bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contagious fear: Escape behavior increases with flock size in European gregarious birds
Authors: Morelli Federico , Benedetti Yanina , Díaz Mario , Grim Tomas , Ibáñez‐Álamo Juan Diego , Jokimäki Jukka , Kaisanlahti‐Jokimäki Marja‐Liisa , Tätte Kunter , Markó Gábor , Jiang Yiting , Tryjanowski Piotr , Møller Anders Pape
Published: April 2019

Flight initiation distance (FID), the distance at which individuals take flight when approached by a potential (human) predator, is a tool for understanding predator–prey interactions. Among the factors affecting FID, tests of effects of group size (i.e., number of potential prey) on FID have yielded contrasting results. Group size or flock size could either affect FID negatively (i.e., the dilution effect caused by the presence of many individuals) or positively (i.e., increased vigilance due to more eyes scanning for predators). These effects may be associated with gregarious species, because such species should be better adapted to exploiting information from other individuals in the group than nongregarious species. Sociality may explain why earlier findings on group size versus FID have yielded different conclusions. Here, we analyzed how flock size affected bird FID in eight European countries. A phylogenetic generalized least square regression model was used to investigate changes in escape behavior of bird species in relation to number of individuals in the flock, starting distance, diet, latitude, and type of habitat. Flock size of different bird species influenced how species responded to perceived threats. We found that gregarious birds reacted to a potential predator earlier (longer FID) when aggregated in large flocks. These results support a higher vigilance arising from many eyes scanning in birds, suggesting that sociality may be a key factor in the evolution of antipredator behavior both in urban and rural areas. Finally, future studies comparing FID must pay explicit attention to the number of individuals in flocks of gregarious species.
Wolbachia pipientis occurs in Aedes aegypti populations in New Mexico and Florida, USA
Authors: Kulkarni Aditi , Yu Wanqin , Jiang Jinjin , Sanchez Concepcion , Karna Ajit K. , Martinez Kalli J. L. , Hanley Kathryn A. , Buenemann Michaela , Hansen Immo A. , Xue Rui‐de , Ettestad Paul , Melman Sandra , Duguma Dagne , Debboun Mustapha , Xu Jiannong
Published: April 2019

The mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (L.) and Ae. albopictus Skuse are the major vectors of dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya viruses worldwide. Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium present in many insects, is being utilized in novel vector control strategies to manipulate mosquito life history and vector competence to curb virus transmission. Earlier studies have found that Wolbachia is commonly detected in Ae. albopictus but rarely detected in Ae. aegypti. In this study, we used a two‐step PCR assay to detect Wolbachia in wild‐collected samples of Ae. aegypti. The PCR products were sequenced to validate amplicons and identify Wolbachia strains. A loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and used for detecting Wolbachia in selected mosquito specimens as well. We found Wolbachia in 85/148 (57.4%) wild Ae. aegypti specimens from various cities in New Mexico, and in 2/46 (4.3%) from St. Augustine, Florida. Wolbachia was not detected in 94 samples of Ae. aegypti from Deer Park, Harris County, Texas. Wolbachia detected in Ae. aegypti from both New Mexico and Florida was the wAlbB strain of Wolbachia pipientis. A Wolbachia‐positive colony of Ae. aegypti was established from pupae collected in Las Cruces, New Mexico, in 2018. The infected females of this strain transmitted Wolbachia to their progeny when crossed with males of Rockefeller strain of Ae. aegypti, which does not carry Wolbachia. In contrast, none of the progeny of Las Cruces males mated to Rockefeller females were infected with Wolbachia.
The pollination system of the widely distributed mammal‐pollinated Mucuna macrocarpa (Fabaceae) in the tropics
Authors: Kobayashi Shun , Denda Tetsuo , Placksanoi Jumlong , Waengsothorn Surachit , Aryuthaka Chittima , Panha Somsak , Izawa Masako
Published: April 2019

Although the pollinators of some plant species differ across regions, only a few mammal‐pollinated plant species have regional pollinator differences in Asia. Mucuna macrocarpa (Fabaceae) is pollinated by squirrels, flying foxes, and macaques in subtropical and temperate islands. In this study, the pollination system of M. macrocarpa was identified in tropical Asia, where the genus originally diversified. This species requires “explosive opening” of the flower, where the wing petals must be pressed down and the banner petal pushed upward to fully expose the stamens and pistil. A bagging experiment showed that fruits did not develop in inflorescences (n = 66) with unopened flowers, whereas fruits developed in 68.7% of inflorescences (n = 131) with opened flowers. This indicated that the explosive opening is needed for the species to reproduce. Four potential pollinator mammals were identified by a video camera‐trap survey, and 78.3% and 60.1% of monitored inflorescences (n = 138) were opened by gray‐bellied squirrels (Callosciurus caniceps) and Finlayson's squirrels (C. finlaysonii), respectively, even though more than 10 mammal species visited flowers. Nectar was surrounded by the calyx, and the volume and sugar concentration of secreted nectar did not change during the day. This nectar secretion pattern is similar to those reported by previous studies in other regions. These results showed that the main pollinators of M. macrocarpa in the tropics are squirrels. However, the species' nectar secretion pattern is not specifically adapted to this particular pollinator. Pollinators of M. macrocarpa differ throughout the distribution range based on the fauna present, but there might not have been no distinctive changes in the attractive traits that accompanied these changes in pollinators.
Temporal and spatial changes in macrozoobenthos diversity in Poyang Lake Basin, China
Authors: Li Ke , Liu Xiongjun , Zhou Yu , Xu Yang , Lv Qian , Ouyang Shan , Wu Xiaoping
Published: April 2019

Poyang Lake plays a significant role in maintaining and replenishing the macrozoobenthos biodiversity in the middle Yangtze River. However, due to human activities and natural factors, the habitat of Poyang Lake has been seriously degraded, resulting in a decline in macrozoobenthos biodiversity. Here, we analyzed the effect of human activity and environmental elements change on the diversity of macrozoobenthos based on a systematic investigation of Poyang Lake Basin in 2016–2017. The current species richness, density, and biomass of macrozoobenthos were lower than those in the historical period. At the same time, the community structure of the macrozoobenthos assemblage exhibits significant temporal and spatial differences. In addition, the spatial turnover component was the main contribution to beta diversity, which indicated that a number of protected areas would be necessary to conserve the biodiversity of macrozoobenthos. Water depth, dissolved oxygen, water velocity, and chlorophyll‐a were significantly correlated with macrozoobenthos distributions and assemblage structure based on RDA. These results indicated that human activities have seriously destroyed the macrozoobenthos habitat and led to the decline in macrozoobenthos diversity. Therefore, habitat restoration and the conservation of macrozoobenthos have become urgent in Poyang Lake Basin, and an integrated management plan should be developed and effectively implemented.
Convergent evolution of body color between sympatric freshwater fishes via different visual sensory evolution
Authors: Montenegro Javier , Mochida Koji , Matsui Kumi , Mokodongan Daniel F. , Sumarto Bayu K. A. , Lawelle Sjamsu A. , Nofrianto Andy B. , Hadiaty Renny K. , Masengi Kawilarang W. A. , Yong Lengxob , Inomata Nobuyuki , Irie Takahiro , Hashiguchi Yasuyuki , Terai Yohey , Kitano Jun , Yamahira Kazunori
Published: April 2019

Although there are many examples of color evolution potentially driven by sensory drive, only few studies have examined whether distinct species inhabiting the same environments evolve similar body colors via shared sensory mechanisms. In this study, we tested whether two sympatric freshwater fish taxa, halfbeaks of the genusNomorhamphusand ricefishes of the genusOryziasin Sulawesi Island, converge in both body color and visual sensitivity. After reconstructing the phylogeny separately forNomorhamphusandOryziasusing transcriptome‐wide sequences, we demonstrated positive correlations of body redness between these two taxa across environments, even after phylogenetic corrections, which support convergent evolution. However, substantial differences were observed in the expression profiles of opsin genes in the eyes betweenNomorhamphusandOryzias. Particularly, the expression levels of the long wavelength‐sensitive genes were negatively correlated between the taxa, indicating that they have different visual sensitivities despite living in similar light environments. Thus, the convergence of body colorations between these two freshwater fish taxa was not accompanied by convergence in opsin sensitivities. This system presents a case in which body color convergence can occur between sympatric species via different mechanisms.
Synthesis and Properties of the Fluoromethylating Agent (Fluoromethyl)triphenylphosphonium Iodide
Authors: Reichel Marco , Martens Jörn , Wöllner Eduart , Huber Laura , Kornath Andreas , Karaghiosoff Konstantin
Published: April 2019

(Fluoromethyl)triphenylphosphonium iodide has been prepared in a simple and high yield synthesis. The salt was characterized by vibrational, NMR spectroscopy and a single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis. The salt crystallizes in an orthorhombic space group Pna21 with four formula units in the unit cell. The experimental data are discussed together with quantum chemically calculated values. The title compound is the first example of a phosphonium salt containing a P‐CH2F moiety. Hydrogen bonding in the crystal of the fluoromethyl phosphonium iodide is discussed.
Ruthenium(II)‐(Arene)‐N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Efficient and Selective Catalysts for the N‐Alkylation of Aromatic Amines with Alcohols
Authors: Kaloğlu Nazan , Achard Mathieu , Bruneau Christian , Özdemir İsmail
Published: April 2019

A series of unsymmetrical 1,3‐disubstituted benzimidazolium chlorides were synthesized as N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors. These compounds were used for synthesis of the new ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [RuCl2(arene)(NHC)], (arene = η6‐p‐cymene). The structures of all compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy techniques. The catalytic activity of the ruthenium complexes has been evaluated with respect to the mono‐N‐alkylation reactions of aromatic amines with various alcohol derivatives under solvent‐free conditions at 120 °C using the borrowing hydrogen strategy.
Dinuclear Copper(I) Complexes Combining Bis(diphenylphosphanyl)acetylene with 1,10‐Phenanthroline Ligands
Authors: Nierengarten Jean‐François , Nierengarten Iwona , Holler Michel , Sournia‐Saquet Alix , Delavaux‐Nicot Béatrice , Leoni Enrico , Monti Filippo , Armaroli Nicola
Published: April 2019

Dinuclear copper(I) complexes have been prepared starting from bis(diphenylphosphanyl)acetylene (dppa), [Cu(CH3CN)4](BF4) and various 1,10‐phenanthroline ligands (NN), namely 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), neocuproine (dmp), bathophenanthroline (Bphen), bathocuproine (Bdmp) and 2‐phenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (mpp). The resulting [Cu2(µ‐dppa)2(NN)2](BF4)2 complexes have been thus obtained in excellent yields (88 to 94 %). X‐ray crystal structure analysis of four complexes revealed that the 10‐membered dimetallacycle adopts a chair‐like conformation in the solid state. Detailed variable temperature NMR investigations have evidenced dynamic coordination/decoordination of the NN ligands as well as ligand exchange reactions. At high temperature (100 °C), entropic effects tend to destabilize the dinuclear heteroleptic complexes. As a result, homoleptic mononuclear complexes, i.e. [Cu(NN)2]+ and undefined dppa copper(I) complexes, start to appear in solution. In contrast, the heteroleptic coordination scenario is almost exclusively favored at lower temperatures. For most of the dinuclear complexes, the 10‐membered dimetallacycle remains flexible and chair‐to‐chair interconversion occurs faster than the NMR timescale even at –70 °C. In the particular case of the mpp derivative, the bulky phenyl substituent prevents the isomerization of the metallacycle and thus contributes to rigidify the structure. This rigidification has a dramatic effect on the emission properties of this particular compound. The emission quantum yield of [Cu2(µ‐dppa)2(mpp)2](BF4)2 is effectively one order of magnitude higher when compared to all the other complexes in this series (20 % vs. 0.3–1.7 % in the solid state).
Polymeric Lead(II) Iodoacetate: Pb···I and I···I Non‐Covalent Interactions in the Solid State
Authors: Adonin Sergey A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Sokolov Maxim N.
Published: April 2019

Two‐dimensional PbII iodoacetate complex {Pb(ICH2COO)2}n (1) was prepared by reaction of lead nitrate with potassium iodoacetate. In 1, Pb is hepta‐coordinated; additionally, metal centers participate in non‐covalent I···I and Pb···I contacts. According to the analysis of XRD data and DFT calculations, the I···I non‐covalent interactions are crystal packing‐induced type I contacts, and Pb···I contacts are caused by interactions between Pb2+ as electrophilic center and lone pairs of the iodine atom.
Study on the Volatile Oxidation Compounds and Quantitative Prediction of Oxidation Parameters in Walnut (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) Oil
Authors: Mu Honglei , Gao Haiyan , Chen Hangjun , Fang Xiangjun , Zhou Yongjun , Wu Weijie , Han Qiang
Published: April 2019

Walnut (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) oil contains over 85% unsaturated fatty acids, which are easily oxidized during storage. As a result, a large number of volatile oxidation compounds (VOCs) are formed during oxidation. The qualitative composition of VOCs in walnut oil and quantitative prediction of the oxidation parameters (peroxide value [POV], acid value [AV], and p‐anisidine value [p‐AnV]) by VOCs are investigated through SPME/GC‐MS combined with partial least‐squares (PLS) regression analysis. Eighteen VOCs including aldehydes, alcohols, and acids are detected by SPME/GC‐MS. According to the comprehensive scores of principal component analysis (PCA), 2‐octenal, hexanal, 2‐heptenal, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, hexanoic acid, and nonanal are the main products formed during oxidation. Then PLS regression is applied to developing quantitative prediction models of oxidation parameters (POV, AV, and p‐AnV) by VOCs. The PLS prediction models have a good performance, with determination coefficients (R2p) of 0.993–0.997 for the prediction sets of the three oxidation parameters.

Practical Applications: The quantitative relationship between VOCs and oxidation parameters is developed in this study, which provided a new method for monitoring the quality of walnut oil. The SPME/GC‐MS combined with PLSR is a feasible and potential method for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of oxidation process. This method is proven to have a precise predictive ability and provided a potential application in the quality assessment of other nut products.

Volatile oxidation compounds (VOCs) are detected by SPME/GC‐MS in oxidized walnut (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) oil. Following this determination, partial least‐squares regression (PLSR) is applied to developing quantitative prediction models of oxidation parameters by VOCs.
Characterization of Volatile Release and Sensory Properties of Model Margarines by Changing Fat and Emulsifier Content
Authors: Dadalı Ceyda , Elmacı Yeşim
Published: April 2019

Fat ratio and emulsifier content of water in oil margarine emulsions changes the sensory properties of the margarines by affecting the volatile release. The effect of fat and emulsifier content on volatile release using headspace/solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS/SPME/GC/MS), and sensory properties of model margarine emulsions is investigated. 2‐Heptanone, 2‐nonanone, 2‐undecanone, hexanoic acid, and δ‐decalactone releases are found to be lower, while 2,3‐butanedion and butanoic acid releases are higher in model margarine with high fat content. Also the releases of 2‐nonanone, 2‐undecanone, hexanoic acid, and δ‐decalactone decreases due to the increase of the emulsifier ratio used in the model margarine. It is found that the hardness and G′ values of the margarines increased together with the increase of fat and emulsifier ratio. In model margarines, butter aroma and taste, cheese aroma and taste are intensely perceived characters by descriptive sensory analysis and they perceived more intensely in products with higher fat content. On the other hand, creamy character is perceived more intensely in model margarines with less fat content. The release of volatile compounds depended on fat and emulsifier content used in the model margarines. Taste and aroma of model margarines are especially affected by the change in fat content while textural properties are affected by both fat and emulsifier content.

Practical Applications: The flavor of the food plays an important role in the consumer's choice of food, and it is influenced by the matrix and composition of the food. Fat is an important part of food, and on the other hand, overconsumption of fat could cause health problems. There is an increasing interest in foods with low fat content for healthier human diets. However, reducing the fat in the product leads to a change in the flavor and texture of the product. Designing the product with the desired properties without affecting the flavor of the food generates problems for the researchers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fat and emulsifier content on volatiles of model margarine. Knowledge obtained from this study could provide a guide for margarine and spread producers to formulate low‐fat margarine by using the data obtained on volatile release and flavor depending on fat content and emulsifier mixture of margarines.

The volatile release and sensory properties of model margarines are affected by fat and emulsifier content. Model margarine emulsions with high fat content has higher 2,3‐butanedion and butanoic acid release. Also 2‐nonanone, 2‐undecanone, hexanoic acid, and δ‐decalactone releases decreases with increasing emulsifier content. Butter aroma, butter taste, cheese aroma, and cheese taste are intensely perceived volatiles in high‐fat‐content model margarines.
Evaluation of Esterification of Oleic Acid and Glycerol in the Presence of Organotin(IV) Compounds
Authors: da Silva Mônica A. , dos Santos Anderson S. S. , Neto Antonio J. S. , Giertyas Cristian J. , Bortoluzzi Janaína H. , Meneghetti Mario R. , Plentz Meneghetti Simoni M.
Published: April 2019

Esterification of oleic acid (OA) and glycerol (GLY) is studied in the absence and in the presence of the organotin(IV) catalysts (CAT) dibutyltin dichloride (Bu2SnCl2), butyltin trichloride (BuSnCl3), dibutyltin dilaurate (Bu2SnLau2), butyl stannoic acid (BuSnO(OH)), and di‐n‐butyl‐oxo‐stannane (Bu2SnO). The reactivity order observed at 180 °C using a OA/GLY/CAT molar ratio of 1/1/0.01 was BuSnCl3 > Bu2SnLau2 > Bu2SnCl2 > Bu2SnO > BuSnO(OH), and a kap of −0.6237 h−1 is obtained for BuSnCl3. The estimated activation energy for the conversion reaction of OA at the above molar ratio using BuSnCl3 is 60.9 kJ mol−1, whereas it is 71.3 kJ mol−1 for the reaction performed without the catalyst. Moreover, the most active catalytic systems are those that act as typical and pure Lewis acids, and the least active systems are those that follow the ligand exchange mechanism, suggesting that GLY and AO are involved in the ligand exchange process and may form less reactive catalytic species.

Practical Applications: In order to expand the glycerol utilization, the aim of the present work is to systematically investigate the behavior of organotin(IV) compounds bearing different substituents on the metal center (oxo, carboxyl, chloro, and hydroxy groups) in the esterification of OA and GLY without a solvent for obtaining MAGs, DAGs and TAGs.

Best results of esterification of AO + GLY are attained at 180 °C using BuSnCl3 as a catalyst, and the kap = −0.6237 h−1 for OA conversion is obtained.
Zymobacter palmae pyruvate decarboxylase production process development: Cloning in Escherichia coli, fed‐batch culture and purification
Authors: Alcover Natàlia , Carceller Albert , Álvaro Gregorio , Guillén Marina
Published: April 2019

Pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) is responsible for the decarboxylation of pyruvate, producing acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide and is of high interest for industrial applications. PDC is a very powerful tool in the enzymatic synthesis of chiral amines by combining it with transaminases when alanine is used as amine donor. However, one of the main drawback that hampers its use in biocatalysis is its production and the downstream processing on scale. In this paper, a production process of PDC from Zymobacter palmae has been developed. The enzyme has been cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. It is presented, for the first time, the evaluation of the production of recombinant PDC in a bench‐scale bioreactor, applying a substrate‐limiting fed‐batch strategy which led to a volumetric productivity and a final PDC specific activity of 6942 U L−1h−1 and 3677 U gDCW−1 (dry cell weight). Finally, PDC was purified in fast protein liquid chromatography equipment by ion exchange chromatography. The developed purification process resulted in 100% purification yield and a purification factor of 3.8.
Identification and ranking of specific balanced scorecard performance measures for hospitals: A case study of private hospitals in the Klang Valley area, Malaysia
Authors: Behrouzi Farshad , Ma'aram Azanizawati
Published: April 2019

Performance measurement is a necessity for private hospitals as they need to be efficient, attract customers, increase profitability, and survive in the competitive environment of the health care industry. Hospitals typically struggle to identify appropriate performance measures because of lack of reliable source of performance measures for private hospitals. Despite numerous studies on performance measurement, few studies have focused on performance measures in private hospitals. This paper aims to fill that gap by identifying and ranking a specific set of performance measures that are feasible and relevant for private hospitals. Forty‐four health care performance measures in four balanced scorecard (BSC) performance perspectives (financial, customer, internal business processes, and learning and growth) were compiled and filtered based on “feasibility” and “relevance” criteria using a questionnaire survey in private hospitals in the Klang Valley area, Malaysia. Since all collected data were in numeric format, data analysis was performed quantitatively. Consequently, 31 BSC performance measures were identified for private hospitals. Next, the 31 performance measures went through a ranking survey in Klang Valley private hospitals. Therefore, a weight between 0 and 1 with a range of 0.095 to 0.207 was obtained for each performance measure to help hospitals quantify their overall performance more accurately.
A comparison of differential reinforcement procedures for treating automatically reinforced behavior
Authors: Hedquist Chelsea B. , Roscoe Eileen M.
Published: April 2019

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit stereotypy, which can be socially stigmatizing, interfere with daily living skills, and affect skill acquisition. We compared differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA) and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) when neither procedure included response blocking or interruption for (a) reducing stereotypy, (b) increasing task engagement, and (c) increasing task completion. DRA contingencies yielded superior outcomes across each measure when evaluated with 3 individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Toxicological evaluation of airborne particulate matter. Are cell culture technologies ready to replace animal testing?
Authors: Silvani Sara , Figliuzzi Marina , Remuzzi Andrea
Published: April 2019

Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) can affect human health, causing asthma, atherosclerosis, renal disease and cancer. In the last few years, outdoor air pollution has increased globally, leading to a public health emergency. Epidemiological studies have reported a correlation between the development of severe respiratory and systemic diseases and exposure to PM. To evaluate the toxic effect of PM of different origins, conventional experimental toxicological investigations have been conducted in animals; however, animal experimentation poses major ethical issues and usually differs from human conditions. As an alternative, human cell cultures are increasingly being used to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of PM toxicity. Although 2D cell cultures have been proven helpful, they are far from being a valid alternative to animal tests. Recently, 3D cell culture and organ‐on‐chip technology have provided systems that are more complex and that can be more informative for toxicity studies. In this review, the results of the 2D systems that are most frequently used for PM toxicity evaluations are summarized with a special focus on their limitations. We also examined to which extent 3D cell culture and particularly the organ‐on‐chip technology may overcome these limitations and represent effective tools to improve airborne PM toxicity evaluations.
A noniterative mean‐field QM/MM‐type approach with a linear response approximation toward an efficient free‐energy evaluation
Authors: Kido Kentaro
Published: April 2019

Mean‐field treatment of solvent provides an efficient technique to investigate chemical processes in solution in quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) framework. In the algorithm, an iterative calculation is required to obtain the self‐consistency between QM and MM regions, which is a time‐consuming step. In the present study, we have proposed a noniterative approach by introducing a linear response approximation (LRA) into the solvation term in the one‐electron part of Fock matrix in a hybrid approach between molecular‐orbital calculations and a three‐dimensional (3D) integral equation theory for molecular liquids (multicenter molecular Ornstein–Zernike self‐consistent field [MC‐MOZ‐SCF]; Kido et al., J. Chem. Phys. 2015, 143, 014103). To save the computational time, we have also developed a fast method to generate electrostatic potential map near solute and the solvation term in Fock matrix, using Fourier transformation (FT) and real spherical harmonics expansion (RSHE). To numerically validate the LRA and FT‐RSHE method, we applied the present approach to water, carbonic acid, and their ionic species in aqueous solution. Molecular properties of the solutes were evaluated by the present approach with four different types of initial wave functions and compared with those by the original (MC‐MOZ‐SCF). We found that an initial wave function considering solvation effects is needed to appropriately reproduce the properties by MC‐MOZ‐SCF. Furthermore, a benchmark test for 32 solute molecules was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the present approach for solvation free energy (SFE) and measure the speedup ratio for MC‐MOZ‐SCF. The error of SFE for MC‐MOZ‐SCF does not correlate with the SFE but increases in proportion to the electronic reorganization energy. Similar to water and carbonic acid, an initial wave function with solvation effects is also important to make the error small. From the averaged speed up ratio, the present approach is 13.5 times faster than MC‐MOZ‐SCF. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
miR‐15b‐5p ameliorated high glucose‐induced podocyte injury through repressing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses by targeting Sema3A
Authors: Fu Yanqin , Wang Chongxian , Zhang Dongming , Chu Xiaojing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Jun
Published: April 2019

Podocyte damage is a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs play important roles in the DN pathogenesis. This study aimed to explore the possible roles and underlying mechanisms of miR‐15b‐5p on high glucose (HG)‐triggered podocyte injury. We observed that miR‐15b‐5p declined dramatically in a time‐dependent manner in podocytes exposed to HG. In addition, miR‐15b‐5p restored cell proliferation in HG‐induced podocytes. Meanwhile, forced expression of miR‐15b‐5p apparently restrained HG‐triggered apoptosis of podocytes, concomitant with downregulated in the proapoptotic protein markers Bax and cleavage caspase‐3, and upregulated the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Simultaneously, introduction of miR‐15b‐5p repressed HG‐induced oxidative stress damage in HG‐treated podocytes, as evidenced by reduced MDA content, NOX4 expression, and enhanced activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Moreover, enforced expression of miR‐15b‐5p remarkably restrained the HG‐stimulated inflammatory response, as reflected by attenuated the level of the cytokines IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐6. More important, we also identified Sema3A as a direct target of miR‐15b‐5p. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot subsequently confirmed that miR‐15b‐5p negatively modulated the level of Sema3A. Mechanically, overexpression of Sema3A impeded the beneficial effects of miR‐15b‐5p on HG‐mediated apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Altogether, these findings manifested that miR‐15b‐5p protectively antagonized HG‐triggered podocyte damage through relieving HG‐induced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory process in podocytes by targeting Sema3A, suggesting that miR‐15b‐5p might be a new therapeutic agent to improve management of DN.
Cln3‐mutations underlying juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis cause significantly reduced levels of Palmitoyl‐protein thioesterases‐1 (Ppt1)‐protein and Ppt1‐enzyme activity in the lysosome
Authors: Appu Abhilash P. , Bagh Maria B. , Sadhukhan Tamal , Mondal Avisek , Casey Sydney , Mukherjee Anil B.
Published: April 2019

Mutations in at least 13 different genes (called CLNs) underlie various forms of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), a group of the most common neurodegenerative lysosomal storage diseases. While inactivating mutations in the CLN1 gene, encoding palmitoyl‐protein thioesterases‐1 (PPT1), cause infantile NCL (INCL), those in the CLN3 gene, encoding a protein of unknown function, underlie juvenile NCL (JNCL). PPT1 depalmitoylates S‐palmitoylated proteins (constituents of ceroid) required for their degradation by lysosomal hydrolases and PPT1‐deficiency causes lysosomal accumulation of autofluorescent ceroid leading to INCL. Because intracellular accumulation of ceroid is a characteristic of all NCLs, a common pathogenic link for these diseases has been suggested. It has been reported that CLN3‐mutations suppress the exit of cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor (CI‐M6PR) from the trans Golgi network (TGN). Because CI‐M6PR transports soluble proteins such as PPT1 from the TGN to the lysosome, we hypothesized that CLN3‐mutations may cause lysosomal PPT1‐insufficiency contributing to JNCL pathogenesis. Here, we report that the lysosomes in Cln3‐mutant mice, which mimic JNCL, and those in cultured cells from JNCL patients, contain significantly reduced levels of Ppt1‐protein and Ppt1‐enzyme activity and progressively accumulate autofluorescent ceroid. Furthermore, in JNCL fibroblasts the V0a1 subunit of v‐ATPase, which regulates lysosomal acidification, is mislocalized to the plasma membrane instead of its normal location on lysosomal membrane. This defect dysregulates lysosomal acidification, as we previously reported in Cln1
−/− mice, which mimic INCL. Our findings uncover a previously unrecognized role of CLN3 in lysosomal homeostasis and suggest that CLN3‐mutations causing lysosomal Ppt1‐insuffiiciency may at least in part contribute to JNCL pathogenesis.
Additive value of diffusion‐weighted MRI in the I‐SPY 2 TRIAL
Authors: Li Wen , Newitt David C. , Wilmes Lisa J. , Jones Ella F. , Arasu Vignesh , Gibbs Jessica , La Yun Bo , Li Elizabeth , Partridge Savannah C. , Kornak John ,   on behalf of the I‐SPY 2 Consortium, Esserman Laura J. , Hylton Nola M.
Published: April 2019

Background

The change in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured from diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) has been shown to be predictive of pathologic complete response (pCR) for patients with locally invasive breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Purpose

To investigate the additive value of tumor ADC in a multicenter clinical trial setting.

Study Type

Retrospective analysis of multicenter prospective data.

Population

In all, 415 patients who enrolled in the I‐SPY 2 TRIAL from 2010 to 2014 were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T or 3T MRI system using a fat‐suppressed single‐shot echo planar imaging sequence with b‐values of 0 and 800 s/mm2 for DWI, followed by a T1‐weighted sequence for dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) performed at pre‐NAC (T0), after 3 weeks of NAC (T1), mid‐NAC (T2), and post‐NAC (T3).

Assessment

Functional tumor volume and tumor ADC were measured at each MRI exam; pCR measured at surgery was assessed as the binary outcome. Breast cancer subtype was defined by hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status.

Statistical Tests

A logistic regression model was used to evaluate associations between MRI predictors with pCR. The cross‐validated area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the predictive performance of the model with and without ADC.

Results

In all, 354 patients (128 HR+/HER2–, 60 HR+/HER2+, 34 HR–/HER2+, 132 HR–/HER2–) were included in the analysis. In the full cohort, adding ADC predictors increased the AUC from 0.76 to 0.78 at mid‐NAC and from 0.76 to 0.81 at post‐NAC. In HR/HER2 subtypes, the AUC increased from 0.52 to 0.65 at pre‐NAC for HR+/HER2–, from 0.67 to 0.73 at mid‐NAC and from 0.72 to 0.76 at post‐NAC for HR+/HER2+, from 0.71 to 0.81 at post‐NAC for triple negatives.

Data Conclusion

The addition of ADC to standard functional tumor volume MRI showed improvement in the prediction of treatment response in HR+ and triple‐negative breast cancer.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1742–1753.
Diurnal cycle of rainfall and convection over the Maritime Continent using TRMM and ISCCP
Authors: Worku Lakemariam Y. , Mekonnen Ademe , Schreck Carl J.
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the diurnal cycle of rainfall, convection, and precipitation features (PFs) over the Maritime Continent (MC). The study uses Tropical Rainfall Measuring Missions (TRMM) Multi‐satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA; product 3b42), TRMM PFs, and convective classifications from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) data. Together, these satellites dataset paint a comprehensive picture of the diurnal cycle of rainfall and convection over the MC consistent with past research. Isolated convection initiates around midday over the higher terrain of the large islands (Java, Borneo, and Papua New Guinea). The convection becomes more organized through the afternoon and evening, leading to peak rainfall over the islands around 1800–2100 local standard time (LST). Over the next few hours, some of that rainfall transitions to stratiform rain over land. The convection then propagates offshore overnight with rainfall peaking along the coast around 0300–0600 LST and then over ocean around 0600–0900 LST. ISCCP data suggests that the overnight and early morning convection is more associated with isolated convective cells than the remnants of mesoscale convective systems. The coastal and oceanic diurnal ranges also seem to be larger in stratiform rainfall, in contrast to land where convective rainfall dominates. Seasonally the diurnal variation of rainfall, convection, and PFs over the region have greater amplitude during DJF (December, January, and February) than JJA (June, July, and August). Given the MC's critical role in the global climate, examining variations in these cycles with respect to the Madden–Julian Oscillation and equatorial waves may ultimately lead to improved subseasonal weather forecasts.
A full integration of electromagnetic resonance sensor and capacitive touch sensor into LCD
Authors: Uchino Satoshi , Azumi Kohei , Katsuta Tadayoshi , Suzuki Daich , Ozawa Yutaka , Sakai Toshirou , Mitsuzawa Yutaka
Published: April 2019

We have developed a transmissive and reflective LCD that integrates electromagnetic resonance (EMR) and capacitive touch sensors using existing in‐cell process. This development has been achieved by utilizing our hybrid‐in‐cell technology with low resistance material for the RX, which is an improvement of over 80% compared with conventional indium thin oxide (ITO) material. For EMR detection, we have slightly modified the TX layer used for capacitive touch sensing, by making a coil loop that generates a magnetic field on the panel. The direction of current on the coil can be modulated by the low‐temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) circuit. Our in‐cell touch sensing has separately assigned timings for display and touch units. This time‐sharing method provides immunity from display noise and consequently better signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) than other out‐cell types. In parallel, we have developed a new controller that can support both EMR and capacitive sensing as a one‐chip solution, with the capability of maximizing signal levels lowering noise and detecting the frequency precisely when there is pressure on the pen tip. Our in‐cell technologies contribute not only a good SNR for EMR pen but also the added benefits for thin design, lightweight panel, compared with conventional LCD techniques.
Prognostic utility of albumin‐bilirubin grade for short‐ and long‐term outcomes following hepatic resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A multi‐institutional analysis of 706 patients
Authors: Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Hyer J. Madison , Moris Dimitrios , Sahara Kota , Bagante Fabio , Guglielmi Alfredo , Aldrighetti Luca , Alexandrescu Sorin , Marques Hugo P. , Shen Feng , Koerkamp B. Groot , Endo Itaru , Pawlik Timothy M. ,   other members of the International Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Study Group
Published: April 2019

Background

The objective of the current study was to define the impact of albumin‐bilirubin (ALBI) grade on short‐ as well as long‐term outcomes among patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods

Patients who underwent hepatectomy for ICC between 1990 and 2016 were identified using an international multi‐institutional database. Clinicopathologic factors including ALBI score were assessed using bivariate and multivariable analyses, as well as standard survival analyses.

Results

Among 706 patients, 453 (64.2%) patients had ALBI grade 1, 231 (32.7%) ALBI grade 2, and 22 (3.1%) had ALBI grade 3. After adjusting for all competing factors, patients with ALBI grade 2/3 had higher odds of a prolonged length‐of‐stay (>10 days, odds ratio [OR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.47‐3.80), perioperative transfusion (OR = 2.15, 95% CI:1.45‐3.18) and 90‐day mortality (OR = 2.50, 95% CI:1.16‐5.38). Median and 5‐year overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 41.5 months (IQR:15.7‐107.8) and 39.8%, respectively. Of note, median OS incrementally worsened with increased ALBI grade: grade 1, 49.6 months (IQR:18.3‐NR) vs grade 2, 29.6 months (IQR:12.6‐98.4) vs grade 3, 16.9 months (IQR:6.5‐32.4; P < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, higher ALBI grade remained associated with higher hazards of death (grade 2/3: hazard ratio = 1.36, 95% CI:1.04‐1.78).

Conclusion

The ALBI score was associated with both short‐ and long‐term outcomes following resection for ICC and could prove a useful surrogate marker to identify patients at risk for adverse outcomes.
Single‐incision sural nerve harvest: Technical considerations for cross‐facial nerve grafting
Authors: Azizzadeh Babak , Irvine Leslie E. , Yoo Donald B. , Larian Babak , Massry Guy G. , Peng Grace Lee
Published: April 2019

b.a. is the senior author and performed all of the procedures described, and conceptualized and edited the article. l.e.i. was responsible for data collection and analysis, editing the manuscript, and compiling the figures. d.b.y. performed the first single‐incision nerve harvest with b.a. and is responsible for b.a. adopting the practice. b.l. is b.a.’s partner and assisted with the majority of surgeries and proofread the manuscript. g.g.m. was cosurgeon on many of the described cases and is partly responsible for conceptualizing the article. g.l.p. was responsible for data collection and writing of the original manuscript and compiling the illustrations.

Laryngoscope, 129:2464–2466, 2019
Transcriptome‐wide changes in testes reveal molecular differences in photoperiod‐induced seasonal reproductive life‐history states in migratory songbirds
Authors: Sharma Aakansha , Das Subhajit , Kumar Vinod
Published: April 2019

We investigated the molecular basis of seasonal testicular states in black‐headed buntings (Emberiza melanocephala), in which seasonal migrations limit reproduction to a narrow time‐window during the year. We examined testicular gene expressions in buntings during short day‐induced photosensitive nonreproductive state (SDSE), and during long day‐induced early (LDES) and late (LDLS) gonadal maturation and regressed photorefractory (LDRF) seasonal states. Using Kallisto, we pseudoaligned the RNA‐Seq transcripts and calculated the transcript abundance. We found 1,799 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the four photoperiod‐induced seasonal states. Further pairwise comparison with SDSE revealed 1,187, 1,224, and 1,238 DEGs in LDES, LDLS, and LDRF, respectively; 852 genes were common to three comparisons. We then identified genetic pathways putatively involved in seasonal testicular cycle. DEGs that enriched calcium ion binding were highly expressed in testicular maturation states. Similarly, DEGs that enriched glycolytic pathway were highly expressed in LDES and LDRF states. More specifically, quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed significant differences between the photoperiod‐induced states in testicular expression of genes (HOOK1, RGS2, PRDX4, BCL6, CYFIP2, PDCD4, P2RX4, and GABRA1) involved in gametogenesis and associated pathways. Overall, these results show significant transcriptional differences, and provide insights into the molecular basis of seasonal changes in the reproductive life‐history states in a photoperiodic species.
Moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise improves physical fitness in bethlem myopathy
Authors: Vissing Christoffer Rasmus , Hedermann Gitte , Vissing John
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Bethlem myopathy is caused by dysfunctional collagen VI assembly, leading to varying degrees of hyperlaxity, contractures and muscle weakness. Previous studies demonstrate that cardiovascular training is safe and beneficial in patients with myopathies. However, exercise exacerbates the dystrophic phenotype in collagen VI‐knockout mice.

Methods

Six men with Bethlem myopathy were included (4 training; 2 controls). After training, 2 patients detrained. Patients performed 10 weeks of home‐based, moderate‐intensity exercise monitored by a pulse‐watch. The primary outcome was change in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). Secondary outcomes were performances in functional tests.

Results

VO2peak improved in the training group (16%, P = 0.017). Detraining led to regression of VO2peak toward baseline values (‐8%; P = 0.03). No change was seen in the control group (‐7%; P = 0.47). Performance in functional tests did not change significantly. Creatine kinase values were stable during the study.

Conclusions

Moderate‐intensity exercise seems to safely improve oxidative function in patients with Bethlem myopathy. Muscle Nerve 60: 183–188, 2019
Analyzing the progress and prospects of financial inclusion in India
Authors: Barik Rajesh , Sharma Pritee
Published: April 2019

Taking data from Financial Access Survey, Global Findex and Reserve Bank of India bulletin, this paper tries to analyze the progress occurred and the future prospect of financial inclusion in India. Our analysis depicts that India has witnessed a quick progress in financial inclusion. Though there is long way to go to achieve the dream of universal financial inclusion, there is no doubt that tremendous progress has been achieved in the recent time. Specifically, after the implementation Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana in August 2014, much improvement has happened in opening of bank deposit accounts. Similarly, the post‐dimerization period has seen a rapid growth of digital finance in India. Despite high growth of digital transaction, digital payment among the women, rural people, elderly people, and less educated people is much less than other groups of people. The provision of good digital infrastructure to the remote area, opening of more financial literacy centers and extension of credit to the marginalized people can help to fulfill the true essence of financial inclusion in India.
A Panel of Three Biomarkers Identified by iTRAQ for the Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wu Xing , Zhang Zi‐Xiang , Chen Xing‐Yu , Xu Ya‐Ling , Yin Ni , Yang Jian , Zhu Dong‐Ming , Li De‐Chun , Zhou Jian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Due to a lack of early diagnostic markers, pancreatic cancer (PC) remains a lethal disease. Proteomic approaches are now being applied to identify novel PC biomarkers.

Experimental design

In this study, iTRAQ and LC‐MS/MS are used to perform comparative analyses of serum from PC patients and healthy controls (HC), to identify specific serum biomarkers for PC. Serum levels of candidate proteins are determined using ELISA.

Results

Among 869 proteins identified, 55 are potential biomarkers; Vitamin K‐dependent protein Z (PROZ) and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 6b (TNFRSF6B) are selected for further analysis. Serum levels of PROZ and TNFRSF6B are significantly higher in PC patients than in HC or pancreatic benign controls (BC) (p < 0.01). The AUCs range from 0.816 to 0.971 for PROZ, TNFRSF6B, and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9, either individually or in combination, in PC versus HC+BC, and from 0.711 to 0.932 in PC Stage I versus HC+BC.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

It is demonstrated that PROZ and TNFRSF6B are novel serum biomarkers for detecting early stage PC, and for distinguishing PC from pancreatic benign tumor and healthy individuals. Additional large cohort studies are needed to develop PROZ and TNFRSF6B as clinical PC biomarkers.