bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Using an Effective Chelate‐Assisted Defect Passivation Strategy
Authors: Jiang Jun , Fang Xiang , Xu Yibo , Jia Xuguang , Chen Yu , Chen Yiqi , Hu Hongwei , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning
Published: November 2019

Perovskite solar cells are sensitive to subtle changes in atmospheric conditions, resulting in problems such as the collapse of the perovskite structure and sharp drops in efficiency. Internal defects are also a big obstacle for high‐quality polycrystalline perovskites. At present, it is difficult to control the density of the trapping sites. By using the bidentate chelating agent thenoyltrifluoroacetone (ttfa), the crystallization kinetics, grain sizes, and crystal defect of Cs‐, methylammonium‐, and formamidinium‐based perovskite materials can be to effectively controlled through a nucleation and growth process for the preparation of perovskite crystals. Crystalline‐state tuning during the crystallization process to obtain better quality perovskite thin films can be achieved with no additional operation, which is suitable for the needs of modern industrial production and management. The chelating agent can effectively passivate the defects in perovskite films, leading to a low defect density and a long charge carrier lifetime. As a result, the ttfa‐passivated perovskite solar cell demonstrated a high power conversion efficiency of 19.70 % with superior stability retention of 64 % of the initial power conversion efficiency after two weeks unencapsulated storage in an adverse atmosphere with approximately 50 % relative humidity.
Alternate Restacking of 2 D CoNi Hydroxide and Graphene Oxide Nanosheets for Energetic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Jia Lulu , Wan Hao , Liu Xiaohe , Chen Gen , Zhang Ning , Li Junhui , Zhou Wei , Cao Yijun , Ma Renzhi , Qiu Guanzhou
Published: November 2019

Morphology and composition tuning of layered materials is evaluated to influence their electrochemical performance for energy storage and conversion applications. Layered Co1−xNix hydroxides (x=0, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1) of three different morphologies—nanocones, 2 D nanosheets obtained by the rapid exfoliation of nanoconical counterparts, and 2 D superlattice‐like nanostructures alternately restacked by the oppositely charged hydroxide and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets—have been systematically investigated for electrocatalytic oxygen oxidation. High activity is obtained with the 2 D Co2/3Ni1/3 hydroxide nanosheets/GO superlattice (Co2/3Ni1/3NS–GO), achieving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low overpotential of 259 mV accompanied by a small Tafel slope of 35.7 mV dec−1, surpassing nanocones and 2 D nanosheets, as well as the congeneric heterostructured Co1−xNix hydroxide nanosheets/GO nanoarchitectures (Co1−xNixNS–GO; x=0, 1/2, 1/4, 1) and the commercial RuO2 electrocatalyst. The outstanding activity of Co2/3Ni1/3NS–GO superlattice uncovers the combined merits of 2 D superlattice‐like structure and composition optimization for electrocatalysis, providing a strategy for developing high‐performance electrochemical materials by rational morphology and composition design.
CD20‐positive primary nasal peripheral T‐cell lymphoma: An analysis of one case and review of the literature
Authors: Li Yan‐Li , Wang Hui‐Ping , Zhang Cui , Zhai Zhi‐Min
Published: November 2019

CD20‐positive T‐cell lymphoma (TCL) is a very rare disease entity that is associated with the co‐expressions of a range of T cell lineage makers, such as, CD2, CD3, CD5, or CD7, and CD20. The biological and clinical significance of CD20 antigen expressed in TCL has been unclear. Here, we are reporting an unusual case of CD20‐positive primary nasal peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL‐NOS) in a 62‐year‐old female with both peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) involvement. Flow cytometry (FC) analysis revealed CD20+ lymphoma cells in PB, BM, and lymph node (LN) and was consistent with pathological findings. FC immunophenotyping was proved of great diagnostic contribution.
Dyslexic children need more robust information to resolve conflicting sensory situations
Authors: Razuk Milena , Lukasova Katerina , Bucci Maria Pia , Barela José Angelo
Published: November 2019

The study involved investigating dyslexic children's postural control responses when visual and somatosensory cues were separately manipulated. Twenty dyslexic and 19 nondyslexic children performed a trial by standing upright inside a moving room and another by lightly touching a moving bar. Both trials lasted 240 s with the following three different stimulus characteristics: low (pretransition), high (transition), and low amplitude (posttransition). Body sway magnitude and the relationship between the movement of the room/bar surface and body sway were examined. When compared to nondyslexic children, dyslexic children oscillated with higher magnitude in the transition and posttransition under visual and somatosensory manipulation; their sway was more influenced by visual manipulation in the transition and posttransition, and they used higher applied force levels in the somatosensory modality in all conditions. The results suggest that dyslexic children could not efficiently reweight visual cues when compared to nondyslexic children. The same was not observed in the somatosensory cues when dyslexic children reduced the influence of the somatosensory stimulus. The proper use of somatosensory information was related to stronger acquired cues and higher applied forces as observed for dyslexic children. Dyslexic children experience difficulties in dynamically reweighting sensory cues although these types of difficulties are overcome when more informative sensory cues are provided.
Estimating carrying capacity and stocking rates of rangelands in Harshin District, Eastern Somali Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Moahmmed Muhyadin , Yosuf Dahir
Published: November 2019

We conducted a quantitative assessment of forage biomass in Harshin district to determine its annual productive potential, carrying capacity, and stocking rates. The dominant Land Use and Land Cover include woodland (35.5%), shrubs (28.3%), grassland (10.6%), and bare land (25.5%). The region has browse‐rich shrubland that is edible to dromedary and goats, as well as massive grassland plains for sheep and cattle. The interannual rainfall variation is 16.5% which implies that the rangeland is a subsistence equilibrium system. The range of forage production is between 105 and 2,310 kg/ha, whereas the average productivity of the district is 742.6 kg/ha. The result indicates that the average carrying capacity of the district is 0.3 TLU ha−1 year−1 (4.9 ha TLU−1 year−1) while the existing stocking rate is 5.4 TLU ha−1 year−1 (0.18 ha TLU−1 year−1). This implies that the grazing intensity in the district is much higher than its carrying capacity (recommended rate), which has seen overstocking or grazing pressure excesses of 5.1 TLU/ha (7.2 cattle/ha). Thus, it clearly signals the risk of overgrazing in the district. If this trend continues, the grazing will not be sustainable and there will be shortage of forage as well as expansion of land degradation (due to overgrazing) in the near future.
Food quantity–quality interactions and their impact on consumer behavior and trophic transfer
Authors: Burian Alfred , Nielsen Jens M. , Winder Monika
Published: November 2019

Food quantity–quality interactions determine growth rates and reproductive success of consumers and thereby regulate community dynamics and food web structure. Predator–prey models that shape our conceptual understanding of foraging ecology typically rely on the parametrization of fixed consumer responses to either food quantity or food quality. In nature, however, consumers optimize their fitness by responding simultaneously to changes in food quantity and quality. Therefore, we assessed consumer responses to changing food environments using a new fitness optimization model that accounted for food quality–quantity interactions to better capture the regulatory flexibility of consumers. Our simulations demonstrated that the impact of food quality on important consumer traits can be altered or even reversed by changes in food quality. Low food quality, for example, affected feeding rates negatively at low food concentrations but triggered surplus feeding at high food concentrations. The scope of surplus feeding was thereby mainly dependent on dynamics of nutrient digestion and in contrast to previous assumptions, energy costs of feeding played a minor role. Further, the regulation of digestive enzyme production, a crucial factor determining assimilation efficiencies, was strongly dependent on whether nonessential or essential nutrients were limiting growth. Consequently, not only the degree but also the type of nutrient limitation mediated the impact of the food environment on consumers’ fitness. At the community level, food quality was key in shaping predator–prey biomass ratios. High food qualities resulted in top‐heavy systems with larger consumer than prey biomass. Decreases of prey digestibility or the availability of essential nutrients, however, triggered a switch from inverted to classical pyramid shapes of bi‐trophic systems. The impact of food quantity on trophic transfer and emerging structural ecosystem properties thus critically hinges on behavioral and physiological responses of consumers. The inclusion of the regulatory flexibility of consumers is therefore an essential next step to improve predator–prey models and our conceptual understanding of trophic interactions.
Styrene Hydroformylation with Cavity‐Shaped Ligands
Authors: Bauder Claude , Sémeril David
Published: November 2019

The goal of this review is to give an up‐to‐date overview of phosphorus(III)‐functionalized calixarenes, resorcinarenes and cyclodextrins as ligands for rhodium‐ and platinum‐catalyzed styrene hydroformylation.
Comparing the facets of the big two in global evaluation of self versus other people
Authors: Abele Andrea E. , Hauke Nicole
Published: November 2019

The Big Two of agency and communion can be divided into the facets of agency‐assertiveness, agency‐competence, communion‐morality, and communion‐warmth. The present research studies how these facets are related to global evaluation of self versus others. In five studies we tested whether self‐evaluation is reliably related to agency‐assertiveness (H1), and evaluation of others to communion‐morality (H2). Participants had to describe themselves (or a specific other person) on the facets and later to rate their self‐evaluation (or other‐evaluation). Supporting hypotheses, Studies 1, 3, and 4 showed that agency‐assertiveness was reliably related to self‐evaluation (Study 4: also agency‐competence). Studies 2–5 showed that communion‐morality was reliably related to evaluation of an acquaintance, but agency‐competence (Studies 3 and 5) and communion‐warmth (Study 2) were also important. We conclude that supporting H1, agency‐assertiveness is particularly important for self‐evaluation, whereas partly supporting H2, evaluation of others is associated with communion‐morality, but also agency‐competence and communion‐warmth.
Urea Biosensor Based on Electrochromic Properties of Prussian Blue
Authors: Valiūnienė Aušra , Virbickas Povilas , Medvikytė Giedrė , Ramanavičius Arūnas
Published: November 2019

Prussian blue (PB) is an electrochromic material, which can be used as a signal transducer in the formation of optical urea biosensors. The previous researches in electrochromic properties of PB demonstrated the optical PB response to ammonium ions, which occurs when ammonium ions are interacting with PB layer at a constant 0.2 V vs Ag|AgCl|KClsat potential. In this work PB optical dependence on ammonium ions concentration was applied in the formation of electrochromic urea biosensor. Biosensor was formed by modifying the optically transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass electrode (glass/ITO) with Prussian blue layer and immobilizing urease (glass/ITO/PB‐urease). Calibration curve showed the linear dependency (R2=0.995) between the change of maximal absorbance (ΔA) and urea concentration in concentration range varying from 3 mM to 30 mM. The highest sensitivity (4 ΔA M−1) of glass/ITO/PB‐urease biosensor is in the concentration range from 7 mM to 30 mM. It was determined that working principle of the glass/ITO/PB‐urease biosensor is not related to pH changes occurring during enzymatic hydrolysis of urea.
Development of Reasonably Stable Chitosan Based Proton Exchange Membranes for a Glucose Oxidase Based Enzymatic Biofuel Cell
Authors: Bahar Tahsin
Published: November 2019

Chitosan based reasonably stable membranes were prepared as polymeric electrolyte and separator for enzymatic fuel cell applications. Glucose oxidase (GOx) bioanode centered biofuel cell with the developed chitosan membranes performed much better in stability with high current densities than that of the biofuel cell utilizing a 125 μ‐thick perfluorosulfonic acid‐type membrane (i. e. Nafion® 115). Proposed chitosan membrane structural stability was enhanced by employing cellulosic support materials and chemical crosslinking. The effects of pH, buffer type, buffer concentration, temperature on the manufactured chitosan membranes along with the biofuel cell system were investigated. The biofuel cell operation parameters were optimized for the current density and stability aspects and more than 3 mA cm−2 current density was acquired from the cell at optimum conditions. Operational half‐life of the chitosan membrane was found as higher than the half‐life of the GOx immobilized bioanode. Therefore, this result indicates that chitosan membrane structural stability was not a limiting issue for the biofuel cell lifespan.
Estimating population size with imperfect detection using a parametric bootstrap
Authors: Madsen Lisa , Dalthorp Dan , Huso Manuela Maria Patrizia , Aderman Andy
Published: November 2019

We develop a novel method of estimating population size from imperfectly detected counts of individuals and a separate estimate of detection probability. Observed counts are separated into classes within which detection probability is assumed constant. Within a detection class, counts are modeled as a single binomial observationXwith success probabilitypwhere the goal is to estimate indexN. We use a Horvitz–Thompson‐like estimator forNand account for uncertainty in both sample data and estimated success probability via a parametric bootstrap. Unlike capture–recapture methods, our model does not require repeated sampling of the population. Our method is able to achieve good results, even with smallX. We show in a factorial simulation study that the median of the bootstrapped sample has small bias relative toNand that coverage probabilities of confidence intervals forNare near nominal under a wide array of scenarios. Our methodology begins to break down whenP(X=0)>0.1 but is still capable of obtaining reasonable confidence coverage. We illustrate the proposed technique by estimating (1) the size of a moose population in Alaska and (2) the number of bat fatalities at a wind power facility, both from samples with imperfect detection probabilities, estimated independently.
Impact of vegetation on erosion: Insights from the calibration and test of a landscape evolution model in alpine badland catchments
Authors: Carriere Alexandra , Le Bouteiller Caroline , Tucker Gregory E. , Klotz Sebastien , Naaim Mohamed
Published: November 2019

While it is well recognized that vegetation can affect erosion, sediment yield and, over longer timescales, landform evolution, the nature of this interaction and how it should be modeled is not obvious and may depend on the study site. In order to develop quantitative insight into the magnitude and nature of the influence of vegetation on catchment erosion, we build a landscape evolution model to simulate erosion in badlands, then calibrate and evaluate it against sediment yield data for two catchments with contrasting vegetation cover. The model couples hillslope gravitational transport and stream alluvium transport. Results indicate that hillslope transport processes depend strongly on the vegetation cover, whereas stream transport processes do not seem to be affected by the presence of vegetation. The model performance in prediction is found to be higher for the denuded catchment than for the reforested one. Moreover, we find that vegetation acts on erosion mostly by reducing soil erodibility rather than by reducing surface runoff. Finally, the methodology we propose can be a useful tool to evaluate the efficiency of previous revegetation operations and to provide guidance for future restoration work. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marine top predators as climate and ecosystem sentinels
Authors: Hazen Elliott L , Abrahms Briana , Brodie Stephanie , Carroll Gemma , Jacox Michael G , Savoca Matthew S , Scales Kylie L , Sydeman William J , Bograd Steven J
Published: November 2019

The rapid pace of environmental change in the Anthropocene necessitates the development of a new suite of tools for measuring ecosystem dynamics. Sentinel species can provide insight into ecosystem function, identify hidden risks to human health, and predict future change. As sentinels, marine apex (top) predators offer a unique perspective into ocean processes, given that they can move across ocean basins and amplify trophic information across multiple spatiotemporal scales. Because use of the terms “ecosystem sentinel” and “climate sentinel” has proliferated in the scientific literature, there is a need to identify the properties that make marine predators effective sentinels. We provide a clear definition of the term “sentinel”, review the attributes of species identified as sentinels, and describe how a suite of such sentinels could strengthen our understanding and management of marine ecosystems. We contend that the use of marine predators as ecosystem sentinels will enable rapid response and adaptation to ecosystem variability and change.
Developmental cascades of social inhibition and friendships in preterm and full‐term children
Authors: Reyes Lucia M. , Jaekel Julia , Heuser Katharina M. , Wolke Dieter
Published: November 2019

Friendships are crucial to children's socioemotional development and quality of life. Children born preterm (<37 weeks gestation) have an increased risk for social relationship difficulties, including fewer friends, but the mechanisms underlying the link between lower gestational age and fewer friendships are not clear. The prospective Bavarian Longitudinal Study investigated potential cascading effects on N = 1,181 children's friendships at 8 years. Path modelling indicated that higher gestational age predicted good early parent–infant relationship quality, good inhibitory control, and higher friendship scores. Good parent–infant relationship quality predicted good inhibitory control, which subsequently predicted low social inhibition at 6 years and higher friendship scores at 8 years. There is evidence of cascading effects from gestational age to early parent–infant relationships, to toddlers' inhibitory control, and to social inhibition, which partially explain differences in children's friendships at 8 years of age.

Highlights

Preterm children are at risk for social problems and fewer friends, but the mechanisms underlying this risk are not known.

Path modelling showed that gestational age predicted good early parent–infant relationship and inhibitory control, which subsequently predicted low social inhibition and higher friendship scores.

Cascading effects from gestational age to parent–infant relationships, to inhibitory control, and to social inhibition partially explain differences in friendships at 8 years.
Identifying a robust policy rule for the Fed's response to financial stress
Authors: Ahmad Saad
Published: November 2019

We seek to identify a policy rule for the Fed that remains valid in both periods of high and low financial stress. Using real‐time data, we examine traditional linear Taylor rules, Taylor rules augmented with a financial stress measure, and nonlinear Taylor rules for the Fed's response in the pre‐crisis period that lasts from 1982 to 2007. We determine that financial conditions were a significant source of nonlinearity in the Fed's response during this period, with greater volatility in the financial sector causing the Fed to prioritize the stabilisation of financial markets over its traditional policy objectives. We then extend the analysis to include the financial crisis of 2008 and find that our nonlinear Taylor rule framework also provides a plausible explanation for the Fed's conduct of monetary policy over this period. Our results, thus, show that the Fed's reaction to the recent financial crisis was not that dissimilar from its response to previous episodes of financial stress.
Democracy, dictatorship, and economic freedom signals in stock market
Authors: Burnie David A.
Published: November 2019

The performance of 87 stock markets around the world is examined over the period December 1995 through June 2016. Market responses to democracy or dictatorship and several economic freedom measures are estimated. The democracy/dictatorship measures are based on the Cheibub, Gandhi, and Vreeland data system. Measures of economic freedom, property rights, and corruption are taken from the Heritage Foundation indices since inception. Data are used as first differences to capture any response to new information. Democracy/dictatorship has a significant impact on returns; that is, added risk commands a higher return. The stock markets react positively to the release of economic freedom index data. The adjusted change in economic freedom scoring and corruption has a positive impact on market returns, but no effect was found for property rights. These results are consistent with increases in “perceived risk” impacting returns. Lower corruption (a higher freedom from corruption score) should lead to better returns as cash off flow should diminish and either be paid out to the investor or reinvested in the firm. Key conclusions are as follows: Required investment compensation is lower in a democracy than a dictatorship, a reduction in corruption is associated with improving returns, the region of the world where the stock market index is located matters, and positive changes in economic freedom are associated with a positive market return change.
A “how‐to” guide for effectively writing a publishable research manuscript
Authors: Hammond Drayton A. , Rech Megan A.
Published: November 2019

Nuances for preparing a publishable manuscript in an efficient and productive manner are often learned experientially and over many years. The purpose of this “how‐to” guide is to assist new practitioner pharmacists, as well as pharmacy residents and students, with effectively writing a research manuscript for publication. General considerations for scientific writing are presented, including target journal selection; the intentional process of writing fast, bad, and wrong; editing with a focus; and methods to convey messages in the most unambiguous and accurate ways possible. Then elements and nuances to writing the common manuscript sections (ie, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and abstract) are elucidated. Finally, guidance on documents that accompany a manuscript (ie, cover letter and response to reviewer comments) is provided.
Application of Spectro‐DPRA, KeratinoSens™ and h‐CLAT to estimation of the skin sensitization potential of cosmetics ingredients
Authors: Cho Sun‐A , Choi Minseok , Park Sae‐Ra , An Susun , Park Jae‐Hak
Published: November 2019

Ethical issues in animal toxicity testing have led to the search for alternative methods to determine the skin sensitization potential of cosmetic products. The emergence of ethical testing issues has led to the development of many alternative methods that can reliably estimate skin sensitization potentials. However, a single alternative method may not be able to achieve high predictivity due to the complexity of the skin sensitization mechanism. Therefore, several prediction assays, including both in chemico and in vitro test methods, were investigated and integrated based on the skin sensitization adverse outcome pathway. In this study, we evaluated three different integrated approaches to predict a human skin sensitization hazard using data from in vitro assays (KeratinoSens™ and human cell line activation test [h‐CLAT]), and a newly developed in chemico assay (spectrophotometric direct peptide reactivity assay [Spectro‐DPRA]). When the results of the in chemico and in vitro assays were combined, the predictivity of human data increased compared with that of a single assay. The highest predictivity was obtained for the approach in which sensitization potential was determined by Spectro‐DPRA followed by final determination using the result of KeratinoSens™ and h‐CLAT assays (96.3% sensitivity, 87.1% specificity, 86.7% positive predictive value, 96.4% negative predictive value and 91.4% accuracy compared with human data). While further optimization is needed, we believe this integrated approach may provide useful predictive data when determining the human skin sensitization potential of chemicals.
Co‐exposure of cadmium and lead on bone health in a southwestern Chinese population aged 40‐75 years
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Li Renjia , Yan Jiuming , Song Yang , Huo Jiao , Lan Zhen , Chen Jinyao , Zhang Lishi
Published: November 2019

Both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are associated with bone health, but studies exploring the effects of Cd and Pb co‐exposure on bone health are rare. This study aimed to assess the interactive effects of Cd and Pb co‐exposure on bone health. In total, 799 participants, living in the targeted areas (located in southwestern China) for more than 15 years, aged 40‐75 years, and subsisted on homegrown rice and vegetables were investigated. Cd and Pb levels in urine and blood samples, as well as bone mineral density, T‐ and Z‐score were determined. After being adjusted for covariates, the T‐score was negatively correlated with blood Pb in men (P < .05); for women and non‐smoking women, the T‐score was negatively correlated with urinary Pb (P < .05). Moreover, after being adjusted for covariates, the Z‐score was negatively correlated with urinary Pb in non‐smoking women (P < .05). No positive association of prevalence of osteoporosis with Cd and Pb exposure was found. However, at an additive scale, positive interactions of urinary Cd and Pb on the prevalence of osteoporosis for women and non‐smoking women, and the same interactions to blood Cd and Pb for men were found. There was also a positive interaction of urinary Cd and Pb for women at a multiplicative scale. This study suggests Cd and Pb exposure could exert detrimental effects on bone health, with possible underlying interactions. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to explore the interactive effects of heavy metal co‐exposure.
Towards Raman spectroscopy of urine as screening tool
Authors: Žukovskaja Olga , Ryabchykov Oleg , Straßburger Maria , Heinekamp Thorsten , Brakhage Axel A. , Hennings Christopher J. , Hübner Christian A. , Wegmann Michael , Cialla‐May Dana , Bocklitz Thomas W. , Weber Karina , Popp Jürgen
Published: November 2019

For the screening purposes urine is an especially attractive biofluid, since it offers easy and noninvasive sample collection and provides a snapshot of the whole metabolic status of the organism, which may change under different pathological conditions. Raman spectroscopy (RS) has the potential to monitor these changes and utilize them for disease diagnostics. The current study utilizes mouse models aiming to compare the feasibility of the urine based RS combined with chemometrics for diagnosing kidney diseases directly influencing urine composition and respiratory tract diseases having no direct connection to urine formation. The diagnostic models for included diseases were built using principal component analysis with linear discriminant analysis and validated with a leave‐one‐mouse‐out cross‐validation approach. Considering kidney disorders, the accuracy of 100% was obtained in discrimination between sick and healthy mice, as well as between two different kidney diseases. For asthma and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis achieved accuracies were noticeably lower, being, respectively, 77.27% and 78.57%. In conclusion, our results suggest that RS of urine samples not only provides a solution for a rapid, sensitive and noninvasive diagnosis of kidney disorders, but also holds some promises for the screening of nonurinary tract diseases.
The investigation of therapeutic potential of oxytocin and liraglutide on vincristine‐induced neuropathy in rats
Authors: Erdoğan Mümin A. , Taşkıran Emin , Yiğittürk Gürkan , Erbaş Oytun , Taşkıran Dilek
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of oxytocin and liraglutide (LIR), a GLP‐1 analogue, in a rat model of vincristine‐induced neuropathy. Rats were injected with vincristine (VCR) at a dose of 4 mg/kg twice a week for 5 weeks. The VCR‐administered rats were divided into three groups and received saline, oxytocin, or liraglutide simultaneously with VCR. After the treatment period, electrophysiological, biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical investigations were performed. Electromyography (EMG) recordings demonstrated significant alterations in the VCR + saline group (p < .001). Also, motor performance was decreased in the VCR + saline group (p < .05). Histologically, the axonal diameter was decreased in all groups. VCR + saline group showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased nerve growth factor (NGF) expression. However, the administration of oxytocin and liraglutide significantly prevented the EMG alterations, lipid peroxidation, and reduction in neuronal NGF expression. On the basis of these findings, oxytocin and liraglutide may be considered as potential agents for the prevention of VCR‐induced neuropathy.
LncRNA‐XIST/microRNA‐126 sponge mediates cell proliferation and glucose metabolism through the IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway in glioma
Authors: Cheng Zhihua , Luo Cong , Guo Zhilin
Published: November 2019

Abnormal glucose metabolism may contribute to cancer progression. Glioma represents a cancer resulting from an imbalance between glucose metabolism and tumor growth. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for dysregulated brain glucose metabolism and lactate accumulation in glioma remain to be elucidated. The present study identified a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST) as a candidate to mediate glucose metabolism in glioma. Cell viability, migration, invasion, and resistance to apoptosis were evaluated in lncRNA‐XIST‐depleted glioblastoma cells by short hairpin RNA. Glucose uptake, lactate production, as well as levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and GLUT3, were measured. Luciferase assay, RNA pull‐down, and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to validate the interactions among lncRNA‐XIST, microRNA‐126 (miR‐126), and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1). An in vivo analysis was carried out in nude mice bearing glioblastoma cell xenografts. The study found that lncRNA‐XIST knockdown inhibited cell viability, migration, invasion, resistance to apoptosis, and glucose metabolism of glioblastoma cells. LncRNA‐XIST functioned as a competing endogenous RNA of miR‐126 and then regulated IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway in glioblastoma cells. In vivo results demonstrated lncRNA‐XIST knockdown reduces the tumorigenicity of glioblastoma cells. Taken together, we demonstrated a novel cellular mechanism that was dependent of the lncRNA‐XIST/miR‐126/IRS1/PI3K/Akt pathway in enhanced glucose metabolism in glioma.
Circular RNA circ‐Foxo3 inhibits esophageal squamous cell cancer progression via the miR‐23a/PTEN axis
Authors: Xing Yao , Zha Wen‐Juan , Li Xiao‐Min , Li Hao , Gao Fei , Ye Ting , Du Wang‐Qi , Liu Yang‐Chen
Published: November 2019

Circ‐Foxo3 is a circRNA encoded by the human FOXO3 gene and works as a sponge for potential microRNAs (miRNAs) to regulate cancer progression. However, the role of circ‐Foxo3 in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) is not clear. In this study, circ‐Foxo3 was lowly expressed in cell lines and ESCC tissues. Meanwhile, overexpression of circ‐Foxo3 inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion, whether in vivo or in vitro. Mechanically, we found a potential miRNA target, miR‐23a, which negatively correlated with circ‐Foxo3 in ESCC. Then, a luciferase assay confirmed the relationship between the circ‐Foxo3 and miRNA. Moreover, circ‐Foxo3 upregulation of PTEN occurred through “sponging” miR‐23a. Taken together, these results indicated that the circ‐Foxo3/miR‐23a/PTEN pathway was critical for inhibiting the ESCC progression. This may provide a promising target for treat ESCC.
IL1β inhibits differentiation of cementoblasts via microRNA‐325‐3p
Authors: Wang Yuzhuo , Li Ying , Shao Pu , Wang Liuyi , Bao Xingfu , Hu Min
Published: November 2019

Cementum regeneration is considered the gold standard for the treatment of periodontitis. As one of the most important primary proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1β (IL1β) plays an essential role during the early stage of periodontitis and its amounts simultaneously increase dramatically during this stage. Though promising, the differentiation of cementoblasts upon IL1β‐induced inflammation of the microenvironment and the relative interaction mechanism are still unknown. Here, we found that IL1β inhibited cementoblast differentiation and microRNA‐325‐3p (miR‐325‐3p) was increased during IL1β‐stimulated cementoblasts. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated miR‐325‐3p targeted runt‐related transcription factor 2 directly. Transfection of miR‐325‐3p suppressed cementoblast differentiation in vitro and the formation of cementum‐like tissues in vivo. The inhibitor of miR‐325‐3p could mitigate the above effects induced by IL1β. Accordingly, our finding suggests a critical role of miR‐325‐3p in linking inflammation to impaired cementum regeneration and provides a potential possibility for applying miR‐325‐3p inhibitors in the treatment of periodontitis‐related bone loss.
Differential expression of α6 and β1 integrins reveals epidermal heterogeneity at single‐cell resolution
Authors: He Weiya , Ye Jinguo , Xu Huiyi , Lin Yangsheng , Zheng Yingfeng
Published: November 2019

Skin epidermis is a constantly renewing epithelium that is composed of various cell types and provides an ideal model system for tissue regeneration and heterogeneity studies. Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that mediate cell adhesion in the epidermis, and integrin expression spatially reflects epidermal heterogeneity. It remains unclear whether differential expression of integrins can characterize cell types in skin epidermis. This study applied a fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) strategy based on differential expression of α6 and β1 integrins, and used transcriptome analysis to explore epidermal heterogeneity. First, epidermal cells were acquired from C57BL/6 mice back skin. Nine bulk‐cell populations were sorted with differential expressions of α6 and β1 integrins, and were successfully characterized as the main cell types in the epidermis through RNA‐seq and transcriptome analysis. Then, tetOKrt14‐H2BGFP mice were used to trace the cell proliferation rate during wound healing with GFP intensity. Epidermal cells were acquired from the re‐epithelialized back skin wounds, and a total of 576 single cells were sorted, combining integrin expression and GFP tracing. FACS single‐cell RNA‐seq enabled high resolution in the classification of subtypes in both interfollicular epidermis and hair follicle, and both quiescent and intermediate cell states of the basal and infundibulum stem cell populations were distinguished. This study proposed a presorted method to investigate the relationship between integrin expression and epidermal heterogeneity. Multiple epidermal cell types and their expression profiles were identified, which provides data resources for dermatology research.
Choline and methionine regulate lipid metabolism via the AMPK signaling pathway in hepatocytes exposed to high concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids
Authors: Shen Jing , Sun Bofei , Yu Chao , Cao Yangchun , Cai Chuanjiang , Yao Junhu
Published: November 2019

High concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and β‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) induce lipid peroxidation, resulting in liver damage. Choline and methionine (Met) can promote energy balance and benefit liver health in transition dairy cows; however, the regulating mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we established the hepatocyte damage model by 1.5 mM NEFAs or BHBA treatment, and examined lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. The results showed that 1.5 mM NEFAs and 1.5 mM BHBA significantly decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)‐α as well as its target genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1α (CPT‐1α), acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthetase, and Apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100). Choline and Met upregulated the phosphorylation level of AMPK‐α, which was blocked by BML (an AMPK‐α inhibitor). The mRNA expression level of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α), CPT‐1α, and ApoB100 showed a similar trend. The expressions of liver X recptoer α (LXR‐α) and sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) were decreased by choline and Met, while only the decrease of LXR‐α was blocked by BML. These findings indicate that the high‐level NEFAs and BHBA weaken the lipid metabolism by impairing the fatty acid oxidation, synthesis, and transport proteins. Choline and Met regulate PPAR‐α and LXR‐α transcriptional activity through AMPK‐α phosphorylation and regulate SREBP‐1c independently of AMPK‐α to promote lipid oxidation and transport in NEFAs‐treated hepatocytes.
Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures, and photocatalytic properties of two Co(II) complexes with the flexible citraconic acid
Authors: Yin Weidong , Li Guilian , Liu Qianlong , Ju Fengyang , Li Yunping , Liu Guangzhen
Published: November 2019

Two Co(II) coordination polymers, [Co(ca)(bib)]n (I) and {[Co(ca)(bibp)1.5]·1.5H2O}
n (II) (H2ca = citraconic acid, bib = 1,4‐bis(1‐imidazoly)benzene, bibp = 1,4‐bis‐[4‐(imidazol‐1‐yl)benzyl]piperazine), were prepared by hydrothermal method and measured structurally by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Complex I shows a 2D layer structure containing Co‐carboxylate chains. Complex II displays a 3D metal–organic framework composed of the binuclear [Co2(CO2)2]2+ cluster nodes through ca2− and bibp as linkers with (412·63) topology. Complexes I and II have high thermal stabilities because their frameworks maintain good integrity before 340°C and 265°C, respectively. Both complexes show well photocatalytic activities for methylene blue degradation under UV irradiation in the presence of H2O2, which may be used as potential materials for photocatalytic dyes degradation.
A profound density functional theory study to unravel the spectroscopic and molecular properties of two Flavanols differing in α‐pyrone ring position
Authors: Hashmi Muhammad Ali , Farooq Umar , Bibi Syeda Sidra , Naz Sadia , Xu Hong‐Guang , Asghar Basim H. , Mabkhot Yahia Nasser , Alsayari Abdulrahman , Muhsinah Abdullatif Bin , Khan Ayesha
Published: November 2019

A comprehensive theoretical model was designed for two new flavanols that have been reported from Glycosmis pentaphylla, differing in the placement of α‐pyrone ring. The density functional theory (DFT) approach was utilized for computing different properties of these compounds to validate the experimental findings and stereochemical assignments. Electronic properties, geometric parameters, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), molecular electrostatic potential (MESP), and natural bond orbital analysis were performed for the first time at the PBE0‐D3BJ/def2‐TZVP level of theory for the compounds under study. The simulated vibrational frequencies for compounds 1 and 2 were computed and compared with the experimental results. nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H and 13C) chemical shift values were computed at the PBE0‐D3BJ/def2‐TZVP/SMDDMSO level of theory and showed a very good agreement with the experimental results for both the compounds. The electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectra for both the compounds were obtained using time‐dependent DFT in methanol, whose results exhibited excellent correlation with experimental data. The intermolecular interaction effect on geometric parameters, vibrational frequencies, and electronic properties were studied for the first time.
Circ_0080425 inhibits cell proliferation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via sponging miR‐24‐3p and targeting fibroblast growth factor 11
Authors: Liu Huifang , Wang Xin , Wang Zheng‐Yu , Li Lingzhi
Published: November 2019

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe end‐stage kidney disease developed from diabetes mellitus. The involvement of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in modulating DN pathogenesis has been implied, but underlying mechanism is still lacking. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of circ_0080425 correlated with the DN progression, and exerted positive effect on cell proliferation and fibrosis in mesangial cells. Further assessment suggested that circ_0080425 function as sponge harboring miR‐24‐3p. Moreover, miR‐24‐3p negatively correlated with the DN progression, and showed an antagonistic effect to circ_0080425on regulating MCs cell proliferation and fibrosis. Bioinformatics analysis predicted fibroblast growth factor 11 (FGF11) acting as direct downstream target of miR‐24‐3p. Indeed, the expression of FGF11 was significantly activated by circ_0080425 while suppressed by miR‐24‐3p. Knockdown of FGF11 resulted in a significant reduced cell proliferation rate and fibrosis. In addition, miR‐24‐3p inhibitor rescued the suppression of si‐circ_0080425 on FGF11, suggesting that circ_0080425 competitive binding to miR‐24‐3p could release FGF11 from miR‐24‐3p suppression, which subsequently promoted DN progression.In conclusion, we have reported a novel circ_0080425‐miR‐24‐3p‐FGF11 axis, and explored the underlying mechanism in regulating DN pathogenesis.
GINS2 facilitates epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in non‐small‐cell lung cancer through modulating PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling
Authors: Liu Xiangli , Sun Lei , Zhang Song , Zhang Shuguang , Li Wenya
Published: November 2019

Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a cancer with high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to define the effect of Go‐Ichi‐Ni‐San complex subuint 2 (GINS2) acting on NSCLC. The expressions of GINS2 in NSCLC tissues and cells were detected using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship between GINS2 expression and NSCLC prognosis or clinicopathologic features was analyzed through statistical analysis. The overexpressed or downexpressed plasmids of GINS2 were transfected into NSCLC cell lines, and then cell proliferation, invasion, and migration viability were, respectively, determined by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, transwell, and wound healing assay. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was observed and the EMT‐related proteins were measured using IHC and western blot. The function of GINS2 in vivo was assessed by mice model. The related proteins of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways were evaluated using western blot. GINS2 expression was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was correlated with the poor prognosis and several clinicopathologic features, such as TMN stages (tumor size, lymph node, and metastasis) and clinical stages. GINS2 enhanced NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion viability in vivo and in vitro. GINS2 also promoted NSCLC cells EMT. In addition, GINS2 could regulate phosphorylated proteins of PI3K p85, Akt, MEK, and ERK expressions, it revealed that GINS2 effected on PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK pathways. GINS2 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT via modulating PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. It might be a target in NSCLC treatment.
Suboptimal choice and initial‐link requirement
Authors: Pisklak Jeffrey M. , McDevitt Margaret A. , Dunn Roger M. , Spetch Marcia L.
Published: November 2019

Pigeons (n = 14) were trained in a concurrent‐chains suboptimal choice procedure that tested the effect of an increased ratio requirement in the initial links. Fixed‐ratio 1 and 25 conditions were manipulated within subjects in a counterbalanced order. In all conditions, distinct terminal‐link stimuli on a suboptimal alternative signaled either primary reinforcement (20% of the time) or extinction (80% of the time). On an optimal alternative, two distinct terminal‐link stimuli each signaled a 50% chance of primary reinforcement. Preference for the suboptimal alternative was significantly attenuated, and in some birds completely reversed, by the larger response requirement irrespective of condition order. This larger response requirement also generated a notable increase in between‐subject variability. A measure of cumulative choice responding is introduced to mitigate the problems associated with traditional session averages. Ordinal predictions of some current theories of suboptimal choice are also considered in light of the results.
A cluster analysis of text message users based on their demand for text messaging: A behavioral economic approach
Authors: Hayashi Yusuke , Friedel Jonathan E. , Foreman Anne M. , Wirth Oliver
Published: November 2019

The goal of this study was to determine whether cluster analysis could be used to identify distinct subgroups of text message users based on behavioral economic indices of demand for text messaging. Cluster analysis is an analytic technique that attempts to categorize cases based on similarities across selected variables. Participants completed a questionnaire about mobile phone usage and a hypothetical texting demand task in which they indicated their likelihood of paying an extra charge to continue to send text messages. A hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted on behavioral economic indices, such as demand intensity, demand elasticity, breakpoint, and the maximum expenditure. With the cluster analysis, we identified 3 subgroups of text message users. The groups were characterized by (a) high intensity and low elasticity, (b) high intensity and medium elasticity, and (c) low intensity and high elasticity. In a demonstration of convergent validity, there were statistically significant and conceptually meaningful differences across the subgroups in various measures of mobile phone use and text messaging. Cluster analysis is a useful tool for identifying and profiling distinct, practically meaningful groups based on behavioral indices and could provide a framework for targeting interventions more efficiently.