bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metallophthalocyanine‐enriched Langmuir‐Schaefer multilayers of poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar Chandan , Viswanath P.
Published: April 2019

Engineering the surface morphology with optimized crystallinity is very crucial for practical applications such as energy storage, electromechanical devices, and self‐cleaning. Organic nanocomposites permit one to tune the dielectric properties by controlling the crystallinity and surface morphology. Here, we report our investigation on metallophthalocyanines of nickel and copper as an organic additive to poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to modify the structural, optical, wetting, and electrical properties of the nanocomposite multilayers deposited using Langmuir‐Schaefer method. The incorporation of the metallophthalocyanines in the nanocomposite multilayers was confirmed from the signature Bragg peaks, and the fingerprint absorbance using grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. Aggregation behavior of the metallophthalocyanines in the polar matrix of PVDF was studied using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. Surface morphological studies using field emission scanning electron microscopy on the nanocomposite multilayers show the presence of both spherical crystallites and rod‐like structures which depends upon the composition and nature of metal in metallophthalocyanine. The surface wettability of these multilayers was investigated using static and dynamic contact angle studies. A significant enhancement in the dielectric constant has been observed for both nanocomposites relative to the pristine multilayer of PVDF. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47818.
Expanding and testing fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphisms for identifying roots of boreal forest plant species
Authors: Metzler Paul , La Flèche Marc , Karst Justine
Published: April 2019

Premise of the Study

Identifying roots to species is challenging, but is a common problem in ecology. Fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphisms (FAFLPs) can distinguish species within a mixed sample, are high throughput, and are inexpensive. To broaden the use of this tool across ecosystems, unique size profiles must be established for species, and its limits identified.

Methods

Fragments of three noncoding cpDNA regions were used to create size profiles for 193 species common to the western Canadian boreal forest. We compared detection success among congeners using FAFLPs and Sanger sequencing of the trnL intron. We also simulated and experimentally created communities to test the influence of species richness, cpDNA regions used, and extraction/amplification biases on detection success.

Results

Of the 193 species, 54% had unique size profiles. This value decreased when fewer cpDNA regions were used. In simulated communities, ambiguous species identifications were positively related to the species richness of the community. In mock communities, some species evaded detection owing to poor extraction or amplification. Sequencing did not increase detection success compared to FAFLPs for a subset of 24 species across nine genera.

Discussion

We recommend FAFLPs are best suited to confirm rather than discover species occurring belowground.
Tracking microhabitat temperature variation with iButton data loggers
Authors: Fawcett Susan , Sistla Seeta , Dacosta‐Calheiros Manny , Kahraman Abdullah , Reznicek Anton A. , Rosenberg Rachel , von Wettberg Eric J. B.
Published: April 2019

Premise of the Study

Fine‐scale variation in temperature and soil moisture contribute to microhabitats across the landscape, affecting plant phenology, distribution, and fitness. The recent availability of compact and inexpensive temperature and humidity data loggers such as iButtons has facilitated research on microclimates.

Methods and Results

Here, we highlight the use of iButtons in three distinct settings: comparisons of empirical data to modeled climate data for rare rock ferns in the genus Asplenium in eastern North America; generation of fine‐scale data to predict flowering time and vernalization responsiveness of crop wild relatives of chickpea from southeastern Anatolia; and measurements of extreme thermal variation of solar array installations in Vermont.

Discussion

We highlight a range of challenges with iButtons, including serious limitations of the Hygrochron function that affect their utility for measuring soil moisture, and methods for protecting them from the elements and from human interference. Finally, we provide MATLAB code to facilitate the processing of raw iButton data.
Spontaneous Nanobelt Formation by Self‐Assembly of β‐Benzyl GABA
Authors: Jeon Aram , Gong Jintaek , Oh Jun Kyun , Kwon Sunbum , Lee Wonchul , Kim Sang Ouk , Cho Sung June , Lee Hee‐Seung
Published: April 2019

We present the formation of a nanobelt by self‐assembly of β‐benzyl GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid). This simple γ‐amino acid building block self‐assembled to form a well‐defined nanobelt in chloroform. The nanobelt showed distinct optical properties due to π–π interactions. This new‐generation self‐assembled single amino acid may serve as a template for functional nanomaterials.
Dauerhaftigkeit von Beton im Bauteil
Authors: Jacobs Frank
Published: April 2019

In den letzten Jahrzehnten beruhen in Europa Schäden an Stahlbetonbauteilen vor allem auf einer ungenügenden Dauerhaftigkeit. Für eine ausreichende Dauerhaftigkeit muss ein Beton in der notwendigen Qualität fachgerecht eingebaut und nachbehandelt werden. Zudem ist die notwendige Bewehrungsüberdeckung sicherzustellen. Untersuchungen zeigten, dass trotz Vorgaben an die Betonzusammensetzung je nach Expositionsklasse große Unterschiede in den an separat hergestellten Probekörpern bestimmten Betoneigenschaften entstehen können. Folglich wird in der Schweiz von den Betonherstellern gefordert, dass diese nicht nur die Vorgaben an die Betonzusammensetzung einhalten, sondern auch Prüfungen an separat hergestellten Probekörpern durchführen müssen. Jedoch stellte sich die Frage, inwieweit mit den Prüfungen an separat hergestellten Probekörpern die Betonqualität im Bauteil tatsächlich beurteilt werden kann. Bei den separat hergestellten Probekörpern können u. a. die Einflüsse der Bauteilgeometrie, des Betoneinbaus, dessen Nachbehandlung und der Umgebungsbedingungen auf das Bauteil nicht erfasst werden. Im Rahmen eines vom Bundesamt für Strassen (ASTRA) geförderten Forschungsvorhabens wurden zwischen 2015 und 2018 bei mehreren Tiefbaubauvorhaben Untersuchungen an Bauteilen mit jeweils ähnlicher Geometrie mehrfach durchgeführt. Die Untersuchungen umfassten Frischbetonprüfungen, Prüfungen an separat hergestellten Probekörpern sowie Bohrkernuntersuchungen aus dem Bauteil. Die Festbetonprüfungen fanden im Alter von 28 Tagen als auch im höheren Alter statt. Es wurden dabei die Druckfestigkeit, der Chloridmigrationskoeffizient, der Frosttausalzwiderstand und der Karbonatisierungswiderstand bestimmt. Zudem wurden als zerstörungsfreie Prüfungen die Prellhärte und die Luftpermeabilität bestimmt. Es zeigten sich große Abweichungen und Streuungen bei den Betoneigenschaften zwischen den separat hergestellten Prüfkörpern und Bohrkernen aus Bauteilen.
Mikrobiologie in der Schule
Authors: Pitt Alexandra , Hahn Martin W.
Published: April 2019

Im Projekt „Verborgene Welt der Bakterien“ arbeiten über zwei Jahre Schülerinnen und Schüler von sechs Oberstufenklassen von Gymnasien in und um Salzburg mit Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern des Forschungsinstitutes für Limnologie, Mondsee der Universität Innsbruck zusammen. Ziel ist es, gemeinsam neue Bakterienstämme aus Gewässern der Umgebung zu isolieren und als Arten oder höhere taxonomische Einheiten zu beschreiben.
Gelenke, Führungen und Verbindungen
Authors: Nachtigall Werner
Published: April 2019

Der Vergleich biologischer und technischer „Maschinenelemente“ lässt teils verblüffende funktionsmorphologische Gemeinsamkeiten erkennen. Da die Vergleichspartner einerseits ähnliche bis gleiche Funktionen aufweisen, andererseits aus unterschiedlichen Reichen stammen, handelt es sich um klassische Analogien. Meist sind die technischen Elemente bis in Einzelheiten bekannt, biologische werden immer wieder neu entdeckt. Der biotechnische Vergleich („Technische Biologie“) erlaubt somit in erster Linie ein besseres Verstehen der biologischen Strukturen, weniger die bionische Weiterentwicklung technischer. Dies wird an Hand einfacherer Elemente wie Gelenke, Führungen und Verbindungen aufgezeigt. Im Teil 2 des Artikels werden dann komplexere Analoga einander gegenübergestellt.
Ein neues anthropogenes Biotop?
Authors: Quabeck‐Seeger Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2019

Über den Feinstaub wird – zu Recht – aus Gründen der Gesundheitsvorsorge berichtet und geforscht. Wichtig ist jedoch auch die Frage, wo er letztlich verbleibt. Am Beispiel des Abriebs von Autoreifen wird dieser Frage nachgegangen. Dabei ergeben sich neuartige Aspekte, die vielfältige Fragen aufwerfen.
Flora Incognita – wie künstliche Intelligenz die Pflanzenbestimmung revolutioniert
Authors: Wäldchen Jana , Mäder Patrick
Published: April 2019

Maschinelles Lernen, Citizen Science, Smartphones – all diese Trends bringt das Forschungsprojekt „Flora Incognita“ zusammen. Unter dem Motto „Künstliche Intelligenz trifft auf Natur“ arbeitet ein interdisziplinäres Team aus den Fachbereichen Botanik, Informatik, Physik und Medienwissenschaften an einer Lösung, traditionelle Pflanzenbestimmung in das digitale Zeitalter zu überführen.
Nachrichten des Verbandes Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland
Authors: Westhoff Peter
Published: April 2019

Wissenschaft & Gesellschaft

Plan S

Kooperation

Ausbildung

Internationale BiologieOlympiade

Ars legendi‐Fakultätenpreis Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften

Landesverbände

Sachsen
Think through outsourcing decisions in advance
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: April 2019

The one constant theme that echoes throughout every athletics department regardless of size revolves around the ever‐present need for revenue generation. Each dollar received from businesses, supporters, donors, and ticket sales helps offset the institutional support otherwise usually required for the operation of an intercollegiate athletics program. The whirlwind business of revenue generation involving signage, promotions, radio, TV, digital platforms, and social media, among other things, seems to move at a faster, more complex pace every year. Having the necessary time, the right people, and the contacts to make those efforts successful becomes a recurring challenge.
Evaluate, boost your executive presence quotient
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: April 2019

BOSTON — If you find yourself questioning why you've been overlooked for promotions and job offers, it likely has something to do with your executive presence. But you can evaluate your executive presence and take concrete steps to give it a boost. That's according to Caitlin Houlihan, associate director, and Mario Rapetti, assistant dean of student life, both in the Office of Community Engagement at Purchase College. They gave a presentation, based on the book Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett, at the annual conference for ACPA — College Student Educators International.
3‐Aryl Coumarin Derivatives Bearing Aminoalkoxy Moiety as Multi‐Target‐Directed Ligands against Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Abdshahzadeh Helia , Golshani Mostafa , Nadri Hamid , Saberi Kia Iraj , Abdolahi Zahra , Forootanfar Hamid , Ameri Alieh , Tüylü Küçükkılınç Tuba , Ayazgok Beyza , Jalili‐Baleh Leili , Sadat Ebrahimi Seyed Esmaeil , Moghimi Setareh , Haririan Ismaeil , Khoobi Mehdi , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: April 2019

Two series of novel coumarin derivatives, substituted at 3 and 7 positions with aminoalkoxy groups, are synthesized, characterized, and screened. The effect of amine substituents and the length of cross‐linker are investigated in acetyl‐ and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE and BuChE) inhibition. Target compounds show moderate to potent inhibitory activities against AChE and BuChE. 3‐(3,4‐Dichlorophenyl)‐7‐[4‐(diethylamino)butoxy]‐2H‐chromen‐2‐one (4y) is identified as the most potent compound against AChE (IC50=0.27 μm). Kinetic and molecular modeling studies affirmed that compound 4y works in a mixed‐type way and interacts simultaneously with the catalytic active site (CAS) and peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. In addition, compound 4y blocks β‐amyloid (Aβ) self‐aggregation with a ratio of 44.11 % at 100 μm and significantly protects PC12 cells from H2O2‐damage in a dose‐dependent manner.
Recent Updates on Corals from Nephtheidae
Authors: Abdelhafez Omnia Hesham , Fahim John Refaat , Desoukey Samar Yehia , Kamel Mohamed Salah , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: April 2019

Marine natural products display a wide range of biological activities, which play a vital role in the innovation of lead compounds for the drug development. Soft corals have been ranked at the top in regard to the discovery of bioactive metabolites with potential pharmaceutical applications. Many of the isolated cembranoids revealed diverse biological activities, such as anticancer, antidiabetic and anti‐osteoporosis. Likewise, sterols from soft corals exhibited interesting biological potential as anti‐inflammatory, antituberculosis and anticancer. Consequently, investigating marine soft corals will definitely lead to the discovery of a large number of chemically varied secondary metabolites with countless bioactivities for possible applications in medicine and pharmaceutical industry. This review provides a complete survey of all metabolites isolated from the family Nephtheidae, from 2011 until November 2018, along with their natural sources and biological potential whenever possible.
Cell death: a review of the major forms of apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy
Authors: D’Arcy Mark S
Published: April 2019

Cell death was once believed to be the result of one of two distinct processes, apoptosis (also known as programmed cell death) or necrosis (uncontrolled cell death); in recent years, however, several other forms of cell death have been discovered highlighting that a cell can die via a number of differing pathways. Apoptosis is characterised by a number of characteristic morphological changes in the structure of the cell, together with a number of enzyme‐dependent biochemical processes. The result being the clearance of cells from the body, with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Necrosis, however, is generally characterised to be the uncontrolled death of the cell, usually following a severe insult, resulting in spillage of the contents of the cell into surrounding tissues and subsequent damage thereof. Failure of apoptosis and the resultant accumulation of damaged cells in the body can result in various forms of cancer. An understanding of the pathways is therefore important in developing efficient chemotherapeutics. It has recently become clear that there exists a number of subtypes of apoptosis and that there is an overlap between apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of the current knowledge relating to the various forms of cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, oncosis, pyroptosis and autophagy. This will provide researchers with a summary of the major forms of cell death and allow them to compare and contrast between them.
IgA1 isolated from Henoch‐Schönlein purpura children promotes proliferation of human mesangial cells in vitro
Authors: Zhang Qin , Yan Lili , Chen Mingyu , Gui Ming , Lu Ling , Deng Fang , Ren Zhenhua
Published: April 2019

Previous studies show that the proliferation of human mesangial cells (HMCs) played a significant part in the pathogenesis of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). The aim of this study was to explore the proliferation of HMCs induced by IgA1 isolated from the sera of HSP patients. HMCs were cultured in three different types of media, including IgA1 from patients with HSP (HSP IgA1 group), healthy children (healthy IgA1 group) and medium (control group). The proliferation of HMCs incubated with IgA1 was determined by cell counting kit‐8 assay and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. The expression of ERK1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian targets of the rapamycin (PI3K/AKt/mTOR) signals and transferrin receptor (TfR/CD71) was detected with the methods of immunoblotting. The results indicated that the proliferation of HMCs significantly increased in the HSP IgA1 group compared with that in the control group or the healthy IgA1 group (P < 0.001). Moreover, we found that IgA1 isolated from HSP patients activated ERK and PI3K/AKt/mTOR signals, and markedly increased TfR/CD71 expression in HMCs. These effects induced by IgA1 isolated from patients with HSP were inhibited by human TfR polyclonal antibody (hTfR pAb) and soluble human transferrin receptor (sTfR), indicating that IgA1‐induced HMC proliferation and ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKt/mTOR activation were dependent on TfR/CD71 engagement. Altogether, these data suggested that TfR/CD71 overexpression and ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKt/mTOR activation were engaged in HMC proliferation induced by IgA1 from HSP patients, which might be related to the mesangial injury of HSPN.
Day case discharge of patients treated with drug coated balloon only angioplasty for de novo coronary artery disease: A single center experience
Authors: Merinopoulos Ioannis , Wickramarachchi Upul , Wardley James , Khanna Vikram , Gunawardena Tharusha , Maart Clint , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Eccleshall Simon C.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To report our initial experience with drug coated balloon (DCB) only angioplasty and propose a protocol to achieve this safely.

Background

There are no articles published in the literature currently regarding the safety of same day discharge in patients treated with DCB‐only angioplasty.

Methods

Retrospective review of all our patients treated with DCB‐only angioplasty from September 2017 to April 2018 with identification of potential complications relating to same day discharge.

Results

A total of 100 consecutive patients who underwent elective DCB‐only angioplasty for de novo coronary artery disease and were discharged on the same day as the procedure were included. In 99% no cardiac symptoms relating to the procedure requiring urgent hospitalization or urgent investigations were identified. One patient was readmitted the next day requiring stenting of the previously treated lesion. Our 30‐day mortality was zero. Some 97 hospital bed days were saved with 100 patients treated.

Conclusion

Elective day‐case DCB‐only angioplasty according to our local protocol is safe and cost‐effective and should be considered for the majority of the patients.
Assembling Two‐Phase Enzymatic Cascade Pathways in Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Pan Yongchun , Qiu Wu , Li Qin , Zhu Shuihong , Lin Changxu , Zeng Wenbin , Xiong Xueqing , Liu Xiang Yang , Lin Youhui
Published: April 2019

The front cover artwork for Issue 07/2019 is provided by researchers from Xiamen University (China) and National University of Singapore (Singapore). The image shows a one‐pot biphasic enzymatic cascade pathway with the aid of Pickering emulsion. See the Communication itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201900098.
Optimization of Drug Candidates That Inhibit the D‐Loop Activity of RAD51
Authors: Budke Brian , Tueckmantel Werner , Miles Kelsey , Kozikowski Alan P. , Connell Philip P.
Published: April 2019

RAD51 is the central protein in homologous recombination (HR) repair, where it first binds ssDNA and then catalyzes strand invasion via a D‐loop intermediate. Additionally, RAD51 plays a role in faithful DNA replication by protecting stalled replication forks; this requires RAD51 to bind DNA but may not require the strand invasion activity of RAD51. We previously described a small‐molecule inhibitor of RAD51 named RI(dl)‐2 (RAD51 inhibitor of D‐loop formation #2, hereafter called 2 h), which inhibits D‐loop activity while sparing ssDNA binding. However, 2 h is limited in its ability to inhibit HR in vivo, preventing only about 50 % of total HR events in cells. We sought to improve upon this by performing a structure–activity relationship (SAR) campaign for more potent analogues of 2 h. Most compounds were prepared from 1‐(2‐aminophenyl)pyrroles by forming the quinoxaline moiety either by condensation with aldehydes, then dehydrogenation of the resulting 4,5‐dihydro intermediates, or by condensation with N,N′‐carbonyldiimidazole, chlorination, and installation of the 4‐substituent through Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. Many analogues exhibited enhanced activity against human RAD51, but in several of these compounds the increased inhibition was due to the introduction of dsDNA intercalation activity. We developed a sensitive assay to measure dsDNA intercalation, and identified two analogues of 2 h that promote complete HR inhibition in cells while exerting minimal intercalation activity.
Development of Fibrates as Important Scaffolds in Medicinal Chemistry
Authors: Giampietro Letizia , Ammazzalorso Alessandra , Amoroso Rosa , De Filippis Barbara
Published: April 2019

Fibrates are a class of phenoxyisobutyric acid derivatives mainly used as anti‐hyperlipidemic agents. The fibrate scaffold has undergone a variety of chemical modifications, providing a wide spectrum of biological activities. Within the last few years, the majority of new synthetic fibrate derivatives have demonstrated hypolipidemic activity through peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) activation. However, some compounds containing the fibrate scaffold have shown different pharmacological properties, also independent of PPARα activation, such as anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and antiplatelet activities. The aim of this review is to highlight the structure–activity relationships (SAR) in evaluating the significance of fibrates in the field of medicinal chemistry.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Nipecotic Acid and Guvacine Derived 1,3‐Disubstituted Allenes as Inhibitors of Murine GABA Transporter mGAT1
Authors: Schaarschmidt Maren , Höfner Georg , Wanner Klaus T.
Published: April 2019

A new class of nipecotic acid and guvacine derivatives has been synthesized and characterized for their inhibitory potency at mGAT1–4 and binding affinity for mGAT1. Compounds of the described class are defined by a four‐carbon‐atom allenyl spacer connecting the nitrogen atom of the nipecotic acid or guvacine head with an aromatic residue. Among the compounds investigated, the mixture of nipecotic acid derivatives rac‐{(Ra)‐1‐[4‐([1,1′:2′,1′′‐terphenyl]‐2‐yl)buta‐2,3‐dien‐1‐yl](3R)‐piperidine‐3‐carboxylic acid} and rac‐{(Sa)‐1‐[4‐([1,1′:2′,1′′‐terphenyl]‐2‐yl)buta‐2,3‐dien‐1‐yl](3R)‐piperidine‐3‐carboxylic acid} (21 p), possessing an o‐terphenyl residue, was identified as highly selective and the most potent mGAT1 inhibitor in this study. For the (R)‐nipecotic acid derived form of 21 p, the inhibitory potency in [3H]GABA uptake assays was determined as pIC50=6.78±0.08, and the binding affinity in MS Binding Assays as pKi=7.10±0.12. The synthesis of the designed compounds was carried out by a two‐step procedure, generating the allene moiety via allenylation of terminal alkynes which allows broad variation of the terminal phenyl and biphenyl subunit.
Join query optimization in the distributed database system using an artificial bee colony algorithm and genetic operators
Authors: Panahi Vahideh , Navimipour Nima Jafari
Published: April 2019

As the main factor in the distributed database systems, query optimization is aimed at finding an optimal execution plan to reduce the runtime. In such systems, because of the repeated relations on various sites, the query optimization is very challenging. Moreover, the query optimization issue with large‐scale distributed databases is an NP‐hard problem. Therefore, in this paper, an Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm based on Genetic Operators (ABC‐GO) is proposed to find a solution to join the query optimization problems in the distributed database systems. The ABC algorithm has the global–local search capabilities and genetic operators to create new candidate solutions for improving the performance of the ABC algorithm. The obtained results have shown that the cost of the query evaluation is minimized and the quality of Top‐K query plans is improved for a given distributed query. Moreover, this method decreases the overhead. However, it needs a longer execution time.
Design and Synthesis of Metronidazole‐Based Photoswitches With Potential Biological Applications
Authors: Martínez‐López David , García‐Iriepa Cristina , Piñeiro‐Hermida Sergio , López Icíar P. , Fernández‐Martínez Diana , Alfaro‐Arnedo Elvira , Pichel José G. , Campos Pedro J. , Sampedro Diego
Published: April 2019

Photocontrol of the activity of biomolecules is a promising field to selectively target specific cells or tissues. Herein, we present a rational design of novel photoactive molecules which combine a metronidazole‐like moiety, responsible for the cytotoxic activity, and a photoswitchable unit. The proposed compounds stand out for their straightforward synthesis (two steps through a simple and versatile route), as well as their photochemical and thermal stability. These compounds are water soluble and their photoisomerization takes place with a high quantum yield. A computational study was performed to guide the design of this novel family, to fully characterize their structure and properties and to aid in the analysis of the experimental results. Moreover, the photoisomerized forms feature cytotoxicity in the micromolar range against human cancer cell lines, allowing a complete off/on photocontrol of the biological activity.
Machine Learning Based Real‐Time Image‐Guided Cell Sorting and Classification
Authors: Gu Yi , Zhang Alex Ce , Han Yuanyuan , Li Jie , Chen Clark , Lo Yu‐Hwa
Published: April 2019

Cell classification based on phenotypical, spatial, and genetic information greatly advances our understanding of the physiology and pathology of biological systems. Technologies derived from next generation sequencing and fluorescent activated cell sorting are cornerstones for cell‐ and genomic‐based assays supporting cell classification and mapping. However, there exists a deficiency in technology space to rapidly isolate cells based on high content image information. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting can only resolve cell‐to‐cell variation in fluorescence and optical scattering. Utilizing microfluidics, photonics, computation microscopy, real‐time image processing and machine learning, we demonstrate an image‐guided cell sorting and classification system possessing the high throughput of flow cytometer and high information content of microscopy. We demonstrate the utility of this technology in cell sorting based on (1) nuclear localization of glucocorticoid receptors, (2) particle binding to the cell membrane, and (3) DNA damage induced γ‐H2AX foci. © 2019 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Pharmacodynamic interaction of 3α‐hydroxymasticadienonic acid and diligustilide against indomethacin‐induced gastric damage in rats
Authors: Pineda‐Peña Elizabeth A. , Meza‐Pérez Dulce G. , Chávez‐Piña Aracely E. , Velázquez‐Moyado Josué A. , Tavares‐Carvalho José C. , Navarrete Castro Andrés
Published: April 2019

The aims of the study were to evaluate the pharmacodynamic interaction between 3α‐hydroxymasticadienonic acid and diligustilide (DLG), isolated from the plants Amphiptherygium adstringens and Ligusticum porteri, respectively, using the indomethacin‐induced gastric injury model, as well as their individual gastroprotective efficacy in this model. Male Wistar rats were orally administered with 3α‐hydroxymasticadienonic acid, DLG or the mixture of 3α‐hydroxymasticadienonic acid‐DLG (at a fixed‐ratio combination of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1). Thirty minutes later, the gastric damage was induced by a single oral dose of indomethacin (30 mg/kg). Three hours later, the gastric injury (mm2) was determined. 3α‐hydroxymasticadienonic acid and DLG as individual compounds showed a gastroprotective effect against indomethacin‐induced gastric damage (p < .05). The effective dose (ED50) values for each compound were 6.96 ± 1.25 mg/kg for 3α‐hydroxymasticadienonic acid and 2.63 ± 0.37 mg/kg for DLG. The isobolographic analysis performed showed that the combination exhibited super‐additive interaction as the experimental ED50 values (Zexp) were lower than theoretical additive dose values (Zadd; p < .05). Our results identify the super‐additive (synergist) interaction between 3α‐hydroxymasticadienonic acid and DLG and the gastric safety of both compounds in the indomethacin—induced gastric injury model, suggesting their potential in the future as a strategy to decrease the gastric damage associated to the chronic use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Local heat‐shock mediated multi‐color labeling visualizing behaviors of enteric neural crest cells associated with division and neurogenesis in zebrafish gut
Authors: Kuwata Mai , Nikaido Masataka , Hatta Kohei
Published: April 2019

Background

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) that migrate into the gut. The zebrafish larva is a good model to study ENCC development due to its simplicity and transparency. However, little is known how individual ENCCs divide and become neurons.

Results

Here, by applying our new method of local heat‐shock mediated Cre‐recombination around the dorsal vagal area of zebrafish embryos we produced multicolored clones of ENCCs, and performed in vivo time‐lapse imaging from ca. 3.5 to 4 days post‐fertilization after arrival of ENCCs in the gut. Individual ENCCs migrated in various directions and were highly intermingled. The cell divisions were not restricted to a specific position in the gut. Antibody staining after imaging with anti‐HuC/D and anti‐Sox10 showed that an ENCC produced two neurons, or formed a neuron and an additional ENCC that further divided. At division, the daughter cells immediately separated. Afterward, some made soma‐soma contact with other ENCCs.

Conclusions

We introduced a new method of visualizing individual ENCCs in the zebrafish gut, describing their behaviors associated with cell division, providing a foundation to study the mechanism of proliferation and neurogenesis in the ENS in vertebrates.
Symbiotic endolithic microbes alter host morphology and reduce host vulnerability to high environmental temperatures
Authors: Gehman Alyssa‐Lois M. , Harley Christopher D. G.
Published: April 2019

Thermal stresses, such as those associated with global warming, have the potential to change the strength and even the direction of interspecific interactions. On rocky shores, bio‐eroding microbial endoliths infect the mussel Mytilus californianus. Infestation by microbial endoliths can weaken the shell and lead to mechanical failure and death, increased vulnerability to predation, mechanical damage, etc. However, endolith infestation is associated with the loss of the dark‐colored periostracum, exposing the underlying light gray prismatic layer of the shell and potentially reducing stressful heat gain during low tide. We explore the consequences of the mussel–endolith relationship on mussel tolerance to high environmental temperature through a series of experimental manipulations and comparative observations. Experimental sterilization of the shell surface reduces the rate of periostracum loss, suggesting that the change in shell surface color is indeed caused by microbes residing on/in the shell. Eroded shells absorbed less solar energy than shells with their periostracum intact, and mussel mimics with infested shells remained cooler on sunny days. Manipulation of shell color in the field resulted in higher mortality in black‐painted mussels relative to gray‐painted or naturally eroded mussels. Furthermore, following exceedingly hot weather, mortality was significantly lower for heavily infested, light‐colored mussels than for lightly infested, dark‐colored mussels. Thus, although shell‐boring microbes have the potential to act as parasites under the majority of conditions experienced by mussels, they may be critical mutualists during periods of intense thermal stress. This context‐dependent symbiosis may allow mussels to occupy higher shore levels than would otherwise be possible, and thus indirectly benefit the hundreds of species which use mussel beds as habitat.
Plausibility of assessing environmental impacts of a domestic biogas digester in the design stage
Authors: Madushele Nkosinathi , Adedeji Paul A.
Published: April 2019

The construction of biogas system involves anthropogenic activities, which can have negative effects on the ecosystem. Environmental impact assessment of the biogas system at subsystem level before manufacture fosters design optimization. This minimizes environmental pollutants associated with the system during operation. In this study, a gate‐to‐gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of a domestic biogas digester at the design stage was performed. The biogas digester, which is to operate at mesophilic conditions with a functional unit of 24,900.3 kWh/10 years was investigated, and its anticipated outputs during operation were presented. The environmental processes investigated include the transportation of components, the digester manufacturing, the digester operations, and the recyclability and disposal of the digester after its useful life. Results showed that equipment manufacturing and transportation of components are of high environmental influence on the particulate matter deposit measuring 0.00493 ppm and 0.00932 ppm, respectively. However, the manufacturing process produces higher toxic waste (8.6 m3) than the transportation process (1.15 m3). More harmful than carbon dioxide in climate change is methane gas during biogas plant operation. As part of the measures to reduce environmental impacts around the product system, optimization of transportation trips is recommended. The use of mechanical seal, as opposed to the conventional rubber seal, is preferred to prevent methane leakage during the system operation. Integrating LCA studies at the early design stage of equipment enables informed decisions prior to equipment fabrication. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: e13228, 2019
Synergistic flame‐retarded effect between carbon nanotubes and ammonium polyphosphate in Nylon6 and Nylon6/polystyrene blends
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Lu Chang , Gao Xi‐ping , Huang Xin‐hui , Cao Cheng‐lin , Yao Da‐hu
Published: April 2019

The association of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as flame retardants was utilized for improving the flame retardancy of nylon6 (PA6) and blends of PA6/Polystyrene (PS). A remarkable synergistic effect between APP and CNTs was observed in PA6 at 1‐wt% CNTs loading. Rheological tests showed that 1‐wt% CNTs formed a network structure. Morphology of residue char indicated that a network enhanced synergistic effect. A synergy between APP and CNTs in blends of PA6/PS (56/24) was also investigated. APP and CNTs exhibited a remarkable synergistic effect at 0.25‐wt% CNTs loading, but the antagonistic effect on flame retardancy of blends was observed at 1‐wt% CNTs loading. Transmission electron microscopy showed that CNTs were exclusively dispersed in the PA6 phase of blends. The selective dispersion of CNTs caused the formation of a network at 0.25‐wt% CNTs loading. Morphology of residue char indicated that 0.25‐wt% CNTs were benefited by the formation of a continuous and well‐swollen residue char that enhanced the synergistic effect in blends. However, the aggregation of 1‐wt% CNTs in PA6 phase caused high viscosity of PA6 phase, resulting in a poor expansion of the residue char. Consequently, the antagonism was exhibited.
Generalized analysis of regional fire risk using data visualization of incidents
Authors: Liu Dingli , Xu Zhisheng , Fan Chuangang
Published: April 2019

Fire has been a worldwide disaster, and it is important to analyze regional fire risk for better fire prevention. Regional fire risk can be generally analyzed by using data visualization of fire incidents. A dataset of 20 622 fire incidents in Changsha City of China from 2011 to 2017 was processed and filtered as the origin risk points. Then, a generalized risk model (GRM) was established for calculating fire risk values of anywhere in Changsha. By using JavaScript and HTML5, the generalized fire risk graphics were drawn based on mapping different fire risk values with different colors. For visualizing fire incidents, the inner and outer generalization radiuses of the origin risk point were set to be 1 (110 m) and 10 (1100 m), respectively. It was found that the high and medium fire risk areas were mainly distributed in urban areas and market towns, especially in central city. The spatial distribution characteristics of fire risk of different time ranges and different causes were significantly varied. The results can provide guidance of fire prevention for the fire department in Changsha. Other cities' regional fire risk and even other types of disaster risk can also be generally analyzed using GRM.
Study on the smoke back‐layering and critical ventilation in the road tunnel fire at high altitude
Authors: Zhang Shaogang , Wang Jinhui , He Kun , Yao Yongzheng , Peng Min
Published: April 2019

A series of numerical simulations were conducted in order to investigate the characteristics of smoke back‐layering and critical ventilation in the road tunnel at high altitude with reduced ambient atmospheric pressures. The results indicated that the smoke back‐layering length decreases with the reduction of ambient pressure. Meanwhile, the dimensionless critical longitudinal ventilation velocity decreases with one‐third power of the factor of ambient pressure at high altitude. By modifying the traditional dimensionless fire heat release rate with ambient pressure, new models were deduced to predict the smoke back‐layering length and critical ventilation velocity in the road tunnel at high altitude.
The effect of target function on the predictive performance of the two‐stage ridge estimator
Authors: Toker Selma , Özbay Nimet
Published: April 2019

The main thrust of this study is to consider the problem of simultaneous prediction of actual and average values of the simultaneous equations model through the target function of Shalabh (Bulletin of International Statistical Institute, 1995, 56, 1375–1390). We focus on the predictive performance of the two‐stage ridge estimator with the motivation for eliminating the disorder arising from multicollinearity. An optimal biasing parameter of the two‐stage ridge estimator is derived by a minimization process of prediction mean square error. In addition, an optimal estimator for the weight of observed value in target function is attained theoretically. The results inferred from a numerical example and a Monte Carlo experiment provide a dramatic improvement in the predictive ability of the two‐stage ridge estimator.
RelB controls adaptive responses of astrocytes during sterile inflammation
Authors: Gupta Angela S. , Waters Michael R. , Biswas Debolina D. , Brown Lashardai N. , Surace Michael J. , Floros Constantinos , Siebenlist Ulrich , Kordula Tomasz
Published: April 2019

In response to brain injury or infections, astrocytes become reactive, undergo striking morphological and functional changes, and secrete and respond to a spectrum of inflammatory mediators. We asked whether reactive astrocytes also display adaptive responses during sterile IL‐1β‐induced neuroinflammation, which may limit tissue injury associated with many disorders of the central nervous system. We found that astrocytes display days‐to‐weeks long specific tolerance of cytokine genes, which is coordinated by NF‐κB family member, RelB. However, in contrast to innate immune cells, astrocytic tolerance does not involve epigenetic silencing of the cytokine genes. Establishment of tolerance depends on persistent higher levels of RelB in tolerant astrocytes and its phosphorylation on serine 472. Mechanistically, this phosphorylation prevents efficient removal of RelB from cytokine promoters by IκBα and helps to establish tolerance. Importantly, ablation of RelB from astrocytes in mice abolishes tolerance during experimental neuroinflammation in vivo.
The effect of parathyroidectomy on patients' symptoms in tertiary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: See Anna , Lim Amy E. L. , Wong Jiunn , Choong Hui Lin , Iyer N Gopalakrishna , Tan Hiang Khoon , Tan Ngian Chye , Ng Jeremy C. F.
Published: April 2019

Background

The efficacy of parathyroidectomy for primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism is well‐established but evidence in tertiary hyperparathyroidism is lacking. We examined parathyroidectomy's effect in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

Patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy were followed up for 12 months. A modification of the 13‐item parathyroid symptoms list developed by Pasieka was administered at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐surgery. We also examined if preoperative factors would predict symptom improvement post‐surgery.

Results

Ninety‐one patients were included. Survey response rates at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post‐surgery were 97.8%, 90.1%, 82.4%, and 80.2%, respectively. Mean preoperative Pasieka parathyroid score (PSS) was 6.3 ± 2.7. At first month, PSS decreased to 2.9 ± 2.0 (P < .001) and was sustained at 3, 6, and 12 months (2.7 ± 2.1, P < .001, 2.3 ± 1.6, P < .001 and 3.4 ± 2.5, P < .001). The degree of PSS reduction at 1‐month post‐parathyroidectomy correlated strongly with preoperative symptom severity (Pearson's coefficient: 0.690, P < .001).

Conclusions

Parathyroid symptoms unequivocally improve post‐parathyroidectomy. The greatest degree of improvement was observed in early postoperative period up to 6 months.
EPHA2 blockade reverses acquired resistance to afatinib induced by EPHA2‐mediated MAPK pathway activation in gastric cancer cells and avatar mice
Authors: Chen Zuhua , Liu Zhentao , Zhang Mengqi , Huang Wenwen , Li Zhongwu , Wang Shubin , Zhang Cheng , Dong Bin , Gao Jing , Shen Lin
Published: April 2019

Afatinib is a pan‐HER inhibitor approved for specific types of lung cancer. We explored antitumor activity, predictive biomarkers and the potential mechanisms underlying antitumor effect and acquired resistance of afatinib in gastric cancer (GC) in vitro and in vivo. Five human GC cell lines and eight patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models with clear molecular profiling were used to evaluate the antitumor activity and mechanisms of afatinib. The ErbB family and downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were evaluated before and after afatinib treatment. An afatinib‐resistant PDX model was established to explore both the potential mechanisms of drug resistance and reversal strategies. We found that afatinib exerted a strong tumor suppression in EGFR/HER2 highly amplified (copy number >6) or overexpressed (IHC 3+) PDX models and a moderate tumor suppression in EGFR/HER2 moderately expressed (IHC 2+) PDX models. Afatinib selectively inhibited the proliferation of HER2 highly amplified GC cells in a dose‐dependent manner in vitro. Afatinib also exerted its antitumor effect by inducing cell apoptosis and cell arrest at G1 phase. Diminished activation of the ErbB family and downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways was also observed. Erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EPHA2) upregulation and phosphorylation might be involved in afatinib‐acquired resistance, and EPHA2 blockade could restore afatinib sensitivity. GC patients with amplification (copy number >6) or overexpression (IHC 3+) of EGFR/HER2 were most likely to benefit from afatinib treatment and EPHA2 blockade reversed acquired resistance to afatinib treatment, which could provide solid evidences for future clinical trials.
A phase 1b study evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of regorafenib in combination with cetuximab in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Weekes Colin , Lockhart A. Craig , Lee James J. , Sturm Isrid , Cleton Adriaan , Huang Funan , Lenz Heinz‐Josef
Published: April 2019

Regorafenib 160 mg orally once daily (QD) 3 weeks on/1 week off is approved in colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma. We established the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of regorafenib combined with cetuximab in advanced refractory solid tumors. This was a phase 1, open‐label, dose‐escalation study (NCT01973868) in patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors who progressed after standard therapy. Regorafenib was administered at various dose levels QD continuously or intermittently (3 weeks on/1 week off) combined with intravenous cetuximab 250 mg/m2 weekly. The primary objectives were safety, PK and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). The secondary objective was tumor response. Dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) were evaluated in Cycle 1. Of 42 treated patients, 31 received regorafenib intermittently (120 mg, n = 8; 160 mg, n = 23) and 11 continuously (60 mg, n = 5; 100 mg, n = 6) plus cetuximab. The continuous arm was terminated due to low tolerable dose. In the intermittent arm, one DLT (grade 3 hand–foot skin reaction) was observed at 120 mg but none at 160 mg, therefore 160 mg/day was declared as the MTD in combination with cetuximab. The most common all‐grade treatment‐emergent adverse events were fatigue (52%), hypophosphatemia (48%) and diarrhea (40%). One grade 3 cetuximab‐related dermatitis acneiform was observed. No clinically relevant drug–drug interactions were observed. Five patients (21%) had a partial response. Regorafenib 160 mg QD (3 weeks on/1 week off) plus standard dose of cetuximab was well tolerated with no unexpected toxicities and promising signs of efficacy.
Design strategies for two‐dimensional material photodetectors to enhance device performance
Authors: Wang Jun , Han Jiayue , Chen Xiaoqing , Wang Xinran
Published: April 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials are intensively attractive for fabricating high sensitive photodetectors in terms of atomically thin flexible and ultrafast charge transport feature. Due to their atomically thin body, designing high performance detector requires new physical mechanisms and device structures. In this review, we classify design strategies and device structures into four categories depending on their physical mechanisms (photovoltaic effect, photoconductive effect, photothermoelectric effect or photobolometric effect, and surface plasma‐ wave‐assisted effect), and summarize the device performances. Finally, future prospects and development direction for 2D material photodetectors are described. Those design strategies descriptions about photoelectronic detector provide a reference for high responsivity and fast response speed photodetector at broadband sensing in the future.