bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combine the best of for‐profit, nonprofit education for stellar online programming
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2019

Beth Rubin, Ph.D., has worked in adult and online education at both nonprofit and for‐profit institutions. In her current role as dean of adult and online education at Campbell University, Rubin is in a unique position to have learned from the best of both worlds, and tries to bring that philosophy to her current work. “I've done adult and online learning at a range of both for‐profits and nonprofits, which gives me a different experience base and perspective,” Rubin said.
Rice Husk‐Based 3D Porous Silicon/Carbon Nanocomposites as Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fan Xiaoyong , Yin Baipeng , Wu Tianhui , Feng Man , Zhang Guang Cong , Li Siheng , Tang Shoufeng , Gu Jianmin , Wen Bin , Lu Li
Published: February 2019

Silicon/carbon (Si/C) nanocomposites with 3D porous structure are prepared by a high‐temperature hydrothermal treatment and subsequent magnesiothermic reduction using rice husks (RHs) and NaCl as Si/C sources and potential porogens. In this strategy, interconnected and uniform nanopores are introduced into RHs under the assistance of NaCl and high pressure while the organic components are carbonized, and the intermediate products (porous SiO2/C nanocomposites) are formed. The porous structure is maintained well during the high‐temperature hydrothermal treatment. After the magnesiothermic reduction of the porous SiO2/C nanocomposites, a 3D porous Si/C nanocomposite is formed, which provides rapid transferring channels for the lithium ions and accommodates volumetric changes during electrochemical cycling, leading to an improved electrochemical performance.
Suberin and hemicellulose in sugarcane cell wall architecture and crop digestibility: A biotechnological perspective
Authors: Figueiredo Raquel , Araújo Pedro , Llerena Juan Pablo P. , Mazzafera Paulo
Published: February 2019

Sugarcane is a highly efficient biomass producer used in the last decades for bioethanol and bioelectricity production, as well as for animal feeding. Together with lignin, suberin is a major factor for the low sugarcane biomass digestibility by ruminants. The lipid–phenolic biomolecular composition and the ultrastructure of suberin and associated waxes confer them extraordinary properties of hydrophobicity, flexibility, and anti‐microbial resistance, responsible for the low digestibility of suberized tissues. Additionally, hemicelluloses cross‐linked with suberin and lignin also contribute appreciably to cell wall recalcitrance. In this review, a main focus was given to suberin and secondly to hemicellulose and how they may interfere with ruminant digestibility. Suberin and hemicellulose deposition and biomolecular composition are genetically regulated, showing a close regulatory interplay with phenylpropanoid and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways, cutin disruption, and stress and defense responses. Understanding the bulk of transcription factors network and hormonal regulatory mechanisms will allow accurate biotechnological approaches to the production of more feasible forage sugarcane.
Continuous production of eugenol esters using enzymatic packed‐bed microreactors and an evaluation of the products as antifungal agents
Authors: Giovannini Pier Paolo , Catani Martina , Massi Alessandro , Sacchetti Gianni , Tacchini Massimo , de Oliveira Débora , Lerin Lindomar Alberto
Published: February 2019

The enzymatic synthesis of biologically active compounds is receiving increasing interest from academic and industrial researchers. Herein, we report on the continuous‐flow enzymatic production of eugenol esters with packed‐bed microreactors prepared with the Novozym 435 and Lipozyme RM IM lipases. After optimization of the independent process variables, namely temperature (68 °C), flow rate (8 μL min−1), and eugenol/isobutyric anhydride molar ratio (1 : 5) by means of experimental design methodologies, the unprecedented continuous‐flow production of eugenyl isobutyrate has been achieved with steady‐state conversions of 77 and 70%, using packed‐bed microreactors prepared with Novozym 435 and Lipozyme RM IM, respectively. With acetic anhydride as the acylating agent, the same reactors, under the same conditions, afforded eugenyl acetate with steady‐state conversions of 82% (Novozym 435) and 90% (Lipozyme RM IM). The two ester products have been tested against phytopathogenic and dermatophytic fungi, demonstrating interesting action against dermatophytic fungi. The reported results demonstrated the suitability of the enzymatic packed‐bed microreactors as a sustainable and scalable technology for the solvent‐free continuous‐flow production of biologically active esters of eugenol.
Texture and sensory characterization of functional yogurt supplemented with flaxseed during cold storage
Authors: Mousavi Malihe , Heshmati Ali , Daraei Garmakhany Amir , Vahidinia Aliasghar , Taheri Mehdi
Published: February 2019

In this study, flaxseed was used as a functional ingredient in yogurt formulations. The goal of this study was to produce prebiotic yogurt supplemented with flaxseed and investigation of its texture and sensory properties. Yogurt samples containing 0%–4% flaxseed was produced and stored at refrigerator (4–5°C) for 28 days. Textural properties were determined by texture analysis, and sensory characteristics were assessed by 26 trained panelists. Addition of flaxseed to yogurt samples increased the hardness, gumminess, chewiness, cohesiveness, and springiness values in produced yogurt samples. However, adhesiveness level was reduced in a sample enriched with flaxseed. By increasing flaxseed concentration, the color of samples was significantly different than the control sample; L* value was diminished and a* and b* value increased. Sensory scores including taste and mouthfeel, appearance, and overall acceptance showed reduction trend in samples containing a high level of flaxseed. In general, results showed that the addition of 2.63% flaxseed into yogurt samples lead to produce functional food with satisfactory texture, sensory characteristics that sustained these properties until 17.17 days after cold storage.
Eastern extension of the Solonker‐Xar Moron‐Changchun‐Yanji Suture Zone: Constraints from thermochronology of sedimentary and mafic rocks in the Hunchun‐Yanji area, Northeast China
Authors: Zhou Jianping , Liu Yongjiang , Li Weimin , Wen Quanbo , Liang Chenyue , Feng Zhiqiang
Published: February 2019

The Late Palaeozoic Solonker‐Xar Moron‐Changchun‐Yanji Suture (SXCYS) is considered to mark the location of the final closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean, which separated the North China Craton to the south and the amalgamated blocks to the north in Northeast China. There has always been controversy about its eastern extension in Northeast China and the final closure time of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean. To explore this issue, we collected gabbro and quartz‐diorite samples in the Hunchun area for the genesis of mafic magma and age dating, and five groups of Permian to Triassic sandstones belonging to both sides of the potential suture locations in the middle and east Jilin Province for the provenance analysis to discuss the final closure time of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and the possible positions of the eastward termination of the SXCYS. The gabbro reveals a Middle Permian concordia average age of 266.9 ± 5.2 Ma, and the quartz diorite reveals a Late Permian Concordia average age of 258.8 ± 4.8 Ma. Lithological and geochemical analysis reveal the two rock samples belong to low‐K arc tholeiites from the oceanic island and calk‐alkaline volcanics from the active continental margin, respectively, which implies that during the middle to late Permian, the SW margin of the Jiamusi–Khanka Block (JB) continuously experienced the subduction process from the Paleo‐Asian Ocean Plate. The final closure time of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean should be later than the Late Permian. Meanwhile, four groups of sandstone from the east Jilin reveal typically Jiamusi–Mongolia Block (JMB) provenance features, with age components of ~500 Ma, ~0.9–1.5 Ga implying that the Wangqing, Hunchun, Kaishantun area belongs to the northern part of the SXCYS from late Early Permian to Middle Triassic, with youngest age components of 288.2 ± 2.8, 275.5 ± 1.8, 250 ± 1.7, and 244.9 ± 1.7 Ma, respectively. The late Early Permian sandstone from the middle Jilin reveals the youngest age component of 273.8 ± 3.4 Ma and the age component of 487 ± 3 Ma also revealing JMB feature. Comparing to previous studies, we propose that the Paleo‐Asian Ocean finally closed during Middle to Late Triassic. A possible ENE fault separates the eastern extension of SXCYS into two parts, which means the possible position of the eastward extension of the SXCYS should go along the Wangqing‐Kaishantun with NNW direction in the west, Hunchun‐Laoheishan with NW direction in the east.
Independent and cooperative roles of the Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways during developmental myelination and in adulthood
Authors: Ishii Akihiro , Furusho Miki , Macklin Wendy , Bansal Rashmi
Published: February 2019

Multiple extracellular and intracellular signals regulate the functions of oligodendrocytes as they progress through the complex process of developmental myelination and then maintain a functionally intact myelin sheath throughout adult life, preserving the integrity of the axons. Recent studies suggest that Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR intracellular signaling pathways play important, often overlapping roles in the regulation of myelination. However, it remains poorly understood whether they function independently, sequentially, or converge using a common mechanism to facilitate oligodendrocyte differentiation, myelin growth, and maintenance. To address these questions, we analyzed multiple genetically modified mice and asked whether the deficits due to the conditional loss‐of‐function of ERK1/2 or mTOR could be abrogated by simultaneous constitutive activation of PI3K/Akt or Mek, respectively. From these studies, we concluded that while PI3K/Akt, not Mek/ERK1/2, plays a key role in promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation and timely initiation of myelination through mTORC1 signaling, Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK functions largely independently of mTORC1 to preserve the integrity of the myelinated axons during adulthood. However, to promote the efficient growth of the myelin sheath, these two pathways cooperate with each other converging at the level of mTORC1, both in the context of normal developmental myelination or following forced reactivation of the myelination program during adulthood. Thus, Mek/ERK1/2‐MAPK and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways work both independently and cooperatively to maintain a finely tuned, temporally regulated balance as oligodendrocytes progress through different phases of developmental myelination into adulthood. Therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting remyelination in demyelinating diseases are expected to benefit from these findings.
Intraoperative blood transfusion predicts postoperative delirium among older patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Chou Ming‐Yueh , Wang Yu‐Chun , Peng Li‐Ning , Liang Chih‐Kuang , Chu Che‐Sheng , Liao Mei‐Chen , Lin Yu‐Te , Hsu Chien‐Jen , Chen Liang‐Kung
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the roles of preoperative anemia and intraoperative blood transfusion in the development of postoperative delirium among older patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.

Methods

This prospective cohort study recruited subjects aged 60 years old and above who were admitted for elective orthopedic surgery in a tertiary medical center during April 2011 to December 2013. Demographic data (age, gender, body mass index [BMI], and educational level), surgery‐related factors (American Society of Anesthesiology [ASA] class, type of anesthesia and surgery, and intraoperative blood transfusion), results of geriatric assessment (hearing/visual impairment, cognition, depressive mood, comorbidity, malnutrition, polypharmacy, activities of daily living [ADL], and instrumental activities of daily living [IADL]), laboratory data, length of hospital stay, and the development of postoperative delirium were collected for analysis.

Results

Overall, 461 patients (mean age: 73.5 ± 7.5 years, 42.1% males) were enrolled for study, and 37 (8.0%) of them developed postoperative delirium. We categorized all subjects into four groups based on anemia on admission and blood transfusion during operation or not. Multivariate logistic regression showed that subjects with anemia on admission and received intraoperative blood transfusion were at higher risk of developing postoperative delirium (adjusted odds ratio 3.090; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.070‐8.926) and those without anemia on admission but received intraoperative blood transfusion were at marginal risk (adjusted odds ratio 2.906; 95% CI, 0.912‐9.259) after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions

Anemic older patients receiving intraoperative blood transfusion during operation were at the greatest risk for postoperative delirium when they underwent elective orthopedic surgery. Further intervention study is needed to reduce the risk of postoperative delirium for these patients.
Perfusion weighted imaging using combined gradient/spin echo EPIK: Brain tumour applications in hybrid MR‐PET
Authors: Shah N. Jon , da Silva Nuno André , Yun Seong Dae
Published: February 2019

Advanced perfusion‐weighted imaging (PWI) methods that combine gradient echo (GE) and spin echo (SE) data are important tools for the study of brain tumours. In PWI, single‐shot, EPI‐based methods have been widely used due to their relatively high imaging speed. However, when used with increasing spatial resolution, single‐shot EPI methods often show limitations in whole‐brain coverage for multi‐contrast applications. To overcome this limitation, this work employs a new version of EPI with keyhole (EPIK) to provide five echoes: two with GEs, two with mixed GESE and one with SE; the sequence is termed “GESE‐EPIK.” The performance of GESE‐EPIK is evaluated against its nearest relative, EPI, in terms of the temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (tSNR). Here, data from brain tumour patients were acquired using a hybrid 3T MR‐BrainPET scanner.

GESE‐EPIK resulted in reduced susceptibility artefacts, shorter TEs for the five echoes and increased brain coverage when compared to EPI. Moreover, compared to EPI, EPIK achieved a comparable tSNR for the first and second echoes and significantly higher tSNR for other echoes.

A new method to obtain multi‐echo GE and SE data with shorter TEs and increased brain coverage is demonstrated. As proposed here, the workflow can be shortened and the integration of multimodal clinical MR‐PET studies can be facilitated.
Telomerase Variants in Patients with Cirrhosis Awaiting Liver Transplantation
Authors: Chiu Victor , Hogen Rachel , Sher Linda , Wadé Niquelle , Conti David , Martynova Anastasia , Li Hongtao , Liang Gangning , O'Connell Casey
Published: February 2019

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that protect the ends of linear chromosomes, and they are maintained by a ribonucleoprotein complex called telomerase. Variants in genes encoding for telomerase components have been associated with a spectrum of disease in the lung, skin, bone marrow, and liver. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase and telomerase RNA component genes have been observed at a higher prevalence in patients with liver disease compared with the general population; however, the presence of variants in other components of the telomerase complex and their impact on clinical outcomes has not been explored. We evaluated 86 patients with end‐stage liver disease for variants in an expanded panel of eight genes, and found that 17 patients (20%) had likely deleterious variants by in silico analysis. Seven unique likely deleterious variants were identified in the regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1 (RTEL1) gene that encodes for a DNA helicase important in telomere maintenance and genomic stability. In gene burden association analysis of their clinical data, the presence of any RTEL1 variant was associated with a 29% lower baseline white blood cell count (95% confidence interval [CI], ‐7% to ‐46%; P Value = 0.01) compared with patients without RTEL1 variants, and the presence of any exonic missense RTEL1 variant was associated with a 42% lower baseline platelet count (95% CI, ‐5% to ‐65%: P Value = 0.03). The presence of any telomerase variant was associated with an increased number of readmissions within 1 year after transplantation demonstrated by an incident rate ratio (IRR) of 3.15 (95% CI, 1.22 to 8.57). No association with survival was observed. Conclusion: Among patients who underwent liver transplantation, the presence of any exonic missense variant was associated with a longer postoperative length of stay with an IRR of 2.16 (95% CI, 1.31 to 3.68).
Tissue Repair in the Mouse Liver Following Acute Carbon Tetrachloride Depends on Injury‐Induced Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling
Authors: Zhao Ludan , Jin Yinhua , Donahue Katie , Tsui Margaret , Fish Matt , Logan Catriona Y. , Wang Bruce , Nusse Roel
Published: February 2019

In the liver, Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is involved in regulating zonation and hepatocyte proliferation during homeostasis. We examined Wnt gene expression and signaling after injury, and we show by in situ hybridization that Wnts are activated by acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity. Following injury, peri‐injury hepatocytes become Wnt‐responsive, expressing the Wnt target gene axis inhibition protein 2 (Axin2). Lineage tracing of peri‐injury Axin2+ hepatocytes shows that during recovery the injured parenchyma becomes repopulated and repaired by Axin2+ descendants. Using single‐cell RNA sequencing, we show that endothelial cells are the major source of Wnts following acute CCl4 toxicity. Induced loss of β‐catenin in peri‐injury hepatocytes results in delayed repair and ultimately injury‐induced lethality, while loss of Wnt production from endothelial cells leads to a delay in the proliferative response after injury. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in restoring tissue integrity following acute liver toxicity and establish a role of endothelial cells as an important Wnt‐producing regulator of liver tissue repair following localized liver injury.
Patient costs of hypertension care in public health care facilities in Kenya
Authors: Oyando Robinson , Njoroge Martin , Nguhiu Peter , Kirui Fredrick , Mbui Jane , Sigilai Antipa , Bukania Zipporah , Obala Andrew , Munge Kenneth , Etyang Anthony , Barasa Edwine
Published: February 2019

Background

Hypertension in low‐ and middle‐income countries, including Kenya, is of economic importance due to its increasing prevalence and its potential to present an economic burden to households. In this study, we examined the patient costs associated with obtaining care for hypertension in public health care facilities in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study among adult respondents above 18 years of age, with at least 6 months of treatment in two counties. A total of 212 patients seeking hypertension care at five public facilities were interviewed, and information on care seeking and the associated costs was obtained. We computed both annual direct and indirect costs borne by these patients.

Results

Overall, the mean annual direct cost to patients was US$ 304.8 (95% CI, 235.7‐374.0). Medicines (mean annual cost, US$ 168.9; 95% CI, 132.5‐205.4), transport (mean annual cost, US$ 126.7; 95% CI, 77.6‐175.9), and user charges (mean annual cost, US$ 57.7; 95% CI, 43.7‐71.6) were the highest direct cost categories. Overall mean annual indirect cost was US$ 171.7 (95% CI, 152.8‐190.5). The incidence of catastrophic health care costs was 43.3% (95% CI, 36.8‐50.2) and increased to 59.0% (95% CI, 52.2‐65.4) when transport costs were included.

Conclusions

Hypertensive patients incur substantial direct and indirect costs. High rates of catastrophic costs illustrate the urgency of improving financial risk protection for these patients and strengthening primary care to ensure affordability of hypertension care.
Androgen receptor expression in circulating tumor cells of patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: de Kruijff Ingeborg E. , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Onstenk Wendy , Jager Agnes , Hamberg Paul , de Jongh Felix E. , Smid Marcel , Kraan Jaco , Timmermans Mieke A. , Martens John W. M. , Sleijfer Stefan
Published: February 2019

The androgen receptor (AR) has potential clinical relevance in metastatic breast cancer (mBC) since it might be a treatment target and has been associated with endocrine resistance. A minimal‐invasive way to determine AR expression on metastatic tumor cells is by characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Here, we assessed AR mRNA expression in CTCs (CTC‐AR) and in matched primary tumor samples from mBC patients representing different breast cancer subtypes. In addition, we explored CTC‐AR‐status in relation to outcome on endocrine therapy. AR, and 92 AR or estrogen receptor (ER) related genes, were measured in CellSearch‐enriched CTCs from 124 mBC patients and in 52 matched FFPE primary tissues using quantitative reverse‐transcriptase PCR. AR in CTCs was considered positive if the expression was 1 standard deviation higher than the expression measured in 11 healthy blood donors. A total of 31% of the mBC patients had AR‐positive (AR+) CTCs. 58% of the matched CTC and primary tumor samples were discordant with respect to AR status, observing both switches from AR+ to AR‐negative (AR‐) and vice versa. There was no statistically significant difference in progression‐free survival for patients treated with ER‐targeting drugs and CTC‐AR‐status (13 AR+/ 37 AR‐ cases, p = 0.28). Thus, AR can be determined in RNA isolated from CTCs, with in our set 31% AR‐positive samples. Given the discordance between AR status in CTC samples and corresponding primary tumors, determination of AR expression in CTCs might be a promising tool to select mBC patients for AR inhibiting agents.
Change in mammographic density across birth cohorts of Dutch breast cancer screening participants
Authors: Napolitano George , Lynge Elsebeth , Lillholm Martin , Vejborg Ilse , van Gils Carla H. , Nielsen Mads , Karssemeijer Nico
Published: February 2019

High mammographic density is a well‐known risk factor for breast cancer. This study aimed to search for a possible birth cohort effect on mammographic density, which might contribute to explain the increasing breast cancer incidence. We separately analyzed left and right breast density of Dutch women from a 13‐year period (2003–2016) in the breast cancer screening programme. First, we analyzed age‐specific changes in average percent dense volume (PDV) across birth cohorts. A linear regression analysis (PDV vs. year of birth) indicated a small but statistically significant increase in women of: 1) age 50 and born from 1952 to 1966 (left, slope = 0.04, p = 0.003; right, slope = 0.09, p < 0.0001); 2) age 55 and born from 1948 to 1961 (right, slope = 0.04, p = 0.01); and 3) age 70 and born from 1933 to 1946 (right, slope = 0.05, p = 0.002). A decrease of total breast volume seemed to explain the increase in PDV. Second, we compared proportion of women with dense breast in women born in 1946–1953 and 1959–1966, and observed a statistical significant increase of proportion of highly dense breast in later born women, in the 51 to 55 age‐groups for the left breast (around a 20% increase in each age‐group), and in the 50 to 56 age‐groups for the right breast (increase ranging from 27% to 48%). The study indicated a slight increase in mammography density across birth cohorts, most pronounced for women in their early 50s, and more marked for the right than for the left breast.
Three‐dimensional 3D ultrasound combined with power Doppler for the differential diagnosis of endometrial lesions among infertile women
Authors: Ni Jia , Han Bingbing , Liang Jiabin , Wang Fang
Published: February 2019

Objective

To assess three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound combined with power Doppler (PD) for the differential diagnosis of endometrial lesions among infertile women.

Methods

A prospective study carried out at a reproductive medicine center in Luoyang, China, between January and December 2015. The inclusion criteria were asymptomatic infertility with normal endometrium or specific endometrial lesions. Participants were subdivided by whether they had normal endometrium (group 1, n=357), or endometrial lesions including polyps, hyperplasia, intrauterine adhesions, or endometritis (group 2, n=99). 3D PD and hysteroscopy were performed in the follicular phase. Endometrial thickness, volume, vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI), and vascularization flow index (VFI), and subendometrial VI, FI, and VFI were calculated. Endometrial lesions were confirmed by pathologic analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of endometrial lesions was 99/456 (21.3%). Endometrial thickness and volume were significantly larger in group 2 than in group 1 (9.96 ± 3.24 vs 8.15 ± 2.50 mm and 3.70 ± 2.54 vs 2.42 ± 1.64 cm3, respectively; both P<0.001). Endometrial thickness and volume were larger among women with endometrial polyps and hyperplasia; endometrial VI, FI, and VFI were lower among women with intrauterine adhesions.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional PD has value for the differential diagnosis of endometrial lesions among infertile women.

Clinical trial registration

The trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as ChiCTR1800015799.
Recovery from drought: Viability and hatching patterns of hydrated and desiccated zooplankton resting eggs
Authors: Vargas Anderson L. , Santangelo Jayme M. , Bozelli Reinaldo L.
Published: February 2019

Many zooplankton organisms produce resting eggs before harsh environmental conditions. After aquatic systems are recovered, animals hatch from resting eggs and help re‐establish active communities. However, although the ability of resting eggs to survive desiccation is largely known, it is unclear to what extent the duration of desiccation affects the viability and hatching patterns of resting eggs. In this study, we assessed the viability of resting egg banks in naturally wet and dry sediments through ex‐situ hatching experiments. In addition, we simulated dry out episodes of different durations (2 and 8 months) in wet sediments originating from temporary systems. We observed hatchlings of rotifers, cladocerans, copepods, ostracods, and anostracans in wet and dry sediments. Drying the sediments for different durations did not change the species richness and composition of hatchlings, possibly because temporary systems select for species and genotypes that are more prone to producing resting eggs, which survive desiccation. However, some species were stimulated to hatch after desiccation, suggesting that desiccation might help break the dormancy of resting eggs from temporary systems. Desiccation intervals up to 8 months likely do not affect the viability of resting eggs from temporary systems. Since many lakes are about to experience unpredictable droughts owing to human activities and ongoing global changes, the ability of resting eggs to tolerate desiccation will play a key role in zooplankton community recovery.
Preoperative intravascular ultrasonographic evaluation of leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: A case report
Authors: Chiba Emiko , Hamamoto Kohei , Tanaka Osamu , Watanabe Fumiaki , Noda Hiroshi , Rkiyama Toshiki , Omoto Kiyoka
Published: February 2019

Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava is a rare malignant tumor originating from smooth muscle cells of the vascular media. Its preoperative diagnosis by conventional noninvasive examinations such as abdominal ultrasonography, X‐ray computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, may be difficult because of their nonspecific findings. We present the case of a 72‐year‐old woman with leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava diagnosed by intravascular ultrasonography.
Synthesis of Spiropyrazolines via a Pseudo‐Six Component Reaction
Authors: Rezvanian Atieh , Babashah Maedeh
Published: February 2019

A novel and eco‐friendly route for the synthesis of highly functionalized spiropyrazolines via a pseudo‐six component reaction of hydrazine hydrate, nitro ketene dithioacetal, isatin, and active methylene under mild condition at room temperature in ethanol media has been developed. The key steps in the synthetic strategy involve the formation of 1,1‐dihydrazino‐2‐nitroethylene from hydrazine hydrate with nitro ketene dithioacetal and its reaction with Knoevenagel adduct derived from the corresponding isatin and active methylene. The reaction is particularly attractive due to features such as high bond‐forming efficiency, optimum convergence, mild condition, atom economy, easy work‐up/purification, and reduced waste production without using any additive.
The clinical presentation of cobalamin‐related disorders: From acquired deficiencies to inborn errors of absorption and intracellular pathways
Authors: Huemer Martina , Baumgartner Matthias R.
Published: February 2019

This review gives an overview of clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of nutritional and acquired cobalamin (Cbl; synonym: vitamin B12) deficiencies, inborn errors of Cbl absorption and intracellular trafficking, as well as methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (MTHFD1) and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiencies, which impair Cbl‐dependent remethylation. Acquired and inborn Cbl‐related disorders and MTHFR deficiency cause multisystem, often severe disease. Failure to thrive, neurocognitive or psychiatric symptoms, eye disease, bone marrow alterations, microangiopathy and thromboembolic events are characteristic. The recently identified MTHFD1 defect additionally presents with severe immune deficiency. Deficient Cbl‐dependent enzymes cause reduced methylation capacity and metabolite toxicity. Further net‐effects of perturbed Cbl function or reduced Cbl supply causing oxidative stress, altered cytokine regulation or immune functions are discussed.
Frontline Science: Induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mobilizes Th17-promoting myeloid derived suppressor cells to the lung
Authors: Glenn Justin D , Liu Charles , Whartenby Katharine A
Published: February 2019

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a diverse group of cells that are recognized for their remarkable suppressive effects on pro-inflammatory T cells. The pleiotropic nature of these cells, however, has been demonstrated by their differential effects on immune responses in different settings. Our and others’ work has demonstrated suppressive effects of these cells. We previously demonstrated that these cells were mobilized to the lungs during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is a murine model of multiple sclerosis, and potently inhibited CD8+ T cell responses against influenza infection. Interestingly, they appeared to have a lesser effect on CD4+ T cells, and in fact, others have demonstrated that spleen-derived MDSCs could actually promote Th17 differentiation. We sought to determine the role of lung-derived MDSCs on EAE pathogenesis, as excursion through the lungs by pathologic CNS-Ag targeted T cells was shown to be critical for EAE induction. Our results indicate a robust accumulation of granulocytic MDSCs in the lungs of mice during EAE, which could promote Th17 polarization, and which coincided with the trafficking of autoimmune-targeted T cells through the lungs. These studies underscore the pleiotropic effect of MDSCs on T cells and their potential pro-inflammatory phenotypes in neuro-inflammatory disease. Understanding both the intrinsic multifunctional nature of these cells and the ability to influence organ-specific targets such as the CNS from remote organs such as lungs will help to elucidate both mechanisms of disease and possible new therapeutic approaches.
Musculature of the penial complex: A new criterion in unravelling the phylogeny of Hygrophila (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)
Authors: Soldatenko Elena V. , Petrov Anatoly A.
Published: February 2019

The taxonomy of freshwater pulmonates (Hygrophila) has been in a fluid state warranting the search for new morphological criteria that may show congruence with molecular phylogenetic data. We examined the muscle arrangement in the penial complex (penis and penis sheath) of most major groups of freshwater pulmonates to explore to which extent the copulatory musculature can serve as a source of phylogenetic information for Hygrophila. The penises of Acroloxus lacustris (Acroloxidae), Radix auricularia (Lymnaeidae), and Physella acuta (Physidae) posses inner and outer layers of circular muscles and an intermediate layer of longitudinal muscles. The inner and outer muscle layers in the penis of Biomphalaria glabrata consist of circular muscles, but this species has two intermediate longitudinal layers separated by a lacunar space, which is crossed by radial and transverse fibers. The muscular wall of the penis of Planorbella duryi is composed of transverse and longitudinal fibers, with circular muscles as the outer layer. In Planorbidae, the penial musculature consists of inner and outer layers of longitudinal muscles and an intermediate layer of radial muscles. The penis sheath shows more variation in muscle patterns: its muscular wall has two layers in A. lacustris, P. acuta, and P. duryi, three layers in R. auricularia and Planorbinae and four layers in B. glabrata. To trace the evolution of the penial musculature, we mapped the muscle characters on a molecular phylogeny constructed from the concatenated 18S and mtCOI data set. The most convincing synapomorphies were found for Planorbinae (inner and outer penis layers of longitudinal muscles, three‐layered wall of the penis sheath). A larger clade coinciding with Planorbidae is defined by the presence of radial muscles and two longitudinal layers in the penis. The comparative analysis of the penial musculature appears to be a promising tool in unraveling the phylogeny of Hygrophila.
Slotless tubular PM generator with dual quasi‐Halbach magnetized PM Array: Analytical and numerical magnetic field analysis
Authors: Moradi CheshmehBeigi Hassan
Published: February 2019

In this paper, an initial design and analytical electromagnetic field solution for Slotless and Dual Quasi‐Halbach (DQH) Permanent Magnet mover is proposed for reciprocating free piston alternator application. Utilizing presented analytical magnetic field solution, Air‐Gap magnetic flux characteristic, and generated voltage are estimated. Using 3‐D finite‐element method (FEM) proposed structure numerically investigated and obtained numerical results employed to confirm the derived analytical models. The analytical results are compared with FEM and show excellent agreement. In order to determine output voltage and power characteristics, the load testing has been performed by a resistive variable load. The obtained results from FEM analysis and analytical magnetic field solution show an enhancement in the proposed alternator performance compared with the alternator with Halbach magnetized configuration, by improving provided power.
Atmospheric circulation modulates the spatial variability of temperature in the Atlantic–Arctic region
Authors: Champagne Olivier , Pohl Benjamin , McKenzie Shawn , Buoncristiani Jean‐François , Bernard Eric , Joly Daniel , Tolle Florian
Published: February 2019

The Arctic region has experienced significant warming during the past two decades with major implications on the cryosphere. The causes of Arctic amplification are still an open question within the scientific community, attracting recent interest. The goal of this study is to quantify the contribution of atmospheric circulation on temperature variability in the Atlantic–Arctic region at decadal to intra‐annual timescales from 1951 to 2014. Daily 20th Century reanalyses geopotential height anomalies at 500 hPa were clustered into different weather regimes to assess their contribution to observed temperature variability. The results show that in winter, 25% of the warming (cooling) in the North Atlantic Ocean (northeastern Canada) is due to temporal decreases of high geopotential anomalies in Greenland. This regime influences air mass migration patterns, bringing less cold (warm) air masses into these regions. Additionally, atmospheric warming or cooling has been attributed to a change in nearby oceanic basin surface conditions because of sea ice decline. In summer, about 15% of the warming observed in Norwegian/Greenland Seas is related to an increase in temporal anticyclonic patterns. This ratio reaches 37% in Norway due to an amplification from downwards solar radiation. This study allows for better understanding how natural climate variability modulates the regional signature of climate change and estimating the uncertainties in climate projections.
In situ full view of the Portland cement hydration by confocal Raman microscopy
Authors: Torres‐Carrasco Manuel , del Campo Adolfo , de la Rubia Miguel A. , Reyes Encarnación , Moragues Amparo , Fernández Jose F.
Published: February 2019

The study of the hydration reactions of Portland cement is well documented by conventional techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis, or NMR, for instance. However, a complete view of all the phases present in the reactions is elusive. In this study, by using an in situ analysis through confocal Raman microscopy (CRM), the reaction of the initial phases (C2S, C3S, and C3A) to form new crystalline phases (portlandite, ettringite, and monosulfate) and amorphous C‐S‐H gel is reported. For the first time, this characterization technique allows to know the distribution and evolution of hydration water. In situ characterization of cement‐based materials opens a new gate to understand the different mechanisms involved in the processes of hydration of a Portland cement, due to the combined chemical and high spatial resolution of CRM.
Supramolecular Systems Based on Novel Amphiphiles and a Polymer: Aggregation and Selective Solubilization
Authors: Gabdrakhmanov Dinar R. , Samarkina Darya A. , Krylova Evgeniya S. , Kapitanov Illia V. , Karpichev Yevgen , Latypov Shamil K. , Semenov Vyacheslav E. , Nizameev Irek R. , Kadirov Marsil K. , Zakharova Lucia Ya
Published: February 2019

Supramolecular systems based on novel triazole‐containing and pyrimidine‐containing amphiphiles bearing OH‐groups and a hydrophilic polymer (polyethyleneimine, PEI) were fabricated. Aggregation threshold of individual amphiphile solutions and a surfactant/polymer binary mixture were determined to be equal to 2 and 0.05 mM, respectively, using tensiometry and conductometry techniques. It was found, that PEI addition to surfactant aqueous solutions induces the transition from open to closed association mode accompanying the decrease of mean hydrodynamic diameter of particles (D
H) from 100 nm to D
H ≤ 5 nm. Polymer addition to the system results in the leveling of pH decrease with surfactant concentration and increase of the electrokinetic potential values from 10 mV up to 40 mV. It was established that solubilization capacity of the supramolecular system formed could be increased by transition from surfactant individual solutions to the amphiphile/polymer binary system. The solubilization properties of the system strongly depend on the nature of the hydrophobic guest solubilized and differ by two orders of magnitude for hydrophobic azodye and lipophilic oxime.
Influence of Acacia dealbata Link bark extracts on the growth of Allium cepa L. plants under high salinity conditions
Authors: Lorenzo Paula , Souza‐Alonso Pablo , Guisande‐Collazo Alejandra , Freitas Helena
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Acacia dealbata Link is an invasive plant worldwide. Finding potential uses for its waste that contribute to controling its spread and result in benefits for agriculture has recently become a new topic of research. This study aimed to evaluate the potential biostimulant effect of bark extract derived from the management of A. dealbata (0, 450 or 900 ppm) on onion plants growing under stressful conditions, such as in soils treated with saline solutions (0, 60 or 120 mmol L−1 NaCl) and with reduced irrigation (100%, 50% or 25%).

RESULTS

A. dealbata Link bark extract significantly increased height as well as leaf, root and total biomass of plants in soils irrigated with NaCl solution (120 mmol L−1). These plants also had a higher content of Cl in roots, but a lower content of P in leaves and of K in bulbs. The 450 ppm bark treatment additionally increased the protein content in leaves and decreased the Na and Mg content in bulbs and bulbs and roots, respectively. The bark extract also increased the sugar content in plants under saline conditions. However, the effect of bark extract was negligible on plants that grew under drought stress.

CONCLUSION

Results revealed that the bark extract might attenuate stress effects in plants growing at high salinity levels, probably by increasing their sugar and protein content and via the accumulation of ions in the roots. Although additional experiments are required, we suggest that the bark extract of A. dealbata has potential applications in agriculture concerned with biostimulant formulations. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Risk assessment and prediction for toxic heavy metals in chestnut and growth soil from China
Authors: Wu Shutian , Zheng Yuewen , Li Xianbin , Han Yongxiang , Qu Minghua , Ni Zhanglin , Tang Fubin , Liu Yihua
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Toxic heavy metals (THMs) cause severe environmental hazards and threaten human health through various consumption of food stuff. However, little is known of THMs in chestnuts. In this study, the risk assessment and prediction of THMs [lead (Pb), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg)] in chestnuts and growth soils from China were investigated.

RESULTS

The main detected THMs in chestnuts and growth soils were As and Cd. The total pollution levels of the five THMs (Nemerow pollution indexes, NPIs) were 0.062 and 1.06, respectively. The dietary risks for children were higher than those of adults, especially short‐term non‐carcinogenic risk. The main combined risks from the relationships between THMs were Pb‐Cr (r = 0.85, P < 0.01) in chestnuts and Pb‐As (r = 0.59, P < 0.01) in growth soils. The risk source was found to be the uptake effect of THMs from soil to chestnut, with the highest bioaccumulation factors (BCFs) of Cd (0.254). Several comprehensive risk models were established with the highest coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.79. In addition, the main contribution rates of different soil parameters to comprehensive risk of THMs uptake were 49.8% (Cd), 23.4% (pH), 13.8% (Cr) and 13.0% (organic carbon).

CONCLUSION

The total pollution levels of THMs fell outside of the safety domain in growth soils. Furthermore, more attention needs to be paid to Cd pollution owing to its low environment background value and high accumulation ability. Three main soil parameters (Cr content, pH, organic carbon) played important roles in the formations and accumulations of THMs in chestnuts. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of residual solvents in isobutylboronic acid: Masking derivatization improves stability of GC column
Authors: Papoušek Roman , Žák Stanislav , Štverka Pavel , Gavenda Aleš , Borovcová Lucie , Barták Petr
Published: February 2019

Masking derivatization was introduced for the determination of residual solvents in samples containing a volatile reactive matrix component(s). Isobutylboronic acid, used in the last step of Bortezomib synthesis, represents a compound passing to the gas phase and deteriorating a chromatographic column during a headspace analysis. The masking derivatization with 1,8‐diaminonaphthalene allowed a simple and straightforward conversion of isobutylboronic acid to a stable nonvolatile derivative and thus prevented gas chromatography column deterioration. The method was successfully validated according to the guidelines of International Committee for Harmonization (Q3C (R6) Guideline for Residual Solvents) and international pharmacopoeias (Ph. Eur., USP) and approved by Teva Czech Industries for routine application.
Impacts of future climate and agricultural land‐use changes on regional agricultural water use in a large irrigation district of northwest China
Authors: Sun Shikun , Zhou Tianwa , Wu Pute , Wang Yubao , Zhao Xining , Yin Yali
Published: February 2019

Agricultural sectors are facing various environmental threats, such as land degradation and water resource depletion. Agricultural water use and cropping patterns are closely linked to each other, with both related to the regional climate. This study evaluated the impacts of future climate and agricultural land‐use changes on agricultural water consumption in the Hetao Irrigation District (HID), China. The results show that owing to an increase in temperature and a decrease in precipitation, the future climate in the research area will become warmer and dryer, which will increase the water demand of crops. Future climate in the HID will lead to a 10.5% increase in total irrigation water demand under a scenario of high greenhouse gas emissions and a 6.9% increase under a scenario of low greenhouse gas emissions. Results of the grey prediction modeling indicate that the amount of water allocated to the agricultural sector will decrease, which will make it difficult to meet crop irrigation demands. The results of the gray model also show that the cropping pattern in the HID will vary over time, and the proportion of the area of cash crops will increase by 5.3% during the next decade. Regional agricultural water use can be reduced by adjusting the cropping pattern under irrigation water limitations. Meanwhile, the saved water can be used for soil desalination in cultivated land in the HID. Consequently, adjusting the cropping pattern is a nature‐based solution by which to address climate change and guarantee the sustainable use of regional water and land resources.
Effective Control of Laser‐Induced Carbonization Using Low‐Density Polyethylene/Polystyrene Multilayered Structure via Nanolayer Coextrusion
Authors: Cheng Junfeng , You Xinghua , Cao Zheng , Wu Dun , Liu Chunlin , Pu Hongting
Published: February 2019

Controlled carbonization is very critical in improving the effect of laser‐induced patterns on a polymer surface. In the present work, the effects of a multilayered structure on the physical and laser‐marking properties of a low‐density polyethylene/polystyrene (LDPE/PS) multilayered film are studied. The multilayered film is prepared using nanolayer coextrusion and treated in air by scanning with a neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) pulsed laser beam. Based on various analyses, the laser‐induced patterns on the LDPE/PS multilayered film are significantly different from those on a conventional LDPE/PS blend. Furthermore, a mechanism for controlling the carbonized area of a multilayered film is proposed. This study also provides an effective method to fabricate laser‐patterning polymer materials based on a multilayered structure. Nanolayer coextrusion will have broad application prospects in the field of polymer laser marking. Importantly, this work opens up a valuable and viable direction for the practical application of these multilayered polymer materials.