bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Tracking of Native Precursors in Adult Mice
Authors: Liu Suying , Adams Sarah E , Zheng Haotian , Ehnot Juliana , Jung Seul K , Jeffrey Greer , Menna Theresa , Purton Louise E , Lee Hongzhe , Kurre Peter
Published: November 2024

Hematopoietic dysfunction has been associated with a reduction in the number of active precursors. However, precursor quantification at homeostasis and under diseased conditions is constrained by the scarcity of available methods. To address this issue, we optimized a method for quantifying a wide range of hematopoietic precursors. Assuming the random induction of a stable label in precursors following a binomial distribution, estimates depend on the inverse correlation between precursor numbers and the variance of precursor labeling among independent samples. Experimentally validated to cover the full dynamic range of hematopoietic precursors in mice (1 to 10
5
), we utilized this approach to demonstrate that thousands of precursors, which emerge after modest expansion during fetal-to-adult transition, contribute to native and perturbed hematopoiesis. We further estimated the number of precursors in a mouse model of Fanconi Anemia, showcasing how repopulation deficits can be classified as autologous (cell proliferation) and non-autologous (lack of precursor). Our results support an accessible and reliable approach for precursor quantification, emphasizing the contemporary perspective that native hematopoiesis is highly polyclonal.
Flamingo participates in multiple models of cell competition
Authors: Bosch Pablo Sanchez , Cho Bomsoo , Axelrod Jeffrey D
Published: November 2024

The growth and survival of cells with different fitness, such as those with a proliferative advantage or a deleterious mutation, is controlled through cell competition. During development, cell competition enables healthy cells to eliminate less fit cells that could jeopardize tissue integrity, and facilitates the elimination of pre-malignant cells by healthy cells as a surveillance mechanism to prevent oncogenesis. Malignant cells also benefit from cell competition to promote their expansion. Despite its ubiquitous presence, the mechanisms governing cell competition, particularly those common to developmental competition and tumorigenesis, are poorly understood. Here, we show that in
Drosophila
, the planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Flamingo (Fmi) is required by winners to maintain their status during cell competition in malignant tumors to overtake healthy tissue, in early pre-malignant cells when they overproliferate among wildtype cells, in healthy cells when they later eliminate pre-malignant cells, and by supercompetitors as they compete to occupy excessive territory within wildtype tissues. “Would-be” winners that lack Fmi are unable to over-proliferate, and instead become losers. We demonstrate that the role of Fmi in cell competition is independent of PCP, and that it uses a distinct mechanism that may more closely resemble one used in other less well-defined functions of Fmi.
The paradox of extremely fast evolution driven by genetic drift in multi-copy gene systems
Authors: Wang Xiaopei , Ruan Yongsen , Zhang Lingjie , Chen Xiangnyu , Shi Zongkun , Wang Haiyu , Chen Bingjie , Tracy Miles E , Wu Chung-I , Wen Haijun
Published: November 2024

Multi-copy gene systems that evolve within, as well as between, individuals are common. They include viruses, mitochondrial DNAs, transposons and multi-gene families. The paradox is that their (neutral) evolution in two stages should be far slower than single-copy systems but the opposite is often true. As the paradox cannot be resolved by the standard Wright-Fisher (WF) model, we now apply the newly expanded WF-Haldane (WFH;(Ruan, et al. 2024)) model to mammalian ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. On average, rDNAs have
C
∼ 150 - 300 copies per haploid in humans. While a neutral mutation of a single-copy gene would take 4
N
generations (
N
being the population size of an ideal population) to become fixed, the time should be 4
NC*
generations for rRNA genes (
C*
being the effective copy number). Note that
C*
>> 1, but
C*
< (or >)
C
would depend on the drift strength. Surprisingly, the observed fixation time in mouse and human is < 4
N
, implying the paradox of
C*
< 1. Genetic drift that encompasses all random neutral evolutionary forces appears as much as 100 times stronger for rRNA genes as for single-copy genes, thus reducing
C*
to < 1. The large increases in genetic drift are driven by the homogenizing forces of gene conversion, unequal crossover and replication slippage within individuals. This study is one of the first applications of the WFH model to track random genetic drift in multi-copy gene systems. Many random forces, often stronger than the WF model prediction, could be mis-interpreted as the working of natural selection.
Helserelatert livskvalitet hos personer som har eller har hatt blærekreft
Authors: Hanstad Maren Meinseth , Haugen Signe Nygaard , Utne Inger , Løyland Borghild , Torbjørnsen Astrid , Grov Ellen Karine
Published: November 2024

Hensikt: Å kartlegge helserelatert livskvalitet (HRQOL) hos personer med blærekreft, samt undersøke forskjeller mellom kjønn og sammenligne med normalbefolkningen.
Metode: Medlemmer av to pasientforeninger ble invitert til å svare på kliniske/demografiske spørsmål og HRQOL på et elektronisk skjema. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) ble brukt for å måle HRQOL.
Resultat: Av 445 inviterte pasientmedlemmer svarte 146 (33%) på spørreskjemaet. Omtrent halvparten (56%) av utvalget hadde ikke-muskelinvasiv blærekreft. Signifikante forskjeller mellom menn og kvinner ble funnet for fysisk funksjon, kognitiv funksjon, fatigue og diaré, hvor kvinnene rapporterte mer problemer. Størst forskjell mellom personer med blærekreft og normalbefolkningen ses innen sosial- og rollefunksjon.
Konklusjon: Blærekreft og behandling har signifikant påvirkning på flere livskvalitetsdimensjoner. Pasientgruppen skårer dårligere enn grenseverdier innenfor flere funksjoner og symptomer, noe klinikere bør være oppmerksom på når de møter personer med blærekreft.
The complete mitochondrial DNA of the carnivorous sponge Lycopodina hypogea is putatively complemented by microDNAs
Authors: de Paula Thiago Silva , Leite Dora de Moura Barbosa , Lobo-Hajdu Gisele , Vacelet Jean , Thompson Fabiano , Hajdu Eduardo
Published: November 2024

Carnivorous sponges (Porifera, Demospongiae, Cladorhizidae), contrary to the usual filter-feeding mechanism of sponges, are specialized in catching larger prey through adhesive surfaces or hook-like spicules. The mitochondrial DNA of sponges overall present several divergences from other metazoans, and while presenting unique features among major transitions, such as in calcarean and glass sponges, poriferan mitogenomes are relatively stable within their groups. Here, we report and discuss the mitogenome of Lycopodina hypogea (Vacelet & Boury-Esnault, 1996), which greatly vary from its subordinal counterparts in both structure and gene order. This mitogenome is seemingly multipartite into three chromosomes, two of them as microDNAs. The main chromosome, chrM1, is unusually large, 31,099 bp in length, has a unique gene order within Poecilosclerida, and presents two rRNA, 13 protein and 19 tRNA coding genes. Intergenic regions comprise approximately 40% of chrM1, bearing several terminal direct and inverted repeats (TDRr and TIRs) but holding no vestiges of former mitochondrial sequences, pseudogenes, or transposable elements. The nd4l and trnI(gau) genes are likely located in microDNAs thus comprising putative mitochondrial chromosomes chrM2, 291 bp, and chrM3, 140 bp, respectively. It is unclear which processes are responsible for the remarkable features of the of L. hypogea mitogenome, including a generalized gene rearrangement, long IGRs, and putative extrachromosomal genes in microDNAs.
A Review of Generative Design Using Machine Learning for Additive Manufacturing
Authors:   Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 60616 Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, Koul Parankush
Published: November 2024

This review explores how generative design is combined with machine learning (ML) to achieve additive manufacturing (AM) and its societal transformative effect. Generative design uses complex algorithms to automate the process of designing best-fit designs, mass customization, and customization to suit specific customer requirements with high efficiency and quality. The scalability and predictability of artificial intelligence (AI) models make handling huge data easy and enable scale-up of production without compromising quality. This paper also focuses on how generative design can help accelerate innovation and product creation because it empowers designers to play in a wider space of design and provide solutions that cannot be reached with traditional techniques. AI integration with existing production processes is also vital to real-time manufacturing optimization—further increasing overall operational effectiveness. Additionally, the emergence of sophisticated predictive models like gradient boosting regression shows how ML can enable better accuracy and robustness of 3D printing operations to achieve quality standards of the outputs. This paper ends with what generative design and ML hold for the future of AM and how designing continues to be improved and modified to match changing industry requirements.
Calculation Methods for Volute Parameters Used in the Conceptual Design of Radial and Axial-Centrifugal Compressors
Authors:   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, Rzeszów University of Technology, al. Powstańców Warszawy 8, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland, Antas Stanisław
Published: November 2024

In many designs of a single-stage radial and axial-centrifugal compressors of the turboprop and turboshaft aviation engines, a properly formed collector placed after a vaneless or vaned radial diffuser, is used to decrease velocity and to increase static pressure of an air stream. The spiral diffuser is one of the main diffuser types. A volute is a channel with a different form of transverse sections that gradually expands in the direction of rotor rotation and includes preceding diffuser with a cylindrical inlet hole. Its geometrical parameters should be properly selected to ensure the correct operation of the scroll. This paper presents two main methods of calculation of geometrical parameters of the spiral diffuser: free vortex design (constant angular momentum principle) and constant mean velocity design. Mentioned methods (recommended for use in the conceptual design of a compressor) are based on energy equation - steady flow energy equation, equation of continuity, first law of thermodynamics, Euler’s moment of momentum equation, gas dynamics functions and definitions used in theory of turbomachinery. A detailed analysis of geometrical parameters of different types of collectors were conducted. This paper also provides a review of experimental research results of total pressure loss coefficient in the volute and proposed method of determining air stream parameters at volute outlet.
Employee Loyalty and Performance of Taiwan's Semiconductor Industry: Analysis of TSMC's Business Alliance
Authors: Ya-hui Wang , Hsiang-tsai Chiang
Published: November 2024

Taiwan's semiconductor industry plays a critical role in the global economy with its technological innovation, efficient manufacturing, and market leadership, profoundly shaping the global semiconductor landscape. It explores whether there is a positive correlation between employee loyalty and corporate performance and further examines if the parent-subsidiary relationship or business alliance with TSMC or UMC influences the relationship between employee loyalty and corporate performance. The study compiles data from Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, with the upstream comprising IP design and IC design, the midstream including IC manufacturing, wafer fabrication, related testing equipment, reticle masks, and chemicals, and the downstream covering IC packaging and testing, IC modules, and IC distribution. Data from 2005 to 2020, comprising 1015 valid data, were used. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to observe the relationship between employee loyalty and corporate performance.
The study aims to deeply investigate the impact of employee loyalty on the performance of Taiwanese semiconductor companies, especially considering the scenarios of consortium and business alliance cooperation. Through literature review and empirical analysis, the study assesses how employee loyalty affects the performance indicators of semiconductor companies and explores the moderating role of consortium and business alliance cooperation in this impact. By delving into employee loyalty in Taiwan’s semiconductor sector, this study aims to provide practical recommendations for human resource management strategies and consortium cooperation decisions to promote the sustainable development of Taiwanese semiconductor companies. The findings reveal a negative correlation between the average seniority and turnover rate of employees and performance variables, while employee growth rate shows a positive correlation in upstream and midstream companies but a negative correlation overall. The results vary slightly across the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. In terms of business alliance effects, companies with business ties to TSMC exhibit a moderating effect on the relationship between employee loyalty and performance variables.
A New Modified Confidence Interval Estimator of Location Parameter for Skewed Distribution
Authors: Islam Khairul , Shapla Tanweer J
Published: November 2024

A new modified confidence interval has been proposed which incorporates a new point estimator of the location parameter mean for skewed data distribution. Traditionally, the trimmed mean confidence interval estimator (Trm-ci) is a robust method for dealing with the skewness of the underlying data distribution. However, the Trm-ci method trims a certain fraction of endpoint observations to address skewness, which may result in a loss data information. The Students’t confidence interval (t-ci) estimator, while the most efficient estimator at normal models, becomes impractical in a situation where observed data is subject to non-normality due to robustness. In between the two, the median confidence interval estimator (Med-ci) is expected to retain the robustness of Trm-ci and the efficiency of t-ci. The idea behind the proposed new modified confidence interval estimator (Mod-ci) is to consider both the sample mean and sample median simultaneously, while also using end-point information without trimming any observations. As such, the proposed Mod-ci is expected to be as good as or better than other underlying methods regarding robustness and efficiency when dealing with skewed data distributions. In this study, we examine the performance of the new method compared to most commonly used methods through examples and simulating data from skewed distribution with varying degree of skewness. The results of examples and simulations suggest that the proposed method is as good as, or better than other estimators relevant to this study, as measured by estimated coverage probability and the width of associated confidence interval. Therefore, this method is recommended for practical application while dealing with real-life data exhibiting skewness.
Influence of Climatic and Oceanographic Parameters on CO2 Exchanges at the Air-sea Interface in the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Yavo Faty Patricia Raissa , Tiemele Jacques André , Koffi Kouakou Urbain , Djagoua Eric Valère , Ochou Abe Delfin
Published: November 2024

Aims: Analyze the climatic and oceanographic parameters influencing oceanic CO2.
Place and Duration of Study: Gulf of Guinea, 2010-2018
Methodology: Analysis of Monthly Satellite Data from the Gulf of Guinea on Sea Surface Temperature, Sea Surface Salinity, Sea Surface Chlorophyll, Sea Surface Partial Pressure of CO2, Sea Surface Wind Speed at 10 meters, Dry Air Molar Fraction (xCO2), and Sea Level Pressure. Numerical Data Processing on a One-Degree Spatial Resolution Grid Using Python 3.11 through Bilinear Interpolation. The data are then averaged monthly, allowing for an assessment of the intra-monthly variability of oceanic parameters.
Results: Physical parameters (salinity, temperature, wind speed), hydrological parameters (chlorophyll-a and ocean surface partial pressure of CO2) are characterized by strong seasonal and spatial variability, modulated by phenomena such as seasonal upwelling and thermal stratification, which directly influence CO2 fluxes at the air-sea interface, with minor differences between coastal areas and offshore regions.
Conclusion: Climatic and oceanographic parameters act synergistically to modulate CO2 exchanges between the ocean and the atmosphere. Integrating these parameters into climate models will improve the accuracy of global climate change predictions.
Evaluation of Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients Treated in Tertiary Care Hospital of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Azhar Maria , Soomro Rufina , Khurshaidi Nadeem
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Breast cancer is the leading health concern in both developed and under developing countries with every 1 out of 9 females in Pakistan being diagnosed with breast cancer. Increased awareness, screening tools, advancement in oncological treatment has increased the breast cancer survival rates, on the other side modified medical and surgical treatment is associated with increased side effects and health concerns. Therefore, beside the assessment of treatment for breast cancer, quality of life needs to be monitored in order to improve physical and psychological outcomes in treated breast cancer patients.
Material and Methods: This is the cross-sectional prospective study conducted in department of general surgery, Liaquat national hospital Karachi over a period of January-December 2023. All the patients who had completed their medical and surgical treatment for breast cancer within last 5 years were included in the study. Quality of life was assessed in patients using FACT B questionnaire and effects of socio demographic factors on quality of life were recorded.
Results: Total 80 patients were included in study with equal number of patients having history of mastectomy and breast conservation surgery. Assessment of quality of life was done using FACT B questionnaire. Highest scores were noted for social/family wellbeing and functional wellbeing and least scores were noted in physical wellbeing with majority of patients having moderate quality of life in both mastectomy and BCS subgroups. No statistically significant association of socio demographic factors with quality of life were noted however quality of life was noted to better in terms of age, education, profession, residence and without hormonal treatment.
Conclusion: moderate quality of life was noted in majority of patients with positive impact of younger age, higher education, professional women, and presence of urban residence and without intake of hormonal therapy.
Managerial Ability of the Members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur District of Assam with Reference to Commercial Litchi Production
Authors: Thakuria Samar , Das Pabitra Kumar , Talukdar Nabanil , Seyie Silevizo , Hussain Irshad , Thakuria Diptasikha
Published: November 2024

Farmer Producer Company is a company formed by a group of farmers who are producers come together to form a company. The present investigation was conducted out with the objective to measure the managerial ability of the members of Agnigarh Producer Company Limited in Sonitpur district of Assam with reference to commercial litchi production. Agnigarh Producer Company Limited was selected purposively, as the Farmer Producer Company dealing with commercial litchi production was operating in this district. A sample of 80 respondents was chosen from 13 selected villages in Sonitpur district using a proportionate random sampling method. To assess the managerial ability of the FPC members, the Managerial Ability Scale created by Jadav (2005) was used. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents (43.75%) belonged to middle aged category with higher secondary level of formal education (41.25%). Majority of respondents (41.25%) belonged to small size of operational land holdings category and (60.00%) had medium level of litchi yield index with medium level of farm mechanization (70.00%) and medium level of irrigated area under litchi cultivation (77.50%). Majority of them (80.00%) had medium level of farm wage payment related to litchi cultivation with (53.75%) of respondents had medium level of experience in litchi cultivation. Whereas (63.75%) of respondents had medium level of attitude towards modern agriculture with high level of training exposure (50.00%). The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents (61.25%) had medium level of managerial ability index.
Social And Cultural Identity Of Traditional Gringsing And Bantenan Weaving Cloth
Authors: Punia I Nengah , Putra Gusti Ngurah Marta Sagita , Loka Ni Putu Elena Zatmika , Cahyarani Ni Made Gita
Published: November 2024

The research conducted by Merdeka and Merdeka Belajar Campus (MBKM) focuses on the socio-cultural identity of Gringsing of Bali and Bantenan of Minahasa traditional woven cloth. The unique patterns, motifs, and identities of these traditional woven cloths within Balinese and Minahasa cultures are explored. The research aims to identify and describe these fabrics' social and cultural identity through an explanatory, descriptive, qualitative approach. Drawing on the sociological theory of fashion and clothing by Diana Crane and Laura Bovone, the research seeks to highlight the distinctive styles and motifs of Gringsing and Bantenan woven fabrics. Additionally, the study aims to uncover the evolving philosophical significance of Gringsing and Bantenan woven cloth. These fabrics have transitioned from solely used in traditional and religious activities to now being incorporated into everyday attire, including office uniforms and other social engagements. Gringsing and Bantenan woven fabrics showcase a variety of motifs, colors, and patterns, such as flora and fauna designs. The use of these traditional woven cloths from Gringsing and Bantenan serves as a means to express individual and collective social and regional identities. Moreover, given their significant domestic and international demand, these fabrics can serve as communication tools in cultural exchanges, thereby embodying the social identity of the Indonesia]
The Planting Of Pueraria Crops In Addressing Food Security: An Investigation Of Woody Crops In Southwest Of China
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Yang Canyu
Published: November 2024

To comprehensively strengthen the foundation of food security, adopt a holistic view of food, develop facility agriculture, construct a diversified food supply system, and better meet the needs of a better life for the people, is one of the important national strategies of China today. Pueraria crops have a long cultivation history in China, with records dating back to at least the pre-Qin era, they possess high economic and ecological value, and their extensive living cultivation and utilization are still preserved in the mountainous areas of Southwest China, providing an important food source for various ethnic groups in the region. We believe that by achieving a transformation in conceptual framework, introducing facility agricultural technology, cultivating and utilizing pueraria crops in southwest China as an important supplementary food source, reviving the planting of pueraria crops in the mountainous areas of southwest China, ensuring food security, and potentially providing valuable insights for the current construction of ecological civilization.
Peers help recovery in hybrid drop‐in and SEP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2018

Harm reduction isn't just an alternative to recovery — it's another pathway toward recovery, recent research has found. In “Peer‐Delivered Harm Reduction and Recovery Support Services: Initial Evaluation from a Hybrid Recovery Community Drop‐In Center and Syringe Exchange Program,” published Oct. 22 in the Harm Reduction Journal, researchers Robert D. Ashford, Ph.D., and colleagues write about the connection between recovery support services and harm reduction, often considered at odds with each other.
Jail‐based MAT guide released
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2018

Last week, Mark Parrino, president of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD), made the opening speech at the annual conference of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC). The NCCHC, in partnership with the National Sheriffs’ Association, had just released guidelines on medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) in jails. The guide, Jail‐Based Medication‐Assisted Treatment: Promising Practices, Guidelines, and Resources for the Field, is intended to help jails develop MAT programs. “MAT is a cornerstone of best practice for recovery, and treatment using MAT, particularly when coupled with evidence‐based behavioral treatment, improves medical and mental health outcomes and reduces relapses and recidivism,” states the introduction to the guide.
Joining of Graphite to Copper with Nb Interlayer: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Xing Lili , Lin Jincheng , Huang Mei , Yang Weiqi
Published: October 2018

Reliable joining of graphite and copper is achieved by means of a multilayer structure: niobium, which is used as stress‐relief interlayer, is joined to copper on one side by transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding and to graphite on the other side, using Ti/Cu foils as a filler alloy. The joints prepared by different parameters are analyzed in terms of microstructure, joint strength, and fracture behavior. With low joining temperature and low Ti content, a ductile banded Cu/TiCu4 layer forms between graphite and Nb by peritectic reaction. The dissolution‐precipitation of Nb in TiC particles can help to reduce the brittleness on graphite interface. The TLP bonding between Nb and copper results in a narrow diffusion layer in copper substrate. The maximum shear strength of joints reaches 32 MPa as using 11.3 wt% Ti at 1000 °C. The fracture modes change from bowl shape cracks in graphite/Cu joints to multi‐step cracks in graphite/Nb/Cu joints.
Origami‐Inspired Cellular Metamaterial With Anisotropic Multi‐Stability
Authors: Kamrava Soroush , Ghosh Ranajay , Wang Zhihao , Vaziri Ashkan
Published: October 2018

Origami designs offer extreme reconfigurability due to hinge rotation and facet deformation. This can be exploited to make lightweight metamaterials with controlled deployability and tunable properties. Here, we create a family of origami‐inspired cellular metamaterials which can be programmed to have various stability characteristics and mechanical responses in three independent orthogonal directions. The cellular metamaterials were constructed from their origami unit cell that can have one or two admissible closed‐loop configurations. The presence of the second closed‐loop configuration leads to the emergence of bi‐stability in the cellular metamaterial. We show that the stability and reconfigurability of the origami unit cell, and thus the constructed cellular metamaterials, can be programmed by manipulating the characteristic angles inherited from the origami pattern. Two examples of such programmable metamaterial with bi‐stability in out‐of‐plane direction and anisotropic multi‐stability in orthogonal directions are presented. Our study provides a platform to design programmable three‐dimensional metamaterials significantly broadening the application envelope of origami.
Rational Design of Carbon‐Rich Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Kong Debin , Gao Yang , Xiao Zhichang , Xu Xiaohui , Li Xianglong , Zhi Linjie
Published: October 2018

Carbon‐rich materials have drawn tremendous attention toward a wide spectrum of energy applications due to their superior electronic mobility, good mechanical strength, ultrahigh surface area, and more importantly, abundant diversity in structure and components. Herein, rationally designed and bottom‐up constructed carbon‐rich materials for energy storage and conversion are discussed. The fundamental design principles are itemized for the targeted preparation of carbon‐rich materials and the latest remarkable advances are summarized in terms of emerging dimensions including sp2 carbon fragment manipulation, pore structure modulation, topological defect engineering, heteroatom incorporation, and edge chemical regulation. In this respect, the corresponding structure–property relationships of the resultant carbon‐rich materials are comprehensively discussed. Finally, critical perspectives on future challenges of carbon‐rich materials are presented. The progress highlighted here will provide meaningful guidance on the precise design and targeted synthesis of carbon‐rich materials, which are of critical importance for the achievement of performance characteristics highly desirable for urgent energy deployment.
Graphen‐ähnlicher Kohlenstoff aus Biomasse: effiziente metallfreie Kohlenstoffkatalysatoren für Epoxidierungen
Authors: Wen Guodong , Gu Qingqing , Liu Yuefeng , Schlögl Robert , Wang Congxin , Tian Zhijian , Su Dang Sheng
Published: October 2018

N‐dotierte graphenartige Kohlenstoffe (NG) wurden über eine metallfreie Syntheseroute durch Pyrolyse aus Glucose, Fructose und 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) synthetisiert, welche günstig aus weithin verfügbarer Biomasse gewonnen werden können. Vor allem durch den Einsatz von 5‐HMF als Kohlenstoffquelle konnte ein NG mit einer gut entwickelten, dünnen Schichtstruktur mit großer lateraler Ausdehnung hergestellt werden. Der von 5‐HMF abgeleitete NG zeigte im Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Kohlenstoffkatalysatoren eine überlegene Leistung bei Epoxidierungen, vergleichbar mit der eines Cobaltkatalysators. Charakterisierungen der NGs mittels TEM und XPS sowie EPR‐Analysen ergaben, dass die katalytischen Eigenschaften auf ein hohes Aktivierungsvermögen sowohl für Alkene als auch für O2 zurückzuführen sind. Die Fähigkeit zur Substrataktivierung konnte dabei einerseits auf die graphitische Schichtstruktur und andererseits auf in das Graphitgitter eingebundene N‐Spezies zurückgeführt werden.
Investigation of the Locked‐Unlocked Mechanism in Living Anionic Polymerization Realized with 1‐(Tri‐isopropoxymethylsilylphenyl)‐1‐phenylethylene
Authors: Liu Pibo , Ma Hongwei , Han Li , Shen Heyu , Yang Lincan , Li Chao , Hao Xinyu , Li Yang
Published: October 2018

Reported is an intriguing advance in living anionic polymerization (LAP) by a “locked‐unlocked” mechanism in which the living anionic species can be quantitatively locked by end‐capping with 1‐(tri‐isopropoxymethylsilylphenyl)‐1‐phenylethylene (DPE‐Si(O‐iPr)3) and can be unlocked by adding the key, sodium 2,3‐dimethylpentan‐3‐olate (NaODP). These new insights into this mechanism were carefully confirmed by designing reactions involving sequential feeding of quantitative DPE‐Si(O‐iPr)3 and traditional monomers mixed with NaODP, and subsequently characterizing the corresponding samples, taken during the feeding process, by GPC, NMR, and MALDI‐TOF‐MS techniques. The switch from the locked to unlocked state was clearly confirmed by these characterization techniques. The putative locked‐unlocked mechanism in the LAP was simulated by the Gaussian method. This intriguing mechanistic finding of LAP reactions is expected to supplement the existing knowledge and facilitate the tailoring of specific structures for these polymerizations.
Measuring Therapeutic Changes for a British Chinese Family UsingSCORE‐15
Authors: Teh Yang Yang , Lek Evonne
Published: October 2018

This paper details the findings and reflections of family therapy treatment outcomes for a British‐Chinese family usingSCORE‐15, a reliable and valid systemic outcome measure developed in theUK. It aims to examine the clinical usefulness ofSCORE‐15 through its application to a single case study. The two culture‐specific treatments were conducted at the Marlborough Cultural Therapy Centre (MCTC), which was part of the Marlborough Family Service in London.MCTCwas a mental health specialist service for ethnic minorities in their preferred languages that operated for 18 years within the mainstream mental health setting of the National Health Service (NHS). The overall family functioning was found to have improved and problem severity decreased, apart from some aspects rated by the mother. Reflections and discussions with the family with regard to theSCORE‐15 findings facilitated understanding and feedback about clinical changes in the systemic intervention.
Seasonal differences in drivers of species richness of waders in inland wetlands of La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Gonçalves Maycon Sanyvan Sigales , Gil‐Delgado José Antonio , Gosálvez Rafael U. , López‐Iborra Germán Manuel , Ponz Adrián , Velasco Ángel
Published: October 2018

Temporary inland wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, and recognition of the factors that determine species richness in different seasons is key for developing conservation plans for these systems. La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve in central Spain has many inland wetlands of this type, but the driving ecological processes of species richness are poorly understood.

This study examines the association of landscape and local variables with species richness patterns of inland wetlands of La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve during winter and the breeding season. The number of lakes in several increasing radii was a proxy of connectivity, and maximum flooded surface and shoreline length were surrogates of the species–area relationship.

Other landscape and local habitat variables, such as hydroperiod (length of inundation period), distance from human settlements, shoreline development index, vegetation surface cover, average lake depth, number of islands and surface area of islands were also analysed. Hierarchical partitioning analysis was used to evaluate the contribution of the environmental variables to explain the species richness of waders.

Species richness (26 species, four threatened in Europe) had different associations with the variables during the wintering and breeding seasons. The richness of breeding and wintering species was positively associated with hydroperiod and maximum flooded surface area respectively. No variable measured was negatively associated with species richness in any season.

Hydroperiod and flooded surface area are altered directly by human activities. Water extraction for irrigation reduces hydroperiod in some wetlands, whereas wastewater input extends hydroperiod in others, promoting wader concentrations in lakes flooded in summer and potentially favouring botulism outbreaks. In addition, the lack of protection and management on most of the lakes in La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve also favours encroachment of agriculture, destroying and degrading habitat for wintering and breeding waders.
Maxilloturbinal Aids in Nasophonation in Horseshoe Bats (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae)
Authors: Curtis Abigail A. , Smith Timothy D. , Bhatnagar Kunwar P. , Brown Alexis M. , Simmons Nancy B.
Published: October 2018

Horseshoe bats (Family Rhinolophidae) show an impressive array of morphological traits associated with use of high duty cycle echolocation calls that they emit via their nostrils (nasophonation). Delicate maxilloturbinal bones inside the nasal fossa of horseshoe bats have a unique elongated strand‐like shape unknown in other mammals. Maxilloturbinal strands also vary considerably in length and cross‐sectional shape. In other mammals, maxilloturbinals help direct respired air and prevent respiratory heat and water loss. We investigated whether strand‐shaped maxilloturbinals in horseshoe bats perform a similar function to those of other mammals, or whether they were shaped for a role in nasophonation. Using histology, we studied the mucosa of the nasal fossa in Rhinolophus lepidus, which we compared with Hipposideros lankadiva (Hipposideridae) and Megaderma lyra (Megadermatidae). Using micro‐CT scans of 30 horseshoe bat species, we quantified maxilloturbinal surface area and skull shape within a phylogenetic context. Histological results showed horseshoe bat maxilloturbinals are covered in a thin, poorly vascularized, sparsely ciliated mucosa poorly suited for preventing respiratory heat and water loss. Maxilloturbinal surface area was correlated with basicranial width, but exceptionally long and dorsoventrally flat maxilloturbinals did not show enhanced surface area for heat and moisture exchange. Skull shape variation appears to be driven by structures linked to nasophonation, including maxilloturbinals. Resting echolocation call frequency better predicted skull shape than did skull size, and was specifically correlated with dimensions of the rostral inflations, palate, and maxilloturbinals. These traits appear to form a morphological complex, indicating a nasophonatory role for the strand‐shaped rhinolophid maxilloturbinals. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy.
Landmark Typology in Applied Morphometrics Studies: What's the Point?
Authors: Wärmländer Sebastian K. T. S. , Garvin Heather , Guyomarc'h Pierre , Petaros Anja , Sholts Sabrina B.
Published: October 2018

Landmarks are the hallmark of biological shape analysis as discrete anatomical points of correspondence. Various systems have been developed for their classification. In the most widely used system, developed by Bookstein in the 1990s, landmarks are divided into three distinct types based on their anatomical locations and biological significance. As Bookstein and others have argued that different landmark types possess different qualities, e.g., that Type 3 landmarks contain deficient information about shape variation and are less reliably measured, researchers began using landmark types as justification for selecting or avoiding particular landmarks for measurement or analysis. Here, we demonstrate considerable variation in landmark classifications among 17 studies using geometric morphometrics (GM), due to disagreement in the application of both Bookstein's landmark typology and individual landmark definitions. A review of the literature furthermore shows little correlation between landmark type and measurement reproducibility, especially when factors such as differences in measurement tools (calipers, digitizer, or computer software) and data sources (dry crania, 3D models, or 2D images) are considered. Although landmark typology is valuable when teaching biological shape analysis, we find that employing it in research design introduces confusion without providing useful information. Instead, researchers should choose landmark configurations based on their ability to test specific research hypotheses, and research papers should include justifications of landmark choices along with landmark definitions, details on landmark collection methods, and appropriate interobserver and intraobserver analyses. Hence, while the landmarks themselves are crucial for GM, we argue that their typology is of little use in applied studies. Anat Rec, 302:1144–1153, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of low temperature on fraction unbound for plasma and tissue
Authors: Ryu Sangwoo , Novak Jonathan J. , Patel Roshan , Yates Phillip , Di Li
Published: October 2018

The effect of low temperature (4 °C) on plasma protein binding and tissue binding was evaluated for the first time using a large set of structurally diverse compounds covering a wide range of physiochemical properties and fraction unbound values. These results show that temperature has little effect on plasma protein binding and tissue binding and that the measured binding values at 4 °C are equivalent, on average, to those at physiological temperature (37 °C). The exception is indomethacin, where binding component(s) changed during long incubation at 37 °C. These data suggest that binding experiments can be conducted at 4 °C for unstable compounds in early drug discovery. Furthermore, plasma protein binding and tissue binding are likely to have little change during hypothermia conditions.
CYP2J2 is the major enzyme in human liver microsomes responsible for hydroxylation of SYL‐927, a novel and selective sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) agonist
Authors: Yang Shu , Hu Jinping , Li Yan , Zhao Zhigang
Published: October 2018

SYL‐927, a novel and selective S1P1 agonist, is transferred to its active phosphate for the regulation of lymphocyte recirculation. This in vitro metabolism study is to elucidate the P450‐mediated oxidation pathway of SYL‐927 in human liver microsomes (HLMs). The results demonstrated that the ω‐1 hydroxylated metabolite SYL‐927‐M was formed after incubation of SYL‐927 with HLMs. Recombinant human CYP1A1 and CYP2J2 can efficiently catalyse SYL‐927‐M formation, followed by markedly less substrate conversion with CYP1A2, CYP2C19 and CYP2D6. Inhibition studies with chemical inhibitors and antibodies suggested that arachidonic acid, the substrate of CYP2J2, and CYP2J2‐specific antibody effectively inhibited the formation of SYL‐927‐M in HLMs whereas no significant inhibition was observed with the inhibitors for CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4, demonstrating that CYP2J2 was primarily responsible for the formation of SYL‐927‐M.
Effect of Gd3+, Bi3+, or Sm3+ on luminescent properties of La2−xMgTiO6:xEu3+ phosphors
Authors: Xie Huidong , Su Binbin , Tan Yurong , Zhao Yajuan , Chai Shouning
Published: October 2018

Single phase of Bi3+, Gd3+, Sm3+ and Eu3+ co‐doped La2MgTiO6 red phosphors were synthesized by high temperature solid‐state method. The phase composition, morphology and fluorescent properties of the phosphors were analyzed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectrometer. The La2‐xMgTiO6:xEu3+ phosphors can be excited by UV (396 nm) and blue (465 nm) light‐emitting diode (LED) chips and show a strong red emitting with dominated wavelength at 615 nm. The optimum doping concentration of Eu3+ ion for La2MgTiO6 is x = 0.5. The luminescent intensities of 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ in La1.5‐yMgTiO6:0.5Eu3+, yBi3+/Gd3+/Sm3+ were 1.31 times, 1.32 times and 1.88 times that of La1.5MgTiO6:0.5Eu3+ at y = 0.08, 0.06, 0.06 for Bi3+, Gd3+, or Sm3+ sensitizer, respectively. The chromaticity coordinates of La1.44MgTiO6:0.5Eu3+, 0.06Sm3+, (0.6342, 0.3513) were very close to those of the National Television Standard Committee (NTSC) standard red light coordinates.
Gram‐scale production of carrier‐free fluorescent berberine microrods for selective liver cancer therapy
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Zhang Fan , Shao Dan , Zhang Zhanqiang , Cui Lianzhi , Zhang Jing , Dawulieti Jianati , Meng Zhaojie , Zhang Ming , Chen Li
Published: October 2018

Berberine, a widely used isoquinoline alkaloid in traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved to be a potential candidate in liver cancer therapy. However, the low therapeutic dose in the tumor target which is due to the poor solubility and oral bioavailability has limited its clinical application. In this study, fluorescent self‐carried Berberine microrods (Ber‐MRs) were prepared in gram‐scale through a facile and cheap antisolvent precipitation method. Ber‐MRs exhibited good optical properties, pH‐responsive drug release behavior and selective and safe antitumor performance in vitro and in vivo without obvious toxicity. These findings have demonstrated that Ber‐MRs are promising for efficient and safe liver cancer therapy. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(5):496–502, 2018
Isolation of two novel purple naphthoquinone pigments concomitant with the bioactive red bikaverin and derivates thereof produced by Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Lebeau Juliana , Petit Thomas , Clerc Patricia , Dufossé Laurent , Caro Yanis
Published: October 2018

Filamentous fungi have gained growing interest as sources of diverse pigmented secondary metabolites. Some specific polyketides from Ascomycetous species have demonstrated a wide range of industrial applications in food, cosmetic, textile, and in the design of pharmaceutical products. The formulation of recipes containing fungal polyketides has increased over recent years. Fusarium strains were proven useful to mankind in a variety of technologies. Nevertheless, there is still need of new isolates of Fusarium for use in emerging and already existing fields. In this article, we report the concomitant production of the bioactive red bikaverin along with two novel purple pigments by the phytopathogenic Fusarium oxysporum LCP531 strain isolated from soil. In literature, the production of purple pigment had only been described in cultures of Fusarium Fujikuroi, Fusarium verticillioides, and Fusarium graminearum. The production of these naphthoquinonic pigments, their distribution (either produced in mycelia or excreted in liquid medium) and their chemical profiles were investigated with respect to nutrient composition. The pigments were extracted by using a pressurized liquid extraction method, monitored by colorimetric analysis and characterized by HPLC‐DAD chromatography. To our knowledge, this is the first report of these two novel wild‐type purple naphtoquinones pigments along with bikaverin, where additionally, the culture conditions were put into perspective to optimize fermentation cultures and extraction process accordingly to the pigment/biomolecule desired. These colored naphthoquinones should be promising fungal functional compounds which could be expected to have a place of choice, along with other antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, and antineoplastic derivatives. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2738, 2019
Proposed surgical technique to facilitate targeted reinnervation of the infraspinatus: A cadaveric feasibility study
Authors: Wyles Cody C. , Maldonado Andrés A. , Wagner Eric R. , Houdek Matthew T. , Lachman Nirusha , Spinner Robert J.
Published: October 2018

Restoration of shoulder lateral rotation remains a significant challenge following brachial plexus injury. Transfer of the accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve (SSN) has been widely performed, although with generally poor outcomes for lateral rotation. A recent report suggested a selective infraspinatus reinnervation technique using a radial nerve branch for SSN transfer. This cadaveric study was performed in 7 specimens (14 shoulders). We present technical modifications to achieve additional length to the recipient nerve (suprascapular) that would facilitate direct repair. Key elements of the technique are (1) isolation of the SSN immediately distal to its motor branch to supraspinatus near the superior transverse scapular ligament; and (2) delivery of the transected SSN through the spinoglenoid notch and deep to the infraspinatus for emergence in the infraspinatus‐teres minor interval. Nerve overlap of at least 21 mm was observed in all 14 dissected shoulders between the harvested SSN and radial nerve branches. The mean nerve overlap between harvested branches was 26 mm (range 21–32 mm). The mean harvested SSN length was 59 mm (range 46–80 mm). The mean length of the harvested radial nerve branch was 72 mm (range 65–85 mm). No measurements were significantly different between left and right shoulders or between males and females (smallest P value = 0.1249). Nerve diameter of the two harvested branches was judged to be appropriately compatible for surgical coaptation in all 14 dissected shoulders. We present a variation on a described technique to increase recipient suprascapular nerve length. Additional length of the recipient nerve is achieved through utilization of a more proximal dissection of the suprascapular nerve near the level of the superior transverse scapular ligament and delivering the nerve through the teres minor‐infraspinatus interval. These surgical modifications are of clinical interest when selective reinnervation of the infraspinatus muscle is considered. We believe such a targeted approach can potentially increase shoulder lateral rotation function. Clin. Anat. 32:131–136, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.