bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary organic aerosol formation from biomass burning emissions
Authors: Lim Christopher Y. , Hagan David H. , Coggon Matthew M. , Koss Abigail R. , Sekimoto Kanako , de Gouw Joost , Warneke Carsten , Cappa Christopher D. , Kroll Jesse H.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Biomass burning is an important source of aerosol and trace gases to the atmosphere, but how these emissions change chemically during their lifetimes is not fully understood. As part of the Fire Influence on Regional and Global Environments Experiment (FIREX 2016), we investigated the effect of photochemical aging on biomass burning organic aerosol (BBOA), with a focus on fuels from the western United States. Emissions were sampled into a small (150 L) environmental chamber and photochemically aged via the addition of ozone and irradiation by 254 nm light. While some fraction of species undergoes photolysis, the vast majority of aging occurs via reaction with OH radicals, with total OH exposures corresponding to the equivalent of up to 10 days of atmospheric oxidation. For all fuels burned, large and rapid changes are seen in the ensemble chemical composition of BBOA, as measured by an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation is seen for all aging experiments and continues to grow with increasing OH exposure, but the magnitude of the SOA formation is highly variable between experiments. This variability can be explained well by a combination of experiment-to-experiment differences in OH exposure and the total concentration of non-methane organic gases (NMOGs) in the chamber before oxidation, measured by PTR-ToF-MS (r2 values from 0.64 to 0.83). From this relationship, we calculate the fraction of carbon from biomass burning NMOGs that is converted to SOA as a function of equivalent atmospheric aging time, with carbon yields ranging from 24 ± 4 % after 6 hours to 56 ± 9 % after 4 days.
Future shifts in extreme flow regimes in Alpine regions
Authors: Brunner Manuela I. , Farinotti Daniel , Zekollari Harry , Huss Matthias , Zappa Massimiliano
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Extreme low and high flows can have negative economical, societal, and ecological effects and are expected to become more severe in many regions due to climate change. Besides low and high flows, the whole flow regime is subject to changes. Knowledge on future changes in flow regimes is important since regimes contain information on both extremes and conditions prior to the dry and wet season. Changes in individual low- and high-flow characteristics as well as flow regimes under normal conditions have been thoroughly studied. In contrast, little is known about changes in extreme flow regimes. We here propose two methods for the estimation of extreme flow regimes and apply them to simulated discharge time series for future climate conditions in Switzerland. The first method relies on frequency analysis performed on annual flow duration curves. The second approach performs frequency analysis on the discharge sums of a large set of stochastically generated annual hydrographs. Both approaches were found to produce similar 100-year regime estimates when applied to a data set of 19 hydrological regions in Switzerland. Our results show that changes in both extreme low- and high-flow regimes for rainfall-dominated regions are distinct from those in melt-dominated regions. In rainfall-dominated regions, the minimum discharge of low-flow regimes decreases by up to 50 %, whilst the reduction is of 25 % for high-flow regimes. In contrast, the maximum discharge of low- and high-flow regimes increases by up to 50 %. In melt-dominated regions, the changes point into the other direction than those in rainfall-dominated regions. The minimum and maximum discharge of extreme regimes increase by up to 100 % and decrease by less than 50 %, respectively. Our findings provide guidance in water resources planning and management and the extreme regime estimates are a valuable basis for climate impact studies.
Identifying El Niño–Southern Oscillation influences on rainfall with classification models: implications for water resource management of Sri Lanka
Authors: De Silva M. Thushara , Hornberger George M.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Seasonal to annual forecasts of precipitation patterns are very
important for water infrastructure management. In particular, such forecasts
can be used to inform decisions about the operation of multipurpose
reservoir systems in the face of changing climate conditions. Success in
making useful forecasts is often achieved by considering climate
teleconnections such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian
Ocean Dipole (IOD) as related to sea surface temperature variations. We
present a statistical analysis to explore the utility of using rainfall
relationships in Sri Lanka with ENSO and IOD to predict rainfall to the Mahaweli
and Kelani River basins of the country. Forecasting of rainfall as the classes flood, drought, and normal is helpful
for water resource management decision-making. Results of these models
give better accuracy than a prediction of absolute values. Quadratic
discrimination analysis (QDA) and classification tree models are used to
identify the patterns of rainfall classes with respect to ENSO and IOD
indices. Ensemble modeling tool Random Forest is also used to predict the
rainfall classes as drought and not drought with higher skill. These models
can be used to forecast the areal rainfall using predicted climate indices.
Results from these models are not very accurate; however, the patterns
recognized provide useful input to water resource managers as they plan for
adaptation of agriculture and energy sectors in response to climate variability.
Simulating intersection angles between conjugate faults in sea ice with different viscous–plastic rheologies
Authors: Ringeisen Damien , Losch Martin , Tremblay L. Bruno , Hutter Nils
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Recent high-resolution pan-Arctic sea ice simulations show
fracture patterns (linear kinematic features or LKFs) that are typical of
granular materials but with wider fracture angles than those observed in
high-resolution satellite images. Motivated by this, ice fracture is
investigated in a simple uni-axial loading test using two different
viscous–plastic (VP) rheologies: one with an elliptical yield curve and a
normal flow rule and one with a Coulombic yield curve and a normal flow rule
that applies only to the elliptical cap. With the standard VP rheology, it is
not possible to simulate fracture angles smaller than 30∘. Further,
the standard VP model is not consistent with the behavior of granular
material such as sea ice because (1) the fracture angle increases with ice
shear strength; (2) the divergence along the fracture lines (or LKFs) is
uniquely defined by the shear strength of the material with divergence for
high shear strength and convergent with low shear strength; (3) the angle of
fracture depends on the confining pressure with more convergence as the
confining pressure increases. This behavior of the VP model is connected to
the convexity of the yield curve together with use of a normal flow rule. In
the Coulombic model, the angle of fracture is smaller (θ=23∘)
and grossly consistent with observations. The solution, however, is unstable
when the compressive stress is too large because of non-differentiable
corners between the straight limbs of the Coulombic yield curve and the
elliptical cap. The results suggest that, although at first sight the large-scale patterns of LKFs simulated with a VP sea ice model appear to be
realistic, the elliptical yield curve with a normal flow rule is not
consistent with the notion of sea ice as a pressure-sensitive and dilatant
granular material.
Influence of light absorbing particles on snow spectral irradiance profiles
Authors: Tuzet François , Dumont Marie , Arnaud Laurent , Voisin Didier , Lamare Maxim , Larue Fanny , Revuelto Jesus , Picard Ghislain
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Light Absorbing Particles (LAP) such as black carbon or mineral dust are some of the main drivers of snow radiative transfer. Small amounts of LAP significantly increase snowpack absorption in the visible wavelengths where ice absorption is particularly weak, impacting the surface energy budget of snow-covered areas. However, linking measurements of LAP concentration in snow to their actual radiative impact is a challenging issue which is not fully resolved. In the present paper, we point out a new method based on Spectral Irradiance Profile (SIP) measurements which makes it possible to identify the radiative impact of LAP on visible light extinction in homogeneous layers of the snowpack. From this impact on light extinction it is possible to infer LAP concentrations present in each layer using radiative transfer theory. This study relies on a unique dataset composed of 26 spectral irradiance profile measurements in the wavelength range 350–950 nm with concomitant profile measurements of snow physical properties and LAP concentrations, collected in the Alps over two snow seasons in winter and spring conditions. For 55 homogeneous snow layers identified in our dataset, the concentrations retrieved from SIP measurements are compared to chemical measurements of LAP concentrations. A good correlation is observed for measured concentrations higher than 5 ng g−1 (r2 = 0.74) despite a clear positive bias. The potential causes of this bias are discussed, underlining a strong dependence of our method to LAP optical properties and to the relationship between snow microstructure and snow optical properties used in the theory. Additional uncertainties such as artefacts in the measurement technique for SIP and chemical contents along with LAP absorption efficiency, may explain part of this bias. In addition, spectral information on LAP absorption can be retrieved from SIP measurements. We show that for layers containing a unique absorber, this absorber can be identified in some cases (e.g: mineral dust vs black carbon). We also observe an enhancement of light absorption between 350 and 650 nm in presence of liquid water in the snowpack which is discussed but not fully elucidated. A single SIP acquisition lasts approximately one minute and is hence much faster than collecting a profile of chemical measurements. With the recent advances in modelling LAP-snow interactions, our method could become an attractive alternative to estimate vertical profiles of LAP concentrations in snow.
Editorial: Proceedings of the First Symposium on Blockchain and Robotics, MIT Media Lab, 5 December 2018
Authors: Castelló Ferrer Eduardo , Hardjono Thomas , Pentland Alex
Published: April 2019

An introductory statement by the editors of the present proceedings, detailing the symposium itself as well as its peer-review process and acceptance rate, a summary of the included papers, and details on the editors themselves.
Óbvio Ululante: a trajetória de um programa sobre futebol em uma rádio universitária
Authors: Dantas Marina De Mattos , Anjos Luiza Aguiar dos
Published: April 2019

Esse ensaio tem como objetivo analisar a trajetória de oito anos do Óbvio Ululante, programa sobre futebol veiculado na Rádio UFMG Educativa. Apresentamos, primeiramente, nosso entendimento acerca dos princípios que devem nortear a atuação de uma rádio universitária, que balizam também a produção do programa em questão, seguidos de uma descrição sobre a presença do futebol na mídia radiofônica. Analisamos, então, a experiência do Óbvio Ululante, dando ênfase às mudanças, explicadas a partir das reflexões e posicionamentos que as motivaram. Destaca-se a maior atenção dada aos “infames do futebol”, aqueles clubes, grupos e agentes do futebol com menor espaço na agenda midiática das grandes redes de comunicação.
Translanguaging in the Polish educational context: Lessons learnt from IB schools
Authors: Romanowski Piotr
Published: April 2019

Poland’s foreign language teaching and language policy have been affected by tremendous changes in the last decades. Not only bilingual sections in secondary schools have mushroomed, but also international schools with instruction in a foreign language, mainly English, within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) started their existence in 1993. This paper draws on the translanguaging pedagogy as used in the selected secondary schools with IBDP. The schools provide evidence for the stance that most students, if not all, are multilingual in such teaching environments. Therefore, they apply multiple strategies to benefit from their linguistic repertoires. In addition, the teachers perceive such practices as positively affecting the students’ performance and allowing them to more rapidly acquire the imparted content as well as further develop their linguistic proficiency. The overriding aim of this study is to identify the situations when the students translanguage and analyze their linguistic behaviour as well as explore the functions of students’ translanguaging practices.
Changes in the vascular flora of a postflotation zinc–lead ore spoil heap of the “Orzeł Biały” mining and smelting works in Bytom (Silesian Upland) after 15 years
Authors: Hanczaruk Robert , Kompała-Bąba Agnieszka
Published: April 2019

A study on vascular flora of a Zn–Pb ore spoil heap of the “Orzeł Biały” mining and smelting works in Bytom, Poland, was carried out in the 2017–2018 growing seasons. The aim of this study was to: (i) present the characteristics of current vascular flora that colonizes the Zn–Pb heap, (ii) describe its dynamic tendencies and directions of changes after 15 years, and (iii) identify species that can be useful for planting as a part of biological reclamation. Ninety-two mostly native species of vascular plants, belonging to 36 families and 77 genera, were found on the examined heap. In the spectrum of life forms, hemicryptophytes prevailed over therophytes and geophytes. The most numerous ecological groups were ruderal and meadow species. As regards life strategies, highly competitive species and taxa with mixed CSR strategies dominated. The basic mode of seed dispersal was anemochory. In terms of habitat preferences, species associated with moderately light, warm, fresh, neutral, and medium fertility soil dominated in the species composition of the studied flora. In 2017–2018 compared to the 2002 growing season, statistically significant differences were found in the origin, life forms, ecological groups, life strategies, mode of seed dispersal of species and their habitat preferences relative to light, temperature, pH, and productivity. Frequently recorded pseudometallophytes (Agrostis capillaris, Cardaminopsis arenosa, Daucus carota, Deschampsia caespitosa, Leontodon hispidus, Plantago lanceolata, Silene vulgaris, Rumex acetosa) can be used for planting as part of biological reclamation of the area.
The effect of suture by absorbable material on corneal astigmatism after phacoemulsification
Authors: Yoo Jae Ho , Lee Sang Joon
Published: April 2019

Objectives To investigate the effect of absorbable suture on surgically-induced corneal astigmatism in 3.0-mm sclera tunnel cataract surgeries. Methods Medical records of patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery using a 3.0-mm sclera tunnel incision made by a single surgeon were reviewed. Uncorrected distant visual acuity, corneal astigmatism and surgically-induced astigmatism were measured in 56 patients' eyes that underwent sclera tunnel cataract surgery with absorbable sutures (sutured group) and in 23 patients' eyes without sutures (unsutured group). Uncorrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit lamp examination, and automated keratometry were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after cataract operation. Results There were no significant differences in preoperative average uncorrected distant visual acuity of the two groups (sutured group: 0.79 ± 0.64, unsutured group: 0.68 ± 0.72, P = 0.145). Corneal astigmatism measured using keratometry in the sutured and unsutured group at postoperative day 3 were 2.27 ± 2.12 D versus 0.83 ± 0.55 D at ( P < 0.001), a difference which had disappeared after 4 weeks. Surgically induced astigmatism using the Holladay and Vector methods showed similar outcomes, suggesting that the sutured group exhibited higher astigmatism compared with the unsutured group until 2 weeks post-surgery. Conclusions TPatients undergoing scleral tunnel cataract surgery with absorbable sutures have greater surgically induced astigmatism, especially in the early postoperative period, compared with those without sutures. However, this surgically induced astigmatism due to absorbable sutures in scleral tunnel cataract surgery is temporary and disappears at 4 weeks post-surgery.
A case of intra-abdominal abscess caused by unconsciously ingestion of fish bone in elderly patient
Authors: Kim Bo Ra , Kim Hong Jun , Hahm Jong Ryeal , Ha Chang Yoon , Jung Woon Tae , Lee Ok Jae
Published: April 2019

Cases showing complications such as esophageal injury, deep neck infection, and mediastinitis caused by accidental ingestion of fish bone are common. But ingestion of fish bone rarely causes perforation of the gastrointestinal tract or an intra-abdominal abscess. We report herein a case of a 78-year-old man with a periumbilical mesenteric abscess caused by fish bone which was ingested unconsciously. The fish bone was found in the terminal ileum and it was removed by colonoscopy. The patient improved and he was discharged after systemic antibiotic therapy. Occasionally, when patients swallow fish bone without a foreign body sensation, clinicians should suspect perforation caused by fish bone in case of an intra-abdominal abscess of unknown cause.
Bacteremia caused by Leuconostoc species : 6-case series
Authors: Oh Ki Jong , Jung Dong Sik , Ko Kwan Soo , Lee Ho Jin , Park Jun Yong , Lee Hyuck
Published: April 2019

Leuconostoc species are Gram-positive coccobacilli and are used in dairy products and are intrinsically resistant to vancomycin. Leuconostoc infections are rare in humans, usually occurring in immune-compromised patients. We describe 6 patients with Leuconostoc bacteremia at Dong-A university hospital between 1990 and 2015. One isolate ( L. lactis ) was identified to species level using 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. All patients had underlying diseases and 5 patients underwent procedures that interrupted the normal integumentary defense. Four patients died within 30 days after being identified as carrying Leuconostoc species.
A novel RET mutation identified in a patient with pheochromocytoma and renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kwon Jae Wan , Jung Eui Dal , Jeon Eon Ju , Park Jung Kyu , Lee Joon Kee , Cho Chang Ho
Published: April 2019

Pheochromocytomas might be sporadic or genetic. Genetic pheochromocytoma is associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2A, MEN type 2B, and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. RET mutations are identified in more than 90% of index cases of MEN2 and familial medullary thyroid cancer and in about 4–12% of apparent sporadic cases. Here, we report a 54-year-old man presenting with pheochromocytoma and renal cell carcinoma, who was identified as having a novel missense RET mutation.
The Reliability of a Smartphone Goniometer Application Compared With a Traditional Goniometer for Measuring Ankle Joint Range of Motion
Authors: Alawna Motaz Abdalla , Unver Bayram H. , Yuksel Ertugrul O.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Evaluation of range of motion (ROM) is integral to assessment of the musculoskeletal system, is required in health fitness and pathologic conditions, and is used as an objective outcome measure. Several methods are described to check ROM, each with advantages and disadvantages. Hence, this study introduces a new device using a smartphone goniometer to measure ankle joint ROM.

Objective:

To test the reliability of smartphone goniometry in the ankle joint by comparing it with the universal goniometer (UG) and to assess interrater and intrarater reliability for the smartphone goniometer record (SGR) application.

Methods:

Fifty-eight healthy volunteers (29 men and 29 women aged 18–30 years) underwent SGR and UG measurement of ankle joint dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Two examiners measured ankle joint ROM. Descriptive statistics were calculated for descriptive and anthropometric variables, as were intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results:

There were 58 usable data sets. For measuring ankle dorsiflexion ROM, both instruments showed excellent interrater reliability: UG (ICC = 0.87) and SGR (ICC = 0.89). Intrarater reliability was excellent in both instruments in ankle dorsiflexion: UG and SGR (mean ICC = 0.91). For measuring ankle plantarflexion, both instruments showed excellent interrater reliability: UG (ICC = 0.76) and SGR (ICC = 0.82). Intrarater reliability was excellent in both instruments in ankle plantarflexion: UG (mean ICC = 0.85) and SGR (mean ICC = 0.82).

Conclusions:

Smartphone-based goniometers can be used to assess active ROM of the ankle joint because they can achieve a high degree of intrarater and interrater reliability.
Threatening Fracture of Intraosseous Lipoma Treated by Internal Fixation
Authors: Frangež Igor , Nizič-Kos Tea , Cimerman Matej
Published: April 2019

Intraosseous lipomas are rare benign bone neoplasms with an incidence of less than 0.1%; origin in the calcaneus has been reported in only a few patients. First-line treatment remains conservative, but several surgical techniques have also been described. We describe a 44-year-old woman with increasing pain in her left heel for a year and a half, who noticed swelling on the lateral side of the calcaneus. The patient underwent radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography of her left foot, which was suspicious for an intraosseous lipoma with a threatening calcaneal fracture. We performed a surgical procedure, curettage of the tumor, spongioplastics (by autologous bone transplant and β-tricalcium phosphate), and internal stabilization with a calcaneal plate considering the goal of immediate postoperative weightbearing. Histologic examination confirmed an intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus. The patient's pain was relieved immediately after surgery. Internal stabilization of the calcaneus allowed the patient to immediately fully weightbear and to return to usual daily activities. Although a benign bone tumor, intraosseous lipoma can cause many complications, such as persistent pain, decreased function, or even pathologic fracture as a result of calcaneal bone weakening. Choosing an appropriate treatment is still controversial. Conservative treatment is the first option, but for patients with severe problems and threatening fracture, surgery is necessary. Internal fixation for stabilization enables immediate postoperative weightbearing and shortens recovery time.
Transcriptional profiling in the livers of rats after hypobaric hypoxia exposure
Authors: Xu Zhenguo , Jia Zhilong , Shi Jinlong , Zhang Zeyu , Gao Xiaojian , Jia Qian , Liu Bohan , Liu Jixuan , Liu Chunlei , Zhao Xiaojing , He Kunlun
Published: April 2019

Ascent to high altitude feels uncomfortable in part because of a decreased partial pressure of oxygen due to the decrease in barometric pressure. The molecular mechanisms causing injury in liver tissue after exposure to a hypoxic environment are widely unknown. The liver must physiologically and metabolically change to improve tolerance to altitude-induced hypoxia. Since the liver is the largest metabolic organ and regulates many physiological and metabolic processes, it plays an important part in high altitude adaptation. The cellular response to hypoxia results in changes in the gene expression profile. The present study explores these changes in a rat model. To comprehensively investigate the gene expression and physiological changes under hypobaric hypoxia, we used genome-wide transcription profiling. Little is known about the genome-wide transcriptional response to acute and chronic hypobaric hypoxia in the livers of rats. In this study, we carried out RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) of liver tissue from rats in three groups, normal control rats (L), rats exposed to acute hypobaric hypoxia for 2 weeks (W2L) and rats chronically exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 4 weeks (W4L), to explore the transcriptional profile of acute and chronic mountain sickness in a mammal under a controlled time-course. We identified 497 differentially expressed genes between the three groups. A principal component analysis revealed large differences between the acute and chronic hypobaric hypoxia groups compared with the control group. Several immune-related and metabolic pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and galactose metabolism, were highly enriched in the KEGG pathway analysis. Similar results were found in the Gene Ontology analysis. Cogena analysis showed that the immune-related pathways were mainly upregulated and enriched in the acute hypobaric hypoxia group.
Nanoindentation and Bending Fracture Behavior of Flexible Sulfide Thin Films Grown at Near Room Temperature With in Situ Tensile/Compressive Stress
Authors: Kim Da Bin , Lee Seung Min , Jang Jin Woo , Mohanty Bhaskar Chandra , Cho Yong Soo
Published: April 2019

Residual stress is known to affect significantly the mechanical fracture behavior of flexible thin films. Here, an in situ chemical deposition process that allows for control of extra compressive or tensile stress in PbS thin films is suggested. This process uses the fixed convex or concave surface of a flexible substrate to impart compressive or tensile stress, respectively, after the releasing step to the flat mode. Using two technical evaluations of mechanical fracture behavior, the existence of extra stress is verified with expected enhancements of the fracture resistance only in the case of compressive stress. For example, a ≈36% improvement of the elastic modulus is confirmed by nanoindentation testing for compressively stressed PbS thin films. The bending fracture resistance is also enhanced for the compressively stressed films, as evidenced by a ≈18.5% improvement in the crack‐initiating critical strain and a ≈121% increment in the fracture energy under the bending motion.
Multi‐Substrate Liquid Metal Circuits Printing via Superhydrophobic Coating and Adhesive Patterning
Authors: Yao You You , Ding Yu Jie , Li Hong Peng , Chen Sen , Guo Rui , Liu Jing
Published: April 2019

Printed circuits and electronics are widely implemented in a variety of emerging areas including solar power panel, wearable devices, screen display, etc. Recently, gallium‐based alloys become promising candidates in applications ranging from flexible electronics to efficient cooling due to its high conductivity, fluidity, and nontoxicity. However, the implementation of liquid metal printing is highly restricted to its adhesion with different substrates. The adhesiveness can be enhanced by promoting the oxidation such as intensive stirring, whereas the fluidity would be severely confined. Aiming to tackle the existing challenges, here the authors propose a facile liquid metal printed electronics method through spraying a customized superhydrophobic film upon the substrate and then forming desired patterns via selective adhesion of liquid metal. The required customization can be realized via removable mask or surface energy variation. The presented strategy demonstrates excellent substrate adaptability including glass, plastic, paper, carbon fiber composite, ceramic, etc. Besides, complex 3D circuits can be created upon curved surfaces of diversified geometries. Sprayed liquid metal can be easily recycled, which is beneficial to an environmental and sustainable production. This work suggests a potential direction for liquid metal circuit fabrication and may enlighten other studies to resolve liquid metal contamination, flow friction, etc.
Seven‐Step Continuous Flow Synthesis of Linezolid Without Intermediate Purification
Authors: Russell M. Grace , Jamison Timothy F.
Published: April 2019

Herein, the blockbuster antibacterial drug linezolid is synthesized from simple starting blocks by a convergent continuous flow sequence involving seven (7) chemical transformations. This is the highest total number of distinct reaction steps ever performed in continuous flow without conducting solvent exchanges or intermediate purification. Linezolid was obtained in 73 % isolated yield in a total residence time of 27 minutes, corresponding to a throughput of 816 mg h−1.
Functionalized h‐BN Nanosheets as a Theranostic Platform for SERS Real‐Time Monitoring of MicroRNA and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Liu Jia , Zheng Tingting , Tian Yang
Published: April 2019

Traditional therapeutic and diagnostic tools exhibit serious side effects, poor selectivity, and sensitivity. Herein, a multifunctional CuPc@HG@BN theranostic platform composed of hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h‐BNNS), conjugated DNA oligonucleotide, and copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) was developed in which the CuPc molecule played double key roles in photodynamic therapy (PDT) as well as in situ monitoring and imaging of miR‐21 by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Owing to the designed circle amplification of miRNA and high SERS effects of CuPc on h‐BNNS, miR‐21 responsive concentration was achieved as low as 0.7 fm in live cells. Both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrated that the integrated nanoplatform showed remarkable enhancement in PDT efficiency with minimized damage to the normal tissues. The developed probe was also successfully utilized for early monitoring and guiding the early therapy, realizing tumor elimination.
Gyroidal Niobium Sulfide/Carbon Hybrid Monoliths for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Fleischmann Simon , Dörr Tobias S. , Frank Anna , Hieke Stefan W. , Doblas‐Jimenez David , Scheu Christina , de Oliveira Peter W. , Kraus Tobias , Presser Volker
Published: April 2019

Transition metal dichalcogenides are attractive two‐dimensional electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage devices due to their high reversible charge storage capacity. Hybridization of these materials with carbon promises enhanced performance by facilitating the access to reactive sites and extended mechanical stabilization. Herein, we introduce a NbS2/C hybrid material exhibiting a gyroidal microstructure synthesized through macromolecular co‐assembly of a tailored block copolymer and an organometallic niobium precursor and subsequent sulfidation. Our synthesis allows the preparation of mechanically stable monoliths with NbS2 nanocrystals engulfed in a highly porous carbon shell. Due to the curvature of the gyroidal structure, abundant reactive sites are exposed that lead to an attractive performance in a lithium‐containing electrolyte with a capacity of up to 400 mAh/g.
Sacrificial Bioprinting of a Mammary Ductal Carcinoma Model
Authors: Duchamp Margaux , Liu Tingting , van Genderen Anne M. , Kappings Vanessa , Oklu Rahmi , Ellisen Leif W. , Zhang Yu Shrike
Published: April 2019

Cancer tissue engineering has remained challenging due to the limitations of the conventional biofabrication techniques to model the complex tumor microenvironment. Here, the utilization of a sacrificial bioprinting strategy is reported to generate the biomimetic mammary duct‐like structure within a hydrogel matrix, which is further populated with breast cancer cells, to model the genesis of ductal carcinoma and its subsequent outward invasion. This bioprinted mammary ductal carcinoma model provides a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the value of using the sacrificial bioprinting technique for engineering biologically relevant cancer models, which may be possibly extended to other cancer types where duct‐like structures are involved.
Stereoselective Desymmetrization of gem‐Diborylalkanes by “Trifluorination”
Authors: Kumar Nivesh , Reddy Reddy Rajasekhar , Masarwa Ahmad
Published: April 2019

An efficient and general method for the chemoselective synthesis of unsymmetrical gem‐diborylalkanes is reported. This method is based on a late‐stage desymmetrization through nucleophilic “trifluorination”, providing chiral gem‐diborylalkanes bearing a trifluoroborate group. The reaction offers a highly modular and diastereoselective approach towards the synthesis of gem‐diborylcyclopropanes. The utility of the gem‐diborylalkane building blocks was demonstrated by selective post‐functionalization of the trifluoroborate group. These functionalizations include inter‐ and intra‐ Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions.
A Procedure to Select Meteorological Data for Air Dispersion Modeling of Pesticide Applications in California
Authors: Tao Jing , Vidrio Edgar
Published: April 2019

This study developed a procedure to select a set of 5-y meteorological data with the potential to estimate the highest concentrations (“worst-case scenario”) in air dispersion modeling of pesticide applications with American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD). The study analyzed the relationship between the 95th percentile maximum concentrations estimated by AERMOD and the percentages of low wind speed (LWS, 0.5–2 m/s) in the meteorological data used for the modeling. Statistical analysis showed that they were positively correlated within various distances to different types of emission sources. In addition, the LWS percentages of 1-y data could be used to predict the LWS percentages of 5-y data for the same station. Based on these results, the selection procedure for meteorological data began with the evaluation of 1-y data quality and LWS percentages for all the available stations in California, USA, counties with high use of a pesticide of interest. Five-year meteorological data were then processed for the top 5 stations with the highest LWS percentages to perform AERMOD modeling. Finally, the air concentration estimates of the modeled meteorological data were compared to determine the worst-case scenario data. This procedure provided a strategic plan for selecting meteorological data for AERMOD modeling of pesticide applications in California. The procedure was applied to the modeling of residential structural fumigations and determined that the 5-y (2011–2015) data of the weather station WBAN 93134 (downtown Los Angeles, University of Southern California campus) was the worst-case scenario meteorological data for this modeling case. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:648–658. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Sampling Designs for Landscape-level eDNA Monitoring Programs
Authors: Erickson Richard A , Merkes Christopher M , Mize Erica L
Published: April 2019

Effective natural resources management requires accurate information about species distributions. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a commonly used method to determine species presence and distribution. However, when understanding eDNA-based distribution data, managers must contend with imperfect detection in collection samples and subsamples (i.e., molecular analyses) impacting their ability to detect species and estimate occurrence. Occurrence models can estimate 3 probabilities: occurrence, capture, and eDNA detection. However, most occurrence models do not. To quantify imperfect detection in rare versus common species, we examined multiple field capture and detection probabilities. We studied this with 3 objectives: Determine sample sizes required to detect eDNA given imperfect detection, determine sample sizes required to estimate eDNA capture parameters, and examine performance of a 3-level occurrence model. We found detecting eDNA in ≥1 sample at a site required ≤15 samples per site for common species, but detecting eDNA when looking for rare species required 45 to 90 samples per site. Our occurrence model recovered known parameters unless capture and detection probabilities were <0.2 where >100 samples per site and ≥8 molecular replicates were required. Our findings illustrate the importance of sample size and molecular replication for eDNA-based work. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:760–771. Published 2019. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Revisiting the Avian Eco-SSL for Lead: Recommendations for Revision
Authors: Sample Bradley E , Beyer W Nelson , Wentsel Randy
Published: April 2019

The avian ecological soil screening level (Eco-SSL) for Pb (11 mg/kg) is within soil background concentrations for >90% of the United States. Consequently, its utility as a soil screening level is limited. Site-specific ecological risk–based remedial goals for Pb are frequently many times greater. Toxicity reference values (TRVs) play a major role in defining Eco-SSLs. The Pb Eco-SSL TRV is driven by reduced egg production in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), which displays effects at doses both substantially lower and greater than other tested species. High variability in egg production in Japanese quail has also been observed for other contaminants. Japanese quail egg production may therefore be too variable and unreliable an effect endpoint upon which to base regulatory screening criteria. Toxicity data supporting the Eco-SSL were reevaluated and only studies reporting both no and lowest observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs and LOAELs) for reproduction, growth, or survival were considered. Dose–response data were extracted from 10 studies both as concentrations and doses. Dose–response relationships were developed using the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Benchmark Dose Software for dietary concentrations and doses for egg production in Japanese quail and chickens. Effect levels (of 10%, 20%, and 50%) were extracted from the dose–response analyses. Species sensitivity distributions and dose–response data indicated reproduction was most sensitive to Pb and survival was least sensitive, with growth intermediate. Limited data for ringed turtle doves (Streptopelia risoria) and American kestrels (Falco sparverius) suggest lower sensitivity than chickens to Pb. The ED10 and ED20 thresholds for chickens were 4.4 and 9.8 mg·kg–1·d–1, respectively. Avian Pb Eco-SSLs were recalculated based on the chicken ED10 and ED20, with and without a bioavailability adjustment. Revised avian Pb Eco-SSLs for the most highly exposed species (American woodcock), based on the ED10 and assuming 100% and 50% bioavailability, were 36.3 mg/kg and 43.7 mg/kg, respectively. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;15:739–749. © 2019 SETAC.
miR‐103a‐2‐5p/miR‐30c‐1‐3p inhibits the progression of prostate cancer resistance to androgen ablation therapy via targeting androgen receptor variant 7
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Yao Gan , Zhou Keqin
Published: April 2019

Androgens and androgen receptors are vital factors involved in prostate cancer progression, and androgen ablation therapies are commonly used to treat advanced prostate cancer. However, the acquisition of androgen ablation therapy resistance remains a challenge. Recently, androgen receptor splicing variants lacking the ligand‐binding domain have been reported to play a critical role in the acquisition of androgen ablation therapy resistance. In the present study, we revealed that the messenger RNA expression and the protein levels of an androgen receptor variant 7 (AR‐V7) were higher in prostate cancer tissue samples and in the AR‐positive prostate cancer cell line, VCaP. In contrast, microRNA (miR)‐30c‐1‐3p/miR‐103a‐2‐5p expression was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues and cells. miR‐30c‐1‐3p/miR‐103a‐2‐5p overexpression could inhibit AR‐V7 expression, suppress VCaP cell growth, and inhibit AR‐V7 downstream factor expression by directly targeting the 3′‐untranslated region of AR‐V7. Under enzalutamide (Enza) treatment, the effects of AR‐V7 overexpression were the opposite of those of miR‐103a‐2‐5p/miR‐30c‐1‐3p overexpression; more importantly, the effects of miR‐103a‐2‐5p/miR‐30c‐1‐3p overexpression could be significantly reversed by AR‐V7 overexpression under Enza. In summary, we demonstrated a novel mechanism of the miR‐30c‐1‐3p/miR‐103a‐2‐5p/AR‐V7 axis modulating the cell proliferation of AR‐positive prostate cancer cells via AR downstream targets. The clinical application of miR‐30c‐1‐3p/miR‐103a‐2‐5p needs further in vivo validation.
Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells stereotactic transplantation alleviate brain edema from intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Ye , Deng Hong , Hu Yang , Pan Chao , Wu Guofeng , Li Qi , Tang Zhouping
Published: April 2019

Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSCs) exhibited high potential in tissue repair and regeneration, and it has been proved that ADSCs could protect brain cells from apoptosis and maintaining blood‐brain barrier stability after cerebral vascular disease. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential and mechanism of ADSCs stereotactic transplantation in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mice model and hemin‐treated astrocytes. Mice were divided into three groups: sham group, ICH + PBS group, and ICH + ADSC group. Mice in ICH + ADSC group received ADSCs cell suspension stereotactic transplantation into the area beside the bleeding region. Astrocytes were divided into three groups: control group, hemin group, and hemin + ADSC group. Astrocytes in hemin + ADSC group were cultured in ADSCs‐astrocyte no‐contact coculture system and treated with 30 μM hemin solution. The results showed that ADSCs stereotactic transplantation improved functional outcomes and reduced cell apoptosis after ICH. Moreover, ADSCs stereotactic transplantation could alleviate brain edema and inflammation and AQP4 protein expression contributed to the alleviation of brain edema. In addition, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including p38/MAPK pathway and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathway, were involved in AQP4 modulation by ADSCs transplantation in ICH. In conclusion, ADSCs transplantation could alleviate the nervous tissue injury, reduce cell apoptosis, and relieve brain edema in ICH. And the edema regulation effect of ADSCs transplantation is associated with inhibition of inflammation and AQP4 protein expression.
LRP10 in autosomal‐dominant Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen You , Cen Zhidong , Zheng Xiaosheng , Pan Qinqing , Chen Xinhui , Zhu Lili , Chen Si , Wu Hongwei , Xie Fei , Wang Haotian , Yang Dehao , Wang Lebo , Zhang Baorong , Luo Wei
Published: April 2019

Background

Recently, the LRP10 gene has been identified as a novel genetic cause in individuals affected by Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease dementia, or dementia with Lewy bodies.

Objective

We investigated the involvement of LRP10 mutations in Chinese patients with familial PD and reviewed previous studies of LRP10 mutations in patients with PD.

Methods

A mutation analysis of the LRP10 gene was performed in a cohort of 205 unrelated Chinese patients with familial PD. Burden analysis was conducted using data from the Genome Aggregation Database and 5 genetic studies of LRP10 in patients with PD (including our cohort).

Results

A total of 3 novel potentially pathogenic variants, c.32T>A (p.L11H), c.1184G>A (p.R395H), and c.1333G>A (p.A445T), were detected in 3 probands of our cohort. However, burden analysis argued against an overrepresentation of variant alleles in patients with PD.

Conclusions

Genetic screening of the LRP10 gene in our cohort may provide independent, albeit limited, evidence for the pathogenicity of LRP10 in familial PD. Burden analysis using data from current studies failed to support the association between LRP10 and PD in general. Thus, more robust replication studies are warranted to determine the involvement of LRP10 in the pathogenesis of PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Galectin‐3 aggravates ox‐LDL‐induced endothelial dysfunction through LOX‐1 mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Ou Hsiu‐Chung , Chou Wan‐Ching , Hung Ching‐Hsia , Chu Pei‐Ming , Hsieh Pei‐Ling , Chan Shih‐Hung , Tsai Kun‐Ling
Published: April 2019

Galectin‐3, a biomarker linking oxidative stress and inflammation, participates in different mechanisms related to atherothrombosis, such as inflammation, proliferation, or macrophage chemotaxis. Accumulating evidence indicates that galectin‐3 may also promote atherogenesis through inducing endothelial dysfunction. Lectin‐like oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) receptor‐1 (LOX‐1), a receptor for oxLDL uptake, contributes to oxLDL‐induced endothelial dysfunction. Whether galectin‐3 induces endothelial dysfunction through modulation of LOX‐1‐mediated signaling remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the mechanisms underlying galectin‐3 enhanced cytotoxicity of oxLDL in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the role of LOX‐1. Incubation of HUVECs with galectin‐3 increased the expression of LOX‐1 in RNA and protein levels. In addition, the expression of LOX‐1 induced by oxLDL was promoted by galectin‐3. However, pretreatment of LOX‐1 antibody reduced LOX‐1 mRNA expression level in cells with oxLDL plus galectin‐3 incubation. Compared to cells treated with oxLDL alone, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activation and subsequent activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases followed by nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activation and related inflammatory responses including adhesion molecule expression, adhesiveness of monocytic cells, and IL‐8 release were also aggravated in cells treated with galectin‐3 combined with oxLDL. Compared to cells treated with galectin‐3 plus oxLDL group. We found that LOX‐1 antibody mitigated NADPH oxidase activity, p‐38 up‐regulation, NF‐κB activation, and proinflammatory responses in cells treated with galectin‐3 combined with oxLDL. We conclude that galectin‐3 enhances endothelial LOX‐1 expression and propose a new mechanism by which galectin‐3 may promote endothelial dysfunction by inducing inflammation via LOX‐1/ROS/p38/NF‐κB‐mediated signaling pathway.
Extracellular RNA in viral–host interactions: Thinking outside the cell
Authors: Ressel Sarah , Rosca Adelina , Gordon Katrina , Buck Amy H.
Published: April 2019

Small RNAs and their associated RNA interference (RNAi) pathways underpin diverse mechanisms of gene regulation and genome defense across all three kingdoms of life and are integral to virus–host interactions. In plants, fungi and many animals, an ancestral RNAi pathway exists as a host defense mechanism whereby viral double‐stranded RNA is processed to small RNAs that enable recognition and degradation of the virus. While this antiviral RNAi pathway is not generally thought to be present in mammals, other RNAi mechanisms can influence infection through both viral‐ and host‐derived small RNAs. Furthermore, a burgeoning body of data suggests that small RNAs in mammals can function in a non‐cell autonomous manner to play various roles in cell‐to‐cell communication and disease through their transport in extracellular vesicles. While vesicular small RNAs have not been proposed as an antiviral defense pathway per se, there is increasing evidence that the export of host‐ or viral‐derived RNAs from infected cells can influence various aspects of the infection process. This review discusses the current knowledge of extracellular RNA functions in viral infection and the technical challenges surrounding this field of research.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action
Correction to: Protection against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury by hypothermia and by inhibition of succinate accumulation and oxidation is additive
Authors: Kohlhauer M. , Pell V. R. , Burger N. , Spiroski A. M. , Gruszczyk A. , Mulvey J. F. , Mottahedin Amin , Costa A. S. H. , Frezza C. , Ghaleh B. , Murphy M. P. , Tissier R. , Krieg T.
Published: April 2019

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.