bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exceptional Substrate Diversity in Oxygenation Reactions Catalyzed by a Bis(μ‐oxo) Copper Complex
Authors: Paul Melanie , Teubner Melissa , Grimm‐Lebsanft Benjamin , Golchert Christiane , Meiners Yannick , Senft Laura , Keisers Kristina , Liebhäuser Patricia , Rösener Thomas , Biebl Florian , Buchenau Sören , Naumova Maria , Murzin Vadim , Krug Roxanne , Hoffmann Alexander , Pietruszka Jörg , Ivanović‐Burmazović Ivana , Rübhausen Michael , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: February 2020

The enzyme tyrosinase contains a reactive side‐on peroxo dicopper(II) center as catalytically active species in C−H oxygenation reactions. The tyrosinase activity of the isomeric bis(μ‐oxo) dicopper(III) form has been discussed controversially. The synthesis of bis(μ‐oxo) dicopper(III) species [Cu2(μ‐O)2(L1)2](X)2 ([O1](X)2, X=PF6−, BF4−, OTf−, ClO4−), stabilized by the new hybrid guanidine ligand 2‐{2‐((dimethylamino)methyl)phenyl}‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidine (L1), and its characterization by UV/Vis, Raman, and XAS spectroscopy, as well as cryo‐UHR‐ESI mass spectrometry, is described. We highlight selective oxygenation of a plethora of phenolic substrates mediated by [O1](PF6)2, which results in mono‐ and bicyclic quinones and provides an attractive strategy for designing new phenazines. The selectivity is predicted by using the Fukui function, which is hereby introduced into tyrosinase model chemistry. Our bioinspired catalysis harnesses molecular dioxygen for organic transformations and achieves a substrate diversity reaching far beyond the scope of the enzyme.
Straying from the flatfish retinal plan: Cone photoreceptor patterning in the common sole (Solea solea) and the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)
Authors: Frau Sara , Novales Flamarique Iñigo , Keeley Patrick W. , Reese Benjamin E. , Muñoz‐Cueto José A.
Published: February 2020

The retinas of nonmammalian vertebrates have cone photoreceptor mosaics that are often organized as highly patterned lattice‐like distributions. In fishes, the two main lattice‐like patterns are composed of double cones and single cones that are either assembled as interdigitized squares or as alternating rows. The functional significance of such orderly patterning is unknown. Here, the cone mosaics in two species of Soleidae flatfishes, the common sole and the Senegalese sole, were characterized and compared to those from other fishes to explore variability in cone patterning and how it may relate to visual function. The cone mosaics of the common sole and the Senegalese sole consisted of single, double, and triple cones in formations that differed from the traditional square mosaic pattern reported for other flatfishes in that no evidence of higher order periodicity was present. Furthermore, mean regularity indices for single and double cones were conspicuously lower than those of other fishes with “typical” square and row mosaics, but comparable to those of goldfish, a species with lattice‐like periodicity in its cone mosaic. Opsin transcripts detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (sws1, sws2, rh2.3, rh2.4, lws, and rh1) were uniformly expressed across the retina of the common sole but, in the Senegalese sole, sws2, rh2.4, and rh1 were more prevalent in the dorsal retina. Microspectrophotometry revealed five visual pigments in the retina of the common sole [S(472), M(523), M(536), L(559), and rod(511)] corresponding to the repertoire of transcripts quantified except for sws1. Overall, these results indicate a loss of cone mosaic patterning in species that are primarily nocturnal or dwell in low light environments as is the case for the common sole and the Senegalese sole. The corollary is that lattice‐like patterning of the cone mosaic may improve visual acuity. Ecological and physiological correlates derived from observations across multiple fish taxa that live in low light environments and do not possess lattice‐like cone mosaics are congruent with this claim.
A new approach to crop model calibration: Phenotyping plus post‐processing
Authors: Casadebaig Pierre , Debaeke Philippe , Wallach Daniel
Published: February 2020

Crop models contain a number of genotype‐dependent parameters, which need to be estimated for each genotype. This is a major difficulty in crop modeling. We propose a hybrid method for adapting a crop model to new genotypes. The genotype‐dependent parameters of the model could be obtained by phenotyping (or gene‐based modeling). Then, field data (e.g., from variety trials) could be used to provide a simple empirical correction to the model, of the form a + b × an environmental variable. This approach combines the advantages of phenotyping, namely that the genotype‐specific parameters have a clear meaning and are comparable between genotypes, and the advantages of fitting the model to field data, namely that the corrected model is adapted to a specific target population. It has the advantage of being very simple to apply and furthermore gives useful information as to which environmental variables are not fully accounted for in the initial model. In this study, this empirical correction is applied to the SUNFLO crop model for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), using field data from a multi‐environment trial network. The empirical correction reduced mean squared error, on average, by 54% for prediction of yield and by 26% for prediction of oil content, compared with the initial model. Most of the improvement came from eliminating bias, with some further improvement from the environmental term in the regression.
Mobility and energy prediction models: Approach toward effective route management in mobile wireless sensor networks
Authors: Olakanmi Oladayo Olufemi , Odeyemi Kehinde Oluwasesan , Abbas Ashraf
Published: February 2020

Mobile wireless sensor network (MWSN), as a backbone of most communication and embedded systems, is characterized by low data delivery as a result of the energy constraint and in‐deterministic movement of the nodes. To select optimal route path for a reliable data routing, protocols need to select neighbouring nodes with low mobility and residual energy parameters along the route. However, obtaining these parameters from the targeted nodes may encourage mischievous nodes to manipulate their energy and mobility parameters in their favor, leading to the selection of non‐optimal route path and/or exposing the network to other attacks. Rather than depending on the targeted nodes for these parameters, they can be accurately and securely obtained by sink node or base station using effective predictive models. However, most of the existing predictive models engaged by MWSN routing protocols either provide only the energy level or mobility factor of the nodes for optimal route path selection. This, therefore, reduces the reliability of the obtained optimal route paths in terms of data delivery. In this article, we propose predictive models for an accurate prediction of mobility and residual energy parameters of nodes in MWSN for efficient route management. The models are simulated on an existing MWSN protocol to determine their performance. The simulation results show that the adoption of these models in the development of routing protocol will not only lead to optimal route paths' selection but also enhance data delivery rate in MWSN.
Combination of modified Mann‐Kendall method and Şen innovative trend analysis
Authors: Alashan Sadık
Published: February 2020

Mann‐Kendall (MK) trend test is frequently employed as the most familiar trend detection method. Its application requires serial independence of available hydrometeorological time series records. As suggested in the literature, the serial correlation effect can be removed from the given time series by using prewhitening, variance correction or overwhitening processes such as in the modified Mann‐Kendall (MMK) procedure. The PW process may cause some of the current trends to be removed along with the serial correlation. In this study, the MMK method is supported by Şen innovative trend analysis instead of Sen slope estimator (SSE). The MMK method is applied to monthly maximum temperatures of Oxford station in England, for which the data length is large and the moving trend slope values are calculated starting from 1854 for all durations between 1873 and 2017. The MMK_SSE and MMK_ITA methods yield significant increasing trends between 0.0037 and 0.0125°C/year annual slopes for January, March, May, July, August, September, October, November, December, but for February, there is not any significant trend. While MMK_SSE does not give any significant trend for April that has maximum positive kurtosis and skew, but MMK_ITA reflects an increasing trend of 0.0059°C per year.
Physical–microstructural evaluation and sulfate resistance of no‐cement mortar developed from a ternary binder of industrial by‐products
Authors: Hwang Chao‐Lung , Vo Duy‐Hai , Huynh Trong‐Phuoc
Published: February 2020

The present research evaluates the physical properties and microstructure of no‐cement mrtar specimens, which were developed using three waste materials, rice husk ash (RHA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and circulating fluidized bed combustion fly ash (CFA), as binders. Various weight ratios of GGBFS/RHA were used (100/0, 15/85, 30/70, and 45/55), and CFA was added at ratios of 10, 15, and 20% of total binder weight. Slump flow and unit weight were used to evaluate the fresh properties of the no‐cement mortar samples, while hardened properties of the mortar samples were evaluated through compressive strength (CS) and drying shrinkage tests. In addition, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer and X‐ray diffraction patterns were used to analyze the microstructure of the samples, while visual examination and loss CS tests were used to estimate sulfate resistance. As a result, the inclusion of RHA required a higher amount of superplasticizer in order to achieve a similar flowability with RHA‐free mortar and remarkably reduced the fresh unit weight of the mortar mixture. In addition, the partial replacement of GGBFS with RHA up to 30% improved the 120‐day CS of mortar specimens with 10, 15, and 20% CFA content by 8.8, 10.4, and 10.1%, respectively. Moreover, the developed no‐cement mortars exhibited excellent performance against sulfate attack. Higher CFA content in the mixtures also generated higher volumes of hydration products and ettringite gel, which further increased mortar strength.
Constructing secure‐channel free identity‐based encryption with equality test for vehicle‐data sharing in cloud computing
Authors: Vaanchig Nyamsuren , Qin Zhiguang , Ragchaasuren Batjargal
Published: February 2020

With the rapid rise of connected vehicles on the road, there is an exponential growth in vehicle‐related data (vehicle‐data) generated and accumulated by connected vehicles. Taking advantage of cloud computing, enabling a vehicle‐data sharing system can make various services based on vehicle‐data available. However, the untrusted nature of the cloud server raises a challenge on how to balance privacy and functionality over the vehicle‐data outsourced to the vehicle‐data sharing system. Identity‐based encryption with equality test (IBEET) is a viable solution to this challenge as it not only ensures data privacy but also enables searchable functionality over the encrypted data while dealing with the certificate management issue that exists in public key encryption with equality test (PKEET). However, the existing IBEET schemes are unable to be applicable into the vehicle‐data sharing in cloud computing due to the fact that they did not consider the consequences of unexpected exposure of trapdoors given to cloud server and different levels of computing capabilities of the system entities. Therefore, this article introduces the notion of secure‐channel‐free IBEET (SCF‐IBEET) scheme and presents a generic construction of the SCF‐IBEET scheme by addressing the above‐mentioned issues simultaneously. The proposed SCF‐IBEET construction achieves one‐wayness under chosen‐identity and chosen‐ciphertext attacks, indistinguishability under chosen‐identity and chosen‐ciphertext attacks, and trapdoor anonymity securities with respect to five different types of adversaries. Furthermore, the security comparison and efficiency analysis indicate that the proposed construction is reasonable with regard to security and viable in terms of efficiency to be applied to practical scenarios as vehicle‐data sharing in cloud computing.
Effects of metals released in strong‐flavor baijiu on the evolution of aroma compounds during storage
Authors: Huang Zhangjun , Zeng Yunhang , Liu Wenhu , Wang Songtao , Shen Caihong , Shi Bi
Published: February 2020

Storage is essential in improving the quality of strong‐flavor baijiu (SFB). Here, we investigated the release behaviors of metals from containers into SFB and their effects on the evolution of aroma compounds during storage. Twenty‐six metals were identified in SFB samples. The concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe obviously increased after storing in pottery jar, whereas those of Fe and Cu greatly increased after storing in stainless‐steel vessel. The volatility of most esters, alcohols, ketone, furan, and aldehyde decreased, whereas that of most acids increased after adding the metal ions into fresh SFB. The fluorescence intensity of SFB decreased with increased aging time in pottery jar, whereas the fluorescence intensity of acids was quenched with adding Fe3+ and Cu2+. All these results suggested that some metals released from containers had binding affinities with acids, thereby reducing SFB organoleptic stimulation by forming metal‐aroma compound complexes during storage.
Astrocytic expression of ZIP14 (SLC39A14) is part of the inflammatory reaction in chronic neurodegeneration with iron overload
Authors: Routhe Lisa J. , Andersen Ida K. , Hauerslev Lissa V. , Issa Issa I. , Moos Torben , Thomsen Maj S.
Published: February 2020

Neurodegeneration is associated with inflammation and mismanaged iron homeostasis, leading to increased concentration of non‐transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI) in the brain. NTBI can be taken up by cells expressing Zrt‐, Irt‐like protein‐14 (ZIP14), which is regulated by iron overload and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, for example, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐6. Here, we focus on the astrocytic involvement and regulation of ZIP14 in an experimental model of chronic neurodegeneration with inflammation and iron overload. Rats were unilaterally injected with ibotenic acid in striatum resulting in excitotoxicity‐induced neuronal loss in substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr). ZIP14 expression was measured in SNpr using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and RT‐qPCR. Cultures of primary astrocytes were examined for Zip14 mRNA expression after stimulation with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), IL‐6, or IL‐1β. To study the involvement of ZIP14 in astrocytic iron uptake, uptake of 59Fe was investigated after treatment with IL‐1β and siRNA‐mediated ZIP14 knockdown. In the lesioned SNpr, reactive astrocytes, but not microglia, revealed increased ZIP14 expression with a main confinement to cell bodies and cellular processes. In astrocyte cultures, FAC and IL‐1β stimulation increased Zip14 expression and IL‐1β stimulation increased uptake of 59Fe. Increased 59Fe uptake was also observed after siRNA‐mediated ZIP14 knockdown suggesting that lowering of ZIP14 impaired the balance between astrocytic uptake and export of iron. We conclude that astrocytes increase ZIP14 expression in response to inflammation and iron exposure and that ZIP14 seems pertinent for iron uptake in astrocytes and plays a role for a balanced astrocytic iron homeostasis.
Survival outcomes of minimally invasive versus open radical hysterectomy for low‐risk, early‐stage cervical cancer
Authors: Summers Garth , Tierney Brent , Crotzer David
Published: February 2020

In patients with low‐risk, early‐stage cervical cancer, preliminary data suggest that a minimally invasive approach is not inferior to open surgery.
Comparative characterization and functional genomic analysis of two Comamonas sp. strains for biodegradation of quinoline
Authors: Zhang Xuwang , Zhang Lizhi , Wu Minghuo , Tang Qidong , Song Zhaojian , Zhou Hao , Bao Yongming , Liu Lifen , Qu Yuanyuan
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Quinoline is an ubiquitous pollutant widely spread in the environment, which can be eliminated efficiently by microbial degradation. In this study, two quinoline‐degrading Comamonas sp. strains Z1 and Z3 were isolated from activated sludge, and the degradation characteristics and genome annotation were investigated in detail.

RESULTS

Strain Z1 exhibited a superior capacity for quinoline degradation, which could completely degrade 50–300 mg L−1 quinoline within 8–24 h, whereas strain Z3 required 14–36 h to remove 50–200 mg L−1 quinoline. The suitable pHs for strains Z1 and Z3 were 8.0 and 7.0, respectively, and metal ions such as Mn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Co2+ and Hg2+ could greatly inhibit bacterial growth and quinoline degradation. Intermediates of 2‐hydroxyquinoline, 2,8‐dihydroxyquinoline, 8‐hydroxycoumarin, 2,3‐dihydroxyphenylpropionic acids and 2‐hydroxy‐6‐oxonona‐2,4‐diene‐1,9‐dioate were detected by liquid chromatography coupled to Q‐Exactive high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Thus, the biodegradation of quinoline by Comamonas sp. strains possibly proceeded via the 8‐hydroxycoumarin pathway. Genomic sequencing of strains Z1 and Z3 revealed a similar pattern, and a large number of functional genes were predicted to participate in degradation of aromatics. The key genes responsible for quinoline degradation also were identified, such as qor, mhp and bph. Furthermore, quinoline 2‐oxidoreductase (Qor) from strains Z1 and Z3 displayed 47.74%–61.17% similarities with previously reported Qor, which catalyzed the first step of quinoline degradation, and the maximal specific activity in cell‐free extracts of strains Z1 and Z3 was 0.264 and 0.062 U mg protein−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study should provide efficient microbial resources and useful genomic information for quinoline bioremediation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Ethanol exposure during the brain growth spurt affects social behavior and increases susceptibility to acute ethanol effects during adolescence in male mice
Authors: Demarque Kelly C. , Dutra‐Tavares Ana C. , Nunes‐Freitas André L. , Araújo Ulisses C. , Manhães Alex C. , Abreu‐Villaça Yael , Filgueiras Cláudio C. , Ribeiro‐Carvalho Anderson
Published: February 2020

The brain is particularly vulnerable to ethanol effects during its growth spurt. Outcomes of early ethanol exposure such as hyperactivity have been extensively investigated; however, persons with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder frequently have social impairments and are heavy drinkers. Despite that, scant information is available regarding the neurobiological basis of these latter behavioral issues. Here, Swiss mice exposed to ethanol (Etoh, 5 g/kg i.p., alternate days) or saline during the brain growth spurt [postnatal day (PN) 2 to 8] were used to assess social behavior after an ethanol challenging during adolescence. At PN39, animals were administered with a single ethanol dose (1 g/Kg) or water by gavage and were then evaluated in the three‐chamber sociability test. We also evaluated corticosterone serum levels and the frontal cerebral cortex serotoninergic system. Etoh males showed reductions in sociability. Ethanol challenging reverted these alterations in social behavior, reduced corticosterone levels, and increased the 5‐HT2 receptor binding of male Etoh mice. No alterations were observed in 5‐HT and 5‐HIAA contents. These data support the idea that ethanol exposure during the brain growth spurt impacts social abilities during adolescence, alters ethanol reexposure effects, and suggests that stress response and serotoninergic system play roles in this phenomenon.
A comparison of nitrate removal and denitrifying bacteria populations among three wetland plant communities
Authors: Gordon Brad A. , Lenhart Christian , LaPara Timothy M.
Published: February 2020

Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is an invasive, cool‐season grass commonly dominating wetlands with high nutrient loads. Its impact on nitrogen removal via denitrification in wetlands is unknown. Most studies of denitrification in treatment wetlands have focused on the effects of physical or chemical variables and not on the effects of plant roots on the soil environment. The purpose of this study was to measure effects of plant type on denitrification rates in typical wetland soils of the midwestern United States by comparing wet prairie mix, switchgrass‐dominated, and reed canary grass plant communities. Nitrate (NO3−) removal and other parameters were measured in miniature wetlands, or mesocosms, containing each plant community transplanted from a small agricultural treatment wetland in southern Minnesota. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to quantify the total bacteria population (measured with 16S rRNA genes) and denitrifying gene abundance (measured with nosZ genes) from the rhizosphere of each plant community. The wet prairie mix mesocosms on average removed the most NO3− in each test (p = .01 and .08). Whereas the wet prairie mix removed the most NO3− from the surface water (p < .01), reed canary grass removed more from the subsurface (p < .01). Ratios of denitrifying to total bacteria were higher in the wet prairie mix than in the other communities’ root zones (p < .05). Results suggest that reed canary grass invasion could reduce denitrification in wetlands, especially during the spring and fall when it is growing but other plants are dormant.
A yeast‐based complementation assay elucidates the functional impact of 200 missense variants in human PSAT1
Authors: Sirr Amy , Lo Russell S. , Cromie Gareth A. , Scott Adrian C. , Ashmead Julee , Heyesus Mirutse , Dudley Aimée M.
Published: February 2020

Defects in serine biosynthesis resulting from loss of function mutations in PHGDH, PSAT1, and PSPH cause a set of rare, autosomal recessive diseases known as Neu‐Laxova syndrome (NLS) or serine‐deficiency disorders. The diseases present with a broad range of phenotypes including lethality, severe neurological manifestations, seizures, and intellectual disability. However, because L‐serine supplementation, especially if started prenatally, can ameliorate and in some cases even prevent symptoms, knowledge of pathogenic variants is medically actionable. Here, we describe a functional assay that leverages the evolutionary conservation of an enzyme in the serine biosynthesis pathway, phosphoserine aminotransferase, and the ability of the human protein‐coding sequence (PSAT1) to functionally replace its yeast ortholog (SER1). Results from our quantitative, yeast‐based assay agree well with clinical annotations and expectations based on the disease literature. Using this assay, we have measured the functional impact of the 199 PSAT1 variants currently listed in ClinVar, gnomAD, and the literature. We anticipate that the assay could be used to comprehensively assess the functional impact of all SNP‐accessible amino acid substitution mutations in PSAT1, a resource that could aid variant interpretation and identify potential NLS carriers.
Exploitation of nitric oxide donors to control bacterial adhesion on ready‐to‐eat vegetables and dispersal of pathogenic biofilm from polypropylene
Authors: Islam Mohammad , Durie Ian , Ramadan Reham , Purchase Diane , Marvasi Massimiliano
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) donors have been used to control biofilm formation. Nitric oxide can be delivered in situ using organic carriers and acts as a signaling molecule. Cells exposed to NO shift from biofilm to the planktonic state and are better exposed to the action of disinfectants. In this study, we investigate the capability of the NO donors molsidomine, MAHAMA NONOate, NO‐aspirin and diethylamine NONOate to act as anti‐adhesion agents on ready‐to‐eat vegetables, as well as dispersants for a number of pathogenic biofilms on plastic.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 10 pM molsidomine reduced the attachment of Salmonella enterica sv Typhimurium 14 028 to pea shoots and coriander leaves of about 0.5 Log(CFU/leaf) when compared with untreated control. The association of 10 pmol L−1 molsidomine with 0.006% H2O2 showed a synergistic effect, leading to a significant reduction in cell collection on the surface of the vegetable of about 1 Log(CFU/leaf). Similar results were obtained for MAHMA NONOate.

We also showed that the association of diethylamine NONOate at 10 mmol L−1 and 10 pmol L−1 with the quaternary ammonium compound diquat bromide improved the effectiveness of biofilm dispersal by 50% when compared with the donor alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal a dual role of NO compounds in biofilm control. Molsidomine, MAHMA NONOate, and diethylamine NONOate are good candidates for either preventing biofilm formation or dispersing biofilm, especially when used in conjunction with disinfectants. Nitric oxide compounds have the potential to be developed into a toolkit for pro‐active practices for good agricultural practices (GAPs), hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP), and cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) protocols in industrial settings where washing is routinely applied. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
High mutational concordance between primary colorectal tumors and associated pulmonary metastases
Authors: Corsini Erin M. , Datar Saumil S. , Mitchell Kyle G. , Zhou Nicolas , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Mehran Reza J. , Rajaram Ravi , Rice David C. , Roth Jack A. , Sepesi Boris , Swisher Stephen G. , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Walsh Garrett L. , Blackmon Shanda H. , Loree Jonathan M. , Morris Van K. , Antonoff Mara B.
Published: February 2020

Background and Objectives

Precision medicine has altered the management of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the concordance of mutational findings between primary CRC tumors and associated pulmonary metastases (PM) is not well‐described. This study aims to determine the concordance of genomic profiles between primary CRC and PM.

Methods

Patients treated for colorectal PM at a single institution from 2000 to 2017 were identified. Mutational concordance was defined as either both wild‐type or both mutant alleles in lung and colorectal lesion; genes with opposing mutational profiles were reported as discordant.

Results

Thirty‐eight patients met inclusion criteria, among whom KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, MET, RET, and PIK3CA were examined for concordance. High concordance was demonstrated among all evaluated genes, ranging from 86% (KRAS) to 100% concordance (NRAS, RET, and MET). De novo KRAS mutations were detected in the PM of 4 from 35 (11%) patients, 3 of whom had previously received anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy. Evaluation of Cohen's κ statistic demonstrated moderate to perfect correlation among evaluated genes.

Conclusions

Because high intertumoral genomic homogeneity exists, it may be reasonable to use primary CRC mutational profiles to guide prognostication and targeted therapy for PM. However, the possibility of de novo KRAS‐mutant PM should be considered, particularly among patients previously treated with anti‐EGFR therapy.
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web‐Based Intervention to Disseminate Clinical Practice Guidelines for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: The PTSD Clinicians Exchange
Authors: Ruzek Josef I. , Wilk Joshua , Simon Erica , Marceau Lisa , Trachtenberg Felicia L. , Magnavita Ashley M. , Coleman Julia L. , Ortigo Kile , Ambrosoli James , Zincavage Rebekah , Clarke‐Walper Kristina , Penix Elizabeth , Rosen Raymond C.
Published: February 2020

Delivery of best‐practice care for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a priority for clinicians working with active duty military personnel and veterans. The PTSD Clinicians Exchange, an Internet‐based intervention, was designed to assist in disseminating clinically relevant information and resources that support delivery of key practices endorsed in the Veterans Administration (VA)–Department of Defense (DoD) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Management of Posttraumatic Stress. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of the Clinicians Exchange intervention in increasing familiarity and perceived benefits of 26 CPG‐related and emerging practices. The intervention consisted of ongoing access to an Internet resource featuring best‐in‐class resources for practices, self‐management of burnout, and biweekly e‐mail reminders highlighting selected practices. Mental health clinicians (N = 605) were recruited from three service sectors (VA, DoD, community); 32.7% of participants assigned to the Internet intervention accessed the site to view resources. Individuals who were offered the intervention increased their practice familiarity ratings significantly more than those assigned to a newsletter‐only control condition, d = 0.27, p = .005. From baseline to 12‐months, mean familiarity ratings of clinicians in the intervention group increased from 3.0 to 3.4 on scale of 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely); mean ratings for the control group were 3.2 at both assessments. Clinicians generally viewed the CPG practices favorably, rating them as likely to benefit their clients. The results suggest that Internet‐based resources may aid more comprehensive efforts to disseminate CPGs, but increasing clinician engagement will be important.
The Effect of Ligand Mobility on the Cellular Interaction of Multivalent Nanoparticles
Authors: Maslanka Figueroa Sara , Fleischmann Daniel , Beck Sebastian , Goepferich Achim
Published: February 2020

Multivalent nanoparticle binding to cells can be of picomolar avidity making such interactions almost as intense as those seen with antibodies. However, reducing nanoparticle design exclusively to avidity optimization by the choice of ligand and its surface density does not sufficiently account for controlling and understanding cell–particle interactions. Cell uptake, for example, is of paramount significance for a plethora of biomedical applications and does not exclusively depend on the intensity of multivalency. In this study, it is shown that the mobility of ligands tethered to particle surfaces has a substantial impact on particle fate upon binding. Nanoparticles carrying angiotensin‐II tethered to highly mobile 5 kDa long poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains separated by ligand‐free 2 kDa short PEG chains show a superior accumulation in angiotensin‐II receptor type 1 positive cells. In contrast, when ligand mobility is constrained by densely packing the nanoparticle surface with 5 kDa PEG chains only, cell uptake decreases by 50%. Remarkably, irrespective of ligand mobility and density both particle types have similar EC50 values in the 1–3 × 10−9 m range. These findings demonstrate that ligand mobility on the nanoparticle corona is an indispensable attribute to be considered in particle design to achieve optimal cell uptake via multivalent interactions.
The Influence of Polymer on Fe(II)Citrate Release from Hybrid Materials Synthesized via Sol–Gel
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Tranquillo Elisabetta , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Naviglio Daniele , Barrino Federico
Published: February 2020

An ideal drug delivery system is developed to provide the therapeutic amount of a drug at the appropriate site in the body and to maintain the desired drug concentration. Interactions between drugs and the sol–gel system can affect the rate of release. The aim of this work is the synthesis of iron(II)‐based therapeutic systems. The use of oral iron integration is commonly recommended for the treatment of iron deficiency; nevertheless the diagnosis and treatment of this disease can clearly be improved. The hybrids are synthesized by sol–gel method. In an SiO2 matrix, different weight percentages of polyethylene glycol (PEG6,12,24 wt%) and ferrous citrate (Fe(II)C5,10,15 wt%) are incorporated for drug delivery applications. The interactions among different components in the hybrid materials are evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In order to quantify the release kinetics, the hybrids are soaked in a simulated body fluid, for different time points, and the amount of Fe2+ released in from several materials is detected by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy after reaction with ortho‐phenanthroline.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Behavior of a Biocomposite Material in a Fuselage Section Numerical Drop Test
Authors: Manzo Mario , Perfetto Donato , Lamanna Giuseppe , Caputo Francesco , Palma Luigi Di
Published: February 2020

The ever‐increasing need for eco‐compatibility in all sectors of industry is pushing scientific research to look for the so‐called environmentally friendly materials characterized by minimal environmental impact during the manufacturing process and high recyclability. In the aeronautical sector composites are well established for primary and secondary structures, but alternative biocompatible solutions are found out even if great efforts are being required to improve their properties. In this work, the mechanical behavior of a biocomposite material is tested by implementing it in an existing numerical model of a fuselage section subject to a vertical drop test. Deformations and failures of biocomposite parts are evaluated providing indications on their possible compliance with crashworthiness and airworthiness requirements.
PP4R1 interacts with HMGA2 to promote non‐small‐cell lung cancer migration and metastasis via activating MAPK/ERK‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Wang Bin , Pan Lin‐Yue , Kang Ning , Shen Xiao‐Yong
Published: February 2020

Protein phosphatase 4 regulatory subunit 1 (PP4R1) has been shown to play a role in the regulation of centrosome maturation, apoptosis, DNA repair, and tumor necrosis factor signaling. However, the function of PP4R1 in non‐small‐cell lung cancer remains unclear. In this study, we identify PP4R1 as an oncogene through Oncomine database mining and immunohistochemical staining, and we showed that PP4R1 is upregulated in lung cancer tissues as compared with that in normal lung tissues and correlated with a poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, in vitro study by wound‐healing and Transwell assay showed that PP4R1 could promote migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that PP4R1 could cooperate with high mobility group AT‐hook 2 and thereby promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via MAPK/extracellular receptor kinase activation. Taken together, our study provides a rich resource for understanding PP4R1 in lung cancer and indicates that PP4R1 may serve as a potential biomarker in lung cancer therapies.
Nonlinear dipole inversion (NDI) enables robust quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM)
Authors: Polak Daniel , Chatnuntawech Itthi , Yoon Jaeyeon , Iyer Siddharth Srinivasan , Milovic Carlos , Lee Jongho , Bachert Peter , Adalsteinsson Elfar , Setsompop Kawin , Bilgic Berkin
Published: February 2020

High‐quality Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM) with Nonlinear Dipole Inversion (NDI) is developed with pre‐determined regularization while matching the image quality of state‐of‐the‐art reconstruction techniques and avoiding over‐smoothing that these techniques often suffer from. NDI is flexible enough to allow for reconstruction from an arbitrary number of head orientations and outperforms COSMOS even when using as few as 1‐direction data. This is made possible by a nonlinear forward‐model that uses the magnitude as an effective prior, for which we derived a simple gradient descent update rule. We synergistically combine this physics‐model with a Variational Network (VN) to leverage the power of deep learning in the VaNDI algorithm. This technique adopts the simple gradient descent rule from NDI and learns the network parameters during training, hence requires no additional parameter tuning. Further, we evaluate NDI at 7 T using highly accelerated Wave‐CAIPI acquisitions at 0.5 mm isotropic resolution and demonstrate high‐quality QSM from as few as 2‐direction data.
Economic and social determinants of carbon emissions: Evidence from organization of petroleum exporting countries
Authors: Coskuner Cagay , Paskeh Mersedeh K. , Olasehinde‐Williams Godwin , Akadiri Seyi S.
Published: February 2020

This research investigates the economic and social determinants of carbon emissions in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) over the period 1995–2016. The study particularly examines the link between CO2 emissions and four socio‐economic variables (per‐capita GDP, urbanisation, fossil fuel energy consumption and international trade). A long‐run relationship amongst these variables is confirmed by Kao, Pedroni and Johansen panel cointegration tests. Fully modified ordinary least squares outcomes show that the relationship between CO2 emission and GDP is non‐linear in OPEC countries and follows the inverted U‐shape suggested by the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis. Also, urbanisation is responsible for a significant proportion of carbon emissions in OPEC countries. As expected, fossil fuel energy consumption is a significant positive driver of carbon emission. International trade significantly contributes to carbon emissions within OPEC member countries.
Mapping human pressures on biodiversity across the planet uncovers anthropogenic threat complexes
Authors: Bowler Diana E. , Bjorkman Anne D. , Dornelas Maria , Myers‐Smith Isla H. , Navarro Laetitia M. , Niamir Aidin , Supp Sarah R. , Waldock Conor , Winter Marten , Vellend Mark , Blowes Shane A. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Bruelheide Helge , Elahi Robin , Antão Laura H. , Hines Jes , Isbell Forest , Jones Holly P. , Magurran Anne E. , Cabral Juliano Sarmento , Bates Amanda E.
Published: February 2020

Climate change and other anthropogenic drivers of biodiversity change are unequally distributed across the world. Overlap in the distributions of different drivers have important implications for biodiversity change attribution and the potential for interactive effects. However, the spatial relationships among different drivers and whether they differ between the terrestrial and marine realm has yet to be examined.

We compiled global gridded datasets on climate change, land‐use, resource exploitation, pollution, alien species potential and human population density. We used multivariate statistics to examine the spatial relationships among the drivers and to characterize the typical combinations of drivers experienced by different regions of the world.

We found stronger positive correlations among drivers in the terrestrial than in the marine realm, leading to areas with high intensities of multiple drivers on land. Climate change tended to be negatively correlated with other drivers in the terrestrial realm (e.g. in the tundra and boreal forest with high climate change but low human use and pollution), whereas the opposite was true in the marine realm (e.g. in the Indo‐Pacific with high climate change and high fishing).

We show that different regions of the world can be defined by Anthropogenic Threat Complexes (ATCs), distinguished by different sets of drivers with varying intensities. We identify 11 ATCs that can be used to test hypotheses about patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem change, especially about the joint effects of multiple drivers.

Our global analysis highlights the broad conservation priorities needed to mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic change, with different priorities emerging on land and in the ocean, and in different parts of the world.
Conservation from the inside‐out: Winning space and a place for wildlife in working landscapes
Authors: Western David , Tyrrell Peter , Brehony Peadar , Russell Samantha , Western Guy , Kamanga John
Published: February 2020

Protected areas fall far short of securing the space needed to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem function at a global scale and in the face of climate change.

The prospects of conserving biodiversity in working landscapes help buffer the insularization effects of protected areas and hold great potential for biodiversity conservation on a landscape scale but depend on finding adequate space and a meaningful place in the lives of rural land users.

Using a case study in southern Kenya, we show that the conservation of large open landscapes, biodiversity and the coexistence between wildlife and livestock can be achieved indirectly by reinforcing pastoral practices that depend on open space, mobility, social networks and institutional arrangements governing common‐pool resources.

Pastoral practices and wildlife both depend on large multiscale interactions within interlinked social and ecological systems, which are threatened by land fragmentation, alienation and degradation.

We show that large open spaces can be maintained by using a conservation approach starting from within community aspirations that emphasize the links between livelihoods, productivity, efficiency and resilience in pastoral economies and the secondary benefits of wildlife enterprises.

Scaling up from an ecosystem to multi‐scale approach benefits pastoral communities by building resilience and new economic opportunities. In the process, the expanded scale conserves regional biodiversity and large free‐ranging herbivore and carnivore populations underpinning ecosystem function and the nationally important tourism industry centered on the Kenya–Tanzania boundary.

The ‘inside‐out’ approach to the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity is place‐based, draws on local knowledge and informal governance arrangements and avoids the stigma of wildlife conservation driven by outside agencies.

The human‐centered approach reinforces land health and spatial connectivity and encourages multi‐level and distributed governance arrangements embedded in large regional and national jurisdictions.
Effect of ethyl‐bridged diphenylphosphine oxide on flame retardancy and thermal properties of epoxy resin
Authors: Wei Zhenqian , Wu Jun , Liu Zongru , Gu Yanan , Luan Guifang , Sun Hejing , Yu Qing , Zhang Sheng , Wang Zhongwei
Published: February 2020

Three commercialized flame retardants, 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphinoyl)ethane (EDPO), 6,6‐(1,2‐phenethyl)bis‐6H‐dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorin‐6,6‐dioxide (HTP‐6123), and hexa‐phenoxy‐cyclotriphosphazene (HPCTP), were used to prepare the flame retardant diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin (EP) under the same experimental conditions. The effects of Tg, thermal stability, and water absorption properties of EP caused by the three flame retardants were investigated and compared, together with their flame retardant efficiency. Results showed that the introduction of the three flame retardants improved the flame retardant performance of EP but led to decreases in Tg and decomposition temperature. EDPO showed higher flame retardant efficiency than the other two flame retardants. EP/EDPO showed higher thermal stability, better flame retardant performance, higher Tg value, and lower water absorption than EP/HTP‐6123 and EP/HPCTP. The study discovered that EDPO and HTP‐6123 primarily act through the gas phase flame retardant mechanism, while HPCTP is primarily driven by the condensed phase mechanism.
Extending Comet for Global Amino Acid Variant and Post‐Translational Modification Analysis Using the PSI Extended FASTA Format
Authors: Eng Jimmy K. , Deutsch Eric W.
Published: February 2020

Protein identification by tandem mass spectrometry sequence database searching is a standard practice in many proteomics laboratories. The de facto standard for the representation of sequence databases used as input to sequence database search tools is the FASTA format. The Human Proteome Organization's Proteomics Standards Initiative has developed an extension to the FASTA format termed the proteomics standards initiative extended FASTA format or PSI extended FASTA format (PEFF) where additional information such as structural annotations are encoded in the protein description lines. Comet has been extended to automatically analyze the post translational modifications and amino acid substitutions encoded in PEFF databases. Comet's PEFF implementation and example analysis results searching a HEK293 dataset against the neXtProt PEFF database are presented.
The underlying mechanism of metabolic syndrome on benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate volume
Authors: Xia Bo‐Wen , Zhao Si‐Cong , Chen Zong‐Ping , Chen Chao , Liu Tian‐Shu , Yang Fan , Yan Yong
Published: February 2020

Objective

To investigate the potential mechanism of the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on prostate volume (PV) and the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the relationships of MetS and the major pathogenic factors of MetS with the clinical progression of BPH/LUTS in older Chinese men.

Subjects and Methods

We analyzed clinical data obtained from 506 ostensibly healthy men who underwent routine health check‐ups and recruited 415 subjects from a group of previously studied men after 4 years. We evaluated the associations of major pathological factors of MetS, including insulin resistance, subclinical inflammatory state, and sex hormone changes, with PV, the risk of BPH and the clinical progression of BPH/LUTS by using multiple linear regression and logistic regression.

Results

After adjustment for age, insulin, HOMA (homeostatic model assessment) index, leptin, resistin, adiponectin, C‐reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), sex hormone‐binding globulin, and testosterone levels were significantly associated with PV (all P < .05), and in the age‐adjusted logistic regression model, positive associations of resistin and TNF‐α with BPH/LUTS were found (OR, 1.662, P = .007 and OR, 1.044, P < .001, respectively). Predictors of BPH/LUTS clinical progression were significantly correlated with MetS and TNF‐α. The group with higher TNF‐α levels had a higher rate of newly diagnosed BPH (9.5% vs 19.1%, P = .006) and a greater increase in PV levels (0.61 ± 0.08 vs 1.09 ± 0.35 cm3, P <.001) after 4 years.

Conclusions

MetS and its pathological factors were associated with an increased PV and an increased risk of BPH/LUTS that is more prone to clinical progression. TNF‐α may serve as an early biological indicator to identify which patients with BPH/LUTS are at higher risk of unfavorable outcomes.