bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of distance to perennial surface water on ant communities in Mopane woodlands, northern Botswana
Authors: Dalerum Fredrik , Retief Tarryn Anne , Havemann Carl Peter , Chimimba Christian T. , Janse van Rensburg Berndt
Published: December 2018

Studies of biodiversity along environmental gradients provide information on how ecological communities change in response to biotic and abiotic factors. For instance, distance to water is associated with several factors that shape the structure and the functioning of ecosystems at a range of spatial scales. We investigated the influence of distance to a perennial water source on ant communities in a semi‐arid savanna in northern Botswana. Ant abundance, taxonomic richness, and both alpha and beta diversity were generally higher during the wet than the dry season. However, there were strong seasonal influences on the effects of distance to water, with more pronounced effects during the wet season. While both abundance and beta diversity declined with increasing distances to water during the wet season, there was a contrasting increase in alpha diversity. There was no major effect of distance to water on taxonomic richness during either season. Beta diversity was as high across as along gradients, and we found support for modular rather than nested community structures along gradients. Our study demonstrated that small‐scale gradients in distance to water can influence several aspects of ant communities in semi‐arid savannas. However, our results also point to strong effects of small‐scale environmental variation, for instance associated with vegetation characteristics, soil properties, and plant community structure that are not directly linked to water access.
Male immigration triggers increased growth in subordinate female meerkats
Authors: Dubuc Constance , Clutton‐Brock Tim H.
Published: December 2018

There is increasing evidence that some vertebrates can adjust their growth rate in relation to changes in the social context that affect their probability of breeding. Here, we show that, in meerkats (Suricata suricatta), which are singular cooperative breeders, subordinate females increase in body mass after their father is replaced as the dominant male in their natal group by an immigrant male, giving them regular access to an unfamiliar and unrelated mating partner, while their brothers showed no similar increase nor did subordinate females living in other stable groups (where male immigration did not occur did) in this time period. Moreover, subordinate females showed a greater increase in growth rate when their father was succeeded by an unfamiliar immigrant male than when he was replaced by a familiar male who was already resident. These results suggest that female meerkats can adjust their rate of growth to changes in the kinship composition of their groups that provide them with increased access to unrelated breeding partners, which may occur in other mammals as well when breeding opportunities change.
Optimal haemodynamics during left ventricular assist device support are associated with reduced haemocompatibility‐related adverse events
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Nguyen Ann , Kim Gene , Raikhelkar Jayant , Sarswat Nitasha , Kalantari Sara , Smith Bryan , Juricek Colleen , Rodgers Daniel , Ota Takeyoshi , Song Tae , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir
Published: December 2018

Aims

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy improves the haemodynamics of advanced heart failure patients. However, it is unknown whether haemodynamic optimization improves haemocompatibility‐related adverse events (HRAEs). This study aimed to assess HRAEs in patients with optimized haemodynamics.

Methods and results

Eighty‐three outpatients [aged 61 (53–67) years, 50 male] underwent a haemodynamic ramp test at 253 (95–652) days after LVAD implantation, and 51 (61%) had optimized haemodynamics (defined as central venous pressure < 12 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure < 18 mmHg, cardiac index > 2.2 L/min/m2) following LVAD speed adjustment. One‐year survival free of any HRAEs (non‐surgical bleeding, thromboembolic event, pump thrombosis, or neurological event) was achieved in 75% of the optimized group and in 44% of the non‐optimized group (hazard ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.18–0.73, P = 0.003). The net haemocompatibility score, using four escalating tiers of hierarchal severity to derive a total score for events, was significantly lower in the optimized group than the non‐optimized group (1.02 vs. 2.00 points/patient; incidence rate ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.90, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

Left ventricular assist device patients in whom haemodynamics can be optimized had greater freedom from HRAEs compared to those without optimized haemodynamics.
The development and prevalidation of an in vitro mutagenicity assay based on MutaMouse primary hepatocytes, Part I: Isolation, structural, genetic, and biochemical characterization
Authors: Cox Julie A. , Zwart Edwin P. , Luijten Mirjam , White Paul A.
Published: December 2018

To develop an improved in vitro mammalian cell gene mutation assay, it is imperative to address the known deficiencies associated with existing assays. Primary hepatocytes isolated from the MutaMouse are ideal for an in vitro gene mutation assay due to their metabolic competence, their “normal” karyotype (i.e., neither transformed nor immortalized), and the presence of the MutaMouse transgene for rapid and reliable mutation scoring. The cells were extensively characterized to confirm their utility. Freshly isolated cells were found to have a hepatocyte‐like morphology, predominantly consisting of binucleated cells. These cells maintain hepatocyte‐specific markers for up to 3 days in culture. Analyses revealed a normal murine hepatocyte karyotype with a modal ploidy number of 4n. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis confirmed the presence of the lambda shuttle vector on chromosome 3. The doubling time was determined to be 22.5 ± 3.3 h. Gene expression and enzymatic activity of key Phase I and Phase II metabolic enzymes were maintained for at least 8 and 24 h in culture, respectively. Exposure to β‐naphthoflavone led to approximately 900‐ and 9‐fold increases in Cyp1a1 and Cyp1a2 gene expression, respectively, and approximately twofold induction in cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1/1A2 activity. Exposure to phenobarbital resulted in an approximately twofold increase in CYP 2B6 enzyme activity. Following this characterization, it is evident that MutaMouse primary hepatocytes have considerable promise for in vitro mutagenicity assessment. The performance of these cells in an in vitro gene mutation assay is assessed in Part II. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:331–347, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Environmental Mutagen Society.
Inkjet‐Printed Mesoporous TiO2 and Perovskite Layers for High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Huckaba Aron J. , Lee Yonghui , Xia Rui , Paek Sanghyun , Bassetto Victor Costa , Oveisi Emad , Lesch Andreas , Kinge Sachin , Dyson Paul J. , Girault Hubert , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: December 2018

Perovskite solar cells with mesoporous TiO2 electron transport layers have previously reached >22 % efficiency at the laboratory scale (<1 cm2), however, these layers are fabricated using spin‐coating, which is not conducive to large‐scale or high throughput fabrication. This report describes the inkjet printing of open‐pore mesoporous TiO2 thin films, perovskite thin films, and the fabrication of highly efficient perovskite solar cells using these films. Ink formulation and characterization studies, inkjet deposition optimization trials, film characterization, and comparison to spin‐coated layers are described. The printed TiO2 films exhibited an open‐pore morphology and homogeneous surface coverage in films ranging from 1 mm2 to >10 cm2. Perovskite solar cells with printed and pristine (un‐doped) inkjet‐printed TiO2 layers yielded efficiencies of 18.29 %, which were found to outperform cells made with spin‐coated and pristine TiO2 layers (16.91 %). When a quadruple‐cation perovskite absorber containing Cs, formamidinium, methylammonium, and guanidinium was deposited by inkjet‐printing onto the inkjet‐printed TiO2 layer, nearly 12 % average efficiency was reached, with the champion cell reaching 14.11 %. This absorber exhibited higher efficiency and stability than did inkjet‐printed MAPbI3 films deposited on the inkjet‐printed TiO2 film.
Preliminary analysis on thermodynamic and thermo‐economic performance of a solar CPC–KCS hybrid system
Authors: Xiao Lan , Fan Ya‐Di , Wu Shuang‐Ying , Chen Zhi‐Li
Published: December 2018

Using solar collectors to actuate Kalina cycle system (KCS) for electricity generation has been an attractive way to take advantage of solar energy. Most of the existing research is about KCS integrated with flat plate collector, evacuated tube collector, or concentrating collectors; however, little research focuses on the KCS powered by compound parabolic concentrator (CPC). Considering the merits of CPC, a Kalina 11 cycle system which is directly powered by CPC, named as solar CPC–KCS hybrid system is studied as the research object. Energy, exergy and thermo‐economic models are established to estimate the system performance by varying the solar radiation, evaporating temperature and concentration of working fluid. Results show that higher evaporating temperature improves thermal and exergy efficiency. There are optimal values of Te for maximum wnet, that is, Te,opt = 422.15, 434.15, and 446.15 K, respectively, at Xr = 0.95, 0.93, and 0.91; while Te,opt = 443.15, 437.15, and 425.15 K at Xb = 0.8, 0.7, and 0.6. Higher Xr and lower Xb is generally favorable for system performance. But when Te ≥ 422.15 K, lower Xb is not beneficial to ηex improvement anymore. Additionally, once evaporating temperature exceeds 439.15 K, it is cost‐effective to install a superheater to avoid erosion potential risk. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13135, 2019
Moving least squares reconstruction for sharp interface immersed boundary methods
Authors: Haji Mohammadi M. , Sotiropoulos F. , Brinkerhoff J.
Published: December 2018

We propose a new approach for reconstructing velocity boundary conditions in sharp‐inerface immersed boundary (IB) methods based on the moving least squares (MLS) interpolation method. The MLS is employed to not only reconstruct velocity boundary conditions but also to calculate the pressure and velocity gradients in the vicinity of the immersed body, which are required in fluid structure interaction problems to obtain the force exerted by the fluid on the structure. To extend the method to arbitrarily complex geometries with nonconvex shaped boundaries, the visibility method is combined with the MLS method. The performance of the proposed curvilinear IB MLS (CURVIB‐MLS) is demonstrated by systematic grid‐refinement studies for two‐ and three‐dimensional tests and compared with the standard CURVIB method employing standard wall‐normal interpolation for reconstructing boundary conditions. The test problems are flow in a lid‐driven cavity with a sphere, uniform flow over a sphere, flow on a NACA0018 airfoil at incidence, and vortex‐induced vibration of an elastically‐mounted cylinder. We show that the CURVIB‐MLS formulation yields a method that is easier to implement in complex geometries and exhibits higher accuracy and rate of convergence relative to the standard CURVIB method. The MLS approach is also shown to dramatically improve the accuracy of calculating the pressure and viscous forces imparted by the flow on the body and improve the overall accuracy of FSI simulations. Finally, the CURVIB‐MLS approach is able to qualitatively capture on relatively coarse grids important features of complex separated flows that the standard CURVIB method is able to capture only on finer grids.
Prospective payment systems and discretionary coding—Evidence from English mental health providers
Authors: Moscelli Giuseppe , Jacobs Rowena , Gutacker Nils , Aragón Maria Jose , Chalkley Martin , Mason Anne , Böhnke Jan
Published: December 2018

Reimbursement of English mental health hospitals is moving away from block contracts and towards activity and outcome‐based payments. Under the new model, patients are categorised into 20 groups with similar levels of need, called clusters, to which prices may be assigned prospectively. Clinicians, who make clustering decisions, have substantial discretion and can, in principle, directly influence the level of reimbursement the hospital receives. This may create incentives for upcoding. Clinicians are supported in their allocation decision by a clinical clustering algorithm, the Mental Health Clustering Tool, which provides an external reference against which clustering behaviour can be benchmarked. The aims of this study are to investigate the degree of mismatch between predicted and actual clustering and to test whether there are systematic differences amongst providers in their clustering behaviour. We use administrative data for all mental health patients in England who were clustered for the first time during the financial year 2014/15 and estimate multinomial multilevel models of over, under, or matching clustering. Results suggest that hospitals vary systematically in their probability of mismatch but this variation is not consistently associated with observed hospital characteristics.
Surgical anatomy of the parapharyngeal space: Multiperspective, quantification‐based study
Authors: Ferrari Marco , Schreiber Alberto , Mattavelli Davide , Lombardi Davide , Rampinelli Vittorio , Doglietto Francesco , Rodella Luigi Fabrizio , Nicolai Piero
Published: December 2018

Background

Several surgical approaches to the parapharyngeal space (PPS) have been proposed. An objective description of advantages and limitations of the surgical routes is lacking.

Methods

Ten cadaver heads were dissected using the transnasal (medial, lateral), sublabial, transoral (transpharyngeal, transvestibular, transmandibular), transcervical (transcervical, transparotid, transmandibular, transmastoid), and type C and D infratemporal approaches. Neurovascular and musculoskeletal structures encountered were analyzed. A navigation‐based quantification of working volume and exposure of PPS compartments was accomplished.

Results

Transnasal approaches exposed the upper PPS, though with limited working volume. Transoral approaches exposed the middle PPS, minimizing neurovascular structures crossed. Only transcervical and skull base approaches exposed the entire PPS, crossing several neurovascular structures.

Conclusion

A tentative systematization of the surgical approach(es) to PPS in relation to different targets is provided: unicompartmental resection can be performed with a single, conservative access, whereas multicompartmental dissections frequently require a wider or multiportal approach.
Quantifying the impacts of climate change on water resources in northern Tuscany, Italy, using high‐resolution regional projections
Authors: D'Oria Marco , Ferraresi Massimo , Tanda Maria Giovanna
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the potential impacts of climate change on water resources in northern Tuscany, Italy. A continuous hydrological model for each of the seven river basins within the study area was calibrated using historical data. The models were then driven by downscaled and bias‐corrected climate projections of an ensemble of 13 regional climate models (RCMs), under two different scenarios of representative concentration pathway (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The impacts were examined at medium term (2031–2040) and long term (2051–2060) in comparison with a reference period (2003–2012); the changes in rainfall, streamflow, and groundwater recharge were investigated. A high degree of uncertainty characterized the results with a significant intermodel variability, the period being equal. For the sake of brevity, only the results for the Serchio River basin were presented in detail. According to the RCM ensemble mean and the RCP4.5, a moderate decrease in rainfall, with reference to 2003–2012, is expected at medium term (−0.6%) and long term (−2.8%). Due to the warming of the study area, the reduction in the streamflow volume is two times the precipitation decrease (−1.1% and −6.8% at medium and long term, respectively). The groundwater recharge is mainly affected by the changes in climate with expected percolation volume variations of −3.3% at 2031–2040 and −8.1% at 2051–2060. The impacts on the Serchio River basin water resources are less significant under the RCP8.5 scenario. The presence of artificial structures, such as dam‐reservoir systems, can contribute to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources through the implementation of appropriate regulation strategies.
Drivers of interannual and intra‐annual variability of dissolved organic carbon concentration in the River Thames between 1884 and 2013
Authors: Noacco Valentina , Duffy Christopher J. , Wagener Thorsten , Worrall Fred , Fasiolo Matteo , Howden Nicholas J.K.
Published: December 2018

The world's longest record of river water quality (River Thames—130 years) provides a unique opportunity to understand fluvial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations dynamics. Understanding riverine DOC variability through long‐term studies is crucial to capture patterns and drivers influencing sources of DOC at scales relevant for decision making. The Thames basin (United Kingdom) has undergone massive land‐use change, as well as increased urbanisation and population during the period considered. We aimed to investigate the drivers of intra‐annual to interannual DOC variability, assess the variability due to natural and anthropogenic factors, and understand the causes for the increased DOC variability over the period. Two approaches were used to achieve these aims. The first method was singular spectrum analysis, which was used to reconstruct the major oscillatory modes of DOC, hydroclimatic variables, and atmospheric circulation patterns and to visualise the interaction between these variables. The second approach used was generalised additive modelling, which was used to investigate other non‐natural drivers of DOC variability. Our study shows that DOC variability increased by 80% over the data period, with the greatest increase occurring from the beginning of World War II onwards. The primary driver of the increase in DOC variability was the increase in the average value of fluvial DOC over the period of record, which was itself linked to the increase in basin population and diffuse DOC sources to the river due to land‐use and land‐management changes. Seasonal DOC variability was linked to streamflow and temperature. Our study allows to identify drivers of fluvial intra‐annual and interannual DOC variability and therefore empowers actions to reduce high DOC concentrations.
A Review of Pigments Derived from Marine Natural Products
Authors: Ye Kai‐Xiong , Fan Ting‐Ting , Keen Lawrence Jordan , Han Bing‐Nan
Published: December 2018

Since the early 20th century, a number of active natural pigments have been identified from marine sources, especially algae and marine microorganisms. This review presents 81 marine pigments, covering over 90 % known natural marine pigments. The objective of this article is to provide an overview on the types of pigments, their structural characterization, origins and biological functions that make them unique. We divide the major categories of pigments by chemical structure, either as carotenoids, indole derivatives (quinones and violacein), alkaloids (prodiginines and tambjamines), polyenes, macrolides, peptides, or terpenoids. Many of these pigments have a variety of biological activities, including antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory. In addition, we discuss the development of biotechnology, and the contribution and utilization of marine natural pigments and the potential applications in the field of pharmaceutical research.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species induce cell apoptosis via a mitochondria‐dependent pathway in hyperoxia lung injury
Authors: Zou Dongmei , Li Jing , Fan Qianqian , Zheng Xuemei , Deng Jian , Wang Shaohua
Published: December 2018

Hyperoxia‐induced lung injury limits the application of mechanical ventilation on rescuing the lives of premature infants and seriously ill and respiratory failure patients, and its mechanisms are not completely understood. In this article, we focused on the relationship between hyperoxia‐induced lung injury and reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), mitochondria damage, as well as apoptosis in the pulmonary epithelial II cell line RLE‐6TN. After exposure to hyperoxia, the cell viability was significantly decreased, accompanied by the increase in ROS, nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines, and cell death. Furthermore, hyperoxia triggered the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (▵Ψm), thereby promoting cytochrome c to release from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Further studies conclusively showed that the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was enlarged to activate the mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic pathway after hyperoxia treatment. Intriguingly, the effects of hyperoxia on the level of ROS, NO and inflammation, mitochondrial damage, as well as cell death were reversed by free radical scavengers N‐acetylcysteine and hemoglobin. In addition, a hyperoxia model of neonatal Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats presented the obvious characteristics of lung injury, such as a decrease in alveolar numbers, alveolar mass edema, and disorganized pulmonary structure. The effects of hyperoxia on ROS, RNS, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis‐related proteins in lung injury tissues of neonatal SD rats were similar to that in RLE‐6TN cells. In conclusion, mitochondria are a primary target of hyperoxia‐induced free radical, whereas ROS and RNS are the key mediators of hyperoxia‐induced cell apoptosis via the mitochondria‐dependent pathway in RLE‐6TN cells.
Curcumin ameliorates monosodium urate‐induced gouty arthritis through Nod‐like receptor 3 inflammasome mediation via inhibiting nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling
Authors: Li Xiong , Xu Da‐Qi , Sun De‐Yi , Zhang Tao , He Xi , Xiao Dong‐Min
Published: December 2018

Background

Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals‐induced inflammation is a key initiator in gouty arthritis. Curcumin is an active ingredient possessing anti‐inflammatory efficacy. But the underlying mechanism is not fully understood and its effect on gouty arthritis remains elusive.

Methods

We evaluated the effects of curcumin on cell viability in primary rat abdominal macrophages with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Then supernatants of MSU crystals–stimulated cells were collected and subjected to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for checking the modulation of curcumin on interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Meanwhile, cells were analyzed by using Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to investigate the effects of curcumin on Nod‐like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling. We also investigated the in vivo efficacy of curcumin with MSU‐induced gouty arthritis rat models.

Results

Curcumin could reduce MSU crystals‐induced IL‐1β and TNF‐α in vitro. Western blot analysis and QPCR results revealed that curcumin regulated the production of these cytokines by suppressing the expression of inflammasome key components, including NLRP3, caspase‐1. Further studies showed that the suppressive efficacy of curcumin on inflammasome was mediated by inhibiting MSU‐induced NF‐κB signaling activation. Intraperitoneal administration of curcumin could ameliorate symptoms of MSU‐induced gouty arthritis, including the joint circumference, infiltration of neutrophils in knee joints, and production of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and elastase. Western blot analysis revealed that the levels of NLRP3, procaspase‐1, caspase‐1, pro‐IL‐1β, and IL‐1β were downregulated by curcumin in vivo.

Conclusions

These results indicated that curcumin could effectively ameliorate MSU crystal‐induced gouty arthritis through NLRP3 inflammasome mediation via inhibiting NF‐κB signaling both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a promising active ingredient for the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis.
LncRNA Linc00511 promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration through sponging miR‐765
Authors: Yan Lihua , Wu Xiangkun , Liu Yongxi , Xian Wenfeng
Published: December 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Linc00511 is a novel lncRNA, and it was reported to play important roles in the progression and carcinogenesis of several tumors. However, the expression and biological roles of Linc00511 in osteosarcoma were still unknown. In this research, we showed that the expression of Linc00511 was upregulated in osteosarcoma samples and cell lines. Ectopic expression of Linc00511 promoted osteosarcoma cell growth, colony formation, and migration. Moreover, overexpression of Linc00511 enhanced the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition progression in osteosarcoma cell. In addition, we showed that elevated expression of Linc00511 suppressed microRNA‐765 (miR‐765) expression and promoted apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) expression in osteosarcoma cell. The expression of miR‐765 was downregulated in osteosarcoma cells and samples and was negatively related to Linc00511 expression in osteosarcoma tissues. Ectopic expression of miR‐765 inhibited osteosarcoma cell growth and migration. Furthermore, we showed that Linc00511 overexpression promoted MG‐63 cells proliferation, colony formation, and migration via downregulation of miR‐765. These results suggested that Linc00511 played as an oncogene in the development of osteosarcoma.
Nrf2 dependent antiaging effect of milk‐derived bioactive peptide in old fibroblasts
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Reddi Srinu , Devi Savita , Mada Sanusi Bello , Kapila Rajeev , Kapila Suman
Published: December 2018

Prolonged passaging of primary fibroblast cells totally shapes the natural biological phenomena and leads to the appearance of features related to senescence. As a result, it is a good natural tool to delineate the molecular mechanism of cellular aging. The present investigation revealed the antiaging effect of milk‐derived novel bioactive peptide (VLPVPQK). The peptide played an important role in downregulating apoptosis‐related markers in late passages of cultured fibroblast cells. The peptide treatment to aged fibroblasts caused enhancement in cell migration, DNA integrity, and decrease in the lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide production as well as pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α and IL‐6. Moreover, the peptide decreased the expression of apoptotic caspases, Bax, and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) proteins. The peptide pretreatment also enhanced the extracellular collagen protein and antiapoptotic, Bcl‐xL. In addition, the peptide treatment reversed the senescence‐related activity in fibroblasts by stimulating Nrf2 mediated antioxidative defense system and inhibiting the action of NFkB/p38MAPK signaling, similar to the commercially available inhibitor (SB203580) of p38MAPK. Thus, the peptide exhibits the antiaging effect in dermal fibroblast cells.
Crosstalk between Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt signaling pathway with DNA damage response and oxidative stress in cancer
Authors: Karimian Ansar , Mir Sayed Mostafa , Parsian Hadi , Refieyan Sona , Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Yousefi Bahman , Majidinia Maryam
Published: December 2018

The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is one of the well‐characterized and most important signaling pathways activated in response to DNA damage. This review discusses the most recent discoveries on the involvement of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in cancer development, as well as stimulation of some important signaling networks involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis upon DNA damage, with an exploration of how PI3K/Akt signaling pathway contributes to the regulation of modulators and effectors underlying DNA damage response, the intricate, protein‐based signal transduction network, which decides between cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis, the elimination of irreparably damaged cells to maintain homeostasis. The review continues by looking at the interplay between cell cycle checkpoints, checking the repair of damage inflicted to the DNA before entering DNA replication to facilitate DNA synthesis, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We then investigate the challenges the cells overcome to ameliorate damages induced by oxidative activities, for example, the recruitment of many pathways and factors to maintain integrity and hemostasis. Finally, the review provides a discussion of how cells use the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to regulate the balance between these networks.
Performance of the VBSCF method for pericyclic and π bond shift reactions
Authors: Zhang Huaiyu , Zhou Chen , Mo Yirong , Wu Wei
Published: December 2018

The performance of the valence bond self‐consistent field (VBSCF) method was investigated in this paper by predicting the activation barriers and reaction energies in pericyclic and π bond shift reactions for hydrocarbons. The benchmarking set includes 3 electrocyclic reactions, 3 sigmatropic shifts, 3 cycloadditions, 2 cycloreversions, and 7 π bond shift reactions, where the first 11 reactions are taken from Houk's standard set (J. Phys. Chem. A 2003, 107, 11445). Computational results reveal that the VB(CI) method, which performs VBSCF calculations first with full covalent structures and then includes all mono‐ and di‐ionic structures to compute the total energy without further orbital optimization, matches the accuracy of the complete active space SCF (CASSCF) method very well. The mean absolute error values (the deviations from the CASSCF data) are 0.01 kcal/mol for the reaction energy, and 0.26 and 0.32 kcal/mol for the activation energy with the 6‐31G and 6‐31G(d) basis sets, respectively. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of hydric stress on locomotion and morphology of tadpoles from temporary ponds
Authors: Venturelli Diego Pimentel , Klein Wilfried
Published: December 2018

Many frog species reproduce in temporary ponds maintained exclusively by rainfall, thereby being exposed to drought and possibly mortality of eggs and tadpoles. Some tadpoles, however, can survive for up to 5 days out of water but few data are available regarding the effects of dehydration on their development. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hydric stress affects the locomotor capacity and the morphology in tadpoles of two leptodactylid frog species showing different reproductive modes (Leptodactylus fuscus and Physalaemus nattereri), examining specifically: (a) difference in survival rate and body mass between tadpoles at different hydration levels, (b) the hydric stress effect on locomotor performance, (c) difference in external morphology, and (d) visceral volume among tadpoles suffering hydric stress. Tadpoles for both species were divided into two groups, one staying in 100 ml of water and the other maintained on absorbent paper with 4 ml of water for 12, 24, and 72 hr (n = 20 each). Significant differences in weight loss were found between the groups of both species, the treatment losing more weight in all stress levels. Almost half of P. nattereri tadpoles died within 36 hr of hydric stress. We found no difference in locomotor performance between groups of L. fuscus tadpoles, but significant differences in locomotor performance, tail morphometry, and visceral volume between groups of P. nattereri tadpoles. Our results suggest that hydric stress has a significant effect on locomotion and morphology of P. nattereri tadpoles but not in L. fuscus.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin: An early biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury and severity in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Siddappa Pradeep K , Kochhar Rakesh , Sarotra Pooja , Medhi Bikas , Jha Vivekanand , Gupta Vikas
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a high mortality rate. Traditionally used serum creatinine is an insensitive biomarker for the early detection of AKI. We aimed to study the role of plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) in predicting AKI and a severe course in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods

Consecutive patients of AP who presented within 72 h of symptom onset and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were included. Urinary and serum NGAL levels [enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] were evaluated within 24 h of and 72 h after admission and once in controls. Urine and serum NGAL levels were correlated with development of AKI, severity, and outcomes of AP.

Results

Fifty patients with AP and 30 controls were enrolled. The mean serum and urine NGAL levels in patients on day 1 were significantly higher than the serum and urine NGAL levels in controls (P < 0.001). After excluding patients with AKI on day 1 (n = 10), both serum and urinary NGAL levels on days 1 and 3 were significantly higher in patients who subsequently developed AKI (n = 11) compared to those who did not (n = 29) (P = 0.02, 0.01 and P < 0.001, 0.03). A urinary NGAL level of 221.03 ng/mL on day 1 predicted AKI with a sensitivity and specificity of 82 and 80%, respectively (AUC = 0.9). Mean serum and urinary NGAL levels on day 1 were significantly elevated in patients with SAP compared to those without SAP (P = 0.04 and <0.001).

Conclusion

NGAL levels in urine and serum can predict severity of AP and development of AKI.
Modification of nanocrystalline TiO2 coatings with molecularly imprinted TiO2 for uric acid recognition
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Xiao Zhiguo , Qin Tongtong , Yang Zhengpeng
Published: December 2018

Combining the surface modification and molecular imprinting technique, a novel piezoelectric sensing platform with excellent molecular recognition capability was established for the detection of uric acid (UA) based on the immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles onto quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode and modification of molecularly imprinted TiO2 (MIT) layer on TiO2 nanoparticles. The performance of the fabricated biosensor was evaluated, and the results indicated that the biosensor exhibited high sensitivity in UA detection, with a linear range from 0.04 to 45 μM and a limit of detection of 0.01 μM. Moreover, the biosensor presented high selectivity towards UA in comparison with other interferents. The analytical application of the UA biosensor confirmed the feasibility of UA detection in urine sample.
Modeling electromagnetic wave coupling and mode conversion effects in multitwisted bundle of twisted‐wire pairs (MTB‐TWP) above ground plane
Authors: Gassab Oussama , Zhou Liang , Yin Wen‐Yan , Xie Hao
Published: December 2018

A multiconductor transmission line (MTL) model is developed for predicting electromagnetic wave coupling effects with multitwisted bundle of twisted‐wire pairs (MTB‐TWP) running above a ground plane. Such MTB‐TWP is described as a sequential repeated structure, where all its parameters are formulated in terms of sequences. In particular, the parametric equations of all the wires are derived and described by a set of generalized equations, where the unit tangent vector for each wire is also determined analytically. In addition, the averaged per‐unit‐length (p.u.l.) parameters are described by recurrence formulas. Further, the equivalent voltages for describing the field‐to‐wire coupling of MTB‐TWP are obtained and determined analytically. The modal domain decomposition is performed with special loading terminals to split out the common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) signals, where the CM‐to‐DM conversions are further investigated in order to indicate the balanced property in such MTB‐TWP system. On the other hand, the effect of dielectric coatings of all the wires is also characterized, where the averaged modal p.u.l. capacitance matrix is obtained numerically. A comparison is performed with the other wiring structures to visualize the benefits of our MTB‐TWP model. An extended MTL model is also validated in comparison with the commercial software FEKO.
Late Quaternary glaciations and cosmogenic 36Cl geochronology of Mount Dedegöl, south‐west Turkey
Authors: Köse Oğuzhan , Sarıkaya M. Akİf , Çİner Attİla , Candaş Adem
Published: December 2018

We present details on the timing of glaciations during the late Quaternary in the western Taurus Mountain Range of Turkey. Twenty‐five boulders from prominent moraines in three northern glacial valleys of Mount Dedegöl (37.40°N, 31.17°E, 2992 m above sea level, ∼15 km west of Lake Beyşehir) were dated based on cosmogenic 36Cl surface exposure. The geomorphological mapping of the N‐NE‐trending Sayacak, Kisbe and Karagöl valleys and their in situ produced 36Cl glacial chronology revealed several glacial episodes during the late Quaternary from (pre‐Last Glacial Maximum (pre‐LGM) to early Holocene. Pre‐LGM glaciations are represented by a push‐hummocky moraine complex in the northern Sayacak Valley and dated to 29.7 ± 2.9 ka. The ages obtained from these hummocky moraines give substantial evidence regarding ice accumulation before the global LGM. In the same valley, glaciers reached their maximum positions at the LGM and deposited lateral moraines at 19.7 ± 1.6 ka. Lateglacial moraines were dated to between 16.4 ± 0.7 and 12.0 ± 1.0 ka in the nearby east‐facing Karagöl valley. The youngest glacial stages occurred during the Younger Dryas stadial (11.5 ± 0.8 ka) and early Holocene (9.8 ± 1.4 ka) in Mount Dedegöl.
Conducting gene set tests in meta‐analyses of transcriptome expression data
Authors: Kosch Robin , Jung Klaus
Published: December 2018

Research synthesis, eg, by meta‐analysis, is more and more considered in the area of high‐dimensional data from molecular research such as gene and protein expression data, especially because most studies and experiments are performed with very small sample sizes. In contrast to most clinical and epidemiological trials, raw data are often available for high‐dimensional expression data. Therefore, direct data merging followed by a joint analysis of selected studies can be an alternative to meta‐analysis by P value or effect‐size merging or, more generally spoken, the merging of results.

While several methods for meta‐analysis of differential expression studies have been proposed, meta‐analysis of gene set tests has very rarely been considered, although gene set tests are standard in the analysis of individual gene expression studies. We compare in this work the different strategies of research synthesis of gene set tests, in particularly the “early merging” of data cleaned from batch effects versus the “late merging” of individual results.

In simulation studies and in examples of manipulated real‐world data, we found that in most scenarios, the early merging has a higher sensitivity of detecting a gene set enrichment than the late merging. However, in scenarios with few studies, large batch effect, moderate and large sample sizes of late merging are more sensitive than early merging.
The Lentiviral System Construction for Highly Expressed Porcine Stearoyl‐CoA Desaturase‐1 and Functional Characterization in Stably Transduced Porcine Swine Kidney Cells
Authors: Hwang Jinhee , Singh Neetu , Long Charles , Smith Stephen B.
Published: December 2018

The most highly regulated and abundant fatty acid in animal tissue is oleic acid (18:1n9). Oleic acid is synthesized by the Δ9 desaturase, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1), which is responsible for the synthesis of the putative cytokine palmitoleic acid (16:1n7) and 18:2 cis‐9, trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid. Owing to the importance of SCD1 in lipid metabolism, we generated porcine swine kidney (SK6) transgenic cell lines for sustained overexpression or knockdown of porcine stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (pSCD1) in an inducible manner by utilizing a lentiviral expression system. We successfully validated these cell culture models for expression and functionality of pSCD1 by documenting that the pSCD‐transduced cells overexpressed pSCD1 protein and mRNA. Additionally, the pSCD1‐transduced cells increased the conversion of palmitate (16:0) to palmitoleic acid nearly fourfold. The lentiviral vectors utilized in this study can be further used to generate transgenic animals to document the effects of the overexpression of SCD1 on obesity and steatosis.
A High‐Throughput Method for the Analysis of Erythrocyte Fatty Acids and the Omega‐3 Index
Authors: Alqarni Ayedh , Mcintyre Kiara J. , Brown Simon H. J. , Meyer Barbara J. , Mitchell Todd W.
Published: December 2018

Omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 LCPUFA) have several health benefits. In particular, low n‐3 LCPUFA status is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and led to the development of the omega‐3 index that is the proportion of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the erythrocyte membranes, as a marker of CVD risk. Most methods used to measure the omega‐3 index are laborious and time consuming. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a high‐throughput method for the extraction and measurement of erythrocyte fatty acids and the omega‐3 index. For sample extraction and quantification, two methods were used; a single‐step extraction, degradation, and derivatization method by Lepage and Roy, followed by gas chromatography flame ionization detection (GC‐FID), which is commonly used and a high‐throughput method using an automated methyl tert‐butyl ether extraction followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Both methods were first applied to the analysis of known concentrations of synthetic phospholipid (PL) mixtures to determine recovery and precision prior to their application in the analysis of human erythrocytes. The range of recoveries over five synthetic PL mixtures were 86.4–108.9% and the coefficient of variation was <10% (within‐run) and ≤15.2% (between‐run). Both methods showed high correlation (R = 0.993) for the omega‐3 index and there was no systematic bias in the detection of omega‐3 index using either method. The new high‐throughput method described here offers considerable advantages in terms of simplicity and throughput compared to the GC‐FID method and provides additional information on molecular PL concentrations.
Subsurface maxima in buoyant fish eggs indicate vertical velocity shear and spatially limited spawning grounds
Authors: Strand Kjersti Opstad , Vikebø Frode , Sundby Svein , Sperrevik Ann Kristin , Breivik øyvind
Published: December 2018

Observed vertical profiles of buoyant particles, in this case pelagic Northeast Arctic (NEA) cod eggs, occasionally deviate from the vertical diffusion‐buoyancy balance by displaying subsurface maxima. Here, we present a mechanism that may explain this phenomenon by combining in situ measurements of NEA cod eggs and concurrent environmental conditions with biophysical modeling of Vestfjorden, Norway. Due to limited observational information, we constructed a spawning season by dispersing eggs with an individual‐based biophysical model forced by a three‐dimensional ocean model including data assimilation improving upper ocean stratification. We show that transient subsurface maxima in eggs are caused by the combination of vertical velocity shear and spatial limitations of spawning grounds. This demonstrates the need for resolving upper ocean small‐scale dynamics in biophysical models to predict horizontal and vertical planktonic dispersal. This is also a precondition for predicting environmental exposure along drift routes, including natural and anthropogenic stressors.
Transdermal delivery of water‐soluble fluorescent antibody mediated by fractional Er:YAG laser for the diagnosis of lupus erythematosus in mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Jiang Honghao , Zhang Yamin , Ren Guichao , Dong Liyun , Zhu Jintao , Tu Yating , Tao Juan , Yang Liu
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Although transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) has been successfully used for delivering small molecules, its application in the delivery of diagnostic antibodies has been limited due to their large size. In this study, we aim to obtain a broad insight in the dynamics of TRITC‐conjugated Goat Anti‐Mouse IgG (T‐IgG) uptake in fractional Er:YAG laser pretreated skin and provide a new technical option for detecting lupus erythematosus (LE) in mice.

Methods

The skins of SD and MRL/lpr mice were treated by fractional Er:YAG laser followed by external application of T‐IgG. The classic Franz diffusion method was used to observe the effects of different fractional fluences, densities and antibody concentrations on transdermal delivery of T‐IgG at different time points (2, 4, 6, 8, 20, and 24 hours). Frozen tissue sections and confocal microscopy were used to observe the distribution of T‐IgG on the sagittal and coronal planes of murine skin.

Results

Increased laser fluence (12.5 J/cm2 to 37.5 J/cm2) within 24 hours resulted in the obvious increase in transdermal amounts of T‐IgG during the early stage (before 8 hours). However, increasing laser density (100 pores/cm2 to 200 pores/cm2) produced a significant increase in T‐IgG permeation during the late stage (20 and 24 hours). Unlike fluence and density, increase in T‐IgG loading concentration (0.5 to 2 μg/μl) led to continuous increase in the whole process of transdermal delivery. T‐IgG appeared in the micro‐pores of SD mice skin within 4 hours after treatment in vivo. After 24 hours, it was observed in the skin. In MRL/lpr mice, positive lupus band testing (LBT) could be found on the skin lesion after laser and T‐IgG external application.

Conclusions

Fractional Er:YAG laser can help antibodies (150 kDa) to implement effective and controllable transdermal delivery. LBT can be achieved in MRL/lpr mice using TDDS in vivo, which may contribute to the minimally invasive diagnosis of LE. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:268–277, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of hornbill and toucan in captivity
Authors: Sun Cheng‐He , Liu Hong‐Yi , Zhang Yong , Lu Chang‐Hu
Published: December 2018

Gut microbiota plays an important role in animals and are considered microbial organs. Hornbill and toucan are birds of the same ecotypes with high appreciative value. In this study, we characterized and compared the gut microbiota of toco toucan (Ramphastos toco), great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) using 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing technology, and further discussed the influence of host bird genetics on its gut microbiota. We identified 10,847 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from the hyper‐variable V4–V5 region, representing 14 phyla that were dominated by the Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Alpha diversity indices showed no significant difference among the three species (p > 0.1). However, great hornbill and toco toucan shared a high number of OTUs. Principal component analysis also revealed highly similar gut microbiotas between the two distant species. Therefore, environmental factors might dominate over host genetics in shaping the gut microbiotas of hornbill and toucan. Our study would contribute in elucidating adaptation of the hornbill and toucan to environmental change.