bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Maternal and Paternal SHMT1 C1420T Predisposes to Neural Tube Defects in the Fetus: Evidence from Case–Control and Family‐Based Triad Approaches
Authors: K. Rebekah Prasoona , Tella Sunitha , Buragadda Srinadh , Tiruvatturu Muni Kumari , Akka Jyothy
Published: August 2017

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are caused by the failure of neural tube formation which occurs during early embryonic development. NTDs are the most severe and leading cause of fetal mortality. Serine hydroxymethyl transferase (SHMT1) provides one‐carbon units necessary for embryogenesis and defects in one‐carbon production result in specific pathological conditions during pregnancy. The present study is aimed to evaluate the association of SHMT1 C1420T with NTD risk in the fetus using fetal, maternal and paternal groups by applying both case–control and family‐based triad approaches.

Methods

A total of 924 subjects including 124 NTD case–parent trios (n = 124 × 3 = 372) and 184 healthy control–parent trios (n = 184 × 3 = 552) from Telangana State, South India were analyzed. DNA from umbilical cord tissues and parental blood samples were extracted, and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Statistical analysis used were SPSS, parent‐of‐origin effect (POE) analysis.

Results

Case‐control study design demonstrated fetuses with homozygous variant genotype (TT) to be at risk toward spina bifida subtype (p = 0.022). Among parents, fathers with TT genotype were associated with anencephaly (p = 0.018) and spina bifida subtypes (p = 0.027) in the offspring. Of interest, maternal–paternal–offspring genotype incompatibility revealed maternal CT genotype in combination with paternal TT genotype increased risk for NTDs in the fetus (CTxTT = TT; p = 0.021). Family‐based parent‐of‐origin effect linkage analysis revealed significant maternal over‐transmission of variant allele to NTD fetuses (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The present study, using both case–control and family‐based triad approach is the first report to demonstrate parental association of SHMT1 C1420T variant in conferring NTD risk in the fetus. Birth Defects Research 109:1020–1029, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring Bacterial Carboxylate Reductases for the Reduction of Bifunctional Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Khusnutdinova Anna N. , Flick Robert , Popovic Ana , Brown Greg , Tchigvintsev Anatoli , Nocek Boguslaw , Correia Kevin , Joo Jeong C. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Yakunin Alexander F.
Published: August 2017

Carboxylic acid reductases (CARs) selectively reduce carboxylic acids to aldehydes using ATP and NADPH as cofactors under mild conditions. Although CARs attracts significant interest, only a few enzymes have been characterized to date, whereas the vast majority of CARs have yet to be examined. Herein the authors report that 12 bacterial CARs reduces a broad range of bifunctional carboxylic acids containing oxo‐, hydroxy‐, amino‐, or second carboxyl groups with several enzymes showing activity toward 4‐hydroxybutanoic (4‐HB) and adipic acids. These CARs exhibits significant reductase activity against substrates whose second functional group is separated from the carboxylate by at least three carbons with both carboxylate groups being reduced in dicarboxylic acids. Purified CARs supplemented with cofactor regenerating systems (for ATP and NADPH), an inorganic pyrophosphatase, and an aldo‐keto reductase catalyzes a high conversion (50–76%) of 4‐HB to 1,4‐butanediol (1,4‐BDO) and adipic acid to 1,6‐hexanediol (1,6‐HDO). Likewise, Escherichia coli strains expressing eight different CARs efficiently reduces 4‐HB to 1,4‐BDO with 50–95% conversion, whereas adipic acid is reduced to a mixture of 6‐hydroxyhexanoic acid (6‐HHA) and 1,6‐HDO. Thus, our results illustrate the broad biochemical diversity of bacterial CARs and their compatibility with other enzymes for applications in biocatalysis.
High‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of raltegravir, dolutegravir and elvitegravir concentrations in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples
Authors: Tsuchiya Kiyoto , Ohuchi Mayu , Yamane Naoe , Aikawa Hiroaki , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi , Hamada Akinobu
Published: August 2017

A simple sample treatment procedure and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method were developed for the simultaneous quantification of the concentrations of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors – raltegravir, dolutegravir and elvitegravir – in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Plasma and CSF samples (20 μL each) were deproteinized with acetonitrile. Raltegravir‐d3 was used as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an XBridge C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm i.d., particle size 3.5 μm) using acetonitrile–water (7:3, v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The run time was 5 min. Calibration curves for all three drugs were linear in the range 5–1500 ng/mL for plasma and 1–200 ng/mL for CSF. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy of all three drugs in plasma were coefficient of variation (CV) <12.9% and 100.0 ± 12.2%, respectively, while those in CSF were CV <12.3% and 100.0 ± 7.9%, respectively. Successful validation under the same LC–MS/MS conditions for both plasma and CSF indicates this analytical method is useful for monitoring the levels of these integrase strand transfer inhibitors in the management of treatment of HIV‐1 carriers.
TMEFF2 shedding is regulated by oxidative stress and mediated by ADAMs and transmembrane serine proteases implicated in prostate cancer
Authors: Gaweł‐Bęben Katarzyna , Ali Nazim , Ellis Vincent , Velasco Gloria , Poghosyan Zaruhi , Ager Ann , Knäuper Vera
Published: August 2017

TMEFF2 is a type I transmembrane protein with two follistatin (FS) and one EGF‐like domain over‐expressed in prostate cancer; however its biological role in prostate cancer development and progression remains unclear, which may, at least in part, be explained by its proteolytic processing. The extracellular part of TMEFF2 (TMEFF2‐ECD) is cleaved by ADAM17 and the membrane‐retained fragment is further processed by the gamma‐secretase complex. TMEFF2 shedding is increased with cell crowding, a condition associated with the tumour microenvironment, which was mediated by oxidative stress signalling, requiring jun‐kinase (JNK) activation. Moreover, we have identified that TMEFF2 is also a novel substrate for other proteases implicated in prostate cancer, including two ADAMs (ADAM9 and ADAM12) and the type II transmembrane serine proteinases (TTSPs) matriptase‐1 and hepsin. Whereas cleavage by ADAM9 and ADAM12 generates previously identified TMEFF2‐ECD, proteolytic processing by matriptase‐1 and hepsin produced TMEFF2 fragments, composed of TMEFF2‐ECD or FS and/or EGF‐like domains as well as novel membrane retained fragments. Differential TMEFF2 processing from a single transmembrane protein may be a general mechanism to modulate transmembrane protein levels and domains, dependent on the repertoire of ADAMs or TTSPs expressed by the target cell.
Porphyrins Conjugated with Peripheral Thiolato Gold(I) Complexes for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Longevial Jean‐François , El Cheikh Khaled , Aggad Dina , Lebrun Aurélien , van der Lee Arie , Tielens Frederik , Clément Sébastien , Morère Alain , Garcia Marcel , Gary‐Bobo Magali , Richeter Sébastien
Published: August 2017

Porphyrins fused to imidazolium salts across two neighboring β‐pyrrolic positions were used as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors to anchor AuI‐Cl complexes at their periphery. Synthesis of several thiolato‐AuI complexes was then achieved by substituting chloride for thiolates. Photodynamic properties of these complexes were investigated: the data obtained show that the Au−S bonds could be cleaved upon irradiation. The proposed mechanism to explain the release of thiolate moiety involves the S atom oxidation by singlet oxygen generated in the course of irradiation. In view of photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications, these porphyrins fused to NHC‐AuI complexes were tested as photosensitizers to kill MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Results show the important role played by the ancillary ligands (chloride versus thiolates) on the photodynamic effect.
Anti‐Electrostatic CH–Ion Bonding in Decorated Graphanes
Authors: Novák Martin , Marek Radek , Foroutan‐Nejad Cina
Published: August 2017

State‐of‐the‐art computations combined with Ziegler–Rauk energy decomposition analyses are employed to introduce a new class of anti‐electrostatic ion–σ bonds with considerable stability and a substantial contribution from charge transfer and dispersion between ions and finite‐size functionalized graphane flakes, G‐XYs. G‐XYs have diverse electric multipolar moments that are comparable with those of newly synthesized all‐cis‐hexa‐halocyclohexanes. The strong, long‐range electrostatic and Pauli repulsions between some G‐XYs and certain ions induce a gas‐phase energy barrier to the physisorption of ions on the surface of G‐XYs. However, the repulsive interactions can be overbalanced by the strong orbital interactions operating in the formation of ion–σ complexes at short range, leading to covalent‐type intermolecular bonds as strong as −34 kcal mol−1.
Modelling the strip thickness in hot steel rolling mills using least‐squares support vector machines
Authors: Shardt Yuri A. W. , Mehrkanoon Siamak , Zhang Kai , Yang Xu , Suykens Johan , Ding Steven X. , Peng Kaixiang
Published: August 2017

The development and implementation of better control strategies to improve the overall performance of a plant is often hampered by the lack of available measurements of key quality variables. One way to resolve this problem is to develop a soft sensor that is capable of providing process information as often as necessary for control. One potential area for implementation is in a hot steel rolling mill, where the final strip thickness is the most important variable to consider. Difficulties with this approach include the fact that the data may not be available when needed or that different conditions (operating points) will produce different process conditions. In this paper, a soft sensor is developed for the hot steel rolling mill process using least‐squares support vector machines and a properly designed bias update term. It is shown that the system can handle multiple different operating conditions (different strip thickness setpoints, and input conditions).
Spatial rearrangement of Purkinje cell subsets forms the transverse and longitudinal compartmentalization in the mouse embryonic cerebellum
Authors: Vibulyaseck Suteera , Fujita Hirofumi , Luo Yuanjun , Tran Anh Khoa , Oh‐Nishi Arata , Ono Yuichi , Hirano Shinji , Sugihara Izumi
Published: August 2017

Transversely oriented lobules and longitudinally arrayed stripes of Purkinje cell subsets subdivide the cerebellar cortex into multiple compartments that are involved in diverse functions. In the mammalian cerebellum, anterior, and posterior lobules, which are involved in somatosensorimotor function, show an alternation of aldolase C (zebrin II) ‐positive and ‐negative stripes, whereas the central lobules (lobules VIb–VII and crus I), which are implicated in nonmotor functions, show a laterally expanded arrangement solely of aldolase C‐positive stripes. To understand the developmental process of this compartmental pattern, we identified groups of Purkinje cell subsets in the entire mouse cerebellum at embryonic day (E) 14.5 by staining Purkinje cell subset markers. We then tracked four major domains of Protocadherin 10 (Pcdh10)‐positive Purkinje cell subsets (medial, dorsal, central, and mid‐lateral subsets), which were clearly demarcated during E14.5–17.5. These domains of Purkinje cell subsets shifted predominantly in the longitudinal direction to be positioned in the anterior and posterior lobules. However, a particular portion of the medial and mid‐lateral domains, and the whole of the central domain shift in the lateral direction to be positioned in the central lobules. The results indicate that while the longitudinal shift of domains of Purkinje cell subsets forms the longitudinally striped compartments in the anterior and posterior cerebellum, the lateral shift of particular domains of Purkinje cell subsets underlies the laterally expanded arrangement of stripes in central lobules. Thus, the rearrangement of Purkinje cell subsets in the embryonic cerebellum is critically related to the compartmental organization in the mammalian cerebellum.
Purification of Recombinant Human Tyrosinase from Insect Larvae Infected with the Baculovirus Vector
Authors: Dolinska Monika B. , Wingfield Paul T. , Sergeev Yuri V.
Published: August 2017

The purification of an enzyme from insect larvae infected with a baculovirus vector is described. The enzyme tyrosinase is of biomedical importance and catalyzes the first rate‐limiting steps in melanin production. Tyrosinase mutations can result in oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1), an inherited eye disease associated with decreased melanin pigment production and vision defects. To simplify expression and subsequent purification, the extracellular domain is expressed in insect cells, produced in Trichoplusia ni larvae, and purified using affinity and size‐exclusion chromatography. The purified recombinant human tyrosinase is a soluble monomeric glycoprotein with an activity that mirrors the tyrosinase in vivo function. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Selective Semihydrogenation of Alkynes Catalyzed by Pd Nanoparticles Immobilized on Heteroatom‐Doped Hierarchical Porous Carbon Derived from Bamboo Shoots
Authors: Ji Guijie , Duan Yanan , Zhang Shaochun , Fei Benhua , Chen Xiufang , Yang Yong
Published: August 2017

Highly dispersed palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) immobilized on heteroatom‐doped hierarchical porous carbon supports (N,O‐carbon) with large specific surface areas are synthesized by a wet chemical reduction method. The N,O‐carbon derived from naturally abundant bamboo shoots is fabricated by a tandem hydrothermal–carbonization process without assistance of any templates, chemical activation reagents, or exogenous N or O sources in a simple and ecofriendly manner. The prepared Pd/N,O‐carbon catalyst shows extremely high activity and excellent chemoselectivity for semihydrogenation of a broad range of alkynes to versatile and valuable alkenes under ambient conditions. The catalyst can be readily recovered for successive reuse with negligible loss in activity and selectivity, and is also applicable for practical gram‐scale reactions.
Competitive evolutionary algorithms for building performance database of a microwave transistor
Authors: Güneş Filiz , Belen Mehmet A. , Mahouti Peyman
Published: August 2017

In this work, the simultaneous trade‐off relations among the noise figure F, gain GT, input Vin, and output Vout VSWRs of a microwave transistor operated at a certain (VDS, IDS, f) condition are obtained fast and as accurate as the corresponding analytical results using multiobjective optimization process without any need for expertise on the microwave device, circuit, and noise. Three powerful evolutionary algorithms, cuckoo search, firefly, and differential evolution, are implemented comparatively as a study case to obtain the trade‐off relations of a typical low‐noise amplifier transistor NE3511S02 for its operation between 9 and 17 GHz at VDS = 2 V and IDS = 10 mA. Finally, differential evolution is found as the most successful algorithm to demonstrate the typical trade‐off relations of NE3511S02. It can be concluded that these trade‐off relations being obtained by using a signal and noise model of the transistor enable performance database covering all the (F ≥ Fmin, GT, Vin ≥ 1, Vout ≥ 1) quadruples with their (ZS, ZL) termination pairs using solely an evolutionary optimization process. Thus, a small signal transistor can be identified by its performance database to be used in the design optimization of high‐performance low‐noise amplifiers with the full device capacity.
A pesticide paradox: fungicides indirectly increase fungal infections
Authors: Rohr Jason R. , Brown Jenise , Battaglin William A. , McMahon Taegan A. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: August 2017

There are many examples where the use of chemicals have had profound unintended consequences, such as fertilizers reducing crop yields (paradox of enrichment) and insecticides increasing insect pests (by reducing natural biocontrol). Recently, the application of agrochemicals, such as agricultural disinfectants and fungicides, has been explored as an approach to curb the pathogenic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is associated with worldwide amphibian declines. However, the long‐term, net effects of early‐life exposure to these chemicals on amphibian disease risk have not been thoroughly investigated. Using a combination of laboratory experiments and analysis of data from the literature, we explored the effects of fungicide exposure on Bd infections in two frog species. Extremely low concentrations of the fungicides azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, and mancozeb were directly toxic to Bd in culture. However, estimated environmental concentrations of the fungicides did not reduce Bd on Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles exposed simultaneously to any of these fungicides and Bd, and fungicide exposure actually increased Bd‐induced mortality. Additionally, exposure to any of these fungicides as tadpoles resulted in higher Bd abundance and greater Bd‐induced mortality when challenged with Bd post‐metamorphosis, an average of 71 d after their last fungicide exposure. Analysis of data from the literature revealed that previous exposure to the fungicide itraconazole, which is commonly used to clear Bd infections, made the critically endangered booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) more susceptible to Bd. Finally, a field survey revealed that Bd prevalence was positively associated with concentrations of fungicides in ponds. Although fungicides show promise for controlling Bd, these results suggest that, if fungicides do not completely eliminate Bd or if Bd recolonizes, exposure to fungicides has the potential to do more harm than good. To ensure that fungicide applications have the intended consequence of curbing amphibian declines, researchers must identify which fungicides do not compromise the pathogen resistance mechanisms of amphibians.
High proportion of PD‐1‐expressing CD4+ T cells in adipose tissue constitutes an immunomodulatory microenvironment that may support HIV persistence
Authors: Damouche Abderaouf , Pourcher Guillaume , Pourcher Valérie , Benoist Stéphane , Busson Elodie , Lataillade Jean‐Jacques , Le Van Mélanie , Lazure Thierry , Adam Julien , Favier Benoit , Vaslin Bruno , Müller‐Trutwin Michaela , Lambotte Olivier , Bourgeois Christine
Published: August 2017

We and others have demonstrated that adipose tissue is a reservoir for HIV. Evaluation of the mechanisms responsible for viral persistence may lead to ways of reducing these reservoirs. Here, we evaluated the immune characteristics of adipose tissue in HIV‐infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and in non‐HIV‐infected patients. We notably sought to determine whether adipose tissue's intrinsic properties and/or HIV induced alteration of the tissue environment may favour viral persistence. ART‐controlled HIV infection was associated with a difference in the CD4/CD8 T‐cell ratio and an elevated proportion of Treg cells in subcutaneous adipose tissue. No changes in Th1, Th2 and Th17 cell proportions or activation markers expression on T cell (Ki‐67, HLA‐DR) could be detected, and the percentage of CD69‐expressing resident memory CD4+ T cells was not affected. Overall, our results indicate that adipose‐tissue‐resident CD4+ T cells are not extensively activated during HIV infection. PD‐1 was expressed by a high proportion of tissue‐resident memory CD4+ T cells in both HIV‐infected patients and non‐HIV‐infected patients. Our findings suggest that adipose tissue's intrinsic immunomodulatory properties may limit immune activation and thus may strongly contribute to viral persistence.
T cell‐dependent antigen adjuvanted with DOTAP‐CpG‐B but not DOTAP‐CpG‐A induces robust germinal center responses and high affinity antibodies in mice
Authors: Akkaya Munir , Akkaya Billur , Sheehan Patrick W. , Miozzo Pietro , Pena Mirna , Qi Chen‐Feng , Manzella‐Lapeira Javier , Bolland Silvia , Pierce Susan K.
Published: August 2017

The development of vaccines for infectious diseases for which we currently have none, including HIV, will likely require the use of adjuvants that strongly promote germinal center responses and somatic hypermutation to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies. Here we compared the outcome of immunization with the T‐cell dependent antigen, NP‐conjugated to chicken gamma globulin (NP‐CGG) adjuvanted with the toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) ligands, CpG‐A or CpG‐B, alone or conjugated with the cationic lipid carrier, DOTAP. We provide evidence that only NP‐CGG adjuvanted with DOTAP‐CpG‐B was an effective vaccine in mice resulting in robust germinal center responses, isotype switching and high affinity NP‐specific antibodies. The effectiveness of DOTAP‐CpG‐B as an adjuvant was dependent on the expression of the TLR9 signaling adaptor MyD88 in immunized mice. These results indicate DOTAP‐CpG‐B but not DOTAP‐CpG‐A is an effective adjuvant for T cell‐dependent protein antigen‐based vaccines.
Baylis–Hillman Reaction: In Situ Generated Isoquinolinium Species as Excellent Electrophiles for Coupling with Alkyl Acrylates and Acrylonitrile
Authors: Basavaiah Deevi , Thamizharasi Perumal
Published: August 2017

Isoquinolinium species, generated in situ from 2‐alkynylbenzaldehydes, arylamines, and silver trifluoromethanesulfonate, were successfully employed as excellent electrophiles for Baylis–Hillman coupling with alkyl acrylates (or acrylonitrile) under the influence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane to provide 1,2,3‐trisubstituted dihydroisoquinoline derivatives in high yields.
Design of Electrochemically Modified fMWCNT‐pencil Graphite Electrode Decorated with Cu and Ag Nanofilm and its Electrocatalytic Behavior Towards Imazethapyr
Authors: Khan Imran , Pandit Umar J. , Limaye Sudhir N.
Published: August 2017

Herein, a facile procedure was developed for designing an electrochemical sensor based on pencil graphite electrode modified with electrochemically synthesized silver and copper nanoparticles (AgNP and CuNP) supported on functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs). The electrochemical and morphological characterization was carried out by cyclic voltammetry, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Powder X‐ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. The designed sensor exhibited electrocatalytic behavior towards the reduction of Imazethapyr. Results indicates the combination of AgNPs, CuNPs and fMWCNTs on PGE produced remarkable enhancement in electrocatalytic and sensing properties. Various electro‐kinetic parameters like Rct, kapp, n, α, E0, k0, Γ, D and k have been evaluated by CV, impedance and Chronoamperometric studies. The electrochemical performance was improved by optimizing the effect of pH, scan rate, amount of fMWCNTs and deposition parameters of AgNP and CuNP. The sensor was efficaciously applied for determination of Imazethapyr and exhibited a linear correlation in the concentration range of 0.01–5.0 μg mL−1 with low detection limits, 0.159 ng mL−1 using AdSWV. The fabricated sensor exhibited good accuracy, acceptable stability and high efficacy for quantitative determination of Imazethapyr in real samples with notable recoveries ranging from 98 % to 100.2 %.
Nonlinear electrokinetic effects in insulator‐based dielectrophoretic systems
Authors: Wang Qianru , Dingari Naga Neehar , Buie Cullen R.
Published: August 2017

Insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) has emerged as a powerful tool for multiple biomicrofluidic operations, such as cell separation and concentration. The key feature for iDEP systems is the alteration of insulating microchannel geometries to create strong electric field gradients. Under AC electric fields, this strong electric field gradient can affect fluid flow by (at least) two nonlinear electrokinetic phenomena; (a) electrothermal flow due to Joule heating and (b) induced charge electroosmosis (ICEO) near the microchannel constrictions of small (but finite) permittivity and conductivity. This paper presents an experimental and theoretical study on the interplay of electrothermal and ICEO flows near microchannel constrictions with various geometries and fluid ionic strengths, which are crucial design factors for iDEP systems. Temperature rise and fluid velocities in 2D Gaussian‐shaped constrictions were studied experimentally with supporting analytical estimations and numerical simulations. Additionally, we show qualitatively distinct recirculating flow patterns in 2D and 3D microchannel constrictions used for iDEP systems. Approximate analytical expressions for electrothermal and ICEO velocity scales are provided as a function of constriction geometry, bulk electrolyte concentration, and the applied electric field. Insights from this study will be useful in designing microfluidic systems for electrokinetic particle manipulation.
Intercalation of CoO in S‐Doped Graphite as High‐Performance Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Xinlong , Song Xinyu , Tang Yushu , Qi Chuanlei , Ning Guoqing , Gao Jinsen , Li Yongfeng
Published: August 2017

The intercalation of CoO nanoparticles (NPs) in S‐graphite (labeled as CoO@S–graphite) composite is obtained by a one‐step doping reaction between graphite and CoSO4 in a fluidized bed reactor. CoO@S–graphite presents increased specific surface area and higher intensity ratio of the D to G band compared with the pristine graphite owing to the etching effect during the calcination treatment. As an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, the enhanced energy‐storage ability of the as‐synthesized compound is a result of the S doping and CoO NPs intercalation, which not only contributes to enhancing the rate capability, but also has no impact on the outputs of delithiation capacity and voltage plateau below 0.5 V. The configured CoO@S–graphite/LiFePO4 battery exhibits better rate capability than that based on graphite/LiFePO4 and affords a high reversible capacity of 160 mAh g−1 at 0.2C and excellent durability.
Quantifying the surface covering, binding and bonding effects of biological soil crusts on soil detachment by overland flow
Authors: Liu Fa , Zhang Guang‐Hui , Sun Fubao , Wang Hao , Sun Long
Published: August 2017

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) have impacts on soil detachment process through surface covering, and binding and bonding (B&B) mechanisms, which might vary with successional stages of BSCs. This study was conducted to quantify the effects of surface covering, binding and bonding of BSCs on soil detachment capacity by overland flow in a 4 m long hydraulic flume with fixed bed. Two dominant BSC types, developed well in the Loess Plateau (the early successional cyanobacteria and the later successional moss), were tested using natural undisturbed soil samples collected from the abandoned farmlands. Two treatments of undisturbed crusts and one treatment of removing the above‐ground tissue of BSCs were designed for each BSC type. For comparison, bare loess soil was used as the baseline. The collected soil samples were subjected to flow scouring under six different shear stresses, ranging from 6.7 to 21.2 Pa. The results showed that soil detachment capacity (Dc) and rill erodibility (Kr) decrease with BSC succession, and the presence of BSCs obviously increased the critical shear stress, especially for the later successional moss crust. For the early successional cyanobacteria crust, Dc was reduced by 69.2% compared to the bare loess soil, where 37.7% and 31.5% are attributed to the surface covering and B&B, respectively. For the later successional moss crust, Dc decreased by 89.8% compared to the bare loess soil, where 68.9% and 20.9% contributed to the surface covering and B&B, respectively. These results are helpful in understanding the influencing mechanism of BSCs on soil erosion and in developing the process‐based erosion models for grassland and forestland. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical treatment of a discontinuous top surface in 2D shallow water mixed flow modeling
Authors: Maranzoni A. , Mignosa P.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a numerical strategy based on shallow water equations (SWE) coupled with the 2D Preissmann slot model to handle a ceiling step discontinuity in finite volume schemes for mixed flow modeling. In practice, a typical situation would be a closed structure, such as a bridge or culvert, which induces a sudden vertical flow constriction and may even run partly or totally full in high flow conditions. In such case, both the inlet and outlet of the structure involve a discontinuity in the top elevation. This special singularity is topologically represented by inserting a fictitious cell between 2 adjacent computational cells characterized by sharply different ceiling elevation. The 2D SWE are solved by means of a well‐balanced quasi‐conservative Godunov‐type numerical scheme based on the Slope Limiter Centered (SLIC) scheme. The flow variables at each boundary of the fictitious cell are reconstructed by adopting the cross‐sectional shape of the adjoining cell. Accordingly, the dynamic effect of the structure deck on the flow is suitably modeled, and the C‐property for a stationary solution is rigorously satisfied, even when the closed structure is partially full. The capability of the numerical scheme is verified by comparison with both novel analytical solutions of 1D Riemann problems with a ceiling step discontinuity and experimental data of steady and unsteady mixed flows available in literature. Finally, a real‐scale application to a multiple arch bridge is presented. The results show that the method is robust and effective in predicting the 2D features induced by a crossing structure on the flow dynamics.
The new line crossing U2/U5 of the Vienna subway
Authors: Leitner Andreas , Herzfeld Thomas , Nebois Christian , Schreitl Bernhard , Wageneder Johannes
Published: August 2017

Vienna is not only a growing city but also one with a high quality of life. One reason for this is the availability of good public transport services, the heart of which is the subway system, which has been steadily extended for 40 years. In order to relieve Line U6 and provide better conditions for changing trains, an underground route will be constructed for Line 2 in the next few years through the densely built‐up 19th century part of the city starting from Rathaus station and running to Matzleinsdorfer Platz. Most of the running tunnels will be bored with an EPB machine while the station tunnels, crossovers and cross passages will be excavated conventionally using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. Most of the tunnels pass through Miocene silt. In addition, a section with driverless operation and platform doors is planned for the construction of the U5 in order to gain experience for future extensions.
Depositional environment of the surface sediments in Central Indian Basin (CIB), Indian Ocean, between 8°–18°S latitude and 72°–79°E longitude, based on their geochemical characteristics
Authors: Sensarma Simontini , Banerjee Ranadip , Satyanarayanan Manavalan , Mukhopadhyay Subir
Published: August 2017

To establish the depositional environment of the surface sediments in the Central Indian Basin, Indian Ocean, major and trace element compositions of different sediment types were studied. The study area composed of terrigenous–siliceous transition, calcareous, siliceous, and red clay sediments. The sediment type changed due to various physico‐chemical conditions with varying proportions of biogenic, hydrogenetic, early diagenetic, and detrital inputs. An oxidative environment is present throughout the basin with variable intensity. The terrigenous input was variable in all sediment types, while its signature was traceable up to 15.30°S latitude. The variable distribution pattern of Mnexcess and Feexcess indicate that apart from continental source, there were additional sources of supply for both these elements, with which most of the trace metals like nickel, copper, chromium, vanadium, yttrium, rubidium, and thorium were associated. The Al/Ti ratios of the sediments indicate a terrestrial influence of fluvial nature up to as far as 14°S latitude while, in the calcareous zone, the influence of volcanic precursors was observed. The present study envisages that Alexcess in the sediments adjacent to the ridges and fracture zones might indicate that Al in these areas is not entirely derived from the continental source.
Young children's self‐benefiting lies and their relation to executive functioning and theory of mind
Authors: Fu Genyue , Sai Liyang , Yuan Fang , Lee Kang
Published: August 2017

It is well established that children lie in different social contexts for various purposes from the age of 2 years. Surprisingly, little is known about whether very young children will spontaneously lie for personal gain, how self‐benefiting lies emerge, and what cognitive factors affect the emergence of self‐benefiting lies. To bridge this gap in the literature, we situated children between 2 and 4 years of age in a zero‐sum game where children must lie to their opponent if they wanted to win a desirable reward. We found that the majority of young children did not lie even when they experienced personal losses repeatedly. However, some children spontaneously lied during the game; as the game progressed, more children lied. Further, we found that children's theory of mind understanding and executive functioning in terms of a combination of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility had significant positive and unique correlations with how frequently children lied for personal gain. The present results taken together with the existing findings regarding children's lies for self‐protection and politeness purposes suggest that the act of lying begins early in life. Further, its emergence and development are influenced by children's specific cognitive abilities in the domains of theory of mind understanding and executive functioning.

Highlights

The study investigated whether very young children will spontaneously lie for personal gain.

This study used a zero‐sum game to elicit children's self‐benefiting lies. Results showed the majority of young children did not lie, and it is related to children's theory of mind understanding and executive functioning.

The act of lying begins early in life, and its emergence and development are influenced by children's specific cognitive abilities in the domains of theory of mind understanding and executive functioning.
Anchoring the yield curve using survey expectations
Authors: Altavilla Carlo , Giacomini Raffaella , Ragusa Giuseppe
Published: August 2017

The dynamic behavior of the term structure of interest rates is difficult to replicate with models, and even models with a proven track record of empirical performance have underperformed since the early 2000s. On the other hand, survey expectations can accurately predict yields, but they are typically not available for all maturities and/or forecast horizons. We show how survey expectations can be exploited to improve the accuracy of yield curve forecasts given by a base model. We do so by employing a flexible exponential tilting method that anchors the model forecasts to the survey expectations, and we develop a test to guide the choice of the anchoring points. The method implicitly incorporates into yield curve forecasts any information that survey participants have access to—such as information about the current state of the economy or forward‐looking information contained in monetary policy announcements—without the need to explicitly model it. We document that anchoring delivers large and significant gains in forecast accuracy relative to the class of models that are widely adopted by financial and policy institutions for forecasting the term structure of interest rates.
Conditional Disruption of miR17∼92 in Osteoclasts Led to Activation of Osteoclasts and Loss of Trabecular Bone in Part Through Suppression of the miR17‐Mediated Downregulation of Protein‐Tyrosine Phosphatase‐oc in Mice
Authors: Lau Kin‐Hing William , Stiffel Virginia M , Rundle Charles H , Amoui Mehran , Tapia Jordan , White Tyler D , Sheng Matilda H‐C
Published: August 2017

This study sought to understand the regulation of an osteoclastic protein‐tyrosine phosphatase (PTP‐oc), a positive regulator of osteoclast activity. Our past studies suggested that PTP‐oc is regulated posttranscriptionally. The 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of PTP‐oc mRNA contains a target site for miR17. During osteoclastic differentiation, there was an inverse relationship between the cellular levels of miR17 (expressed as one of the six cluster genes of miR17∼92) and PTP‐oc mRNA. Overexpression of pre‐miR17∼92 in mouse osteoclast precursors reduced PTP‐oc mRNA level and the size of the derived osteoclasts, whereas deletion of miR17∼92 or inhibition of miR17 resulted in the formation of larger osteoclasts containing more nuclei that expressed higher PTP‐oc mRNA levels and created larger resorption pits. Thus, PTP‐oc–mediated osteoclast activation is modulated in part by miR17∼92, particularly miR17. The miR17∼92 osteoclast conditional knockout (cKO) mutants, generated by breeding miR17∼92loxp/loxp mice with Ctsk‐Cre mice, had lower trabecular bone volume/total volume (Tb.BV/TV), trabecular bone mineral density (Tb.BMD), trabecular connectivity density (Tb.Conn‐Dens), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), but larger trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and greater bone resorption without a change in bone formation compared to littermate controls. The cKO marrow‐derived osteoclasts were twice as large, contained twice as many nuclei, and produced twice as large resorption pits as osteoclasts of littermate controls. The expression of genes associated with osteoclast activation was increased in cKO osteoclasts, suggesting that deletion of miR17∼92 in osteoclasts promotes osteoclast activation. The cKO osteoblasts did not show differences in cellular miR17 level, alkaline phosphatase activity, and bone nodule formation ability. In conclusion, miR17‐92 negatively regulates the osteoclast activity, in part via the miR17‐mediated suppression of PTP‐oc in osteoclasts. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of acyl‐acceptor stepwise addition strategy using alperujo oil as a substrate in enzymatic biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Bonet‐Ragel Kírian , Canet Albert , Benaiges M Dolors , Valero Francisco
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Using renewable feedstock sources for biodiesel production seems to be a promising strategy and even more so when enzymatic catalysis with lipases are used. However, it is well known that these enzymes could be inactivated by reaction conditions such as temperature or alcohol concentration. In this work, the effect of temperature and initial water activity (aw) value on immobilised recombinant Rhizopus oryzae lipase (rROL) were studied. Methanolysis and ethanolysis reactions using alperujo oil with three different stepwise addition strategies were employed.

RESULTS

Recombinant 1,3‐positional selective rROL covalently immobilised on polymethacrylate amino‐epoxy activated support showed maximum initial reaction rate at low aw value (0.093). It was found that 30 °C was the optimal temperature in terms of biocatalyst stability during transesterification reactions. Adding alcohol at once, ethanol was clearly a better acyl‐acceptor in terms of stability than methanol. Productivity was found to be 2‐fold higher when five pulses of ethanol were used instead of methanol.

CONCLUSIONS

Alperujo oil has great potential as a low cost feedstock for biodiesel production through enzymatic catalysis using a nearly semi‐continuous alcohol addition strategy. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Detrimental interactions of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure and bumblebee immunity
Authors: Czerwinski Mitchell Andrew , Sadd Ben Michael
Published: August 2017

Pesticides are well known to have a number of ecological effects. However, it is only now becoming understood that sublethal exposures may have effects on nontarget insects of conservation concern through interactions with immunity, thus increasing detrimental impacts in the presence of pathogens. Pesticides and pathogens are suggested to have played a role in recent declines of several wild bee pollinators. Compromised immunity from exposure to widely used neonicotinoids has been demonstrated in honeybees, but further research on interactions between neonicotinoids and immunity in other important bees is lacking. In this study, adult workers of the bumblebee Bombus impatiens received 6‐day pulses of either low (0.7 ppb) or high (7 ppb) field realistic doses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid prior to assaying immunity and survival following a nonpathogenic immune challenge. High‐dose imidacloprid exposure reduces constitutive levels of phenoloxidase, an enzyme involved in melanization. Hemolymph antimicrobial activity initially increases in all groups following an immune challenge, but while heightened activity is maintained in unexposed and low imidacloprid dose groups, it is not maintained in the high exposure dose bees, even though exposure had ceased 6 days prior. Additionally, imidacloprid exposure followed by an immune challenge significantly decreased survival probability relative to control bees and those only immune challenged or imidacloprid exposed. A temporal lag for immune modulation and combinatorial effects on survival suggest that resource‐based trade‐offs may, in part, contribute to the detrimental interactions. These interactions could have health consequences for pollinators facing multiple stresses of sublethal neonicotinoid exposure and pathogens.
Ambient mass spectrometry: Direct analysis of dimethoate, tebuconazole, and trifloxystrobin on olive and vine leaves by desorption electrospray ionization interface
Authors: Mainero Rocca Lucia , Cecca Juri , L'Episcopo Nunziata , Fabrizi Giovanni
Published: August 2017

A new field of application for a relatively new mass‐spectrometric interface such as desorption electrospray ionization was evaluated. For this purpose, its behavior was tested versus quantitative analysis of dimethoate, trifloxystrobin, and tebuconazole directly on olive and vine leaves surface. The goal was workers exposure assessment during field re‐entry operations since evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to some agrochemicals and severe adverse effects. Desorption electrospray ionization gave good response working in positive ionization mode, while numerous test were necessary for the choice of a unique blend of spray solvents suitable for all 3 substances. The best compromise, in terms of signal to noise ratios, was obtained with the CH3OH/H2O (80:20) mixture. The obvious difficulties related to the impossibility to use the internal standard were overcome through an accurate validation. Limits of detection and quantitation, dynamic ranges, matrix effects, and intraday precisions were calculated, and a small monitoring campaign was arranged to test method applicability and to evaluate potential dermal exposure. This protocol was developed in work safety field, but after a brief investigation, it was find to be suitable also for food residue evaluation.
Fragmentation patterns of 4(5)‐nitroimidazole and 1‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole—The effect of the methylation
Authors: Itälä Eero , Tanzer Katrin , Granroth Sari , Kooser Kuno , Denifl Stephan , Kukk Edwin
Published: August 2017

We present here the photofragmentation patterns of doubly ionized 4(5)‐nitroimidazole and 1‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole. The doubly ionized state was created by core ionizing the C 1s orbitals of the samples, rapidly followed by Auger decay. Due to the recent development of nitroimidazole‐based radiosensitizing drugs, core ionization was selected as it represents the very same processes taking place under the irradiation with medical X‐rays. In addition to the fragmentation patterns of the sample, we study the effects of methylation on the fragmentation patterns of nitroimidazoles. We found that methylation alters the fragmentation significantly, especially the charge distribution between the final fragments. The most characteristic feature of the methylation is that it effectively quenches the production of NO and NO+, widely regarded as key radicals in the chemistry of radiosensitization by the nitroimidazoles.
Remote detection of explosives using field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer installed on multicopter
Authors: Kostyukevich Yury , Efremov Denis , Ionov Vladimir , Kukaev Eugene , Nikolaev Eugene
Published: August 2017

The detection of explosives and drugs in hard‐to‐reach places is a considerable challenge. We report the development and initial experimental characterization of the air analysis system that includes Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer, array of the semiconductor gas sensors and is installed on multicopter. The system was developed based on the commercially available DJI Matrix 100 platform. For data collection and communication with operator, the special compact computer (Intel Compute Stick) was installed onboard. The total weight of the system was 3.3 kg. The system allows the 15‐minute flight and provides the remote access to the obtained data. The developed system can be effectively used for the detection of impurities in the air, ecology monitoring, detection of chemical warfare agents, and explosives, what is especially important in light of recent terroristic attacks. The capabilities of the system were tested on the several explosives such as trinitrotoluene and nitro powder.
Mechanical stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells: Implications for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Fahy Niamh , Alini Mauro , Stoddart Martin J.
Published: August 2017

Articular cartilage is a load‐bearing tissue playing a crucial mechanical role in diarthrodial joints, facilitating joint articulation, and minimizing wear. The significance of biomechanical stimuli in the development of cartilage and maintenance of chondrocyte phenotype in adult tissues has been well documented. Furthermore, dysregulated loading is associated with cartilage pathology highlighting the importance of mechanical cues in cartilage homeostasis. The repair of damaged articular cartilage resulting from trauma or degenerative joint disease poses a major challenge due to a low intrinsic capacity of cartilage for self‐renewal, attributable to its avascular nature. Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered a promising cell type for cartilage replacement strategies due to their chondrogenic differentiation potential. Chondrogenesis of MSCs is influenced not only by biological factors but also by the environment itself, and various efforts to date have focused on harnessing biomechanics to enhance chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, recapitulating mechanical cues associated with cartilage development and homeostasis in vivo, may facilitate the development of a cellular phenotype resembling native articular cartilage. The goal of this review is to summarize current literature examining the effect of mechanical cues on cartilage homeostasis, disease, and MSC chondrogenesis. The role of biological factors produced by MSCs in response to mechanical loading will also be examined. An in‐depth understanding of the impact of mechanical stimulation on the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs in terms of endogenous bioactive factor production and signaling pathways involved, may identify therapeutic targets and facilitate the development of more robust strategies for cartilage replacement using MSCs. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:52–63, 2018.