bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal mutations in Escherichia coli that improve tolerance to nonvolatile side‐products from dilute acid treatment of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Shi Aiqin , Yomano Lorraine P. , York Sean W. , Zheng Huabao , Shanmugam Keelnatham T. , Ingram Lonnie O.
Published: October 2019

Lignocellulosic biomass provides attractive nonfood carbohydrates for the production of ethanol, and dilute acid pretreatment is a biomass‐independent process for access to these carbohydrates. However, this pretreatment also releases volatile and nonvolatile inhibitors of fermenting microorganisms. To identify unique gene products contributing to sensitivity/tolerance to nonvolatile inhibitors, ethanologenic Escherichia coli strain LY180 was adapted for growth in vacuum‐treated sugarcane bagasse acid hydrolysate (VBHz) lacking furfural and other volatile inhibitors. A mutant, strain AQ15, obtained after approximately 500 generations of growth in VBHz, grew and fermented the sugars in a medium with 50% VBHz. Comparative genome sequence analysis of strains AQ15 and LY180 revealed 95 mutations in strain AQ15. Six of these mutations were also found in strain SL112, an independent inhibitor‐tolerant derivative of strain LY180. Among these six mutations, null mutations in mdh and bacA were identified as contributing factors to VBHz tolerance in strain AQ15, based on the genetic and physiological analysis. The deletion of either gene in strain LY180 increased tolerance to VBHz from approximately 30–50% (vol/vol). Considering the location and physiological role of the two enzymes in the cell, it is likely that the two enzymes contribute to the VBHz sensitivity of ethanologenic E. coli by different mechanisms.
Novel manufacturing method for producing apohemoglobin and its biophysical properties
Authors: Pires Ivan S. , Belcher Donald A. , Hickey Richard , Miller Colbert , Badu‐Tawiah Abraham K. , Baek Jin Hyen , Buehler Paul W. , Palmer Andre F.
Published: October 2019

Apohemoglobin (apoHb) is a dimeric globular protein with two vacant heme‐binding pockets that can bind heme or other hydrophobic ligands. Purification of apoHb is based on partial hemoglobin (Hb) unfolding to facilitate heme extraction into an organic solvent. However, current production methods are time consuming, difficult to scale up, and use highly flammable and toxic solvents. In this study, a novel and scalable apoHb production method was developed using an acidified ethanol solution to extract the hydrophobic heme ligand into solution and tangential flow filtration to separate heme from the resultant apoprotein. Total protein and active protein yields were >95% and ~75%, respectively, with <1% residual heme in apoHb preparations and >99% purity from sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. Virtually no loss of apoHb activity was detected at 4°C, −80°C, and in lyophilized form during long term storage. Structurally, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and circular dichroism indicated that apoHb was dimeric with a ~25% reduction of helical content compared to Hb. Furthermore, mass spectroscopy and reverse‐phase chromatography indicated that the mass of the α and β subunits were virtually identical to the theoretical mass of these subunits in Hb and had no detectable oxidative modifications upon heme removal from Hb. SEC confirmed that apoHb bound to haptoglobin at a similar ratio to that of native Hb. Finally, reconstituted Hb (rHb) was processed via a hemichrome removal method to isolate functional rHb for biophysical characterization in which the O2equilibrium curve, O2dissociation, and CO association kinetics of rHb were virtually identical to native Hb. Overall, this study describes a novel and improved method to produce apoHb, as well as presents a comprehensive biochemical analysis of apoHb and rHb.
Evaluation of the psychoemotional status of young adults with symptoms of temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Maślak‐Bereś Monika , Loster Jolanta E. , Wieczorek Aneta , Loster Bartłomiej W.
Published: October 2019

Background and purpose

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are among the most frequent pathologies of the stomatognathic system. One problem often associated with TMD is the psychoemotional status. The aim of study was to evaluate the psychoemotional status of young adults with pain symptoms associated with TMD.

Material and methods

We analyzed the data of 260 volunteers. The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) form was used to diagnose TMD. The relationships between TMD/RDC clinical diagnoses and psychoemotional status, as described by the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10), were analyzed. We divide the group into four on the basis of RDC/TMD Axis I diagnosis. Group 0 included 30 students lacking TMD symptoms. Group I consisted of 30 people with myofascial pain (group IA in RDC/TMD). Group II contained 23 people with disk displacement with reduction (group IIA in RDC/TMD). Group III contained ten people (Group III diagnosis, often associated with pain).

Results

We did not find statistically significant differences between the study groups. In subjects with pain (Groups I and III), we found the mean value on the BDI and PSS‐10 scales to be higher than among the pain‐free subjects (Groups 0 and II).

Conclusion

In young adults with TMD accompanied by pain, psychoemotional status should also be evaluated.
Single‐Flap Approach in Periodontal Regeneration for Intraosseous Defects: Case Series
Authors: Oh Se‐Lim , Joshi Shashank
Published: October 2019

Introduction

A single‐flap approach (SFA) is the elevation of a periodontal flap to access the defect only from one side. Several studies have reported that the SFA is at least as clinically effective as the elevation of a flap at both buccal and palatal/lingual aspects. However, studies regarding the SFA have reported only 6 to 10 months follow‐up clinical outcomes. The purpose of this case series was to investigate the outcomes of the SFA for periodontal regeneration with a collagen membrane and bone grafts in regard to linear bone defect fill and clinical parameters such as gingival recession (GR), pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) for the 15‐month follow‐up.

Case Series

Based on the deepest pocket depth site, the flap retraction side for each case, either buccal or palatal/lingual, was determined. After retraction of a one‐side full thickness flap, complete removal of granulation tissue and thorough scaling and root planing were performed. Demineralized ground cortical bone grafts were gently packed into the defect areas and an absorbable collagen membrane was placed over the grafts in 13 cases from 11 patients.

Conclusion

This case series demonstrated that the SFA for periodontal regeneration with a collagen membrane and bone grafts resulted in decreased PD with minimum GR, gain in CAL, and bone fill at defect sites for the 15‐month follow‐up.
Novel Metabolites from the Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium subaffine L01
Authors: Han Xiao‐Yang , Xie Yi‐Xuan , Wu Chao‐Qun , Ai Hong‐Lian , Lei Xin‐Xiang , Wang Xiang‐Jing
Published: October 2019

One natural p‐terphenyl glycoside, gliocladinin C, and two furano‐polyene derivatives, chaetominins A and B, were isolated from potato endophytic fungus Chaetomium subaffine. The absolute configurations of these compounds were elucidated by HR‐ESI‐MS, NMR, the DP4+ probabilities and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Furthermore, gliocladinin C and chaetominin A showed cytotoxic activity against two selected human tumor cell lines (Hep‐2 and HepG‐2).
The Cul4‐DDB1‐WDR3/WDR6 Complex Binds SPAK and OSR1 Kinases in a Phosphorylation‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Dhiani Binar A. , Mehellou Youcef
Published: October 2019

SPAK and OSR1 are two protein kinases that play critical roles in regulating ion homeostasis. They are activated under osmotic stress through phosphorylation by their upstream WNK kinases at a conserved threonine site on their T‐loops. Additionally, WNK kinases phosphorylate SPAK and OSR1 at a highly conserved serine residue on their S‐motif, the function of which remains elusive. Using affinity pull down and mass spectrometry, we identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex Cullin 4‐DDB1‐WDR3/WDR6 as a binder to OSR1 kinase in a SPAK/OSR1 S‐motif phosphorylation‐dependent manner. This binding was found to be compromised by S‐motif phosphorylation following osmotic stress. Using proteasomal and neddylation inhibitors, we subsequently showed that OSR1 ubiquitylation was abolished under osmotic stress when its S‐motif is phosphorylated. These results provide the first example of an E3 ubiquitin ligase system that binds the OSR1 kinase and, thus, links the CRL4 complex to ion homeostasis.
Analysis of the Substrate Specificity of the SMYD2 Protein Lysine Methyltransferase and Discovery of Novel Non‐Histone Substrates
Authors: Weirich Sara , Schuhmacher Maren Kirstin , Kudithipudi Srikanth , Lungu Cristiana , Ferguson Andrew D. , Jeltsch Albert
Published: October 2019

The SMYD2 protein lysine methyltransferase methylates various histone and non‐histone proteins and is overexpressed in several cancers. Using peptide arrays, we investigated the substrate specificity of the enzyme, revealing a recognition of leucine (or weaker phenylalanine) at the −1 peptide site and disfavor of acidic residues at the +1 to +3 sites. Using this motif, novel SMYD2 peptide substrates were identified, leading to the discovery of 32 novel peptide substrates with a validated target site. Among them, 19 were previously reported to be methylated at the target lysine in human cells, strongly suggesting that SMYD2 is the protein lysine methyltransferase responsible for this activity. Methylation of some of the novel peptide substrates was tested at the protein level, leading to the identification of 14 novel protein substrates of SMYD2, six of which were more strongly methylated than p53, the best SMYD2 substrate described so far. The novel SMYD2 substrate proteins are involved in diverse biological processes such as chromatin regulation, transcription, and intracellular signaling. The results of our study provide a fundament for future investigations into the role of this important enzyme in normal development and cancer.
Upstream anticoagulation for patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Insights from the TOTAL trial
Authors: Cantor Warren J. , Lavi Shahar , Džavík Vladimír , Cairns John , Cheema Asim N. , Della Siega Anthony , Moreno Raul , Stankovic Goran , Kedev Sasko , Natarajan Madhu K. , Levi Yaniv , Yuan Fei , Jolly Sanjit S.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To assess the relationship between preprocedural anticoagulation use and clinical and angiographic outcomes.

Background

For patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the optimal timing of anticoagulant administration remains uncertain.

Methods

Patients enrolled in the TOTAL trial were stratified based on whether or not they had received any parenteral anticoagulant prior to randomization and PCI. Baseline and procedural characteristics were compared. For one‐year clinical outcomes, Cox proportional modeling adjusted on a propensity score was used to analyze differences between groups. Angiographic endpoints were analyzed by logistic regression models adjusted for propensity scores.

Results

In the trial, 10,064 patients were enrolled and underwent PCI. Preprocedural anticoagulation was used in 6,381 patients (63%).The most common anticoagulant was intravenous unfractionated heparin (5,188, 81%). Patients who received preprocedural anticoagulation had higher rates of TIMI‐2‐3 or TIMI‐3 flow and lower grades of thrombus prior to PCI. Pretreatment with anticoagulation was associated with lower use of bailout thrombectomy, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and intra‐aortic balloon pump. After adjustment, preprocedural anticoagulation was associated with lower rates of CABG and minor bleeding at 1 year but there were no significant differences in death, stroke, recurrent MI, cardiogenic shock, or congestive heart failure.

Conclusions

Preprocedural anticoagulation is associated with improved flow and reduced thrombus in the IRA prior to PCI, less bailout thrombectomy during PCI but no difference in death, recurrent infarction, or heart failure at 1 year.
Vibrational Quenching in Near‐Infrared Emitting Lanthanide Complexes: A Quantitative Experimental Study and Novel Insights
Authors: Mara Dimitrije , Artizzu Flavia , Smet Philippe F. , Kaczmarek Anna M. , Van Hecke Kristof , Van Deun Rik
Published: October 2019

Two series of novel NIR‐emissive complexes of Nd3+, Sm3+, Er3+ and Yb3+ with two different β‐diketonate ligands (L1=4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butadione and L2=4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1,3‐butadione) are reported. The neutral triphenylphosphine oxide (tppo) ligand was used to replace coordinated water molecules in the first coordination sphere of the as‐obtained [Ln(L1(2))3(H2O)2] complexes to afford water‐free [Ln(L1(2))3(tppo)2] molecular species. Upon replacement of water molecules by tppo units, the NIR emission lifetimes of the Nd3+, Er3+and Sm3+complexes increase by about one order of magnitude up to values of ≈9, 8 and 113 ms while Yb3+ complexes reach intrinsic quantum yields as high as to ΦYb=6.5 %., which are remarkably high for fully hydrogenated complexes. Vibrational quenching by CH and OH oscillators has been quantitatively assessed by implementing the Förster's model of resonance energy transfer on the basis of experimental data. This study demonstrates that highly efficient NIR‐emitting lanthanide complexes can be obtained with facile, cheap and accessible syntheses through a rational design.
Crystal Growth of Materials with the ThCr2Si2 Structure Type
Authors: Kliemt Kristin , Peters Marius , Feldmann Fabian , Kraiker Alexej , Tran Doan‐My , Rongstock Susanna , Hellwig Johannes , Witt Sebastian , Bolte Michael , Krellner Cornelius
Published: October 2019

The single crystal growth of 19 different intermetallic compounds within the LnT2X2 family (with Ln = lanthanides, T = Co, Ru, Rh, Ir, and X = Si, P) is presented, by employing a high‐temperature metal‐flux technique. The habitus of the obtained crystals is platelet‐like with the crystallographic c direction perpendicular to the surface and with individual masses between 1 and 100 mg. The magnetic properties of these crystals are characterized by magnetization, heat‐capacity, and resistivity measurements. These crystals form the materials basis for a thorough study of exciting surface properties by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy.
Biomass‐based Hierarchical Porous Carbon for Supercapacitors: Effect of Aqueous and Organic Electrolytes on the Electrochemical Performance
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Wang Xiaofeng , Ding Zhiyao , Wei Qingling , Wang Zichen , Yang Xiaomin , Qiu Jieshan
Published: October 2019

Biomass‐based hierarchical porous carbon (SCPC) exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in electric double layer capacitors, prepared by carbonization and activation of straw cellulose. To investigate the potential applications of SCPC in supercapacitors, the effect of aqueous and organic electrolytes on the electrochemical performance of SCPC was studied in detail. In H2SO4, the SCPC electrode exhibits higher specific capacitance (358 F g−1) and outstanding cycling stability with 95.6 % capacitance retention over 10 000 cycles. The SCPC electrode shows superior rate capability with 90.7 % capacitance retention in KOH, and higher energy density of 17.9 Wh kg−1 in Na2SO4. The SCPC electrode exhibits ideal capacitance characteristics, superior rate capability with capacitance retention of 95.8 %, and high energy density of 36.0 Wh kg−1 in tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate/propylene carbonate (Et4NBF4/PC). The significant difference of capacitive performance of SCPC electrode in various electrolytes is mainly attributed to the difference in the electrolyte ion size, ionic conductivity, matching between the electrolyte ions and pore structure, and matching between anions and cations adsorbed on the positive and negative electrodes. This work not only establishes the relationship between the structure of SCPC and its electrochemical performance in different electrolytes, but also provides a reference for the high value‐added utilization of SCPC.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Fe/Co‐based Bifunctional Electrode for H2 Production through Water and Urea Electrolysis
Authors: Singh Thangjam Ibomcha , Rajeshkhanna Gaddam , Singh Soram Bobby , Kshetri Tolendra , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: October 2019

Hollow‐structured FexCo2−xP, FexCo3−xO4, and Prussian blue analogue (FeCo‐PBA) microbuilding arrays on Ni foam (NF) are derived from Co‐based metal–organic frameworks (Co‐MOF) using a simple room temperature and post‐heat‐treatment route. Among them, FexCo2−xP/NF shows excellent bifunctional catalytic activities by demonstrating very low oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) overpotentials of 255/114 mV at a current density of 20/10 mA cm−2 respectively, whereas FexCo3−xO4/NF and FeCo‐PBA/NF demand higher overpotentials. Remarkably, for water electrolysis, FexCo2−xP/NF requires only 1.61 V to obtain 10 mA cm−2. In contrast to water electrolysis, urea electrolysis reduces overpotential and simultaneously purifies the urea‐rich wastewater. The urea oxidation reaction at the FexCo2−xP/NF anode needs just 1.345 V to achieve 20 mA cm−2, which is 140 mV less than the 1.48 V potential required for OER. Moreover, the generation of H2 through urea electrolysis needs only 1.42 V to drive 10 mA cm−2.
Flexible Freestanding MoO3−x–Carbon Nanotubes–Nanocellulose Paper Electrodes for Charge‐Storage Applications
Authors: Etman Ahmed S. , Wang Zhaohui , El Ghazaly Ahmed , Sun Junliang , Nyholm Leif , Rosen Johanna
Published: October 2019

Herein, a one‐step synthesis protocol was developed for synthesizing freestanding/flexible paper electrodes composed of nanostructured molybdenum oxide (MoO3−x) embedded in a carbon nanotube (CNT) and Cladophora cellulose (CC) matrix. The preparation method involved sonication of the precursors, nanostructured MoO3−x, CNTs, and CC with weight ratios of 7:2:1, in a water/ethanol mixture, followed by vacuum filtration. The electrodes were straightforward to handle and possessed a thickness of approximately 12 μm and a mass loading of MoO3−x–CNTs of approximately 0.9 mg cm−2. The elemental mapping showed that the nanostructured MoO3−x was uniformly embedded inside the CNTs–CC matrix. The MoO3−x–CNTs–CC paper electrodes featured a capacity of 30 C g−1, normalized to the mass of MoO3−x–CNTs, at a current density of 78 A g−1 (corresponding to a rate of approximately 210 C based on the MoO3 content, assuming a theoretical capacity of 1339 C g−1), and exhibited a capacity retention of 91 % over 30 000 cycles. This study paves the way for the manufacturing of flexible/freestanding nanostructured MoO3−x‐based electrodes for use in charge‐storage devices at high charge/discharge rates.
Comparison of inhibition resistance among PCR reagents for detection and quantification of environmental DNA
Authors: Uchii Kimiko , Doi Hideyuki , Okahashi Teruyuki , Katano Izumi , Yamanaka Hiroki , Sakata Masayuki K. , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: October 2019

Background

Real‐time PCR has been widely employed in environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys to detect and quantify target species. The biggest obstacle in real‐time PCR based eDNA assays is the inhibition of PCR amplification that results in false‐negative detection and uncertainty of quantification.

Aims

Here, we aimed to evaluate inhibition resistance of PCR reagents for detection and quantification of environmental DNA.

Materials & Methods

We compared six commercial PCR reagents, including four inhibitor‐resistant reagents, for resistance to major PCR inhibitory substances, i.e., humic, fulvic, and tannic acids. Then, we selected three inhibitorresistant reagents to test for their resistance to multiple natural inhibitors using field eDNA samples collected from various habitats.

Results

We found that each inhibitor‐resistant reagent had its advantage and disadvantage depending on which inhibitory substance was used. Similarly, the inhibitory effects caused by field samples differed among the three inhibitor‐resistant reagents, where none of the reagents consistently showed strong resistance to all field samples.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the selection of appropriate PCR reagent would greatly ease PCR inhibition, and consequently improve the estimation of species distribution by real‐time PCR‐based eDNA assays.
Trajectories of multisite musculoskeletal pain in midlife: Associations with common mental disorders
Authors: Neupane Subas , Lallukka Tea , Pietiläinen Olli , Rahkonen Ossi , Leino‐Arjas Päivi
Published: October 2019

Objectives

We examined developmental trajectories of multisite musculoskeletal pain in midlife, and their associations with mental well‐being.

Methods

Midlife municipal employees at baseline aged 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 years (80% women) from the City of Helsinki, Finland, responded to a baseline questionnaire in 2000–02 (N = 8,960; response rate 67%) and follow‐ups in 2007 (N = 7,332; 83%) and 2012 (N = 6,809; 78%). Trajectories of the number of pain sites (0–4) were modelled using latent class growth analysis (n = 6,527). Common mental disorders were assessed by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 12‐item version (trichotomized to low, intermediate or high). Information on health‐related behaviour, comorbidity and socioeconomic position was obtained from the questionnaire. Associations of baseline factors with pain trajectories were assessed by multinomial logistic regression.

Results

We identified four distinct pain trajectories: high (15%), increasing (24%), decreasing (20%) and low (41%). After an initial increase, the high and increasing trajectories stabilized at around 2.5 and 1.5 pain sites respectively. In a multivariable model, high, increasing and decreasing trajectories of pain sites were associated with higher baseline GHQ scores. The association was strongest for the high trajectory (low GHQ: OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.8–4.9; high GHQ: OR 5.4, 95% 4.4–6.6). Trajectory membership also associated with unhealthy behaviours, musculoskeletal comorbidities and a low socioeconomic position at baseline. Average GHQ was consistently highest for the high pain trajectory and decreased in the decreasing trajectory over the follow‐up.

Conclusions

Multisite musculoskeletal pain shows variable developmental patterns among midlife employees. The trajectories are associated with the level of common mental disorders.

Significance

Four developmental trajectories of multisite pain in midlife were described over 10–12 years of follow‐up: low (41% of the sample), increasing (24%), high (15%) and decreasing (20%). Common mental disorders strongly associated with these. Belonging to the highest tertile of mental disorders at baseline increased the risk of membership in the high trajectory more than fivefold. On the other hand, together with a decrease in mental disorders, the number of pain sites decreased to zero.
A Novel Chronoimpedimetric Glucose Sensor in Real Blood Samples Modified by Glucose‐imprinted Pyrrole‐Aminophenylboronic Acid Modified Screen Printed Electrode
Authors: Onur Uygun Zihni , Ertuğrul Uygun Hilmiye Deniz
Published: October 2019

In this study, a molecularly imprinted sensor technology is engineered to detect glucose in real blood samples by chronoimpedimetrically. The imprinting process of glucose (Glc) was carried out by electrochemical polymerization of aminophenylboronic acid (APBA) and pyrrole (Py) by performing cyclic voltammetry (CV). Afterwards, glucose molecule was removed from imprinted surface by 5 % acetic acid to reveal glucose imprinted cavities. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to characterize sensor modification steps and glucose removal. Glucose monitoring process was carried out chronoimpedimetrically(CI) for the first time in real blood samples. Calibration curve was prepared between 20–800 mg/dL. The standard deviations of the 18 calibration curves R2 were calculated as 0.9866±0.0066 to assess reproducibility. Recovery was calculated by using 105 mg/dL Glc Serum Sample, which was monitored by auto analyzer and into this sample 50 mg/dL Glc added and our sensor response was 147.92±2.43 mg/dL, 98.6±1.62 % (n=5). Non‐imprinted (NIP) sensor gave no signal for the glucose concentration.
Recent applications of paper‐based point‐of‐care devices for biomarker detection
Authors: Suntornsuk Worapot , Suntornsuk Leena
Published: October 2019

Detection of biomarkers is essential for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases for healthcare teams to provide timely appropriate treatments. Reliable, inexpensive, and sensitive devices are desirable to serve this purpose. Paper‐based analytical devices (PADs) have gained enormous attention during the past decade as point‐of‐care devices for biomarker detection due to their simplicity, portability, and biocompatibility. Importantly, the devices highly comply with the WHO “ASSURED” concept (i.e. Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User‐friendly, Rapid and Robust, Equipment free, and Deliverable to end‐users). Thus, PADs could be sustainably alternative tools for biomarker detection, especially in resources‐constraint areas where budget, skillful operators, and health infrastructure are limited. First, this review introduces overviews of biomarkers, their detection and brief history of PADs. Second, description of common fabrication and detection techniques in PADs are provided. Then, it highlights recent state of the art technologies and applications of PADs for various biomarker detection published during 2018 to May 2019. Applications for tumor marker, cardiac and coronary heath disease, and metabolic disorder biomarker detection are tabulated and selected examples are described in details. Finally, it discusses the current challenges, advances, and novel applications of PADs. The review would be valuable for healthcare workers using PADs as cost‐effective point‐of‐care devices for biomarker detection and for researchers working on future developments of the devices.
Small mammals and paleovironmental context of the terminal pleistocene and early holocene human occupation of central Alaska
Authors: Lanoë François B. , Reuther Joshua D. , Holmes Charles E. , Potter Ben A.
Published: October 2019

This paper explores paleoenvironmental and paleoecological information that may be obtained from small‐mammal assemblages recovered at central Alaska archaeological sites dated to the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene (14,500–8,000 cal B.P.). Small‐mammal remains in these open‐air sites are primarily related to deposition by natural death causes and as such provide information on site paleoenvironments and landscape heterogeneity. Their presence within archaeological occupations likely relates to anthropogenic disturbance and features that would have favored burrow construction. The co‐occurrence of small‐mammal remains and archaeological occupations provides a chronological framework of presence in the locality for most recorded small‐mammal species. Small‐mammal remains document faunal turnover between Pleistocene and Holocene communities. The near‐contemporaneity of species that strongly differ in their ecological requirements suggest that the terminal Pleistocene and early Holocene in central Alaska was a period of dynamic change that may have been characterized by patchy vegetation distribution, rather than the climax communities seen today. In addition to the biogeographical value of small‐mammal remains the paleoenvironmental information that they provide help to characterize the ecology of early human settlers in the region and the processes behind human dispersal in Beringia and the Americas at the end of the Ice Age.
Numerical treatment of magneto Carreau nanofluid over a stretching sheet considering Joule heating impact and nonlinear thermal ray
Authors: Ghobadi Amir Hossein , Hassankolaei Mosayeb Gholinia
Published: October 2019

In this essay, the magnetohydrodynamic flow of a Carreau nanoliquid upon a radiative stretching plate has been reviewed. The impacts of Joule heating and thermal ray are considered. The thermophoresis phenomenon and Brownian motion are applied to model nanoparticles (Buongiorno's model). Governing equations are solved numerically using Runge‐Kutta‐Fehlberg 4.5 after the transformation of partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. In the obtained outcomes of investigating the impacts of different parameters on the change in velocity, concentration, and temperature profiles for two cases of shear‐thinning liquid and shear thickening liquid are reported as diagrams. Also, in the final segment of this essay, the impacts of diverse parameters on the skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number are investigated. The novel findings of current research illustrate that the values of local Nusselt number and surface drag force for shear thickening liquid are higher than shear‐thinning liquid. Also, the temperature profile has direct relationships with thermal radiation and magnetic field.
Alveolar Bone Protection by Targeting the SH3BP2-SYK Axis in Osteoclasts
Authors: Kittaka Mizuho , Yoshimoto Tetsuya , Schlosser Collin , Rottapel Robert , Kajiya Mikihito , Kurihara Hidemi , Reichenberger Ernst J , Ueki Yasuyoshi
Published: October 2019

Periodontitis is a bacterially induced chronic inflammatory condition of the oral cavity where tooth-supporting tissues including alveolar bone are destructed. Previously, we have shown that the adaptor protein SH3-domain binding protein 2 (SH3BP2) plays a critical role in inflammatory response and osteoclastogenesis of myeloid lineage cells through spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK). In this study, we show that SH3BP2 is a novel regulator for alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis. Micro-CT analysis of SH3BP2-deficient (Sh3bp2−/−) mice challenged with ligature-induced periodontitis revealed that Sh3bp2−/− mice develop decreased alveolar bone loss (male 14.9% ± 10.2%; female 19.0% ± 6.0%) compared with wild-type control mice (male 25.3% ± 5.8%; female 30.8% ± 5.8%). Lack of SH3BP2 did not change the inflammatory cytokine expression and osteoclast induction. Conditional knockout of SH3BP2 and SYK in myeloid lineage cells with LysM-Cre mice recapitulated the reduced bone loss without affecting both inflammatory cytokine expression and osteoclast induction, suggesting that the SH3BP2-SYK axis plays a key role in regulating alveolar bone loss by mechanisms that regulate the bone-resorbing function of osteoclasts rather than differentiation. Administration of a new SYK inhibitor GS-9973 before or after periodontitis induction reduced bone resorption without affecting inflammatory reaction in gingival tissues. In vitro, GS-9973 treatment of bone marrow–derived M-CSF-dependent macrophages suppressed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclast formation with decreased mineral resorption capacity even when GS-9973 was added after RANKL stimulation. Thus, the data suggest that SH3BP2-SYK is a novel signaling axis for regulating alveolar bone loss in periodontitis and that SYK can be a potential therapeutic target to suppress alveolar bone resorption in periodontal diseases. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Zoledronic Acid Improves Muscle Function in Healthy Mice Treated with Chemotherapy
Authors: Hain Brian A , Jude Baptiste , Xu Haifang , Smuin Dallas M , Fox Edward J , Elfar John C , Waning David L
Published: October 2019

Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat solid tumors but also causes bone loss and muscle atrophy and weakness. Bone loss contributes to muscle weakness through bone-muscle crosstalk, which is prevented with the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA). We treated mice with carboplatin in the presence or absence of ZA to assess the impact of bone resorption on muscle. Carboplatin caused loss of body weight, muscle mass, and bone mass, and also led to muscle weakness as early as 7 days after treatment. Mice treated with carboplatin and ZA lost body weight and muscle mass but did not lose bone mass. In addition, muscle function in mice treated with ZA was similar to control animals. We also used the anti-TGFβ antibody (1D11) to prevent carboplatin-induced bone loss and showed similar results to ZA-treated mice. We found that atrogin-1 mRNA expression was increased in muscle from mice treated with carboplatin, which explained muscle atrophy. In mice treated with carboplatin for 1 or 3 days, we did not observe any bone or muscle loss, or muscle weakness. In addition, reduced caloric intake in the carboplatin treated mice did not cause loss of bone or muscle mass, or muscle weakness. Our results show that blocking carboplatin-induced bone resorption is sufficient to prevent skeletal muscle weakness and suggests another benefit to bone therapy beyond bone in patients receiving chemotherapy. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Creating anodic alumina nanochannel arrays with custom‐made geometry
Authors: Liu Chih‐Yi , Wang Yuh‐Lin
Published: October 2019

Porous anodic alumina oxide (AAO) is one of the most commonly used nanotemplates for growing arrays of nanoparticles, nanowires, nanocomposites, and nanoarchitectures because its pores, which are of a very uniform size, can grow longitudinally into arrays of self‐aligned nanochannels with an extremely high aspect ratio. Furthermore, under specific combinations of anodization voltage and electrolyte, the lateral positions of nanochannels can self‐organize into arrays of two‐dimensional hexagonally close‐packed lattices with domain sizes on the order of few tens of lattice units. The domain size can be greatly increased by prepatterning the Al surface with custom‐designed nanoconcaves prior to the anodization process. The concaves guide the growth fronts of nanochannels and lead to the formation of an ideally long‐range ordered lattice of nanochannel array. Such concaves have been fabricated by many methods, such as stamp imprinting, grating imprinting, and focused ion beam direct writing. In this review, we summarize the development of various methods to create AAO nanochannel arrays with custom‐made geometry and discuss the mechanism responsible for the guiding process.
Voltage‐dependent activation of Rac1 by Nav1.5 channels promotes cell migration
Authors: Yang Ming , James Andrew D. , Suman Rakesh , Kasprowicz Richard , Nelson Michaela , O'Toole Peter J. , Brackenbury William J.
Published: October 2019

Ion channels can regulate the plasma membrane potential (Vm) and cell migration as a result of altered ion flux. However, the mechanism by which Vm regulates motility remains unclear. Here, we show that the Nav1.5 sodium channel carries persistent inward Na+ current which depolarizes the resting Vm at the timescale of minutes. This Nav1.5‐dependent Vm depolarization increases Rac1 colocalization with phosphatidylserine, to which it is anchored at the leading edge of migrating cells, promoting Rac1 activation. A genetically encoded FRET biosensor of Rac1 activation shows that depolarization‐induced Rac1 activation results in acquisition of a motile phenotype. By identifying Nav1.5‐mediated Vm depolarization as a regulator of Rac1 activation, we link ionic and electrical signaling at the plasma membrane to small GTPase‐dependent cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular migration. We uncover a novel and unexpected mechanism for Rac1 activation, which fine tunes cell migration in response to ionic and/or electric field changes in the local microenvironment.
V2O5/RGO/Pt nanocomposite on oxytetracycline degradation and pharmaceutical effluent detoxification
Authors: Mohan Harshavardhan , Lim Jeong‐Muk , Lee Se‐Won , Cho Min , Park Yool‐Jin , Seralathan Kamala‐Kannan , Oh Byung‐Taek
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics have been identified as significant pollutants owing to their adverse impact on the environment through the development of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. In a previous study, an e‐waste‐based reduced graphene oxide‐V2O5‐platinum (RGOV‐Pt(1%)) nanocomposite was prepared and subsequently used for the photocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC), a tetracycline group of antibiotics.

RESULTS

This study aimed to assess the impact of additives such as H2O2, NaCl, Na2CO3, ethanol and persulfate on the photocatalytic degradation of OTC using RGOV‐Pt(1%) nanocomposite. The results showed that the degradation efficiency decreased in the presence of NaCl and Na2CO3 owing to the electron–hole scavenging property of their anions. Low concentrations of H2O2 (up to 10 mmol L–1) increased the OTC degradation efficiency, whereas high concentrations decreased the OTC degradation owing to the quenching of hydroxyl radicals. However, the presence of persulfate increased the OTC degradation efficiency owing to the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the OTC degradation pathway was elucidated using high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). The study was extended to real pharmaceutical effluent and the degradation efficiency was found to be less for real effluent (87%) in comparison with OTC (99%) in aqueous solution.

CONCLUSION

RGOV‐Pt(1%) photocatalyst effectively degraded OTC. An OTC degradation pathway was proposed based on the intermediates formed. The impact of additives was established. Effective real pharmaceutical effluent detoxification was observed. Thus the synthesized RGOV‐Pt(1%) nanocomposite is a hopeful alternative for the removal of antibiotics in contaminated waters and sites. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Evolution evolving? Reflections on big questions
Authors: Love Alan C.
Published: October 2019

John Bonner managed a long and productive career that balanced specialized inquiry into cellular slime molds with general investigations of big questions in evolutionary biology, such as the origins of multicellular development and the evolution of complexity. This commentary engages with his final paper (“The evolution of evolution”), which argues that the evolutionary process has changed through the history of life. In particular, Bonner emphasizes the possibility that natural selection plays different roles at different size scales. I identify some underlying assumptions in his argument and evaluate its cogency to both foster future discussion and emulate the intellectual example set by Bonner over a lifetime. This endeavor is important beyond Bonner's own theoretical disposition because similar issues are visible in controversies about the possibility of an extended evolutionary synthesis.
Differences in responsiveness and sensitivity to exogenous disruptors of the thyroid gland in three anuran species
Authors: Fabrezi Marissa , Lozano Verónica Laura , Cruz Julio César
Published: October 2019

Anuran larval development comprises tissues/organs/systems that are: exclusively of larvae, able to be remodelled, and those of postmetamorphic stages. Also, the anuran larval development is characterized by inter‐related parameters: time, size and shape forming part of growth and differentiation. The anuran metamorphosis starts when growth and differentiation achieve a threshold that differs among species since it is regulated by a number of external (environmental) and internal (hormonal) processes. Here we explore the consequences of exogenous disruptors on the thyroid gland (e.g., methimazole and thyroxine as T4) of three species by immersing premetamorphic tadpoles in predetermined concentrations of the disruptors for short periods (10 or 16 days). The species were Pleurodema borellii, Leptodactylus chaquensis, and Dermatonotus muelleri, which all breed in small temporary ponds during the summer, but differ in their ecomorphology. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of these substances on larval development (based in Gosner larval stages), morphometric variation in body parameters (snout‐vent and total length by larval stages), and thyroid gland histopathology at the end of the assays. In P. borelli and L. chaquensis, methimazole produces significant increment of size measurements (nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis, p < .05) during stages of digit differentiation and induced thyroid gland hypertrophy. In the three species, T4 exposure accelerated limb development and caused atrophy of thyroid gland. Prolonged T4 exposure in L. chaquensis and D. muelleri triggered metamorphic transformation in the gut and skull cartilages. Discussion about interspecific differences in responsiveness and sensitivity elucidates the importance of hormonal signals to morphological evolution.
Reflections on Bateson's rule: Solving an old riddle about why extra legs are mirror‐symmetric
Authors: Held Lewis I. , Sessions Stanley K.
Published: October 2019

William Bateson was an obsessive observer of animal oddities, and at some point in his herculean survey of museum collections leading up to his monumental 1894 monograph (Materials for the study of variation), he noticed a peculiar trend among the preserved specimens (mainly insects) that possessed extra legs: multiple legs that branched from the same socket tended to be mirror images of their adjacent neighbors. He did not know why. These symmetry relationships have come to be known as Bateson's rule, and they have defied a satisfactory explanation for 125 years. In the past few decades, tantalizing clues have emerged from various lines of investigation, and those lines have converged on a possible solution. An attempt is made here to fit all of those clues together to form a coherent picture of the etiology. Two case studies have proven to be pivotal: a fly mutant whose extra legs are caused by patches of dying cells and a frog syndrome whose extra legs are caused by a parasitic flatworm. The conclusion reached is that the extra legs of insects and vertebrates obey Bateson's rule for the same reason, but that reason has nothing to do with the specific molecules in their signaling pathways. Rather, it is an emergent property of the circuitry of the pathways and their polarized alignments along the limb axes. A parade of theoretical models have tried and failed to crack this mystery in the past, and they are reviewed here as part of the narrative.
The psychologist's biographer: Writing lives in the history of psychology
Authors: Luckey Eric F.
Published: October 2019

How should historians employ psychological insight when seeking to understand and analyze their historical subjects? That is the essential question explored in this methodological reflection on the relationship between psychology and biography. To answer it, this paper offers a historical, historiographical, and theoretical analysis of life writing in the history of psychology. It touches down in the genres of autobiography, psychobiography, and cultural history to assess how other historians and psychologists have answered this question. And it offers a more detailed analysis of one particularly useful text, Kerry Buckley's (1989) Mechanical Man, to illuminate specific ways in which historians can simultaneously employ, historicize, and critically analyze the theories of the psychologists they study. Although ostensibly about writing biographies of eminent psychologists, this article speaks to a methodological issue facing any historian contemplating the role psychological theories should play in their historical narratives.
Synthesis of novel isoindolone‐based medium‐sized macromolecules and triazole containing heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Boddu Lingaiah , Potlapati Varakumar , Subhashini N.J.P.
Published: October 2019

A series of novel isoindolone‐based macromolecules of medium‐sized heterocyclic rings, such as 7,8‐dihydro‐6H‐benzo[4,5][1,6,3]dioxazonino[2,3‐a]isoindol‐14(9aH)‐one derivatives (5a‐l), were synthesized and its frame work incorporating with a triazole moiety on phenol, ie, 2‐(4‐((1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy)phenyl)isoindoline‐1,3‐dione (9a‐f) and also a triazole moiety on carboxylic acid, ie, (1‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methyl 4‐(1,3‐dioxoisoindolin‐2‐yl)benzoate derivatives (13a‐e) with various substitutions on aryl ring system have synthesized. All the synthesized compounds were characterized and confirmed with IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and ESI mass spectral analysis.
Clinical Safety of Gadoteridol, Representative of the Macrocyclic Class of Gadolinium‐Based Contrast Agents
Authors: Runge Val Murray
Published: October 2019

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5
Anoxic growth optimization for metal respiration and photobiological hydrogen production by arsenic‐resistant Rhodopseudomonas and Rhodobacter species
Authors: Mohsin Hareem , Asif Azka , Rehman Yasir
Published: October 2019

The current research focuses on anaerobic respiration of arsenic and other toxic metals by purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB). Among the optimization assays performed were carbon utilization, cross metal resistance, and metal respiration, along with a comparison of each assay in photoheterotrophic and chemoheterotrophic growth. The bacteria were identified by the classification of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Rhodobacter sp. PI3 proved to be more versatile in carbon source utilization (acetate, lactate, citrate, and oxalate), whereas Rhodopseudomonas palustris PI5 proved to be more versatile in metal resistance (arsenate, arsenite, cobalt, lead, selenium, and nickel). Both the strains were found to be positive for photofermentative hydrogen production along with arsenic respiration. This study reveals that anaerobic conditions are more appropriate for better efficiency of PNSB. Our study demonstrates that R. palustris PI5 and Rhodobacter sp. PI3 can be promising candidates for the biohydrogen production along with metal detoxification using heavy metal‐polluted effluents as a substrate.
Untangling the molecular mechanisms and functions of nitrate to improve nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Qiang Dong , Alamzeb Madeeha , Xiangru Wang , Huiping Gui , Hengheng Zhang , Nianchang Pang , Xiling Zhang , Meizhen Song
Published: October 2019

A huge amount of nitrogenous fertilizer is used to increase crop production. This leads to an increase in the cost of production, and to human and environmental problems. It is therefore necessary to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and to design agronomic, biotechnological and breeding strategies for better fertilizer use. Nitrogen use efficiency relies primarily on how plants extract, uptake, transport, assimilate, and remobilize nitrogen. Many plants use nitrate as a preferred nitrogen source. It acts as a signaling molecule in the various important physiological processes required for growth and development. As nitrate is the main source of nitrogen in the soil, root nitrate transporters are important subjects for study. The latest reports have also discussed how nitrate transporter and assimilation genes can be used as molecular tools to improve NUE in crops. The purpose of this review is to describe the mechanisms and functions of nitrate as a specific factor that can be addressed to increase NUE. Improving factors such as nitrate uptake, transport, assimilation, and remobilization through activation by signaling, sensing, and regulatory processes will improve plant growth and NUE. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry