bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatores de risco associados no sistema produtivo com a geração de resíduos sólidos de hortaliças em uma agroindústria do município de Ibiúna São Paulo
Authors: Soto Francisco Rafael Martins , Silva Maira Oliveira , Moraes Ramieri , Da Cruz Jéssica Vilela , Cavalcanti Jéssica Priscila , Da Silva Fernanda Alves , Lima Laine Rodrigues , De Jesus Elizabeth Soares , De Azevedo Sérgio Santos , Duarte Iolanda Pereira , De Almeida Mônica Aparecida , Gazzinelli Sandro Eugênio Pereira
Published: August 2017

Avaliou-se neste trabalho os fatores de risco associados no sistema produtivo com a geração de resíduos sólidos de hortaliças (RSH) em uma agroindústria do município de Ibiúna- SP. Foi aplicado um questionário com 17 questões para 24 produtores a fim de realizar o diagnóstico dos fatores de risco e a sua posterior associação com a geração de RSH. As questões versavam principalmente sobre o sistema de produção, adubo empregado, origem da água utilizada para irrigação, higienização das hortaliças e forma de transporte. Os resultados revelaram que dos 24 produtores investigados, 14 (58,33%) que entregaram suas hortaliças na agroindústria tiveram a geração de 30% ou mais de RSH. Houve associação significante (p= 0,03) na geração de RSH para o fator de risco ausência de higienização individual da hortaliça com água clorada. Não foi detectada associação significante para as práticas de: utilização de adubo orgânico não tratado, utilização de água de açude ou rio para irrigação com fossa séptica próxima e/ou onde há lançamento de águas residuais, transporte com caixa de madeira e/ou de plástico não higienizada e utilização de caminhão com carroceria de madeira no transporte das hortaliças.
Influence of static alternating field demagnetization on anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility: Experiments and implications
Authors: Biedermann Andrea R. , Jackson Mike , Bilardello Dario , Feinberg Joshua M. , Brown Maxwell C. , McEnroe Suzanne A.
Published: August 2017

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) indicates the preferred orientation of a rock's constituent minerals. However, other factors can influence the AMS, e.g., domain wall pinning or domain alignment in ferromagnetic minerals. Therefore, it is controversial whether samples should be alternating field (AF) demagnetized prior to AMS characterization. This may remove the influence of natural remanent magnetization (NRM) or domain wall pinning on AMS; however, it may also result in field‐induced anisotropy. This study investigates the influence of stepwise AF and low‐temperature demagnetization on mean susceptibility, principal susceptibility directions, AMS degree and shape for sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. Alternating fields up to 200 mT were applied along the sample x, y, and z axes, rotating the order for each step, to characterize the relationship between AMS principal directions and the last AF orientation. The changes in anisotropy, defined by the mean deviatoric susceptibility of the difference tensors, are between <2% and 270% of the AMS in NRM‐state. Variations in AMS parameters range from small changes in shape to complete reorientation of principal susceptibility axes, with the maximum susceptibility becoming parallel to the last AF direction. This is most prevalent in samples with low degrees of anisotropy in the NRM‐state. No clear correlations were found between field‐induced anisotropy and hysteresis properties. Therefore, we propose that future studies check any samples whose AMS is carried by ferromagnetic minerals and low anisotropy degrees for AF‐induced artifacts. These results highlight the need for understanding the AMS sources and carriers prior to any structural interpretation.
Trace element partitioning between plagioclase and melt: An investigation of the impact of experimental and analytical procedures
Authors: Nielsen Roger L. , Ustunisik Gokce , Weinsteiger Allison B. , Tepley Frank J. , Johnston A. Dana , Kent Adam J. R.
Published: August 2017

Quantitative models of petrologic processes require accurate partition coefficients. Our ability to obtain accurate partition coefficients is constrained by their dependence on pressure temperature and composition, and on the experimental and analytical techniques we apply. The source and magnitude of error in experimental studies of trace element partitioning may go unrecognized if one examines only the processed published data. The most important sources of error are relict crystals, and analyses of more than one phase in the analytical volume. Because we have typically published averaged data, identification of compromised data is difficult if not impossible. We addressed this problem by examining unprocessed data from plagioclase/melt partitioning experiments, by comparing models based on that data with existing partitioning models, and evaluated the degree to which the partitioning models are dependent on the calibration data. We found that partitioning models are dependent on the calibration data in ways that result in erroneous model values, and that the error will be systematic and dependent on the value of the partition coefficient. In effect, use of different calibration datasets will result in partitioning models whose results are systematically biased, and that one can arrive at different and conflicting conclusions depending on how a model is calibrated, defeating the purpose of applying the models. Ultimately this is an experimental data problem, which can be solved if we publish individual analyses (not averages) or use a projection method wherein we use an independent compositional constraint to identify and estimate the uncontaminated composition of each phase.
Mechanical behavior, failure mode, and transport properties in a porous carbonate
Authors: Baud Patrick , Exner Ulrike , Lommatzsch Marco , Reuschlé Thierry , Wong Teng‐fong
Published: August 2017

We performed a systematic investigation of mechanical compaction, strain localization, and permeability in Leitha limestone. This carbonate from the area of Vienna (Austria) occurs with a broad range of grain sizes and porosity, due to changes in depositional regime and degree of cementation. Our new mechanical data revealed a simple relation between porosity and mechanical strength in both the brittle and ductile regimes. Increasing cementation and decreasing porosity led to a significant increase of the rock strength in both regimes. Micromechanical modeling showed that the dominant micromechanisms of inelastic deformation in Leitha limestone are pore‐emanated microcracking in the brittle regime, and grain crushing and cataclastic pore collapse in the ductile regime. Microstructural analysis and X‐ray computed tomography revealed the development of compaction bands in some of the less cemented samples, while more cemented end‐members failed by cataclastic flow in the compactant regime. In contrast to mechanical strength, permeability of Leitha limestone was not significantly impacted by increasing cementation and decreasing porosity. Our microstructural and tomography data showed that this was essentially due to the existence of a backbone of connected large macropores in all our samples, which also explained the relatively high permeability (in the range of 2–5 darcies) of Leitha limestone in comparison to other carbonates with significant proportion of micropores.
Hedgehog‐Like Upconversion Crystals: Controlled Growth and Molecular Sensing at Single‐Particle Level
Authors: Liu Xiaowang , Li Xiyan , Qin Xian , Xie Xiaoji , Huang Ling , Liu Xiaogang
Published: August 2017

Topological control of nanostructures plays a crucial role in understanding the crystal growth process at the nanometer length scale. Here, the scalable synthesis of upconversion materials with distinct hedgehog‐like morphologies by a seed‐mediated synthetic procedure is reported. It is demonstrated that a close match in the crystal lattice between the core and shell components is essential for synthesizing such hierarchical nanostructures. These optical nanomaterials also enable the development of a single‐particle‐based platform for high‐sensitivity molecular sensing.
Using the discrete element method to develop collisional dissipation rate models that incorporate particle shape
Authors: Buettner Kevin E. , Guo Yu , Curtis Jennifer S.
Published: August 2017

Discrete Element Method simulations of Homogeneous Cooling Systems (HCS) are used to develop a collisional dissipation rate model for non‐spherical particle systems that can be incorporated in a two‐fluid multiphase flow framework. Two types of frictionless, elongated particle models are compared in the HCS simulations: glued‐sphere and true cylinder. Simulation results show that the ratio of translational to rotational granular temperatures is equal to one for the true cylindrical particles with particle aspect ratios (AR) greater than one and glued‐sphere particles with AR >1.5, while the temperature ratio is less than one for glued‐sphere particles with 1 < AR <1.5. The total collisional dissipation rate, which is associated with both translational and rotational granular temperature change rates, increases linearly with the particle aspect ratio. Thus, a collisional dissipation rate model for the elongated cylinders is developed by a simple modification of the existing spherical particle model. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5384–5395, 2017
Optical Response From Functionalized Atomically Thin Nanomaterials
Authors: Malic Ermin , Berghäuser Gunnar , Feierabend Maja , Knorr Andreas
Published: August 2017

Chemical functionalization of atomically thin nanostructures presents a promising strategy to create new hybrid nanomaterials with remarkable and externally controllable properties. Here, we review our research in the field of theoretical modeling of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and transition metal dichalcogenides located in molecular dipole fields. In particular, we provide a microscopic view on the change of the optical response of these technologically promising nanomaterials due to the presence of photo‐active spiropyran molecules. The feature article presents a review of recent theoretical work providing microscopic view on the optical response of chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes, graphene, and monolayered transition metal dichalcogenides. In particular, we propose a novel sensor mechanism based on the molecule‐induced activation of dark excitons. This results in a pronounced additional peak presenting an unambiguous optical fingerprint for the attached molecules.
Molecular Recognition‐Mediated Transformation of Single‐Chain Polymer Nanoparticles into Crosslinked Polymer Films
Authors: Mahon Clare S. , McGurk Christopher J. , Watson Scott M. D. , Fascione Martin A. , Sakonsinsiri Chadamas , Turnbull W. Bruce , Fulton David A.
Published: August 2017

We describe single‐chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) possessing intramolecular dynamic covalent crosslinks that can transform into polymer films through a molecular recognition‐mediated crosslinking process. The SCNPs utilise molecular recognition with surface‐immobilised proteins to concentrate upon a substrate, bringing the SCNPs into close spatial proximity with one another and allowing their dynamic covalent crosslinkers to undergo intra‐ to interpolymer chain crosslinking leading to the formation of polymeric film. SCNPs must possess both the capacity for specific molecular recognition and a dynamic nature to their intramolecular crosslinkers to form polymer films, and an investigation of the initial phase of film formation indicates it proceeds from features which form upon the surface then grow predominantly in the xy directions. This approach to polymer film formation presents a potential method to “wrap” surfaces displaying molecular recognition motifs—which could potentially include viral, cellular and bacterial surfaces or artificial surfaces displaying multivalent recognition motifs—within a layer of polymer film.
Polymer/boehmite nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Karger‐Kocsis József , Lendvai László
Published: August 2017

Boehmite is an aluminum oxyhydroxide [AlO(OH)] which is preferentially used as precursor for the production of (transition) aluminum oxides. Boehmite alumina (BA) nanoparticles are available in various morphologies due to versatile synthesis routes, which are briefly introduced. The peripheral hydroxyl groups of BA offer manifold functionalization possibilities for tailoring the dispersion and filler/matrix adhesion properties. The incorporation of BA nanofillers, with and without surface treatments, may yield improved mechanical and novel functional properties in polymers. BA can be introduced in polymers and polymer composites through different methods. This comprehensive overview covers the basic results reported on polymer/BA nanocomposites in the open literature. In this review, polymer matrices are grouped into thermoplastics, thermosets, and rubbers. Using literature results and our own findings, we have identified promising R&D trends with polymer/BA nanocomposites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45573.
Pacinian Corpuscles in Human Lymph Nodes
Authors: Feito J. , Cobo J.L. , Santos‐Briz A. , Vega J.A.
Published: August 2017

The occurrence of Pacinian corpuscles associated to lymph nodes is an anatomical rarity and very scarce information exists in this regard. Here we examined immunohistochemically four Pacinian corpuscles found in the close vicinity of the hiliar blood vessels of lymph nodes (2 cervical, 1 axillary, and 1 inguinal) during routine surgical pathology. Pacinian corpuscles were normally arranged and displayed a pattern of protein distribution as follows: the axon was positive for neurofilament proteins and neuron specific enolase, the inner core cells showed intense S100 protein and vimentin immunostaining while they were negative for glial fibrillary acidic protein, type IV collagen and glucose transporter 1; vimentin, type IV collagen, and glucose transporter 1 were also observed also in the outer‐core and the capsule. These results are in agreement with those reported for cutaneous Pacinian corpuscles, demonstrating that the immunohistochemical profile of these corpuscles is independent of its anatomical localization. The possible functional significance of Pacinian corpuscles in lymph nodes is discussed. Anat Rec, 300:2233–2238, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Stromelysin 2 (Matrix Metalloproteinase 10) as a Novel Mediator of Vascular Remodeling Underlying Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Avouac Jérôme , Guignabert Christophe , Hoffmann‐Vold Anna Maria , Ruiz Barbara , Dorfmuller Peter , Pezet Sonia , Amar Olivia , Tu Ly , Van Wassenhove Jérôme , Sadoine Jérémy , Launay David , Elhai Muriel , Cauvet Anne , Subramaniam Arun , Resnick Robert , Hachulla Eric , Molberg Øyvind , Kahan André , Humbert Marc , Allanore Yannick
Published: August 2017

Objective

To elucidate the role of gene candidates involved in pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Gene candidates were identified through microarray experiments performed on Affymetrix GeneChip Human Exon 1.0 ST arrays in endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)–derived endothelial cells (ECs) obtained from patients with SSc‐associated PH, patients with SSc without PH, and healthy control subjects. Expression of identified gene candidates was assessed by quantitative sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in the serum, and by immunohistochemistry in lesional lung tissue. The functional importance of the identified gene candidates was then evaluated in fos‐related antigen 2–transgenic (Fra‐2–Tg) mice that spontaneously develop SSc‐like features associated with an intense pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Results

Microarray experiments revealed that the matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP‐10) gene was the top up‐regulated gene in SSc‐associated PH EPC‐derived ECs. Circulating serum proMMP10 concentrations were markedly increased in patients with SSc‐associated PH compared to SSc patients without PH and healthy controls. Consistent with these observations, a strong MMP10 staining of the thickened wall of distal pulmonary arteries was found both in the lungs of patients with SSc‐associated PH and in the lungs of Fra‐2–Tg mice. Daily treatment of Fra‐2–Tg mice with neutralizing anti‐MMP10 antibodies did not significantly affect the development and severity of pulmonary fibrosis, but did reverse established PH and markedly reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling by reducing cell proliferation, cell survival, and the platelet‐derived growth factor signaling axis.

Conclusion

Gene expression profiling of EPC‐derived ECs identified MMP10 as a novel candidate gene in SSc‐associated PH. MMP10 is overexpressed in the serum and pulmonary arteries of patients with SSc‐associated PH, and its blockade alleviates PH in the Fra‐2–Tg mouse model. MMP10 appears to be a prospective treatment target for this devastating disorder.
A proteomics method using immunoaffinity fluorogenic derivatization–liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (FD‐LC‐MS/MS) to identify a set of interacting proteins
Authors: Nakata Katsunori , Saitoh Ryoichi , Ishigai Masaki , Imai Kazuhiro
Published: August 2017

Biological functions in organisms are usually controlled by a set of interacting proteins, and identifying the proteins that interact is useful for understanding the mechanism of the functions. Immunoprecipitation is a method that utilizes the affinity of an antibody to isolate and identify the proteins that have interacted in a biological sample. In this study, the FD‐LC–MS/MS method, which involves fluorogenic derivatization followed by separation and quantification by HPLC and finally identification of proteins by HPLC–tandem mass spectrometry, was used to identify proteins in immunoprecipitated samples, using heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) as a model of an interacting protein in HepaRG cells. As a result, HSC70 protein, which was known to form a complex with HSP90, was isolated, together with three different types of HSP90‐beta. The results demonstrated that the proposed immunoaffinity–FD‐LC–MS/MS method could be useful for simultaneously detecting and identifying the proteins that interact with a certain protein.
Cervical sensorimotor control in idiopathic cervical dystonia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: De Pauw Joke , Mercelis Rudy , Hallemans Ann , Michiels Sarah , Truijen Steven , Cras Patrick , De Hertogh Willem
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Patients with idiopathic adult‐onset cervical dystonia (CD) experience an abnormal head posture and involuntary muscle contractions. Although the exact areas affected in the central nervous system remain uncertain, impaired functions in systems stabilizing the head and neck are apparent such as the somatosensory and sensorimotor integration systems. The aim of the study is to investigate cervical sensorimotor control dysfunction in patients with CD.

Material and Methods

Cervical sensorimotor control was assessed by a head repositioning task in 24 patients with CD and 70 asymptomatic controls. Blindfolded participants were asked to reposition their head to a previously memorized neutral head position (NHP) following an active movement (flexion, extension, left, and right rotation). The repositioning error (joint position error, JPE) was registered via 3D motion analysis with an eight‐camera infrared system (VICON® T10). Disease‐specific characteristics of all patients were obtained via the Tsui scale, Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP‐58), and Toronto Western Spasmodic Rating Scale.

Results

Patients with CD showed larger JPE than controls (mean difference of 1.5°, p < .006), and systematically ‘overshoot’, i.e. surpassed the NHP, whereas control subjects ‘undershoot’, i.e. fall behind the NHP. The JPE did not correlate with disease‐specific characteristics.

Conclusions

Cervical sensorimotor control is impaired in patients with CD. As cervical sensorimotor control can be trained, this might be a potential treatment option for therapy, adjuvant to botulinum toxin injections.
INST OX‐05‐024: first line gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and erlotinib for primary hepatocellular carcinoma and bile duct cancers: a multicenter Phase II trial
Authors: Patt Yehuda Z. , Murad Waheed , Fekrazad Mohammed H. , Baron Ari D. , Bansal Pranshu , Boumber Yanis , Steinberg Kim , Lee Sang‐Joon , Bedrick Ed , Du Ruofei , Lee Fa Chyi
Published: August 2017

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) incidence is increasing in the USA. Gemcitabine (G) and oxaliplatin (O) are active in HCC and biliary duct cancer (BDC). Erlotinib (E) is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with known activity against both. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of the combination G+O+E. Patients with either of the two diagnosis were treated in a phase II trial. Simons 2 stage design was used. A disease‐control rate (DCR), complete response (CR) + partial response (PR)+ stable disease (SD) at 24 weeks of ≤20% and >40% (P0 and P1 of 0.2 and 0.4, respectively) were set as undesirable (null) and desirable results. 26 HCC and 7 BDC patients were accrued. In HCC, 1 PR, 10 SD, and 9 PDs were seen. DCR in HCC was 42%. Among seven (7) patients with BDC, one patient was not evaluable; one achieved a long lasting PR, and five patients had SD and DCR was 86%. Median overall survival (OS) times and progression‐free survivals (PFS) were 196 and 149 days in HCC and 238 days and not reached in BDC. PFS at 26 weeks in HCC was 41% and at 21 weeks in BDC was 60%. Grade 3 toxicities in >5% of patients were fatigue (12.9%), neutropenia (9.6%), thrombocytopenia (9.6%), and diarrhea (6.4%). G+O+E exceeded both preset P0a and P1 of the primary objective with a PFS of 41% at 26 weeks for HCC and preliminary BDC data may warrant further investigations.
Structural Modification of Stilbenoids from Acanthopanax leucorrhizus and Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Hu Hao‐Bin , Liang Hai‐Peng , Li Hai‐Ming , Yuan Ru‐Nan , Sun Jiao , Wu Yun , Zhang La‐La , Han Ming‐Hu
Published: August 2017

A new cis‐stilbenoid, 1,9‐dihydroxy‐10‐methoxy‐6H‐dibenzo[b,f]oxocin‐6‐one (2) was isolated from the AcOEt extract of the stem barks of Acanthopanax leucorrhizus, along with three known stilbenoids, 9‐hydroxy‐10‐methoxy‐6H‐dibenzo[b,f]oxocin‐6‐one (1), 5‐O‐methyl‐(E)‐resveratrol 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (3), and (E)‐resveratrol 3‐O‐β‐d‐xylopyranoside (4). Two derivatives (2a and 2b) were synthesized by the structural modification of compound 2, which exhibited certain cytotoxic activities against HT‐29 and HeLa cell lines in vitro. All compounds were structurally characterized by comprehensive analysis of their spectroscopic data and comparison with literature information, and evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against three human tumor cell lines (HL‐60, HT‐29, and HeLa) by the standard MTT assay in vitro. The results showed that derivatives 2a and 2b exhibited strong activities than compounds 2 against HT‐29 and HeLa cell lines.
Organo‐Photoredox Catalyzed Oxidative Dehydrogenation of N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Sahoo Manoj K. , Jaiswal Garima , Rana Jagannath , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: August 2017

We report here for the first time the catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles by a visible‐light organo‐photoredox catalyst with low catalyst loading (0.1–1 mol %). The reaction proceeds efficiently under base‐ and additive‐free conditions with ambient air at room temperature. The utility of this benign approach is demonstrated by the synthesis of various pharmaceutically relevant N‐heteroarenes such as quinoline, quinoxaline, quinazoline, acridine, and indole.
Continuous Production of Biorenewable, Polymer‐Grade Lactone Monomers through Sn‐β‐Catalyzed Baeyer–Villiger Oxidation with H2O2
Authors: Yakabi Keiko , Mathieux Thibault , Milne Kirstie , López‐Vidal Eva M. , Buchard Antoine , Hammond Ceri
Published: August 2017

The Baeyer–Villiger oxidation is a key transformation for sustainable chemical synthesis, especially when H2O2 and solid materials are employed as oxidant and catalyst, respectively. 4‐substituted cycloketones, which are readily available from renewables, present excellent platforms for Baeyer–Villiger upgrading. Such substrates exhibit substantially higher levels of activity and produce lactones at higher levels of lactone selectivity at all values of substrate conversion, relative to non‐substituted cyclohexanone. For 4‐isopropyl cyclohexanone, which is readily available from β‐pinene, continuous upgrading was evaluated in a plug‐flow reactor. Excellent selectivity (85 % at 65 % conversion), stability, and productivity were observed over 56 h, with over 1000 turnovers (mol product per mol Sn) being achieved with no loss of activity. A maximum space–time yield that was almost twice that for non‐substituted cyclohexanone was also obtained for this substrate [1173 vs. 607 g(product) kg(catalyst)−1 cm−3 h−1]. The lactone produced is also shown to be of suitable quality for ring opening polymerization. In addition to demonstrating the viability of the Sn‐β/H2O2 system to produce renewable lactone monomers suitable for polymer applications, the substituted alkyl cyclohexanones studied also help to elucidate steric, electronic, and thermodynamic elements of this transformation in greater detail than previously achieved.
Immunological tolerance to LCMV antigens differently affects control of acute and chronic virus infection in mice
Authors: Woopen Christina , Straub Tobias , Schweier Oliver , Aichele Ulrike , Düker Katharina , Boehm Thomas , Pircher Hanspeter
Published: August 2017

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) play a key role in the control of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. In C57BL/6 mice (H‐2b), the CTL response is mainly directed against epitopes from the LCMV glycoprotein (GP) and the nucleoprotein (NP) which represent the two major viral proteins. The role of GP‐ versus NP‐derived epitopes for viral clearance was examined using transgenic (tg) mice ubiquitously expressing LCMV GP and NP, respectively. These mice lack GP‐ or NP‐specific CTLs and show decreased levels of GP‐ or NP‐specific antibodies as a result of tolerance induction. During acute LCMV infection, CTLs specific for GP‐ and NP‐derived epitopes are generated with similar frequencies. Nonetheless, we found that lack of GP‐ but not of NP‐specific CTLs abolished control of acute LCMV infection. In contrast, after high‐dose or chronic LCMV infection, virus elimination was delayed to a similar extent in GP‐ and NP‐tg mice. Thus, immunological tolerance to LCMV antigens differently affects virus clearance in acute and chronic infection settings. In addition, our data reveal that immunodominance of H‐2b‐restricted LCMV‐specific CTL epitopes and their antiviral activity do not strictly correlate.
Flow-covariate prediction of stream pesticide concentrations
Authors: Mosquin Paul L. , Aldworth Jeremy , Chen Wenlin
Published: August 2017

Potential peak functions (e.g., maximum rolling averages over a given duration) of annual pesticide concentrations in the aquatic environment are important exposure parameters (or target quantities) for ecological risk assessments. These target quantities require accurate concentration estimates on nonsampled days in a monitoring program. We examined stream flow as a covariate via universal kriging to improve predictions of maximum m-day (m = 1, 7, 14, 30, 60) rolling averages and the 95th percentiles of atrazine concentration in streams where data were collected every 7 or 14 d. The universal kriging predictions were evaluated against the target quantities calculated directly from the daily (or near daily) measured atrazine concentration at 32 sites (89 site-yr) as part of the Atrazine Ecological Monitoring Program in the US corn belt region (2008–2013) and 4 sites (62 site-yr) in Ohio by the National Center for Water Quality Research (1993–2008). Because stream flow data are strongly skewed to the right, 3 transformations of the flow covariate were considered: log transformation, short-term flow anomaly, and normalized Box-Cox transformation. The normalized Box-Cox transformation resulted in predictions of the target quantities that were comparable to those obtained from log-linear interpolation (i.e., linear interpolation on the log scale) for 7-d sampling. However, the predictions appeared to be negatively affected by variability in regression coefficient estimates across different sample realizations of the concentration time series. Therefore, revised models incorporating seasonal covariates and partially or fully constrained regression parameters were investigated, and they were found to provide much improved predictions in comparison with those from log-linear interpolation for all rolling average measures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:260–273. © 2017 SETAC
Forest offsets partner climate‐change mitigation with conservation
Authors: Anderson Christa M , Field Christopher B , Mach Katharine J
Published: August 2017

Are forest offsets an effective way to address climate change, and do they provide other benefits? In some climate‐change mitigation policies, industries and individuals can purchase offsets that compensate for their greenhouse‐gas emissions by reducing emissions elsewhere. However, offsets may undermine mitigation efforts, by potentially giving carbon credits for emissions reductions that would have occurred even without the offset program in place. We evaluate California's forest offset program – the first‐ever legally enforceable “compliance” offset program for existing forests – to determine whether offsets (1) provide additional emissions reductions that would not have occurred without the program (called “additionality”) and (2) yield other benefits. We found that California's forest offset program, comprising a small portion of the state's mitigation portfolio, does not inhibit overall emissions reductions. Further, the program advances stringent “additionality” of emissions reductions through multiple mechanisms. Finally, mitigation through forest offsets can yield a suite of important co‐benefits. Lessons from California's experience with forest offsets can help to inform other offset programs that are increasingly being developed around the world.
Exhausting all avenues: why impacts of air pollution should be part of road ecology
Authors: Leonard Ryan J , Hochuli Dieter F
Published: August 2017

Roads are an omnipresent feature of the contemporary landscape and are associated with extensive ecological impacts, including habitat degradation, changes in animal behavior, and increases in wildlife mortality. Road ecology has grown into a dynamic multidisciplinary research area within the environmental sciences, aiming to avoid, minimize, and offset the impacts of road use. However, current best practices in mitigation are often incomplete, failing to account for the full suite of environmental problems that roads create and for the causal mechanisms of those problems. We highlight one environmental problem that is largely absent from the road ecology literature – air pollution from motorized vehicles and from road use. Using recent examples, we discuss our current understanding of the ecological effects of air pollution and describe ways to incorporate it into a comprehensive road ecology research framework. Failure to develop such a framework will result in an incomplete representation of the impact that roads have, and will likely diminish the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
Numerical and experimental study of free convection through a horizontal open‐ended axisymmetric cavity
Authors: Ait Haj Said Abdessadek , Chehouani Hassan , Er‐Raki Salah
Published: August 2017

This paper summarizes a numerical and experimental investigation of free convective heat transfer in an open‐ended cavity between two horizontal parallel circular plates. The upper plate is maintained at an ambient temperature and the lower one is heated. Air is used as the heat transfer medium. The numerical model equations are solved using a control volume‐based finite differences method, and the experimental study was performed using holographic interferometry. Streamlines and isotherm patterns are presented and discussed for different aspect ratios (A) and Rayleigh numbers (Ra). Heat transfer at the surface of the lower plate is thoroughly inspected in the ranges and . Useful correlations of Nusselt numbers in terms of and A are given with their validity ranges. Also, an investigation of both numerical and experimental results is performed. It shows similar temperature field aspect with some differences in the radial boundary layer thickness and a small deviation in the heat transfer.
Step it up! Using the good behavior game to increase physical activity with elementary school students at recess
Authors: Galbraith Leslie A. , Normand Matthew P.
Published: August 2017

We evaluated the effects of a modified version of the Good Behavior Game (GBG) on the number of steps taken by students during school recess. We divided a class into two teams, and awarded the team with the highest step counts at the end of each game raffle tickets for a school‐wide lottery. The GBG was compared to recess periods without the game using an alternating‐treatments design. Students took more steps while playing the GBG than they did during recess periods without the game.
Assessment of the dynamics of human glymphatic system by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Myllylä Teemu , Harju Markus , Korhonen Vesa , Bykov Alexander , Kiviniemi Vesa , Meglinski Igor
Published: August 2017

Fluctuations in brain water content has attracted increasing interest, particularly as regards studies of the glymphatic system, which is connected with the complex organization of dural lymphatic vessels, responsible for cleaning tissue. Disturbances of glymphatic circulation are associated with several brain disorders, including dementia. This article introduces an approach to noninvasive measurement of water dynamics in the human brain utilizing near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We demonstrate the possibility to sense dynamic variations of water content between the skull and grey matter, for instance, in the subarachnoid space. Measured fluctuations in water content, especially in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), are assumed to be correlated with the dynamics of glymphatic circulation. The sampling volume for the NIRS optode was estimated by Monte Carlo modelling for the wavelengths of 660, 740, 830 and 980 nm. In addition, using combinations of these wavelengths, this article presents the calculation models for quantifying water and haemodynamics. The presented NIRS technique allows long‐term functional brain monitoring, including sleeping time. Furthermore, it is used in combination with different magnetic neuroimaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance encephalography. Using the combined setup, we report the preliminary results on the interaction between CSF and blood oxygen level‐dependent fluctuations.
The inhibitory effect of 5,7‐DMF on pancreatic sphere‐forming cell function mediated by FoxM1 gene expression
Authors: Zeng Deyu , Ma Jian , Li Rongrong , Yang Jianfeng , Yin Xianli
Published: August 2017

Pancreatic cancer is one of the major human malignant tumors severely endangering human health and life with high mortality due to the concealment of early symptoms and lack of effective therapies during advanced stages. The identification of pancreatic cancer stem cell functions has been as important strategy for understanding of pancreatic cancer biology and novel drug and therapy development. In the present study, we successfully isolated the pancreatic sphere‐forming cells from pancreatic cancer cell line PANC‐1 by sphere‐forming method and we found that the sphere‐forming ability and the cell migration rate of pancreatic sphere‐forming cells were significantly inhibited by 5,7‐DMF treatment, which was supported by the corresponding changes of several EMT biomarkers after being treated with 5,7‐DMF. Moreover, we revealed here that the inhibition of pancreatic sphere‐forming cells was mediated by the expression of FoxM1 gene, and also the expression of SOX2 gene was regulated by FoxM1 in pancreatic sphere‐forming cells and involved in the inhibitory role of 5,7‐DMF. These results provided important basis for the application of 5,7‐DMF as a novel drug candidate for the pancreatic cancer treatment.
Involvement of sperm acetylated histones and the nuclear isoform of Glutathione peroxidase 4 in fertilization
Authors: Pipolo Simona , Puglisi Rossella , Mularoni Valentina , Esposito Valentina , Fuso Andrea , Lucarelli Marco , Fiorenza Maria T. , Mangia Franco , Boitani Carla
Published: August 2017

We previously demonstrated that the nuclear form of Glutathione peroxidase 4 (nGPx4) has a peculiar distribution in sperm head, being localized to nuclear matrix and acrosome and that sperm lacking nGPx4 are more prone to decondensation in vitro. In this study we have hypothesized that sperm retained acetylated histones and nGPx4 are implicated in paternal chromatin decondensation and male pronucleus formation at fertilization. Indeed, significant higher amounts of acetylated histone H4 and acetylated histone H3 were observed by both immunofluorescence and western blotting in nGPx4‐KO sperm vs WT ones. In vitro fertilization of zona pellucida‐deprived oocytes by WT sperm in the presence of trichostatin (TSA) also demonstrated that paternal histone acetylation was inversely related to the timing of sperm nucleus decondensation at fertilization. In contrast, TSA had no effect on nGPx4‐KO sperm, indicating they had a maximal level of histone acetylation. Moreover the paternally imprinted gene Igf2/H19 was hypomethylated in KO sperm compared to WT ones. The lack of nGPx4 negatively affected male fertility, causing a marked decrease in total pups and pregnancies with delivery, a significant reduction in pronuclei (PN) embryos in in vitro fertilization assays and an approximately 2 h delay in egg fertilization in vivo. Because the zona pellucida binding and fusion to oolemma of nGPx4‐KO and WT sperm were similar, the subfertility of nGPx4 sperm reflected a decreased sperm progression through egg cumulus/zona pellucida, pinpointing a defective acrosome in line with acrosomal nGPx4 localization. We conclude that paternal acetylated histones and acrosomal nGPx4 are directly involved in fertilization.
Lysozyme oxidation by singlet molecular oxygen: Peptide characterization using [18O]‐labeling oxygen and nLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Marques Emerson Finco , Medeiros Marisa H.G. , Di Mascio Paolo
Published: August 2017

Singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) is generated in biological systems and reacts with different biomolecules. Proteins are a major target for 1O2, and His, Tyr, Met, Cys, and Trp are oxidized at physiological pH. In the present study, the modification of lysozyme protein by 1O2 was investigated using mass spectrometry approaches. The experimental findings showed methionine, histidine, and tryptophan oxidation. The experiments were achieved using [18O]‐labeled 1O2 released from thermolabile endoperoxides in association with nano‐scale liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The structural characterization by nLC‐MS/MS of the amino acids in the tryptic peptides of the proteins showed addition of [18O]‐labeling atoms in different amino acids.
Restoration of thalamo‐cortical connectivity after brain injury: recovery of consciousness, complex behavior, or passage of time?
Authors: Crone Julia S. , Bio Branden J. , Vespa Paul M. , Lutkenhoff Evan S. , Monti Martin M.
Published: August 2017

In 2000, a landmark case report described the concurrent restoration of consciousness and thalamo‐frontal connectivity after severe brain injury (Laureys et al., ). Being a single case however, this study could not disambiguate whether the result was specific to the restoration of consciousness per se as opposed to the return of complex cognitive function in general or simply the temporal evolution of post‐injury pathophysiological events. To test whether the restoration of thalamo‐cortical connectivity is specific to consciousness, 20 moderate‐to‐severe brain injury patients (from a recruited sample of 42) underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging within a week after injury and again six months later. As described in the single case report, we find thalamo‐frontal connectivity to be increased at the chronic, compared with the acute, time‐point. The increased connectivity was independent of whether patients had already recovered consciousness prior to the first assessment or whether they recovered consciousness in‐between the two. Conversely, we did find an association between restoration of thalamo‐frontal connectivity and the return of complex cognitive function. While we did replicate the findings of Laureys et al. (), our data suggests that the restoration of thalamo‐frontal connectivity is not as tightly linked to the reemergence of consciousness per se. However, the degree to which the return of connectivity is linked to the return of complex cognitive function, or to the evolution of other time‐dependent post‐injury mechanisms, remains to be understood.
Metagenomic alkaline protease from mangrove sediment
Authors: Pessoa Tharcilla B. A. , Rezende Rachel P. , Marques Eric de Lima Silva , Pirovani Carlos P. , dos Santos Thalis F. , dos Santos Gonçalves Ana C. , Romano Carla C. , Dotivo Natielle C. , Freitas Ana C. O. , Salay Luiz C. , Dias João C. T.
Published: August 2017

Functional screening of metagenomic libraries is an important tool for the discovery of new molecules. The metabolic diversity of microorganisms enables survival in harsh environments and is related to the production of enzymes. In this study, we identified a protease‐producing clone from a metagenomic library derived from mangrove sediment. The protease was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and gel filtration chromatography, with a yield of 77.27% and a specific activity of 8.57 U μg−1. It had a molecular weight of approximately 70 kDa. MS/MS in ESI‐Q‐TOF revealed nine peptides similar to a peptidase of Bacillus safensis. The aligned partial sequence showed 47.48% identity and 82.74% similarity to the conserved domains of a glutamyl aminopeptidase from the human gut metagenome and 32.12% total coverage. The protease had an optimal pH of 8.5 and optimal activity at 60°C. At pH 9–12, its activity was greater than 80%. It had moderate thermotolerance and thermostability at temperatures of 40 and 50 °C. The KM and Vmax values were estimated to be 0.92 mg ml−1, and 13.15 mmol min−1 for azocasein. Substrate specificity analysis showed that PR4A3 was active on gelatin, blood, egg yolk, and milk. These results support the potential use of PR4A3 in biotechnological applications.
Mechanism study of multimode ultrasound pretreatment on the enzymolysis of wheat gluten
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Li Jing , Li Suyun , Ma Haile , Zhang Hua
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound pretreatment could improve the angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of hydrolysates of wheat gluten (WG). The working mode of ultrasound has an important effect on the enzymatic hydrolysis of protein.

RESULTS

The results showed that the optimum working mode of ultrasound was alternate dual‐frequency mode (20/35 kHz), substrate concentration was 30 g L−1, initial temperature of the suspension was 30 °C, ultrasound pretreatment time was 10 min and power density was 150 W L−1. Under optimised conditions, ACE inhibitory activity of WG hydrolysates reached to its maximum value in advance. The surface hydrophobicity (H0) of WG and the content of small peptides at the beginning of the enzymolysis were improved by the ultrasound pretreatment. The structure of WG was destroyed by the ultrasound pretreatment. The enzymatic residue of ultrasound pretreated WG were damaged greater than control.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that alternate dual‐frequency ultrasound pretreatment improved the ACE inhibitory activity. Ultrasonic pretreatment may loosen the tissue of WG aggregate, and help the enzyme alcalase to attack the interior of WG aggregate easily, which resulted in the release of low molecular weight peptides from WG aggregate. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
MicroRNA‐492 overexpression involves in cell proliferation, migration, and radiotherapy response of cervical squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Liu Mei , An Jusheng , Huang Manni , Wang Liming , Tu Binbin , Song Yan , Ma Kai , Wang Yu , Wang Shuren , Zhu Hongxia , Xu Ningzhi , Wu Lingying
Published: August 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNA that target protein‐coding mRNAs at the post‐transcriptional level. The aim of this study was to define the role of miR‐492 in cervical squamous cell carcinomas. After microRNA profiling and comparison, we firstly detected miR‐492 expression in 104 tumor tissues biopsies derived from advanced staged (FIGO IIB‐IIIB) cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients before receiving concomitant chemoradiotherapy and found miR‐492 expression was significantly higher in the specimens that were sensitive to concomitant chemoradiotherapy, as compared with insensitive cancer specimens (P < 0.05). Moreover, higher expression of miR‐492 was associated with pelvic lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P < 0.05). Further studies illustrated ectopic miR‐492 overexpression in SiHa cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and enhanced the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells to irradiation by promoting apoptosis. In addition, we identified TIMP2 as a direct miR‐492 target, which has been shown to be critical in modulating cancer cell migration and invasion. We also confirmed that miR‐492 expression levels in positive pelvic LNM were much higher than negative LNM and miR‐492 played a vital role in pelvic lymph node metastasis via regulating miR‐492/TIMP2/MMP10 axis. In particular, miR‐492 was correlated with prognosis in the subgroup of patients with negative pelvic LNM (P < 0.05) and had a promising value in predicting treatment response in the subgroup of patients with positive pelvic LNM (an AUC of 85%, 75.00% specificity, and 95.24% sensitivity). Taken together, the results suggested that miR‐492 may serve as a potential biomarker for cervical cancer treatment and prognosis.
Large orbital defect reconstruction in the setting of globe‐sparing maxillectomy: The titanium hammock and layered fibula technique
Authors: Trosman Samuel J. , Haffey Timothy M. , Couto Rafael A. , Fritz Michael A.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

The purpose of our study was to describe a novel technique for reconstruction of orbital defects after maxillectomy using a non‐anatomic titanium mesh suspension of orbital contents for both support and volume correction. This construct is then articulated with a layered fibula osteocutaneous free flap that restores orbital rim, zygoma, and maxillary alveolus. We herein present our application of this technique, including refinements over time and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 12 patients who underwent reconstruction of Brown class III orbitopalatomaxillary defects with extensive orbital involvement (at minimum complete orbital floor and rim absent) with titanium mesh sling and a layered fibula free flap.

Results

Primary reconstruction was accomplished in all 12 patients. The mean postoperative length of stay was 8 days (6–14 days). There were no free flap failures or perioperative re‐explorations. Patients were routinely extubated on postoperative day #1 and began oral intake by postoperative day #3. At a mean follow‐up length of 48 months, unrestricted eye function was accomplished in all patients. Midfacial symmetry was accomplished in 10 of 12 patients; 2 patients had moderate asymmetry due to extirpation of facial musculature and/or soft tissue. Minor revisions were necessary for lower lid ectropion and exposure of the titanium plate. Two patients required adipofascial free flap coverage of exposed intraoral bone after radiation therapy.

Conclusions

This technique provides excellent restoration of eye position and function and also allows for implant‐based prosthetic rehabilitation. It has become our procedure of choice for orbitomaxillary reconstruction.