bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro metabolism of ibrutinib in rat, dog and human hepatocytes using liquid chromatography combined with diode‐array detection and Q‐Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Dong Jiangnan , Li Su , Liu Guangxuan
Published: July 2019

Rationale

Ibrutinib is a potent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor which has shown promising efficacy against various B‐cell malignancies. Its metabolic profiles have not been disclosed. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of ibrutinib in the hepatocytes of rat, dog and human.

Methods

Ibrutinib was incubated with hepatocytes at 37°C for 2 h, after which the samples were analyzed using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with diode‐array detection and Q‐Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/DAD‐Q‐Exactive‐Orbitrap‐MS). The acquired data were processed using MetWorks™ software.

Results

A total of 20 metabolites were structurally identified by their MS and MS2 data. M1 and M5 were unambiguously identified using authentic standards. The biotransformation of ibrutinib involved hydroxylation, hydration, oxygenation, epoxide hydrolysis, dehydrogenation, dealkylation and GSH conjugation.

Conclusions

Humans have a relatively low capability for metabolizing ibrutinib. Compared with rat, dog had closer metabolic profiles to humans and would be more suitable for toxicity studies. This study provides more valuable information with respect to the in vitro disposition of ibrutinib.
The organizational design of entrepreneurial ventures
Authors: Burton M. Diane , Colombo Massimo G. , Rossi‐Lamastra Cristina , Wasserman Noam
Published: July 2019

Research Summary

Studying the organizational design of entrepreneurial ventures involves investigating how entrepreneurs design the (formal) structure of their ventures as well as the roles, rules, and procedures that those who are active within these ventures must obey. The topic lies at the intersection of entrepreneurship with multiple fields, including organization science, organizational economics, and strategic management. However, to date, it has attracted limited attention. This special issue includes six articles that develop novel theory and provide new empirical evidence on the antecedents and consequences of the organizational design of entrepreneurial ventures. Collectively they offer fresh perspectives on this neglected topic and open avenues for future work. In this article, we briefly describe the state of the field, introduce the articles, and suggest opportunities for further research.

Managerial Summary

There are countless how‐to guides for entrepreneurs describing start‐up legal structures, incubation and acceleration opportunities, and financing options. Conversely, there is relatively little guidance for how entrepreneurs should design their organizational structure, decision systems, and managerial practices. This special issue contains six articles addressing the organizational design of entrepreneurial ventures from multiple perspectives and with diverse methods. This introduction describes the state of the field prior to the special issue, introduces the special issue articles and identifies topics that still need further investigation. We distill the current state of knowledge and offer a roadmap for future scholarship.
Wearable Electronics Based on 2D Materials for Human Physiological Information Detection
Authors: Pang Yu , Yang Zhen , Yang Yi , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: July 2019

Recently, advancement in materials production, device fabrication, and flexible circuit has led to the huge prosperity of wearable electronics for human healthcare monitoring and medical diagnosis. Particularly, with the emergence of 2D materials many merits including light weight, high stretchability, excellent biocompatibility, and high performance are used for those potential applications. Thus, it is urgent to review the wearable electronics based on 2D materials for the detection of various human signals. In this work, the typical graphene‐based materials, transition‐metal dichalcogenides, and transition metal carbides or carbonitrides used for the wearable electronics are discussed. To well understand the human physiological information, it is divided into two dominated categories, namely, the human physical and the human chemical signals. The monitoring of body temperature, electrograms, subtle signals, and limb motions is described for the physical signals while the detection of body fluid including sweat, breathing gas, and saliva is reviewed for the chemical signals. Recent progress and development toward those specific utilizations are highlighted in the Review with the representative examples. The future outlook of wearable healthcare techniques is briefly discussed for their commercialization.
Analysing encryption mechanisms and functional safety in a ROS‐based architecture
Authors: Larrucea Xabier , González‐Nalda Pablo , Etxeberria‐Agiriano Ismael , Otero Mari Carmen
Published: July 2019

Robot Operating System (ROS) is a middleware for connecting different components of robots. However, its use is becoming more popular in other domains such as in the automotive sector where initial prototypes have been customized and deployed in cars for demonstrating different functional purposes. Nevertheless, ROS has not been yet tested enough to be used in secure and safety environments. For example, in order to strengthen our ROS architecture, we have encrypted the messages within it. Therefore, this paper analyses the impact of Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption mechanism and the functional safety of our prototype. In this sense, we are considering encrypting messages and we assess the timing constraints, as suggested by the ISO 26262, required for assuring a secure communication between components.
Experimental study and design of a new hybrid RC frame system with stiffened masonry wall subjected to cyclic loading
Authors: Ma Xiaofei , Ma Jianxun , Bai Yongtao
Published: July 2019

This paper experimentally investigates the hysteresis behavior of a hybrid reinforced concrete (RC) frame system with stiffened masonry wall to enhance the seismic performance of existing RC buildings subjected to cyclic loading. The influences of the depth of the columns section, the length of masonry walls, and the grouting ratio of reinforced masonry were evaluated by designing a series of orthogonal quasi‐static tests on a half‐scale specimen. Test results indicated that the grouting ratio played the most significant role on the maximum strength, energy dissipation capacity, and the relative stiffness degradation rate of the hybrid structural system, whereas the length of masonry walls tends to dominate the deformation capacity. A trilinear analytical model and design recommendations are proposed to estimate the cyclic behavior based on force‐displacement hysteresis law that takes account of the effects of the post‐peak strength and unloading stiffness degradation.
Island biogeography of the Macaronesian Gesnouinia and Mediterranean Soleirolia (Parietarieae, Urticaceae) with implications for the evolution of insular woodiness
Authors: Schüßler Christina , Bräuchler Christian , Reyes‐Betancort Jorge A. , Koch Marcus A. , Thiv Mike
Published: July 2019

Urticaceae tribe Parietarieae serves as an excellent example to study hypotheses on Macaronesian‐​Mediterranean island biogeography. Parietarieae is distributed in both of these floristically closely related regions and contains two island endemic genera. Gesnouinia is endemic to Macaronesia and was considered a Tertiary relict from a European paleotropical vegetation. This, however, may contradict the general idea of insular woodiness also proposed for this genus. For the origin of the western Mediterranean island endemic Soleirolia, a vicariance scenario, i.e., the split of the Hercynian massif in southern Europe has been suggested. To evaluate these hypotheses and to provide a time frame for island and inter‐island colonization, we applied molecular phylogenetics and dating based on two plastid and one nuclear DNA marker. Additionally, we performed ancestral area reconstruction, analyzed the anatomy of the stem and reconstructed the ancestral character states of woodiness. Our results indicate that Gesnouinia colonized Macaronesia during the Miocene via long‐distance dispersal and may, therefore, be a Tertiary laurel forest relict. Diversification between the laurel forest species Gesnouinia arborea and the rupicolous and more xeric G. filamentosa occurred within Macaronesia during the Pleistocene, possibly due to climate fluctuations. Therefore, G. arborea is not a relict from the Tertiary. Stem anatomy suggests that although woodiness in Gesnouinia likely is derived, it may have evolved prior to island colonization. Soleirolia originated in the Mediterranean during the Miocene. This rules out vicariance from the split of the Hercynian massif in southern Europe during the Oligocene. The divergence of Soleirolia from Majorca, Corsica, Sardinia and the Italian mainland dates to the Pleistocene. This indicates long‐distance dispersal as predominant colonization mode, not ruling out that migration between these areas was possibly facilitated by land bridges during the Pleistocene glaciation cycles.
A Kerr‐type elastic foundation model for the buckling analysis of a beam bonded on an elastic layer
Authors: Zhang L. , Wu G. T. , Wu J.
Published: July 2019

A Kerr‐type elastic foundation model is proposed to study the buckling of a beam bonded on the top of a linear elastic layer. The layer's lower‐surface is either bonded or sliding on a rigid substrate. The present Kerr‐type model provides a linear differential relation between the pressure and the normal deflection of the layer's upper‐surface, and reduces to the existing foundation models when high‐order differential relations are neglected. The critical buckling force is then obtained for both an infinitely long beam and a simply‐supported beam of finite length, based on a simple formula which is valid for both a compressible and an incompressible layer. Reasonable agreement with the existing numerical results and our finite element results shows that the present model has the capability to capture the support effect of the elastic layer, and can be used to study the buckling or the bending of a beam bonded on an elastic layer.
Tracing the delinquency acquisition sequence from older siblings, to friends, to self: A mediation analysis
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

This study tested the hypothesis that sibling and peer delinquency are connected and that this connection is relevant to future criminal offending.

Methods

Drawing on research showing that both sibling and peer delinquency predict future participant offending, a causal mediation analysis was performed on 411 boys from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development. In this study, older sibling delinquency served as the independent variable, school problem behavior and friend delinquency served as mediator variables, and participant's reports of their own offending served as the dependent variable.

Results

The indirect effect running from older sibling delinquency at age 10–11, to school problem behavior at age 12–13, to friend delinquency at age 14–15, to participant delinquency at age 16–17 proved significant. The effect remained significant when the number of officially recorded criminal convictions between the ages of 16 and 19 replaced self‐reported delinquency as the dependent variable. By contrast, the direct effect from sibling delinquency at age 10–11 to participant delinquency at age 16–17 and several shorter paths (older sibling delinquency → school problem behavior → participant delinquency; older sibling delinquency → friend delinquency → participant delinquency) were non‐significant.

Conclusions

These results imply that older sibling delinquency may lead to future delinquency and crime by encouraging early school problems, which, in turn, may precipitate future offending by encouraging the child to select and associate with a delinquent peer group.
Editorial
Authors: Barrett Steve
Published: July 2019

Buses are the subject of several news items in this issue, as public transport demonstrations around the world take a major step forward.
Evolution of similarity lengths in anisotropic magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Riddhi , Matthaeus William H. , Oughton Sean , Wan Minping
Published: July 2019

In an earlier paper (Wan et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 697, 2012, pp. 296–315), the authors showed that a similarity solution for anisotropic incompressible three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence, in the presence of a uniform mean magnetic field $\boldsymbol{B}_{0}$, exists if the ratio of parallel to perpendicular (with respect to $\boldsymbol{B}_{0}$) similarity length scales remains constant in time. This conjecture appears to be a rather stringent constraint on the dynamics of decay of the energy-containing eddies in MHD turbulence. However, we show here, using direct numerical simulations, that this hypothesis is indeed satisfied in incompressible MHD turbulence. After an initial transient period, the ratio of parallel to perpendicular length scales fluctuates around a steady value during the decay of the eddies. We show further that a Taylor–Kármán-like similarity decay holds for MHD turbulence in the presence of a mean magnetic field. The effect of different parameters, including Reynolds number, mean field strength, and cross-helicity, on the nature of similarity decay is discussed.
Insights into the periodic gust response of airfoils
Authors: Wei Nathaniel J. , Kissing Johannes , Wester Tom T. B. , Wegt Sebastian , Schiffmann Klaus , Jakirlic Suad , Hölling Michael , Peinke Joachim , Tropea Cameron
Published: July 2019

The unsteady lift response of an airfoil in a sinusoidal gust has in the past been modelled by two different transfer functions: the first-order Sears function and the second-order Atassi function. Previous studies have shown that the Sears function holds in experiments, but recently Cordes et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 811, 2017) reported experimental data that corresponded to the Atassi function rather than the Sears function. In order to clarify the observed discrepancy, the specific differences between these models are isolated analytically. To this end, data and analysis are confined to unloaded airfoils. These differences are related to physical gust parameters, and gusts with these parameters are then produced in wind-tunnel experiments using an active-grid gust generator. Measurements of the unsteady gust loads on an airfoil in the wind tunnel at Reynolds numbers ($Re_{c}$) of $2.0\times 10^{5}$ and $2.6\times 10^{5}$ and reduced frequencies between $0.09$ and $0.42$ confirm that the Sears and Atassi functions differ only in convention: the additional gust component of the Atassi problem can be scaled so that the Atassi function collapses onto the Sears function. These experiments, complemented by numerical simulations of the set-up, validate both models across a range of gust parameters. Finally, the influence of boundary-layer turbulence and the turbulent wake of the gust generator on experimental convergence with model predictions is investigated. These results serve to clarify the conditions under which the Sears and Atassi functions can be applied, and demonstrate that the Sears function can effectively model unsteady forces even when significant fluctuations in the streamwise velocity are present.
Bragg peak characteristics of proton beams within therapeutic energy range and the comparison of stopping power using the GATE Monte Carlo simulation and the NIST data
Authors: Zarifi Shiva , Taleshi Ahangari Hadi , Jia Sayyed Bijan , Tajik-Mansoury Mohammad Ali , Najafzadeh Milad , Firouzjaei Milad Peer
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

To examine detail depth dose characteristics of ideal proton beams using the GATE Monte Carlo technique.

Methods:

In this study, in order to improve simulation efficiency, we used pencil beam geometry instead of parallel broad-field geometry. Depth dose distributions for beam energies from 5 to 250 MeV in a water phantom were obtained. This study used parameters namedRpeak,R90,R80,R73,R50, full width at half maximum (FWHM), width of 80–20% distal fall-off (W(80–20)) and peak-to-entrance ratio to represent Bragg peak characteristics. The obtained energy–range relationships were fitted into third-order polynomial formulae. The present study also used the GATE Monte Carlo code to calculate the stopping power of proton pencil beams in a water cubic phantom and compared results with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard reference database.

Results:

The study results revealed deeper penetration, broader FWHM and distal fall-off and decreased peak-to-entrance dose ratio with increasing beam energy. Study results for monoenergetic proton beams showed thatR73can be a good indicator to characterise a range of incident beams. These also suggest FWHM is more sensitive thanW(80–20)distal fall-off in finding initial energy spread. Furthermore, the difference between the obtained stopping power from simulation and NIST data almost in all energies was lower than 1%.

Conclusion:

Detail depth dose characteristics for monoenergetic proton beams within therapeutic energy ranges were reported. These results can serve as a good reference for clinical practitioners in their daily practice.
What Controls Sill Formation: An Overview From Analogue Models
Authors: Sili G. , Urbani S. , Acocella V.
Published: July 2019

Understanding the mechanisms of shallow magma storage (less than ~10‐km depth) is crucial to defining volcanic plumbing systems and their effect on volcano unrest. Sills are common structures to emplace shallow magma. Many factors may control sill emplacement, but their relative importance has not been evaluated so far. To define a hierarchy among a selection of the proposed factors, we performed analogue models by injecting water at constant flux (magma analogue) within gelatin (crust analogue), investigating the effects of: interface strength and rigidity contrast between layers, density layering, ratio of layer thickness, compressive stresses, magma flow rate, and buoyancy pressure. Our results show that a strong rigidity contrast (i.e., a stiff layer overlying a weak one) and a higher buoyancy pressure are necessary and sufficient conditions for sill emplacement. Low rigidity contrasts require other contributions (weak interface and compressive stress) to develop sills; however, without rigidity contrast sill formation is always inhibited. These experiments suggest that sill emplacement is primarily controlled by rigidity contrasts and magma buoyancy pressure; the second‐order parameters are lateral compression and weak interfaces; the third‐order parameters are the ratio of layer thicknesses, magma flow rate, and density layering. These results are in agreement with field observations in Iceland, Tenerife, Utah, and La Réunion, supporting our proposed hierarchy.
Burrowing Invasive Species: An Unquantified Erosion Risk at the Aquatic‐Terrestrial Interface
Authors: Harvey Gemma L. , Henshaw Alexander J. , Brasington James , England Judy
Published: July 2019

Invasive nonnative species acting as “ecosystem engineers” or “geomorphic agents” can represent a major landscape disturbance. Quantification of their biogeomorphic impacts remains a key knowledge gap, and aquatic‐terrestrial transition zones may be particularly exposed to impacts. We demonstrate how burrowing invasive species represent a potentially significant but unquantified erosion risk at aquatic margins. We reveal a lack of quantitative research on geophysical impacts, despite increasing concerns over threats to waterways and flood defense infrastructure. We explore example animals of global interest, comprising crustaceans, fish, reptiles, and mammals and reveal the global nature of the issue: over 100 countries, states, or territories where at least one example species is established, and over 20 with 3‐6 species present. We present a conceptual model for the impacts of burrows on stability and erosion at aquatic margins using established models of geotechnical, hydrological, and hydraulic drivers. Burrows are hypothesized to (i) alter failure plane position, decrease failure plane length, and increase failure plane angle (thereby decreasing bank shear strength); (ii) modify the spatial distribution of porewater pressure, thereby increasing subsurface flow (seepage), reducing cohesion, and increasing the likelihood of slip failures at the bank face; (iii) increase turbulence and sediment entrainment at burrow entrances; and (iv) alter flow resistance at the bank face. Most effects are expected to increase bank instability/erosion with the exception of (iv) which has the potential to offer protection from fluvial action. We call for further research in these areas to quantify impacts for different environments and different invasive species.
Newly Discovered Fossil Species Named After Star Wars Starship
Authors: Duncombe Jenessa
Published: July 2019

The 500-million-year-old species is a distant relative of today’s crabs, spiders, and insects.
Three‐Dimensional Modeling of Callisto's Surface Sputtered Exosphere Environment
Authors: Vorburger Audrey , Pfleger Martin , Lindkvist Jesper , Holmström Mats , Lammer Helmut , Lichtenegger Herbert I. M. , Galli André , Rubin Martin , Wurz Peter
Published: July 2019

We study the release of various elements from Callisto's surface into its exosphere by plasma sputtering. The cold Jovian plasma is simulated with a 3‐D plasma‐planetary interaction hybrid model, which produces 2‐D surface precipitation maps for magnetospheric H+, O+, O++, and S++. For the hot Jovian plasma, we assume isotropic precipitation onto the complete spherical surface. Two scenarios are investigated: one where no ionospheric shielding takes place and accordingly full plasma penetration is implemented (no‐ionosphere scenario) and one where an ionosphere lets virtually none of the cold plasma but all of the hot plasma reach Callisto's surface (ionosphere scenario). In the 3‐D exosphere model, neutral particles are sputtered from the surface and followed on their individual trajectories. The 3‐D density profiles show that whereas in the no‐ionosphere scenario the ram direction is favored, the ionosphere scenario produces almost uniform density profiles. In addition, the density profiles in the ionosphere scenario are reduced by a factor of ∼2.5 with respect to the no‐ionosphere scenario. We find that the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer, which is part of the Particle Environment Package on board the JUpiter ICy moons Explorer mission, will be able to detect the different sputter populations from Callisto's icy surface and the major sputter populations from Callisto's nonicy surface. The chemical composition of Callisto's exosphere can be directly linked to the chemical composition of its surface and will offer us information not only on Callisto's formation scenario but also on the building blocks of the Jupiter system.
Sea Ice Detection Using GNSS‐R Data From TechDemoSat‐1
Authors: Cartwright Jessica , Banks Christopher J. , Srokosz Meric
Published: July 2019

A new method for the detection of sea ice using GNSS‐R (Global Navigation Satellite Systems Reflectometry) is presented and applied to 33 months of data from the U.K. TechDemoSat‐1 mission. This method of sea ice detection shows the potential for a future GNSS‐R polar mission, attaining an agreement of over 98% and 96% in the Antarctic and Arctic, respectively, when compared to the European Space Agency's Climate Change Initiative sea ice concentration product. The algorithm uses a combination of two parameters derived from the delay‐Doppler Maps to quantify the spread of power in delay and Doppler. Application of thresholds then allows sea ice to be distinguished from open water. Differences between the TechDemoSat‐1 sea ice detection and comparison data sets are explored. The results provide information on the seasonal and multiyear changes in sea ice distribution of the Arctic and Antarctic. Future potential and applications of this technique are discussed.
Abrupt Stratospheric Vortex Weakening Associated With North Atlantic Anticyclonic Wave Breaking
Authors: Lee S. H. , Charlton‐Perez A. J. , Furtado J. C. , Woolnough S. J.
Published: July 2019

The sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) of 12 February 2018 was not forecast by any extended‐range model beyond 12 days. From early February, all forecast models that comprise the subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) database abruptly transitioned from indicating a strong stratospheric polar vortex (SPV) to a high likelihood of a major SSW. We demonstrate that this forecast evolution was associated with the track and intensity of a cyclone in the northeast Atlantic, with an associated anticyclonic Rossby wave break, which was not well forecast. The wave break played a pivotal role in building the Ural high, which existing literature has shown was a precursor of the 2018 SSW. The track of the cyclone built an anomalously strong sea level pressure dipole between Scandinavia and Greenland (termed the S‐G dipole), which we use as a diagnostic of the wave break. Forecasts that did not capture the magnitude of this event had the largest errors in the SPV strength and did not show enhanced vertical wave activity. A composite of 49 similarly strong wintertime (November–March) S‐G dipoles in reanalysis shows associated anticyclonic wave breaking leading to significantly enhanced vertical wave activity and a weakened SPV in the following days, which occurred in 35% of the 15‐day periods preceding observed major SSWs. Our results indicate a particular transient trigger for weakening the SPV, complementing existing results on the importance of tropospheric blocking for disruptions to the Northern Hemisphere extratropical stratospheric circulation.
Ionospheric Response to the 2018 Sudden Stratospheric Warming Event at Middle‐ and Low‐Latitude Stations Over China Sector
Authors: Liu Guoqi , Huang Wengeng , Shen Hua , Aa Ercha , Li Manxia , Liu Siqing , Luo Bingxian
Published: July 2019

The total electron content (TEC) recorded at two middle‐latitude stations (Mohe and Beijing), and four low‐latitude stations (Xiamen, Guangzhou, Nanning, and Kunming) in the China sector are analyzed to study the response of the ionosphere during the sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event in February 2018. The TEC and deviation of TEC (ΔTEC) present remarkable perturbation after the reversal of the zonal wind during the SSW period. The ΔTEC presents enhancement during the daytime and decreases after sunset, especially around the temperature peak. Results of wavelet power spectra analysis show that the ΔTEC shows intensive semidiurnal and diurnal oscillations during the SSW period. The percentage of dTEC exhibits moderate correlation with solar geophysical drivers (such as solar wind speed, F10.7, and Ap index) during the period of 11–26 February at low‐latitude stations. The significant correlation between equatorial electrojet and the percentage of dTEC monitored at low latitude indicates that the equatorial electrojet plays a key role in the anomaly perturbation and periodic oscillation of TEC, while it has a weak correlation at middle latitude.
A comprehensive examination of Nanopore native RNA sequencing for characterization of complex transcriptomes
Authors: Soneson Charlotte , Yao Yao , Bratus-Neuenschwander Anna , Patrignani Andrea , Robinson Mark D. , Hussain Shobbir
Published: July 2019

A platform for highly parallel direct sequencing of native RNA strands was recently described by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, but despite initial efforts it remains crucial to further investigate the technology for quantification of complex transcriptomes. Here we undertake native RNA sequencing of polyA + RNA from two human cell lines, analysing ~5.2 million aligned native RNA reads. To enable informative comparisons, we also perform relevant ONT direct cDNA- and Illumina-sequencing. We find that while native RNA sequencing does enable some of the anticipated advantages, key unexpected aspects currently hamper its performance, most notably the quite frequent inability to obtain full-length transcripts from single reads, as well as difficulties to unambiguously infer their true transcript of origin. While characterising issues that need to be addressed when investigating more complex transcriptomes, our study highlights that with some defined improvements, native RNA sequencing could be an important addition to the mammalian transcriptomics toolbox.
Microbiomes of Velloziaceae from phosphorus-impoverished soils of the campos rupestres, a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Camargo Antonio Pedro , de Souza Rafael Soares Correa , de Britto Costa Patrícia , Gerhardt Isabel Rodrigues , Dante Ricardo Augusto , Teodoro Grazielle Sales , Abrahão Anna , Lambers Hans , Carazzolle Marcelo Falsarella , Huntemann Marcel , Clum Alicia , Foster Brian , Foster Bryce , Roux Simon , Palaniappan Krishnaveni , Varghese Neha , Mukherjee Supratim , Reddy T. B. K. , Daum Chris , Copeland Alex , Chen I.-Min A. , Ivanova Natalia N. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Pennacchio Christa , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A. , Arruda Paulo , Oliveira Rafael Silva
Published: July 2019

The rocky, seasonally-dry and nutrient-impoverished soils of the Brazilian campos rupestres impose severe growth-limiting conditions on plants. Species of a dominant plant family, Velloziaceae, are highly specialized to low-nutrient conditions and seasonal water availability of this environment, where phosphorus (P) is the key limiting nutrient. Despite plant-microbe associations playing critical roles in stressful ecosystems, the contribution of these interactions in the campos rupestres remains poorly studied. Here we present the first microbiome data of Velloziaceae spp. thriving in contrasting substrates of campos rupestres. We assessed the microbiomes of Vellozia epidendroides, which occupies shallow patches of soil, and Barbacenia macrantha, growing on exposed rocks. The prokaryotic and fungal profiles were assessed by rRNA barcode sequencing of epiphytic and endophytic compartments of roots, stems, leaves and surrounding soil/rocks. We also generated root and substrate (rock/soil)-associated metagenomes of each plant species. We foresee that these data will contribute to decipher how the microbiome contributes to plant functioning in the campos rupestres, and to unravel new strategies for improved crop productivity in stressful environments.
Characterization of phenolic compounds from Eugenia supra-axillaris leaf extract using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and pain killing activities in vivo
Authors: Hegazi Nesrine M. , Sobeh Mansour , Rezq Samar , El-Raey Mohamed A. , Dmirieh Malak , El-Shazly Assem M. , Mahmoud Mona F. , Wink Michael
Published: July 2019

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in the pathophysiology of several health disorders, among others inflammation. Polyphenols may modulate ROS related disorders. In this work, thirty-two phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in a leaf extract from Eugenia supra-axillaris Spring. ex Mart. using HPLC-MS/MS, five of which were also individually isolated and identified. The extract displayed a substantial in vitro antioxidant potential and was capable of decreasing ROS production and hsp-16.2 expression under oxidative stress conditions in vivo in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. Also, the extract showed higher inhibitory selectivity towards COX-2 than COX-1 in vitro with higher selectivity towards COX-2 than that of diclofenac. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties: It attenuated the edema thickness in a dose dependent fashion in carrageenan-induced hind-paw odema in rats. In addition, the extract reduced the carrageenan-induced leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity at the highest dose. Furthermore, the extract showed antipyretic and analgesic activities in a mouse model. Eugenia supra-axillaris appears to be a promising candidate in treating inflammation, pain and related oxidative stress diseases.
Potential of Punica granatum biochar to adsorb Cu(II) in soil
Authors: Cao Qinying , Huang Zhihong , Liu Shuguang , Wu Yiping
Published: July 2019

Biochar as a promising adsorbent to remove heavy metals has attracted much attention globally. One of the potential adsorbents is biochar derived from punica granatum peels, a growing but often wasted resource in tropical countries. However, the immobilization capacity of punica granatum peel biochar is not known. This study investigated the physicochemical properties of punica granatum peel boichars pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 600 °C (referred as BC300 and BC600), and the efficiency and mechanisms of Cu(II) adsorption of five types of material treatments: BC300, BC600, soil only, and soils with biochar amendment BC300 and BC600, respectively, at the rate of 1% of the soil by weight. The results show that BC300 had higher yield, volatile matter content and organic carbon content, and larger pore diameter, but less ash content, surface area, pH, and cation exchange capacity than BC600. The Cu(II) adsorption capacity onto biochars and soils with biochar were greatly influenced by initial ion concentration and contact time. The Cu(II) adsorption capacity of biochar, independent of pyrolysis temperature, was around 52 mg g−1. The adsorption capacity of the soil amended with biochar nearly doubled (29.85 mg g−1) compared to that of the original soil (14.99 mg g−1), indicating superb synergetic adsorption capacity of the biochar-amended soils. The adsorption isotherms showed monolayer adsorption of Cu(II) on biochar, and co-existence of monolayer and multilayer adsorption in soils with or without biochar amendment. Results also suggest that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic, and the rate-limiting phase of the sorption process is primarily chemical. This study demonstrates punica granatum peel biochar has a great potential as an adsorbent for Cu(II) removal in soil.
Anti-PCSK9 antibodies inhibit pro-atherogenic mechanisms in APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice
Authors: Schuster Susanne , Rubil Sandra , Endres Matthias , Princen Hans M. G. , Boeckel Jes-Niels , Winter Karsten , Werner Christian , Laufs Ulrich
Published: July 2019

LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is a causal pathogenic factor in atherosclerosis. Monoclonal anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) neutralizing antibodies are novel potent LDL-lowering drugs which reduce cardiovascular events. To characterize their effect on atherogenesis, APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice were fed a high cholesterol/high fat diet (WTD) or normal chow (NC) for 18 weeks. Mice on WTD were injected with the human anti-PCSK9 antibody mAb1 (PL-45134, 10 mg*kg−1 s.c.) or 0.9% saline every 10 days. PCSK9 inhibition decreased total cholesterol in serum of APOE*3Leiden.CETP mice and prevented the development of atherosclerosis. The plaque area in the aortic root was reduced by half and macrophage infiltration determined by Ly6c and Mac-3 staining was ameliorated. PCSK9 inhibition decreased markers of inflammation in mononuclear cells (Il-6, Tnfa mRNA), and in serum (CXCL-1,-10,-13; complement factor C5a) compared to control WTD fed animals. The number of circulating Sca-1/VEGF-R2 positive endothelial progenitor cells of the peripheral blood and spleen-derived diLDL/lectin double positive circulating angiogenic cells was increased. To conclude, the PCSK9-mediated anti-atherosclerotic effect involves the upregulation of pro-regeneratory endothelial progenitor cells, a reduction of inflammation and change of plaque composition.
A Soft Pneumatic Inchworm Double balloon (SPID) for colonoscopy
Authors: Manfredi Luigi , Capoccia Elisabetta , Ciuti Gastone , Cuschieri Alfred
Published: July 2019

The design of a smart robot for colonoscopy is challenging because of the limited available space, slippery internal surfaces, and tortuous 3D shape of the human colon. Locomotion forces applied by an endoscopic robot may damage the colonic wall and/or cause pain and discomfort to patients. This study reports a Soft Pneumatic Inchworm Double balloon (SPID) mini-robot for colonoscopy consisting of two balloons connected by a 3 degrees of freedom soft pneumatic actuator. SPID has an external diameter of 18 mm, a total length of 60 mm, and weighs 10 g. The balloons provide anchorage into the colonic wall for a bio-inspired inchworm locomotion. The proposed design reduces the pressure applied to the colonic wall and consequently pain and discomfort during the procedure. The mini-robot has been tested in a deformable plastic colon phantom of similar shape and dimensions to the human anatomy, exhibiting efficient locomotion by its ability to deform and negotiate flexures and bends. The mini-robot is made of elastomer and constructed from 3D printed components, hence with low production costs essential for a disposable device.
Distinct roles of Argonaute in the green alga Chlamydomonas reveal evolutionary conserved mode of miRNA-mediated gene expression
Authors: Chung Betty Y.-W. , Valli Adrian , Deery Michael J. , Navarro Francisco J. , Brown Katherine , Hnatova Silvia , Howard Julie , Molnar Attila , Baulcombe David C.
Published: July 2019

The unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is evolutionarily divergent from higher plants, but has a fully functional silencing machinery including microRNA (miRNA)-mediated translation repression and mRNA turnover. However, distinct from the metazoan machinery, repression of gene expression is primarily associated with target sites within coding sequences instead of 3′UTRs. This feature indicates that the miRNA-Argonaute (AGO) machinery is ancient and the primary function is for post transcriptional gene repression and intermediate between the mechanisms in the rest of the plant and animal kingdoms. Here, we characterize AGO2 and 3 in Chlamydomonas, and show that cytoplasmically enriched Cr-AGO3 is responsible for endogenous miRNA-mediated gene repression. Under steady state, mid-log phase conditions, Cr-AGO3 binds predominantly miR-C89, which we previously identified as the predominant miRNA with effects on both translation repression and mRNA turnover. In contrast, the paralogue Cr-AGO2 is nuclear enriched and exclusively binds to 21-nt siRNAs. Further analysis of the highly similar Cr-AGO2 and Cr-AGO 3 sequences (90% amino acid identity) revealed a glycine-arginine rich N-terminal extension of ~100 amino acids that, given previous work on unicellular protists, may associate AGO with the translation machinery. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this glycine-arginine rich N-terminal extension is present outside the animal kingdom and is highly conserved, consistent with our previous proposal that miRNA-mediated CDS-targeting operates in this green alga.
Classification of naturally evoked compound action potentials in peripheral nerve spatiotemporal recordings
Authors: Koh Ryan G. L. , Nachman Adrian I. , Zariffa José
Published: July 2019

Peripheral neural signals have the potential to provide the necessary motor, sensory or autonomic information for robust control in many neuroprosthetic and neuromodulation applications. However, developing methods to recover information encoded in these signals is a significant challenge. We introduce the idea of using spatiotemporal signatures extracted from multi-contact nerve cuff electrode recordings to classify naturally evoked compound action potentials (CAP). 9 Long-Evan rats were implanted with a 56-channel nerve cuff on the sciatic nerve. Afferent activity was selectively evoked in the different fascicles of the sciatic nerve (tibial, peroneal, sural) using mechano-sensory stimuli. Spatiotemporal signatures of recorded CAPs were used to train three different classifiers. Performance was measured based on the classification accuracy, F1-score, and the ability to reconstruct original firing rates of neural pathways. The mean classification accuracies, for a 3-class problem, for the best performing classifier was 0.686 ± 0.126 and corresponding mean F1-score was 0.605 ± 0.212. The mean Pearson correlation coefficients between the original firing rates and estimated firing rates found for the best classifier was 0.728 ± 0.276. The proposed method demonstrates the possibility of classifying individual naturally evoked CAPs in peripheral neural signals recorded from extraneural electrodes, allowing for more precise control signals in neuroprosthetic applications.
A randomized feasibility study of the effect of ascorbic acid on post-angioplasty restenosis of hemodialysis vascular access (NCT03524846)
Authors: Yang Chung-Wei , Wu Chih-Cheng , Luo Chien-Ming , Chuang Shao-Yuan , Chen Chiu-Hui , Shen Yung-Fang , Tarng Der-Cheng
Published: July 2019

Restenosis remains a significant problem after angioplasty of hemodialysis vascular access. Both experimental and clinical studies have shown a protective effect of antioxidants against post-angioplasty restenosis. A prospective, randomized, feasibility study was conducted to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid to prevent restenosis. Ninety-three hemodialysis patients were randomized into three groups after angioplasty: placebo (n = 31), 300 mg ascorbic acid (n = 31), and 600 mg ascorbic acid (n = 31), treated intravenously 3 times per week for 3 months. Eighty-nine completed the clinical follow-up, and 81 had angiographic follow-up. In the angiographic follow-up, the mean (stand deviation) late loss of luminal diameter for the placebo, 300 mg, and 600 mg groups were 3.15 (1.68) mm, 2.52 (1.70) mm (P = 0.39 vs. placebo group), and 1.59 (1.67) mm (P = 0.006, vs. placebo group), with corresponding angiographic binary restenosis of 79%, 67% (P = 0.38 vs. placebo group), and 54% (P = 0.08 vs. placebo group). The post-interventional primary patency rates at 3 months were 47%, 55% (P = 0.59 vs. placebo group), and 70% (P = 0.18 vs. placebo group) for placebo, 300 mg, and 600 mg groups. Our results demonstrated that intravenous 600 mg ascorbic acid was a feasible therapy and might attenuate restenosis after angioplasty; however, its effect on post-interventional primary patency was modest.
Layer-by-layer membrane modification allows scandium recovery by nanofiltration
Authors: Remmen Kirsten , Schäfer Roman , Hedwig Sebastian , Wintgens Thomas , Wessling Matthias , Lenz Markus
Published: July 2019

Layer-by-layer membrane modification yields acid resistant membranes for selective scandium recovery from wastes.
The fucoidan from the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum ameliorates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Yin Jiayu , Wang Jin , Li Fahui , Yang Zixun , Yang Xiaoqian , Sun Wanli , Xia Bin , Li Ting , Song Weiguo , Guo Shoudong
Published: July 2019

The fucoidan from Ascophyllum nodosum attenuates atherosclerosis by up-regulating reverse cholesterol transport.
Identification and molecular mechanism of antithrombotic peptides from oyster proteins released in simulated gastro-intestinal digestion
Authors: Chen Hui , Cheng Shuzhen , Fan Fengjiao , Tu Maolin , Xu Zhe , Du Ming
Published: July 2019

In this study, oyster (Crassostrea gigas) proteins were digested under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions to screen potential antithrombotic peptides.
Homogeneous and high-density gold unit implanted optical labels for robust and sensitive point-of-care drug detection
Authors: Huang Liang , Jin Jiening , Wang Jing , Jiang Chenxing , Xu Meng , Wen Huimin , Liao Tao , Hu Jun
Published: July 2019

Sensitive and specific point-of-care detection of methamphetamine in urine was achieved using novel structured gold nano-labels for signal amplification.
Fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles for modulating the level of intracellular Ca2+ in motoneurons
Authors: Fedorenko Svetlana , Stepanov Alexey , Sibgatullina Gusel , Samigullin Dmitry , Mukhitov Alexander , Petrov Konstantin , Mendes Rafael , Rümmeli Mark , Giebeler Lars , Weise Bruno , Gemming Thomas , Nizameev Irek , Kholin Kirill , Mustafina Asiya
Published: July 2019

This report introduces both synthesis and in vitro biological behaviour of dual magnetic-fluorescent silica nanoparticles.
Nanoscale depth control of implanted shallow silicon vacancies in silicon carbide
Authors: Li Qiang , Wang Jun-Feng , Yan Fei-Fei , Cheng Ze-Di , Liu Zheng-Hao , Zhou Kun , Guo Li-Ping , Zhou Xiong , Zhang Wei-Ping , Wang Xiu-Xia , Huang Wei , Xu Jin-Shi , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can
Published: July 2019

Color centers in silicon carbide have recently attracted broad interest as high bright single photon sources and defect spins with long coherence times at room temperature.
Synthesis and self-seeding behavior of oligo(p-phenylene vinylene)-b-poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide)
Authors: Yang Xian , Ruan Junyi , Ma Chen , Hao Bingjie , Huang Xiaoyu , Lu Guolin , Feng Chun
Published: July 2019

This article reports the preparation of uniform fiber- and ribbon-like nanostructures via the self-seeding of OPV5-b-PHPMA diblock copolymers.
Study on the synthesis of β-SiC nanoparticles from diamond-wire silicon cutting waste
Authors: Jiang Shengnan , Gao Shuaibo , Kong Jian , Jin Xing , Wei Donghui , Li Dagang , Xing Pengfei
Published: July 2019

β-SiC nanoparticles was synthesized using silicon cutting waste (SCW) as silicon source and sucrose as carbon source.
Photocatalytic efficacy of supported tetrazine on MgZnO nanoparticles for the heterogeneous photodegradation of methylene blue and ciprofloxacin
Authors: Parvizi Elham , Tayebee Reza , Koushki Ehsan , Abdizadeh Mojtaba Fattahi , Maleki Behrooz , Audebert Pierre , Galmiche Laurent
Published: July 2019

MgZnO@SiO2-tetrazine nanoparticle was synthesized and its photocatalytic efficiency was demonstrated in the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) and ciprofloxacin.
Electrochemical production of syngas from CO2at pressures up to 30 bar in electrolytes containing ionic liquid
Authors: Messias Sofia , Sousa Miguel M. , Nunes da Ponte Manuel , Rangel Carmen M. , Pardal Tiago , Reis Machado Ana S.
Published: July 2019

Electrochemical CO2reduction in a reactor that can operate up to 100 bar and 80 °C, with a configuration similar to that of an alkaline electrolyser, for hydrogen production suitable to be used industrially is reported for the first time.
Mesoporous cerium oxide-coated upconversion nanoparticles for tumor-responsive chemo-photodynamic therapy and bioimaging
Authors: Jia Tao , Xu Jiating , Dong Shuming , He Fei , Zhong Chongna , Yang Guixin , Bi Huiting , Xu Mengshu , Hu Yingkui , Yang Dan , Yang Piaoping , Lin Jun
Published: July 2019

A hollow structured biophotocatalyst comprising an UCNP core and mesoporous cerium oxide shell was constructed to realize oxygen self-efficient photodynamic therapy upon 980 nm laser irradiation under multiple imaging guidance.
Synthesis and surface spectroscopy of α-pinene isotopologues and their corresponding secondary organic material
Authors: Upshur Mary Alice , Vega Marvin M. , Bé Ariana Gray , Chase Hilary M. , Zhang Yue , Tuladhar Aashish , Chase Zizwe A. , Fu Li , Ebben Carlena J. , Wang Zheming , Martin Scot T. , Geiger Franz M. , Thomson Regan J.
Published: July 2019

The synthesis and surface-specific spectroscopic analysis of α-pinene isotopologues and their corresponding secondary organic material is reported.
Catalyst-controlled regiodivergent ring-opening C(sp3)–Si bond-forming reactions of 2-arylaziridines with silylborane enabled by synergistic palladium/copper dual catalysis
Authors: Takeda Youhei , Shibuta Kaoru , Aoki Shohei , Tohnai Norimitsu , Minakata Satoshi
Published: July 2019

A Pd/Cu catalyst-controlled regiodivergent and stereospecific ring-opening C(sp3)–Si cross-coupling of 2-arylaziridines with silylborane has been developed and a new tandem reaction to give another regioisomer of silylamine has been discovered.
A self-assembled nanoparticle cluster array fabricated using nematic–isotropic phase separation on a functionalized surface
Authors: Lee Jun-Seo , Lee Bomi , Song Jang-Kun
Published: July 2019

Fabrication of a self-assembled nanoparticle cluster array using nematic–isotropic phase separation and patterned surface functionalization.