bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic matter derived from kelp supports a large proportion of biomass in temperate rocky reef fish communities: Implications for ecosystem‐based management
Authors: Udy Jacquetta , Wing Stephen , O'Connell‐Milne Sorrel , Kolodzey Stina , McMullin Rebecca , Durante Leonardo , Frew Russell
Published: May 2019

The relative availability of alternative organic matter sources directly influences trophic interactions within ecological communities. As differences in trophic ecology can alter the productivity of communities, understanding spatial variability in trophic structure, and the drivers of variability, is vital for implementing effective ecosystem‐based management.

Bulk stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) and mass balance calculations were used to examine patterns in the contribution of organic matter derived from macroalgae to food webs supporting temperate reef fish communities in two contrasting coastal waterways on the South Island of New Zealand: Fiordland and the Marlborough Sounds. Ten fish species common to both regions were compared, with up to 40% less organic matter from macroalgae supporting omnivorous species in the Marlborough Sounds. The largest differences in trophic position were found in those species exploited by fisheries.

Furthermore, stratified surveys of abundance and species biomass combined with trophic position data were used to calculate regional differences in the contribution of macroalgae to whole fish communities in terms of density of biomass. In Fiordland, over 77% of the biomass of exploited reef fishes was supported by macroalgae, compared with 31% in the Marlborough Sounds.

Surveys of macroalgal density and species composition in the two regions indicated that regional differences in trophodynamics may be explained by a lack of macroalgal inputs to the food web in the Marlborough Sounds.

The findings demonstrate large regional differences in the incorporation of benthic and pelagic sources of organic matter to food webs supporting reef fish communities, highlighting the need for ecosystem‐based approaches to management to recognize spatial variability in primary production supporting coastal food webs.
Selective and Fast‐Response Fluorescent Probes for Hypochlorite and their Application
Authors: Shi Lei , Chen Qinhai , Hong Haojia , Shao Guang , Gong Shengzhao , Xiang Hua
Published: May 2019

It is extremely important to develop selective and sensitive fluorescent probes for the detection of hypochlorite (HClO/ClO−). Herein, two ESIPT‐based fluorescent probes (BS1 and BS2) were designed and prepared for the fast determination of HClO. The probes exhibited excellent specificity towards HClO and showed the rapid and huge fluorescent responses. Moreover, the probes BS1 and BS2 could sensitively detect HClO in the range of 0–100 μM with the low detection limits of 87 and 106 nM, especially. Besides, the success of practical application in water samples and test strips suggested that the synthetic probes may be effective tools for the detection of hypochlorite in environmental samples.
Superfluous glutamine synthetase activity in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells selected under glutamine limitation is growth limiting in glutamine‐replete conditions and can be inhibited by serine
Authors: Maralingannavar Vishwanathgouda , Parmar Dharmeshkumar , Panchagnula Venkateswarlu , Gadgil Mugdha
Published: May 2019

Passaging and expansion of animal cells in lean maintenance medium could result in periods of limitation of some nutrients. Over time, such stresses could possibly result in selection of cells with metabolic changes and contribute to heterogeneity. Here, we investigate whether selection of Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells under glutamine limitation results in changes in growth under glutamine‐replete conditions. In glutamine‐limiting medium, compared to control cells passaged in glutamine‐rich medium, the selected cells showed higher glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and attained a higher peak viable cell density (PVCD). Surprisingly, in glutamine‐replete conditions, selected cells still showed a higher GS activity but a lower PVCD. We show that in glutamine‐replete medium, PVCD of selected cells was restored on (a) inhibition of GS activity with methionine sulfoximine, (b) supplementation of aspartate—without affecting GS activity, and (c) supplementation of serine, which is reported to inhibit GS in vitro. Consistent with the reported effect of serine, inhibition of GS activity was observed upon serine supplementation along with reduced growth of cells under glutamine‐limiting conditions. The latter observation is important for the design of glutamine‐free culture medium and feed used for GS‐CHO and GS‐NS0. In summary, we show that CHO cells selected under glutamine limitation have superfluous GS activity in glutamine‐replete medium, which negatively affects their PVCD. This may be due to its effect on availability of aspartate which was the limiting nutrient for the growth of selected cells in glutamine‐replete conditions.
Cyanide‐Free One‐Pot Synthesis of Methacrylic Esters from Acetone
Authors: Koyama Minoru , Kawakami Takafumi , Okazoe Takashi , Nozaki Kyoko
Published: May 2019

Methacrylic esters, represented by methyl methacrylate (MMA), are widely used as commodity chemicals. Here, the one‐pot synthesis of methacrylic esters from acetone, a haloform and alcohols in the presence of an organic base is described. Using DBU as the organic base for the reaction of acetone, chloroform and methanol in acetonitrile afforded MMA in 66 % yield. When the solvent was replaced by benzonitrile, the product MMA was successfully purified by distillation. Applicability of this process to various alcohols was also investigated to show ethyl, phenyl, CF3CH2, and n‐C6F13CH2CH2 esters were obtained in moderate yields. The use of bromoform instead of chloroform resulted in the improvement of the yield, for example, methyl and n‐C6F13CH2CH2 esters up to 81 and 70 %, respectively. The reaction with deuterated starting materials acetone‐d6 and MeOH‐d4, with DBU in acetonitrile afforded deuterated MMA (MMA‐d8) in 70 % yield.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Micro‐reactors
Authors: Macchi Arturo , Plouffe Patrick , Patience Gregory S. , Roberge Dominique M.
Published: May 2019

Whereas the bulk chemical industry has historically sought economic advantage through economies of scale, a paradigm shift has researchers developing systems on smaller scales. Nano‐cages and nano‐actuators increase selectivity and robustness at the molecular scale. In parallel, micro‐contactors with sub‐millimetre lateral dimensions are decreasing boundary layers that restrict heat and mass transfer and thus meet the objectives of process intensification with great increases in productivity with a smaller footprint. These contactors continue to serve chemical engineers and chemists to synthesize fine chemicals and characterize catalysts; however, they have now been adopted for sensors in biological and biochemical systems. A bibliometric analysis of articles indexed in the Web of Science in 2016 and 2017 identified five major clusters of research: catalysis and bulk chemicals; nanoparticles; organic synthesis and flow chemistry; systems and micro‐fluidics applied to biochemistry; and micro‐channel reactors and mass transfer. In the early 1990s, less than 100 articles a year mentioned micro‐reactors, while over 943 articles mentioned it in 2017. Here, we introduce micro‐reactors and their role in the continuous synthesis of fine chemicals across the various scales to commercialization.
Cytologic features of aggressive variants of follicular‐derived thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Faquin William C. , Pantanowitz Liron
Published: May 2019

Certain carcinomas of the thyroid gland behave aggressively resulting in increased patient morbidity and poor patient prognosis. The diagnosis of these aggressive thyroid cancer subtypes is sometimes challenging and subject to increased interobserver variability. This review deals with the cytological features of such tumors including aggressive variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. These malignancies fall into 2 groups based on their cytomorphology: those that exhibit distinct microscopic features (eg, nuclear findings typical of classical papillary thyroid carcinoma or marked anaplasia) and those that present with more subtle cytologic features (eg, nuclear pseudostratification, “soap bubble” nuclei, supranuclear or subnuclear cytoplasmic vacuoles, rosette‐like structures, hobnail cells). We review the literature regarding these aggressive thyroid cancers and highlight important phenotypic characteristics that can be useful for their diagnosis based on fine needle aspiration.
Genetic diversity and phenotypic variation within hatchery‐produced oyster cohorts predict size and success in the field
Authors: Hughes A. Randall , Hanley Torrance C. , Byers James E. , Grabowski Jonathan H. , McCrudden Tom , Piehler Michael F. , Kimbro David L.
Published: May 2019

The rapid growth of the aquaculture industry to meet global seafood demand offers both risks and opportunities for resource management and conservation. In particular, hatcheries hold promise for stock enhancement and restoration, yet cultivation practices may lead to enhanced variation between populations at the expense of variation within populations, with uncertain implications for performance and resilience. To date, few studies have assessed how production techniques impact genetic diversity and population structure, as well as resultant trait variation in and performance of cultivated offspring. We collaborated with a commercial hatchery to produce multiple cohorts of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from field‐collected broodstock using standard practices. We recorded key characteristics of the broodstock (male : female ratio, effective population size), quantified the genetic diversity of the resulting cohorts, and tested their trait variation and performance across multiple field sites and experimental conditions. Oyster cohorts produced under the same conditions in a single hatchery varied almost twofold in genetic diversity. In addition, cohort genetic diversity was a significant positive predictor of oyster performance traits, including initial size and survival in the field. Oyster cohorts produced in the hatchery had lower within‐cohort genetic variation and higher among‐cohort genetic structure than adults surveyed from the same source sites. These findings are consistent with “sweepstakes reproduction” in oysters, even when manually spawned. A readily measured characteristic of broodstock, the ratio of males to females, was positively correlated with within‐cohort genetic diversity of the resulting offspring. Thus, this metric may offer a tractable way both to meet short‐term production goals for seafood demand and to ensure the capacity of hatchery‐produced stock to achieve conservation objectives, such as the recovery of self‐sustaining wild populations.
The metabolites urobilin and sphingomyelin (30:1) are associated with incident heart failure in the general population
Authors: Stenemo Markus , Ganna Andrea , Salihovic Samira , Nowak Christoph , Sundström Johan , Giedraitis Vilmantas , Broeckling Corey D. , Prenni Jessica E. , Svensson Per , Magnusson Patrik K.E. , Lind Lars , Ingelsson Erik , Ärnlöv Johan , Fall Tove
Published: May 2019

Aims

We aimed to investigate whether metabolomic profiling of blood can lead to novel insights into heart failure pathogenesis or improved risk prediction.

Methods and results

Mass spectrometry‐based metabolomic profiling was performed in plasma or serum samples from three community‐based cohorts without heart failure at baseline (total n = 3924; 341 incident heart failure events; median follow‐up ranging from 4.6 to 13.9 years). Cox proportional hazard models were applied to assess the association of each of the 206 identified metabolites with incident heart failure in the discovery cohorts Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) (n = 920) and Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM) (n = 1121). Replication was undertaken in the independent cohort TwinGene (n = 1797). We also assessed whether metabolites could improve the prediction of heart failure beyond established risk factors (age, sex, body mass index, low‐density and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid medication, diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood pressure medication, glomerular filtration rate, smoking status, and myocardial infarction prior to or during follow‐up). Higher circulating urobilin and lower sphingomyelin (30:1) were associated with incident heart failure in age‐adjusted and sex‐adjusted models in the discovery and replication sample. The hazard ratio for urobilin in the replication cohort was estimated to 1.29 per standard deviation unit, 95% confidence interval (CI 1.03–1.63), and for sphingomyelin (30:1) to 0.72 (95% CI 0.58–0.89). Results remained similar after further adjustment for established heart failure risk factors in meta‐analyses of all three cohorts. Urobilin concentrations were inversely associated with left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline in the PIVUS cohort (β = −0.70, 95% CI −1.03 to −0.38). No major improvement in risk prediction was observed when adding the top 2 metabolites (C‐index 0.787, 95% CI 0.752–0.823) or nine Lasso‐selected metabolites (0.790, 95% CI 0.754–0.826) to a modified Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities heart failure risk score model (0.780, 95% CI 0.745–0.816).

Conclusions

Our metabolomic profiling of three community‐based cohorts study identified associations of circulating levels of the haem breakdown product urobilin, and sphingomyelin (30:1), a cell membrane component involved in signal transduction and apoptosis, with incident heart failure.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed N‐Carboxamidation of Indoles with Isocyanates: Facile and General Method for the Synthesis of Indole‐1‐carboxamides
Authors: Chen Jinyang , Hu Li , Wang Haiying , Liu Lingrong , Yuan Binfang
Published: May 2019

A facile and general method for the synthesis of indole‐1‐carboxamides was developed via copper(I)‐catalyzed N‐carboxamidation of indoles with isocyanates under mild reaction conditions. This process is scalable and tolerates a wide spectrum of indoles and isocyanates to deliver corresponding products in good to excellent yields, providing a viable synthetic approach to indole‐1‐carboxamides, which can be used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and diabetes.
Edge Formation in High‐Speed Intermittent Slot‐Die Coating of Disruptively Stacked Thick Battery Electrodes
Authors: Diehm Ralf , Weinmann Hannes , Kumberg Jana , Schmitt Marcel , Fleischer Jürgen , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm
Published: May 2019

In industrial lithium‐ion battery manufacturing, patterned structured electrodes are required due to subsequent processes. In particular, novel and advanced cell stack formation processes cause challenging design requirements for electrode geometry. This work examines the influence of coating speeds up to 50 m min–1 and wet‐film thicknesses up to 400 µm on the coating edge quality. To determine the coating edge quality, the start‐up length in every pattern in the coating direction is compared for different coating parameters. Parameters such as speed and film thickness show no limiting effect, which makes high process speeds possible.
Collaborative Problem Solving Assessment in an Online Mathematics Task
Authors: Andrews‐Todd Jessica , Jackson G. Tanner , Kurzum Christopher
Published: May 2019

Collaborative problem solving (CPS) is an important 21st‐century skill for academic and career success, and as a result, there is increased interest among businesses and educational institutions in the assessment and development of CPS skills. CPS skills are difficult to measure using traditional forms of assessment, and that difficulty has led to the use of computer environments that allow individuals to interact in complex situations and capture all actions throughout the process. In the current paper, we describe the design of a collaborative online mathematics task and explore student perceptions of the task and the extent to which the task elicits CPS skills. Results revealed areas of difficulty for students and showed that the task mostly elicited skills associated with the social dimension of CPS. We describe modifications to the task to provide better opportunities for students to display a broader range of CPS skills. An upcoming larger scale pilot study will explore whether the redesigned task can elicit the less observed CPS skills.
Long Noncoding RNA p53‐Stabilizing and Activating RNA Promotes p53 Signaling by Inhibiting Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K deSUMOylation and Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qin Geng , Tu Xinyi , Li Haibei , Cao Pengbo , Chen Xi , Song Jin , Han Hui , Li Yuanfeng , Guo Bingqian , Yang Liting , Yan Pandeng , Li Peiyao , Gao Chengming , Zhang Jinxu , Yang Ying , Zheng Jian , Ju Huai‐qiang , Lu Lei , Wang Xuan , Yu Chaohui , Sun Yi , Xing Baocai , Ji Hongzan , Lin Dongxin , He Fuchu , Zhou Gangqiao
Published: May 2019

To identify hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐implicated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), we performed an integrative omics analysis by integrating mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in HCC tissues. We identified a collection of candidate HCC‐implicated lncRNAs. Among them, we demonstrated that an lncRNA, which is named as p53‐stabilizing and activating RNA (PSTAR), inhibits HCC cell proliferation and tumorigenicity through inducing p53‐mediated cell cycle arrest. We further revealed that PSTAR can bind to heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) and enhance its SUMOylation and thereby strengthen the interaction between hnRNP K and p53, which ultimately leads to the accumulation and transactivation of p53. PSTAR is down‐regulated in HCC tissues, and the low PSTAR expression predicts poor prognosis in patients with HCC, especially those with wild‐type p53. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the tumor suppressor role of lncRNA PSTAR, a modulator of the p53 pathway, in HCC.
A Noncoding Regulatory RNAs Network Driven by Circ‐CDYL Acts Specifically in the Early Stages Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wei Yanping , Chen Xin , Liang Chi , Ling Yan , Yang Xinwei , Ye Xiaofei , Zhang Hailing , Yang Pinghua , Cui Xiuliang , Ren Yibing , Xin Xianglei , Li Hengyu , Wang Ruoyu , Wang Wenjing , Jiang Feng , Liu Suiyi , Ding Jing , Zhang Baohua , Li Liang , Wang Hongyang
Published: May 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the fastest‐rising causes of cancer‐related death worldwide, but its deficiency of specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the early stages lead to severe inadequacy in the early diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Covalently closed circular RNA (circRNA), which was once considered an aberrant splicing by‐product, is now drawing new interest in cancer research because of its remarkable functionality. Beneath the surface of the dominant functional proteins events, a hidden circRNA‐centric noncoding regulatory RNAs network active in the very early stage of HCC is here revealed by a genome‐wide analysis of mRNA, circRNA, and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles. Circ‐CDYL (chromodomain Y like) is specifically up‐regulated in the early stages of HCC and therefore contributes to the properties of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM)‐positive liver tumor‐initiating cells. Circ‐CDYL interacts with mRNAs encoding hepatoma‐derived growth factor (HDGF) and hypoxia‐inducible factor asparagine hydroxylase (HIF1AN) by acting as the sponge of miR‐892a and miR‐328‐3p, respectively. Subsequently, activation of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐AKT serine/threonine kinase‐mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1/β‐catenin and NOTCH2 pathways, which promote the expression of the effect proteins, baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5 (BIRC5 or SURVIVIN) and MYC proto‐oncogene, is influenced by circ‐CDYL. A treatment incorporating circ‐CDYL interference and traditional enzyme inhibitors targeting PI3K and HIF1AN demonstrated highly effective inhibition of stem‐like characteristics and tumor growth in HCC. Finally, we demonstrated that circ‐CDYL expression or which combined with HDGF and HIF1AN are both independent markers for discrimination of early stages of HCC with the odds ratios of 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02‐1.17) and 124.58 (95% CI, 13.26‐1170.56), respectively. Conclusion: These findings uncover a circRNA‐centric noncoding regulatory RNAs network in the early stages of HCC and thus provide a possibility for surveillance and early treatment of HCC.
Memristors with organic‐inorganic halide perovskites
Authors: Zhao Xiaoning , Xu Haiyang , Wang Zhongqiang , Lin Ya , Liu Yichun
Published: May 2019

Organic‐inorganic halide perovskites (OHPs) have been intensively studied for application in solar cells with high conversion efficiency exceeding 22%. The unique electrical and optical properties of OHPs have led to their use in optoelectronic device applications beyond photovoltaics, such as light‐emitting diodes, photodetectors, transistors. New information storage technologies and computing architectures are being researched extensively with the aim of addressing the growing challenge of approaching end of Moore's law and von Neumann bottleneck. As the fourth basic circuit element, memristor is a leading candidate with powerful capabilities in information storage and neuromorphic computing applications. Recently, OHPs have received growing attention as promising materials for memristors. In particular, their mixed ionic‐electronic conduction ability paired with light sensitivity provide OHPs with the opportunity to display novel functions such as optical‐erase memory, optogenetics‐inspired synaptic functions, and light‐accelerated learning capability. This review covers recent advances in OHP‐based memristors development including memristive mechanism and analytical models, universal memristive characteristics for memory and neuromorphic computing applications, and novel multi‐functionalization. Challenges and future prospects of OHP‐based memristors are also discussed.
Calibration and Validation of the Hargreaves‐Samani Model for Reference Evapotranspiration Estimation in China
Authors: Zhu Xiaoxiao , Luo Tongyuan , Luo Yufeng , Yang Yang , Guo Longzhu , Luo Hongying , Fang Chaoyang , Cui Yuanlai
Published: May 2019

Daily meteorological data of 12 years from 838 stations over China were collected and applied to calibrate the HS model by comparison between the values of ET0 calculated from the original HS and those from the PM model. The calibrated HS model was evaluated by the distribution and values of statistical indices. After calibration, the mean values of the mean absolute error (MAE) and the root mean square error (RMSE) decreased by 24.6 and 23.9%, respectively. The correlation coefficients (R) for most areas were greater than 0.9, and the minimum R increased by 2% compared with the values of the original. The minimum and maximum slope of the zero‐intercept regression lines changed from 0.839 to 0.898 and from 1.46 to 1.04 during the validation period, respectively. The distribution of the statistical indices also showed better performance in most areas. The calibrated HS model produced the greatest ET0 estimation in the subtropical monsoon climate zone and the south‐western part of the temperate monsoon climate zone. Although the performance of the HS model improved after calibration in the plateau and mountain climate and temperate monsoon climate zones, the original HS model had high enough accuracy. However, for the tropical climate regions, the HS model failed to give reliable results even in calibrated form. Overall, the study illustrated that the calibrated HS model has higher accuracy for most climate zones. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of community pharmacist recommendations from a transitions of care study
Authors: Lussier Mia E. , Graham Jove H. , Tusing Lorraine D. , Maddineni Bhumika , Wright Eric A.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Community pharmacists are often the first healthcare professional encountered following discharge from a hospital, but what extent of services provided is not fully described across a variety of community pharmacy settings. Our objective was to capture and report recommendations made by community pharmacists during a transitions of care interventional study and to determine if visit‐related factors affected the risk of readmission.

Methods

The content of pharmacists' notes were analyzed from encounters during a transitions of care interventional study for patients discharged from a hospital with five high‐risk conditions (heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, diabetes, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), where the primary purpose of the intervention was to enhance inpatient and community pharmacist communication to improve patient care. Summary statistics were utilized to describe the content of pharmacist notes and actions, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to test for the impact of several patient or visit‐related characteristics on the risk of 90‐day readmissions.

Results

As part of an interventional study, patients spent an average of 9 minutes (standard deviation [SD] 6.9) with pharmacists during each visit and had three visits on average within 90‐day of discharge. Responses to checklist questions were documented on 99% of notes, and pharmacists provided recommendations 58% of the time. Recommendations varied by condition with the most frequent being adherence (10%), vaccinations (8%), and disease monitoring (7%). In multivariate models, readmission was higher among patients with highest comorbidity (hazard ratio [HR] = 10.18, 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.53‐29.36), two or more medications added at discharge (HR = 3.83, 95% CI, 1.49‐9.82), or vaccine gaps (HR = 3.51, 95% CI, 1.09‐11.33).

Conclusions

In a transitions of care service, community pharmacists actively engaged patients and caregivers at regular intervals, providing largely patient‐oriented recommendations during relatively short consultation encounters. Patient and visit‐related items associated with higher readmission risk such as higher comorbidity, medication additions, and incomplete vaccinations signal opportunity for community pharmacist‐led interventions to improve care of patients in the postdischarge period.
Artifact‐free objective‐type multicolor total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy with light‐emitting diode light sources—Part I
Authors: Kogel Alexander , Kalwa Hermann , Urban Nicole , Schaefer Michael
Published: May 2019

Total internal reflection fluorescence excitation (TIRF) microscopy allows the selective observation of fluorescent molecules in immediate proximity to an interface between different refractive indices. Objective‐type or prism‐less TIRF excitation is typically achieved with laser light sources. We here propose a simple, yet optically advantageous light‐emitting diode (LED)‐based implementation of objective‐type TIRF (LED‐TIRF). The proposed LED‐TIRF condenser is affordable and easy to set up at any epifluorescence microscope to perform multicolor TIRF and/or combined TIRF‐epifluorescence imaging with even illumination of the entire field of view. Electrical control of LED light sources replaces mechanical shutters or optical modulators. LED‐TIRF microscopy eliminates safety burdens that are associated with laser sources, offers favorable instrument lifetime and stability without active cooling. The non‐coherent light source and the type of projection eliminate interference fringing and local scattering artifacts that are associated with conventional laser‐TIRF. Unlike azimuthal spinning laser‐TIRF, LED‐TIRF does not require synchronization between beam rotation and the camera and can be monitored with either global or rolling shutter cameras. Typical implementations, such as live cell multicolor imaging in TIRF and epifluorescence of imaging of short‐lived, localized translocation events of a Ca2+‐sensitive protein kinase C α fusion protein are demonstrated.
microRNA‐206 overexpression inhibits epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and glomerulosclerosis in rats with chronic kidney disease by inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Shi‐Qi , Shen Zhao‐Chun , Gao Bing‐Feng , Han Ping
Published: May 2019

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a traumatic disease with significant psychic consequences to the patient's overall physical condition. microRNA‐206 (miR‐206) has been reported to play an essential role in the development of various diseases. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of miR‐206 through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway on epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells and glomerulosclerosis in rats with CKD. The targeting relationship between miR‐206 and ANXA1 was verified. To explore the role of miR‐206 in CKD, the model of CKD rats was established to detect glomerular sclerosis index (GSI), contents of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1), and expression of type IV collagen. Moreover, to further determine the roles of both miR‐206 and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in CKD, the gain‐ and loss‐of function approaches were performed with the expression of ANXA1, α‐SMA, E‐cadherin, vimentin, N‐cadherin, and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway‐related genes detected. miR‐206 negatively targeted ANXA1. Overexpressed miR‐206 inhibited the degeneration and interstitial fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, decreased GSI of rats, and the expression of type IV collagen, TGF‐β1 and IL‐6. Overexpressed miR‐206 inhibited the degeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells, the expression of ANXA1, α‐SMA, TGF‐β1, p‐STAT3, STAT3, p‐STAT1, STAT1, p‐JAK2, and JAK2, while promoted the expression of E‐cadherin. Taken together the results, miR‐206 inhibits EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells and glomerulosclerosis by inactivating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway via ANXA1 in CKD.
Circular RNA circ_0079593 indicates a poor prognosis and facilitates cell growth and invasion by sponging miR‐182 and miR‐433 in glioma
Authors: Qu Yi , Zhu Jian , Liu Jianyong , Qi Li
Published: May 2019

Glioma is one of the major global health problems, including in China. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been increasingly identified and characterized in almost every aspect of biology, especially in cancer biology. This research desires to explore the functions and mechanism of a novel circRNA, circ_0079593, on regulating glioma progression. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was carried out to measure the relative expression of circ_0079593, which was upregulated in matched cancerous tissues from 60 patients and four cell lines of glioma. A higher level of circ_0079593 in glioma specimens was linked to larger tumor size, higher WHO grade, and worse survival rate for patients with glioma. Moreover, circ_0079593 can be deemed as an independent prognostic predictor for glioma patients analyzed by multivariate method. Cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometric, wound healing, and transwell experiments were used to evaluate cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and invasion influenced by circ_0079593 knockdown/overexpression. Exogenous downregulation of circ_0079593 expression significantly suppressed glioma cell proliferation by increasing cell apoptosis in vitro, and retarded the migratory and invasive potential. Ectopic expressed circ_0079593 could induce the opposite effects. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis, qRT‐PCR, and dual‐luciferase reporter assays showed that microRNA 182 (miR‐182) and miR‐433 could be sponged and negatively regulated by circ_0079593. Further, rescue assays demonstrated that the biological functions of circ_0079593 are dependent on its inhibition of miR‐182 and miR‐433. Collectively, the present work indicates that circ_0079593 may be used as an effective prognostic marker and therapeutic target for glioma.
Hepatic symptoms and histology in 13 patients with a Zellweger spectrum disorder
Authors: Berendse Kevin , Koot Bart G. P. , Klouwer Femke C. C. , Engelen Marc , Roels Frank , Lacle Miangela M. , Nikkels Peter G. J. , Verheij Joanne , Poll‐The Bwee Tien
Published: May 2019

Patients with a Zellweger spectrum disorder (ZSD) have a defect in the assembly or maintenance of peroxisomes, leading to a multisystem disease with variable outcome. Liver disease is an important feature in patients with severe and milder phenotypes and a frequent cause of death. However, the course and histology of liver disease in ZSD patients are ill‐defined. We reviewed the hepatic symptoms and histological findings of 13 patients with a ZSD in which one or several liver biopsies have been performed (patient age 0.2‐39 years). All patients had at least some histological liver abnormalities, ranging from minor fibrosis to cirrhosis. Five patients demonstrated significant disease progression with liver failure and early death. In others, liver‐related symptoms were absent, although some still silently developed cirrhosis. Patients with peroxisomal mosaicism had a better prognosis. In addition, we show that patients are at risk to develop a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as one patient developed a HCC at the age of 36 years and one patient a precancerous lesion at the age of 18 years. Thus, regular examination to detect fibrosis or cirrhosis should be included in the standard care of ZSD patients. In case of advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis expert consultation and HCC screening should be initiated. This study further delineates the spectrum and significance of liver involvement in ZSDs.
Predictability of East Asian summer monsoon in seasonal climate forecast models
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Ke Zongjian , Ding Yihui
Published: May 2019

The prediction skill and source of the predictability of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) system are examined in this work based on four state‐of‐the‐art seasonal climate forecast models including BCC_CSM1.1, ECMWF_SYS4, NCEP_CFS2 and TCC_CPS2. The prediction of the climatology and interannual EASM pattern and the impact on the prediction are further investigated. It is noted that the four models have some skill in predicting summer rainfall in the East Asia, however, the skill is low on average and also largely regional dependence. The interannual variation of EASM measured by monsoon circulation index is well reproduced, implying that the broad‐scale feature/pattern of EASM has higher predictability than the detailed spatial variation of EASM rainfall. The possible sources of predictability of the interannual variability of EASM are associated with the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the north Indian Ocean (NIO) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The correlation pattern of rainfall with the NIO SST is characterized by a tripole pattern from south to north of East Asia, which is different from the correlation distribution of the southern‐northern dipole with ENSO, suggesting that NIO SST may exert influence on the EASM independently. The major biases in climatology of EASM in the models are the northward shift of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) and weak monsoonal southerly over the coast of East Asia, which leads to the prediction bias of the Meiyu/Baiu/Changma (MBC) rainfall belt. The prediction of the interannual EASM pattern presents two deficiencies: too weak rainfall variability and northward shift of the dipole rainfall pattern (opposite variation between MBC and the northwestern Pacific), that may be caused by the biases of WPSH in the models.
Gelation Process and Physicochemical Properties of Thai Silk Fibroin Hydrogels Induced by Various Anionic Surfactants for Controlled Release of Curcumin
Authors: Chantong Nattakan , Damrongsakkul Siriporn , Ratanavaraporn Juthamas
Published: May 2019

Hydrogels based on Thai silk fibroin (SF) were prepared by the induction of various anionic surfactants including sodium octyl sulfate (SOS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), which have a similar chemical structure but different alkyl chain lengths and charges. The effects of anionic surfactant types and their concentrations on the gelation mechanism and time of SF were systematically investigated. We found that SDS and STS that have long alkyl chain lengths and high negative charges could accelerate the gelation of SF to occur within 14–42 min in a concentration‐dependent manner. SOS that has a short alkyl chain length and low negative charge slowly induced SF to gel at around 113–144 h. The mechanisms of SF gelation induced by these three anionic surfactants were supposed to be combination of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, as well as the self‐transition of beta sheets. The SF + STS hydrogels were further employed to encapsulate curcumin for the controlled release application. The SF + 0.09% wt. STS hydrogel encapsulating curcumin showed a slow rate of degradation while sustained the release of curcumin. This hydrogel can be applied as a minimal invasive injectable hydrogel or as a hydrogel for topical treatment of diseases.
Application of the Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Deviation Concept to Surfactant Characterization and Surfactant Selection for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Nguyen Thu T. , Morgan Carla , Poindexter Laurie , Fernandez Jorge
Published: May 2019

The hydrophilic–lipophilic deviation (HLD) concept has been demonstrated to be useful in determining characteristic curvature (Cc) of a surfactant. Cc is a surfactant parameter that reflects the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity or the tendency of the surfactant to form microemulsions in an oil–water system. In order for the Cc value to be calculated, the formation of the optimum Winsor III microemulsion of oil and water systems under specific salinity and temperature conditions is required. Surfactant Cc values have been widely used to quantitatively screen and select a suitable surfactant in formulations for different application areas, especially enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The HLD concept is an effective tool for designing new surfactant molecules to meet the target Cc value for a specific formulation condition. The HLD equation indicates the dependence of a microemulsion system on the changes of various system parameters. This article demonstrates how the HLD equation can be derived in different ways depending on the characteristics of the surfactant to identify the proper experimental approach so that the Cc values of different types of surfactants can be determined. Three types of surfactants were studied, including nonionic alcohol ethoxylates, anionic alkyl propoxy ethoxy sulfates, and carboxylates. The application of the HLD concept to surfactant selection for EOR application was also demonstrated.
Botrytis cinerea differentially induces postharvest antioxidant responses in ‘Braeburn’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apple fruit
Authors: Bui Tuyet TA , Wright Sandra AI , Falk Anders B , Vanwalleghem Tanja , Van Hemelrijck Wendy , Hertog Maarten LATM , Keulemans Johan , Davey Mark W
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The fruit of two apple cultivars – ‘Braeburn’, which is susceptible to inoculation with Botrytis cinerea, and the less susceptible cv. ‘Golden Delicious’ – were investigated with respect to their response to inoculation with B. cinerea. Successful infection by B. cinerea leads to an oxidative burst and perturbation of plant redox homeostasis. To investigate the interaction between apple fruit and B. cinerea, antioxidant metabolism in fruit samples from sun‐exposed and shaded sides of different tissue types was measured over time.

RESULTS

The sun‐exposed tissue of ‘Braeburn’ had higher initial levels of total vitamin C in the peel and phenolic compounds in the flesh than ‘Golden Delicious’, despite its greater susceptibility to gray mold. A substantial antioxidant response was recorded in diseased ‘Braeburn’ fruit 14 days after inoculation, which involved an elevated superoxide dismutase activity and ascorbate peroxidase activity, a progressive oxidation of total vitamin C, and a decrease in peroxidase activity and phenolic content. Disease development was slower on the sun‐exposed sides than on the shaded sides.

CONCLUSION

The two cultivars appeared to utilize different strategies to defend themselves against B. cinerea. ‘Golden Delicious’ almost entirely escaped infection. Preharvest exposure of apple fruit to high light / temperature stress appears to prepare them to better resist subsequent postharvest attack and disease. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Eliminate angular color shift in top‐emitting OLEDs through cavity design
Authors: Dong Chen , Fu Xiangyu , Amoah Stephen , Rozelle Adam , Shin Dong‐Hun , Salehi Amin , Mendes Juliana , So Franky
Published: May 2019

OLEDs suffer from viewing angle dependent spectral shift due to microcavity effects. To address this issue, we introduce a novel top‐emitting OLED with a dielectric spacer that forms multiple cavity modes. The resulting device shows almost no color shift at different viewing angles.
Synthesis of Stannole‐Containing π‐Conjugated Polymers by Post‐Element Transformation of Organotitanium Polymer
Authors: Matsumura Yoshimasa , Sugihara Masato , Tan Sia‐Er , Sato Tatsuhiko , Hayashi Kohei , Nishiyama Hiroki , Zhou Wei‐Min , Inagi Shinsuke , Tomita Ikuyoshi
Published: May 2019

The synthesis of stannole‐2,5‐diyl‐containing π‐conjugated polymers by the post‐element transformation of a regioregular organotitanium polymer is described. For example, a 1,1‐diphenylstannole‐containing polymer is obtained in 83% yield by the reaction of a regioregular organotitanium polymer, which is prepared from 1,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐2,5‐diethynylbenzene and a low‐valent titanium complex with diphenyltin dichloride at −50 °C to ambient temperature. The number‐average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution (Mn and Mw/Mn) of the stannole‐containing polymer are estimated as 4800 and 1.8, respectively. The obtained polymer is found to have the extended π‐conjugated backbone and relatively low‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level (−3.12 eV), which is supported by its UV–vis absorption spectrum and cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis. In addition, the stannole‐containing polymer is found to be applicable to a chemosensor for fluoride anion where the color and photoluminescence intensity of the polymer solution exhibits a distinct change in the presence of a fluoride anion.
Zinc Nutrition and Inflammation in the Aging Retina
Authors: Gilbert Rosie , Peto Tunde , Lengyel Imre , Emri Eszter
Published: May 2019

Zinc is an essential nutrient for human health. It plays key roles in maintaining protein structure and stability, serves as catalytic factor for many enzymes, and regulates diverse fundamental cellular processes. Zinc is important in affecting signal transduction and, in particular, in the development and integrity of the immune system, where it affects both innate and adaptive immune responses. The eye, especially the retina‐choroid complex, has an unusually high concentration of zinc compared to other tissues. The highest amount of zinc is concentrated in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) (RPE‐choroid, 292 ± 98.5 µg g−1 dry tissue), followed by the retina (12362.2 µg g−1 dry tissue). The interplay between zinc and inflammation has been explored in other parts of the body but, so far, has not been extensively researched in the eye. Several lines of evidence suggest that ocular zinc concentration decreases with age, especially in the context of age‐related disease. Thus, a hypothesis that retinal function could be modulated by zinc nutrition is proposed, and subsequently trialled clinically. In this review, the distribution and the potential role of zinc in the retina‐choroid complex is outlined, especially in relation to inflammation and immunity, and the clinical studies to date are summarized.
Monodisperse Branched Molybdenum‐Based Bioactive Nanoparticles Significantly Promote Osteogenic Differentiation of Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Niu Wen , Guo Yi , Xue Yumeng , Chen Mi , Wang Min , Cheng Wei , Lei Bo
Published: May 2019

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are considered to be ideal stem cell sources for bone‐tissue regeneration owing to their ease of collection and high activity. However, the regulation of osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs using biomaterials without adding growth factors is still not satisfactory. For the first time, molybdenum‐doped bioactive glass nanoparticles with a radial porous morphology (Mo‐rBGNs) are reported and their role in the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs is investigated. The results show that Mo‐rBGNs exhibit radially porous and spherical morphology, relatively homogeneous particle size (200–400 nm), and excellent apatite‐forming bioactivity. They do not affect the proliferation of ADSCs, but significantly regulate their osteogenic differentiation and biomineralization. 5% Mo‐rBGNs significantly enhance the alkaline phosphatase activity and biomineralization ability and promote the osteogenic gene expressions of collagen I secretion and bone sialo protein in ADSCs. A reasonable and promising strategy for designing nanoscale bioactive materials with the excellent osteogenic ability for stem cell–based bone tissue regeneration is provided.
Tuning a Bisphenol A Lateral Flow Assay Using Multiple Gold Nanosystems
Authors: Lin Li‐Kai , Huang Peng‐Yuan , Dutta Sayan , Rochet Jean‐Christophe , Stanciu Lia A.
Published: May 2019

Advanced bisphenol A (BPA) lateral flow assays (LFAs) that use multiple nanosystems are reported. The assays use three nanosystems: gold nanostars, gold nanocubes, and gold nanorods, which are rarely applied in LFAs, compared with general gold nanoparticles that are referred to as gold nanospheres in this paper. These various nanosystems are bound to anti‐BPA antibodies and applied in LFAs to develop advanced BPA LFAs; the developed LFAs show differing BPA detection performance, as well as different visible colors, optical intensities, limits of detection, and application ranges. Advanced BPA LFAs that use multiple gold nano‐object shapes are successfully developed, and the geometry effects of diverse gold nanosystems coupled with anti‐BPA antibodies and the potential applications of regular BPA LFAs are explored.
Impacts of climate change and host plant availability on the global distribution of Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Zou Ya , Ge Xuezhen , Guo Siwei , Zhou Yuting , Wang Tao , Zong Shixiang
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The coconut hispine beetle Brontispa longissima Gestro (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most serious pests of the coconut palm, Cocos nucifera L. (Arecales: Arecaceae) and other palms. The invasion of B. longissima causes major economic and ecological losses worldwide. In this study, the impacts of climate change on the risk of spread were evaluated. CLIMEX was used to project its global potential distribution based on historical climate data (1987–2016) and simulated future climate data (2071–2100).

RESULTS

The distribution of B. longissima included each continent under historical and future climate conditions. However, climate suitability was predicted to decrease in most tropical and subtropical regions under a climate change scenario. Temperature was a more important determinant of the climatic suitability of the pest than relative humidity or precipitation. The availability of host plants (Arecaceae) only had a slight impact on climate suitability in some regions.

CONCLUSION

The projected potential distribution of B. longissima will help to determine the impacts of climate change and will provide supportive information for the development of management strategies to reduce future economic and ecological losses. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry