bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Salt Template‐Assisted Chemical Activation for the Production of Porous Carbons with Enhanced Power Handling Ability in Supercapacitors
Authors: Díez Noel , Ferrero Guillermo A. , Fuertes Antonio B. , Sevilla Marta
Published: May 2019

Highly porous materials with a 3D framework have been produced by a sustainable salt template‐assisted chemical activation approach based on the use of KCl particles as template, K2CO3 particles as both template and activating agent, and biomass‐derivatives as carbon precursor (i. e., glucose and soybean meal). The self‐assembly of all the constituents into a 3D structure is achieved by a freeze‐drying process. After carbonization and a simple washing step with water, a 3D hierarchical porous carbon is obtained. The sustainability of the process is ensured by using chemicals of low or null toxicity and renewable carbon precursors. The materials produced are characterized by a 3D framework composed of thin walls rich in micropores, with BET surface areas in excess of 2000 m2 g−1 and pore volumes of up to 1.4 cm3 g−1. These materials show an improved rate capability in supercapacitors based on aqueous (H2SO4 and Li2SO4) and ionic liquid electrolytes (EMImTFSI/AN) with carbon electrode loadings well within the range of commercial values.
Cover Image, Volume 13, Issue 3
Authors: Jeon Jong Yeol , Han Yohan , Kim Young‐Wun , Lee Youn‐Woo , Hong Sukwon , Hwang In Taek
Published: May 2019

The cover image is based on the Review Feasibility of unsaturated fatty acid feedstocks as green alternatives in bio‐oil refinery by Jong Yeol Jeon et al., DOI: 10.1002/bbb.1979. Designed by Kyung Ha Hwang.

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Individual differences in level of wisdom are associated with brain activation during a moral decision‐making task
Authors: Thomas Michael L. , Martin Averria S. , Eyler Lisa , Lee Ellen E. , Macagno Eduardo , Devereaux Mary , Chiong Winston , Jeste Dilip V.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Wisdom is reportedly associated with better health and quality of life. However, our knowledge of the neurobiology of wisdom is still in the early stages of development. We aimed to improve our understanding by correlating a psychometric measure of the trait with patterns of brain activation produced by a cognitive task theorized to be relevant to wisdom: moral decision‐making. In particular, we aimed to determine whether individual differences in wisdom interact with moral task complexity in relation to brain activation.

Methods

Participants were 39 community‐dwelling men and women aged 27–76 years, who completed moral and nonmoral decision‐making tasks while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. Brain activation in select regions of interest was correlated with participants' scores on the San Diego Wisdom Scale (SD‐WISE).

Results

Individual differences in wisdom were found to interact with brain response to moral versus nonmoral and moral personal versus impersonal dilemmas, particularly in regions in or near the default mode network. Persons with higher scores on the SD‐WISE had less contrast between moral and nonmoral dilemmas and greater contrast between moral‐personal and moral‐impersonal dilemmas than individuals with lower SD‐WISE scores.

Conclusions

Results confirmed our hypothesis that individual differences in level of wisdom would interact with moral condition in relation to brain activation, and may underscore the relevance of considering one's own and others' actions and experiences in the context of wise thinking. Future studies are needed to replicate these findings and to examine specific neurocircuits.
Establishment of pancreatic cancer cell lines with endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biopsy via conditionally reprogrammed cell culture
Authors: Lee Hee Seung , Lee Jae Seung , Lee Jinyoung , Kim Eun Kyung , Kim Hoguen , Chung Moon Jae , Park Jeong Youp , Park Seung Woo , Song Si Young , Bang Seungmin
Published: May 2019

Recent studies have identified the mutational landscape of pancreatic cancer and suggested tumor‐specific subtypes. However, the major hurdle against personalized treatment is the difficulty to obtain sufficient cancer tissues from most inoperable cases. We investigated whether patient‐derived conditionally reprogrammed cells (CRCs) can be constructed using a small piece of tumor tissue using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided fine needle biopsy (FNB). Thirty patients with pancreatic solid mass (mean size, 34.6 mm) were enrolled prospectively. Among 22 patients who were diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we established patient‐derived pancreatic cancer cell lines from eight patients (36.4%). Immunofluorescence colony staining for CRCs showed that the cytoplasm of cancer cells was clearly stained with anti‐cytokeratin 19 monoclonal antibody. In the soft agar colony formation assay, CRCs formed colonies compared with the negative control by day 15. In vivo, implanted CRCs showed tumor engraftment and hematoxylin and eosin staining showed pancreatic cancer ductal structure. All established CRCs showed a KRAS mutation. In conclusion, we established patient‐derived pancreatic cancer cell lines with a small tumor tissue obtained by EUS‐FNB. With in vitro drug sensitivity and genomic studies, established patient‐derived cell lines can be used in identification of new targets for diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
IL‐25 promotes cisplatin resistance of lung cancer cells by activating NF‐κB signaling pathway to increase of major vault protein
Authors: Shen Weiming , Qiu Yang , Li Jingyao , Wu Chao , Liu Zhihui , Zhang Xiaorong , Hu Xiaohong , Liao Yi , Wang Haidong
Published: May 2019

As an inflammatory factor, IL‐25 has been studied in variouscancers, but it is rarely reported in cancer chemotherapy resistance. Major vault protein (MVP), as a gene associated with lung multidrug resistance, is associated with multiple chemotherapy resistances of lung cancer. However, the relationship between IL‐25 and MVP in lung cancer cells has not been studied. In this study, we found that both IL‐25 and MVP were elevated expressed in cisplatin‐resistant lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549/CDDP). Silencing of IL‐25 resulted in down‐regulation of MVP expression and reduced cisplatin tolerance of A549/CDDP cells. Overexpression of IL‐25 resulted in increase of MVP expression and the cisplatin tolerance in A549 cells. In addition, we found that the extracellular IL‐25 could stimulate the expression of MVP and activate the NF‐κB signaling pathway. Further, animal models also confirmed that IL‐25 reduced the sensitivity of xenografts to chemotherapy. Taken together, we believe that the up‐regulation of IL‐25 induces MVP expression contributing to chemotherapy resistances of lung cancer cells. Our findings suggest that interference the expression of IL‐25 might be potential treatment strategies for the clinical reversing the chemotherapy resistance.
Philicity of Acetonyl and Benzoyl Radicals: A Comparative Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Verschueren Rik H. , Schmauck Julie , Perryman Michael S. , Yue Hui‐Lan , Riegger Julian , Schweitzer‐Chaput Bertrand , Breugst Martin , Klussmann Martin
Published: May 2019

In this work, the reactivities of acetonyl and benzoyl radicals in aromatic substitution and addition reactions have been compared in an experimental and computational study. The results show that acetonyl is more electrophilic than benzoyl, which is rather nucleophilic. A Hammett plot analysis of the addition reactions of the two radicals to substituted styrenes clearly support the nucleophilicity of benzoyl, but in the case of acetonyl, no satisfactory linear correlation with a single substituent‐related parameter was found. Computational calculations helped to rationalize this effect, and a good linear correlation was found with a combination of polar parameters (σ+) and the radical stabilization energies of the formed intermediates. Based on the calculated philicity indices for benzoyl and acetonyl, a quantitative comparison of these two radicals with many other reported radicals is possible, which may help to predict the reactivities of other aromatic radical substitution reactions.
Sequence and Structure of Peptoid Oligomers Can Tune the Photoluminescence of an Embedded Ruthenium Dye
Authors: Zborovsky Lieby , Tigger‐Zaborov Hagar , Maayan Galia
Published: May 2019

The understanding of structure–function relationships within synthetic biomimetic systems is a fundamental challenge in chemistry. Herein we report the direct correlation between the structure of short peptoid ligands—N‐substituted glycine oligomers incorporating 2,2′‐bipyridine groups—varied in their monomer sequence, and the photoluminescence of RuII centers coordinated by these ligands. Based on circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy we demonstrate that while helical peptoids do not affect the fluorescence of the embedded RuII chromophore, unstructured peptoids lead to its significant decay. Transmittance electron microscopy (TEM) revealed significant differences in the arrangements of metal‐bound helical versus unstructured peptoids, suggesting that only the latter can have through‐space interactions with the ruthenium dye leading to its quenching. High‐resolution TEM enabled the remarkable direct imaging of singular ruthenium‐bound peptoids and bundles, supporting our explanation for structure‐depended quenching. Moreover, this correlation allowed us to fine‐tune the luminescence properties of the complexes simply by modifying the sequence of their peptoid ligands. Finally, we also describe the chiral properties of these Ru–peptoids and demonstrate that remote chiral induction from the peptoids backbone to the ruthenium center is only possible when the peptoids are both chiral and helical.
How do electronic substituent effects work? – Additional contrasting cases for a differentiated inquiry illustrated by the example of alkaline ester hydrolysis
Authors: Trabert Andreas , Schween Michael
Published: May 2019

Der Einfluss elektronischer Substituenteneffekte auf den Verlauf von Reaktionen ist für Studierende insbesondere dann schwer vorhersagbar, wenn mehrere Effekte einander überlagern und/oder geringfügige strukturelle Variationen zu einem deutlich veränderten Reaktionsverhalten führen. Fachgerechte Erklärungen bieten in diesem Zusammenhang nur detaillierte Analysen vorliegender Struktur‐Reaktivitäts‐Beziehungen. Zum Erlernen entsprechender Erklärungsstrategien haben wir bereits eine Lerngelegenheit für Studierende des gymnasialen Lehramts publiziert, die einen innovativen Zugang zur Wirkungsweise elektronischer Substituenteneffekte am Modellbeispiel der alkalischen Hydrolyse substituierter Benzoesäureethylester eröffnet. Deren Fokus ist bislang auf die Wirkungsweise mesomerer Effekte gerichtet. Mit diesem Beitrag ergänzen wir das vorliegende Reaktionssystem um drei neue Contrasting‐Case‐Sets (CC‐Sets) zur Wirkungsweise induktiver Effekte sowie zur Stellungsabhängigkeit mesomerer und induktiver Effekte. Diese ermöglichen es, weitere Facetten elektronischer Substituenteneffekte entlang eines Compare‐Predict‐Observe‐Explain‐Zyklus (CPOE) differenziert zu erarbeiten. Die zusätzlichen CC‐Sets können nahtlos in das didaktische Konzept der Lerngelegenheit integriert werden und schaffen eine Grundlage für die sukzessive Vertiefung des Verständnisses elektronischer Substituenteneffekte.
Bromine water without bromat
Authors: Proske Wolfgang , Werner Elisabeth , Friedrich Jens
Published: May 2019

Durch die Einstufung von Natriumbromat als krebserzeugende Substanz ist der Umgang mit diesem Stoff in der Schule verboten (RISU 2018). Das betrifft auch die Bromat‐Bromid‐Lösung. Da sich aber die Herstellung von Bromwasser aus dieser Lösung in der Schulpraxis etabliert hat, mussten kurzfristig Alternativen entwickelt werden. Als Oxidationsmittel wurden Natriumhypochlorit‐Lösung (Chlorbleichlauge) und Wasserstoffperoxid‐Lösung erprobt. Es wird gezeigt, dass die bisher üblichen Experimente mit dem so erhaltenem Bromwasser aus schwefelsaurer Kaliumbromid‐Lösung und Natriumhypochlorit‐Lösung hervorragend gelingen. Die Bereitstellung von erprobten Versuchsvorschriften ist ein wichtiger Baustein, um das Niveau des experimentellen Chemieunterrichtes zu erhalten.
Three‐plane description of astroglial populations of OVLT subdivisions in rat: Tanycyte connections to distant parts of third ventricle
Authors: Kálmán Mihály , Oszwald Erzsébet , Pócsai Károly
Published: May 2019

This study demonstrates glial and gliovascular markers of organon vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) in three planes. The distribution of glial markers displayed similarities to the subfornical organ. There was an inner part with vimentin‐ and nestin‐immunopositive glia whereas GFAP and the water‐channel aquaporin 4 were found at the periphery. This separation indicates different functions of the two regions. The presence of nestin may indicate stem cell‐capabilities whereas aquaporin 4 has been reported to promote the osmoreceptor function. Glutamine synthetase immunoreactivity was sparse like in the area postrema and subfornical organ. The laminin and β‐dystroglycan immunolabelings altered along the vessels such as in the subfornical organ indicating altering gliovascular relations. The different subdivisions of OVLT received glial processes of different origins. The posterior periventricular zone contained short vimentin‐immunopositive processes from the ependyma of the adjacent surface of the third ventricle. The lateral periventricular zone received forceps‐like process systems from the anterolateral part of the third ventricle. Most interestingly, the “dorsal cap” received a mixed group of long GFAP‐ and vimentin‐immunopositive processes from a distant part of the third ventricle. The processes may have two functions: a guidance for newly produced cells like radial glia in immature brain and/or a connection between distant parts of the third ventricle and OVLT.
Robust multi‐user detection based on hybrid Grey wolf optimization
Authors: Sun Xiyan , Fan Zhuo , Ji Yuanfa , Wang Shouhua , Yan Suqing , Wu Sunyong , Fu Qiang , Ghazali Kamarul Hawari
Published: May 2019

The search for an effective nature‐inspired optimization technique has certainly continued for decades. This work proposes a novel robust multi‐user detection algorithm based on Grey wolf optimization and differential evolution algorithm to overcome the problem of high bit error rate (BER) in multi‐user detection under an impulse noise environment. The simulation results show that the iteration times of the multi‐user detector based on the proposed algorithm is less than those of genetic algorithm, differential evolution algorithm, Grey wolf optimization algorithm, salp swarm algorithm, grasshopper optimisation algorithm, and whale optimization algorithm with the lowerst BER value.
Understanding the Photocatalytic Properties of Pt/CeOx/TiO2: Structural Effects on Electronic and Optical Properties
Authors: Plata J. J. , Remesal E. R. , Graciani Jesús , Márquez A. M. , Rodríguez J. A. , Sanz Javier Fernández
Published: May 2019

Ceria‐titania interfaces play a crucial role in different chemical processes but are especially promising for the photocatalytic splitting of water using light in the visible wavelength region when Pt is added to the system. However, the complexity of this hierarchical structure hampers the study of the origin of its outstanding properties. In this article, the structural, electronic and optoelectronic properties of CeO2/TiO2 systems containing 1D, 2D, and 3D particles of ceria are analyzed by means of density functional calculations. Adsorption sites and vacancy effects have been studied to model Pt adsorption. Density of states calculations and absorption spectra simulations explain the behavior of these systems. Finally, these models are used for the screening of other metals that can be combined with this heterostructure to potentially find more efficient water splitting photocatalysts.
Does the stock market value corporate environmental performance? Some perils of static regression models
Authors: Endo Kazumi
Published: May 2019

Intangible assets not only help firms gain competitive advantages but also enable such advantages to persist when firms are not subject to imitation. Given that expenditure on environmental practices is a part of intangible assets, the absence of a dynamic perspective is a major impediment to the further development of the empirical economics of management. By exploiting fine‐grained measures of research and development assets and patent citations, this study isolates the value‐creating effect of corporate environmental performance through a dynamic lens. Using data from a balanced panel of Japanese manufacturing firms, a positive relationship between corporate environmental performance and firm value is observed even after addressing endogeneity. However, this relationship becomes statistically insignificant once dynamic panel data models are used to control for profit persistence. The results suggest that the use of static regression models can lead to the premature conclusion that it pays to be “green.”
Radiation performance improvement of wideband microstrip antenna array using wideband AMC structure
Authors: Simruni Mojtaba , Jam Shahrokh
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the radiation performance of an antenna array is improved by designing a new wideband artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). The proposed AMC surface operates at the frequency of 3 GHz with ±90° reflection phase bandwidth of 22%. In order to identify the key design parameters of the AMC structure, a parametric study is performed. To improve the radiation performance of the antenna array, an AMC reflector is developed through utilizing an array of 2 × 8 periodic patches of AMC unit cells. By this technique, the front to back ratio of the designed antenna array is enhanced about 16.27 dB. It is concluded that tuning of the AMC dimensions for controlling the reflection coefficient at each port of antenna array during beam steering is necessary. Because of the using of the AMC surfaces as a reflector instead of conventional PEC surfaces, size reduction of the antenna array in the order of 20% is achieved. In this study, a circuit model for single element of the antenna array with considering AMC loading effect is introduced, which predicts the bandwidth behaviour of the proposed antenna. The final designed antenna array exhibits low level of cross polarization making it well‐suited for tracking radars and electronic warfare applications. The proposed antenna with the AMC reflector is fabricated and measured. The measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth and peak gain of the proposed antenna is 20% (2.7‐3.25 GHz) and 13.4 dBi, respectively, which are compatible with the simulation results.
Quantitative Proteomics of Presynaptic Mitochondria Reveal an Overexpression and Biological Relevance of Neuronal MitoNEET in Postnatal Brain Development
Authors: Stauch Kelly L. , Villeneuve Lance M. , Totusek Steven , Lamberty Benjamin , Ciborowski Pawel , Fox Howard S.
Published: May 2019

Although it has been recognized that energy metabolism and mitochondrial structure and functional activity in the immature brain differs from that of the adult, few studies have examined mitochondria specifically at the neuronal synapse during postnatal brain development. In this study, we examined the presynaptic mitochondrial proteome in mice at postnatal day 7 and 42, a period that involves the formation and maturation of synapses. Application of two independent quantitative proteomics approaches – SWATH‐MS and super‐SILAC – revealed a total of 40 proteins as significantly differentially expressed in the presynaptic mitochondria. In addition to elevated levels of proteins known to be involved in ATP metabolic processes, our results identified increased levels of mitoNEET (Cisd1), an iron‐sulfur containing protein that regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics. We found that mitoNEET overexpression plays a cell‐type specific role in ATP synthesis and in neuronal cells promotes ATP generation. The elevated ATP levels in SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were associated with increased mitochondrial membrane potential and a fragmented mitochondrial network, further supporting a role for mitoNEET as a key regulator of mitochondrial function.
Climate change and European rivers: An eco‐hydromorphological perspective
Authors: O'Briain Rossa
Published: May 2019

Climate change is expected to modify temperature and precipitation patterns throughout Europe, leading to warmer drier summers; wetter, milder winters; and an extended growing season. Alterations to feedbacks between important eco‐physical structuring processes driven by climate change may modulate river morphology, floodplain characteristics, and their biological communities. Current understanding is reviewed and synthesised to explore the potential responses, mechanisms, and ramifications of climatic shifts for the European riverscape. Fundamental drivers of change are expected to be (a) disturbance deviation beyond the historical norm and (b) vegetation morphodynamics, a key river process where ecological and fluvial‐geomorphological attributes interact to shape the physical environment. Increased seasonal temperature, summer drought, and winter flooding may affect the colonisation, growth, and mortality of plant species with consequences for riverscape structure and function as succession patterns adjust with repercussions for hydraulics and sediment dynamics. Such opposing winter and summer climate regimes are likely to impact vegetation patch dynamics, reflected in an increasingly variable patch mosaic as disturbance intensity deviates further from historical background conditions. How changes to climate drivers manifest themselves in individual river systems will also be affected by attributes such as catchment topography, geology, vegetation type, and previous human alterations. Where large scale change occurs, it will have consequences for the type and function of biological communities inhabiting the riverscape. Conventional engineering responses to meteorological disturbance will amplify the effect on river biota by reducing their ecological resilience, highlighting the need for a management response that integrates ecological and societal benefits simultaneously.
Shrub abundance contributes to shifts in dissolved organic carbon concentration and chemistry in a continental bog exposed to drainage and warming
Authors: Strack Maria , Munir Tariq M. , Khadka Bhupesh
Published: May 2019

Northern peatlands are globally significant soil carbon sinks but contribute a significant amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to streams. Climate change driven warming and drying will likely alter peatland DOC dynamics; however, few field studies have quantified the individual and interactive effects of temperature and moisture changes. Using a full factorial water table (control, drained 2 years [experimental], drained 12 years [drained]) × warming (ambient, open‐top chamber warming) × microform (hummock, hollow) study design, we monitored DOC concentration and spectrophotometric properties (specific ultraviolet absorbance [SUVA], E2/E3, E4/E6) in a wooded boreal bog in Alberta, Canada. Ecohydrological conditions including water table (WT), soil temperature, plant cover, biomass, and productivity were also measured at each plot. We observed a significant interaction between WT treatment, warming and microform for explaining variation in DOC concentrations, with the highest values at drained, warmed hummocks. Overall, drainage resulted in higher DOC concentration. DOC concentration and E2/E3 increased, whereas SUVA decreased, in response to greater plant productivity (i.e., more negative values of gross ecosystem photosynthesis). For DOC concentration and SUVA, this correlation was largely driven by drained, warmed hummocks where shrub growth increased. Moreover, redundancy analysis indicated that shrub and lichen cover, along with WT and soil temperature, were important for explaining variation in DOC concentration and quality. The results indicate that, although DOC concentrations in peatlands are likely to increase under climate change, much of this increase may be from recent carbon fixation, suggesting more rapid carbon cycling as opposed to destabilization of existing carbon stocks.
Governing for sustainability: How research on large and complex systems can inform governance and institutional theory
Authors: Sjöstedt Martin
Published: May 2019

This article takes its point of departure in the rapidly expanding field of research focusing on governance of large and complex systems and argues that this research should more explicitly recognize ongoing theoretical debates within contemporary and more mainstream governance research in order to fulfill all of its potential. This includes explicitly recognizing the fundamental and inherently political nature of governance as well as the potential contributions to be made from incorporating more of institutional theory in governance research. In addition, the article shows how research on large, complex systems can inform existing research on governance and institutional theory. Recent research on governance of large and complex systems could, for example, help governance research regain its relevance by explicitly focusing on the “big questions.” Focusing on large and complex systems is certainly of paramount real‐world importance, but it also highlights theoretical and empirical puzzles at the core of traditional disciplines such as political science or economics. Finally, the explicit systems perspective with its focus on nonlinearity and limited predictability could also help institutional theory move away from its underlying assumptions about functionalism and voluntarism and could, as such, contribute to existing research on institutional creation, reproduction, and change.
Isolation and Characterization of Different Homometallic and Heterobimetallic Complexes of Nickel and Zinc Ions by Controlling  Molar Ratios and Solvents
Authors: Kushvaha Saroj Kumar , Arumugam Selvakumar , Shankar Bhaskaran , Sarkar Rabi Shankar , Ramkumar Venkatachalam , Mondal Kartik Chandra
Published: May 2019

This work describes employment of two structurally similar Schiff‐base ligands (H2L and H2L‐Me) [H2L = C14H13NO3 and H2L‐Me = C15H15NO3] for the synthesis of three homo‐metallic ZnII and two hetero‐bimetallic ZnII–NiII based multinuclear complexes {[ZnII4L4(MeOH)2] (1), [ZnII5(L)5(MeOH)2]·MeOH·CH3CN (2), [(L)2ZnII4Cl2(µ3‐OMe)2(MeOH)2]·2MeOH (3), [NiII2ZnII2(L)4(MeOH)2] (4) and [Ni3Zn2(L‐Me)5(H2O)2]·MeOH·CH3CN (5)} with different interesting structural core topologies. All of these complexes (1–5) have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis, and UV/Vis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The fluorescence properties of ZnII‐containing complexes have been studied by measuring fluorescence spectra in solid state and solution phase. The luminescence behavior has been further quantified by fluorescence life‐time and quantum yield measurements. Using high resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS), the molecular integrity of complexes in the solution phase has been demonstrated by simulating isotopic distribution of molecules with theoretically calculated molecular isotopic patterns. The magnetic properties of ZnII–NiII containing complexes (4–5) have been studied in the temperature range from 5 K to 300 K. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been carried out to study the thermal stabilities of these complexes (1–5).
Intra‐couple similarity in dyadic coping and partners’ adjustment to the birth of a child
Authors: Alves Stephanie , Fonseca Ana , Canavarro Maria Cristina , Pereira Marco
Published: May 2019

Unlike individual perceptions of a couple's functioning, couple‐level protective factors against poor adjustment to the birth of a child have rarely been studied. This study examined similarity or reciprocal exchanges in dyadic coping (DC) during pregnancy (T1) and at 6 weeks postpartum (T2) and its associations with both partners’ adjustment at 6–9 months postpartum (T3). Ninety‐two Portuguese couples provided data on DC, internalizing symptoms, dyadic adjustment and parenting stress. An individual's perceived similarity at T1 positively predicted his or her own internalizing symptoms at T3. One partner's perceived similarity at T2 negatively predicted the other partner's internalizing symptoms and parenting stress at T3. These associations controlled for stereotype effects (i.e., similarity due to shared cultural norms and values). Both partners’ adjustment seems to benefit from unique similarity within the couple after childbirth, while complementarity in DC during pregnancy appears to be more beneficial in the long term. Our findings suggest important refinements to DC‐based interventions already aimed to promote similarity in DC.
Experimental beyond design and residual performances of full‐scale viscoelastic dampers and their empirical modeling
Authors: Wang Shiang‐Jung , Chiu I‐Chen , Yu Chung‐Han , Zhang Qun‐Ying , Chang Kuo‐Chun
Published: May 2019

Most past researches relevant to viscoelastic (VE) dampers, regardless of analytical and experimental ones, aimed at their design (or pre‐damage) performance. In reality, however, under maximum considered or greater shaking caused by earthquakes, the shear deformation of the VE dampers installed in a structure may exceed or is even much larger than their nominal design range, thus leading to damage to the VE material. Under this circumstance, the structural design might become not conservative when the viscoelastically damped structure is a retrofit design or is not a supplemental damping design. Therefore, in this study, the beyond design and residual performances of the full‐scale VE dampers after suffering damage are experimentally probed and compared with their design (or pre‐damage) performance tested before. To have more engineering sense in practice, some suitable and conservative empirical post‐damage models through considering reduction factors in the Kelvin‐Voigt model for assessing the beyond design and residual performances of the full‐scale VE dampers after suffering damage are recommended.
Implementing MR‐PRESSO and GCTA‐GSMR for pleiotropy assessment in Mendelian randomization studies from a practitioner's perspective
Authors: Ong Jue‐Sheng , MacGregor Stuart
Published: May 2019

With the advent of very large scale genome‐wide association studies (GWASs), the promise of Mendelian randomization (MR) has begun to be fulfilled. However, whilst GWASs have provided essential information on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with modifiable risk factors needed for MR, the availability of large numbers of SNP instruments raises issues of how best to use this information and how to deal with potential problems such as pleiotropy. Here we provide commentary on some of the recent advances in the MR analysis, including an overview of the different genetic architectures that are being uncovered for a variety of modifiable risk factors and how users ought to take that into consideration when designing MR studies.
Ultramafic–mafic and granitoids supra‐subduction magmatism in the southern Ashanti volcanic belt, Ghana: Evidence from geochemistry and Nd isotopes
Authors: Dampare Samuel B. , Shibata Tsugio , Asiedu Daniel K. , Okano Osamu , Osae Shiloh K.D. , Atta‐Peters David , Sakyi Patrick A.
Published: May 2019

Geochemical and Nd isotope data are presented for Palaeoproterozoic ultramafic to mafic rocks and granitoids which are associated with volcanic rocks in the southern part of the Ashanti greenstone belts of Ghana. The Prince's Town granitoids display subduction‐zone geochemical features, with some showing signatures similar to high‐SiO2 adakites (HSA). Their initial εNd (2.1 Ga) values range from −1.01 to +2.92, and they have TDM2 of 2.17–2.51 Ga. The gabbros show slightly LREE‐depleted and ‐enriched patterns, Th–U troughs, negative Nb, Zr–Hf and Ti anomalies, spikes in Sr and Pb, have εNd (2.1 Ga) values ranging from −1.23 to +5.23, and TDM2 values from 2.08 to 2.57 Ga. The Ahama ultramafic body is characterized by two groups of pyroxenites. Both groups show LREE enrichment patterns, display Th–U and Nb–Ta troughs, minor or pronounced negative Zr–Hf and Ti anomalies. However, the Group I pyroxenites exhibit minor Ce anomalies and lower total REE contents (28.1–32.8 ppm) whereas Group II pyroxenites show significant negative Ce anomalies and relatively higher total REE contents of 57.1–124 ppm. The pyroxenites show negative initial εNd (2.1 Ga) values (−0.58 to −5.68) and have TDM2 values of 2.52 to 2.75 Ga. The pyroxenitic and gabbroic rocks were most likely originated from a subduction‐related lithospheric mantle. The Aketakyi ultramafic–mafic complex is made up of mainly cumulate dunite, harzburgite, pyroxenites, and gabbro. The rocks display LREE‐depleted to flat patterns with low total REE contents (1.71 to 22.3 ppm) and demonstrate a supra‐subduction affinity. They show high positive initial εNd (2.1 Ga) values (+3.69 to +4.93), and TDM2 values of 1.99 to 2.04 Ga, which suggest that they were derived from depleted mantle magmas and were juvenile at their time of formation. The Nd isotopic data provides evidence for a possible contamination of the juvenile Birimian crust of the southern Ashanti belt by some amount of a pre‐Birimian (or Archaean?) crustal material. The trace element and isotopic signatures as well as the field relations of the studied granitoids and mafic–ultramafic rocks show they were derived through supra‐subduction‐related magmatism during the Palaeoproterozoic.
NOD‐like receptor C4 Inflammasome Regulates the Growth of Colon Cancer Liver Metastasis in NAFLD
Authors: Ohashi Koichiro , Wang Zhijun , Yang Yoon Mee , Billet Sandrine , Tu Wei , Pimienta Michael , Cassel Suzanne L. , Pandol Stephen J. , Lu Shelly C. , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Bhowmick Neil , Seki Ekihiro
Published: May 2019

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) enhances the growth and recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) liver metastasis. With the rising prevalence of NAFLD, a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying NAFLD‐associated liver metastasis is crucial. Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute a large portion of the tumor microenvironment that promotes tumor growth. NOD‐like receptor C4 (NLRC4), a component of an inflammasome complex, plays a role in macrophage activation and interleukin (IL)‐1β processing. We aimed to investigate whether NLRC4‐mediated TAM polarization contributes to metastatic liver tumor growth in NAFLD. Wild‐type and NLRC4‐/‐ mice were fed low‐fat or high‐fat diet for 6 weeks followed by splenic injection of mouse CRC MC38 cells. The tumors were analyzed 2 weeks after CRC cell injection. High‐fat diet–induced NAFLD significantly increased the number and size of CRC liver metastasis. TAMs and CD206‐expressing M2 macrophages accumulated markedly in tumors in the presence of NAFLD. NAFLD up‐regulated the expression of IL‐1β, NLRC4, and M2 markers in tumors. In NAFLD, but not normal livers, deletion of NLRC4 decreased liver tumor growth accompanied by decreased M2 TAMs and IL‐1β expression in tumors. Wild‐type mice showed increased vascularity and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumors with NAFLD, but these were reduced in NLRC4‐/‐ mice. When IL‐1 signaling was blocked by recombinant IL‐1 receptor antagonist, liver tumor formation and M2‐type macrophages were reduced, suggesting that IL‐1 signaling contributes to M2 polarization and tumor growth in NAFLD. Finally, we found that TAMs, but not liver macrophages, produced more IL‐1β and VEGF following palmitate challenge. Conclusion: In NAFLD, NLRC4 contributes to M2 polarization, IL‐1β, and VEGF production in TAMs, which promote metastatic liver tumor growth.
Enhanced DNA repair and genomic stability identify a novel HIV‐related diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma signature
Authors: Maguire Alanna , Chen Xianfeng , Wisner Lee , Malasi Smriti , Ramsower Colleen , Kendrick Samantha , Barrett Michael T. , Glinsmann‐Gibson Betty , McGrath Michael , Rimsza Lisa M.
Published: May 2019

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is up to 17‐fold more likely to occur, follows a more aggressive clinical course and frequently presents at advanced stages in HIV infected (+) individuals compared to HIV negative (−) individuals. However, the molecular pathology underpinning the clinical features of DLBCL in HIV(+) patients relative to the general population is poorly understood. We performed a retrospective study examining the transcriptional, genomic and protein expression differences between HIV(+) and HIV(−) germinal center B‐cell (GCB) DLBCL cases using digital gene expression analysis, array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Genes associated with cell cycle progression (CCNA2, CCNB1, CDC25A, E2F1), DNA replication (MCM2, MCM4, MCM7) and DNA damage repair, including eight Fanconi anemia genes (FANCA, FANCD1/BRCA2, FANCE, FANCG, FANCR/RAD51, FANCS/BRCA1, FANCT/UBE2T, FANCV/MAD2L2), were significantly increased in HIV(+) GCB‐DLBCL tumors compared to HIV(−) tumors. In contrast, genes associated with cell cycle inhibition (CDKN1A, CDKN1B) as well as apoptosis regulating BCL2 family members (BCL2, BAX, BIM, BMF, PUMA) were significantly decreased in the HIV(+) cohort. BCL2 IHC confirmed this expression. Array CGH data revealed that HIV(+) GCB‐DLBCL tumors have fewer copy number variations than their HIV(−) counterparts, indicating enhanced genomic stability. Together, the results show that HIV(+) GCB‐DLBCL is a distinct molecular malignancy from HIV(−) GCB‐DLBCL; with an increased proliferative capacity, confirmed by Ki67 IHC staining, and enhanced genomic stability, the latter of which is likely related to the enhanced expression of DNA repair genes.
The demand for season of birth
Authors: Clarke Damian , Oreffice Sonia , Quintana‐Domeque Climent
Published: May 2019

We study the determinants of season of birth for married women aged 20–45 in the USA, using birth certificate and Census data. We also elicit the willingness to pay for season of birth through discrete‐choice experiments implemented on the Amazon Mechanical Turk platform. We document that the probability of a spring first birth is significantly related to mother's age, education, race, ethnicity, smoking status during pregnancy, receiving WIC (Women, Infants & Children) food benefits during pregnancy, prepregnancy obesity, and the mother working in “education, training, and library” occupations; whereas among unmarried women without a father acknowledged on their child's birth certificate, all our findings are muted. A summer first birth does not depend on socioeconomic characteristics, although it is the most common birth season in the USA. Among married women aged 20–45, we estimate the average marginal willingness to pay (WTP) for a spring birth to be 877 USD. This implies a willingness to trade‐off 560 grams of birth weight in the normal range to achieve a spring birth. Finally, we estimate that an increase of 1,000 USD in the predicted marginal WTP for a spring birth is associated with a 15 pp (percentage points) increase in the probability of obtaining an actual spring birth.
Identification of potential microRNA markers related to Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever disease
Authors: Arslan Serdal , Engin Aynur , Aydemir Eylem Itir , Sahin Nil Ozbilum , Bayyurt Burcu , Sari Ismail , Cosgun Yasemin , Bakir Mehmet
Published: May 2019

Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick‐borne disease caused by the arbovirus Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). The CCHFV has a single‐stranded RNA genome of negative sense. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key players in virus‐host interactions and viral pathogenesis. We investigated the miRNA gene expression profiles in patients with CCHF using microarray for the first time in the world. Microarray analysis was performed using mirBase Ver 21 (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). All statistical analyses were performed across the case‐control, fatal‐control, and fatal‐nonfatal case groups using Genespring (Ver 3.0). Fifteen miRNAs were statistical significant in patients with CCHF compared with the controls (5 were upregulated, 10 were downregulated). Seventy‐five and sixty‐six miRNAs are in fatal compared with control and nonfatal case, respectively (fold change ([FC] ≥50) were statistically significant. In this study, the target genes of important miRNAs were identified and Gene Ontology analyses were performed across all groups. As a result of this study, we propose that the detection of miRNAs in patients with CCHF will allow the determination of therapeutic targets in diseases. CCHF is an important public health problem that can often be fatal. In this study, we investigated miRNA expression in case‐control, fatal‐control, and fatal‐nonfatal case groups. Significant miRNAs associated with fatality were detected in CCHF. This study will serve as a source of data for the development of an antagomir‐based therapy against CCHF using miRNAs in the future.
Exploring the relationship between sense of community and vigor in workplace community: The role of needs satisfaction and physical activity
Authors: Scotto di Luzio Silvia , Isoard‐Gautheur Sandrine , Ginoux Clément , Sarrazin Philippe
Published: May 2019

The present study aimed to increase understanding of well‐being in workplace community by examining a moderated mediated model including the test of the mediating effect of needs satisfaction, and the moderating effect of physical activity on the sense of community—vigor relationship, in a longitudinal perspective. The sample was composed of 95 workers (63.6% females) who completed an online survey three times during a 4‐month period. Results showed that the indirect effect of sense of community on vigor 4 months later, through satisfaction of need for relatedness, is significant among employees who practice a high level of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The ﬁndings suggest that (a) sense of community—conceived as a job resource—is responsible for needs satisfaction and may be considered an important component of the vigor process, and (b) that positive effects of physical activity can enhance employees' resource gains and recovery, favoring the experience of vigor in workplace community.
Tuftelin's involvement in embryonic development
Authors: Shilo Dekel , Blumenfeld Anat , Haze Amir , Sharon Shay , Goren Koby , Hanhan Salem , Gruenbaum‐Cohen Yael , Ornoy Asher , Deutsch Dan
Published: May 2019

Little is known about tuftelin expression in the developing embryo, previously it was thought to play a role in tooth enamel mineralization. In this study we show tuftelin's spatio‐temporal expression in mineralizing and nonmineralizing tissues of the craniofacial complex in the developing mouse embryo. Embryos aged E10.5−E18.5 and newborns aged P3 were used in this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Real‐time PCR, sequencing, and in‐situ hybridization were used to detect and quantify messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in different developmental stages. We applied indirect immunohistochemistry and western‐blot analyses to investigate protein expression. Two tuftelin mRNA transcripts and a single 64KDa protein were detected throughout embryonic development. Tuftelin was detected in tissues which develop from different embryonic origins; ectoderm, ectomesenchyme, and mesoderm. Tuftelin mRNA and protein were expressed already at E10.5, before the initiation of tooth formation and earlier than previously described. The expression pattern of tuftelin mRNA and protein exhibits dynamic spatio‐temporal changes in various tissues. Tuftelin is expressed in neuronal tissues, thus fitting with its described correlation to nerve growth factor. A shift between cytoplasmatic and perinuclear/nuclear expression implies a possible role in regulation of transcription. Recent studies showed tuftelin is induced under hypoxic conditions in‐vitro and in‐vivo, through the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐α pathway. These results led to the hypothesis that tuftelin is involved in adaptation to hypoxic conditions. The fact that much of mammalian embryogenesis occurs at O
2 concentrations of 1–5%, raises the possibility that tuftelin expression throughout development is due to its role in the adaptive mechanisms in response to hypoxia.
The p53 gene family in vertebrates: Evolutionary considerations
Authors: Biscotti Maria Assunta , Barucca Marco , Carducci Federica , Forconi Mariko , Canapa Adriana
Published: May 2019

The origin of the p53 gene family predates multicellular life since TP53 members of this gene family have been found in unicellular eukaryotes. In invertebrates one or two genes attributable to a TP53‐like or TP63/73‐like gene are present. The radiation into three genes, TP53, TP63, and TP73, has been reported as a vertebrate invention. TP53 is considered the “guardian of the genome” given its role in protecting cells against the DNA damage and cellular stressors. TP63 and TP73 play a role in epithelial development and neurogenesis, respectively. The evolution of the p53 gene family has been the subject of considerable analyses even if several questions remain still open. In this study we addressed the evolutionary history of the p53 gene family in vertebrates performing an extended microsyntenic investigation coupled with a phylogenetic analysis, together with protein domain organization and structure assessment. On the basis of our results we discussed a possible evolutionary scenario according to which a TP53/63/73 ancestor form gave rise to the current TP53 and a TP63/73 form, which in turn independently duplicated into two genes in agnathe and gnathostome lineages.
Reptile enamel matrix proteins: Selection, divergence, and functional constraint
Authors: Alazem Omar , Abramyan John
Published: May 2019

The three major enamel matrix proteins (EMPs): amelogenin (AMEL), ameloblastin (AMBN), and enamelin (ENAM), are intrinsically linked to tooth development in tetrapods. However, reptiles and mammals exhibit significant differences in dental patterning and development, potentially affecting how EMPs evolve in each group. In most reptiles, teeth are replaced continuously throughout life, while mammals have reduced replacement to only one or two generations. Reptiles also form structurally simple, aprismatic enamel while mammalian enamel is composed of highly organized hydroxyapatite prisms. These differences, combined with reported low sequence homology in reptiles, led us to predict that reptiles may experience lower selection pressure on their EMPs as compared with mammals. However, we found that like mammals, reptile EMPs are under moderate purifying selection, with some differences evident between AMEL, AMBN, and ENAM. We also demonstrate that sequence homology in reptile EMPs is closely associated with divergence times, with more recently diverged lineages exhibiting high homology, along with strong phylogenetic signal. Lastly, despite sequence divergence, none of the reptile species in our study exhibited mutations consistent with diseases that cause degeneration of enamel (e.g. amelogenesis imperfecta). Despite short tooth retention time and simplicity in enamel structure, reptile EMPs still exhibit purifying selection required to form durable enamel.
The characteristics of the ancient cell death suppressor, TMBIM6, and its related signaling pathways after endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Doycheva Desislava , Kaur Harpreet , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H.
Published: May 2019

Activation of the unfolded protein response in combination with generation of reactive oxygen species, from cytochrome P450 members and NADPH‐P450 reductases, are two major consequences of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress that cause oxidative damage and cell death. Herein, we reviewed the role of Bax Inhibitor‐1 (BI‐1), an evolutionarily conserved protein encoded by the Transmembrane Bax inhibitor Motif Containing 6 gene, in protection from ER stress. As BI‐1 has multimodal properties that can target a wide array of pathophysiological consequences after injury, our main objective was to explore BI‐1's protective role in ER stress and its potential signaling pathways.