bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar epidermal anatomy of Lamiaceae with special emphasis on their trichomes diversity using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Gul Saba , Ahmad Mushtaq , Zafar Muhammad , Bahadur Saraj , Sultana Shazia , Ashfaq Shomaila , Ullah Fazal , Kilic Omer , Hassan Fayyaz ul , Siddiq Zafar
Published: January 2019

Foliar epidermal features were based on the micromorphology of trichomes types, epidermal cells and stomatal complex. Even though each feature has its own limited taxonomic value but collectively these characteristics may be systematically important especially for the discrimination and identification of complex and problematic taxa. The systematics significance of nonglandular (NGTs) and glandular trichomes (GTs), stomatal complex and epidermal cells of Lamiaceous flora were analyzed by using the light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Variations on the observed epidermal appendages were divided into two basic types: glandular and nonglandular. GTs can be divided into subtypes: sessile capitate, subsessile capitate, and barrel and sunken. NGTs were also divided into subtypes: dendritic, stellate, conical, falcate, simple and 1–6 cells long having granulate and smooth surface ornamentation. NGTs were the most dominant features of both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of all observed taxa. Vitex negundo, Isodon rugosus, Colebrookea oppositifolia, and Marrubium vulgare could be demarked because of their twisted like appearance of NGTs at the abaxial surface. The Lamiaceae had both hypostomatic and amphistomatic leaf. Stomata were observed as diacytic, anisocytic, and anomocytic. Epidermal cells were found to be irregular, isodiametric, and rectangular. Based on these characters a taxonomic key was developed to delimit the closely related taxa. Distribution and morphology of the foliar epidermal trichomes through SEM highlight an important taxonomic tool used by the taxonomists as an aid to the correct identification of problematic Lamiaceae taxa.
Maximising ‐colourings of graphs
Authors: Guggiari Hannah , Scott Alex
Published: January 2019

For graphs and , an ‐colouring of is a map such that . The number of ‐colourings of is denoted by . We prove the following: for all graphs and , there is a constant such that, if , the graph maximises the number of ‐colourings among all connected graphs with vertices and minimum degree . This answers a question of Engbers. We also disprove a conjecture of Engbers on the graph that maximises the number of ‐colourings when the assumption of the connectivity of is dropped. Finally, let be a graph with maximum degree . We show that, if does not contain the complete looped graph on vertices or as a component and , then the following holds: for sufficiently large, the graph maximises the number of ‐colourings among all graphs on vertices with minimum degree . This partially answers another question of Engbers.
Cyanoacetamide Intermediate in Heterocyclic Synthesis: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Hitherto New Dioxoisoindoline Heterocyclic Derivatives
Authors: Fadda Ahmed A. , Bayoumy Nesma M. , Soliman Nanees N. , Eldiasty Doaa M.
Published: January 2019

Innovative poly‐substituted heterocyclic rings incorporating dioxoisoindoline (2–25) were synthesized through the reaction of dioxoisoindoline derivative 2 as starting compound with various types of reagents. All compounds were characterized by appropriate means of (1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, IR, and mass). The prepared compounds were evaluated as antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans microorganisms. The tested compounds exhibited low to moderate antibacterial activities and promising results as antifungal agents.
A Convenient One‐pot Synthesis of N‐Fused 1,2,4‐Triazoles via Oxidative Cyclization Using Trichloroisocyanuric Acid
Authors: Bhatt Ashish , Singh Rajesh K. , Kant Ravi
Published: January 2019

A facile one‐pot synthesis of N‐fused 1,2,4‐triazoles from heterocyclic hydrazines and aldehydes is reported. The reaction is efficiently promoted by trichloroisocyanuric acid to afford the desired products mostly in high yields and in relatively short time. The mild nature of the synthesis and short reaction time are notable advantages of the developed protocol. This protocol is effective toward various substrates having different functionalities.
Frontline Science: Monocytes sequentially rewire metabolism and bioenergetics during an acute inflammatory response
Authors: Zhu Xuewei , Meyers Allison , Long David , Ingram Brian , Liu Tiefu , Yoza Barbara K , Vachharajani Vidula , McCall Charles E
Published: January 2019

Metabolism directs the severe acute inflammatory reaction of monocytes to guard homeostasis. This occurs by sequentially activating anabolic immune effector mechanisms, switching to immune deactivation mechanisms and then restoring immunometabolic homeostasis. Nuclear sirtuin 1 and mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase metabolically drive this dynamic and are druggable targets that promote immunometabolic resolution in septic mice and increase survival. We used unbiased metabolomics and a validated monocyte culture model of activation, deactivation, and partial resolution of acute inflammation to sequentially track metabolic rewiring. Increases in glycogenolysis, hexosamine, glycolysis, and pentose phosphate pathways were aligned with anabolic activation. Activation transitioned to combined lipid, protein, amino acid, and nucleotide catabolism during deactivation, and partially subsided during early resolution. Lipid metabolic rewiring signatures aligned with deactivation included elevated n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and increased levels of fatty acid acylcarnitines. Increased methionine to homocysteine cycling increased levels of s-adenosylmethionine rate-limiting transmethylation mediator, and homocysteine and cysteine transsulfuration preceded increases in glutathione. Increased tryptophan catabolism led to elevated kynurenine and de novo biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide from quinolinic acid. Increased branched-chain amino acid catabolism paralleled increases in succinyl-CoA. A rise in the Krebs cycle cis-aconitate-derived itaconate and succinate with decreased fumarate and acetyl-CoA levels occurred concomitant with deactivation and subsided during early resolution. The data suggest that rewiring of metabolic and mitochondrial bioenergetics by monocytes sequentially activates, deactivates, and resolves acute inflammation.

We show how monocytes sequentially rewire metabolism and bioenergetics as acute inflammation progresses from initial activation to catabolic deactivation, to early resolution.
Genetic variants in IFIH1 and DDX58 influence hepatitis C virus clearance in Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Bo , Zhuo Ling‐Yun , Yue Ming , Liu Mei , Zang Feng , Fan Hao‐Zhi , Wu Jing‐Jing , Xia Xue‐Shan , Zhang A‐Mei , Yu Rong‐Bin , Huang Peng
Published: January 2019

Aims

To investigate the association between two RIG‐I‐like receptor gene polymorphisms and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Chinese Han population.

Methods

The current study genotyped two selected SNPs (IFIH1 rs3747517 and DDX58 rs9695310) using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay to assess their association with the susceptibility and clinical outcome of HCV infection among 3065 participants (1545 non‐HCV infection individuals, 568 spontaneous HCV clearance cases, and 952 persistent infection patients).

Results

IFIH1 rs3747517 (dominant model: Adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07‐1.68; P = 0.009) and DDX58 rs9695310 (dominant model: Adjusted OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.15‐1.78; P = 0.001) were associated with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). And the risk of CHC increased when people were carrying more unfavorable rs3747517‐GA/AA and rs9695310‐GC/CC genotypes from zero to two with the chronic rates of 56.72%, 59.38%, and 69.01%, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusion

Genetic variations at IFIH1 rs3747517 and
DDX58 rs9695310 were independent predictors of chronic hepatitis C in Chinese Han population.
Activity center selection by northern spotted owls
Authors: Sovern Stan G. , Lesmeister Damon B. , Dugger Katie M. , Pruett M. Shane , Davis Raymond J. , Jenkins Julianna M.
Published: January 2019

The federally threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) has been intensively studied across its range, and habitat needs for the species have influenced forest management in northwestern North America for decades. Dense forest canopies are often reported in the scientific literature and agency management plans as an important habitat attribute for spotted owls, though the means of measuring forest canopy and interpreting species requirements vary across studies and more importantly, among management plans. We used light detection and ranging (lidar) measurements of canopy cover, canopy surface heterogeneity, and upper canopy surface connectivity, and an index of the presence of a competitive invasive species, the barred owl (S. varia), in multinomial discrete choice models using a Bayesian framework to evaluate selection of forest cover types by spotted owls in Oregon, USA, 2008–2015. We designated yearly activity centers based on the most biologically significant observation during the nesting season (Mar–Aug), generally centered on the nest tree. Spotted owls selected activity centers with more canopy cover and higher heterogeneity of the canopy surface within 100 m than was available within their territories. The average proportion of canopy cover within 100 m of a spotted owl activity center was 0.79 ± 0.12 (SD; range = 0.34–0.99). The presence of barred owls did not explain variability in selection of spotted owl activity centers, but barred owls might not affect third‐order habitat selection within territories, or our index was too spatially coarse to detect these effects on spotted owl resource selection. We demonstrate that lidar provides researchers and managers with a tool that can accurately measure forest canopies over large areas, and assist in mapping spotted owl habitat. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Application of amniotic membrane for covering mastoid cavity in canal wall down mastoidectomy
Authors: Faramarzi Mohammad , Kaboodkhani Reza , Roosta Sareh , Azarpira Negar , Shishegar Mahmood , Bahranifard Hajar
Published: January 2019

Objective

Prevention of granulation tissue formation and acceleration of epithelialization of the mastoid cavity in canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy by use of amniotic membrane (AM) as a biologic dressing.

Study Design

Prospective and randomized study.

Methods

During CWD mastoidectomy, an inferiorly base musculoperiosteal flap was rotated into the cavity. In order to coverage of this flap, the AM (75 ears) or the temporalis fascia (control group, 73 ears) was used. The times for mastoid cavity epithelialization were compared in both groups.

Results

In the AM group, duration of complete epithelialization of the cavity was 41.4 ± 7.7 days, whereas in the control group it was 59.2 ± 9.1 days. Duration of time for complete epithelialization in the AM group was shorter than in the control group, which was significant (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The use of AM in CWD mastoidectomy is beneficial in minimizing postoperative epithelialization time.

Level of Evidence

1b

Laryngoscope, 129:1453–1457, 2019
Vestibular atelectasis: Myth or reality?
Authors: Eliezer Michael , Attyé Arnaud , Guichard Jean‐Pierre , Vitaux Hélène , Guillonnet Antoine , Toupet Michel , Herman Philippe , Kania Romain , Houdart Emmanuel , Hautefort Charlotte
Published: January 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Because delayed post‐contrast three‐dimensional fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery imaging sequences enable the distinction between the utricle and the saccule, we raised the hypothesis that patients with vestibular atelectasis (VA) could show unilateral collapse of the utricle and the ampullas on imaging.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 200 patients who underwent 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after intravenous administration of gadolinium. MRI scans were assessed for the presence of VA. The endolymphatic space was considered as collapsed when the utricle and at least two ampullas were not visible or were barely visible.

Results

We reported four patients with VA on MRI responsible for atypical clinical presentations of acute vestibular deficit. All patients presented a specific involvement of the pars superior sensory captors (utricle, ampullas), preserving the pars inferior sensory captors (cochlea and saccule). This was confirmed both clinically and on MRI.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to describe in vivo unilateral collapse of the pars superior on delayed postcontrast MRI in patients with a clinical unilateral vestibular loss.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 129:1689–1695, 2019
Bell Palsy and the Risk of Cardio‐Cerebrovascular Disease: A Population‐Based Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Kim Jong‐Yeup , Kim Myoung Suk , Kim Myeong Hee , Kim Dong‐Kyu , Yu Myeong Sang
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate the risk of cardio‐cerebrovascular disease (CCVD), such as ischemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in patients diagnosed with Bell palsy

Study Design

Population‐based follow‐up study.

Methods

We used the National Sample Cohort 2002 to 2013 data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service. The Bell palsy group comprised all patients diagnosed with Bell palsy (n = 730). The comparison group comprised patients selected randomly using propensity score matching (n = 1,460). The Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, log‐rank test, and Cox proportional‐hazards regression models were used to calculate the disease‐free survival rate and hazard ratio (HR) of CCVD for each group.

Results

Of the total study population, ischemic stroke developed in 15.7% of patients with Bell palsy and 9% of patients in the comparison group during the 12‐year follow‐up period. After adjusting for other factors, the HR of ischemic stroke during the 12‐year follow‐up period was 1.84 times greater in the Bell palsy group than in the comparison group (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–2.36). However, the adjusted HR of developing ischemic stroke for patients with Bell palsy treated concurrently with antiviral agents and steroids was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.62.–2.04). There was no significant relationship between Bell palsy and risk of AMI development (HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.71–1.82).

Conclusion

Bell palsy is linked with an increased incidence of ischemic stroke. Our data suggest that Bell palsy may be used as an indicator of increased stroke risk, and concurrent treatment with antiviral agents and steroids may be effective in preventing ischemic stroke.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:2371–2377, 2019
Ultra‐Sharp Multimode Waveguide Bends with Subwavelength Gratings
Authors: Wu Hao , Li Chenlei , Song Lijia , Tsang Hon‐Ki , Bowers John E. , Dai Daoxin
Published: January 2019

Mode‐division multiplexing (MDM) is attractive to enhance the link capacity of optical interconnects by using multiple mode‐channels in multimode bus waveguides. As sharp waveguide bends are very important for realizing dense photonic integrated circuits, here ultra‐sharp multimode waveguide bends for MDM systems are proposed and demonstrated by using subwavelength grating waveguide structures on silicon. An ultra‐sharp S‐bend with a radius of 10 µm is realized for the first time to enable a low‐loss and low‐crosstalk MDM optical interconnect with three mode‐channels. For this proposed ultra‐sharp subwavelength grating multimode waveguide bend (SMWB) with a 90° bending angle, the theoretical excess losses for the TE0, TE1, and TE2 modes are 0.1–0.3 dB, 0.18–0.22 dB, and 0.3–0.5 dB, respectively, in a wavelength band of 1500–1600 nm. Meanwhile, inter‐mode crosstalks are very low (less than −30 dB) for all mode‐channels. For the fabricated 90°‐SMWB, the excess losses for the TE0, TE1, and TE2 modes are 0.1–0.3 dB, 0.2–0.4 dB, and 0.3–0.7 dB while the inter‐mode crosstalk is approximately −22 dB in a wavelength band of 1520–1600 nm. The proposed SMWB is also extended for more than three mode‐channels.
Developing Polybenzoxazine Composites Based on Various Carbon Structures
Authors: Bîru Elena Iuliana , Gârea Sorina Alexandra , Iovu Horia
Published: January 2019

The synthesis of composite materials based on various carbon structures and polybenzoxazines (PBZs) gives products with noticeable thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. The role of different carbon materials is emphasized in terms of the main advantages in both structure and properties. On the other hand, the PBZ features are significant considering the high glass transition temperatures, low flammability, high char yields, and good thermal stability. This review article describes the synthesis, structure, and properties of polybenzoxazine composites based on carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, and other carbonaceous materials. Particular attention is given to the interactions possible to occur between the polybenzoxazine matrix and carbon component.
DOPO‐Based Phosphorus‐Containing Methacrylic (Co)Polymers: Glass Transition Temperature Investigation
Authors: Bier Frédéric , Six Jean‐Luc , Durand Alain
Published: January 2019

A two‐step synthetic procedure is designed for preparing new flame‐retardant methacrylic monomers containing 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) as a substituent side group. DOPO and methacrylate moieties are linked by linear aliphatic hydrocarbon spacers (3 to 11 carbon atoms). Copolymerization with methyl methacrylate is carried out leading to copolymers containing between 2 and 10 wt% phosphorus. All homo‐ and copolymers exhibit a unique glass transition temperature (Tg
). A new group contribution for DOPO‐based substituent is extracted that leads to reasonable estimations of Tg
s of other published polymers. The Fox equation provides a good estimation of Tg
s for most copolymers and for physical blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and DOPO. When using monomers having three and four carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon spacer, the Tg
of copolymers remains close to that of PMMA over a wide range of composition.
Rare copy number variants contribute pathogenic alleles in patients with intestinal malrotation
Authors: Salehi Karlslätt Karin , Pettersson Maria , Jäntti Nina , Szafranski Przemyslaw , Wester Tomas , Husberg Britt , Ullberg Ulla , Stankiewicz Pawel , Nordgren Ann , Lundin Johanna , Lindstrand Anna , Nordenskjöld Agneta
Published: January 2019

Background

Intestinal malrotation is a potentially life‐threatening congenital anomaly due to the risk of developing midgut volvulus. The reported incidence is 0.2%–1% and both apparently hereditary and sporadic cases have been reported. Intestinal malrotation is associated with a few syndromes with known genotype but the genetic contribution in isolated intestinal malrotation has not yet been reported. Rare copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated in many congenital anomalies, and hence we sought to investigate the potential contribution of rare CNVs in intestinal malrotation.

Methods

Analysis of array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) data from 47 patients with symptomatic intestinal malrotation was performed.

Results

We identified six rare CNVs in five patients. Five CNVs involved syndrome loci: 7q11.23 microduplication, 16p13.11 microduplication, 18q terminal deletion, HDAC8 (Cornelia de Lange syndrome type 5 and FOXF1) as well as one intragenic deletion in GALNT14, not previously implicated in human disease.

Conclusion

In the present study, we identified rare CNVs contributing pathogenic or potentially pathogenic alleles in five patients with syndromic intestinal malrotation, suggesting that CNV screening is indicated in intestinal malrotation with associated malformations or neurological involvements. In addition, we identified intestinal malrotation in two known syndromes (Cornelia de Lange type 5 and 18q terminal deletion syndrome) that has not previously been associated with gastrointestinal malformations.
3D Modeling of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐bound Receptor Systems
Authors: Roy Urmi
Published: January 2019

The interactions between the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptor molecule are responsible for various signaling networks that are central to the functioning of human immune homeostasis. The present work is a computational study of certain structural aspects of this cell‐signaling protein, specifically focusing on the molecular level analyses of the TNF receptor (TNF‐R), guided by its crystallographic structure. We also examine the possible binding sites of the TNF onto TNF‐R, and the associated interactions. The structural and conformational variations in the TNF‐R and TNF bound TNF‐R systems are examined in this context using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The time dependent variations of the dimeric TNF‐R structures are compared with, and shown to be steadier than their isolated monomers. This dimeric stability is favored under acidic conditions. The results are used to further illustrate how 3D modeling and computer simulations can aid the structure‐based approach to probing a ligand‐receptor system.
On convergence and complexity of the modified forward‐backward method involving new linesearches for convex minimization
Authors: Kankam Kunrada , Pholasa Nattawut , Cholamjiak Prasit
Published: January 2019

In optimization theory, convex minimization problems have been intensively investigated in the current literature due to its wide range in applications. A major and effective tool for solving such problem is the forward‐backward splitting algorithm. However, to guarantee the convergence, it is usually assumed that the gradient of functions is Lipschitz continuous and the stepsize depends on the Lipschitz constant, which is not an easy task in practice. In this work, we propose the modified forward‐backward splitting method using new linesearches for choosing suitable stepsizes and discuss the convergence analysis including its complexity without any Lipschitz continuity assumption on the gradient. Finally, we provide numerical experiments in signal recovery to demonstrate the computational performance of our algorithm in comparison to some well‐known methods. Our reports show that the proposed algorithm has a good convergence behavior and can outperform the compared methods.
Impact of varying planning parameters on proton pencil beam scanning dose distributions in four commercial treatment planning systems
Authors: Alshaikhi Jailan , Doolan Paul J. , D'Souza Derek , Holloway Stacey McGowan , Amos Richard A. , Royle Gary
Published: January 2019

Purpose

In pencil beam scanning proton therapy, target coverage is achieved by scanning the pencil beam laterally in the x‐ and y‐directions and delivering spots of dose to positions at a given radiological depth (layer). Dose is delivered to the spots on different layers by pencil beams of different energy until the entire volume has been irradiated. The aim of this study is to investigate the implementation of proton planning parameters (spot spacing, layer spacing and margins) in four commercial proton treatment planning systems (TPSs): Eclipse, Pinnacle3, RayStation and XiO.

Materials and Methods

Using identical beam data in each TPS, plans were created on uniform material synthetic phantoms with cubic targets. The following parameters were systematically varied in each TPS to observe their different implementations: spot spacing, layer spacing and margin. Additionally, plans were created in Eclipse to investigate the impact of these parameters on plan delivery and optimal values are suggested.

Results

It was found that all systems except Eclipse use a variable layer spacing per beam, based on the Bragg peak width of each energy layer. It is recommended that if this cannot be used, then a constant value of 5 mm will ensure good dose homogeneity. Only RayStation varies the spot spacing according to the variable spot size with depth. If a constant spot spacing is to be used, a value of 5 mm is recommended as a good compromise between dose homogeneity, plan robustness and planning time. It was found that both Pinnacle3 and RayStation position spots outside of the defined volume (target plus margin).

Conclusions

All four systems are capable of delivering uniform dose distributions to simple targets, but their implementation of the various planning parameters is different. In this paper comparisons are made between the four systems and recommendations are made as to the values that will provide the best compromise in dose homogeneity and planning time.
QSAR studies of phenylhydrazine‐substituted tetronic acid derivatives based on the 1H NMR and 13C NMR chemical shifts
Authors: Chen Min , Lu Ai‐Min , Hu Ying , Yang Chun‐Long
Published: January 2019

The quantitative structure–activity relationship models of 40 phenylhydrazine‐substituted tetronic acid derivatives were established between the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C NMR chemical shifts and the antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, Rhizoctonia cerealis, and Colletotrichum capsici. The models were validated by R, R2, RA2, variance inflation factor, F, and P values testing and residual analysis. It was concluded from the models that the 13C NMR chemical shifts of C8, C10, C7, and the 1H NMR chemical shifts of Ha contributed positively to the activity against Fusarium graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum capsici, and Rhizoctonia cerealis, respectively. The models indicated that decreasing the election cloud density of specific nucleuses in compounds, for example, by the substituting of electron withdrawing groups, would improve the antifungal activity. These models demonstrated the practical application meaning of chemical shifts in the quantitative structure–activity relationship study. Furthermore, a practical guide was provided for further structural optimization of the antifungal phenylhydrazine‐substituted tetronic acid derivatives based on the 1H NMR and 13C NMR chemical shifts.
A membrane protein, TMCO5A, has a close relationship with manchette microtubules in rat spermatids during spermiogenesis
Authors: Kaneko Takane , Minohara Taisuke , Shima Sakurako , Yoshida Kaori , Fukuda Atsuko , Iwamori Naoki , Inai Tetsuichiro , Iida Hiroshi
Published: January 2019

We isolated the transmembrane and coiled‐coil domains 5A (Tmco5A) gene using polymerase chain reaction‐based subtraction technique and showed that Tmco5A was predominantly expressed in rat testes starting at 4 weeks of postnatal development. When expressed in COS7 cells, TMCO5A was found to be distributed in the endoplasmic reticulum‐nuclear membrane (ER‐NM) of cells as a membrane‐associated protein, while TMCO5AΔC lacking the transmembrane region (TM) mislocalized and diffused throughout the cytoplasm. The result suggested that TM is responsible for the retention of TMCO5A at the ER‐NM. Immunocytochemical and immunoblotting analyses indicated that TMCO5A was localized along the posterior part of the nuclei in both round and elongated rat spermatids but disappeared from epididymal spermatozoa. Double immunolabeling of isolated spermatids with the anti‐TMCO5A and the anti‐β tubulin antibodies showed that TMCO5A was always found to be closely associated with developing manchette microtubules but did not completely colocalize with them. On the other hand, we found that almost all TMCO5A colocalized with SUN4, a linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex protein present at the posterior part of spermatid nuclei. These data suggested that TMCO5A is located closer to the nuclei than the manchette microtubules. It is likely that TMCO5A, in association with manchette microtubules, is involved in the process of spermiogenesis.
Nontargeted metabolomic analysis of skeletal muscle in a dehydroepiandrosterone‐induced mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Shen Qiyang , Bi Hai , Yu Fuhai , Fan Liting , Zhu Menliang , Jia Xiao , Kang Jihong
Published: January 2019

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy and an important metabolic disorder in women of reproductive age. Insulin resistance (IR) is one of its most important clinical features in patients with PCOS. Androgen excess‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to skeletal muscle IR in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)‐induced PCOS mice. The effect of androgen excess on the skeletal muscle, however, is incompletely characterized. A nontargeted metabolomics approach was thus applied to analyze the metabolites in skeletal muscle of DHEA‐induced PCOS mice. Data from metabolomic analysis revealed the significant changes in 32 metabolites and the marked impact of five metabolic pathways. ATP production was also found to be significantly reduced in skeletal muscle of DHEA mice. Combined with the quantification of type I and II myofibers and lipid measurement in the skeletal muscle of the mice, the results from the present study supported the role of mitochondrial impairment rather than lipid accumulation in the pathogenesis of skeletal muscle IR in DHEA‐induced PCOS mice. In summary, we show here for the first time the profile of the metabolites in the skeletal muscle of DHEA‐induced PCOS mice which exhibit IR. The work would help better understand the pathology of skeletal muscle IR in PCOS.
Implicit–explicit schemes for nonlinear nonlocal equations with a gradient flow structure in one space dimension
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Inzunza Daniel , Mulet Pep , Villada Luis Miguel
Published: January 2019

Nonlinear convection–diffusion equations with nonlocal flux and possibly degenerate diffusion arise in various contexts including interacting gases, porous media flows, and collective behavior in biology. Their numerical solution by an explicit finite difference method is costly due to the necessity of discretizing a local spatial convolution for each evaluation of the convective numerical flux, and due to the disadvantageous Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) condition incurred by the diffusion term. Based on explicit schemes for such models devised in the study of Carrillo et al. a second‐order implicit–explicit Runge–Kutta (IMEX‐RK) method can be formulated. This method avoids the restrictive time step limitation of explicit schemes since the diffusion term is handled implicitly, but entails the necessity to solve nonlinear algebraic systems in every time step. It is proven that this method is well defined. Numerical experiments illustrate that for fine discretizations it is more efficient in terms of reduction of error versus central processing unit time than the original explicit method. One of the test cases is given by a strongly degenerate parabolic, nonlocal equation modeling aggregation in study of Betancourt et al. This model can be transformed to a local partial differential equation that can be solved numerically easily to generate a reference solution for the IMEX‐RK method, but is limited to one space dimension.
Neutrophil elastase plays a non‐redundant role in remodeling the venular basement membrane and neutrophil diapedesis post‐ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Voisin Mathieu‐Benoit , Leoni Giovanna , Woodfin Abigail , Loumagne Laure , Patel Nimesh SA , Di Paola Rosanna , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Thiemermann Christoph , Perretti Mauro , Nourshargh Sussan
Published: January 2019

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a severe inflammatory insult associated with numerous pathologies, such as myocardial infarction, stroke and acute kidney injury. I/R injury is characterized by a rapid influx of activated neutrophils secreting toxic free radical species and degrading enzymes that can irreversibly damage the tissue, thus impairing organ functions. Significant efforts have been invested in identifying therapeutic targets to suppress neutrophil recruitment and activation post‐I/R injury. In this context, pharmacological targeting of neutrophil elastase (NE) has shown promising anti‐inflammatory efficacy in a number of experimental and clinical settings of I/R injury and is considered a plausible clinical strategy for organ care. However, the mechanisms of action of NE, and hence its inhibitors, in this process are not fully understood. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the impact of NE genetic deletion on neutrophil infiltration in four murine models of I/R injury as induced in the heart, kidneys, intestine and cremaster muscle. In all models, neutrophil migration into ischemic regions was significantly suppressed in NE−/− mice as compared with wild‐type controls. Analysis of inflamed cremaster muscle and mesenteric microvessels by intravital and confocal microscopy revealed a selective entrapment of neutrophils within venular walls, most notably at the level of the venular basement membrane (BM) following NE deletion/pharmacological blockade. This effect was associated with the suppression of NE‐mediated remodeling of the low matrix protein expressing regions within the venular BM used by transmigrating neutrophils as exit portals. Furthermore, whilst NE deficiency led to reduced neutrophil activation and vascular leakage, levels of monocytes and prohealing M2 macrophages were reduced in tissues of NE−/− mice subjected to I/R. Collectively our results identify a vital and non‐redundant role for NE in supporting neutrophil breaching of the venular BM post‐I/R injury but also suggest a protective role for NE in promoting tissue repair. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Thermal aging influence on the damage mechanisms of fully recycled composite‐reinforced polypropylene/polyethylene blend
Authors: Meftah Hassen , Tamboura Sahbi , Fitoussi Joseph , BenDaly Hachmi , Tcharkhtchi Abbas
Published: January 2019

The main aim of this work is to study the effect of thermal aging on damage mechanisms of a totally recycled composite. The studied material was elaborated by injection molding from a mixture of both recycled matrix (polypropylene‐polyethylene blend) and reinforcement (short carbon fibers). Damage mechanisms analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscope (in situ three point bending tests performed on specimens taken at different times of oxidation under different temperatures: 120, 130, and 140°C. Damage mechanisms were identified for different material states. It was shown that thermal aging affects the fiber–matrix interfacial zone while good adhesion between the reinforcement and the matrix was observed for the virgin sample. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis was performed at the local scale in a representative zone of the tensile area. Representative local damage indicators were defined. Results display clearly that damage evolutions always begin during the induction period. Thermal aging effect was then analyzed through the comparison of damage thresholds and kinetics for different material states after different times of oxidation. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3342–3350, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electron Beam Irradiation to Recrosslink Devulcanized Sulfur Cured Rubber Blended Polypropylene
Authors: Loo Kheng‐Hooi , Sin Lee Tin , Bee Soo‐Tueen , Ratnam C. T. , Bee Soo‐Ling , Tee Tiam‐Ting , Rahmat A. R.
Published: January 2019

This study aims to investigate the effect electron beam (EB) irradiation on the polypropylene/devulcanized sulfur cured rubber (PP‐DVC) compound. The PP‐DVC compounds were compounded using twin‐screw extruder and then compression molded into required shapes before irradiation begins. The gel content of all irradiated PP‐DVC compounds gradually increased with higher irradiation dose indicated that the presence of DVC plays an important role in crosslinking enhancement. The mechanical properties of PP‐DVC compounds were observed marginally higher at low irradiation dosages (≤50 kGy). However, higher irradiation dosages up to 200 kGy cause adverse effect to the PP‐DVC compounds. In addition, the application of low irradiation dosage could enhance the dispersion of DVC particles at 20 phr composition in PP matrix. This also found that the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation where the DVC particles dispersed better in PP matrix compared to that of nonirradiated samples. Further increment in irradiation dosages up to 200 kGy reduced the crystallinity caused by chain scissoring process could rupture the crystalline structure in PP matrix. It was also found that the wavenumber of the CH and CH2 groups for irradiated samples reduced at high irradiation dosages due to the formation of carbonyl group. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1017–1027, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sustainable self‐healing elastomers with thermoreversible network derived from biomass via emulsion polymerization
Authors: Sahu Pranabesh , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: January 2019

Motivated by the growing demand for greener and sustainable polymer systems, self‐healing elastomers were prepared by emulsion polymerization of terpene and furfural‐based monomers. Both the method and the monomers were green and sustainable. The synthesized copolymers showed molecular weights between 59,080 and 84,210 Da and glass‐transition temperature (Tg) between −25 and −40 °C, implying rubbery properties. A set of one‐dimensional (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy supported the formation of the copolymer and nuclear spin–spin coupling in the copolymer. Reactivity ratios were determined by conventional linear method. A thermoreversible network was achieved for the first time by reacting the furan‐based polymer with bismaleimide (BM) as a crosslinker, via a Diels−Alder (DA) coupling reaction. The reversible nature of the polymer network was evidenced from infrared and NMR spectroscopy. The thermoreversible character of the DA crosslinked adduct was confirmed by applying retro‐DA reaction (observed in differential scanning calorimeter [DSC] analysis) and mechanical recovery was verified by repeated heating and cooling cycles. The network polymers displayed excellent self‐healing ability, triggered by heating at 130 °C for 4–12 h, when their scratched surface was screened by microscopic visualization. The healing efficiency of the crosslinked DA‐adduct was calculated as 78%, using atomic force microscopy. This work provides a green and efficient approach to prepare new green and functional materials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 738–751
Synthesis and properties evaluation of quaternized polyurethanes as antibacterial adhesives
Authors: Hu Pin , Greiner Andreas , Agarwal Seema
Published: January 2019

We present new side‐chain quaternized polyurethanes as antibacterial adhesives made by polyaddition polymerization followed by quaternization for different time intervals. The degree of quaternization of N‐diol units in the polymer is changed from 13.6 to 99.0 mol % (almost complete) for tuning the antibacterial action (leaching/contact type) and studying effect on adhesive strength. The degree of quaternization of about 26 mol % provided the nonleaching antibacterial effect with adhesive strength more than 60 N cm−2 on aluminum and glass substrates. The increase in the degree of quaternization enhanced polymer polarity shifting nonleaching (contact type) antibacterial behavior to the leaching type but maintaining the high adhesive strengths. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 752–757
Chest ultrasound findings in children with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Heuvelings Charlotte C. , Bélard Sabine , Andronikou Savvas , Jamieson‐Luff Norme , Grobusch Martin P. , Zar Heather J.
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Chest ultrasound is increasingly used for the diagnosis of pediatric lung disease but there are limited data for its use in pediatric pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

Aim

To describe chest ultrasound findings in children with suspected PTB.

Methods

Consecutive children, presenting with suspected PTB to a tertiary children's hospital in Cape Town between July 2014 and March 2016, were enrolled in this cohort study. Children were categorized into three groups based on microbiological and clinical features; confirmed PTB (microbiologically confirmed), unconfirmed PTB (clinical diagnosis only), and unlikely PTB (respiratory disease not due to PTB). A clinician, blinded to categorization, performed chest and mediastinal ultrasound for consolidation, pleural gaps, pleural effusions, B‐lines or enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes at enrolment and 1, 3, and 6 months thereafter. Two readers interpreted the ultrasounds independently.

Results

One hundred seventy children (median age 26.6 months) were enrolled; 40 (24%) confirmed PTB, 85 (50%) unconfirmed PTB, and 45 (26%) unlikely PTB. In children with confirmed PTB, pleural effusion was more common (30% vs 9% in unlikely PTB, P = 0.024), mediastinal lymph nodes were larger (median size 1.5 cm vs 1.0 cm in unlikely PTB, P = 0.027), resolution of consolidation occurred less commonly at 1‐month follow‐up (24% vs 67% unlikely TB, P = 0.014) and the proportional size reduction of a consolidation was lower (44% vs 80% in unlikely PTB, P = 0.009). Inter‐reader agreement was perfect to moderate.

Conclusion

Chest ultrasound identified abnormalities suggestive of PTB with a high inter‐reader agreement. Consolidation showed slower resolution in children with confirmed PTB.
Urinary Proteomics as a Tool to Identify Kidney Responders to Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibition: A Hypothesis‐Generating Analysis from the MARLINA‐T2D Trial
Authors: Siwy Justyna , Klein Thomas , Rosler Marcel , von Eynatten Maximilian
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious complication of hyperglycemia and treatment options to slow its progression are scarce. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors are common glucose‐lowering drugs in type 2 diabetes (T2D). Among these, linagliptin has been suggested to exert kidney protective effects. It is investigated whether an effect of linagliptin on kidney function could be unmasked by characterizing the urinary proteome profile (UPP) in albuminuric T2D individuals.

Experimental design

Participants of the MARLINA‐T2D trial (NCT01792518) are randomized 1:1 to receive either linagliptin 5 mg or placebo for 24 weeks. A previously developed proteome‐based classifier, CKD273, is assessed.

Results

Results confirm a significant correlation between CKD273 and clinical kidney parameters as well as with eGFR decline. Patient stratification using CKD273 at baseline, show a trend toward attenuation of renal function loss in high CKD‐risk patients treated with linagliptin. Moreover, characterized are linagliptin affected peptides of which the majority contained a DPP‐4 target sequence.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

CKD273 is a promising tool for identifying patients at high risk for CKD progression and may unmask a potential of linagliptin to slow progressive kidney function loss in high CKD‐risk patients. UPP characterization reveals a significant impact of linagliptin on urinary peptides.
Investigation into the Temperature Adaptability of HNIW‐based PBXs
Authors: Lan Guanchao , Jin Shaohua , Jing Baochao , Chen Yu , Wang Dongxu , Li Jinxin , Wang Na , Chen Minglei
Published: January 2019

2,4,6,8,10,12‐Hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) based polymer bonded explosives (PBXs) were prepared through an aqueous suspension method using cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) or fluorine rubber F2311 as a binder. Then the variation rules of size, mass, surface micro‐topography, mechanical properties, thermal decomposition performance and mechanical sensitivity of the samples were investigated experimentally before and after high temperature (HT), low temperature (LT), high temperature cycle (HTC) and temperature shock (TS) tests, respectively. The results showed that the PBX columns, with the change rates of size and mass less than 1 %, were still at an acceptable level after temperature adaptability tests, and that the surface unevenness of the PBX samples followed the descending order of HT>HTC>LT>TS, which was in a good agreement with the order of mass loss. Moreover, the stability of the samples might be decreased by temperature adaptability tests, among which TS had the largest effect on both HNIW/CAB and HNIW/F2311. And a correlation between mechanical sensitivity and mechanical properties was found out through that the mechanical sensitivity of the PBXs stayed almost unchanged with a slight increase in the tensile strength of the columns after HTC whereas at least one sensitivity was increased markedly with the decline of the tensile strength after HT, LT or TS.
Dodecameric structure of a small heat shock protein from Mycobacterium marinum M
Authors: Bhandari Spraha , Biswas Sreeparna , Chaudhary Anuradha , Dutta Somnath , Suguna Kaza
Published: January 2019

Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are ATP‐independent molecular chaperones present ubiquitously in all kingdoms of life. Their low molecular weight subunits associate to form higher order structures. Under conditions of stress, sHSPs prevent aggregation of substrate proteins by undergoing rapid changes in their conformation or stoichiometry. Polydispersity and dynamic nature of these proteins have made structural investigations through crystallography a daunting task. In pathogens like Mycobacteria, sHSPs are immuno‐dominant antigens, enabling survival of the pathogen within the host and contributing to disease persistence. We characterized sHSPs from Mycobacterium marinum M and determined the crystal structure of one of these. The protein crystallized in three different conditions as dodecamers, with dimers arranged in a tetrahedral fashion to form a closed cage‐like architecture. Interestingly, we found a pentapeptide bound to the dodecamers revealing one of the modes of sHSP‐substrate interaction. Further, we have observed that ATP inhibits the chaperoning activity of the protein.
Biology and predation capacity of Parasitus bituberosus (Acari: Mesostigmata: Parasitidae) on Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and free‐living nematodes as its complementary prey
Authors: Rueda‐Ramírez Diana , Rios‐Malaver Diana , Varela‐Ramírez Amanda , Moraes Gilberto J
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Parasitus bituberosus is common in rose fields and nearby vegetation around Bogotá. In rearing units, it is often aggregated, feeding on Frankliniella occidentalis edaphic phases. Preliminary observations suggested predator immatures can not reach adulthood if isolated. The objectives were to evaluate the suitability of F. occidentalis as prey for P. bituberosus, to evaluate free‐living nematodes as complementary food, and to confirm the aggregation effect on predator biology. Aggregation types: (1) isolated mites, (2) mites paired only as deutonymphs and early adulthood, and (3) mites always paired. Diets: thrips (T), nematodes (N) and thrips + nematodes (NT).

RESULTS

Parasitus bituberosus juveniles did not feed on live F. occidentalis, but developed and oviposited on nematodes. Approximately 77% of the isolated mites died as immatures. Mortality was low (21–23%) when predators were paired at least in the deutonymph and the early adult phase. Female daily predation rates were comparable to other predators on F. occidentalis (≥2.5). Continuously paired mites had high biotic potential, especially when the diet included nematodes (rm ≥ 0.33; Ro ≥ 33.90; daily oviposition rate ≥ 10.9).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study warrant further investigation of this predator, to evaluate methods for its mass production, inclusion in conservation biocontrol programs and performance against the pest at a larger scale. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry