bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the chimeric DnaJ‐PKAc enzyme by endogenous inhibitor proteins
Authors: Averill April M. , Rehman Hibba tul , Charles Joseph W. , Dinh Timothy A. , Danyal Karamatullah , Verschraegen Claire F. , Stein Gary S. , Dostmann Wolfgang R. , Ramsey Jon E.
Published: April 2019

The chimeric DnaJ‐PKAc enzymeresulting from an approximately 400‐kb deletion of chromosome 19 is a primary contributor to the oncogenic transformation that occurs in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, also called fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). This oncogenic deletion juxtaposes exon 1 of the DNAJB1 heat shock protein gene with exon 2 of the PRKACA gene encoding the protein kinase A catalytic subunit, resulting in DnaJ‐PKAc fusion under the transcriptional control of the DNAJB1 promoter. The expression of DnaJ‐PKAc is approximately 10 times that of wild‐type (wt) PKAc catalytic subunits, causing elevated and dysregulated kinase activity that contributes to oncogenic transformation. In normal cells, PKAc activity is regulated by a group of endogenous proteins, termed protein kinase inhibitors (PKI) that competitively inhibit PKAc and assist with the nuclear export of the enzyme. Currently, it is scarcely known whether interactions with PKI are perturbed in DnaJ‐PKAc. In this report, we survey existing data sets to assess the expression levels of the various PKI isoforms that exist in humans to identify those that are candidates to encounter DnaJ‐PKAc in both normal liver and FLC tumors. We then compare inhibition profiles of wtPKAc and DnaJ‐PKAc against PKI and demonstrate that extensive structural homology in the active site clefts of the two enzymes confers similar kinase activities and inhibition by full‐length PKI and PKI‐derived peptides.
The effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture on Parkinson's disease: Current status and future perspectives for molecular mechanisms
Authors: Tamtaji Omid Reza , Naderi Taheri Mojtaba , Notghi Fahimeh , Alipoor Reza , Bouzari Reihanesadat , Asemi Zatollah
Published: April 2019

Among the progressive neurodegenerative disorders, Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common. Different factors have critical role in pathophysiology of PD such as apoptosis pathways, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitters and its receptors abnormalities. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture were considered as nondrug therapies for PD. Although numerous studies has been conducted for assessing the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture and acupuncture, various principal aspects of these treatment procedures remain not well‐known. There have also been few investigations on the molecular mechanism of acupuncture and electroacupuncture therapy effects in PD. This review evaluates the effects of electroacupuncture and acupuncture on the molecular mechanism in PD.
Decreased accumulation of superoxide dismutase 2 within mitochondria in the yeast model of Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome
Authors: Jensen Laran T. , Phyu The , Jain Ayushi , Kaewwanna Chonlada , Jensen Amornrat Naranuntarat
Published: April 2019

Mutations in the human SBDS gene is the most common cause of Shwachman‐Diamond syndrome (SDS). The SBDS protein participates in ribosome biogenesis; however, effects beyond reduced translation efficiency are thought to be involved in SDS progression. Impaired mitochondrial function has been reported for cells lacking either SBDS or Sdo1p, the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SBDS ortholog. To better understand how the loss of SBDS/Sdo1p leads to mitochondria damage, we utilized the S. cerevisiae model of SDS. Yeast deleted for SDO1 show increased oxidative damage to mitochondrial proteins and a marked decrease in protein levels and activity of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2p), a key enzyme involved in defense against oxidants. Immature forms of Sod2p are observed in sdo1∆ cells suggesting a defect in proteolysis of the presequence. Yeast deleted for CYM1, encoding a presequence protease, display a similar reduction in Sod2p activity as sdo1∆ cells, as well as elevated oxidative damage, to mitochondrial proteins. Sod2p protein levels and activity are largely restored in a por1∆ sdo1∆ strain, lacking the major mitochondrial voltage‐dependent anion channel. Together these results indicate that mitochondrial insufficiency in sdo1∆ cells may be linked to the accumulation of immature presequence containing proteins and this effect is a consequence, at least in part, from loss of counter‐regulation of Por1p by Sdo1p.
A greener catalyst for hydroboration of imines—external electric field modify the reaction mechanism
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Xia , Xu Hong‐Liang
Published: April 2019

Usually, an extra catalyst (for example, the transition metal complexes) need to be used in catalyzing hydroboration, which involved the cost, environment, and so forth. Here, a greener and controllable catalyst—external electric field (EEF) was used to study its effect on hydroboration of N‐(4‐methylbenzyl)aniline (PhN═CHPhMe) with pinacolboane (HBPin). The results demonstrated that EEF could affect the barrier heights of both two pathways of this reaction. More significantly, flipping the direction of EEF could modify the reaction mechanism to induce a dominant inverse hydroboration at some field strength. That is to say, oriented EEF is a controlling switch for the anti‐ or Markovnikov hydroboration reaction of imines. This investigation is meaningful for the exploration of greener catalyst for chemistry reaction and guide a new method for the Markovnikov hydroboration addition. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 suppresses sorafenib sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating miR‐335–c‐Met
Authors: Chen Shuwei , Xia Xinhu
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To investigate the role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in regulating sorafenib (Sora) sensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and possible signaling pathways.

Methods

HCC cell lines and tumor tissue were quantified for NEAT1 expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Following shRNA (short hairpin RNA) knockdown of NEAT1, cell viability, apoptosis, and related protein expression were measured after drug treatment. The downstream target of NEAT1, including miR‐335 and c‐Met was studied using a combination of luciferase binding assay, gene knockdown/overexpression, western blot analysis, and cell viability/apoptosis assay. Cancer cells with NEAT1 knockdown were transplanted onto nude mice for in vivo tumorigenesis assay.

Results

Silencing of NEAT1 in HCC cells facilitated Sora sensitivity by enhancing drug‐induced apoptosis, and led to smaller tumor size on nude mice. Mechanistic study suggested that miR‐335 was negatively regulated by NEAT1, and miR‐335 further suppressed c‐Met–Akt pathway, whose activation caused drug resistance of HCC cells. The knockdown of miR‐335, or overexpression of c‐Met, all remarkably abolished the proapoptotic effect of NEAT1 knockdown in HCC cells.

Conclusion

lncRNA NEAT1 mediates Sora resistance of HCC cells by suppressing miR‐335 expression, and disinhibition on c‐Met–Akt signaling pathway. Our results provide potency of NEAT1 as the biomarker for drug resistant HCC and possible treating targets.
mTORC1 signaling activation increases intestinal stem cell activity and promotes epithelial cell proliferation
Authors: Zhou Jia‐Yi , Huang Deng‐Gui , Qin Ying‐Chao , Li Xiang‐Guang , Gao Chun‐Qi , Yan Hui‐Chao , Wang Xiu‐Qi
Published: April 2019

The crypt‐villus axis of the intestine undergoes a continuous renewal process that is driven by intestinal stem cells (ISCs). However, the homeostasis is disturbed under constant exposure to high ambient temperatures, and the precise mechanism is unclear. We found that both EdU+ and Ki67+ cell ratios were significantly reduced after exposure to 41°C, as well as the protein synthesis rate of IPEC‐J2 cells, and the expression of ubiquitin and heat shock protein 60, 70, and 90 were significantly increased. Additionally, heat exposure decreased enteroid expansion and budding efficiency, as well as induced apoptosis after 48 hr; however, no significant difference was observed in the apoptosis ratio after 24 hr. In the process of heat exposure, the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway was significantly inhibited in both IPEC‐J2 cells and enteroids. Correspondingly, treatment of IPEC‐J2 and enteroids with the mTORC1 agonist MHY1485 at 41°C significantly attenuated the inhibition of proliferation and protein synthesis, increased the ISC activity, and promoted expansion and budding of enteroid. In summary, we conclude that the mTORC1 signaling pathway regulates intestinal epithelial cell and stem cell activity during heat exposure‐induced injury.
Morin reduces inflammatory responses and alleviates lipid accumulation in hepatocytes
Authors: Wu Lin , Wang Yue , Chi Gefu , Shen Bingyu , Tian Ye , Li Zheng , Han Lu , Zhang Qiaoling , Feng Haihua
Published: April 2019

Morin (MO), a natural bioflavinoid, exists in many herbs. Previous studies have acclaimed MO's anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antifibrotic, anticancer, and antihyperglycemic biological effects. This study aimed to assess the molecular mechanism of MO involved in the oleic acid (OA)‐induced inflammatory damage and lipid accumulation in HepG2 cell and tyloxapol (Ty)‐induced hyperlipidemia in mice. We found that MO can efficaciously mitigate reactive tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) level and triglyceride (TG) accumulation in OA‐induced HepG2 cell and in tyloxapol‐induced mice. Next, the study testified that MO apparently suppressed OA‐excited nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in HepG2 cell. In addition, MO distinctly upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) and decreased the expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c (SREBP‐1c) in OA‐induced HepG2 cell and in tyloxapol‐induced mice, both of which are dependent upon the phosphorylation of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC), adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (AKT). In conclusion, these results suggest that MO has protective potential against hyperlipidemia and steatosis, and the potential mechanism may have a close relation with activation of PPARα and inhibition of SREBP‐1c.
Plasmodium species aware based quantification of malaria parasitemia in light microscopy thin blood smear
Authors: Abbas Naveed , Saba Tanzila , Rehman Amjad , Mehmood Zahid , Javaid Nadeem , Tahir Muhammad , Khan Naseer Ullah , Ahmed Khawaja Tehseen , Shah Roaider
Published: April 2019

Malaria is a serious worldwide disease, caused by a bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. The parasite transferred into complex life round in which it is grown and reproduces into the human body. The detection and recognition of Plasmodium species are possible and efficient through a process called staining (Giemsa). The staining process slightly colorizes the red blood cells (RBCs) but highlights Plasmodium parasites, white blood cells and artifacts. Giemsa stains nuclei, chromatin in blue tone and RBCs in pink color. It has been reported in numerous studies that manual microscopy is not a trustworthy screening technique when performed by nonexperts. Malaria parasites host in RBCs when it enters the bloodstream. This paper presents segmentation of Plasmodium parasite from the thin blood smear points on region growing and dynamic convolution based filtering algorithm. After segmentation, malaria parasite classified into four Plasmodium species: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium malaria. The random forest and K‐nearest neighbor are used for classification base on local binary pattern and hue saturation value features. The sensitivity for malaria parasitemia (MP) is 96.75% on training and testing of the proposed approach while specificity is 94.59%. Beside these, the comparisons of the two features are added to the proposed work for classification having sensitivity is 83.60% while having specificity is 94.90% through random forest classifier based on local binary pattern feature.
Systematic Review: Noninvasive Assessments of Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease in the Adult Population
Authors: Huijbers Angelique , Koggel Lieke M. , Bronkhorst Carolien , Verheij Joanne , Wanten Geert J. A.
Published: April 2019

Chronic intestinal failure (CIF) patients are at risk for developing intestinal failure‐associated liver disease (IFALD), which can progress to end‐stage liver disease. Liver biopsy is the current reference standard to diagnose and monitor IFALD. However, due to its associated complications, biopsy is an unattractive tool in this respect. Our aim was to assess the evidence regarding non‐invasive assessment of IFALD in the adult population and provide ideas to take this field further. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. We included studies in the adult/mixed intestinal failure population, performing non‐invasive diagnostic assessment of IFALD and using liver biopsy, 1H‐MRS or MRI‐PDFF as reference. Quality of the included studies was assessed using the QUADAS‐2 tool. Four studies were included, assessing two serum (vitamin B12, FGF21) and two imaging tests (Fibroscan, CAUS). Three used liver biopsy as reference, all according to a different histological scoring system. One used 1H‐MRS as reference. Vitamin B12 did not correlate with liver injury, Fibroscan did not correlate with fibrosis, but with cholestasis. FGF21 correlated with steatosis grade. Several CAUS parameters correlated with the degree of steatosis assessed by 1H‐MRS. In conclusion, three tests show promise to non‐invasively assess IFALD, but the limited data do not justify conclusions on the diagnostic value of the tested biomarkers. Hence, additional studies are needed. Identification of and validation for grading and staging of clinically relevant histomorphological parameters of IFALD is also crucial and a conceptual study set up is provided.
SKPFM investigations of intermetallic compounds of innovative Er‐ and Zr‐containing Al–Si–Mg alloys and their influence on corrosion localization in saline solution
Authors: Colombo Marco , Gariboldi Elisabetta , Morri Alessandro , Tonelli Domenica
Published: April 2019

The paper aims at characterizing the influence of intermetallic compounds on the corrosion localization of innovative Al–Si–Mg Er‐ and Zr‐containing casting alloys. Samples of the investigated materials were studied by means of optical and scanning electron microscope micrographs, immersion tests, and scanning Kelvin probe force microscope (SKPFM) analyses in the T6 temper. Combination of immersion tests and SKPFM analyses allowed to identify those classes of intermetallic compounds promoting localization of the corrosion process. It was found that intermetallic compounds richer in Fe were the most critical for corrosion localization; furthermore, additions of Er caused a marked decrease of the potential difference of intermetallic compounds with respect to the Al matrix and a consequent less intense microgalvanic coupling, which translates into slower corrosion kinetics. Further, Zr additions slightly increased the potential difference of intermetallic compounds with the Al matrix, promoting a faster corrosion process.
Self‐Assembling of Block Copolymers with Alternative Solvents
Authors: Lombardo Valentina , D'Urso Luisa , Lo Presti Francesca , Scalese Silvia , La Magna Antonino , Puglisi Rosaria A.
Published: April 2019

Block copolymer (BCP) lithography is one of the most technologically intriguing and scientifically interesting strategies for achieving nanometer‐sized features. This method usually exploits toluene as solvent for the deposition of BCPs in all the processing steps. However, this chemical has some technical disadvantages, such as high toxicity and hygroscopicity. The first aspect can limit its use on the industrial scale because of the protocols on the environmental and operator risks, while the second causes aging effects that can alter the results. In order to overcome these intrinsic limitations, a BCP self‐assembly (BCP‐SA) strategy is presented by using alternative deposition solvents in place of toluene. A preliminary study, based on the physical characteristics, such as volatility, polarity, and hygroscopicity, is carried out to explore two new alternative solvents, ethyl acetate and tetrahydrofuran. The effects on the BCP‐SA due to the new solvents are studied by SEM analysis supported by suitable software for the images elaboration. The results achieved show very promising outcomes for the polymer solutions obtained with ethyl acetate, in terms of uniformity of geometrical features, ordered areas extension, and homogeneity of the pattern obtained, making this chemical a good alternative to toluene.
Trimethylsilylation of Polygalacturonic Acid
Authors: Würfel Hendryk , Kayser Marvin , Heinze Thomas
Published: April 2019

The trimethylsilylation of polygalacturonic acid is investigated in formamide as reaction medium at elevated temperature employing 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexamethyldisilazan (HMDS) or trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCl) in combination with imidazole. The products obtained are characterized by size exclusion chromatography, NMR‐, and IR spectroscopy. Regarding the degree of substitution (DS), HMDS is a more reactive silylation reagent compared to TMSCl/imidazole. Products with DS values of 0.6 are obtained with TMSCl while HMDS yields products with DS of up to 1.8. Nevertheless, both reagents lead to the formation of side products. In the case of HMDS, formation of amid moiety occurs, which renders the carboxylic acid at the polymer backbone inaccessible for further transformations. Cross‐linking of polymer chains occurs applying TMSCl, which influences the molecular masses of the products obtained.
Controlled adsorption of titanium(IV) oxide particles on electroplated zinc coatings to improve the corrosion resistance of chromium(VI)‐free conversion layers
Authors: Halbedel B. , Himmerlich M.
Published: April 2019

Adsorption of nano‐scaled titanium(IV) oxide particles on electroplated zinc is performed by a simple dip‐coating technique in an aqueous titanium(IV) oxide suspension prepared with a stirred media mill. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy are carried out to investigate the composition of the zinc surface and the thickness and porosity of the adsorbed titania films. The zinc surface formed during the electrodeposition process is of oxyhydroxide nature and the thickness of the adsorbed titania particle layer is controlled by the pH value and the solid concentration of the suspension. In the range of 10 wt.%–30 wt.% titanium(IV) oxide, a linear dependence between the titania film thickness and the solid content of titania particles in the suspension is found. Highest film thicknesses are obtained in alkaline media (pH≥9). At 13.5 wt.% titania particles and pH values below pH = 2.4, the titania particle film is not closely packed and the zinc layer underneath is still visible in electron microscopy, which is a prerequisite for imbedding these particles by a thin second zinc layer for formation of a robust chromium(VI)‐free passivation layer containing the titania particles.
Effects of supplemental calcium and vitamin D on tight‐junction proteins and mucin‐12 expression in the normal rectal mucosa of colorectal adenoma patients
Authors: Mandle Hannah B. , Jahan Ferdous A. , Bostick Roberd M. , Baron John A. , Barry Elizabeth L. , Yacoub Rami , Merrill Julia , Rutherford Robin E. , Seabrook March E. , Fedirko Veronika
Published: April 2019

The physical gut barrier, comprised of a thick mucus layer and the epithelium, plays an important role in defense against microbes and foreign antigens. Calcium and vitamin D may be involved in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, the dysfunction of which may lead to endotoxemia and inflammation, and contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis. We investigated supplemental calcium (1200 mg, daily) and/or vitamin D3 (1000 IU daily) effects on intestinal barrier function‐related biomarkers in a subset of 105 participants from a large colorectal adenoma recurrence chemoprevention clinical trial. We assessed expression of the tight junction proteins claudin‐1 (CLDN1), occludin (OCLD), and mucin‐12 (MUC12) in the normal‐appearing colorectal mucosa using standardized, automated immunohistochemistry and quantitative image analysis. Following 1 year of treatment, in the calcium relative to the no calcium group, the CLDN1, OCLD, and MUC12 expression increased by 14% (P = 0.17), 23% (P = 0.11), and 22% (P = 0.07), respectively. In secondary analyses, the estimated calcium treatment effects were greater among participants with baseline serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D concentrations below the median value of 22.69 ng/mL (CLDN1: 29%, P = 0.04; OCLD: 36%, P = 0.06; MUC12: 35%, P = 0.05). There were no biomarker expression changes in the vitamin D3 alone group; however, modest increases were found in the combined calcium/vitamin D3 group. At baseline, obesity, history of a sessile‐serrated adenoma, colorectal MIB‐1/Ki‐67 expression, and a family history of colorectal cancer were associated with CLDN1, OCLD, and MUC12 expression. Our study supports continued investigation of factors that could affect intestinal mucosal barrier integrity relevant to colorectal carcinogenesis.
Preparation of Thermochromic Films from Latexes Made by Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Colmán Maria M. Espinola , García Valdez Omar , George Sean , Cunningham Michael F. , Laqua Letícia Alves da Costa , Giudici Reinaldo
Published: April 2019

Thermosensitive‐thermochromic pigments are classified as smart materials capable of detecting and/or responding to environmental stimuli, and specifically in this study, changes in temperature that induce a change in the color of the material. This study aims to obtain nanoparticles of poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate) and poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate), containing thermosensitive‐thermochromic pigments that are incorporated into the monomer droplets in miniemulsion polymerization. Miniemulsion polymerization has the advantage that the pigment particles can be dispersed directly in the monomer droplets and are encapsulated when the miniemulsion droplets are polymerized. Using controlled/living radical polymerization (or Reversible Deactivation Radical Polymerization), it is possible to produce polymers with better control of microstructure and narrower molecular weight distributions. Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) is conducted using the BlocBuilder initiator, as well as a conventional free radical polymerization (FRP) using potassium persulfate (KPS) and 2,2‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) (AIBN). Stable latexes containing the thermosensitive‐thermochromic pigments are obtained by both NMP and FRP. Films are made from the latexes and shown to exhibit thermochromic behavior.
Dopaminergic urethral closure mechanisms in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ouchi Mifuka , Kitta Takeya , Kanno Yukiko , Higuchi Madoka , Togo Mio , Takahashi Yui , Moriya Kimihiko , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: April 2019

Aims

Urinary incontinence is prevalent among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, we investigated urethral functions in a rat model of PD induced by 6‐hydroxydopamine injection at their substantia nigra pars compacta as well as the roles of selective agonists/antagonist of dopamine D1‐ and D2‐like receptors in active urethral closure mechanisms.

Methods

We measured changes in the urethral pressure amplitude during electrical stimulation, urethral baseline pressure, and leak point pressure after intravenous administration of selective agonists or antagonists of the dopamine D1‐ and D2‐like receptors in a rat model of PD.

Results

The mean leak point pressure and the mean active urethral response values were significantly smaller for the untreated PD rat group compared with the control group. In PD model, the active urethral response increased significantly after treatment with the dopamine D1‐like receptor agonist, whereas that induced by the dopamine D2‐like receptor agonist decreased significantly. The response to the D2‐like receptor agonist was suppressed in the PD rat by the dopamine D2‐like receptor antagonist.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the active urethral closure mechanisms are significantly impaired when dopamine is depleted. In the PD rat, dopamine D1‐like receptor activity on the central nervous system appear to partially compensate for urethral functions negatively impacted by the lack of dopamine, whereas dopamine D2‐like receptor activity might exacerbate urinary leakage owing to the negative effect of this activated receptor on urethral pressure under increased intra‐abdominal pressure.
Targeting Autophagy in Obesity‐Associated Heart Disease
Authors: Castañeda Diana , Gabani Mohanad , Choi Soo‐Kyoung , Nguyen Quynh My , Chen Cheng , Mapara Ayesha , Kassan Adam , Gonzalez Alexis A. , Ait‐Aissa Karima , Kassan Modar
Published: April 2019

Over the past three decades, the increasing rates of obesity have led to an alarming obesity epidemic worldwide. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases; thus, it is essential to define the molecular mechanisms by which obesity affects heart function. Individuals with obesity and overweight have shown changes in cardiac structure and function, leading to cardiomyopathy, hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, and arrhythmia. Autophagy is a highly conserved recycling mechanism that delivers proteins and damaged organelles to lysosomes for degradation. In the hearts of patients and mouse models with obesity, this process is impaired. Furthermore, it has been shown that autophagy flux restoration in obesity models improves cardiac function. Therefore, autophagy may play an important role in mitigating the adverse effects of obesity on the heart. Throughout this review, we will discuss the benefits of autophagy on the heart in obesity and how regulating autophagy might be a therapeutic tool to reduce the risk of obesity‐associated cardiovascular diseases.
Discrete‐time systems sliding mode switching hyperplane design: A survey
Authors: Luis‐Delgado José Darío , Al‐Hadithi Basil Mohammed , Jiménez Agustín
Published: April 2019

As regards to variable structure control with sliding mode (VSC‐SM), it is known that designing sliding surface is a critical task because sliding surfaces must guarantee that the steady state of the controlled system achieves some desired performance including global (or global asymptotic) stability. This problem has been extensively analyzed for a wide class of systems: scalar, multivariable, linear, nonlinear, time‐variant, discrete‐time system, etc. The main purpose of this paper is to present a thorough survey about the main approaches related to the design of discrete‐time switching surfaces applied to VSC‐SM. Research works covering the design of sliding surfaces for the aforementioned systems are considered and some illustrative examples are also included to explain some of the design methodologies.
Does the Intra‐atomic Deformation Energy of Interacting Quantum Atoms Represent Steric Energy?
Authors: Symons Benjamin C. B. , Williamson Dominic J. , Brooks Campbell M. , Wilson Alex L. , Popelier Paul L. A.
Published: April 2019

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Paul L. A. Popelier from Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (UK). The cover picture shows the quantum topological atoms in a configuration of the complex HF⋅⋅⋅OH2, where F is green and O is red. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.201800275.
Water Associations Join Forces on Advanced Operator Certification Program
Authors: Lipinski Lynn
Published: April 2019

A new voluntary certification program created by two of California's oldest water sector organizations aims to ensure that water and wastewater treatment operators are prepared and knowledgeable about advanced water treatment technologies and related control processes, such as membranes and advanced oxidation used to purify wastewater and other challenging source water.
Fundamental investigation on effect of microencapsulated water on expansion behavior of microcapsules
Authors: Taguchi Yoshinari , Saito Natsukaze , Fuchigami Kiyomi , Tanaka Masato
Published: April 2019

The microcapsules containing water were prepared with the suspension polymerization method, and the fundamental investigation was performed to make the effect of microencapsulated water on expansion behavior of microcapsules clear. In the experiment, only the volume of water added into styrene monomer was changed to make the effect of microencapsulated water volume clear, and three kinds of water contents were measured: namely, the initial water content for the microcapsules just after preparation, the middle water content for the microcapsules dried at 44°C for 24 hours, and the final water content for the microcapsules dried at 110°C for 1 hours. With increasing the added water volume, the initial water content increased; the middle water content decreased after increasing halfway through, and the final water content gradually decreased. Also, with increasing the added water volume, the drying rate of the microcapsules increased and the expansion ratio decreased. The water volume required to expand the microcapsules, in other words, the critical shell thickness required to prevent evaporation of water and to contribute to expansion of microcapsules is discussed.
DeepFunc: A Deep Learning Framework for Accurate Prediction of Protein Functions from Protein Sequences and Interactions
Authors: Zhang Fuhao , Song Hong , Zeng Min , Li Yaohang , Kurgan Lukasz , Li Min
Published: April 2019

Annotation of protein functions plays an important role in understanding life at the molecular level. High‐throughput sequencing produces massive numbers of raw proteins sequences and only about 1% of them have been manually annotated with functions. Experimental annotations of functions are expensive, time‐consuming and do not keep up with the rapid growth of the sequence numbers. This motivates the development of computational approaches that predict protein functions. A novel deep learning framework, DeepFunc, is proposed which accurately predicts protein functions from protein sequence‐ and network‐derived information. More precisely, DeepFunc uses a long and sparse binary vector to encode information concerning domains, families, and motifs collected from the InterPro tool that is associated with the input protein sequence. This vector is processed with two neural layers to obtain a low‐dimensional vector which is combined with topological information extracted from protein–protein interactions (PPIs) and functional linkages. The combined information is processed by a deep neural network that predicts protein functions. DeepFunc is empirically and comparatively tested on a benchmark testing dataset and the Critical Assessment of protein Function Annotation algorithms (CAFA) 3 dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that DeepFunc outperforms current methods on the testing dataset and that it secures the highest Fmax = 0.54 and AUC = 0.94 on the CAFA3 dataset.
Homo‐ and random copolymerizations of ω‐pentadecalactone with ε‐caprolactone using isothiourea‐based dual catalysis
Authors: Bai Jun‐Hua , Wang Xiao‐Qi , Wang Jin‐Hua , Zhang Li‐Fang
Published: April 2019

In this study, the catalytic behavior of dual catalysis based on isothioureas (ITUs) for ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of macrolactone ω‐pentadecalactone (PDL) and its copolymerization with ε‐caprolactone (CL) has been investigated in detail. In the presence of benzyl alcohol (BnOH) initiator, 2,3,6,7‐tetrahydro‐5H‐thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidine (THTP) acted as a representative organic compound, which coupled with magnesium halides (MgX2) as cocatalysts and catalyzed the polymerization in toluene at 70 °C. Under suitable conditions, an array of polymers with controlled molecular weights and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions were synthesized. The formation of homopolymers and copolymers with different architectures was verified using GPC, DSC, NMR, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐ToF) mass. The MALDI‐ToF mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of poly(ω‐pentade‐calactone) (PPDL) provided direct evidence for the successful initiation of ROP of PDL using BnOH to obtain linear PPDL with a very small amount of oligomer. The NMR analysis indicated that the arrangements of PDL and CL units in the copolymer chains were completely random. The thermal stability of copolymers was composition dependent and increased with the increase in the content of PDL unit. Furthermore, the proposed polymerization mechanism is a dual catalytic mechanism. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019
Pesticidal natural products – status and future potential
Authors: Marrone Pamela G
Published: April 2019

There is a long history of using natural products as the basis for creating new pesticides but there is still a relatively low percentage of naturally derived pesticides relative to the number of pharmaceuticals derived from natural sources. Biopesticides as defined and regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been around for 70 years, starting with Bacillus thuringiensis, but they are experiencing rapid growth as the products have got better and more science‐based, and there are more restrictions on synthetic chemical pesticides. As such, biopesticides are still a small percentage (approximately US$3–4 billion) of the US$61.3 billion pesticide market. The growth of biopesticides is projected to outpace that of chemical pesticides, with compounded annual growth rates of between 10% and 20%. When integrated into crop production and pest management programs, biopesticides offer the potential for higher crop yields and quality than chemical‐only programs. Added benefits include reduction or elimination of chemical residues, therefore easing export, enabling delay in the development of resistance by pests and pathogens to chemicals and shorter field re‐entry, biodegradability and production using agricultural raw materials versus fossil fuels, and low risk to non‐target organisms, including pollinators. Challenges to the adoption of biopesticides include lack of awareness and education in how to deploy their unique modes of action in integrated programs, testing products alone versus in integrated programs, and lingering perceptions of cost and efficacy. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Irreversible Meta‐Magnetic Transition in Charge Ordered Nd0.5Ca0.5MnO3 Manganite
Authors: Swain Anupama , Gorige Venkataiah
Published: April 2019

The investigation of charge ordering (CO) suppression and consequence effects in manganites are of interest to the scientific community as they help them to understand the interactions among the spin, charge and orbital degrees of freedom of conduction electrons. In this work, the suppression of CO in small bandwidth half‐doped manganite, Nd0.5Ca0.5MnO3 (NCMO) has been demonstrated by reducing the particle size. Bulk and nano forms of NCMO materials are prepared by sol‐gel technique and characterized by various physicochemical techniques. The magnetic and magnetotransport properties of bulk samples show the exciting features, viz., CO, training and irreversible metamagnetic effects, whereas these features are significantly suppressed in the nanoscale sample. The observed behavior in the present investigation is explained in terms of magnetic phase separation and spin memory effects. Our investigation establishes a combined effect of surface spin disorder and lattice strains for the suppression of CO behavior in NCMO manganite system.
Distributed filtering for nonlinear time‐delay systems over sensor networks subject to multiplicative link noises and switching topology
Authors: Ma Lifeng , Wang Zidong , Liu Yurong , Alsaadi Fuad E.
Published: April 2019

This paper is concerned with the distributed filtering problem for a class of nonlinear time‐delay system over sensor networks subject to multiplicative link noises and switching topology. Both discrete and distributed time delays are included in the system model. Each sensor estimates the system state by means of the measurements not only from itself but also from its neighboring nodes according to an interactive topology. The multiplicative stochastic link noises are taken into consideration to reflect the random perturbations during the information exchanges between sensor nodes. The considered communication topology is switching according to certain predetermined rules. The purpose of the addressed problem is to develop a distributed filtering strategy such that, in the presence of multiplicative stochastic link noises and switching topology, the resulting filtering error dynamics is exponentially stable in the mean square sense and also satisfies the prespecified weighted disturbance attenuation level. In light of the average dwell time technique in combination with stochastic analysis, sufficient conditions are derived for the solvability of the addressed distributed filtering problem, and the desired filtering gains are then obtained through solving certain convex optimization problems. An illustrative simulation example is presented to demonstrate the correctness and applicability of the obtained theoretical results.
Kindling the fire: Fueling preservice science teachers' interest to teach in high‐needs schools
Authors: Kier Meredith W. , Chen Jason A.
Published: April 2019

This study applies psychological models of interest and motivation (i.e., a model of interest‐development and self‐determination theory) to the experiences of six preservice science Noyce scholars who participated in a teacher preparation program. The National Science Foundation's Noyce grant aims to incentivize mathematics and science majors to teach in high‐needs school districts. Through this interview study, we sought to understand how Noyce scholars' pre‐existing interests and their experiences in the Noyce program interact to develop individual commitments to teach in high‐needs school settings. Case studies reveal that scholars had no prior experiences in high‐needs schools, abstract ideas about teachers, students, and resources in these contexts, and varying degrees of initial connectedness to teaching in high‐needs school settings. Scholars found that site visits to diverse high‐needs schools (i.e., rural and urban) triggered their interest to teach in similar contexts. Preservice science teachers' emerging interest and level of commitment to teaching in high‐needs schools following the teacher preparation program was dependent upon context‐specific mastery experiences and autonomy within their long‐term clinical field experience. This study offers implications for teacher educators who are recruiting and preparing students to teach in high‐needs school contexts.
First Principle Molecular Dynamics of the Oxidation of Methyl‐Hydroxybenzoic Acid Esters by Hydroxyl Radical in Water: Importance of the Number of Hydroxyl Groups
Authors: Lespade Laure
Published: April 2019

Hydroxyl radical is the most harmful specie in living cells. It is involved in a lot of diseases and in radiation biology. However its reactivity in aqueous medium is not completely understood. In this study, the oxidation of three esters of substituted benzoates, methyl gallate, methyl 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoate and methyl 3‐hydroxybenzoate in clusters of fifty water molecules, was analyzed by ab initio molecular dynamics using Carr‐Parrinello (CPMD) code. The two previous molecules are major metabolites of antioxidant polyphenols contained in green tea and possess significant biological activities. The three compounds, that differs only by their number of hydroxyl groups, present completely different reactivity towards hydroxyl radical. The two previous give an electron to the radical through “wires” of water molecules. The reaction occurs when the two reactants are relatively far from each other, excluding other type of reaction. Hydroxyl radical reacts with methyl 3‐hydroxybenzoate when the two reactants are in contact. Two kinds of reactions have been observed: addition to the ring in position ortho or para to hydroxyl group or donation of a hydrogen atom.
Characterizing the Binding Interaction between Erlotinib and Calf Thymus DNA In Vitro Using Multi‐Spectroscopic Methodologies and Viscosity Measurement Combined with Molecular Docking and DFT Calculation
Authors: Chen Xue‐Jun , Wang Bao‐Li , Zhou Kai‐Li , Lou Yan‐Yue , Kou Song‐Bo , Lin Zhen‐Yi , Shi Jie‐Hua
Published: April 2019

The binding interaction between erlotinib (ELTN) and calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) was characterized with the help of multi‐spectroscopic approaches, viscosity measurement and molecular docking as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculation to get critical information regarding ELTN binding to DNA. The findings confirmed that ELTN acted with ct‐DNA and formed the ELTN‐DNA complex with the binding constant of 2.37×103 M−1 (298 K) and the binding rate of ELTN was larger than 99% when C(ELTN)=8 μM and C(DNA) > 50.6 μM at 298 K, ELTN bound to the rich A−T minor groove of ct‐DNA, and the helical configuration of ct‐DNA slightly changes after binding ELTN but still kept B‐form while the conformation, atomic charge distribution, dipole moment, and frontier molecular orbitals of ELTN in the DNA complex obviously altered to satisfy with a larger global Hardness and the conformational adaptation. During the binding process, the ELTN interacting with ct‐DNA is endothermic, spontaneous, and entropy‐driven because of ΔH0 > 0, ΔG0 < 0, and |ΔH0|<|TΔS0|, and the dominated driving force was hydrophobic interaction.
Light‐Induced ROS Generation and 2‐DG‐Activated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by Antitumor Nanosystems: An Effective Combination Therapy by Regulating the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Dong Mei , Xiao Xuan‐Zhong , Su Zhi‐Gui , Yu Zheng‐Hang , Qian Cheng‐Gen , Liu Jia‐Hao , Zhao Jia‐Cheng , Shen Qun‐Dong
Published: April 2019

A multimodal cancer therapeutic nanoplatform is reported. It demonstrates a promising approach to synergistically regulating the tumor microenvironment. The combination of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by irradiation of photosensitizer and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by 2‐deoxy‐glucose (2‐DG) has a profound effect on necrotic or apoptotic cell death. Especially, targeting metabolic pathway by 2‐DG is a promising strategy to promote the effect of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy. The nanoplatform can readily release its cargoes inside cancer cells and combines the advantages of ROS‐sensitive releasing chemotherapeutic drugs, upregulating apoptosis pathways under ER stress, light‐induced generation of cytotoxic ROS, achieving tumor accumulation, and in vivo fluorescence imaging capability. This work highlights the importance of considering multiple intracellular stresses as design parameters for nanoscale functional materials in cell biology, immune response, as well as medical treatments of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, etc.
Science teachers' pedagogical content knowledge development during enactment of socioscientific curriculum materials
Authors: Bayram‐Jacobs Durdane , Henze Ineke , Evagorou Maria , Shwartz Yael , Aschim Elin Leirvoll , Alcaraz‐Dominguez Silvia , Barajas Mario , Dagan Etty
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study is to provide insight into short‐term professionalization of teachers regarding teaching socioscientific issues (SSI). The study aimed to capture the development of science teachers' pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for SSI teaching by enacting specially designed SSI curriculum materials. The study also explores indicators of stronger and weaker development of PCK for SSI teaching. Thirty teachers from four countries (Cyprus, Israel, Norway, and Spain) used one module (30–60 min lesson) of SSI materials. The data were collected through: (a) lesson preparation form (PCK‐before), (b) lesson reflection form (PCK‐after), (c) lesson observation table (PCK‐in‐action). The data analysis was based on the PCK model of Magnusson, Krajcik, and Borko (1999). Strong development of PCK for SSI teaching includes “Strong interconnections between the PCK components,” “Understanding of students' difficulties in SSI learning,” “Suggesting appropriate instructional strategies,” and “Focusing equally on science content and SSI skills.” Our findings point to the importance of these aspects of PCK development for SSI teaching. We argue that when professional development programs and curriculum materials focus on developing these aspects, they will contribute to strong PCK development for SSI teaching. The findings regarding the development in the components of PCK for SSI provide compelling evidence that science teachers can develop aspects of their PCK for SSI with the use of a single module. Most of the teachers developed their knowledge about students' understanding of science and instructional strategies. The recognition of student difficulties made the teacher consider specific teaching strategies which are in line with the learning objectives. There is an evident link between the development of PCK in instructional strategies and students' understanding of science for SSI teaching.
Transitioning From Master's Studies to the Classroom: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Hennebry‐Leung Mairin , Gayton Angela , Hu Xiao Amy , Chen Xiaohui
Published: April 2019

The importance of social interaction in a community of practice for promoting effective teacher learning is well established (Johnson & Golombek, 2011; Lave & Wenger, 1991). Research outlines the challenges language teachers experience in transitioning between teacher education programmes and the classroom, particularly regarding the theory–practice nexus, and emphasizes the professional community's key role in providing mentoring and support. In this regard, language teachers’ experiences in transitioning from theoretically oriented language education master's programmes to the language classroom are underresearched. This study reports data gathered from 21 mainland Chinese participants transitioning from master's programmes in three locations (Hong Kong, Scotland, and China) to language classrooms in China. In line with other research on teacher education programmes, this study's findings suggest interesting common experiences among these new teachers regardless of the context where their studies took place, including a sense of isolation, a “sink‐or‐swim” phenomenon leading to the abandonment of theoretically grounded pedagogical beliefs in exchange for adherence to “safe” practice, confusion regarding the relationship between learning on university programmes and the practice of teaching, and weak self‐efficacy as transitioning teachers face internal and external pressures. Implications and consequences are discussed in the context of the theory–practice nexus.