bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of interdisciplinarity in biodiversity science
Authors: Craven Dylan , Winter Marten , Hotzel Konstantin , Gaikwad Jitendra , Eisenhauer Nico , Hohmuth Martin , König‐Ries Birgitta , Wirth Christian
Published: June 2019

The study of biodiversity has grown exponentially in the last thirty years in response to demands for greater understanding of the function and importance of Earth's biodiversity and finding solutions to conserve it. Here, we test the hypothesis that biodiversity science has become more interdisciplinary over time. To do so, we analyze 97,945 peer‐reviewed articles over a twenty‐two‐year time period (1990–2012) with a continuous time dynamic model, which classifies articles into concepts (i.e., topics and ideas) based on word co‐occurrences. Using the model output, we then quantify different aspects of interdisciplinarity: concept diversity, that is, the diversity of topics and ideas across subdisciplines in biodiversity science, subdiscipline diversity, that is, the diversity of subdisciplines across concepts, and network structure, which captures interactions between concepts and subdisciplines. We found that, on average, concept and subdiscipline diversity in biodiversity science were either stable or declining, patterns which were driven by the persistence of rare concepts and subdisciplines and a decline in the diversity of common concepts and subdisciplines, respectively. Moreover, our results provide evidence that conceptual homogenization, that is, decreases in temporal β concept diversity, underlies the observed trends in interdisciplinarity. Together, our results reveal that biodiversity science is undergoing a dynamic phase as a scientific discipline that is consolidating around a core set of concepts. Our results suggest that progress toward addressing the biodiversity crisis via greater interdisciplinarity during the study period may have been slowed by extrinsic factors, such as the failure to invest in research spanning across concepts and disciplines. However, recent initiatives such as the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) may attract broader support for biodiversity‐related issues and hence interdisciplinary approaches to address scientific, political, and societal challenges in the coming years.
Synthesis and Structures of Polyhedral Hexa‐ and Octagallium Cluster Compounds
Authors: Gast Michael , Ejlli Barbara , Wadepohl Hubert , Linti Gerald
Published: June 2019

The novel polyhedral closo‐Ga6 and Ga8 cluster ions [Ga6(R5)6]2– and [Ga8I4(R5)4]2– have been prepared as their lithium salts from reaction of the corresponding lithium silanide with a gallium subtriflate and “GaI”, respectively, together with the expected disproportionation products. All new compounds have been structurally characterized by single crystal X ray crystallography. The hexagallium cluster has a regular octahedral core, which is expected for a seven‐SEP cluster. The unexpected disphenoidal structure for the octagallium nine‐SEP cluster was compared to the square antiprismatic isomer by means of DFT calculations. In addition DFT calculations with dispersion correction on digallanes(4) R4Ga2 allow a new look on bonding in this gallium–gallium bonded compounds.
A Concentric Ring Electrode for a Wall‐jet Cell in a Microfluidic Device
Authors: Nishiyama Keine , Hoshikawa Koki , Maeki Masatoshi , Ishida Akihiko , Tani Hirofumi , Tokeshi Manabu
Published: June 2019

A concentric ring array electrode that amplifies the current signal without redox cycling has been developed for highly sensitive electrochemical detection at a single potential in a microfluidic platform. Herein, the effect of ring‐electrode width on the current and current density was examined. A ring‐array electrode with widths that decrease from the inner to the outer ring was shown to exhibit the highest sensitivity. This electrode delivered a current density that was approximately 50 % higher than that of a conventionally used disc electrode. We used numerical simulations to further optimize this type of array electrode, which led to a limit of detection for catechol of 6.2 nmol/L. This ring array electrode has great potential for use in a variety of applications because it can be used to detect irreversible targets with a simple apparatus at a single potential and requires no electrode modification to achieve high sensitivity.
Small Size Effect and Concentration Response of Gold Nanoparticles in Electrochemiluminescence Reaction
Authors: Zhao Changzhi , Niu Lulu , Wang Xiaoyu , Sun Wei
Published: June 2019

Recent reports have used gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a co‐reactant for the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) reaction of ruthenium complex. However, understanding the size effect of AuNPs on ECL reaction is very meaningful to explore its unknowns and develop its applications at the molecular level. In this paper, we examined the behavior of various small‐size AuNPs in ECL reaction, focusing on changes in ECL caused by AuNPs size and reasons for this change. Although the luminescence spectra and excitation potential have hardly changed in ECL reaction, the difference of ECL intensities induced by different sizes AuNPs is very obviously. Our experimental results revealed disparate behaviors depending on AuNPs size: the small‐sized AuNPs can lead to stronger ECL, and ECL intensities increase as the addition of AuNPs concentration in the wider range. This small size effect is related to an intermediate process of charge‐discharge in electric double layer formed by adsorbing ruthenium complex with AuNPs, and the surface and quantum size effect of AuNPs may affect this intermediate process. More importantly, AuNPs can act as a marker, has the same small size effect and concentration response, and bring about a promising platform for biochemical analysis.
Germination of soybean seeds exposed to the static/alternating magnetic field and algal extract
Authors: Michalak Izabela , Lewandowska Sylwia , Niemczyk Katarzyna , Detyna Jerzy , Bujak Henryk , Arik Pelin , Bartniczak Annika
Published: June 2019

In the present study, the effect of the static and alternating magnetic field applied individually and in combination with an algal extract on the germination of soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) and chlorophyll content was examined. The exposure time of seeds to the static magnetic field was 3, 6, and 12 min, whereas to the alternating magnetic field was 1, 2.5, and 5 min. The static magnetic field was obtained by means of a permanent magnets system while the alternating magnetic field by means of magnetic coils. Algal extract was produced from a freshwater macroalga—Cladophora glomerata using ultrasound homogenizer. In the germination tests, 10% extract was applied to the paper substrate before sowing. This is the first study that compares the germination of soybean seeds exposed to the static and alternating magnetic field. The best effect on the germination and chlorophyll content in seedlings had synergistic action of the static magnetic field on seeds for 3 min applied together with the extract and alternating magnetic field used for 2.5 min. It is not possible to clearly state which magnetic field better stimulated the germination of seeds, but the chlorophyll content in seedlings was much higher for alternating magnetic field.
Developing an Alternate English Language Proficiency Assessment System: A Theory of Action
Authors: Gholson Melissa L. , Guzman‐Orth Danielle
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this report is to propose a theory of action for the development of an alternate English language proficiency assessment (AELPA) system to support the integrated instruction and assessment for English learners with significant cognitive disabilities (ELSCDs). This theory of action examines the purposes of an ELP assessment system based on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) regulations requiring the assessment of all ELSCDs. This report seeks to inform assessment considerations for the development of an AELPA system for state education agencies (SEAs) and test developers. This theory of action identifies assumptions, purposes, and goals for assessment development and includes a logic model to represent system claims. The report ends with a discussion of unintended consequences and ways to mitigate them, as well as future research recommendations.
Gene regulation and prognostic indicators of lung squamous cell carcinoma: TCGA‐derived miRNA/mRNA sequencing and DNA methylation data
Authors: Shen Yuzhou , Pan Xufeng , Yang Jun
Published: June 2019

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common cancer worldwide, and this study aimed to investigate the key regulatory networks and prognostic indicators of LSCC. MicroRNA (miRNA)/messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing and DNA methylation data were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and genes (DEGs) were identified by the limma package. Then, the transcription factors (TFs) of DEmiRNAs/DEGs, as well as the targets of miRNAs, were predicted by the TFmiR online tool. Using the t test, aberrant methylation was detected in TF binding sites (TFBSs) in promoters. Finally, integrated network and survival analyses were conducted using SPSS software. We obtained 104 DEmiRNAs and 4,491 DEGs, and validated 2,113 DEGs (VDEGs). Then, 103 TFs, 295 TFs, and 14 DEmiRNAs were predicted to target 95 DEmiRNAs, 821 DEGs and 283 DEGs, respectively. After TF‐DEmiRNA/DEG and TF‐DEmiRNA‐DEG networks were constructed (e.g., E2F1‐CDC25A, miR29a‐RAN, miR326‐TBL1XR1), five feedforward loops between ZEB1 and miR‐141/200a/200b/200c/429 were found. Furthermore, VDEGs CDC25A, RAN, TBL1XR1 as well as miR‐130b and miR‐590 were negatively correlated with survival rates. E2F1‐CDC25A, miR29a‐RAN, miR326‐TBL1XR1, and the feedforward loops between ZEB1/ZEB2 and miR‐141/200a/200b/200c/429 might participate in LSCC development. Compared with BEAS‐2B cells, the SK‐MES‐1 cells presented a higher expression level of miR‐141, miR‐200a, miR‐200b, miR‐200c but a lower expression level of ZEB1. Overexpressed miR‐200c significantly attenuated the expression of ZEB1 and ZEB2 and inhibited the proliferation and migration of SK‐MES‐1 cells (all p < 0.05). In addition, CDC25A, miR‐200a, miR‐200b, miR‐200c, miR‐130b, and miR‐590 are potential prognostic indicators of LSCC.
Opacification of lentoid bodies derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells is accelerated by hydrogen peroxide and involves protein aggregation
Authors: Qin Zhenwei , Zhang Lifang , Lyu Danni , Li Jiayong , Tang Qiaomei , Yin Houfa , Chen Zhijian , Yao Ke , Fu Qiuli
Published: June 2019

Despite the recent breakthrough in cataract drug development, further improvements have been limited by the lack of human in vitro cataract disease models. This study, therefore, aims to generate a qualified cataract disease model. Mature lentoid bodies (LBs) on Day 25 (D25), which were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using the “fried egg” method, were continually culturing (control) or extra treated with either ultraviolet (UV) radiation or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The LBs’ shape alteration and opacity were examined using light microscopy and mean gray value evaluation. Their structure and crystallin expression were examined using immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to investigate the potential role of autophagy in cloudy LBs. Mature LBs became cloudy with time which was accelerated by H2O2. Immunofluorescence examinations and TEM showed that the H2O2‐treated and control LBs had similar shapes, lens capsule, and monolayer lens epithelial cell (LEC) structures. However, we were unable to do further assessment of the UV‐treated LBs as the structures of LBs were easily damaged when treated with UV radiation. Cells containing aggregated protein (αA‐crystallin and αB‐crystallin) puncta were more abundant in the H2O2‐treated LBs as compared with control LBs. Moreover, LC3B expression decreased with age in anterior lens capsules obtained from age‐related cataracts (ARCs) patients as compared with LC3B levels in primary LECs, which is consistent with that LC3B expression in LBs was lower on D45 than on D25. Our study found that human iPSCs‐derived LBs became cloudy with time which was accompanied by protein aggregation, and this phenomenon was accelerated by H2O2, suggesting that LBs with extending culture may serve as a human model for in vitro ARCs.
Methyl palmitate hydrodeoxygenation over silica‐supported nickel phosphide catalysts in flow reactor: experimental and kinetic study
Authors: Shamanaev Ivan V , Deliy Irina V , Aleksandrov Pavel V , Reshetnikov Sergey I , Bukhtiyarova Galina A
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

The search for alternative sources of fuels is crucial for sustainable development now and in the near future. Biomass attracts much attention as an environmentally friendly, green and CO2‐neutral source of fuels. Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of fatty acid‐based feedstocks such as nonedible vegetable oil, waste cooking oil and animal fat is a versatile technology for producing efficient fuels. HDO schemes are often contradictory and have different numbers of stages. In the work reported, a highly active nickel phosphide catalyst was obtained and methyl palmitate (MP) HDO kinetic modelling was carried out to elucidate the HDO reaction scheme.

RESULTS

The effect of reduction temperature (400–600 °C) on the catalytic properties of the catalyst in MP HDO was evaluated and the most active catalyst (after reduction at 450 °C) was used in the kinetic experiments. The experimental data were collected in a wide range of MP conversion. The reaction scheme of MP HDO was elucidated by means of mathematical modelling which was specified by successive consideration of the experimental results of HDO selectivities at low MP conversions (1–10%), additional experiments of alcohol HDO (dodecanol‐1 as an analogue for hexadecanol‐1) and analysis of gas‐phase products.

CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with the results obtained, both hydrolysis of MP and hydrogenolysis of C&bond;OCH3 bond should be considered for describing the conversion of MP to intermediate compounds. This finding could explain the synergetic effect of acid and metal centres, which has been reported in the literature on aliphatic ester HDO, and justify the higher activity of bifunctional catalysts in this reaction. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The weekend effect does not influence management of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Persaud Alana , Patel Pavan , Motlaghzadeh Yasaman , Ahlawat Sushil
Published: June 2019

Background

The weekend effect describes worsened outcomes due to perceived inefficiency occurring over the weekend. This effect has not been studied in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) despite increasing prevalence in the community. Therefore, our aim is to assess differences in the outcomes of weekend versus weekday management of IBD exacerbations.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample database comprises approximately 20% of admissions to nonfederal hospitals in the United States. Complications requiring hospitalization (“flares”) were the criteria upon which patient selection was based. A total of 193, 848 flares were identified from 2008 to 2014 using the International Classification of Diseases 9th edition codes. Differences in time to first procedure, length of stay (LOS), and cost were evaluated for patients with flares between weekend and weekday admissions.

Results

The time to first procedure was 3.33 days on weekends versus 3.19 days on weekdays (P < 0.001). The mean LOS was shorter when admissions occurred on weekends versus weekdays (8.01 days vs 8.22 days, P < 0.001). Finally, the cost of hospitalization was higher for weekday admissions versus weekend admissions ($18 072 vs $17 495, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results showed a similar LOS and cost associated with the management of exacerbations on the weekend compared to weekdays. While many high‐risk conditions exhibit increased mortality and prolonged hospital course over the weekend, this phenomenon does not appear to affect IBD. These findings indicate efficient patient care on the weekend and can be utilized for logistical purposes such as resource allocation and procedure scheduling in the endoscopy suite.
An Eco‐friendly Catalytic System for One‐pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Diverse and Densely Functionalized Pyranopyrazole and Benzochromene Derivatives
Authors: Patil U. P. , Patil Rupesh C. , Patil Suresh S.
Published: June 2019

An external base‐free, efficient, cost‐effective, and environmentally benign protocol has been developed for the one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of highly functionalized pyranopyrazoles and benzochromenes using water extract ofAgave americana(century plant) leaf ash, a waste‐derived catalyst, at room temperature. Mild reaction conditions, high yield, easy isolation of products, eco‐friendly standards, and no chromatographic separation are the salient features of this protocol.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Some Novel Nicotinonitrile Derivatives Bearing a Furan Moiety
Authors: Gouda Moustafa A. , Abd El‐Ggani Ghada E. , Berghot Moged A. , Khalil Abd El‐Galil M.
Published: June 2019

As a part of ongoing studies in developing new potent antioxidant agents, 2‐amino‐4‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐5,6‐dimethylnicotinonitrile 4 was utilized as a key intermediate for the synthesis of some new pyrimidines 5 and 11, form (acet)amide 6, 7, urea and thiourea 9, 10, 1,8‐naphthyridines 12, 13, and 14. Moreover, condensation of 4 with 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione and cyclohexanone in ethanol furnished the pyridine derivatives 16 and 17, respectively. Furthermore, refluxing of 4 with ethylenediamine in carbon disulfide afforded the 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐yl pyridine derivative 19. In addition, refluxing of 4 with carbon disulfide and concentrated sulfuric acid furnished the pyridine derivatives 20 and 21, respectively. The reaction of 4 with phenacyl chloride and ethyl chloroacetate in dimethylformamide in the presence of catalytic amount of triethylamine afforded the pyridine derivatives 22 and 23, respectively. Finally, heating of 4 with 1‐phenyl‐3‐(piperidin‐1‐yl)propan‐1‐one hydrochloride in glacial acetic acid afforded phenylpropylamino pyridine derivative 24. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, 1H‐NMR, and mass spectral data. Representative compounds of the synthesized products were evaluated as antioxidant agents. Compounds 8, 19, and 22 are promising compounds.
Effect of Aortic Valve Disease on 3D Hemodynamics in Patients With Aortic Dilation and Trileaflet Aortic Valve Morphology
Authors: Suwa Kenichiro , Rahman Ozair Abdul , Bollache Emilie , Rose Michael J. , Rahsepar Amir Ali , Carr James C. , Collins Jeremy D. , Barker Alex J. , Markl Michael
Published: June 2019

Background

The effect of different expressions of aortic valve disease on 3D aortic hemodynamics is unclear.

Purpose

To investigate changes in aortic hemodynamics in patients with dilated ascending aorta (AAo) but different severity of aortic valve stenosis (AS) and/or regurgitation (AR).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 111 subjects (86 patients with AAo diameter ≥ 40 mm and 25 healthy controls, all with trileaflet aortic valve [TAV]). Patients were further stratified by TAV dysfunction: n = 9 with combined moderate or severe AS and AR (ASR, 56 ± 13 years), n = 14 with moderate or severe AS (AS, 64 ± 14 years), n = 33 with moderate or severe AR (AR, 62 ± 14 years), n = 30 with neither AS nor AR (no AS/AR, 63 ± 9 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

4D flow MRI on 1.5/3T systems for the in vivo analysis of aortic blood flow dynamics.

Assessment

Data analysis included grading of 3D AAo vortex/helix flow and AAo flow eccentricity as well as quantification of systolic peak velocities and wall shear stress (WSS).

Statistical Tests

Continuous variables were compared by one‐way analysis of variance or Kruskal–Wallis, followed by a pairwise Tukey or Dunn test if there was a significant difference.

Results

All patients demonstrated markedly elevated vortex and helix flow compared with controls (P < 0.05). Peak velocities were significantly elevated in ASR, AS, and AR patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). Increased flow eccentricity was observed in entire AAo for AR, at the mid and distal AAo for ASR and AS, and at the proximal AAo for no AS/AR. Compared with controls, WSS in the AAo was significantly elevated in ASR and AS patients (P < 0.05) and reduced in no AS/AR patients (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

The presence of TAV dysfunction is associated with aberrant hemodynamics and altered WSS, which may play a role in the development of aortopathy.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:481–491.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of human sapovirus associated with sporadic acute gastroenteritis in South China from 2013 to 2017
Authors: Xue Liang , Cai Weicheng , Zhang Le , Gao Junshan , Dong Ruimin , Li Yonglai , Wu Haoming , Zhang Jumei , Zeng Haiyan , Ye Qinghua , Ding Yu , Wu Qingping
Published: June 2019

Human sapovirus (SaV) is an important viral agent for acute diarrhea worldwide, but timely prevalence data of human SaV in South China are still lacking. In this study, a 4‐year surveillance was conducted to characterize the prevalence and genetic characteristics of the circulating SaV associated with sporadic diarrhea in South China. From November 2013 to October 2017, 569 fecal samples from patients with acute diarrhea were collected. SaV was detected in 11 samples with a positive rate of 1.93%. Three human genogroups of GI, GII, and GIV were identified, including five GI.1 strains, three GI.2 strains, one GI.3 strain, one GII.8 strain, and one GIV strain. Furthermore, multiple alignments of complete capsid protein VP1 genes of five local GI.1 strains and other available GI.1 strains in GenBank were performed. Average pairwise identities were calculated at 95.33% and 99.36% at nucleotide and amino acid levels, and only six variable amino acid sites were found during its 36‐years’ evolution process. GI.1 strains could be further phylogenetically divided into four clusters with an approximate temporal evolution pattern, and local strains belonged to Cluster‐d with other four strains from China and Japan. In summary, SaV was identified as an etiological agent responsible for sporadic gastroenteritis in Guangzhou with a low prevalence rate as in other Chinese cities, but its high genetic diversity suggested the necessity of continuous SaV surveillance in the future.
Free gastroepiploic lymph nodes and omentum flap for treatment of lower limb ulcers in severe lymphedema: Killing two birds with one stone
Authors: Di Taranto Giuseppe , Chen Shih‐Heng , Elia Rossella , Bolletta Alberto , Amorosi Vittoria , Sitpahul Ngamcherd , Chan Jeffrey CY , Ribuffo Diego , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

In patients with lymphedema, the disruption of the lymphatic network increases skin turgor and fibrosis of subcutaneous tissue, delays wound healing, causing recurrent ulcerations and infections. In these cases, management of ulcers can be challenging.

Methods

Between January 2016 and June 2018, patients presenting with lymphedema were enrolled at our Institution. We selected patients with severe lymphedema and ulcers of lower limbs and we performed a surgical approach, involving free gastroepiploic lymph nodes and omentum flap, harvested through laparoscopy.

Results

We enrolled 135 patients presenting for lymphedema. Among them, 10 eligible cases underwent excision of the ulcer and reconstruction with omentum flap. Mean age was 57.8 years and average follow‐up 24.1 months. Circumferences and skin tonicity significantly decreased from the preoperative period. Lymphoscintigraphy showed improvement of the lymphatic drainage and restoration of lymphatic network. No episodes of infection were recorded in the postoperative period.

Conclusions

Our combined procedure merges free flap techniques and lymphedema surgery: omentum covers the defect while providing a new source of lymph nodes, improving the lymphatic networks of the affected limb. This technique can highly increase the quality of life of the patient in a single‐stage operation with fast recovery and low donor site morbidity.
Application of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Solid Pseudopapillary Tumors of the Pancreas: Imaging Findings Compared With Contrast‐Enhanced Computed Tomography
Authors: Xu Ming , Li Xiao‐ju , Zhang Xiao‐er , Pan Fu‐shun , Tan Yang , Huang Tong‐yi , Hong Yu , Huang Guang‐liang , Xie Xiao‐yan
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the characterization and usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for diagnosing solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas (SPTP) and compare the enhancement patterns with contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT).

Methods

Forty‐three SPTP lesions proved by pathologic findings in 42 patients examined with CEUS and CECT were included in this study. The enhancement characteristics and typical CEUS features of the tumors were investigated. These characteristics were compared according to lesion sizes. The enhancement patterns of CEUS were compared with CECT.

Results

The most common enhancement levels of SPTP in the early phase and late phase for CEUS were isoenhancement (19 of 43 [44.2%]) and hypoenhancement (32 of 43 [74.4%]), respectively. The 4 most common enhancement patterns were hypo‐hypo (16 of 43 [37.2%]), iso‐iso (11 of 43 [25.6%]), hyper‐hypo (8 of 43 [18.6%]), and iso‐hypo (8 of 43 [18.6%]) enhancement. For the 43 SPTP lesions, typical CEUS features such as lesion membrane, intralesional vessel, and intralesional compartmentalization enhancements were detected in 30 (69.8%), 27 (62.8%), and 10 (23.2%) cases. Compared with CECT, isoenhancement during the early phase and hypoenhancement during the late phase were the most common imaging characteristics of CEUS.

Conclusions

Lesion membrane, intralesional vessel, and intralesional compartmentalization enhancements are typical CEUS features of SPTP, especially for large lesions (lesion size ≥3.0 cm). Isoenhancement during the early phase and hypoenhancement during the late phase are the most common imaging characteristics of CEUS and CECT, making CEUS a viable alternative diagnostic method that is noninvasive.
Diversity, enumeration, and isolation of Arcobacter spp. in the giant abalone, Haliotis gigantea
Authors: Mizutani Yukino , Iehata Shunpei , Mori Tetsushi , Oh Ryota , Fukuzaki Satoshi , Tanaka Reiji
Published: June 2019

Arcobacter have been frequently detected in and isolated from bivalves, but there is very little information on the genus Arcobacter in the abalone, an important fishery resource. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and abundance of bacteria from the genus Arcobacter in the Japanese giant abalone, Haliotis gigantea, using molecular methods such as Arcobacter‐specific clone libraries and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Furthermore, we attempted to isolate the Arcobacter species detected. Twelve genotypes of clones were obtained from Arcobacter‐specific clone libraries. These sequences are not classified with any other known Arcobacter species including pathogenic Arcobacter spp., A. butzleri, A. skirrowii, and A. cryaerophilus, commonly isolated or detected from bivalves. From the FISH analysis, we observed that ARC94F‐positive cells, presumed to be Arcobacter, accounted for 6.96 ± 0.72% of all EUB338‐positive cells. In the culture method, three genotypes of Arcobacter were isolated from abalones. One genotype had a similarity of 99.2%–100.0% to the 16S rRNA gene of Arcobacter marinus, while the others showed only 93.3%–94.3% similarity to other Arcobacter species. These data indicate that abalones carry Arcobacter as a common bacterial genus which includes uncultured species.
AEBP1, a prognostic indicator, promotes colon adenocarcinoma cell growth and metastasis through the NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Xing Yanwei , Zhang Zhiqiang , Chi Fengxu , Zhou Yang , Ren Shuo , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhu Yuekun , Piao Daxun
Published: June 2019

The abnormal expression of adipocyte enhancer binding protein 1 (AEBP1) has been implicated in the carcinogenesis and progression of various types of human tumors. However, the role of AEBP1 in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains largely unelucidated. In this study, we explored the clinical significance and biological function of AEBP1 in COAD. We observed that AEBP1 was overexpressed in COAD tissues and cells and that the expression of AEBP1 was correlated with tumor size, the level of histologic differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and cancer stage in COAD patients. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that high AEBP1 expression suggested poor prognosis in COAD. Moreover, AEBP1 silencing suppressed COAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas the upregulation of AEBP1 promoted these behaviors. Additionally, mechanistic studies further demonstrated that AEBP1 promoted COAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by upregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2, vimentin, and TWIST whereas downregulating that of E‐cadherin through the nuclear factor‐κB pathway. Collectively, these data indicated that AEBP1 may be a new prognostic factor and a potential gene therapy target in COAD.
Ventral posterior substantia nigra iron increases over 3 years in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bergsland Niels , Zivadinov Robert , Schweser Ferdinand , Hagemeier Jesper , Lichter David , Guttuso Thomas
Published: June 2019

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized in part by the progressive accumulation of iron within the substantia nigra (SN); however, its spatial and temporal dynamics remain relatively poorly understood.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate spatial patterns and temporal evolution of SN iron accumulation in PD.

Methods

A total of 18 PD patients (mean disease duration = 6.2 years) receiving dopaminergic therapy and 16 healthy controls were scanned with 3T MRI at baseline and 3 years later using quantitative susceptibility mapping, an indirect marker of iron content. Iron was assessed separately in the posterior SN and anterior SN at the ventral and dorsal levels of the SN. The results were corrected for the false discovery rate.

Results

A significant group effect was found for the ventral posterior SN (P < .001) and anterior SN (P = .042) quantitative susceptibility mapping as well as significant group x time interaction effects (P = .02 and P = .043, respectively). In addition, a significant intragroup change during 3 years of follow‐up was found only in the ventral posterior SN of PD (P = .012), but not healthy controls. No significant effects were detected for any dorsal SN measures. No associations were identified with clinical measures.

Conclusions

We found both cross‐sectional and longitudinal SN iron changes to be confined to its more ventral location in PD. Because pathology studies also show the ventral SN to degenerate early and to the greatest extent in PD, the assessment of iron levels by quantitative susceptibility mapping in this area may potentially represent a disease progression biomarker in PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A reduced‐order extrapolated Crank–Nicolson collocation spectral method based on proper orthogonal decomposition for the two‐dimensional viscoelastic wave equations
Authors: Luo Zhendong , Jin Shiju
Published: June 2019

In order to reduce the order of the coefficient vectors of the solutions for the classical Crank–Nicolson collocation spectral (CNCS) method of two‐dimensional (2D) viscoelastic wave equations via proper orthogonal decomposition, we first establish a reduced‐order extrapolated CNCS (ROECNCS) method of the 2D viscoelastic wave equations so that the ROECNCS method has the same basis functions as the classical CNCS method and maintains all advantages of the classical CNCS method. Then, by means of matrix analysis, we discuss the existence, stability, and convergence for the ROECNCS solutions so that the theory analysis becomes very concise. Finally, we utilize some numerical experiments to validate that the consequences of numerical computations are accordant with the theoretical analysis such that the effectiveness and viability of the ROECNCS method are further verified. Therefore, both theory and method of this paper are new and totally different from the existing reduced‐order methods.
Frontal weld lines in injection‐molded short fiber‐reinforced PBT: Extensive microstructure characterization for mechanical performance evaluation
Authors: Baradi Mohamed B. , Cruz Camilo , Riedel Thomas , Régnier Gilles
Published: June 2019

Different factors contribute to the weakness of weld lines (WLs) induced by injection molding such as unsuitable fiber orientation (FO), incomplete polymer matrix diffusion, voids and V‐notches. This study aims to characterize the contribution of each factor on the weakness of frontal WLs in a short glass fiber‐reinforced polybutylene‐terephthalate characterized by extensive X‐ray computed tomography and mechanical tensile testing assisted with digital image correlation. A reduction of 50% of the stress at break and almost 40% of the strain at break is observed despite the complete matrix healing at the WL interface and the absence of V‐notches. Frontal WLs induce a FO gradient starting 2 to 3 mm before the WL plane. The fibers in the WL region mainly orient in transverse‐to‐flow and thickness direction. This FO gradient localizes the deformations, which leads to failure at a strength near to the one of the unreinforced variant. Voids formation in frontal WLs seems to be driven by large gradients of FO and subsequent anisotropic shrinkage. In addition, this shrinkage behavior at the WL causes an increase of thickness. By applying higher packing pressures, the fibers orient more in flow direction at the core of the WL, leading to a higher tensile strength and a lower content of voids. Finally, we can conclude that the FO is the dominant factor controlling the mechanical performance in frontal WLs.
SGLT inhibitors for people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Llano Andrea , McKay Gerry , Fisher Miles
Published: June 2019

Despite significant advances in insulin therapy and monitoring technology, many with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) fail to achieve satisfactory glycaemic control and it remains a disease associated with significant morbidity and a reduced life expectancy. Adjunctive therapies which improve glycaemic control while reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia and weight gain are needed, and SGLT inhibitors have emerged as a potential candidate by virtue of their unique insulin‐independent mechanism of action. There is now substantial evidence for their efficacy in T1DM, but with an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Dapagliflozin and sotagliflozin have recently been approved for use in Europe for type 1 diabetes. SGLT inhibitors will not be suitable for all with T1DM so careful selection of individuals who may benefit is important, with strategies in place to mitigate the risk of ketoacidosis. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons.
Zostavax vaccine effectiveness among US elderly using real‐world evidence: Addressing unmeasured confounders by using multiple imputation after linking beneficiary surveys with Medicare claims
Authors: Izurieta Hector S. , Wu Xiyuan , Lu Yun , Chillarige Yoganand , Wernecke Michael , Lindaas Arnstein , Pratt Douglas , MaCurdy Thomas E. , Chu Steve , Kelman Jeffrey , Forshee Richard
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Medicare claims can provide real‐world evidence (RWE) to support the Food and Drug Administration's ability to conduct postapproval studies to validate products' safety and effectiveness. However, Medicare claims do not contain comprehensive information on some important sources of bias. Thus, we piloted an approach using the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS), a nationally representative survey of the Medicare population, to (a) assess cohort balance with respect to unmeasured confounders in a herpes zoster vaccine (HZV) effectiveness claims‐based study and (b) augment Medicare claims with MCBS data to include unmeasured covariates.

Methods

We reanalyzed data from our published HZV effectiveness Medicare analysis, using linkages to MCBS to obtain information on impaired mobility, education, and health‐seeking behavior. We assessed survey variable balance between the matched cohorts and selected imbalanced variables for model adjustment, applying multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) to impute these potential unmeasured confounders.

Results

The original HZV effectiveness study cohorts appeared well balanced with respect to variables we selected from the MCBS. Our imputed results showed slight shifts in HZV effectiveness point estimates with wider confidence intervals, but indicated no statistically significant differences from the original study estimates.

Conclusions

Our innovative use of linked survey data to assess cohort balance and our imputation approach to augment Medicare claims with MCBS data to include unmeasured covariates provide potential solutions for addressing bias related to unmeasured confounding in large database studies, thus adding new tools for RWE studies.
Patient‐reported factors associated with the desire to continue taking sleep‐inducing drugs after hospital discharge: A survey of older adults
Authors: Heinemann Stephanie , Neukirchen Freya , Nau Roland , Hummers Eva , Himmel Wolfgang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To find out whether any prior experiences with sleep‐inducing drugs before hospitalization and positive experiences with these drugs during hospitalization influence a patient's wish to continue taking sleep‐inducing drugs after hospitalization.

Methods

We surveyed older hospital patients about use of sleep‐inducing drugs before, during, and after hospitalization and compared these answers with their hospital chart using the kappa statistic. The association between the wish to continue these drugs after discharge and the perceived benefits, experience of side effects, and prior experience with sleep‐inducing drugs was determined by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Agreement between patient responses and the hospital file was high (κ = 0.7). Seventeen percent (83/483) of the participants reported prior experience before their hospital stay; 45% received a sleep‐inducing drug during hospitalization; 17% wished to continue taking them after discharge. Of the 400 patients who had no prior experience with sleep‐inducing drugs, 147 (37%) became first‐time users in the hospital, and 27% (40/147) of these wished to continue this medication after discharged. Strong predictors for this wish were the reduction of sleep onset problems (adjusted odds ratio, 6.26; 95% confidence interval, 2.38‐16.44) and any prior experience with sleep‐inducing drugs (4.08; 1.97‐8.48).

Conclusions

Many older patients become first‐time users of sleep‐inducing drugs in the hospital. Especially the experience of sleep onset improvements influences the wish to continue sleep‐inducing drug use after discharge. Avoiding first‐time use should become a goal of hospital policy and be taken into account when weighing the benefits and risks of sleep‐inducing drugs.
Characterization of the GPR1/FUN34/YaaH protein family in the green microalga Chlamydomonas suggests their role as intracellular membrane acetate channels
Authors: Durante Lorenzo , Hübner Wolfgang , Lauersen Kyle J. , Remacle Claire
Published: June 2019

The unicellular green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a powerful photosynthetic model organism which is capable of heterotrophic growth on acetate as a sole carbon source. This capacity has enabled its use for investigations of perturbations in photosynthetic machinery as mutants can be recovered heterotrophically. Fixation of acetate into cellular carbon metabolism occurs first by its conversion into acetyl‐CoA by a respective synthase and the generation of succinate by the glyoxylate cycle. These metabolic steps have been recently determined to largely occur in the peroxisomes of this alga; however, little is known about the trafficking and import of acetate or its subcellular compartmentalization. Recently, the genes of five proteins belonging to the GPR1/FUN34/YaaH (GFY) superfamily were observed to exhibit increased expression in C. reinhardtii upon acetate addition, however, no further characterization has been reported. Here, we provide several lines of evidence to implicate CrGFY1–5 as channels which share structural homology with bacterial succinate‐acetate channels and specifically localize to microbodies, which are surprisingly distinct from the glyoxylate cycle‐containing peroxisomes. We demonstrate structural models, gene expression profiling, and in vivo fluorescence localization of all five isoforms in the algal cell to further support this role.
Mild and Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized Carbazoles via a DBU‐Assisted Sequence Involving Cu‐ and Pd‐Catalyzed Coupling Reactions
Authors: Khan Aminur , Karim Rejaul , Dhimane Hamid , Alam Safiul
Published: June 2019

Practical access to diversely functionalized carbazoles has been developed by consecutive Cu‐catalyzed Chan‐Lam N−arylation of various o‐iodoanilines and boronic acids, and Pd‐catalyzed intramolecular aryl C−H activation of 2‐iodo‐N‐arylanilines. Use of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) as base was found beneficial for both steps. In the Pd‐catalyzed C−H activation step, DBU acts as ligand as well as base, resulting in improved functional tolerance and higher yields than those observed with inorganic or other nitrogen bases. This DBU‐assisted sequence offers access to a variety of carbazoles with various electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents, including halogens or other reactive functional groups. Twenty‐seven cabazoles with various substitution paterns, including two naturally‐occurring carbazoles ‐ clausine L and clausine H ‐ have been successfully synthesized using these DBU‐promoted metal‐catalyzed coupling reactions.
Green Synthesized Manganese‐Cobaltite Nanospinel and Its Dye Removal Characteristics: Isothermal and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Tarighi Sara , Juibari Nafise Modanlou
Published: June 2019

In the present research, layered‐MnCo2O4 nanospinels have been prepared using Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis extract and characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda (BJH) techniques and zeta potential. The effect of the spinel nanoparticles on methyl orange and methylene blue removal from aquatic solutions were investigated through UV/Vis absorption. The influence of reaction parameters including time, mass of adsorbent, pH and the initial concentration of the dyes have been examined on sorption process. MnCo2O4 nanoparticles showed excellent activity on dyes elimination from water and the removal efficiency for methyl orange and methylene blue were 93 and 96%, respectively. The adsorption kinetics revealed a pseudo‐second‐order rate law, revealing the chemical sorption as the rate‐limiting step. The adsorption process were well‐matched with the Langmuir adsorption model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 100.01 and 104.16 mgg−1 for methyl orange and methylene blue, respectively.
Ethoxylated Head of Chalcones as a New Class of Multi‐Targeted MAO Inhibitors
Authors: Lakshminarayanan Balasubramanian , Baek Seung Cheol , Lee Jae Pil , Kannappan Nagappan , Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Nicolotti Orazio , Subburaju Thillainayagam , Kim Hoon , Mathew Bijo
Published: June 2019

A series of eleven ethoxysubstituted chalcones (E1‐E11) were synthesized and investigated for their inhibitory potential towards human recombinant monoamine oxidase A and B (hMAO−A and hMAO−B, respectively) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). IC50 values of 4.63 ± 0.15 and 0.053 ± 0.003 μM were obtained for MAO−A and MAO−B, respectively, by the most interesting compound (2E)‐1‐(4‐ethoxyphenyl)‐3‐(4‐fluorophenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (E7), and it was characterized by a high selectivity index (SI=87.4) for MAO−B. Inhibitions by E7 against MAO−A and MAO−B were recovered (75.9 and 74.5%, respectively) to near the levels of reversible references (77.1 and 77.4%, respectively). The inhibition modes of E7 for MAO−A and MAO−B were competitive with Ki values of 2.65 ± 0.064 and 0.011 ± 0.0011 μM, respectively. Compounds (2E)‐1‐(4‐ethoxyphenyl)‐3‐(4‐ethylphenyl) prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (E10) and (2E)‐1‐(4‐ethoxyphenyl)‐3‐[4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (E11) showed good inhibitions against AChE with IC50 values of 2.86 ± 0.041 and 3.23 ± 0.0073 μM, respectively. A combined molecular docking/MM‐GBSA approach was used that employed quantum mechanics (QM) partial charges; this technique revealed the molecular rationale behind the observed MAO−B selectivity for this molecular series. Taken together, these results indicate that E7 is a potent, selective and reversible competitive inhibitor of MAO−B with moderately potent AChE inhibitory activity that has potential as a multi‐targeting drug
Analysis of the UV–Ozone‐Treated SnO2 Electron Transporting Layer in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells for High Performance and Reduced Hysteresis
Authors: Méndez Perla Fabiola , Muhammed Salim K. M. , Barea Eva M. , Masi Sofia , Mora-Seró Iván
Published: June 2019

Tin oxide (SnO2) is widely used as an electron transporting layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) because of its good transparency, band alignment to perovskite, and stability. The interface between the ETL and the perovskite in the PSCs affects the charge extraction process and influences the optoelectronic properties. Surface treatment of SnO2, such as the UV–ozone (UVO) treatment, is shown to enhance the efficiency and reduce the light soaking effect of the PSCs. Herein, the success in control and suppressing hysteresis reaching the highest photoconversion efficiency of 19.4% with negligible hysteresis for the growth of the devices on SnO2 treated with UVO for 60 min is reported. The wettability of the treated SnO2 is well matched with the polar solvent of the perovskite solution, leading to complete coverage of the substrate, although the treatment does not affect the morphology and the crystallinity of the perovskite thin films. Impedance spectroscopy measurement analysis clearly indicates the decrease in the recombination rate after the UVO treatment and the reduction in low frequency capacitance causing a reduction in the current–potential curve hysteresis.
PIWI pathway against viruses in insects
Authors: Kolliopoulou Anna , Santos Dulce , Taning Clauvis Nji Tizi , Wynant Niels , Vanden Broeck Jozef , Smagghe Guy , Swevers Luc
Published: June 2019

Piwi‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are an animal‐specific class of small non‐coding RNAs that are generated via a biogenesis pathway distinct from small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). There are variations in piRNA biogenesis that depend on several factors, such as the cell type (germline or soma), the organism, and the purpose for which they are being produced, such as transposon‐targeting, viral‐targeting, or gene‐derived piRNAs. Interestingly, the genes involved in the PIWI/piRNA pathway are more rapidly evolving compared with other RNA interference (RNAi) genes. In this review, the role of the piRNA pathway in the antiviral response is reviewed based on recent findings in insect models such as Drosophila, mosquitoes, midges and the silkworm, Bombyx mori. We extensively discuss the special features that characterize host‐virus piRNA responses with respect to the proteins and the genes involved, the viral piRNAs' sequence characteristics, the target strand orientation biases as well as the viral piRNA target hotspots across the viral genomes.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Biogenesis of Effector Small RNAs