bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinoic acid modulates retinoid X receptor α and retinoic acid receptor α levels of cultured brown adipocytes
Authors: Bonet M.Luisa , Puigserver Pere , Serra Francisca , Ribot Joan , Vázquez Francisca , Picó Catalina , Palou Andreu
Published: July 2002

A novel potential regulatory pathway of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis was recently recognized after identifying retinoic acid (RA) as a transcriptional activator of the uncoupling protein (UCP) gene. Here we provide evidence that the UCP responsiveness to RA in primary cultures of brown adipocytes involves RA receptor α (RARα), and show, in the same system and also in CHO cells, that RA down‐regulates the steady‐state levels of RARα and especially of retinoid X receptor α, suggesting autoregulation of the retinoid pathway and therefore supporting the idea of a physiological role for it in controlling the thermogenic capacity of BAT.
Increased glucose transport in ras‐transformed fibroblasts: a possible role for N‐glycosylation of GLUT1
Authors: Onetti Rafael , Baulida Josep , Bassols Anna
Published: July 2002

2‐Deoxyglucose uptake was enhanced in ts371 KiMuSV‐NRK cells when growing at the permissive temperature to allow the expression of a transforming p21 ras protein. This change is due to a decrease in the K
m by approximately 2.5‐fold without affecting the V
max of the transporter. The amount of the GLUT1 glucose transporter dit not increase as deduced from immunoblot experiments on total membranes. Nevertheless, ras‐transformed GLUT1 displays a higher molecular mass due to an increased N‐glycosylation of the protein. Experiments made in tunicamycin‐treated cells indicates that a higher glycosylation is responsible for the increase in 2‐deoxyglucose uptake in ras‐transformed cells.
Ceruloplasmin, transferrin and apotransferrin facilitate iron release from human liver cells
Authors: Young Stephen P , Fahmy Magdy , Golding Simon
Published: July 2002

The rate of iron release from HepG2 liver cells was increased not only by extracellular apotransferrin, but also by diferric transferrin, in a non‐additive, concentration‐dependent manner and to a similar magnitude. This suggests that rapid equilibration between receptor‐mediated uptake and the release process determines net iron retention by the liver. Release was also accelerated by ceruloplasmin; most importantly, the effect of this protein was greatest when iron release was occurring rapidly, stimulated by apotransferrin, or under conditions of limited oxygen. Thus iron release involves both apotransferrin and ferrotransferrin, with ceruloplasmin playing a role in tissues with limited oxygen supply, as in the liver in vivo.
Submitochondrial distributions and stabilities of subunits 4, 5, and 6 of yeast cytochrome oxidase in assembly defective mutants
Authors: Glerum D.Moira , Tzagoloff Alexander
Published: July 2002

The concentration and submitochondrial distribution of the subunit polypeptides of cytochrome oxidase have been studied in wild type yeast and in different mutants impaired in assembly of this respiratory complex. All the subunit polypeptides of the enzyme are associated with mitochondrial membranes of wild type cells, except for a small fraction of subunits 4 and 6 that is recovered in the soluble protein fraction of mitochondria. Cytochrome oxidase mutants consistently display a severe reduction in the steady‐state concentration of subunit 1 due to its increased turnover. As a consequence, most of subunit 4, which normally is associated with subunit 1, is found in the soluble fraction. A similar shift from membrane‐bound to soluble subunit 6 is seen in mutants blocked in expression of subunit 5a. In contrast, null mutations in COX6 coding for subunit 6 promote loss of subunit 5a. The absence of subunit 5a in the cox6 mutant is the result of proteolytic degradation rather than regulation of its expression by subunit 6. The possible role of the ATP‐dependent proteases Rca1p and Afg3p in proteolysis of subunits 1 and 5a has been assessed in strains with combined mutations in COX6, RCA1, and/or AFG3. Immunochemical assays indicate that another protease(s) must be responsible for most of the proteolytic loss of these proteins.
Saposins (sap) A and C activate the degradation of galactosylceramide in living cells
Authors: Harzer Klaus , Paton Barbara C , Christomanou Helen , Chatelut Martine , Levade Thierry , Hiraiwa Masao , O'Brien John S
Published: July 2002

In loading tests using galactosylceramide which had been labelled with tritium in the ceramide moiety, living skin fibroblast lines derived from the original prosaposin‐deficient patients had a markedly reduced capacity to degrade galactosylceramide. The hydrolysis of galactosylceramide could be partially restored in these cells, up to about half the normal rate, by adding pure saposin A, pure saposin C, or a mixture of these saposins to the culture medium. By contrast, saposins B and D had little effect on galactosylceramide hydrolysis in the prosaposin‐deficient cells. Cells from β‐galactocerebrosidase‐deficient (Krabbe) patients had a relatively high residual galactosylceramide degradation, which was similar to the rate observed for prosaposin‐deficient cells in the presence of saposin A or C. An SV40‐transformed fibroblast line from the original saposin C‐deficient patient, where saposin A is not affected, showed normal degradation of galactosylceramide. The findings support the hypothesis, which was deduced originally from in vitro experiments, that saposins A and C are the in vivo activators of galactosylceramide degradation. Although the results with saposin C‐deficient fibroblasts suggest that the presence of only saposin A allows galactosylceramide breakdown to proceed at a normal rate in fibroblasts, it remains to be determined whether saposins A and C can substitute for each other with respect to their effects on galactosylceramide metabolism in the whole organism.
cDNA cloning and inducible expression of human multidrug resistance associated protein 3 (MRP3)1
Authors: Kiuchi Yuichi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Hirohashi Tomoko , Tyson Charles A , Sugiyama Yuichi
Published: July 2002

Previously, we cloned rat MRP3 as a candidate for an inducible transporter for the biliary excretion of organic anions [Hirohashi et al. (1998) Mol. Pharmacol. 53, 1068–1075]. In the present study, we cloned human MRP3 (1527 amino acids) from Caco‐2 cells. Human MRP3 is predominantly expressed in liver, small intestine and colon; hepatic expression of MRP3 was observed in humans but not in normal rats. In HepG2 cells, the expression of MRP3 was induced by phenobarbital. These results suggest that MRP3 may act as an inducible transporter in the biliary and intestinal excretion of organic anions.
In vitro characterization of rice importin β1: molecular interaction with nuclear transport factors and mediation of nuclear protein import
Authors: Jiang Chang-Jie , Imamoto Naoko , Matsuki Rikyu , Yoneda Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: July 2002

We recently isolated two cDNAs encoding importin β homologues (rice importin β1 and β2), the first such homologues identified in plants. To address the function of rice importin β1 in the process of nuclear import of proteins, we carried out in vitro binding and nuclear import assays. Recombinant protein of rice importin β1 assembled a complex (PTAC) with rice importin α1 and NLS protein, and also bound to the nuclear envelope of tobacco BY‐2 cells. Ran‐GTP, but not Ran‐GDP, interacted with rice importin β1 and dissociated the heterodimer formed between rice importin α1 and rice importin β1. An in vitro nuclear import assay using digitonin‐permeabilized HeLa cells revealed that rice importin β1 can mediate nuclear envelope docking of NLS proteins and their subsequent translocation into the nucleus. These data strongly suggest that rice importin β1 functions as a component of the NLS receptor in plant cells.
Activation of gene transcription by tilapia prolactin variants tiPRL188 and tiPRL177
Authors: Sohm Frédéric , Pezet Alain , Sandra Olivier , Prunet Patrick , de Luze Amaury , Edery Marc
Published: July 2002

In the tilapia species Oreochromis niloticus, the pituitary releases two forms of prolactins (tiPRL188 and tiPRL177). The binding parameters and the activation of tiPRL‐induced JAK2/Stat5 signalling pathway were analysed using a mammalian cell line transiently transfected with the tiPRL receptor (tiPRLR). Our data indicate that the tiPRLR is able to mediate transcriptional activation of the PRL responsive element. At nanomolar concentrations, tiPRL188 activates gene transcription whereas at micromolar concentrations it inhibits luciferase transcription from the lactogenic responsive element. This is consistent with a model of receptor dimerisation. In contrast, the activation by tiPRL177 was only reached at high (μM) concentrations. The transcriptional activities induced by tiPRL177 and tiPRL188 are discussed in the context of the physiology of these hormones.
Constitutive and nitrogen‐regulated promoters of the petH gene encoding ferredoxin:NADP+ reductase in the heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp
Authors: Valladares Ana , Muro-Pastor Alicia M. , Fillat María F. , Herrero Antonia , Flores Enrique
Published: July 2002

Determination of the putative transcription start points of the petH gene encoding ferredoxin:NADP+ reductase in the heterocyst‐forming cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7119 and PCC 7120 showed that this gene is transcribed from two promoters, one constitutively used under different conditions of nitrogen nutrition and the other one used in cells subjected to nitrogen stepdown and in nitrogen‐fixing filaments. The latter promoter, whose use was NtcA‐dependent but HetR‐independent, was functional in heterocysts. The N‐control transcriptional regulator NtcA was observed to bind in vitro to this promoter. For the sake of comparison, the transcription start points of the nifHDK operon in strain PCC 7120 and binding of NtcA to the nifHDK promoter were also examined.
Heptameric association of light‐harvesting complex II trimers in partially solubilized photosystem II membranes
Authors: Dekker Jan P. , van Roon Henny , Boekem Egbert J.
Published: July 2002

We report a structural characterization by electron microscopy and image analysis of a supramolecular complex consisting of seven trimeric light‐harvesting complex II proteins. The complex was readily observed in partially‐solubilized Tris‐washed photosystem II membranes from spinach but was also found to occur, with a low frequency, in oxygen‐evolving photosystem II membranes. The structure reveals six peripheral trimers with the same rotational orientation and a central trimer with the opposite orientation. We conclude that the heptamer represents a naturally occurring aggregation state of part of the light‐harvesting complex II trimers in the thylakoid membranes.
hnRNPs H, H′ and F behave differently with respect to posttranslational cleavage and subcellular localization
Authors: Honoré Bent , Vorum Henrik , Baandrup Ulrik
Published: July 2002

hnRNPs H, H′ and F belong to a subfamily of the hnRNPs sharing a high degree of sequence identity. Eukaryotic expression and specific C‐terminal antibodies were used to demonstrate great variation in the intracellular fate of the proteins. hnRNPs H and H′ become posttranslational cleaved into C‐terminal 35 kDa proteins (HC, H′C) and possibly into N‐terminal 22 kDa proteins. No detectable cleavage was observed for hnRNP F. hnRNP H/H′ is almost exclusively localized to the nucleus of many cell types while hnRNP F varies from a predominant nuclear localization in some cells to a predominant cytoplasmic localization in other cells. The different fates may reflect differences in functional roles that so far only have included nuclear functions. The presence of significant quantities of hnRNP F in the cytoplasm of many cells indicates that it also may have a functional role here.
Colocalization of androgen, estrogen and cholinergic receptors on cultured astrocytes of rat central nervous system
Authors: Hösli Elisabeth , Jurasin K. , Rühl W. , Lüthy R. , Hösli L.
Published: July 2002

By means of immunohistochemical and electrophysiological methods, we have investigated the presence of androgen receptors on astrocytes in explant and primary cultures from various regions of rat central nervous system. Our studies have shown that a great number of astrocytes and neurones express androgen receptors as recognized by a specific monoclonal antibody. Immunoreactivity was mainly distributed over the soma of the astrocytes, the nuclei being intensely stained. In contrast, glial processes were only faintly stained or not stained. Double‐immunostaining studies have provided evidence for a colocalization of androgen and estrogen α‐ and β‐receptors on many astrocytes. Furthermore, there was also a coexistence of glial androgen receptors with cholinergic muscarinic and nicotinic sites. Our immunohistochemical findings are supported by electrophysiological investigations demonstrating that 5α‐androstan, 17β‐estradiol as well as the cholinergic agonists muscarine and nicotine caused hyperpolarizations on the same astrocytes. Our studies suggest that there is a coexistence of functional receptors for androgen, estrogen as well as for the cholinergic agonists on glial cells. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the physiological role of glial androgen, estrogen and cholinergic receptors and to define their function in neurodegenerative diseases.
Ultrafast and Stable Li‐(De)intercalation in a Large Single Crystal H‐Nb2O5 Anode via Optimizing the Homogeneity of Electron and Ion Transport
Authors: Song Zihan , Li Hui , Liu Wei , Zhang Hongzhang , Yan Jingwang , Tang Yongfu , Huang Jianyu , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: April 2020

Exploring anode materials with fast, safe, and stable Li‐(de)intercalation is of great significance for developing next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. Monoclinic H‐type niobium pentoxide possesses outstanding intrinsic fast Li‐(de)intercalation kinetics, high specific capacity, and safety; however, its practical rate capability and cycling stability are still limited, ascribed to the asynchronism of phase change throughout the crystals. Herein this problem is addressed by homogenizing the electron and Li‐ion conductivity surrounding the crystals. An amorphous N‐doped carbon layer is introduced on the micrometer single‐crystal H‐Nb2O5 particle to optimize the homogeneity of electron and Li‐ion transport. As a result, the as‐prepared H‐Nb2O5 exhibits high reversible capacity (>250 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1), unprecedented high‐rate performance (≈120 mAh g−1 at 16.0 A g−1) and excellent cycling stability (≈170 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 after 1000 cycles), which is by far the highest performance among the H‐Nb2O5 materials. The inherent principle is further confirmed via operando transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. A novel insight into the further development of electrode materials forlithium‐ion batteries is thus provided.
Broadband Near‐Infrared Garnet Phosphors with Near‐Unity Internal Quantum Efficiency
Authors: Basore Endale T. , Xiao Wenge , Liu Xiaofeng , Wu Jianhong , Qiu Jianrong
Published: April 2020

Compact near‐infrared (NIR) light sources with broad emission band are essential to enable NIR spectroscopy compatible with portable devices, and phosphor‐converted light emitting diodes (pc‐LEDs) are efficient, low‐cost, and compact light sources. However, it is more challenging to develop highly efficient and thermally stable broadband NIR phosphors than conventional phosphors for white LEDs. Here, a series of solid solution phosphors with broadband NIR emission designed by cationic substitution in Cr3+ activated garnet Gd3Sc2Ga3O12 are reported. The internal quantum efficiency of Cr3+ emission can be significantly improved to nearly 100% via the substitution of ScO6 with smaller AlO6 octahedrons, which is attributed to the reduction of antisite defects. Moreover, the phosphor with optimized composition shows highly thermally stable emission, which renders the as‐fabricated pc‐LED with high‐power (750.8 mW) NIR emission covering the wavelength range of 700–1000 nm. The results could advance the development of NIR pc‐LEDs as high‐performance light sources for miniature NIR spectrometers.
Near‐infrared photometry of superthin edge‐on galaxies
Authors: Bizyaev Dmitry , Tatarnikov Andrey , Shatsky Nikolai , Najip Aurik , Birlak Marina , Voziakova Olga
Published: April 2020

We perform near‐infrared photometry of a large sample of 49 superthin edge‐on galaxies. These galaxies are selected based on optical photometry because of high radial‐to‐vertical scale ratio in their stellar disks. The near infrared (NIR) H and K observations were conducted with the cryogenic‐cooled camera ASTRONIRCAM on the 2.5 m telescope at the Caucasus Mountain Observatory of Lomonosov Moscow State University. A majority of galaxies in our sample show comparable or better photometric depth than the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) optical images. We estimate the structural parameters of stellar disks in the galaxies and find that the NIR scale height of stellar disks is comparable to that estimated from the optical, SDSS g, r and i, whereas the H and K scale length of the stellar disks is significantly shorter than in the g, r, and i. We investigate if a realistic distribution of dust alone can explain the difference in the scale length and find that in the majority of the galaxies the radial variation of the stellar population is actually responsible for the color distribution. The latter suggests a younger age of the disks periphery, and the inside out building up of stellar disks in the superthin galaxies.
A Novel Eukaryote‐Like CRISPR Activation Tool in Bacteria: Features and Capabilities
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Baojun
Published: April 2020

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) activation (CRISPRa) in bacteria is an attractive method for programmable gene activation. Recently, a eukaryote‐like, σ54‐dependent CRISPRa system has been reported. It exhibits high dynamic ranges and permits flexible target site selection. Here, an overview of the existing strategies of CRISPRa in bacteria is presented, and the characteristics and design principles of the CRISPRa system are introduced. Possible scenarios for applying the eukaryote‐like CRISPRa system is discussed with corresponding suggestions for performance optimization and future functional expansion. The authors envision the new eukaryote‐like CRISPRa system enabling novel designs in multiplexed gene regulation and promoting research in the σ54‐dependent gene regulatory networks among a variety of biotechnology relevant or disease‐associated bacterial species.
Optimizing data processing to improve the reproducibility of single‐subject functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Soltysik David A.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

High reproducibility is critical for ensuring the confidence needed to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation maps for presurgical planning.

Methods

In this study, the comparison of different motion correction methods, spatial smoothing methods, regression methods, and thresholding methods was performed to see whether specific data processing methods can be employed to improve the reproducibility of single‐subject fMRI activation. Three test–retest metrics were used: the percent difference in activation volume (PDAV), the difference in the center of mass (DCM), and the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC).

Results

The PDAV was minimized when using little or no spatial smoothing and AMPLE thresholding. The DCM was minimized when using affine motion correction and little or no spatial smoothing. The DSC was improved when using affine motion correction and generous spatial smoothing. However, it is believed that the overlap metric may be unsuitable for testing fMRI reproducibility.

Conclusion

Processing methods to improve fMRI reproducibility were determined. Importantly, the processing methods needed to improve reproducibility were dependent on the fMRI activation metric of interest.
Call‐specific patterns of neural activation in auditory processing of Richardson’s ground squirrel alarm calls
Authors: Freeman Angela R. , Hare James F. , Caldwell Heather K.
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Richardson's ground squirrels use alarm calls to warn conspecifics about potential predatory threats. Chirp calls typically indicate high levels of threat from airborne predators, while whistle calls are associated with lower levels of threat from terrestrial predators. These types of calls primarily elicit escape behaviors and increased vigilance in receivers, respectively. While much is known about the neural mechanisms involved in the production of vocalizations, less is known about the mechanisms important for the perception of alarm calls by receivers, and whether changes in perceived risk are associated with unique patterns of neuronal activation. Thus, to determine whether alarm calls associated with different levels of predation risk result in differential neuronal activation, we used immunohistochemistry to identify and quantify c‐Fos immunopositive cells in brain regions important in stress, fear, danger, and reward, following alarm call reception.

Methods

We exposed 29 female Richardson's ground squirrels (10 control, 10 whistle receivers, and 9 chirp receivers) to playbacks of whistles, chirps, or a no‐vocalization control. We then assessed neuronal activation via c‐Fos immunohistochemistry in 12 brain regions.

Results

Ground squirrels receiving high‐threat “chirp” vocalizations had reduced neuronal activation in the medial amygdala and superior colliculus compared with controls. It is likely that changes in activity in these brain regions serve to alter the balance between approach and avoidance in turn promoting escape behaviors.

Conclusions

Thus, we conclude that in Richardson's ground squirrels, these brain regions are important for the perception of risk resulting from receiving alarm calls and allow for appropriate behavioral responses by receivers.
Comprehensive insights on pivotal prognostic signature involved in clear cell renal cell carcinoma microenvironment using the ESTIMATE algorithm
Authors: Luo Jun , Xie Yi , Zheng Yuxiao , Wang Chenji , Qi Feng , Hu Jiateng , Xu Yaoting
Published: April 2020

Emerging evidence has highlighted that the immune and stromal cells formed the majority of tumor microenvironment (TME) which are served as important roles in tumor progression. In our study, we aimed to screen vital prognostic signature associated with TME in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We obtained total 611 samples from TCGA database consisting of transcriptome profiles and clinical data. ESTIMATE algorithm was applied to estimate the infiltrating fractions of immune/stromal cells. We found that the immune scores revealed more prognostic significance in overall survival and positive associations with risk clinical factors than stromal scores. We carried out differential expression analysis between Immunescore and stromalscore groups to obtain the 72 intersect genes. Protein to protein interaction (PPI) network and functional analysis was performed to indicate potential altered pathways. Additionally, we further conducted multivariate Cox analysis to identify 12 hub genes associated highly with TME of ccRCC using a stepwise regression procedure. Accordingly, risk score was constructed from the multivariate Cox results and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive value (AUC = 0.781). The ccRCC patients with high risk scores suffered poor survival outcomes than that with low risk scores. In the validation cohort from GSE53757, TNFSF13B, CASP5, and GJB6 correlated positively with tumor stages, while FREM1 negatively correlated with tumor stages. Importantly, we further observed that TNFSF13B, CASP5 and XCR1 showed the remarkable correlations with tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. Taken together, our research identified specific signatures that related to the infiltration of stromal and immune cells in TME of ccRCC using the transciptome profiles, which reached a comprehensive understanding of tumor microenvironment in ccRCC.
High SOX8 expression promotes tumor growth and predicts poor prognosis through GOLPH3 signaling in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Shuwei , Li Huan , Li Xiyuan , Chen Wenkuan , Zhang Xing , Yang Zhongyuan , Chen Zhipeng , Chen Jingtao , Zhang Ying , Shi Dingbo , Song Ming
Published: April 2020

According to our previous study, GOLPH3 is markedly up‐expressed in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), which is also associated with poor survival. However, it remains unclear about key upstream and downstream mechanisms of GOLPH3. This study aimed to illuminate new mechanisms modulating GOLPH3 upregulation and promoting TSCC development at the molecular level. Using mass spectrometry and agarose‐streptavidin‐biotin pull‐down analyses, SOX8 (SRY‐Box 8) was identified to be the new protein to bind the GOLPH3 promoter within TSCC cells, which was further verified to be the regulator of GOLPH3 upregulation. The knockdown of SOX8 suppressed the promoter activity of GOLPH3, while secondarily inhibiting TSCC cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. Interestingly, GOLPH3 overexpression rescued the SOX8 knockdown‐mediated suppression on TSCC proliferation. Additionally, exogenous over‐expression of SOX8 also activated the activity of promoter as well as GOLPH3 expression, in the meantime of promoting TSCC development. Moreover it was discovered that SOX8 regulated GOLPH3 expression through interacting with TFAP2A. Moreover our results suggested that the SOX8 level was increased within tumor tissue compared with that in para‐cancer normal counterpart, which showed positive correlation with the GOLPH3 level. According to Kaplan‐Meier analyses, TSCC cases having higher SOX8 and GOLPH3 expression were associated with poorer prognostic outcomes. Taken together, this study reveals that SOX8 enhances the TSCC cell growth via the direct transcriptional activation of GOLPH3, which also indicates the potential to use SOX8/GOLPH3 pathway as the treatment target among TSCC patients.
When repetitive consumption leads to predictions of faster adaptation
Authors: Pasdiora Maria Alice , Brei Vinicius A. , Nicolao Leonardo
Published: April 2020

Hedonic adaptation can explain why individuals enjoy their products less over time. One key feature of hedonic adaptation is its dependence on consumption repetition. Our research investigates when the perception of repetitive consumption leads consumers to predict faster hedonic adaptation (i.e., less enjoyment). We conducted four studies testing the impact of repetition on predicted enjoyment (Studies 1A and 1B), the interaction between repetition and assortment variety (Study 2), and the interaction between repetition and attention drawn by the product (Study 3). Results show that repetition leads consumers to predict less future enjoyment, weakens the effect of assortment variety on hedonic adaptation prediction, and strengthens the effect of attention drawn by product on hedonic adaptation prediction. Our results also show that consumers who predict less future enjoyment with a product are less likely to purchase this product. Overall, the findings advance knowledge on hedonic adaptation by presenting the impact of the most relevant feature of hedonic adaptation (i.e., consumption repetition) when it is made salient for consumers, and its interaction with common contextual cues.
Solvophobically Driven Complexation of Adamantyl Mannoside with β‐Cyclodextrin in Water and Structured Organic Solvents
Authors: Leko Katarina , Hanževački Marko , Brkljača Zlatko , Pičuljan Katarina , Ribić Rosana , Požar Josip
Published: April 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is Josip Požar with collaborators from the University of Zagreb. The image depicts the differences in high‐ and low‐temperature water effect on the complexation thermodynamics of adamantyl mannoside with β‐cyclodextrin. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202000282.
Analytical Model to Characterize the Efficiency of Disk Stack Separators
Authors: König Julian , Ueding Jens , Janoske Uwe
Published: April 2020

Up to now the prediction of separation efficiency for disk stack separators is largely based on the concept of equivalent clarification area, short Σ‐theory, firstly published in 1949. An improved analytical model with a closed‐form solution is presented in which the assumptions of uniform flow and unhindered solids transport are dropped. The contributions of distributor and solids holding space to the total separation efficiency are considered. The model is validated by comprehensive experiments with different geometry parameters and particle systems. The results are presented in a universal form for a combination of dimensionless numbers.
Multiobjective optimization‐based DV‐hop localization using NSGA‐II algorithm for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Kanwar Vivek , Kumar Ashok
Published: April 2020

Localization is one of the important requirements in wireless sensor networks for tracking and analyzing the sensor nodes. It helps in identifying the geographical area where an event occurred. The event information without its position information has no meaning. In range‐free localization techniques, DV‐hop is one of the main algorithm which estimates the position of nodes using distance vector algorithm. In this paper, a multiobjective DV‐hop localization based Non‐Sorting Genetic Algorithm‐II (NSGA‐II) is proposed in WSNs. Here, we consider six different single‐objective functions to make three multiobjective functions as the combination of two each. Localization techniques based on proposed multiobjective functions has been evaluated on the basis of average localization error and localization error variance. Simulation results demonstrate that the localization scheme based on proposed multiobjective functions can achieve good accuracy and efficiency as compared to state‐of‐the‐art single‐ and multiobjective GA DV‐hop localization scheme.
A SERS quenching method for the sensitive determination of insulin
Authors: Gholami Mahnaz D. , Sonar Prashant , Ayoko Godwin A. , Izake Emad L.
Published: April 2020

In this work, we utilise the disulphide bond structure of insulin and a new benzothiazole Raman probe for the detection of human insulin using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The disulphide bond structure of the insulin was reduced to generate free sulfhydryl terminal groups. When reacted with benzothiazole‐functionalised gold nanoparticles, the reduced protein desorbs the Raman probe and causes its Raman signal intensity to quench. Using this approach, insulin was quantified in the concentration range of 1 × 10−14–1 × 10−8M by SERS quenching. The limit of quantification of insulin by the SERS quenching method was found to be 1 × 10−14M (0.01 pM or 58 pg/L), which satisfies the requirements for monitoring its blood concentration in patients. Because many proteins and peptides have disulphide bonds in their molecular structures, the new SERS quenching method has a strong potential for the rapid determination of ultralow concentrations of proteins in formulations and biological fluids.
Belowground biomass of alpine shrublands across the northeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xiuqing Nie , Wang Dong , Lucun Yang , Li Fan , Guoying Zhou
Published: April 2020

Although belowground biomass (BGB) plays an important role in global cycling, the storage of BGB and climatic effects on it are remaining unclear. With data from 49 sites, we aimed to investigate BGB and its climatic controls in alpine shrublands in the Tibetan Plateau. Our study showed that the BGB (both grass‐layer and shrub‐layer biomass) storage in the alpine shrublands was 67.24 Tg, and the mean BGB density and shrublands area were 1,567.38 g/m2 and 4.29 × 104 km2, respectively. Shrub layer had a larger BGB stock and accounted for 66% of total BGB this area, while only 34% was accumulated in the grass layer. BGB of the grass layer in the Tibetan Plateau shrublands was larger than that of Tibetan alpine grasslands, indicating that shrubland ecosystem played a critical importance role in carbon cycle on the Tibetan Plateau. The BGB in the grass layer and shrub layer demonstrated different correlations with climatic factors. Specifically, the effects from mean annual temperature on shrub‐layer BGB were not significant, similarly to the relationship between mean annual precipitation and grass‐layer BGB. But shrub‐layer BGB had a significantly positive relationship with mean annual precipitation (p < .05), while grass‐layer BGB showed a trend of decrease with increasing mean annual temperature (p < .05). Consequently, the actual and potential increases of BGB varied due to different increases of mean annual precipitation and temperature among different areas of the Tibetan Plateau. Therefore, in the warmer and wetter scenario, due to contrary relationships from mean annual precipitation and temperature on shrub‐layer BGB and grass‐layer BGB, it is necessary to conduct a long‐term monitoring about dynamic changes to increase the precision of assessment of BGB carbon sequestration in the Tibetan Plateau alpine shrublands.
Hypolipidemic and anti‐atherogenic activities of crude polysaccharides from abalone viscera
Authors: Liu Binxiong , Jia Zhen , Li Changcheng , Chen Jinquan , Fang Ting
Published: April 2020

This study was performed to evaluate the hypolipidemic and anti‐atherogenic activities of the crude polysaccharides extracted from abalone viscera (AVCP). The major functional groups of purified polysaccharides were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (IR). Male Kunming mice (SPF) were divided into six groups and were treated with normal diet or high‐fat diet with AVCP or Xuezhikang (hypotensive drug) for 5 weeks. Physicochemnical analysis of AVCP showed the presence of 60.4% polysaccharides, 17.9% protein, 6.0% fat and 10.9% moisture. The IR analysis of AVP showed the presence of functional groups of sugar moiety and sulfate groups. The results demonstrated that AVCP not only led to significant reduction of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and increase of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in plasma, but also to significant increments of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. However, AVCP played no role in mice weight. Furthermore, the results of the photomicrograph of liver tissue showed that AVCP reduced lipid droplets and prevented the disordered structure of the liver. The results suggested that AVCP exhibited significantly hypolipidemic and anti‐atherogenic activities.
Budgets versus Bans: How U.S. Law Restricts Germline Gene Editing
Authors: Johnston Josephine
Published: April 2020

In late 2019, He Jiankui, the Chinese scientist who created the world's first gene‐edited babies, and two embryologists were sentenced to prison and fined. Thirteen months earlier, when the world first learned about the experiment, He and his colleagues drew swift and nearly uniform international condemnation for prematurely moving to human trials, for the risks they took with the children's health, and for He's secrecy. The organizing committee for the second genome editing summit said the experiment failed to conform with international norms.” In the United States, the legal picture is complex. No doubt the specific experiment He performed would have run afoul of long‐standing research regulations due to its problems with informed consent and ethical review. But other laws also affect this kind of work, in particular, a budget rider that for the past four years has been included in federal appropriations legislation.
The incidence and survival outcomes of patients with primary cardiac lymphoma: A SEER‐based analysis
Authors: Xiao Min , Lin Junpeng , Xiao Tingting , Lin Yan , Ye Yong
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prognosis of primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database. Patients diagnosed with PCL and the disease incidence in the SEER database from 1975 to 2016 were included. Overall survival (OS) and cause‐specific survival (CSS) curves were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared by the log‐rank test. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to identify associations with outcome measures. The incidence of PCL was 0.011/100 000, and a predominance of elderly and male patients was observed. A total of 144 patients were enrolled. The median age of onset was 68 (9‐96) years, including 80 (55.6%) males and 64 (44.4%) females. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for OS (both P < .05). Ann Arbor stage and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for CSS (both P < .05). In terms of treatment modality, chemotherapy combined with surgery was an independent protective factor for OS and CSS (both P < .05). For patients with primary cardiac diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (cardiac DLBCL), multivariate analysis also showed that age, Ann Arbor stage, and chemotherapy were all independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS (all P < .05). Chemotherapy combined with surgery was associated with a significant benefit in terms of OS and CSS (both P < .05). Our study confirmed that older age and advanced Ann Arbor stage were independent risk factors for PCL, and treatment with chemotherapy or cooperation with surgery resulted in better long‐term survival.
Old Mice Have Less Transcriptional Activation But Similar Periosteal Cell Proliferation Compared to Young-Adult Mice in Response to in vivo Mechanical Loading
Authors: Chermside-Scabbo Christopher J , Harris Taylor L , Brodt Michael D , Braenne Ingrid , Zhang Bo , Farber Charles R , Silva Matthew J
Published: April 2020

Mechanical loading is a potent strategy to induce bone formation, but with aging, the bone formation response to the same mechanical stimulus diminishes. Our main objectives were to (i) discover the potential transcriptional differences and (ii) compare the periosteal cell proliferation between tibias of young-adult and old mice in response to strain-matched mechanical loading. First, to discover potential age-related transcriptional differences, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to compare the loading responses between tibias of young-adult (5-month) and old (22-month) C57BL/6N female mice following 1, 3, or 5 days of axial loading (loaded versus non-loaded). Compared to young-adult mice, old mice had less transcriptional activation following loading at each time point, as measured by the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the fold-changes of the DEGs. Old mice engaged fewer pathways and gene ontology (GO) processes, showing less activation of processes related to proliferation and differentiation. In tibias of young-adult mice, we observed prominent Wnt signaling, extracellular matrix (ECM), and neuronal responses, which were diminished with aging. Additionally, we identified several targets that may be effective in restoring the mechanoresponsiveness of aged bone, including nerve growth factor (NGF), Notum, prostaglandin signaling, Nell-1, and the AP-1 family. Second, to directly test the extent to which periosteal cell proliferation was diminished in old mice, we used bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) in a separate cohort of mice to label cells that divided during the 5-day loading interval. Young-adult and old mice had an average of 15.5 and 16.7 BrdU+ surface cells/mm, respectively, suggesting that impaired proliferation in the first 5 days of loading does not explain the diminished bone formation response with aging. We conclude that old mice have diminished transcriptional activation following mechanical loading, but periosteal proliferation in the first 5 days of loading does not differ between tibias of young-adult and old mice. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Abstract
Separation of Al(III), Mo(VI), Ni(II), and V(V) from model hydrochloric acid leach solutions of spent petroleum catalyst by solvent extraction
Authors: Le Minh Nhan , Lee Man Seung
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

A large number of spent catalysts are regularly discharged by petrochemical industries. The spent catalysts contain some valuable metals, such as molybdenum, nickel, and vanadium. Therefore, it is necessary to recover these high purity metals from the spent petroleum catalysts with environmentally friendly processes.

RESULTS

In order to recover valuable metals such as molybdenum, vanadium, nickel, and aluminum from spent petroleum catalysts, a hydrometallurgical process consisting of leaching followed by solvent extraction was developed in the present work. First, molybdenum was separated from the leaching solution by extraction with D2EHPA and the loaded organic phase was stripped by a mixture of NH4OH and (NH4)2CO3. Second, the molybdenum free raffinate was contacted with Aliquat 336‐decanol to separate the vanadium, and then a hydrochloric acid solution was employed to strip vanadium from the corresponding loaded extractant. Since the acidity of the leach solution was high, TEHA (tris‐2‐ethylhexylamine) was chosen for the extraction of hydrochloric acid in order to increase the pH of solution. The loaded TEHA phase was then stripped by distilled water, which enabled the recovery of HCl. The nickel and aluminum in the molybdenum and vanadium free raffinate were separated by the extraction of nickel with saponified Cyanex 301 at a solution pH of 2.5. It was possible to strip nickel from the loaded organic phase by a strong hydrochloric acid solution.

CONCLUSIONS

A flow sheet of the proposed process for the separation of Al(III), Mo(VI), Ni(II), and V(V) was presented. The current process can be applied to aqueous solutions containing these four metals from diverse material resources. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Hybrid material based on TiO2, CuBTC, and magnetic particles as a novel photocatalyst for MB removal
Authors: Vu Cuong M , Nguyen Van‐Huy , Thi Huong V , Jin Chung W , Nguyen Dinh D
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The hybrid material based on TiO2, organic framework, and CuFe2O4 magnetic particles were synthesized and applied as photocatalyst for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) solution. The effects of irradiation time and photocatalyst type on photodegradation efficiency were investigated in detail.

RESULTS

The photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation increased in the following order:TiO2 < CuFe2O4@TiO2 < CuFe2O4@TiO2@CuBTC. The CuFe2O4/TiO2/CuBTCphotocatalyst retained its activity even after five cycles, with the photodegradation efficiency reaching approximately 82.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of both CuFe2O4and CuBTC induced a positive effect on photocatalytic properties of TiO2with an enhancement of the photo‐decolorization of MB. The CuFe2O4/TiO2/CuBTCexhibited both photocatalytic activities and recycled property with magnetic characteristics. The combination with other materials helped reduce the bandgap and increased the photoactivity of TiO2. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Lowering the inhibition of sugarcane vinasse as a culture medium for oleaginous fungi through oxidative pre‐treatment aiming at the degradation of toxic compounds
Authors: Rodrigues Reis Cristiano E , Carvalho Ana KF , Bento Heitor BS , Alves Thiago M , de Castro Heizir F
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The utilization of vinasse as a feasible culture medium for fungi is hindered by the presence of inhibitory compounds, such as phenols and other recalcitrant structures. This work analyzes the effect of different homogeneous advanced oxidation processes (AOP) to lower the concentration of inhibitory phenolic compounds in vinasse, and to test the effects of the pre‐treatment on the growth of an oleaginous fungal strain. Vinasse was treated using a batch system with the addition of ferrous ion (Fe2+) (Fenton), in the presence of UV, and with the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

RESULTS

All of the reaction systems were able to partially degrade the chemical oxygen demand, ranging from 18.4% up to 54.1% in the factorial results. The pre‐treated vinasse samples were assayed for the growth performance of Mucor circinelloides, demonstrating that the control value of 3.54 g L−1 was increased to values as high as 4.84 g L−1, also followed by an increase of ≈73% in terms of lipid productivity.

CONCLUSION

Different AOP were tested to degrade phenolic compounds present in vinasse, demonstrating that the optimum condition (Fe2+/UV at alkaline pH) provided a culture medium for M. circinelloides that increased the biomass accumulation by ≈35% and the lipid productivity by >70% when compared to the control. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Acquisition and maintenance of delayed matching‐to‐sample in tufted capuchin monkeys
Authors: Colares Leal Tamyres Roberta , de Faria Brino Ana Leda , de Almeida Costa Leandro Augusto , de Faria Galvão Olavo , McIlvane William J.
Published: April 2020

Delayed matching‐to‐sample (DMTS) is a commonly used procedure to investigate short‐term memory. For the study of functions of forgetting, the delay between the disappearance of the sample stimulus and appearance of choices is manipulated. The intertrial interval (ITI) is also varied to assess interference effects. Performance decrements have been observed as delay increases and, in some cases, performance recovery occurs when ITIs are increased. Other studies indicate that the higher the ITI/delay ratio, the greater the accuracy in DMTS. In this study, 2 experiments investigated DMTS performances of 3 tufted capuchin monkeys as function of delay and ITI. In Experiment 1, alternation of gradual increases of delay and ITI was effective in producing ≥90% accuracy at delays as long as 90 s. Individual monkeys differed in the highest value of delay at which this criterion was met. In Experiment 2, the monkeys were exposed to 5‐s DMTS with different ITIs to assess the effects of various ITI/delay ratios on accuracy. Highest accuracy tended to occur at the higher ITI/delay ratios.
Synthesis of stable isotope‐labelled firocoxib
Authors: Latli Bachir , Gao Amy , Kvaternick Valerie , Tecle Berhane , Pennino Scott , Yee Nathan K. , Song Jeff
Published: April 2020

Firocoxib (ML‐1,785,713) is a nonsteroidal, potent, and selective COX‐2 inhibitor, approved for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs and horses, as well as to control postoperative pain and inflammation in dogs. We employed a six‐step synthesis to prepare firocoxib‐[13C6] in an overall yield of 35% from the commercially available bromobenzene‐[13C6]. The synthetic route involved the preparation of the key intermediate phenyl‐13C6‐methyl sulfide using cesium carbonate and S‐methylthiourea sulfate under transition‐metal free conditions. A two‐step preparation of firocoxib‐[13C,2H3] via the sulfinic acid derivative of firocoxib and methyl iodide‐[13C,2H3] using the procedure of Gauthier and Yoshikawa was first undertaken. However, the deuterium atoms of the methyl sulfone undergo extensive exchange in aqueous media even at neutral pH. The isotope‐labelled firocoxib is intended as an internal standard for bioanalyses of firocoxib from biological matrices.