bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and validation of co-expression vector for rice alpha tubulin and microtubule associated protein respectively fused with fluorescent proteins
Authors: Xu Chenshan , Zhu Xiaoli , Xu Aihong , Song Jian , Liang Shuxia
Published: September 2024

Microtubule (MT) consists of α-tubulin and β-tubulin. The dynamic instability regulated by various microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) is essential for MT functions. To analyze the interaction between tubulin/MT and MAP in vivo, we usually need tubulin and MAP co-expressed. Here, we constructed a dual-transgene vector expressing rice (Oryza sativa) α-tubulin and MAP simultaneously. To construct this vector, plant expression vector pCambia1301 was used as the plasmid backbone and Gibson assembly cloning technology was used. We first fused and cloned the GFP fragment, α-tubulin open reading frame (ORF), and NOS terminator into the vector pCambia1301 to construct the p35S::GFP-α-tubulin vector that expressed GFP-α-tubulin fusion protein. Subsequently, we fused and cloned the CaMV 35S promoter, mCherry fragment, and NOS terminator into the p35S::GFP-α-tubulin vector to generate the universal dual-transgene expression vector (p35S::GFP-α-tubulin-p35S::mCherry vector). With the p35S::GFP-α-tubulin-p35S::mCherry vector, MAP ORF can be cloned into the site of 5′ or 3′ terminus of mCherry to co-express GFP-α-tubulin and MAP-mCherry/mCherry-MAP. To validate the availability and universality of the dual-transgene expression vector, a series of putative rice MAP genes including GL7, OsKCBP, OsCLASP, and OsMOR1 were cloned into the vector respectively, transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain, and expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The results indicated that all of the MAPs were co-expressed with α-tubulin and localized to MTs, validating the availability and universality of the vector and that GL7, OsKCBP, OsCLASP, and OsMOR1 might be MAPs. The application of the co-expression vector constructed by us would facilitate studies on the interaction between tubulin/MT and MAP in tobacco transient expression systems or transgenic rice.
Spatio-temporal modeling of co-dynamics of smallpox, measles, and pertussis in pre-healthcare Finland
Authors: Pasanen Tiia-Maria , Helske Jouni , Högmander Harri , Ketola Tarmo
Published: September 2024

Infections are known to interact as previous infections may have an effect on risk of succumbing to a new infection. The co-dynamics can be mediated by immunosuppression or modulation, shared environmental or climatic drivers, or competition for susceptible hosts. Research and statistical methods in epidemiology often concentrate on large pooled datasets, or high quality data from cities, leaving rural areas underrepresented in literature. Data considering rural populations are typically sparse and scarce, especially in the case of historical data sources, which may introduce considerable methodological challenges. In order to overcome many obstacles due to such data, we present a general Bayesian spatio-temporal model for disease co-dynamics. Applying the proposed model on historical (1820–1850) Finnish parish register data, we study the spread of infectious diseases in pre-healthcare Finland. We observe that measles, pertussis, and smallpox exhibit positively correlated dynamics, which could be attributed to immunosuppressive effects or, for example, the general weakening of the population due to recurring infections or poor nutritional conditions.
The impact of using social media to obtain political information on presidential approval The case of Chile, 2011-2021
Authors: Belmar Soto Jorge Diego , Faúndez Caicedo Vicente , Navia Patricio
Published: September 2024

Este trabajo evalúa el impacto del uso de las redes sociales para adquirir información política sobre la aprobación presidencial. Con base en la abundante literatura que asocia el uso de estas redes con el refuerzo de las opiniones entre las personas, postulamos una hipótesis que asocia el uso de las redes sociales para adquirir información política con posiciones más extremas sobre la aprobación presidencial. Las hipótesis se testearon utilizando datos de nueve encuestas nacionales realizadas en Chile –un país de ingresos mediano alto con acceso generalizado a Internet y un uso incipiente de las redes sociales– entre 2011 y 2021. Encontramos que adquirir información política en Facebook Twitter (desde 2023, X) se asocia positivamente con una menor aprobación presidencial. Esto es especialmente fuerte en el caso de la derecha cuando hay un presidente de derecha.
La enseñanza de la creatividad publicitaria en la universidad española
Authors: Baladrón-Pazos Antonio José , Manchado-Pérez Benjamín , Correyero-Ruiz Beatriz
Published: September 2024

Esta investigación buscó analizar la formación en la materia de creatividad publicitaria en la universidad española actual, centrándose en los 42 grados presenciales sobre Publicidad y Relaciones públicas impartidos en el curso 2023-2024. Entre 2175 asignaturas, se identificaron 138 de la materia de creatividad publicitaria. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo basado en la codificación de la información recogida en las guías docentes y su posterior tratamiento estadístico. Los resultados abordan cuestiones como el peso que las asignaturas de esta materia tienen en el conjunto de los planes de estudio de Publicidad y Relaciones públicas, su carácter eminentemente práctico –quizá influido por la renovación metodológica impulsada por la convergencia europea– y su dimensión genérica, al abordar en mayor grado cuestiones generales sobre la creatividad y los procesos de creación publicitarios. En menor medida se estudian aspectos más especializados sobre los dos ámbitos fundamentales de la creatividad publicitaria en el mundo profesional: dirección de arte y redacción publicitarias. Asimismo, se encontró una preponderancia de la formación privada frente a la impartida en centros públicos.
A polarização da educação no norte de Minas Gerais: um panorama sobre Montes Claros e as cidades de pequeno porte
Authors: Pales Raíssa Cota , Santos Gilmar Ribeiro dos , Condé Eduardo Antônio Salomão
Published: September 2024

Este trabalho trata da dependência dos habitantes das cidades de pequeno porte do Norte de Minas em relação à infraestrutura educacional de Montes Claros, cidade média-polo da região, acompanhando também as migrações pendulares, sazonais e definitivas. Pretendeu-se ainda abordar as consequências desses desequilíbrios, analisando as implicações, negativas e positivas, sociais, econômicas e políticas desse processo que levou a concentrar o desenvolvimento na cidade de Montes Claros e que deixou as demais cidades demasiadamente dependentes. Serão apresentados dados que indicam as desproporções entre os municípios norte-mineiros quando o assunto é ensino superior e que evidenciam a dependência dos habitantes das cidades de pequeno porte do Norte de Minas em relação a Montes Claros. O artigo contará com as estatísticas referentes ao percentual da população dos municípios norte-mineiros com ensino superior completo, número de Universidades presentes em alguns municípios norte-mineiros, quantidade de pessoas que se deslocam, através de ônibus estudantil, diariamente, para estudar em Montes Claros e o percentual de matrículas nas Universidades oriundas de pessoas naturais das cidades de pequeno porte do Norte de Minas.
Management of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. Hepper)
Authors: Malav Mohit , Babele J K , Malav Satyandra , Meena Chandra Mohan , Sharma Chandra Prakash
Published: September 2024

This study, which examines the management of Cercospora leaf spot disease in Urdbean, contributes to the benefit of agriculture by preventing the occurrence of plant diseases. The purpose of this study was to look into how various fungicides affected the management of Cercospora leaf spot in Urdbean. During the Kharif season of 2023, the study was conducted at the Rainfed Organic Agriculture Research Farm Narayan Bagh, which is part of the Department of Plant Pathology at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (Utter Pradesh). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Fungicides were foliar applied after the initiation of the disease. Results showed that among the tested treatments, including the control, carbendazim 50% WP @ 0.10 g/L (86.77%), followed by Trichoderma harzianum 1% WP @ 10 g/L (18.33%), propineb 70% WP @ 0.15 % (19.53%), propiconazole 25% WP @ 0.10 g/L (20.43%), Trichoderma + Pseudomonas @ 0.10 g/L (22.27 %), chlorothalonil 75% WP @ 0.15 % (23.60%), mancozeb 75% WP @ 0.20 % (24.50%), and Pseudomonas fluorescens 1% WP @ 10 g/L (33.27 %), they were significantly superior over control.
Construction of Knowledge Test to Measure the Knowledge Level of the Millet Farmers of Bundelkhand Region, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Maurya Navneet , Mishra Dheeraj , Mishra B. P , Rai Rahul Kumar , Ojha P. K , Verma A. P. , Gupta B. K. , Chandra Umesh , Pathak Deepak Kumar
Published: September 2024

Knowledge is the key to development and growth. It creates foundation for speedy adoption of agricultural innovations among the farmers. Millet being the most relevant crops of recent times, attracted farmers back to its cultivation. Extension systems initiated various programmes focusing on the increase in millet production and quality. Prior to this it is imperative to assess the knowledge level of the farmers about millet cultivation practices. With this background, the study was conducted to construct the knowledge test to determine the knowledge level of the Millet farmers in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The steps viz. selection of items, item analysis and pre testing, calculation of difficulty index, discrimination index and point bi-serial correlation, final selection of the items and also testing its reliability and validity were followed to develop a standardized knowledge test. The final knowledge test retained 32 items out 50 raw items. The test was found to be significantly reliable and valid which was indicated by high significant value of reliability coefficient and content validity.
Effect of Growing media on Germination and Seedling Growth of Four Different Varieties of Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum (L.)] in Khumaltar Lalitpur, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Santosh , Acharya Sapana , Adhikari Chiran , Chaurel Suman , Paudel Randhir
Published: September 2024

Aims: Food security is one of the global challenges in this developing world, and the quality of seedlings influences the overall production of vegetables. Thus, the core objective of the study was to determine the impact of various growing media on high-quality seedling production and to analyze whether these media were variety-specific or not.
Study Design: A two-factor factorial experiment using a completely randomized design (CRD) was conducted to assess the interaction effects of both factors.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the seedling production greenhouse of Vegetable Crops Development Centre-Khumaltar Lalitpur, Nepal in March, 2023.
Methodology:  Six different combinations of growing media: soil, sand + soil + FYM, sand + soil + vermicompost, coco peat, coco peat + FYM, and coco peat + vermicompost, and four different varieties of tomato: Srijana, Khumal-2, Khumal-3 and Monoprecos were tested in a two-factor factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications for each combination of treatments. 
Results: The results of this experiment revealed that seeds of all varieties of tomato on coco peat and vermicompost were successful in better seedling growth and seedling health. Also, growing media with coco peat led to a higher germination percentage (72.92%), lower mean germination time (8.922 days), and higher speed of germination (1.745). Coco peat + vermicompost showed superior seedling growth parameters, including shoot length (7.852 cm), root length (7.123 cm), root to shoot ratio (1.161), dry weight (0.1781 g), fresh weight (1.483 g), and dry matter accumulation (12.90%). Among the varieties, Monoprecos exhibited the highest germination percentage (66.1%) and seed vigor index (933.8), although it had the highest mean germination time (10.26 days). Shoot length, speed of germination, root length, and root to shoot ratio were statistically similar among varieties. Fresh and dry weights were higher in the Srijana variety, while dry matter accumulation did not vary significantly among varieties.
Conclusion: Vermicompost in the presence of coco peat has a significant impact on the germination and growth of tomato seedlings. No variety-specific growing media was recommended for seedling production in tomatoes. Based on the results, it is recommended to explore the effect of different compositions of vermicompost on tomato seedlings for healthy seedling production.
Effect of Sewage Sludge, Sewage Sludge Compost and Sewage Sludge Biochar on Heavy Metal and It Fractions
Authors: M R Rehana , R Gladis , B Rani , Joseph Biju , Leno Naveen , I Priya Kumari
Published: September 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge (SS), sewage sludge compost (SSC) and sewage sludge Biochar (Sewchar, SC) on the heavy metal content and its fractions. The preparation of sewage sludge compost, Sewchar and incubation study were done in Completely Randomized Block Design. The study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, India. Experimental method was employed to study the effect of composting and pyrolysis on the total, available and heavy metal fractions. Sewage sludge compost was prepared by using sewage sludge, sawdust and zeolite in the ratio 50: 30: 20 and for the adjustment of pH 2.5 kg flyash was used. Sewchar was prepared through the process of slow pyrolysis at a temperature of 400℃ for 2 hours using the muffle furnace. An incubation experiment was conducted by using different ratios of sewage sludge Biochar, sewage sludge and sewage sludge compost and maintained at field capacity for 180 days. The experimental results showed that conversion of sewage sludge to Sewchar causes the enrichment of total nutrients (except N) and heavy metals in them. Total Cd and Cr in the sewchar increased (Cd – 10.80 mg kg-1 and Cr – 113.20 mg kg-1) during the pyrolysis process and a reduction during the composting (Cd – 5.41 mg kg-1 and Cr – 47 mg kg-1) process was observed. Composting and pyrolysis decreased the available Cd and Cr content in the incubation soil compared to the sewage sludge amended soil. Fractionation studies also showed that there was a reduction in the unstable fractions of Cd and Cr as the incubation days progressed from 0 to 180 days. Composting and pyrolysis can be considered as an effective way to decrease the availability of heavy metals as it can convert the unstable fractions of heavy metals to stable fractions. The increased surface area, porosity and presence of oxygen containing functional groups sewchar can be used for the remediation of polluted soils.
miR‐429 is involved in regulation of NF‐κBactivity by targeting IKKβ and suppresses oncogenic activity in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Fan Jing‐yi , Fan Ya‐jie , Wang Xiang‐ling , Xie Hong , Gao Hui‐jie , Zhang Yi , Liu Min , Tang Hua
Published: November 2016

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) can contribute to tumorigenesis in cancers. In this study, we found that miR‐429 was downregulated in cervical cancer (CC) tissues and suppressed cell viability and proliferation while promoting apoptosis in CC cells. IKKβ was a novel target gene of miR‐429 and ectopic expression of IKKβ abrogated the phenotypes induced by miR‐429. When IKKβ was downregulated by miR‐429, nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathway activation, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interferon‐β (IFN‐β) production were decreased in CC cells. These findings indicate that miR‐429 is involved in regulation of the NF‐κB pathway by targeting IKKβ and functions as a tumor suppressor in cervical carcinogenesis.
Signals of astronomical climate forcing in the exposure topography of the North Polar Layered Deposits of Mars
Authors: Becerra Patricio , Sori Michael M. , Byrne Shane
Published: November 2016

Using high‐resolution topography, we link the stratigraphy of layered ice deposits at the north pole of Mars to astronomically driven climate variability. Observations of trough exposures within these deposits are used to construct virtual ice cores at 16 sites, to which we apply wavelet analysis to identify periodicities in layer properties. To confidently relate these periodicities to climatic forcing, we identify overlapping dominant stratigraphic wavelengths and compare their ratios to that of the two dominant modes of insolation variability. The average ratio of stratigraphic wavelengths in the profiles is 1.9 ± 0.1, lower than the ratio of 2.3 between dominant insolation periodicities. A similar analysis of synthetic stratigraphic profiles created with a climate‐driven model of ice and dust accumulation shows that this lower stratigraphic ratio is a natural consequence of time‐variable ice accumulation rates.
Afterslip following the 2007 Mw 8.4 Bengkulu earthquake in Sumatra loaded the 2010 Mw 7.8 Mentawai tsunami earthquake rupture zone
Authors: Tsang Louisa L. H. , Hill Emma M. , Barbot Sylvain , Qiu Qiang , Feng Lujia , Hermawan Iwan , Banerjee Paramesh , Natawidjaja Danny H.
Published: November 2016

The 12 September 2007 Mw 8.4 Bengkulu earthquake in Sumatra marked the first in a modern series of large earthquakes along the Mentawai section of the Sunda megathrust. Understanding the spatial distribution of coseismic slip and ensuing afterslip is important for assessing seismic hazard in neighboring unruptured regions of the megathrust. We reestimate the spatial distribution of coseismic slip during this earthquake with improved coseismic offsets from the Sumatran GPS Array (SuGAr) and estimate afterslip following this earthquake with SuGAr postseismic time series spanning ∼6.3 years after the earthquake. We invert for the spatiotemporal distribution of afterslip with the principal component analysis‐based inversion method (PCAIM), and we take into account viscoelastic deformation by incorporating into the inversion the estimation of strain within ductile deforming blocks located at asthenospheric depths. Our results suggest cumulative afterslip concentrated within, updip, and downdip of the 2007 coseismic rupture area and shallow afterslip that borders and overlaps the 2010 Mw 7.8 Mentawai earthquake rupture zone. The cumulative contribution of stress changes due to the coseismic event and the ensuing afterslip likely increased strain rates in the shallow portion of the megathrust adjacent to the Mentawai earthquake rupture area, potentially promoting its rupture in 2010.
Evolution of the lithosphere in the Indian Ocean from combined earthquake and ambient noise tomography
Authors: Ma Zhitu , Dalton Colleen A.
Published: November 2016

Rayleigh wave dispersion extracted from ambient seismic noise has been widely used to image crustal and uppermost mantle structure. Applications of this approach in continental settings are abundant, but there have been relatively few studies within ocean basins. By cross‐correlating ambient noise recorded at broadband seismic stations around the Indian Ocean, we demonstrate the feasibility of extracting high‐quality, long‐period (10–30 mHz) Rayleigh waves that traverse the entire ocean basin. High‐quality Rayleigh wave cross‐correlation functions can be obtained from stacking waveforms over less than 2 years at land stations and less than 4 years at island stations. We show that adding the dispersion information extracted from ambient noise to a global earthquake data set can improve the resolution of phase velocity maps by about 20% in the northern Indian Ocean, where the station distribution is the best. We find that a plate cooling model with a potential temperature of 1450°C and plate thickness of 125 km can fit both the seismic observations and seafloor topography. The Seychelles‐Mascarene Plateau is characterized by anomalously slow velocity at 30 mHz. The inclusion of ambient noise data in the tomographic inversion shifts the slow velocity anomaly into better agreement with the topographic relief, allowing us to estimate its crustal thickness and confirm that the plateau's elevation is supported by thick crust. The 10 and 20 mHz phase velocity maps show a strong asymmetry across the Central Indian Ridge that is best explained by eastward asthenospheric flow emanating from nearby hot spots.
Salinity controls on Na incorporation in Red Sea planktonic foraminifera
Authors: Mezger E. M. , de Nooijer L. J. , Boer W. , Brummer G. J. A. , Reichart G. J.
Published: November 2016

Whereas several well‐established proxies are available for reconstructing past temperatures, salinity remains challenging to assess. Reconstructions based on the combination of (in)organic temperature proxies and foraminiferal stable oxygen isotopes result in relatively large uncertainties, which may be reduced by application of a direct salinity proxy. Cultured benthic and planktonic foraminifera showed that Na incorporation in foraminiferal shell calcite provides a potential independent proxy for salinity. Here we present the first field calibration of such a potential proxy. Living planktonic foraminiferal specimens from the Red Sea surface waters were collected and analyzed for their Na/Ca content using laser ablation quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Using the Red Sea as a natural laboratory, the calibration covers a broad range of salinities over a steep gradient within the same water mass. For both Globigerinoides ruber and Globigerinoides sacculifer calcite Na/Ca increases with salinity, albeit with a relatively large intraspecimen and interspecimen variability. The field‐based calibration is similar for both species from a salinity of ~36.8 up to ~39.6, while values for G. sacculifer deviate from this trend in the northernmost transect. It is hypothesized that the foraminifera in the northernmost part of the Red Sea are (partly) expatriated and hence should be excluded from the Na/Ca‐salinity calibration. Incorporation of Na in foraminiferal calcite therefore provides a potential proxy for salinity, although species‐specific calibrations are still required and more research on the effect of temperature is needed.
Estimating refractivity from propagation loss in turbulent media
Authors: Wagner Mark , Gerstoft Peter , Rogers Ted
Published: November 2016

This paper estimates lower atmospheric refractivity (M‐profile) given an electromagnetic (EM) propagation loss (PL) measurement. Specifically, height‐independent PL measurements over a range of 10–80 km are used to infer information about the existence and potential parameters of atmospheric ducts in the lowest 1 km of the atmosphere. The main improvement made on previous refractivity estimations is inclusion of range‐dependent fluctuations due to turbulence in the forward propagation model. Using this framework, the maximum likelihood (ML) estimate of atmospheric refractivity has good accuracy, and with prior information about ducting the maximum a priori (MAP) refractivity estimate can be found. Monte Carlo methods are used to estimate the mean and covariance of PL, which are fed into a Gaussian likelihood function for evaluation of estimated refractivity probability. Comparisons were made between inversions performed on propagation loss data simulated by a wide angle parabolic equation (PE) propagation model with added homogeneous and inhomogeneous turbulence. It was found that the turbulence models produce significantly different results, suggesting that accurate modeling of turbulence is key.
Reassessing the MADE direct‐push hydraulic conductivity data using a revised calibration procedure
Authors: Bohling Geoffrey C. , Liu Gaisheng , Dietrich Peter , Butler James J.
Published: November 2016

In earlier work, we presented a geostatistical assessment of high‐resolution hydraulic conductivity (K) profiles obtained at the MADE site using direct‐push (DP) methods. The profiles are derived from direct‐push injection logger (DPIL) measurements that provide a relative indicator of vertical variations in K with a sample spacing of 1.5 cm. The DPIL profiles are converted to K profiles by calibrating to the results of direct‐push permeameter (DPP) tests performed at selected depths in some of the profiles. Our original calibration used a linear transform that failed to adequately account for an upper limit on DPIL responses in high‐K zones and noise in the DPIL data. Here we present a revised calibration procedure that accounts for the upper limit and noise, leading to DPIL K values that display a somewhat different univariate distribution and a lower lnK variance (5.9 ± 1.5) than the original calibration values (6.9 ± 1.8), although each variance estimate falls within the other's 95% confidence interval. Despite the change in the univariate distribution, the autocorrelation structure and large‐scale patterns exhibited by the revised DPIL K values still agree well with those exhibited by the flowmeter data from the site. We provide the DPIL and DPP data, along with our calibrated DPIL K values, in the Supporting Information.
Glucose deprivation regulates the progranulin–sortilin axis in PC12 cells
Authors: Kawashima Ken‐ichi , Ishiuchi Yuri , Konnai Miki , Komatsu Saori , Sato Hitoshi , Kawaguchi Hideo , Miyanishi Nobumitsu , Lamartine Jérôme , Nishihara Masugi , Nedachi Taku
Published: November 2016

Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Despite its important role in the central nervous system (CNS), the mechanisms controlling PGRN expression in the CNS are largely unknown. Recent evidence, however, suggested that several stressors, such as hypoxia, acidosis, or oxidative stress, induce PGRN expression. The present study was mainly aimed at determining whether and, if so, how glucose deprivation affects PGRN expression in PC12 cells. Initially, it was found that glucose deprivation gradually induced PGRN gene expression in PC12 cells. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, several intracellular signalings that were modified in response to glucose deprivation were examined. Both adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) activation and changes in osmotic pressure, which are modified by extracellular glucose concentration, had no effect on PGRN gene expression; on the other hand, p38 activation in response to glucose deprivation played an important role in inducing PGRN gene expression. It was also found that expression of sortilin, a PGRN receptor implicated in PGRN endocytosis, was dramatically reduced by glucose deprivation. In contrast to glucose‐dependent regulation of PGRN gene expression, AMPK activation played a central role in reducing sortilin expression. Overall, the present study suggests that the PGRN–sortilin axis is modulated by glucose deprivation via two distinct mechanisms. As PGRN is neuroprotective, this system may represent a new neuroprotective mechanism activated by glucose deprivation in the CNS.
Hydrogen‐Permeable Tubular Membrane Reactor: Promoting Conversion and Product Selectivity for Non‐Oxidative Activation of Methane over an Fe©SiO2 Catalyst
Authors: Sakbodin Mann , Wu Yiqing , Oh Su Cheun , Wachsman Eric D. , Liu Dongxia
Published: November 2016

Non‐oxidative methane conversion over Fe©SiO2 catalyst was studied for the first time in a hydrogen (H2) permeable tubular membrane reactor. The membrane reactor is composed of a mixed ionic–electronic SrCe0.7Zr0.2Eu0.1O3−δ thin film (≈20 μm) supported on the outer surface of a one‐end capped porous SrCe0.8Zr0.2O3−δ tube. Significant improvement in CH4 conversion was achieved upon H2 removal from the membrane reactor compared to that in a fixed‐bed reactor. The Fe©SiO2 catalyst in the H2 permeable membrane reactor demonstrated a stable ≈30 % C2+ single‐pass yield, with up to 30 % CH4 conversion and 99 % selectivity to C2 (ethylene and acetylene) and aromatic (benzene and naphthalene) products, at the tested conditions. The selectivity towards C2 or aromatics was manipulated purposely by adding H2 into or removing H2 from the membrane reactor feed and permeate gas streams.
Prevention of neural tube defects in Lrp2 mutant mouse embryos by folic acid supplementation
Authors: Sabatino Julia A. , Stokes Bethany A. , Zohn Irene E.
Published: November 2016

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common structural birth defects in humans and are caused by the complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Periconceptional supplementation with folic acid can prevent NTDs in both mouse models and human populations. A better understanding of how genes and environmental factors interact is critical toward development of rational strategies to prevent NTDs. Low density lipoprotein‐related protein 2 (Lrp2) is involved in endocytosis of the folic acid receptor among numerous other nutrients and ligands.

Methods

We determined the effect of iron and/or folic acid supplementation on the penetrance of NTDs in the Lrp2null mouse model. The effects of supplementation on folate and iron status were measured in embryos and dams.

Results

Periconceptional dietary supplementation with folic acid did not prevent NTDs in Lrp2 mutant embryos, whereas high levels of folic acid supplementation by intraperitoneal injection reduced incidence of NTDs. Importantly, Lrp2null/+ dams had reduced blood folate levels that improved with daily intraperitoneal injections of folate but not dietary supplementation. On the contrary, iron supplementation had no effect on the penetrance of NTDs in Lrp2 mutant embryos and negated the preventative effect of folic acid supplementation in Lrp2null/null mutants.

Conclusion

Lrp2 is required for folate homeostasis in heterozygous dams and high levels of supplementation prevents NTDs. Furthermore, high levels of dietary iron supplementation interfered with folic acid supplementation negating the positive effects of supplementation in this model. Birth Defects Research 109:16–26, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Birth Defects Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examination of a Multi‐Element Intervention on College Students' Electricity Consumption in On‐Campus Housing
Authors: Schultz Nicole R. , Kohn Carolynn S. , Musto Alyssa
Published: November 2016

Use of electricity is a significant contributor to climate change. Results from several studies have demonstrated short‐term success but long‐term success is rarely assessed, and weather is rarely measured despite its effects on energy use. We evaluated the long‐term effects of a multi‐element intervention package including visual prompts, feedback, and incentives on energy usage in two sorority houses over two years (four semesters) using a multiple baseline with reversal design while also accounting for weather fluctuations over that time period. Although daily graphs suggested intervention houses reduced their relative energy use compared to baseline, functional control over behavior was not established because reductions in energy consumption were observed approximately halfway through baseline, due possibly to reactivity; control houses showed no such pattern. Moreover, bubble graphs accounting for weather suggested an increase in energy use for the intervention house during Semester 1. We discuss the limitations of this study, suggestions for future research, and use of innovative methods of graphing energy use to better understand usage patterns and account for weather fluctuations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐throughput downstream process development for cell‐based products using aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) – A case study
Authors: Zimmermann Sarah , Scheeder Christian , Zimmermann Philipp K , Bogsnes Are , Hansson Mattias , Staby Arne , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: November 2016

The availability of preparative‐scale downstream processing strategies for cell‐based products presents a critical juncture between fundamental research and clinical development. Aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) present a gentle, scalable, label‐free, and cost‐effective method for cell purification, and are thus a promising tool for downstream processing of cell‐based therapeutics. Here, the application of a previously developed robotic screening platform that enables high‐throughput cell partitioning analysis in ATPS is reported. In the present case study a purification strategy for two model cell lines based on high‐throughput screening (HTS)‐data and countercurrent distribution (CCD)‐modeling, and validated the CCD‐model experimentally is designed. The obtained data are shown an excellent congruence between CCD‐model and experimental data, indicating that CCD‐models in combination with HTS‐data are a powerful tool in downstream process development. Finally, the authors are shown that while cell cycle phase significantly influences cell partitioning, cell type specific differences in surface properties are the main driving force in charge‐dependent separation of HL‐60 and L929 cells. In order to design a highly robust purification process it is, however, advisable to maintain constant growth conditions.
In vitro suppression of two different stop codons
Authors: Ozer Eden , Chemla Yonatan , Schlesinger Orr , Aviram Haim Yuval , Riven Inbal , Haran Gilad , Alfonta Lital
Published: November 2016

Proteins play a crucial role in all living organisms, with the 20 natural amino acids as their building blocks. Unnatural amino acids are synthetic derivatives of these natural building blocks. These amino acids have unique chemical or physical properties as a result of their specific side chain residues. Their incorporation into proteins through ribosomal translation in response to one of the stop codons has opened a new way to manipulate and study proteins by enabling new functionalities, thus expending the genetic code. Different unnatural amino acids have different functionalities, hence, the ability to incorporate two different unnatural amino acids, in response to two different stop codons into one protein is a useful tool in protein manipulation. This ability has been achieved previously only in in vivo translational systems, however, with limited functionality. Herein, we report the incorporation of two different unnatural amino acids in response to two different stop codons into one protein, utilizing a cell‐free protein synthesis system. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1065–1073. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Generation of Silver Nanoparticles in Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Poly(Acrylic Acid) Polymer Membranes in the Absence of Reducing Agent and their Effect on Pervaporation of a Water/Acetic Acid Mixture
Authors: Chaudhari Shivshankar , Kwon YongSung , Moon MyungJun , Shon MinYoung , Nam SeungEun , Park YouIn
Published: November 2016

The in situ generation of silver nanoparticles in a poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) (PVA/PAA) polymer matrix in the absence of any additional reducing agent is reported and tends to the membrane fabrication using solution‐casting. Its effect on the separation of a water/acetic acid mixture by pervaporation is described. The results of UV spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analyses showed that the silver nanoparticles were successfully prepared and well dispersed in the polymer matrix. The increased hydrophilicity of the PVA/PAA membrane due to the presence of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and membrane absorption studies. Pervaporation data for composite membranes showed a three‐fold increase in the flux value, while the initially decreased separation factor subsequently showed a constant value. Overall, the pervaporation data suggested that the presence of silver nanoparticles benefited the dehydration process.
Determination of Estrogens in Environmental Aqueous Samples Using Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and HPLC/UV–Vis System
Authors: Moon Yeon‐Joo , Myung Seung‐Woon
Published: November 2016

The objective of this study was to optimize dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) parameters for simultaneous sample preparation of five steroidal estrogens from environmental aqueous samples: estrone (E1), 17α‐estradiol (αE2), 17β‐estradiol (E2), 17 α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), and estriol (E3). Estrogens from an aqueous sample were extracted and concentrated simultaneously using dispersive and extraction solvents, and chromatographic separation and quantitative analysis were performed using an HPLC/UV–vis system. The optimum parameters, such as a suitable combination of dispersion and extraction solvent, ionic strength, and sample pH were determined. The optimized parameters resulted in increased enrichment factors (EF = 28.4 ~ 69.4). From the established extraction conditions, the limits of detection and quantification in the spiked samples were in the concentration ranges of 0.03–0.07 and 0.10–0.23 mg/L, respectively. The method produced linear calibration curves with correlation coefficients (r
2) of 0.9990–0.9995 in the 0.10–8.00 mg/L concentration range. The relative recovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) values in the calibration ranges were 99.1–116.6% and 0.6–4.2%, respectively. The proposed method, which is fast, simple, inexpensive, and environment friendly, can be applied in effective and simultaneous analysis of five steroidal estrogens from environmental aquatic samples.
The development and validation of a high‐throughput LC–MS/MS method for the analysis of endogenous β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate in human plasma
Authors: Ramachandran Subramanian , Ehling Stefan , Shreeram Sathyavageeswaran , Reddy Todime M.
Published: November 2016

A high‐throughput, sensitive, and rugged liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the rapid quantitation of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) in human plasma has been developed and validated for routine use. The method uses 100 μL of plasma sample and employs protein precipitation with 0.1% formic acid in methanol for the extraction of HMB from plasma. Sample extracts were analyzed using LC–MS/MS technique under negative mode electrospray ionization conditions. A 13C–labeled stable isotope internal standard was used to achieve accurate quantitation. Multiday validation was conducted for precision, accuracy, linearity, selectivity, matrix effect, dilution integrity (2×), extraction recovery, freeze–thaw sample stability (three cycles), benchtop sample stability (6 h and 50 min), autosampler stability (27 h) and frozen storage sample stability (146 days). Linearity was demonstrated between 10 and 500 ng/mL. Inter‐day accuracies and coefficients of variation (CV) were 91.2–98.1 and 3.7–7.8%, respectively. The validated method was proven to be rugged for routine use to quantify endogenous levels of HMB in human plasma obtained from healthy volunteers.
Fetuin‐A (alpha 2HS glycoprotein) modulates growth, motility, invasion, and senescence in high‐grade astrocytomas
Authors: Nangami Gladys N. , Sakwe Amos M. , Izban Michael G. , Rana Tanu , Lammers Philip E. , Thomas Portia , Chen Zhenbang , Ochieng Josiah
Published: November 2016

Glioblastomas (high‐grade astrocytomas) are highly aggressive brain tumors with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. In the present studies, we have defined the role of fetuin‐A, a liver‐derived multifunctional serum protein, in the growth of an established glioblastoma cell line, LN229. We hereby demonstrate that these cells synthesize ectopic fetuin‐A which supports their growth in culture in the absence of serum. We have demonstrated that a panel of tissue microarray (TMA) of glioblastomas also express ectopic fetuin‐A. Knocking down fetuin‐A using shRNA approach in LN229, significantly reduced their in vitro growth as well as growth and invasion in vivo. The fetuin‐A knockdown subclones of LN229 (A and D) also had reduced motility and invasive capacity. Treatment of LN229 cells with asialofetuin (ASF), attenuated their uptake of labeled fetuin‐A, and induced senescence in them. Interestingly, the D subclone that had ~90% reduction in ectopic fetuin‐A, underwent senescence in serum‐free medium which was blunted in the presence of purified fetuin‐A. Uptake of labeled exosomes was attenuated in fetuin‐A knockdown subclones A and D. Taken together, the studies demonstrate the impact of fetuin‐A as significant node of growth, motility, and invasion signaling in glioblastomas that can be targeted for therapy.
Analysis of risk factors to predict communicating hydrocephalus following gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial schwannoma
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Seo Seong‐Wook , Hwang Juyoung , Seol Ho Jun , Nam Do‐Hyun , Lee Jung‐Il , Kong Doo‐Sik
Published: November 2016

Communicating hydrocephalus (HCP) in vestibular schwannomas (VS) after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has been reported in the literature. However, little information about its incidence and risk factors after GKRS for intracranial schwannomas is yet available. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for developing communicating HCP after GKRS for intracranial schwannomas. We retrospectively reviewed a total of 702 patients with intracranial schwannomas who were treated with GKRS between January 2002 and December 2015. We investigated patients’ age, gender, tumor origin, previous surgery history, tumor volume, marginal radiation dose, and presence of tumor control to identify associations with communicating HCP following GKRS. To make predictive models of communicating HCP, we performed Cox regression analyses and constructed a decision tree for risk factors. In total, 29 of the 702 patients (4.1%) developed communicating HCP following GKRS, which required ventriculo‐peritoneal (VP) shunt surgery. Multivariate analyses indicated that age (P = 0.0011), tumor origin (P = 0.0438), and tumor volume (P < 0.0001) were significant predictors of communicating HCP in patients with intracranial schwannoma after GKRS. Using machine‐learning methods, we fit an optimal predictive model. We found that developing communicating HCP following GKRS was most likely if the tumor was vestibular origin and had a volume ≥13.65 cm3. Communicating HCP is not a rare complication of GKRS for intracranial schwannomas. Under specific conditions, communicating HCP following GKRS is warranted for this patient group, and this patient group should be closely followed up.
Survival of patients with metastatic leiomyosarcoma: the MD Anderson Clinical Center for targeted therapy experience
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Shi Naiyi , Naing Aung , Janku Filip , Subbiah Vivek , Araujo Dejka M. , Patel Shreyaskumar R. , Ludwig Joseph A. , Ramondetta Lois M. , Levenback Charles F. , Ramirez Pedro T. , Piha‐Paul Sarina A. , Hong David , Karp Daniel D. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Meric‐Bernstam Funda , Fu Siqing
Published: November 2016

Advanced stage leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is incurable with current systemic antitumor therapies. Therefore, there is clinical interest in exploring novel therapeutic regimens to treat LMS. We reviewed the medical records of 75 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed metastatic LMS, who had been referred to the Clinical Center for Targeted Therapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center. To lay the foundation for potential phase I trials for the treatment of advanced LMS, we analyzed tumor response and survival outcome data. The frequent hotspot gene aberrations that we observed were the TP53 mutation (65%) and RB1 loss/mutation (45%) detected by Sequenom or next‐generation sequencing. Among patients treated with gene aberration‐related phase I trial therapy, the median progression‐free survival was 5.8 months and the median overall survival was 15.9 months, significantly better than in patients without therapy (1.9 months, P = 0.001; and 8.7 months, P = 0.013, respectively). Independent risk factors that predicted shorter overall survival included hemoglobin <10 g/dL, body mass index <30 kg/m2, serum albumin <3.5 g/dL, and neutrophil above upper limit of normal. The median survivals were 19.9, 7.6, and 0.9 months for patients with 0, 1 or 2, and ≥3 of the above risk factors, respectively (P < 0.001). A prognostic scoring system that included four independent risk factors might predict survival in patients with metastatic LMS who were treated in a phase I trial. Gene aberration‐related therapies led to significantly better clinical benefits, supporting that further exploration with novel mechanism‐driven therapeutic regimens is warranted.
A synergy‐based control solution for overactuated characters: Application to throwing
Authors: Cruz Ruiz Ana Lucia , Pontonnier Charles , Levy Jonathan , Dumont Georges
Published: November 2016

In the current paper, we present a bio‐inspired solution for the control of overactuated models in animation, such as musculoskeletal models. This solution consists in the extraction of muscle synergies from human experiments, followed by a control method consisting of a series of optimizations to adapt muscle parameters and synergies to match experimental data. We apply the framework on throwing motions, and the results show that these motions can be accurately reproduced on a character with a simplified muscular structure, while preserving important characteristics in the original synergies or control signals.
Fluorographene Modified by Grignard Reagents: A Broad Range of Functional Nanomaterials
Authors: Mazánek Vlastimil , Libánská Alena , Šturala Jiří , Bouša Daniel , Sedmidubský David , Pumera Martin , Janoušek Zbyněk , Plutnar Jan , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: November 2016

Fluorographene is the youngest stoichiometric derivative of graphene; hence, its reactivity is only poorly explored. Compared to graphene, the significantly higher reactivity of C−F bonds makes this material a suitable platform for a large number of chemical modifications. Fluorographene is also the only member of the halographene family that can be prepared in the stoichiometric composition (C1F1). Herein, the chemical modification of fluorographene with Grignard reagents, which are well known in organic synthesis for the formation of new C−C bonds, is presented. The reaction with alkyl magnesium bromides led to successful modification of fluorographene with ethyl, vinyl, ethynyl and propargyl groups. Chemical characterisation showed the presence of covalently bonded functional groups in a high concentration exceeding one functional group per C6 motif. The reactivity of Grignard reagents with fluorographene decreased from ethyl to ethynyl. The terminal carbon–carbon triple bonds were used for click reactions with organic azides leading to the formation of triazole rings. These findings open up a broad spectrum of opportunities for simple and robust modification of graphene by chemical reactions proceeding at room temperature under mild conditions. These results have major application potential in sensing, biomedical and energy‐related applications.