percentage was determined by digital image analysis of tissue sections. Twenty‐four out of 30 adenomas could be unambiguously classified as high risk (n = 9) or low risk (n = 15) of progressing to cancer, based on DNA copy number profiles. Biological processes more prevalent in high‐risk than low‐risk adenomas were related to proliferation, tumor microenvironment and Notch, Wnt, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hedgehog signaling, while metabolic processes and protein secretion were enriched in low‐risk adenomas. DNA copy number driven gene‐dosage effect in high‐risk adenomas and cancers was observed for POFUT1, RPRD1B and EIF6. Increased POFUT1 expression in high‐risk adenomas was validated in tissue samples and organoids. High POFUT1 expression was also associated with Notch signaling enrichment and with decreased goblet cells differentiation. In‐depth molecular characterization of colorectal adenomas revealed POFUT1 and Notch signaling as potential drivers of tumor progression.
Interactive Picture Book Read‐Alouds to the Rescue: Developing Emerging College EFL Learners’ Word Inference Ability
Authors: Sun Chia‐Ho
Published: August 2019

The importance of teacher read‐alouds in language teaching and learning has been known for years, but we know very little about how older English learners with limited English skills can benefit from this practice. The author shares how interactive read‐alouds with picture books can be designed to help emerging college learners of English as a foreign language develop word inference ability and become more independent word learners. The processes of selecting a picture book and target words for the practice and implementation of the four phases of a read‐aloud in a beginning‐level freshman English class in Taiwan are described. Findings suggest that interactive picture book read‐alouds can be a pleasurable and effective instructional practice for giving older emerging English learners tools that enable them to internalize the use of context and prior knowledge to draw inferences and further apply them independently when they confront unknown vocabulary as they read on their own.
Dismantling Winning Stories: Lessons From Applying Critical Literature Pedagogy toThe Odyssey
Authors: Steiss Jacob
Published: August 2019

In teaching canonical literature, presuming a text's merit and infallibility can inhibit the development of critical thought and may transmit values that are not socially and politically just. The author describes how educators can promote academic literacy and critical consciousness in their students through pedagogy that helps students critically analyze canonical texts, specifically the ancient Greek epic poemThe Odysseyby Homer. By implementing critical literature pedagogy, students can deconstruct problematic ideologies embedded inThe Odyssey, such as the text's promotion of patriarchy, violence against women, and sexual double standards. Using scholarship and examples of lessons and student work from an all‐male high school English classroom, the author demonstrates strategies that allow students to identify and disrupt dominant narratives that try to shape their actions and thoughts, and instead construct counternarratives that are more sociopolitically just and inclusive of perspectives marginalized or absent from the canon.
Effect of the initial concentration on the equilibrium liquid phase concentration at salting out of proteins
Authors: de Araújo Júnior Moysés Batista , Pessoa Filho Pedro de Alcântara , Miranda Everson Alves
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Protein precipitation is a unit operation commonly employed in bioprocesses. The most important thermodynamic property for designing an industrial precipitation operation is the solubility. The solubility is defined as the protein concentration in a certain liquid phase in equilibrium with its solid precipitate. In some cases, the protein concentration in the liquid phase at equilibrium depends on the initial concentration of the protein, therefore being an apparent solubility. Here an assessment of the effect of the molecular mass of proteins on the dependence of the apparent solubility on the initial protein concentration is reported.

RESULTS

Proteins with different molecular masses (bovine insulin, 5.7 kDa; chicken egg white lysozyme, 14.7 kDa; porcine trypsin, 23.4 kDa; bovine serum albumin (BSA), 66.0 kDa) at different initial concentrations were precipitated with NaCl at constant pH and temperature. Lysozyme was the only protein that showed no change in its solubility as a function of the initial protein concentration at the studied conditions. For insulin, the effect of the initial concentration on the apparent solubility was verified only at low salt concentrations. The apparent solubility of proteins with higher molecular mass, i.e. trypsin and albumin, showed dependence on the initial protein concentration: the higher the initial protein concentration, the higher the apparent solubility.

CONCLUSION

Based on the data of this work and the literature, the molecular mass appears to affect the dependence of the apparent solubility of proteins on their initial concentration in precipitation processes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A Concise Stereoselective Synthesis of (R)‐2‐Benzylmorpholine and ML398 from (R)‐(−)‐2‐Phenylglycinol
Authors: Torres Saúl , Velasco Manuel , Gallegos‐Rojas José Ángel , Bernès Sylvain , Orea María L. , Terán Joel L. , Huelgas Gabriela , Gómez‐Calvario Víctor , Juárez Jorge R.
Published: August 2019

We describe here an efficient stereoselective method for the preparation of (R)‐2‐benzylmorpholine and ML398. The present method features a high diastereocontrol using an endocyclic oxidation of phenylglycinol‐derived morpholine and a stereoselective alkylation of chiral non‐racemic morpholin‐3‐one as key steps.
Prolonged exposure to hypoxia induces an autophagy-like cell survival program in human neutrophils
Authors: Talla Usharani , Bozonet Stephanie M , Parker Heather A , Hampton Mark B , Vissers Margreet C M
Published: August 2019

Neutrophils contribute to low oxygen availability at inflammatory sites through the generation of reactive oxidants. They are also functionally affected by hypoxia, which delays neutrophil apoptosis. However, the eventual fate of neutrophils in hypoxic conditions is unknown and this is important for their effective clearance and the resolution of inflammation. We have monitored the survival and function of normal human neutrophils exposed to hypoxia over a 48 h period. Apoptosis was delayed, and the cells remained intact even at 48 h. However, hypoxia promoted significant changes in neutrophil morphology with the appearance of many new cytoplasmic vesicles, often containing cell material, within 5 hours of exposure to low O2. This coincided with an increase in LC3B-II expression, indicative of autophagosome formation and an autophagy-like process. In hypoxic conditions, neutrophils preferentially lost myeloperoxidase, a marker of azurophil granules. Short-term (2 h) hypoxic exposure resulted in sustained potential to generate superoxide when O2 was restored, but the capacity for oxidant production was lost with longer periods of hypoxia. Phagocytic ability was unchanged by hypoxia, and bacterial killing by neutrophils in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions was substantially diminished after 24 hours. However, pre-exposure to hypoxia resulted in an enhanced ability to kill bacteria by oxidant-independent mechanisms. Our data provide the first evidence for hypoxia as a driver of neutrophil autophagy that can influence the function and ultimate fate of these cells, including their eventual clearance and the resolution of inflammation.
Positive and negative ions of the amino acid histidine formed in low‐energy electron collisions
Authors: Meißner Rebecca , Feketeová Linda , Bayer Andreas , Postler Johannes , Limão‐Vieira Paulo , Denifl Stephan
Published: August 2019

Histidine is an aromatic amino acid crucial for the biological functioning of proteins and enzymes. When biological matter is exposed to ionising radiation, highly energetic particles interact with the surrounding tissue which leads to efficient formation of low‐energy electrons. In the present study, the interaction of low‐energy electrons with gas‐phase histidine is studied at a molecular level in order to extend the knowledge of electron‐induced reactions with amino acids. We report both on the formation of positive ions formed by electron ionisation and negative ions induced by electron attachment. The experimental data were complemented by quantum chemical calculations. Specifically, the free energies for possible fragmentation reactions were derived for the τ and the π tautomer of histidine to get insight into the structures of the formed ions and the corresponding neutrals. We report the experimental ionisation energy of (8.48 ± 0.03) eV for histidine which is in good agreement with the calculated vertical ionisation energy. In the case of negative ions, the dehydrogenated parent anion is the anion with the highest mass observed upon dissociative electron attachment. The comparison of experimental and computational results was also performed in view of a possible thermal decomposition of histidine during the experiments, since the sample was sublimated in the experiment by resistive heating of an oven. Overall, the present study demonstrates the effects of electrons as secondary particles in the chemical degradation of histidine. The reactions induced by those electrons differ when comparing positive and negative ion formation. While for negative ions, simple bond cleav ages prevail, the observed fragment cations exhibit partly restructuring of the molecule during the dissociation process.
Revegetation differentially influences microbial trophic groups in a Qinghai‐Tibetan alpine steppe ecosystem
Authors: Qin Mingsen , Shi Guoxi , Miranda Jean‐Pascal , Liu Yongjun , Meng Yiming , Pan Jianbin , Chai Yuxing , Jiang Shengjing , Zhou Guoying , Feng Huyuan , Zhang Qi
Published: August 2019

Revegetation accelerates the recovery of degraded lands. Different microbial trophic groups underpin this acceleration from the aspects of soil structure stabilization, nutrient accumulation, and ecosystem functions. However, little is known about how revegetation influences the community and biodiversity of different soil microbial trophic groups. Here, six revegetation treatments with different plantings of plant species were established at an excavation pit in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. Communities of plant, bacteria, and several key soil fungal groups were investigated after 12 years of revegetation. Plant and all microbial trophic group compositions were markedly influenced by revegetation treatments. Total fungal and pathogenic fungal compositions were not significantly predicted by any factor of plant and soil, but arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal composition could be mainly predicted by plant composition and plant P content. Bacterial composition was mainly determined by soil total N, organic carbon concentration, and moisture content; and saprotrophic fungal composition was mainly determined by soil organic carbon. Soil pH was the strongest factor to predict bacterial metabolic functions. Our findings highlight that even the differences of microbial compositions were because of different revegetation treatments, but each trophic microbial composition had different relations with plant and/or soil; especially, the bacterial community and metabolic functions and saprotrophic fungal community were more correlated with soil properties rather than plant community or characteristics per se.
Structural diversity and efficacy of culturable cellulose decomposing bacteria isolated from rice–pulse resource conservation practices
Authors: Dash Pradeep Kumar , Bhattacharyya Pratap , Shahid Mohammad , Roy Pritesh Sunder , Padhy Soumya Ranjan , Swain Chinmaya Kumar , Kumar Upendra , Kumar Anjani , Gautam Priyanka , Lal Banawari , Panneerselvam Periyasamy , Nayak Amaresh Kumar
Published: August 2019

The diversity of cellulolytic bacteria from the rice–pulse system can be sourced for identification of efficient cellulose decomposing microbial strains. In the present study, the abundance, structural diversity, and cellulolytic potential of the culturable bacterial community were studied in 5‐year old rice–pulse system under different resource conservation technologies. Higher cellulose (68% more) and xylanase (35% more) activities were observed under zero tilled soil. The populations of cellulolytic bacteria were significantly higher (44%) in zero tillage (ZT) treatment than those of conventional practice. Results revealed that the cellulolytic bacterial diversity was found to be significantly higher under ZT practice, but the present population may not be sufficient for effective recycling of organic wastes in this system. Out of 290 bacterial isolates, 20 isolates had significantly higher cellulolytic activities, of which the top three superior isolates were received from ZT practice. The cellulolytic bacterial diversity based on 16S rDNA sequencing data revealed that the Firmicutes was the most dominant phyla and the Bacillus spp. were the common genus, the observation also showed that there were 17 different haplotypes were recorded among 20 isolates of cellulolytic bacteria. The present findings indicated that long‐term ZT in the rice–pulse system could be a unique source for efficient cellulose decomposing bacteria and further the efficient bacterial strains isolated from this system can be used as efficient bioinoculants for in situ as well as ex‐situ decomposition of rice straw particularly in conservation agriculture.
Spatiotemporal variability of daily precipitation concentration and its relationship to teleconnection patterns over the Mediterranean during 1975–2015
Authors: Mathbout Shifa , Lopez‐Bustins Joan Albert , Royé Dominic , Martin‐Vide Javier , Benhamrouche Aziz
Published: August 2019

This study has addressed the spatiotemporal distribution of the daily rainfall concentration and its relation to the teleconnection patterns across the Mediterranean (MR). Daily concentration index (CI) and the ordered n index (
nor) are used at annual time scale to reveal the statistical structure of precipitation across the MR based on 233 daily rainfall series for the period 1975–2015. Eight teleconnection patterns, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Mediterranean Oscillation (MO), Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMO), Upper‐Level Mediterranean Oscillation index (ULMO), East Atlantic (EA) pattern, East Atlantic/West Russia (EATL/WRUS) pattern, Scandinavia (SCAND) pattern and Southern Oscillation (SO) at annual time scale are selected. The spatiotemporal patterns in precipitation concentration indices, annual precipitation and their teleconnections with previous large‐scale circulations are investigated. Results show a strong connection between the CI and the
nor (r = 0.70, p < .05) which present the same relative areas of high and low concentration. The annual values range from 0.57 to 0.70 for CI and 0.49 to 0.71 for
nor index which show a high daily precipitation concentration across the MR. Trend analysis demonstrated mostly significant increasing trends for both indices. This increase is mainly found in south France, northern coastlands of the Iberian Peninsula (IP), Greece and Tunisia. An inverse relationship between the number of rainy days and concentration indices is evident. Both of WeMO and MO can play an important role in modulating rainfall in the northwest Mediterranean. The positive EATL/WRUS phase is mainly connected with positive precipitation mean anomalies in the eastern Mediterranean and vice versa in the west. The high daily precipitation concentration values over south France, northeast Spain, Croatia and Tunisia are linked to the low values of WeMO and high values of EA. These results could pave the way for new possibilities regarding the projection of precipitation concentration and precipitation irregularity in downscaling techniques.
A 256‐year‐long precipitation reconstruction for northern Kyrgyzstan based on tree‐ring width
Authors: Zhang Tongwen , Lu Bo , Zhang Ruibo , Diushen Mamatkanov , Rysbek Satylkanov , Bakytbek Ermenbaev , Chen Feng , Yu Shulong , Jiang Shengxia , Zhang Heli
Published: August 2019

In this study, 85 tree cores from 45 Schrenk spruces (Picea schrenkiana) were used to establish a regional tree‐ring chronology. A 256‐year pJune–May precipitation (where p denotes a month from the previous year) for northern Kyrgyzstan in central Asia was reconstructed using this newly developed chronology. The tree‐ring‐based precipitation reconstruction tracks the observed data well (r = .622, p < .0001, n = 105). Spatial correlation proved that the reconstructed precipitation series contains climatic signals representative of a larger area, including eastern Kyrgyzstan and parts of Kazakhstan. A comparison between the newly reconstructed precipitation series and four tree‐ring‐based precipitation reconstructions for the surrounding areas reveals similar variations, particularly in the high‐frequency domain. Furthermore, this reconstructed precipitation series matches nine flood (1785, 1786, 1792, 1952, 1953, 1970, 1971, 1973, and 2000) and four drought (1917, 1919, 1927, and 1944) events noted in the historical documents and captures a dry decade that occurred in the 1910s in central Asia.