bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐modal modulation of cell activity by sound in first‐order visual thalamic nucleus
Authors: Kimura Akihisa
Published: January 2020

Cross‐modal auditory influence on cell activity in the primary visual cortex emerging at short latencies raises the possibility that the first‐order visual thalamic nucleus, which is considered dedicated to unimodal visual processing, could contribute to cross‐modal sensory processing, as has been indicated in the auditory and somatosensory systems. To test this hypothesis, the effects of sound stimulation on visual cell activity in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus were examined in anesthetized rats, using juxta‐cellular recording and labeling techniques. Visual responses evoked by light (white LED) were modulated by sound (noise burst) given simultaneously or 50–400 ms after the light, even though sound stimuli alone did not evoke cell activity. Alterations of visual response were observed in 71% of cells (57/80) with regard to response magnitude, latency, and/or burst spiking. Suppression predominated in response magnitude modulation, but de novo responses were also induced by combined stimulation. Sound affected not only onset responses but also late responses. Late responses were modulated by sound given before or after onset responses. Further, visual responses evoked by the second light stimulation of a double flash with a 150–700 ms interval were also modulated by sound given together with the first light stimulation. In morphological analysis of labeled cells projection cells comparable to X‐, Y‐, and W‐like cells and interneurons were all susceptible to auditory influence. These findings suggest that the first‐order visual thalamic nucleus incorporates auditory influence into parallel and complex thalamic visual processing for cross‐modal modulation of visual attention and perception.
CGIAR modeling approaches for resource‐constrained scenarios: II. Models for analyzing socioeconomic factors to improve policy recommendations
Authors: Kruseman Gideon , Bairagi Subir , Komarek Adam M. , Molero Milan Anabel , Nedumaran Swamikannu , Petsakos Athanasios , Prager Steven , Yigezu Yigezu A.
Published: January 2020

International crop‐related research as conducted by the CGIAR uses crop modeling for a variety of purposes. By linking crop models with economic models and approaches, crop model outputs can be effectively used as inputs into socioeconomic modeling efforts for priority setting and policy advice using ex‐ante impact assessment of technologies and scenario analysis. This requires interdisciplinary collaboration and very often collaboration across a variety of research organizations. This study highlights the key topics, purposes, and approaches of socioeconomic analysis within the CGIAR related to cropping systems. Although each CGIAR center has a different mission, all CGIAR centers share a common strategy of striving toward a world free of hunger, poverty, and environmental degradation. This means research is mostly focused toward resource‐constrained smallholder farmers. The review covers global modeling efforts using the IMPACT model to farm household bio‐economic models for assessing the potential impact of new technologies on farming systems and livelihoods. Although the CGIAR addresses all aspects of food systems, the focus of this review is on crop commodities and the economic analysis linked to crop‐growth model results. This study, while not a comprehensive review, provides insights into the richness of the socioeconomic modeling endeavors within the CGIAR. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the challenges this type of modeling faces.
Fanconi anemia and the underlying causes of genomic instability
Authors: Rageul Julie , Kim Hyungjin
Published: January 2020

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder, characterized by birth defects, progressive bone marrow failure, and a predisposition to cancer. This devastating disease is caused by germline mutations in any one of the 22 known FA genes, where the gene products are primarily responsible for the resolution of DNA interstrand cross‐links (ICLs), a type of DNA damage generally formed by cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. However, the identity of endogenous mutagens that generate DNA ICLs remains largely elusive. In addition, whether DNA ICLs are indeed the primary cause behind FA phenotypes is still a matter of debate. Recent genetic studies suggest that naturally occurring reactive aldehydes are a primary source of DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells, implicating that they could play a role in genome instability and FA. Emerging lines of evidence indicate that the FA pathway constitutes a general surveillance mechanism for the genome by protecting against a variety of DNA replication stresses. Therefore, understanding the DNA repair signaling that is regulated by the FA pathway, and the types of DNA lesions underlying the FA pathophysiology is crucial for the treatment of FA and FA‐associated cancers. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between reactive aldehydes, bone marrow dysfunction, and FA biology in the context of signaling pathways triggered during FA‐mediated DNA repair and maintenance of the genomic integrity. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benchmark Dose Analysis of DNA Damage Biomarker Responses Provides Compound Potency and Adverse Outcome Pathway Information for the Topoisomerase II Inhibitor Class of Compounds
Authors: Wheeldon Ryan P. , Bernacki Derek T. , Dertinger Stephen D. , Bryce Steven M. , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Johnson George E.
Published: January 2020

Genetic toxicology data have traditionally been utilized for hazard identification to provide a binary call for a compound's risk. Recent advances in the scientific field, especially with the development of high‐throughput methods to quantify DNA damage, have influenced a change of approach in genotoxicity assessment. The in vitro MultiFlow® DNA Damage Assay is one such method which multiplexes γH2AX, p53, phospho‐histone H3 biomarkers into a single‐flow cytometric analysis (Bryce et al., [2016]: Environ Mol Mutagen 57:546–558). This assay was used to study human TK6 cells exposed to each of eight topoisomerase II poisons for 4 and 24 hr. Using PROAST v65.5, the Benchmark Dose approach was applied to the resulting flow cytometric datasets. With “compound” serving as covariate, all eight compounds were combined into a single analysis, per time point and endpoint. The resulting 90% confidence intervals, plotted in Log scale, were considered as the potency rank for the eight compounds. The in vitro MultiFlow data showed a maximum confidence interval span of 1Log, which indicates data of good quality. Patterns observed in the compound potency rank were scrutinized by using the expert rule‐based software program Derek Nexus, developed by Lhasa Limited. Compound sub‐classification and structural alerts were considered contributory to the potencies observed for the topoisomerase II poisons studied herein. The Topo II poison Adverse Outcome Pathway was evaluated with MultiFlow endpoints serving as Key Events. The step‐wise approach described herein can be considered as a foundation for risk assessment of compounds within a specific mode of action of interest. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2020. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Response characteristics of a beam‐mass system with general boundary conditions under compressive axial force and accelerating masses
Authors: Omolofe Babatope , Adara Emmanuel Olamide
Published: January 2020

In this study the problem of the dynamic characteristics of a structurally presstressed beam under compressive axial force and subjected to accelerating loads is investigated. A procedure based on Galerkin's residual method, asymptotic method of struble, and integral transformation method is developed to solve the fourth‐order partial differential equation with variable and singular coefficients governing the dynamic behavior exhibited by the beam‐mass system. The proposed solution procedure is very versatile and is suitable for handling moving mass beam problem for all pertinent boundary conditions. The theory and analysis proposed in this work are illustrated by various practical examples often encounter in engineering design and practice. Analytical solutions valid for all variants of classical boundary conditions are obtained for the beam‐load system. The effects of the traveling velocity of the moving mass, span length, and flexural rigidity on the response of the beam are investigated. A comparative analysis of the behavior of this structural member under accelerating, decelerating, and uniform velocity type of motion is performed. Various results in plotted curves are presented.
Occurrence and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in the Surface Waters of Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Authors: Migwi Francis Kigera , Ogunah Joanne Atieno , Kiratu John Mburu
Published: January 2020

Microplastics are emerging threat contaminants that have been shown to provide toxic pollutants, either from the environment or from their inherent toxic monomers and additives, a pathway into the aquatic food web. In the present study, the occurrence, abundance, and composition of microplastic load in the surface water of Lake Naivasha (Kenya) was determined. The surface water physicochemical parameters were measured in situ; microplastic samples were collected using plankton net trawls and treated with H2O2 to decompose organic matter. The microplastic particles recovered were classified both by visual observation and by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The average microplastic concentration range in surface water was 0.183 ± 0.017 to 0.633 ± 0.067 particles/m2, with the mean concentration being 0.407 ± 0.135 particles/m2. Fragments, fibers, and films were identified and were mostly composed of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester. We also performed correlational analysis, which showed a strong positive association between microplastic quantity and turbidity, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus in the lake. The high variability in microplastic densities exhibited between the sampled locations was attributed to human activities, water and wastewater intake through rivers and tributaries, and the presence of local wind patterns responsible for the general water circulation. Our assessment adds to the growing documentation of microplastic presence in freshwater ecosystems, and provides a baseline for future monitoring and assessment in sediment and biota of Lake Naivasha and other Kenyan freshwater systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:765–774. © 2020 SETAC
A Pragmatic Device Based on a Double‐Sided Functional Structure for Efficient Water Harvesting
Authors: Chen Mingxue , Yi Zilin , Tao Shuang , Wang Shiyu , Fang Zhenggang , Lu Chunhua , Xu Zhongzi
Published: January 2020

Water collection from fog has received much attention to meet the challenges of scarcity of clean drinking water in desert and arid regions. Currently, solar‐thermal technology is being used as an efficient, sustainable, and low‐cost method for water desalination to produce clean water. To collect the clean water, in recent years, most researchers have designed the structure of water collection surfaces. However, the heat released during the liquefaction process of droplets has an adverse effect on the condensation of droplets, and thus affecting the water collection efficiency. Here, in order to improve water collection efficiency, a radiative cooling layer is introduced on the back of the collection surface to dissipate the heat released during droplet liquefaction. The radiative cooling layer, consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropene) embedded with SiO2 and CaMoO4 nanoparticles, can theoretically cool 18.1 °C below the ambient temperature in the daytime. With the addition of cooling coating on the back of the water collection surface, the water harvesting efficiency can be increased by 43–52%. The developed water harvesting device may provide a new pathway to the efficient collection of fresh water.
Anatomically‐based transoral surgical approach to early‐stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Calabrese Luca , Pietrobon Giacomo , Fazio Enrico , Abousiam Monir , Awny Shadi , Bruschini Roberto , Accorona Remo
Published: January 2020

The mainstream of treatment of early‐stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is represented by transoral resection with “adequate” free margins. Despite that, a precise and shared definition of “adequate margin” is lacking, and so is a standardized transoral surgical technique.The tongue is a symmetrically paired organ, consisting of intertwining intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, which can be distinguished during dissection. Routes of tumoral spread in oral tongue cancer are well‐known and should be taken into account during resection. We propose herein a standardized and replicable surgical technique to resect early‐stage OTSCC, based on rational anatomical considerations.
Structural binding interactions of tetrabromobisphenol A with sex steroid nuclear receptors and sex hormone‐binding globulin
Authors: Sheikh Ishfaq A. , Beg Mohd A.
Published: January 2020

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is a widely used brominated flame retardant owing to its efficient fire‐breaking property. However, leaching of TBBPA into the environment has been a global health concern due to the endocrine‐disrupting activity (EDA) associated with TBBPA exposure. Limited studies are available on the hazardous effects of TBBPA on reproductive function. The aim of the present study was the structural characterization of potential EDA of TBBPA in reproductive hormone signaling and transport including steroid nuclear receptors, such as estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), and the steroid transport protein, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG). The structural binding characterization of TBBPA with the sex steroid nuclear receptors and transport protein was performed by induced‐fit docking using the Schrödinger 2017 suite. The results revealed that the TBBPA binding pattern and molecular interactions with the indicated receptors and transport protein displayed overall similarity with their respective native ligands. The estimated binding energy value of TBBPA for ERα was similar to the native ligand, estradiol, indicating tight binding and greater potential for TBBPA to disrupt ERα signaling. For ERβ, AR, PR and SHBG, the estimated binding energy values were also close to their respective native ligands, indicating potential for interference in native hormone signaling and transport. In conclusion, TBBPA exposure in humans may potentially cause disruption of sex steroid signaling and transport, and thus lead to reproductive dysfunction.
Extended Koopmans' theorem at the second‐order perturbation theory
Authors: Gu Yonghao , Xu Xin
Published: January 2020

The extended Koopmans' theorem (EKT), when combined with the second‐order Møller−Plesset (MP2) perturbation theory through the relaxed density matrix approach [J. Cioslowski, P. Piskorz, and G. Liu, J. Chem. Phys. 1997, 107, 6,804], provides a straightforward way to calculate the ionization potentials (IPs) as an one electron quantity. However, such an EKT‐MP2 method often suffers from the negative occupation problem, failing to provide the complete IP spectra for a system of interest. Here a small positive number scheme is proposed to cure this problem so as to remove the associated unphysical results. In order to obtain an in‐depth physical interpretation of the EKT‐MP2 method, we introduce a Koopmans‐type quantity, named KT‐MP2, based on which the respective contribution from the relaxation and the correlation parts in the EKT‐MP2 results are recognized. Furthermore, the close relationship between the EKT‐MP2 method and the derivative approach of the MP2 energy with respect to the orbital occupation numbers [N. Q. Su and X. Xu, J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2015, 11, 4,677] is revealed. When these MP2‐based methods are applied to a set of atoms and molecules, new insights are gained on the role played by the relaxation and the correlation effects in the electron ionization processes.
Synthesis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of bis sulfonamide/carbamate derivatives of bis‐(4‐aminophenyl) methane
Authors: Nagalakshmamma Vadabingi , Varalakshmi Mavallur , Umapriya Kollu , Venkataswamy Mallepogu , Venkataramaiah Chintha , Thyaga Raju Kedam , Chalapathi Ponne Venkata , NagaRaju Chamarthi
Published: January 2020

A series of new bis sulfonamide/carbamate derivatives of bis‐(4‐aminophenyl)methane 3(a–d)/5(a–f) were synthesized from bis‐(4‐aminophenyl)methane (1) using various pharmacologically active sulfonyl chlorides 2(a–d) and carbonochloridates 4(a–f) in high yields. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by the Infrared spectroscopy, NMR (1H and 13C), mass, and elemental analyses. Further, all the synthesized compounds were tested for the antioxidant activity by using 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, NO, and H2O2 scavenging methods and antimicrobial activity. Most of the compounds exhibited good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
The use of social media by Australian preadolescents and its links with mental health
Authors: Fardouly Jasmine , Magson Natasha R. , Rapee Ronald M. , Johnco Carly J. , Oar Ella L.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Preadolescent social media use is normative and could influence mental health. This study investigated: (a) Differences between preadolescent users and non‐users of various social media platforms on mental health, (b) unique links between time spent on those platforms, appearance‐based activities on social media, and mental health, and (c) the moderating role of biological sex on those relationships.

Method

Preadolescent youth (N = 528; 50.9% male) completed online surveys.

Results

Users of YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat reported more body image concerns and eating pathology than non‐users, but did not differ on depressive symptoms or social anxiety. Appearance investment uniquely predicted depressive symptoms. Appearance comparisons uniquely predicted all aspects of mental health, with some associations stronger for females than males.

Conclusions

Preadolescents could be encouraged to reduce their opportunities to make appearance comparisons and to invest less in their appearance on social media. Preadolescents may benefit from social media intervention programs.
MicroRNA‐182 supplies negative feedback regulation to ameliorate lipopolysaccharide‐induced ALI in mice by targeting TLR4
Authors: Yang Jing , Chen Yu , Jiang Kangfeng , Zhao Gan , Guo Shuai , Liu Junfeng , Yang Yaping , Deng Ganzhen
Published: January 2020

Acute lung injury (ALI), characterized by increased excessive pulmonary inflammation, is a pervasive inflammatory disease with clinically high incidence. MicroRNA (miRNAs) have been associated with the progression of multiple diseases and are regarded as novel regulators of inflammation. However, it remains largely unknown whether the miRNAs‐mediated regulatory mechanism has an effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in ALI. We discovered that miR‐182 distinctly lessened expression in the lung tissue of mice with ALI and macrophages stimulated by LPS. We also found that overexpression of miR‐182 significantly cut down the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, while this change was reversed by inhibition of miR‐182. In addition, miR‐182 suppressed the activation of NF‐κB by targeting TLR4 expression. And it was confirmed that miR‐182 directly regulated TLR4 expression at the posttranscriptional level by binding to the 3′‐UTR of TLR4. Together, these data suggested that inhibition of TLR4 expression assuaged LPS‐stimulated inflammation through negative feedback regulation of miR‐182.
Bta‐miR‐149‐5p inhibits proliferation and differentiation of bovine adipocytes through targeting CRTCs at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels
Authors: Khan Rajwali , Raza Sayed Haidar Abbas , Junjvlieke Zainaguli , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Hongbao , Cheng Gong , Mei Chugang , Elsaeid Elnour Ibrahim , Zan Linsen
Published: January 2020

MicroRNAs are small, single stranded, and noncoding RNAs that have been proven to be potent regulators of adipogenesis. However, the role of bta‐miR‐149‐5p in regulating bovine adipogenesis is still unclear. Expression profiling in different stages of adipogenesis revealed that bta‐miR‐149‐5p was enriched in the proliferation stage, and also on Day 9 of differentiation in bovine adipocytes. Our gain of function study showed that bta‐miR‐149‐5p can negatively regulate both bovine adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Overexpression of bta‐miR‐149‐5p suppressed the expression of proliferation marker genes at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, markedly decreased the percentage of S‐phase cells, decreased the number of EdU‐stained cells, and substantially reduced adipocyte proliferation vitality in the cell count assay. Collectively, these findings elucidated that bta‐miR‐149‐5p inhibits adipocyte proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of bta‐miR‐149‐5p also suppressed the expression of adipogenic genes at both the mRNA and protein levels, inhibited lipid accumulation, and reduced the secretion of adiponectin in bovine adipocytes. Furthermore, a luciferase activity assay explored how bta‐miR‐149‐5p targeted CRTCs (CRTC1 and CRTC2) directly. This targeting was further validated by the mRNA and protein level expression of CRTC1 and CRTC2, which were down regulated by bta‐miR‐149‐5p overexpression. Moreover, bta‐miR‐149‐5p indirectly targeted CRTC1 and CRTC2 through regulating their key transcription factors. Overexpression of bta‐miR‐149‐5p suppressed the expression of SMAD3, while enriched the expression of NRF1, which are the key transcription factors and proven regulators of CRTC1. Overexpression of bta‐miR‐149‐5p also repressed the expression of C/EBPγ, XBP1, INSM1, and ZNF263, which are the key regulators of CRTCs, at both the mRNA and protein levels. These findings suggest that bta‐miR‐149‐5p is a negative regulator of CRTC1 and CRTC2 both at transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. Taken together, these findings suggest that bta‐miR‐149‐5p can regulate adipogenesis, which implies that bta‐miR‐149‐5p could be a target for increasing intramuscular fat in beef cattle.
α2A‐AR antagonism by BRL‐44408 maleate attenuates acute lung injury in rats with downregulation of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and p65 pathway
Authors: Cong Zhukai , Li Dan , Tao Yifan , Lv Xiangpeng , Zhu Xi
Published: January 2020

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by acute hypoxic respiratory dysfunction or failure, is a manifestation of multiple organ failure in the lung, and the most common risk factor is sepsis. We previously showed that blocking α2‐adrenoceptor (α2‐AR) could attenuate lung injury induced by endotoxin in rats. α2A‐adrenoceptor (α2A‐AR), a subtype of α2‐AR plays a key role in inflammatory diseases, but the mechanism remains unknown. Here, we explored the effect of BRL‐44408 maleate (BRL), a specific α2A‐AR antagonist, on cecal ligation puncture (CLP)‐induced ARDS in rats and the underlying mechanism. Preadministration of BRL‐44408 maleate significantly alleviated CLP‐induced histological injury, macrophage infiltration, inflammatory response, and wet/dry ratio in lung tissue. However, there was no statistical difference in survival rate between the CLP and CLP+BRL groups. Extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2), p38MAPK, and p65 were activated in the CLP group, and BRL‐44408 maleate inhibited the activation of these signal molecules, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and protein kinase A (PKA) showed no changes in activation between these two groups. BRL‐44408 maleate decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced expression of cytokines in NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages and reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and p65. JNK and PKA were not influenced by LPS. Together, these findings suggest that antagonism of α2A‐AR improves CLP‐induced acute lung injury and involves the downregulation of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and p65 pathway independent of the activation of JNK and PKA.
OM, SEM–EDX, and micro‐FTIR analysis of the Bronze Age pottery from the Băile Figa salt production site (Transylvania, Romania)
Authors: Vasilache Viorica , Kavruk Valerii , Tencariu Felix‐Adrian
Published: January 2020

This article presents the results of analyses carried out on a lot of 11 fragments of Bronze Age ceramics discovered in the site from Băile Figa (Beclean town, Transylvania, Romania), where salt exploitation occurred. The samples were analyzed by means of optical microscopy, on the basis of which the morphology and distribution of the inclusions in the ceramic paste was established. Likewise, the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, producing microphotographs for each sample, and on the basis of the X‐ray spectra, the elemental composition in gravimetric percentages was established. Through the micro‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, on the basis of characteristic group vibrations, it was possible to ascertain the nature of the compounds from the ceramic samples. These analyses will contribute to the reconstruction of the prehistoric technologies for salt exploitation.
Parapodial glandular organs in Owenia borealis (Annelida: Oweniidae) and their possible relationship with nephridia
Authors: Rimskaya‐Korsakova Nadezda , Dyachuk Vyacheslav , Temereva Elena
Published: January 2020

Oweniidae is a basal group of recent annelids and nowadays it attracts the attention of researchers of many biological fields. Surprisingly, details of their anatomy, like the adult excretory system, remain obscure. Researchers recently suggested that the paired organs of tubeworms in the family Oweniidae are related to nephridia. In the current study of Owenia borealis adults, we determined that these structures are parapodial glandular organs (PGOs) and are located in the first two segments of adults. The PGOs are complex subepidermal multicellular glands that contain secretory cells, that is, goblet cells, which are differentiated by the type of the producing tube matter. The goblet cells are surrounded by muscles that are used to extrude material stored in the PGO's lumen into the external environment. The anterior pair of PGOs have very well‐developed rough endoplasmatic reticulum in the proximal cells, spacious Golgi complexes, numerous nail‐shaped microvilli, and apocrine secretory processes in the goblet cells of the distal parts. The posterior pair of PGOs only consists of cells, which probably produce proteinaceous fibrils. We discuss the homology of goblet cells with specific nail‐shaped microvilli that produce β‐chitin within annelids. We also discuss the possibility that PGOs and nephridia have a common origin. This study provides new information on the ultrastructure of cells that secrete the organic material used to form the tubes inhabited by tube‐dwelling annelids.
The association of coloniality with parental care of embryos
Authors: Strathmann Richard R.
Published: January 2020

Many colonial marine animals care for embryos by brooding them on or in their bodies. For brooding to occur, features of the animals must allow it, and brooding must be at least as advantageous as releasing gametes or zygotes. Shared features of diverse colonial brooders are suspension feeding and a body composed of small modules that are indefinitely repeated and can function semi‐autonomously, such as polyps or zooids. Suspension feeding permits capture of sperm for fertilization of ova that are retained by the parent. Distribution of broods among numerous small polyps, zooids, or other small modules facilitates supply of oxygen to embryos that are retained and protected by the parent. Brooding increases survival of offspring, controls dispersal, and can provide other developmental advantages. Colonial ascidians, pterobranch hemichordates, and entoprocts brood; most bryozoans and many colonial cnidarians brood. An unanswered question is why so many colonial anthozoans do not brood. Sponges share with colonies capacities for capturing sperm and separating numerous retained embryos yet many do not brood. Hypotheses for nonbrooding by colonies and sponges necessarily must apply to particular taxa. Few have been tested.
Influence of selenium yeast on the growth, selenium uptake and mineral composition of Coriolus versicolor mushroom
Authors: Miletić Dunja , Pantić Milena , Sknepnek Aleksandra , Vasiljević Ivana , Lazović Milana , Nikšić Miomir
Published: January 2020

The ability of Coriolus versicolor medicinal mushroom to grow and accumulate selenium during submerged cultivation in a selenium‐fortified medium is examined in this paper. For selenium supplementation, commercial selenium yeast was used. Control, nonenriched sample and reference cultures cultivated in the medium enriched with commercial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were also prepared. The mushroom demonstrated a high ability to accumulate selenium from the added source (around 970 and 1,300 µg/g of dry mycelium weight for samples enriched with selenium in a concentration of 10 and 20 mg Se/L, respectively). The addition of selenium significantly (p ≤ .05) increased the biomass yield, whereas the addition of nonenriched yeast had no significant (p ≤ .05) impact. Furthermore, regression analysis showed statistically significant (p ≤ .05) and positive correlations between the content of Se and Fe (r = .92), Se and Cu (r = .92), Se and Mn (r = .98), and Se and Sr (r = .96), suggesting that selenium incorporation was followed by incorporation of these elements, and led to mineral enrichment of the obtained mycelium. Methanol extracts prepared from mycelium biomass demonstrated a better inhibitory effect on Gram‐positive bacterial strains with minimal inhibitory concentrations between <0.3125 and 40 mg/ml. The obtained results showed that selenium yeast could be used for obtaining a potential novel food supplement: mushroom biomass with high selenium content and enhanced mineral composition.
Recent advances in the diagnosis of dermatophytosis
Authors: Begum Jubeda , Mir Nasir A. , Lingaraju Madhu C. , Buyamayum Bidyarani , Dev Kapil
Published: January 2020

Dermatophytosis is a disease of global significance caused by pathogenic keratinolytic fungi called dermatophytes in both animals and humans. The recent taxonomy of dermatophytes classifies them into six pathogenic genera, namely Microsporum, Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, Nannizzia, Lophophyton and Arthroderma. It is because of the delayed diagnostic nature and low accuracy of dermatophyte detection by conventional methods that paved the path for the evolution of molecular diagnostic techniques, which provide the accurate and rapid diagnosis of dermatophytosis for an appropriate, timely antifungal therapy that prevents the nonspecific over‐the‐counter self‐medication. This review focuses on the importance of rapid and accurate diagnosis of dermatophytosis, limitations of conventional methods, selection of targets in diagnosis, and factors affecting sensitivity and specificity of various molecular diagnostic technologies in the diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Generally, all the molecular techniques have a significant edge over the conventional methods of culture and microscopy in the dermatophytosis diagnosis. However, in mycology laboratory, the suitability of any molecular diagnostic technique in the diagnosis of dermatophytosis is driven by the requirement of time, economy, complexity, the range of species spectrum detected and the scale of diagnostic output required. Thus, various choices involved in the pursuit of a diagnosis of dermatophytosis are determined by the available conditions and the facilities in the laboratory.
Quantifying Levator Ani Muscle Elasticity Under Normal and Prolapse Conditions by Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Tang Jin‐hua , Zhong Chen , Wen Wei , Wu Rong , Liu Yang , Du Lian‐fang
Published: January 2020

Objectives

The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether elasticity quantification of the levator ani muscle (LAM) using shear wave elastography (SWE) is different between women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to determine whether LAM elasticity is associated with the prolapse stage or the dimensions of the levator hiatus. The secondary aim was to evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of LAM elasticity measurements using SWE.

Methods

The study participants included 20 women with normal pelvic support and 38 women with prolapse (stages I–III). The levator hiatus was imaged by transperineal 3‐dimensional ultrasound, and LAM elasticity and the elastic modulus were measured by SWE at rest and while performing the Valsalva maneuver.

Results

The elastic modulus increased significantly from rest to during to maximal Valsalva maneuver (29.2 versus 54.1 kPa; P < .05) in all women. Levator ani muscle elasticity was significantly higher under prolapse conditions than under normal conditions at rest (27.9 versus 31 kPa; P < .001) but was lower during the maximal Valsalva maneuver than under normal conditions (57.3 versus 53.1 kPa; P < .05). Levator ani muscle elasticity at rest was associated with the hiatus area during the Valsalva maneuver (Spearman r = 0.608; P < .001) and distensibility of the levator hiatus (r = 0.594; P < .001), and the hiatus area decreased as the LAM elastic modulus increased during the maximal Valsalva maneuver (r = –0.414; P < .05). Moreover, LAM elasticity was associated with the severity of prolapse (P < .001).

Conclusions

As a noninvasive quantitative method, SWE, may be used to assess the biomechanical properties of the pelvic floor muscle, providing some research basis for a thorough understanding of POP and its treatment and prevention.
Atmospheric corrosion of carbon steels in tropical and subtropical climates in Southern China
Authors: Huang Juncong , Meng Xiaobo , Huang Yinhui , Jiang Wubin , Chen Ri , Zheng Zhijun , Gao Yan
Published: January 2020

Q235 and Q345 carbon steels were exposed for up to 24 months at three test sites of tropical and subtropical climate. The atmospheric corrosion kinetics of Q235 and Q345 was studied by weight‐loss measurement. The results show that the ranking of the atmospheric corrosivity from weak to strong of the three test sites is Xishuangbanna, Guangzhou, and Wanning. The kinetics of the atmospheric corrosion process presents two stages with an accelerated second stage in marine environments of high chloride ion content and high relative humidity, whereas no second stage appears in the kinetics curves in rural and industrial urban environments. The corrosion acceleration stage in the marine environment of the Wanning site is attributed mainly to the high chloride ion concentration and loose rust layer structure.
Enzyme Responsive Inverse Opal Hydrogels
Authors: Pei Yi , Molley Thomas G. , Kilian Kristopher A.
Published: January 2020

Structured color in nature is controlled by nano‐ and micro‐structured interfaces giving rise to a photonic bandgap. This study presents a biomimetic optical material based on polymeric inverse opals that respond to enzyme activity. Polymer colloids provide a template in which acryloyl‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) is integrated; dissolution of the colloids leads to a hydrogel inverse opal that can be lithographically patterned using transfer printing. Incorporating enzyme substrates within the voids provides a material that responds to the presence of proteases through a shift in the optical properties.
Butyrate Inhibits Deoxycholic‐Acid‐Resistant Colonic Cell Proliferation via Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis: A Potential Pathway Linking Dietary Fiber to Cancer Prevention
Authors: Zeng Huawei , Safratowich Bryan D. , Wang Thomas T. Y. , Hamlin Stephanie K. , Johnson LuAnn K.
Published: January 2020

Scope

Butyrate, an intestinal microbiota metabolite of dietary fiber, exhibits colon cancer preventive effects. In contrast, a high fat intake increases fecal secondary bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA, a potential cancer promoter), which selectively enrich mutant epithelial cells with an abnormally high resistance to DCA‐induced apoptosis in the colon. This study is conducted to test the hypothesis that physiological concentrations of butyrate inhibit DCA‐resistant colonic cell proliferation.

Methods and results

With human HCT‐116 cells as parental colonic cells, a human DCA‐resistant colonic cell line (DCA‐RCL) is developed. DCA treatment increases apoptosis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (an apoptotic trigger) at a rate threefold greater in HCT‐116 cells than in DCA‐RCL cells. Subsequently, 41 apoptosis related genes (including signaling pathways) with greater than onefold (mRNA) change in DCA‐RCL cells are identified compared with HCT‐116 cells. Moreover, butyrate treatment inhibits DCA‐RCL cell proliferation with similar efficacy when compared with HCT116 cells via cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (c‐Myc)/p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated that butyrate inhibits DCA‐RCL cell proliferation at the cellular and molecular level. These data provide a proof of concept that butyrate can protect against colon carcinogenesis through a specific targeting of DCA‐resistant colonic cells.
Data Quality, Data Quantity, and Its Effect on an Applied Stock Assessment of Cisco in Thunder Bay, Ontario
Authors: Fisch Nicholas C. , Bence James R.
Published: January 2020

Stock assessments, or population models developed to support fishery management decisions, require informative data to produce reliable estimates. However, resources available to collect these data are limited. Thus, information relating the effects of different data collection schema on stock assessment performance should be of interest to fishery managers. We used an existing data set on a stock of Cisco Coregonus artedi in Thunder Bay to simulate various degrees of reduction in available data. We considered both cluster subsampling of biological data from the commercial fishery harvest (which determine the observed harvest age composition) and reductions in the frequency of hydroacoustic surveys in order to examine their effect on fits of an age-structured stock assessment model for the stock. Our results indicate that reductions in the frequency of hydroacoustic surveys would have a greater effect on applied stock assessment performance for Thunder Bay Cisco than would reductions in biological sampling to randomly selected temporal clusters of the fishery harvest. Reduction in the frequency of the hydroacoustic survey resulted in different point estimates and larger estimated uncertainty for spawning biomass and natural mortality rate compared with the original assessment model. This was likely largely driven by increases in lag between the final year of the survey and the current year of the assessment. The lower influence of reduced biological sampling may be due to the highly variable nature of Cisco recruitment, where large or “boom” year-classes were still evident in the reduced biological samples, combined with information from survey age compositions. We suggest a priority be placed on performing hydroacoustic surveys with some regularity, such that when they are performed, they are done extensively to minimize uncertainty (measurement error). The data subsampling approach used here could be used in many assessments to determine if a reduction in sampling of various types could be implemented without materially changing assessment results.
Approximation of a fractional power of an elliptic operator
Authors: Vabishchevich P. N.
Published: January 2020

Some mathematical models of applied problems lead to the need of solving boundary value problems with a fractional power of an elliptic operator. In a number of works, approximations of such a nonlocal operator are constructed on the basis of an integral representation with a singular integrand. In the present article, new integral representations are proposed for operators with fractional powers. Approximations are based on the classical quadrature formulas. The results of numerical experiments on the accuracy of quadrature formulas are presented. The proposed approximations are used for numerical solving a model two‐dimensional boundary value problem for fractional diffusion.
Effect of Al‐SiC nanoparticles and cellulose fiber dispersion on the thermomechanical and corrosion characteristics of polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Hemath Mohit , V Arul Mozhi Selvan
Published: January 2020

In the present study, the reinforcing effect of aluminum silicon carbide (Al‐SiC) nanoparticles and chemically treated nanocellulose fiber on thermomechanical and corrosion characteristics of polymer nanocomposites have been investigated. The experimental design was selected as per response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the effect of Al‐SiC (1.59 to 18.41 wt%), nanocellulose fiber concentration (1.59 to 18.41 wt%) and sonication time (39.55 to 140.45 minutes). From the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results, it was found that the Al‐SiC, nanocellulose fiber concentration and sonication time played a significant role in the mechanical properties. In order to simultaneously maximize the flexural strength, the optimal values of nanocellulose fiber, Al‐SiC nanoparticles, and sonication time was found to be 5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 120 minutes, respectively. From the normal distribution plot, it is found that there is a good agreement between experimental results and developed RSM model. Addition of Al‐SiC (5 wt%) and nanocellulose fiber (5 wt%) in epoxy polymer improved the physical, mechanical, thermal and corrosion resistance properties. The scanning electron microscope analysis on Al‐SiC and nanocellulose fiber reinforced epoxy nanocomposites revealed uniform dispersion of nanocellulose fiber and Al‐SiC in the polymer matrix, which caused for the improved mechanical, and corrosion resistance characteristics.
Electrospun Poly(ε‐Caprolactone)/Silk Fibroin Coaxial Core‐Sheath Nanofibers Applied to Scaffolds and Drug Carriers
Authors: Zheng Yahui , Su Dan , Yuan Jingjing , Zha Li , Xiao Yinghong , Che Jianfei
Published: January 2020

Developing biologically mimetic nanofibers (NFs) is crucial for their applications as scaffolds in tissue engineering and drug carriers. Herein, we present a strategy to facilely fabricate core‐sheath NFs using coaxial electrospinning technique. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and silk fibroin (SF) were employed as component materials to construct PCL/SF NFs with PCL cores uniformly encapsulated by SF sheaths. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy demonstrate a uniform core‐sheath structure of the coaxial NFs. The engineered core‐sheath structure confers the composite NFs with greatly improved properties including surface hydrophilicity and mechanical properties. In vitro cell culture validates that the core‐sheath NFs are favorable to the cultured rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC 12) attachment. To further demonstrate the advantage of the coupled structural integrity, the PCL/SF core‐sheath NFs were compared with the NFs produced from PCL and SF blend. Results showed that the PCL/SF NFs possessed a tensile strength of ~6.93 ± 0.52 MPa and an elongation at break of ~294.31 ± 24.17%, whereas the blend NFs possessed ~5.55 ± 0.50 MPa and ~88.05 ± 13.98%, respectively. Dexamethasone‐phosphate sodium (DEX) was employed as a model drug, whereby the in vitro release study indicates that the NFs exhibit an ideal releasing profile, capable of releasing DEX continuously over a period of 450 h. The constructed PCL/SF core‐sheath NFs are promising candidates for biomedical applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:802–809, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Microproteomics and Immunohistochemistry Reveal Differences in Aldo‐Keto Reductase Family 1 Member C3 in Tissue Specimens of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease
Authors: Arafah Karim , Kriegsmann Mark , Renner Marcus , Lasitschka Felix , Fresnais Margaux , Kriegsmann Katharina , von Winterfeld Moritz , Goeppert Benjamin , Kriegsmann Jörg , Casadonte Rita , Kazdal Daniel , Bulet Philippe , Longuespée Rémi
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) is of utmost importance for the decision making of respective therapeutic treatment strategies but in about 10–15% of cases, a clinical and histopathological assessment does not lead to a definite diagnosis. The aim of the study is to characterize proteomic differences between UC and CD.

Experimental Design

Microproteomics is performed on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded colonic tissue specimens from 9 UC and 9 CD patients. Protein validation is performed using immunohistochemistry (IHC) (nUC=51, nCD=62, nCTRL=10) followed by digital analysis.

Results

Microproteomic analyses reveal eight proteins with higher abundance in CD compared to UC including proteins related to neutrophil activity and damage‐associated molecular patterns. Moreover, one protein, Aldo‐keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), is present in eight out of nine CD and absent in all UC samples. Digital IHC analysis reveal a higher percentage and an increased expression intensity of AKR1C3‐positive epithelial cells in CD compared to UC and in controls compared to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Overall, the results suggest that microproteomics is an adequate tool to highlight protein patterns in IBD. IHC and digital pathology might support future differential diagnosis of UC and CD.
Identifying cytochrome P450s involved in oxidative metabolism of synthetic cannabinoid N‐(adamantan‐1‐yl)‐1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide (STS‐135)
Authors: Jones Sabrina , Yarbrough Azure L. , Fantegrossi William E. , Prather Paul L. , Bush John M. , Radominska‐Pandya Anna , Fujiwara Ryoichi
Published: January 2020

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs), designer drugs marketed as legal alternatives to marijuana, act as ligands to cannabinoid receptors; however, they have increased binding affinity and potency, resulting in toxicity symptoms such as cardiovascular incidents, seizures, and potentially death. N‐(adamantan‐1‐yl)‐1‐(5‐fluoropentyl)‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide (STS‐135) is a third generation SCB. When incubated with hepatocytes, it undergoes oxidation, hydrolysis, and glucuronidation, resulting in 29 metabolites, with monohydroxy STS‐135 (M25) and dihydroxy STS‐135 (M21) being the predominant metabolites. The enzymes responsible for this oxidative metabolism were unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the cytochrome P450 (P450s or CYPs) enzymes involved in the oxidative metabolism of STS‐135. In this study, STS‐135 was incubated with liver, intestinal, and brain microsomes and recombinant P450s to determine the enzymes involved in its metabolism. Metabolite quantification was carried out using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography. STS‐135 was extensively metabolized in HLMs and HIMs. Screening assays indicated CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 could be responsible for STS‐135’s oxidation. Through incubations with genotyped HLMs, CYP3A4 was identified as the primary oxidative enzyme. Interestingly, CYP2J2, a P450 isoform expressed in cardiovascular tissues, showed high activity towards the formation of M25 with a Km value of 11.4 μmol/L. Thus, it was concluded that STS‐135 was primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 but may have extrahepatic metabolic pathways as well. Upon exposure to STS‐135, individuals with low CYP3A4 activity could retain elevated blood concentration, resulting in toxicity. Additionally, CYP2J2 may aid in protecting against STS‐135‐induced cardiovascular toxicity.