bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of transglutaminase on rennet‐induced gelation of skim milk and soymilk mixtures
Authors: Han Yixuan , Mei Yuting , Li Kaixin , Xu Yiqing , Wang Fang
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Protein gels made from cow milk and soymilk can yield products of exceptional value. Transglutaminase (TG) affect rennet‐induced gelation of proteins, and improves the functionality of the final products. In this paper, TG and rennet were added to skim milk and soymilk mixtures simultaneously, and the rennet‐induced coagulation was studied. Diffusing wave spectroscopy and rheology measurements were used to access the structural changes of the mixtures during renneting. Syneresis analysis and microscopy can give more information for understanding the system.

RESULTS

Soymilk and TG have synergetic effects and inhibit rennet‐induced gelation to a certain degree. With increasing soymilk and TG, elastic index and storage modulus decreased, gelation time was delayed, and curd yield and moisture content increased. At excess soymilk and TG, no curds can be formed. There were significant effects of soymilk and TG on curd microstructure. Soymilk inhibited the aggregation of casein micelles and contributed to more coarse and heterogeneous networks. TG limited reorganization of the proteins, leading to more homogenous networks with small pores.

CONCLUSION

The use of soymilk and TG simultaneously impair rennet‐induced gelation and curd syneresis, and consequently lead to a higher yield of high‐moisture curd. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Knockdown of PEBP4 inhibits human glioma cell growth and invasive potential via ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Ren‐qiang , Wang Song‐qing , Zhu Qing‐bao , Guo Shan‐cheng , Shi Dong‐liang , Chen Feng , Fang Yuan‐cheng , Chen Rui , Lu Yi‐cheng
Published: September 2018

Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)‐binding protein 4 (PEBP4) is an antiapoptotic protein that is aberrantly expressed in various malignancies. We previously demonstrated that PEBP4 expression is dramatically induced in human gliomas and positively correlated with tumor grade and patient survival. However, the function of PEBP4 in human glioma development and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. By stable lentiviral vector‐mediated silencing of PEBP4, we examined the effects of PEBP4 knockdown on the growth, apoptosis, and invasion of U251 and U373 human glioma cell lines using MTT, Transwell, colony formation, and flow cytometric assays. We examined the in vivo role of PEBP4 in tumor growth by inoculation of BALB/c nu/nu male mice with PEBP4‐deficient U251 and U373 cells. The expression of cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins was analyzed by Western blotting and immunostaining. Knockdown of PEBP4 significantly reduced the proliferation and invasion of human glioma cells while inducing cell apoptosis by altering the expression of cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins. Mechanistically, PEBP4 knockdown led to activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway, an effect that could be reversed by U0126, a selective inhibitor of MEK1/2 (upstream of ERK1/2), suggesting involvement of ERK1/2 signaling in the regulation of glioma development and progression by PEBP4. We identified PEBP4 as a novel regulator mediating human glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis as well as tumor formation and growth. Therefore, PEBP4 may be a potential therapeutic target in human glioma treatment.
Dynamic managerial capabilities: Scale development and validation
Authors: Corrêa Rúbia Oliveira , Bueno Eduardo Veiga , Kato Heitor Takashi , Silva Luiz Marcos de Oliveira
Published: September 2018

Studies on dynamic managerial capabilities still have a rather theoretical nature, and there is great difficulty in finding a valid, reliable instrument to measure this construct. The present study contributes to solving this problem: It aims to develop and validate a scale to measure dynamic managerial capabilities. In this investigation, we develop a scale for three factors related to dynamic managerial capabilities: human capital, managerial cognition (already described in the literature), and relationship networks. The prominent finding in this research is the factor that is referred to here as relationship networks.
The effect of weather patterns on winter small city urban heat islands
Authors: Ivajnšič Danijel , Žiberna Igor
Published: September 2018

The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has been gaining intensity because of population growth, continuous urbanization and inappropriate urban planning and design. Geospatial models can importantly contribute to solving the negative impacts left behind by these developments in the urban environment. Here, the influence of different weather patterns (anticyclonic, cyclonic and advective), occurring as a consequence of regional synoptic conditions, on UHI intensity and morphology was studied. The previously published geographically weighted regression UHI model was used in order to predict the behaviour of the urban–rural temperature anomaly in different weather patterns in a small city named Ljutomer (8 km2 of built‐up area occupied by 3,500 inhabitants) located in the northeast part of Slovenia. As expected, UHI intensity was significantly higher in the anticyclonic weather pattern compared to cyclonic and advective conditions. The urban–rural temperature contrast was at least recognizable under a turbulent windy atmosphere. Surprisingly, Ljutomer's UHI can be most accurately modelled in the cyclonic weather pattern, followed by advective and anticyclonic conditions, and statistically significant cold‐spots can be better predicted, with selected predictor variables, than hot‐spots.
Evaluation of a neuro‐fuzzy technique in estimating pan evaporation values in low‐altitude locations
Authors: Shiri Jalal
Published: September 2018

The evaporation of water from free‐water surfaces or land surfaces is one of the main components of the hydrological cycle and is a complex outcome of various meteorological and physical parameters. A simulation procedure was evaluated in this paper to study the capabilities of a neuro‐fuzzy (NF) technique to estimate daily pan evaporation (EP) magnitudes using meteorological variables. The assessment of the NF technique for simulating EP values was performed via local (temporal) and external (spatial) data‐management scenarios. Hence, a thoroughgoing scan of the possible train and test‐set combinations was carried out based on the temporal and spatial criteria using k‐fold testing procedures. A comparison was also made between the NF and neural networks (NN) methods using the same data and procedures. The obtained outcomes revealed that the proposed generalized NF and NN models have good abilities at simulating EP values using meteorological data. Therefore, the calibration of local NF models might not be required if sufficient meteorological parameters exist in other weather stations. The results also demonstrated that a proper assessment of the models’ performance accuracy should include a complete temporal/spatial scanning of the used patterns.
An experimental method for evaluation of the snow albedo effect on near‐surface air temperature measurements
Authors: Musacchio Chiara , Coppa Graziano , Merlone Andrea
Published: September 2018

Among the many effects influencing the accuracy in near‐surface air temperature measurements (tair), solar radiation plays a key role. While numerous technical solutions have been developed to protect temperature sensors from direct solar radiation, few studies are available to evaluate the warming due to reflected radiation. Changes in surface albedo influence the measurement results of tair and, in the case of sensors positioned above a snow‐covered surface, this effect is amplified due to the larger amount of radiation reflected. As a task of the European project MeteoMet, a design for a metrological experimental setup and associated measurement method was studied, to quantify errors in temperature records when thermometers in solar shields and compact automatic weather stations are positioned above snow‐covered soil. An operative model was developed to minimize quantities of influence and uncertainties, while the experimental protocol proposed guidance on instruments required, sensor characterization, field experiment installations and site characteristics. The procedure described can be implemented by users without specific metrological skills: staff of hydro‐meteorological agencies with commonly used equipment and technicians of manufacturing companies can easily perform the measurements, characterize the instruments and evaluate the total maximum effect in terms of temperature increase and a correction factor or curve for specific typologies of instruments. The work presented is part of wider activities aimed at completing the calculation of an uncertainty budget on near‐surface air temperature measurement.
Three‐dimensional diffusion imaging with spiral encoded navigators from stimulated echoes (3D‐DISPENSE)
Authors: Zhang Qinwei , Coolen Bram F. , Nederveen Aart J. , Strijkers Gustav J.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

To introduce a new method for motion‐insensitive 3D multishot diffusion imaging using 3D spiral‐encoded navigators from stimulated echoes (3D‐DISPENSE).

Methods

The 3D‐DISPENSE sequence contains a 3D stack‐of‐spiral navigator generated between the diffusion preparation and the turbo spin‐echo image acquisition from the twin pathway of a stimulated echo. Unlike normal navigator methods, 3D‐DISPENSE separates the navigator acquisition from the imaging readout without compromising the image SNR. Phase information from the navigators was included in an iterative image reconstruction algorithm to correct for intershot phase incoherence caused by motion.

Results

In a phantom experiment, 3D‐DISPENSE correctly estimated deliberately introduced phase errors. In a moving phantom, motion‐induced artifacts in the DWI were greatly mitigated by 3D‐DISPENSE. The ADC after 3D‐DISPENSE correction was identical to the reference. In a brain diffusion tensor experiment, phase‐incoherence artifacts from breathing, cardiac, and subject motion were removed almost perfectly in all view angles, resulting in distortion‐free DWI and color‐coded fractional anisotropy maps with 1.5‐mm isotropic resolution and nearly full brain coverage.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional DISPENSE corrects motion‐induced phase‐incoherence artifacts in 3D multishot diffusion imaging and produces high‐quality 3D DWI and DTI.
Potential acceleration performance of a 256‐channel whole‐brain receive array at 7 T
Authors: Hendriks Arjan D. , Luijten Peter R. , Klomp Dennis W. J. , Petridou Natalia
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Assess the potential gain in acceleration performance of a 256‐channel versus 32‐channel receive coil array at 7 T in combination with a 2D CAIPIRINHA sequence for 3D data sets.

Methods

A 256‐channel receive setup was simulated by placing 2 small 16‐channel high‐density receive arrays at 2 8 different locations on the head of healthy participants. Multiple consecutive measurements were performed and coil sensitivity maps were combined to form a complete 256‐channel data set. This setup was compared with a standard 32‐channel head coil, in terms of SNR, noise correlation, and acceleration performance (g‐factor).

Results

In the periphery of the brain, the receive SNR was on average a factor 1.5 higher (ranging up to a factor 2.7 higher) than the 32‐channel coil; in the center of the brain the SNR was comparable or lower, depending on the size of the region of interest, with a factor 1.0 on average (ranging from 0.7 up to a factor of 1.6). The average noise correlation between coil elements was 3% for the 256‐channel coil, and 5% for the 32‐channel coil. At acceptable g‐factors (< 2), the achievable acceleration factor using SENSE and 2D CAIPIRINHA was 24 and 28, respectively, versus 9 and 12 for the 32‐channel coil.

Conclusion

The receive performance of the simulated 256 channel array was better than the 32‐channel reference. Combined with 2D CAIPIRINHA, a peak acceleration factor of 28 was assessed, showing great potential for high‐density receive arrays.
Factors influencing survival after recurrence in osteosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Spraker‐Perlman Holly L. , Barkauskas Donald A. , Krailo Mark D. , Meyers Paul A. , Schwartz Cindy L. , Doski John , Gorlick Richard , Janeway Katherine A. , Isakoff Michael S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Despite drastic improvement in overall survival for pediatric patients with cancer, those with osteosarcoma have stable rates of survival since the 1980s. This project evaluates the effect of several variables on survival after first recurrence in patients with osteosarcoma.

Methods

Data from three prospective North American cooperative group trials for newly diagnosed osteosarcoma are included: INT‐0133, POG‐9754, and AOST0121. The analytic population for this study is all enrolled patients with first event‐free survival (EFS) event of relapse. The primary outcome measure for this retrospective analysis was survival after recurrence (SAR).

Results

The analytic population consisted of N = 431 patients. SAR was statistically significantly associated with age at enrollment (<10 years, P = 0.027), presence of metastatic disease at diagnosis (localized, P < 0.0001), site of relapse (combination lung + bone, unfavorable, P = 0.005), and time to first relapse (2+ years, favorable, P < 0.0001) in multivariate analysis. Ethnicity, primary site of tumor, race, and sex were not significantly related to SAR.

Conclusions

Prolonged SAR in patients with relapsed osteosarcoma is associated with age, extent of disease at diagnosis, site of and time to relapse. Adolescent and young adult patients with osteosarcoma have shorter SAR than younger patients, consistent with studies showing decreased overall survival in this group. Although patients with primary metastatic disease have shorter SAR, there is a subset of patients who relapse greater than 2 years from initial diagnosis that will become survivors. Histological response was significantly associated with time to relapse, but was not predictive of SAR.
Combination therapy with atorvastatin and celecoxib delays tumor formation in a Fanconi anemia mouse model
Authors: Zhang Qing‐shuo , Deater Matthew , Phan Ngoc , Marcogliese Andrea , Major Angela , Guinan Eva C. , Grompe Markus
Published: September 2018

Background

Fanconi anemia is an inherited bone marrow failure disorder associated with a high incidence of leukemia and solid tumors. Currently, no interventions to prevent or delay the formation of solid tumors are available.

Procedure

Two of the most important hallmarks of Fanconi anemia are inflammation and oxidative stress. In this study, we administrated the antioxidant atorvastatin and the anti‐inflammatory drug celecoxib to cohorts of Fancd2−/−/Trp53+/− mice, a model of Fanconi anemia. Treatment started at weaning and continued until the mice developed a palpable mass or suffered from >20% weight loss. Tumor samples and selected tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. χ2 test was performed to analyze tumor incidence, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were evaluated with log‐rank test. In addition, a small cohort of mice was monitored for the safety of the drugs.

Results

The combined oral administration of both drugs significantly delayed tumor onset in Fancd2−/−/Trp53+/− mice. Specifically, the treatment delayed the onset of ovarian tumors in Fancd2−/−/Trp53+/− mice and increased the mean ovarian tumor‐free survival time by 17%, whereas this combinatorial drug regimen did not have a significant effect on other tumor types. In addition, no detrimental effects on hematopoiesis from the drug treatment were observed during a 12‐month safety monitoring.

Conclusions

The data presented here suggest that a combination of atorvastatin and celecoxib may be a good candidate for chemoprevention in Fanconi anemia.
Stability and Change in Self–Control during the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: van Scheppingen Manon A. , Denissen Jaap J.A. , Bleidorn Wiebke
Published: September 2018

Self–control is associated with a variety of positive life outcomes, including relationship satisfaction, health, educational achievement, and avoiding criminal behaviour. A largely unanswered question concerns the extent to which self–control changes across the lifespan and in response to major life events. The present research used prospective four–wave data from 539 Dutch individuals to examine the self–control trajectory of first–time parents ( n = 246) as compared with individuals who did not have children during the research period ( n = 293). New parents (especially mothers) reported higher levels of self–control before birth (i.e. during pregnancy) than did nonparents. New mothers showed significant non–linear decreases in self–control, which were especially strong from pregnancy until 6 months after childbirth. New fathers’ self–control remained largely stable. Furthermore, pregnancy–related stress was associated with lower self–control levels during pregnancy in both first–time mothers and fathers. Higher levels of work–family conflict and family–related stress were associated with lower self–control after childbirth in new fathers, but not in new mothers. These results indicate that major life transitions may be linked to changes in adult self–control. Discussion focuses on the implications of the results for theory and research on the development of self–control in adulthood.
Modular LED arrays for large area solar simulation
Authors: Al‐Ahmad Alaa Y. , Holdsworth John , Vaughan Ben , Sharafutdinova Galiya , Zhou Xiaojing , Belcher Warwick J. , Dastoor Paul C.
Published: September 2018

A modular array of light emitting diodes of six different wavelengths is modelled and experimentally tested to provide Class AAA solar simulator illumination over an area of 20 cm2. The module demonstrates uniform distribution of light flux density across the sample test plane region, achieving Class A AM 1.5 G irradiance (100 mW/cm2) across the 400 to 1100‐nm wavelength range. The new system has a spectral match of 99.5%, a spatial non‐uniformity of 2.0%, and a temporal instability of <0.2%. The performance of the design (which will allow for large area simulators to be cheaply assembled from multiple modules) is then critically assessed in terms of the existing solar simulator standards and benchmarked against a conventional simulator.
Strong and tough hydrogels crosslinked by multi‐functional polymer colloids
Authors: Fu Jun
Published: September 2018

Tough polymer hydrogels have great potential applications in soft actuators, artificial muscles, tissue engineering, and so forth. To improve the strength and toughness of hydrogels, numerous strategies have been developed to integrate efficient energy dissipation mechanisms into the hydrophilic networks. Among them, the use of macro‐crosslinkers to replace conventional chemical ones has become promising to develop tough hydrogels. Polymer colloids—including nano‐/microparticles, nano‐/microgels, hydrophobic associates, and block copolymer assemblies—have been employed in literature as multi‐functional macro‐crosslinkers that link polymer chains through covalent bonds or noncovalent interactions. The dislocation, deformation, desociation, and rupture of polymer colloids upon loadings are the major mechanisms to dissipate energy. This article provides a comprehensive account of most recent progresses on tough hydrogels crosslinked by polymer colloids, and explores the toughening mechanisms. It aims to inspire novel designs of tough hydrogels with multi‐functionalities. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1336–1350
Combining Higher Efficiency with Lower Costs: an Alternative Hexamine‐Based White Smoke Signal
Authors: Küblböck Teresa , Klapötke Thomas M.
Published: September 2018

The effect of applying hexamine as main fuel in terephthalic acid‐based white smoke formulations is discussed. For this reason, a simple four ingredients mixture only consisting of terephthalic acid, hexamine, potassium chlorate and a magnesium carbonate derivative was introduced. We started from a minimum amount of dye and constantly increased the dye percentage in 5.0 wt‐% steps to investigate the influence on emerging smoke properties. This procedure ensures that the amount of dye present in the aerosol can be optimized to obtain the most persistent, thick white smoke cloud. Previous research on white smokes in our group indicated an overall higher smoke performance in terms of efficiency and advanced persistence by using 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole as main fuel instead of sugar. From a costs point of view, hexamine would be favored, since it offers a low‐cost alternative to 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their response to pesticides
Authors: Hage‐Ahmed Karin , Rosner Kathrin , Steinkellner Siegrid
Published: September 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbioses with the majority of plant species and can provide multiple benefits to the host plant. In agro‐ecosystems, the abundance and community structure of AMF are affected by agricultural management practices. This review describes and discusses current knowledge on the effects of inorganic and organic chemical pesticides on AMF in the conflicting area between agricultural use and environmental concerns. Variable effects have been reported following chemical pesticide use, ranging from neutral to positive and negative. Moreover, a species‐specific reaction has been documented. The reported effects of pesticides on arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis are very diverse, and even when the same substance is investigated, the results are often contradictory. These effects depend on many parameters, such as the active substance, the mode of action, the mode of application and the dosage. In the field, determinants such as the physico‐chemical behavior of the active substances, the soil type and other soil microorganisms contribute to the fate of pesticides and thus the amount of active substances to which AMF are exposed. This review highlights that the fate of AMF following pesticide use needs to be addressed in a broader agro‐ecosystem context. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Long‐term monitoring and characterization of resistance to chlorfenapyr in Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) from China
Authors: Wang Xingliang , Wang Jing , Cao Xiaowei , Wang Falong , Yang Yihua , Wu Shuwen , Wu Yidong
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Plutella xylostella (L.) is a worldwide pest of crucifer crops. Chlorfenapyr has been used extensively to manage several insect pests in vegetables, including P. xylostella. In this study, 48 field populations were collected from 11 geographic locations of China from 2008 to 2017 for resistance monitoring to chlorfenapyr. Inheritance and synergism of chlorfenapyr resistance were characterized in a field‐derived population.

RESULTS

Compared with the susceptible SZ strain, 33 of 39 populations collected from Eastern China were susceptible or developed low levels of resistance to chlorfenapyr (< 10‐fold), five populations developed mid‐level resistance (11–33‐fold), and only one population had high level resistance (208‐fold). However, seven of nine populations sampled from Southern China evolved 136–334‐fold resistance. Interestingly, the dynamic of the median lethal concentration (LC50) values from four continuous sampling sites (NJ, HF, JN and KS) showed a sharp increase in 2009, which implies that adults may have immigrated from chlorfenapyr‐resistant regions. A highly resistant field population (GZ15) was further studied. By crossing the GZ15 and susceptible SZ strains we showed that resistance to chlorfenapyr was autosomally inherited and incompletely dominant. Synergism bioassays revealed that metabolic detoxification might not be responsible for chlorfenapyr resistance in the GZ15 population.

CONCLUSIONS

Some field populations of P. xylostella from China have evolved high levels of resistance to chlorfenapyr. Field‐evolved resistance to chlorfenapyr is autosomal and dominant in the GZ15 population. These findings provide useful information for the design of effective resistance management strategies against P. xylostella in the field. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Theory of Exciton–Exciton Interactions in Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Katsch Florian , Selig Malte , Carmele Alexander , Knorr Andreas
Published: September 2018

Two‐dimensional layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) represent semiconductors with a complex single‐particle bandstructure and reduce screening of the three‐dimensional Coulomb interaction. The efficient Coulomb interaction causes optical excitations close to the band edge to be dominated by strongly correlated, bound electron–hole pairs, called excitons. Here, a theoretical formalism is presented to efficiently describe the optical dynamics of atomically thin TMDCs in a naturally adapted two particle exciton basis. As an example, Coulomb intravalley coupling, intervalley exchange, as well as intrinsic and Dexter‐like intervalley interactions are discussed in Hartree–Fock approximation.
An accurate analytical formula for the van der Waals potentials of homonuclear rare‐gas dimers with one adjustable parameter
Authors: Sheng Xiaowei , Zhu Hongjuan , Zhang Zixuan , Zhang Danyang , Lu Jingyang , Xiao Jianping
Published: September 2018

In the present article, the Tang–Toennies–Yiu (TTY) potential model is modified by introducing one adjustable parameter. Then, the van der Waals potentials of He2, Ne2, Ar2, Kr2, and Xe2 are calculated by this model with the adjustable parameter being determined by the well determined well depth De of these systems. Based on the derived potentials, the vibrational energy spacings of these systems are also calculated. It is shown that the present derived potentials and vibrational energy spacings agree well with experiment and other theoretical calculations. Finally, the normalization constant A in the asymptotic wave function of rare‐gas atoms is estimated. The present derived normalization constant A is very close to the one by calculating the ratio between the Hartree–Fock function and the asymptotic wave function. The results confirm that absorbing the first‐order polarization energy into the exchange energy expression is a well approximation for the present systems.
Fixed‐time stabilization of uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems via a bi‐limit–like strategy
Authors: Yang Haijiao , Ye Dan
Published: September 2018

This paper concerns the fixed‐time stabilization problem for uncertain strict‐feedback nonlinear systems. Generally, the so‐called fixed‐time stabilization is an extended concept of global finite‐time stabilization. By using fixed‐time controller, the convergence time of the closed‐loop system can be pre‐set by adjusting design parameters, which has more practical application values. The idea of bi‐limit homogeneity has been introduced to design the fixed‐time controller with two terms, whose orders are tuning by a bi‐limit–like strategy. That is the orders of the two terms are less than 1 and more than 1, respectively. Meanwhile, by utilizing power integral terms in the controller, the problem arising from the growth rates of uncertain nonlinear functions can also be solved. Based on appropriate Lyapunov function and backstepping technology, the parameters of the controller are finally determined, and the developed controller ensures the stabilization of system within a fixed time. Stability analysis and simulation results are respectively given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Higher Pericyte Content and Secretory Activity of Microfragmented Human Adipose Tissue Compared to Enzymatically Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction
Authors: Vezzani Bianca , Shaw Isaac , Lesme Hanna , Yong Li , Khan Nusrat , Tremolada Carlo , Péault Bruno
Published: September 2018

Autologous adipose tissue is used for tissue repletion and/or regeneration as an intact lipoaspirate or as enzymatically derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which may be first cultured into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Alternatively, transplant of autologous adipose tissue mechanically fragmented into submillimeter clusters has recently showed remarkable efficacy in diverse therapeutic indications. To document the biologic basis of the regenerative potential of microfragmented adipose tissue, we first analyzed the distribution of perivascular presumptive MSCs in adipose tissue processed with the Lipogems technology, observing a significant enrichment in pericytes, at the expense of adventitial cells, as compared to isogenic enzymatically processed lipoaspirates. The importance of MSCs as trophic and immunomodulatory cells, due to the secretion of specific factors, has been described. Therefore, we investigated protein secretion by cultured adipose tissue clusters or enzymatically derived SVF using secretome arrays. In culture, microfragmented adipose tissue releases many more growth factors and cytokines involved in tissue repair and regeneration, noticeably via angiogenesis, compared to isogenic SVF. Therefore, we suggest that the efficient tissue repair/regeneration observed after transplantation of microfragmented adipose tissue is due to the secretory ability of the intact perivascular niche.
Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyridines and Indoles by a Palladium‐Catalyzed Catellani‐type Alkylation‐Alkenylation Sequence
Authors: Fu Jingjing , Gao Yadong , Qi Xiangbing , Jiang Chao
Published: September 2018

The C−H functionalization of heterocycles has attracted extensive attention recently due to the ubiquity of substituted heterocycles in natural products, drugs, and other bioactive molecules. The Catellani‐type C−H functionalization, which is a palladium‐catalyzed and norbornene‐mediated coupling process, can properly overcome the metal poisoning between hetero atoms and metal catalyst. Based on this fact, we developed a method to efficiently build multiple C−C bonds on the pyridine and indole substrates by one‐pot process and finally achieved ortho‐alkylation/ipso‐alkenylation in moderate to good yields.
Investigation of Detergent‐Modified Enzymomimetic Activities of TEMED‐Templated Nanoceria Towards Fluorescent Detection of Their Cellular Uptake
Authors: Peskova Marie , Heger Zbynek , Dostalova Simona , Fojtu Michaela , Castkova Klara , Ilkovics Ladislav , Vykoukal Vit , Pekarik Vladimir
Published: September 2018

Ceria nanoparticles can catalyze many redox reactions that resemble reactions catalyzed by naturally occurring enzymes, such as peroxidase, catalase, haloperoxidase or phosphatase. This makes nanoceria an attractive material for biomedical and sensing applications. Presence of detergents dramatically affects the catalytic activity of nanoceria. The catalytic activity is also strongly influenced by biogenic compounds present in the sample. Furthermore, biomedical applications are hindered by the difficulties to detect nanoceria uptake by cells. Therefore, we have developed a new fast and sensitive fluorescent haloperoxidase assay based on fluorescein bromination in presence of CTAB to detect uptake of CeO2 nanoparticles by cells in vitro. Moreover, catalytic activities of standard nanoceria (CeO2) were compared to nanoceria hydrates (CeO2.xH2O) that are easier for preparation and might be stabilized by biologically relevant molecules allowing for a specific targeting to cells or tissues. We have developed a new approach to produce CeO2.xH2O in presence of TEMED and analyzed whether the presence of H2O2 during the synthesis influences the catalytic activity of produced particles.
Pectin from Black Tomato Pomace: Characterization, Interaction with Gallotannin, and Emulsifying Stability Properties
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xie Fan , Liu Xiaohui , Luo Jing , Wu Jinhong , Wang Zhengwu
Published: September 2018

Hydrochloric acid and ammonium oxalate are used to refine pectin from black tomato pomace. The characterization of pectin‐yield, galacturonic acid (GalA) content, degree of methoxylation, neutral sugar composition and molecular weight, interaction with gallotannin as well as emulsion stability are investigated. Hydrochloric acid‐extracted pectin (HEP) and chelating agent‐extracted pectin (ChEP) satisfy the commercial pectin requirements (GalA% > 65%) and are smooth pectin with high homogalacturonan segments (70.6 and 65.4%, respectively). As the structure results suggest, HEP has fewer and shorter branches compared with ChEP. As titration results suggest, gallotannin is bound by pectin and forms insoluble gallotannin–pectin complexes, the maximum combination gallotannin to pectin mass ratios are 0.28 and 0.47 for HEP and ChEP, respectively. Yet as distribution of volume‐weighted diameter, micrographs and values of surface‐weighted diameter suggest, the emulsions stabilized by HEP show better stability than ChEP. The study shows that ChEP is a better additive in beverages containing gallotannin, while HEP has better emulsifying stability.
ZrO2 functionalized graphene Oxide/SEBS‐Based nanocomposites for efficient electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Sun Pei Pei , Shao Xiaoming , Liu Xiaolin , Zhao Zheng , Li Lin , Xin Zhenxiang
Published: September 2018

ZrO2‐coated graphene oxide (GO)/SEBS(styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene)‐based nanocomposites were prepared for use as an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding material. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals almost every individual GO is fully and homogeneously covered with uniform ZrO2. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed increased ordering of ‐(CH2‐CH2)n segments in the poly(ethylene‐co‐1‐butene) block of the SEBS matrix in the case of SEBS/ZrO2‐coated graphene oxide composites than in the SEBS/pristine graphene oxide nanocomposite. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) proved better oxidation resistance of SEBS/ZrO2‐coated GO nanocomposite compared to that of SEBS/pristine GO nanocomposite. The present nanocomposites exhibited excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) over X‐band (8.2 GHz–12.4 GHz) with EMI SE of 37.9 dB. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:E130–E136, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Context‐dependent regulation of receptor tyrosine kinases: Insights from systems biology approaches
Authors: Lam Inez , Pickering Christina M. , Mac Gabhann Feilim
Published: September 2018

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are cell membrane proteins that provide cells with the ability to sense proteins in their environments. Many RTKs are essential to development and organ growth. Derangement of RTKs—by mutation or by overexpression—is central to several developmental and adult disorders including cancer, short stature, and vascular pathologies. The mechanism of action of RTKs is complex and is regulated by contextual components, including the existence of multiple competing ligands and receptors in many families, the intracellular location of the RTK, the dynamic and cell‐specific coexpression of other RTKs, and the commonality of downstream signaling pathways. This means that both the state of the cell and the microenvironment outside the cell play a role, which makes sense given the pivotal location of RTKs as the nexus linking the extracellular milieu to intracellular signaling and modification of cell behavior. In this review, we describe these different contextual components through the lens of systems biology, in which both computational modeling and experimental “omics” approaches have been used to better understand RTK networks. The complexity of these networks is such that using these systems biology approaches is necessary to get a handle on the mechanisms of pathology and the design of therapeutics targeting RTKs. In particular, we describe in detail three concrete examples (involving ErbB3, VEGFR2, and AXL) that illustrate how systems approaches can reveal key mechanistic and therapeutic insights.

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Therapeutic Methods
The mammalian mycobiome: A complex system in a dynamic relationship with the host
Authors: Lai Ghee Chuan , Tan Tze Guan , Pavelka Norman
Published: September 2018

Mammalian barrier surfaces are densely populated by symbiont fungi in much the same way the former are colonized by symbiont bacteria. The fungal microbiota, otherwise known as the mycobiota, is increasingly recognized as a critical player in the maintenance of health and homeostasis of the host. Here we discuss the impact of the mycobiota on host physiology and disease, the factors influencing mycobiota composition, and the current technologies used for identifying symbiont fungal species. Understanding the tripartite interactions among the host, mycobiota, and other members of the microbiota, will help to guide the development of novel prevention and therapeutic strategies for a variety of human diseases.

This article is categorized under:

Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organismal Models
The Fluoroperovskite TlMnF3
Authors: Conrad Matthias , Pietzonka Clemens , Bernzen Janek , Motta Viviana , Weitzel Karl‐Michael , Karttunen Antti J. , Kraus Florian
Published: September 2018

TlMnF3 was obtained from the reduction of Tl3MnF6 under liquid ammonia, in which MnIII is obviously not redox‐stable under the applied conditions. The crystal structure of TlMnF3 was determined on a single crystal using X‐ray diffraction. The previously reported structure model was deduced from powder X‐ray diffraction data only and therefore a much higher precision has been reached now. The compound crystallizes in the shape of colorless cubes with lattice parameters a = 4.2370(4) Å, V = 76.06(2) Å3 with Z = 1 at T = 140 K in the perovskite structure type (Pm3m, no. 221). At room temperature (T = 293 K), the lattice parameter of the slightly pink, almost colorless powderous compound is a = 4.2535(2) Å, V = 76.953(4) Å3. As the displacement parameter of the Tl atom was observed being rather large in comparison to the other atoms, the CAIT technique was used to demonstrate the mobility of the Tl cations. Additionally, quantum chemical calculations were carried out to further investigate the behavior of the Tl atoms. We calculate that most of the Tl atoms vibrate already at 75 K. Magnetic measurements showed that TlMnF3 is an antiferromagnet with TN = 82 K and a Weiss temperature θ of –151.2(2) K.
Universal quark to gluon ratio in medium-induced parton cascade
Authors: Mehtar-Tani Yacine , Schlichting Soeren
Published: September 2018

Abstract

We investigate the radiative break-up of a highly energetic quark or gluon in a high-temperature QCD plasma. Within an inertial range of momenta T ≪ ω ≪ E, where E denotes the energy of the original hard parton (jet) and T the temperature of the medium, we find that, as a result of the turbulent nature of the underlying parton cascade, the quark to gluon ratio of the soft fragments tends to a universal constant value that is independent of the initial conditions. We discuss implications of this result to jet quenching physics and the problem of thermalization of the quark-gluon plasma in heavy ion collisions.
Correction to: Aortic remodeling with frozen elephant trunk technique for Stanford type A aortic dissection using Japanese J-graft open stent graft
Authors: Tochii Masato , Takami Yoshiyuki , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Ishida Michiko , Higuchi Yoshiro , Sakurai Yusuke , Amano Kentaro , Takagi Yasushi
Published: September 2018

The article Aortic remodeling with frozen elephant trunk technique for Stanford type A aortic dissection using Japanese J-graft open stent graft, written by Masato Tochii, Yoshiyuki Takami, Hiroshi Ishikawa, Michiko Ishida, Yoshiro Higuchi, Yusuke Sakurai, Kentaro Amano and Yasushi Takagi was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 06 September 2018 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 26 September 2018 to © The Author(s) 2018 and the article is forthwith distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, duplication, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. In addition, the Table 2 was published incorrectly in the original publication of the article and the correct Table 2 is provided.
PlaD: A Transcriptomics Database for Plant Defense Responses to Pathogens, Providing New Insights into Plant Immune System
Authors: Qi Huan , Jiang Zhenhong , Zhang Kang , Yang Shiping , He Fei , Zhang Ziding
Published: September 2018

High-throughput transcriptomics technologies have been widely used to study plant transcriptional reprogramming during the process of plant defense responses, and a large quantity of gene expression data have been accumulated in public repositories. However, utilization of these data is often hampered by the lack of standard metadata annotation. In this study, we curated 2444 public pathogenesis-related gene expression samples from the model plant Arabidopsis and three major crops (maize, rice, and wheat). We organized the data into a user-friendly database termed as PlaD. Currently, PlaD contains three key features. First, it provides large-scale curated data related to plant defense responses, including gene expression and gene functional annotation data. Second, it provides the visualization of condition-specific expression profiles. Third, it allows users to search co-regulated genes under the infections of various pathogens. Using PlaD, we conducted a large-scale transcriptome analysis to explore the global landscape of gene expression in the curated data. We found that only a small fraction of genes were differentially expressed under multiple conditions, which might be explained by their tendency of having more network connections and shorter network distances in gene networks. Collectively, we hope that PlaD can serve as an important and comprehensive knowledgebase to the community of plant sciences, providing insightful clues to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying plant immune responses. PlaD is freely available at http://systbio.cau.edu.cn/plad/index.php or http://zzdlab.com/plad/index.php.
The positive effects of an antimicrobial stewardship program targeting outpatient hemodialysis facilities
Authors: D’Agata Erika M. C. , Lindberg Curt C. , Lindberg Claire M. , Downham Gemma , Esposito Brandi , Shemin Douglas , Rosen Sophia
Published: September 2018

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship programs are effective in optimizing antimicrobial prescribing patterns and decreasing the negative outcomes of antimicrobial exposure, including the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms. In dialysis facilities, 30%–35% of antimicrobials are either not indicated or the type of antimicrobial is not optimal. Although antimicrobial stewardship programs are now implemented nationwide in hospital settings, programs specific to the maintenance dialysis facilities have not been developed.

Objective

To quantify the effect of an antimicrobial stewardship program in reducing antimicrobial prescribing.

Study design and setting

An interrupted time-series study in 6 outpatient hemodialysis facilities was conducted in which mean monthly antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months during the 12 months prior to the program were compared to those in the 12-month intervention period.

Results

Implementation of the antimicrobial stewardship program was associated with a 6% monthly reduction in antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months during the intervention period (P=.02). The initial mean of 22.6 antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months decreased to a mean of 10.5 antimicrobial doses per 100 patient months at the end of the intervention. There were no significant changes in antimicrobial use by type, including vancomycin. Antimicrobial adjustments were recommended for 30 of 145 antimicrobial courses (20.6%) for which there were sufficient clinical data. The most frequent reasons for adjustment included de-escalation from vancomycin to cefazolin for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus infections and discontinuation of antimicrobials when criteria for presumed infection were not met.

Conclusions

Within 6 hemodialysis facilities, implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship was associated with a decline in antimicrobial prescribing with no negative effects.
A two-dimensional glacier–fjord coupled model applied to estimate submarine melt rates and front position changes of Hansbreen, Svalbard
Authors: DE ANDRÉS E. , OTERO J. , NAVARRO F. , PROMIŃSKA A. , LAPAZARAN J. , WALCZOWSKI W.
Published: September 2018

We have developed a two-dimensional coupled glacier–fjord model, which runs automatically using Elmer/Ice and MITgcm software packages, to investigate the magnitude of submarine melting along a vertical glacier front and its potential influence on glacier calving and front position changes. We apply this model to simulate the Hansbreen glacier–Hansbukta proglacial–fjord system, Southwestern Svalbard, during the summer of 2010. The limited size of this system allows us to resolve some of the small-scale processes occurring at the ice–ocean interface in the fjord model, using a 0.5 s time step and a 1 m grid resolution near the glacier front. We use a rich set of field data spanning the period April–August 2010 to constrain, calibrate and validate the model. We adjust circulation patterns in the fjord by tuning subglacial discharge inputs that best match observed temperature while maintaining a compromise with observed salinity, suggesting a convectively driven circulation in Hansbukta. The results of our model simulations suggest that both submarine melting and crevasse hydrofracturing exert important controls on seasonal frontal ablation, with submarine melting alone not being sufficient for reproducing the observed patterns of seasonal retreat. Both submarine melt and calving rates accumulated along the entire simulation period are of the same order of magnitude, ~100 m. The model results also indicate that changes in submarine melting lag meltwater production by 4–5 weeks, which suggests that it may take up to a month for meltwater to traverse the englacial and subglacial drainage network.
Messy Data, Robust Inference? Navigating Obstacles to Inference with bigKRLS
Authors: Mohanty Pete , Shaffer Robert
Published: September 2018

Complex models are of increasing interest to social scientists. Researchers interested in prediction generally favor flexible, robust approaches, while those interested in causation are often interested in modeling nuanced treatment structures and confounding relationships. Unfortunately, estimators of complex models often scale poorly, especially if they seek to maintain interpretability. In this paper, we present an example of such a conundrum and show how optimization can alleviate the worst of these concerns. Specifically, we introducebigKRLS, which offers a variety of statistical and computational improvements to the Hainmueller and Hazlett (2013) Kernel-Regularized Least Squares (KRLS) approach. As part of our improvements, we decrease the estimator’s single-core runtime by 50% and reduce the estimator’s peak memory usage by an order of magnitude. We also improve uncertainty estimates for the model’s average marginal effect estimates—which we test both in simulation and in practice—and introduce new visual and statistical tools designed to assist with inference under the model. We further demonstrate the value of our improvements through an analysis of the 2016 presidential election, an analysis that would have been impractical or even infeasible for many users with existing software.