bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of gas extraction on the hydrodynamics in a fluidized bed membrane reactor at elevated temperatures
Authors: Xiao Yao , Bai Chenxi , Chen Yumin , Yan Weijie , Du Jizhi , Yu Tianze , Zhang Junying
Published: July 2019

This study describes experimental explorations on the effects of gas extraction on hydrodynamics in a pilot‐scalegas fluidized bed membrane reactor (FBMR) at high temperatures. Differential pressure signals were measured at different vertical intervals in bed and were then characterized by multiscale resolution and power spectra analysis. The experimental results showed that the relative amplitude of σr (σ/xav) of pressure signal tended todecrease with the increase of gas extraction fraction.At room temperature, 20% gas extraction caused defluidization at an inlet velocity of 2Umf. However, athigh temperatures the gas extraction simultaneously decreased the magnitude of the low‐frequency components and the numbers of the medium‐ to small‐sized structures, mainly due to the decreased number of small‐sized structures and the integration of bubbles. This effect of gas extraction increased with increase of gas extraction fraction and slightly decreased at higher inlet gas velocities. At elevated temperatures, the D6 sub‐signals (0.781~1.562Hz) possessed the highest wavelet energy distribution percentage of the pressure signals, which meant that the medium‐ to small‐sized bubbles dominated the gas‐solid flow dynamics. Gas extraction was observed to enhance the dominance of the D6 scale components..
Myricetin Inhibits Breast Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis by Regulating VEGF/VEGFR2 and p38MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhou Zhiqing , Mao Wenli , Li Yuanyuan , Qi Cuiling , He Yanli
Published: July 2019

Tumor angiogenesis is an important cause of tumor growth and metastasis. Myricetin is a flavonoid component used in traditional Chinese medicine that has been demonstrated to have anticancer activity. However, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of myricetin on tumor angiogenesis remains unknown. The present study reports the identification of myricetin as a potential chemopreventive agent by reason of its inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and demonstrates the anticancer effects of myricetin in vivo. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays revealed that myricetin inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells but not that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and a transwell assay demonstrated that myricetin could inhibit the migration of HUVECs. A rat aortic ring assay revealed that myricetin could also affect the development of microvessels and the formation of vascular networks. Further, an ELISA showed that myricetin reduced the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in vivo and in vitro. Western blot analysis indicated that myricetin could downregulate VEGFR2 and p38MAPK. Therefore, myricetin could significantly inhibit tumor angiogenesis and has potential as a chemopreventive agent because of its inhibition to angiogenesis. Anat Rec, 302:2186–2192, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Microanatomical Record of Cortical Bone Remodeling and High Vascularity in a Fossil Giant Rat Midshaft Femur
Authors: Miszkiewicz Justyna J. , Louys Julien , O'Connor Sue
Published: July 2019

Rat cortical bone does not typically undergo secondary (Haversian) remodeling. Haversian organization of rat bone has been mainly observed in experimental settings following biomechanical or dietary manipulation. Here, we report an observation of cortical secondary osteons within a histological femur cross‐section from an extinct (late Quaternary) form of Timorese giant rat (Murinae gen. et sp. indet). The medio‐lateral midshaft diameter of its femur, used as a measure of bone size, is 6.15 mm and indicates a heavier than normal skeletal frame. We compare this sample to bone histology in a small rat's midshaft femur of 2.33 mm diameter. A complete lack of Haversian bone remodeling characteristics is noted for the smaller sample, which is dominated by radial vascular canals. The giant rat shows clear secondary osteons and diffuse vascularity mainly composed of tightly packed longitudinal canals across its cortex. It appears that rat cortical bone can undergo bone remodeling, and is organized in a highly vascularized manner, in insular giant cases. Our findings from Timor align with results reported in experimental rat model skeletal biology literature and other insular fossil rat material. Where macroanatomical examination is limited, histological observations on fossil rat limb bones have the potential to aid reconstructions of life history and skeletal growth aspects in these rodents. Anat Rec, 302:1934–1940, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
The first “second solar spectrum” ever observed in a star different than the sun: A high‐resolution spectropolarimetric Atlas of 89 Herculis
Authors: Gangi Manuele , Leone Francesco
Published: July 2019

We present a high‐resolution Atlas of the linearly polarized spectrum of the post‐AGB binary 89 Herculis. Data were collected with the Echelle SpectroPolarimetric Device for the Observation of Stars and cover the spectral region from 4,000 to 9,042 Å. This result represents the first “Second Solar Spectrum”‐like behavior ever observed in a star different than the Sun. The present atlas wants to be a reference catalog for future observations and theoretical investigations.
The prevalence of birth defects among non‐Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islanders and American Indians/Alaska Natives in Texas, 1999–2015
Authors: Le Mimi T. , Shumate Charlie J. , Hoyt Adrienne T. , Wilkinson Anna V. , Canfield Mark A.
Published: July 2019

Background

There is considerable variability in the prevalence of birth defects among racial/ethnic groups. This study estimated birth defect prevalence among the less studied non‐Hispanic (NH) Asian/Pacific Islander (PI) and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in Texas relative to NH Whites.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Texas Birth Defect Registry from 1999 to 2015 for deliveries to Texas‐resident women who were NH White, NH Asian/PI, or AI/AN. This covers a live birth population of 2.6 million. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for NH Asian/PIs and AI/ANs (relative to NH Whites) for 44 birth defects using Poisson regression adjusting for maternal age.

Results

After adjustment there were 33 statistically significant prevalence ratios (aPRs). Among NH Asian/PIs, 23 defects had a lower aPR (0.38–0.86) and three defects had a higher aPR (1.19–2.50). AI/ANs had one defect with a significantly lower aPR (0.64) and six with a higher aPR (1.36–4.63).

Conclusions

Non‐Hispanic Asian/PIs generally have a lower prevalence ratio for many birth defects while AI/ANs have a higher prevalence ratio compared to NH Whites. These findings update the limited literature on this topic and warrant additional research to identify the true associations across a range of birth defects among these understudied racial/ethnic groups.
Real world experience of R‐CHOP with or without consolidative radiotherapy vs DA‐EPOCH‐R in the first‐line treatment of primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Chan Esther Hian Li , Koh Liang Piu , Lee Joanne , De Mel Sanjay , Jeyasekharan Anand , Liu Xin , Tang Tiffany , Lim Soon Thye , Tao Miriam , Quek Richard , Farid Bin Harunal Ras Mohamad , Lee Yuh Shan , Diong Colin , Tan Daryl , Kim Seok Jin , Chee Yen Lin , Poon Li Mei Michelle
Published: July 2019

Primary mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a distinct clinico‐pathological subtype of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma with unclear prognostic factors and limited clinical data. Optimal treatment and role for radiotherapy is not fully defined. We performed a multicenter retrospective review of 124 patients with newly diagnosed PMBCL between 2001 and 2016. Treatment regimens were R‐CHOP (n = 41), R‐CHOP + RT (n = 37), and DA‐EPOCH‐R (n = 46). 6% (n = 3) in the DA‐EPOCH‐R group received RT. With a median follow up of 45 months, the overall 5‐year OS and PFS was 89.4% and 82.4%, respectively. The type of chemo‐radiotherapy regimen, B symptoms and Ann‐Arbor staging showed a significant association with OS on univariate analysis but only B symptoms remained prognostic (P = 0.012) after multivariate analysis. The chemo‐radiotherapy regimen, Japanese IPI and Ann‐Arbor stage was significantly associated with PFS in univariate analysis, but only chemo‐radiotherapy regimen remained significant (P = 0.02) after multivariate analysis. Patients who received R‐CHOP + RT or DA‐EPOCH‐R had better PFS than those receiving R‐CHOP alone, with 5‐year PFS of 90% vs 88.5% vs 56%, respectively (P = 0.02). In the subgroup analysis of patients with bulk (n = 71), R‐CHOP alone (n = 21) had inferior 5‐year PFS 56.6% compared to those who received R‐CHOP + RT (n = 23) 91.3% or DA‐EPOCH‐R (n = 27) 92.6% (P = 0.007). In contrast, in patients without bulk (n = 42), there was no impact of treatment regimen on PFS (P = 0.25). In conclusion, R‐CHOP + RT and DA‐EPOCH‐R provide excellent outcomes in patients with PMBCL. In patients with bulky disease, the use of DA‐EPOCH‐R may be preferable as it allows omission of RT without reduction in efficacy.
2D Metal–Organic Framework Derived CuCo Alloy Nanoparticles Encapsulated by Nitrogen‐Doped Carbonaceous Nanoleaves for Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst and Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Huo Meiling , Wang Bin , Zhang Chaochao , Ding Shuping , Yuan Haitao , Liang Zuozhong , Qi Jing , Chen Mingxing , Xu Yang , Zhang Wei , Zheng Haoquan , Cao Rui
Published: July 2019

The development of efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) still remains a challenge in a wide range of renewable energy technologies. Herein, CuCo alloy nanoparticles encapsulated by nitrogen‐doped carbonaceous nanoleaves (CuCo‐NC) have been synthesized from a Cu(OH)2/2D leaf‐like zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐L)‐pyrolysis approach. Leaf‐like Cu(OH)2 is first prepared by the ultrasound‐induced self‐assembly of Cu(OH)2 nanowires. The efficient encapsulation of Cu(OH)2 in ZIF‐L is obtained owing to the morphology fitting between the leaf‐like Cu(OH)2 and ZIF‐L. CuCo‐NC catalysts present superior electrocatalytic activity and stability toward ORR and OER over the commercial Pt/C and IrO2, respectively, which are further used as bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts in Zn–air batteries and exhibit impressive performance, with a high peak power density of 303.7 mW cm−2, large specific capacity of up to 751.4 mAh g−1 at 20 mA cm−2, and a superior recharge stability.
Sicheres Experimentieren – Das Ausgasen von Gefahrstoffen aus ihren wässrigen Lösungen
Authors: Klemeyer Horst
Published: July 2019

Wässrige Lösungen gelten in der Regel als kostengünstiger, umweltverträglicher, weniger gefährlich und einfacher zu handhaben als Reinstoffe oder Lösungen in anderen Solventien. Reaktionen in wässrigen Lösungen haben demzufolge bei Labor‐ und Schulexperimenten eine besondere Bedeutung. Anhand des Gesetzes von Henry wurde bei diversen schulüblichen wässrigen Lösungen von Gefahrstoffe untersucht in welchem Umfang die gelösten Stoff durch Ausgasen freigesetzt werden können. Dabei wurde deutlich, dass die wässrigen Lösungen unpolarer Stoffe wie Schwefelwasserstoff, Brom, Chlor, Chlordioxid, Blausäure, Schwefeldioxid, Propanal, t‐Butanol und Butanon in viel stärkerem Umfang aus dem Wasser ausgasen können, als dies nach der GHS‐Einstufung der Lösung suggeriert wird. Auch bei konzentrierten wässrigen Lösungen mäßig polarer Gase wie Ammoniak und Salzsäure können relevante Mengen der beim Einatmen giftigen Stoffe freigesetzt werden. Bei wässrigen Lösungen polarer Stoffe wie Methanol, Methanal und Methansäure ist das Freisetzungsverhalten viel geringer als dies durch die Kennzeichnung suggeriert wird. Da die GHS‐Kennzeichnung bei wässrigen Lösungen in Bezug auf die besonders schulrelevanten inhalativen Gefahren keine belastbaren Grundlagen für die Ersatzstoffprüfung und die Auswahl des verwendeten Verfahrens bietet, wurden für diese Arbeit von 37 Stoffe die hierfür notwendigen Informationen ermittelt.
A systematic topographical relationship between mouse lateral posterior thalamic neurons and their visual cortical projection targets
Authors: Juavinett Ashley L. , Kim Euiseok J. , Collins Hannah C. , Callaway Edward M.
Published: July 2019

Higher‐order visual thalamus communicates broadly and bi‐directionally with primary and extrastriate cortical areas in various mammals. In primates, the pulvinar is a topographically and functionally organized thalamic nucleus that is largely dedicated to visual processing. Still, a more granular connectivity map is needed to understand the role of thalamocortical loops in visually guided behavior. Similarly, the secondary visual thalamic nucleus in mice (the lateral posterior nucleus, LP) has extensive connections with cortex. To resolve the precise connectivity of these circuits, we first mapped mouse visual cortical areas using intrinsic signal optical imaging and then injected fluorescently tagged retrograde tracers (cholera toxin subunit B) into retinotopically‐matched locations in various combinations of seven different visual areas. We find that LP neurons representing matched regions in visual space but projecting to different extrastriate areas are found in different topographically organized zones, with few double‐labeled cells (~4–6%). In addition, V1 and extrastriate visual areas received input from the ventrolateral part of the laterodorsal nucleus of the thalamus (LDVL). These observations indicate that the thalamus provides topographically organized circuits to each mouse visual area and raise new questions about the contributions from LP and LDVL to cortical activity.
A customized precision format based on mantissa segmentation for accelerating sparse linear algebra
Authors: Grützmacher Thomas , Cojean Terry , Flegar Goran , Göbel Fritz , Anzt Hartwig
Published: July 2019

In this work, we pursue the idea of radically decoupling the floating point format used for arithmetic operations from the format used to store the data in memory. We complement this idea with a customized precision memory format derived by splitting the mantissa (significand) of standard IEEE formats into segments, such that values can be accessed faster if lower accuracy is acceptable. Combined with precision‐aware algorithms that dynamically adapt the data access accuracy to the numerical requirements, the customized precision memory format can render attractive runtime savings without impacting the memory footprint of the data or the accuracy of the final result. In an experimental analysis using the adaptive precision Jacobi method on diagonalizable test problems, we assess the benefits of the mantissa‐segmenting customized precision format on recent multi‐ and manycore architectures.
Improving physical layer security via cooperative diversity in energy‐constrained cognitive radio networks with multiple eavesdroppers
Authors: Shah Hurmat Ali , Koo Insoo
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a scheme that exploits cooperative diversity of multiple relays to provide physical layer security against an eavesdropping attack is concerned. Relay‐based cognitive radio network (CRN) faces issues multiple issues other than the same as faced by conventional wireless communications. If the nodes in a CRN are able to harvest energy and then spend less energy than the total energy available, we can ensure a perpetual lifetime for the network. In this paper, an energy‐constrained CRN is considered where relay nodes are able to harvest energy. A cooperative diversity‐based relay and subchannel‐selection algorithm is proposed, which selects a relay and a subchannel to achieve the maximum secrecy rate while keeping the energy consumed under a certain limit. A transmission power factor is also selected by the algorithm, which ensures long‐term operation of the network. The power allocation problem at the selected relay and at the source also satisfies the maximum‐interference constraint with the primary user (PU). The proposed scheme is compared with a variant of the proposed scheme where the relays are assumed to have an infinite battery capacity (so maximum transmission power is available in every time slot) and is compared with a scheme that uses jamming for physical layer security. The simulation results show that the infinite battery‐capacity scheme outperforms the jamming‐based physical layer security scheme, thus validating that cooperative diversity‐based schemes are suitable to use when channel conditions are better employed, instead of jamming for physical layer security.
Book Review
Authors: Aldersley Stephen
Published: July 2019

Budgets and Financial Management in Higher Education, Third Edition
Postnatal development of the largest subterranean mammal (Bathyergus suillus): Morphology, osteogenesis, and modularity of the appendicular skeleton
Authors: Montoya‐Sanhueza Germán , Wilson Laura A. B. , Chinsamy Anusuya
Published: July 2019

Background

Subterranean mammals show a suite of musculoskeletal adaptations that enables efficient digging. However, little is known about their development. We assessed ontogenetic changes in functionally relevant skeletal traits, and ossification patterns (periosteal and endochondral bone modules) in a truly subterranean scratch‐digging rodent,Bathyergus. We studied 52 individuals (202 long bones) from a wild population by using a multiscale approach involving internal and external morphology.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed significant morphological changes during ontogeny. A specialized phenotype is expressed perinatally (eg, greater external robustness and developed olecranon, teres major, and deltoid processes), whereas adults presented slender bones with significantly thicker cross‐sections. Ossification modules scaled mostly isometrically with body size parameters. Periosteal modules showed high variability and tended to grow faster than endochondral modules.

Conclusions

Scratch‐digging adaptations appear at perinatal age and then specialize in subadults. Early development of agonistic and digging behaviors and onset of sexual maturation seems to contribute to its development, although genetic factors also seem to play an important role. Ontogenetic differences are probably a trade‐off to counteract weaker cortical bone properties and poor muscle development in juveniles, whereas slender but thicker cortical bones maximize bone resistance during burrow construction without compromising locomotor performance in adults.
Differences in seasonal survival suggest species‐specific reactions to climate change in two sympatric bat species
Authors: Reusch Christine , Gampe Jutta , Scheuerlein Alexander , Meier Frauke , Grosche Lena , Kerth Gerald
Published: July 2019

Long‐lived animals with a low annual reproductive output need a long time to recover from population crashes and are, thus, likely to face high extinction risk, if the current global environmental change will increase mortality rates. To aid conservation of those species, knowledge on the variability of mortality rates is essential. Unfortunately, however, individual‐based multiyear data sets that are required for that have only rarely been collected for free‐ranging long‐lived mammals. Here, we used a five‐year data set comprising activity data of 1,445 RFID‐tagged individuals of two long‐lived temperate zone bat species, Natterer's bats (Myotis nattereri) and Daubenton's bats (Myotis daubentonii), at their joint hibernaculum. Both species are listed as being of high conservation interest by the European Habitats Directive. Applying mixed‐effects logistic regression, we explored seasonal survival differences in these two species which differ in foraging strategy and phenology. In both species, survival over the first winter of an individual's life was much lower than survival over subsequent winters. Focussing on adults only, seasonal survival patterns were largely consistent with higher winter and lower summer survival but varied in its level across years in both species. Our analyses, furthermore, highlight the importance of species‐specific time periods for survival. Daubenton's bats showed a much stronger difference in survival between the two seasons than Natterer's bats. In one exceptional winter, the population of Natterer's bats crashed, while the survival of Daubenton's bats declined only moderately. While our results confirm the general seasonal survival pattern typical for hibernating mammals with higher winter than summer survival, they also show that this pattern can be reversed under particular conditions. Overall, our study points toward a high importance of specific time periods for population dynamics and suggests species‐, population‐, and age class‐specific responses to global climate change.
Migration distance does not predict blood parasitism in a migratory songbird
Authors: Sorensen Marjorie C. , Dixit Tanmay , Kardynal Kevin J. , Newton Jason , Hobson Keith A. , Bensch Staffan , Jenni‐Eiermann Susanne , Spottiswoode Claire N.
Published: July 2019

Migration can influence host–parasite dynamics in animals by increasing exposure to parasites, by reducing the energy available for immune defense, or by culling of infected individuals. These mechanisms have been demonstrated in several comparative analyses; however, few studies have investigated whether conspecific variation in migration distance may also be related to infection risk. Here, we ask whether autumn migration distance, inferred from stable hydrogen isotope analysis of summer‐grown feathers (δ2Hf) in Europe, correlates with blood parasite prevalence and intensity of infection for willow warblers (Phylloscopus trochilus) wintering in Zambia. We also investigated whether infection was correlated with individual condition (assessed via corticosterone, scaled mass index, and feather quality). We found that 43% of birds were infected with Haemoproteus palloris (lineage WW1). Using generalized linear models, we found no relationship between migration distance and either Haemoproteus infection prevalence or intensity. There was spatial variation in breeding ground origins of infected versus noninfected birds, with infected birds originating from more northern sites than noninfected birds, but this difference translated into only slightly longer estimated migration distances (~214 km) for infected birds. We found no relationship between body condition indices and Haemoproteus infection prevalence or intensity. Our results do not support any of the proposed mechanisms for migration effects on host–parasite dynamics and cautiously suggest that other factors may be more important for determining individual susceptibility to disease in migratory bird species.
learnPopGen: An R package for population genetic simulation and numerical analysis
Authors: Revell Liam J.
Published: July 2019

Here, I briefly present a new R package called learnPopGen that has been designed primarily for the purposes of teaching evolutionary biology, population genetics, and evolutionary theory. Functions of the package can be used to conduct simulations and numerical analyses of a wide range of evolutionary phenomena that would typically be covered in advanced undergraduate through graduate‐level curricula in population genetics or evolution. For instance, learnPopGen functions can be used to visualize gene frequency changes through time under multiple deterministic and stochastic processes, to compute and animate the changes in phenotypic trait values or distributions under natural selection, to numerically analyze and graph the outcome of simple game theory models, and to plot coalescence within a population experiencing genetic drift, along with a number of other things. Functions have been designed to be maximally didactic and frequently employ compelling animated visualizations. Furthermore, it is straightforward to export plots and animations from R in the form of flat or animated graphics, or as videos. For maximum flexibility, students working with the package can run functions directly in R; however, instructors may choose to guide students less adept in the R environment to one of various web interfaces that I have built for a number of the functions of the package and that are already available online.
Synthesis of Dicarbonyl Curcumin Analogues Containing the Tropane Scaffold
Authors: Wolosewicz Karol , Podgorska Katarzyna , Rutkowska Ewelina , Lazny Ryszard
Published: July 2019

A general synthetic route to the unknown 1,3‐dicarbonyl tropane derived curcumin analogues was developed. The method was based on the aldol condensation reaction (40–90 % yield, two steps without product isolation) and acylation of the resulting 2‐benzylidenetropinones with substituted cinnamoyl cyanides (yields 41–91 %). Overall 18 new tropane derivatives featuring the characteristic curcuminoid hepta‐1,6‐dien‐3,5‐dione structure were synthesized and characterized. The range of the substituted aromatic rings in the prepared analogues included Ph, m‐MeO‐C6H4, 3,4‐di‐MeO‐C6H3, 3,4,5‐tri‐MeO‐C6H2, p‐Br‐C6H4, p‐F‐C6H4, p‐CF3‐C6H4, p‐NO2‐C6H4, 2‐NO2‐4,5‐di‐CH3O‐C6H2, 2‐NO2‐4,5‐O‐CH2‐O‐C6H2, 3‐MeO‐4‐[CH(CH3)‐OEt]‐C6H3, 3‐MeO‐4‐OH‐C6H3, p‐MeO‐C6H4, 4,5‐O‐CH2‐O‐C6H3, 3‐MeO‐4‐MeOCOO. Two orthogonal protective groups for hydroxyl (acetal or carbonate), removable in acidic or basic conditions, were used for synthesizing curcuminoids with free phenolic groups (3‐MeO‐4‐OH‐C6H3).
5‐Membered Mesoionic Insecticides: Synthesis and Evaluation of 1,3,4‐Thiadiazol‐4‐ium‐2‐olates with High Affinity for the Insect Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Kuzmina Olesya M. , Weisel Martin , Narine Arun A.
Published: July 2019

The vast majority of drugs and agrochemicals contain heterocyclic ring systems, which impact ease of synthesis, speed of compound derivatization, and protein target site binding, as well as uptake, transport and many other properties. Mesoionics are unique compact heterocyclic structures with an aromatic and highly polarized character. The design and synthesis of 5‐membered mesoionic thiadiazol‐4‐ium‐2‐olates with high insecticidal activity and potent in vitro affinity on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) is described. Modelling experiments using a known acetylcholine‐binding protein as surrogate for the insect nAChR showed interactions with the thiadiazoliumolate that were consistent with that expected for related insecticides. Quantum chemical, photostability, greenhouse residual, as well as plant systemicity studies were conducted to understand the in vitro and in vivo behavior of this novel class of insecticides.
Electrodeposition of Silver Amalgam on Thin Gold Film Electrodes for Voltammetric Detection of 4‐Nitrophenol and DNA Labeled with Osmium Tetroxide‐Bipyridine Complex
Authors: Havranova Pavlina , Ligmajer Filip , Danhel Ales
Published: July 2019

Alternative electrode materials suitable to prepare novel working electrode applicable in detecting biopolymers such as nucleic acids, proteins or glycoproteins, represent a significant contribution to bio‐electroanalysis. Herein, electrodes made of vapor‐deposited thin gold films (vAuE) were used as an alternative substrate for the electrodeposition of silver amalgam particles (AgAPs), next to indium tin oxide and pyrolytic graphite, which are already used. The conditions and parameters of double pulse chronoamperometry were optimized for the most‐sensitive voltammetric detection of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP). The resulting electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. While 4‐NP could not be detected by bare nonactivated vAuEs at all, their electrochemical activation offered a limit of detection (LoD) of 25 and 5 μmol.l−1 by means of CV and DPV, respectively. AgAP electrodeposited on vAuE, offered 2.5‐times lower LoDs 10 μmol.l−1 by CV and comparable LoD 5 μmol.l−1 by DPV. Advantageously, AgAPs could be repeatedly deposited on and anodically dissolved from the vAuE with a relative standard deviation 13 % of the ten‐times repeated DPV signal of 4‐NP (100 μmol.l−1). In comparison to vAuE, the vAuE‐AgAP offered about 400 mV broader potential window, which allowed detection of single strand DNA fragment labeled by osmium tetroxide−bipyridine complex down to 2 ng.μl−1 by means of DPV.
Suitability of bench scale bioreactor system for shoot biomass production and bacoside biosynthesis from Bacopa monnieri (L.)
Authors: Sharma Munish , Koul Anuja , Ahuja Ashok , Mallubhotla Sharada
Published: July 2019

According to folklore, Bacopa monnieri commonly called as Brahmi is known for its cognitive enhancing properties. The plant is found abundantly in wetlands but the drug content (bacosides) is very low (0.2%), therefore, alternative biotechnological protocols are highly needed to supplement the constant source of this valuable plant material which produces stable amounts of bacosides. The present study was conducted to explore the application of different culture systems for cultivation of shoot biomass and maximization of biologically active bacoside biosynthesis in this medicinally important plant. Shoot cultures of Bacopa were cultivated in two different modified benchtop bioreactors: glass bottle bioreactor and balloon type bubble bioreactor and compared with those grown in traditional Erlenmeyer agitated flask. The shoots cultivated in the balloon type bubble bioreactor system showed excellent growth (growth index 796.47 ± 17.27 fresh weight and 395.55 ± 7.55 dry weight) as compared to glass bottle bioreactor system (growth index 488.17 ± 14.4 fresh weight and 327.79 ± 6.64 dry weight) and agitated flask (growth index 363.43 ± 11 fresh weight and 304.22 ± 6.76 dry weight). Furthermore, bacosides produced by shoot cultures cultivated in the balloon type bubble bioreactor (321.95 ± 17.14 mg/L) and glass bottle bioreactor (180.18 ± 6.25 mg/L) configurations were ∼2.78 fold and ∼1.55 fold higher than that recorded in agitated flask cultures (115.7 ± 3.84 mg/L). The balloon type bubble bioreactor system was found to be advantageous for enhancing B. monnieri shoot biomass and bacoside biosynthesis along with ensuring a successful protocol for continuous supply.
Underestimating the benefits of marine protected areas for the replenishment of fished populations
Authors: Marshall Dustin J , Gaines Steven , Warner Robert , Barneche Diego R , Bode Michael
Published: July 2019

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important tools for managing marine ecosystems. MPAs are expected to replenish nearby exploited populations through the natural dispersal of young, but the models that make these predictions rely on assumptions that have recently been demonstrated to be incorrect for most species of fish. A meta‐analysis showed that fish reproductive output scales “hyperallometrically” with fish mass, such that larger fish produce more offspring per unit body mass than smaller fish. Because fish are often larger inside MPAs, they should exhibit disproportionately higher reproductive output as compared to fish outside of MPAs. We explore the consequences of hyperallometric reproduction for a range of species for population replenishment and the productivity of exploited species. We show that the reproductive contribution of fish inside MPAs has been systematically underestimated and that fisheries yields can be enhanced by the establishment of reservoirs of larger, highly fecund fish.
The impact of green space and biodiversity on health
Authors: Lai Hakkan , Flies Emily J , Weinstein Philip , Woodward Alistair
Published: July 2019

Urban green spaces are associated with many health outcomes, but the mechanisms underlying these links remain unclear. One explanation is that biodiverse microbiomes in green spaces affect human health by modifying immune function. Our systematic review included studies that investigated the relationship between green space and either health or biodiversity. Reported effects of green space on health were generally positive, but 22% of the papers identified either no effect or negative effects. We also found that although green space was commonly associated with biodiversity, few green‐space health studies simultaneously examined biodiversity. Overreliance on cross‐sectional studies, various definitions of green space, and a lack of research in tropical and developing nations limit the conclusions that can be drawn. A better understanding of the biological aspects of contact with nature is required before city planners can optimize green spaces for health gains.
Multifunctional properties of Lactobacillus plantarum strains WiKim83 and WiKim87 as a starter culture for fermented food
Authors: Jung Ji‐Hye , Kim Su‐Ji , Lee Jae Yong , Yoon So‐Ra , You Su‐Yeon , Kim Sung Hyun
Published: July 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the safety (hemolysis and enzyme activity), probiotic properties (gastrointestinal tract tolerance, adhesion, hydrophobicity, and auto‐aggregation), and functional characteristics (antimicrobial, antioxidant, and β‐galactosidase activities) of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), isolated from kimchi, in order to select a multifunctional LAB strain for starter culture in fermented food. The five isolated strains included Lactobacillus plantarum WiKim83, L. plantarum WiKim84, Pediococcus pentosaceus WiKim85, P. pentosaceus WiKim86, and L. plantarum WiKim87, as identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis; they were confirmed to be nonhemolytic and not able to produce β‐glucuronidase, a carcinogenic enzyme. Probiotic properties of the five LAB strains were evaluated relative to those of commercial Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and results revealed probiotic potential of three strains (L. plantarum WiKim83, L. plantarum WiKim84, and L. plantarum WiKim87) to be superior. L. plantarum WiKim84 showed high antimicrobial activity against pathogens, and L. plantarum WiKim83 exhibited the highest antioxidant and β‐galactosidase activities. Based on the probiotic and functional properties, the main characteristics of each strain were highlighted and two of them, L. plantarum WiKim83 and L. plantarum WiKim87, were selected as the most potent by principal component analysis. These strains showed antimicrobial, β‐galactosidase, and antioxidant activities, which recommend their suitability as starter culture in various fermented foods.
Interindividual differences in gray and white matter properties are associated with early complex motor skill acquisition
Authors: Lehmann Nico , Tolentino‐Castro J. Walter , Kaminski Elisabeth , Ragert Patrick , Villringer Arno , Taubert Marco
Published: July 2019

Brain circuits mediate but also constrain experience‐induced plasticity and corresponding behavioral changes. Here we tested whether interindividual behavioral differences in learning a challenging new motor skill correlate with variations in brain anatomy. Young, healthy participants were scanned using structural magnetic resonance imaging (T1‐weighted MPRAGE, n = 75 and/or diffusion‐weighted MRI, n = 59) and practiced a complex whole‐body balancing task on a seesaw‐like platform. Using conjunction tests based on the nonparametric combination (NPC) methodology, we found that gray matter volume (GMV) in the right orbitrofrontal cortex was positively related to the subjects' initial level of proficiency and their ability to improve performance during practice. Similarly, we obtained a strong trend toward a positive correlation between baseline fractional anisotropy (FA) in commissural prefrontal fiber pathways and later motor learning. FA results were influenced more strongly by radial than axial diffusivity. However, we did not find unique anatomical correlates of initial performance and learning to rate. Our findings reveal structural predispositions for successful motor skill performance and acquisition in frontal brain structures and underlying frontal white matter tracts. Together with previous results, these findings support the view that structural constraints imposed by the brain determine subsequent behavioral success and underline the importance of structural brain network constitution before learning starts.
Reassessing the labor market effects of California's minimum nurse staffing regulations
Authors: Harless David W.
Published: July 2019

California implemented hospital‐unit level licensed nurse minimum staffing regulations in 2004, with more stringent regulations applying for certain units in 2005 and 2008. All analyses agree that there were significant increases in Registered Nurse (RN) staffing levels, especially in hospitals with lower preregulation staffing. Analyses of the labor market effects of the regulations, however, come to mixed conclusions. I revisit the labor market effects of the regulations using different data and a different analytical model for RN wages. For the analysis of growth of RN employment, I use information from the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, the largest and most complete source of information on nurse employment, and find that RN employment grew significantly faster in California than in other states after the regulations were implemented. For the analysis of changes in RN wages, I apply a panel difference‐in‐difference‐in‐difference model to wage averages in Metropolitan Statistical Areas, controlling for MSA‐, occupation‐, and time‐fixed effects, and all their two‐way interactions. Analysis of changes in the differential between RN wages and wages in four other selected occupations indicates significant growth in RN wages after the regulations were implemented.
Brain and frontal‐bone metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Su Zhen , Cao Xiaolong , Zou Guorong
Published: July 2019

Background

Metastases to the bones, lungs, and liver are common in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) but not to the brain and frontal bone (B + FB).

Methods

We describe a patient with NPC with B + FB metastasis. He received two cycles of palliative chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) and then radiotherapy (60 Gy) for B + FB metastasis. A literature review of previous cases was also undertaken.

Results

Follow‐up 6 months after completion of chemotherapy and radiotherapy showed that our patient experienced a complete response without signs of NPC progression.

Conclusions

B + FB metastases from NPC are uncommon. Our case highlights the diagnostic and treatment difficulties clinicians face when dealing with patients with uncommon sites of metastasis. Optimal adjuvant therapy followed by local radiotherapy might elicit long survival in patients with NPC with uncommon sites of metastasis.
Use of nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and risk of head and neck cancer: A nationwide case–control study
Authors: de la Cour Cecilie D. , Dehlendorff Christian , Aalborg Gitte L. , von Buchwald Christian , Friis Søren , Verdoodt Freija , Kjaer Susanne K.
Published: July 2019

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most frequent malignancy with high mortality and substantial morbidity and hence there is a need for identification of preventive factors. Preclinical and observational studies have reported antineoplastic effects of nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but studies of nonaspirin NSAID use and risk of HNC are sparse and with inconsistent results. We therefore conducted a register‐based case–control study nested in the entire Danish population. Cases (n = 12,389) comprised all Danish residents aged 30–84 years with a histologically verified primary HNC diagnosis during 2000–2015. Based on the literature, cases were categorized into four groups of anticipated association with human papillomavirus (HPV): strong, potential, no/weak and uncertain. Age‐ and sex‐matched population controls (n = 185,835) were selected by risk‐set‐sampling. We obtained information on filled prescriptions of nonaspirin NSAIDs, other drug use, comorbid conditions and socioeconomic parameters from nationwide Danish registries. Ever‐use (≥2 prescriptions) of nonaspirin NSAIDs was not associated with the overall risk of HNC after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–1.03). However, long‐term consistent use (≥5 years) was associated with a 25% reduction in HNC risk (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62–0.90). Stratified analyses by anticipated HPV‐association showed no material differences in estimates. In conclusion, ever‐use of nonaspirin NSAIDs was not associated with the risk of HNC with no apparent influence on the estimates by the anticipated HPV‐association. However, long‐term consistent use may be associated with a reduced risk of HNC and merits further investigation.
Mutual detection of Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus and Epstein–Barr virus in blood and saliva of Cameroonians with and without Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Labo Nazzarena , Marshall Vickie , Miley Wendell , Davis Eliza , McCann Brendan , Stolka Kristen B. , Ndom Paul , Hemingway‐Foday Jennifer J. , Abassora Mahamat , Newton Robert , Smith Jennifer S. , Whitby Denise
Published: July 2019

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa, together with HIV; the consequent burden of disease is grave. The cofactors driving transmission of the two viruses and pathogenesis of associated malignancies are not well understood. We measured KSHV and EBV DNA in whole blood and saliva as well as serum antibodies levels in 175 Cameroonians with Kaposi's sarcoma and 1,002 age‐ and sex‐matched controls with and without HIV. KSHV seroprevalence was very high (81%) in controls, while EBV seroprevalence was 100% overall. KSHV DNA was detectable in the blood of 36–46% of cases and 6–12% of controls; EBV DNA was detected in most participants (72–89%). In saliva, more cases (50–58%) than controls (25–28%) shed KSHV, regardless of HIV infection. EBV shedding was common (75–100%); more HIV+ than HIV− controls shed EBV. Cases had higher KSHV and EBV VL in blood and saliva then controls, only among HIV+ participants. KSHV and EBV VL were also higher in HIV+ than in HIV− controls. Cases (but not controls) were more likely to have detectable KSHV in blood if they also had EBV, whereas shedding of each virus in saliva was independent. While EBV VL in saliva and blood were modestly correlated, no correlation existed for KSHV. Numerous factors, several related to parasitic coinfections, were associated with detection of either virus or with VL. These findings may help better understand the interplay between the two gammaherpesviruses and generally among copathogens contributing to cancer burden in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Oximes as pretreatment before acute exposure to paraoxon
Authors: Lorke Dietrich E. , Nurulain Syed M. , Hasan Mohamed Y. , Kuča Kamil , Petroianu Georg A.
Published: July 2019

Organophosphates, useful agents as pesticides, also represent a serious danger due to their high acute toxicity. There is indication that oximes, when administered before organophosphate exposure, can protect from these toxic effects. We have tested at equitoxic dosage (25% of LD01) the prophylactic efficacy of five experimental (K‐48, K‐53, K‐74, K‐75, K‐203) and two established oximes (pralidoxime and obidoxime) to protect from mortality induced by the organophosphate paraoxon. Mortalities were quantified by Cox analysis and compared with those observed after pretreatment with a strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (10‐methylacridine) and after the FDA‐approved pretreatment compound pyridostigmine. All nine tested substances statistically significantly reduced paraoxon‐induced mortality. Best protection was conferred by the experimental oxime K‐48, reducing the relative risk of death (RR) to 0.10, which was statistically significantly superior to pyridostigmine (RR = 0.31). The other oximes reduced the RR to 0.13 (obidoxime), 0.20 (K‐203), 0.21 (K‐74), 0.24 (K‐75) and 0.26 (pralidoxime), which were significantly more efficacious than 10‐methylacridine (RR = 0.65). These data support the hypothesis that protective efficacy is not primarily due to cholinesterase inhibition and indicate that the tested experimental oximes may be considered promising alternatives to the established pretreatment compound pyridostigmine.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic signature of blood plasma in the progression of breast cancer with simultaneous metastasis to lungs
Authors: Blat Aneta , Wiercigroch Ewelina , Smeda Marta , Wislocka Adrianna , Chlopicki Stefan , Malek Kamilla
Published: July 2019

Despite advanced diagnostic techniques used for detecting cancer, this disease still remains a leading cause of death in the developed world. What is more, the greatest danger for patients is not related with growing of tumor but rather with metastasis of cancer cells to the distant organs. In this study, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to track chemical changes in blood plasma to find spectral markers of metastatic breast cancer during the disease progression. Plasma samples were taken 1‐5 weeks after orthotropic inoculation of 4T1 metastatic breast cancer cells to mice. The earliest changes detected by FTIR spectroscopy in plasma were correlated with unsaturation of phospholipids and secondary structures of proteins that appeared 2 and 3 weeks, respectively, after 4T1 cells inoculation (micrometastatic phase). Significant alternations in the content and structure of lipids and carbohydrates were identified in plasma at the later stages (macrometastatic phase). When large primary tumors in breast and macrometastases in lung were developed, all bands in FTIR spectra significantly differed from those at earlier phases of the cancer progression. In conclusion, we showed that each phase of the breast cancer progression and its pulmonary metastasis can be characterized by a specific panel of spectral markers.
Aberrant expression of imprinted lncRNA MEG8 causes trophoblast dysfunction and abortion
Authors: Sheng Fei , Sun Ningxia , Ji Yixuan , Ma Yan , Ding Haixia , Zhang Qing , Yang Fu , Li Wen
Published: July 2019

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of noncoding RNAs whose nucleotides are longer than 200 bp. Previous studies have shown that they play an important regulatory role in many developmental processes and biological pathways. However, the contributions of lncRNAs to placental development are largely unknown. Here, our study aimed to investigate the lncRNA expression signatures in placental development by performing a microarray lncRNA screen. Placental samples were obtained from pregnant C57BL/6 female mice at three key developmental time points (embryonic day E7.5, E13.5, and E19.5). Microarrays were used to analyze the differential expression of lncRNAs during placental development. In addition to the genomic imprinting region and the dynamic DNA methylation status during placental development, we screened imprinted lncRNAs whose expression was controlled by DNA methylation during placental development. We found that the imprinted lncRNA Rian may play an important role during placental development. Its homologous sequence lncRNA MEG8 (RIAN) was abnormally highly expressed in human spontaneous abortion villi. Upregulation of MEG8 expression in trophoblast cell lines decreased cell proliferation and invasion, whereas downregulation of MEG8 expression had the opposite effect. Furthermore, DNA methylation results showed that the methylation of the MEG8 promoter region was increased in spontaneous abortion villi. There was dynamic spatiotemporal expression of imprinted lncRNAs during placental development. The imprinted lncRNA MEG8 is involved in the regulation of early trophoblast cell function. Promoter methylation abnormalities can cause trophoblastic cell defects, which may be one of the factors that occurs in early unexplained spontaneous abortion.