bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toll‐like Receptor 4 Signaling in Neurons Enhances Calcium‐Permeable AMPA Receptor Currents and Drives Post‐Traumatic Epileptogenesis
Authors: Korgaonkar Akshata A. , Li Ying , Sekhar Dipika , Subramanian Deepak , Guevarra Jenieve , Swietek Bogumila , Pallottie Alexandra , Singh Sukwinder , Kella Kruthi , Elkabes Stella , Santhakumar Vijayalakshmi
Published: February 2020

Objective

Traumatic brain injury is a major risk factor for acquired epilepsies, and understanding the mechanisms underlying the early pathophysiology could yield viable therapeutic targets. Growing evidence indicates a role for inflammatory signaling in modifying neuronal excitability and promoting epileptogenesis. Here we examined the effect of innate immune receptor Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) on excitability of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and epileptogenesis after brain injury.

Methods

Slice and in vivo electrophysiology and Western blots were conducted in rats subject to fluid percussion brain injury or sham injury.

Results

The studies identify that TLR4 signaling in neurons augments dentate granule cell calcium‐permeable α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor (CP‐AMPAR) currents after brain injury. Blocking TLR4 signaling in vivo shortly after brain injury reduced dentate network excitability and seizure susceptibility. When blocking of TLR4 signaling after injury was delayed, however, this treatment failed to reduce postinjury seizure susceptibility. Furthermore, TLR4 signal blocking was less efficacious in limiting seizure susceptibility when AMPAR currents, downstream targets of TLR4 signaling, were transiently enhanced. Paradoxically, blocking TLR4 signaling augmented both network excitability and seizure susceptibility in uninjured controls. Despite the differential effect on seizure susceptibility, TLR4 antagonism suppressed cellular inflammatory responses after injury without impacting sham controls.

Interpretation

These findings demonstrate that independently of glia, the immune receptor TLR4 directly regulates post‐traumatic neuronal excitability. Moreover, the TLR4‐dependent early increase in dentate excitability is causally associated with epileptogenesis. Identification and selective targeting of the mechanisms underlying the aberrant TLR4‐mediated increase in CP‐AMPAR signaling after injury may prevent epileptogenesis after brain trauma. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:497–515
Low‐Dimensional Dion–Jacobson‐Phase Lead‐Free Perovskites for High‐Performance Photovoltaics with Improved Stability
Authors: Li Pengwei , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Yiqiang , Liang Chao , Chen Gangshu , Li Fengyu , Su Meng , Xing Guichuan , Tao Xutang , Song Yanlin
Published: February 2020

1,4‐butanediamine (BEA) is incorporated into FASnI3 (FA=formamidinium) to develop a series of lead‐free low‐dimensional Dion–Jacobson‐phase perovskites, (BEA)FAn−1SnnI3n+1. The broadness of the (BEA)FA2Sn3I10 band gap appears to be influenced by the structural distortion owing to high symmetry. The introduction of BEA ligand stabilizes the low‐dimensional perovskite structure (formation energy ca. 106 j mol−1), which inhibits the oxidation of Sn2+. The compact (BEA)FA2Sn3I10 dominated film enables a weakened carrier localization mechanism with a charge transfer time of only 0.36 ps among the quantum wells, resulting in a carrier diffusion length over 450 nm for electrons and 340 nm for holes, respectively. Solar cell fabrication with (BEA)FA2Sn3I10 delivers a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.43 % with negligible hysteresis. The devices can retain over 90 % of their initial PCE after 1000 h without encapsulation under N2 environment.
Ruthenium/dendrimer complex immobilized on silica‐functionalized magnetite nanoparticles catalyzed oxidation of stilbenes to benzil derivatives at room temperature
Authors: Saberi Dariush , Hashemi Hajar , Ghanaatzadeh Niloofar , Moghadam Majid , Niknam Khodabakhsh
Published: February 2020

A new ruthenium/dendrimer complex stabilized on the surface of silica‐functionalized nano‐magnetite was fabricated and well characterized. The nano‐catalyst showed good activity in the synthesis of benzil derivatives via the oxidation of stilbenes with high turnover frequency (TOF) at room temperature. Moreover, the catalyst could also be reused up to fifteen times without any loss of its activity.
Optimization of progressive freeze concentration on stormwater purification via response surface methodology
Authors: Ab Hamid Farah Hanim , Salim Siti Aquilah , Mat‐Shayuti Muhammad Shafiq
Published: February 2020

Shortages and lack of sources of clean water is a big issue nowadays. This problem happens because of the increment of population that leads to the amount of water usage increases at an alarming rate. Therefore, the sources of water must be explored in order to get a continuous supply of clean water. This paper recommends a new approach to get clean water, which is by purifying the stormwater via progressive freeze concentration (PFC). This method produces a single ice crystal block that contains high purity of water. This paper focuses on the optimization of two operating parameters, which are coolant temperature and operating time. In order to determine the effectiveness of this technology, effective partition constant (K) and concentration efficiency (Eff) were examined. Response surface methodology and central composite design were implemented to find the optimum operating conditions via Statistica software. The best responses for K and Eff obtained were 0.189 and 81.0%, respectively, with the optimum condition at coolant temperature of −8.9°C and operating time at 41.1 min. From the findings, it is proved that PFC has the capability to reduce the concentration of unwanted solute in stormwater and this process has a high potential to be an alternative approach to purify the stormwater.
Genetic differentiation among Atlantic island populations of the brown spiny lobster Panulirus echinatus (Decapoda: Palinuridae)
Authors: Gaeta Juliana , Acevedo Iván , López‐Márquez Violeta , Freitas Rui , Cruz Raúl , Maggioni Rodrigo , Herrera Rogelio , Machordom Annie
Published: February 2020

Declines in Panulirus echinatus Smith, 1869 populations along their wide distribution in the Atlantic Ocean have spurred efforts to improve their fisheries management and conservation. In this study, the genetic structure of these populations is reported for the first time.

In a survey of 18 species‐specific polymorphic microsatellite markers, 152 individuals were genotyped from five Atlantic oceanic islands, covering most of the insular distribution range of the species. The analyses revealed that P. echinatus is genetically partitioned into two stocks in the Atlantic Ocean. A highly significant genetic structure was observed between north‐east and south‐west Atlantic populations based on fixation index, discriminant analysis of principal components, and structure and barrier analysis.

We suggest that the Equatorial Circulation System represents a biophysical barrier that effectively limits migration among Atlantic subtropical gyre systems, as has been described for other species. Other physical and ecological barriers, such as the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge itself, the distance between the eastern and western sides of the Atlantic (Mid‐Atlantic Barrier) and water mass differences, as well as other biological aspects, may also influence larval dispersal and modulate the insular distribution of this species.

The results show the existence of two distinct genetic stocks of P. echinatus and have implications for fisheries management in the Atlantic Ocean, including their independent management according to their individual status. The Cabo Verde and the Canarian populations (north‐east Atlantic) showed the lowest level of genetic variability in comparison with the south‐western populations. A combination of factors that have occurred or are occurring in the Canary Islands, such as overfishing and volcanic eruptions, is likely to explain the reduced abundance of this lobster species in the area.
Effects of Long‐Term Exposure to Low‐Power 915 MHz Unmodulated Radiation on Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: Surducan Vasile , Surducan Emanoil , Neamtu Camelia , Mot Augustin C. , Ciorîță Alexandra
Published: February 2020

The morphophysiological response of Phaseolus vulgaris L. to low‐power electromagnetic radiation was investigated in order to assess the potential harmful effects of long‐term continuous exposure. The plants were grown in two separate electromagnetic field (EMF) shielded rooms, in a controlled, greenhouse‐like environment. One batch was continuously irradiated during the growth period (from sowing to maturity) and the other one was used as a reference. An unmodulated signal at 915 MHz (the central frequency between the uplink and downlink of the GSM900 mobile communications band) was used, with a maximum power density of 10 mW/m2 measured near the plants. The plants were analyzed using ultraviolet–visible, statistical, morphometric, and electron microscopy methods. Significant differences were observed regarding the height of the plants, number of inflorescences, and chlorophyll and carotenoid content, all closely connected with the ultrastructural changes observed in the leaves. The irradiated batch grew higher (19% increase in plant height, 20% increase in stem and leaves' dry mass), with 18% fewer inflorescences, and extremely long roots (34% increase in dry mass). The ultrastructure of the irradiated leaves showed irregular cells and a higher content of plastoglobules in the chloroplasts. All results indicate that the irradiated plants suffered significant morphological modifications during their long‐term exposure to the specific EM radiation. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Control of Particle Size and Porosity in Continuous Fluidized‐Bed Layering Granulation Processes
Authors: Neugebauer Christoph , Bück Andreas , Kienle Achim
Published: February 2020

Particle formulation processes such as continuous fluidized‐bed layering granulation (FBLG) are widely applied in chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Particle size and particle porosity are important product properties in FBLG. In this paper, a new concept is presented for the simultaneous control of both properties. The new concept allows stable process operation, automatic adjustment of the desired product properties, and rejection of unforseen disturbances.
Supramolecular Assemblies for Electronic Materials
Authors: Barendt Timothy A. , Ball Melissa L. , Xu Qizhi , Zhang Boyuan , Fowler Brandon , Schattman Ayden , Ritter Virginia Cary , Steigerwald Michael L. , Nuckolls Colin
Published: February 2020

This work presents a synergy between organic electronics and supramolecular chemistry, in which a host–guest complex is designed to function as an efficacious electronic material. Specifically, the noncovalent recognition of a fullerene, phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM), by an alternating perylene diimide (P)‐bithiophene (B) conjugated macrocycle (PBPB) results in a greater than five‐fold enhancement in electron mobility, relative to the macrocycle alone. Characterization and quantification of the binding of fullerenes by host PBPB is provided alongside evidence for intermolecular electronic communication within the host–guest complexes.
Twisted paddlewheel rhodium complexes: Contribution of central and axial chirality to ECD, VCD, and NMR spectra
Authors: Szabó Márk , Kleineisel Márk , Németh Krisztina , Domján Attila , Vass Elemér , Szilvágyi Gábor
Published: February 2020

Dirhodium complexes bearing N‐substituted chiral amino acid ligands are investigated. These complexes have an unusual twisted paddlewheel structure, showing inherent chirality. We would like to demonstrate that parallel application of chiroptical spectroscopic methods (ECD and VCD) and NMR spectroscopy combined with quantum chemical calculations constitutes a powerful tool to determine the configuration of the complexes unequivocally. Two chiroptical methods are needed to determine the absolute configuration: ECD for the coordinated nitrogen atom and VCD for the rhodium core. A quick to use NMR method is also presented: Upon the coordination of small molecules in the axial position, the relative configuration of both the rhodium core and the nitrogen atom can be determined simultaneously by studying spatial proximities provided by 1D NOE spectra.
Non‐ST‐elevated myocardial infarction with “N” wave on electrocardiogram and culprit vessel in left circumflex has a risk equivalent to ST‐elevated myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Tiangui , Chen Jie , Liu Xiaoxia , Xu Changlu , Niu Tiesheng , Fu Xi , Fu Peng
Published: February 2020

Background

It was found that delayed activation wave often appeared in terminal QRS wave in non‐ST‐elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with culprit vessel in left circumflex artery (LCX), yet little is known about the similarities among non‐“N”‐wave non‐ST‐elevated myocardial infarction (N‐NSTEMI) and ST‐elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Hypothesis

In AMI patients with the culprit vessel in LCX, “N” wave NSTEMI has a risk equivalent to STEMI.

Methods

All 874 patients admitted to Shenjing Hospital of China Medical University between January 1, 2013 and December 30, 2017 were included and whose coronary angiography (CAG) indicated the culprit vessel in LCX. Patients were divided into three groups: ST‐elevated myocardial infarction group (STEMI group, n = 322), “N” wave non‐ST‐elevated myocardial infarction group (N‐NSTEMI group, n = 232) and non‐“N”‐wave NSTEMI group (non N‐NSTEMI group, n = 320). The basic data and the incidence of MACE during hospitalization and 12 months were analyzed.

Results

In STEMI and N‐NSTEMI groups, AST, CK, CK‐MB, TnI, and stenosis severity were significantly higher than non N‐NSTEMI (P < .05). The lesions in the N‐NSTEMI and STEMI groups were more often located proximal LCX before giving rise to OM1 of LCX (P < .05), however, the non N‐NSTEMI group was often located distal LCX after giving rise to OM1 and the OM1 (P < .05). The incidence rates of all MACEs, all‐cause death, ST, TVR, and rUAP were similar in N‐NSTEMI and STEMI groups, which were greater than non N‐NSTEMI (P < .05). Both N‐NSTEMI and STEMI are independent risk factors for MACE (P < .05).

Conclusion

The basic data and the incidence of major adverse cardiac event were similar in N‐NSTEMI and STEMI patients, N‐NSTEMI has a risk equivalent to acute STEMI.
Waypoint shift manifolds for object color evaluation and comparison
Authors: Derhak Maxim W. , Luo Lin , Berns Roy S.
Published: February 2020

Variability in object appearance is common in everyday experience and this variability can generally be attributed to the relationships between viewing conditions and the composition of an object's spectral reflectances. This paper proposes that objects, illuminants, and observers can be evaluated using a Wpt (Waypoint) shift manifold (WSM), which is defined as a set of Wpt points associated with one or more objects, observers, and/or illuminants. Since spectral reflectances of an object can be decomposed to three components (a wavelength invariant nonselective component, a characteristic reflectance, and a metameric black reflectance), WSMs of any object for an observing condition is composed of three Wpt vectors associated with a perfect reflecting diffuser, the characteristic reflectance, and the metameric black reflectance of the object. Material shift potential (MSP) can be defined as shapes and orientations of object WSMs for evaluation and comparison of object colors. Experimental results show that MSP are dramatically influenced by Wpt vectors associated with the characteristic reflectance and the metameric black reflectance for an object rather than the Wpt vectors associated with nonselective reflectance. Thus, MSP can be preserved for objects having similar characteristic reflectances and metameric black reflectances. In other words, spectral reflectances that have been manipulated to have similar overall shapes exhibit similar color inconstancy.
Remote Actuation of a Light‐Emitting Device Based on Magnetic Stirring and Wireless Electrochemistry
Authors: Dauphin Alice L. , Arbault Stéphane , Kuhn Alexander , Sojic Neso , Bouffier Laurent
Published: February 2020

We propose a straightforward access to a rotating light‐emitting device powered by wireless electrochemistry. A magnetic stirrer is used to rotate a light‐emitting diode (LED) due to the intrinsic magnetic properties of the tips that contain iron. At the same time, the LED is submitted to an electric field and acts as a bipolar electrode. The electrochemical processes that are coupled on both extremities of the LED drive an electron flow across the device, resulting in light emission. The variation of the LED alignment in time enables an alternating light emission that is directly controlled by the rotation rate. The stirring also enables a continuous mixing of the electrolyte that improves the stability of the output signal. Finally, the LED brightness can readily reveal a change of chemical composition in the electrolyte solution.
Exposure–Response Assessment in Pediatric Drug Development Studies Submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Wang Yaning , Khurana Mona , Sachs Hari Cheryl , Zhu Hao , Burckart Gilbert J. , Alexander John , Yao Lynne P. , Wang Jian
Published: February 2020

Exposure–response (E–R) modeling provides a quantitative tool to leverage adult data to support pediatric trial design and drug approval. The pediatric E–R studies submitted to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 2007 and 2018 were surveyed in the context of various types of trial designs supporting drug approval in the pediatric population. The applications of E–R evaluation in pediatric drug development programs are mainly focused on three areas: (i) supporting pediatric extrapolation when the E–R relationships are similar between the pediatric and adult populations; (ii) dose selection to balance the risk–benefit profile based on the change in efficacy and safety response with different exposure levels; and (iii) approval of a new formulation, new dosing regimen, or new route of administration, where E–R evaluation helps quantify the change in clinical response between the old and new strategies. E–R modeling will continue to play an expanded role in pediatric drug development in the future.
“Water dynamics in the soil‐plant‐atmosphere system” by J.T. Ritchie, Plant and Soil (1981) 58:81–96
Authors: Sinclair Thomas R.
Published: February 2020

This article is part of a series of brief commentaries to highlight papers that have resulted in important and distinctly new perspectives in crop science. A criterion for selection of papers is that they must have been published at least 20 yr ago to allow for a long‐range perspective in assessment of the papers. The current article briefly reviews the paper by J.T. Ritchie published in 1981 that explored the use of extractable soil water as an independent variable for defining plant response to water deficit conditions. Recognizing the difficulty of using leaf water potential in defining plant response, he proposed an independent variable based on volumetric soil water content. Specifically, plant response was based on extractable soil water described as a function of ‘fraction of total extractable water in the root zone.’ Ritchie proposed a template for sensitivity of plant processes to soil drying based on fraction of total extractable water. Response functions based on this template have now been extensively studied and are key parts of many approaches to describing water use in both experimental and modeling studies.
Between wellness, relapse, and remission: Stages of illness in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Steinglass Joanna E. , Glasofer Deborah R. , Dalack Maya , Attia Evelyn
Published: February 2020

Objective

Psychiatric illnesses, like medical illnesses, can sometimes be considered as progressing through stages. Understanding these stages can lead to a better understanding of pathophysiology, and clarification of prognosis and treatment needs. Opinions from experts in the field of anorexia nervosa (AN) were sought to create a model of stages of illness.

Method

The Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus from a panel of 31 individuals from a range of disciplines with expertise in AN. Over three iterative rounds, participants rated agreement with statements about an overall staging framework and definitions of specific stages.

Results

Agreement was reached about a longitudinal progression including Subsyndromal, Full Syndrome, Persistent Illness, and Partial and Full Remission. The panel achieved consensus in defining Subsyndromal AN as characterized by body image disturbance and mild to moderate restrictive eating. Overall, there was consensus that restrictive eating is central to the behavioral features of all stages of AN, and agreement that its absence is essential to any stage of health. There was little consensus about biological markers, other than body mass index, and no consensus about quality of life indices associated with different stages.

Discussion

This panel discussion yielded an expert‐informed staging model for AN. This model now needs to be tested for its validity. The lack of consensus in several areas highlighted other research questions to address in order to develop an empirically valid and scientifically useful model of the progression of AN.
Considerations for metabarcoding‐based port biological baseline surveys aimed at marine nonindigenous species monitoring and risk assessments
Authors: Rey Anaïs , Basurko Oihane C. , Rodriguez‐Ezpeleta Naiara
Published: February 2020

Monitoring introduction and spread of nonindigenous species via maritime transport and performing risk assessments require port biological baseline surveys. Yet, the comprehensiveness of these surveys is often compromised by the large number of habitats present in a port, the seasonal variability, and the time‐consuming morphological approach used for taxonomic identification. Metabarcoding represents a promising alternative for rapid comprehensive port biological baseline surveys, but its application in this context requires further assessments.

We applied metabarcoding (based on barcodes of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene) to 192 port samples collected (a) from diverse habitats (water column—including environmental DNA and zooplankton, sediment, and fouling structures), (b) at different sites (from inner to outer estuary), and iii) during the four seasons of the year.

By comparing the biodiversity metrics derived from each sample group, we show that each sampling method resulted in a distinct community profile and that environmental DNA alone cannot substitute for organismal sampling, and that, although sampling at different seasons and locations resulted in higher observed biodiversity, operational results can be obtained by sampling selected locations and seasons.

By assessing the taxonomic composition of the samples, we show that metabarcoding data allowed the detection of previously recorded nonindigenous species as well as to reveal presence of new ones, even if in low abundance.

Synthesis and application. Our comprehensive assessment of metabarcoding for port biological baseline surveys sets the basics for cost‐effective, standardized, and comprehensive monitoring of nonindigenous species and for performing risk assessments in ports. This development will contribute to the implementation of the recently entered into force International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments.
Alternative designs and tropical tree seedling growth performance landscapes
Authors: Worthy Samantha J. , Laughlin Daniel C. , Zambrano Jenny , Umaña María N. , Zhang Caicai , Lin Luxiang , Cao Min , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: February 2020

The functional trait values that constitute a whole‐plant phenotype interact with the environment to determine demographic rates. Current approaches often fail to explicitly consider trait × trait and trait × environment interactions, which may lead to missed information that is valuable for understanding and predicting the drivers of demographic rates and functional diversity. Here, we consider these interactions by modeling growth performance landscapes that span multidimensional trait spaces along environmental gradients. We utilize individual‐level leaf, stem, and root trait data combined with growth data from tree seedlings along soil nutrient and light gradients in a hyper‐diverse tropical rainforest. We find that multiple trait combinations in phenotypic space (i.e., alternative designs) lead to multiple growth performance peaks that shift along light and soil axes such that no single or set of interacting traits consistently results in peak growth performance. Evidence from these growth performance peaks also generally indicates frequent independence of above‐ and belowground resource acquisition strategies. These results help explain how functional diversity is maintained in ecological communities and question the practice of utilizing a single trait or environmental variable, in isolation, to predict the growth performance of individual trees.
Enantioselective Synthesis of the Proposed Structure of Santinol D
Authors: Xiong Xin , Wu Yikang , Liu Bo
Published: February 2020

In connection with structural verification of santinol D, a unique tricylglycerol isolated from Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum, four possible isomers of its C‐2'''and C‐4''' centers were synthesized. The two enolizable chiral centers were installed with pre‐defined absolute configurations using Evans alkylation and aldol condensation, respectively. The extra chiral center introduced in the aldol condensation was removed by Dess–Martin oxidation to convert the adjacent methine group into the highly enolizable subunit of an α‐alkyl‐β‐keto ester at the end of the synthesis. The synthetic isomers provided unequivocal physical and NMR data for every single enantiomer and thus provided the information required for the configurational assignment of this natural product. With the aid of a model compound, the racemization of such species was examined polarimetrically under several sets of typical conditions and the rates were also calculated from the corresponding kinetics data.
Palladium‐Catalyzed ortho‐Heteroarylation of β‐Arylethylamines Through Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling
Authors: Dai Chenyang , Huang Zhi‐Bin , Liu Lingling , Han Yi , Shi Da‐Qing , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: February 2020

A palladium‐catalyzed oxidative C–H/C–H cross‐coupling of oxalyl amide‐protected β‐arylethylamines and heteroarenes has been developed. The methodology presented a broad substrate scope, great functional group tolerance, and good to excellent yields for the synthesis of ortho‐thiophenylated β‐arylethylamines. The installed thiophene functional group can promote a second C–H functionalization, such as alkynylation and arylation.
Mechanism of sequence‐based separation of single‐stranded DNA in capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Zhao Jia , Cramer Steven M. , McGown Linda B.
Published: February 2020

Separation of DNA by length using CGE is a mature field. Separation of DNA by sequence, in contrast, is a more difficult problem. Existing techniques generally rely upon changes in intrinsic or induced differences in conformation. Previous work in our group showed that sets of ssDNA of the same length differing in sequence by as little as a single base could be separated by CZE using simple buffers at high ionic strength. Here, we explore the basis of the separation using circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence anisotropy, and small angle X‐ray scattering. The results reveal sequence‐dependent differences among the same length strands, but the trends in the differences are not correlated to the migration order of the strands in the CZE separation. They also indicate that the separation is based on intrinsic differences among the strands that do not change with increasing ionic strength; rather, increasing ionic strength has a greater effect on electroosmotic mobility in the normal direction than on electrophoretic mobility of the strands in the reverse direction. This increases the migration time of the strands in the normal direction, allowing more time for the same‐length strands to be teased apart based on very small differences in the intrinsic properties of the strands of different sequence. Regression analysis was used to model the intrinsic differences among DNA strands in order to gain insight into the relationship between mobility and sequence that underlies the separation.
Seabed erosion and deposition related to the typhoon activity of the past millennium on the southeast coast of China
Authors: Xiong Haixian , Zong Yongqiang , Huang Guangqing , Fu Shuqing
Published: February 2020

Catastrophic events often interrupt long‐term Earth surface processes. In coastal areas, although millennial‐scale trends of climatic and sea‐level changes determine the trajectory of sedimentary landform evolution, storm and/or tsunami activity can cause abrupt changes in depositional conditions that may alter the long‐term sedimentary processes. Here, we report a sedimentary hiatus that is widely observed from the late Holocene sedimentary sequence at the seabed along the southeast China coast. This hiatus was discovered by close temporal sedimentary and radiocarbon dating analyses of a seabed sedimentary sequence in the mouth area of the Pearl River estuary. The results suggest that a couple of metres in the middle to late Holocene sediment at the seabed were eroded by a catastrophic event happening c. 1000–800 cal. Years BP. In theory, a mega‐tsunami generated from the Manila Trench could have caused such erosion at the seabed, but there is a lack of direct geological and historical evidence to support such a hypothesis. Much more likely, a super‐typhoon struck the coast and caused the erosion. This hypothesis is strongly supported by the region's historical and geological records, which suggest a period characteristic of intense typhoons ranging from the Medieval Warm Period to the climate transition phase (c. 1000–600 cal. Years BP). During the subsequent Little Ice Age, deposition of sandy sediment continued, suggesting frequent but weaker typhoon activity. Over the past two centuries the deposition of sandy sediment and gravels began, implying the beginning of a phase of intensifying typhoon conditions, possibly a result of the recent warming climate. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Traffic data reconstruction based on compressive sensing with neighbor regularization
Authors: Qin Zhenquan , Xia Xu , Lu Bingxian , Qian Chen , Wang Lei , Lin Chuan
Published: February 2020

The production and collection of the mass traffic data in the vehicle network will result in wasted bandwidth and data transmission delay. The mobile edge computing (MEC) technology is able to reduce the transmission cost and provide fast interactive response. However, the amount of data between roadside units (RSUs) and MEC servers has not decreased. Compressive sensing (CS) technology can reduce the sampling frequency and reconstruct the signal with even fewer samples than the sampling theorem requires. Therefore, in this article, we use CS technology to reduce the data in the “last mile” of traffic edge computing network. We propose two traffic data reconstruction models, which use different neighbor regularization methods in the objective function of CS reconstruction model. Different from the previous studies, we leverage the low‐rank nature and the neighbor relationship between detectors to improve the reconstruction accuracy of different missing scenes. To validate the improved reconstruction models, we have carried out extensive experiments based on the actual traffic flow data of the freeway system under different loss rates and loss patterns. The missing data are caused by reduced sampling frequency and accidental transmission loss so that it is closer to the real fact. The experimental results show that even if the traffic data from the RSUs to MEC servers are decreased by 50%, the complete data can be reconstructed accurately.
Long noncoding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed alleviates sepsis‐induced liver injury via regulating miR‐126‐5p
Authors: Li Yang , Song Jianfeng , Xie Zichen , Liu Mei , Sun Keyu
Published: February 2020

In this study, we intended to determine the detailed function and mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) in liver injury induced by sepsis. Cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) models were adopted to induce sepsis in vivo with rats, and hepatic epithelial cells L02 were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic sepsis in vitro. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in the serum of rats. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was performed to measure the expressions of CRNDE and microRNA‐126‐5p (miR‐126‐5p). Flow cytometry analysis and Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) method were carried out followed by the up‐ or downregulation of CRNDE and miR‐126‐5p to monitor the proliferation and apoptosis of L02 cells, respectively. Western blot was then applied to determine the expressions of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase 3), poly(ADP‐ribose)polymerase (PARP), cytochrome c, and BCL2‐like 2 (BCL2L2). The interactions between CRNDE with miR‐126‐5p and miR‐126‐5p with BCL2L2 were determined through bioinformatics, qRT‐PCR, dual luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. CRNDE was significantly decreased in liver tissues and hepatic cells in sepsis models. Upregulation of CRNDE promoted the viability of L02 cells and inhibited their apoptosis, while downregulation of CRNDE had opposite effects. The expression of CRNDE in liver tissues of septic rats was correlated with the expression miR‐126‐5p. It was also demonstrated that the transfection of miR‐126‐5p mimics reversed the inhibitory effect induced by CRNDE on apoptosis of L02 cells. CRNDE could specifically bind to miR‐126‐5p and reduce its expression, in turn promote the expression of BCL2L2. Additionally, CRNDE overexpression in rats ameliorated liver injury induced by sepsis. Downregulated CRNDE aggravates hepatic injury via regulating miR‐126‐5p and BCL2L2 during sepsis.
The timing of propofol administration affects the effectiveness of remote ischemic preconditioning induced cardioprotection in rats
Authors: Chen Ke , Yu Junma , Wang Qiuyue , Wu Lining , Liu Xuesheng , Wong Gordon Tin Chun , Lu Yao
Published: February 2020

The cardioprotection of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is abolished under propofol maintained anesthesia. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is present in the heart, and its activation could induce cardioprotection. Therefore, we tested whether the anesthetic propofol administration phase interfered with the RIPC‐induced cardioprotection, and RIPC‐induced cardioprotection via the cardiac TRPV1 channel. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to myocardial 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. RIPC consisted of three cycles of 5‐minute ischemia/reperfusion applied to a hindlimb. Propofol infusion at 12 mg/kg/h was commenced either at 10 minutes before the start of RIPC in the P‐pre + RIPC group, or immediately after myocardial ischemia at the onset of reperfusion (P‐post + RIPC) while performing RIPC. These two propofol infusion regimes were applied to another two grou bs without RIPC (P‐pre and P‐post groups). Infarct size (IS) was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium staining. Heart TRPV1 expression was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. RIPC significantly reduced myocardial IS compared with the control group (36.7 ± 3% versus 57.2 ± 4%; P < .01). When propofol was started before RIPC, the IS sparing effect of RIPC was completely abolished. However, propofol infusion starting immediately after myocardial ischemia did not affect RIPC‐induced cardioprotection. TRPV1 expression significant increase after RIPC, then propofol inhibited the TRPV1 activation of RIPC if given before RIPC but not after. Our results suggest that the timing of propofol administration is critical to preserve the cardioprotection of RIPC. Propofol might cancel RIPC‐induced cardioprotection via the cardiac TRPV1 receptor.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis expression in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Weilun , Zhou Xiao , Liao Qianjin , Tang Yanyan , Zuo Liang , Wang Honghan , Chen Xing , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Junjun , Zhu Songlin , Deng Jun , Liu Yan , Zhu Kunjie , Yu Jianjun , Xiong Wei
Published: February 2020

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is more aggressive than other head and neck tumors, and the prognosis for patients with advanced TSCC is poor. At present, comprehensive treatment based on surgery as the main method is not effective for patients with advanced TSCC. The application of PD‐1/PD‐L1 immunocheckpoint inhibitor alone in patients with TSCC has not been reported. To explore the role of PD‐1/PD‐L1, we investigated the expression of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 in TSCC and analyzed the relationship between the expression of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 and the related clinicopathological parameters and survival prognosis. The expression of PD‐1 was significantly associated with palindromia (p = .015) and maximum diameter (p = .043). The expression of PD‐L1 in tumor cells was significantly associated with N stage (P = .024), chemotherapy (p = .032), and clinical stage (p = .019). The expression of PD‐L1 in infiltrating lymphocytes was significantly associated with palindromia (p = .030). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses for prognoses of patients showed significant prognostic factors of overall survival and relapse‐free survival. The high expression of PD‐L1 on infiltrating lymphocytes for OS and RFS was an independent protective factor for patients with TSCC. The high expression of PD‐1 on infiltrating lymphocytes and clinical stage for OS and RFS were independent risk factors for patients with TSCC. The data provide a reference for clinical treatment of TSCC with immunotherapy.
Novel determination of effective freeze–thaw cycles as drivers of ecosystem change
Authors: Boswell Edward P. , Thompson Anita M. , Balster Nick J. , Bajcz Alex W.
Published: February 2020

Soil freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) profoundly influence biophysical conditions and modify biogeochemical processes across many northern‐hemisphere and alpine ecosystems. How FTCs will contribute to global processes in seasonally snow‐covered ecosystems in the future is of particular importance as climate change progresses and winter snowpacks decline. Our understanding of these contributions is limited because there has been little consideration of inter‐ and intrayear variability in the characteristics of FTCs, in part due to a limited appreciation for which of these characteristics matters most with respect to a given biogeochemical process. Here, we introduce the concept of effective FTCs: those that are most likely linked to changes in key soil processes. We also propose a set of parameters to quantify and characterize effective FTCs using standard field soil temperature data. To put these proposed parameters into effective practice, we present FTCQuant, an R package of functions that quantifies FTCs based on a set of user‐defined parameter criteria and, importantly, summarizes the individual characteristics of each FTC counted. To demonstrate the utility of these new concepts and tools, we applied the FTCQuant package to re‐analyze data from two published studies to help explain over‐winter changes to N2O emissions and wet‐aggregate stability. We found that effective FTCs would be defined differently for each of these response variables and that effective FTCs provided a 76 and 33% increase in model fit for wet‐aggregate stability and cumulative N2O emission, respectively, relative to conventional FTC quantification methods focusing on fluctuations around 0 °C. These results demonstrate the importance of identifying effective FTCs when scaling soil processes to regional or global levels. We hope our contributions will inform future deductions, hypothesis generation, and experimentation with respect to expected changes in freeze–thaw cycling globally.
Dynamic functional clot formation in patients undergoing endoscopic mucosal resection
Authors: Froessler Bernd , Zorron Cheng Tao Pu Leonardo , Aboustate Natalie , Ovenden Amanda , Singh Rajvinder
Published: February 2020

Background and Aim

Electric burns can induce fibrinolytic activity. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a minimally invasive technique utilizing electrocautery for resection of dysplastic lesions from the gastrointestinal tract. EMR's main complication is clinically significant postendoscopic bleeding. Currently, no studies have investigated the impact of electrocautery during EMR on the coagulation cascade by viscoelastic hemostatic assay.

Methods

Thrombelastometry was performed and plasminogen levels were measured on blood samples taken prior to EMR, within an hour following the procedure and 2 days post‐EMR. Data were natural log‐transformed and analyzed using repeated‐measure analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) accounting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and site of EMR.

Results

Plasminogen levels decreased post‐EMR (P = 0.001) and then increased 2 days post‐EMR (P < 0.018). FIBTEM A10 and Maximum Clot Firmness, and EXTEM maximum lysis decreased an hour following EMR (P < 0.05 for all). These three measurements then increased 2 days post‐EMR (P < 0.01 for all). There were no significant differences in thrombelastometry or plasminogen measures according to sex, age, BMI, or site of EMR. One patient experienced clinically significant postendoscopic bleeding at one‐week post‐EMR, with substantially decreased FIBTEM A10 and Maximum Clot Firmness at 2 days post‐EMR.

Conclusions

Decreased post‐EMR plasminogen corresponds with reduced clot firmness and enhanced lysis affecting clot quality, strength, and stability. While further investigation in a larger sample is required to confirm the overall risk of clinically significant postendoscopic bleeding and mechanisms for plasminogen activation; this study highlights the potential utility of thrombelastometry in assessing fibrinolytic activity during EMR.
Editorial for “Evaluating the Therapeutic Effect of Low‐Intensity Transcranial Ultrasound on Traumatic Brain Injury With Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging”
Authors: Gatto Rodolfo G.
Published: February 2020

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:532–533.
A new method for improving the performance of weather generators in reproducing low‐frequency variability and in downscaling
Authors: Khazaei Mohammad Reza , Zahabiyoun Bagher , Hasirchian Mehraveh
Published: February 2020

Weather generators (WGs) are models fitted to a series of observed weather data in order to generate long synthetic series of these data, which is important for risk assessment. WGs are also among the main downscaling tools for climate change impact assessments. Despite their many capabilities, WGs cannot properly reproduce low‐frequency variability (LFV). Moreover, when using WGs for the downscaling of future climate scenarios, a change in rainfall occurrence will have unintended effects on secondary variables such as minimum temperature (Tmin) and maximum temperature (Tmax). This paper presents an approach based on the Quantile Perturbation Method for correcting the LFV of rainfall outputs pertaining to WGs by perturbing the monthly means of the daily generated series. A multivariate monthly generator was used to improve LFV in Tmin and Tmax. An advantage of the proposed method is the preservation of the correlation between daily and monthly timescales as well as the cross‐correlation between variables during the LFV correction. This method further reduces the unintended effects of changes in rainfall occurrence on the secondary variables during downscaling. After applying the method to the LARS‐WG model, the performance of the modified model was tested both directly and indirectly. Concerning the direct validation, the statistical characteristics of the simulated and observed weather data related to the four stations were compared over a diverse range of climatic conditions. Regarding the indirect validation, a comparison was made between the statistical characteristics of the runoffs simulated with a daily hydrologic model fed with the generated and observed weather data. The results showed that the method improved the performance of LARS‐WG regarding the reproduction of some of the observed weather characteristics, particularly LFV. The method was also shown to be well capable of reducing the unintended effects of the changes in rainfall occurrence on secondary variables during downscaling.
Biochemical control of Alternaria tenuissima infecting post‐harvest fig fruit by chickpea vicilin
Authors: Abbas Entsar , Osman Ali , Sitohy Mahmoud
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Alternaria tenuissima was isolated from infected fig fruit and molecularly identified by rRNA gene sequencing. The objective of the current work was to test the inhibitory effect of vicilin as a glycoprotein, isolated from chickpea, against the fungus A. tenuissima, isolated from fig fruit, in vitro and in situ, to estimate its potential action in controlling the growth of A. tenuissima in postharvest fig fruit.

RESULTS

Chickpea vicilin is a glycoprotein composed of three subunits of 135, 210, and 230 kDa. The linear growth of A. tenuissima on the solid agar medium and in liquid media (at 25 °C) was markedly reduced by 44%, 66%, 77%, and 83% and 20%, 24%, 42%, and 62%, respectively in response to vicilin applications of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 g L−1. Chickpea vicilin (at 0.4 g L−1) totally prevented fungal conidia germination during 24 h of incubation at 25 °C. Electron microscope scanning of A. tenuissima subjected to chickpea vicilin showed hyphae swelling and conidia deformation. Treating post‐harvest fig fruit, artificially infected with A. tenuissima, with chickpea vicilin (0.1–0.4 g L−1) restricted the disease severity to 15% against 55% in the positive control after 7 days storage.

CONCLUSION

Vicilin can be considered a potent antifungal agent that can be used in preserving fig fruit for 7–14 days with minimum disease severity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Variations in polyamine conjugates in maize (Zea mays L.) seeds contaminated with aflatoxin B1: a dose–response relationship
Authors: Bartolić Dragana , Maksimović Vuk , Maksimović Jelena D , Stanković Mira , Krstović Saša , Baošić Rada , Radotić Ksenija
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Cereal seeds, such as maize seeds, are frequently contaminated with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most dangerous naturally occurring carcinogens. In plants, phenolamides are involved in biotic stress response. The data on variations of phenolamides in AFB1‐containing seeds are limited.

RESULTS

Five polyamine conjugates, including two spermidine and three putrescine conjugates, were tentatively identified in methanolic extracts, using HPLC‐DAD‐MS. The ratio of putrescine to spermidine conjugates changed with increasing AFB1 concentration in a logistic dose–response manner, with a ratio of below 1 up to a concentration of 51.51 μg kg−1, and approximately 2.54 and 3 at higher concentrations of 177.4 and 308.13 μg kg−1, respectively. The observed variations of the total antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content may support this biphasic behaviour of the seeds against AFB1 stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained data are a contribution to the understanding of the roles of polyamine conjugates in seed defence to increasing AFB1 concentrations. According to our knowledge, this study reports for the first time the biphasic response of maize seeds to increasing AFB1 contamination level, comprising the induction of polyamine conjugate accumulation and variation in the ratio of conjugates. This dose–response relationship may provide useful information in the field of agricultural and food chemistry as an indicator of AFB1 contamination level and, hence, for selecting an appropriate seed quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry