bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of physical, milling and cooking properties of four new rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties in Nigeria
Authors: SANUSI Mayowa , Akinoso Rahman , Danbaba Nahemiah
Published: October 2017

This comparative study investigated some physical, milling and cooking properties of four new rice varieties (FARO 44, FARO 52, FARO 60 and FARO 61) in Nigeria. The varieties were processed into white rice and their properties analyzed separately using standard procedures. Results showed that paddy length, paddy-length-to-width-ratio, equivalent diameter, sphericity, grain volume, aspect ratio, thousand paddy grain weight, milled rice length, milled rice width, milled rice length to width ratio, milling recovery, head milled rice, broken milled rice, L*, a*, b*, elongation ratio, cooked-rice-lengthto-breadth ratio, water uptake ratio and cooking time were significantly different (p<0.05) for all the varieties. Milling recovery was found to vary from 65.3 to 68.33%; with FARO 60 having the highest head milled rice. It was observed that FARO 44 had the longest cooking time, elongation ratio and cooked rice length/breadth ratio while FARO 61 was found to have the highest water uptake ratio. There was significant positive correlation (r = 0.824) between percentage head milled rice and milling recovery while negative correlation existed between cooking time and L* (r = - 0.711). This information could be exploited by rice processors in the post-harvest processing of the varieties.
Effect of Grewia venusta FRESEN mucilage on the proximate composition, physical and sensory properties of bread produced from wheat and cassava composite flours
Authors: P. Alobo Arubi , L. Arueya Gibson
Published: October 2017

Wheat and cassava composite breads are generally associated with volume and textural defects in contrast with the traditional wheat based variants. Efforts to mitigate this challenge through use of synthetic additives have been unsuccessful owing to safety concerns. The objective of this study was to explore Grewia venusta mucilage as a potential natural additive in wheat-cassava composite bread production. Sweet cassava flour was used to replace wheat flour at 100: 0 (control), 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30% ratios in bread making. Aqueous extract of G. venusta stem bark was oven dried (50±3 °C), milled and added at 0, 1.0 and 2.0% (w/w) to the flour mixtures. These, along with other conventional inputs were mixed, and used to produce bread. Proximate compositions, physical and sensory properties of the bread loaves were evaluated. Cassava flour inclusion resulted in significant (P≤0.05) decrease in the protein content of the control from 18.1% to 12.1% (90:10%), 11.5% (80:20%) and 9.9% (70:30%). Addition of mucilage marginally increased the protein and dietary fibre contents of the loaves. Loaves containing 1-2% mucilage were more regular in shape with smoother crust than those without mucilage. Cassava flour addition at 10%, 20% and 30% decreased loaf height from 6.0 cm to 5.8 cm, 5.7 cm and 5.5 cm, as well as loaf volume from 815.5 cm3 to 783.1 cm3 , 776.8 cm3 and 744.5 cm3 , respectively. Mucilage inclusion resulted in increased heights and volumes of the loaves and reduced weights of loaf fragments upon slicing. The mucilage significantly improved the texture of the bread loaves.
Effect of tuna skin gelatin-based coating enriched with seaweed extracts on the quality of tuna fillets during storage at 4 °C
Authors: Vala Milene , Augusto Ana , Horta Andre , Mendes Susana , M. Gil Maria
Published: October 2017

Nowadays, consumers demand high quality food products with an extended shelf-life without chemical additives. Edible coatings (EC) containing natural compounds are a promising preservation technology for raw seafood without compromising fresh-like appeal and nutritional content. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Thunnus obesus skin gelatin-based EC containing Codium spp. or Fucus vesiculosus extracts on raw tuna preservation. Three gelatin-based EC (gelatin (5 %) + glycerol (25 %); gelatin (5 %) + Codium spp. (1 %) + glycerol (25 %); gelatin (5 %) + Fucus vesiculosus (1 %) + glycerol (25 %)) were applied directly on the surface of tuna fillets. Functional properties of gelatin and gelatin-based EC containing seaweed extracts were also studied. The gelatin was extracted by an acid-swelling process in the presence/absence of pepsin, followed by subsequent heating/refrigeration, after a pre-treatment with NaOH. The type of acid, temperature and concentration of NaOH greatly influence the process yield. The higher extraction yield was achieved using acetic acid in the presence of pepsin by subsequent refrigeration, especially when skins were previously treated with NaOH (0.2 M). Tuna quality was assessed over 12 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C in terms of chemical and microbial indices. Results showed that tuna skin gelatin-based EC avoids tuna deterioration. Microbial growth, assessed by total viable counts, and total volatile basic nitrogen were maintained below the maximum limits recommended, contrarily to the control. Additionally, the use of EC increased the stability of red colour during storage.
Structure of RNA polymerase bound to ribosomal 30S subunit
Authors: Demo Gabriel , Rasouly Aviram , Vasilyev Nikita , Svetlov Vladimir , Loveland Anna B , Diaz-Avalos Ruben , Grigorieff Nikolaus , Nudler Evgeny , Korostelev Andrei A
Published: October 2017

In bacteria, mRNA transcription and translation are coupled to coordinate optimal gene expression and maintain genome stability. Coupling is thought to involve direct interactions between RNA polymerase (RNAP) and the translational machinery. We present cryo-EM structures of E. coli RNAP core bound to the small ribosomal 30S subunit. The complex is stable under cell-like ionic conditions, consistent with functional interaction between RNAP and the 30S subunit. The RNA exit tunnel of RNAP aligns with the Shine-Dalgarno-binding site of the 30S subunit. Ribosomal protein S1 forms a wall of the tunnel between RNAP and the 30S subunit, consistent with its role in directing mRNAs onto the ribosome. The nucleic-acid-binding cleft of RNAP samples distinct conformations, suggesting different functional states during transcription-translation coupling. The architecture of the 30S•RNAP complex provides a structural basis for co-localization of the transcriptional and translational machineries, and inform future mechanistic studies of coupled transcription and translation.
The intervals method: a new approach to analyse finite element outputs using multivariate statistics
Authors: Marcé-Nogué Jordi , De Esteban-Trivigno Soledad , Püschel Thomas A. , Fortuny Josep
Published: October 2017

Background

In this paper, we propose a new method, named the intervals’ method, to analyse data from finite element models in a comparative multivariate framework. As a case study, several armadillo mandibles are analysed, showing that the proposed method is useful to distinguish and characterise biomechanical differences related to diet/ecomorphology.

Methods

The intervals’ method consists of generating a set of variables, each one defined by an interval of stress values. Each variable is expressed as a percentage of the area of the mandible occupied by those stress values. Afterwards these newly generated variables can be analysed using multivariate methods.

Results

Applying this novel method to the biological case study of whether armadillo mandibles differ according to dietary groups, we show that the intervals’ method is a powerful tool to characterize biomechanical performance and how this relates to different diets. This allows us to positively discriminate between specialist and generalist species.

Discussion

We show that the proposed approach is a useful methodology not affected by the characteristics of the finite element mesh. Additionally, the positive discriminating results obtained when analysing a difficult case study suggest that the proposed method could be a very useful tool for comparative studies in finite element analysis using multivariate statistical approaches.
Mysterious inhibitory cell regulator investigated and found likely to be secretogranin II related
Authors: Hart John E. , Clarke Iain J. , Risbridger Gail P. , Ferneyhough Ben , Vega-Hernández Mónica
Published: October 2017

In the context of a hunt for a postulated hormone that is tissue-mass inhibiting and reproductively associated, there is described probable relatedness to a granin protein. A 7–8 kDa polypeptide candidate (gels/MS) appeared in a bioassay-guided fractionation campaign involving sheep plasma. AnN-terminal sequence of 14 amino acids was obtained for the polypeptide by Edman degradation. Bioinformatics and molecular biology failed to illuminate any ovine or non-ovine protein which might relate to this sequence. TheN-terminal sequence was synthesized as the 14mer EPL001 peptide and surprisingly found to be inhibitory in an assay in vivo of compensatory renal growth in the rat and modulatory of nematode fecundity, in line with the inhibitory hormone hypothesis. Antibodies were raised to EPL001 and their deployment upheld the hypothesis that the EPL001 amino acid sequence is meaningful and relevant, notwithstanding bioinformatic obscurity. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) in sheep, rodents and humans yielded staining of seeming endocrine relevance (e.g. hypothalamus, gonads and neuroendocrine cells in diverse tissues), with apparent upregulation in certain human tumours (e.g. pheochromocytoma). Discrete IHC staining inDrosophila melanogasterembryo brain was seen in glia and in neuroendocrine cells, with staining likely in the corpus cardiacum. The search for the endogenous antigen involved immunoprecipitation (IP) followed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Feedstocks were PC12 conditioned medium and aqueous extract of rat hypothalamus—both of which had anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in an assay in vitro involving rat bone marrow cells, which inhibition was subject to prior immunodepletion with an anti-EPL001 antibody—together with fruit fly embryo material. It is concluded that the mammalian antigen is likely secretogranin II (SgII) related. The originally seen 7–8 kDa polypeptide is suggested to be a new proteoform of secretogranin II of ∼70 residues, SgII-70, with the anti-EPL001 antibody seeing a discontinuous epitope. The fly antigen is probably Q9W2X8 (UniProt), an uncharacterised protein newly disclosed as a granin and provisionally dubbed macrogranin I (MgI). SgII and Q9W2X8 merit further investigation in the context of tissue-mass inhibition.
Onset of Stratospheric Ozone Recovery in the Antarctic Ozone Hole in Assimilated Daily Total Ozone Columns
Authors: de Laat A. T. J. , van Weele M. , van der A R. J.
Published: October 2017

In this paper we evaluate the long‐term changes in ozone depletion within the Antarctic ozone hole using a 37 years (1979–2015) of daily ozone mass deficits (OMDs) derived from assimilated total ozone column data. For each year an “average daily OMD” is calculated over a 60 day preferential time period (day of year 220–280). Excluding years with a reduced polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) volume (the so‐called PSC‐limited years), the 1979–2015 time series of spatially integrated average daily OMD correlates very well with long‐term changes in equivalent effective stratospheric chlorine (EESC; R2 = 0.89). We find a corresponding statistically highly significant post‐2000 decrease in OMD of −0.77 ± 0.17 megaton (trend significance of 9.8σ), with an associated post‐2000 change in OMD of approximately −30%, consistent with the post‐2000 change in EESC relative to 1980 EESC levels of approximately −30%. The post‐2000 trend significance is robust to the choice of start year. The spatial distribution of the average daily OMD trends reveals a vortex‐core region (approximately covering the region [90°W–0°–90°E/75°S–85°S]) largely unaffected by dynamics with a post‐2000 trend significance of >8σ, and a vortex‐edge region in which the trend is locally strongly affected by vortex dynamics though not spatially integrated over the whole vortex‐edge region (trend significance >9σ). For the trend significance we do not find consistent evidence for long‐term changes in wave driving, vortex mixing, preozone hole conditions, or the applied assimilation method, playing a role. Our observation/assimilation‐based analysis provides robust evidence of a post‐2000 statistically highly significant decrease in the average daily OMD that is consistent with the long‐term decrease in ozone‐depleting substances since 2000, following international emission regulations.
Extended Analysis of Real‐Time foF2 Mapping in Mideastern China Based On Shortwave Signals
Authors: Cheng Li , Ma Hong , Yu De , Li Yang , Qin Yong
Published: October 2017

A method for the real‐time mapping of the critical frequency of the F2 layer (foF2) is established using shortwave radio signals as the radiation sources, thereby eliminating the need for ionosonde stations, and tested in mideastern China. The ionospheric foF2 in the reflection area between the receiving station and the radio stations is obtained using a probabilistic inversion method. Subsequently, Kriging is used for the real‐time foF2 mapping. To heighten the performance of the reconstruction, the International Reference Ionosphere 2012 (IRI‐2012) Model was used as a background for ionospheric interpolation to calculate regional variant. The mapping accuracy is estimated using ionosonde data derived from seven stations in mideastern China: Xinxiang (35.2°S, 113.9°E), Wuhan (30.6°S, 114.6°E), Qingdao (36.1°S, 12.4°E), Suzhou (30.3°S, 120.6°E), Xian (34.3°S, 108.9°E), Chongqing (29.6°S, 106.5°E), and Guangzhou (23.1°S, 113.3°E). The data were recorded approximately every 15 min during two recording intervals between 04:00 UTC LT on 31 October 2012, and 03:30 UTC on 1 November 2012. The estimates of foF2 obtained from the reconstruction method and the foF2 values predicted using IRI are compared with the measurements from the vertical ionosondes at the above seven stations. The root‐mean‐square error and percent deviation are calculated to evaluate the performance of the inversion model. The results indicate that the new method for real‐time foF2 mapping based on shortwave signals is a promising candidate technique for obtaining ionospheric parameters and studying the ionosphere.
The Importance of Upper Mantle Heterogeneity in Generating the Indian Ocean Geoid Low
Authors: Ghosh Attreyee , Thyagarajulu G. , Steinberger Bernhard
Published: October 2017

One of the most pronounced geoid lows on Earth lies in the Indian Ocean just south of the Indian peninsula. Several theories have been proposed to explain this geoid low, most of which invoke past subduction. Some recent studies have also argued that high‐velocity anomalies in the lower mantle coupled with low‐velocity anomalies in the upper mantle are responsible for these negative geoid anomalies. However, there is no general consensus regarding the source of this particular anomaly. We investigate the source of this geoid low by using models of density‐driven mantle convection. Our study is the first to successfully explain the occurrence of this anomaly using a global convection model driven by present‐day density anomalies derived from tomography. We test various tomography models in our flow calculations with different radial and lateral viscosity variations. Some of them produce a fairly high correlation to the global geoid, but only a few (SMEAN2, GyPSuM, SEMUCB, and LLNL‐JPS) could match the precise location and pattern of the geoid low in the Indian Ocean. The source of this low stems from a low‐density anomaly stretching from a depth of 300 km down to ∼900 km in the northern Indian Ocean region. This density anomaly potentially originates from material rising along the edge of the African Large Low Shear Velocity Province and moving toward the northeast, facilitated by the movement of the Indian plate in the same direction.
Substorm Overshielding Electric Field at Low Latitude on the Nightside as Observed by the HF Doppler Sounder and Magnetometers
Authors: Hashimoto K. K. , Kikuchi T. , Tomizawa I. , Nagatsuma T.
Published: October 2017

The convection electric field increases during the growth phase of substorms, driving the DP 2 ionospheric currents at high‐to‐equatorial latitudes, intensifying the eastward equatorial electrojet (EEJ) on the dayside. During the expansion phase, the electric field is often reversed; i.e., overshielding occurs at subauroral‐to‐equatorial latitudes where the EEJ turns to the westward counterelectrojet (CEJ). In this paper, we show that the HF Doppler sounders detected the eastward overshielding electric field at low latitudes on the nightside simultaneously with the CEJ on the dayside. We also show that the overshielding often occurs during the substorm recovery due to the convection reduction, resulting in a two‐step form in both the dayside CEJ and nightside electric field. The opposite direction of the electric field on the dayside and nightside is consistent with the dusk‐to‐dawn potential electric field associated with the region 2 field‐aligned currents intensified by the substorm. The overshielding electric field was found to drive an eastward electrojet with appreciable magnitude in the nighttime equatorial ionosphere, which in turn causes an equatorial enhancement of the midnight positive bay.
GPS Recovery of Daily Hydrologic and Atmospheric Mass Variation: A Methodology and Results From the Australian Continent
Authors: Han Shin‐Chan , Razeghi S. Mahdiyeh
Published: October 2017

We present a methodology to invert a regional set of vertical displacement data from Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine the surface mass redistribution. It is assumed that GPS deformation is a result of the Earth's elastic response to the surface mass load of hydrology, atmosphere, and/or ocean. We develop an algorithm to estimate the spectral information of displacements from “regional” GPS data through regional spherical (Slepian) basis functions and apply the load Love numbers to estimate the mass load. The same approach is applied to determine global mass changes from “global” geopotential change data of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). We rigorously examine all systematic errors caused by various truncations (spherical harmonic series and Slepian series) and the smoothing constraint applied to the GPS inversion. We demonstrate the technique by processing 16 years of daily vertical motions determined from 114 GPS stations in Australia. The GPS‐inverted surface mass changes are validated against GRACE data, atmosphere and ocean models, and a land surface model. Seasonal and interannual terrestrial mass variations from GPS are in good agreement with GRACE data and the water storage models. The GPS recovery compares better with the water storage model around the smaller coastal basins than two different GRACE solutions. The submonthly mass changes from GPS provide meaningful results agreeing with atmospheric mass changes in central Australia. Finally, it is suggested to integrate GPS and GRACE data to draw a comprehensive picture of daily mass changes on different continents.
Rapid Geodetic Shortening Across the Eastern Cordillera of NW Argentina Observed by the Puna‐Andes GPS Array
Authors: McFarland Phillip K. , Bennett Richard A. , Alvarado Patricia , DeCelles Peter G.
Published: October 2017

We present crustal velocities for 29 continuously recording GPS stations from the southern central Andes across the Puna, Eastern Cordillera, and Santa Barbara system for the period between the 27 February 2010 Maule and 1 April 2014 Iquique earthquakes in a South American frame. The velocity field exhibits a systematic decrease in magnitude from ~35 mm/yr near the trench to <1 mm/yr within the craton. We forward model loading on the Nazca‐South America (NZ‐SA) subduction interface using back slip on elastic dislocations to approximate a fully locked interface from 10 to 50 km depth. We generate an ensemble of models by iterating over the percentage of NZ‐SA convergence accommodated at the subduction interface. Velocity residuals calculated for each model demonstrate that locking on the NZ‐SA interface is insufficient to reproduce the observed velocities. We model deformation associated with a back‐arc décollement using an edge dislocation, estimating model parameters from the velocity residuals for each forward model of the subduction interface ensemble using a Bayesian approach. We realize our best fit to the thrust‐perpendicular velocity field with 70 ± 5% of NZ‐SA convergence accommodated at the subduction interface and a slip rate of 9.1 ± 0.9 mm/yr on the fold‐thrust belt décollement. We also estimate a locking depth of 14 ± 9 km, which places the downdip extent of the locked zone 135 ± 20 km from the thrust front. The thrust‐parallel component of velocity is fit by a constant shear strain rate of −19 × 10−9 yr−1, equivalent to clockwise rigid block rotation of the back arc at a rate of 1.1°/Myr.
Three‐Phase CO2 Flow in a Basalt Fracture Network
Authors: Gierzynski Alec O. , Pollyea Ryan M.
Published: October 2017

Geologic CO2 sequestration in basalt reservoirs is predicated on permanent CO2 isolation via rapid mineralization reactions. This process is supported by a substantial body of evidence, including laboratory experiments documenting rapid mineralization rates, regional storage estimates indicating large, accessible storage reservoirs, and two successful pilot‐scale studies. Nevertheless, there remains significant uncertainty in the behavior of CO2 flow within basalt fracture networks, particularly in the context estimating physical trapping potential in early time and as CO2 undergoes phase change. In this study, a Monte Carlo numerical model is designed to simulate a supercritical CO2 plume infiltrating a low‐permeability flood basalt entablature. The fracture network model is based on outcrop‐scale LiDAR mapping of Columbia River Basalt, and CO2 flow is simulated within fifty equally probable realizations of the fracture network. The spatial distribution of fracture permeability for each realization is randomly drawn from a basalt aperture distribution, and ensemble results are analyzed with e‐type estimates to compute mean and standard deviation of fluid pressure and CO2 saturation. Results of this model after 10 years of simulation suggest that (1) CO2 flow converges on a single dominant flow path, (2) CO2 accumulates at fracture intersections, and (3) variability in permeability can account for a 1.6 m depth interval within which free CO2 may change phase from supercritical fluid to subcritical liquid or gas. In the context of CO2 sequestration in basalt, these results suggest that physical CO2 trapping may be substantially enhanced as carbonate minerals precipitate within the basalt fracture network.
Symbolic Regression for the Estimation of Transfer Functions of Hydrological Models
Authors: Klotz D. , Herrnegger M. , Schulz K.
Published: October 2017

Current concepts for parameter regionalization of spatially distributed rainfall‐runoff models rely on the a priori definition of transfer functions that globally map land surface characteristics (such as soil texture, land use, and digital elevation) into the model parameter space. However, these transfer functions are often chosen ad hoc or derived from small‐scale experiments. This study proposes and tests an approach for inferring the structure and parametrization of possible transfer functions from runoff data to potentially circumvent these difficulties. The concept uses context‐free grammars to generate possible proposition for transfer functions. The resulting structure can then be parametrized with classical optimization techniques. Several virtual experiments are performed to examine the potential for an appropriate estimation of transfer function, all of them using a very simple conceptual rainfall‐runoff model with data from the Austrian Mur catchment. The results suggest that a priori defined transfer functions are in general well identifiable by the method. However, the deduction process might be inhibited, e.g., by noise in the runoff observation data, often leading to transfer function estimates of lower structural complexity.
High‐Performance Inorganic Perovskite Quantum Dot–Organic Semiconductor Hybrid Phototransistors
Authors: Chen Yantao , Chu Yingli , Wu Xiaohan , Ou‐Yang Wei , Huang Jia
Published: October 2017

All‐inorganic lead halide perovskite quantum dots (IHP QDs) have great potentials in photodetectors. However, the photoresponsivity is limited by the low charge transport efficiency of the IHP QD layers. High‐performance phototransistors based on IHP QDs hybridized with organic semiconductors (OSCs) are developed. The smooth surface of IHP QD layers ensures ordered packing of the OSC molecules above them. The OSCs significantly improve the transportation of the photoexcited charges, and the gate effect of the transistor structure significantly enhances the photoresponsivity while simultaneously maintaining high Iphoto/Idark ratio. The devices exhibit outstanding optoelectronic properties in terms of photoresponsivity (1.7 × 104 A W−1), detectivity (2.0 × 1014 Jones), external quantum efficiency (67000%), Iphoto/Idark ratio (8.1 × 104), and stability (100 d in air). The overall performances of our devices are superior to state‐of‐the‐art IHP photodetectors. The strategy utilized here is general and can be easily applied to many other perovskite photodetectors.
Ethical Challenges of Personal Disclosure in Gaining Entry with Religious Congregations
Authors: Todd Nathan R.
Published: October 2017

This is a story about learning how to navigate my social identities as a non‐religious gay man attempting to conduct data‐based consultation with a religious congregation. Beyond my own growth in knowing myself better, this story speaks to the larger ethical challenge of how we build trust in community relationships, and in particular how much of our personal selves we need to disclose in the process of an individual or group deciding to work with us. Individuals and groups make decisions to work with us based on who they perceive us to be; thus, what is our ethical obligation to disclose aspects of who we are to promote full informed consent? To illustrate this ethical challenge of personal disclosure, I tell the story of discussions I had with three different religious leaders and a congregational committee about potentially working together. Throughout these stories, I reflect on my own messy process of growth as a window into the more general question of how we navigate our identities and values as community psychologists in the work we do with communities.
Changes in Public Attitudes and Perceptions about Homelessness Between 1990 and 2016
Authors: Tsai Jack , Lee Crystal Yun See , Byrne Thomas , Pietrzak Robert H. , Southwick Steven M.
Published: October 2017

Public attitudes on homelessness can and has influenced policies and services for homeless populations. This study surveyed national public attitudes about homelessness in the 21st century and examined changes in attitudes in the past two decades. An online survey of public attitudes about homelessness was conducted with 541 U.S. adults across 47 states in November 2016 using Amazon Mechanical Turk. Survey results were compared to two public surveys conducted in 1990. Compared to previous surveys, the current sample endorsed more compassion, government support, and liberal attitudes about homelessness. The largest changes were related to increased support for homeless individuals to use public spaces for sleeping and panhandling. When asked about the demographic composition of the homeless population, the contemporary sample tended to overestimate the proportions who were young and racial/ethnic minorities, while underestimating the proportions who were married, or had mental health or substance abuse problems. Together, the findings suggest there has been an increase in compassion and liberal attitudes toward homelessness in the past two decades. Greater support for homeless individuals during an era of economic recessions and governmental homeless initiatives presents opportunities for new public health approaches to address homelessness.
A functional polymorphism of the OXTR gene is associated with autistic traits in Caucasian and Asian populations
Authors: Montag Christian , Sindermann Cornelia , Melchers Martin , Jung Sonja , Luo Ruixue , Becker Benjamin , Xie Jiang , Xu Wenming , Guastella Adam J. , Kendrick Keith M.
Published: October 2017

There is increasing evidence for associations between polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and autism spectrum disorder, but to date no study has established links with autistic traits in healthy subjects and potential cultural differences. The present research firstly investigated associations between three widely studied OXTR SNPs and autistic and empathic traits (rs53576 (G/A); rs2254298 (G/A); rs2268498 (T/C)) in two independent studies on male and female Caucasian (n = 537) and Chinese students (n = 280). Autistic and empathic traits were measured in all subjects in the two independent groups using the Autism ‐Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) respectively, together with their sub‐scales. For both sites, genotyping of the OXTR SNPs was conducted on buccal swab samples using a Cobas Z 480 Light Cycler following automated DNA extraction. Associations at the genotype level with autism trait scores were found in Caucasian subjects for rs2268498 only, with TT carriers having the lowest AQ scores compared with those carrying at least one C‐allele. This finding was independently replicated in the Chinese sample although a smaller proportion carried the C‐allele compared with the Caucasian sample. Some minor associations were found between empathy trait scores and the three SNPs but were not consistent between the samples. These findings show for the first time that the rs2268498 SNP localized in the promoter flanking region of the OXTR gene is associated with autistic traits in different ethnic/cultural groups. This provides further support for the role of the OXTR gene in relation to autism.
A Strategy for Specific Fluorescence Imaging of Monoamine Oxidase A in Living Cells
Authors: Wu Xiaofeng , Shi Wen , Li Xiaohua , Ma Huimin
Published: October 2017

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) has two isoforms, MAO‐A and MAO‐B, which show different functions, and thus selective fluorescence imaging is important for biological studies. Currently, however, specific detection of MAO‐A remains a great challenge. Herein, we report a new strategy for specific imaging of MAO‐A through the design of fluorogenic probes combining the characteristic structure of an inhibitor of the target enzyme along with propylamine as a recognition moiety. The high specificity of our representative probe is demonstrated by imaging MAO‐A in different live cells such as SH‐SY5Y (high levels of MAO‐A) and HepG2 (high levels of MAO‐B), and further validated by western blot analyses. The superior specificity of the probe may enable the accurate detection of MAO‐A in complex biosystems. Importantly, the use of the characteristic structure of an inhibitor, as demonstrated in this work, may serve as a general strategy to design specific recognition moieties for fluorogenic probes for enzymes.
Kinetic Modeling of Mammalian Cell Culture Bioprocessing: The Quest to Advance Biomanufacturing
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Sarantos , Ang Kok Siong , Lakshmanan Meiyappan , Huang Zhuangrong , Yoon Seongkyu , Gunawan Rudiyanto , Lee Dong‐Yup
Published: October 2017

Kinetic modeling is the most suitable framework to describe the dynamic behavior of mammalian cell culture although its industrial application is still in its infancy. Herein, the authors reviewed mammalian bioprocess relevant kinetic models, and found that the simple unstructured‐unsegregated approach utilizing empirical Monod‐type kinetics based on limiting substrates and inhibitory metabolites is commonly used due to its traceability and simple formalism. Notably, the available kinetic models are typically small to moderate in size, and the development of large‐scale models is severely hampered by the scarcity of kinetic data and limitations in current parameter estimation methods. The recent availability of abundant high‐throughput multi‐omics datasets from mammalian cell cultures have now paved the way to improve parameterization of kinetic models, and integrate regulatory, signaling, and product quality related intracellular events, as well as cellular metabolism within the modeling framework. Ultimately, the authors foresee that multi‐scale modeling is the way forward in building predictive kinetic models of mammalian cell culture to advance biomanufacturing.
Label‐Free Multiplex DNA Detection Utilizing Projected Capacitive Touchscreen
Authors: Lee Joon Young , Won Byoung Yeon , Park Hyun Gyu
Published: October 2017

A novel strategy to achieve label‐free multiplex DNA detection system based on the projected capacitive touchscreen is developed. Touchscreen panel is first fabricated by patterning the ITO (indium‐tin‐oxide) electrode array on the glass wafer, and the electrodes are modified with the respective capture probe DNA sequences complementary to hemagglutinin1 (H1), neuraminidase1 (N1), and matrix1 (M1) DNA to demonstrate the molecular diagnosis of H1N1 influenza virus as a model pathogen. DNA sample is applied to the electrodes to allow hybridization of target DNA with the corresponding complementary capture probe. As a result, the hybridization event significantly enhanced the capacitance on the electrode, which can be very conveniently detected by the projected capacitive touchscreen. Based on this design principle, the authors have successfully detected target regions of H1N1 influenza virus in a label‐free multiplexed manner. This touchscreen‐based detecting system would greatly benefit the point‐of‐care testing (POCT) in various diagnostic applications.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical Hollow Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)O2 Microspheres for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wenlong Liu , Weiwei Jiang , Chenran Yan , Wei Feng , Dongxia Wang , Liming Zhao , Tingting Feng , Feng Gong
Published: October 2017

Li(Ni0.8Co0.15Al0.05)O2 (NCA) cathode material for lithium ion batteries is synthesized by calcining Ni–Co–Al hydroxide or carbonate hydroxide hydrate precursor, which is obtained by hydrothermal method, and the NCA cathode material is hierarchical hollow microspheres with the diameter in the range of 3–5 µm and composed of nanoflakes and/or nanowires. The effect of hydrothermal reaction time on the morphologies and the crystalline quality of the NCA cathode material is investigated on the basis of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and tunneling electron microscopy. The NCA cathode material shows smooth and monotonous charge/discharge characteristics, delivers a reversible capacity as 144.4 mAh/g and retains 90.4% after 50 cycles at a current density of 0.1 C between 2.5 and 4.3 V.
Development of an LC–MS/MS method for quantification of two isomeric phenylpropenes and the application to pharmacokinetic studies in rats
Authors: Yang Qiong , Deng Zhipeng , Zhang Fang , Sun Peilu , Li Jun , Zheng Wanjin
Published: October 2017

Isomers β‐asarone and α‐asarone have recently been demonstrated to have differential pharmacological activities. Here, we report an LC–MS/MS method developed using acetonitrile to extract two isomeric phenylpropenes from rat plasma. Separation was achieved using a XDB‐C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm; i.d., 1.8 μm) with a mobile phase of methanol–0.1% formic acid (55:45, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Calibration curves ranging from 5.20 to 2080 ng/mL for β‐asarone and from 3.68 to 1470 ng/mL for α‐asarone were linear (r2 ≥ 0.9938) with the lower limits of quantification being 5.20 and 3.68 ng/mL for both isomers. Intravenous administration of β‐asarone (2.22 mg/kg) and α‐asarone (2.36 mg/kg) in rats yielded half‐lives of 13.40 ± 4.11 and 28.88 ± 7.82 min with clearance values of 0.196 ± 0.062 mL/min/kg and 0.112 ± 0.012 mL/min/kg for β‐asarone and α‐asarone, respectively.
Ursodeoxycholic acid protects cardiomyocytes against cobalt chloride induced hypoxia by regulating transcriptional mediator of cells stress hypoxia inducible factor 1α and p53 protein
Authors: Mohamed Anis Syamimi , Hanafi Noorul Izzati , Sheikh Abdul Kadir Siti Hamimah , Md Noor Julina , Abdul Hamid Hasani Narimah , Ab Rahim Sharaniza , Siran Rosfaiizah
Published: October 2017

In hepatocytes, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) activates cell signalling pathways such as p53, intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P)‐receptor via Gαi‐coupled‐receptor. Recently, UDCA has been shown to protect the heart against hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury. However, it is not clear whether UDCA cardioprotection against hypoxia acts through a transcriptional mediator of cells stress, HIF‐1α and p53. Therefore, in here, we aimed to investigate whether UDCA could protect cardiomyocytes (CMs) against hypoxia by regulating expression of HIF‐1α, p53, [Ca2+]i, and S1P‐Gαi‐coupled‐receptor. Cardiomyocytes were isolated from newborn rats (0‐2 days), and hypoxia was induced by using cobalt chloride (CoCl2). Cardiomyocytes were treated with UDCA and cotreated with either FTY720 (S1P‐receptor agonist) or pertussis toxin (PTX; Gαi inhibitor). Cells were subjected for proliferation assay, beating frequency, QuantiGene Plex assay, western blot, immunofluorescence, and calcium imaging. Our findings showed that UDCA counteracted the effects of CoCl2 on cell viability, beating frequency, HIF‐1α, and p53 protein expression. We found that these cardioprotection effects of UDCA were similar to FTY720, S1P agonist. Furthermore, we observed that UDCA protects CMs against CoCl2‐induced [Ca2+]i dynamic alteration. Pharmacological inhibition of the Gαi‐sensitive receptor did not abolish the cardioprotection of UDCA against CoCl2 detrimental effects, except for cell viability and [Ca2+]i. Pertussis toxin is partially effective in inhibiting UDCA protection against CoCl2 effects on CM cell viability. Interestingly, PTX fully inhibits UDCA cardioprotection on CoCl2‐induced [Ca2+]i dynamic changes. We conclude that UDCA cardioprotection against CoCl2‐induced hypoxia is similar to FTY720, and its actions are not fully mediated by the Gαi‐coupled protein sensitive pathways. Ursodeoxycholic acid is the most hydrophilic bile acid and is currently used to treat liver diseases. Recently, UDCA is shown to have a cardioprotection effects; however, the mechanism of UDCA cardioprotection is still poorly understood. The current data generated were the first to show that UDCA is able to inhibit the activation of HIF‐1α and p53 protein during CoCl2‐induced hypoxia in cardiomyocytes. This study provides an insight of UDCA mechanism in protecting cardiomyocytes against hypoxia.
An optical coherence tomography study of neointimal morphology and strut coverage at different time intervals from implantation of biodegradable polymer‐coated sirolimus‐eluting stents
Authors: Legutko Jacek , Gil Robert J. , Buszman Pawel E. , Kaluza Grzegorz L. , Mintz Gary S. , Roleder Tomasz , Krol Marek , Wojdyla Roman , Pawlowski Tomasz , Brzezinski Michal , Kondys Marek , Skwarna Bartosz , Jakala Jacek , Zasada Wojciech , Partyka Lukasz , Dudek Dariusz
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The aim of the study was to capture the evolution of neointima after implantation of a biodegradable polymer–coated, sirolimus–eluting, cobalt–chromium coronary stent system (BP‐DES).

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) suggests that in‐stent neointimal morphology influences clinical outcomes after DES implantation.

Methods

Sixty patients treated with single BP‐DES implantation were examined by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) and OCT at 3, 6, and 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Median late lumen loss by QCA (mm) was 0.04 (IQR 0, 0.08), 0.17 (IQR 0, 0.32), and 0.14 (IQR 0.07, 0.31) at 3, 6, and 12‐month follow‐up respectively (P = 0.03). OCT cross‐section multilevel analysis showed uncovered struts in 3.90%, 1.78%, and 0.02% of struts respectively (P = 0.03). The corresponding malapposition rates were 0.12%, 0.04%, and 0%. Lipid‐rich neointima was observed only at 12‐month follow‐up in one restenotic lesion (0.77% cross‐sections) that was accountable for the only target vessel revascularization. The homogeneous pattern was prevalent at all three time points, but its incidence displayed an upward trend (3 months: 59%; 6 months: 71%; 12 months: 88%) despite no difference in neointimal volume between 6 and 12 months. Conversely, a trend could be observed of decreasing incidence of heterogeneous pattern as the follow‐up length increased.

Conclusions

In this study of a single‐type BP‐DES, the majority of stent struts were covered within 3 months from implantation. While the quantitative neointimal accumulation plateaued at 6 months with no further significant increase beyond 6 months, the neointima continued to evolve qualitatively and mature along with better strut coverage between 6 and 12 months after implantation.
High Electronic Conductivity and Air Stability of Ultrasmall Copper‐Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Pyridine‐Based Polybenzimidazole Carbon Nanotube Composite
Authors: Hafez Inas H. , Berber Mohamed R. , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko , Nakashima Naotoshi
Published: October 2017

The development of synthetic methods of copper nanoparticles (Cu‐NPs) on conductive supports is very challenging and receives much attention. Here, we describe a novel technique to grow stable and uniform metallic Cu‐NPs homogeneously on the surface of pristine multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNTs) catalyst support physically functionalized with a pyridine‐based polybenzimidazole (PyPBI) polymer that acts as a ligand to capture the Cu‐NPs. Cu‐metal nanoparticles with a particle size of 5.0±0.5 nm were obtained on the surface of MWNTs with homogenous and uniform distribution. The newly prepared Cu‐NPs show a remarkably enhanced air stability and electrical conductivity, compared to the current state of the art Cu‐NPs, over 20 days and 500 potential cycles, respectively, with a limited degradation rate of Cu‐metallic state. The PyPBI polymer plays an essential role in the stability of Cu‐NPs on the surface of MWNTs through coordination with PyPBI, suppressing the Cu‐degradation process, which usually decreases the Cu application efficiency. Accordingly, the prospects of applications of the present Cu‐NPs composite are excellent.
Templated Synthesis of Nickel−Iron Layered Double Hydroxide for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation: Towards the Development of Non‐Precious‐Metal Catalysts
Authors: Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Ganesan Vellaichamy , Sonkar Piyush Kumar , Gupta Rupali
Published: October 2017

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have recently attracted intense research attention because of their applications in the development of highly active and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction and in the fields of drug delivery, energy storage, for example. In this work, we report a cheap and simple route for the synthesis of nickel–iron LDH (Ni−Fe LDH) using an iron‐based metal−organic framework, Fe‐MIL‐88 as a template. The prepared Ni−Fe LDH is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Ni−Fe LDH is found to be highly active and stable for water oxidation in alkaline solution as compared to commercial Pt/C. The concept of using a metal−organic framework as a structure‐directing agent to synthesize Ni−Fe LDH and the use of the material for the oxygen evolution reaction is explored for the first time.
Versatile Tailoring of NH2‐Containing Metal–Organic Frameworks with Paddle‐Wheel Units
Authors: Guo Xiang‐Guang , Zhang Zai‐Yong , Qiu Sen , Su Xiang , Wang Ya‐Bing , Sun Xiaoqi
Published: October 2017

An amine‐containing non‐interpenetrating pillar‐layer framework, [Zn2(dbtcb)(L1)]⋅x solvent (1), has been synthesized from Zn(NO3)2 and the ligands 1,4‐dibromo‐2,3,5,6‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)benzene (H4DBTCB) and 2,5‐bis(4‐pyridyl)aniline (L1). The [Zn2(COO)4] secondary building units (SBUs) are bridged by DBTCB to form two‐dimensional layers that are linked by L1 ligands acting as pillars to form a three‐dimensional network. This NH2‐containing framework can undergo versatile tailoring through post‐synthetic covalent modification, solvent‐assisted linker exchange (SALE), and single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC‐SC) transmetalation reactions. Acetamide‐functionalized [Zn2(L2)(dbtcb)]⋅xsolvent (2) could be obtained by direct synthesis from Zn(NO3)2, N‐acetyl‐2,5‐bis(4‐pyridyl)aniline (L2) and H4DBTCB. Importantly, compound 1 with pure NH2 ligands as pillars could be obtained by SALE of 2 with L1 in DMSO solution. The transmetalation reactions of 1 with CuII, NiII, and CoII were studied; inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission (ICP) analysis revealed that 1 underwent almost complete SC‐SC transmetalation with CuII within 30 h, whereas with NiII and CoII only 70 and 80 % substitutions were achieved. Photoluminescence studies revealed that 1 and 2 display yellow‐green and UV emission, respectively, under a UV lamp. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties could be tuned by introducing mixed pillar amino ligands L1 and L2 into the MOF to produce multivariate (MTV) MOF 3 displaying overall orange emission.
Multifaceted Supramolecular Interactions from C‐Methylresorcin[4]arene Lead to an Enhancement in In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Gatifloxacin
Authors: Dawn Arnab , Chandra Harish , Ade‐Browne Chandra , Yadav Jagjit , Kumari Harshita
Published: October 2017

Mimicking the antibacterial activity of polyphenols in synthetic systems is an attractive approach for the development of new active pharmaceutical ingredients. Resorcinarenes represent a class of polyphenols, which have been exploited for decades for their attractive chemical scaffold suitable for forming host–guest complexes with hydrophobic guest molecules. However, the polyphenolic character of resorcinarenes, which could be a potential asset to the pharmaceutical industry, have been least exploited. The present work represents an unprecedented interplay of antimicrobial activity of resorcinarene together with its ability to interact chemically with an antibacterial drug gatifloxacin, improving the overall antibacterial activity. The chemistry and the clinical activities involved in this study were investigated simultaneously by spectroscopic techniques, as well as by in vitro measurement of antibacterial activity toward two human bacterial pathogens, a Gram‐positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and a Gram‐negative lung pathogen Legionella pneumophila. The initial positive result obtained from this study could revolutionize the use of synthetically modifiable resorcinarenes and their analogues in fine tuning the clinical behavior of drugs.