bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heptacoordinate Structures of Organotin Halides with Three Phosphine Donors: Halogen‐Substituent Effect on Geometry
Authors: Kameo Hajime , Kawamoto Tatsuya , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Bourissou Didier , Nakazawa Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Structural studies were performed on heptacoordinate compounds of triorganotin halides {(o‐Ph2P)C6H4}3SnX [X = F (1), Cl (3), Br (4), I (5)] with three phosphine donors. The fluorostannane (1) has an unusual heptacoordinate geometry, in which the three phosphine donors interact with the Sn center around the opposite coordination site of the Sn–F bond (a form). In contrast, the chloro (3) and bromo (4) analogues have highly distorted pentagonal‐bipyramidal geometries (b form), while the iodo analogue (5) has a tricapped tetrahedral geometry (c form). Although both b and c forms have two phosphine donors coordinating to the Sn center around the opposite site of the Cipso atoms and one phosphine donor coordinating to the Sn atom trans to the halogen atom, the geometry around the Sn center is much more distorted from tetrahedral geometry in b form than in c form. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the presence of the halogen atom on the Sn center facilitates access from the opposite side of the halogen due to the strong electrostatic and intramolecular donor–acceptor transfer interactions. The difference in electronegativity of the halogen atoms also appear to contribute to structural modification by altering the halogen substituent, because a strongly electronegative halogen facilitates the formation of a structure that is highly distorted from the tetrahedral geometry (Bent's rule).
Performance measurements of communication access technologies and improved cognitive radio model for smart grid communication
Authors: Ogbodo Emmanuel U. , Dorrell David G. , Abu‐Mahfouz Adnan M.
Published: June 2019

Traditional power grids have unidirectional power flow and often information transfer, this limits their capacity for scalability, efficiency, and renewable energy integration. Smart grids (SGs) are being developed as more intelligent power grids with bidirectional power flow and information interchange. A reliable communication network is required in order to realize some important SG features, such as renewable energy integration, distributed energy resources, scalability, self‐healing and efficient holistic monitoring, and control capability. However, this communication network needs to comply with critical requirements. Cognitive radio (CR) has been projected as a possible solution to common problems in conventional wireless systems such as spectrum scarcity and interference. The CR accesses a greater range of spectra via dynamic spectrum access capability. This paper focuses on the evaluation of communication access technologies performance measurements and improved CR model for SG communications. This paper employs the National Institute of Standard framework for SG interoperability, the low power wide area network (LPWAN), multihoming, and a CR device such as TV white space band devices (TVBDs). The results from simulation analysis show that the performance of TVBDs outperforms the legacy Wi‐Fi in terms of latency; also, LPWA devices, such as LTE Cat1/LTE‐M devices, outperform the legacy cellular, such as CDMA 1x‐EVDO, in terms of latency and throughput. In addition, the improved CR model, which involves a proposed channel fragmentation strategy–based Alamouti scheme, outperforms legacy CR in terms of blocking probability and throughput in the harsh SG environment.
A Quality‐of‐Things model for assessing the Internet‐of‐Things' nonfunctional properties
Authors: Qamar Ayesha , Asim Muhammad , Maamar Zakaria , Saeed Saad , Baker Thar
Published: June 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT) is in a “desperate” need for a practical model that would help in differentiating things according to their nonfunctional properties. Unfortunately, despite IoT growth, such properties either lack or ill‐defined resulting into ad hoc ways of selecting similar functional things. This paper discusses how things' nonfunctional properties are combined into a Quality‐of‐Things (QoT) model. This model includes properties that define the performance of things' duties related to sensing, actuating, and communicating. Since the values of QoT properties might not always be available or confirmed, providers of things can tentatively define these values and submit them to an Independent Regulatory Authority (IRA) whose role is to ensure fair competition among all providers. The IRA assesses the values of nonfunctional properties of things prior to recommending those that could satisfy users' needs. To evaluate the technical doability of the QoT model, a set of comprehensive experiments are conducted using real data sets. The results depict an acceptable level of the QoT estimation accuracy.
Four tillage method assessments on soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, biological activities, and maize grain yield in Southern China
Authors: Asenso Evans , Hu Lian , Issaka Fuseini , Tian Kai , Zhang Lina , Zhang Luyong , Zeng Jiefeng , Zhu Yan‐Fei , Li Jiuhao
Published: June 2019

Creating a soil habitat is the first step to manage soil health for long‐term soil quality and output. This means using soil management methods that lessen the soil uproar. An experiment was established in 2016 and 2017 on a middle term (7 years) consistent tillage method in typical Latosolic red soil of Southern China to access the effects of four treatments: subsoiling (SS), two passes of rotary tillage (2RT), two passes of rotary tillage + subsoiling (2RTSS), and zero tillage (ZT), on soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen, soil biological activities (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, urease, catalase, and phosphatase), and maize grain yield. The results showed that mean SOC, total N, biological activities, and maize grain yields were affected significantly (p < 0.05) by tillage methods. Compared with SS, 2RT, and 2RTSS, ZT had higher SOC, total N, soil bacteria, and soil actinomycetes in the 0–40 cm soil depth. The highest levels of fungi, urease, catalase, and phosphatase were recorded under SS in the 0–40 cm soil depth. Average maize grain yield of 7.37 ton/ha (9.81%) was recorded under SS compared to under ZT. Overall, we conclude that SS could be adopted as a promising soil management method for soil health, quality, and productivity resulting in a sustainable agricultural system.
Ancillary economic activities in a Classic Maya regal palace: A multiproxy approach
Authors: Lamoureux‐St‐Hilaire Maxime , Canuto Marcello A. , Wells E. Christian , Cagnato Clarissa , Barrientos Tomás
Published: June 2019

This paper presents the results of a multiproxy approach to the ancillary activities which supported the ancient Maya royal court of the center of La Corona (750–900 CE). This approach sampled both the plaster floors and their overlaying soil matrix from areas of the palace of La Corona, resulting in a data set comprised of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry geochemical, soil‐flotation derived microartifactual, and macrobotanical data. These data complemented the architectural and artifactual record, documenting elusive aspects of the economic, ancillary functions of the Northwest Group of the La Corona regal palace. Specifically, this approach revealed that distinct portions of this architectural group were regularly used for preparing foods and craft objects, carrying products and items, discarding ash, using and/or grinding cinnabar‐based pigments, and illuminating nighttime activities. These results not only revealed activity areas in patios, but also provided evidence regarding the functions of adjacent buildings. This paper significantly contributes to our understanding of the pragmatic economic functions of ancient Maya royal courts. In addition, the presented data sets are methodologically valuable for students of archaeological activity areas.
Body Composition and Genetic Lipodystrophy Risk Score Associate With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Chen Vincent L. , Wright Andrew P. , Halligan Brian , Chen Yanhua , Du Xiaomeng , Handelman Samuel K. , Long Michelle T. , Kiel Douglas P. , Speliotes Elizabeth K.
Published: June 2019

Up to 25% of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are not obese but may have a fat or muscle composition that predisposes them to NAFLD. Our aim was to determine whether body composition parameters associate with NAFLD and to identify genetic contributors to this association. This study included two cohorts. The first included 2,249 participants from the Framingham Heart Study who underwent a computed tomography scan to evaluate hepatic steatosis, dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry testing to assess body composition, and clinical examination. Body composition parameters were normalized to total body weight. A subset of participants underwent genotyping with an Affymetrix 550K single‐nucleotide polymorphism array. The second cohort, Michigan Genomics Initiative, included 19,239 individuals with genotyping on the Illumina HumanCoreExome v.12.1 array and full electronic health record data. Using sex‐stratified multivariable linear regression, greater central body fat associated with increased hepatic steatosis while greater lower extremity body fat associated with decreased hepatic steatosis. Greater appendicular lean mass was associated with decreased hepatic steatosis in men but not in women. A polygenic risk score for lipodystrophy (regional or global loss of adipose tissue) was associated with increased hepatic steatosis, increased liver fibrosis, and decreased lower extremity fat mass. Conclusion: Greater central body fat associated with increased hepatic steatosis, while greater lower extremity body fat and, in men, greater appendicular lean mass were associated with decreased hepatic steatosis. A genetic risk score for lipodystrophy was associated with NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Our results suggest that buffering of excess energy by peripheral fat and muscle may protect against NAFLD and liver fibrosis in the general population.
Assessing DOC export from a Sphagnum‐dominated peatland using δ13C and δ18O–H2O stable isotopes
Authors: Buzek Frantisek , Novak Martin , Cejkova Bohuslava , Jackova Ivana , Curik Jan , Veselovsky Frantisek , Stepanova Marketa , Prechova Eva , Bohdalkova Leona
Published: June 2019

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) originating in peatlands can be mineralized to carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases. Knowledge of the dynamics of DOC export via run‐off is needed for a more robust quantification of C cycling in peatland ecosystems, a prerequisite for realistic predictions of future climate change. We studied dispersion pathways of DOC in a mountain‐top peat bog in the Czech Republic (Central Europe), using a dual isotope approach. Although δ13CDOC values made it possible to link exported DOC with its within‐bog source, δ18OH2O values of precipitation and run‐off helped to understand run‐off generation. Our 2‐year DOC–H2O isotope monitoring was complemented by a laboratory peat incubation study generating an experimental time series of δ13CDOC values. DOC concentrations in run‐off during high‐flow periods were 20–30 mg L−1. The top 2 cm of the peat profile, composed of decaying green moss, contained isotopically lighter C than deeper peat, and this isotopically light C was present in run‐off in high‐flow periods. In contrast, baseflow contained only 2–10 mg DOC L−1, and its more variable C isotope composition intermittently fingerprinted deeper peat. DOC in run‐off occasionally contained isotopically extremely light C whose source in solid peat substrate was not identified. Pre‐event water made up on average 60% of the water run‐off flux, whereas direct precipitation contributed 40%. Run‐off response to precipitation was relatively fast. A highly leached horizon was identified in shallow catotelm. This peat layer was likely affected by a lateral influx of precipitation. Within 36 days of laboratory incubation, isotopically heavy DOC that had been initially released from the peat was replaced by isotopically lighter DOC, whose δ13C values converged to the solid substrate and natural run‐off. We suggest that δ13C systematics can be useful in identification of vertically stratified within‐bog DOC sources for peatland run‐off.
Epigenetic downregulation of TET3 reduces genome‐wide 5hmC levels and promotes glioblastoma tumorigenesis
Authors: Carella Antonella , Tejedor Juan R. , García María G. , Urdinguio Rocío G. , Bayón Gustavo F. , Sierra Marta , López Virginia , García‐Toraño Estela , Santamarina‐Ojeda Pablo , Pérez Raúl F. , Bigot Timothée , Mangas Cristina , Corte‐Torres María D. , Sáenz‐de‐Santa‐María Inés , Mollejo Manuela , Meléndez Bárbara , Astudillo Aurora , Chiara María D. , Fernández Agustín F. , Fraga Mario F.
Published: June 2019

Loss of 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) has been associated with mutations of the ten–eleven translocation (TET) enzymes in several types of cancer. However, tumors with wild‐type TET genes can also display low 5hmC levels, suggesting that other mechanisms involved in gene regulation might be implicated in the decline of this epigenetic mark. Here we show that DNA hypermethylation and loss of DNA hydroxymethylation, as well as a marked reduction of activating histone marks in the TET3 gene, impair TET3 expression and lead to a genome‐wide reduction in 5hmC levels in glioma samples and cancer cell lines. Epigenetic drugs increased expression of TET3 in glioblastoma cells and ectopic overexpression of TET3 impaired in vitro cell growth and markedly reduced tumor formation in immunodeficient mice models. TET3 overexpression partially restored the genome‐wide patterns of 5hmC characteristic of control brain samples in glioblastoma cell lines, while elevated TET3 mRNA levels were correlated with better prognosis in glioma samples. Our results suggest that epigenetic repression of TET3 might promote glioblastoma tumorigenesis through the genome‐wide alteration of 5hmC.
Activation of LXRβ inhibits proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and increases chemosensitivity of gastric cancer cells by upregulating the expression of ATF4
Authors: Liu Jie , Qi Ya‐Bin
Published: June 2019

Recently, great advances have been achieved in both surgery and chemotherapy for the treatment of gastric cancer, but there is still poor prognosis for this disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of liver X receptor β (LXRβ) in chemosensitivity of gastric cancer SGC7901 cells. From 171 patients with gastric cancer, the gastric cancer and paracancerous tissues were selected to measure the expression of LXRβ and ATF4. Gastric cancer cell lines were cultured and screened to figure out the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer SGC7901 cells with the treatment of LXRβ agonist (GW3965), ATF4 short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. The expression of apoptosis‐related gene cleaved caspase‐3 was detected by Western blot analysis. First, we found that the expressions of LXRβ and ATF4 in gastric cancer tissues and cells were significantly lower than those in their paracancerous tissues and gastric mucosal epithelial cells. In addition, activation of LXRβ and paclitaxel treatment suppressed proliferation of SGC7901 cells, and the expression of ATF4 was upregulated in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, shRNA significantly inhibited the expression of ATF4 and blocked the chemosensitivity of SGC7901 cells to LXRβ activation. Our study demonstrates that the expression of LXRβ was low in gastric cancer. In addition, activation of LXRβ may inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells, promote apoptosis, and increase chemosensitivity by upregulating the expression of ATF4.
Chronic CagA‐positive Helicobacter pylori infection with MNNG stimulation synergistically induces mesenchymal and cancer stem cell‐like properties in gastric mucosal epithelial cells
Authors: Lin Li , Wei Hulai , Yi Juan , Xie Bei , Chen Jing , Zhou Cunmin , Wang Li , Yang Yue
Published: June 2019

A CagA‐positive Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can cause malignant transformation of human gastric mucosal epithelial cells, and N‐methyl‐N’‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) is a chemical carcinogen that induces gastric carcinogenesis. Whether this environmental chemocarcinogen may synergistically enhance the risk of H. pylori‐infected gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we adopted a chronic CagA‐positive H. pylori infection with or without MNNG coinduction to establish a cellular model in GES‐1 cells and an animal model in C57BL/6J mice. The proliferation, cell phenotype, apoptosis, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness and tumorigenicity of gastric mucosal epithelial cells were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that chronic H. pylori‐infected GES‐1 cells displayed inhibited apoptosis, abnormal proliferation, enhanced invasion, and migration, increased EMT/mesenchymal phenotype, colony formation and stem cell‐like properties, and enhanced tumorsphere‐formatting efficiency as well as CD44 expression, a known gastric cancer stem cell (CSC) marker. MNNG synergistically promoted the above actions of chronic H. pylori infection. Further studies in chronic H. pylori‐infected C57BL/6J mice models showed that an increased incidence of premalignant lesions in the gastric mucosa tissue of the H. pylori‐infected mice had occurred, the mouse gastric mucosa cells exhibited similar mesenchymal and CSC‐like properties in the above GES‐1 cells, and precancerous lesions and EMT/CSC‐like phenotypes were reinforced by the synergistic action of MNNG stimulation. H. pylori infection and/or MNNG induction were capable of causing enhanced expression and activation of Wnt2 and β‐catenin, indicating that the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway is involved in the actions of H. pylori and MNNG. Taken together, these findings suggest that chronic CagA‐positive H. pylori infection with MNNG stimulation synergistically induces mesenchymal and CSC‐like properties of gastric mucosal epithelial cells.
Upregulation of pluripotent long noncoding RNA ES3 in HER2‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Keshavarz Mostafa , Asadi Malek Hossein , Riahi‐Madvar Ali
Published: June 2019

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and estimates to be responsible for 20% of all cancer patients. Breast cancer has several subtypes including luminal A, luminal B, normal breast‐like, basal‐like, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐enriched. HER2‐positive breast cancer cells have higher HER2 expression than other breast cancer subtypes. This subtype is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and has more ability to metastasis than other breast cancer subtypes. HER2 is a growth‐promoting protein that is overexpressed in approximately 20 to 30% of breast cancers and its overexpression is strongly related to poor prognosis. New studies suggested that HER2 expression is correlated with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in breast cancer. ES3 transcript as a pluripotency long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is linked to pluripotency transcriptional networks in human embryonic stem cells, but its function in breast cancer is not clarified. In the current research, we found ES3 upregulation in breast cancer and its diagnostic value in breast cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, our findings revealed that ES3 transcript has a high expression in high‐grade and high‐stage breast tumors. In addition, our data demonstrated that ES3 expression downregulated during neural differentiation. Therefore, its expression may be correlated to breast tumor differentiation status. Notably, a high expression level of ES3 in HER2‐positive breast tumor tissues motivated us to investigate the effect of HER2 on ES3 expression by blocking HER2 activity with lapatinib. The results showed that ES3 expression suppressed when HER2 activity was blocked. In summary, for the first time, we found that lncRNA ES3 was significantly upregulated in HER2‐positive breast tumors and may contribute to breast cancer proliferation as a downstream target of HER2.
Purpose and mastery as predictors of perceived health and substance use problems
Authors: Stoddard Sarah A. , Pierce Jennifer , Hurd Noelle M. , Bauermeister José A. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: June 2019

We explored whether purpose in life and mastery predicted perceived physical health and problematic substance use among a sample of emerging adults who reported ever using alcohol or drugs. We examined perceived stress and coping as potential mediators of these associations and explored whether parental support moderated any of these associations. In a sample of emerging adults from across the United States (N = 2,564; M
age = 20.87, standard deviation
 = 1.75; 49.6% male), purpose in life and mastery were associated with better‐perceived health and fewer negative consequences of drug use via lower perceived stress and coping. In addition, parental support modified the relationship between purpose in life and stress and coping. The findings suggest potential health benefits associated with a greater purpose in life and mastery and indicate that parental support may enhance these associations.
Evaluating sense of community in the residential environment from the perspectives of symbolic interactionism and architectural design
Authors: Molana Hanieh H. , Adams Richard E.
Published: June 2019

The paper fills the gap between the design and the actuality of how buildings, and its surroundings, urban design, and the built environment influence its occupants’ behavior and interactions. We assess how the built environments can be influenced by humans and their control, both physical and symbolically, of the urban landscapes. In this regard, our paper merges symbolic interactionism, sense of community, and architectural design to aid our understanding of the man–environment relationship. Specifically, we assess qualitative data on Ekbatan Residential Complex in Tehran. We use Ekbatan as a case study to see how a sense of community among residents reflects both physical features of the complex and the symbolic meaning attached to these features by residents and those living outside the community. We conclude by suggesting that combining the interests of urban sociologist, community psychology, and architects via symbolic interactionist concepts may be a fruitful avenue for studying factors affecting sense of community and larger urban processes.
The key microRNA on lipid droplet formation during adipogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Yi Xia , Liu Jianyun , Wu Ping , Gong Ying , Xu Xiaoyuan , Li Weidong
Published: June 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the potential regulator of adipogenesis, markedly characterized by lipid droplet (LD) formation, play an important role in progenitor‐cell differentiation into adipocytes. In recent years, it has excited interests in regulation of miRNAs in adipogenesis. However, no study is available, to our knowledge, regarding the expression of miRNAs on LD formation. Our study provides the first insight into the expression profiling of the miRNA targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) involving with LD formation during adipogenesis from human mesenchymal stem cells by RNA‐Seq transcriptome technique. It showed that 39, 105, 194, and 112 differentially expressed miRNA appeared at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, respectively, for LD formation during adipogenesis. Nineteen miRNAs targeted 35 mRNA associated with LDs formation. Except for the known miRNA hsa‐miR‐1908 regulating adipogenesis, five miRNAs, including hsa‐miR‐146a‐3p, hsa‐miR‐4495, hsa‐miR‐4663, hsa‐miR‐6069, and hsa‐miR‐675‐3p are the latest potential biomarkers for LD formation, targeting ACSL1, APOB, METTL7A, PLIN1, and PLIN4. A comprehensive transcriptome profiling of miRNA reveals the regulatory relationship between miRNA and mRNA relating to LD formation during adipogenesis. Such candidates may represent biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic syndromes like obesity, type‐2 diabetes, steatosis, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis.
Resilience to oxidative and nitrosative stress is mediated by the stressosome, RsbP and SigB in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Tran Vina , Geraci Kara , Midili Giovanni , Satterwhite William , Wright Rachel , Bonilla Carla Y.
Published: June 2019

A bacterium's ability to thrive in the presence of multiple environmental stressors simultaneously determines its resilience. We showed that activation of the SigB‐controlled general stress response by mild environmental or energy stress provided significant cross‐protection to subsequent lethal oxidative, disulfide and nitrosative stress in Bacillus subtilis. SigB activation is mediated via the stressosome and RsbP, the main conduits of environmental and energy stress, respectively. Cells exposed to mild environmental stress while lacking the major stressosome components RsbT or RsbRA were highly sensitive to subsequent oxidative stress, whereas rsbRB, rsbRC, rsbRD, and ytvA null mutants showed a spectrum of sensitivity, confirming their redundant roles and suggesting they could modulate the signals generated by environmental or oxidative stress. By contrast, cells encountering stationary phase stress required RsbP but not RsbT to survive subsequent oxidative stress. Interestingly, optimum cross‐protection against nitrosative stress caused by sodium nitropruside required SigB but not the known regulators, RsbT and RsbP, suggesting an additional and as yet uncharacterized route of SigB activation independent of the known regulators. Together, these results provide mechanistic information on how B. subtilis promotes enhanced resistance against lethal oxidative stress during mild environmental and energy stress conditions.
Cloud climatology from visual observations at São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Rosas Jorge , Yamasoe Marcia A. , Sena Elisa T. , Rosário Nilton E.
Published: June 2019

Clouds remain as the main uncertainty source in climate studies. Specifically, over urban and other polluted regions, where their properties are subject to anthropic influence, more studies are needed. This study focuses on clouds at the southeast of Brazil, especially on the diurnal and annual cycles, trends of cloud amount and cloud occurrence in one of the biggest metropolitan areas of the world, the Metropolitan Area of São Paulo (MASP). For this purpose, 59 years of visual observations of cloud amount and type, made from surface at MASP, are analysed. In addition, trends of total cloud amount in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, are estimated using 30 years of total cloud amount, adding nine synoptic meteorological stations. To assess the reliability of the visual observations, annual‐average time series of cloud amount are compared with ones from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) and solar irradiation reaching the surface. The results show that the diurnal cycle of total cloud amount at MASP is highly influenced by low clouds, especially stratiform clouds, which are the predominant cloud type. Moreover, the seasonality of the diurnal cycles was also analysed, with higher amplitude and late‐afternoon occurrence in spring–summer. In winter‐autumn, the maxima of cloud amount diurnal cycles tends to occur at early morning with lower amplitude. The low cloud amount at MASP has undergone an increase, especially in the last 30 years, evidenced when compared annual‐average time series of visual observations and solar irradiation. In contrast, a decrease of total cloud amount in the state of São Paulo, mainly since the beginning of 1990s, is observed in ISCCP and visual observations databases.
Cover Image, Volume 99, Issue 10
Authors: Kim Inhwan , Ku Kyung‐Hyung , Jeong Moon‐Cheol , Kim Sang Seop , Mitchell Alyson E , Lee Jihyun
Published: June 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Article A comparison of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of several new early‐ to mid‐season apple cultivars for a warmer climate with traditional cultivars by Inhwan Kim et al., DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9712.

image
Effect of adding fermented split yellow pea flour as a partial replacement of wheat flour in bread
Authors: Bourré Lindsay , McMillin Kasia , Borsuk Yulia , Boyd Lindsey , Lagassé Shelley , Sopiwnyk Elaine , Jones Stuart , Dyck Adam , Malcolmson Linda
Published: June 2019

The effect of adding fermented split yellow pea flour (SYPF) as a partial replacement for wheat flour in bread was examined. Three sourdough culture levels (3%, 6.5%, and 10%) and two fermentation times (1 and 4 hr) were evaluated. Total titratable acidity of ferment was measured to determine acid development. Bread was baked using three ferment inclusion levels (25%, 35%, and 45%) for each of the six treatment combinations. Nonfermented control bread was baked for each inclusion and culture level by adding the equivalent amount of SYPF and culture to the formulation. Bread was scored for quality and assessed for specific volume, crumb colour, C‐Cell properties, and flavour. Significant main effects were found for inclusion level, culture level, and fermentation time, and a significant Inclusion level × Fermentation time interaction was found for crumb firmness and cell diameter. Breads made with nonfermented SYPF and 10% culture had good flavour with only minor reductions in bread quality compared with a 100% wheat control bread. For the breads made with fermented SYPF, the ferment made with 10% culture fermented for 1 hr and added at an inclusion level of 25% had the most acceptable flavour and bread quality characteristics.
Mitochondrial complex I inhibitor deguelin induces metabolic reprogramming and sensitizes vemurafenib‐resistant BRAFV600E mutation bearing metastatic melanoma cells
Authors: Carpenter Evan L. , Chagani Sharmeen , Nelson Dylan , Cassidy Pamela B. , Laws Madeleine , Ganguli‐Indra Gitali , Indra Arup K.
Published: June 2019

Treatment with vemurafenib, a potent and selective inhibitor of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling downstream of the BRAFV600E oncogene, elicits dramatic clinical responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. Unfortunately, the clinical utility of this drug is limited by a high incidence of drug resistance. Thus, there is an unmet need for alternative therapeutic strategies to treat vemurafenib‐resistant metastatic melanomas. We have conducted high‐throughput screening of two bioactive compound libraries (Siga and Spectrum libraries) against a metastatic melanoma cell line (A2058) and identified two structurally analogous compounds, deguelin and rotenone, from a cell viability assay. Vemurafenib‐resistant melanoma cell lines, A2058R and A375R (containing the BRAFV600E mutation), also showed reduced proliferation when treated with these two compounds. Deguelin, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, was noted to significantly inhibit oxygen consumption in cellular metabolism assays. Mechanistically, deguelin treatment rapidly activates AMPK signaling, which results in inhibition of mTORC1 signaling and differential phosphorylation of mTORC1's downstream effectors, 4E‐BP1 and p70S6 kinase. Deguelin also significantly inhibited ERK activation and Ki67 expression without altering Akt activation in the same timeframe in the vemurafenib‐resistant melanoma cells. These data posit that treatment with metabolic regulators, such as deguelin, can lead to energy starvation, thereby modulating the intracellular metabolic environment and reducing survival of drug‐resistant melanomas harboring BRAF
V600E mutations.
Paley‐Wiener‐Type theorems for the Clifford‐Fourier transform
Authors: Li Shanshan , Leng Jinsong , Fei Minggang
Published: June 2019

In the framework of Clifford analysis, we consider the Paley‐Wiener type theorems for a generalized Clifford‐Fourier transform. This Clifford‐Fourier transform is given by a similar operator exponential as the classical Fourier transform but containing generators of Lie superalgebra.
Thymoquinone reduces intracytoplasmic oxidative stress and improves epigenetic modification in polycystic ovary syndrome mice oocytes, during in‐vitro maturation
Authors: Eini Fatemeh , Bidadkosh Arash , Nazarian Hamid , Piryaei Abbas , Ghaffari Novin Marefat , Joharchi Khojasteh
Published: June 2019

Although in‐vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes has been presented as an alternative treatment to traditional stimulated in‐vitro fertilization, the culture condition can be improved by natural antioxidants. Thus, we investigated the protective effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) during IVM in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice model. The induction of PCOS was made by dehydroepiandrosterone via subcutaneous injection, in prepubertal female B6D2F1‐mice. After 21 days later, germinal vesicle (GV)‐stage‐oocytes were extracted and incubated in IVM media containing 0, 1.0, 10.0, and 100.0 μM of TQ. To assess fertilization and blastulation rates, after 22–24 hr, the treated oocytes were fertilized in‐vitro with epididymal spermatozoa. Some other oocytes were evaluated for maturation, epigenetic, and oxidative stress markers.

Similarly, the mRNA expression of epigenetic enzymes genes (Dnmt1 and Hdac1), three maternally derived genes (Mapk, CyclinB, and Cdk1) and apoptosis‐related genes (Bax and Bcl2) were assessed. Our results showed that the maturation, fertilization, and blastulation rates were significantly higher in the 10.0 μM TQ‐treated group compared with the untreated group and likewise with in‐vivo matured oocytes. The Bax expression was reduced in 10.0 μM TQ matured oocytes, but Bcl2, Dnmt1, Hdac1, Cdk1, and Mapk were upregulated in this group compared to other groups. Furthermore, dimethylation of histone‐3 at lysine‐9 (H3K9m2) and DNA methylation were significantly increased whereas H4K12 acetylation (H4K12ac) was decreased in the 10.0 μM TQ‐treated group in comparison with control and in‐vivo matured oocytes. Therefore, our results are suggesting that 10.0 μM TQ may enhance the developmental competence of PCOS oocytes via the modulation of oxidative stress and epigenetic alterations.
Extended quantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced cardiac perfusion imaging in mice using accelerated data acquisition and spatially distributed, two‐compartment exchange modeling
Authors: Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: June 2019

The objective of the present work was to improve data acquisition and quantification of dynamic contrast‐enhanced perfusion imaging in the in vivo murine heart.

Four‐fold undersampled data were acquired in 14 mice and reconstructed using k‐t SPARSE. A two‐compartment exchange model was employed to provide additional characterization of myocardial tissue based on compartment volumes and the permeability surface area product. The feasibility of the proposed method was tested using compartment‐based analysis of contrast‐enhanced perfusion data acquired with intravascular and extracellular contrast agents.

A significantly different permeability surface area product was measured for the intravascular versus extracellular contrast agent (0.13–0.15 ml/g/min vs 0.86–0.88 ml/g/min). The reduced extravasation also resulted in significantly smaller interstitial volumes of the intravascular versus extracellular agent (9.8–11% vs 45–47%). No difference was found for myocardial blood flow (6.5–7.2 ml/g/min vs 6.0–7.0 ml/g/min).

The results presented here show that two‐compartment exchange modeling in the in vivo murine heart is feasible and gives access to tissue parameters beyond myocardial blood flow.
A scaled boundary finite element formulation for dynamic elastoplastic analysis
Authors: Yang Z.J. , Yao F. , Ooi E.T. , Chen X.W.
Published: June 2019

This study presents the development of the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) to simulate elastoplastic stress wave propagation problems subjected to transient dynamic loadings. Material nonlinearity is considered by first reformulating the SBFEM to obtain an explicit form of shape functions for polygons with an arbitrary number of sides. The material constitutive matrix and the residual stress fields are then determined as analytical polynomial functions in the scaled boundary coordinates through a local least squares fit to evaluate the elastoplastic stiffness matrix and the residual load vector semianalytically. The treatment of the inertial force within the solution of the nonlinear system of equations is also presented within the SBFEM framework. The nonlinear equation system is solved using the unconditionally stable Newmark time integration algorithm. The proposed formulation is validated using several benchmark numerical examples.
The innovative personality? Policy making and experimentation in an authoritarian bureaucracy
Authors: Hasmath Reza , Teets Jessica C. , Lewis Orion A.
Published: June 2019

Why do local officials in an authoritarian bureaucracy experiment with policy, even when directed not to do so by central‐level officials? This study suggests that policy experimentation in this institutional environment can best be understood as an interaction between the structure in which local officials are embedded and individual‐level personality attributes. Leveraging a new data set from a series of original surveys with local policy makers in mainland China, conducted between 2016 and 2018, we discern three baseline personality types: authoritarian, consultative, and entrepreneurial. We thereafter examine the individual‐level characteristics of local officials who will innovate irrespective of a centralization of bureaucratic power and interests, as currently experienced under Chinese President Xi Jinping. We find that local policy makers engage in policy innovation when they are more focused on resolving governance problems and that increased risk reduces but does not eliminate their willingness to innovate. Based on these findings, we contend that future studies of policy innovation should use an evolutionary framework to examine the interaction between preferences and selection pressures.
35 years of photovoltaics: Analysis of the TISO‐10‐kW solar plant, lessons learnt in safety and performance—Part 2
Authors: Annigoni Eleonora , Virtuani Alessandro , Caccivio Mauro , Friesen Gabi , Chianese Domenico , Ballif Christophe
Published: June 2019

The TISO‐10‐kW plant, installed in Lugano (Switzerland) in 1982, is the first grid‐connected PV plant in Europe. In a joint publication (part 1), we presented the results of the electrical characterization performed in 2017—after 35 years of operation—of the 288 Arco Solar modules constituting the plant. Power degradation rates were different among modules and two groups could clearly be distinguished: group 1, with a remarkably low mean degradation rate of −0.2% per year, and group 2, with a mean degradation of −0.69% per year. After 35 in a temperate climate, approximately 70% of the modules (considering a ±3% measurement uncertainty) still exhibit a performance higher than 80% of their initial value. In this paper, when possible, we attempt at correlating module performance losses to specific failure mechanisms. For this sake, an extensive characterization of the modules was performed using visual inspection, IV curve measurements, electroluminescence, and infrared imaging. We remarkably find that module degradation rates are highly correlated to the aging pattern of the encapsulants used in module manufacturing. In particular, a specific formulation of the encapsulant (PVB), which was used only in a minority of the modules (approximately 10%), leads to degradation rates of −0.2% per year, which corresponds to a loss in performance below 10% over 35 years. Potential safety threats are also investigated, by measuring the frame continuity, the functionality of the bypass diodes, and the module insulation. Finally, we discuss how the analysis of a 35‐year‐old PV module technology could benefit the industry in order to target PV module lifetimes of 40+ years.
Can aromaticity trigger thermal [1,5]‐halogen shift towards the forbidden antarafacial mode?: A density functional case study
Authors: Kalpana P. , Akilandeswari L.
Published: June 2019

[1,5]‐H shift of (Z,Z) 1,3‐pentadienes are known to take suprafacial mode. The stereochemical fate of the reaction when halogens are involved in the [1,5]‐shift in similar (Z,Z) 1,3‐pentadienes is presented in this work. Interesting tendency of fluorine to take up the forbidden and relatively expensive antarafacial path as an economical route for [1,5]‐fluorine shift is owed to the aromaticity of the transition state. Remarkable correlations between various aromaticity indices (bond alternation coefficient [BAC], harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity [HOMA], nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS), and ellipticity [ξ]) with activation barriers pave solid foundation to the fact that aromaticity of transition states (TS) in pericyclic reaction can manoeuvre the stereochemical course of a reaction. The differential effect of fluorine to other halogens is exemplified by the antara migration while the other halogens (Cl and Br) prefer supra mode. NBO studies and the topological parameter, ellipticity used as a measure of aromatic criterion support the above fact.
Comparison of impulse oscillometry and spirometry for detection of airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine, mannitol, and eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation in children
Authors: Jara‐Gutierrez Pamela , Aguado Erika , del Potro Manuela García , Fernandez‐Nieto Mar , Mahillo Ignacio , Sastre Joaquin
Published: June 2019

Background

Forced expiratory maneuvers are usually difficult in young children. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) requires no active cooperation, is noninvasive, rapid, and easy to perform. This study aimed to compare IOS indexes and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) in children for the assessment of bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine, mannitol, and eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH).

Materials

Children aged 3‐14 years (mean 10.0 ± 3.1) with symptoms suggestive of asthma were recruited. IOS measurements were taken before spirometry. Methacholine, mannitol, and EVH tests were performed without a specific order.

Results

We included 190 children, whose mean age was 10.0 ± 3.1 years. Changes in FEV1 correlated significantly with variation in IOS indexes (P < .05). The indexes with the greatest discriminative capacity were Z5, R5, and X5. Optimal cut‐offs were: for methacholine tests, ≧22% in R5, ≧82% for reactance area (AX), and ≦41% for X5; for the mannitol test, ≧18% in R5, ≧40% in AX, and ≦21% for X5. In the EVH test, ≧23% for R5, ≧40% for AX, and a fall of 29% for X5. When using the optimal cut‐off points obtained from IOS, the mean number of steps and doses required for methacholine and mannitol tests to induce significant bronchoconstriction were significantly lower compared with spirometry (
P < .05).

Conclusions

The effectiveness of R5, X5, and AX indexes were comparable to FEV1 in assessing bronchial obstruction during bronchial challenge testing. Therefore, IOS may be useful in assessing bronchial obstruction in children who cannot reliably perform spirometric maneuvers during bronchial challenge testing.
Targeting POH1 inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and enhances the suppressive efficacy of androgen deprivation and docetaxel
Authors: Yu Wandong , Li Junhong , Wang Qiang , Wang Boshi , Zhang Li , Liu Yun , Tang Ming , Xu Guiqing , Yang Zhaojuan , Wang Xilong , Zhang Jun , Liu Yongzhong , Shi Guowei
Published: June 2019

Background

POH1, a member of the JAMM domain containing deubiquitinases, functions in malignant progression of certain types of cancer. However, the role of POH1 in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear.

Methods

We performed RNA interference against the JAMM members in PC3 cells and analyzed cell proliferation. POH1 knockdown was established to evaluate the effects of POH1 on cell growth in vitro and in vivo. RNA‐sequencing was utilized to explore the molecular details underlying the biological function of POH1 in PCa. The expression of POH1 in PCa tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The POH1 inhibitor capzimin was evaluated to explore whether pharmacologically inhibiting POH1 significantly affected PCa cell proliferation alone or enhanced the inhibitory efficacy of docetaxel and androgen deprivation.

Results

Functional analyses identified POH1 as a JAMM deubiquitinase that is required for PCa proliferation. Importantly, expression of POH1 was higher in human PCa tissues (PCas) than that in normal prostate tissues, and a positive correlation was detected between elevated POH1 expression and higher pathological grades in PCas. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that depleting POH1 significantly suppressed the growth of PCa cell xenografts. POH1 deficiency profoundly inhibited the expression of a set of genes involving the cell cycle and caused G0/G1 phase arrest. Furthermore, the POH1 inhibitor capzimin phenotypically recapitulated the effects of POH1 knockdown and improved the efficacy of docetaxel and androgen deprivation in PCa cells.

Conclusions

POH1 was overexpressed in PCas and was correlated with pathological grades in human PCas. Inhibiting POH1 by gene silencing or pharmacological inhibition with capzimin suppressed PCa cell growth. Exploring the inhibition of POH1 in combination with other drugs may provide a strategy to benefit patients with PCa.
Structural and Electronic Properties of Oxidized and Amorphous Nanodiamond Surfaces with Covalently Grafted Polypyrrole
Authors: Matunová Petra , Jirásek Vít , Rezek Bohuslav
Published: June 2019

Diamond nanoparticles denoted as nanodiamonds (NDs) possess numerous beneficial material properties and are envisioned for a wide range of applications. In this work, complexes of polypyrrole (PPy) organic dye covalently grafted to ND surfaces are investigated by atomic scale density functional theory (DFT) computations with a view to their structural and electronic properties. NDs terminated with oxygen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, anhydride, as well as amorphous carbon (a‐C:H, a‐C:O) have been considered. Thereby the theoretical model is brought close to real nanodiamonds. Spatially separated highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) and a favorable energetic level alignment at the ND–PPy interface are observed for the majority of the oxidized NDs. This feature is also retained for NDs with amorphous surface layer. Excited states are computed by time‐dependent DFT to analyze how the electronic configuration can promote dissociation of excitons, for instance in photovoltaic applications.
The pharmacological potential and possible molecular mechanisms of action of Inonotus obliquus from preclinical studies
Authors: Duru Kingsley C. , Kovaleva Elena G. , Danilova Irina G. , van der Bijl Pieter
Published: June 2019

The use of mushrooms as functional foods and in the treatment of diseases has a long history. Inonotus obliquus is a mushroom belonging to the Hymenochaetaceae family and has possible anticancer, antiviral, and hypoglycemic properties. Chemical analysis of this mushroom has allowed the identification of various constituents such as melanins, phenolic compounds, and lanostane‐type triterpenoids. A plethora of findings have highlighted the potential molecular mechanisms of actions of this mushroom such as its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, inhibit the growth of tumors, decrease inflammation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, and stimulate the immune system. This review summarizes the relevant findings with reference to the therapeutic potential of this mushroom in countering the progression of cancers, diabetes mellitus, and antiviral activities, while highlighting its possible molecular mechanisms of action. The possible role of this mushroom as a therapeutic agent in addressing the pathogenesis of diabetes and cancer has also been suggested.