bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theophylline‐loaded pectin‐based hydrogels. II. Effect of concentration of initial pectin solution, crosslinker type and cation concentration of external solution on drug release profile
Authors: Sarioglu Ebru , Arabacioglu Kocaaga Banu , Turan Deniz , Batirel Saime , Guner F. Seniha
Published: June 2019

A series of drug‐loaded pectin hydrogels were prepared by mixing method in two ion types, Ca+2 or Zn+2, for wound dressing applications and their drug release performances were investigated at pH 6.4 in four different calcium ion concentrations of external solution. Pectin hydrogels were synthesized in three different concentrations of initial pectin solution and theophylline was used as a model drug. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used for hydrogel characterization. Additionally, fluid handling capacity, swelling behavior, dehydration rate, dispersion characteristic, dressing pH determination, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, surface contact angle, flexibility, mass per unit area, and thickness were determined for selected hydrogels. One of the most valuable contributions of our study is that the concentration of initial pectin solution and calcium ion concentration of external solution are very important parameters to obtain an effective drug release. After evaluating all data, we have shown that flexible and transparent pectin‐based wound dressings can be synthesized as a controlled drug release system. Zinc‐containing hydrogel was antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli but not suitable for cell migration. On the other hand, calcium‐based hydrogel was nontoxic on the fibroblast cells and it had no negative effect on cell migration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48155.
Where are all the bodies?—Defensive representational strategies in a time of cataclysmic change
Authors: Moss Donald
Published: June 2019

In this essay, the author addresses the enormous challenge of coming to terms with our mental representations of the impending catastrophe associated with climate change. From the morality tale of the Biblical Flood, in which those who sinned by overindulging their instinctual pleasure were destroyed by water, to the current global crisis in which the excesses of unchecked industrialization and greed threaten the world “again,” the “slow violence” we are living through is sparsely represented in the analytic situation. The overwhelming nature of the changes we are witnessing, from pollution, mass extinction, and shrinking land mass, to massive social upheaval, victimizes us all.
N160 of Aiolos Determines its DNA‐Binding Activity
Authors: Wang Hao , Xu Zhao , Du Wei , Lin Zhenzhen , Liu Zhe
Published: June 2019

Aiolos is a transcription factor of the Ikaros family. It is expressed in lymphocytes and plays a vital role in the development of lymphatic system. Recently, Aiolos has been found to be ectopically expressed in lung cancer cells and promotes cancer metastasis through repression of p66Shc expression. Blocking DNA‐binding activity of Aiolos may benefit cancer patients by preventing further metastasis. However, it is not clear which sequence is essential for its DNA binding. In this study, we found that N160 is a key amino acid to determine the DNA‐binding activity of Aiolos. Mutation of N160A resulted in loss of peripheral heterochromatin localization and dissociation with its target gene. Accordingly, Aiolos with N160A could not change the expression of its target genes. Thus, we identified the amino acid (N160) that is essential for Aiolos binding to DNA. Anat Rec, 302:2014–2019, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Bone Surface Micro‐Topography at Craniofacial Entheses: Insights on Osteogenic Adaptation at Muscle Insertions
Authors: Walters Mark , Crew Michael , Fyfe Georgina
Published: June 2019

Macroscopic details of the bone–muscle interface are represented by a mosaic of calcified features inclusive of fossae, tuberosities, crests, and ridges. These features are in part of an adaptive osteogenic response to dissipate forces of localized mechanical loading. In an osteoarchaeological or paleontological context, these features are interpreted as “musculoskeletal stress markers” to infer habitual behaviors. Microscopic surveys of bone surface topography of the enthesis can reveal localized osteogenic topologies. These features illustrate the developmental mechanisms that produce these bony forms and contribute to an evidential basis to read these structures. Microscopic osteogenic topographies at sites of gnathic muscle attachments located in the craniofacial skeleton were explored in reference to extrapolated loading vectors in an ontogenetic series of craniofacial skeletons of the primate (Procolobus verus). Epoxy resin replicas of bone surfaces were made, and micro‐topographical detail viewed with Scanning Electron Microscope. Osteoclastic bone remodeling was found at entheses associated with presumptive net tensile loading. Mineralized fibrocartilage was present at entheses, associated with presumptive net compressive loading. Collectively, these outcomes suggest that entheses develop through adaptive osteogenic activity in response to differential vectors of local mechanical loading. However, the presence of mineralized fibrocartilage also suggests that proliferative cartilage has a role in the development of bone eminences providing functional processes. This study concludes that the vector of muscle loading at entheses as well as proliferative fibrocartilage is influencing the form of bony eminences in the primate craniofacial skeleton defining functional and species defining morphologies. Anat Rec, 302:2140–2155, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
The Spatial and Temporal Characters of Demyelination and Remyelination in the Cuprizone Animal Model
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Cai Lin , Fan Kai , Fan Bin , Li Ning , Gao Wenting , Yang Xiaohan , Ma Jianmei
Published: June 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common central nervous system disease due to demyelination in young adults, and currently, there is no cure. Some experimental animal models were generated to mimic specific aspects of MS pathological characteristics. Among them, the cuprizone (CPZ)‐induced mouse demyelination model presents heterogeneous pathologies with both focal and diffuse lesions. Considering that MS is a progressive disease, it is important to study the spatial and temporal characters of de‐ and remyelination in MS animal models. However, such data especially in some brain regions such as lateral septal area, fimbria of hippocampus, and hippocampus are still lacking. In this study, we investigated the alterations of myelin in these areas in parallel to the changes in corpus callosum using coronal sections. We found that the progression of demyelinating varied in different brain regions in C57BL/6J mice treated with CPZ for 1 to 5 weeks. This result suggests that each brain region has a distinct sensitivity to CPZ intoxication. Interestingly, activated microglia appeared not only in the active demyelinating areas but also in the non‐myelinolysis regions. After CPZ withdrawal, significant remyelination was started in corpus callosum as early as 3 days. The completion of remyelination in the entire brain regions took 3 weeks. Our study detailed characterized the dynamics of myelin alterations and microglial status in the brain of the CPZ model. This information is valuable to facilitate further MS studies utilizing the CPZ model. Anat Rec, 302:2020–2029, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Fibrillin‐1 in the Vasculature: In Vivo Accumulation of eGFP‐Tagged Fibrillin‐1 in a Knockin Mouse Model
Authors: Charbonneau Noe L. , Manalo Elise C. , Tufa Sara F. , Carlson Eric J. , Carlberg Valerie M. , Keene Douglas R. , Sakai Lynn Y.
Published: June 2019

Immunolocalization studies have shown that fibrillin‐1 is distributed ubiquitously in the connective tissue space from early embryonic times through old age. When mutated, the gene for fibrillin‐1 (FBN1) causes the Marfan syndrome, a common inherited disorder of connective tissue. The multiple manifestations of the Marfan syndrome reflect the known distribution of fibrillin‐1 in cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, ocular, and dermal tissues. In this study, a mouse model of Marfan syndrome in which fibrillin‐1 is truncated and tagged with green fluorescence was used to estimate the relative abundance of fibrillin‐1 in developing tissues. In embryonic tissues, the aorta was the only tissue in which fibrillin‐1 green fluorescence was detectable. Other arteries gained detectable fibrillin‐1 green fluorescence just after birth. Fibrillin‐1 fluorescence was observed at later postnatal times in the lung, skin, perichondrium, tendon, and ocular tissues, while other tissues remained negative. These results indicated that tissues most affected in the Marfan syndrome are the tissues in which fibrillin‐1 is most abundant. Focus was placed on the aorta, since aortic disease is life threatening in the Marfan syndrome and fibrillin‐1 green fluorescence was most abundant in this tissue. Fibrillin‐1 green fluorescence and immunostaining showed that fibrillin‐1 is within aortic medial elastic lamellae. Endothelial‐specific compared to smooth muscle‐specific fibrillin‐1 green fluorescence, together with light microscopic analyses of fragmentation of aortic elastic lamellae, demonstrated that smooth muscle cell mutated fibrillin‐1 contributed most to progressive aortic fragmentation. However, these studies also indicated that other cells, possibly endothelial cells, also contribute to this aortic pathology. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy Learning from Prosected Cadaveric Specimens Versus Plastic Models: A Comparative Study of Upper Limb Anatomy
Authors: Mitrousias Vasileios , Karachalios Theofilos S. , Varitimidis Sokratis E. , Natsis Konstantinos , Arvanitis Dimitrios L. , Zibis Aristeidis H.
Published: June 2019

Human cadaveric prosections are a traditional, effective, and highly appreciated modality of anatomy learning. Plastic models are an alternative teaching modality, though few studies examine their effectiveness in learning of upper limb musculoskeletal anatomy. The purpose of this study is to investigate which modality is associated with a better outcome, as assessed by students' performance on examinations. Overall, 60 undergraduate medical students without previous knowledge of anatomy participated in the study. Students were assigned into two groups. Group 1 attended lectures and studied from cadaveric prosections (n = 30) and Group 2 attended lectures and used plastic models in the laboratory (n = 30). A knowledge assessment, including examination with tag questions (spot test) and written multiple‐choice questions, was held after the end of the study. Students' perceptions were also investigated via an anonymous questionnaire. No significant difference in students' performance was observed between the group using prosections and the group using plastic models (32.2 ± 14.7 vs 35.0 ± 14.8, respectively; P = 0.477). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was found regarding students' satisfaction from using each learning modality (P = 0.441). Plastic models may be a valuable supplementary modality in learning upper limb musculoskeletal anatomy, despite their limitations. Easy to use and with no need for maintaining facilities, they are highly appreciated by students and can be useful when preparing for the use of cadaveric specimens.
An Inhibitor of the Interaction of Survivin with Smac in Mitochondria Promotes Apoptosis
Authors: Park Seong‐Hyun , Shin Insu , Park Sang‐Hyun , Kim Nam Doo , Shin Injae
Published: June 2019

Herein we report the first small molecule that disrupts the survivin‐Smac interaction taking place in mitochondria. The inhibitor, PZ‐6‐QN, was identified by initially screening a phenothiazine library using a fluorescence anisotropy assay and then conducting a structure–activity relationship study. Mutagenesis and molecular docking studies suggest that PZ‐6‐QN binds to survivin similarly to the known Smac peptide, AVPI. The results of the effort also show that PZ‐6‐QN exhibits good anticancer activity against various cancer cells. Moreover, cell‐based mechanistic studies provide evidence for the proposal that PZ‐6‐QN enters mitochondria to inhibit the survivin‐Smac interaction and promotes release of Smac and cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol, a process that induces apoptosis in cancer cells. Overall, the present study suggests that PZ‐6‐QN can serve as a novel chemical probe for study of processes associated with the mitochondrial survivin‐Smac interaction and it will aid the discovery of novel anticancer agents.
The possible role of the Sahel Greenbelt on the occurrence of climate extremes over the West African Sahel
Authors: Saley Inoussa A. , Salack Seyni , Sanda Ibrah S. , Moussa Mounkaila S. , Bonkaney Abdou L. , Ly Mouhamed , Fodé Madé
Published: June 2019

The “Great Green Wall” of trees (GGW) is an emblematic Pan‐African initiative of re‐greening the Sahel through afforestation and assisted natural regeneration of trees in order to tackle desertification, soil degradation and to mitigate greenhouse gases. This study investigates (i.e., The Sahel Greenbelt) the potential impacts of the GGW and other assisted natural regeneration of trees on the frequency and intensity of extreme climate events over the Sahel and West Africa using the regional climate model (RegCM version 4.3). Our investigation shows that the Sahel greenbelt would increase significantly the number of rainy days (+9%) and the intensity of heavy rain events over the Sahel while extreme dry spells decrease (−4%). Important shifts appear in the modes of variability of all precipitation indices. These probability distribution shapes reveal tremendous intra‐seasonal variability as the new land use land cover (LULC) changes affect the regional climate. Changes in atmospheric circulation including increase of the moisture convergence and evapotranspiration appeared to be the main drivers of heavy rainfall changes. For temperature extremes, the maximum temperature shows significant decrease around the GGW area during summer and an increase in other seasons while the diurnal temperature range increases significantly without an evident change in temperature trends. Intra‐seasonal distributions of temperature extremes show less obvious changes compared to precipitation extremes. This investigation highlights the role of the planned and implemented re‐greening policies (i.e., afforestation by the GGW project and policies of assisted natural regeneration of trees) in affecting the frequency and the amplitude of some climatic extreme events (e.g., heavy rain events, maximum temperatures, etc.). These planned LULC policies need to be accounted for in the diagnostics and future projections of climate extremes over the region.
Bounded decision‐making, teachers’ reflection and organisational learning: How research can inform teachers and teaching
Authors: Cain Tim , Brindley Sue , Brown Chris , Jones Gary , Riga Fran
Published: June 2019

Despite numerous efforts to align educational practice more closely with findings from educational research, there is little clarity about how educational practitioners can, in principle, use research. We propose a conceptualisation based on how research can contribute to practitioners’ thinking: specifically, our framework proposes that research can inform bounded decision‐making, teachers’ reflection and organisational learning. Practitioners can also use research without being aware that they are doing so. We argue that this conceptualisation of research use has potential to inform researchers and practitioners.
Olfactory discrimination in disorders of consciousness: A new sniff protocol
Authors: Sattin Davide , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Ferraro Stefania , Nigri Anna , Leonardi Matilde , Guido Davide ,   Coma Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta”, Milan, Italy
Published: June 2019

Background

The identification of salient stimuli useful for rehabilitation purposes is important in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC): among these, olfactory stimuli might play an important role due to the functional coupling between olfactory and emotional processing. However, a high percentage of post brain injury patients present anosmia.

Aims of the Study

The aim of this pilot research is to present an innovative approach to test olfactory functions at the bedside using four selected odors in patients with DOC.

Methods

Sixteen patients with DOC were tested with two assessment techniques the new olfactory discrimination protocol (ODP) and a functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm to evaluate olfactory neural process. The Frequentist and Bayesian methods were used to analyze reliability properties of the new tool.

Results

Analysis showed a good agreement between assessment techniques and a substantial test‐retest reliability of the ODP. Cohen's Ks were equal to 0.814 (95% CI = 0.471, 1) and 0.607 (0.118; 1) respectively, using the Frequentist approach, while they were 0.762 (95% HPD = 0.470; 0.966) and 0.650 (0.320; 0.913) with the Bayesian approach in the 11 patients analyzed.

Conclusions

Despite the limits of this preliminary research, the ODP can be useful for clinicians for the preliminary assessment of the olfactory discrimination in patients with DOC.
Antioxidant Sources from Leaves of Russian Dandelion
Authors: Molinu Maria Giovanna , Piluzza Giovanna , Campesi Giuseppe , Sulas Leonardo , Re Giovanni Antonio
Published: June 2019

Taraxacum kok‐saghyz (TKS) is a dandelion species native to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and north‐west China, considered as a promising alternative source of natural rubber from its roots. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible exploitation of TKS leaves, a rubber byproduct, as a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties for potential applications in forage, nutraceutical and pharmacological fields. Two accessions (TKS016, TKS018) grown under Mediterranean conditions of Sardinia were evaluated at vegetative and flowering stages. The leaves of TKS018 had the highest antioxidant capacity (19.6 mmol trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity 100 g−1), total phenolic (106.4 g gallic acid equivalent kg−1), tannic phenolics (58.5 g gallic acid equivalent kg−1) and total flavonoid contents (22.9 g catechin equivalent kg−1). At both phenological stages, TKS016 showed significantly lower values than TKS018 in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total phenolic and tannic phenolics. Six individual molecules were identified, namely chlorogenic, cryptochlorogenic, caffeic, sinapic, chicoric and 3,4‐dimethoxycinnamic acids. Chicoric (8.53–10.68 g kg−1 DW) and chlorogenic acids (4.18–7.04 g kg−1 DW) were the most abundant. TKS leaves represent a valuable source of chicoric acid with potential application as antioxidant to be used as herbal medicine and nutrition for production of healthy food/feed.
Intravascular iliac artery lithotripsy to enable transfemoral thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Rosseel Liesbeth , De Backer Ole , Søndergaard Lars , Bieliauskas Gintautas
Published: June 2019

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is performed with large‐bore delivery systems. Small‐size access vessels may be a contraindication for TEVAR, particularly in case of severe calcifications. In this case report, we describe the first‐in‐man use of intravascular lithotripsy to enable transfemoral delivery of TEVAR stent grafts in a patient with severely calcified iliac arteries. A 69‐year‐old female with multiple sclerosis and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) was referred for percutaneous TEVAR. Both common iliac arteries were severely calcified with circumferential calcifications and a minimum diameter below 5.5 mm. In order to enable percutaneous delivery of 20 French Valiant Navion stent grafts (Medtronic), the circumferential calcified plaques were treated by use of a Shockwave™ Peripheral Intravascular Lithotripsy Balloon (Shockwave Medical Inc.). Subsequently, the aortic stent grafts were safely and successfully passed through the iliofemoral artery and the TAA was excluded by TEVAR. Final angiography showed normal flow in the iliofemoral artery without any signs of perforation or overt dissection. This case report demonstrates successful application of intravascular lithotripsy in calcified iliofemoral arteries enabling percutaneous transfemoral TEVAR. If confirmed in future cases and trials, indications for transfemoral TEVAR may further expand toward patients with severely calcified peripheral arterial disease.
Localized lymphedema after treatment for soft tissue sarcoma in the lower limbs: Comparison of improvement according to duration before lymphaticovenular anastomosis
Authors: Yoshida Shuhei , Koshima Isao , Imai Hirofumi , Uchiki Toshio , Sasaki Ayano , Fujioka Yumio , Nagamatsu Shogo , Yokota Kazunori , Harima Mitsunobu , Yamashita Shuji
Published: June 2019

Surgically invasive procedures involving the medial knee and inguinal regions can cause lymphedema. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) could improve volume reduction and decrease the risk of cellulitis. However, it may be preferable to performed LVA as early as possible to achieve optimal results.
Perspective of Surfactant‐Free Colloidal Nanoparticles in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Reichenberger Sven , Marzun Galina , Muhler Martin , Barcikowski Stephan
Published: June 2019

Due to material gaps and synthesis‐related cross‐correlations in heterogeneous catalysis, chemists and physicists are constantly motivated to develop novel catalyst preparation methods for independent control of morphology, size, and composition. Within this article, advances, opportunities, and the current limits of laser‐based catalyst preparation technique, as well as synergies with conventional methods will be reviewed in terms of purity, particle size, morphology, composition, and nanoparticle‐support interaction. It will be shown, that the surfactant‐free particles represent ideal model materials to validate kinetic models and conduct parametric activity studies by independent adjustment of functional properties like nanoparticle size, composition, and load. Consequently, the importance of transient plasma dynamics tailoring nanoparticle formation will be pointed out, comparing experimental studies with own calculations and novel simulations taken from literature. Finally, perspectives of surfactant‐free colloidal nanoparticles for unrevealing active sites in heterogeneous catalysts are presented.
Niobium carbide as a technology demonstrator of ultra‐high temperature ceramics for fully ceramic microencapsulated fuels
Authors: Ang Caen , Snead Lance , Benensky Kelsa
Published: June 2019

The consolidation of Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated (FCM) fuels has been extended from matrices based on SiC to ultra‐high temperature ceramics (UHTCs). Specifically, sintering conditions of NbC1‐x were compatible with hosting of microencapsulated fuel. NbC powder in as‐received, chemically treated, and composite forms was consolidated. Elemental analysis, shrinkage of powder compacts, contents of ejected vapor, density, microstructure, and NbC lattice constants were analyzed. As‐received NbC showed more shrinkage due to the presence of a liquid phase compared with the chemically treated powder. Removal of impurity metals was observed from chemical treatment and during sintering of as‐received powders. An increase in true density during sintering was attributed to removal of compounds with lower density than NbC. Chemically treated powder showed reduced densification rate and absence of a liquid phase after sintering. Smaller grain sizes were observed in the NbC composite. The implications for NbC and other binary carbides as matrices for FCM fuels are discussed.
Oncology clinical trials and insurance coverage: An update in a tenuous insurance landscape
Authors: Obeng‐Gyasi Samilia , Kircher Sheetal M. , Lipking Kelsey P. , Keele Benjamin J. , Benson Al B. , Wagner Lynne I. , Carlos Ruth C.
Published: June 2019

The heterogeneous state and federal insurance laws for oncology clinical trial coverage are confusing for health care providers, patients, and other stakeholders. Clearer explication and education about clinical trial coverage are needed to improve patient access.
IM‐SSO: Maximizing influence in social networks using social spider optimization
Authors: Singh Shashank Sheshar , Kumar Ajay , Singh Kuldeep , Biswas Bhaskar
Published: June 2019

Online social networks play a pivotal role in the propagation of information and influence as in the form of word‐of‐mouth spreading. The influence maximization (IM) problem is a fundamental problem to identify a small set of individuals, which have a maximal influence spread in the social network. Unfortunately, the IM problem is NP‐hard. It has been depicted that a hill‐climbing greedy approach gives a good approximation guarantee. However, it is inefficient to run on large‐scale social networks. In this paper, a global influence evaluation function is presented for the IM optimization problem. The global influence evaluation function provides a reliable expected diffusion value of influence spread under the traditional diffusion models. To optimize global influence evaluation function, an influence maximization algorithm based on social spider optimization (IM‐SSO) is presented. IM‐SSO redefines the representation and update rule of spider's vibration and performs random walk towards target vibration. The algorithm uses a jump away process to overcome the weakness of premature convergence. The experimental results on six real‐world social networks show that the proposed algorithm is more effective than the state‐of‐the‐art heuristics and more time‐efficient than CELF++, static greedy, and PSO with an approximate influence spread.
Detection and trace back of low and high volume of distributed denial‐of‐service attack based on statistical measures
Authors: Thangavel Subburaj , Kannan Suthendran
Published: June 2019

DDoS attacks are rapidly growing bigger and upsetting online businesses than ever before. During 2012, DDoS attacks were performed on six US banks, viz, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, US Bancorp, Citigroup, and PNC Bank. The attacker(s) bombarded their targets with crest traffic of more than 60 gigabits per second. In 2013, Spamhaus, an antispam organization, was the victim for a DDoS attack of 300 gigabits per second. CyberBunker, a Dutch company, outwardly performed this attack on Spamhaus and got blacklisted after it. During 2014, the security company named Cloudflare was struck by 400 gigabits per second of traffic. Initially, the attack was aimed at one of Cloudflare's customers, but it later spread to the Cloudflare's own network. In 2018, a record‐breaking attack was performed on GitHub, a popular code hosting website, with an impulsive blitz of traffic that marked the scales at 1.35 terabits per second. At this moment, from freelance websites to multinational banks, it sounds like nobody has enough online security. This paper presents a novel low and high–rate DDoS attack detection using statistical metrics. The NS3 simulation result shows that the proposed method detects the low and high volume of attacks in minimum time with reduced false positive and false negative than the existing method.
A Quantitative Metric for the Design of Selective Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Lithium from Geothermal Brine
Authors: Ruttinger Andrew W. , Pálsdóttir Arna , Tester Jefferson W. , Clancy Paulette
Published: June 2019

As demand grows for lithium, its recovery from geothermal brines provides an attractive alternative to slow mining. One promising extraction method uses crown ethers as extractants in supercritical carbon dioxide with cation exchangers to facilitate extraction from brine. Molecular dynamics modeling is used to understand the mechanism of binding between lithium (or sodium) and combinations of 14‐crown‐4 ethers and cation exchangers, and the predictive capability of computational modeling to test lithium selectivity is established for four combinations of crown ethers [methylene‐14‐crown‐4 (M14C4) and a fluorinated 14‐crown‐4 (F14C4)] and cation exchangers [di(2‐ethyl‐hexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and tetraethylammonium perfluoro‐1‐octanesulfonate (TPFOS)]. Binding free energies (given in kcal mol−1) of lithium and sodium, respectively, to crown ether–cation exchangers are 85 and 71 for M14C4–HDEHP, 90 and 71 for F14C4–HDEHP, 93 and 80 for M14C4–TPFOS, and 104 and 93 for F14C4–TPFOS. Good agreement is found between computational predictions and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction experiments at 60 °C and 250 bar. Binding free energy gives a suitable metric to describe extraction efficiency. Differences in the binding free energies of sodium and lithium to crown ethers determine the extraction selectivity. Fluorine groups are found to exert a positive influence to optimize extraction efficiency. Of the systems studied, F14C4 with TPFOS offers the most selective and efficient extraction system.
Power domain cyclic spread multiple access: An interference‐resistant mixed NOMA strategy
Authors: Shalini R. Baby , Stuwart S. Lenty
Published: June 2019

The next generation wireless access technology highly relies on nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technique. This paper proposes a novel power domain cyclic spread multiple access (PDCSMA) scheme for the design of NOMA system with power domain superposition coding (SC) and cyclic spreading at the transmitter concurrent with symbol level successive interference cancellation (SL‐SIC) at the receiver. Based on acceptable difference in channel gain, the users are grouped together to form PDCSMA clusters, and the unique power is allotted to each user in a cluster. The user with good channel condition is allotted less power, and the user with poor channel condition is allotted more power. Each PDCSMA cluster has its own spreading code, and the data of every user in a cluster are cyclic spread with the same code. Each cluster supports the number of multipath components equivalent to the length of the spreading code. The use of cyclic spreading makes the signal suffered by multipath fading less prone to intra cluster interference. The user signal is decoded by minimum mean square error‐frequency domain equalization (MMSE‐FDE) or maximal ratio combining (MRC)–based receiver in which weak user is detected with hard decision, and strong user is detected with SIC. Compared with conventional power domain NOMA (PDNOMA) and interleaved NOMA, the proposed PDCSMA achieves better bit error rate (BER) performance and assures guaranteed detection.
Rapid growth and defence evolution following multiple introductions
Authors: van Boheemen Lotte A. , Bou‐Assi Sarah , Uesugi Akane , Hodgins Kathryn A.
Published: June 2019

Rapid adaptation can aid invasive populations in their competitive success. Resource allocation trade‐off hypotheses predict higher resource availability or the lack of natural enemies in introduced ranges allow for increased growth and reproduction, thus contributing to invasive success. Evidence for such hypotheses is however equivocal and tests among multiple ranges over productivity gradients are required to provide a better understanding of the general applicability of these theories.

Using common gardens, we investigated the adaptive divergence of various constitutive and inducible defence‐related traits between the native North American and introduced European and Australian ranges, while controlling for divergence due to latitudinal trait clines, individual resource budgets, and population differentiation, using >11,000 SNPs.

Rapid, repeated clinal adaptation in defence‐related traits was apparent despite distinct demographic histories. We also identified divergence among ranges in some defence‐related traits, although differences in energy budgets among ranges may explain some, but not all, defence‐related trait divergence. We do not identify a general reduction in defence in concert with an increase in growth among the multiple introduced ranges as predicted trade‐off hypotheses.

Synthesis: The rapid spread of invasive species is affected by a multitude of factors, likely including adaptation to climate and escape from natural enemies. Unravelling the mechanisms underlying invasives' success enhances understanding of eco‐evolutionary theory and is essential to inform management strategies in the face of ongoing climate change.

OPEN RESEARCH BADGES

This article has been awarded Open Materials, Open Data, Preregistered Research Designs Badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework athttps://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.8028875.v1,https://github.com/lotteanna/defence_adaptation,https://doi.org/10.1101/435271.
Current perspectives on the interleukin‐1 family as targets for inflammatory disease
Authors: Hernandez‐Santana Yasmina E. , Giannoudaki Eirini , Leon Gemma , Lucitt Margaret B. , Walsh Patrick T.
Published: June 2019

Since the first description of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and the genesis of the field of cytokine biology, the understanding of how IL‐1 and related cytokines play central orchestrating roles in the inflammatory response has been an area of intense investigation. As a consequence of these endeavours, specific strategies have been developed to target the function of the IL‐1 family in human disease realizing significant impacts for patients. While the most significant advances to date have been associated with inhibition of the prototypical family members IL‐1α/β, approaches to target more recently identified family members such as IL‐18, IL‐33 and the IL‐36 subfamily are now beginning to come to fruition. This review summarizes current knowledge surrounding the roles of the IL‐1 family in human disease and describes the rationale and strategies which have been developed to target these cytokines to inhibit the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases in which inflammation plays a centrally important role.
Mesothelial cell CSF1 sustains peritoneal macrophage proliferation
Authors: Ivanov Stoyan , Gallerand Alexandre , Gros Marilyn , Stunault Marion I. , Merlin Johanna , Vaillant Nathalie , Yvan‐Charvet Laurent , Guinamard Rodolphe R.
Published: June 2019

Macrophages play a central role during infection, inflammation and tissue homeostasis maintenance. Macrophages have been identified in all organs and their core transcriptomic signature and functions differ from one tissue to another. Interestingly, macrophages have also been identified in the peritoneal cavity and these cells have been extensively used as a model for phagocytosis, efferocytosis and polarization. Peritoneal macrophages are involved in B‐cell IgA production, control of inflammation and wound healing following thermal‐induced liver surface injury. These cells presumably require and interact with the omentum, where milky spot stromal cells have been proposed to secrete CSF1 (colony stimulating factor 1). Peritoneal macrophages depend on CSF1 for their generation and survival, but the identity of CSF1 producing cells inside the large peritoneal cavity remains unknown. Here we investigated peritoneal macrophage localization and their interaction with mesothelial cells, the major cell type predicted to secrete CSF1. Our data revealed that mesothelial cells produce membrane bound and secreted CSF1 that both sustain peritoneal macrophage growth.
A Dicationic Bismuth(III) Lewis Acid: Catalytic Hydrosilylation of Olefins
Authors: Balasubramaniam Selvakumar , Kumar Sandeep , Andrews Alex P. , Varghese Babu , Jemmis Eluvathingal D. , Venugopal Ajay
Published: June 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is Ajay Venugopal from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram. The cover image shows dication [TpMe2Bi]2+ catalyzing olefin hydrosilylation under mild conditions.
Studies for the Multimerization of DAB‐1‐Based Iminosugars through Iteration of the Nitrone Cycloaddition/Ring‐Opening/Allylation Sequence
Authors: Matassini Camilla , D'Adamio Giampiero , Vanni Costanza , Goti Andrea , Cardona Francesca
Published: June 2019

Multivalent iminosugars have gained the attention of the research community in the last ten years. We report herein the proof of principle for an original synthetic strategy to build multivalent iminosugars based on the natural DAB‐1 moiety as the bioactive epitope. The synthesis relies on the iteration of three selective and high‐yielding steps (1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition to nitrone 1, N‐O bond cleavage of the adduct and selective N‐ and/or O‐allylation), and allows the preparation of different topologies of the final DAB‐1 clusters.
Modes of occurrence and removal of toxic elements from high‐uranium coals of Rongyang Mine by stepped release flotation
Authors: Duan Piaopiao , Wang Wenfeng , Sang Shuxun , Ma Mengya , Wang Jinxi , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2019

The Rongyang coals from Guizhou, southwestern China, are significantly enriched with uranium (U) and other toxic elements, such as vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se). Therefore, it is necessary to remove these toxic elements from high‐U coals before combustion. Previous studies have shown that U cannot be effectively removed by flotation and gravity separation. In this study, the stepped release flotation and acid leaching tests were conducted for coals of the Longtan Formation from the Rongyang Mine. The results from these analyses are as follows: (a) Stepped release analyses revealed that a multistage cleaning process can help to separate toxic elements from cleaned coals; (b) The removal of toxic elements by stepped release and acid leaching is closely related to their mode of occurrence. Vanadium, Cr, Mo, and U were difficult to be removed by stepped release flotation, which due to a significant proportion of them occur in organic matter and fine‐grained minerals; (c) Compared to flotation, most elements were better to be removed by stepped release flotation. In comparison with gravity separation, U had a higher removability by stepped release flotation, while the removal effect of thiophilic element by gravity separation was greater than by flotation; (d) After stepped release flotation, toxic elements Sc, V, Cu, Se, Mo, Hg, and U are still enriched in cleaned coals, suggesting that these elements cannot be fully removed through stepped release flotation.
Origin of chert within the Turonian carbonates of Abu Roash Formation, Abu Roash area, Egypt: Field, petrographic, and geochemical perspectives
Authors: Hussein Ahmed W. , Abd El‐Rahman Yasser M.H.
Published: June 2019

This paper tries to elucidate the origin of the siliceous rocks (cherts) within the Turonian flint‐bearing chalky limestone member of Abu Roash Formation, Abu Roash area, north Western Desert, Egypt. Understanding the formation mechanism of the studied chert was gained through field and petrographic investigations, supplemented by geochemical analyses of both cherts and host Turonian carbonates. The field observations reveal that the chert is found in two forms: banded and nodular. The microscopic investigation determined that the cherts exhibit two types of silica: replacive silica (cryptocrystalline and microcrystalline quartz) and silica cement (length‐fast chalcedony and megaquartz). The chert texture corroborates that the examined authigenic silica was formed diagenetically by the replacement and void‐filling of the host carbonate rocks. The silica was most likely derived from the biogenic opal‐A of the siliceous radiolarian tests. The silica‐phase transformation started with the dissolution of the biogenic opal‐A and precipitation of opal‐CT. Subsequently, opal‐CT was recrystallized into crypto‐ and microquartz at low pH and high temperature. The length‐fast chalcedony and megaquartz occur later as infill to the cavities and pore spaces. The formation of chert is interpreted to be a result of mixing marine–meteoric waters. The effect of the freshwater diagenesis on carbonates is manifested by the dissolution of the allochems, precipitation of granular, drusy, and blocky calcite (meteoric cements), aggrading neomorphism of matrix, and calcitization of the skeletal particles. Geochemical analyses of the host carbonates indicate nearly flat REE patterns and absence of a negative Ce anomaly. This confirms the deviation from the typical seawater and supports the effect of phreatic meteoric water in the chert formation. The paragenetic relationships reveal that the chertification process was performed after dolomitization and before the carbonate meteoric cementation.
Sedimentary provenance of the Marília Formation (Bauru Basin), Southeast Brazil
Authors: Marques dos Santos Caio Augusto , Batezelli Alessandro , Nakasuga Wagner Massayuki , Resende Rosana Silveira , Tello Saenz Carlos Alberto , Nunes João Osvaldo Rodrigues
Published: June 2019

The Marília Formation is a lithostratigraphic unit positioned at the top of the Bauru Group of Maastrichtian age. The present work presents a provenance study of the Marília Formation sandstones through the combined dating of the fission‐track method (FTM) and U–Pb, in which individual zircon grains are simultaneously dated by these two methods. Thirty‐one zircons were dated in the C5 sample and 26 in the C7 sample for a total of 57 grains. The data demonstrated a wide range of U–Pb ages, presenting maximum and minimum ages, respectively: 2,905 ± 11 and 128 ± 1 Ma for the C7 sample and 2,676 ± 10 and 455 ± 5 Ma for the C5 sample. Regarding the fission‐track (FT) ages, they have been grouped into three time intervals, which are associated to geological events relatively well recognized in the published literature: ages younger than 250 Ma (Wealdenian Reactivation); between 250 and 470 Ma (Palaeozoic orogenesis—Ocloyic, Precordilleran, Chanic, and Sanrafaelic); and older than 470 (Precambrian collisions—Brasiliano I, II, and III). There is a predominance of results of Precambrian age using the U–Pb dating, mainly in the Neopalaeoproterozoic, and with FT dating corresponding to the Ocloyic, Precordilleran, Chanic, and Sanrafaelic orogeneses. From the comparison of the results between the two dating methods, the age variations suggest that the zircons originated during the main south‐western orogenesis of Gondwana and were reworked during the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic geological episodes. The ages associated to the Upper Cretaceous are related to the tectonic and magmatic activity of the Alto Paranaiba Uplift.
Type 3 Inositol 1,4,5‐Trisphosphate Receptor Is Increased and Enhances Malignant Properties in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ueasilamongkol Pimwipa , Khamphaya Tanaporn , Guerra Mateus T. , Rodrigues Michele A. , Gomes Dawidson A. , Kong Yong , Wei Wei , Jain Dhanpat , Trampert David C. , Ananthanarayanan Meenakshisundaram , Banales Jesus M. , Roberts Lewis R. , Farshidfar Farshad , Nathanson Michael H. , Weerachayaphorn Jittima
Published: June 2019

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common malignancy arising in the liver. It carries a poor prognosis, in part because its pathogenesis is not well understood. The type 3 inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3) is the principal intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) release channel in cholangiocytes, and its increased expression has been related to the pathogenesis of malignancies in other types of tissues, so we investigated its role in CCA. ITPR3 expression was increased in both hilar and intrahepatic CCA samples as well as in CCA cell lines. Deletion of ITPR3 from CCA cells impaired proliferation and cell migration. A bioinformatic analysis suggested that overexpression of ITPR3 in CCA would have a mitochondrial phenotype, so this was also examined. ITPR3 normally is concentrated in a subapical region of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in cholangiocytes, but both immunogold electron microscopy and super‐resolution microscopy showed that ITPR3 in CCA cells was also in regions of ER in close association with mitochondria. Deletion of ITPR3 from these cells impaired mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling and led to cell death. Conclusion: ITPR3 expression in cholangiocytes becomes enhanced in CCA. This contributes to malignant features, including cell proliferation and migration and enhanced mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling.
Stable isotopes of atmospheric water vapour and precipitation in the northeast Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Huawu , Li Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Jianming , Li Jing , Liu Jinzhao , Tian Lihui , Fu Congsheng
Published: June 2019

Stable water isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) are an important source signature for understanding the hydrological cycle and altered climate regimes. However, the mechanisms underlying atmospheric water vapour isotopes in the northeast Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau of central Asia remain poorly understood. This study initially investigated water vapour isotopic composition and its controls during the premonsoon and monsoon seasons. Isotopic compositions of water vapour and precipitation exhibited high variability across seasons, with the most negative average δ18O values of precipitation and the most positive δ18O values of water vapour found during the premonsoon periods. Temperature effect was significant during the premonsoon period but not the monsoon period. Both a higher slope and intercept of the local meteoric water line were found during the monsoon period as compared with in the premonsoon period, suggesting that raindrops have been experienced a greater kinetic fractionation process such as reevaporation below the cloud during the premonsoon periods. The δ2H and δ18O signatures in atmospheric water vapour tended to be depleted with the occurrence of precipitation events especially during the monsoon period and probably as a result of rainout processes. The monthly average contribution of evaporation from the lake to local precipitation was 35.2%. High d‐excess values of water vapour were influenced by the high proportion of local moisture mixing, as indicated by the gradually increasing relative humidity along westerly and Asian monsoon trajectories. The daily observation (observed ε) showed deviations from the equilibrium fractionation factors (calculated ε), implying that raindrops experienced substantial evaporative enrichment during their descent. The average fraction of raindrops reevaporation was estimated to be 16.4± 12.9%. These findings provide useful insights for understanding the interaction between water vapour and precipitation, moisture sources, and help in reconstructing the paleoclimate in the alpine regions.