bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulating multi-functional ERK complexes by covalent targeting of a recruitment site in vivo
Authors: Kaoud Tamer S. , Johnson William H. , Ebelt Nancy D. , Piserchio Andrea , Zamora-Olivares Diana , Van Ravenstein Sabrina X. , Pridgen Jacey R. , Edupuganti Ramakrishna , Sammons Rachel , Cano Micael , Warthaka Mangalika , Harger Matthew , Tavares Clint D. J. , Park Jihyun , Radwan Mohamed F. , Ren Pengyu , Anslyn Eric V. , Tsai Kenneth Y. , Ghose Ranajeet , Dalby Kevin N.
Published: November 2019

Recently, the targeting of ERK with ATP-competitive inhibitors has emerged as a potential clinical strategy to overcome acquired resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitor combination therapies. In this study, we investigate an alternative strategy of targeting the D-recruitment site (DRS) of ERK. The DRS is a conserved region that lies distal to the active site and mediates ERK–protein interactions. We demonstrate that the small molecule BI-78D3 binds to the DRS of ERK2 and forms a covalent adduct with a conserved cysteine residue (C159) within the pocket and disrupts signaling in vivo. BI-78D3 does not covalently modify p38MAPK, JNK or ERK5. BI-78D3 promotes apoptosis in BRAF inhibitor-naive and resistant melanoma cells containing a BRAF V600E mutation. These studies provide the basis for designing modulators of protein–protein interactions involving ERK, with the potential to impact ERK signaling dynamics and to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ERK-dependent cancers.
Optimizing agent behavior over long time scales by transporting value
Authors: Hung Chia-Chun , Lillicrap Timothy , Abramson Josh , Wu Yan , Mirza Mehdi , Carnevale Federico , Ahuja Arun , Wayne Greg
Published: November 2019

Humans prolifically engage in mental time travel. We dwell on past actions and experience satisfaction or regret. More than storytelling, these recollections change how we act in the future and endow us with a computationally important ability to link actions and consequences across spans of time, which helps address the problem of long-term credit assignment: the question of how to evaluate the utility of actions within a long-duration behavioral sequence. Existing approaches to credit assignment in AI cannot solve tasks with long delays between actions and consequences. Here, we introduce a paradigm where agents use recall of specific memories to credit past actions, allowing them to solve problems that are intractable for existing algorithms. This paradigm broadens the scope of problems that can be investigated in AI and offers a mechanistic account of behaviors that may inspire models in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics.
FosSahul 2.0, an updated database for the Late Quaternary fossil records of Sahul
Authors: Peters Katharina J. , Saltré Frédérik , Friedrich Tobias , Jacobs Zenobia , Wood Rachel , McDowell Matthew , Ulm Sean , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: November 2019

The 2016 version of the FosSahul database compiled non-human vertebrate megafauna fossil ages from Sahul published up to 2013 in a standardized format. Its purpose was to create a publicly available, centralized, and comprehensive database for palaeoecological investigations of the continent. Such databases require regular updates and improvements to reflect recent scientific findings. Here we present an updated FosSahul (2.0) containing 11,871 dated non-human vertebrate fossil records from the Late Quaternary published up to 2018. Furthermore, we have extended the information captured in the database to include methodological details and have developed an algorithm to automate the quality-rating process. The algorithm makes the quality-rating more transparent and easier to reproduce, facilitating future database extensions and dissemination. FosSahul has already enabled several palaeoecological analyses, and its updated version will continue to provide a centralized organisation of Sahul’s fossil records. As an example of an application of the database, we present the temporal pattern in megafauna genus richness inferred from available data in relation to palaeoclimate indices over the past 180,000 years.
Improvement in Pulmonary Function with Short-term Rehabilitation Treatment in Spinal Cord Injury Patients
Authors: Shin Ji Cheol , Han Eun Young , Cho Kye Hee , Im Sang Hee
Published: November 2019

Cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord injury causes impairments in respiratory muscle performance, leading to variable degrees of pulmonary dysfunction and rendering deep breathing difficult for affected individuals. In this retrospective study, we investigated the effects of self-directed respiratory muscle training in this context by assessing pulmonary function relative to spinal cord injury characteristics. A total of 104 spinal cord injury patients (tetraplegia/paraplegia; 65/39, acute/subacute/chronic; 14/42/48) were admitted for short-term (4–8 weeks) in-patient clinical rehabilitation. Initial evaluation revealed a compromised pulmonary function with a percentage of predicted value of 62.0 and 57.5 in forced vital capacity in supine and forced vital capacity in sitting positions, respectively. Tetraplegic patients had more compromised pulmonary function compared with paraplegic patients. At follow-up evaluation, the percentage of predicted value of forced vital capacity in supine and sitting position improved overall on average by 11.7% and 12.7%, respectively. The peak cough flow improved by 22.7%. All assessed pulmonary function parameters improved significantly in all subgroups, with the greatest improvements found in patients with tetraplegia and subacute spinal cord injury. Therefore, short-term self-directed respiratory muscle training should be incorporated into all spinal cord injury rehabilitation regimens, especially for patients with tetraplegia and subacute spinal cord injury, as well as those with chronic spinal cord injury.
A Preliminary Evaluation of The Karst Flora of Brazil Using Collections Data
Authors: Bystriakova Nadia , Alves De Melo Pablo Hendrigo , Moat Justin , Lughadha Eimear Nic , Monro Alexandre K.
Published: November 2019

Karst is defined as landscapes that are underlain by soluble rock in which there is appreciable water movement arising from a combination of high rock solubility and well-developed secondary (fracture) porosity. Karsts occupy approximately 20% of the planet’s dry ice-free land and are of great socioeconomic importance, as they supply water to up to 25% of the world’s population and represent landscapes of cultural and touristic importance. In Southeast Asia karst is associated with high species-richness and endemism in plants and seen as priority areas for the conservation of biodiversity. There has been little research into the floras associated with karst in South America, most of which occurs in Brazil. We therefore sought to evaluate the importance of Brazilian karst with respect to its species-richness and endemism. We sought to do so using curated plant specimen data in the Botanical Information and Ecology Network (BIEN) dataset. We show that, except for Amazonia, the BIEN dataset is representative of the Brazilian flora with respect to the total number of species and overall patterns of species richness. We found that karst is under-sampled, as is the case for much of Brazil. We also found that whilst karst represent an important source of plant diversity for Brazil, including populations of approximately 1/3 of the Brazilian flora, it is not significantly more species-rich or richer in small-range and endemic species than surrounding landscapes. Similarly, whilst important for conservation, comprising populations of 26.5–37.4% of all Brazilian species evaluated as of conservation concern by International Union for Nature Conservation (IUCN), karst is no more so than the surrounding areas. Whilst experimental error, including map resolution and the precision and accuracy of point data may have under-estimated the species-richness of Brazilian karst, it likely represents an important biodiversity resource for Brazil and one that can play a valuable role in conservation. Our findings are in sharp contrast to those for Southeast Asia where karst represents a more important source of species-richness and endemism. We also show that although BIEN represents a comprehensive and curated source of point data, discrepancies in the application of names compared to current more comprehensive taxonomic backbones, can have profound impacts on estimates of species-richness, distribution ranges and estimates of endemism.
PKCγ promotes axonal remodeling in the cortico-spinal tract via GSK3β/β-catenin signaling after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zhang Bo , Li Zaiwang , Zhang Rui , Hu Yaling , Jiang Yingdi , Cao Tingting , Wang Jingjing , Gong Lingli , Ji Li , Mu Huijun , Yang Xusheng , Dai Youai , Jiang Cheng , Yin Ying , Zou Jian
Published: November 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability. Enhancing the midline-crossing of the contralateral corticospinal tract (CST) to the denervated side of spinal cord facilitates functional recovery after TBI. Activation of the gamma isoform of PKC (PKCγ) in contralateral CST implicates its roles in promoting CST remodeling after TBI. In this study, we deployed loss and gain of function strategies in N2a cells and primary cortical neurons in vitro, and demonstrated that PKCγ is not only important but necessary for neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and axonal branching but not for axonal extension. Mechanically, through the phosphorylation of GSK3β, PKCγ stabilizes the expression of cytosolic β-catenin and increase GAP43 expression, thus promoting axonal outgrowth. Further, rAAV2/9-mediated delivery of constitutive PKCγ in the corticospinal tract after unilateral TBI in vivo additionally showed that specifically delivery of active PKCγ mutant to cortical neuron promotes midline crossing of corticospinal fibers from the uninjured side to the denervated cervical spinal cord. This PKCγ-mediated injury response promoted sensorimotor functional recovery. In conclusion, PKCγ mediates stability of β-catenin through the phosphorylation of GSK3β to facilitate neuronal differentiation, neurite outgrowth and axonal branching, and PKCγ maybe a novel therapeutic target for physiological and functional recovery after TBI.
Statistical multiscale mapping of IDH1, MGMT, and microvascular proliferation in human brain tumors from multiparametric MR and spatially-registered core biopsy
Authors: Parker Jason G. , Diller Emily E. , Cao Sha , Nelson Jeremy T. , Yeom Kristen , Ho Chang , Lober Robert
Published: November 2019

We propose a statistical multiscale mapping approach to identify microscopic and molecular heterogeneity across a tumor microenvironment using multiparametric MR (mp-MR). Twenty-nine patients underwent pre-surgical mp-MR followed by MR-guided stereotactic core biopsy. The locations of the biopsy cores were identified in the pre-surgical images using stereotactic bitmaps acquired during surgery. Feature matrices mapped the multiparametric voxel values in the vicinity of the biopsy cores to the pathologic outcome variables for each patient and logistic regression tested the individual and collective predictive power of the MR contrasts. A non-parametric weighted k-nearest neighbor classifier evaluated the feature matrices in a leave-one-out cross validation design across patients. Resulting class membership probabilities were converted to chi-square statistics to develop full-brain parametric maps, implementing Gaussian random field theory to estimate inter-voxel dependencies. Corrections for family-wise error rates were performed using Benjamini-Hochberg and random field theory, and the resulting accuracies were compared. The combination of all five image contrasts correlated with outcome (P < 10−4) for all four microscopic variables. The probabilistic mapping method using Benjamini-Hochberg generated statistically significant results (α ≤ 0.05) for three of the four dependent variables: (1) IDH1, (2) MGMT, and (3) microvascular proliferation, with an average classification accuracy of 0.984 ± 0.02 and an average classification sensitivity of 1.567% ± 0.967. The images corrected by random field theory demonstrated improved classification accuracy (0.989 ± 0.008) and classification sensitivity (5.967% ± 2.857) compared with Benjamini-Hochberg. Microscopic and molecular tumor properties can be assessed with statistical confidence across the brain from minimally-invasive, mp-MR.
The transcriptional regulator CBX2 and ovarian function: A whole genome and whole transcriptome approach
Authors: Bouazzi Leila , Sproll Patrick , Eid Wassim , Biason-Lauber Anna
Published: November 2019

The chromobox homolog 2 (CBX2) was found to be important for human testis development, but its role in the human ovary remains elusive. We conducted a genome-wide analysis based on DNA adenine methyltransferase identification (DamID) and RNA sequencing strategies to investigate CBX2 in the human granulosa cells. Functional analysis revealed that CBX2 was upstream of genes contributing to ovarian function like folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis (i.e. ESR1, NRG1, AKR1C1, PTGER2, BMP15, BMP2, FSHR and NTRK1/2). We identified CBX2 regulated genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) such as TGFβ, MAP3K15 and DKK1, as well as genes implicated in premature ovarian failure (POF) (i.e. POF1B, BMP15 and HOXA13) and the pituitary deficiency (i.e. LHX4 and KISS1). Our study provided an excellent opportunity to identify genes surrounding CBX2 in the ovary and might contribute to the understanding of ovarian physiopathology causing infertility in women.
Separation of 9-Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl Amino Acid Derivatives in Micellar Systems of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography and Pressurized Planar Electrochromatography
Authors: Polak Beata , Traczuk Adam , Misztal Sylwia
Published: November 2019

The problems with separation of amino acid mixtures in reversed-phase mode are the result of their hydrophilic nature. The derivatisation of the amino group of mentioned above solutes leads to their solution. For this purpose, 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloroformate (f-moc-Cl) as the derivatisation reagent is often used. In our study, the separation of some f-moc- amino acid derivatives (alanine, phenylalanine, leucine, methionine, proline and tryptophan) with the use of micellar systems of reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) is investigated. The effect of surfactant concentration, its type (anionic, cationic and non-ionic) and mobile phase buffer pH on the discussed above solute migration distances are presented. Our work reveals that the increase of sodium dodecylsulphate concentration in the mobile phase has a different effect on solute retention in HPTLC and PPEC. Moreover, it also affects the order of solutes in both techniques. In PPEC, in contrast to the HPTLC technique, the mobile phase pH affects solute retention. The type of surfactant in the mobile phase also impacts solute retention and migration distances. A mobile phase containing SDS improves system efficiency in both techniques. Herein, such an effect is presented for the first time.
Exploration of anti-insect potential of trypsin inhibitor purified from seeds of Sapindus mukorossi against Bactrocera cucurbitae
Authors: Samiksha  , Singh Drishtant , Kesavan Anup Kumar , Sohal Satwinder Kaur
Published: November 2019

Peptidase inhibitors (PIs) are defense proteins of plants which are active against gut peptidases of different insects.Sapindus mukorossiwas identified as a source of bioactive PIs which could confer resistance againstBactrocera cucurbitae, a most devastating pest of several economically important crops. In the present study, a trypsin inhibitor was purified from mature dry seeds ofS. mukorossiand characterized for its biochemical properties as well as its potential for bio control ofB. cucurbitae. The purified fractions from RP- HPLC through SDS-PAGE gave an apparent molecular weight of ~29 kDa.S. mukorossitrypsin inhibitor (SMTI) was found to be a non-competitive inhibitor which was active over a broad range of temperature (10–100 °C) and pH (6–11). SMTI when incorporated in artificial diet inhibited the growth and development ofB. cucurbitaelarvae. Gene expression analysis of trypsin and chymotrypsin genes via qRT-PCR indicated that their mRNA expression was down-regulated while that of other genes namely, Catalase, Elastase, Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione –S-transferase and Alkaline Phosphatase was up regulated. SMTI also showed deleterious effects against different bacterial strains. The results of this study indicated thatS. mukorossitrypsin inhibitor has potential to be used as a bio control agent that can reduce the harm caused by melon fruit fly and other devastating pests.
Graphene Supported Rhodium Nanoparticles for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Begum Ameerunisha , Bose Moumita , Moula Golam
Published: November 2019

Current research on catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is based on obtaining higher catalytic activity than platinum particle catalysts on porous carbon. In search of a more sustainable catalyst other than platinum for the catalytic conversion of water to hydrogen gas, a series of nanoparticles of transition metals viz., Rh, Co, Fe, Pt and their composites with functionalized graphene such as RhNPs@f-graphene, CoNPs@f-graphene, PtNPs@f-graphene were synthesized and characterized by SEM and TEM techniques. The SEM analysis indicates that the texture of RhNPs@f-graphene resemble the dispersion of water droplets on lotus leaf. TEM analysis indicates that RhNPs of <10 nm diameter are dispersed on the surface of f-graphene. The air-stable NPs and nanocomposites were used as electrocatalyts for conversion of acidic water to hydrogen gas. The composite RhNPs@f-graphene catalyses hydrogen gas evolution from water containing p-toluene sulphonic acid (p-TsOH) at an onset reduction potential, Ep, −0.117 V which is less than that of PtNPs@f-graphene (Ep, −0.380 V) under identical experimental conditions whereas the onset potential of CoNPs@f-graphene was at Ep, −0.97 V and the FeNPs@f-graphene displayed onset potential at Ep, −1.58 V. The pure rhodium nanoparticles, RhNPs also electrocatalyse at Ep, −0.186 V compared with that of PtNPs at Ep, −0.36 V and that of CoNPs at Ep, −0.98 V. The electrocatalytic experiments also indicate that the RhNPs and RhNPs@f-graphene are stable, durable and they can be recycled in several catalytic experiments after washing with water and drying. The results indicate that RhNPs and RhNPs@f-graphene are better nanoelectrocatalysts than PtNPs and the reduction potentials were much higher in other transition metal nanoparticles. The mechanism could involve a hydridic species, Rh-H− followed by interaction with protons to form hydrogen gas.
CT pattern of Infarct location and not infarct volume determines outcome after decompressive hemicraniectomy for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Authors: Kamran Saadat , Akhtar Naveed , Salam Abdul , Alboudi Ayman , Kamran Kainat , Imam Yahiya Bashir , Amir Numan , Ali Musab , Haroon Khawaja Hasan , Muhammad Ahmad , Ahmad Arsalan , Ayyad Ali , Elalamy Osama , Inshasi Jihad , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: November 2019

Malignant middle cerebral artery [MMCA] infarction has a different topographic distribution that might confound the relationship between lesion volume and outcome. Retrospective study to determine the multivariable relationship between computerized tomographic [CT] infarct location, volume and outcomes in decompressive hemicraniectomy [DHC] for MMCA infarction. The MCA infarctions were classified into four subgroups by CT, subtotal, complete MCA [co-MCA], Subtotal MCA with additional infarction [Subtotal MCAAI] and co-MCA with additional infarction [Co-MCAAI]. Maximum infarct volume [MIV] was measured on the pre-operative CT. Functional outcome was measured by the modified Rankin Scale [mRS] dichotomized as favourable 0–3 and unfavourable ≥4, at three months. In 137 patients, from least favourable to favourable outcome were co-MCAAI, subtotal MCAAI, co-MCA and subtotal MCA infarction. Co-MCAAI had the worst outcome, 56/57 patients with additional infarction had mRS ≥ 4. Multiple comparisons Scheffe test showed no significant difference in MIV of subtotal infarction, co-MCA, Subtotal MCAAI but the outcome was significantly different. Multivariate analysis confirmed MCAAI [7.027 (2.56–19.28), p = 0.000] as the most significant predictor of poor outcomes whereas MIV was not significant [OR, 0.99 (0.99–01.00), p = 0.594]. Other significant independent predictors were age ≥ 55 years 12.14 (2.60–56.02), p = 0.001 and uncal herniation 4.98(1.53–16.19), p = 0.007]. Our data shows the contribution of CT infarction location in determining the functional outcome after DHC. Subgroups of patients undergoing DHC had different outcomes despite comparable infarction volumes.
Prolonged international normalized ratio and vascular injury at divisional level predict embolization failures of patients with iatrogenic renal vascular injuries
Authors: Lee Shen-Yang , Wang Mei-Lin , Wong Yon-Cheong , Wu Cheng-Hsian , Wang Li-Jen
Published: November 2019

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), as an alternative to surgery for iatrogenic renal vascular injury (IRVI), may have unsatisfactory outcomes. Nonetheless, there is inadequate information regarding the predictors of TAE outcomes for IRVI in the literature. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the predictors of TAE outcomes for IRVI. Of 47 patients, none had major complications, 17 (36.2%) patients had minor complications, and none suffered significant renal function deterioration after TAE. Technical success and clinical success were 91.5% and 93.6%, respectively. Technical failure was associated with older age, thrombocytopenia, prolonged international normalized ratio (INR) and divisional IRVI. Clinical failure was associated with kidney failure, use of steroids, prolonged INR, and divisional IRVI. In addition, prolonged INR was a significant predictor of technical failure. This implies that aggressive measures to control the INR prior to TAE are warranted to facilitate technical success, and technical success could then be validated on post-TAE images. Furthermore, divisional IRVI was a predictor of clinical failure. Thus, divisional IRVI should undergo surgery first since TAE is prone to clinical failure. The avoidance of clinical failure is validated if divisional IRVI does not need further intervention.
Paternal activation of CB2 cannabinoid receptor impairs placental and embryonic growth via an epigenetic mechanism
Authors: Innocenzi Elisa , De Domenico Emanuela , Ciccarone Fabio , Zampieri Michele , Rossi Gabriele , Cicconi Rosella , Bernardini Roberta , Mattei Maurizio , Grimaldi Paola
Published: November 2019

The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is the peripheral receptor for cannabinoids, involved in the homeostatic control of several physiological functions. Male mitotic germ cells express a high level of CB2, whose activation promotes their differentiation in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, controlling the correct progression of spermatogenesis. However, it remains elusive if CB2 activation in spermatogonia could affect reproductive success in terms of fertility and healthy pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we explored the effects of male CB2 activation on sperm number and quality and its influence on next generation health. We show that exposure of male mice to JWH-133, a selective CB2 agonist, decreased sperm count, impaired placental development and reduced offspring growth. These defects were associated with altered DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation levels at imprinted genes in sperm and conserved in placenta. Our findings reveal that paternal selective activation of CB2 alters the sperm epigenome and compromises offspring growth. This study demonstrates, for the first time, a new role of CB2 signaling in male gametes in causing epigenetic alterations that can be transmitted to the next generation by sperm, highlighting potential risks induced by recreational cannabinoid exposure.
Nicotinic acid promotes sleep through prostaglandin synthesis in mice
Authors: Szentirmai Éva , Kapás Levente
Published: November 2019

Nicotinic acid has been used for decades for its antiatherogenic properties in humans. Its actions on lipid metabolism intersect with multiple sleep regulatory mechanisms, but its effects on sleep have never been documented. For the first time, we investigated the effects of acute systemic administration of nicotinic acid on sleep in mice. Intraperitoneal and oral gavage administration of nicotinic acid elicited robust increases in non-rapid-eye movement sleep (NREMS) and decreases in body temperature, energy expenditure and food intake. Preventing hypothermia did not affect its sleep-inducing actions suggesting that altered sleep is not secondary to decreased body temperature. Systemic administration of nicotinamide, a conversion product of nicotinic acid, did not affect sleep amounts and body temperature, indicating that it is not nicotinamide that underlies these actions. Systemic administration of monomethyl fumarate, another agonist of the nicotinic acid receptor GPR109A, fully recapitulated the somnogenic and thermoregulatory effects of nicotinic acid suggesting that they are mediated by the GPR109A receptor. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin completely abolished the effects of nicotinic acid indicating that prostaglandins play a key role in mediating the sleep and thermoregulatory responses of nicotinic acid.
Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Radiation Therapy Efficacy using Silver Nanoprisms Decorated with Graphene as Radiosensitizers
Authors: Habiba Khaled , Aziz Kathryn , Sanders Keith , Santiago Carlene Michelle , Mahadevan Lakshmi Shree Kulumani , Makarov Vladimir , Weiner Brad R. , Morell Gerardo , Krishnan Sunil
Published: November 2019

Metal nanoparticles have significant interaction cross-sections with electromagnetic waves due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio, which can be exploited in cancer radiotherapy to locally enhance the radiation dose deposition in tumors. We developed a new type of silver nanoparticle composite, PEGylated graphene quantum dot (GQD)-decorated Silver Nanoprisms (pGAgNPs), that show excellent in vitro intracellular uptake and radiosensitization in radiation-sensitive HCT116 and relatively radiation-resistant HT29 colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, following biodistribution analysis of intravenously injected nanoparticles in nude mice bearing HCT116 tumors radiosensitization was evaluated. Treatment with nanoparticles and a single radiation dose of 10 Gy significantly reduces the growth of colorectal tumors and increases the survival time as compared to treatment with radiation only. Our findings suggest that these novel nanoparticles offer a promising paradigm for enhancing colorectal cancer radiation therapy efficacy.
Detection of reactive dyes from dyed fabrics after soil degradation via QuEChERS extraction and mass spectrometry
Authors: Sui Xinyi , Feng Chengcheng , Chen Yufei , Sultana Nadia , Ankeny Mary , Vinueza Nelson R.
Published: November 2019

In this study, reactive dye degradation products after landfilling were extracted by a modified QuEChERS extraction method and detected by high-resolution QTOF mass spectrometry.
Catenated and spirocyclic polychalcogenides from potassium carbonate and elemental chalcogens
Authors: Liebing Phil , Kühling Marcel , Swanson Claudia , Feneberg Martin , Hilfert Liane , Goldhahn Rüdiger , Chivers Tristram , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: November 2019

Reaction of potassium carbonate with elemental sulfur or selenium in acetone in the presence of [PPN]Cl (PPN = (Ph3P)2N) produces catena-[S12]2−, the longest structurally characterised polysulfide dianion, or spiro-[Se11]2− as ion-separated [PPN]+ salts.
Unique 1D/3D K2Ti6O13/TiO2 micro-nano heteroarchitectures: controlled hydrothermal crystal growth and enhanced photocatalytic performance for water purification
Authors: Wang Qiang , Fan Chenming , Li Guomin , Luo Jiangshui , Li Bing
Published: November 2019

Unique 1D/3D K2Ti6O13/TiO2 micro-nano heteroarchitectures with enhanced photocatalytic performance for pollutant degradation were successfully fabricated through a controlled hydrothermal route.
A modular approach for cytosolic protein delivery: metal ion-induced self-assembly of gold nanoclusters as a general platform
Authors: Wang Lirui , Zhang Chunlei , Li Tianliang , Duan Meng , Xia Fangfang , Li Xinhong , Song Cunfeng , Pan Shaojun , Liu Bin , Cui Daxiang
Published: November 2019

Metal ion-induced co-assembly of GNCs and proteins into monodisperse nanoassemblies and the proposed mechanism of the nanoassemblies in cytosolic protein delivery.
Developments in the construction of cyclopropanols
Authors: Liu Qiang , You Bingxin , Xie Guanqun , Wang Xiaoxia
Published: November 2019

This review introduces and discusses the advances in the construction of cyclopropanols; improved synthetic methods are included, as well as the highly stereoselective production of cyclopropanols.
BINOLs as visible light photocatalysts for metal-free atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Ma Qiang , Zhang Xun , Ji Li , Liao Saihu
Published: November 2019

1,1′-Bisnaphthol (BINOL) has been successfully identified as a new photocatalyst framework for organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
Probing hemoglobin glyco-products by fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Ioannou Aristos , Varotsis Constantinos
Published: November 2019

Fluorescence mapping of hemoglobin AGE formation after hemoglobin modification by Maillard reaction products.
New insights into the deactivation mechanism of V2O5-WO3/TiO2 catalyst during selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3: synergies between arsenic and potassium species
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Lin , Kong Ming , Liu Qingcai , Ren Shan
Published: November 2019

Synergies between arsenic (As) and potassium (K) species in the deactivation of V2O5-WO3/TiO2 catalyst were investigated.
Genetically engineered protein based nacre-like nanocomposites with superior mechanical and electrochemical performance
Authors: Dhar Prodyut , Phiri Josphat , Szilvay Géza R. , Westerholm-Parvinen Ann , Maloney Thaddeus , Laaksonen Päivi
Published: November 2019

Nacre with molecularly engineered proteins with site-specific material binding sites for the development of high performance and responsive biomimetic composites.
Recent advances in cancer bioimaging using a rationally designed Raman reporter in combination with plasmonic gold
Authors: Ly Nguyễn Hoàng , Joo Sang-Woo
Published: November 2019

Gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) have been widely implemented for the purpose of bioimaging of cancer and tumor cells in combination with Raman spectral markers.
Interface engineering strategies towards Cs2AgBiBr6single-crystalline photodetectors with good Ohmic contact behaviours
Authors: Dang Yangyang , Tong Guoqing , Song Wentao , Liu Zonghao , Qiu Longbin , Ono Luis K. , Qi Yabing
Published: November 2019

Cs2AgBiBr6single crystal photodetectors using Ag electrodes under different wavelength at room condition showed the excellent photo-response with Ohmic-contact among the different electrodes (Au, Ag and Al).
Energy level modulation of donor–acceptor alternating random conjugated copolymers for achieving high-performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Xi , Deng Wanyuan , Wang Junyi , Zhang Ruiwen , Zhang Song , Galuska Luke , Pang Shuting , Gu Xiaodan , Qiao Xianfeng , Ma Dongge , Wu Hongbin , Duan Chunhui , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: November 2019

Fine energy level modulation without negatively affecting other properties is realized for random conjugated copolymers, allowing rigorous investigation of the relationship of the chemical structure and device performance in solar cells.
Nanoparticle induced barrier function assessment at liquid–liquid and air–liquid interface in novel human lung epithelia cell lines
Authors: Leibrock Lars , Wagener Sandra , Singh Ajay Vikram , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas
Published: November 2019

Inhalation is the most relevant entry point for nanoparticles (NPs) into the human body. To date, toxicity testing of nanomaterials in respect to oral, dermal and inhalative application is mainly based on animal experiments. The development of alternative test methods is the subject of current research. In vitro models can help to investigate mechanistic aspects, as e.g. cellular uptake or genotoxicity and might help to reduce in vivo testing. Lung cell lines are proper in vitro tools to assess NP toxicity. In respect to this, various cell models have been developed during the recent years, but often lack in a proper intact barrier function. However, besides other important in vivo criteria which are still missing like e.g. circulation, this is one basic prerequisite to come closer to the in vivo situation in certain mechanistic aspects such as particle translocation which is an important task for risk assessment of nanomaterials. Novel developed in vitro models may help to investigate the translocation of nanomaterials from the lung. We investigated the barrier function of the recently developed human lung cell lines CI-hAELVi and CI-huAEC. The cells were further exposed to CeO2 NPs and ZnO NPs, and their suitability as in vitro models for toxicological investigations was proven. The obtained data were compared with data generated with the A549 cell line. Measurement of transepithelial resistance and immunohistochemical examination of tight junctions confirmed the formation of a functional barrier for both cell lines for submerged and air–liquid cultivation. For particle exposure, hAELVi and huAEC cells showed comparable results to A549 cells without losing the barrier function. CeO2 NP exposure revealed no toxicity for all cell lines. In contrast, ZnO NPs was toxic for all cell lines at a concentration between 10–50 μg ml−1. Due to the comparable results to A549 cells CI-hAELVi and CI-huAEC offer new opportunities to investigate nanoparticle cell interactions more realistic than recent 2D cell models.
Looking Through the Kaleidoscope: Stakeholder Perspectives on an International Speech-Language Pathology Placement
Authors: Staley Bea , Ellwood Lynn , Rochus David , Gibson Rachael , Hong Dain , Kwan Katie
Published: November 2019

Purpose

In this article, we consider the literature on international student placements to contextualize and describe a 10-year relationship that enables speech-language pathology (SLP) students in their final year of studies at a Canadian university to complete a 10-week clinical placement with a nongovernmental organization in Kenya.

Method

This work can be best described as a qualitative case study that includes the varied perspectives of students and colleagues (from both minority and majority worlds) involved in this partnership, which annually places Canadian SLP students in Western Kenya. Perspectives include the director of the nongovernmental organization, 1 East African speech-language pathologist responsible for hosting and supervising students, the clinical placement director in Canada, and the students themselves. The perspectives of minority world universities and their students tend to be privileged and more widely represented. This work contributes to the literature by including the views of the hosting majority world SLP partner agency.

Results

The varied perspectives reveal that the perceived advantages and difficulties of international SLP clinical placements differ for various stakeholders.

Conclusions

As the SLP profession moves forward in an increasingly globalized world, it may be necessary for SLP peak professional bodies to develop best practice frameworks for overseas engagement.
Structural study of Topoisomerase IV-DNA-Levofloxacin complexes from Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Wang Xilan
Published: November 2019

S. pneumoniae is an important pathogen causing pulmonary infection, acute otitis media and purulent meningitis in infants and children. Type II topoisomerases are enzymes that play essential roles in DNA replication, chromosome segregation and recombination throughout all living organisms. Topoisomerases IV can make a transient break in DNA strands in one chromosome. These enzymes are very important antibacterial as well as anticancer targets and potential anti-trypanosomal targets. Levofloxacin has shown efficient inhibition of Type II topoisomerases in S. pneumoniae. Its mechanism of action is to inhibit the activity of DNA topoisomerase, prevent bacterial DNA synthesis and replication leading to bacterial death. We focused on solving the key structures of topoisomerase IV-DNA-levofloxacin complexes by negative staining electron microscopy and the resulting model was obtained at 32 Å by 3D autorefine in Relion 3.0. This study was to try and obtain the structure of the whole complex with DNA bound in the G-gate and the T-gate in order to study DNA capture and transport in type II topoisomerases.
Research progress on factors affecting oxygen corrosion and countermeasures in oilfield development
Authors: Yan Xuanqi , Wang Yingrui , Du Qingzhen , Jiang Weiqi , Shang Fang , Li Ran
Published: November 2019

Water injection, air injection, air foam injection, and in-situ combustion technology are used step by step in the later period of oilfield. Oxygen corrosion caused by different development methods has become a problem that could not be ignored. In this paper, the mechanism of oxygen corrosion, the influencing factors of oxygen corrosion and the new progress of oxygen corrosion countermeasures in recent years are systematically analyzed. Anticorrosion methods for different development modes are put forward. The direction of further research on oxygen corrosion in oilfield development is proposed: ○1Prediction and control of corrosion in oxygen environment need to be further studied to better guide corrosion protection in high temperature injection and production of oil and gas wells. ○2The research of anticorrosive coating materials and corrosion inhibitor technology needs to be further developed in the direction of safety and environment-friendly.
Measuring and analyzing environment parameters of Dalian Maple Leaf International School
Authors: Wang Yuanxiu , Zhang Yingxin , Lin Ziang , Liu Junyi
Published: November 2019

This paper mainly investigates and analyzes the environment quality of Dalian Maple Leaf International School. Firstly, indoor and outdoor environment parameters are measured, including air quality parameters, noise level parameters, and illuminance parameters. Secondly, by the comparison with environmental quality standards stipulated by China, the environment quality in Dalian Maple Leaf International School is assessed. Finally, some suggestions are given to improve the school environment quality.
Spatiotemporal changes of NDVI and correlation with meteorological factors in northern china from 1985-2015
Authors: Pan Shun , Zhao Xiangwei , Yue Yaojie
Published: November 2019

The NDVI in northern china is vulnerable and is greatly affected by meteorological factors. In this study, the correlation between changes of NDVI and the major meteorological factors (temperature, precipitation) in northern China in the past 30 years with Trend analysis and partial correlation analysis methods. The results show that: (1) In the recent 30 years, the annual average NDVI in northern China shows an upward trend of volatility, with an annual growth rate of 0.0015, and the overall vegetation coverage increases. (2) In the context of global warming, the average annual temperature in the research area increased significantly, with an average annual growth rate of 0.0353, while the average annual growth rate of precipitation was not significant, with an average annual growth rate of 0.1591. (3) NDVI has a higher correlation with air temperature in high altitude alpine and plateau areas, and a higher correlation with precipitation in grassland and desert grassland areas.
Quantitative evaluation and analysis on the coordinated development of the urbanization and ecological environment in Xining city
Authors: Ye Jun
Published: November 2019

Taking Xining City as the research area, the index system of coordinated development of urbanization and ecological environment in Xining City is constructed by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The index and comprehensive index scores are obtained by using analytic hierarchy process and weighted summation method, and the coordination degree between urbanization and ecological environment in Xining City whose evolution trend is evaluated and analyzed is quantified by combining the coordination degree model. The results show that the urbanization level of Xining has been on the rise in the past 10 years from 2008 to 2017, and after the urbanization level of Xining has been improved, the eco-environmental quality index, although which has a characteristics of fluctuation, has been also on the rise as a whole. From the analysis of coordination degree, the coordination degree showed a downward trend year by year from 2008 to 2012, in which the coordination value in 2010, 2011 and 2012 were below 0.4, showing a moderate imbalance state; from 2013 to 2017, the coordination degree showed a rising trend year by year, and showed a relatively stable state.
Using heat as a tracer to quantify surface water and groundwater interactions in the Baiyangdian wetland
Authors: Wang Yushan , An Yonghui , Qi Xiaofan , Yin Dechao
Published: November 2019

Surface water and groundwater interactions play an important role in hydrological cycle in a wetland ecosystem. Understanding its mechanism and interaction magnitude imposes significant effects in wetland protection and management. In this study, a heat tracer method was taken in the Baiyangdian wetland as a case and temperature time-series data were collected for surface water and wetland sediment of 0.2 m, 0.6 m and 1 m respectively in 3 monitor sites. Then, a one-dimensional vertical steady heat transport model was applied to estimate surface water inflows to groundwater. The results showed that the leakage rates were 0.04-0.29 mm/d and had a spatial and temporal variation. In the same monitor site, the leakage rate was higher in winter than it in summer. A total leakage amount for the Baiyangdian wetland was evaluated as 8.61 million m3/d. The surface water leakage resulting from the model was subject to several uncertainties including sediments inhomogeneity and the impact of non-ideal conditions. Despite the uncertainties of the model, when correctly applied, heat tracer method is able to provide detailed information on the spatial and temporal distribution of surface water leakage.
Effects of Dietary FOS and CPP on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters for weaned piglets
Authors: Zhao Feng , Xia Zhongsheng
Published: November 2019

The present experiment was conducted to study the effects of different levels of oligosaccharide(FOS) and complex CPP preparation(CPP) in diets on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters for weaned piglets. 240 crossbred DLY( Duroc× Landrace× Yorkshire) 21-day-old weaning piglets, about 7.2 kg in initial body weight were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups, with 2 repeats for each group, 20 each repeat(half male and half female.). Group 1, as the control group, was fed base diet(BD), group 2 was fed BD adding 0.10% aureomycin, group 3, 4, 5, 6, respectively, was fed BD adding 0.05% CPP, 0.05% FOS, 0.20% FOS and 0.10% FOS + 0.05% of CPP. Feeding trial was conducted for 35 days. Results: (1) The combination of 0.10%FOS and 0.05%CPP(group 6) were added, the average daily gain of weaned pigs increased by 13.71 % (P < 0.05) and the feed conversion ratio was reduced by 7.41 % (P < 0.05) compared with control. The diarrhea rate of piglets decreased by 94.63 % (P < 0.01) compared with the control (p < 0.05), and decreased by 62.86 % (P <0.05) compared with group 2.(2)There was no significant difference in the apparent digestibility of nutrient, such as ether extract and crude protein, by adding FOS and CPP individually or jointly in diet of weaned piglets, but apparent digestibility of crude fiber increased , to acertain extent, and there was no significant difference with diet adding 0.10 % of antibiotics (group 2)(P >0.05).(3) There was no significant difference in serum biochemical indexes, such as serum total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and sugar by adding FOS and CPP individually or jointly in diet of weaned piglets (P > 0.05);there was no significant effect in serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgM (P> 0.05), but the serum IgE content was increased in different degrees. Conclusion: Adding FOS and CPP in diet for weaned piglets can improve the growth performance, reduce diarrhea rate of piglets, and promote digestion and absorption of feed nutrients, without significant difference between them and diet adding antibiotics. Among them, the effect of adding 0.10%FOS+0.05%CPP was the best.
Variation of Soil Bacterial Communities during Lettuce Continuous Cropping
Authors: Hong Jie , Yang Yue , Gao Yi , Zhong LianQuan , Xu QuanMing , Yi XinXin , Liu YiQian , Gao XiuZhi
Published: November 2019

The variation of bacterial community in lettuce continuous cropping was determined by high throughput sequencing. During the continuous planting of lettuce, the richness and diversity of bacterial communities in the soil increased, and the ACE index and Chao index increased by 40.21 % and 36.91 %, respectively. The proportion of Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes and Nitrospirae in the soil increased, while the abundance of Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Planctomycetes and Proteobacteria gradually declined. And the abundance in the soil accounting for 1 % of the dominant bacterial genera increased to 11, among them, Anaerolinea, Bacillus, Nitrosomonas, and Xanthomonas etc became the dominant bacterium genus in the soil after lettuce continuous cropping. After the lettuce had been planted 8 times, the yield decreased by 21.20 % compared to the first harvest. Lettuce continuous cropping had an effect on bacterial community and lettuce yield to some extent.
Price analysis of Paris polyphylla Smith based on ARIMA time series mode
Authors: Guo Yan , Hui Ziwei , Cheng Wenchuan , Zou Yu
Published: November 2019

Paris polyphylla Smith, whose place of intorduction is located in Yunnan, Sichuan and parts of Guizhou, has important medicinal value. For many years, scholars from home and abroad have done a lot of research on prediction of agricultural products and medicinal materials. However, there is little prediction about Paris polyphylla Smith. This paper establishes ARIMA time series model based on the market price of Paris polyphylla Smith from July 2013 to August 2018 and forecasts the price from September 2018 to July 2019. Compared with the price from September 2018 to July 2019, R_fitting coefficient is 0.954 and the relative error is within 0.072. The prediction of price strengthens the research about price fluctuation of Paris polyphylla Smith and improves the ability of drug farmers to resist risks of the price fluctuation of Paris polyphylla Smith, which will enable drug farmers to improve revenue. It has extremely significant meaning in the the stability of the pharmaceutical market as well as guarantee the income of farmers.