bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Ca and Na content in the hair of obese people in Poland
Authors: Kwiecień Małgorzata , Samolińska Wioletta , Puczkowski Sławomir , Waśko Magdalena , Blicharski T.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. The authors of this paper decided to check whether the content of selected minerals in human hair is projected into the nutritional status of the body expressed as the BMI. The study focused on evaluating the content of calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium in the hair of 7845 individuals in relation to their BMI. 5126 women and 2719 men aged from 18 to 92, domiciled throughout Poland, were involved in the study. Hair samples were taken from several points of the occipital scalp. Ca, Na, K and Mg in the hair were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The content of Ca and Na in the hair of obese people (>30.0 kg·m2) was higher (323 mg·kg−1 and 180 mg·kg−1) in comparison with the groups of people with normal body weight and those grade 2 underweight (<16.9 kg·m2): 191 mg·kg−1 and 103 mg·kg−1 respectively. The highest level of K (317 mg·kg−1) was found in the hair of people classed as grade 2 underweight. The body mass index caused no differentiation in the content of Mg in hair. Positive correlations were found between Ca-Na, Ca-Mg and Na-Mg and between the BMI of the subjects and the content of Ca in hair (R = 0.163; p < 0.01) and between the BMI and the content of Na (R = 0.191; p < 0.01). On the other hand, a negative relation between K and the BMI was correlated only to an infinitesimal degree (R = −0.030, p < 0.01). The results point to a relationship between the body mass index and the content of Ca, Na and K in the hair of adults.
High Dose Pomegranate Extract Suppresses Neutrophil Myeloperoxidase and Induces Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model of Sepsis
Authors: Tavasoli Sanaz , Eghtesadi Shahryar , Vafa Mohamadreza , Moradi-Lakeh Maziar , Sadeghipour Alireza , Zarnani Amir-Hassan
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Introduction: The effect of using high dose pomegranate extract on sepsis and its safety is not clarified. Considering the fact that proper immune and inflammatory responses are needed to cope with infection, the aim of current study was to assess the effect of high dose pomegranate extract consumption on oxidative and inflammatory responses after disease induction in rat model of sepsis. Methods: Sepsis was induced by Cecal Ligation and Perforation (CLP) surgery. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups of eight animals: Sham; CLP and POMx [consumed POMx (250 mg of pomegranate fruit extract/kg/day) for four weeks before CLP]. Results: Peritoneal neutrophil myeloperoxidase activity was significantly lower in POMx compared with Sham and CLP groups ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Although antioxidant enzymes were higher in POMx group after sepsis induction, lower serum total antioxidant status (TAS) (p < 0.01 compared with both CLP and Sham groups) and higher liver thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels were observed in this group ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, compared with Sham and CLP groups, respectively). Conclusion: High dose POMx consumption prior to sepsis induction, suppressed the vital function of neutrophils in early hours after sepsis initiation, resulting in higher oxidative stress. These findings indicate that caution should be made in using high dose pomegranate products. The main message of current study is that such useful compounds as antioxidants including pomegranate juice which have beneficial effects on general health status may have detrimental effects if misused or used in high doses.
Food Insecurity is positively related to Dietary Inflammatory Index in Iranian high school girls
Authors: Daneshzad Elnaz , Ghorabi Sima , Hasani Hossein , Omidian Mahsa , Jane Pritzl Thelma , Yavari Parvaneh
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Aim: To determine the association between food insecurity and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) in high school girls. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 525 students aged 14–18 years in northern Iran. Dietary assessment was performed using a validated and reliable 147-food item questionnaire. DII was calculated on the basis of 30 available food parameters from this FFQ based on the standard means. The USDA 18-item standard food security questionnaire was used to assess the food security status. Linear regression was performed to determine the association between DII and food insecurity, with DII considered as an outcome and food security score as an exposure. Results: The average age of students was 16.13 ± 0.97 year. Mean BMI and menarche age was 22.64 ± 4.62 kg/m2 and 12.59 ± 1.09 year. The mean value of DII was −0.003 ± 1.72. Food insecurity prevalence was 40.8%. Protein, and vitamin D and B12 intake were lower in the food insecure group (P < 0.05). Energy intake, total fat and saturated fatty acid (SFA) were higher in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile of DII (P < 0.05). Carbohydrate, protein, fiber, magnesium, zinc, folate, selenium, vitamin A, B6, and C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and tea intake were lower in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile of DII (P < 0.05). There was a positive significant association between DII and food security status. Conclusion: It seems there is an association between DII and food security status. However, further well-designed studies in a different population are suggested.
Prevalence of low serum vitamin B12 in Mexican children and women: results from the first National Nutrition Survey (1999) as a basis for interventions and progress
Authors: Anaya-Loyola Miriam A. , Brito Alex , Villalpando Salvador , Allen Lindsay H.
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Serum samples from the 1999 Mexico National Nutrition Survey (NNS) were analyzed to determine the prevalence of low serum B12 concentrations, identify factors related with low values including B12 intake, and importantly, to provide a baseline for monitoring progress in reducing deficiency. Samples for B12 were available from 488 children and 464 women, a sub-sample of the nationally representative 1999 NNS. The national overall prevalence of low (<200 pg/mL) and marginal (200 to 300 pg/mL) serum B12 was 25.6% and 21.0%, respectively. Adolescent girls had the lowest serum B12 concentrations (325 ± 308 pg/mL) and the prevalence of deficiency was 40% in pregnant women even using a lower cut-point (<135 pg/mL). Residents of rural areas and the South, population groups with poorest socioeconomic status, and illiterate and indigenous women had the lowest serum B12 Children and women who met dietary recommendations for B12 intake had higher serum B12 than those who did not. Overall 45.9% of intakes fell below the Estimated Adequate Requirement. Dietary B12 intake of children and women was directly correlated with serum B12 (r = 0.18, p < 0.001 and r = 0.11, p = 0.0304). The prevalence of marginal and deficient B12 status in 1999 was much higher than the most recently published national data suggesting the success of national policies to improve micronutrient status.
Vitamin E and Selenium Reduce Prednisolone Side Effects in Rat Hearts
Authors: Bardas Ebru , Arslan Yusuf Kemal , Polat Seher , Erisir Mine , Uslu Gözde Atila , Cetin Nihal , Cicek Betul
Published: April 2019

Abstract. Aim of this work was to determine the effects of dietary intake vitamin E and Se on lipid peroxidation (LPO) as Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and on the antioxidative defense mechanisms in heart tissues of rats treated with high doses of prednisolone. 250 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups and fed with normal diet. Additionally groups 3, 4, and 5 received a daily supplement in their drinking water of 20 mg vitamin E, 0.3 mg Se, and a combination of vitamin E and Se (20 mg/ 0.3 mg), respectively, for 30 days. For 3 d subsequently, control group was treated with placebo, and remaining four groups were injected intramuscularly with 100 mg/kg prednisolone. After last administration of prednisolone, 10 rats from each group were killed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of GSH and TBARS were measured. GSH-Px, CAT activities and GSH levels decreased starting from 4th hour to 48% and 65% of control levels by 24th hour, respectively and it reincreased to control levels at 48th hour in the prednisolone group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). In addition, prednisolone administration led 2-fold increase in heart TBARS levels at 24th hour (p < 0.001). E vitamins and Se inhibited the increase in heart TBARS and the decrease in antioxidative enzymes levels. Therefore, It is concluded that vitamin E and Se may have a preventive role in decreasing the increase of TBARS caused by prednisolone administration in our study.
Sprachförderung mit Bewegung
Authors: Erhorn Jan , Axt Karoline , Brandes Björn
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die Thematik einer Sprachbildung und Sprachförderung von Vorschulkindern, die Deutsch als Zweitsprache lernen, besitzt eine hohe Aktualität und Relevanz. Im Rahmen bestehender Konzepte, in denen Spiel und Bewegung für die Sprachförderung genutzt werden, sind die sprachanregenden und ggf. sprachförderlichen Interaktionen zwischen Kind und sprachfähiger Bezugsperson jedoch empirisch und konzeptionell vernachlässigt. Daher wurde im Rahmen des vom BMBF geförderten Angebots „Die offene Bewegungshalle“ für drei- bis sechsjährige Kinder mit Deutsch als Zweitsprache eine videografische Untersuchung dieser Interaktionen durchgeführt. Dabei wurden die Kategorien „Kontaktaufnahme“, „Herstellen und Aufrechterhalten eines Handlungszusammenhangs“ und „Einsatz von Sprachförder- und Unterstützungshandlungen“ ermittelt und ausgearbeitet. Die spezifische Handlungsstruktur einer Sprachförderung mit Bewegung wird mit Hilfe von zwei Fallbeispielen illustriert und in ein Modell überführt.
Bewegung als Ressource für die Arbeitsfähigkeit pädagogischer Fachkräfte in Kindertageseinrichtungen
Authors: Schumann Maria , Mauz Elvira , Voss Anja
Published: April 2019

Zusammenfassung. Kindertageseinrichtungen werden bislang wenig auf ihre bewegungsförderlichen Potenziale für pädagogische Fachkräfte befragt, obwohl die Bedeutung von Bewegung als Medium zur Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention unumstritten und wissenschaftlich vielfach belegt ist. Der Beitrag widmet sich der Frage nach dem Wechselverhältnis von körperlicher Aktivität bzw. Bewegung und der Arbeitsfähigkeit von pädagogischen Fachkräften am Arbeitsplatz Kita und basiert auf Daten der STEGE-Studie zur Strukturqualität und Erzieher_innengesundheit in Nordrhein-Westfalen (NRW) ( Viernickel, Voss, Mauz & Schumann, 2014 ). Die Studie liefert erstmalig empirische Ergebnisse über den Zusammenhang zwischen den Arbeitsbedingungen in Kindertageseinrichtungen und der Gesundheit und Arbeitsfähigkeit von pädagogischen Fachkräften, die auf repräsentativen Daten basieren. Abschließend werden Ansatzpunkte für eine bewegungsfördernde Gestaltung des Arbeitsplatzes Kita skizziert.
Seasonality of Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Upper Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Bif Mariana B. , Hansell Dennis A.
Published: April 2019

From seasonal cruises in the NE Pacific Ocean during 2017, we (1) determined dissolved organic carbon concentrations; (2) calculated net community production (NCP) from nitrate drawdown; and (3) established relationships between NCP and seasonal dissolved organic carbon (DOC) accumulation in the upper 75 m. The fraction of NCP that accumulated as DOC, hereafter referred to as the net dissolved production ratio, was calculated for several stations during spring and summer. The net dissolved production ratio was about 0.26 at the oceanic station Ocean Station Papa during different seasons and years. Using nitrate concentration profiles obtained from Bio‐Argo floats during 2009–2018 operating near Ocean Station Papa, we calculated NCP at high temporal resolution and then applied the 0.26 constant in order to (4) estimate DOC variability for the 9‐year period. We found strong seasonality near Ocean Station Papa, with NCP maxima during summers ranging from 0.3 to 2.9 mol C/m2 and surface DOC concentrations estimated from 56 μmol/kg in winters to 73 μmol/kg in summers. There was a 10‐fold interannual variability in the seasonally accumulated inventory of DOC, ranging from 0.078 to 0.75 mol C/m2. This study reinforces the value of deploying floats equipped with chemical sensors in order to better understand marine biogeochemical cycles, especially when high resolution data cannot be obtained otherwise. Given that ~26% of NCP accumulates as DOC in the central Gulf of Alaska, the remaining balance of ~74% is available for export as sinking biogenic particles.
The Tropical Transition in the Western North Pacific: The Case of Tropical Cyclone Peipah (2007)
Authors: Chang Minhee , Ho Chang‐Hoi , Chan Johnny C. L. , Park Myung‐Sook , Son Seok‐Woo , Kim Jinwon
Published: April 2019

This study examines the transition of an extratropical disturbance to a tropical cyclone (TC), Peipah (2007), in the western North Pacific (WNP), using reanalysis and geostationary satellite data. Instead of regular diurnal fluctuations of deep convection, the pre‐TC disturbance accompanies deep convection only for short durations every other day. When the pre‐TC vorticity is traced back to 7 days prior to its formation, the traced‐back vorticity indicates a strong potential vorticity (PV) trough in the subtropical upper troposphere that originated from the midlatitude lower stratosphere. The quasi‐geostrophic forcing and reduced static stability at the leading edge of the PV trough result in the formation of an extratropical disturbance. The vertical structure of the extratropical disturbance shows maximum vorticity in the upper troposphere and cold temperature anomaly within it throughout the entire troposphere. As the extratropical disturbance moved into the tropical WNP, deep convection associated with quasi‐geostrophic dynamics over the warm ocean initiated tropical transition of the extratropical disturbance to a TC through diabatic redistribution of PV in the tropospheric column as well as transition of the cold anomaly into a warm anomaly within the vortex. With additional contribution of barotropic energy conversion in the lower troposphere, the warm‐core low system finally developed into a TC‐strength vortex. These results indicate that PV troughs of the stratospheric origin over the subtropical Pacific Ocean can contribute to TC formations in the WNP.
Multiple‐Wavelet Coherence of World's Large Rivers With Meteorological Factors and Ocean Signals
Authors: Su Lu , Miao Chiyuan , Duan Qingyun , Lei Xiaohui , Li Hu
Published: April 2019

Streamflow is controlled by multiple factors concurrently. However, the multivariate relationship between global streamflow and meteorological factors/ocean signals is rarely explored at different temporal scales. Determining a suite of factors that explain most of the variations in global streamflow at multiple scales will be of great significance for water‐resource management and prediction. Temporally dependent multivariate relationships between streamflow and meteorological factors/ocean signals in 16 of the world's large rivers were identified using wavelet transform coherence and multiple‐wavelet coherence. Prior to that, the continuous wavelet transform was used to detect temporal patterns in streamflow. The continuous wavelet transform results showed that significant annual oscillations occurred in all streamflow series over the study period, either with continuous annual periodicity or with intermittent breaks. Oscillations with periodicities of around 4 to 6 months were also found in many rivers. A comparison of the results from the wavelet transform coherence and multiple‐wavelet coherence analyses indicated that streamflow variation could be best explained by one, two, or three meteorological factors. The combination of factors that best explained streamflow variations differed among the rivers, although total precipitation (PRE) or the number of rainy days (WET) either alone or in combination was a dominant factor for all rivers. The most common best predictor was PRE or/and WET combined with potential evapotranspiration. The differences in best predictor were due to differences in latitude, radiation forcing, terrain, vegetation coverage, hydrological processes, and so forth.
Highly Oxidizing Aqueous Environments on Early Mars Inferred From Scavenging Pattern of Trace Metals on Manganese Oxides
Authors: Noda Natsumi , Imamura Shoko , Sekine Yasuhito , Kurisu Minako , Fukushi Keisuke , Terada Naoki , Uesugi Soichiro , Numako Chiya , Takahashi Yoshio , Hartmann Jens
Published: April 2019

The Curiosity and Opportunity rovers have found depositions of manganese (Mn) (hydr)oxides within the veins of the sedimentary rocks at Gale and Endeavour craters. Since Mn is a redox sensitive element, revealing the chemical form of the Mn (hydr)oxide provides unique information on the redox state of the near‐surface/groundwater at the time of deposition. Here we report results of laboratory experiments that investigated scavenging patterns of trace metals (zinc, nickel, and chromium) on different Mn (hydr)oxides in order to constrain the chemical form of the Mn precipitates found on Mars. Our results show manganese dioxide (MnO2) scavenges zinc and nickel effectively but not for chromium. The agreement of this scavenging pattern with the observations strongly suggests that the Mn (hydr)oxides found on Mars are highly likely to be MnO2. To form MnO2, oxidizing aqueous environments are required (e.g., Eh > 0.5 V at pH ~ 8). The candidates of the oxidant include molecular oxygen, ozone, nitrates, and perchlorate acids; all of which are considered to be produced by photochemical processes. The presence of MnO2 veins in sediments suggests that such atmospheric high‐Eh oxidants may have been supplied to the subsurface, possibly through hydrological cycles activated by transient warming.
Disentangling and Parameterizing Shallow Sources of Subsidence: Application to a Reclaimed Coastal Area, Flevoland, the Netherlands
Authors: Fokker Peter A. , Gunnink Jan L. , Koster Kay , de Lange Ger
Published: April 2019

The natural surface area of many coastal and delta plains has been increased by land reclamation in response to growing populations. These reclaimed lands are often experiencing subsidence. The reclaimed South Flevopolder in the coastal plain of the Netherlands has experienced severe subsidence after its reclamation in 1968. The subsidence is caused by phreatic groundwater level lowering and the associated aeration of the former subaqueous shallow subsurface and increased effective stresses. In this study, surface elevation measurements that quantify the subsidence, conducted annually between 1968 and 1993, and in 2009 and 2012, have been used to constrain and estimate the parameters in models that describe subsidence. For the estimation an Ensemble Smoother with Multiple Data Assimilation was employed. For the forward models, we employed correlations for compression (primary consolidation and creep), oxidation, and shrinkage of coastal deposits. Shrinkage of the aerated clay and organic clay layers was found to be the main contributor to subsidence, and the measurements could be represented well. The quantification of the model parameters allows for better subsidence forecasts. The stochastic method that was employed further facilitates to define a quality measure for forecasts in terms of a covariance matrix or a confidence range.
On the Dynamics of Two‐Component Convective Dissolution in Porous Media
Authors: Jafari Raad Seyed Mostafa , Hassanzadeh Hassan , Ennis‐King Jonathan
Published: April 2019

We studied the influence of the diffusion contrast between species on the dynamics of Rayleigh‐Bénard (RB) convection in porous media. The onset time of buoyancy‐driven instabilities and convective dissolution flux was quantified using linear stability analysis and direct numerical simulations. The parametric analysis indicates eight distinct instability regions. Different stability mechanisms were characterized over the given range of diffusivity and relative buoyancy ratios. In particular, transition from instabilities solely by double diffusion to RB convection was identified using linear stability analysis and confirmed using nonlinear simulations. The parametric analysis on the onset also indicates that double diffusion has a potential to accelerate or slow down the RB convection depending on the solutes diffusion contrast. This study provides new insight into the effect of diffusion contrast and can be used to develop strategies for acceleration and deceleration of buoyancy‐driven instabilities.
Crustal and Upper Mantle Structure of the Tien Shan Orogenic Belt From Full‐Wave Ambient Noise Tomography
Authors: Lü Ziqiang , Gao Haiying , Lei Jianshe , Yang Xiaotao , Rathnayaka Sampath , Li Cong
Published: April 2019

In order to have a better understanding of the lithosphere formation and modification of the Tien Shan orogenic belt, we construct a well‐defined shear wave velocity model of the crust and upper mantle with full‐wave ambient noise tomographic method. High‐quality empirical Green's functions at periods of 7–200 s are extracted from the cross correlation of the vertical component of continuous seismic data at 108 stations during 2012–2014. Our tomographic results show remarkable velocity variations between and within the major tectonic units from the crust down to the upper mantle. We observe very slow upper crust beneath the Tarim and Junggar sedimentary basins. The interior of the Tarim Basin shows strong seismic heterogeneities. The high‐velocity mantle lithosphere of the Tarim Basin underthrusts northward toward the central Tien Shan. Lithosphere underthrusting could trigger intrusion of hot mantle material and partial melting, in correspondence with the prominent low‐velocity anomalies observed in the lower crust and uppermost mantle of the central Tien Shan. In contrast, the connected high‐velocity upper mantle structure from Tarim Basin across eastern Tien Shan to Junggar Basin may reflect the convergent effect between the Tarim and Junggar Basins, which consequently prevents the asthenosphere upwelling. We observe low‐velocity anomalies in the upper mantle of the western Tien Shan, indicating continental crust of the Eurasia lithosphere that has been subducted toward the western Tien Shan. The observed structural variations along the Tien Shan orogenic belt suggest different tectonic mechanisms for the lithosphere formation and modification of the three segments along strike.
Vanadium disulfide flakes with nanolayered titanium disulfide coating as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Lu , Li Zhaodong , Yoshimura Anthony , Sun Congli , Wang Tianmeng , Chen Yanwen , Chen Zhizhong , Littlejohn Aaron , Xiang Yu , Hundekar Prateek , Bartolucci Stephen F. , Shi Jian , Shi Su-Fei , Meunier Vincent , Wang Gwo-Ching , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: April 2019

Unlike the vast majority of transition metal dichalcogenides which are semiconductors, vanadium disulfide is metallic and conductive. This makes it particularly promising as an electrode material in lithium-ion batteries. However, vanadium disulfide exhibits poor stability due to large Peierls distortion during cycling. Here we report that vanadium disulfide flakes can be rendered stable in the electrochemical environment of a lithium-ion battery by conformally coating them with a ~2.5 nm thick titanium disulfide layer. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the titanium disulfide coating is far less susceptible to Peierls distortion during the lithiation-delithiation process, enabling it to stabilize the underlying vanadium disulfide material. The titanium disulfide coated vanadium disulfide cathode exhibits an operating voltage of ~2 V, high specific capacity (~180 mAh g−1 @200 mA g−1 current density) and rate capability (~70 mAh g−1 @1000 mA g−1), while achieving capacity retention close to 100% after 400 charge−discharge steps.
Biosynthesis of DHGA12 and its roles in Arabidopsis seedling establishment
Authors: Liu Hao , Guo Siyi , Lu Minghua , Zhang Yu , Li Junhua , Wang Wei , Wang Pengtao , Zhang Junli , Hu Zhubing , Li Liangliang , Si Lingyu , Zhang Jie , Qi Qi , Jiang Xiangning , Botella José Ramón , Wang Hua , Song Chun-Peng
Published: April 2019

Seed germination and photoautotrophic establishment are controlled by the antagonistic activity of the phytohormones gibberellins (GAs) and abscisic acid (ABA). Here we show that Arabidopsis thaliana GAS2 (Gain of Function in ABA-modulated Seed Germination 2), a protein belonging to the Fe-dependent 2-oxoglutarate dioxygenase superfamily, catalyzes the stereospecific hydration of GA12 to produce GA12 16, 17-dihydro-16α-ol (DHGA12). We show that DHGA12, a C20-GA has an atypical structure compared to known active GAs but can bind to the GA receptor (GID1c). DHGA12 can promote seed germination, hypocotyl elongation and cotyledon greening. Silencing and over-expression of GAS2 alters the ABA/GA ratio and sensitivity to ABA during seed germination and photoautotrophic establishment. Hence, we propose that GAS2 acts to modulate hormonal balance during early seedling development.
The role of platelets in mediating a response to human influenza infection
Authors: Koupenova Milka , Corkrey Heather A. , Vitseva Olga , Manni Giorgia , Pang Catherine J. , Clancy Lauren , Yao Chen , Rade Jeffrey , Levy Daniel , Wang Jennifer P. , Finberg Robert W. , Kurt-Jones Evelyn A. , Freedman Jane E.
Published: April 2019

Influenza infection increases the incidence of myocardial infarction but the reason is unknown. Platelets mediate vascular occlusion through thrombotic functions but are also recognized to have immunomodulatory activity. To determine if platelet processes are activated during influenza infection, we collected blood from 18 patients with acute influenza infection. Microscopy reveals activated platelets, many containing viral particles and extracellular-DNA associated with platelets. To understand the mechanism, we isolate human platelets and treat them with influenza A virus. Viral-engulfment leads to C3 release from platelets as a function of TLR7 and C3 leads to neutrophil-DNA release and aggregation. TLR7 specificity is confirmed in murine models lacking the receptor, and platelet depletion models support platelet-mediated C3 and neutrophil-DNA release post-influenza infection. These findings demonstrate that the initial intrinsic defense against influenza is mediated by platelet–neutrophil cross-communication that tightly regulates host immune and complement responses but can also lead to thrombotic vascular occlusion.
Nanostructured polymer films with metal-like thermal conductivity
Authors: Xu Yanfei , Kraemer Daniel , Song Bai , Jiang Zhang , Zhou Jiawei , Loomis James , Wang Jianjian , Li Mingda , Ghasemi Hadi , Huang Xiaopeng , Li Xiaobo , Chen Gang
Published: April 2019

Due to their unique properties, polymers – typically thermal insulators – can open up opportunities for advanced thermal management when they are transformed into thermal conductors. Recent studies have shown polymers can achieve high thermal conductivity, but the transport mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Here we report polyethylene films with a high thermal conductivity of 62 Wm−1 K−1, over two orders-of-magnitude greater than that of typical polymers (~0.1 Wm−1 K−1) and exceeding that of many metals and ceramics. Structural studies and thermal modeling reveal that the film consists of nanofibers with crystalline and amorphous regions, and the amorphous region has a remarkably high thermal conductivity, over ~16 Wm−1 K−1. This work lays the foundation for rational design and synthesis of thermally conductive polymers for thermal management, particularly when flexible, lightweight, chemically inert, and electrically insulating thermal conductors are required.
Microfluidic multipoles theory and applications
Authors: Goyette Pierre-Alexandre , Boulais Étienne , Normandeau Frédéric , Laberge Gabriel , Juncker David , Gervais Thomas
Published: April 2019

Microfluidic multipoles (MFMs) have been realized experimentally and hold promise for “open-space” biological and chemical surface processing. Whereas convective flow can readily be predicted using hydraulic-electrical analogies, the design of advanced microfluidic multipole is constrained by the lack of simple, accurate models to predict mass transport within them. In this work, we introduce the complete solutions to mass transport in multipolar microfluidics based on the iterative conformal mapping of 2D advection-diffusion around a simple edge into dipoles and multipolar geometries, revealing a rich landscape of transport modes. The models are validated experimentally with a library of 3D printed devices and found in excellent agreement. Following a theory-guided design approach, we further ideate and fabricate two classes of spatiotemporally reconfigurable multipolar devices that are used for processing surfaces with time-varying reagent streams, and to realize a multistep automated immunoassay. Overall, the results set the foundations for exploring, developing, and applying open-space microfluidic multipoles.
Generation of spatiotemporally tailored terahertz wavepackets by nonlinear metasurfaces
Authors: Keren-Zur Shay , Tal Mai , Fleischer Sharly , Mittleman Daniel M. , Ellenbogen Tal
Published: April 2019

The past two decades have witnessed an ever-growing number of emerging applications that utilize terahertz (THz) waves, ranging from advanced biomedical imaging, through novel security applications, fast wireless communications, and new abilities to study and control matter in all of its phases. The development and deployment of these emerging technologies is however held back, due to a substantial lack of simple methods for efficient generation, detection and manipulation of THz waves. Recently it was shown that uniform nonlinear metasurfaces can efficiently generate broadband single-cycle THz pulses. Here we show that judicious engineering of the single-emitters that comprise the metasurface, enables to obtain unprecedented control of the spatiotemporal properties of the emitted THz wavepackets. We specifically demonstrate generation of propagating spatiotemporal quadrupole and few-cycles THz pulses with engineered angular dispersion. Our results place nonlinear metasurfaces as a new promising tool for generating application-tailored THz fields with controlled spatial and temporal characteristics.
Enzymatic synthesis of lignin derivable pyridine based polyesters for the substitution of petroleum derived plastics
Authors: Pellis Alessandro , Comerford James W. , Weinberger Simone , Guebitz Georg M. , Clark James H. , Farmer Thomas J.
Published: April 2019

Following concerns over increasing global plastic pollution, interest in the production and characterization of bio-based and biodegradable alternatives is rising. In the present work, the synthesis of a series of fully bio-based alternatives based on 2,4-, 2,5-, and 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid-derived polymers produced via enzymatic catalysis are reported. A similar series of aromatic-aliphatic polyesters based on diethyl-2,5-furandicarboxylate and of the petroleum-based diethyl terephthalate and diethyl isophthalate were also synthesized. Here we show that the enzymatic synthesis starting from 2,4-diethyl pyridinedicarboxylate leads to the best polymers in terms of molecular weights (Mn = 14.3 and Mw of 32.1 kDa when combined with 1,8-octanediol) when polymerized in diphenyl ether. Polymerization in solventless conditions were also successful leading to the synthesis of bio-based oligoesters that can be further functionalized. DSC analysis show a clear similarity in the thermal behavior between 2,4-diethyl pyridinedicarboxylate and diethyl isophthalate (amorphous polymers) and between 2,5-diethyl pyridinedicarboxylate and diethyl terephthalate (crystalline polymers).
Proteomic analysis of human mesenchymal stromal cell secretomes: a systematic comparison of the angiogenic potential
Authors: Kehl Debora , Generali Melanie , Mallone Anna , Heller Manfred , Uldry Anne-Christine , Cheng Phil , Gantenbein Benjamin , Hoerstrup Simon P. , Weber Benedikt
Published: April 2019

Human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) secretomes have shown to influence the microenvironment upon injury, promoting cytoprotection, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. The angiogenic potential is of particular interest for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Interestingly, hMSC secretomes isolated from different tissue sources have shown dissimilarities with respect to their angiogenic profile. This study compares angiogenesis of hMSC secretomes from adipose tissue (hADSCs), bone marrow (hBMSCs), and umbilical cord Wharton’s jelly (hWJSCs). hMSC secretomes were obtained under xenofree conditions and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). Biological processes related to angiogenesis were found to be enriched in the proteomic profile of hMSC secretomes. hWJSC secretomes revealed a more complete angiogenic network with higher concentrations of angiogenesis related proteins, followed by hBMSC secretomes. hADSC secretomes lacked central angiogenic proteins and expressed most detected proteins to a significantly lower level. In vivo all secretomes induced vascularization of subcutaneously implanted Matrigel plugs in mice. Differences in secretome composition were functionally analyzed with monocyte and endothelial cell (EC) in vitro co-culture experiments using vi-SNE based multidimensional flow cytometry data analysis. Functional responses between hBMSC and hWJSC secretomes were comparable, with significantly higher migration of CD14++ CD16− monocytes and enhanced macrophage differentiation compared with hADSC secretomes. Both secretomes also induced a more profound pro-angiogenic phenotype of ECs. These results suggest hWJSCs secretome as the most potent hMSC source for inflammation-mediated angiogenesis induction, while the potency of hADSC secretomes was lowest. This systematic analysis may have implication on the selection of hMSCs for future clinical studies.
One-step synthesis of a steel-polymer wool for oil-water separation and absorption
Authors: Abdulhussein Ali T. , Kannarpady Ganesh K. , Biris Alexandru S.
Published: April 2019

Methods for the efficient and affordable remediation of oil spills and chemical leaks are crucially needed in today’s environment. In this study, we have developed a simple, magnetic, porous material based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and steel wool (SW) that can fulfill these needs. The PDMS-SW presented here is superhydrophobic, superoleophilic, and capable of absorbing and separating oils and organic solvents from water. The material is mechanically and chemically stable, even in salty environments, and can be magnetically guided. It exhibits good selectivity, recyclability, and sorption capacity, and can quickly and continuously absorb and remove large amounts of oils and organic solutions from stationary and turbulent water. In addition, PDMS-SW’s inherently high porosity enables direct, gravity-driven oil-water separation with permeate flux as high as ~32,000 L/m2·h and separation efficiency over 99%. The solution immersion process used to prepare the material is easily scalable and requires only a single step. Thus, with its demonstrated combination of affordability, efficiency, and ease of use, PDMS-SW has the potential to meet the demands of large-area oil and chemical clean-ups.
CXCL12-CXCR4 pathway activates brown adipocytes and induces insulin resistance in CXCR4-deficient mice under high-fat diet
Authors: Kurita Kenichi , Ishikawa Ko , Takeda Kenji , Fujimoto Masanori , Ono Hiraku , Kumagai Jin , Inoue Hiromi , Yokoh Hidetaka , Yokote Koutaro
Published: April 2019

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a role in energy expenditure and is involved in nutrient metabolism. C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)-CXCR4 pathway regulates the immune, nervous, and cardiovascular systems and affects the adipose tissue. Here, we investigated the role of this pathway as an activator of BAT. Uncoupling protein 1 mRNA and protein levels and oxygen consumption increased in the brown adipocytes treated with 100 nM CXCL12 peptide. CXCL12-mediated upregulation in P38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) levels was reduced by each inhibitor. Thus, the CXCL12-CXCR4 pathway activated the brown adipocytes through P38 and ERK that acted downstream of this pathway. Mice with CXCR4 defects only in the brown adipocytes were generated and fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Body weight and blood glucose after glucose injection increased in these mice. Long-term exposure to HFD deteriorated blood glucose level after glucose injection. Insulin sensitivity was exacerbated in the knockout mice fed with HFD. Serum lipid parameters and CXCL12 level in knockout mice were similar to those in control mice. These results suggest that the CXCL12-CXCR4 pathway induces brown adipocyte activity and affects nutrient metabolism under HFD load.
Publisher Correction: Pattern of Altered Plasma Elemental Phosphorus, Calcium, Zinc, and Iron in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ashraf Azhaar , Stosnach Hagen , Parkes Harold G. , Hye Abdul , Powell John ,   for the AddNeuroMed consortium, Soinine Hilkka , Tsolaki Magda , Vellas Bruno , Lovestone Simon , Aarsland Dag , Kloszeweska Iwona , Mecocci Patrizia , Wahland Lars-Olaf , So Po-Wah
Published: April 2019

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
An experimentally validated approach to calculate the blood-brain barrier permeability of small molecules
Authors: Wang Yukun , Gallagher Erin , Jorgensen Christian , Troendle Evan P. , Hu Dan , Searson Peter C. , Ulmschneider Martin. B.
Published: April 2019

Drug development for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases is extremely challenging, in large part due to the difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here we develop and experimentally validate a newin silicomethod to predict quantitatively the BBB permeability for small-molecule drugs. We show accurate prediction of solute permeabilities at physiological temperature using high-temperature unbiased atomic detail molecular dynamics simulations of spontaneous drug diffusion across BBB bilayers. These simulations provide atomic detail insights into the transport mechanisms, as well as converged kinetics and thermodynamics. The method is validated computationally against physiological temperature simulations for fast-diffusing compounds, as well as experimentally by direct determination of the compound permeabilities using a transwell assay as anin vitroBBB model. The overall agreement of the predicted values with both direct simulations at physiological temperatures and experimental data is excellent. This new tool has the potential to replace current semi-empiricalin silicoscreening andin vitropermeability measurements in CNS drug discovery.
Estrogen receptor beta enhances chemotherapy response of GBM cells by down regulating DNA damage response pathways
Authors: Zhou Mei , Sareddy Gangadhara R. , Li Mengxing , Liu Jinyou , Luo Yiliao , Venkata Prabhakar Pitta , Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi , Tekmal Rajeshwar R. , Brenner Andrew , Vadlamudi Ratna K.
Published: April 2019

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most commonly diagnosed brain tumor that exhibit high mortality rate and chemotherapy resistance is a major clinical problem. Recent studies suggest that estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), may function as a tumor suppressor in GBM. However, the mechanism(s) by which ERβ contributes to GBM suppression and chemotherapy response remains unknown. We examined the role of ERβ in the DNA damage response of GBM cells, and tested whether ERβ sensitizes GBM cells to chemotherapy. Cell viability and survival assays using multiple epitope tagged ERβ expressing established and primary GBM cells demonstrated that ERβ sensitizes GBM cells to DNA damaging agents including temozolomide (TMZ). RNA-seq studies using ERβ overexpression models revealed downregulation of number of genes involved in DNA recombination and repair, ATM signaling and cell cycle check point control. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested that ERβ–modulated genes were correlated negatively with homologous recombination, mismatch repair and G2M checkpoint genes. Further, RT-qPCR analysis revealed that chemotherapy induced activation of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis genes were attenuated in ERβKO cells. Additionally, ERβ overexpressing cells had a higher number of γH2AX foci following TMZ treatment. Mechanistic studies showed that ERβ plays an important role in homologous recombination (HR) mediated repair and ERβ reduced expression and activation of ATM upon DNA damage. More importantly, GBM cells expressing ERβ had increased survival when compared to control GBM cells in orthotopic GBM models. ERβ overexpression further enhanced the survival of mice to TMZ therapy in both TMZ sensitive and TMZ resistant GBM models. Additionally, IHC analysis revealed that ERβ tumors had increased expression of γH2AX and cleaved caspase-3. Using ERβ-overexpression and ERβ-KO GBM model cells, we have provided the evidence that ERβ is required for optimal chemotherapy induced DNA damage response and apoptosis in GBM cells.
Social Network Position Moderates the Relationship between Late-life Depressive Symptoms and Memory Differently in Men and Women
Authors: Kim Hairin , Kwak Seyul , Kim Junsol , Youm Yoosik , Chey Jeanyung
Published: April 2019

Late-life depression has been considered to be associated with memory deficits and hippocampal volume reduction. Considering that not all depression patients undergo the same amount of cognitive impairment or regional brain volume loss, moderating factors such as complex mental activity and social activity have been examined to assess whether these factors attenuate the detrimental impact of depressive symptoms on cognitive function and regional brain volume. However, the premise that a cognitively stimulating experience may modify the association between depressive symptoms and memory or hippocampal volume has not been investigated using social network data, which would reflect individuals’ concrete characteristic of everyday social activity. In a social network, a brokerage position which connects two otherwise unconnected others demands mental and physical efforts. Using complete social network data in an entire village in South Korea, we examined whether opportunities for brokerage in social networks alter the negative association between depressive symptoms and episodic memory function or hippocampal volume in older adults. Initially, 125 participants were included in the analysis involving episodic memory function. Then, of which 65 participants completed the MRI scan, and were included in the subsequent analysis containing the hippocampal volume. Furthermore, we investigated the gender-specific effect of brokerage based on the previously reported gender difference in the effect of social networks. We found a gender-specific moderating effect of brokerage. For men, a large opportunity for brokerage weakened the negative association between depressive symptoms and memory performance and left hippocampal volume. In contrast, women showed that a large opportunity for brokerage was not beneficial for assuaging the impact of depressive symptoms on memory performance and hippocampal volume. In women, the opportunity for brokerage was positively associated with the detrimental impact of depressive symptoms on memory performance and hippocampal volume. Our findings suggest that occupying a bridging position in a social network may minimize the impact of depressive symptoms on memory function and hippocampal volume among older men, whereas the opposite holds true for older women.
Bedrock-alluvial streams with knickpoint and plunge pool that migrate upstream with permanent form
Authors: Zhang Li , Iwasaki Toshiki , Li Tiejian , Fu Xudong , Wang Guangqian , Parker Gary
Published: April 2019

Purely alluvial rivers cannot sustain knickpoints along their long profiles, as they would be obliterated by diffusional morphodynamics. Bedrock streams with a partial alluvial cover, however, form and sustain slope breaks over long periods of time. Here we consider the case of an initial profile of a bedrock-alluvial stream with a sharp slope break, or knickpoint, from high to low midway. We show that if the initial flow is sufficiently Froude-supercritical in the upstream reach and Froude-subcritical in the downstream reach, a three-tiered structure can evolve at the slope break: a hydraulic jump at the water surface; a scour hole in the alluvium above the bedrock, and a plunge pool carved into bedrock. Once the profile adjusts to balance uplift, it can migrate upstream without changing form.
The in vitro host cell immune response to bovine-adapted Staphylococcus aureus varies according to bacterial lineage
Authors: Murphy Mark P. , Niedziela Dagmara A. , Leonard Finola C. , Keane Orla M.
Published: April 2019

Mastitis is the most economically important disease affecting dairy cattle worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus is a highly prevalent cause of mastitis, causing infections ranging from sub-clinical to gangrenous. However, the interaction between the genotype of the infecting strain of S. aureus and the host response remains largely uncharacterised. To better understand the variation in presentation and outcomes of S. aureus-mediated bovine mastitis, we studied the interaction of a panel of mastitis isolates from several prominent bovine-associated lineages with bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) and neutrophils. Significant differences in immune gene expression by infected primary or immortalised bMEC, or their elaboration of neutrophil chemoattractants, were observed and were dependent on the lineage of the infecting strain. Differences were also apparent in the invasiveness of S. aureus strains and their ability to survive killing by neutrophils. Our results demonstrate that a range of immune responses occur, suggesting the importance of S. aureus strain in dictating mastitis disease course. S. aureus lineages may therefore have adopted differing strategies for exploitation of the intramammary niche. Consequently, improved diagnosis of infecting lineage may enable better prognosis for S. aureus mastitis and reduce morbidity and economic loss.
p27/Kip1 functions as a tumor suppressor and oncoprotein in osteosarcoma
Authors: Currier Arthur W. , Kolb E. A. , Gorlick Richard G. , Roth Michael E. , Gopalakrishnan Vidya , Sampson Valerie B.
Published: April 2019

The p27/kip1 (p27) tumor suppressor inhibits cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) complexes and halts cell cycle progression. p27 further regulates invasion and migration in cancer cells, suggesting p27 also functions as an oncoprotein. Using a human osteosarcoma tissue microarray we identified high expression of cytoplasmic p27 in metastatic tumors. We demonstrated a positive correlation between mRNA and protein expression of p27 and expression of key metastatic markers, vimentin, snail-2, β-catenin and stathmin-1 (STMN1) in patient tumors. Our results show that T198 phosphorylation of p27 controls the interaction between p27 and STMN1 that regulates microtubule stabilization and the invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells. We found that anti-tumoral activity of gemcitabine and the Wee1 kinase inhibitor AZD1775 in osteosarcoma cells, was dependent on drug sequencing that relied on p27 stabilization. Gemcitabine activated caspase-3 and synergized with AZD1775 through caspase-mediated cleavage of p27, that dissociated from STMN1 and effectively induced apoptosis. Further, blockage of nuclear export of p27 by inhibition of Exportin-1 (XPO1) promoted growth arrest, demonstrating that the biological effects of agents relied on the expression and localization of p27. Together, these data provide a rationale for combining chemotherapy with agents that promote p27 tumor suppressor activity for the treatment of osteosarcoma.