bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trait‐based community assembly pattern along a forest succession gradient in a seasonally dry tropical forest
Authors: Subedi Suresh C. , Ross Michael S. , Sah Jay P. , Redwine Jed , Baraloto Christopher
Published: April 2019

We aimed to determine the important functional dimensions that may drive forest succession and community assembly patterns in dry tropical forests. We investigated whether there were patterns in specific functional strategies during succession in the dry tropical forests of the Florida Keys, whose unique physical setting includes nutrient‐stressed, salt‐stressed, and water‐limited environments. The study, which focused on ten traits, determined the leading trait dimensions by which species differentiate from one another in the study area. The general patterns of trait covariation at individual sites and among species were analyzed using principal component analysis. Trait niche overlap indices were calculated for all species sampled across all plots. Evidence for/against likely community assembly processes was tested using the coefficient of heterogeneity to determine whether variation within and among five key traits was clustered, random, or evenly distributed across young, old, or all measured forest stands. A combination of plant architecture, wood density, and three leaf traits (specific leaf area, leaf phosphorus, and leaf nitrogen) comprised a key set of functional traits that are important for understanding the community assembly process in dry tropical forest. Older forest stands were dominated by species with low specific area, low leaf nitrogen content, dense wood, and deeper and narrower canopies. Trees of old forests had leaves with lighter carbon isotope composition, suggesting that such individuals were making more efficient use of scarce water. Tests of trait distributions showed significant clustering across forests of all ages. When individual trait distributions in old stands were tested, they displayed either randomly or evenly distributed traits across trait niche space, indicating that resource partitioning was predominant in shaping community composition. Physical traits of trees in young communities are associated with resource acquisitive strategies, while old communities are dominated by species with traits that enhance survival in environments defined by competition or chronic resource scarcity.
Lower circulating kisspeptin and primary hypogonadism in men with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Asare‐Anane Henry , Ofori Emmanuel Kwaku , Kwao‐Zigah Genevieve , Ateko Richmond O. , Annan Benjamin D. R. T. , Adjei Afua B. , Quansah Michael
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Kisspeptin influence on male androgens is partially understood. We aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of kisspeptin among Ghanaian men with type 2 diabetes and to identify related factors that may contribute to altering circulating kisspeptin.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, observational study. Sixty persons with type 2 diabetes and 60 nondiabetic controls were included in this study. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), kisspeptin, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), total testosterone (T), glucose (FBG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid levels were assessed.

Results

Type 2 diabetic men had lower kisspeptin and T concentrations than controls (P = 0.001 for both). Levels of LH and FSH were, respectively, higher in diabetic men compared with their control counterparts (P = 0.003; P = 0.017). There were negative associations within the diabetic group for kisspeptin vs age (r = −0.590, P = 0.0001) and kisspeptin vs BMI (r = −0.389, P = 0.002). Positive associations were also found within the diabetic group for kisspeptin vs T (r = 0.531, P = 0.001), kisspeptin vs LH (r = 0.423, P = 0.001) and kisspeptin vs FSH (r = 0.366, P = 0.004). Lower T (OR = 1.473, P = 0.003) and advancing age (OR = 0.890, P = 0.004) contributed to decreased kisspeptin levels among Ghanaian males with type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that circulating kisspeptin and T concentrations are lower among men with type 2 diabetes and highlight the importance of considering kisspeptin concentrations in the management of hypogonadism and type 2 diabetes.
Feasibility analysis on the pilot test of acid fracturing for carbonate reservoirs in Halfaya Oilfield, Iraq
Authors: Zhu Dawei , Hu Yongle , Cui Mingyue , Chen Yandong , Liang Chong , He Yanhui , Wang Xiaoyong , Wang Dayong
Published: April 2019

The oil reservoir of Mishrif Formation is of strong heterogeneity vertically and laterally, and its single‐well production rate after conventional acidizing is low and declines fast. Therefore, we intend to carry out the pilot test on diverting acid fracturing so as to improve the stimulation effect of acid fracturing by enlarging the lateral and vertical stimulation range. In this paper, a series of experimental studies (eg, rock mechanics, acid rheology, acid‐rock reaction kinetics, and full‐diameter core etching diversion) were carried out to deal with the reservoir characteristics and stimulation demand of Mishrif Formation, the principal oil reservoir in Halfaya Oilfield in Iraq, the Middle East. It is shown that calcite content of Mishrif Formation reservoir is higher than 95%, indicating the strong acid dissolution. As for rock mechanics, the characteristics of “low Young's modulus and high Poisson's ratio” are presented, and the stress‐strain curves show certain elastic‐plastic characteristics. Additionally, a large number of wormholes appear on the surface of the full‐diameter cores after acid etching, so it is necessary to consider the serious filtration of acidizing fluid near the wellbore. The mechanical strength of rock plates decreases after acid etching, so it is recommended to adopt and optimize the closed acidizing technology so as to avoid excessive etching. Furthermore, the self‐support flow conductivity of etched fractures is weak, so it is recommended to adopt the sand fracturing or the combined stimulation technology of acid fracturing + sand fracturing to improve the reservoir stimulation effects.
Designing Accessible Formative Assessment Tasks to Measure Argumentation Skills for English Learners
Authors: Guzman‐Orth Danielle , Song Yi , Sparks Jesse R.
Published: April 2019

In this study, we investigated the challenges and opportunities in developing a computer‐delivered English language arts (ELA) task intended to improve the accessibility of the task for middle school English learners (ELs). Data from cognitive labs with 8 ELs with varying language proficiency levels provided rich insight to student–task interaction and how the accessibility of the task could be improved to enhance student understanding and to support valid integration of the task as a part of students' formative assessment process. In this paper, we share the results from our research and discuss our iterative approach to improving ELA task accessibility for ELs' formative assessment process.
Untargeted metabolomics analysis of Mucor racemosus Douchi fermentation process by gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Pao , Tang Hui , Shi Cong , Xie Yanhua , Zhou Hongli , Xia Bo , Zhang Chunyan , Chen Lili , Jiang Liwen
Published: April 2019

Intensive study of the metabolome during the Douchi fermentation can provide new knowledge for optimizing the fermentation process. In this work, the metabolic characterization throughout the fermentation of Mucor racemosus Douchi was investigated using gas chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. A total of 511 peaks were found, and 114 metabolites were identified. The fermentation process was clearly distinguished into two main phases by principal components analysis and orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis. All the samples in the score plots were within the 95% Hotelling T2 ellipse. Two separated clusters can be seen clearly in the score plot, which represents the two stages of fermentation: koji‐making (within 48 hr) and postfermentation (after 48 hr). Besides, clear separation and discrimination by both methods were found among different fermentation time within 15 days, while the discrimination cannot be found with more than 15 days of fermentation, indicating that the fermentation of Douchi was finished in 15 days. Due to the synergistic effect of protease and hydrolase accumulated in the early stage, proteins and other big molecular substances are rapidly hydrolyzed into a large number of small molecule components. However, the activity of enzymes decreased with the further fermentation, and some free amino acids were consumed in Maillard reaction. Therefore, there was no significant change in the content of small molecular substances after 15 days of fermentation. Furthermore, the levels of some metabolites such as alanine and lysine involved in the fermentation varied significantly throughout the processes. This study provides new insights for the metabolomics characteristics of Douchi fermentation.
Apoptotic effects of hsian‐tsao (Mesona procumbens Hemsley) on hepatic stellate cells mediated by reactive oxygen species and ERK, JNK, and caspase‐3 pathways
Authors: Yeh Yung‐Hsiang , Liang Chun‐Ya , Chen Mao‐Liang , Tsai Fu‐Ming , Lin Yi‐Ying , Lee Ming‐Cheng , Wu Jiunn‐Sheng , Kuo Chan‐Yen
Published: April 2019

The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an important step in the progress of liver fibrosis. Fibrosis can be impeded by HSC reversion to a quiescent state or HSC clearance through apoptosis. To investigate the apoptotic effects of hsian‐tsao (Mesona procumbens Hemsl) on human HSCs, the expression levels of cleaved caspase‐3, p38, and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) were assessed using Western blotting, and the caspase‐3 activity was measured using caspase‐3/CPP32 colorimetric assay kit. Hsian‐tsao extract (HTE) increased the activity of caspase‐3 and the level of activated caspase‐3, indicating the activation of apoptosis. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level increased in a dose‐dependent manner. This increase was prevented by an antioxidant, suggesting that HTE induces ROS accumulation. In addition, we found that HTE induced the phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases JNK and p38. These collective data indicate that HTE induces apoptosis via ROS production through the p38, JNK, and caspase‐3‐dependent pathways. HTE may decrease HSC activation in liver fibrosis and may have a therapeutic potential.
Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in a metabolically healthy obese population
Authors: Mu Liangshan , Zhao Yue , Li Rong , Lai Yuchen , Chang Hsun‐Ming , Qiao Jie
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) prevalence is increased among metabolically healthy obese (MHO) women.

Methods

A national epidemiologic survey in 10 provinces and municipalities of China between October 2007 and September 2011. Women were stratified into four groups according to metabolic health (assessment by Adult Treatment Panel III) and obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥28): metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy nonobese (MUNO), MHO, and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). PCOS was diagnosed via Rotterdam Criteria. Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent physical and transvaginal ultrasound examination. BMI, blood pressure, glucose, and lipid profile were measured.

Results

The survey included 3551 women. The MHO group had a higher prevalence of PCOS and chronic anovulation versus nonobese groups (all P<0.05). Obesity was a risk factor for PCOS (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68–3.14, P<0.05). Being metabolically unhealthy was a risk factor for PCOS (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09–1.60; P<0.05). The MHO group had an increased risk of PCOS relative to the MHNO group (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.42–4.02; P<0.05).

Conclusion

MHO women had an increased risk of PCOS and chronic anovulation. Obesity might be an independent risk factor for these two disorders.
Differential response of human blood leukocytes to brushite, monetite, and calcium polyphosphate biomaterials
Authors: Fine Noah , Sheikh Zeeshan , Al‐Jaf Faik , Oveisi Morvarid , Borenstein Alon , Hu Youxin , Pilliar Robert , Grynpas Marc , Glogauer Michael
Published: April 2019

Calcium phosphate‐based biomaterials are extensively used for bone replacement and regeneration in orthopedic, dental, and maxillofacial surgical applications. The injury induced by surgical implantation of bone replacement graft materials initiates a cascade of host responses, starting with blood–biomaterial contact, protein adsorption on the material surface, blood coagulation, and leukocyte responses. During the initial acute inflammatory response, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes, abundant circulating leukocytes of the myeloid lineage, are recruited to the site of inflammation. In addition to responding to pathogenic challenges, these cells respond to particulate substances within the body including crystals of monosodium urate (MSU). Host responses toward grafts impact short‐ and long‐term success in tissue engineering and regenerative applications. Although multinucleated osteoclasts, formed by monocyte/macrophage fusion, are generally thought to be responsible for resorption of implant biomaterials, the ability of different biomaterials to trigger PMNs, which are invariably present at the early stages after implant surgery, and are abundant in the oral cavity, has never been tested. In this article, we present analysis of the response of human blood‐derived PMNs and monocytes toward brushite, monetite, and calcium polyphosphate (CPP) biomaterial substrates and compare this to the response to MSU crystals, the latter serving as a positive control. Employing multicolor flow cytometry to look at PMN and monocyte cell surface markers of activation to gauge the response to different biomaterials, we found that both types of myeloid cells are highly activated after exposure to brushite, monetite, and MSU but not CPP. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:253–262, 2020.
A foldable manipulator with tunable stiffness based on braided structure
Authors: Shang Zufeng , Ma Jiayao , You Zhong , Wang Shuxin
Published: April 2019

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has recently seen a surge in clinical applications due to its potential benefits over open surgery. In MIS, a long manipulator is placed through a tortuous human orifice to create a channel for surgical tools and provide support when they are operated. Currently the relative large profile and low stiffness of the manipulators limit the effectiveness and accuracy of MIS. Here we propose a new foldable manipulator with tunable stiffness. The manipulator takes a braided skeleton to enable radial folding, whereas membrane is used to seal the skeleton so as to adjust stiffness through creating negative pressure. We demonstrated experimentally, numerically, and analytically that, a flexible and a rigid state were obtained, and the ratio of bending stiffness in the rigid state to that in the flexible state reached 6.85. In addition, the manipulator achieved a radial folding ratio of 1.95. The proposed manipulator shows great potential in the design of surgical robots for MIS. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B, 2019.
Genetic variants of TSPAN12 gene in patients with retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Zhang Tongmei , Sun Xiaoli , Han Junlin , Han Mei
Published: April 2019

Genetic susceptibility to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been reported. However, no virulence genes are currently known for ROP. This study aimed to assess FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12, and NDP, which are known virulence genes involved in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, an ailment that shares some symptoms with ROP. After approval from the parents of diseased infants, blood samples from 29 Han patients with ROP were collected for genomic DNA extraction. Direct sequencing was used to assess the four candidate genes, namely FZD4, LRP5, TSPAN12, and NDP. Finally, genetic mutations were screened. Changes of three nucleotide sequences were found in the four candidate genes; notably, a c.954G>A hybrid mutation in the TSPAN12 gene was predicted to cause protein structure and function alterations. The molecular pathogenesis of ROP is complex, and likely involves the c.954G>A mutation in TSPAN12.
Methyl helicterate inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation through downregulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaolin , Wen Shujuan , Huang Shaode , Huang Quanfang , Lu Shengjuan , Bai Facheng , Nie Jinlan , Wei Jinbin , Lu Zhongpeng , Lin Xing
Published: April 2019

The present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of methyl helicterate (MH) on hepatic stellate cells (HSC‐T6), primarily elucidating the underlying mechanism of MH against liver fibrosis. HSC‐T6 cells were activated by platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation, and then the effects of MH on cell viability, cytomembrane integrity, colony, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle were detected. Moreover, the regulative mechanism of MH on HSCs was investigated by detecting the activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. The results showed that MH significantly inhibited HSC‐T6 cell viability and proliferation in a concentration‐dependent manner. It notably promoted the release of lactate dehydrogenase, destroying cell membrane integrity. MH also markedly inhibited HSC‐T6 cell clonogenicity and migration. Moreover, MH treatment significantly induced cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at the G2 phase. The further study showed that MH inhibited the expression of ERK1, ERK2, c‐fos, c‐myc, and Ets‐1, blocking the ERK1/2 pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MH significantly inhibits HSC activation and promotes cell apoptosis via downregulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Treating ultra‐orthodox adolescents with eating disorders in Israel: Culturally‐sensitive interventions, difficulties, and dilemmas
Authors: Latzer Yael , Stein Daniel , Witztum Eliezer
Published: April 2019

Young ultra‐Orthodox women in Israel have been faced in recent years with a greater risk of developing disordered eating, as they are more exposed to Westernized norms of the thin‐body ideal, self‐realization, and personal choice. Most are treated by mainstream Israeli psychotherapists who likely have different value systems and different perspectives on the nature of the illness, aims of treatment, and recovery. Ultra‐Orthodox psychotherapists may well experience a conflict between a need to be loyal to their patients and a concomitant need to honor the values of patients’ families and the community from which they come. The current article presents a theoretical background and four case studies highlighting the complexities and controversies inherent in the treatment of these women. We conclude that both ultra‐Orthodox and mainstream secular psychotherapists must be knowledgeable in regard to both Judaism and psychology, and be flexible, creative, and emphatic to all parties, to arrive at a compromised definition of recovery that can be accepted by the patient, her family, and her community.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of thermally pre‐treated chitin and antimicrobial activity of N,N′‐diacetylchitobiose
Authors: Abidin Munira Z , Kourmentza Constantina , Karatzas Andreas K , Niranjan Keshavan
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

N,N′‐diacetylchitobiose (GlcNAc2) is known to be highly functional and offers a wide range of applications, especially as an antimicrobial agent. In this study, a thermal pre‐treatment process using steam under pressure in an autoclave was employed to facilitate subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of chitin with chitinase from Streptomyces griseus.

RESULTS

Pre‐treatment of chitin with 0.05 mol L−1 sodium acetate buffer (pH = 6.0) at 121 °C for 60 min, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis involving 24 h incubation, were found to be the best conditions for producing GlcNAc2. The GlcNAc2 thus obtained was tested regarding its antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive strains and showed minimum inhibitory concentrations at 5 and 10% (w/v) against Escherichia coli K‐12 and Listeria monocytogenes 10403S, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of swelling and crystallite size of chitin increased with pre‐treatment residence time, and enhanced the rate of subsequent hydrolysis using chitinase. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Identifying strong signals between low‐frequency climate oscillations and annual precipitation using correlation analysis
Authors: Giovannettone Jason , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2019

Long‐term changes in precipitation in California and North and South Carolina are correlated to low‐frequency oscillations of several hydroclimate indices (HCIs) through correlation analysis that utilizes longer sliding window sizes compared to previous studies to reduce higher‐frequency noise in each time series. HCIs that are considered include the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific‐Decadal Oscillation, among others. Multi‐year accumulations of precipitation at several point locations were correlated to these HCIs temporally averaged over the same period. The sliding window size, lag time, and beginning month were varied to optimize the correlation for each site and HCI; a 60‐month window size and 12‐month lag time were found to result in the highest correlation. Correlation strength was characterized by the Pearson's r statistic, while correlation significance was estimated through a permutation experiment that employs a bootstrapping technique, resulting in a p‐value between 0 and 1. Using a 60‐month sliding window size and 12‐month lag time, it was found that the MJO exhibited the strongest and the most significant correlation with accumulated precipitation throughout California, whereas similar correlation was found with ENSO throughout the Carolinas; correlation strength exceeded a Pearson's r of .80, while correlation significance was p < .05 at several sites. Optimal beginning months ranged from December to March for a majority of sites. This study underscores the potential of low‐frequency climate oscillations that manifest themselves in the long‐range dependence of precipitation on tropical disturbances.
Impact of Teduglutide on Quality of Life Among Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome and Intestinal Failure
Authors: Chen Kristina , Mu Fan , Xie Jipan , Kelkar Sneha S. , Olivier Clément , Signorovitch James , Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: April 2019

Background

Teduglutide reduces or eliminates parenteral support (PS) dependency in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Recent post hoc analyses demonstrated that effects are correlated with baseline PS volume. We assessed the SBS‐related quality‐of‐life (QoL) impact of teduglutide, particularly whether improvements are greater among subgroups achieving more PS volume reduction.

Methods

Using phase 3 trial data of teduglutide in patients with SBS (NCT00798967), change in Short Bowel Syndrome–Quality of Life (SBS‐QoL) scores from baseline were compared between teduglutide vs placebo in the overall population and subgroups classified by baseline PS volume requirement, disease etiology, and bowel anatomy. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to assess impact of teduglutide on SBS‐related QoL using data from all visits, adjusted for baseline characteristics.

Results

Of 86 patients, 43 each were randomized to teduglutide or placebo (mean age: 51 vs 50 years, respectively). In adjusted analyses, teduglutide had a nonsignificant reduction (improvement) of −8.6 points (95% CI: 2.6 to −19.8) in SBS‐QoL sum score from baseline to Week‐24 vs placebo. The impact of teduglutide varied by subgroup. Patients treated with teduglutide experienced significantly greater reductions in SBS‐QoL sum score at Week‐24 vs placebo in 2 subgroups, ie, the third (highest) tertile baseline PS volume (−27.3, 95% CI: −50.8 to −3.7) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; −29.6, 95% CI: −46.3 to −12.9). Results were similar for SBS‐QoL subscale and item scores.

Conclusions

The impact of teduglutide treatment on SBS‐related QoL vs placebo varied among subgroups and was significant and most pronounced among patients with highest baseline PS volume requirement or IBD.
Resting Energy Expenditure Measured by Indirect Calorimetry in Obese Patients: Variation Within Different BMI Ranges
Authors: Fabiano Alves Valéria Girard , da Rocha Eduardo Eiras Moreira , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Vieira da Fonseca Rosana Barcellos , do Nascimento Silva Mônica Hissa
Published: April 2019

Background

The adequate provision of energy for obese patients by estimation without indirect calorimetry (IC) is challenging. The goal was to establish values of kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) for patients in different ranges of body mass index (BMI [kg/m2]) comparable to resting energy expenditure (REE [kcal/kg/d]) measurements by IC.

Methods

In 63 overweight (OW) hospitalized patients with BMIs (25.0–29.9) or obesity (OB; ≥30), the REE was measured in fasting and fed states. IC was performed with Deltatrac II on patients with enteral or parenteral nutrition, classified by their BMI, in 3 groups: OW (25–29.9), OB (30–39.9), and morbidly obese (≥40). The actual body weight was measured with a microprocessed bed scale or a precision anthropometric scale, and REE was transformed to kcal/kg.

Results

Ninety‐seven IC measurements were obtained from 63 patients: in 54 on a ventilator, and of 9 with a canopy; 58 in the fasting state; and 39 after reaching measured caloric requirements. The patients’ BMIs ranged from 27.3 to 53.4, average of 33.9 ± 6.2. There were no differences in measured REE (mREE) between the fasting and fed states (P > 0.05) within each BMI group; however, differences were observed when comparing the mREE between the groups in the fed state.

Conclusion

These results, in kcal/kg/d, suggest using 22.0 for OW, 18.4 for OB, and 16.9 for individuals with BMIs >40. However, we recommend the use of IC to determine REE for the latter subset of patients, since 16.9 kcal/kg/d might be an underestimation.
Bioprocessing of agro‐industrial residues into lactic acid and probiotic enriched livestock feed
Authors: Mladenović Dragana , Djukić‐Vuković Aleksandra , Stanković Miroslav , Milašinović‐Šeremešić Marija , Radosavljević Milica , Pejin Jelena , Mojović Ljiljana
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Growing challenges of resource depletion, food security and environmental protection are putting stress on the development of biorefinery processes for bioprocessing of residues from food and agro‐industry into value‐added products. In this study, the simultaneous production of lactic acid (LA) and livestock feed on a combined substrate based on molasses and potato stillage by Lactobacillus paracasei NRRL B‐4564 immobilized onto sunflower seed hull (SSH), brewer's spent grain (BSG) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) was studied.

RESULTS

The highest total LA concentration of 399 g L−1 with overall productivity of 1.27 g L−1 h−1 was achieved in repeated batch fermentation by SBP‐immobilized biocatalyst, followed by BSG‐ and SSH‐immobilized cells. Fermentation improved the content of proteins and ash, and decreased the content of fibers in all three support materials. In addition, the fermentation had favorable effect on in vitro dry matter digestibility and energy values of SSH and BSG. According to assessment of probiotic potential, L. paracasei demonstrated a favorable probiotic profile, exhibiting high resistance to simulated ruminant digestive tract and significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed strategy enables valorization of agro‐industrial residues as value‐added ruminant feed and simultaneous LA production. Following principles of circular economy, the developed process combines different raw materials and integrates them into a biorefinery process, improving the overall profitability and productivity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
FT‐MIR determination of taste‐related compounds in tomato: a high throughput phenotyping analysis for selection programs
Authors: Ibáñez Ginés , Valcárcel Mercedes , Cebolla‐Cornejo Jaime , Roselló Salvador
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Tomato taste is defined by the accumulation of sugars and organic acids. Individual analyses of these compounds using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) are expensive, time‐consuming and are not feasible for large number of samples, justifying the interest of spectroscopic methods such as Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared (FT‐MIR). This work analyzed the performance of FT‐MIR models to determine the accumulation of sugars and acids, considering the efficiency of models obtained with different ranges of variation.

RESULTS

FT‐MIR spectra (five‐bounce attenuated total reflectance, ATR) were used to obtain partial least squares (PLS) models to predict sugar and acid contents in specific sample sets representing different varietal types. A general model was also developed, obtaining R2 values for prediction higher than 0.84 for main components (soluble solids content, fructose, glucose, and citric acid). Root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) for these components were lower than 15% of the mean contents and lower than 6% of the highest contents. Even more, the model sensitivity and specificity for those variables with a 10% selection pressure was 100%. That means that all samples with the 10% highest content were correctly identified. The model was applied to an external assay and it exhibited, for main components, high sensitivities (> 70%) and specificities (> 96%). RMSEP values for main compounds were lower than 21% and 13% of the mean and maximum content respectively.

CONCLUSION

The models obtained confirm the effectiveness of FT‐MIR models to select samples with high contents of taste‐related compounds, even when the calibration has not been performed within the same assay. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Klotho/FGF23 axis mediates high phosphate‐induced vascular calcification in vascular smooth muscle cells via Wnt7b/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Chen Yan‐Xia , Huang Chong , Duan Zhi‐Bing , Xu Cheng‐Yun , Chen Yan
Published: April 2019

Vascular calcification (VC) plays as a critical role on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and acts as a notable risk factor in cardiovascular system. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) calcification can be triggered by high phosphate treatment; however, the explicit mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we isolated VSMCs from primary rat artery, applied β‐GP (β‐glycerophosphate) for inducing VSMCs calcification in vitro to explore the mechanism of phosphate‐induced calcification in VSMCs. Alizarin red staining was performed to assess the mineralization in VSMCs. Calcium deposition experiment was taken to evaluate the calcium content. ALP staining was determined to assess the ALP activity. The recombinant adenoviruses were constructed for the overexpression of Klotho and FGF23, respectively. qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis were subjected to measure the expression of Klotho/FGF23 and correlated genes among Wnt7b/β‐catenin pathway. We found that the calcium content was obviously increased and Alizarin red staining was positive in calcification group exposure with high phosphate in a time‐dependent manner. The expression of Klotho and FGF23 was significantly decreased in the calcification group. However, overexpression of Klotho and FGF23 markedly reversed VSMCs calcification stimulating with high phosphate treatment. Moreover, Wnt7b/β‐catenin inhibitor DKK1 could partly attenuate the effect of high phosphate on calcified VSMCs. These findings demonstrated that Klotho/FGF23 axis could modulate high phosphate‐induced VSMCs calcification via Wnt7b/β‐catenin signaling pathway. Our findings unravel that Klotho/FGF23‐ Wnt7b/β‐catenin axis functions as a crucial role in the VSMCs calcification.
Self‐powered polymer–metal oxide hybrid solar cell for non‐enzymatic potentiometric sensing of bilirubin
Authors: Manikandan Palinci Nagarajan , Imran Habibulla , Dharuman Venkataraman
Published: April 2019

Biofuel cell and enzyme‐based self‐powered sensors (SPS) have been reported for various metabolite sensing. However, it is essential to eliminate enzymes to reduce the cost and long‐term stability of the SPS. Here, we developed polymer (polyaniline–polyvinyl alcohol) and metal oxide (aluminium‐doped zinc oxide) hybrid solar cell self‐powered potentiometric sensor for bilirubin (BR) quantification accurately in blood. The hybrid solar device showed an open circuit potential (OCP) of 0.427 V and increases to 0.8 V upon visible light irradiation and interaction with bilirubin. The sensor shows dynamic range from 3 µg/dl to 87 mg/dl (0.05 µM–1.5 mM) with r2 0.9981 with detection limit of 1.2 ± 0.06 µg/dl. Data reading was achieved by connecting a simple multimeter without using any other active electronic components. Blood bilirubin from the jaundice patients is quantified and compared with the biochemical assay.
Molecular design opportunities presented by solvent‐exposed regions of target proteins
Authors: Jiang Xiangyi , Yu Ji , Zhou Zhongxia , Kongsted Jacob , Song Yuning , Pannecouque Christophe , De Clercq Erik , Kang Dongwei , Poongavanam Vasanthanathan , Liu Xinyong , Zhan Peng
Published: April 2019

Solvent‐exposed regions, or solvent‐filled pockets, within or adjacent to the ligand‐binding sites of drug‐target proteins provide opportunities for substantial modifications of existing small‐molecular drug molecules without serious loss of activity. In this review, we present recent selected examples of exploitation of solvent‐exposed regions of proteins in drug design and development from the recent medicinal‐chemistry literature.
Phaseless inverse discrete Hilbert transform and determination of signals in shift‐invariant space
Authors: Li Youfa , Yuan Qianyun
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we first address the uniqueness of phaseless inverse discrete Hilbert transform (phaseless IDHT for short) from the magnitude of discrete Hilbert transform (DHT for short). The measurement vectors of phaseless IDHT do not satisfy the complement property, a traditional requirement for ensuring the uniqueness of phase retrieval. Consequently, the uniqueness problem of phaseless IDHT is essentially different from that of the traditional phase retrieval. For the phaseless IDHT related to compactly supported functions, conditions are given in our first main theorem to ensure the uniqueness. A condition on the step size of DHT is crucial for the insurance. The second main theorem concerns the uniqueness related to noncompactly supported functions. It is not the trivial generalization of the first main theorem. Our third main result is on the determination of signals in shift‐invariant spaces by phaseless IDHT. Note that the measurements used for the determination are the DHT magnitudes. They are the approximations to the Hilbert transform magnitudes. Recall that for the existing methods of phaseless sampling (a special phase‐retrieval problem), to determine a signal depends on the exact measurements but not the approximative ones. Therefore, our determination method is essentially different from the traditional phaseless sampling. Numerical simulations are conducted to examine the efficiency of phaseless IDHT and its application in determining signals in spline Hilbert shift‐invariant space.
Automated segmentation of prostate zonal anatomy on T2‐weighted (T2W) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map MR images using U‐Nets
Authors: Zabihollahy Fatemeh , Schieda Nicola , Krishna Jeyaraj Satheesh , Ukwatta Eranga
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Accurate regional segmentation of the prostate boundaries on magnetic resonance (MR) images is a fundamental requirement before automated prostate cancer diagnosis can be achieved. In this paper, we describe a novel methodology to segment prostate whole gland (WG), central gland (CG), and peripheral zone (PZ), where PZ + CG = WG, from T2W and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map prostate MR images.

Methods

We designed two similar models each made up of two U‐Nets to delineate the WG, CG, and PZ from T2W and ADC map MR images, separately. The U‐Net, which is a modified version of a fully convolutional neural network, includes contracting and expanding paths with convolutional, pooling, and upsampling layers. Pooling and upsampling layers help to capture and localize image features with a high spatial consistency. We used a dataset consisting of 225 patients (combining 153 and 72 patients with and without clinically significant prostate cancer) imaged with multiparametric MRI at 3 Tesla.

Results and conclusion

Our proposed model for prostate zonal segmentation from T2W was trained and tested using 1154 and 1587 slices of 100 and 125 patients, respectively. Median of Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) on test dataset for prostate WG, CG, and PZ were 95.33 ± 7.77%, 93.75 ± 8.91%, and 86.78 ± 3.72%, respectively. Designed model for regional prostate delineation from ADC map images was trained and validated using 812 and 917 slices from 100 and 125 patients. This model yielded a median DSC of 92.09 ± 8.89%, 89.89 ± 10.69%, and 86.1 ± 9.56% for prostate WG, CG, and PZ on test samples, respectively. Further investigation indicated that the proposed algorithm reported high DSC for prostate WG segmentation from both T2W and ADC map MR images irrespective of WG size. In addition, segmentation accuracy in terms of DSC does not significantly vary among patients with or without significant tumors.

Significance

We describe a method for automated prostate zonal segmentation using T2W and ADC map MR images independent of prostate size and the presence or absence of tumor. Our results are important in terms of clinical perspective as fully automated methods for ADC map images, which are considered as one of the most important sequences for prostate cancer detection in the PZ and CG, have not been reported previously.
Two‐dimensional ultrasound‐computed tomography image registration for monitoring percutaneous hepatic intervention
Authors: Pohlman Robert M. , Turney Michael R. , Wu Po‐Hung , Brace Christopher L. , Ziemlewicz Timothy J. , Varghese Tomy
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Deformable registration of ultrasound (US) and contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images are essential for quantitative comparison of ablation boundaries and dimensions determined using these modalities. This comparison is essential as stiffness‐based imaging using US has become popular and offers a nonionizing and cost‐effective imaging modality for monitoring minimally invasive microwave ablation procedures. A sensible manual registration method is presented that performs the required CT‐US image registration.

Methods

The two‐dimensional (2D) virtual CT image plane that corresponds to the clinical US B‐mode was obtained by “virtually slicing” the 3D CT volume along the plane containing non‐anatomical landmarks, namely points along the microwave ablation antenna. The initial slice plane was generated using the vector acquired by rotating the normal vector of the transverse (i.e., xz) plane along the angle subtended by the antenna. This plane was then further rotated along the ablation antenna and shifted along with the direction of normal vector to obtain similar anatomical structures, such as the liver surface and vasculature that is visualized on both the CT virtual slice and US B‐mode images on 20 patients. Finally, an affine transformation was estimated using anatomic and non‐anatomic landmarks to account for distortion between the colocated CT virtual slice and US B‐mode image resulting in a final registered CT virtual slice. Registration accuracy was measured by estimating the Euclidean distance between corresponding registered points on CT and US B‐mode images.

Results

Mean and SD of the affine transformed registration error was 1.85 ± 2.14 (mm), computed from 20 coregistered data sets.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the ability to obtain 2D virtual CT slices that are registered to clinical US B‐mode images. The use of both anatomical and non‐anatomical landmarks result in accurate registration useful for validating ablative margins and comparison to electrode displacement elastography based images.
Expanding the spectrum of immune mediated peripheral nerve disorders
Authors: Lewis Richard A.
Published: April 2019

See article on pages 658–664 in this issue.
Role of β‐3 adrenergic receptor polymorphism in overactive bladder
Authors: Meekins A. Rebecca , Murphy Susan K. , Grenier Carole , Huang Zhiqing , Bradley Megan S. , Amundsen Cindy L. , Wu Jennifer , Siddiqui Nazema Y.
Published: April 2019

Aims

Women with overactive bladder (OAB) have a higher frequency of a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 64 of the β‐3 adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB3). Since the SNP results in an amino acid substitution that could theoretically alter receptor protein function, we hypothesized that those with the SNP would display greater OAB symptom severity. Therefore we aimed to compare OAB severity between women with this SNP and women with the wild type genotype.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in women with bothersome OAB from two academic institutions. Banked blood samples were tested for the codon 64 SNP. Women were divided into two groups based on genotype: wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HZ). We compared mean OAB Symptom Severity questionnaire (OAB‐q) scores between groups using t tests. Linear regression was performed to control for potential confounders.

Results

Of the 303 women with OAB, 254 (83.8%) had the WT genotype, and 49 (16.2%) the HZ genotype. There were no homozygous women for the rare allele. The majority were Caucasian (86%) and non‐Hispanic (97%). There were no significant differences in mean OAB‐q symptom severity scores (WT 21.2 ± 7 vs HZ 22.0 ± 6.6; P = 0.49) and quality of life scores (WT 39.6 ± 15.5 vs HZ 39.1 ± 16.6; P = 0.83) between groups. These remained nonsignificant in a linear regression model.

Conclusions

In a predominantly non‐Hispanic, Caucasian population of women with bothersome OAB, symptom severity was not related to ADRB3 codon 64 SNP genotype.
Direct measurements of tree root relative permittivity for the aid of GPR forward models and site surveys
Authors: Mihai Andrei E. , Gerea Alexandra G. , Curioni Giulio , Atkins Philip , Hayati Farzad
Published: April 2019

Ground penetrating radar has been used extensively in near‐surface studies to detect underground objects and features typically located within a few metres beneath the surface. In urban areas, ground penetrating radar is widely used to study buried utilities such as pipes and cables. A more recent and unconventional application of ground penetrating radar is the detection of tree roots, which can interact negatively with the human infrastructure in a number of ways. However, the geophysical study of tree roots has proven quite challenging and site‐specific. Most tree roots (even coarse roots) have a small diameter and are hard to resolve through geophysical methods. In addition, the sheer amount of potential variability regarding the tree species, age, size, health and the subsurface environment (e.g., soil or a man‐made material such as concrete or asphalt) makes it very hard to implement a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. This is where robust, easily customizable forward models can be of assistance, indicating the range of detectable geophysical contrast and the limitations of the method, as well as the suitable antenna frequencies. Here, a vector network analyser with a commercial open‐ended coaxial probe was used to take direct measurements of the relative permittivity of freshly cut tree root segments at frequencies from 50 MHz to 3 GHz. The results were used as inputs to ground penetrating radar forward modelling using gprMax open source software, depicting various realistic scenarios which could be encountered in actual field surveys. The developed models help better understand the applicability, potential and limitations of ground penetrating radar surveys for detecting tree roots in different environments, aiding the development of future surveys. The notable variability in the tree roots is a significant consideration for surveys and forward models.
Preclinical Assessment of Leptin Transport into the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Diet‐Induced Obese Minipigs
Authors: Chmielewski Alexandra , Hubert Thomas , Descamps Amandine , Mazur Daniele , Daoudi Mehdi , Ciofi Philippe , Fontaine Christian , Caiazzo Robert , Pattou François , Prevot Vincent , Pigeyre Marie
Published: April 2019

Objective

A minipig model was employed to explore the changes in endogenous leptin transport into the central nervous system and in hypothalamic sensitivity to exogenous leptin when individuals are placed on high‐fat diet (HFD) compared with standard diet.

Methods

Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leptin concentrations during 10 weeks of HFD versus standard diet and exogenous leptin‐induced STAT3 phosphorylation in the hypothalamus of minipigs were assessed, and the hypothalamic leptin‐sensitive cells were characterized by immunofluorescence.

Results

The efficiency of the passage of endogenous blood‐borne leptin into the CSF (measured as the log [CSF:serum leptin ratio]) decreased over time in minipigs fed a HFD (β = –0.04 ± 0.005 per kilogram of weight gain in HFD; P < 0.0001), while it remained stable in minipigs fed a standard diet. However, the ability of peripherally administered leptin to activate its receptor in hypothalamic neurons was preserved in obese minipigs at 10 weeks of HFD.

Conclusions

Together, these data are consistent with the existence of an early‐onset tranport deficiency for endogenous circulating leptin into the brain in individuals developing obesity, preceding the acquisition of hypothalamic leptin resistance. Although additional studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms, our study paves the way for the development of new preclinical pharmacological models targeting the restoration of the shuttling of peripheral leptin into the central nervous system to manage obesity.
Synergistic effect of polyfunctional silane coupling agent and styrene acrylonitrile copolymer on the water‐resistant and mechanical performances of glass fiber–reinforced polyamide 6
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Wang Xinchao , Yang Le , Zhang Feng , Xie Lijin , Luo Zhu , Xiang Kun
Published: April 2019

Adverse effects of a high‐water absorption rate on properties of a glass fiber–reinforced polyamide 6 (GF‐PA6) composite significantly reduce performance and limit application in humid environments. In this paper, a polyfunctional silane (PFS) coupling agent with amino (–NH2) and imino (–NH) groups and styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) were added to a composite, GF‐PA6, to prepare GF‐PA6/SAN/PFS composites via melt blending in a twin‐screw extruder. The effects of SAN and PFS content on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites before and after water absorption were investigated in detail. The microstructure of the fracture surface was analyzed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the addition of SAN and PFS could effectively inhibit water absorption of the GF‐PA6 composites. The alkoxyl groups on PFS reacted chemically with the nitrile groups of SAN, which enriched SAN on the interface between the fiber and matrix during the extrusion and mixing process to improve the effect of water prevention. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the wet state were notably improved while preventing water from permeating the interface by only the addition of a small amount of SAN and PFS. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that the addition of PFS improved the compatibility of PA6 with SAN and enhanced the interface adhesion between fiber and PA6. In terms of test result of the comprehensive performance, 10 phr SAN with 0.6 phr PFS was the best dosage.