bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrokinetically Controlled Asymmetric Ion Transport through 1D/2D Nanofluidic Heterojunctions
Authors: Ji Danyan , Wen Qi , Cao Liuxuan , Kang Qian , Lin Shaojun , Zhang Xiaopeng , Jiang Lei , Guo Wei
Published: March 2019

Supported 2D layered materials are widely used in gas separation, water treatment, energy conversion, etc. In conventional viewpoint, the atop 2D membrane functions as an active layer for mass or charge separation in vapor or liquid phase, while the substrate membrane, containing aligned or tortuous 1D micro or nanoscaled fluidic channels, functions as a mechanical support. However, asymmetric transport property induced by the mixed‐dimensional composite structure is an equally very important, yet long‐overlooked element that endows new features to the membrane‐scale nanofluidic systems and contributes to the promotion of overall performance. Here, reported are asymmetric ion transport properties through 1D/2D nanofluidic heterojunction membrane (NFHM) under three different types of electrokinetic driving force. The 1D/2D NFHM comprises of self‐assembled graphene oxide multi‐layers (2DM, negatively charged) supported on a polydopamine‐coated 1D nanopore array (1DM, ampholytic). Intriguingly, it is found that the preferential direction for electric‐field‐driven ionic transport is from the 2DM to the 1DM, while under the concentration difference or the hydraulic flow, the preferred direction for diffusion or streaming ionic current goes in the reversed direction, from the 1DM to the 2DM. A theoretical model based on coupled Poisson–Nernst–Planck and Navier–Stokes equations is employed to explain the asymmetric ion transport phenomena.
Graphene Oxide: A Metal‐Free Carbocatalyst for the Synthesis of Diverse Amides under Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Patel Khushbu P. , Gayakwad Eknath M. , Patil Vilas V. , Shankarling Ganapati S.
Published: March 2019

An environmentally friendly, inexpensive, carbocatalyst, graphene oxide (GO) promoted efficient, metal‐free transamidation of various carboxamides with aliphatic, cyclic, and aromatic amines is demonstrated. The protocol is equally applicable to phthalimide, urea, and thioamide determining its adaptability. The oxygenated functionalities such as carbonyl (−C=O), epoxy (−O−), carboxyl (−COOH) and hydroxyl (−OH), present on graphene oxide surface impart acidic properties to the catalyst. The graphene oxide being heterogeneous in nature, work efficiently under solvent‐free reaction conditions providing desired products in good to excellent yields. The one‐pot synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydro‐5H‐benzo[b]‐1,4‐thiazepin‐4‐one moiety by GO catalyzed Aza Michael addition followed by intramolecular transamidation is also described. A plausible reaction mechanistic pathway involving H‐bonding is discussed. The graphene oxide can be recycled and reused up to five cycles without much loss in catalytic activity.

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Recent Developments and Perspectives for Memristive Devices Based on Metal Oxide Nanowires
Authors: Milano Gianluca , Porro Samuele , Valov Ilia , Ricciardi Carlo
Published: March 2019

Memristive devices are considered one of the most promising candidates to overcome technological limitations for realizing next‐generation memories, logic applications, and neuromorphic systems in the modern nanoelectronics and information technology. Despite the continuous efforts, understanding the resistive switching mechanism underlying memristive/neuromorphic behavior still represents a challenge. Metal oxide nanowire‐based memristors appear suitable model systems for a deeper understanding of the involved physical/chemical phenomena due the possibility for localizing and investigating the switching mechanism. In practical aspects, nanowire‐based devices can be grown using a bottom‐up approach, thus being considered reliable candidates for going beyond the current scaling limitations of the top‐down approach by the standard lithography. In addition, taking into advantage of the high surface‐to‐volume ratio of these nanostructures, new device functionalities can be achieved by exploiting surface effects. In the literature, a variety of nanowire‐based devices such as single nanowires, nanowire arrays, and networks are reported to exhibit memristive behavior, explained by different switching mechanisms. This work provides a comparative review and a comprehensive analysis of device performances and physical phenomena responsible for memristive and neuromorphic behavior in such nanostructures. The analysis of the state‐of‐art of memristor devices based on nanowires and nanorods represent a milestone toward the development of nanowire‐based artificial neural networks.
Multiscale modeling and control of Kappa number and porosity in a batch‐type pulp digester
Authors: Choi Hyun‐Kyu , Kwon Joseph Sang‐Il
Published: March 2019

This work proposes a multiscale modeling and model‐based feedback control framework for the delignification process in a batch‐type pulp digester. Specifically, we focus on a hardwood chip in the digester and develop a multiscale model capturing both the evolution of microscopic properties such as the pore size and shape distributions in the solid phase and the dynamic changes in the temperature and component concentrations in the liquor phase. While the macroscopic model adopts the continuum hypothesis based on the Purdue model, a novel microscopic model is developed using a kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm, accounting for the dissolution of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contacting the liquor phase. A reduced‐order model was built to design a Luenberger observer for state estimation, which is then used to develop a model‐based control system. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed methodology was able to regulate both the Kappa number and porosity to desired values.
Female‐restricted syndromic intellectual disability in a patient from Thailand
Authors: Sinthuwiwat Thivaratana , Ittiwut Chupong , Porntaveetus Thantrira , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: March 2019

Female‐restricted syndromic intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with developmental delay (DD)/ID, facial dysmorphism, and diverse congenital anomalies comprising heart defects, anal anomalies, choanal atresia, postaxial polydactyly, scoliosis, and brain abnormalities. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the USP9X gene inherited as X‐linked dominance were identified as its etiology in females of different ethnic groups. Here, we report a 15‐year‐old Thai girl harboring a novel de novo heterozygous one‐base pair deletion (c.3508delG, p.Val1170TrpfsX9) in exon 23 of USP9X. Her profound DD, dysmorphic face including attached earlobes, short stature, and congenital malformations including s‐shaped thoracolumbar scoliosis, hip dislocation, and generalized brain atrophy shared common characteristics of X‐linked syndromic ID. We have observed severely malformed oro‐dental organs and a choledochal cyst, which have never been reported. Our study presents the first patient from Thailand expanding the phenotypic and mutational spectra of the syndrome.
A MnIIMnIII‐Peroxide Complex Capable of Aldehyde Deformylation
Authors: Magherusan Adriana M. , Kal Subhasree , Nelis Daniel N. , Doyle Lorna M. , Farquhar Erik R. , Que Lawrence , McDonald Aidan R.
Published: March 2019

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) are essential enzymes required for DNA synthesis. In class Ib Mn2 RNRs superoxide (O2.−) was postulated to react with the MnII2 core to yield a MnIIMnIII‐peroxide moiety. The reactivity of complex 1 ([MnII2(O2CCH3)2(BPMP)](ClO4), where HBPMP=2,6‐bis{[(bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amino]methyl}‐4‐methylphenol) towards O2.− was investigated at −90 °C, generating a metastable species, 2. The electronic absorption spectrum of 2 displayed features (λmax=440, 590 nm) characteristic of a MnIIMnIII‐peroxide species, representing just the second example of such. Electron paramagnetic resonance and X‐ray absorption spectroscopies, and mass spectrometry supported the formulation of 2 as a MnIIMnIII‐peroxide complex. Unlike all other previously reported Mn2‐peroxides, which were unreactive, 2 proved to be a capable oxidant in aldehyde deformylation. Our studies provide insight into the mechanism of O2‐activation in Class Ib Mn2 RNRs, and the highly reactive intermediates in their catalytic cycle.
Eight‐Step Total Synthesis of Phalarine by Bioinspired Oxidative Coupling of Indole and Phenol
Authors: Li Lei , Yuan Kuo , Jia Qianlan , Jia Yanxing
Published: March 2019

We report for the first time that the benzofuro[3,2‐b]indoline framework could be obtained by PIDA‐mediated direct oxidative coupling of 2,3‐disubstituted‐indoles with phenols. Application of this chemistry allows for an eight‐step total synthesis of phalarine from commercially available tryptamine.
Ligand‐Based Control of Single‐Site vs. Multi‐Site Reactivity by a Trichromium Cluster
Authors: Bartholomew Amymarie K. , Juda Cristin E. , Nessralla Jonathon N. , Lin Benjamin , Wang SuYin Grass , Chen Yu‐Sheng , Betley Theodore A.
Published: March 2019

The trichromium cluster (tbsL)Cr3(thf) ([tbsL]6−=[1,3,5‐C6H9(NC6H4‐o‐NSitBuMe2)3]6−) exhibits steric‐ and solvation‐controlled reactivity with organic azides to form three distinct products: reaction of (tbsL)Cr3(thf) with benzyl azide forms a symmetrized bridging imido complex (tbsL)Cr3(μ3‐NBn); reaction with mesityl azide in benzene affords a terminally bound imido complex (tbsL)Cr3(μ1‐NMes); whereas the reaction with mesityl azide in THF leads to terminal N‐atom excision from the azide to yield the nitride complex (tbsL)Cr3(μ3‐N). The reactivity of this complex demonstrates the ability of the cluster‐templating ligand to produce a well‐defined polynuclear transition metal cluster that can access distinct single‐site and cooperative reactivity controlled by either substrate steric demands or reaction media.
Lipase‐catalyzed synthesis of epigallocatechin gallate‐based polymer for long‐term release of epigallocatechin gallate with antioxidant property
Authors: Nitta Sachiko , Iwamoto Hiroyuki
Published: March 2019

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) must be released in a controlled manner in order to maximize its long‐term potential as an antioxidant. In this study, lipase‐catalyzed polymerization of EGCG with divinyl adipate and sugar alcohols was conducted to form polyEGCG, which enables long‐term controlled release of EGCG via hydrolysis of ester linkages. The polymer yields were influenced by monomer ratios, volume of solvent, and lipase concentration. EGCG was gradually released from polyEGCG under a physiological condition as ester groups of polyEGCG degraded over a period of more than two months, and the releasing rate was influenced by the type of the sugar alcohols and EGCG ratios. EGCG released from polyEGCG maintained its antioxidant activity and the cell viability of polyEGCG eluent with polymer concentration higher than 0.05 mg/mL was as high as 100%. These results indicate that polyEGCG has potential application as a highly efficient and long‐term antioxidative material with low cytotoxicity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47693.
Monitoring UCMR Compounds in Drinking Water System Components and Treatment Chemicals
Authors: Foster Kathryn G. , Greiner Peter
Published: March 2019

NSF/ANSI 60 and 61 certification can ensure safe drinking water and offer a way to regularly screen for contaminants that may eventually become regulated.
Basic skills examination in a biochemical practical training program for undergraduate students
Authors: Sakiyama Haruhiko , Eguchi Hironobu , Yoshihara Daisaku , Ookawara Tomomi , Naruse Hitoshi , Fujiwara Noriko , Suzuki Keiichiro
Published: March 2019

University lectures are mainly passive in nature, and there are few subjects in which students need to learn and function independently. Tutorial education and related activities at universities that specialize in medical and pharmaceutical training have been actively carried out, and lectures in conjunction with practical skills are gradually being developed, although progress has been slow in this area. In past years, our biochemistry practice classes have been evaluated in reports dealing with experiments and written examinations, as is done in other universities. However, using this methodology, we are not able to evaluate the extent to which students master biochemical experimental skills. To address this, we introduced a basic skill test to our biochemical curriculum for the first time. Our exams contributed to a deeper understanding of student skills and could be good tools for evaluating the degree of understanding of the students. The students understood the contents of the training well and felt interested in research in the field of basic medicine. Thus, we conclude that introducing practical testing to biochemical practice was effective for medical students in the field of biochemistry. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(3):279–287, 2019.
3D Raman Spectroscopy of Large Zeolite ZSM‐5 Crystals
Authors: Attila Özgün , King Helen E. , Meirer Florian , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2019

Hydrothermal treatment is a common method used to modify the physicochemical properties of zeolite‐based catalyst materials. It alters the number and type of acid sites through dealumination and increases molecular diffusion by mesopore formation. Steaming also reduces the structural integrity of zeolite frameworks. In this study, Raman microscopy has been used to map large zeolite ZSM‐5 crystals before and after steaming. 3D elemental maps of T−O (T: Al or Si) sites of the zeolite were obtained. The Raman active vibrational bands were determined, which are indicative of (non‐) framework Al, as well as of structural integrity. Zeolite steaming caused the introduction of additional heterogeneities within the zeolite framework. Al migration and the formation of extra‐framework Al species were observed. The described experiments demonstrate the capability of 3D Raman spectroscopy as a valuable tool to obtain information on the spatial distributions of framework elements as well as defects within a zeolite‐based material.
Visual scanning during emotion recognition in long‐term recovered anorexia nervosa: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Dinkler Lisa , Rydberg Dobrescu Sandra , Råstam Maria , Gillberg I. Carina , Gillberg Christopher , Wentz Elisabet , Hadjikhani Nouchine
Published: March 2019

Objective

To examine Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) and visual scanning behavior (eye‐tracking) during FER in women long‐term recovered from teenage‐onset anorexia nervosa (recAN) with and without autism spectrum disorder (±ASD) and age‐matched comparison women (COMP), using a sensitive design with facial emotion expressions at varying intensities in order to approximate real social contexts.

Method

Fifty‐seven 38–47‐year‐old women (26 recAN of whom six with ASD, 31 COMP) participated in the study. They completed a non‐verbal FER task, consisting of matching basic emotions at different levels of expression intensity with full emotional expressions. Accuracy, response time and visual scanning behavior were measured.

Results

There were no differences between recAN‐ASD and COMP in FER accuracy and visual scanning behavior during FER, including eye viewing and hyperscanning. In an exploratory analysis, recAN+ASD were more accurate than recAN‐ASD in identifying expressions at low intensity, but not at medium or high expression intensity. Accuracy was not associated with the extent of attention to the eye region.

Discussion

Our data indicate that women long‐term recovered from adolescent‐onset AN do not have deficits in basic FER ability and visual scanning behavior during FER. However, the presence of comorbid ASD might affect face processing in recovered AN. Future studies investigating basic FER in acute and recovered AN and other conditions need to ensure that the stimuli used are sensitive enough to detect potential deficits.
Multi‐state open robust design applied to opportunistic data reveals dynamics of wide‐ranging taxa: the sperm whale case
Authors: Boys Rebecca M. , Oliveira Cláudia , Pérez‐Jorge Sergi , Prieto Rui , Steiner Lisa , Silva Mónica A.
Published: March 2019

Capture–mark–recapture methods have been extensively used to estimate abundance, demography, and life history parameters of populations of several taxa. However, the high mobility of many species means that dedicated surveys are logistically complicated and expensive. Use of opportunistic data may be an alternative, if modeling takes into account the inevitable heterogeneity in capture probability from imperfect detection and incomplete sampling, which can produce significant bias in parameter estimates. Here, we compare covariate‐based open Jolly‐Seber models (POPAN) and multi‐state open robust design (MSORD) models to estimate demographic parameters of the sperm whale population summering in the Azores, from photo‐identification data collected opportunistically by whale‐watching operators and researchers. The structure of the MSORD also allows for extra information to be obtained, estimating temporary emigration and improving precision of estimated parameters. Estimates of survival from both POPAN and MSORD were high, constant, and very similar. The POPAN model, which partially accounted for heterogeneity in capture probabilities, estimated an unbiased super‐population of ~1470 whales, with annual abundance showing a positive trend from 351 individuals (95% CI: 234–526) in 2010 to 718 (95% CI: 477–1082) in 2015. In contrast, estimates of abundance from MSORD models that explicitly incorporated imperfect detection due to temporary emigration were less biased, more precise, and showed no trend over years, from 275 individuals (95% CI: 188–404) in 2014 to 367 (95% CI: 248–542) in 2012. The MSORD estimated short residence time and an even‐flow temporary emigration, meaning that the probability of whales emigrating from and immigrating to the area was equal. Our results illustrate how failure to account for transience and temporary emigration can lead to biased estimates and trends in abundance, compromising our ability to detect true population changes. MSORD models should improve inferences of population dynamics, especially when capture probability is low and highly variable, due to wide‐ranging behavior of individuals or to non‐standardized sampling. Therefore, these models should provide less biased estimates and more accurate assessments of uncertainty that can inform management and conservation measures.
A novel LED‐based 2D‐fluorescence spectroscopy system for in‐line bioprocess monitoring of Chinese hamster ovary cell cultivations—Part II
Authors: Claßen Jens , Graf Alexander , Aupert Florian , Solle Dörte , Höhse Marek , Scheper Thomas
Published: March 2019

This study was performed in order to evaluate a new LED‐based 2D‐fluorescence spectrometer for in‐line bioprocess monitoring of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture processes. The new spectrometer used selected excitation wavelengths of 280, 365, and 455 nm to collect spectral data from six 10‐L fed‐batch processes. The technique provides data on various fluorescent compounds from the cultivation medium as well as from cell metabolism. In addition, scattered light offers information about the cultivation status. Multivariate data analysis tools were applied to analyze the large data sets of the collected fluorescence spectra. First, principal component analysis was used to accomplish an overview of all spectral data from all six CHO cultivations. Partial least square regression models were developed to correlate 2D‐fluorescence spectral data with selected critical process variables as offline reference values. A separate independent fed‐batch process was used for model validation and prediction. An almost continuous in‐line bioprocess monitoring was realized because 2D‐fluorescence spectra were collected every 10 min during the whole cultivation. The new 2D‐fluorescence device demonstrates the significant potential for accurate prediction of the total cell count, viable cell count, and the cell viability. The results strongly indicated that the technique is particularly capable to distinguish between different cell statuses inside the bioreactor. In addition, spectral data provided information about the lactate metabolism shift and cellular respiration during the cultivation process. Overall, the 2D‐fluorescence device is a highly sensitive tool for process analytical technology applications in mammalian cell cultures.
Experimentally reduced insulin/IGF-1 signaling in adulthood extends lifespan of parents and improves Darwinian fitness of their offspring
Authors: Lind Martin I. , Ravindran Sanjana , Sekajova Zuzana , Carlsson Hanne , Hinas Andrea , Maklakov Alexei A.
Published: March 2019

Classical theory maintains that ageing evolves via energy trade-offs between reproduction and survival leading to accumulation of unrepaired cellular damage with age. In contrast, the emerging new theory postulates that ageing evolves because of deleterious late-life hyper-function of reproduction-promoting genes leading to excessive biosynthesis in late-life. The hyper-function theory uniquely predicts that optimizing nutrient-sensing molecular signaling in adulthood can simultaneously postpone ageing and increase Darwinian fitness. Here, we show that reducing evolutionarily conserved insulin/IGF-1 nutrient-sensing signaling via daf-2 RNA interference (RNAi) fulfils this prediction in Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes. Long-lived daf-2 RNAi parents showed normal fecundity as self-fertilizing hermaphrodites and improved late-life reproduction when mated to males. Remarkably, the offspring of daf-2 RNAi parents had higher Darwinian fitness across three different genotypes. Thus, reduced nutrient-sensing signaling in adulthood improves both parental longevity and offspring fitness supporting the emerging view that suboptimal gene expression in late-life lies at the heart of ageing.
Parasites lost: using natural history collections to track disease change across deep time
Authors: Harmon Alaina , Littlewood D Tim J , Wood Chelsea L
Published: March 2019

Recent decades have brought countless outbreaks of infectious disease among wildlife. These events appear to be increasing in frequency and magnitude, but to objectively evaluate whether ecosystems are experiencing rising rates of disease, scientists require historical data on disease abundance. Specimens held in natural history collections represent a chronological archive of life on Earth and may, in many cases, be the only available source of data on historical disease patterns. It is possible to extract information on past disease rates by studying trace fossils (indirect fossilized evidence of an organism's presence or activity, including coprolites or feces), sequencing ancient DNA of parasites, and examining sediment samples, mummified remains, study skins (preserved animal skins prepared by taxidermy for research purposes), liquid‐preserved hosts, and hosts preserved in amber. Such use of natural history collections could expand scientific understanding of parasite responses to environmental change across deep time (that is, over the past several centuries), facilitating the development of baselines for managing contemporary wildlife disease.
Genesis of the Panjia Wu‐Cu‐Mo deposit: Evidence from the geochemistry and geochronology of the Datongkeng pluton, northeast South China Block
Authors: Shao Xinyu , Jin Chong , Jia Baojian , Liu Yan , Pan Fabin , Zhu Zhenhong
Published: March 2019

The Panjia polymetallic deposit, located in the northwestern region of Zhejiang Province, is a newly discovered medium‐ to large‐sized W–Mo–Cu ore deposit belonging to the northern part of the Qinzhou Bay–Hangzhou Bay metallogenic belt. Through investigation in the field and under the microscope, the hydrothermal activity of this deposit can be divided into four stages: pre‐ore stage, silicate oxidation stage, quartz sulfide stage, and post‐ore stage. The Datongkeng pluton, outcroping in Panjia deposit, is one S‐type intrusive rock and characterised by concentrations of SiO2, K2O and Na2O ranging from 67.03 to 71.09%, 3.03 to 4.89%, and 0.24 to 3.37%, respectively. The major elements display peraluminous, high‐K, calc‐alkaline features. Their A/CNK(A/CNK = n (Al2O3)/ [n (CaO) + n (Na2O) + n(K2O)]) ratios, δEu values, and δCe values vary from 0.93 to 1.98, 0.45 to 0.91, and 0.93 to 1.07, respectively. These rocks are enriched in light rare earth elements (all record values of (La/Yb)N<10, except for one) whereas are depleted in Sr, Ba, Nb, P, Eu, and Ti. The end‐member study of the Pb and S isotopes shows that the mantle material plays an important role in the ore‐forming. Zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the second part of the multiperiod magmatism (154–150 Ma) of Datongkeng pluton is the relevant crystallisation age, and the study of metallogenic stage manifests that the molybdenite is formed at the third stage of the mineralisation sequence considered as the main period of mineralisation, subsequent to the mineralogenetic epoch of scheelite. The petrogenesis is related to the materials in the crust and a small amount of materials in the mantle. While the low degree of mantle source and the Proterozoic basement contribute to the Mo, Cu ore‐forming materials. Finally, two types of metallogenic assemblage are formed, including the W‐Mo polymetallic deposit in the Datongkeng pluton and the W‐Cu‐Pb‐Zn‐Ag polymetallic deposit in the veins in the Lantian Formation.
The early Paleozoic oceanic island seamount in the Chencai area, Zhejiang Province: Implication of the Yangtze–Cathaysia amalgamation
Authors: Zhao Xilin , Jiang Yang , Xing Guangfu , Wang Cunzhi , Jin Guodong
Published: March 2019

Details of the collision between the Cathaysia and Yangtze blocks have long been debated. Detailed geological, geochemical, and C and O isotopic studies were carried out on the plagioclase amphibolite and marble in the Chencai area, Zhuji city, Zhejiang Province. The plagioclase amphibolite yields U–Pb age of 435 ± 11 Ma, which represents the metamorphic age, and the youngest age indicates that the plagioclase amphibolite formed after 463 Ma. The marble in the Chencai area yields U–Pb age of 431 ± 7 Ma and represents the metamorphic age, and the youngest inherited zircon indicates that the marble formed after 457 Ma. Combined with the two ages, we believed that they were both formed at early Paleozoic (after 457 Ma) and suffered metamorphism during the Caledonian (431–435 Ma). Meanwhile, REE and trace‐element characteristics show that the plagioclase amphibolite originated from the mantle source with the characteristics of OIB. The marble C and O isotopic characteristics indicated that the protolith of marble may be marine carbonate. The occurrence of the oceanic island seamount indicates that the Chencai Complex should be a subduction–accretion complex (CSAC), which formed at early Paleozoic. Given the presence of Caledonian granulite and garnet amphibolite in the Longyou area, amalgamation of the Cathaysia and Yangtze blocks was completed after 457 Ma. The CSAC is the product of the Yangtze–Cathaysia collision, with the collision causing widespread amphibolite‐facies metamorphism.
Effectiveness of chemoradiotherapy for radiation‐induced bilateral external auditory canal cancer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Maebayashi Toshiya , Ishibashi Naoya , Aizawa Takuya , Sakaguchi Masakuni , Ikeda Atsuo , Hirai Ryoji , Furusaka Tohru , Homma Taku
Published: March 2019

Background

Radiation‐induced bilateral external auditory canal cancer is an extremely rare disease that has yet to be fully characterized in the clinical literature.

Methods

Herein, we present a case study of a 75‐year‐old man with radiation‐induced bilateral external auditory canal cancer. The patient's medical history included left maxillary cancer that had been treated with chemoradiation 19 years earlier and local recurrence with total maxillectomy 10 years earlier. Intracavitary radiation was delivered to the site of postoperative recurrence 8 years before the current presentation. The patient declined radical surgery for the external auditory canal cancer at this time, and a customized combined modality regimen was thus administered.

Results

There was no recurrence of cancer for 22 months, to date, after completing chemoradiotherapy.

Conclusions

Our finding that radiotherapy can be successfully used for radiation‐induced cancer indicates that chemoradiotherapy may be a useful strategy for treating this type of malignancy.
Angiogenin promotes colorectal cancer metastasis via tiRNA production
Authors: Li Siqi , Shi Xiaoliang , Chen Muxiong , Xu Ningqin , Sun Desen , Bai Rongpan , Chen Haiyan , Ding Kefeng , Sheng Jinghao , Xu Zhengping
Published: March 2019

Metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of CRC‐associated mortality. Angiogenin (ANG), a member of the ribonuclease A superfamily, not only activates endothelial cells to induce tumor angiogenesis, but also targets tumor cells to promote cell survival, proliferation and/or migration. However, its clinical significance and underlying mechanism in CRC metastasis are still largely unknown. Here, we reported that ANG was upregulated in CRC tissues and associated with metastasis in CRC patients. We then revealed that ANG enhanced CRC growth and metastasis in both in vitro and in vivo systems. Intriguingly, we characterized a bunch of tRNA‐derived stress‐induced small RNAs (tiRNAs), produced through ANG cleavage, that was enriched in both CRC tumor tissues and highly metastatic cells, and functioned in ANG‐promoted CRC metastasis. Moreover, higher level of a 5′‐tiRNA from mature tRNA‐Val (5′‐tiRNA‐Val) was observed in CRC patients and was correlated with tumor metastasis. Taken together, we propose that a novel ANG‐tiRNAs‐cell migration and invasion regulatory axis promotes CRC metastasis, which might be of potential target for CRC diagnosis and treatment.
Cell‐specific immune‐modulation of cadmium on murine macrophages and mast cell lines in vitro
Authors: García‐Mendoza Diego , Han Biyao , van den Berg Hans J.H.J. , van den Brink Nico W.
Published: March 2019

Toxic trace metals are widespread contaminants that are potentially immunotoxic even at environmentally low exposure levels. They can modulate the immunity to infections, e.g., in wildlife species living in contaminated areas. The diverse immune cell types can be differentially affected by the exposure leading to the modulation of specific protective mechanisms. Macrophages and mast cells, part of the innate immune system, trigger immune responses and perform particular effector functions. The present study compared toxicological and functional effects of cadmium in two models of murine macrophages (RAW264.7 and NR8383 cell lines) and two models of murine mast cells (MC/9 and RBL‐2H3 cell lines). Cadmium was selected as a model compound because its known potential to induce reactive oxygen species and its relevance as an environmental contaminant. Mechanisms of toxicity, such as redox imbalance and apoptosis induction were measured in stationary cells, while functional outcome effects were measured in activated cells. Cadmium‐depleted glutathione antioxidant in all four cell lines tested although reactive oxygen species was not significantly increased. Mast cells had full dose‐response depletion of glutathione below cytotoxic levels while in macrophages the depletion was not complete. Functional endpoints tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and nitrite production in lipopolysaccharide‐activated macrophages were increased by cadmium exposure. In contrast, mast cell lipopolysaccharide‐induced tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and IgE‐mediated histamine release were reduced by cadmium. These data indicate potentially differential effects of cadmium among murine innate immune cell types, where mast cells would be more susceptible to oxidative stress and their function might be at a higher risk to be modulated compared to macrophages.
U‐shaped caveolin‐1 conformations are tightly regulated by hydrogen bonds with lipids
Authors: Park Soohyung , Glover Kerney J. , Im Wonpil
Published: March 2019

The structure and dynamics of a truncated (residues 82–136) caveolin‐1 (Cav1) construct having a helix‐break‐helix motif are explored by both all‐atom free energy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in an explicit bilayer membrane. Two stable Cav1 conformations with small (LB‐Cav1) and large hinge angles (RB‐Cav1) between two helices are identified although their relative free energy cannot be reliably estimated due to the sampling issues. RB‐Cav1s contain one or two lipids residing between the helices that are hydrogen bonded (h‐bonded) to both helices in a multidentate fashion. LB‐Cav1s show the helices with mono‐dentate lipid h‐bond interactions or multidentate interactions limited to a single helix at most. The two conformational states of Cav1 remain their initial state during 2‐μs MD simulation, suggesting that there is a significant hidden barrier (other than the insertion depth of Cav1 and its hinge angle) and the Cav1 conformational states are tightly regulated by the h‐bonds between Cav1 and lipids along with the associated lipid rearrangement during the course of Cav1 conformational changes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optoelectronic properties of benzotrithiophene isomers: A density functional theory study
Authors: Tripathi Anuj , Chetti Prabhakar
Published: March 2019

Benzotrithiophene (BTT) isomers were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) with the aim to explore their structures, linear optical properties, vertical and adiabatic ionization potentials (IPv and IPa), electron affinities (EAv and EAa), and reorganization energies (λ). The computed bond lengths and bond angles at the B3LYP/6–311+G (d, p) level of theory are in good agreement with experimental crystal structures of the known BTTs. These molecules are planar with zero dihedral angle, making them an ideal backbone for high charge mobility. The UV–visible spectra of BTT isomers are in the range 280–360 nm. All BTT isomers have low hole/electron reorganization energies, which is the main characteristic of good hole/electron transporting materials, and these isomers in turn have potential applications in the field of organic materials.
Magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles modified with poly(ionic liquids) with multi‐functional groups for enrichment and determination of pyrethroid residues in apples
Authors: Zhao Bihong , Wu Dan , Chu Huiyuan , Wang Chaozhan , Wei Yinmao
Published: March 2019

Considering that the determination of pyrethroid residues is of value for the safety of food, a new poly(ionic liquid)‐functionalized magnetic mesoporous nanoparticle was designed and used as an adsorbent in magnetic solid‐phase extraction for the enrichment of eight pyrethroids. The porous structure and large surface area of the mesoporous silica shell endow the adsorbent with abundant binding sites. In contrast to the reported poly(ionic liquids) with only one kind of functional group in the cationic part, the new poly(ionic liquids) with mixed cyano and phenyl groups in cationic part matched the chemical structure of the analytes to improve extraction efficiency. Under the optimum conditions, an effective method was established for the determination of eight pyrethroids in apples. Adsorption equilibrium can be quickly reached in 1 min, greatly decreasing the extraction time. The linearity range was found to be 10–200 ng/g, and the detection limits ranged from 0.24 to 1.99 ng/g. Recoveries of analytes in apple samples ranged from 87.3 to 119.0%, with relative standard deviations varying in the range of 3–21.2% (intraday) and 0.3–15.2% (interday). The results indicate that the proposed method is a good candidate for pyrethroid residues in apple samples.
Implications for bird aircraft strike hazard by bald eagles
Authors: Miller Tricia A. , Cooper Jeff L. , Duerr Adam E. , Braham Melissa A. , Anderson James T. , Katzner Todd E.
Published: March 2019

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) aircraft strikes have increased since 1998 because their populations have recovered to near historical sizes. Their attraction to airfields and their large body size makes them a danger to aircraft and therefore important to airfield managers. However, bald eagle management is complicated by their special protected status and the place they hold in the eyes of the public. To help airfield managers plan monitoring efforts and make informed management decisions, we studied the movements of 32 bald eagles telemetered as nestlings in the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, USA, 2013–2018. Managers often need to know when fledged eagles are most likely to move enough to encounter airfields near nests. As fledglings aged, they moved progressively farther from the nest and spent more time away from the nest. Twenty‐eight days after fledging, eagles spent most of the day (81 ± 10% [95% CI]) near the nest (<500 m) and only 7 ± 7% of the daytime away from the nest (>1 km). By day 55 fledglings ventured beyond 2.5 km from the nest and spent 32 ± 15% the day >1 km away from their nest. Distances moved, however, were influenced by proximity of the nest to water, the salinity of that water, and human population density. Eagles left their natal nests and generally migrated out of the Chesapeake Bay 60.5 ± 7.7 days (4 Aug) after fledging and returned to the Chesapeake Bay approximately 220 days later (Mar–Apr). Eighty‐four percent (27 of 32) of the eagles that we tracked encountered 164 airfields across the east coast with 91% of those airfields located within 10 km of the Chesapeake Bay. Encounters with airfields outside the Chesapeake Bay occurred mainly during the first 1.5 years of life, peaking in late fall and early spring. We recorded eagles on Chesapeake Bay airfields during each year, but encounters peaked in April of the first year of the bird's life. April coincides with the height of reported strikes of eagles by aircraft in the region. Our results suggest that eagles fledging from the Chesapeake Bay are an issue for airports near the Chesapeake Bay and for airports across the east coast. Given the continued growth of the population, this issue is likely to continue and grow in significance. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Deficiency of D‐alanyl‐D‐alanine ligase A attenuated cell division and greatly altered the proteome of Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Chen Yingfei , Xu Yuefei , Yang Shufeng , Li Sheng , Ding Wenyong , Zhang Wenli
Published: March 2019

D‐Alanyl‐D‐alanine ligase A (DdlA) catalyses the dimerization of two D‐alanines yielding D‐alanyl‐D‐alanine required for mycobacterial peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and is a promising antimycobacterial drug target. To better understand the roles of DdlA in mycobacteria in vivo, we established a cell model in which DdlA expression was specifically downregulated by ddlA antisense RNA by introducing a 380 bp ddlA fragment into pMind followed by transforming the construct into nonpathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis. The M. smegmatis cell model was verified by plotting the growth inhibition curves and quantifying endogenous DdlA expression using a polyclonal anti‐DdlA antibody produced from the expressed DdlA. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate mycobacterial morphology. Bidimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to analyze differentially expressed proteins. Consequently, the successful construction of the M. smegmatis cell model was verified. The morphological investigation of the model indicated that DdlA deficiency led to an increased number of Z rings and a rearrangement of intracellular content, including a clear nucleoid and visible filamentous DNA. Proteomic techniques identified six upregulated and 14 downregulated proteins that interacted with each other to permit cell survival by forming a regulatory network under DdlA deficiency. Finally, our data revealed that DdlA deficiency inhibited cell division in mycobacteria and attenuated the process of carbohydrate catabolism and the pathway of fatty acid anabolism, while maintaining active protein degradation and synthesis. N‐Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)‐dependent methanol dehydrogenase (MSMEG_6242) and fumonisin (MSMEG_1419) were identified as potential antimycobacterial drug targets.
Interplay between bile acids and the gut microbiota promotes intestinal carcinogenesis
Authors: Wang Sinan , Dong Wenxiao , Liu Li , Xu Mengque , Wang Yu , Liu Tianyu , Zhang Yujie , Wang Bangmao , Cao Hailong
Published: March 2019

The gut microbiota and the bile acid pool play pivotal roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Bile acids are produced in the liver from cholesterol and metabolized in the intestine by the gut microbiota. Gut dysbiosis has been reported to be associated with colorectal cancer. However, the interplay between bile acid metabolism and the gut microbiota during intestinal carcinogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential roles of bile acids and the gut microbiota in the cholic acid (CA; a primary bile acid)‐induced intestinal adenoma‐adenocarcinoma sequence. Apc
min/+ mice, which spontaneously develop intestinal adenomas, were fed a diet supplemented with 0.4% CA for 12 weeks. Mice that were fed a normal diet were regarded as untreated controls. In CA‐treated Apc
min/+ mice, the composition of the gut microbiota was significantly altered, and CA was efficiently transformed into deoxycholic acid (a secondary bile acid) by the bacterial 7α‐dehydroxylation reaction. The intestinal adenoma‐adenocarcinoma sequence was observed in CA‐treated Apc
min/+ mice and was accompanied by an impaired intestinal barrier function and IL‐6/STAT3‐related low‐grade inflammation. More importantly, microbiota depletion using an antibiotic cocktail globally compromised CA‐induced intestinal carcinogenesis, suggesting a leading role for the microbiota during this process. Overall, our data suggested that the crosstalk between bile acids and the gut microbiota mediated intestinal carcinogenesis, which might provide novel therapeutic strategies against intestinal tumor development.
SCOTUS recommits to past decision in Texas IDD capital case
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2019

Mental health advocates are applauding the Supreme Court of the United States' (SCOTUS') opinion Feb. 19 to reverse a lower court decision in the Moore v. Texas case on the grounds that it used outdated means for determining intellectual disability in death penalty cases. This was the second time SCOTUS has made this decision in this death penalty case.
AHA employer MH action plan to include community support
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2019

The American Heart Association (AHA) this week will announce plans to build a mental health–friendly workforce that will include partnerships with business leaders from more than 40 organizations. AHA officials say they will include support from community mental health stakeholders.
Relationship between electrical conductivity and water content of peat and gyttja: implications for electrical surveys of drained peatlands
Authors: Walter J. , Lück E. , Heller C. , Bauriegel A. , Zeitz J.
Published: March 2019

The application of electrical resistivity tomography to peatlands supports conventional coring by providing data on the current condition of peatlands, including data on stratigraphy, peat properties and thickness of organic deposits. Data on the current condition of drained peatlands are particularly required to improve estimates of carbon storage as well as losses and emissions from agriculturally used peatlands. However, most of the studies focusing on electrical resistivity tomography surveys have been conducted on natural peatlands with higher groundwater levels. Peatlands drained for agriculture have not often been studied using geophysical techniques. Drained sites are characterized by low groundwater levels and high groundwater fluctuations during the year, which lead to varying levels of water saturation. To validate better electrical resistivity tomography surveys of drained peatlands, the aim of this laboratory study is to investigate the influence of varying water saturation levels on electrical conductivity (reciprocal of resistivity) for a variety of peat and gyttja types, as well as for different degrees of peat decomposition. Results show that different levels of water saturation strongly influence bulk electrical conductivity. Distinct differences in this relationship exist between peat and gyttja substrates and between different degrees of peat decomposition. Peat shows an exponential relationship for all degrees of decomposition, whereas gyttja, in particular organic‐rich gyttja, is characterized by a rather unimodal relationship. The slopes for the relationship between electrical conductivity and water content are steeper at high degrees of decomposition than for peat of low degrees of decomposition. These results have direct implications for field electrical resistivity tomography surveys. In drained peatlands that are strongly susceptible to drying, electrical resistivity tomography surveys have a high potential to monitor the actual field water content. In addition, at comparable water saturations, high or low degrees of decomposition can be inferred from electrical conductivity.
Aligning top‐down and bottom‐up in development planning: The case of Bhutan
Authors: Wangchuk Dawa , Turner Mark
Published: March 2019

Effective planning makes a vital contribution to developmental success. It is generally perceived as being either centralized (top‐down) or decentralized (bottom‐up). Centralized planning dominated the early development decades, but disappointing results greatly lessened its appeal and paved the way for participatory and decentralized planning. Both types of planning are evident today, but the question has arisen as to whether top‐down and bottom‐up planning can be successfully combined into one effective, efficient, and popular system. This question is examined through the case of Bhutan where central planning was introduced at the outset of the country's push for modernization and today leads the way in the country's pursuit of Gross National Happiness (GNH). However, central planning has been complemented with decentralized participatory planning at the subnational levels. Success in aligning the two planning modes has been achieved by incremental development of the planning system, orientation to the unifying national vision of GNH, a powerful central planning agency, actors at all levels who are able and knowledgeable in their planning roles, and processes that are well organized and proven to work to the satisfaction of all participants.
Quantifying the mechanical properties of polymeric tubing and scaffold using atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation
Authors: Naseem Raasti , Zhao Liguo , Silberschmidt Vadim V. , Liu Yang , Eswaran Senthil K. , Hossainy Syed
Published: March 2019

Measurement of mechanical parameters of polymeric scaffolds presents a significant challenge due to their intricate shape and small characteristics dimensions of their elements—around 100 μm. In this study, mechanical properties of polymeric tubing and scaffold, made of biodegradable poly(l‐lactic) acid (PLLA), were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation, complemented with tensile testing. AFM was employed to assess the properties of the tube and scaffold locally, while nanoindentation produced results with a dependency on the depth of indentation. As a result, the AFM‐measured elastic modulus differs from the nanoindentation data due to a substantial difference in indentation depth between the two methods. With AFM, a modulus between 2 and 2.5 GPa was measured, while a wide range was obtained from nanoindentation on both the tube and scaffold, depending on the indentation scale. Changes in the elastic modulus with in‐vitro degradation and aging were observed over the 1‐year period. To complement the indentation measurements, tensile testing was used to study the structural behavior of the tube, demonstrating the yielding, hardening and fracture properties of the material. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1084–1091, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers