bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D ameliorates systolic but not diastolic blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: Results from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jafari Tina , Fallah Aziz A. , Rostampour Noushin , Mahmoodnia Leila
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the effects of vitamin D on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the subject through a meta-analysis. A computerized literature search on five databases was performed and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until March 2016 were identified. The eligibility criteria for articles to be selected were parallel-group RCTs in which consumption of a kind of vitamin D was compared with placebo in patients with T2D. Un-standardized mean difference and its corresponding 95 % confidence interval (CI) was calculated from the effect sizes by using random effects model. Studies comparing intervention group (received vitamin D) with control group (received placebo) were enrolled in meta-analysis. Meta-analysis on 26 studies with 1789 type 2 diabetic subjects showed that vitamin D significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP; –0.97 mmHg, 95 % CI: –1.94, –0.001, P = 0.050), but not diastolic blood pressure (DBP; –0.10 mmHg, 95 % CI: –0.22, 0.02, P = 0.087). Subgroup analyses showed that administration of vitamin D in patients with baseline serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D < 50 nmol/l and baseline SBP < 140 mmHg significantly reduced SBP. Moreover, the patients who received vitamin D without Ca co-supplementation showed significant reduction in SBP. Vitamin D doses (≤ 2000 or > 2000 IU/day) and method of vitamin D application (Supplementation or food fortification) did not affect the blood pressure. This study demonstrated that vitamin D improved SBP in type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, this vitamin can be considered as an adjuvant therapy in these patients.
I Need Somebody to Lean on
Authors: De Clercq Mikaël , Devos Christelle , Azzi Assaad , Frenay Mariane , Klein Olivier , Galand Benoît
Published: April 2019

Abstract. In the literature, social support is depicted as an important determinant of whether someone completes their doctoral process. However, few studies actually test the impact of social support in sound quantitative designs. The present study provides an incremental understanding of the social support effect by (a) assessing the joint influence of three sources of social support (supervisor, academic peers, and relatives) on the emotions of doctoral students, their perceived progress and intention to persist; and (b) testing the interactions between these three sources of support and the doctoral stage of advancement. To this end, we carried out a longitudinal three-wave study with 446 doctoral students from two Belgian universities. The hierarchical regressions showed that (1) only supervisor support significantly predicted the outcomes of doctoral students and (2) the influence of social support on intention to persist was moderated by the stage of advancement in the doctoral journey. We discuss these results and their implications for further work on social support in light of existing literature on doctoral persistence.
Global Isotope Hydrogeology―Review
Authors: Jasechko Scott
Published: April 2019

Groundwater 18O/16O, 2H/1H, 13C/12C, 3H, and 14C data can help quantify molecular movements and chemical reactions governing groundwater recharge, quality, storage, flow, and discharge. Here, commonly applied approaches to isotopic data analysis are reviewed, involving groundwater recharge seasonality, recharge elevations, groundwater ages, paleoclimate conditions, and groundwater discharge. Reviewed works confirm and quantify long held tenets: (i) that recharge derives disproportionately from wet season and winter precipitation; (ii) that modern groundwaters comprise little global groundwater; (iii) that “fossil” (>12,000‐year‐old) groundwaters dominate global aquifer storage; (iv) that fossil groundwaters capture late‐Pleistocene climate conditions; (v) that surface‐borne contaminants are more common in younger groundwaters; and (vi) that groundwater discharges generate substantial streamflow. Groundwater isotope data are disproportionately common to midlatitudes and sedimentary basins equipped for irrigated agriculture, but less plentiful across high latitudes, hyperarid deserts, and equatorial rainforests. Some of these underexplored aquifer systems may be suitable targets for future field testing.
A Review of the Role of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in Atlantic Multidecadal Variability and Associated Climate Impacts
Authors: Zhang Rong , Sutton Rowan , Danabasoglu Gokhan , Kwon Young‐Oh , Marsh Robert , Yeager Stephen G. , Amrhein Daniel E. , Little Christopher M.
Published: April 2019

By synthesizing recent studies employing a wide range of approaches (modern observations, paleo reconstructions, and climate model simulations), this paper provides a comprehensive review of the linkage between multidecadal Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) variability and Atlantic Multidecadal Variability (AMV) and associated climate impacts. There is strong observational and modeling evidence that multidecadal AMOC variability is a crucial driver of the observed AMV and associated climate impacts and an important source of enhanced decadal predictability and prediction skill. The AMOC‐AMV linkage is consistent with observed key elements of AMV. Furthermore, this synthesis also points to a leading role of the AMOC in a range of AMV‐related climate phenomena having enormous societal and economic implications, for example, Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts; Sahel and Indian monsoons; Atlantic hurricanes; El Niño–Southern Oscillation; Pacific Decadal Variability; North Atlantic Oscillation; climate over Europe, North America, and Asia; Arctic sea ice and surface air temperature; and hemispheric‐scale surface temperature. Paleoclimate evidence indicates that a similar linkage between multidecadal AMOC variability and AMV and many associated climate impacts may also have existed in the preindustrial era, that AMV has enhanced multidecadal power significantly above a red noise background, and that AMV is not primarily driven by external forcing. The role of the AMOC in AMV and associated climate impacts has been underestimated in most state‐of‐the‐art climate models, posing significant challenges but also great opportunities for substantial future improvements in understanding and predicting AMV and associated climate impacts.
Molecular dissection of box jellyfish venom cytotoxicity highlights an effective venom antidote
Authors: Lau Man-Tat , Manion John , Littleboy Jamie B. , Oyston Lisa , Khuong Thang M. , Wang Qiao-Ping , Nguyen David T. , Hesselson Daniel , Seymour Jamie E. , Neely G. Gregory
Published: April 2019

The box jellyfish Chironex fleckeri is extremely venomous, and envenoming causes tissue necrosis, extreme pain and death within minutes after severe exposure. Despite rapid and potent venom action, basic mechanistic insight is lacking. Here we perform molecular dissection of a jellyfish venom-induced cell death pathway by screening for host components required for venom exposure-induced cell death using genome-scale lenti-CRISPR mutagenesis. We identify the peripheral membrane protein ATP2B1, a calcium transporting ATPase, as one host factor required for venom cytotoxicity. Targeting ATP2B1 prevents venom action and confers long lasting protection. Informatics analysis of host genes required for venom cytotoxicity reveal pathways not previously implicated in cell death. We also discover a venom antidote that functions up to 15 minutes after exposure and suppresses tissue necrosis and pain in mice. These results highlight the power of whole genome CRISPR screening to investigate venom mechanisms of action and to rapidly identify new medicines.
Lipopolysaccharide inhalation recruits monocytes and dendritic cell subsets to the alveolar airspace
Authors: Jardine Laura , Wiscombe Sarah , Reynolds Gary , McDonald David , Fuller Andrew , Green Kile , Filby Andrew , Forrest Ian , Ruchaud-Sparagano Marie-Helene , Scott Jonathan , Collin Matthew , Haniffa Muzlifah , Simpson A. John
Published: April 2019

Mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) including monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are critical innate immune effectors and initiators of the adaptive immune response. MPs are present in the alveolar airspace at steady state, however little is known about DC recruitment in acute pulmonary inflammation. Here we use lipopolysaccharide inhalation to induce acute inflammation in healthy volunteers and examine the impact on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood MP repertoire. Classical monocytes and two DC subsets (DC2/3 and DC5) are expanded in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid 8 h after lipopolysaccharide inhalation. Surface phenotyping, gene expression profiling and parallel analysis of blood indicate recruited DCs are blood-derived. Recruited monocytes and DCs rapidly adopt typical airspace-resident MP gene expression profiles. Following lipopolysaccharide inhalation, alveolar macrophages strongly up-regulate cytokines for MP recruitment. Our study defines the characteristics of human DCs and monocytes recruited into bronchoalveolar space immediately following localised acute inflammatory stimulus in vivo.
Dynamics of pore formation during laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Martin Aiden A. , Calta Nicholas P. , Khairallah Saad A. , Wang Jenny , Depond Phillip J. , Fong Anthony Y. , Thampy Vivek , Guss Gabe M. , Kiss Andrew M. , Stone Kevin H. , Tassone Christopher J. , Nelson Weker Johanna , Toney Michael F. , van Buuren Tony , Matthews Manyalibo J.
Published: April 2019

Laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing is an emerging 3D printing technique for the fabrication of advanced metal components. Widespread adoption of it and similar additive technologies is hampered by poor understanding of laser-metal interactions under such extreme thermal regimes. Here, we elucidate the mechanism of pore formation and liquid-solid interface dynamics during typical laser powder bed fusion conditions using in situ X-ray imaging and multi-physics simulations. Pores are revealed to form during changes in laser scan velocity due to the rapid formation then collapse of deep keyhole depressions in the surface which traps inert shielding gas in the solidifying metal. We develop a universal mitigation strategy which eliminates this pore formation process and improves the geometric quality of melt tracks. Our results provide insight into the physics of laser-metal interaction and demonstrate the potential for science-based approaches to improve confidence in components produced by laser powder bed fusion.
Information-rich localization microscopy through machine learning
Authors: Kim Taehwan , Moon Seonah , Xu Ke
Published: April 2019

Recent years have witnessed the development of single-molecule localization microscopy as a generic tool for sampling diverse biologically relevant information at the super-resolution level. While current approaches often rely on the target-specific alteration of the point spread function to encode the multidimensional contents of single fluorophores, the details of the point spread function in an unmodified microscope already contain rich information. Here we introduce a data-driven approach in which artificial neural networks are trained to make a direct link between an experimental point spread function image and its underlying, multidimensional parameters, and compare results with alternative approaches based on maximum likelihood estimation. To demonstrate this concept in real systems, we decipher in fixed cells both the colors and the axial positions of single molecules in regular localization microscopy data.
On Chip Optical Modulator using Epsilon-Near-Zero Hybrid Plasmonic Platform
Authors: Swillam Mohamed A. , Zaki Aya O. , Kirah Khaled , Shahada Lamees A.
Published: April 2019

In this work, we propose a micro-scale modulator architecture with compact size, low insertion loss, high extinction ratio, and low energy/bit while being compatible with the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. This is achieved through the utilization of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) effect of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) to maximize the attainable change in the effective index of the optical mode. It also exploits the ITO layer in a hybrid plasmonic ring resonator which further intensifies the effect of the changes in both the real and imaginary parts of the effective index. By electrically inducing carriers in the indium tin oxide (ITO), to reach the ENZ state, the resonance condition shifts, and the losses of the hybrid plasmonic ring resonator increases significantly. This mechanism is optimized to maximize the extinction ratio and minimize the insertion loss. The proposed structure is designed to maximize the coupling to and from standard SOI waveguide, used as access ports. In addition, the operational region is reconfigurable by changing the bias voltage.
Boronic Acid Appended Naphthyl-Pyridinium Receptors as Chemosensors for Sugars
Authors: Resendez Angel , Malhotra Sanjay V.
Published: April 2019

There remains a need in clinics and research to have simple and sensitive detection systems that allow the detection and quantification of sugar markers of biomedical relevance such as sugars lactulose and mannitol for noninvasive gut permeability assessment. We have prepared a new class of boronic acid-appended naphthyl-pyridinium receptor compounds as chemosensors. These were studied for their ability to act as modular internal charge transfer (ICT) fluorescent probes or donor/acceptor pair ensembles where the receptor compound can act as a quencher for an anionic dye. As an ICT sensor, fluorescence intensity increased upon diol recognition, which stems from the neutralization of the pyridinium nitrogen that is perturbing the chromophoric properties. We found these ICT probes provide good sensitivity for disaccharide lactulose with low micromolar detection and quantification limits. In addition, their ability to form a non-fluorescent ground state complex with anionic reporter dyes, such as HPTS or TSPP, was examined as probes for various sugars. We have identified three receptor/quencher compounds with high quenching efficiency for anionic dyes. Subsequently, a range of sugars and sugar derivatives were tested for chemosenstivity of our probes. This study illustrates an approach for designing boronic acid-based chemoreceptors for the recognition and quantification of sugars and sugar derivatives.
Differences in resource use lead to coexistence of seed-transmitted microbial populations
Authors: Torres-Cortés G. , Garcia B. J. , Compant S. , Rezki S. , Jones P. , Préveaux A. , Briand M. , Roulet A. , Bouchez O. , Jacobson D. , Barret M.
Published: April 2019

Seeds are involved in the vertical transmission of microorganisms in plants and act as reservoirs for the plant microbiome. They could serve as carriers of pathogens, making the study of microbial interactions on seeds important in the emergence of plant diseases. We studied the influence of biological disturbances caused by seed transmission of two phytopathogenic agents, Alternaria brassicicola Abra43 (Abra43) and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 8004 (Xcc8004), on the structure and function of radish seed microbial assemblages, as well as the nutritional overlap between Xcc8004 and the seed microbiome, to find seed microbial residents capable of outcompeting this pathogen. According to taxonomic and functional inference performed on metagenomics reads, no shift in structure and function of the seed microbiome was observed following Abra43 and Xcc8004 transmission. This lack of impact derives from a limited overlap in nutritional resources between Xcc8004 and the major bacterial populations of radish seeds. However, two native seed-associated bacterial strains belonging to Stenotrophomonas rhizophila displayed a high overlap with Xcc8004 regarding the use of resources; they might therefore limit its transmission. The strategy we used may serve as a foundation for the selection of seed indigenous bacterial strains that could limit seed transmission of pathogens.
Blocking RpoN reduces virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from cystic fibrosis patients and increases antibiotic sensitivity in a laboratory strain
Authors: Lloyd M. G. , Vossler J. L. , Nomura C. T. , Moffat J. F.
Published: April 2019

Multidrug-resistant organisms are increasing in healthcare settings, and there are few antimicrobials available to treat infections from these bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen in burn patients and individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), and a leading cause of nosocomial infections. P. aeruginosa is inherently resistant to many antibiotics and can develop resistance to others, limiting treatment options. P. aeruginosa has multiple sigma factors to regulate transcription. The alternative sigma factor, RpoN (σ54), regulates many virulence genes and is linked to antibiotic resistance. Recently, we described a cis-acting peptide, RpoN*, which is a “molecular roadblock”, binding consensus promoters at the -24 site, blocking transcription. RpoN* reduces virulence of P. aeruginosa laboratory strains, but its effects in clinical isolates was unknown. We investigated the effects of RpoN* on phenotypically varied P. aeruginosa strains isolated from CF patients. RpoN* expression reduced motility, biofilm formation, and pathogenesis in a P. aeruginosa-C. elegans infection model. Furthermore, we investigated RpoN* effects on antibiotic susceptibility in a laboratory strain. RpoN* expression increased susceptibility to several beta-lactam-based antibiotics in strain P. aeruginosa PA19660 Xen5. We show that using a cis-acting peptide to block RpoN consensus promoters has potential clinical implications in reducing virulence and improving antibiotic susceptibility.
Effects of human antimicrobial cryptides identified in apolipoprotein B depend on specific features of bacterial strains
Authors: Gaglione Rosa , Cesaro Angela , Dell’Olmo Eliana , Della Ventura Bartolomeo , Casillo Angela , Di Girolamo Rocco , Velotta Raffaele , Notomista Eugenio , Veldhuizen Edwin J. A. , Corsaro Maria Michela , De Rosa Claudio , Arciello Angela
Published: April 2019

Cationic Host Defense Peptides (HDPs) are endowed with a broad variety of activities, including direct antimicrobial properties and modulatory roles in the innate immune response. Even if it has been widely demonstrated that bacterial membrane represents the main target of peptide antimicrobial activity, the molecular mechanisms underlying membrane perturbation by HDPs have not been fully clarified yet. Recently, two cryptic HDPs have been identified in human apolipoprotein B and found to be endowed with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and with anti-biofilm, wound healing and immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, ApoB derived HDPs are able to synergistically act in combination with conventional antibiotics, while being not toxic for eukaryotic cells. Here, by using a multidisciplinary approach, including time killing curves, Zeta potential measurements, membrane permeabilization assays, electron microscopy analyses, and isothermal titration calorimetry studies, the antimicrobial effects of ApoB cryptides have been analysed on bacterial strains either susceptible or resistant to peptide toxicity. Intriguingly, it emerged that even if electrostatic interactions between negatively charged bacterial membranes and positively charged HDPs play a key role in mediating peptide toxicity, they are strongly influenced by the composition of negatively charged bacterial surfaces and by defined extracellular microenvironments.
The transgenerational effects of oocyte mitochondrial supplementation
Authors: St. John Justin C. , Makanji Yogeshwar , Johnson Jacqueline L. , Tsai Te-Sha , Lagondar Simone , Rodda Fleur , Sun Xin , Pangestu Mulyoto , Chen Penny , Temple-Smith Peter
Published: April 2019

Many women suffer from either failed fertilisation or their embryos arrest early during development. Autologous mitochondrial supplementation has been proposed as an assisted reproductive technology to overcome these problems. However, its safety remains to be tested in an animal model to determine if there are transgenerational effects. We have supplemented oocytes with autologous populations of mitochondria to generate founders. We mated the female founders and their offspring to produce three generations. We assessed litter size, the ovarian reserve, and weight gain and conducted a full histopathological analysis from each of the three generations. Across the generations, we observed significant increases in litter size and in the number of primordial follicles in the ovary matched by changes in global gene expression patterns for these early-stage oocytes. However, full histopathological analysis revealed that cardiac structure was compromised in first and second generation offspring, which could seriously affect the health of the offspring. Furthermore, the offspring were prone to increased weight gain during early life. Mitochondrial supplementation appears to perturb the regulation of the chromosomal genome resulting in transgenerational phenotypic gains and losses. These data highlight the need for caution when using autologous mitochondrial supplementation to treat female factor infertility.
Automated Segmentation of Fluorescence Microscopy Images for 3D Cell Detection in human-derived Cardiospheres
Authors: Salvi Massimo , Morbiducci Umberto , Amadeo Francesco , Santoro Rosaria , Angelini Francesco , Chimenti Isotta , Massai Diana , Messina Elisa , Giacomello Alessandro , Pesce Maurizio , Molinari Filippo
Published: April 2019

The ‘cardiosphere’ is a 3D cluster of cardiac progenitor cells recapitulating a stem cell niche-like microenvironment with a potential for disease and regeneration modelling of the failing human myocardium. In this multicellular 3D context, it is extremely important to decrypt the spatial distribution of cell markers for dissecting the evolution of cellular phenotypes by direct quantification of fluorescent signals in confocal microscopy. In this study, we present a fully automated method, named CARE (‘CARdiosphere Evaluation’), for the segmentation of membranes and cell nuclei in human-derived cardiospheres. The proposed method is tested on twenty 3D-stacks of cardiospheres, for a total of 1160 images. Automatic results are compared with manual annotations and two open-source software designed for fluorescence microscopy. CARE performance was excellent in cardiospheres membrane segmentation and, in cell nuclei detection, the algorithm achieved the same performance as two expert operators. To the best of our knowledge, CARE is the first fully automated algorithm for segmentation inside in vitro 3D cell spheroids, including cardiospheres. The proposed approach will provide, in the future, automated quantitative analysis of markers distribution within the cardiac niche-like environment, enabling predictive associations between cell mechanical stresses and dynamic phenotypic changes.
Metformin attenuates the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and affects intestinal microbiota and barrier in small intestine
Authors: Brandt Annette , Hernández-Arriaga Angélica , Kehm Richard , Sánchez Victor , Jin Cheng Jun , Nier Anika , Baumann Anja , Camarinha-Silva Amélia , Bergheim Ina
Published: April 2019

The antidiabetic drug metformin has been proposed to affect non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through its effects on intestinal microbiota and barrier function. However, so far most studies focused on long-term effects and more progressed disease stages. The aim of this study was to assess in two experimental settings, if the onset of NAFLD is associated with changes of intestinal microbiota and barrier function and to determine effects of metformin herein. C57Bl/6J mice were fed a liquid control diet (C) or fat-, fructose- and cholesterol-rich diet (FFC) for four days or six weeks ±300 mg/kg BW/day metformin (Met). Markers of liver health, intestinal barrier function and microbiota composition were assessed. Metformin treatment markedly attenuated FFC-induced NAFLD in both experiments with markers of inflammation and lipidperoxidation in livers of FFC + Met-fed mice being almost at the level of controls. Metformin treatment attenuated the loss of tight junction proteins in small intestine and the increase of bacterial endotoxin levels in portal plasma. Changes of intestinal microbiota found in FFC-fed mice were also significantly blunted in FFC + Met-fed mice. Taken together, protective effects of metformin on the onset of NAFLD are associated with changes of intestinal microbiota composition and lower translocation of bacterial endotoxins.
The implication of plastid transcriptome analysis in petaloid monocotyledons: A case study of Lilium lancifolium (Liliaceae, Liliales)
Authors: Do Hoang Dang Khoa , Kim Joo-Hwan
Published: April 2019

Transcriptome data provide useful information for studying the evolutionary history of angiosperms. Previously, different genomic events (i.e., duplication, deletion, and pseudogenization) were discovered in the plastid genome of Liliales; however, the effects of these events have not addressed because of the lack of transcriptome data. In this study, we completed the plastid genome (cpDNA) and generated transcriptome data of Lilium lancifolium. Consequently, the cpDNA of L. lancifolium is 152,479 bp in length, which consists of one large single copy (81,888 bp), one small single copy (17,607 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (26,544 bp). The comparative genomic analysis of newly sequenced cpDNA and transcriptome data revealed 90 RNA editing sites of which two positions are located in the rRNA coding region of L. lancifolium. A further check on the secondary structure of rRNA showed that RNA editing causes notable structural changes. Most of the RNA editing contents are C-to-U conversions, which result in nonsynonymous substitutions. Among coding regions, ndh genes have the highest number of RNA editing sites. Our study provided the first profiling of plastid transcriptome analyses in Liliales and fundamental information for further studies on post-transcription in this order as well as other petaloid monocotyledonous species.
An algorithm strategy for precise patient monitoring in a connected healthcare enterprise
Authors: Hu Xiao
Published: April 2019

This perspective paper describes the building elements for realizing a precise patient monitoring algorithm to fundamentally address the alarm fatigue problem. Alarm fatigue is well recognized but no solution has been widely successful. Physiologic patient monitors are responsible for the lion’s share of alarms at the bedside, most of which are either false or non-actionable. Algorithms on patient monitors lack precision because they fail to leverage multivariate relationship among variables monitored, to integrate rich patient clinical information from electronic health record system, and to utilize temporal patterns in data streams. Therefore, a solution to patient monitor alarm fatigue is to open the black-box of patient monitors to integrate physiologic data with clinical data from EHR under a four-element algorithm strategy to be described in this paper. This strategy will be presented in this paper in the context of its current status as described in our prior publications.
Secreted parasite Pin1 isomerase stabilizes host PKM2 to reprogram host cell metabolism
Authors: Marsolier Justine , Perichon Martine , Weitzman Jonathan B. , Medjkane Souhila
Published: April 2019

Metabolic reprogramming is an important feature of host–pathogen interactions and a hallmark of tumorigenesis. The intracellular apicomplexa parasite Theileria induces a Warburg-like effect in host leukocytes by hijacking signaling machineries, epigenetic regulators and transcriptional programs to create a transformed cell state. The molecular mechanisms underlying host cell transformation are unclear. Here we show that a parasite-encoded prolyl-isomerase, TaPin1, stabilizes host pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) leading to HIF-1α-dependent regulation of metabolic enzymes, glucose uptake and transformed phenotypes in parasite-infected cells. Our results provide a direct molecular link between the secreted parasite TaPin1 protein and host gene expression programs. This study demonstrates the importance of prolyl isomerization in the parasite manipulation of host metabolism.
Mushroom small RNAs as potential anticancer agents: a closer look atCantharellus cibariusproapoptotic and antiproliferative effects in colon cancer cells
Authors: Lemieszek Marta K. , Marques Patrícia S. , Ribeiro Miguel , Ferreira Daniela , Marques Guilhermina , Chaves Raquel , Pożarowski Piotr , Nunes Fernando M. , Rzeski Wojciech
Published: April 2019

Screening aimed at the evaluation of the presence of small RNAs with anticancer properties inBoletus spretus,B. pinophilusandCantharellus cibarius, was conducted.
Naphthalene crystal shape prediction from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Bjelobrk Zoran , Piaggi Pablo M. , Weber Thilo , Karmakar Tarak , Mazzotti Marco , Parrinello Michele
Published: April 2019

The crystal shape of naphthalene grown from ethanol solution at constant supersaturation was predicted using state-of-the-art molecular dynamics simulations.
In situ XAFS study on the formation process of cobalt carbide by Fischer–Tropsch reaction
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Dongshuang , Yu Fei , Yang Ruoou , Zhang Hao , Sun Fanfei , Zhong Liangshu , Jiang Zheng
Published: April 2019

In situ XAFS study on the formation of Co2C from Co and CoO; it is concluded that CoO is more favourable as a precursor for the synthesis of the Co2C catalyst.
Design of arginine-based therapeutic deep eutectic solvents as drug solubilization vehicles for active pharmaceutical ingredients
Authors: Gutiérrez Alberto , Aparicio Santiago , Atilhan Mert
Published: April 2019

The solvation of lidocaine in three newly designed deep eutectic solvents is studied using combined experimental and theoretical methods that include density functional theory and molecular dynamics methods.
Silver sulfide nanoparticles in aqueous environments: formation, transformation and toxicity
Authors: He Di , Garg Shikha , Wang Zimeng , Li Lingxiangyu , Rong Hongyan , Ma Xiaoming , Li Guiying , An Taicheng , Waite T. David
Published: April 2019

Formation and transformation of silver sulfide nanoparticles occur in both engineered and natural water systems with potential toxic effects to aqueous organisms.
Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in atomic spectrometry and related techniques
Authors: Evans E. Hywel , Pisonero Jorge , Smith Clare M. M. , Taylor Rex N.
Published: April 2019

This review covers advances in atomic spectrometric techniques, including atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry. Material on speciation and coupled techniques is not covered as this is included in a separate ASU review.
Synthetic small-molecule RNA ligands: future prospects as therapeutic agents
Authors: Di Giorgio A. , Duca M.
Published: April 2019

RNA is one of the most intriguing and promising biological targets for the discovery of innovative drugs in many pathologies and various biologically relevant RNAs that could serve as drug targets have already been identified.
A highly sensitive self-enhanced aptasensor based on a stable ultrathin 2D metal–organic layer with outstanding electrochemiluminescence property
Authors: Yang Yang , Hu Gui-Bing , Liang Wen-Bin , Yao Li-Ying , Huang Wei , Yuan Ruo , Xiao Dong-Rong
Published: April 2019

In this work, we use self-enhanced ECL complex-grafted ultrathin two-dimensional metal–organic layers to increase the ECL efficiency and utilization ratio of luminophores, providing an effective strategy for exploring high-performance ECL materials.
Effect of nanoparticle size on the mechanical properties of nanoparticle assemblies
Authors: An Lu , Zhang Di , Zhang Lin , Feng Gang
Published: April 2019

Nanoparticle (NP) assembly becomes drastically harder (∼39×) and stiffer (∼15×) by decreasing the NP size (d).
Synthesis, structure, and anion binding of functional oxacalix[4]arenes
Authors: Ma Jiao-Xia , Fang Xu , Xue Min , Yang Yong
Published: April 2019

Oxacalix[4]arenes obtained from the highly efficient, one-pot SNAr reaction were post-macrocyclization functionalized through the reduction of nitro groups and hydrolysis of the ester groups to obtain several derivatives of desired solubility and anion binding property.
Status and prospects of SexSy cathodes for lithium/sodium storage
Authors: Xu Qian-Ting , Xue Huai-Guo , Guo Sheng-Ping
Published: April 2019

The recent progress in SexSy cathode materials for lithium and sodium batteries is summarized extensively.
An insight into the pyrolysis process of metal–organic framework templates/precursors to construct metal oxide anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Ang , Qian Binbin , Zhong Ming , Liu Yingying , Chang Ze , Bu Xian-He
Published: April 2019

Two types of MOFs from the same linkers were selected as precursors to obtain Co3O4 nanomaterials. The structure and component evolution in the pyrolysis process were analyzed to illustrate the structure–activity relationship for the design of Co3O4-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Synthesis and characterization of low density porous nickel zinc ferrites
Authors: Yu Qiushan , Su Yuchang , Tursun Rabigul , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2019

Ni–Zn ferrite has important applications in the field of soft magnetic materials due to its excellent magnetic properties, but its high bulk density hinders its promotion.
Serum proteomics identify potential biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma sensitivity to radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Guangying , Zhang Kun , Li Chao , Li Yanyan , Li Zhanzhan , Li Na , Zhou Qin , Shen Liangfang
Published: April 2019

Radiotherapy is the primary treatment option for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Local recurrence and metastasis caused by radioresistance become a bottleneck of curative effect for patients with NPC. Currently, serum predictive biomarkers of radioresistance are scare. We enrolled NPC patients, who underwent radiotherapy in the Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central Southern University, and analyzed the serum proteins profiles in NPC patients using with quantitative label-free proteomics using ultra-definition MS. Patients were divided into those who were radioresistant and radiosensitive by the overall reduction (≤50% or >50%, respectively) in tumor extent. The MS/MS spectrum database search identified 911 proteins and 809 proteins are quantitatable. Eight proteins significantly up-regulated and 12 serum proteins were significantly down-regulated in the radioresistance group compared with radiosensitivity group (P<0.05). Finally, five proteins entered the optimal models, including secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich (SPARC) (P=0.032), serpin family D member 1S (ERPIND1) (P=0.040), complement C4B (C4B) (P=0.017), peptidylprolyl Isomerase B (PPIB) (P=0.042), and family with sequence similarity 173 member A (FAM173A) (P=0.017). In all patient, the area under the curves (AUC) for SPARC, SERPIND, C4B, PPIB, and FAM173A were 0.716 (95% CI: 0.574–0.881), 0.697 (95% CI: 0.837–0.858), 0.686 (95% CI: 0.522–0.850), 0.668 (95% CI: 0.502–0.834) and 0.657 (95% CI: 0.512–0.825), respectively. The AUC of five selected proteins was 0.968 (95% CI: 0.918–1.000) with the sensitivity of 0.941 and the specificity of 0.926. Our result indicated that a panel including five serum protein (SPARC SERPIND1 C4B PPIB FAM173A) based on serum proteomics provided a high discrimination ability for radiotherapy effects in NPC patients. Studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up outcome are required.
The breadth of climate change impacts on biological systems
Authors: Osborn Dan
Published: April 2019

Human activity is driving climate change. This is affecting and will affect many aspects of life on earth. The breadth of its impacts is very wide and covers human, animal and plant health, and also the planet's biodiversity and the services that deliver benefits to people from natural capital. Finding solutions to the challenge of climate change will require multidisciplinary action in which the life sciences have a major role to play as this issue of Emerging Topics in Life Sciences indicates. More process and mechanistic knowledge could underpin solutions or even provide early warning of impacts. Any solutions will need to be developed and deployed in ways that gain and maintain public support.
Comprehensive review of VPPs planning, operation and scheduling considering the uncertainties related to renewable energy sources
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Mokryani Geev , Campean Felician , Hu Yim Fun
Published: April 2019

The penetration of renewable energies in the energy market has increased significantly over the last two decades due to environmental concerns and clean energy requirements. The principal advantage of renewable energy resources (RESs) over non‐RESs is that it has no direct carbonisation impact on the environment and that it has none of the global warming effects which are caused by carbon emissions. Furthermore, the liberalisation of the energy market has led to the realisation of the virtual power plant (VPP) concept. A VPP is a unified platform for distributed energy resources that integrates the capacities of various renewable energies together for the purpose of improving power generation and management as well as catering for the buying and selling of energy in wholesale energy markets. This review study presents a comprehensive review of existing approaches to planning, operation and scheduling of the VPP system. The methodologies that were adopted, their advantages and disadvantages are assessed in detail in order to benefit new entrants in the power system and provide them with comprehensive knowledge, techniques and understanding of the VPP concept.
Optimal economic dispatch of combined cooling, heating and power‐type multi‐microgrids considering interaction power among microgrids
Authors: Xu Qingshan , Li Lin , Chen Xi , Huang Yu , Luan Kaining , Yang Bin
Published: April 2019

With the rapid growth of microgrids, many regional multi‐microgrids systems emerge gradually with microgrids being integrated to the certain distribution network. By connecting each microgrid using cables and coordinating interaction power among microgrids, the total operation cost of multi‐microgrids system can be decreased. On the basis of modeling a variety of energy supply and storage devices, this paper proposes an energy supply infrastructure for combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) microgrid on centralized and interconnected energy exchange network, and energy loads are subdivided into cooling load, thermal load and power load. Then the optimal economic dispatch model considering interaction power among microgrids is proposed in this study for CCHP type multi‐microgrids, and energy balance constraints are established according to load types. This model not only takes into account the power interaction between microgrid and the distribution network, but also considers the power interaction among microgrids. The objective is the minimal total operation cost of CCHP type multi‐microgrids system. In case studies of Sino‐Singapore district, Tianjin, China, the output power of pre‐defined equipment and the total operation cost are compared under two different operation mode, coordination mode and independence mode, which verifies the effectiveness and economy of the proposed model.
Blue, white, and red ocean planets
Authors: Trees V. J. H. , Stam D. M.
Published: April 2019

Context. An exoplanet’s habitability will depend strongly on the presence of liquid water. Flux and/or polarization measurements of starlight that is reflected by exoplanets could help to identify exo-oceans.

Aims. We investigate which broadband spectral features in flux and polarization phase functions of reflected starlight uniquely identify exo-oceans.

Methods. With an adding-doubling algorithm, we computed total fluxes F and polarized fluxes Q of starlight that is reflected by cloud-free and (partly) cloudy exoplanets, for wavelengths from 350 to 865 nm. The ocean surface has waves composed of Fresnel reflecting wave facets and whitecaps, and scattering within the water body is included.

Results. Total flux F, polarized flux Q, and degree of polarization P of ocean planets change color from blue, through white, to red at phase angles α ranging from ~134° to ~108° for F, and from ~123° to ~157° for Q, with cloud coverage fraction fc increasing from 0.0 (cloud-free) to 1.0 (completely cloudy) for F, and to 0.98 for Q. The color change in P only occurs for fc ranging from 0.03 to 0.98, with the color crossing angle α ranging from ~88° to ~161°. The total flux F of a cloudy, zero surface albedo planet can also change color, and for fc = 0.0, an ocean planet’s F will not change color for surface pressures ps ≿ 8 bars. Polarized flux Q of a zero surface albedo planet does not change color for any fc.

Conclusions. The color change of P of starlight reflected by an exoplanet, from blue, through white, to red with increasing α above 88°, appears to identify a (partly) cloudy exo-ocean. The color change of polarized flux Q with increasing α above 123° appears to uniquely identify an exo-ocean, independent of surface pressure or cloud fraction. At the color changing phase angle, the angular distance between a star and its planet is much larger than at the phase angle where the glint appears in reflected light. The color change in polarization thus offers better prospects for detecting an exo-ocean.
DustPedia: the relationships between stars, gas, and dust for galaxies residing in different environments
Authors: Davies J. I. , Nersesian A. , Baes M. , Bianchi S. , Casasola V. , Cassarà L. P. , Clark C. J. R. , De Looze I. , De Vis P. , Evans R. , Fritz J. , Galametz M. , Galliano F. , Jones A. P. , Lianou S. , Madden S. C. , Mosenkov A. V. , Smith M. W. L. , Verstocken S. , Viaene S. , Vika M. , Xilouris E. , Ysard N.
Published: April 2019

We use a sub-set of the DustPedia galaxy sample (461 galaxies) to investigate the effect the environment has had on galaxies. We consider Virgo cluster and field samples and also assign a density contrast parameter to each galaxy, as defined by the local density of SDSS galaxies. We consider their chemical evolution (using MDust/MBaryon and MGas/MBaryon), their specific star formation rate (SFR/MStars), star formation efficiency (SFR/MGas), stars-to-dust mass ratio (MStars/MDust), gas-to-dust mass ratio (MGas/MDust) and the relationship between star formation rate per unit mass of dust and dust temperature (SFR/MDust and TDust). Late type galaxies (later than Sc) in all of the environments can be modelled using simple closed box chemical evolution and a simple star formation history (SFR(t) ∝ t exp−t/τ). For earlier type galaxies the physical mechanisms that give rise to their properties are clearly much more varied and require a more complicated model (mergers, gas in or outflow). However, we find little or no difference in the properties of galaxies of the same morphological type within the cluster, field or with different density contrasts. It appears that it is morphology, how and whenever this is laid down, and consistent internal physical processes that primarily determine the derived properties of galaxies in the DustPedia sample and not processes related to differences in the local environment.
Fabrication of various micropatterns by maskless micro-electrochemical texturing
Authors: Kunar Sandip , Bhattacharyya Bijoy
Published: April 2019

In this paper, an innovative and alternative concept of maskless micro-electrochemical texturing is exploited for the fabrication of simple and complex micropatterns. In this process, the tool is masked incorporated with the textured patterns and the workpiece has no mask. This research study concentrates on generation of simple micropattern, i.e. linear micropattern, and complex micropattern, i.e. cascade micropattern using maskless micro-electrochemical texturing method without repeated use of photolithography process. A single masked patterned tool with SU-8 2150 mask can produce many high-quality simple and complex micropatterns economically using this method. A well-planned experimental set-up consisting of electrochemical micromachining (EMM) cell, electrode fixtures, electrical connections and constricted vertical cross-flow electrolyte system has been designed and developed indigenously for carrying out the experiments. Influences of major influencing parameters, i.e. machining voltage, interelectrode gap, flow rate and machining time, are investigated on width overcut and machining depth of micropatterns. For higher machining accuracy, controlled depth and lower standard deviations, machining with lower machining time, lower voltage, lower interelectrode gap and higher flow rate is recommended. From the detailed experimental investigation, the best parametric combination are voltage of 8 V, duty ratio of 30%, pulse frequency of 15 kHz, electrolyte of NaCl (0.34 M) + NaNO3 (0.23 M), flow rate of 5.35 m3/h, interelectrode gap of 50 µm and machining time of 40 s.
Sprache und Kommunikation in der Medizin – Probleme und
Ressourcen
Authors: Schröder Hartmut
Published: April 2019

Die Sprache ist eines der wichtigsten Medien im zwischenmenschlichen Miteinander.
Vor dem Hintergrund, dass es in unserem Gesundheitssystem v. a. um messbare und
abrechenbare Größen geht, wird die Bedeutung des Gesprächs und der Sprache eher
vernachlässigt. In Patientenumfragen hat sich oft gezeigt, dass gerade das
Gespräch zwischen Arzt und Patient eine sehr hohe Priorität für kranke Menschen
hat. Sprache und Kommunikation haben nicht nur bei der Patientenzufriedenheit
und Compliance einen hohen Stellenwert, sondern auch bei der Anamnese und
Diagnose bis hin zur Therapie, Pflege und Sterbebegleitung. Sprache und
Kommunikation werden zudem als eigener Wirkfaktor für den Behandlungserfolg
unterschätzt.

Der Artikel fasst die Bedeutung dieser Zusammenhänge zusammen, gibt praktische
Beispiele und einen Ausblick, wo praktische Hilfen verfügbar sind.
Biochemische Marker können helfen, Störungen der
Schleimhautgrenzfläche im Darm aufzuklären
Authors: Ellwanger Thomas
Published: April 2019

Zahlreiche Erkrankungen können ihren Ursprung im Darm haben. Dazu zählen akute
und chronische Abdominalbeschwerden, aber auch eine erhöhte Infektanfälligkeit
oder psychische Symptome wie Antriebslosigkeit und Schlafstörungen. Denn die
Darmschleimhaut ist eine Schnittstelle zwischen Soma und Psyche. Neben einer
veränderten Darmmikrobiota spielt v. a. die Störung der Schleimhautgrenzfläche
eine Rolle: Ist die Darmbarriere übermäßig durchlässig und gelangen z. B.
vermehrt Endotoxine ins Körperinnere, kann eine Silent Inflammation die Folge
sein.

Die Diagnostik der Darmmikrobiota sowie biochemischer Stuhlparameter können
wichtige Hinweise für eine gestörte Darmbarriere geben. Der Artikel erläutert
anhand eines Patientenfalls das diagnostische Vorgehen, die naturheilkundlichen
Therapieansätze und die möglichen Therapieerfolge.