bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Effects of Substrate Disintegration on Methane Yield
Authors: Hofmann Josephine , Müller Liane , Weinrich Sören , Debeer Lies , Schumacher Britt , Velghe Filip , Liebetrau Jan
Published: October 2019

Data obtained from seven lab‐scale experiments were used to compare different methods for describing effects of substrate disintegration on methane yield. Statistical evaluation underlines the importance of careful design and precise conduction of experiments. Within continuous experiments conducted as duplicates, an effect 5.65 times (triplicates: 3.07 times) the standard deviation between identically operated digesters can be considered significant. Some tests show significant impacts; however, the results between different test approaches, namely, batch, continuous digestion (measured), and continuous digestion (modeled from batch tests), are inconsistent. This inconsistency hints at a limited transferability from batch results to continuous operation in general and for the effect of disintegration in particular.
Diffusion Characteristics in Ethyl Alcohol and Glucose Solutions Using Kedem‐Katchalsky Equations
Authors: Jarzyńska Maria , Staryga Elżbieta , Kluza Franciszek , Spiess Walter E. L. , Góral Dariusz
Published: October 2019

Formulas for calculating the viscosity and diffusion coefficients for two‐component aqueous non‐electrolyte solutions as a function of the solution concentration under isothermal conditions were derived. The dependence of diffusion coefficient, filtration coefficient, and dynamic viscosity coefficient for these solutions on the solution concentration was estimated and evaluated. Based on the obtained formulas, the results of diffusion coefficient, membrane filtration coefficient, and dynamic viscosity calculations for aqueous solutions of ethanol and glucose are presented and compared with literature data.
On the Mechanism of the Asymmetric Aldol Addition of Chiral N‐Amino Cyclic Carbamate Hydrazones: Evidence of Non‐Curtin–Hammett Behavior
Authors: Uddin Md. Nasir , Knight John D. , Rastelli Ettore J. , Soubra‐Ghaoui Chirine , Albright Thomas A. , Wu Chia‐Hua , Wu Judy I. , Coltart Don M.
Published: October 2019

he mechanistic details of the aldol addition of N‐amino cyclic carbamate (ACC) hydrazones is provided herein from both an experimental and computational perspective. When the transformation is carried out at room temperature the anti‐aldol product is formed exclusively. Under these conditions the anti‐ and syn‐aldolate intermediates are in equilibrium and the transformation is under thermodynamic control. The anti‐aldolate that leads to the anti‐aldol product was calculated to be 3.7 kcal mol−1 lower in energy at room temperature than that leading to the syn‐aldol product, which sufficiently accounts for the exclusive formation of the anti‐aldol product. When the reaction is conducted at −78 °C it is under kinetic control and favors formation of the syn‐aldol addition product. In this case, it was found that a solvent separated aza‐enolate anion and aldehyde form a σ‐intermediate in which the lithium cation is coordinated to the aldehyde. The σ‐intermediate collapses with a very small activation barrier to form the β‐alkoxy hydrazone intermediate. The chiral nonracemic lithium aza‐enolate discriminates between the two diastereotopic faces of the pro‐chiral aldehyde, and there is no rapid direct pathway that interconverts the two diastereomeric intermediates. Consequently, the reaction does not follow the Curtin–Hammett principle and the stereochemical outcome at low temperature instead depends on the relative energies of the two σ‐intermediates.
Recent Progress in Precious Metal‐Free Carbon‐Based Materials towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Activity, Stability, and Anti‐Poisoning
Authors: Zhang Ling , Li Li , Chen Hongmei , Wei Zidong
Published: October 2019

The large‐scale application of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) depends heavily on the development of high‐performance and cost‐effective oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts to replace the traditional Pt‐based materials. Among the numerous candidates of ORR electrocatalysts, precious metal‐free carbon‐based materials have received ever‐increasing attention for their unique electronic features, tunable nanostructures, and robustness. Although tremendous efforts have been devoted to raising the intrinsic properties of precious metal‐free carbon‐based materials, there exists a lot of room for them to be improved in activity, stability, and poison‐tolerance. In this Minireview, the latest strategies for enhancing activity by increasing the accessible active sites and promoting the intrinsic activity have been summarized. In addition, with special emphasis on devastating catalyst poisoning, up‐to‐data tactics for elevating the stability and poison‐tolerance are introduced. Finally, conclusions and perspectives are also presented.
Adherence and Population Pharmacokinetic Properties of Amodiaquine When Used for Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention in African Children
Authors: Ding Junjie , Coldiron Matthew E. , Assao Bachir , Guindo Ousmane , Blessborn Daniel , Winterberg Markus , Grais Rebecca F. , Koscalova Alena , Langendorf Celine , Tarning Joel
Published: October 2019

Poor adherence to seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) might affect the protective effectiveness of SMC. Here, we evaluated the population pharmacokinetic properties of amodiaquine and its active metabolite, desethylamodiaquine, in children receiving SMC under directly observed ideal conditions (n = 136), and the adherence of SMC at an implementation phase in children participating in a case‐control study to evaluate SMC effectiveness (n = 869). Amodiaquine and desethylamodiaquine concentration‐time profiles were described simultaneously by two‐compartment and three‐compartment disposition models, respectively. The developed methodology to evaluate adherence showed a sensitivity of 65–71% when the first dose of SMC was directly observed and 71–73% when no doses were observed in a routine programmatic setting. Adherence simulations and measured desethylamodiaquine concentrations in the case‐control children showed complete adherence (all doses taken) in < 20% of children. This result suggests that more efforts are needed urgently to improve the adherence to SMC among children in this area.
Application of Molecular Electrostatic Potential Surface to Predict Supramolecular Synthons for RDX/Solvent Cocrystals
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhao Xiao , Zhu Weihua
Published: October 2019

Cocrystallization has attracted growing interests in the energetic field as it can tune properties by selecting and arranging existing molecules. Herein, the application of molecular electrostatic potential surface to predict supramolecular synthons for 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane (RDX)/solvent cocrystals is demonstrated. Six RDX/solvent supramolecular synthons are constructed and investigated by density functional theory. The results of Bader's atoms in molecules (AIM) and independent gradient model (IGM) indicate that unconventional CH···O type hydrogen bonds are the main intermolecular interactions between RDX and solvents. The thermodynamic properties are studied to assess the spontaneity of assembly reactions. The most stable packings for the supramolecular synthons of the RDX/solvents are predicted and they present lower sensitivity than RDX. The work may provide valuable insight for the rational design of RDX‐based cocrystals and promote the application of supramolecular chemistry in the field of explosives.
Offer bus tour to introduce new faculty to state, build community
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: October 2019

Learning about the students and campus culture at a university is a challenge that any new faculty member has to take on. But what if there was something you could do to take some of the guesswork out of this process?
Continuous flow electrophoretic separation — Recent developments and applications to biological sample analysis
Authors: Stastna Miroslava
Published: October 2019

Continuous flow electrophoretic separation with continuous sample loading provides the advantage of processing volumes of any sizes, as well as the benefit of a real‐time monitoring and optimization of the separation process. In addition, the spatial separation of the sample enables collecting multiple separated components simultaneously and in a continuous manner. The separation is usually performed in mild buffers without organic solvents and detergents (sample biological activity is retained) and it is carried out without usage of a solid support in the separation space preventing the interaction of the sample with it (high sample recovery). The method is used for the separation of proteins/peptides in proteomic applications, and its great applicability is to the separation of the cells, cellular organelles, vesicles, membrane fragments, and DNA. This review focuses on the electrophoretic separation performed in a continuous flow and it describes various electrophoretic modes and instrumental setups. Recent developments in methodology and instrumentation, the integration with other techniques, and the application to the biological sample analysis are discussed as well.
In‐situ stress determination and fracture characterization using image logs: The Paleogene Dongying Formation in Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Niu Huapeng , Liu Shichen , Lai Jin , Wang Guiwen , Liu Bingchang , Xie Yuqiang , Xie Weibiao
Published: October 2019

Fracture detection and in‐situ stress determination via well logs are important for exploration and exploitation of subsurface hydrocarbons. Cores, thin sections, and image logs are used to describe and interpret the subsurface fractures and in‐situ stress in the Paleogene Dongying sandstones in Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China. The maximum horizontal stress (SHmax) indicates a nearly east‐west trend according to the borehole breakouts and drilling‐induced fractures. Natural fractures in the Dongying sandstones are classified into: (1) open fractures and (2) closed fractures. The cement‐filled (closed) fractures are commonly detected by image logs as bright discontinuous sinusoidal waves due to resistive filling materials, while the open fractures are evident on image logs appearing as dark sine waves. The open fractures are of dominantly high dip angles, and the rose diagrams confirm the presences of two sets of fractures: northwest‐southeast and northwest‐southeast orientation. Fractures with strikes approximately parallel to the SHmax have good connectedness, making a significant contribution in hydrocarbon production. In addition, the oil‐bearing layers are mainly associated with the intervals with open fractures. The presence of natural fractures provides important pore spaces and fluid flow conduits. Insights can be provided into the subsurface fracture (natural and induced) detection and characterization using image logs.
A flexible IPv6 mobility management architecture for SDN‐based 5G mobile networks
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad Mohtasim , Jayalath Dhammika , Bernardos Carlos J.
Published: October 2019

With the advent of increasingly diverse services, applications, and use cases, the 5G mobility environment is expected to be highly heterogeneous. The distributed mobility management (DMM) is emerging as a promising approach for 5G, which provides decentralized handover and traffic management at the edge of the network. However, in order to meet the disparate mobility needs, the DMM process requires flexible design considerations. This paper presents a novel mobile node (MN) centered, software‐defined networking (SDN)–based flexible mobility management architecture, named adaptive multimode mobility management (A3M), which can adaptively operate in multiple modes. The proposed A3M architecture incorporates a novel handover mode selection phase among the traditional handover phases during which a suitable mode of handover operation is evaluated. This makes the A3M handover process adaptable to the varying mobility requirements of the MN and enables it to provide differentiated handover management for MNs with different mobility profiles. The performance analysis of A3M shows that it offers optimal handover performance in terms of primary handover performance metrics such as session disruption delay, packet losses, and signaling costs, compared to the popular network‐based DMM approaches.
Research on safe driving behavior of transportation vehicles based on vehicle network data mining
Authors: Sun Yuefang , Bi Yu , Han Yang , Xie Dongxue , Li Ruishan
Published: October 2019

In recent years, with the rapid development of China's economy and the growth of people's travel demand, road transport industry has developed rapidly. However, at the same time, the traffic safety problems caused by the accelerated growth of transport vehicles are becoming more and more serious. Driver's driving behavior is closely related to traffic safety. With the help of data mining technology, we can make full use of the system data collected by road transportation industry to identify the bad driving behavior of transport vehicles and get seven secondary indicators of traffic safety evaluation indicators: overspeed, accelerated, decelerated, fatigue driving, idle preheating, overspeed idling, and flameout taxiing. According to the indicators, the occurrence times and duration are further subdivided into 14 three‐level indicators. Then, by using the analytic hierarchy process, through the construction of comparison judgment matrix and consistency checking, the corresponding weight of each evaluation index is determined with the help of the entropy method, and the formation safety of transport vehicles is evaluated. The results show that drivers with more fatigue driving, acceleration, and deceleration have higher driving risk. Transportation enterprises and relevant departments need to focus on their monitoring. The combination of data mining, data analysis algorithm, and traffic safety field in machine learning provides a demonstration for the study of safe driving behavior of transport vehicles in China and has a guiding significance for the supervision and training of drivers' driving behavior and reducing road safety risks.
Privacy issues of android application permissions: A literature review
Authors: Shrivastava Gulshan , Kumar Prabhat , Gupta Deepak , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: October 2019

Android is an application platform for mobile devices. It comprises of the operating system, software framework, and core programs. This platform uses permissions to hide precious information about the user from untrusted apps. However, to install an application, device feature uses permissions that are granted by the user. User has the ability to analyze permissions and abort the setup if the permissions are unfriendly or unrestrained. Android permission analysis schemes show a significant role to fight against these undesirable behaviors of untrusted android apps in the aspect of security and privacy. This survey attempts to deal with the android application permissions that are related security and privacy challenges. It includes various research articles published in computers and security, digital investigation, decision support systems, systems and software security, and information forensics journals in the last 10 years. The survey is based on the following considerations: research issues motivated by the scheme, the methodology used, ability of result analysis conducted, and android features considered for performance evaluation.
Assimilation of the mafic‐ultramafic magma: A case study of diabase dyke at the Beidaihe, North China Craton
Authors: Wang Pan , Xu Haijin , Wang Xuance , Zhang Junfeng
Published: October 2019

Assimilation serves as a significant part during magma's evolution. Because of rapid cooling of mafic–ultramafic magma, assimilation between mantle‐derived magma and crustal rocks (wall rocks) is often neglected. The Beidaihe diabase dyke in North China Craton suggests that assimilation of the rapidly cooled mantle‐derived magma cannot be ignored. The diabase dyke is very thin (~1 m in width) with chilled margin. The dyke centre is porphyritic texture while the chilled margin is aphanitic texture, suggesting a rapid crystallization process. From the centre to margin of the dyke, contents of SiO2 (from 48.12–49.94 wt.% to 38.29–46.63 wt.%), MgO (from 7.46–9.17 wt.% to 3.39–4.71 wt.%), Ni (from 91.5–118 ppm to 6.5–45.8 ppm), and Cr (from 243–306 ppm to 1.7–80.5 ppm) are obviously decreased, but contents of Fe2O3T (from 8.71–9.39 wt.% to 9.21–12.30 wt.%), CaO (from 5.67–7.08 wt.% to 6.91–10.26 wt.%), and CO2 (from 0.25–1.92 wt.% to 4.52–6.58 wt.%) are distinctly increased. The dyke intruded discordantly into Ordovician limestone. Limestone far away from the dyke mainly consists of micro calcites with low MgO (0.55–0.77 wt.%) and FeO (0.07–0.09 wt.%) but high CaO (53.82–55.51 wt.%) and CO2 (44.46–45.02 wt.%) contents. Limestone close to the dyke metamorphosed into marble, which mainly comprises of recrystallized calcite/dolomite and diopside, with high MgO (1.85–2.35 wt.%) and FeO (0.17–1.36 wt.%) but relatively low CaO (52.30–54.15 wt.%) and CO2 (38.77–41.04 wt.%). All these suggest an assimilation process of the mantle‐derived magma with wall rocks limestone. Based on the chemical balance at the interface between the diabase and limestone, CO2 exchange model is used to estimate the degree of assimilation. The calculated assimilation degree is about 8–12% at the dyke margin. There is obvious elements exchange between magma and wall rocks, and the transfer ability of Mg is greater than that of Ca. Meanwhile, Fe oxides quickly precipitated at the margins of the dyke for the increase of fO2. Therefore, even for mantle‐derived magma which chilled rapidly, it may also be obviously influenced by assimilation, especially when wall rocks are carbonate sediments. Simultaneously, this study provides a possible explanation for some mantle‐derived rocks in carbonate areas with high LOI.
Metabolic and vascular risk factors are associated with reduced cerebral blood flow and poorer midlife memory performance
Authors: MacIntosh Bradley J. , Shirzadi Zahra , Atwi Sarah , Detre John A. , Dolui Sudipto , Bryan Robert Nick , Launer Lenore J. , Swardfager Walter
Published: October 2019

Midlife metabolic and vascular risk factors (MVRFs) predict cognitive decline and dementia; however, these risk factors tend to overlap, and the mechanisms underlying their effects on cognitive performance are not well understood. This cross‐sectional study investigates the contributions of MVRFs to regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) and verbal learning & memory among middle‐aged adults. We used partial least squares (PLS) analysis to create latent risk factor profiles and examine their associations to CBF in 93 regions of interest among 451 participants (age 50.3 ± 3.5 years) of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults. This multivariate analysis revealed regional CBF was lower in relation to obesity (higher body mass index and waist circumference), dysregulated glucose homeostasis (higher fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and higher fasting insulin), and adverse fasting lipid profile (lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher triglycerides). In a sensitivity analysis, we found that significant associations between MVRFs and CBF were prominent in the hypertension‐medicated subgroup. In a mediation model, the PLS‐based MVRFs profile was associated with memory performance (rey auditory verbal learning test); however, CBF was not a significant mediator of this association. The results describe an adverse midlife metabolic profile that might set the stage for incipient dementia and contribute to widespread changes in CBF.
N‐Silylation of Amines Mediated by Et3SiH/KOtBu
Authors: Palumbo Fabrizio , Rohrbach Simon , Tuttle Tell , Murphy John A.
Published: October 2019

Silylation of primary and secondary amines is reported, using triethylsilane as the silylating reagent in the presence of potassium tert‐butoxide (KOtBu). The reaction proceeds well in the presence of 0.2 equiv. of KOtBu. In competition experiments, aniline is selectively silylated over aliphatic amines. Computational studies support a catalytic mechanism which is initiated by KOtBu interacting with the silane to form KH and silylated amine. The KH then takes over the role of base in the propagation of the cyclic mechanism and deprotonates the amine. This reacts with R3SiH to afford the product R3SiNR′R′′ and regenerate KH.
Observed trends and relationships between ENSO and standardized hydrometeorological drought indices in central Chile
Authors: Oertel Melanie , Meza Francisco Javier , Gironás Jorge
Published: October 2019

Droughts are natural phenomena that severely affect socio economic and ecological systems. In Chile, population and economic activities are highly concentrated in its central region (i.e. between latitudes 29°S and 40°S), which periodically suffers from severe droughts affecting agriculture, hydropower, and mining. Understanding the dynamics of droughts and large‐scale atmospheric processes that influence the occurrence of dry spells is essential for forecasting and efficient early detection of drought events. Central Chile's climate is marked by a significant El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence that might help to better characterize droughts as well as to identify the effects of ENSO on the spatial and temporal characteristics of meteorological and hydrological droughts in the region. We analysed the behaviour of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) time series for 6‐month accumulation periods over the austral winter and summer seasons. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and Generalized Linear Models (GLM) showed a significant ENSO influence on dry events for SPEI‐6 and SSI‐6 during winter and summer. We found that the magnitude of correlation between ENSO and SPEI‐6 has changed over the last decades becoming weaker in winter periods and increasing in spring summer periods. Increasing trends in meteorological and hydrological drought events were also identified, along all latitudes, with significant trends during winter in the southern latitudes, and during summer in the semi‐arid and Mediterranean zones. These results indicate that drought mitigation actions and policies are necessary to overcome their adverse effects. Given the monthly persistence of ENSO and its relationship to drought indices, there are opportunities for drought monitoring and seasonal forecasting that could become part of national drought management systems.
A distributed analysis of lateral inflows in an Alaskan Arctic watershed underlain by continuous permafrost
Authors: King Tyler V. , Neilson Bethany T. , Overbeck Levi D. , Kane Douglas L.
Published: October 2019

Lateral inflows control the spatial distribution of river discharge, and understanding their patterns is fundamental for accurately modelling instream flows and travel time distributions necessary for evaluating impacts of climate change on aquatic habitat suitability, river energy budgets, and fate of dissolved organic carbon. Yet, little is known about the spatial distribution of lateral inflows in Arctic rivers given the lack of gauging stations. With a network of stream gauging and meteorological stations within the Kuparuk River watershed in northern Alaska, we estimated precipitation and lateral inflows for nine subcatchments from 1 July to 4 August,2013, 2014, and 2015. Total precipitation, lateral inflows, runoff ratios (area‐normalized lateral inflow divided by precipitation), percent contribution to total basin discharge, and lateral inflow per river kilometre were estimated for each watershed for relatively dry, moderate, or wet summers. The results show substantial variability between years and subcatchments. Total basin lateral inflow depths ranged 24‐fold in response to a threefold change in rainfall between dry and wet years, whereas within‐basin lateral inflows varied fivefold from the coastal plain to the foothills. General spatial trends in lateral inflows were consistent with previous studies and mean summer precipitation patterns. However, the spatially distributed nature of these estimates revealed that reaches in the vicinity of a spring‐fed surficial ice feature do not follow general spatial trends and that the coastal plain, which is typically considered to produce minimal runoff, showed potential to contribute to total river discharge. These findings are used to provide a spatially distributed understanding of lateral inflows and identify watershed characteristics that influence hydrologic responses.
Midazolam inhibits proliferation and accelerates apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by elevating microRNA‐124‐3p and suppressing PIM‐1
Authors: Qi Yanyan , Yao Xiangyan , Du Xianhui
Published: October 2019

Objective

Recently, the impact of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been identified in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this study was designed to assess the effects of miR‐124‐3p and midazolam (MDZ) in HCC with the involvement of PIM‐1.

Methods

HepG2 human HCC cells were selected for our study, which were treated with different concentrations of MDZ. The gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments were performed to elucidate the migration, invasion, proliferation, colony formation ability, cell cycle, and apoptosis of HepG2 cells upon treatment of MDZ, miR‐124‐3p mimics, or miR‐124‐3p inhibitor. The expression levels of miR‐124‐3p, PIM‐1, Bax, Bcl‐2, P21, and Ki‐67 in HepG2 cells were assessed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Moreover, HepG2 cell growth in vivo was measured by subcutaneous tumorigenesis in nude mice, and the target relation between miR‐124‐3p and PIM‐1 was evaluated using dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

We have found that after treated with overexpression of miR‐124‐3p and MDZ, there exhibited elevated miR‐124‐3p, declined expression of PIM‐1, attenuated migration, invasion, proliferation and colony formation ability, and promoted apoptosis of HepG2 cells. Additionally, it could be observed that the tumor volume and weight were all reduced upon treatment of overexpression of miR‐124‐3p and MDZ. Meanwhile, the results in the HepG2 cells that treated with down‐regulated miR‐124‐3p were the opposite. Furthermore, PIM‐1 was found to be a target gene of miR‐124‐3p.

Conclusion

Our study found that MDZ could inhibit proliferation and accelerate apoptosis of HCC cells by elevation of miR‐124‐3p and suppressing PIM‐1, which may be an effective method in the treatment of HCC.
GATA1 mutations in red cell disorders
Authors: Ling Te , Crispino John D.
Published: October 2019

GATA1 is an essential regulator of erythroid cell gene expression and maturation. In its absence, erythroid progenitors are arrested in differentiation and undergo apoptosis. Much has been learned about GATA1 function through animal models, which include genetic knockouts as well as ones with decreased levels of expression. However, even greater insights have come from the finding that a number of rare red cell disorders, including Diamond–Blackfan anemia, are associated with GATA1 mutations. These mutations affect the amino‐terminal zinc finger (N‐ZF) and the amino‐terminus of the protein, and in both cases can alter the DNA‐binding activity, which is primarily conferred by the third functional domain, the carboxyl‐terminal zinc finger (C‐ZF). Here we discuss the role of GATA1 in erythropoiesis with an emphasis on the mutations found in human patients with red cell disorders.
Human amniotic fluid stem cells attract osteoprogenitor cells in bone healing
Authors: Basile Mariangela , Marchegiani Francesco , Novak Sanja , Kalajzic Ivo , Di Pietro Roberta
Published: October 2019

Current treatments of large bone defects are based on autologous or allogenic bone transplantation. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) were evaluated for their potential in bone regenerative medicine. In this study, hAFSCs were transduced with lentiviral vector harboring red fluorescent protein to investigate their role in the regeneration of critical‐size bone defects in calvarial mouse model. To distinguish donor versus recipient cells, a transgenic mouse model carrying GFP fluorescent reporter was used as recipient to follow the fate of hAFSCs transplanted in vivo into Healos® scaffold. Our results showed that transduced hAFSCs can be tracked in vivo directly at the site of transplantation. The presence of GFP positive cells in the scaffold at 3 and 6 weeks after transplantation indicates that donor hAFSCs can recruit host cells during the repair process. These observations help clarify the role of hAFSCs in bone tissue repair.
miR‐188‐5p suppresses cellular proliferation and migration via IL6ST: A potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer
Authors: Wang Mei , Zhang Huiling , Yang Fang , Qiu Rong , Zhao Xinxin , Gong Zheng , Yu Wanjun , Zhou Baocheng , Shen Bo , Zhu Wei
Published: October 2019

Previously, serum miR‐188‐5p is differentially expressed in breast cancer, but the diagnostic potential of circulating miR‐188‐5p as well as its regulatory mechanism in breast cancer remain uncertain. Herein, serum miR‐188‐5p was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction in patients with breast cancer, breast fibroadenoma, and healthy subjects. Circulating miR‐188‐5p was abnormally elevated in patients with breast cancer as compared with these other two groups, and was reduced in patients with breast cancer following surgical treatment. Increased serum miR‐188‐5p corresponded to lymph node metastasis status and TNM stages of breast cancer. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the ability to circulate miR‐188‐5p to distinguish between patients with breast cancer and either noncancerous patients or patients with breast fibroadenoma yielded corresponding areas under the curve of 0.894 and 8.814. miR‐188‐5p was downregulated in the highly malignant cancer line MDA‐MB‐231 relative to the less malignant MCF‐7 cells. In vitro, functional analyses conducted via transfecting cells with mimics and inhibitors revealed miR‐188‐5p to suppress breast cancer cell proliferation and migration, which was mediated by its downstream target IL6ST. Comparison of intracellular and exosomal miR‐188‐5p levels indicated that miR‐188‐5p was selectively sorted into exosomes derived from MDA‐MB‐231 cells rather than those from MCF‐7 cells. However, exosomal miR‐188‐5p levels in the serum of patients with breast cancer were reduced compared to healthy controls and did not differ relative to patients with breast fibroadenoma. In summary, miR‐188‐5p acts in a tumor‐suppressive manner in breast cancer progression and may serve as a noninvasive early diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Hybrid electrospun porous fibers of poly(lactic acid) and nano ZIF‐8@C600 as effective degradable oil sorbents
Authors: Wang Yating , Li Xu , Dai Xiu , Zhan Yixing , Ding Xiaoqing , Wang Ming , Wang Xinglong
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

With the rapid industrial and urbanization development, a large amount of oily wastewater is generated from various sources. It is mutagenic and carcinogenic to human health and seriously affects the ecosystem. In this study PLA/ZIF‐8@C600 nanofibers were prepared for oil adsorption.

RESULTS

Hybrid nanoparticles (ZIF‐8@C600) of carbon black C600 and zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) with high specific surface area and porous structure were prepared by co‐deposition and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FITR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and contact angle measurement. Biodegradable composite nanofiber membranes of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and ZIF‐8@C600 were manufactured by electrospinning. The SEM and contact angle results showed that the addition of ZIF‐8@C600 could adjust the diameter, porosity, pore size and hydrophobicity of the composite electrospun nanofibers. The PLA/ZIF‐8@C600 porous membranes had good oil sorption properties in oil–water mixture and emulsion. The oil adsorption capacity of the sample with 1 wt% ZIF‐8@C600 was improved by ∼72.59% compared with that of pure PLA (13.5 g g−1), which demonstrated that the PLA/ZIF‐8@C600 fibers were good candidates as oil sorbents. The adsorption kinetics of the membranes on paraffin liquid was in accordance with pseudo‐second‐order kinetics.

CONCLUSION

The addition of hybrid ZIF‐8@C600 improved the hydrophobic properties and oil adsorption capacity of PLA/ZIF‐8@C600 porous membranes. Because PLA is an environmentally friendly polymer, composite membranes based on it can avoid secondary pollution. Overall, these findings have good prospects for future treatment of oily wastewater. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Critical review on microbial fuel cells for concomitant reduction of hexavalent chromium and bioelectricity generation
Authors: Aarthy Mayilvahanan , Rajesh Thangamani , Thirunavoukkarasu Manikkannan
Published: October 2019

Rapid urbanization and industrialization has led to the indiscriminate discharge of heavy metals into the environment. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), a lethal, carcinogenic and genotoxic heavy metal frequently found in industrial effluent, poses a serious threat to human health. On the other hand, there is a global energy crisis prevalent owing to the scarcity of resources and huge energy demand. An emerging innovative technology which utilizes the biocatalytic activity of microbes for electron production and offers a dual solution for simultaneous reduction of Cr(VI) and generation of bioelectricity is the microbial fuel cell (MFC). The success of the MFC depends on variables such as cell configuration, pH, electrode materials, effect of microbial communities and operational conditions. This review provides a critical insight on the developments in the field of MFCs with abiotic and biotic cathodes, integrated systems, plant‐ and soil‐based designs for treatment of Cr(VI)‐laden effluent and sustainable energy recovery. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Epidemiological differences of common liver conditions between Asia and the West
Authors: Jayaraman Thevaraajan , Lee Yeong‐Yeh , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: October 2019

Liver diseases form a heterogenous group of acute and chronic disorders of varying etiologies. Not only do they result in significant morbidity and mortality, but they also lead to a marked reduction in quality of life, together with a high socioeconomic burden globally. A better understanding of their global distribution is necessary to curb the massive health‐care and socioeconomic burden that they entail. Notable differences and similarities have been described between common liver disease conditions occurring in Asia and the West (Europe and North America), giving rise to the need for an updated collective appraisal of this subject. In this review, the epidemiological differences of common liver conditions, specifically acute liver failure, drug‐induced liver injury, acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, between Asia and the West are discussed.
Incidence and predictors of total mortality in 267 adults presenting with mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Papadopoulos Constantinos , Wahbi Karim , Behin Anthony , Bougouin Wulfran , Stojkovic Tanya , Leonard‐Louis Sarah , Berber Nawal , Lombès Anne , Duboc Denis , Jardel Claude , Eymard Bruno , Laforêt Pascal
Published: October 2019

Assessing long‐term mortality and identifying predictors of death in adults with mitochondrial diseases. We retrospectively included adult patients with genetically proven mitochondrial diseases referred to our centre between January 2000 and June 2016, and collected information relative to their genetic testing, clinical assessments, and vital status. We performed single and multiple variable analyses in search of predictors of total mortality, and calculated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 267 patients (women 59%; median age 43.3 [31.3‐54.2] years), including 111 with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) single large‐scale deletions, 65 with m.3243A>G, 24 with m.8344A>G, 32 with other mtDNA point mutations, and 36 patients with nuclear genes mutations. Over a median follow‐up of 8.9 years (0.3 to 18.7), 61 patients (22.8%) died, at a median age of 50.7 (37.9‐51.9) years. Primary cause of death was cardiovascular disease in 16 patients (26.2%), respiratory in 11 (18.0%), and gastrointestinal in 5 (8.1%). By multiple variable analysis, diabetes (HR 2.75; 95% CI 1.46‐5.18), intraventricular cardiac conduction defects (HR 3.38; 95% CI 1.71‐6.76) and focal brain involvement (HR 2.39; 95% CI 1.25‐4.57) were independent predictors of death. Adult patients with mitochondrial diseases present high morbidity that can be independently predicted by the presence of diabetes, intraventricular cardiac conduction defects, and focal brain involvement.
Supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for lipidomics
Authors: Chollet Céline , Boutet‐Mercey Stéphanie , Laboureur Laurent , Rincon Carlos , Méjean Marie , Jouhet Juliette , Fenaille François , Colsch Benoit , Touboul David
Published: October 2019

Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) has experienced a particular revival in recent years thanks to the development of robust and efficient commercial systems. Because of its physico‐chemical properties, supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) mixed with cosolvents and additives is particularly suitable for SFC to allow the elution of compounds of different polarities and more particularly complex lipids. Hyphenation with mass spectrometry (MS) is increasingly described in the literature but still requires many further developments in order to be as user‐friendly as coupling with liquid chromatography. The basic concepts of SFC and MS hyphenation will be first considered. Then a representative example of method development in lipidomics will be introduced. In conclusion, the challenges and future needs in this field of research will be discussed.
QCMS2 as a new method for providing insight into peptide fragmentation: The influence of the side‐chain and inter–side‐chain interactions
Authors: Cautereels Julie , Van Hee Nils , Chatterjee Sneha , Van Alsenoy Christian , Lemière Filip , Blockhuys Frank
Published: October 2019

The identification of peptides and proteins from tandem mass spectra is a difficult task and multiple tools have been developed to aid this identification. We present a new method called quantum chemical mass spectrometry for materials science (QCMS2), which is based on quantum chemical calculations of bond orders, reaction, and transition‐state energies at the DFT/B3LYP/6‐311+G* level of theory. The method was used to describe the fragmentation pathways of five X‐His‐Ser tripeptides with X = Asn, Asp, Glu, Ser, and Trp, thereby focusing on the influence of the side chain and inter–side‐chain interactions on the fragmentation. The main features in the mass spectra of the five tripeptides were correctly reproduced, and a number of fragments were assigned to fragmentations involving the side chain and the influence of inter–side‐chain interactions. Product ion spectra were recorded to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of QCMS2 and a number of conventional tools.
Inhibition of glycosidase by ursolic acid: in vitro, in vivo and in silico study
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhao Jiang , Yan Yong , Liu Dong , Wang Chengtao , Wang Hao
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Controlling the blood glucose level is an effective method to reduce type 2 diabetes and prevent diabetes‐related complications. Ursolic acid is a plant extract that can reduce postprandial hyperglycemia effectively. This study aimed to explore the inhibitory effect and interaction mechanism of ursolic acid against α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase.

RESULTS

In this study, the effect of ursolic acid on glycosidase was studied in vitro, in vivo, and in silico. The half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ursolic acid on α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase was 0.482 ± 0.12 mg mL−1 and 0.213 ± 0.042 mg mL−1, respectively. The results of enzymatic kinetics showed that ursolic acid inhibited α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase activity in a non‐competitive manner. The fluorescence spectrum showed that the combination of ursolic acid and glycosidase caused the intrinsic fluorescence quenching of glycosidase. The observation of starch granules revealed that the activity of α‐amylase was inhibited and the hydrolysis of starch granules was prevented in the presence of ursolic acid. Molecular docking results showed that ursolic acid bound to the inactive site of α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase through the formation of ursolic acid–glucosidase complex. Ursolic acid interacted with α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase mainly through hydrogen bonding. The postprandial hypoglycemic effect of ursolic acid in C57BL/6J mice showed that the high concentration of ursolic acid could quickly reduce postprandial blood glucose level.

CONCLUSION

Ursolic acid can be considered as a natural ingredient in functional foods to control postprandial blood glucose levels and prevent diabetes by delaying the digestion of starch in foods. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Instrumentation for direct measurements of wave‐driven flow over a fringing reef crest
Authors: Hefner Benjamin B. , Rogers Justin S. , Maticka Samantha A. , Monismith Stephen G. , Woodson C. Brock
Published: October 2019

Shallow dynamic flows are very important processes in environmental systems, yet they are notoriously difficult to measure. For example, on coral reefs, shallow flows over the reef crest typically range from 0 to 1 m depth and velocity up to 1–2 m s−1 including oscillatory motion of waves. To directly measure depth and velocity in this challenging environment, we retrofitted a vertical acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP, Teledyne, RDI) designed for streams into a new shallow water acoustic Doppler current profiler system (SW‐ADCP) to expand memory and power limitations and allow for deployment in wave‐dominated environments. We captured variations in shallow reef crest depth and flow over a period of 3 weeks in the reef/lagoon system of Ofu Island, American Samoa. The new SW‐ADCPs recorded water depth and three‐dimensional velocity in 3 cm bins every 3 s. We then used velocity profiles to estimate volumetric flow and drag coefficients and verified these estimates using boundary layer theory. We observe that the mean velocity profile is well approximated by a log‐layer formulation with z0 of 3.5 cm, despite the shallow depths, strong flows, and breaking waves. Our observations validated the use of SW‐ADCPs as a tool for measuring flows in shallow (0.1–1 m), dynamic coastal marine environments.
BlastGUI: A Python‐based Cross‐platform Local BLAST Visualization Software
Authors: Du Zongjun , Wu Qing , Wang Tianzhu , Chen Defang , Huang Xiaoli , Yang Wei , Luo Wei
Published: October 2019

Many researchers use BLAST+ software to build databases and perform sequence alignments. However, command‐line operations are required and this created a barrier for researchers with weak computer skills. Therefore, we designed BlastGUI, a Local BLAST visualization software based on Python programming language, to enable users to build databases and perform sequence filtering and sequence alignment through a graphical user interface. The operation visualization, automatic sequence filtering, and cross‐platform utilization significantly facilitate biological data analysis and information mining. Our designed software is freely available under the terms of the GNU GPLv3 at https://github.com/byemaxx/BlastGUI.
Far‐field potentials in the compound muscle action potential
Authors: Sonoo Masahiro
Published: October 2019

It has long been believed that the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in motor‐nerve conduction studies (MCSs) records the action potential beneath the active electrode over the muscle belly. However, recent studies have revealed the contribution of the reference electrode to the CMAP, most prominent in the tibial nerve, followed by the ulnar nerve. This “reference electrode potential” is recorded when the conventional reference electrode distal to the muscle belly is connected to a proximal reference. It must be a far‐field potential (FFP) considering its distribution, although the precise mechanism of its generation has not been clarified. The conventional theory of termination of the action potential at the muscle‐tendon junction is insufficient. Regarding the ulnar CMAP, interosseous muscles mostly contribute to the FFPs. New understanding of CMAP based on the FFP theory may provide new insights into the interpretation of MCSs and related techniques, including motor unit number estimation.
Loss of appetite in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is associated with weight loss and decreased calorie consumption independent of dysphagia
Authors: Mezoian Taylor , Belt Emily , Garry Jamie , Hubbard Jane , Breen Christopher T. , Miller Leah , Levine‐Weinberg Mark , Nalipinski Paige , Sullivan Stacey , Chan James , Wills Anne‐Marie
Published: October 2019

Background

Loss of appetite has been reported to affect up to half of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and to be associated with weight loss. We wished to test whether loss of appetite correlates with reduced dietary intake independent of dysphagia.

Methods

Appetite was measured repeatedly using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ) in participants in the Electronic health Application To Measure Outcomes REmotely study. Dietary intake and weight were compared to appetite, ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised total and bulbar scores (dysphagia).

Results

The average baseline CNAQ score was 30.4 (n = 61; SD = 3.9) with 18.0% scoring <28 points (severe loss of appetite). Lower CNAQ scores correlated with greater weight loss since diagnosis (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = ‐0.34; P = 0.009) and lower baseline energy intake (P = 0.007), independent of dysphagia.

Conclusions

Our results support an association between loss of appetite and decreased calorie intake and weight in ALS which is independent of dysphagia.
Pharmacokinetics of Capecitabine and Four Metabolites in a Heterogeneous Population of Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Jacobs Bart A.W. , Deenen Maarten J. , Joerger Markus , Rosing Hilde , de Vries Niels , Meulendijks Didier , Cats Annemieke , Beijnen Jos H. , Schellens Jan H.M. , Huitema Alwin D.R.
Published: October 2019

Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of the anticancer drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The primary aim of this study was to develop a pharmacokinetic model for capecitabine and its metabolites, 5′‐deoxy‐5‐fluorocytidine (dFCR), 5′‐deoxy‐5‐fluorouridine (dFUR), 5‐FU, and fluoro‐β‐alanine (FBAL) using data from a heterogeneous population of cancer patients (n = 237) who participated in seven clinical studies. A four‐transit model adequately described capecitabine absorption. Capecitabine, dFCR, and FBAL pharmacokinetics were well described by two‐compartment models, and dFUR and 5‐FU were subject to flip‐flop pharmacokinetics. Partial and total gastrectomy were associated with a significantly faster capecitabine absorption resulting in higher capecitabine and metabolite peak concentrations. Patients who were heterozygous polymorphic for a genetic mutation encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, the DPYD*2A mutation, demonstrated a 21.5% (relative standard error 11.2%) reduction in 5‐FU elimination. This comprehensive population model gives an extensive overview of capecitabine and metabolite pharmacokinetics in a large and heterogeneous population of cancer patients.