bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taurine‐upregulated gene 1: A functional long noncoding RNA in tumorigenesis
Authors: Ghaforui‐Fard Soudeh , Vafaee Reza , Taheri Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Taurine‐upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is a 7.1 kb long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) first recognized in 2005 as an important element for retinal development in rodents. Subsequently, this lncRNA has been shown to participate in oncogenic processes through alteration in chromatin structure, sponging microRNAs, and affecting the expression of some cancer‐related pathways. While most of the studies have revealed an oncogenic role for this lncRNA, some reports have shown downregulation of TUG1 in lung cancer samples compared with noncancerous samples. In triple negative breast cancer samples, the expression of this lncRNA has been decreased. Besides, its expression has been higher in HER2‐enriched and basal‐like subtypes compared with luminal A. In the current review, we discuss the latest literature about the expression pattern and functional roles of TUG1 in diverse cancer types. In addition, its role in epithelial−mesenchymal transition and activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in human malignancies will be explored.
The interplay between TGF‐β‐stimulated TSC22 domain family proteins regulates cell‐cycle dynamics in medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Dragotto Jessica , Canterini Sonia , Del Porto Paola , Bevilacqua Arturo , Fiorenza Maria Teresa
Published: March 2019

Proteins belonging to the TGFβ‐stimulated clone 22 domain (TSC22D) family display a repertoire of activities, regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. The tumor suppressor activity of the first identified member of the family, TSC22D1 (formerly named TSC‐22), has been extensively studied, but afterward a longer isoform encoded by the same gene turned out to play an opposite role.

We have previously characterized the role of TSC22D1 and TSC22D4 in cell differentiation using granule neurons (GNs) isolated from the mouse cerebellum. However, the possibility to study the role of these factors in cell proliferation was limited by the fact that GNs readily exit from the cell‐cycle and differentiate upon isolation and in vitro culture. To overcome this limitation, we have now exploited DAOY medulloblastoma cells, which are ontogenetically similar to cerebellar GNs and can be efficiently transfected with interfering RNA for gene knockdown purposes.

Our findings indicate that TSC22D4–TSC22D1 short isoform heterodimers are involved in the escape from cell proliferation and exit from the cell‐cycle, whereas, the TSC22D1 long isoform is required for cell proliferation, acting independently from TSC22D4. We also show that the silencing of specific expression of TSC22D4 or TSC22D1 isoforms affects the cell‐cycle progression. These findings add a novel insight on the function of TSC22D proteins, with particular reference to the tumor suppressor activity of the TSC22D1 short isoform, which is re‐framed within the context of a functional interplay with TSC22D4 and the mutually exclusive expression with the TSC22D1 long isoform.
Identification of biomarkers and genetic approaches toward chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wadhwa Ridhima , Aggarwal Taru , Malyla Vamshikrishna , Kumar Nitesh , Gupta Gaurav , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dureja Harish , Mehta Meenu , Satija Saurabh , Gulati Monica , Maurya Pawan Kumar , Collet Trudi , Hansbro Philip Michael , Dua Kamal
Published: March 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease accounts as the leading cause of mortality worldwide prominently affected by genetic and environmental factors. The disease is characterized by persistent coughing, breathlessness airways inflammation followed by a decrease in forced expiratory volume1 and exacerbations, which affect the quality of life. Determination of genetic, epigenetic, and oxidant biomarkers to evaluate the progression of disease has proved complicated and challenging. Approaches including exome sequencing, genome‐wide association studies, linkage studies, and inheritance and segregation studies played a crucial role in the identification of genes, their pathways and variation in genes. This review highlights multiple approaches for biomarker and gene identification, which can be used for differential diagnosis along with the genome editing tools to study genes associated with the development of disease and models their function. Further, we have discussed the approaches to rectify the abnormal gene functioning of respiratory tissues and various novel gene editing techniques like Zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALEN), and clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9).
Sirt6 deletion in hepatocytes increases insulin sensitivity of female mice by enhancing ERα expression
Authors: Tang Chuanfeng , Liu Peiyu , Zhou Yu , Jiang Bijie , Song Yu , Sheng Liang
Published: March 2019

Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6), a NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylase, is involved in hepatic glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which impact metabolic homeostasis. In this paper, we discover that Sirt6 affects the insulin sensitivity of mice in a gender‐dependent manner; few studies have been conducted on this issue. Based on reports revealing the influences of sex hormones on insulin signaling, this investigation explores the mechanism by which Sirt6 regulates the estrogen pathway and disrupts insulin signal transduction. Hepatocyte‐specific Sirt6 knockout (Sirt6HKO) mice were generated to investigate the function of Sirt6 in hepatocytes. Mice were castrated or spayed to eliminate sex hormones. Insulin sensitivity was assessed via an insulin tolerance test (ITT) in vivo. The interaction of Sirt6 with the estrogen pathway and their impacts on insulin signal transduction were revealed by immunoblot and immunoprecipitation. Sirt6 deletion in hepatocytes significantly enhanced insulin sensitivity and signal transduction in female mice but not in male or spayed female mice as demonstrated by ITT and the phosphorylation level of Akt in the liver. We also identified upregulation of p300, ERα, and interaction of ERα with p85 in the liver of female Sirt6HKO mice. Additionally, Sirt6 was found to inhibit ERα protein stability in a p300‐dependent manner without interacting directly with ERα. Our findings show that hepatic Sirt6 downregulates the ERα protein level in a p300‐dependent manner and thus disturbs estrogen‐induced improvement in insulin sensitivity in the liver, which may partially explain the gender difference in insulin sensitivity.
Dephosphorylation‐induced EZH2 activation mediated RECK downregulation by ERK1/2 signaling
Authors: Ning Shilong , Ma Xiao
Published: March 2019

The reversion‐inducing cysteine‐rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) gene, a widely known cancer inhibitor, could effectively suppress cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. Downregulation or loss of RECK expression frequently occurs during cancer progression. However, the mechanism underlying RECK dysregulation has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we reported for the first time that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase, could epigenetically attenuate RECK expression via catalyzing H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) within the RECK promoter. Furthermore, we also proved, for the first time, the involvement of EZH2 in the inhibition of RECK by extracellular signal‐related kinases (ERK)‐1/2 signaling. Next, we revealed that the modulation of the enzymic activity of EZH2 resulting from posttranslational phosphorylation at the serine‐21 site was responsible for the increased enrichment of H3K27me3 at the RECK promoter region by ERK1/2 signaling. Collectively, the results of our study shed more light on the mechanisms responsible for the dysregulation of RECK by the ERK1/2 pathway.
Pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica, but not Entamoeba dispar, induce neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation
Authors: Fonseca Zayda , Uribe-Querol Eileen , Díaz-Godínez César , Carrero Julio C , Rosales Carlos
Published: March 2019

Amoebiasis is an infection of global importance, caused by the eukaryotic parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Pathogenic E. histolytica is associated worldwide with over a million cases of amoebic dysentery, colitis, and amoebic liver abscess. In contrast, the nonpathogenic Entamoeba dispar does not cause these diseases, although it is commonly found in the same areas as pathogenic amoeba. Entamoeba histolytica infection is usually associated with infiltrating neutrophils. These neutrophils appear to play a defensive role against this parasite, by mechanisms not completely understood. Recently, our group reported that neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) are produced in response to E. histolytica trophozoites. But, there is no information on whether nonpathogenic E. dispar can also induce NET formation. In this report, we explored the possibility that E. dispar leads to NET formation. Neutrophils were stimulated by E. histolytica trophozoites or by E. dispar trophozoites, and NET formation was assessed by video microscopy. NET induced by E. histolytica were important for trapping and killing amoebas. In contrast, E. dispar did not induce NET formation in any condition. Also E. dispar did not induce neutrophil degranulation or reactive oxygen species production. In addition, E. histolytica-induced NET formation required alive amoebas and it was inhibited by galactose, N-acetylgalactosamine, and lactose. These data show that only alive pathogenic E. histolytica activates neutrophils to produce NET, and suggest that recognition of the parasite involves a carbohydrate with an axial HO- group at carbon 4 of a hexose.
The unusual fragmentation of long‐chain feruloyl esters under negative ion electrospray conditions
Authors: Schmidt Jürgen , Kuck Dietmar , Franke Katrin , Sultani Haider , Laub Annegret , Wessjohann Ludger A.
Published: March 2019

Long‐chain ferulic acid esters, such as eicosyl ferulate (1), show a complex and analytically valuable fragmentation behavior under negative ion electrospay collision‐induced dissociation ((−)‐ESI‐CID) mass spectrometry, as studied by use of a high‐resolution (Orbitrap) mass spectrometer. In a strong contrast to the very simple fragmentation of the [M + H]+ ion, which is discussed briefly, the deprotonated molecule, [M – H]−, exhibits a rich secondary fragmentation chemistry. It first loses a methyl radical (MS2) and the ortho‐quinoid [M – H – Me]‐• radical anion thus formed then dissociates by loss of an extended series of neutral radicals, CnH2n + 1• (n = 0–16) from the long alkyl chain, in competition with the expulsion of CO and CO2 (MS3). The further fragmentation (MS4) of the [M – H – Me – C3H7]− ion, discussed as an example, and the highly specific losses of alkyl radicals from the [M – H – Me – CO]‐• and [M – H – Me – CO2]‐• ions provide some mechanistic and structural insights.
Evaluation and optimization of the potential of a handheld Raman spectrometer: in situ, noninvasive materials characterization in artworks
Authors: Pozzi Federica , Basso Elena , Rizzo Adriana , Cesaratto Anna , Tague Thomas J.
Published: March 2019

Decades of technological and methodological advances in Raman spectroscopy have brought this technique from laboratory innovation to a well‐established analytical tool with increasing applicability to the study of cultural heritage objects. Enduring research in the field of miniaturization has given rise to new generations of mobile, portable, and handheld spectrometers that have deeply transformed the way in which scientists approach materials analysis. Although sometimes limited in terms of performance and flexibility compared with their benchtop counterparts, miniaturized instruments are typically compact and light, user‐friendly, and equipped with fiber optics and batteries, thus enabling the operator to easily transport them and collect data in the field in a timely manner. In this work, a new handheld Raman spectrometer was evaluated for the in situ, noninvasive analysis of organic and inorganic materials in artworks from five prestigious New York City museums. Relevant examples include the following: the investigation of indigotin‐containing plant dyes in Romano‐Egyptian funerary portraits from the Brooklyn Museum; the detection and identification of natural blue colorants and mineral pigments in Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts from The Morgan Library & Museum; the study of a yellow pigment and a proteinaceous inlay material on a 12th‐century Korean lacquered box in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art; the characterization of synthetic organic dyes and pigments used by Henri Matisse in one of his cutouts belonging to The Museum of Modern Art; and the identification of different plastics, fillers, and pigments in a work by Jeff Koons in the holdings of the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Is Viewing Mass Trauma Television Coverage Associated With Trauma Reactions in Adults and Youth? A Meta‐Analytic Review
Authors: Pfefferbaum Betty , Nitiéma Pascal , Newman Elana
Published: March 2019

This study presents the findings of meta‐analyses examining the association between viewing mass trauma television coverage and posttraumatic stress (PTS) outcomes as well as acute stress reactions (ASR) among adults and youth. A literature search identified 43 (N = 31,162) studies assessing the association between viewing mass trauma television coverage and PTS and four (N = 9,083) assessing the association with ASR. The overall size of the association between viewing television coverage and PTS, estimated using a random‐effect model, was small but statistically significant, r = .17, 95% CI [.13, .22]. The moderator analysis examined eight preselected variables: man‐made versus natural trauma, specific incident versus chronic stressor, adult versus youth sample, proximal versus distal event exposure, television only versus combined media form, specific content in coverage versus no specific content, quantification of media contact using numeric measurement versus subjective measurement versus a binary item, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) versus posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) outcome. The analysis revealed a statistically significant moderation effect for the quantification of media contact (numeric vs. subjective vs. binary) only, which accounted for 19% of the observed heterogeneity. With a summary estimate of r = .26, 95% CI [.06, .44], the analysis of the ASR studies corroborated the PTS findings. The results suggest that clinicians and public health practitioners should discuss mass trauma television viewing with their patients and with the public. Limitations of the extant research are discussed.
Cumulative Disaster Exposure and Mental and Physical Health Symptoms Among a Large Sample of Gulf Coast Residents
Authors: Lowe Sarah R. , McGrath John A. , Young Megan N. , Kwok Richard K. , Engel Lawrence S. , Galea Sandro , Sandler Dale P.
Published: March 2019

A large body of research has linked disaster exposure to adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Few studies, however, have explored the cumulative impact of exposure to multiple disasters. Participants (N = 8,366) from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Gulf Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study were classified as having been exposed to both, either, or neither Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DHOS). Participants also reported on a range of mental and physical health symptoms. Logistic regression models found that participants who were exposed to both disasters had significantly higher odds of probable generalized anxiety disorder, odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% CI [1.52, 1.96]; major depression, OR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.32, 1.77]; and posttraumatic stress disorder, OR = 2.51, 95% CI [2.03, 3.10], than participants who were exposed to only one disaster, ps < .001. Additionally, a linear regression model found that participants who were exposed to both disasters had significantly more physical health symptoms at the time of the spill than those who were exposed to only one disaster, B = 0.99, SE = .20, p < .001. The results indicate that cumulative disaster exposure confers enhanced risk for adverse mental and physical health outcomes. The findings demonstrate that screening for prior exposure among disaster‐affected individuals might identify those at greatest risk for adverse health outcomes.
Internal waves influence the thermal and nutrient environment on a shallow coral reef
Authors: Reid Emma C. , DeCarlo Thomas M. , Cohen Anne L. , Wong George T. F. , Lentz Steven J. , Safaie Aryan , Hall Austin , Davis Kristen A.
Published: March 2019

Internal waves can influence water properties in coastal ecosystems through the shoreward transport and mixing of subthermocline water into the nearshore region. In June 2014, a field experiment was conducted at Dongsha Atoll in the northern South China Sea to study the impact of internal waves on a coral reef. Instrumentation included a distributed temperature sensing system, which resolved spatially and temporally continuous temperature measurements over a 4‐km cross‐reef section from the lagoon to 50‐m depth on the fore reef. Our observations show that during summer, internal waves shoaling on the shallow atoll regularly transport cold, nutrient‐rich water shoreward, altering near‐surface water properties on the fore reef. This water is transported shoreward of the reef crest by tides, breaking surface waves and wind‐driven flow, where it significantly alters the water temperature and nutrient concentrations on the reef flat. We find that without internal wave forcing on the fore reef, temperatures on the reef flat could be up to 2.0°C ± 0.2°C warmer. Additionally, we estimate a change in degree heating weeks of 0.7°C‐weeks warmer without internal waves, which significantly increases the probability of a more severe bleaching event occurring at Dongsha Atoll. Furthermore, using nutrient samples collected on the fore reef during the study, we estimated that instantaneous onshore nitrate flux is about four‐fold higher with internal waves than without internal waves. This work highlights the importance of internal waves as a physical mechanism shaping the nearshore environment, and likely supporting resilience of the reef.
The effect of CeCl3 inhibitor on the localized corrosion of stainless steel in chloride solutions
Authors: Alar Vesna , Novak Amalija H. , Runje Biserka , Kurtela Marin
Published: March 2019

Stainless steels have been used extensively in many sectors such as medical and household appliances as well as construction. This has been primarily due to their high resistance to corrosion attacks, reasonable cost, and excellent mechanical properties. However, when placed in corrosive media stainless steel is susceptible to localized corrosion attacks, especially when placed in chloride solutions. The paper explores the issue of corrosion liability of austenitic (AISI 316) and duplex (UNS S32205) stainless steels in et aconditions of seawater environment as well as under the influence of an inhibitor in the same environmental conditions. The behavior of stainless steels was examined via electrochemical testing relying on DC and AC techniques, optical metallographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Duplex stainless steel showed better resistance to localized corrosion but a higher tendency toward general corrosion in all examined solutions. Cerium chloride in a chloride solution showed inhibiting properties for both the AISI 316 and the UNS S32205.
Corrosion of low alloy steel in stagnant artificial or stirred natural seawater: The role of Al and Cr
Authors: Refait Philippe , Jeannin Marc , Urios Thomas , Fagot Anne , Sabot René
Published: March 2019

Carbon steel and low alloy (containing Al and Cr) steel coupons were immersed for 6–7 months in stagnant artificial seawater or in natural marine site. The corrosion processes were studied via the combination of electrochemical techniques and the analysis of corrosion product layers by µ‐Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. In natural seawater, the low alloy steel showed better resistance to corrosion and the best results were obtained when the mill scale was removed from the steel surface. This shows that improved corrosion resistance is due to a protective layer that forms spontaneously in the environment. In stagnant artificial seawater, the behavior of low alloy steel coupons (without mill scale) was compared with that of carbon steel coupons. The polarization resistance of the carbon steel coupons remained approximately constant over time. The corrosion product layer proved to be mainly composed of magnetite, an electronic conductor that does not hinder oxygen reduction. In contrast, the polarization resistance of the low alloy steel coupons increased with time, as the growing corrosion product layer, enriched with insulating FeOOH compounds, hindered oxygen diffusion.
Corrosion behaviour of 316L stainless steel manufactured by selective laser melting
Authors: Andreatta Francesco , Lanzutti Alex , Vaglio Emanuele , Totis Giovanni , Sortino Marco , Fedrizzi Lorenzo
Published: March 2019

This work investigates the electrochemical behaviour of an AISI 316L stainless steel produced by selective laser melting (SLM) and compares its behaviour with that of wrought stainless steel with similar chemical composition. The SLM stainless steel specimens are tested in the as‐produced condition without stress relief or recrystallization heat treatments. The electrochemical tests are carried out in two electrolytes: 3.5 wt% NaCl solution with neutral pH and with pH of 1.8.

At the macroscale, the microstructure of the SLM specimens is determined by the laser scanning pattern and displays an overlapping network of melt pools. At the microscale, the SLM specimens exhibit a cellular/columnar dendritic structure with submicrometric cell size. Electrochemical measurements highlight a more extended passive range for SLM stainless steel in both neutral and acid electrolytes indicating higher protective properties of the oxide film on SLM specimens. In contrast to the wrought material, the refined microstructure of the SLM specimens promotes a very shallow morphology of attack without deep penetration in the bulk.
Targeting microbial pathogens by expression of new recombinant dermaseptin peptides in tobacco
Authors: Khademi Mitra , Nazarian‐Firouzabadi Farhad , Ismaili Ahmad , Shirzadian Khorramabad Reza
Published: March 2019

Dermaseptin B1 (DrsB1), an antimicrobial cationic 31 amino acid peptide, is produced by Phyllomedusa bicolor. In an attempt to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of DrsB1, the DrsB1 encoding 93 bp sequence was either fused to the N or C terminus of sequence encoding chitin‐binding domain (CBD) of Avr4 gene from Cladosporium fulvum. Tobacco leaf disk explants were inoculated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes harboring pGSA/CBD‐DrsB1 and pGSA/DrsB1‐CBD expression vectors to produce hairy roots (HRs). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to screen putative transgenic tobacco lines. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and western blotting analysis indicated that the expression of recombinant genes were significantly higher, and recombinant proteins were produced in transgenic HRs. The recombinant proteins were extracted from the tobacco HRs and used against Pectobacterium carotovorum, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Xanthomonas campestris pathogenic bacteria and Alternaria alternata and Pythium sp. fungi. Two recombinant proteins had a statistically significant (p < 0.01) inhibitory effect on the growth and development of plant pathogens. The CBD‐DrsB1 recombinant protein demonstrated a higher antibacterial effect, whereas the DrsB1‐CBD recombinant protein demonstrated greater antifungal activity. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the structure of the fungal mycelia appeared segmented, adhered to each other, and crushed following the antimicrobial activity of the recombinant proteins. Due to the high antimicrobial activity of the recombinant proteins against plant pathogens, this strategy can be used to generate stable transgenic crop plants resistant to devastating plant pathogens.
A higher dimensional fractional Borel‐Pompeiu formula and a related hypercomplex fractional operator calculus
Authors: Ferreira Milton , Kraußhar R. Sören , Rodrigues M. Manuela , Vieira Nelson
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we develop a fractional integro‐differential operator calculus for Clifford algebra‐valued functions. To do that, we introduce fractional analogues of the Teodorescu and Cauchy‐Bitsadze operators, and we investigate some of their mapping properties. As a main result, we prove a fractional Borel‐Pompeiu formula based on a fractional Stokes formula. This tool in hand allows us to present a Hodge‐type decomposition for the fractional Dirac operator. Our results exhibit an amazing duality relation between left and right operators and between Caputo and Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivatives. We round off this paper by presenting a direct application to the resolution of boundary value problems related to Laplace operators of fractional order.
Oral Ketone Supplementation Acutely Increases Markers of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Human Monocytes
Authors: Neudorf Helena , Durrer Cody , Myette‐Cote Etienne , Makins Caitlyn , O'Malley Trevor , Little Jonathan P.
Published: March 2019

Scope

Cell culture studies indicate that the ketone β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐OHB) directly inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key regulator of inflammation. However, direct evidence demonstrating this effect in humans is lacking.

Methods and results

To determine the effects of acutely raising blood β‐OHB in healthy humans, two separate randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled experiments are conducted using similar methods but each employed different exogenous ketone supplements. Participants' blood β‐OHB is directly elevated by ketone salts (0.3 g β‐OHB per kg; Study 1, N = 10 males) or ketone monoester (0.482 g β‐OHB per kg; Study 2, N = 18, equal males/females). Markers of NLRP3 inflammasome activation include caspase‐1, IL‐1β secretion, and IL1B and NLRP3 mRNA in LPS‐stimulated whole blood collected at the baseline and 30 minutes following supplementation. Caspase‐1 activation increases after ketone salt (Study 1: condition × time interaction, p = 0.012) and monoester supplementation (Study 2: condition × time interaction, p = 0.016) compared to placebo. IL‐1β secretion increases (main effect of condition, p = 0.024; Study 2) while IL1B and NLRP3 mRNA remain unchanged.

Conclusion

Measures of NLRP3 activation increases when blood β‐OHB is elevated using ketone supplements, suggesting that increasing β‐OHB exogenously may have unintended effects that augment inflammatory activation.
Validation of three‐dimensional echocardiographic principal strain analysis for assessing left ventricular contractility: An animal study
Authors: Lee Sahmin , Choi Seunghyun , Kim Sehwan , Jeong Yeongjin , Lee Kyusup , Hur Seung‐Ho , Lee Sun Ro , Lee Eun‐Jeong , Sin Min‐Jung , Kim Namkug , Song Jong‐Min
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The three‐dimensional (3D) principal strain represents the major direction and magnitude of the deformation by its definition and can be measured using 3D echocardiography. We aimed to validate 3D echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) global principal strains as an assessment of LV contractility by comparison with gold standard invasive measurements.

Methods

In 14 beagles, the LV pressure–volume loop was recorded to invasively measure the end‐systolic pressure–volume relationship (ESPVR) and dP/dt as reference indicators representing LV contractility. The echocardiographic image was obtained simultaneously, and endocardial motions and volume changes were extracted in the form of speckle‐tracking point grids to calculate strains. High or low inotropic states were induced pharmacologically by using an intravenous infusion of dobutamine and esmolol, respectively.

Results

The direction of 3D endocardial global principal strain (GP1S) appeared to be circumferential. The dP/dt showed the highest Pearson's correlation coefficients with GP1S (r = −0.845, P < 0.001), whereas ESPVR showed the best correlation with global secondary strain (GP2S; r = −0.819, P < 0.001). In comparison with GP1S and GP2S, global circumferential (GCS) and longitudinal strains (GLS) tended to correlate less with invasive measurements, respectively. LV ejection fraction showed excellent correlations with GP1S or GCS, but the correlation with GLS was relatively weak. The correlations between invasive measurements and GP2S or GLS were strengthened when strains were corrected by the LV residual volume ratio, whereas those of GP1S or GCS were weakened after correction.

Conclusions

The principal direction of the LV endocardial contraction presents circumferential behavior reflecting LV volume change. The 3D principal strains derived from 3D echocardiography are reliable indicators for LV contractility and seem better than conventional strains.
Happy Like a Fish in Water? The Role of Personality–Situation Fit for Momentary Happiness in Social Interactions across the Adult Lifespan
Authors: Mueller Swantje , Ram Nilam , Conroy David E. , Pincus Aaron L. , Gerstorf Denis , Wagner Jenny
Published: March 2019

Growing research on personality–relationship dynamics demonstrates that people's personality and their (enjoyment of) social relationships are closely intertwined. Using experience sampling data from 136 adults (aged 18–89 years) who reported on more than 50 000 social interactions, we zoom into everyday real–world social interactions to examine how Big Five personality traits and social context characteristics shape people's happiness in social encounters across the adult lifespan. Results revealed that interactions that were social (vs. task–oriented) and with close (vs. less close) others were associated with higher momentary happiness as were higher levels of the target person's extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, and lower neuroticism. Of the 10 personality × situation interactions tested, only one reached significance (with p = .041): Individuals with higher levels of neuroticism benefitted more from interactions with friends than did individuals low in neuroticism. The role of social context characteristics for momentary happiness changed with age, but the role of personality or personality × social context did not, suggesting that personality effects on happiness in social context manifest in similar ways across the adult lifespan. We discuss implications for personality–situation research and the understanding of affective dynamics in everyday social interactions. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Isolated pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis associated with alveolar growth abnormalities: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Sardón Olaia , Torrent‐Vernetta Alba , Rovira‐Amigo Sandra , Dishop Megan K. , Ferreres Joan Carles , Navarro Alexandra , Corcuera Paula , Korta‐Murua Javier , Peña Pilar García , Pérez‐Belmonte Elena , Villares Ana , Camats Núria , Fernández‐Cancio Mónica , Carrascosa Antonio , Pérez‐Yarza Eduardo G. , Moreno‐Galdó Antonio
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Pulmonary interstitial glycogenosis (PIG) is a rare infant interstitial lung disease characterized by an increase in the number of interstitial mesenchymal cells, presenting as enhanced cytoplasmic glycogen, and is considered to represent the expression of an underlying lung development disorder.

Methods

This study describes the clinical, radiological, and functional characteristics and long‐term outcomes (median 12 years) of nine infants diagnosed with isolated PIG associated with alveolar simplification in the absence of other diseases.

Results

All patients presented with tachypnea. Additionally, seven patients had breathing difficulties and hypoxemia. Abnormalities in chest‐computerized tomography (CT) with a pattern of ground‐glass opacity, septal thickening, and air trapping were observed in all individuals, with images suggesting abnormal alveolar growth (parenchymal bands and architectural distortion). All lung biopsies showed alveolar simplification associated with an increased number of interstitial cells, which appeared as accumulated cytoplasmic glycogen. In the follow‐up, all patients were asymptomatic. The respiratory function test was normal in only two patients. Five children showed an obstructive pattern, and two children showed a restrictive pattern. Chest‐CT, performed after an average of 6.5 years since the initial investigation, revealed a partial improvement of the ground‐glass opacity pattern; however, relevant alterations persisted.

Conclusion

Although the patients with PIG in the absence of other associated pathologies had a good clinical outcome, significant radiographic alterations and sequelae in lung function were still observed after a median follow‐up of 12 years, suggesting that PIG is a marker of some other persistent abnormalities in lung growth, which have effects beyond the symptomatic period.
Band Gaps, Band‐Offsets, Disorder, Stability Region, and Point Defects in II‐IV‐N2 Semiconductors
Authors: Lyu Sai , Skachkov Dmitry , Kash Kathleen , Blanton Eric W. , Lambrecht Walter R. L.
Published: March 2019

Recent work on heterovalent ternary nitrides, II‐IV‐N2, is reviewed. The authors first provide an overview of the relevant literature, then briefly discuss band gaps, band offsets and the effects and nature of disorder. The authors discuss the energies of formation and evaluate the stability or metastability with respect to competing binary compounds. The Cd‐IV‐N2 compounds are found to be only metastable. For ZnGeN2 we present a revised chemical potential stability region and discuss its effects on the point defect energies of formation. The authors briefly discuss the current status of understanding of the point defects and doping in ZnGeN2.
Kinetic Simulations of Cu Doping in Chlorinated CdSeTe PV Absorbers
Authors: Sankin Igor , Krasikov Dmitry
Published: March 2019

This paper reports on 1D kinetic modeling of p‐type doping formation in Cu‐doped chlorinated CdSeTe photovoltaic (PV) absorbers with graded Se profiles. Following the recent progress in kinetic simulations of the defect chemistry in stoichiometric CdTe films, this work extends simulation capabilities to a domain of semiconductor alloy films with graded stoichiometries. The defect formation energies and ionization levels, as well as the diffusion and reaction barriers used in the reaction‐diffusion equations are calculated from the first principles. A new formalism is employed to account for the uncertainty of the defect formation energies in semiconductor alloys caused by unknown local surrounding. The developed methodology is used to model a practical fabrication process of p‐type doping formation in graded CdSeTe absorbers and to study the effect of alloy stoichiometry on the doping activation.
Photo‐Induced Enhancement in Ferroelectric Polarization and Abnormal Photo‐Conductivity in Polycrystalline Pt‐Sandwiched BiFeO3 Thin Film Capacitor
Authors: Peng Zengwei , Liu Baoting
Published: March 2019

Polycrystalline BiFeO3 (BFO) thin film is directly deposited on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(001) substrate at 550 °C by radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering. Metal Pt is used as top electrode to construct the symmetric Pt/BFO/Pt capacitor. The Pt/BFO/Pt capacitor exhibits photo‐induced enhancement in both remanent and switchable polarization when the capacitor is illuminated, which can be explained by the reorientation of ferroelectric polarization because of the trapping of photo‐induced carriers. The steady current density both in dark and in violet shows a diode‐like characteristic which is mainly dominated by the top Pt/BFO interface. In addition, an abnormal observation of the decrease regarding the illuminated current density with illumination time is acquired, indicating a difference from the conventional Si‐based p–n junction. The achieved results provide the evidence for the application of BFO‐based photo‐electric devices.
Fast‐Response Inverter Arrays Built on Wafer‐Scale MoS2 by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Zhang Tianbao , Liu Hao , Wang Yang , Zhu Hao , Chen Lin , Sun Qingqing , Zhang David W.
Published: March 2019

The wafer‐scale integration of the downscaled devices such as transistors based on two‐dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) has attracted great attention in recent years. Such integration is also a significant step towards the system‐level application of these novel low‐dimensional semiconductors. Yet, so far, functional logic circuits based on the 2D TMDs have rarely been reported, largely because of the absence of an effective approach for large‐scale TMD synthesis and the unsatisfactory elementary logic cell performance. In this work, n‐type inverter (NOT gate circuit) arrays have been fabricated based on a wafer‐scale 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin film which is grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD). High‐quality crystallinity and excellent wafer‐level uniformity have been successfully achieved. The n‐type inverter array exhibits a fast response with 50 Hz inverse‐frequency. The impact of the device geometry on the inverter performance has also been characterized by designing various width ratio between the load and pull‐down transistors. These results open up an attractive approach to realize the practical application of wafer‐scale 2D MoS2 in logic and circuit systems.
Managing rivers under changing environmental and societal boundary conditions, Part 2: Expected compared with experienced conditions at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs
Authors: Patterson Lauren A. , Tchamkina Mary , Doyle Martin W.
Published: March 2019

Reservoirs are critical infrastructure typically built to function as designed for 50 to 100 years. The majority of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs are more than 50 years old. The environmental, societal, and regulatory conditions surrounding the reservoir, that is, the reservoir's expected conditions, shaped its design. Many of these expectations assumed a future similar to the past. However, recent decades have experienced warming climates, cyclical changes in precipitation, the introduction of new regulations, and populations concentrating in urban environments. The design documents for nine U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were obtained to compare the expected conditions when reservoirs were authorized with the conditions experienced since the reservoir began operating. In some instances, we found large differences between expectations and reality. Average precipitation at Philpott, North Carolina was 15% less than expected whereas the sedimentation rate at Redmond, Kansas was twice the expected rate. Reservoirs can adapt to changing conditions by updating water control plans, which has occurred at five of these reservoirs in the last decade. Reallocations are sometimes needed to address more significant changes. For example, Redmond has reallocated storage space due to higher than expected sedimentation, and Falls, North Carolina is seeking reallocation due to higher than expected population growth and water demand. As conditions change, controversies and litigation around Corps reservoir management will likely continue. This highlights the importance of clearly documenting changing conditions through consistent and ongoing data collection and analysis to facilitate adapting reservoir operations in a timely manner, thereby minimizing controversy.
Changes in river connectivity indexes in the lower Yellow River between 1960 and 2015
Authors: Chen Yin , Wang Yan‐gui
Published: March 2019

Channel connectivity in the lower Yellow River has changed in recent decades as a result of climate change and human activities. Developing indexes that can be used to assess channel connectivity is a key issue in the lower Yellow River and beyond. We propose a suite of connectivity indexes based on several components of a river channel, including boundary, flow, and sediment indicators. Through an analysis of river connectivity over time in the lower Yellow River, we found that a decrease in precipitation was the main cause of poor river connectivity conditions in the 1990s. Since 1999, the year of impoundment of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir, river connectivity has improved, as shown by boundary, sediment, and ecology indexes, as a result of reservoir operation and regulation. However, water diversion may increase channel sedimentation, leading to a decline in sediment connectivity. The suite of river connectivity indexes developed in this paper and applied to the Yellow River can be used in similar sediment‐laden streams in other semiarid regions worldwide.
An analysis of characteristic discharges for the Adaim River (Iraq) in multiyear period
Authors: Hussein Mohammad H. , Hameed Iman A.
Published: March 2019

A major River Tigris tributary in Iraq, the Adaim River, has a Mediterranean river flow regime with a total basin area of 12,482 km2. The river catchment responds almost immediately to rainfall with apparently minimum storage (i.e. flashy stream). The river daily hydrograph showed a daily peak flow of 1,476 m3/s with substantial seasonal and random variability; the flow duration curve followed the two‐parameter lognormal probability distribution. Gamma and the two‐parameter Weibull probability distributions fitted the monthly mean river discharge for the period 1937–2012 well. Normal and gamma probability distributions were found to appropriately describe the distribution of the annual mean river discharge for the same period. Gumbel extreme value, Log Pearson type III, and the two‐parameter lognormal distributions gave a reasonable fit to the annual maximum discharge record for the river. A regression formula was used to fit the annual minimum discharge record, which has a significant number of zero values. There was a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.77) between the annual mean discharge at the measuring site and seasonal rainfall measured at Karkuk meteorological station located in the north central part of the basin. The rainfall record at Karkuk showed a significant decline in seasonal rainfall after 1993.
Carbon Dots Assisted Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Activity in 4‐Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Ghosh Souvik , Satapathy Smith S. , Ghosh Kowsik , Jauhari Smita , Panda Subhendu K. , Si Satyabrata
Published: March 2019

A novel biocompatible carbon nanoparticles, i. e., carbon dots (CDs) are prepared from cheap organic precursors and are used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The formation of CDs are confirmed from their absorption and emission properties. The CDs not only acts as reducing agent but also stabilizes the resulting AuNPs. The high stabilizing effect of CDs can be attributed to their hydrophilic surfaces due to the presence of ‐C=O, ‐OH, etc. functional group as confirmed from FTIR spectral analysis. Basically, two types of AuNPs are observed, one is decahedron type particles and the other one is triangular plates. The size of decahedron type AuNPs are measured to be ∼ 30 nm, whereas those of triangular plates are ∼ 100 nm. These mixture of AuNPs are used to study a model catalytic reaction, i. e., reduction of 4‐nitrophenol by NaBH4 in which the reaction is completed in 5 Mins and the reaction follows the first order kinetics with a first order rate constant of 1.28 min−1. Moreover, the resulting AuNPs can be reused for further reactions and up to 4 cycles it has been observed that the efficiency of conversion remains ∼100% with this AuNPs catalyst. Thus, functional CDs not only catalyse the formation of AuNPs, but also give them enough stability for catalytic applications in many organic transformation reactions.
Structural Trends in a 3 d‐4 f System: Ln(NO3)3−Cu(2,2‐bipyridine)2(NO3)2 (Ln=La−Nd, Sm−Yb)
Authors: Thatipamula Krishna Chary , Bhargavi Govindugari , Rajasekharan Melath V.
Published: March 2019

A series of thirteen complexes which may be formally considered as assembled from Cu(bpy)2(NO3)2 and Ln(NO3)3 (Ln=La−Yb excluding Pm, bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine) have been characterized. The crystals may be grouped into four classes: A, [Cu2(bpy)4(μ‐NO3)][Ln(NO3)6] (Ln=La−Nd); B, [Cu(bpy)2(NO3)]2[Ln(NO3)4(OH2)2](NO3) (Ln=Sm−Dy); C, [Cu(bpy)2(NO3)]2[Ln(NO3)5] (Ln=Ho−Tm); D, [Cu(bpy)2(NO3)]2 [Ln(NO3)3(OH2)3](NO3)2⋅2H2O (Ln=Yb). The coordination numbers of the nitrato or aquonitrato lanthanide anions range from 9 to 12. The dinuclear cation in Class A having a linear monoatomic nitrate bridge is new and is seen to produce weak antiferromagnetic coupling in these compounds. The other classes contain distortion isomers of [Cu(bpy)2NO3]+. The structural trends are analysed in terms of lanthanide contraction and non‐covalent interactions in the crystals. EPR and electronic spectral characteristics are discussed for the four classes of compounds.
Host‐Sensitized Continuum‐Broad‐Band White‐Light Emitting Yb2O3:Er3+ Phosphor under CW‐NIR Light Absorption
Authors: Soni Abhishek Kumar , Mathur Surbhi , Singh Bheeshma Pratap
Published: March 2019

Single cubic phase Yb2O3:Er3+ phosphors have been synthesized via solid state reaction technique and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) analysis. An unusual continuum broad band white colour upconversion (UC) emission has been observed under 980 nm continuous wave (CW) near infrared (NIR) laser diode excitation. Interestingly, the phosphor shows characteristic erbium ion transitions at low pump power, but at high pump power heat associated continuum broad band emission was realized. The continuum broad band emission was explained on the basis of energy level diagram, laser induced pump power dependence and blackbody radiation theory. The heat associated/incandescence‐like light is originated due to heating induced by the nonradiative relaxation followed by sensitization (Yb → Er) and Yb−Yb dimer formation. The synthesized phosphor emits effective broad band white colour emission under high pump power and colour co‐ordinates (white colour: 0.34, 0.32) were located in the chromaticity diagram. Intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) behavior shows the hysteresis‐like loop originated upon variation in the laser pump power. The observed high temperature at point of irradiation of the prepared nanocrystalline phosphor is about ∼ 2442 K at 1430 mW, which is high as compare to tungsten bulb (2400 K for 100 W). The developed phosphors can be useful in white light production, solar cell efficiency enhancement, switchable bistable and as light to heat converter.
Green Engineered Polymers: Solvent Free, Room‐Temperature Polymerization of Monomer From a Renewable Resource, Without Utilizing Initiator.
Authors: Niedner Lucas , Kali Gergely
Published: March 2019

To abolish the bad reputation of synthetic polymer chemistry, we aimed to produce green polymers in an environmentally friendly way. It is also essential to bypass the application of components from fossil resources; those are not only polluting but also expensive ones. As an addition, we want to form engineered polymers with predetermined chain lengths and copolymerization possibilities. In this paper, we polymerized a terpene using UV triggered reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization, in bulk. No use of components from fossil resources, no high energy nor any solvent consumption; all these together show the right way towards green polymers.