bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supervised Group Exercise in Axial Spondyloarthritis: Patients' Satisfaction and Perspective on Evidence‐Based Enhancements
Authors: Hilberdink Bas , van der Giesen Florus , Vliet Vlieland Thea , van Gaalen Floris , van Weely Salima
Published: March 2019

Objective

Supervised group exercise (SGE) has been proven effective in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), but its contents and dosage do not always comply with current scientific insight. This aim of this study was to describe axial SpA patients' satisfaction with current SGE and perspective on potential evidence‐based SGE enhancements.

Methods

Patients with axial SpA who participated in SGE in 4 regions in The Netherlands (n = 118) completed a cross‐sectional survey on their satisfaction with features of their current SGE (8 questions scored on a 3‐point Likert scale; 1 overall grade, scored according to an 11‐point scale) and their perspective on the introduction of appropriately dosed cardiorespiratory and strengthening exercise, monitoring of exercise intensity, periodic reassessments, patient education, and supervision by physical therapists with specific expertise (4 dichotomous questions and one 5‐point Likert scale).

Results

Most patients were satisfied with the current total intensity (84 of 112 patients [75%]), duration (93 of 111 patients [84%]), and load (89 of 117 patients [76%]) of the program and the proportion of mobility (102 of 114 patients [90%]), strengthening (90 of 115 patients [78%]), and cardiorespiratory exercise (82 of 114 patients [72%]). The median overall grade of the program was a 7 (interquartile range 7–8). Most patients agreed with the implementation of more frequent (home) exercise (73 of 117 patients [62%]), heart‐rate monitoring (97 of 117 patients [83%]), and annual reassessments (97 of 118 patients [82%]), whereas 50% agreed with the introduction of patient education (37 of 74 patients). The majority found supervision by therapists specializing in axial SpA to be of high importance (105 of 118 patients [89%]).

Conclusion

The majority of SGE participants with axial SpA were satisfied with current SGE but also agreed with enhancements in line with scientific evidence. Current satisfaction levels indicate that a planned implementation strategy, including education and addressing potential barriers and facilitators for the uptake of enhancements, is warranted.
Brønsted Acid Mediated Synthesis and Properties of Dibenzoacridine Derivatives
Authors: Flader Anika , Ohlendorf Lars , Ehlers Peter , Ammon Erich , Villinger Alexander , Langer Peter
Published: March 2019

An efficient and convenient method for the synthesis of dibenzo[c,h]acridine derivatives via electrophilic cycloisomerisation mediated by methanesulfonic acid has been developed. This method provides the desired acridines in moderate to very good yields introducing various substituents in positions 2 and 6 as well as on the dibenzo[c,h]acridine scaffold. Photophysical and electrochemical properties have been investigated for selected products by UV/Vis and CV measurements which have been verified by DFT calculations.

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Rhodium‐Catalyzed C−H Functionalization of N‐(2‐Pyrimidyl)indole with Internal Alkynes: Formation of Unexpected Products by Regulating the Amount of Silver Acetate
Authors: Li Tongyu , Wang Zhuo , Chen Chen , Zhu Bolin
Published: March 2019

Herein we disclose an uncommon Rhodium(III)‐catalyzed C2‐selective functionalization of N‐(2‐Pyrimidyl)indole with internal alkynes. Excess amounts of silver acetate (5.0 equiv.) were found to be crucial for the efficient C2 naphthylation and C2 enol esterification of indoles. In sharp contrast, 2.0 equivalents of silver acetate resulted in the C−H alkenylation only. Control experiments were also carried out to briefly study the mechanism of this transformation.

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Efficient Pincer‐Ruthenium Catalysts for Kharasch Addition of Carbon Tetrachloride to Styrene
Authors: Das Kanu , Dutta Moumita , Das Babulal , Srivastava Hemant Kumar , Kumar Akshai
Published: March 2019

A series of NNN pincer‐ruthenium complexes (R2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) (R=Cyclohexyl (Cy), t‐butyl (tBu), i‐propyl (iPr) and phenyl (Ph)) have been synthesized and characterized. These pincer‐ruthenium complexes have been used to catalyse the Kharasch addition or atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of carbon tetrachloride to styrene. Among the pincer‐ruthenium catalysts screened for the Kharasch addition, the catalytic activity followed the order (Cy2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3)>(iPr2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3)≫(Ph2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3). The oxidation of Ru(II) is easier with (Cy2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) and (iPr2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) in comparison with
RuCl2(PPh3) as indicated by cyclic voltammetry studies. The catalyst precursor (R2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) itself is the resting state of the reaction. The rate determining step involves the generation of the five‐coordinate 16‐electron ruthenium(II) species (R2NNN)RuCl2. Owing to weaker binding of triphenyl phosphine to ruthenium, the generation of catalytically active 16‐electron species (Cy2NNN)RuCl2 and (iPr2NNN)RuCl2 are more favourable. The complex (Cy2NNN)RuCl2(PPh3) demonstrates very high productivity (5670 turnovers after 48 h at 140 °C) in the absence of any co‐catalyst radical initiator. To the best of our knowledge, our turnovers (ca. 5670) are much higher than that reported hitherto. Quantum mechanical calculations demonstrate that the path involving the activation of carbon tetrachloride by (Cy2NNN)RuCl2 is more favoured than the path where carbon tetrachloride is activated by (Cy2NNN)RuCl2(η2‐styrene). Density functional theory (DFT) and kinetic studies are in accord with the widely accepted mechanism involving the single electron transfer (SET) from ruthenium(II) to chloride radical with concomitant generation of a benzyl radical which is trapped by the resulting ruthenium(III) species.

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Gold‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Domino Cyclization/Alkynylation of N‐Propargylcarboxamides with Benziodoxole Reagents for the Synthesis of Alkynyloxazolines
Authors: Zhao Ximei , Tian Bing , Yang Yangyang , Si Xiaojia , Mulks Florian F. , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: March 2019

A concise and highly stereoselective synthesis of alkynyloxazolines via a gold‐catalyzed domino cyclization‐alkynylation cascade of N‐propargylcarboxamides with benziodoxole reagents is reported. This new protocol, which represents an attractive alternative to two step sequences based on Sonagashira couplings, offers a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and perfect stereoselectivity. A comparison of the computed energies of the isomers of the product suggests kinetic control as the cause of the observed selectivity.

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The effect of gender diversity on the board of Spanish agricultural cooperatives on returns and debt: An empirical analysis
Authors: Hernández‐Nicolás Carmen María , Martín‐Ugedo Juan Francisco , Mínguez‐Vera Antonio
Published: March 2019

This paper focuses on gender diversity on the boards of Spanish agricultural cooperatives. Specifically, it examines the effect that gender diversity on the board exerts on returns, debt level, and economic risk. Cooperatives differ significantly from investor‐owned firms because cooperative members are producers, agents, and customers of the cooperatives. In Spain, there is an ongoing debate about the importance of women in business management. Spain is also a pioneer in terms of enacting specific legislation for the social economy. The sample examined includes 672 agricultural cooperatives. The results show that firms with greater female representation on their boards have higher returns and operational risk and lower levels of debt. [EconLit Classifications: J16, J54, Q13].
A solitary colonic ulcer found 15 years after heart transplantation: A case report
Authors: Tsai Tzung‐Jiun , Hsu Ping‐I , Cheng Jin‐Shiung , Chen Wen‐Chi
Published: March 2019

The clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection are divergent. Here, we report a patient with a solitary ulcerative lesion in the ascending colon at 15 years after heart transplantation detected by routine stool immunochemical occult blood test. Biopsy demonstrated it to be CMV colitis. The colon ulcer healed after valganciclovir treatment for 3 months.
Das Aufkommen der organischen Einkristallelektronik
Authors: Jiang Hui , Hu Wenping
Published: March 2019

Organische halbleitende Einkristalle eignen sich sowohl für die Grundlagenforschung als auch für die anwendungsorientierte Forschung aufgrund der Vorteile von freien Korngrenzen, wenigen Fehlstellen, Ladungsträgerfallen und Verunreinigungen sowie der Tieftemperaturverarbeitbarkeit, der hohen Flexibilität und der niedrigen Herstellungskosten. Ladungsträgerbeweglichkeiten von mehr als 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 in einigen organischen Einkristallen sind vielversprechend für die Anwendung in elektronischen Bauteilen. Die bisherigen Ergebnisse, einschließlich der Molekülstrukturen und Techniken zur Herstellung organischer Einkristalle, werden hier vorgestellt. Organisch‐einkristalline elektronische Bauteile, einschließlich Feldeffekttransistoren, Phototransistoren, p‐n‐Heteroübergänge und Schaltungen, werden ebenfalls diskutiert. Des Weiteren werden zweidimensionale organische Einkristalle, Cokristalle sowie große Einkristalle samt einigen möglichen Anwendungen vorgestellt. Damit wird ein aktueller Überblick über die organische Einkristallelektronik mit ihren Herausforderungen und Perspektiven geboten.
Effects of the molecular structure on the vibration reduction and properties of hyperbranched waterborne polyurethane–acrylate for damping coatings
Authors: Zhang Qiuxue , Deng Yunjiao , Fu Zhongyu , Zhang Huixuan
Published: March 2019

A series of hyperbranched waterborne polyurethane–acrylate (HWPUA) hybrid emulsions were prepared with isocyanate‐terminated PU prepolymers, hyperbranched polyol (HP), and acrylate monomers. The HP as crosslinker was synthesized with isophorone diisocyanate, dimethylol propionic acid, and diethanol amine. The influence of the HP content on the chemical structure, particle size, morphology, damping properties, and thermal stability of the HWPUA hybrid emulsions and films were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The results show that the addition of HP obviously improved the damping and thermal properties of the HWPUA films. However, the addition of excessive HP had a detrimental impact on the performance of films. The DMA curves indicated that when the HP content was 1%, tan δ was 0.3 or greater and spanned the broadest temperature range, with a maximum value of 0.65. The HWPUA hybrid emulsions could be used as damping coatings. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47733.
Enhanced Saccharification and Fermentation of Rice Straw by Reducing the Concentration of Phenolic Compounds Using an Immobilized Enzyme Cocktail
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Patel Sanjay K. S. , Gupta Rahul K. , Otari Sachin V. , Gao Hui , Lee Jung‐Kul , Zhang Liaoyuan
Published: March 2019

The production of bioethanol from rice straw can contribute to the rural economy and provide clean fuel in a sustainable manner. However, phenolic compounds, which are mostly produced during acid pretreatment of biomass, act as inhibitors of fermenting microorganisms. Laccase is well known for its ability to oxidize lignin and phenolic compounds derived from lignocellulosic biomass. In the present study, an immobilized enzyme cocktail containing laccase was isevaluated in regard to its ability to enhance the saccharification and fermentation processes by reducing the amount of phenolic compounds produced. Saccharification of rice straw with the laccase‐supplemented immobilized enzyme cocktail reduced phenolic compounds by 73.8%, resulting in a saccharification yield of 84.6%. In addition, improved yeast performance was is noted during the fermentation process, resulting in a 78.3% conversion of sugar into ethanol with an ethanol productivity of 0.478 g/L/h. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of the use of an immobilized enzyme cocktail comprised of Celluclast 1.5L, β‐glucosidase, and laccase for the production of bioethanol from rice straw. This study details a potential approach to producing biofuels from agricultural biomass, the applicability of which can be improved through up‐scaling.
Newly Identified HNP‐F from Human Neutrophil Peptide‐1 Promotes Hemostasis
Authors: Kim Ki Chan , Lee Woogi , Lee Jaeyun , Cha Hyung Joon , Hwang Byeong Hee
Published: March 2019

Active hemostatic agents can play a crucial role in saving patients’ lives during surgery. Active hemostats have several advantages including utilization of natural blood coagulation and biocompatibility. Among them, although human neutrophil peptide‐1 (HNP‐1) has been previously reported with the hemostatic mechanism, which part of HNP‐1 facilitates the hemostatic activity is not known. Here, a partial peptide (HNP‐F) promoting hemostasis, originating from HNP‐1, has been newly identified by the blood coagulation ability test. HNP‐F shows the best hemostatic effect between the anterior half and posterior half of peptides. Moreover, microscopic images show platelet aggregation and an increase in the concentration of platelet factor 4, and the scanning electron microscope image of platelets support platelet activation by HNP‐F. Thromboelastography indicates decreased clotting time and increased physical properties of blood clotting. Mouse liver experiments demonstrate improved hemostatic effect by treatment of peptide solution. Cell viability and hemolysis assays confirm the HNP‐F's biosafety. It is hypothesized that the surface charge and structure of HNP‐F could be favorable to interact with fibrinogen or thrombospondin‐1. Collectively, because HNP‐F as an active peptide hemostat has many advantages, it could be expected to become a potent hemostatic biomaterial, additive or pharmaceutical candidate for various hemostatic applications.
Development of a RecE/T‐Assisted CRISPR–Cas9 Toolbox for Lactobacillus
Authors: Huang He , Song Xin , Yang Sheng
Published: March 2019

Lactobacilli are members of a large family involved in industrial food fermentation, therapeutics, and health promotion. However, the development of genetic manipulation tools for this genus lags behind its relative industrial and medical significance. The development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐based genome engineering for Lactobacillus is now underway. However, some Lactobacillus species are sensitive to CRISPR‐Cas9 induced double strand breaks (DSBs) due to a deficiency in homology‐directed repair (HDR), which allows chromosomal genetic editing. Here, phage‐derived RecE/T is coupled with CRISPR–Cas9 and the transcriptional activity of broad‐spectrum host promoters is assessed to set up a versatile toolbox containing a recombination helper plasmid and a broad host CRISPR–Cas9 editing plasmid, which enables efficient genome editing in Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) WCFS1 and Lactobacillus brevis (L. brevis) ATCC367. The RecE/T‐assisted CRISPR–Cas9 toolbox realizes single gene deletions at an efficiency of 50–100% in seven days. Furthermore, the chromosomal gene replacement of Lp_0537 using a P23‐pyruvate decarboxylase (pdc) expression cassette is accomplished with an efficiency of 35.7%. This study establises a RecE/T‐assisted CRISPR genome editing toolbox for L. plantarum WCFS1 and L. brevis ATCC367 and also demonstrate that RecE/T‐assisted CRISPR–Cas9 is an effective genome editing system, which can be readily implemented in Lactobacilli.
Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Intrinsic Process Parameters on the Performance of a Continuous Chromatographic Polishing Unit (MCSGP)
Authors: Vogg Sebastian , Ulmer Nicole , Souquet Jonathan , Broly Hervé , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: March 2019

The semicontinuous twin‐column multicolumn countercurrent solvent gradient purification (MCSGP) process improves the trade‐off between purity and yield encountered in traditional batch chromatography, while its complexity, in terms of hardware requirements and process design, is reduced in comparison to process variants using more columns. In this study, the MCSGP process is experimentally characterized, specifically with respect to its unique degrees of freedom, i.e., the four switching times, which alternate the columns between interconnected and batch states. By means of isolation of the main charge isoform of an antibody, it is shown that purity is determined by the selection of the product collection window with negligible influence from the recycle phases. In addition, the amount of weak and strong impurities can be specifically attributed to the start and end of the collection, respectively. Due to higher abundance of weakly adsorbing impurities, the start of product collection influences productivity and yield more than the other switching times. Furthermore, most of the encountered tendencies scale between different loadings. The found trends can be rationalized from the corresponding batch chromatogram and therefore used during process design to obtain desirable process performances without extensive trial‐and‐error experimentation or complete model development and calibration.
Identification of the Hypertension Drug Guanfacine as an Antivirulence Agent in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Okada Bethany K. , Li Anran , Seyedsayamdost Mohammad R.
Published: March 2019

An alternative solution to the cyclical development of new antibiotics is the concept of disarming pathogens without affecting their growth, thereby eliminating the selective pressures that lead to resistant phenotypes. Here, we have employed our previously developed HiTES methodology to identify one such compound against the ESKAPE pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Rather than induce silent biosynthetic gene clusters, we used HiTES to suppress actively expressed virulence genes. By screening a library of 770 FDA‐approved drugs, we identified guanfacine, a clinical hypertension drug, as an antivirulence agent in P. aeruginosa. Follow‐up studies showed that guanfacine reduces biofilm formation and pyocycanin production without altering growth. Moreover, we identified a homologue of QseC, a sensor His kinase used by multiple pathogens to turn on virulence, as a target of guanfacine. Our studies suggest that guanfacine might be an attractive antivirulence lead in P. aeruginosa and provide a template for uncovering such molecules by screening for downregulators of actively expressed biosynthetic genes.
Acquired neonatal bronchial stenosis after selective intubation: Successful managed with balloon dilatation
Authors: Goussard Pierre , Morrison Julie , Bekker Adrie , Fourie Barend
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical Message

Premature babies are prone to airway‐related complications. Selective intubation for the management of pulmonary interstitial emphysema may cause acquired bronchial stenosis. Balloon dilatation under fluoroscopy is a safe minimal invasive and successful intervention for acquired bronchial stenosis. Follow‐up bronchoscopy is needed due to risk of restenosis.
Bent Phosphaallenes With “Hidden” Lone Pairs as Ligands
Authors: Chen Xiaodan , Li Zhongshu , Frenking Gernot , Fernández Israel , Zhao Lili , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: March 2019

Phosphaheteroallenes R−P=C=L, with L = N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), can be viewed to a certain extent as phosphaisonitriles stabilized with NHCs, R−P=C:←L. The suitability of these molecules as ligands for coinage‐metal ions was investigated and coordination through the central carbon center was observed in most cases. A combination of experiments, spectroscopic methods, and DFT calculations indicates the presence of a hidden electron pair at the carbon center of R−P=C:←L. Remarkably, this lone pair also inserts intramolecularly in C−H bonds showing the carbene‐type reactivity which is expected for phosphaisonitriles.
A Novel Thermomorphic System for Electrocatalytic Diels‐Alder Reactions
Authors: Imada Yasushi , Shida Naoki , Okada Yohei , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: March 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

The discovery that lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide (LiTFSI)/1‐nitropropane (PrNO2) solution functions as a less polar alternative to lithium perchlorate (LiClO4)/nitromethane (MeNO2) solution has led to the development of a novel thermomorphic system for electrocatalytic Diels‐Alder reactions. Methyl cyclohexane (Me‐c‐Hex) can form a monophasic condition with LiTFSI/PrNO2 solution at room temperature, enabling the use of hydrophobic dienophiles. After the electrochemical reaction, a biphasic condition can be formed at –50°C, where the cycloadducts are selectively recovered from the upper Me‐c‐Hex phase and the remaining lower LiTFSI/PrNO2 solution can be reused.
Clonal diversity impacts coral cover in Acropora cervicornis thickets: Potential relationships between density, growth, and polymorphisms
Authors: Drury Crawford , Greer Justin B. , Baums Iliana , Gintert Brooke , Lirman Diego
Published: March 2019

As coral reefs decline, cryptic sources of resistance and resilience to stress may be increasingly important for the persistence of these communities. Among these sources, inter‐ and intraspecific diversity remain understudied on coral reefs but extensively impact a variety of traits in other ecosystems. We use a combination of field and sequencing data at two sites in Florida and two in the Dominican Republic to examine clonal diversity and genetic differentiation of high‐ and low‐density aggregations of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis in the Caribbean. We find that high‐density aggregations called thickets are composed of up to 30 genotypes at a single site, but 47% of genotypes are also found as isolated, discrete colonies outside these aggregations. Genet–ramet ratios are comparable for thickets (0.636) and isolated colonies after rarefaction (0.569), suggesting the composition of each aggregation is not substantially different and highlighting interactions between colonies as a potential influence on structure. There are no differences in growth rate, but a significant positive correlation between genotypic diversity and coral cover, which may be due to the influence of interactions between colonies on survivorship or fragment retention during asexual reproduction. Many polymorphisms distinguish isolated colonies from thickets despite the shared genotypes found here, including putative nonsynonymous mutations that change amino acid sequence in 25 loci. These results highlight intraspecific diversity as a density‐dependent factor that may impact traits important for the structure and function of coral reefs.
Nonbreeder birds at colonies display qualitatively similar seasonal mass change patterns as breeders
Authors: Emmerson Louise , Walsh Sarina , Southwell Colin
Published: March 2019

The difficulty in studying nonbreeding birds means that little is known about them or their resource requirements, despite forming a large and significant component of a population. One way to assess food requirements is to examine changes in body mass, because it indicates the amount of food acquired. In terms of body mass changes, our expectation is that nonbreeders will either (a) be in poorer condition than the breeders which potentially explains why they do not breed or (b) remain at a stable higher mass as they are unconstrained by the physiological costs associated with rearing chicks. Here, we interrogate body mass datasets of breeding and nonbreeding birds of two penguin species to assess these predictions and determine whether differences in mass exist between these two groups throughout the breeding season. The first dataset is from a wild Adélie penguin population, where bird mass was recorded automatically and breeding status determined from a resighting program. A second population of captive gentoo penguins were weighed regularly each breeding season. We demonstrate that although there were times in each year when breeders were heavier than their nonbreeding counterparts for both populations, the mass changes showed qualitatively similar patterns throughout the breeding season irrespective of breeding status. Heavier breeders at times during the breeding season are not unexpected but the overall similar pattern of mass change irrespective of breeding status is in contrast to expectations. It appears that breeding status per se and the constraints that breeding places on birds are not the only driver of changes in mass throughout the breeding season and, although not explicitly studied here, the role of hormones in driving changes in appetite could be key to explain these results. These results present a significant step toward understanding food requirements of nonbreeders in avian populations.
A practical guide for combining data to model species distributions
Authors: Fletcher Robert J. , Hefley Trevor J. , Robertson Ellen P. , Zuckerberg Benjamin , McCleery Robert A. , Dorazio Robert M.
Published: March 2019

Understanding and accurately modeling species distributions lies at the heart of many problems in ecology, evolution, and conservation. Multiple sources of data are increasingly available for modeling species distributions, such as data from citizen science programs, atlases, museums, and planned surveys. Yet reliably combining data sources can be challenging because data sources can vary considerably in their design, gradients covered, and potential sampling biases. We review, synthesize, and illustrate recent developments in combining multiple sources of data for species distribution modeling. We identify five ways in which multiple sources of data are typically combined for modeling species distributions. These approaches vary in their ability to accommodate sampling design, bias, and uncertainty when quantifying environmental relationships in species distribution models. Many of the challenges for combining data are solved through the prudent use of integrated species distribution models: models that simultaneously combine different data sources on species locations to quantify environmental relationships for explaining species distribution. We illustrate these approaches using planned survey data on 24 species of birds coupled with opportunistically collected eBird data in the southeastern United States. This example illustrates some of the benefits of data integration, such as increased precision in environmental relationships, greater predictive accuracy, and accounting for sample bias. Yet it also illustrates challenges of combining data sources with vastly different sampling methodologies and amounts of data. We provide one solution to this challenge through the use of weighted joint likelihoods. Weighted joint likelihoods provide a means to emphasize data sources based on different criteria (e.g., sample size), and we find that weighting improves predictions for all species considered. We conclude by providing practical guidance on combining multiple sources of data for modeling species distributions.
Gender differences in synchrony: Females in sync during unstructured dyadic conversation
Authors: Fujiwara Ken , Kimura Masanori , Daibo Ikuo
Published: March 2019

Although previous studies have reported that individual prosocial traits generally enhance synchrony, gender as a social factor was not the subject of focus. The present study examined gender differences in synchrony by conducting three experiments on dyadic unstructured conversations with same‐gender strangers. Synchrony was assessed by calculating the cross‐wavelet coherence and determining the relative phase. As expected, through the three experiments, the female dyads showed a higher degree of synchrony, compared to the male dyads. Moreover, the conversation type (i.e., structured monologue vs. unstructured dialogue) did not moderate the gender effect (Experiment 2), while synchrony in the female dyads was influenced by the preceding conversation (Experiment 3). In contrast, through the three experiments, the role of the relative phase was unclear. The findings indicate that the social factor, gender, has an impact on synchrony, and that interpersonal sensitivity contributes to synchrony.
Gendered and generational tensions in increased land commercialisation: Rural livelihood diversification, changing land use, and food security in Ghana's Brong‐Ahafo region
Authors: Mariwah Simon , Evans Ruth , Antwi Kwabena Barima
Published: March 2019

Many smallholder farmers in Jaman North District, Brong‐Ahafo Region, Ghana are shifting from food crop production to increased cultivation of cashew, an export cash crop. This paper examines gendered and generational tensions in increased commercialisation of land, livelihood diversification, and household food security in the context of globalisation and environmental change. Using qualitative, participatory research with 60 middle‐generation men and women, young people and key stakeholders, the research found that community members valued the additional income stream. Young people and women, however, were apprehensive about the long‐term consequences for food security of allocating so much land to cashew plantations. Young, middle, and older generations were concerned about their weak bargaining position in negotiating fair prices with export companies and intermediaries. Greater integration into the global economy exposed rural actors to multiple risks and inequalities, such as the uneven effects of economic globalisation, rises in food prices, hunger and food insecurity, growing competition for land, youth outmigration and climate change. The shift towards cashew cultivation appears to be exacerbating gender and generational inequalities in access to land and food insecurity and leading to exploitation within the global agri‐food supply chain among already vulnerable rural communities in the global South. With stronger farmer associations and cooperatives, however, cashew farmers stand the chance of benefitting from greater integration into the global economy, through strengthened bargaining positions. Greater understanding is needed about the complex interactions between sustainable food systems, changing land use and gender and generational inequalities in rural spaces.
Transpiration‐ and precipitation‐induced subsurface water flow observed using the self‐potential method
Authors: Voytek Emily B. , Barnard Holly R. , Jougnot Damien , Singha Kamini
Published: March 2019

Movement of soil moisture associated with tree root‐water uptake is ecologically important but technically challenging to measure. Here, the self‐potential (SP) method, a passive electrical geophysical method, is used to characterize water flow in situ. Unlike tensiometers, which use a measurement of state (i.e., matric pressure) at two locations to infer fluid flow, the SP method directly measures signals generated by water movement. We collected SP measurements in a two‐dimensional array at the base of a Douglas‐fir tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in western Oregon over 5 months to provide insight on the propagation of transpiration signals into the subsurface under variable soil moisture. During dry conditions, SP data appear to show downward unsaturated flow, whereas nearby tensiometer data appear to suggest upward flow during this period. After the trees enter dormancy in the fall, precipitation‐induced vertical flow dominates in the SP and tensiometer data. Diel variations in SP data correspond to periods of tree transpiration. Changes in volumetric water content occurring from soil moisture movement during transpiration are not large enough to appear in volumetric water content data. Fluid flow and electrokinetic coupling (i.e., electrical potential distribution) were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics to explore the system controls on field data. The coupled model, which included a root‐water uptake term, reproduced components of both the long‐term and diel variations in SP measurements, thus indicating that SP has potential to provide spatially and temporally dense measurements of transpiration‐induced changes in water flow. This manuscript presents the first SP measurements focusing on the movement of soil moisture in response to tree transpiration.
Recurrent moderate‐risk mutations in Finnish breast and ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Nurmi Anna , Muranen Taru A. , Pelttari Liisa M. , Kiiski Johanna I. , Heikkinen Tuomas , Lehto Sini , Kallioniemi Anne , Schleutker Johanna , Bützow Ralf , Blomqvist Carl , Aittomäki Kristiina , Nevanlinna Heli
Published: March 2019

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes predispose to breast and ovarian cancer (BC/OC) with a high lifetime risk, whereas mutations in PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, FANCM, RAD51C and RAD51D genes cause a moderately elevated risk. In the Finnish population, recurrent mutations have been identified in all of these genes, the latest being CHEK2 c.319+2T>A and c.444+1G>A. By genotyping 3,156 cases and 2,089 controls, we estimated the frequencies of CHEK2 c.319+2T>A and c.444+1G>A in Finnish BC patients. CHEK2 c.319+2T>A was detected in 0.7% of the patients, and it was associated with a high risk of BC in the unselected patient group (OR = 5.40 [95% CI 1.58–18.45], p = 0.007) and similarly in the familial patient group. CHEK2 c.444+1G>A was identified in 0.1% of all patients. Additionally, we evaluated the combined prevalence of recurrent moderate‐risk gene mutations in 2,487 BC patients, 556 OC patients and 261 BRCA1/2 carriers from 109 families. The overall frequency of the mutations was 13.3% in 1,141 BRCA1/2‐negative familial BC patients, 7.5% in 1,727 unselected BC patients and 7.2% in 556 unselected OC patients. At least one moderate‐risk gene mutation was found in 12.5% of BRCA1 families and 7.1% of BRCA1 index patients, as well as in 17.0% of BRCA2 families and 11.3% of BRCA2 index patients, and the mutations were associated with an additional risk in the BRCA1/2 index patients (OR = 2.63 [1.15–5.48], p = 0.011). These results support gene panel testing of even multiple members of BC families where several mutations may segregate in different individuals.
Diabetes and cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Goto Atsushi , Yamaji Taiki , Sawada Norie , Momozawa Yukihide , Kamatani Yoichiro , Kubo Michiaki , Shimazu Taichi , Inoue Manami , Noda Mitsuhiko , Tsugane Shoichiro , Iwasaki Motoki
Published: March 2019

Earlier cohort studies using conventional regression models have consistently shown an increased cancer risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, reverse causality and residual confounding due to common risk factors could exist, and it remains unclear whether diabetes per se contributes to cancer development. Mendelian randomization analyses might clarify the true association between diabetes and cancer risk. We conducted a case–cohort study with 10,536 subcohort subjects and 3,541 newly diagnosed cancer cases derived from 32,949 eligible participants aged 40–69 years within the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study. With 29 known type 2 diabetes susceptibility variants, we used an inverse variance‐weighted method to estimate hazard ratios for the associations of diabetes with risks of total and site‐specific cancers. The hazard ratios of cancer per doubling of the probability of diabetes were 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92–1.15) overall, 1.08 (95% CI: 0.73–1.59) for the pancreas, 0.80 (95% CI: 0.57–1.14) for the liver and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.74–1.10) for the colorectum. Additional analyses, using publicly available large‐scale genome‐wide association study data on colorectal cancer in Japan, resulted in a narrower CI (hazard ratio: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.93–1.07). In this prospective Mendelian randomization study with a large number of incident cancer cases, we found no strong evidence to support associations between diabetes and overall and site‐specific cancer risks. Our findings suggest that there is little evidence to support the genetic role of type 2 diabetes in cancer development in the Japanese population.
microRNA‐497 inhibition mitigates myocardial infarction via enhancing wingless/integrated signal pathway in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Tang Yu , Zhong Zhiying , Wang Xiaohua , Wang Yunxia , Liu Yanfeng , Chang Zhitang
Published: March 2019

Objective

High association between microRNA‐497 (miR‐497) inhibition and the improvement of myocardial infarction (MI) has been proved. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) therapy is regarded as a highly promising approach to MI treatment. We studied the functional role of miR‐497 inhibition in the transplantation of BMSCs for MI treatment.

Methods

BMSCs were isolated from 10 to 14 days old male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats for in vitro and in vivo experiments. First, flow cytometry was used for BMSCs identification. miR‐497 antagomir and agomir were transfected into BMSCs, and the migratory capacity was detected by wound healing assay. Protein levels were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Second, rat MI models were constructed and injected with each experimental group BMSCs. Four weeks later, the cellular morphology of cardiomyocyte and infarcted size was observed after histopathologic evaluation (HE) and Masson’s trichrome staining. Moreover, WNT3A siRNA (siWNT3A) was used for further investigating the involvement of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.

Results

BMSCs were confirmed to be CD90+ CD45− CD11b/c− cells. The number of rats with wound closure increased more in miR‐497 inhibitor group than that in agomir group, the number markedly decreased in agomir group (
P < 0.01). As the miR‐497 decreased, the protein levels of WNT3A, matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and β‐catenin were notably increased. The injection of BMSCs inhibiting miR‐497 repaired almost all infarcted zones. siWNT3A, on the contrary, could decrease the wound closure rate and relative protein levels and inhibit MI treatment.

Conclusion

miR‐497 antagomir contributes to BMSCs transplantation for MI treatment by Wnt/β‐catenin activation, and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway is essential for the functional effects of miR‐497 antagomir.
CeNETs analysis reveals the prognostic value of a signature integration from five lncRNAs in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Ke , Liao Caihua , Zhong Qiong , Dong Haiyan , Zhang Tiancheng , Jin Rongzhong
Published: March 2019

Background

The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis is a novel effective theory that can enable us to deeply understand the mechanisms of comprehensive diseases.

Methods

In this study, we first downloaded RNAseq data and microRNA (miRNA) seq data of breast cancer from The Cancer Genome Atlas and further explored the regulation of ceRNA network in breast cancer using comprehensive bioinformatics tools.

Results

The results revealed that five miRNAs, including hsa‐miR‐10b, hsa‐miR‐21, hsa‐miR‐183, hsa‐miR‐1258, and hsa‐miR‐3200 formed the core of ceRNA network. Moreover, five long noncoding RNAs that could competitively bind with miR‐10b, respectively, named ACTA2‐AS1, RP11‐384P7.7, RP11‐327J17.9, RP11‐124N14.3, and RP11‐645C24.5, were discovered as an integration signature with great potential in the prediction of survival outcomes in patients with different stages of breast cancer.

Conclusions

This indicates that these five long noncoding RNAs may be potential novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer.
Long noncoding RNA NONHSAG053901 promotes diabetic nephropathy via stimulating Egr‐1/TGF‐β‐mediated renal inflammation
Authors: Peng Wenfang , Huang Shan , Shen Lisha , Tang Yubing , Li Huihua , Shi Yongquan
Published: March 2019

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important factor leading to end‐stage kidney disease that affects diabetes mellitus patients globally. Our previous transcriptome sequencing has identified a large group of differentially expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in early development of DN. On basis of this, we aimed to investigate the function of lncRNA NONHSAG053901 in DN pathogenesis. In this study, we revealed that the expression of NONHSAG053901 was drastically elevated in both DN mouse model and mesangial cells (MCs). It was found that overexpression of NONHSAG053901 remarkably promoted inflammation, fibrosis and proliferation in MCs. Consistently, further investigations suggested that the stimulation of NONHSAG053901 on proinflammatory cytokines via direct binding to early growth response protein 1 (Egr‐1). Interaction between Egr‐1 and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) could augment TGF‐β function in DN inflammation. Furthermore, the effects of NONHSAG053901 on stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines were abolished by knockdown of Egr‐1. These results together suggested that NONHSAG053901 promoted proinflammatory cytokines via stimulating Egr‐1/TGF‐β mediated renal inflammation.
Iron‐load exacerbates the severity of atherosclerosis via inducing inflammation and enhancing the glycolysis in macrophages
Authors: Hu Xiaorong , Cai Xinyong , Ma Ruisong , Fu Wenwen , Zhang Changjiang , Du Xianjin
Published: March 2019

Atherosclerosis is still the major cause of morbidity and mortality all over the world. Recently, it has been reported increased levels of tissue iron increase the risk of atherosclerosis. However, the detailed mechanism of iron‐induced atherosclerosis progression is barely known. Here, we used apoE‐deficient mice models to investigate the effects of low iron diet (<0 mg iron carbonyl/kg), high iron diet (25,000 mg iron carbonyl/kg) on atherosclerosis in vivo. As exhibited, we observed that CD68 was significant enriched by high iron diet in apoE‐deficient mice. In addition, transforming growth factor β, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6 (IL‐6), IL‐23, IL‐10, and IL‐1β levels were also greatly induced by high iron diet. Then, we found that the iron load promoted the inflammation response in macrophages. Moreover, macrophage polarization is a process by which macrophage can express various functional programs in activating macrophages. Here, we observed that iron‐load macrophages were polarized toward a proinflammatory macrophage phenotype. The polarization of M1 macrophage was promoted by ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) in bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs). Furthermore, ECAR and cellular OCR in BMDM with or without FAC was examined. As shown, BMDM indicated with 50 μM FAC showed a significant increase in basic state and maximal ECAR in contrast to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in OCR. This indicated that the glycolysis was involved in the polarization of M1 macrophage triggered by iron‐load. In conclusion, we indicated that the iron load exacerbates the progression of atherosclerosis via inducing inflammation and enhancing glycolysis in macrophages.
4E‐BP1 and 4E‐BP2 double knockout mice are protected from aging‐associated sarcopenia
Authors: Le Bacquer Olivier , Combe Kristell , Patrac Véronique , Ingram Brian , Combaret Lydie , Dardevet Dominique , Montaurier Christophe , Salles Jérôme , Giraudet Christophe , Guillet Christelle , Sonenberg Nahum , Boirie Yves , Walrand Stéphane
Published: March 2019

Background

Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass/function that occurs during the aging process. The links between mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity and muscle development are largely documented, but the role of its downstream targets in the development of sarcopenia is poorly understood. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E‐binding proteins (4E‐BPs) are targets of mTOR that repress mRNA translation initiation and are involved in the control of several physiological processes. However, their role in skeletal muscle is still poorly understood. The goal of this study was to assess how loss of 4E‐BP1 and 4E‐BP2 expression impacts skeletal muscle function and homeostasis in aged mice and to characterize the associated metabolic changes by metabolomic and lipidomic profiling.

Methods

Twenty‐four‐month‐old wild‐type and whole body 4E‐BP1/4E‐BP2 double knockout (DKO) mice were used to measure muscle mass and function. Protein homeostasis was measured ex vivo in extensor digitorum longus by incorporation of l‐[U‐14C]phenylalanine, and metabolomic and lipidomic profiling of skeletal muscle was performed by Metabolon, Inc.

Results

The 4E‐BP1/2 DKO mice exhibited an increase in muscle mass that was associated with increased grip strength (P < 0.05). Protein synthesis was higher under both basal (+102%, P < 0.05) and stimulated conditions (+65%, P < 0.05) in DKO skeletal muscle. Metabolomic and complex lipid analysis of skeletal muscle revealed robust differences pertaining to amino acid homeostasis, carbohydrate abundance, and certain aspects of lipid metabolism. In particular, levels of most free amino acids were lower within the 4E‐BP1/2 DKO muscle. Interestingly, although glucose levels were unchanged, differences were observed in the isobaric compound maltitol/lactitol (33‐fold increase, P < 0.01) and in several additional carbohydrate compounds. 4E‐BP1/2 depletion also resulted in accumulation of medium‐chain acylcarnitines and a 20% lower C2/C0 acylcarnitine ratio (P < 0.01) indicative of reduced β‐oxidation.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings demonstrate that deletion of 4E‐BPs is associated with perturbed energy metabolism in skeletal muscle and could have beneficial effects on skeletal muscle mass and function in aging mice. They also identify 4E‐BPs as potential targets for the treatment of sarcopenia.
Using different wavelengths and irradiance on the microalgae Acutodesmus obliquus batch culture
Authors: Hurtado Diana Ximena , Garzón‐Castro Claudia Lorena , Cortés‐Romero John , Tello Edisson
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

The quality of light, such as wavelength and the intensity affect the performance of algal growth and lipid production. Moreover, these variables also affect the lipids profile. To study the interrelation among these variables, Acutodesmus obliquus (Scenedesmus obliquus UTEX393) a microalga, was cultivated using illumination by light‐emitting‐diode surface mount device extensions emitting red (λ = 620–750 nm), yellow (λ = 570–590 nm), green (λ = 495–570 nm) and violet (λ = 380–450 nm) light. Additionally, each culture was illuminated at different light intensities (I1 = 8.75, I2 = 14.22 and I3 = 19.69 W m−2). Finally, all samples were analysed by GC‐MS.

RESULTS

The results showed: (1) the biomass production is directly proportional to the light intensity, e.g. at I3 = 19.69 W m−2 violet (36.80 mg L−1), yellow (25.49 mg L−1) and red (39.44 mg L−1) showed the major production; (2) however, the lipids were produced in minor amounts at major violet light intensity (3.64 mg L−1 at I3 = 19.69 W m−2); (3) the major lipids production (20.56 mg L−1) was obtained with red light at I3 = 19.69 W m−2 and (4) A. obliquus, under the parameters established was a good producer of lipids.

CONCLUSIONS

The major amount of biomass was obtained at red, yellow and violet light; meanwhile, the low biomass production, using green light, was associated with inefficient absorption of green light by chlorophyll. Additionally, palmitic, linolenic and linoleic were the most produced lipids, establishing a dependence between light wavelength and irradiance with biomass and lipid production. These results support the use of wavelengths and intensities to produce a group of specific lipids according to the needs of different industries. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry