bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dictating Thermodynamic Control through Tethering: Applications to Stereoselective Bis‐Spiroketal Synthesis
Authors: Asari Austin H. , Floreancig Paul E.
Published: January 2020

Approaches to stereocontrol that invoke thermodynamic control fail when two or more potential products are energetically similar, but rational structural perturbations can be employed to break the energetic degeneracy and provide selective transformations. This manuscript illustrates that tethering is an effective approach for the stereoselective construction of bis‐spiroketals with thermodynamically similar stereoisomers, providing a new approach to set remote stereocenters and prepare complex structures that have not previously been accessed stereoselectively.
Dendrite‐Free Sodium Metal Anodes Enabled by a Sodium Benzenedithiolate‐Rich Protection Layer
Authors: Zhu Ming , Wang Guanyao , Liu Xing , Guo Bingkun , Xu Gang , Huang Zhongyi , Wu Minghong , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi‐Xue , Wu Chao
Published: January 2020

Sodium metal is an ideal anode material for metal rechargeable batteries, owing to its high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh g−1), low cost, and earth‐abundance. However, the dendritic growth upon Na plating, stemming from unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film, is a major and most notable problem. Here, a sodium benzenedithiolate (PhS2Na2)‐rich protection layer is synthesized in situ on sodium by a facile method that effectively prevents dendrite growth in the carbonate electrolyte, leading to stabilized sodium metal electrodeposition for 400 cycles (800 h) of repeated plating/stripping at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. The organic salt, PhS2Na2, is found to be a critical component in the protection layer. This finding opens up a new and promising avenue, based on organic sodium slats, to stabilize sodium metals with a protection layer.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Hydrogen‐Atom Transfer Induces Bicyclizations that Tolerate Electron‐Rich and Electron‐Deficient Intermediate Alkenes
Authors: Vrubliauskas Darius , Vanderwal Christopher D.
Published: January 2020

A novel CoII‐catalyzed polyene cyclization was developed that is uniquely effective when performed in hexafluoroisopropanol as the solvent. The process is presumably initiated by metal‐catalyzed hydrogen‐atom transfer (MHAT) to 1,1‐disubstituted or monosubstituted alkenes, and the reaction is remarkable for its tolerance of internal alkenes bearing either electron‐rich methyl or electron‐deficient nitrile substituents. Electron‐rich aromatic terminators are required in both cases. Terpenoid scaffolds with different substitution patterns are obtained with excellent diastereoselectivities, and the bioactive C20‐oxidized abietane diterpenoid carnosaldehyde was made to showcase the utility of the nitrile‐bearing products. Also provided are the results of several mechanistic experiments that suggest the process features an MHAT‐induced radical bicyclization with late‐stage oxidation to regenerate the aromatic terminator.
Construction of Hierarchical Hollow Co9S8/ZnIn2S4 Tubular Heterostructures for Highly Efficient Solar Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation
Authors: Zhang Guping , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei
Published: January 2020

Visible‐light‐responsive hierarchical Co9S8/ZnIn2S4 tubular heterostructures are fabricated by growing 2D ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on 1D hollow Co9S8 nanotubes. This design combines two photoresponsive sulfide semiconductors in a stable heterojunction with a hierarchical hollow tubular structure, improving visible‐light absorption, yielding a large surface area, exposing sufficient catalytically active sites, and promoting the separation and migration of photogenerated charges. The hierarchical nanotubes exhibit excellent photocatalytic H2 evolution and CrVI reduction efficiency. Under visible‐light illumination, the optimized Co9S8/ZnIn2S4 heterostructure provides a remarkable H2 generation rate of 9039 μmol h−1 g−1 without the use of any co‐catalysts and CrVI is completely reduced in 45 min. The Co9S8/ZnIn2S4 heterostructure is stable after multiple photocatalytic cycles.
SCR performance enhancement of NiMnTi mixed oxides catalysts by regulating assembling methods of LDHs‐Based precursor
Authors: Du Yali , Liu Jiangning , Li Xiaojian , Liu Lili , Wu Xu
Published: January 2020

A series of NiMnTi mixed metal oxides (Ni/Mn‐TiO2, Mn/NiTi‐LDO and TiO2/NiMn‐LDO, NiMnTi‐LDO) were synthesized via different assembling methods and evaluated in the selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3(NH3‐SCR). As the results presented, catalysts via diverse assembling methods of LDHs templates afforded different catalytic denitrification (DeNOx) performance, which might be related to the exposure degree of active constituents and the interaction intensity between metal components. Noticeably, compared with Ni/Mn‐TiO2, Mn/NiTi‐LDO and TiO2/NiMn‐LDO catalysts, the NiMnTi‐LDO catalyst deriving from one step in‐situ method NiMnTi‐LDH precursor template exhibited the most desirable performance at temperature window of 150–360 °C in NH3‐SCR (above 90% NOx conversion with 95% N2 selectivity). The specific structure and property of samples were correlated by means of a series of characterizations, where the results indicated that NiMnTi‐LDO possessed the highest surface area, the strongest redox ability, the most abundant acid amount and the best dispersion.
Nanocellulose‐based polymer composites for energy applications—A review
Authors: Lasrado Dylan , Ahankari Sandeep , Kar Kamal
Published: January 2020

With rapid fossil fuel consumption and ecological concerns, alternative options of green energy development and its efficient storage technology is an emergent area of research. Nanocellulose is observed to be a very‐promising sustainable and environmentally friendly nanomaterial for green and renewable electronics for advanced electrochemical energy conversion/conservation devices. This review begins with a basic introduction on the sources and properties of nanocellulose. It provides an overview of the recent advancements made by researchers in integrating nanocellulose with active materials to form a flexible film/aerogel/3D structures as a substrate for powering portable electronics, electric vehicles, etc. The review highlights the use of nanocellulose‐based composites in energy conversion devices such as solar cells, piezoelectric materials, and lithium ion batteries. Recent research shows that the power conversion efficiency of solar cells and the piezoelectric performance of piezoelectric materials can be increased when the matrix is reinforced with nanocellulose. The review also focuses on the updates of nanocellulose‐based composites in separators, binders, and electrodes of energy conservation devices such as supercapacitors, and energy capture devices such as CO2 separators. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48959.
Enhanced oil/water separation via electrospun poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐vinyl acetate)/single‐wall carbon nanotubes fibrous nanocomposite membrane
Authors: Khalaf Doaa M. , Elkatlawy Saeid M. , Sakr Abdel‐Hamid A. , Ebrahim Shaker M.
Published: January 2020

In this study, poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐vinyl acetate) (P(AN‐co‐VA)) reinforced by 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0% w/w functionalized single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), fibrous nanocomposites were fabricated using electrospinning technique. Functional analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl band which is characteristic of the carboxylated SWCNTs. Morphological analysis manifested neatly uniform nanofibers with an average fiber diameter varying from 62 to 308 nm depending on the processing conditions of electrospinning. Contact angle measurements showed a decline in the contact angle by increasing carboxylated SWCNTs contents. Oil/water separation was assessed using dead‐end module under different testing conditions and showed an excellent performance. The maximum rejection ratio for the oil/water separation test for the electrospun fibrous nanocomposite was about 97.5% for 0.5 wt% carboxylated SWCNTs. These results conveyed the promising performance of electrospun P(AN‐co‐VA)/SWCNTs nanocomposite membranes for oil/water separation technology.
Manufacturing biological medicines on demand: Safety and efficacy of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in a mouse model of total body irradiation
Authors: Adiga Rajani , Andar Abhay , Borhani Shayan , Burgenson David , Deldari Sevda , Frey Douglas , Ge Xudong , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi , Gurramkonda Chandrasekhar , Gutierrez Erick , Jackson Isabel L. , Kostov Yordan , Liu Yang , Moreira Antonio , Newman Diana , Piegols Joseph , Punshon‐Smith Benjamin , Rao Govind , Tolosa Leah , Tolosa Mike , Vujaskovic Zeljko , Wagner Chelsea , Wong Lynn , Zodda Andrew
Published: January 2020

Protein therapeutics, also known as biologics, are currently manufactured at centralized facilities according to rigorous protocols. The manufacturing process takes months and the delivery of the biological products needs a cold chain. This makes it less responsive to rapid changes in demand. Here, we report on technology application for on‐demand biologics manufacturing (Bio‐MOD) that can produce safe and effective biologics from cell‐free systems at the point of care without the current challenges of long‐term storage and cold‐chain delivery. The objective of the current study is to establish proof‐of‐concept safety and efficacy of Bio‐MOD‐manufactured granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in a mouse model of total body irradiation at a dose estimated to induce 30% lethality within the first 30 days postexposure. To illustrate on‐demand Bio‐MOD production feasibility, histidine‐tagged G‐CSF was manufactured daily under good manufacturing practice‐like conditions prior to administration over a 16‐day period. Bio‐MOD‐manufactured G‐CSF improved 30‐day survival when compared with saline alone (p = .073). In addition to accelerating recovery from neutropenia, the platelet and hemoglobin nadirs were significantly higher in G‐CSF‐treated animals compared with saline‐treated animals (p < .05). The results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of consistently manufacturing safe and effective on‐demand biologics suitable for real‐time release.
Biocalorimetric monitoring of glycoengineered P. pastoris cultivation for the production of recombinant huIFNα2b: A quantitative study based on mixed feeding strategies
Authors: Katla Srikanth , Pavan Satya Sai , Mohan Naresh , Sivaprakasam Senthilkumar
Published: January 2020

Real‐time monitoring of glycoengineered Pichia pastoris by employing process analytical technology (PAT) tools is vital for gaining deeper insights into the therapeutic protein production process. The present study focuses on influence of mixed feed carbon substrates during the induction phases of glycoengineered P. pastoris cultivation, for recombinant human interferon α2b (huIFNα2b) production by employing calorimetric (biological heat rate,
q
B) and respirometric (oxygen uptake rate and carbon dioxide evolution rate) measurements. Mixed feed stream of carbon substrates (methanol + glycerol, methanol + sorbitol) at a predetermined “C‐molar ratios” were added during the induction phases. Methanol‐ and sorbitol‐based mixed feeding approach resulted in an improved huIFNα2b titer of 288 mg/L by channeling of methanol predominantly towards an optimal functioning of AOX expression system. A stand‐off between biomass yield coefficient, degree of reduction of methanol and its cosubstrate (glycerol and sorbitol) determines the fraction of carbon energy channeled toward biomass and protein production, under strict aerobic conditions. Calorespirometric monitoring and assessment of thermal yields enables a reliable prediction of process variables, leading to futuristic efficient PAT‐based feed rate control.
Design and implementation of modular test equipment for process measurements in mechatronics education
Authors: Çeven Süleyman , Albayrak Ahmet
Published: January 2020

In this study, an experimental setup is presented which is developed to enrich mechatronics education in terms of content and to provide a variety of applications. The experimental setup was developed to enable students to learn through more practical experiments. The main purpose of this study is to develop an experimental setup that can be used as a basic application tool for many courses that will eliminate the deficiencies in mechatronics education. In addition, the experimental setup contributes to the learning of equipment commonly used in mechatronic systems and to enable students to graduate more readily for the industry. This methodology, which was taken into consideration when designing the experimental setup, provided the students with the basic skills that enable them to acquire interdisciplinary knowledge more easily and achieve a successful career. The experimental setup was tested in process measurements course. For the mechanism which was tested with 65 students, the opinions of the students were taken with the help of a questionnaire. These opinions were analyzed with SPSS software. As a result of the analysis, Cronbach's α was calculated and found to be .815. In addition, descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were conducted on the questionnaire results. As a result of all these analyzes, it was seen that the experimental setup should be made more interactive. With the integration of new technologies, the experimental setup will be available for many years in associate degree and undergraduate education.
Detection of plasmaEGFRmutations for personalized treatment of lung cancer patients without pathologic diagnosis
Authors: Deng Qinfang , Fang Qiyu , Sun Hui , Singh Aditi P. , Alexander Mariam , Li Shenduo , Cheng Haiying , Zhou Songwen
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based platforms have been used to detectEGFRmutations in plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with high accuracy. Generally, molecular testing is performed after histopathological analysis. However, many patients with suspected advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer are unable to undergo biopsy thus forgoing potential treatment with highly effective tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with sensitizingEGFRmutations. We examined the utility of ctDNA testing to detectEGFRmutations in patients' plasma, where tissue biopsy is not feasible.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center, prospective study of 30 Chinese patients with suspected advanced lung cancer, who were unable to undergo a biopsy for initial diagnosis due to comorbidities or poor performance status. Patients with plasmaEGFRsensitizing mutations were treated with first‐generation EGFR TKIs.

Results

Twenty of 30 patients enrolled had sensitizingEGFRmutations in ctDNA and were started on EGFR TKIs. After a median follow‐up of 12 months, median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 10 months and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. The median OS for the 10 untreated patients was 3 months.

Conclusions

In our study, patients with plasmaEGFRmutations treated with TKIs showed disease control rate (DCR) and PFS similar to historical controls that were treated based on tissue testing. This is the first prospective study showing that ctDNA genotyping provides a feasible diagnostic approach for frail lung cancer patients who are unable to undergo biopsy, which subsequently leads to EGFR‐targeted therapy, and improved outcomes in this subgroup of patients.
Scavenger receptor class A, member 5 is associated with thyroid cancer cell lines progression via epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zheng Chen , Xia Er‐Jie , Quan Rui‐Da , Bhandari Adheesh , Wang Ou‐Chen , Hao Ru‐Tian
Published: January 2020

Thyroid cancer (TC) has become one of most common endocrine malignancies in recent decades. Due to gene background polymorphism, it's outcome goes quite differently in each patient. For exploring the mechanism, we performed whole transcriptome sequencing of paired papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and adjacent thyroid tissues. As a result, scavenger receptor class A member 5 (SCARA5) might be a crucial anti‐oncogene associated with PTC. By RT‐qPCR, we first detected the expression of SCARA5 in PTC tissue and three type of TC cell lines. Besides, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were gathered to analysis the relationship between SCARA5 and clinical feature. A series of loss‐function experiments in TC cell lines (KTC‐1 and BCPAP) to investigate the function of SCARA5 in PTC. The results showed that SCARA5 expression in PTC was lower than adjacent normal tissue. And, it's consistent with the TCGA database. After analyse the correlation between SCARA5 expression and clinicopathological features in TCGA database, we discovered that downregulated SCARA5 is significantly connected age (P = .04) and tumour size (P = .032). Knockdown of SCARA5 in TC cell line could significantly increase the function of cells proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, we also proved that SCARA5 could modulate the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related proteins, which influence invasion and migration. To best of our knowledge, SCARA5 is a suppressor gene which was associated with PTC and might be a potential therapeutic target in the future.

Significance of the study

Thyroid cancer (TC) has become one of most common endocrine malignancies in recent decades. By whole transcriptome sequencing of paired papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and adjacent thyroid tissues, author discovered that scavenger receptor class A member 5 (SCARA5) might be crucial anti‐oncogene associated with PTC. Furthermore, knocking‐down of SCARA5 in TC cell line can increase the function of cells proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. Author also proved that SCARA5 could modulate the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related proteins.
Tetraammineplatinum(II) and Tetraamminepalladium(II) Chromates as Precursors of Metal Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Filatov Evgeny , Lagunova Varvara , Potemkin Dmitry , Kuratieva Natalia , Zadesenets Andrey , Plyusnin Pavel , Gubanov Alexander , Korenev Sergey
Published: January 2020

[M(NH3)4]A (M=Pt, Pd; A=CrO4, Cr2O7) and [Pt(NH3)4(NO2)(Cr2O7)]NO3 complex salts were synthesized and characterized by a number of physicochemical methods of analysis (IR, single‐crystal and powder XRD, and simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry with evolved gas analysis mass spectrometry). Thermolysis of the salts obtained in a hydrogen atmosphere proceeds with the partial reduction of chromium to a metallic state and the formation of MxCr1−x (M=Pt, Pd) metal solid solution with a chromium content of up to 22 at % and chromium(III) oxide. The thermal decomposition of salts in an inert and oxidizing atmosphere passes through the formation stage of the MCrO2 phase with the delafossite structure followed by its subsequent decomposition into chromium(III) oxide and noble metal. Nanosized Pt−Cr2O3 and Pd−Cr2O3 composites obtained by the thermolysis of precursor salts in air at 500 °C and being held at this temperature for 1 h showed a high catalytic activity in the CO total oxidation (TOX) and preferential oxidation in the excess of hydrogen (PROX) processes compared with that of monometallic Pt and Pd powders.
Genotypic variation and stability for nitrogen use efficiency in winter wheat
Authors: Brasier Kyle , Oakes Joseph , Balota Maria , Reiter Mark , Jones Ned , Pitman Robert , Sneller Clay , Thomason Wade , Griffey Carl
Published: January 2020

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) products account for a large portion of the total dietary calories and protein consumed globally, thus requiring efficient N management systems for optimal grower profitability and to reduce negative environmental impacts of nontarget fertilization. This investigation sought to evaluate genotypic variation for N use efficiency (NUE), assess yield stability, and validate traits for improvement of crop performance across N rates. Three separate studies were conducted over four growing seasons in the eastern United States that varied in the number of N rates and site‐seasons. Study I was conducted using five N rates over three site‐seasons, Study II was conducted using three N rates over six site‐seasons, and Study III was conducted using two N rates over nine site‐seasons. Genotype × N rate interactions were more frequently observed for grain yield when three or more N rates were used in the experimental design. The three studies identified significant genotypic variation for NUE and identified wheat lines that consistently expressed high grain yields over N‐site‐seasons. Aboveground biomass at physiological maturity was strongly associated with grain yield in Study II when 67 kg N ha−1 (r = .66, P ≤ .05) was applied and in Study III when 67 kg N ha−1 (r = .71, P ≤ .05), and 134 kg N ha−1 (r = .89, P < .001) was applied. Findings from this investigation inform soft red winter wheat breeders on diverse sources of breeding materials and target traits to improve NUE.
The significance of context: autonomy and curriculum reform in rural schools
Authors: Chapman Susan
Published: January 2020

In the large volume of research on curriculum reform, very little attention is paid to the implications of geographical location, yet, this can be significant. The current curriculum reform process in Wales has presented an opportunity for schools to radically change their practice. While rural schools have welcomed this opportunity, they face challenges unrecognised by the wider educational establishment. This article presents a view of the reform process from school level, using data from semi‐structured interviews with teachers working on curriculum reform. Thematic analysis reveals enthusiastic responses to reform and the greater autonomy it promises. There are, however, challenges, including concerns about staffing, access to professional learning and learners' access to extra‐curricular learning. The research demonstrates that while rural schools face challenges unique to their location, their response to reform demonstrates a capacity for independent action in line with the aspirations of the new curriculum.
LSAPSP: Load distribution‐based slot allocation and path establishment using optimized substance particle selection in sensor networks
Authors: Natarajan Mahendran , Subramanian Shankar , Thangavel Mekala
Published: January 2020

Sensor node energy conservation is the primary design parameters in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Energy efficiency in sensor networks directly prolongs the network lifetime. In the process of route discovery, each node cooperates to forward the data to the base station using multi‐hop routing. But, the nodes nearer to the base station are loaded more than the other nodes that lead to network portioning, packet loss and delay as a result nodes may completely loss its energy during the routing process. To rectify these issues, path establishment considers optimized substance particle selection, load distribution, and an efficient slot allocation scheme for data transmission between the sensor nodes in this paper. The selection of forwarders and conscious multi‐hop path is selected based on the route cost value that is derived directly by taking energy, node degree and distance as crucial metrics. Load distribution based slot allocation method ensures the balance of data traffic and residual energy of the node in areal‐time environment. The proposed LSAPSP simulation results show that our algorithm not only can balance the real‐time environment load and increase the network lifetime but also meet the needs of packet loss and delay.
Contrasting responses to climate change at Himalayan treelines revealed by population demographics of two dominant species
Authors: Mainali Kumar , Shrestha Bharat Babu , Sharma Ravi Kumar , Adhikari Arjun , Gurarie Eliezer , Singer Michael , Parmesan Camille
Published: January 2020

Alpine treelines are expected to shift upward due to recent climate change. However, interpretation of changes in montane systems has been problematic because effects of climate change are frequently confounded with those of land use changes. The eastern Himalaya, particularly Langtang National Park, Central Nepal, has been relatively undisturbed for centuries and thus presents an opportunity for studying climate change impacts on alpine treeline uncontaminated by potential confounding factors.

We studied two dominant species, Abies spectabilis (AS) and Rhododendron campanulatum (RC), above and below the treeline on two mountains. We constructed 13 transects, each spanning up to 400 m in elevation, in which we recorded height and state (dead or alive) of all trees, as well as slope, aspect, canopy density, and measures of anthropogenic and animal disturbance.

All size classes of RC plants had lower mortality above treeline than below it, and young RC plants (<2 m tall) were at higher density above treeline than below. AS shows little evidence of a position change from the historic treeline, with a sudden extreme drop in density above treeline compared to below. Recruitment, as measured by size–class distribution, was greater above treeline than below for both species but AS is confined to ~25 m above treeline whereas RC is luxuriantly growing up to 200 m above treeline.

Synthesis. Evidence suggests that the elevational limits of RC have shifted upward both because (a) young plants above treeline benefited from facilitation of recruitment by surrounding vegetation, allowing upward expansion of recruitment, and (b) temperature amelioration to mature plants increased adult survival. We predict that the current pure stand of RC growing above treeline will be colonized by AS that will, in turn, outshade and eventually relegate RC to be a minor component of the community, as is the current situation below the treeline.
Genetic diversity within and between British and Irish breeds: The maternal and paternal history of native ponies
Authors: Winton Clare L. , McMahon Robert , Hegarty Matthew J. , McEwan Neil R. , Davies‐Morel Mina C. G. , Morgan Charly , Nash Deborah M.
Published: January 2020

The UK and Ireland have many native pony breeds with historical and cultural importance as well as being a source of uncharacterized genetic diversity. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research investigating their genetic diversity and phylogenetic interrelationships. Many studies contain a limited number of pony breeds or small sample sizes for these breeds. This may result in erroneous grouping of pony breeds that otherwise have intricate interrelationships with each other and are not evaluated correctly when placed as a token subset of a larger dataset. This is the first study that specifically investigates the genetic diversity within and between British and Irish native pony breeds using large sample numbers from locations of their native origin.

This study used a panel of microsatellite markers and sequence analysis of the mitochondrial control region to analyze the genetic diversity within and between 11 pony breeds from Britain and Ireland. A large dataset was collected (a total of 485 animals were used for mtDNA analysis and 450 for microsatellite analysis), and previously published data were used to place the British and Irish ponies in a global context.

The native ponies of Britain and Ireland were found to have had a complex history, and the interrelationships between the breeds were revealed. Overall, high levels of genetic diversity were maintained in native breeds, although some reduction was evident in small or isolated populations (Shetland, Carneddau, and Section C). Unusual mitochondrial diversity distribution patterns were apparent for the Carneddau and Dartmoor, although among breeds and global haplogroups there was a high degree of haplotype sharing evident, well‐represented within British and Irish ponies. Ancestral maternal diversity was maintained by most populations, particularly the Fells and Welsh ponies, which exhibited rare and ancient lineages. The maternal and paternal histories of the breeds are distinct, with male‐biased crossings between native breeds, and other shared influences, likely Arabs and Thoroughbreds, are apparent. The data generated herein provide valuable information to guide and implement the conservation of increasingly rare native genetic resources.
Nitrogen economy of alpine plants on the north Tibetan Plateau: Nitrogen conservation by resorption rather than open sources through biological symbiotic fixation
Authors: Zong Ning , Song Minghua , Zhao Guangshuai , Shi Peili
Published: January 2020

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important factors limiting plant productivity, and N fixation by legume species is an important source of N input into ecosystems. Meanwhile, N resorption from senescent plant tissues conserves nutrients taken up in the current season, which may alleviate ecosystem N limitation. N fixation was assessed by the 15N dilution technique in four types of alpine grasslands along the precipitation and soil nutrient gradients. The N resorption efficiency (NRE) was also measured in these alpine grasslands. The aboveground biomass in the alpine meadow was 4–6 times higher than in the alpine meadow steppe, alpine steppe, and alpine desert steppe. However, the proportion of legume species to community biomass in the alpine steppe and the alpine desert steppe was significantly higher than the proportion in the alpine meadow. N fixation by the legume plants in the alpine meadow was 0.236 g N/m2, which was significantly higher than N fixation in other alpine grasslands (0.041 to 0.089 g N/m2). The NRE in the alpine meadows was lower than in the other three alpine grasslands. Both the aboveground biomass and N fixation of the legume plants showed decreasing trends with the decline of precipitation and soil N gradients from east to west, while the NRE of alpine plants showed increasing trends along the gradients, which indicates that alpine plants enhance the NRE to adapt to the increasing droughts and nutrient‐poor environments. The opposite trends of N fixation and NRE along the precipitation and soil nutrient gradients indicate that alpine plants adapt to precipitation and soil nutrient limitation by promoting NRE (conservative nutrient use by alpine plants) rather than biological N fixation (open sources by legume plants) on the north Tibetan Plateau.
Soil moisture variations in response to precipitation in different vegetation types: A multi‐year study in the loess hilly region in China
Authors: Cheng Ran‐Ran , Chen Qiu‐Wen , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Shi Wei‐Yu , Li Guoqing , Du Sheng
Published: January 2020

Vegetation restoration has been widely implemented as an effective approach to the control of soil erosion. However, severe soil desiccation is likely to occur if vegetation types and local precipitation conditions are not accounted for. In this study, an abandoned farmland and three typical vegetation types, including a natural shrubland, a plantation of black locust, and a natural oak secondary forest, were investigated to determine the characteristics of soil moisture in different hydrological years. The responses of soil moisture to precipitation were analysed at different timescales. Higher soil water contents were observed either in wet years or for natural vegetation types. The temporal response of soil moisture to precipitation was largely dependent on the timescale. At monthly scale, shallow soil moisture (0–100 cm) varied consistently with precipitation, whereas on interannual scale, precipitation is positively related to soil moisture along the whole profiles. Black locust and oak lands consumed more soil moisture than the shrubland, and severe soil desiccation developed in deep soil layers in the black locust plantation. The shrubland showed steeper regression slopes than other types for both the changes in soil water storage over time (ΔSWSt) versus the growing season precipitation and the difference in soil water storage with the abandoned farmland (ΔSWSv) versus the growing season precipitation, suggesting its higher adaptability to precipitation changes in this region. The results indicate that the shrubland develops optimal water use strategies through coevolution with local conditions and should be given precedence in vegetation restoration initiatives in this region.
The microbiota and immune‐mediated diseases: Opportunities for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Fitzgibbon Gillian , Mills Kingston H. G.
Published: January 2020

A multitude of diverse microorganisms, termed the microbiota, reside in the gut, respiratory tract, skin, and genital tract of humans and other animals. Recent advances in metagenomic sequencing and bioinformatics have enabled detailed characterization of these vital microbial communities. Studies in animal models have uncovered vital previously unrecognized roles for the microbiota in normal function of the immune responses, and when perturbed, in the pathogenesis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs, but also at distant sites in the body including the brain. The composition of gut and respiratory microbiota can influence systemic inflammatory responses that mediate asthma, allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity‐related diseases, and neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative conditions. Experiments in mouse models as well as emerging clinical studies have revealed that therapeutic manipulation of the microbiota, using fecal microbiota transplantation, probiotics, or engineered probiotics represent effective nontoxic approaches for the treatment or prevention of Clostridium difficile infection, allergy, and autoimmune diseases and may enhance the efficacy of certain cancer immunotherapeutics. This review discusses how commensal bacteria can influence immune responses that mediate a range of human diseases and how the microbiota are being targeted to treat these diseases, especially those resistant to pharmacological therapies.
Poly‐l‐Lactic Acid/Graphene Electrospun Composite Nanofibers for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Li Xuan , Chen Sai , Zhang Xianye , Li Jinhao , Liu Haihui , Han Na , Zhang Xingxiang
Published: January 2020

Piezoelectric organic films as flexible and wearable pressure sensors are ideal materials for manufacturing of electronic skin. Poly‐l‐lactic acid (PLLA)/graphene composite nanofibers are fabricated by electrospinning. The relative crystallinity of the PLLA/graphene electrospun composite nanofibers increases from 9% to 30%. The d14 value of sample K0.1 (d14 = 9.02 pC N−1) increases by 2048% compared with sample K0 (d14 = 0.42 pC N−1). Piezoelectric bioelectronic skin is fabricated using the PLLA/graphene electrospun nanofiber mat, polyester fabric, and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The maximum open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current (Isc) of the wearable sensors are 184.6 V and 10.8 μA. The response generated by touching the bioelectronic skin can be converted to a digital signal. The piezoelectric bioelectronic skin is used to monitor the pulse of the human body. Based on the results, a pulse of 76 beats min−1 is calculated, which coincides with the normal human heart rate interval (60–100 beats min−1). The addition of graphene influences the fiber diameters, thermal stability, relative crystallinity, and the piezoelectric properties along the fiber axial direction (d14) of PLLA. This small, flexible sensor, which can achieve high sensitivity, can be used for physiological and health care monitoring phonetic recognition.
Pre‐trained convolutional neural networks as feature extractors for diagnosis of breast cancer using histopathology
Authors: Saxena Shweta , Shukla Sanyam , Gyanchandani Manasi
Published: January 2020

Several researchers are trying to develop different computer‐aided diagnosis system for breast cancer employing machine learning (ML) methods. The inputs to these ML algorithms are labeled histopathological images which have complex visual patterns. So, it is difficult to identify quality features for cancer diagnosis. The pre‐trained Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have recently emerged as an unsupervised feature extractor. However, a limited investigation has been done for breast cancer recognition using histopathology images with CNN as a feature extractor. This work investigates ten different pre‐trained CNNs for extracting the features from breast cancer histopathology images. The breast cancer histopathological images are obtained from publicly available BreakHis dataset. The classification models for the different feature sets, which are obtained using different pre‐trained CNNs in consideration, are developed using a linear support vector machine. The proposed method outperforms the other state of art methods for cancer detection, which can be observed from the results obtained.
Red Cell Distribution Width Is a Risk Factor for Hip Fracture in Elderly Men Without Anemia
Authors: Kim Kyoung Min , Lui Li-Yung , Cauley Jane A , Ensrud Kristine E , Orwoll Eric S , Schousboe John T , Cummings Steven R ,   the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study Research Group
Published: January 2020

Red cell distribution width (RDW), routinely assessed as a component of a complete blood count (CBC), quantifies the variation in the size of red blood cells. It increases with age, and increased RDW predicts many aging-related diseases and mortality. However, whether it also predicts hip fracture is unknown. We prospectively evaluated the association between RDW and hip fracture using data from the Osteoporotic Fracture in Men (MrOS) study. RDW was measured in 3635 men (aged 71 to 99 years) along with bone mineral density (BMD) in MrOS. RDW ranged from 11.3% to 32.9% (median 14.0%; interquartile range 13.5% to 14.8%) and was categorized into four groups (≤13.0%, 13.1% to 14.0%, 14.1% to 15.0%, ≥15.1%). Study participants with a hemoglobin level <13.0 g/dL were classified as having anemia. During an average 8.1 years, 164 men suffered hip fractures. The risks of hip fractures increased with increase of RDW category. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between anemia and RDW: An association between RDW and hip fractures was only observed in participants without anemia. In those without anemia, the relative hazard of hip fractures increased with increases in RDW category: Men in the highest RDW category had a 2.8 times higher risk of hip fractures than men in the lowest group (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 7.1). The risks of all-clinical fractures were also increased along with higher RDW values. Additionally, RDW was significantly associated with the risk of having a fall but not with femoral neck or total hip BMD. In conclusion, RDW and anemia defined by hemoglobin are widely available routine laboratory measurements that together could indicate increased risk of hip fracture, reflecting the neuromuscular effects of aging rather than lower hip BMD. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Overexpression of CFL1 in gastric cancer and the effects of its silencing by siRNA with a nanoparticle delivery system in the gastric cancer cell line
Authors: Daryabari Seyedeh Saideh , Fathi Marziyeh , Mahdavi Majid , Moaddab Yaghoub , Hosseinpour Feizi Mohammad Ali , Shokoohi Behrouz , Safaralizadeh Reza
Published: January 2020

Gastric adenocarcinoma, like other cancers, is a multifactorial genetic disease, and metastasis of cancer cells is one of the main features of this illness. The expression levels of the CFL1 gene have been modulated in this pathway. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the treatment of gastric cancer is considered a hopeful gene therapeutic approach. The present study reported the level of CFL1 genes between tumor and margin and healthy tissue of gastric cancer. Also, the features of a cationic nanoparticle with a polymer coating containing polyacrylic acid and polyethyleneimine that were used in the delivery of CFL1 siRNA, were shown. Then the cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, and gene silencing efficiency of this nanoparticle were evaluated with CFL1siRNA.

Method

In this study, the CFL1 gene expression was measured in 40 gastric adenocarcinoma, marginal and 15 healthy biopsy samples by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Physicochemical characteristics, apoptosis, and inhibition of migration of the delivery of CFL1 siRNA by nanoparticle and lipofectamine were investigated in gastric cancer cells.

Result

The CFL1 expression was remarkably increased in gastric cancer tissues in comparison with the marginal samples and normal tissues (p < .05) and the biomarker index for CFL1 was obtained as 0.94, then this gene can be probably used as a biomarker for gastric cancer. After treatment of the AGS cell line by CFL1 siRNA, the CFL1 expression level of mRNA and migration in AGS cells were remarkably suppressed after transfection. Furthermore, the amount of apoptosis increased (p < .05).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that CFL1 downregulation in AGS cells can interdict cell migration. Finally, our outcomes propose that CFL1 can function as an oncogenic gene in gastric cancer and would be considered as a potential purpose of gene therapy for gastric cancer treatment.
Goldfish adipocytes are pancreatic beta cell‐like, glucose‐responsive insulin‐producing cells
Authors: Blanco Ayelén Melisa , Bertucci Juan Ignacio , Unniappan Suraj
Published: January 2020

Glucose homeostasis plays a key role in maintaining stable physiological conditions, and its dysfunction causes severe chronic health issues including diabetes. In this study, we have characterized goldfish adipocytes as cells with properties similar to that of pancreatic β‐cells: they express considerable high levels of preproinsulin mRNAs, possess the necessary machinery for processing preproinsulin (prohormone convertases 1 and 2, carboxypeptidase E and trypsin) and responding to extracellular glucose (glucokinase and the glucose transporters 1, 2, and 4), produce insulin in a glucose‐responsive manner and express key transcription factors typically involved in pancreas development (Pdx1, Neurogenin3, Nkx2.2, Pax6, and FOXO1A). These findings reinforce the feature of fish adipocytes as alternate sources of active insulin, holding the promise that they could eventually be developed as transplantable sources of this vital hormone.
The mechanisms and treatments for sarcopenia: could exosomes be a perspective research strategy in the future?
Authors: Rong Shuang , Wang Liangliang , Peng Zhao , Liao Yuxiao , Li Dan , Yang Xuefeng , Nuessler Andreas K. , Liu Liegang , Bao Wei , Yang Wei
Published: January 2020

The age‐related loss of muscle mass and muscle function known as sarcopenia is a primary contributor to the problems faced by the old people. Sarcopenia has been a major public health problem with high prevalence in many countries. The related underlying molecular mechanisms of sarcopenia are not completely understood. This review is focused on the potential mechanisms and current research strategies for sarcopenia with the aim of facilitating the recognition and treatment of age‐related sarcopenia. Previous studies suggested that protein synthesis and degradation, autophagy, impaired satellite cell activation, mitochondria dysfunction, and other factors associated with muscle weakness and muscle degeneration may be potential molecular pathophysiology of sarcopenia. Importantly, we also prospectively highlight that exosomes (small vesicles) as carriers can regulate muscle regeneration and protein synthesis according to recent researches. Dietary strategies and exercise represent the interventions that can also alleviate the progression of sarcopenia. At last, building on recent studies pointing to exosomes with the roles in increasing muscle regeneration, mediating the beneficial effects of exercise, and serving as messengers of intercellular communication and as carriers for research strategies of many diseases, we propose that exosomes could be a potential research direction or strategies of sarcopenia in the future.
Macrophage subtype and cytokine expression characterization during the acute inflammatory phase of mouse bone fracture repair
Authors: McCauley James , Bitsaktsis Constantine , Cottrell Jessica
Published: January 2020

Fracture repair is a complex process requiring heterotypic interactions between osteogenic cells and immune cells. Recent evidence indicates that macrophages are critically involved in fracture repair. Polarized macrophage populations differentially promote and regulate inflammation in other tissues, but little is known about the various macrophage subtypes and their signaling activities following a bone fracture. The authors hypothesized that classically activated (M1 subtype) and alternatively activated (M2 subtype) macrophages are active during the early repair process to initiate and regulate the inflammatory response. To test our hypothesis, bone marrow was collected from intact femurs (naïve group), contralateral and fractured femurs of mice on days 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7 postfracture. Macrophages were isolated from the bone marrow and macrophage subtypes were identified using flow cytometry with antibodies to F4/80, MHC II, CD86, CD11c, and CD40. Bone marrow cytokine levels were measured using xMAP. Flow cytometry revealed dynamic changes in M1 subtype (F4/80+/MHC II+/CD86+), M2 subtype (F4/80+/MHC II−/CD86−), and dendritic cell (DCs; MHCII+/CD11c+/CD40+) populations following fracture as compared to naïve controls. M1 subtype levels were correlated with IL‐1α, IL‐1ß, IL‐2, IL‐17, Eotaxin, and MCP‐1, while DCs were correlated with IL‐6, G‐CSF, LIF, KC, and VEGF‐A. The results indicate that M1 and M2 subtypes and DCs are recruited to the fracture site early during the repair process and consequently may work in tandem to regulate the inflammatory response required to recruit osteogenic cells needed for later stages of repair.
HPLC method transfer study for simultaneous determination of seven angiotensin II receptor blockers
Authors: Marghany Khaled A. , Abdelsalam Randa A. , Haddad Ghada M.
Published: January 2020

In this study, a sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of seven angiotensin II receptor blockers, namely, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, eprosartan mesylate, valsartan, losartan potassium, irbesartan, and candesartan cilexetil. Different chromatographic parameters were tested and fully optimized. Best chromatographic separation was accomplished on a reversed‐phase octadecylsilyl column (250 × 4.6 mm id; 5 μm) under gradient elution using methanol/sodium phosphate monobasic buffer (0.01 M, pH 6.5) as mobile phase. The detection of target analytes was obtained at 254 nm. The pH of the buffer has been selected according to Marvin® sketch software. The proposed method was validated according to ICH guidelines and showed good precision (relative standard deviation < 1), good linearity (square of correlation coefficient ≥ 0.999), and high accuracy (between 98 and 102%) with detection limit and quantitation limit (40 and 160 ng/mL, respectively) for all the detected analytes.