bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced matrix synthesis and in vitro formation of cartilage‐like tissue by genetically modified chondrocytes expressing BMP‐7
Authors: Hidaka Chisa , Quitoriano Mannix , Warren Russell F. , Crystal Ronald G.
Published: July 2002

Bone morphogenic protein‐7 (BMP‐7) supports ectopic cartilage and bone formation, is expressed in normal articular cartilage, and increases matrix synthesis in chondrocytes. Based on this knowledge, we hypothesized that an adenovirus (Ad) vector encoding human BMP‐7 could be used to modify chondrocytes genetically to improve their capacity for cartilage repair. An adenovirus vector encoding BMP‐7 (AdBMP‐7) was constructed and its bioactivity confirmed by ectopic bone formation assay. AdBMP‐7 modification of bovine chondrocytes induced expression of BMP‐7 mRNA and bioactive protein, resulting in an increase in incorporation of 35SO into proteoglycan, 3H‐proline uptake into protein, and the expression of the cartilage‐specific matrix genes, aggrecan and type II collagen. An in vitro model of chondrocyte transplantation was used to demonstrate the feasibility of using genetically modified chondrocytes to enhance formation of cartilage‐like tissue. When transplanted onto cartilage explants and maintained in vitro for 3 weeks, chondrocytes modified with AdBMP‐7 formed 1.9‐fold thicker tissue than chondrocytes modified with a control vector (P < 0.001). This tissue was positive for type II collagen and proteoglycan but negative for type X collagen and demonstrated a cartilage‐like morphology. These observations suggest that Ad‐mediated transfer of BMP‐7 gene to chondrocytes enhances the chondrocyte‐specific matrix synthesis and their capacity to form cartilage‐like tissue, thus representing a strategy that may improve cell‐based cartilage repair. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Control of transcription in the RORa‐staggerer mutant mouse cerebellum: glutamate receptor delta2 mRNA
Authors: Messer Anne , Kang XiaoWei
Published: July 2002

The staggerer (transcription factor RORa‐deleted) mutation blocks cerebellar Purkinje cell development shortly after birth. In double mutants, the homozygous staggerer mutation can ‘rescue’ Purkinje cells carrying a channel‐opening mutation in the Glutamate receptor delta2 (Lurcher) from apoptotic death during the third and fourth postnatal weeks. Transcript levels for the glutamate receptor delta2, a channel subunit that is found at both climbing fiber and parallel fiber synapses on cerebellar Purkinje cells, are higher in the staggerer mutant cerebellum than in the wild‐type cerebellum at age 14 days. By 21 days, the wild‐type level is higher, having increased tremendously while the staggerer increase is modest. The results imply that the mechanism protecting Purkinje cells in staggerer‐Lurcher double mutants operates by blocking mutant receptor protein localization, rather than mRNA transcription. Between the ages 10 and 14 days, the climbing fiber innervation of Purkinje cells is known to switch from multiple to single in wild‐type, but not in the staggerer mutant. Therefore, the results also suggest that the multiple innervation and the level of the receptor message are coordinated, either directly or indirectly.
Expression of the estrogen‐regulated gene Nip2 during rat brain maturation
Authors: Brusadelli Alessia , Sialino Hernan , Piepoli Tiziana , Pollio Giuseppe , Maggi Adriana
Published: July 2002

The present study stems from previous observations demonstrating that in the neuroblastoma cell line SK‐ER3 the mRNA content of the pro‐apoptotic gene Nip2 is decreased following treatment with estradiol. We investigate the content of Nip2 mRNA during the maturation of rat embryo brain and we show that Nip2 mRNA is very low at embryo day 15 and steadily increases up to day 20. At day 21 Nip2 mRNA is decreased almost to the low levels observed in the mature brain. Studies in neurons from rat embryo at day 18 show that Nip2 mRNA content is significantly decreased by exposure to estradiol at 1 nM concentration demonstrating that the observations previously done in the SK‐ER3 neuroblastoma cell line can be reproduced in neurons in culture. The finding that estrogens may modulate the activity of Nip2 gene activity may be of relevance not only with regard to the effects of estradiol on brain maturation, but also for the understanding of the neuroprotective effects recently described for this hormone.
Biodegradable Polymeric Nanoparticles Containing an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (aPDL1) to Locally Induce Immune Responses in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Zhang Ming , Jiang Xuefeng , Zhang Qicheng , Zheng Tao , Mohammadniaei Mohsen , Wang Wentao , Shen Jian , Sun Yi
Published: July 2021

Immunotherapy is an efficient approach to clinical oncology. However, the immune privilege of the central nervous system (CNS) limits the application of immunotherapeutic strategies for brain cancers, especially glioblastoma (GBM). Tumor resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors is a further challenge in immunotherapies. To overcome the immunological tolerance of brain tumors, a novel multifunctional nanoparticle (NP) for highly efficient synergetic immunotherapy is reported. The NP contains an anti‐PDL1 antibody (aPDL1), upconverting NPs, and the photosensitizer 5‐ALA; the surface of the NP is conjugated with the B1R kinin ligand to facilitate transport across the blood‐tumor‐barrier. Upon irradiation with a 980 nm laser, 5‐ALA is transformed into protoporphyrin IX, generating reactive oxygen species. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) further promotes intratumoral infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and sensitizes tumors to PDL1 blockade therapy. It is demonstrated that combining PDT and aPDL1 can effectively suppress GBM growth in mouse models. The proposed NPs provide a novel and effective strategy for boosting anti‐GBM photoimmunotherapy.
Flexible and Stretchable Capacitive Sensors with Different Microstructures
Authors: Qin Jing , Yin Li‐Juan , Hao Ya‐Nan , Zhong Shao‐Long , Zhang Dong‐Li , Bi Ke , Zhang Yong‐Xin , Zhao Yu , Dang Zhi‐Min
Published: July 2021

Recently, sensors that can imitate human skin have received extensive attention. Capacitive sensors have a simple structure, low loss, no temperature drift, and other excellent properties, and can be applied in the fields of robotics, human–machine interactions, medical care, and health monitoring. Polymer matrices are commonly employed in flexible capacitive sensors because of their high flexibility. However, their volume is almost unchanged when pressure is applied, and they are inherently viscoelastic. These shortcomings severely lead to high hysteresis and limit the improvement in sensitivity. Therefore, considerable efforts have been applied to improve the sensing performance by designing different microstructures of materials. Herein, two types of sensors based on the applied forces are discussed, including pressure sensors and strain sensors. Currently, five types of microstructures are commonly used in pressure sensors, while four are used in strain sensors. The advantages, disadvantages, and practical values of the different structures are systematically elaborated. Finally, future perspectives of microstructures for capacitive sensors are discussed, with the aim of providing a guide for designing advanced flexible and stretchable capacitive sensors via ingenious human‐made microstructures.
Ultrathin Surface Coating of Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Enables Stable Zinc Anodes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Xie Man , Wu Feng , Mei Yang , Hao Yutong , Huang Ruling , Wei Guangling , Liu Anni , Li Li , Chen Renjie
Published: July 2021

Owing to the high volumetric capacity and low redox potential, zinc (Zn) metal is considered to be a remarkably prospective anode for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs). However, dendrite growth severely destabilizes the electrode/electrolyte interface, and accelerates the generation of side reactions, which eventually degrade the electrochemical performance. Here, an artificial interface film of nitrogen (N)‐doped graphene oxide (NGO) is one‐step synthesized by a Langmuir–Blodgett method to achieve a parallel and ultrathin interface modification layer (≈120 nm) on Zn foil. The directional deposition of Zn crystal in the (002) planes is revealed because of the parallel graphene layer and beneficial zincophilic‐traits of the N‐doped groups. Meanwhile, through the in situ differential electrochemical mass spectrometry and in situ Raman tests, the directional plating morphology of metallic Zn at the interface effectively suppresses the hydrogen evolution reactions and passivation. Consequently, the pouch cells pairing this new anode with LiMn2O4 cathode maintain exceptional energy density (164 Wh kg−1 after 178 cycles) at a reasonable depth of discharge, 36%. This work provides an accessible synthesis method and in‐depth mechanistic analysis to accelerate the application of high‐specific‐energy AZIBs.
Attractive Pickering Emulsion Gels
Authors: Wu Baiheng , Yang Chenjing , Xin Qi , Kong Linlin , Eggersdorfer Max , Ruan Jian , Zhao Peng , Shan Jianzhen , Liu Kai , Chen Dong , Weitz David A. , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2021

Properties of emulsions highly depend on the interdroplet interactions and, thus, engineering interdroplet interactions at molecular scale are essential to achieve desired emulsion systems. Here, attractive Pickering emulsion gels (APEGs) are designed and prepared by bridging neighboring particle‐stabilized droplets via telechelic polymers. In the APEGs, each telechelic molecule with two amino end groups can simultaneously bind to two carboxyl functionalized nanoparticles in two neighboring droplets, forming a bridged network. The APEG systems show typical shear‐thinning behaviors and their viscoelastic properties are tunable by temperature, pH, and molecular weight of the telechelic polymers, making them ideal for direct 3D printing. The APEGs can be photopolymerized to prepare APEG‐templated porous materials and their microstructures can be tailored to optimize their performances, making the APEG systems promising for a wide range of applications.
Ultra‐Flexible Visible‐Blind Optoelectronics for Wired and Wireless UV Sensing in Harsh Environments
Authors: Li Guanghui , Yao Yao , Ashok Nikhil , Ning Xin
Published: July 2021

Exploring remote destinations on Earth and in space such as the Antarctic and Mars is of great significance to science and technology. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at those locations is usually strong due to the depletion or absence of ozone, which is often accompanied by strong visible light interference and harsh environments with extreme temperatures. Those exploration missions extensively utilize flexible and foldable membranes and shells to meet the extreme requirements on structural size and weight. Ultra‐flexible UV photodetectors (PDs) capable of surviving harsh environments with additional ability to integrate on flexible and foldable structures for in situ visible‐blind UV sensing are critical to the protection of human explorers and engineering materials. However, the development of such UV PDs remains challenging. Here, this work introduces wired and wireless optoelectronic devices based on visible‐blind, ultra‐flexible, sub‐micron nanocomposites of zinc oxide nanoparticles and single‐walled carbon nanotubes. In‐depth studies demonstrate their operation at cold and hot temperatures and low air pressure. Those PDs can employ flexible near‐field communication circuits for wireless, battery‐free data acquisition. Their ultra‐flexibility allows folding into a sharp crease and conformal integration to flexible and origami structures, bringing further opportunities for UV detection in demanding missions on Earth and in space.
Porous PVDF Monoliths with Templated Geometry
Authors: Djeljadini Suzana , Bongartz Patrick , Alders Michael , Hartmann Nils , Oing Alexander , Cornelissen Christian , Hesselmann Felix , Arens Jutta , Steinseifer Ulrich , Linkhorst John , Wessling Matthias
Published: July 2021

Additive manufacturing of complex porous polymer geometries is a new field of advanced materials processing. Such new geometries can be used to fabricate porous polymer monoliths serving as a support for other material functions. Here, a novel fabrication technology to manufacture tailored 3D porous monoliths via additive manufacturing and templating is presented. The method is based on replicating a 3D‐printed mold with a polymer solution of polyvinylidenfluorid‐triethyl phosphate (PVDF‐TEP) and induce phase separation of the polymer solution subsequently. In a second step, the mold is removed without affecting the porous PVDF phase. As a result, porous monoliths with a templated 3D architecture are successfully fabricated. The manufacturing process is successfully applied to complex structures and can be applied to any conceivable geometry. Coating the porous 3D monoliths with another PVDF solution allows applying a skin layer yielding an asymmetric membrane monolith. As a showcase, a polydimethylsiloxane coating even leads to a smooth and dense layer of micrometer size. The methodology enables a new generation of complex porous polymer monoliths with tailored surface coatings. For the combination of poly(dimethylsiloxane) on a porous support, gas/liquid mass transfer is used in blood oxygenation with reduced diffusion limitation is within reach.
Differential Hydration of Ice‐Binding Surface of Globular and Hyperactive Antifreeze Proteins
Authors: Pal Prasun , Chakraborty Sandipan , Jana Biman
Published: July 2021

Like hyperactive antifreeze proteins (AFPs), globular AFPs also illustrate thermal hysteresis by specific binding to ice. The ice‐binding surface (IBS) topology and residue preferences are different between globular AFPs and hyperactive AFPs. This study explores the hydration water ordering and its temperature and length‐scale dependencies for type‐III AFPs, and the results with hyperactive AFP and non‐AFPs are compared. The hydration layer of the IBS of globular AFP is semiclathrate‐like, which is different from the hyperactive AFPs, as it is reported to be ice‐like. In a similar environment, the solvation water surrounding the non‐ice‐binding surface (non‐IBS) is mostly liquid‐like. Surprisingly, the non‐IBS is appreciably dissimilar from the non‐AFP in terms of hydration pattern. The amino acid compositions of the non‐IBS are in contrast with the IBS. Protein–water hydrogen bonding patterns between the IBS and non‐IBS of AFP are also different. These consequences suggest the collective function of non‐IBS and IBS in the antifreeze activity. The different nature of the first solvation shell water ordering around the IBS of type‐III AFP and hyperactive insect AFP implicates a differential design of IBS that may account for their observed difference in antifreeze activity.
MXenes for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Liu Zhixiong , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: July 2021

MXenes have attracted increasing attention from the research community due to several unique properties that make them suitable for many applications. As a rapidly growing family of 2D transitional metal carbides and nitrides, they have demonstrated very promising properties in electrochemical devices. Recently, a few reports have emerged showing that MXenes have interesting optoelectronic properties. In this review, the fundamental properties of MXenes are discussed, especially those related to optoelectronic properties, and the recent reports on MXene‐based optoelectronic applications including photovoltaic, plasmonic, photodetector, phototransistor, and light‐emitting diode applications are reviewed. Last, and most importantly, a vision and a road map is articulated for the future research directions that make the most sense for this important class of materials.
Secondary invader bacteria associated with the red pest weevil infestation in date palm trees
Authors: Ziedan El‐Sayed H. E. , Alamri Saad A. , Hashem Mohamed , Mostafa Yasser S.
Published: July 2021

The worldwide loss of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) productivity is due to the infestation of the red pest weevil (RPW). The pest makes tunnels in the tree trunk and could be followed by secondary microbial infections causing oozing of fluid with a distinct fermentation odor. This study aimed at isolation and identification of secondary invader bacteria associated with the RPW and confirmation of their potential destructive effect on the tree. Four bacterial isolates were recovered from the infested date palm tissues, and they were identified based on phenotypic characteristics using the VITEK2 system. Three out of the four isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and one isolate was identified as Burkholderia cepacia. All isolates caused rot of date palm germinated seeds (up to 40%), and wilt and root rot of date palm seedlings (40–100%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (isolate No. 3) was the most aggressive isolate that involved 40% mortality and caused 100% of root rot incidence in date palm seedlings. Burkholderia cepacia showed the lowest degree of rot on the germinated seeds, percentage mortality, percentage root rot incidence of date palm seedlings. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (isolate No. 1) and B. cepacia caused a high loss in the weight of date palm petioles tissues (about 10%). The study threw light on the detrimental effects of secondary invader microbes associated with the RPW infestation. The study recommended an application of an integrated management program containing both antibacterial and insecticidal preparation in the management of the RPW to avoid a further negative effect on the palm trees.
Utility of monthly minodronate for osteoporosis after gastrectomy: Prospective multicenter randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hirota Masashi , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Saito Yurina , Kawabata Ryohei , Nakatsuka Rie , Imamura Hiroshi , Motoori Masaaki , Makari Yoichi , Takeno Atsushi , Kishi Kentaro , Adachi Shinichi , Miyagaki Hiromichi , Kurokawa Yukinori , Yamasaki Makoto , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Doki Yuichiro
Published: July 2021

Aim

Osteoporosis in patients after gastrectomy is increasing with the aging of gastric cancer patients. Bisphosphonates are effective treatments for osteoporosis; however, their safety or efficacy in postgastrectomy patients has not been established. The purpose of this multicenter prospective intervention study was to investigate the impact of monthly minodronate on osteoporosis after gastrectomy.

Methods

Of the 261 enrolled gastric cancer patients, 164 patients were diagnosed with osteoporosis based on criteria of the Japan Society of Osteoporosis. They were randomly assigned 1:1 to groups treated with active vitamin D (VD group) or monthly minodronate (MIN group). The primary endpoint was changes in lumbar bone mineral density (L‐BMD) 12 mo after the start of administration. The secondary endpoints were changes in bone metabolism markers, adverse events (AEs), or treatment completion rates.

Results

There was no significant difference in patient background between the VD (n = 82) and MIN (n = 82) groups. In the MIN group, the increase in L‐BMD was significantly higher than that in the VD group (4.52% vs 1.72%, P = .001), with a significant reduction in bone metabolism markers; blood NTX (−25.6% vs −1.6%, P < .01) and serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (−34.3% vs −20.1%, P < .01). AEs were observed in 26.8% and 9.3% of the patients and treatment completion rates were 77.5% and 89.3% in the MIN and VD groups, respectively. Serious AEs were not observed in either group.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of monthly minodronate, suggesting that this treatment may be useful for osteoporosis after gastrectomy (UMIN000015517).
Effects of cathode gas diffusion layer type and membrane electrode assembly preparation on the performance of immobilized glucose oxidase‐based enzyme fuel cell
Authors: Yazici Mehmet Suha , Bahar Tahsin
Published: July 2021

Different cathode configurations with carbon paper (CP) and carbon cloth (CC) gas diffusion layer (GDL) are combined with Nafion® 115 for GOx enzyme fuel cells. Catalyst‐coated Nafion membrane (without a GDL) has resulted with highest impedance and lowest polarization response. Hot pressing of cathode gas diffusion electrode (GDE) onto the Nafion or physical placement onto the alternative chitosan membrane has reduced interface resistance 10 times compared with no‐GDL case. The best performance for the Nafion membrane is 2.1 mA cm−2 current density with hot‐pressed CC‐GDE. Smallest high‐frequency electrolyte (0.55 ohm) and charge transfer resistances (0.15 ohm) were measured with physically placed CC‐GDE on the alternative chitosan membrane resulting in maximum short current density of 3 mA cm−2 with a 4‐cm2 single enzyme fuel cell.
Output synchronous control of multi‐agent beam equations with boundary and domain structure time‐varying disturbances and general disturbances
Authors: Tang Wenjie , Zong Xiju , Chen Zhenzhen , Yang Jian
Published: July 2021

The design of a synchronous controller for a network beam equation with structural time‐varying and general perturbations is studied. An infinite dimensional observer is established to estimate the total disturbance which is composed of structural time‐varying disturbance and unknown disturbance. Assuming that all networked partial differential equations (PDEs) are connected by communication graph, a feedback controller based on observer is proposed to solve the synchronization problem, which provides many new methods for the control of distributed systems in network space. The controller designed in this paper has three objectives: (1) asymptotically compensate structural term disturbance and general disturbance; (2) ensure the asymptotic convergence between each network state and the virtual leader state to track the virtual leader; and (3) the converged state errors are converged in the sense of synchronization. By using the analytical semigroup method, the well‐posedness of the networked closed‐loop system is proved. Three kinds of network beam equations with observer feedback control are simulated, and the simulation results show that this control method is effective for the synchronization of the network PDEs.
Terminal transverse limb defects with “nubbins”
Authors: Holmes Lewis B. , Nasri Hanah Z.
Published: July 2021

Background

A terminal transverse limb defect with absence of the forearm and hand or just the hand is an uncommon limb deformity in an otherwise healthy newborn. Most of the affected infants also have tiny digit‐like nubbins on the stump of the affected limb, a finding that could represent an attempt at regeneration following vascular obstruction in early limb development.

Methods

One hundred ninety‐four newborn infants with a limb deficiency were identified among 289,365 births in an active malformations surveillance program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA from 1972 to 2012. Twenty‐eight infants with terminal transverse limb defects were identified.

Results

Twenty‐four had tiny digit‐like nubbins (0.5 cm in length) on the stump at one of three levels: the proximal portion of the forearm, the wrist or the forefoot. The examination of the placentas of eight affected infants showed no evidence of amnion rupture. Three of these 28 infants had associate chromosome abnormalities: trisomy 21, chromosome 11q deletion and the deletion of 22q11.2.

Conclusion

Terminal transverse limb defects reflect failure of early limb development. Awareness of this phenotype at birth, or when identified by ultrasound screening, can provide more accurate counseling than occurs with the more common misdiagnosis of “amniotic band syndrome.”
Physicochemical Characterization of Sparsely Tethered Bilayer Lipid Membranes: Structure of Submembrane Water and Nanomechanical Properties
Authors: Dziubak Damian , Sek Slawomir
Published: July 2021

Sparsely tethered bilayer lipid membrane (stBLM) is a popular model considered to mimic biological membranes. The advantage of this system is the molecular architecture that provides a water environment on both sides of the lipid membrane. In this work, we have coupled electrochemical measurements with surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to evaluate the effect of the electric field on the physicochemical properties of stBLM composed of 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine and cholesterol. More specifically, we have focused on the structure of the submembrane water and nanomechanical properties of the membrane. Our experimental results revealed that stBLM composed of DMPC/Cholesterol offers good nanomechanical stability and low permeability within a relatively wide potential window. Importantly, it also covers biologically relevant range corresponding to transmembrane potentials occurring in natural cell membranes, which makes them suitable platform for bioinspired sensing devices.
Difficulties concerning “interactions between particles” – Experience from teaching practice
Authors: Hintz Holger , Kremer Matthias , Tittel Carsten
Published: July 2021

Mit Schwierigkeiten und Stolperfallen haben Chemielehrer:innen beim Thema der so genannten “Zwischenmolekularen Kräfte” im Unterricht häufig zu tun. Einige, wie z. B. die sorgfältig zu unterscheidenden Begriffe Teilladung, Ladungs‐ und Teilladungsschwerpunkt, werden vorgestellt und diskutiert. Dabei wird der Vorschlag aus dem didaktischen Prüfstand des MNU aufgegriffen, die Wechselwirkungen nur durch die Angabe der zugrunde liegenden Ursache, nämlich temporäre Dipole, permanente Dipole und H‐Brücken zu charakterisieren.
Vocational orientation in chemistry: A neglected field in chemistry teacher education
Authors: Küsel Julian , Hönig Marina , Rüschenpöhler Lilith , Markic Silvija
Published: July 2021

Berufsorientierung ist eine zentrale Aufgabe von Schulen und soll auch im Rahmen des Chemieunterrichts erfolgen. Dies ist eine Herausforderung aufgrund der Stereotype bezüglich Gender, sozialer Schicht und Ethnizität in Chemie und den Naturwissenschaften. Diese Studie untersucht, (i) inwieweit angehende Lehrer:innen für Berufsorientierung professionalisiert sind und (ii) wie sich die Mitarbeit der Lehramtsstudierenden in einem Projekt zur Berufsorientierung in Chemie für Mädchen mit Migrationshintergrund (DiSenSu) auf die Professionalisierung der Studierenden auswirkt. Die qualitative Analyse einer Gruppendiskussion zwischen drei Lehramtsstudierenden zeigt, dass das naturwissenschaftliche Lehramtsstudium unzureichend auf die Berufsorientierung vorbereitet. Durch die Mitarbeit im Projekt DiSenSu konnte hingegen eine Professionalisierung erwirkt werden. Die Studie legt den Bedarf an evidenzbasierter Ausbildung für Berufsorientierung in Chemie offen. Die Erkenntnisse und Materialien aus dem Projekt DiSenSu können als Grundlage zur Verbesserung der Ausbildung dienen.
Characteristics and controls on the distribution of sublittoral microbial bioherms in Great Salt Lake, Utah: Implications for understanding microbialite development
Authors: Baskin Robert L. , Della Porta Giovanna , Wright V. Paul
Published: July 2021

Side‐scan sonar and Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse mapping of Great Salt Lake, Utah, linked to reprocessing of acoustic data from bathymetric surveys, has enabled the distribution of microbial bioherms to be assessed. Bioherms occupy an estimated area >700 km2 in the south arm and >300 km2 in the north arm. Distributions vary from statistically dispersed to clustered, and in this latter case, are predominantly located on metre‐scale, fault‐controlled topographic highs, with sediment infilling intervening lows between adjacent offsets. Individual bioherms are circular to oblate and range from centimetres to over 2 m in diameter. In some areas, bioherm heights were measured at more than 1.5 m above adjacent substrate. Sublittoral bioherms are made of aragonite, calcite and minor dolomite precipitated due to physico‐chemical, biologically induced and influenced carbonate mineralization processes in association with microbial mats. Bioherm fabrics vary at the millimetre to centimetre‐scale and consist of leiolitic and clotted peloidal micrite‐grade carbonate, sinuous threads of spherulitic fibrous aragonite crystals, laminated micrite boundstone and internal carbonate mud sediment with peloids and ooids. The identification of factors that influence microbial bioherm occurrence and spatial distribution in Great Salt Lake is limited to a set of collinear physical, chemical and biological variables that are confined to a localised closed system, such as salinity, water depth, wave energy, stable substrate and sediment accumulation. Anthropogenic modifications to Great Salt Lake resulting in increased salinity have exceeded the salinity range in which bioherm‐mediating microbial communities can survive, effectively defining an upper limit of salinity for bioherm microbial community viability. The better understanding of the distribution of microbial bioherms has significant implications for managing and protecting the lake ecosystem and may provide insights into the physical and chemical controls that existed during the formation of fossil microbialites in deep time.
Relation of endothelial and cardiac autonomic function with left ventricle diastolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tremamunno Saverio , De Vita Antonio , Villano Angelo , Melita Veronica , Ingrasciotta Gessica , Ruscio Eleonora , Filice Monica , Bisignani Antonio , Ravenna Salvatore Emanuele , Tartaglione Linda , Rizzo Gaetano Emanuele , Di Leo Mauro , Felici Tamara , Pitocco Dario , Lanza Gaetano Antonio
Published: July 2021

Background and aims

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Aim of this study was to investigate whether endothelial and/or autonomic dysfunction are associated with LV diastolic dysfunction in DM patients.

Methods

We studied 84 non‐insulin‐dependent type 2 DM (T2DM) patients with no heart disease by assessing: 1) LV diastolic function by echocardiography; 2) peripheral vasodilator function, by measuring flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and nitrate‐mediate dilation (NMD); 3) heart rate variability (HRV) on 24‐h Holter electrocardiographic monitoring.

Results

Twenty‐five patients (29.8%) had normal LV diastolic function, while 47 (55.9%) and 12 (14.3%) showed a mild and moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction, respectively. FMD in these 3 groups was 5.25 ± 2.0, 4.95 ± 1.6 and 4.43 ± 1.8% (p = 0.42), whereas NMD was 10.8 ± 2.3, 8.98 ± 3.0 and 8.82 ± 3.2%, respectively (p = 0.02). HRV variables did not differ among groups. However, the triangular index tended to be lower in patients with moderate/severe diastolic dysfunction (p = 0.09) and a significant correlation was found between the E/e’ ratio and both the triangular index (r = −0.26; p = 0.022) and LF amplitude (r = −0.29; p = 0.011).

Conclusions

In T2DM patients an impairment of endothelium‐independent, but not endothelium‐dependent, dilatation seems associated with LV diastolic dysfunction. The possible role of cardiac autonomic dysfunction in diastolic dysfunction deserves investigation in larger populations of patients.
BMP9 and BMP10: Two close vascular quiescence partners that stand out
Authors: Desroches‐Castan Agnès , Tillet Emmanuelle , Bouvard Claire , Bailly Sabine
Published: July 2021

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are dimeric transforming growth factor ß (TGFß) family cytokines that were first described in bone and cartilage formation but have since been shown to be involved in many pleiotropic functions. In human, there are 15 BMP ligands, which initiate their cellular signaling by forming a complex with two copies of type I receptors and two copies of type II receptors, both of which are transmembrane receptors with an intracellular serine/threonine kinase domain. Within this receptor family, ALK1 (activin receptor‐like kinase 1), which is a type I receptor mainly expressed on endothelial cells, and BMPRII (BMP Receptor type II), a type II receptor also highly expressed on endothelial cells, have been directly linked to two rare vascular diseases: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), respectively. BMP9 (gene name GDF2) and BMP10, two close members of the BMP family, are the only known ligands for the ALK1 receptor. This specificity gives them a unique role in physiological and pathological angiogenesis and tissue homeostasis. The aim of this current review is to present an overview of what is known about BMP9 and BMP10 on vascular regulation with a particular emphasis on recent results and the many questions that remain unanswered regarding the roles and specificities between BMP9 and BMP10.
Asymmetric root distributions reveal press–pulse responses in retreating coastal forests
Authors: Messerschmidt Tyler C. , Langston Amy K. , Kirwan Matthew L.
Published: July 2021

The impacts of climate change on ecosystems are manifested in how organisms respond to episodic and continuous stressors. The conversion of coastal forests to salt marshes represents a prominent example of ecosystem state change, driven by the continuous stress of sea‐level rise (press), and episodic storms (pulse). Here, we measured the rooting dimension and fall direction of 143 windthrown eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) trees in a rapidly retreating coastal forest in Chesapeake Bay (USA). We found that tree roots were distributed asymmetrically away from the leading edge of soil salinization and towards freshwater sources. The length, number, and circumference of roots were consistently higher in the upslope direction than downslope direction, suggesting an active morphological adaptation to sea‐level rise and salinity stress. Windthrown trees consistently fell in the upslope direction regardless of aspect and prevailing wind direction, suggesting that asymmetric rooting destabilized standing trees, and reduced their ability to withstand high winds. Together, these observations help explain curious observations of coastal forest resilience, and highlight an interesting nonadditive response to climate change, where adaptation to press stressors increases vulnerability to pulse stressors.
Non‐zero‐sum microbiome immune system interactions
Authors: Tuganbaev Timur , Honda Kenya
Published: July 2021

Fundamental asymmetries between the host and its microbiome in enzymatic activities and nutrient storage capabilities have promoted mutualistic adaptations on both sides. As a result, the enteric immune system has evolved so as not to cause a zero‐sum sterilization of non‐self, but rather achieve a non‐zero‐sum self‐reinforcing cooperation with its evolutionary partner the microbiome. In this review, we attempt to integrate the accumulated knowledge of immune—microbiome interactions into an evolutionary framework and trace the pattern of positive immune—microbiome feedback loops across epithelial, enteric nervous system, innate, and adaptive immune circuits. Indeed, the immune system requires commensal signals for its development and function, and reciprocally protects the microbiome from nutrient shortage and pathogen outgrowth. In turn, a healthy microbiome is the result of immune system curatorship as well as microbial ecology. The paradigms of host–microbiome asymmetry and the cooperative nature of their interactions identified in the gut are applicable across all tissues influenced by microbial activities. Incorporation of immune system influences into models of microbiome ecology will be a step forward toward defining what constitutes a healthy human microbiome and guide discoveries of novel host–microbiome mutualistic adaptations that may be harnessed for the promotion of human health.
Disruption to normal excitatory and inhibitory function within the medial prefrontal cortex in people with chronic pain
Authors: Kang David , Hesam‐Shariati Negin , McAuley James H. , Alam Monzurul , Trost Zina , Rae Caroline D. , Gustin Sylvia M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Growing evidence indicates a link between changes in the medial prefrontal cortex and the pathophysiology of chronic pain. In particular, chronic pain is associated with altered medial prefrontal anatomy and biochemistry. Due to the comorbid affective disorders seen across all pain conditions, the medial prefrontal cortex is a region of significance as it is involved in emotional processing. We have recently reported that a decrease in medial prefrontalN‐acetylaspartate and glutamate is associated with increased emotional dysregulation, indicating there are neurotransmitter imbalances in chronic pain. Therefore, we compared medial prefrontal neurochemistry in 24 people with chronic pain conditions to 24 age and sex‐matched healthy controls with no history of chronic pain.

Method

GABA‐edited MEGA‐PRESS was used to measure GABA+levels, and short TE PRESS was used to measure glutamate levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. Psychometric measures regarding pain intensity a week before scanning, during the scan and the total duration of chronic pain, were also recorded and compared to measured GABA+and glutamate levels.

Results

This study reveals that the presence of chronic pain is associated with significant decreases in medial prefrontal GABA+and glutamate. These findings support the hypothesis that chronic pain is associated with altered medial prefrontal biochemistry.

Conclusion

The dysregulation of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmitter systems supports a model of disinhibition of chronic pain, which may play a key role in both the experience of persistent pain and its associated affective disturbances.

Significance

This study reveals a significant reduction in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA+) and glutamate within the medial prefrontal cortex in chronic pain sufferers. While the current findings should be considered with reference to a small sample size, the disruption to normal excitatory and inhibitory medial prefrontal cortex function may be key in the development and maintenance of chronic pain and comorbid mental health disorders.
Combined use of β‐cyclodextrin and ionic liquid as electrolyte additives in EKC for separation and determination of carob's phenolics—A study of the synergistic effect
Authors: Christou Atalanti , Stavrou Ioannis J. , Kapnissi‐Christodoulou Constantina P.
Published: July 2021

In this work, a simple, reliable, and fast capillary electrophoretic method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 12 polyphenolic compounds, the most frequently found in carob's pulp and seeds. The present work deals with the development of a novel dual electrophoretic system based on the combined use of β‐CD and ionic liquid (IL) as buffer additives. A baseline separation of the target analytes was achieved in less than 10 min by using a BGE consisting of 35 mM borate along with 15 mM β‐CD and 3 mM l‐alanine tert butyl ester lactate (l‐AlaC4Lac) IL as buffer additives at pH 9.5, a temperature of 25°C, and an applied voltage of 30 kV. The application of the developed electrophoretic method to real samples enabled the identification and quantification of the main phenolic constituents of both ripe and unripe carob pulp extracts. The results revealed the predominance of gallic acid in both ripe (183.92 μg/g carob pulp) and unripe (205.10 μg/g carob pulp) carob pulp and highlighted the great influence of the ripening stage on carobs polyphenolic composition, with unripe pods being more enriched in polyphenols (total phenolics detected: 912.58 and 283.13 μg/g unripe and ripe carob pulp).
The impact of adopting stress‐tolerant maize on maize yield, maize income, and food security in Tanzania
Authors: Gebre Girma Gezimu , Mawia Harriet , Makumbi Dan , Rahut Dil Bahadur
Published: July 2021

Productivity growth emanating from scientific advances offered by biotechnology and other plant breeding initiatives offers great promise for meeting the growing food demand worldwide. This justifies investments in agricultural research and development that have led to the development of stress‐tolerant maize varieties (STMVs) in Africa. While most literature has documented the average impacts of STMVs on productivity, this paper is premised on the fact that benefits from technology adoption are not the same across household. The paper addresses this information gap by examining potential heterogeneity in yield, income, and food security benefits from of adopting STMVs using a sample of 720 maize‐producing households from Tanzania. The dose‐response continuous treatment effect method supported by an endogenous switching probit model was used to estimate the heterogenous impact of STMV adoption on the three outcomes of interest. Results show that, overall, the adoption of stress‐tolerant maize varieties increased maize grain yield by about 1 ton/ha, maize income by about $62/ha. The adoption of STMVs also reduced the propensity to report mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity by 34%, 17%, and 6%, respectively. There are substantial idiosyncratic variations in the productivity, income, and food security effects depending on the scale of adoption, with a higher impact at lower dose levels of adoption. The heterogenous and pro‐poor nature of STMV adoption is also revealed through nonparametric results showing higher productivity benefits among households that are less endowed with wealth and knowledge. These findings underscore the need for further scaling of stress‐tolerant maize varieties for greater impact on the livelihoods of poor small‐scale farmers in Tanzania.
Guide to common skin disorders in donkeys
Authors: Thiemann Alex , Sullivan Rebekah
Published: July 2021

Background: Although they are a minority equine species in the UK, donkeys are both much loved companion animals and conversely frequently neglected and suffer poor welfare. Skin disease is a common complaint and often presents at an advanced state due to a number of factors, including inadequate owner knowledge, infrequent checking and grooming, and a lack of concern for the welfare of the affected donkey, alongside donkey‐specific factors, such as a difference in hair coat from horses.

Aim of the article: This article covers the main presenting signs that veterinary surgeons see in donkeys with skin disease, and offers guidance on diagnosis and treatment options.
Bootstrap inference and diagnostics in state space models: With applications to dynamic macro models
Authors: Angelini Giovanni , Cavaliere Giuseppe , Fanelli Luca
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates the potentials of the bootstrap as a tool for inference on the parameters of macroeconometric models which admit a state space representation. We consider a bootstrap estimator of the parameters of state space models and show that the bootstrap realizations of this estimator, usually employed to approximate asymptotic confidence intervals,p‐values, and critical values of tests, can be also constructively used to build a test for forms of misspecifications which invalidate asymptotic normality. The test evaluates how “close or distant” the estimated state space model is from the case where asymptotic inference based on the Gaussian distribution applies. We derive sufficient conditions on the number of bootstrap repetitions,B, relative to the number of sample observations,T, for the test statistic to have a well‐defined asymptotic distribution under the null. Throughout the paper, we focus on the state space form of small‐scale monetary dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models and investigate the usefulness of our approach through Monte Carlo experiments and empirical illustrations based on US quarterly data. Results show that (i) bootstrapping the state space form provides highly reliable inference and (ii) the suggested test detects weakly identified parameters reasonably well in finite samples.
Mentor personality and attachment as correlates of youth mentoring relationship quality within a school‐based mentoring intervention: The moderating role of negative interactions
Authors: Younginer S. Taylor , Elledge L. Christian
Published: July 2021

Aims: Mentor relationship quality is considered a mechanism linking youth mentoring to positive developmental outcomes. It is important to understand the factors that promote high‐quality youth mentoring relationships. The current investigation examined whether certain mentor characteristics were associated with youth mentoring relationship quality.

Method: Children (n = 55) were participating in an efficacy trial of a lunchtime mentoring program for aggressive children. Children received two different mentors over the course of an academic year, resulting in 104 unique mentoring dyads. Analyses examined the unique and interactive influence of mentor personality, attachment style, and negative interactions within the mentoring relationship on mentoring relationship quality.

Results: For both child‐ and mentor‐reported relationship quality, negative interactions moderated the association between some dimensions of mentor personality and relationship quality.

Conclusion: Understanding the influence of mentor personality and attachment tendencies on mentoring relationships requires an appreciation for the context of the mentoring relationship and broader goals of the mentoring intervention.
Role of ultrasound in manual detorsion for testicular torsion
Authors: Hosokawa Takahiro , Tanami Yutaka , Sato Yumiko , Ishimaru Tetsuya , Kawashima Hiroshi , Oguma Eiji
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Manual detorsion can be performed for testicular torsion before scrotal exploration. Using sonographic findings, this study investigated the need for additional treatments after manual detorsion for testicular torsion.

Methods

This study evaluated 13 retrospective cases of testicular torsion subjected to manual detorsion. Manual detorsion was classified as failure or success based on residual spermatic cord twist. The following sonographic findings of the affected testis were compared using the Fisher exact test: whirlpool sign, horizontal or altered lie, and hypoperfusion.

Results

Manual detorsion failed in five patients. There was a significant difference in the incidence of the whirlpool sign between the two groups (present/absent sign in the failure vs. success groups: 4/1 vs. 0/8, p = 0.007). Horizontal or altered lie and hypoperfusion in the affected testis were not significantly different between groups (5/0 vs. 3/4, p = 0.07, one case excluded, and 5/0 vs. 4/4, p = 0.10, respectively).

Conclusions

Ultrasound findings after manual detorsion, particularly, the whirlpool sign, were useful for planning subsequent treatment such as additional manual detorsion or surgical intervention. The testicular axis and the perfusion of the twisted testis may not recover to normal after successful manual detorsion, but if they recover, this procedure could be judged a success.
Pd/C‐catalyzed one‐potSuzuki‐Miyauracross‐coupling/hydrogenation of pyridine derivatives
Authors: Pitna Dinda B. , Tanaka Nao , Usuki Toyonobu
Published: July 2021

Using bromopyridines and methoxyphenyl boronic acid as starting materials, consecutive Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling and hydrogenation reactions were undertaken using a heterogeneous Pd/C catalyst in one‐pot manner under mild conditions (balloon‐pressure at room temperature for hydrogenation) with excellent yield. To counter Pd leaching as well as catalyst poisoning, addition of an appropriate amount of H2O was crucial to achieving successful AcOH‐promoted hydrogenation, which ensured a selective reduction of the pyridine rings to the corresponding piperidines.