bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community psychology, digital technology, and loss: Remembrance activities of young adults who have experienced the death of a close friend
Authors: Stein Catherine H. , Hartl Majcher Jessica , Froemming Maren W. , Greenberg Sarah C. , Benoit Matthew F. , Gonzales Sabrina M. , Petrowski Catherine E. , Mattei Gina M. , Dulek Erin B.
Published: February 2019

We argue for community psychology to include digital communications technology in research on ways that the social environment shapes fundamental human experiences. We present a qualitative study that examined the narrative accounts of 20 young adults who experienced the death of a close friend to describe both traditional and digital forms of remembrance in coping with loss. Findings suggest that young adults' activities both online and offline were intended to acknowledge the loss, exchange social support, create and sustain memories of their deceased friend, and facilitate continued communication with the deceased. Participants described both costs and benefits to their real and virtual remembrance activities. Findings illustrate ways that the study of digital technology adds to our understanding of grief and bereavement and contributes to dominant cultural narratives about coping with death. Implications of findings for research in community psychology are discussed.
Identify potential victims of human trafficking on your campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2019

When you think of human trafficking, the images that arise might not necessarily be ones that seem to apply to your campus. But human trafficking is the second‐largest criminal industry in the world, and one for which you need to know the warning signs, to prevent trafficking on your campus or to identify potential victims of trafficking.
Combining Chemical Synthesis and Enzymatic Methylation to Access Short RNAs with Various 5′ Caps
Authors: Muthmann Nils , Guez Théo , Vasseur Jean‐Jacques , Jaffrey Samie R. , Debart Françoise , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: February 2019

Eukaryotic RNAs are heavily processed, including co‐ and post‐transcriptional formation of various 5′ caps. In small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) or small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), the canonical 7mG cap is hypermethylated at the N2‐position, whereas in higher eukaryotes and viruses 2′‐O‐methylation of the first transcribed nucleotide yields the cap1 structure. The function and potential dynamics of several RNA cap modifications have not been fully elucidated, which necessitates preparative access to these caps. However, the introduction of these modifications during chemical solid‐phase synthesis is challenging and enzymatic production of defined short and uniform RNAs also faces difficulties. In this work, the chemical synthesis of RNA is combined with site‐specific enzymatic methylation by using the methyltransferases human trimethylguanosine synthase 1 (hTgs1), trimethylguanosine synthase from Giardia lamblia (GlaTgs2), and cap methyltransferase 1 (CMTR1). It is shown that RNAs with di‐and trimethylated caps, as well as RNAs with caps methylated at the 2′‐O‐position of the first transcribed nucleotide, can be conveniently prepared. These highly modified RNAs, with a defined and uniform sequence, are hard to access by in vitro transcription or chemical synthesis alone.
Mixing and Heat Transfer of Granular Materials in an Externally Heated Rotary Kiln
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Liu Yilun , Zhao Xianqiong , Xiao Yougang , Lei Xianming
Published: February 2019

A heat transfer model based on the discrete element software EDEM and the secondary development tool C++ is developed to simulate the mixing and heat transfer process of particles under different parameters. This model is validated by comparison with experimental data and proved reasonable. It aims to study the heat transfer law of flowing particles in an externally heated rotary kiln and reveal the correlation between mixing and heat transfer from the mechanism. The results show that the combination of the total contact area between adherent particles and the drum wall, the mean temperature difference between adherent particles and the drum wall, the total contact area between particles, and the mean temperature difference between particles affect the heat transfer process. Changes in the temperature differences caused by the mixing rate dominate the heat transfer at different speeds or filling rates.
Improvement of the Electrochemical Behavior of (Sb, Sn, Cu)O Ceramic Electrodes as Electrochemical Advanced Oxidation Anodes
Authors: Giner‐Sanz Juan J. , Sánchez‐Rivera María J. , García‐Gabaldón Montserrat , Ortega Emma M. , Mestre Sergio , Pérez‐Herranz Valentín
Published: February 2019

This work explores the possibility of increasing the active surface of a Sb‐doped SnO2 ceramic electrode using CuO as sintering aid, by incorporating petroleum coke as a pore generator. In order to fulfil this goal, three series of (Sb, Sn, Cu)O electrodes with different coke contents were synthetized. The properties of the electrodes, and their microstructure, change significantly as a function of the coke content before sintering. The electrochemical characterization of the synthesized electrodes showed that the coke addition before sintering causes two antagonist effects on the performance of the (Sn, Sb, Cu)O as anodes in electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOP). On one hand, it significantly improves the electrochemical roughness factor of the electrode, solving the densification problem in this way. On the other hand, it worsens the electrochemical behavior of the electrode: narrowing its electrochemical window; and “activating” it slightly. The addition of coke before sintering changes the kinetic parameters, leading to a kinetic situation in which the accumulation of hydroxyl radicals is slightly lower. A balance must be sought: an intermediate coke content will improve significantly the electrochemical roughness factor of the electrode, but will only worsen slightly its electrochemical behavior, leading to an optimum (Sn, Sb, Cu)O EAOP anode.
Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Ni‐Rich Layered Cathode Materials by using LiPF6 as a Cathode Additive
Authors: Zhang Sheng S. , Fan Xiulin , Wang Chunsheng
Published: February 2019

Residual Li compounds are inevitably present in the form of Li2O, LiOH, and Li2CO3 on the surface of layered cathode materials, which not only causes slurry gelation in the cathode‐coating process but also degrades liquid electrolyte in the batteries. Owing to their strong alkaline nature, the residual Li compounds can react with acidic LiPF6 to form Li3PO4 and LiF, two of the main components of robust solid electrolyte interphases. By demonstrating LiNi0.80Co0.10Mn0.10O2 (NCM811) as an example in this work, we simply dissolved a small amount of LiPF6 into the cathode‐coating slurry, finding that as the amount of LiPF6 is controlled in the 0.5–1.0 wt % range versus the mass of NCM811, the LiPF6 additive not only improves the cycling stability but also enhances rate capability of the Li/NCM811 cells. The former is because the strongly alkaline residual Li compounds react with acidic LiPF6 to form stable Li3PO4 and LiF. The latter is attributed to a reduction in the surface layer resistance on the cathode, as suggested by the results of surface chemistry and impedance analyses.
Prediction of the Efficiency of Phosphorescent Emitters: A Theoretical Analysis of Triplet States in Platinum Blue Emitters
Authors: Pinter Piermaria , Strassner Thomas
Published: February 2019

DFT methods are routinely used to predict the excited‐state structure of phosphorescent triplet emitters. However, sometimes they fail: different functionals predict diverse lowest adiabatic emissive states. An evaluation is undertaken to determine whether it is possible to use DFT methods to investigate the triplet emitter's hypersurfaces and to explain the experimental observation that similar ligands lead to remarkably diverse phosphorescence quantum yields.
A Mixed‐Anion System Consisting of a Germyl Anion and Anions Delocalized on Conjugated Carbon Ring Skeletons
Authors: Fujimori Shiori , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Tokitoh Norihiro
Published: February 2019

A trianion consisting of one germyl anion and two anions delocalized on conjugated carbon ring skeletons was synthesized by trimerization of the germanium analogue of the anthryl anion, which exhibits high germylene character. In addition, the generation of the putative intermediate of this reaction, the radical anion of 9‐germaanthracene, was confirmed by the formation of the corresponding dimeric dianion. The isolated trianion and dianion were characterized by X‐ray crystallographic analysis together with NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations.
The use of digital pathology and image analysis in clinical trials
Authors: Pell Robert , Oien Karin , Robinson Max , Pitman Helen , Rajpoot Nasir , Rittscher Jens , Snead David , Verrill Clare ,   on behalf of the UK National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cellular‐Molecular Pathology (CM‐Path) quality assurance working group
Published: February 2019

Digital pathology and image analysis potentially provide greater accuracy, reproducibility and standardisation of pathology‐based trial entry criteria and endpoints, alongside extracting new insights from both existing and novel features. Image analysis has great potential to identify, extract and quantify features in greater detail in comparison to pathologist assessment, which may produce improved prediction models or perform tasks beyond manual capability. In this article, we provide an overview of the utility of such technologies in clinical trials and provide a discussion of the potential applications, current challenges, limitations and remaining unanswered questions that require addressing prior to routine adoption in such studies. We reiterate the value of central review of pathology in clinical trials, and discuss inherent logistical, cost and performance advantages of using a digital approach. The current and emerging regulatory landscape is outlined. The role of digital platforms and remote learning to improve the training and performance of clinical trial pathologists is discussed. The impact of image analysis on quantitative tissue morphometrics in key areas such as standardisation of immunohistochemical stain interpretation, assessment of tumour cellularity prior to molecular analytical applications and the assessment of novel histological features is described. The standardisation of digital image production, establishment of criteria for digital pathology use in pre‐clinical and clinical studies, establishment of performance criteria for image analysis algorithms and liaison with regulatory bodies to facilitate incorporation of image analysis applications into clinical practice are key issues to be addressed to improve digital pathology incorporation into clinical trials.
Survival and functional outcomes of molecularly defined childhood posterior fossa ependymoma: Cure at a cost
Authors: Zapotocky Michal , Beera Kiran , Adamski Jenny , Laperierre Normand , Guger Sharon , Janzen Laura , Lassaletta Alvaro , Figueiredo Nobre Liana , Bartels Ute , Tabori Uri , Hawkins Cynthia , Urbach Stacey , Tsang Derek S. , Dirks Peter B. , Taylor Michael D. , Bouffet Eric , Mabbott Donald J. , Ramaswamy Vijay
Published: February 2019

Background

Posterior fossa ependymoma (PFE) comprises 2 groups, PF group A (PFA) and PF group B (PFB), with stark differences in outcome. However, to the authors’ knowledge, the long‐term outcomes of PFA ependymoma have not been described fully. The objective of the current study was to identify predictors of survival and neurocognitive outcome in a large consecutive cohort of subgrouped patients with PFE over 30 years.

Methods

Demographic, survival, and neurocognitive data were collected from consecutive patients diagnosed with PFE from 1985 through 2014 at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Subgroup was assigned using genome‐wide methylation array and/or immunoreactivity to histone H3 K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3).

Results

A total of 72 PFE cases were identified, 89% of which were PFA. There were no disease recurrences noted among patients with PFB. The 10‐year progression‐free survival rate for all patients with PFA was poor at 37.1% (95% confidence interval, 25.9%‐53.1%). Analysis of consecutive 10‐year epochs revealed significant improvements in progression‐free survival and/or overall survival over time. This pertains to the increase in the rate of gross (macroscopic) total resection from 35% to 77% and the use of upfront radiotherapy increasing from 65% to 96% over the observed period and confirmed in a multivariable model. Using a mixed linear model, analysis of longitudinal neuropsychological outcomes restricted to patients with PFA who were treated with focal irradiation demonstrated significant continuous declines in the full‐scale intelligence quotient over time with upfront conformal radiotherapy, even when correcting for hydrocephalus, number of surgeries, and age at diagnosis (‐1.33 ± 0.42 points/year; P = .0042).

Conclusions

Data from a molecularly informed large cohort of patients with PFE clearly indicate improved survival over time, related to more aggressive surgery and upfront radiotherapy. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the current study is the first, in a subgrouped cohort, to demonstrate that this approach results in reduced neurocognitive outcomes over time.
Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer 2 (BRET2)‐Based RAS Biosensors to Characterize RAS Inhibitors
Authors: Bery Nicolas , Rabbitts Terence H.
Published: February 2019

Protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) are principle biological processes that control normal cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis but are also crucial in diseases such as malignancy, neuropathy, and infection. Despite the importance of PPIs in biology, this target class has been very challenging to convert to therapeutics. In the last decade, much progress has been made in the inhibition of PPIs involved in diseases, but many remain difficult such as RAS‐effector interactions in cancers. We describe here a protocol for using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer 2 (BRET2)‐based RAS biosensors to detect and characterize RAS PPI inhibition by macromolecules and small molecules. This method could be extended to any other small GTPases or any other PPIs of interest. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
How does CEO pay slice influence corporate social responsibility? U.S.–Canadian versus Spanish–French listed firms
Authors: Jouber Habib
Published: February 2019

Considering specific contextual differences (in laws, governance attributes, and CEO pay policies) found between the Anglo‐American and the European corporate governance models and controlling for institutional attributes, ownership structures, and firm's features characterizing the two settings, we aim to explore if there is a link between CEO pay slice (CPS) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We follow Bebchuk et al. () to measure CPS. We consider sustainability indicators as proxy to capture CSR. Sustainability indicators are gathered from Global Reporting Initiative of sustainability standards (GRI's) report. Data cover the period 2010–2017 and consist of 1,440 U.S.–Canadian and Spanish–French firm‐year observations. American and Canadian (Spanish and French) firms are considered as to refer to the Anglo‐American (European) corporate governance model. Durbin–Wu–Hausman test is ruled to address endogeneity problem of dual variables and supports consistent null hypotheses of fixed effects model. Under the agency theory's “bright side” paradigm, univariate and multivariate cross‐country analysis supports that CPS is positively associated with firm's initiatives to engage in CSR and that sustainability is more pronounced under stronger investor protection, strict law enforcement, and higher corporate governance quality. Robustness checks reveal that (a) the deferred CPS–CSR causal effect seems higher for option‐based compensation than that for stock‐based compensation and (b) within the options (stocks) rewards, unvested options (restricted stocks) are the most effective to enhance firm's CSR practices.
Does corporate philanthropic giving reduce analyst earnings dispersion? Evidence from Korea
Authors: Chun Hong‐Min
Published: February 2019

This study investigates the relationship between corporate philanthropic giving and analyst earnings dispersion using Korean data from 2002 to 2015. Prior studies showed that philanthropic giving enhances financial performance and investment efficiency and reduces the risk that stock prices will crash. Despite the growing importance of corporate philanthropic giving, few studies examined how corporate giving affects analyst earnings dispersion.

The empirical result suggests that, first, a higher level of corporate giving is significantly and negatively associated with analyst earnings dispersion. Second, the negative association between corporate giving and analyst earnings dispersion is more pronounced in nonchaebol firms. This study might be the first attempt to use qualified donation expense data in Korea to examine the direct association between corporate giving and analyst earnings dispersion.
Synthesis of Acrylonitrile from Renewable Lactic Acid
Authors: Mack Daniel , Schätzle Sabrina , Traa Yvonne , Klemm Elias
Published: February 2019

Acrylonitrile (ACN) is widely used as monomer in the synthesis of polymers and carbon fibers. Nowadays, its production is based on fossil resources. Herein, an alternative process based on renewable resources is presented. Lactic acid (LA), which can be obtained by fermentation of biomass, was converted to ACN in two steps with an overall selectivity of 57 %. In the first step, a direct amidation of LA in the presence of water was conducted at 230 °C. Zeolites can catalyze the formation of lactamide, and a selectivity of 92 % was reached at 33 % conversion with NH4‐ZSM‐5. In the second step, the dehydration of lactamide to ACN was performed with acetic anhydride, and an ACN selectivity of 62 % was achieved at full conversion.
Supported Co–Re Bimetallic Catalysts with Different Structures as Efficient Catalysts for Hydrogenation of Citral
Authors: Di Xin , Lafaye Gwendoline , Especel Catherine , Epron Florence , Qi Ji , Li Chuang , Liang Changhai
Published: February 2019

Invited for this month's cover is a Sino‐French collaboration team composed of Prof. Liang′s group at the Dalian University of Technology and researchers from SAMCat team of IC2MP at the University of Poitiers. The cover picture shows Co–Re bimetallic catalysts with different structures. The degree of contact between the two metals gradually increases from Co and Re isolated particles to Co–Re core‐shell structure. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201802744.
Individual variation and seasonality drive bird feeder use during winter in a Mediterranean climate
Authors: Lajoie Janel L. , Ganio Lisa M. , Rivers James W.
Published: February 2019

Purposeful provisioning of food to wild animals is a widespread and growing activity that has the potential to impact populations and communities. Nevertheless, studies assessing use of recreational feeders by free‐living birds during winter are surprisingly rare and largely limited to regions with continental climates characterized by freezing temperatures and snow cover. In contrast, there is little information available regarding bird use of feeders within warmer climates during winter, despite widespread recreational feeding in these areas. In this study, we quantified visitation patterns to bird feeders in a Mediterranean climate to evaluate the relationship between feeder use and several environmental variables known to influence supplemental feeder use in continental climates. We established a network of bird feeders in Corvallis, Oregon, USA, that were filled with black oil sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds and equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) data loggers that recorded >315,000 visits by 70 individual Black‐capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) across a 5‐month period (October 2016–March 2017). We found extensive variation in feeder use, with individuals averaging 1–406 feeder visits/day and using 1–9 of the 21 feeders that were available; individual variability was largely consistent during the course of our study. At the population level, we found that feeder use decreased from the start of our study, and this decline continued through the period when foraging was most limited by daylight, including the winter solstice. In contrast to theoretical predictions and empirical work in continental climates, we found that weather variables did not drive feeder use and that feeder visits peaked at mid‐day and gradually decreased until sunset. Our study indicates that individual‐level differences combined with seasonality to drive feeder use patterns, and we conclude that use of supplemental feeders during winter in Mediterranean climates appears to differ notably from feeder use in continental climates.
Geographic variation in thermal sensitivity of early life traits in a widespread reptile
Authors: Bodensteiner Brooke L. , Warner Daniel A. , Iverson John B. , Milne‐Zelman Carrie L. , Mitchell Timothy S. , Refsnider Jeanine M. , Janzen Fredric J.
Published: February 2019

Taxa with large geographic distributions generally encompass diverse macroclimatic conditions, potentially requiring local adaptation and/or phenotypic plasticity to match their phenotypes to differing environments. These eco‐evolutionary processes are of particular interest in organisms with traits that are directly affected by temperature, such as embryonic development in oviparous ectotherms. Here we examine the spatial distribution of fitness‐related early life phenotypes across the range of a widespread vertebrate, the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta). We quantified embryonic and hatchling traits from seven locations (in Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, Nebraska, Kansas, and New Mexico) after incubating eggs under constant conditions across a series of environmentally relevant temperatures. Thermal reaction norms for incubation duration and hatchling mass varied among locations under this common‐garden experiment, indicating genetic differentiation or pre‐ovulatory maternal effects. However, latitude, a commonly used proxy for geographic variation, was not a strong predictor of these geographic differences. Our findings suggest that this macroclimatic proxy may be an unreliable surrogate for microclimatic conditions experienced locally in nests. Instead, complex interactions between abiotic and biotic factors likely drive among‐population phenotypic variation in this system. Understanding spatial variation in key life‐history traits provides an important perspective on adaptation to contemporary and future climatic conditions.
Equivalence analysis to support environmental safety assessment: Using nontarget organism count data from field trials with cisgenically modified potato
Authors: van der Voet Hilko , Goedhart Paul W. , Lazebnik Jenny , Kessel Geert J. T. , Mullins Ewen , van Loon Joop J. A. , Arpaia Salvatore
Published: February 2019

This paper considers the statistical analysis of entomological count data from field experiments with genetically modified (GM) plants. Such trials are carried out to assess environmental safety. Potential effects on nontarget organisms (NTOs), as indicators of biodiversity, are investigated. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gives broad guidance on the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of GM plants. Field experiments must contain suitable comparator crops as a benchmark for the assessment of designated endpoints. In this paper, a detailed protocol is proposed to perform data analysis for the purpose of assessing environmental safety. The protocol includes the specification of a list of endpoints and their hierarchical relations, the specification of intended levels of data analysis, and the specification of provisional limits of concern to decide on the need for further investigation. The protocol emphasizes a graphical representation of estimates and confidence intervals for the ratio of mean abundances for the GM plant and its comparator crop. Interpretation relies mainly on equivalence testing in which confidence intervals are compared with the limits of concern. The proposed methodology is illustrated with entomological count data resulting from multiyear, multilocation field trials. A cisgenically modified potato line (with enhanced resistance to late blight disease) was compared to the original conventional potato variety in the Netherlands and Ireland in two successive years (2013, 2014). It is shown that the protocol encompasses alternative schemes for safety assessment resulting from different research questions and/or expert choices. Graphical displays of equivalence testing at several hierarchical levels and their interpretation are presented for one of these schemes. The proposed approaches should be of help in the ERA of GM or other novel plants.
Incorporating biophysical gradients and uncertainty into burn severity maps in a temperate fire‐prone forested region
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Andrus Robert A. , Anderson Sean C.
Published: February 2019

As forest fire activity increases worldwide, it is important to track changing patterns of burn severity (i.e., degree of fire‐caused ecological change). Satellite data provide critical information across space and time, yet how satellite indices relate to individual measures of burn severity on the ground (e.g., tree mortality or surface charring) and how these relationships change across biophysical gradients remain unclear. To address these knowledge gaps, we used Bayesian hierarchical zero‐one‐inflated beta (ZOIB) regression models with nearly 600 plots of individual field measures of burn severity distributed across the U.S. Rocky Mountains. We asked the following: How do three commonly used satellite indices of burn severity relate to individual field measures of canopy burn severity and forest‐floor burn severity (Q1)? Then, using the highest ranked satellite index, how is reliability affected by biophysical gradients that can be captured in accessible geospatial data (e.g., latitude, slope) (Q2) and stand‐structure data typically available only with field data (Q3)? The Relative differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (RdNBR) outperformed the differenced Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) and the Relative Burn Ratio (RBR) across canopy and forest‐floor measures of burn severity, but differences among index performances were minor. Overall, indices performed better for field measures of canopy burn severity than for forest‐floor measures. The relationship between RdNBR and individual field measures of burn severity changed across several biophysical gradients. For example, the same value of RdNBR corresponded to different field levels of burn severity depending on latitude, pre‐fire forest structure, and pre‐fire beetle outbreaks—and effects of biophysical gradients were often different for canopy vs. forest‐floor measures of burn severity. We show that estimating field measures of burn severity using satellite indices can be improved by including biophysical information, but if variables that are difficult to obtain without field data (e.g., pre‐fire beetle outbreak severity) are lacking, we suggest caution in interpreting satellite indices of burn severity across gradients of pre‐fire biophysical conditions. Finally, using an example fire, we illustrate contrasting maps of burn severity that arise from differences in the relationship between individual field measures of burn severity and RdNBR after accounting for error in those relationships.
Cellular and metabolic engineering of oleaginous yeastYarrowia lipolyticafor bioconversion of hydrophobic substrates into high‐value products
Authors: Soong Ya‐Hue Valerie , Liu Na , Yoon Seongkyu , Lawton Carl , Xie Dongming
Published: February 2019

The non‐conventional oleaginous yeastYarrowia lipolyticais able to utilize both hydrophilic and hydrophobic carbon sources as substrates and convert them into value‐added bioproducts such as organic acids, extracellular proteins, wax esters, long‐chain diacids, fatty acid ethyl esters, carotenoids and omega‐3 fatty acids. Metabolic pathway analysis and previous research results show that hydrophobic substrates are potentially more preferred byY. lipolyticathan hydrophilic substrates to make high‐value products at higher productivity, titer, rate, and yield. Hence,Y. lipolyticais becoming an efficient and promising biomanufacturing platform due to its capabilities in biosynthesis of extracellular lipases and directly converting the extracellular triacylglycerol oils and fats into high‐value products. It is believed that the cell size and morphology of theY. lipolyticais related to the cell growth, nutrient uptake, and product formation. DimorphicY. lipolyticademonstrates the yeast‐to‐hypha transition in response to the extracellular environments and genetic background. Yeast‐to‐hyphal transition regulating genes, such asYlBEM1, YlMHY1andYlZNC1and so forth, have been identified to involve as major transcriptional factors that control morphology transition inY. lipolytica. The connection of the cell polarization including cell cycle and the dimorphic transition with the cell size and morphology inY. lipolyticaadapting to new growth are reviewed and discussed. This review also summarizes the general and advanced genetic tools that are used to build aY. lipolyticabiomanufacturing platform.
In vitro antioxidant properties of golden grass (Syngonanthus nitens) by electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Barroso Rafael P. , Berlim Leonardo S. , Ito Amando S. , Costa‐Filho Antonio J.
Published: February 2019

The in vitro antioxidant properties of golden grass (GG), a grass‐like herb (Syngonanthus nitens), were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We measured the antioxidant capacity of methanolic extracts based on their ability to scavenge 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The kinetics of reaction between DPPH and GG extract was determined. This kinetics followed a biexponential decay, and this behavior was attributed to different flavonoids acting together as antioxidants. Isoorientin and luteolin, which are two of the eight flavonoids found in GG extract, were used to investigate kinetics of reaction between DPPH and both the flavonoids acting separately and together. The antioxidant activity of GG extract was determined in terms of the vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity (VCEAC). Compared to other well‐known plant‐based antioxidants, such as pulp and peels of fruit and vegetables, S. nitens presented a high antioxidant capacity (VCEAC = 1,485 ± 198 mg/100 g), indicating that it should be regarded as a valuable source of antioxidants and also that it may bestow health benefits when consumed.
On producing CO2 from subsurface reservoirs: simulations of liquid‐gas phase change caused by decompression
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis , Pan Lehua , Zhou Quanlin , Dobeck Laura , Spangler Lee
Published: February 2019

Carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction from deep reservoirs is currently important in CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and may become more important in the future if interim CO2 storage becomes common. In late 2014, we were involved in a production test of liquid CO2 from the Middle Duperow dolostone at Kevin Dome, Montana. The test resulted in lowering the temperature at the well bottom to ∼2 °C, and showed that the well and reservoir had very low CO2 productivity. We have used the CO2 modeling capabilities of the TOUGH codes to simulate the test and to show that liquid CO2 in the reservoir changes to gas phase as the pressure is lowered in the well during production testing. The associated phase change and decompression combine to drastically lower the bottom‐hole temperature, creating the potential for water ice or CO2 hydrate to form. By hypothesizing a relatively high‐permeability damage zone near the well surrounded by lower permeability reservoir rock, we can match the observed pressure, temperature, and production rate. Moving from the Kevin Dome test to the question of CO2 extraction from deep reservoirs in general, we carried out a parametric study to investigate the effects of reservoir depth and transmissivity on CO2 production rate for a prototypical reservoir. Simulations show that depth and high transmissivity favor productivity. Complex phase changes within the ranges of P‐T encountered in typical CO2 production wells affect production rates. The results of our parametric study may be useful for the preliminary feasibility assessment of CO2 extraction from deep reservoirs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LA‐ICPMS zircon U–Pb dating of the Heilongjiang Complex in the Luobei area: New constraints for the late Palaeozoic‐Mesozoic tectonic evolution of Jiamusi Block, NE China
Authors: Han Wei , Zhou Jian‐Bo , Wilde Simon A. , Li Long
Published: February 2019

The Heilongjiang Complex is a sequence of high‐pressure (HP) metamorphic rocks that are distributed along the N‐S suture zone between the Jiamusi and Songliao blocks in NE China. In this study, we investigated samples from Luobei in order to understand the geochronological and tectonic framework of the Heilongjiang Complex. The Heilongjiang Complex consists of two‐mica schist, muscovite‐albite schist, quartz schist, plagioclase gneiss, granitic gneiss, serpentinite, blueschist, greenschist, amphibolite, and marble. LA‐ICP‐MS dating of all samples shows a range of protolith ages from 435 to 210 Ma. These data, together with a 492 ± 6 Ma age from a granite gneiss sample in the Yilan area, indicate that the protoliths of the Heilongjiang Complex were formed over a protracted time span from ~490 to ~210 Ma. In addition, five zircon grains in two samples contain metamorphic rims that yield ages of 197 ± 2 Ma. These results, when combined with field evidence that the Heilongjiang Complex is overlain by Middle Jurassic strata, indicate it was metamorphosed between ~210 and 197 Ma and not in the Cretaceous as previously considered. This line of evidence, plus the occurrence of late Palaeozoic arc‐affinity volcanic rocks in the eastern margin of the Jiamusi Block and syn‐collisional Mesozoic volcanic rocks in the Zhangguangcai and Lesser Xing'an ranges, suggests the Heilongjiang Complex was a result of Panthalassa subduction during the late Palaeozoic and Paleo‐Pacific subduction during the Mesozoic.
Configurational Lability of Imino‐Substituted Ethano Tröger Bases. Insight on the Racemization Mechanism
Authors: Bosmani Alessandro , Guarnieri‐Ibáñez Alejandro , Lacour Jérôme
Published: February 2019

Polycyclic indoline‐benzodiazepines are afforded in one step by the reaction of Tröger bases with N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles under Rh(II) catalysis. After α‐imino carbene formation, the process involves a cascade of [1,2]‐Stevens rearrangement, Friedel‐Crafts, Grob fragmentation, and aminal formation reactions. It is highly diastereoselective (d.r. >49:1, four stereocenters incl. two bridgehead N‐atoms). However and in contrast with other reported carbene additions to these moieties, full racemization occurs when enantiopure Tröger bases are used as substrates. To pinpoint the origin of this unexpected behavior, a key elemental step of the mechanism was evaluated and tested. Interestingly, it is not only the initial ring‐opening but also the latter reversible Mannich reaction of the imino‐substituted ethano Tröger base intermediate that is responsible for the loss of enantiospecificity.
Antidiabetic properties of aqueous and methanol extracts from the trunk bark of Ceiba pentandra in type 2 diabetic rat
Authors: Fofie Christian Kuete , Katekhaye Shankar , Borse Swapnil , Sharma Vipin , Nivsarkar Manish , Nguelefack‐Mbuyo Elvine Pami , Kamanyi Albert , Singh Vijai , Nguelefack Telesphore Benoît
Published: February 2019

The type 2 diabetes is one of the major global health issues that affects millions of people. This study evaluated the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extracts (AECP) and methanol extracts (MECP) from Ceiba pentandra trunk bark on an experimental model of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This model was induced in rats by the combination of a high‐fat diet (HFD) and a single dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) at the seventh day of experimentation. Diabetes was confirmed on day 10 by fasting blood glucose more than or equal to 200 mg/dL. Diabetic animals still under HFD were treated orally and twice daily, with MECP and AECP (75 and 150 mg/kg) or metformin (40 mg/kg) for 14 days. During the experiment, blood glucose and animal weights were determined. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 15, followed by animals sacrifice for blood, liver, and pancreas collection. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were evaluated in plasma, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, and catalase were quantified in tissue homogenates. AECP and MECP significantly reduced the hyperglycemia by up to 62% and significantly improved the oral glucose tolerance test. The impaired levels of cholesterol and triglycerides registered in diabetic control were significantly reversed by both extracts at all the doses used. Alterations in diabetic pancreas weight, GSH, and MDA were also significantly reversed by plant extracts. AECP and MECP possess type 2 antidiabetic effects that could result from their ability to improve the peripheral use of glucose, lipid metabolism or from their capacity to reduce oxidative stress. These finding provide a new avenue for better control and management of early or advanced T2D.
PPI‐Detect: A support vector machine model for sequence‐based prediction of protein–protein interactions
Authors: Romero‐Molina Sandra , Ruiz‐Blanco Yasser B. , Harms Mirja , Münch Jan , Sanchez‐Garcia Elsa
Published: February 2019

The prediction of peptide–protein or protein–protein interactions (PPI) is a challenging task, especially if amino acid sequences are the only information available. Machine learning methods allow us to exploit the information content in PPI datasets. However, the numerical codification of these datasets often influences the performance of data mining approaches. Here, we introduce a procedure for the general‐purpose numerical codification of polypeptides. This procedure transforms pairs of amino acid sequences into a machine learning‐friendly vector, whose elements represent numerical descriptors of residues in proteins. We used this numerical encoding procedure for the development of a support vector machine model (PPI‐Detect), which allows predicting whether two proteins will interact or not. PPI‐Detect (https://ppi-detect.zmb.uni-due.de/) outperforms state of the art sequence‐based predictors of PPI. We employed PPI‐Detect for the analysis of derivatives of EPI‐X4, an endogenous peptide inhibitor of CXCR4, a G‐protein‐coupled receptor. There, we identified with high accuracy those peptides which bind better than EPI‐X4 to the receptor. Also using PPI‐Detect, we designed a novel peptide and then experimentally established its anti‐CXCR4 activity. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling large protein–glycosaminoglycan complexes using a fragment‐based approach
Authors: Samsonov Sergey A. , Zacharias Martin , Chauvot de Beauchene Isaure
Published: February 2019

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), a major constituent of the extracellular matrix, participate in cell‐signaling by binding specific proteins. Structural data on protein–GAG interactions are crucial to understand and modulate these signaling processes, with potential applications in regenerative medicine. However, experimental and theoretical approaches used to study GAG–protein systems are challenged by GAGs high flexibility limiting the conformational sampling above a certain size, and by the scarcity of GAG‐specific docking tools compared to protein–protein or protein–drug docking approaches. We present for the first time an automated fragment‐based method for docking GAGs on a protein binding site. In this approach, trimeric GAG fragments are flexibly docked to the protein, assembled based on their spacial overlap, and refined by molecular dynamics. The method appeared more successful than the classical full‐ligand approach for most of 13 tested complexes with known structure. The approach is particularly promising for docking of long GAG chains, which represents a bottleneck for classical docking approaches applied to these systems. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Platelet‐rich plasma promotes the regeneration of cartilage engineered by mesenchymal stem cells and collagen hydrogel via the TGF‐β/SMAD signaling pathway
Authors: Fang Depeng , Jin Pan , Huang Quanxin , Yang Yuan , Zhao Jinmin , Zheng Li
Published: February 2019

The tissue engineering technique using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and scaffolds is promising. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is generally accepted as an chondrogenic agent, but immunorejection and unexpected side effects, such as tumorigenesis and heterogeneity, limit its clinical application. Autogenous platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), marked by low immunogenicity, easy accessibility, and low‐cost, may be favorable for cartilage regeneration. In our study, the effect of PRP on engineered cartilage constructed by MSCs and collagen hydrogel in vitro and in vivo was investigated and compared with TGF‐β1. The results showed that PRP promoted cell proliferation and gene and protein expressions of chondrogenic markers via the TGF‐β/SMAD signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it suppressed the expression of collagen type I, a marker of fibrocartilage. Furthermore, PRP accelerated cartilage regeneration on defects with engineered cartilage, advantageous over TGF‐β1, as evaluated by histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Our work demonstrates that autogenous PRP may substitute TGF‐β1 as a potent and reliable chondrogenic inducer for therapy of cartilage defect.
NLRC3 inhibits MCT‐induced pulmonary hypertension in rats via attenuating PI3K activation
Authors: Zha Li‐Huang , Zhou Jun , Li Tang‐Zhiming , Luo Hui , Zhang Men‐Qiu , Li Sheng , Yu Zai‐Xin
Published: February 2019

Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) activation plays a critical role in the pulmonary vascular remodeling of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The nucleotide‐oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor subfamily C3 (NLRC3) inhibits proliferation and inflammation via PI3K signaling in cancer. We previously showed NLRC3 was significantly reduced in PH patients, but the mechanism of function remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the potential role of NLRC3 in PH. We found that NLRC3 was downregulated in the pulmonary arteries of PH animal models and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) stimulated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). NLRC3 pretreatment reduced right ventricular systolic pressure, attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling and RVHI, and ameliorated proliferation, migration, and inflammation. Monocrotaline (MCT)‐ and PDGF‐BB‐mediated PI3K activation were suppressed by NLRC3 pretreatment. 740Y‐P decreased the effect of NLRC3. Collectively, NLRC3 protected against MCT‐induced rat PH and PDGF‐BB‐induced PASMC proliferation, migration, and inflammation through a mechanism involving PI3K inhibition. NLRC3 may have a therapeutic effect on PH and provide a promising therapeutic strategy for PH.
Hibernation impacts lysine methylation dynamics in the 13‐lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
Authors: Watts Alexander J. , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: February 2019

During winter hibernation in mammals, body temperature falls to near‐ambient levels, metabolism shifts to favor lipid oxidation, and metabolic rate is strongly suppressed by inhibiting many ATP‐expensive processes (e.g., transcription, translation) for animals in order to survive for many months on limited reserves of body fuels. Regulation of such profound changes (i.e., metabolic rate depression) requires rapid and reversible controls provided by protein posttranslational modifications. Protein lysine methylation provides one mechanism by which the functionality, activity, and stability of cellular proteins and enzymes can be modified for the needs of the hibernator. The present study reports the responses of seven lysine methyltransferases (SMYD2, SUV39H1, SET8, SET7/9, G9a, ASH2L, and RBBP5) in skeletal muscle and liver over seven stages of the torpor/arousal cycle in 13‐lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). A tissue‐specific and stage‐specific analysis revealed significant changes in the protein levels of lysine methyltransferases, methylation patterns on histone H3, histone methyltransferase activity, and methylation of the p53 transcription factor. Enzymes typically increased in protein amount in either torpor, arousal, or the transitory periods. Methylation of histone H3 and p53 typically followed the patterns of the methyltransferase enzymes. Overall, these data show that protein lysine methylation is an important regulator of the mammalian hibernation phenotype.
Pre‐exposure prophylaxis initiation and adherence among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in three US cities: results from the HPTN 073 study
Authors: Wheeler Darrell P , Fields Sheldon D , Beauchamp Geetha , Chen Ying Q , Emel Lynda M , Hightow‐Weidman Lisa , Hucks‐Ortiz Christopher , Kuo Irene , Lucas Jonathan , Magnus Manya , Mayer Kenneth H , Nelson LaRon E , Hendrix Craig W , Piwowar‐Manning Estelle , Shoptaw Steven , Watkins Phaedrea , Watson C Chauncey , Wilton Leo
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of antiretroviral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, limited research has examined initiation and adherence to PrEP among Black MSM (BMSM) in the United States (US) who are disproportionately represented among newly HIV infected and late to care individuals. This research reports on the HIV Prevention Trials Network 073 (HPTN 073) study aimed to examine PrEP initiation, utilization and adherence among Black MSM utilizing the theoretically principled, culturally informed and client‐centered care coordination (C4) model.

Methods

The HPTN 073 study enrolled and followed 226 HIV‐uninfected Black MSM in three US cities (Los Angeles, CA; Washington DC; and Chapel Hill, NC) from February 2013 through September 2015. Study participants were offered once daily oral emtricitabine/tenofovir (FTC/TDF) PrEP combined with C4 and followed up for 52 weeks. Participants received HIV testing, risk reduction education and clinical monitoring.

Results

Of the 226 men enrolled, 178 participants initiated PrEP (79%), and of these 64% demonstrated PrEP utilization at week 26 (mid‐point of the study) based on pharmacokinetic testing. Condomless anal sex with an HIV‐infected or unknown status casual male partner was statistically significantly associated with a greater likelihood of PrEP initiation (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7, 11.7). Greater age (≥25 vs. <25, OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.37 –6.37), perception of having enough money (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.7) and knowledge of male partner taking PrEP before sex (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.79) were statistically significantly associated with increased likelihood of PrEP adherence at week 26. Annualized HIV incidence was 2.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 7.9) among those who initiated PrEP, compared to 7.7 (95% CI 2.5 to 24.1) among those who did not initiate PrEP (p = 0.18).

Conclusions

Results suggest a high level of PrEP initiation among at‐risk Black MSM, a group historically characterized as hard to reach. The data support the importance of addressing contextual factors that affect PrEP initiation and adherence, and of additional research on the ultimate benefit of PrEP in HIV prevention among Black MSM.