bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol improves left ventricular remodeling in chronic kidney disease via Sirt1‐mediated regulation of FoxO1 activity and MnSOD expression
Authors: Li Peipei , Song Xiaoli , Zhang Dingwu , Guo Naifeng , Wu Chuwen , Chen Kairen , Liu Yue , Yuan Li , Chen Xiaolan , Huang Xinzhong
Published: November 2019

Left ventricular remodeling commonly complicates end‐stage renal disease following chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigated the therapeutic efficacy of resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenolic compound, on left ventricular remodeling in subtotal nephrectomy rats and sought to uncover the underlying molecular mechanisms. Subtotal nephrectomy caused renal dysfunction, such as gradual increases in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, glomerular sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In addition, subtotal nephrectomy also resulted in significant increases in myocyte cross‐sectional area, interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and left ventricular dilatation. All these detrimental effects were alleviated in the presence of RSV. Mechanistically, RSV treatment led to the upregulation of manganese‐containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in the heart. Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed that silent information regulator 1 (Sirt1) bound forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) and thus reduced acetylated FoxO1. RSV strengthened this interaction between Sirt1 and FoxO1. Loss of one allele of Sirt1 aggravated renal damage, myocyte hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis in nephrectomized mice. Taken together, our data show that Sirt1 is an important mediator for the protective roles of RSV on renal and heart damage in CKD rodent model, and FoxO1 and MnSOD are likely downstream targets of Sirt1. Therefore, Sirt1 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of left ventricular remodeling caused by CKD.
Celiac Trunk and Hepatic Arteries: Anatomical Variations of Liver Arterial Supply as Detected with Multidetector Computed Tomography in 1,520 Patients and its Clinical Importance
Authors: Gkaragkounis Angelos , Fanariotis Michael , Tepetes Konstantinos , Fezoulidis Ioannis , Vassiou Katerina
Published: November 2019

Hepatic arterial variations are relatively common, but usually overlooked by radiologists, leading to iatrogenic complications or prolonging interventional or surgical procedures. Michels in 1966 classified hepatic arterial variations in 10 categories, based on a cadaveric study. Establishment of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) provides useful anatomical information. The purpose of our study is to highlight these variations and to propose of a user‐friendly algorithm when studying a CT examination. We studied 1,520 contrast‐enhanced CTs (16‐row MDCT system) during arterial phase and searched for hepatic arteries and celiac trunk (CTr) variations. CT images were postproccessed using multiplanar reconstruction, maximum intensity projection and volume rendering techniques in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Our results were organized according to Michels' classification. Normal anatomy was found in 72.89% of the cases and variations classified in Types II–X in 22.24%. However, 4.87% of the cases could not be classified in Michels' types. A single arterial variation was found in 22.89% of the cases and multiple arterial variations were found in 4.21% of the cases. We examined first the aorta for supernumerary branches and then checked the fissure between right and left liver lobe, following porta hepatis, and finally the CTr and superior mesenteric artery. Hepatic arteries and CTr variations are relatively common (27.11%) and should be identified by the radiologists when studying CTs as their recognition provides better surgical planning, preventing iatrogenic complications. Imaging in coronal plane was helpful for end branches, while sagittal plane was better for aortic branches. Clin. Anat., 33:1091‐1101, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Utilizing Medical Students as Internal Assets to Enhance Gross Anatomy Laboratory Learning
Authors: Williams Shanna E. , Hawkins H. Gregory , Khalil Mohammed K.
Published: November 2019

Identification of cadaveric structures during anatomy summative practical examinations is a challenge for first‐year medical students. To assist in cultivating this skill, we offered 12 formative laboratory activities (anatomy boot camps [ABCs]) that approximated the summative practical examination format using reciprocal and near‐peer teaching. Students assisted in crafting the formative practical examination, then engaged in a self‐review by scoring their individual answer sheets. Students performing below designated thresholds (≤60%) were offered laboratory review sessions led by medical student upperclassmen. Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the performance of participants who attended the ABC sessions leading up to each summative examination. Correlation analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between student participation in ABCs summative examinations. Voluntary surveys were administered to assess the perceived value of the experience. Mann–Whitney U tests indicated students who attended the ABC review preceding three of the four summative practical and two of the four written examinations scored consistently higher on these examinations than students who chose not to attend. Correlation analysis revealed that as the overall frequency of ABC attendance increased, students' performance on the summative practical and written examinations increased significantly (P < 0.001). These findings suggest that the provision of supplemental learning experiences, such as the ABCs, contributes to improved student learning outcomes. This sentiment was echoed in student surveys. This activity, which combines multiple peer teaching approaches, appears to be an effective strategy for guiding and enhancing student success in the anatomy practical examinations. Clin. Anat. 33:286–292, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomical and Ultrasonography‐Based Investigation to Localize the Arteries on the Central Forehead Region During the Glabellar Augmentation Procedure
Authors: Phumyoo Thirawass , Jiirasutat Nuttapatch , Jitaree Benrita , Rungsawang Chalermquan , Uruwan Sukanya , Tansatit Tanvaa
Published: November 2019

Glabellar augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures but can entail severe complications caused by inadvertent intravascular injection of filler. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the arteries on the glabellar and central forehead regions. The aim of this study was to correlate the topography and location of the arteries in this area with anatomical landmarks to propose a safety guideline. Two methods were used to investigate the glabellar and central forehead areas: dissection of 19 Thai embalmed cadavers, and ultrasonographic examination of 14 healthy Thai volunteers. At the level of the glabellar point, the horizontal distances from the midline to the arteries were 4.7 mm (central artery), 7.8 mm (paracentral artery), and 14.7 and 19.2 mm (superficial and deep branches of supratrochlear artery). The depths from the skin of the arteries were 3.1 mm (central artery), 4.8 mm (paracentral artery), and 4.2 and 5.9 mm (superficial and deep branches of supratrochlear artery). The periosteal artery was detected in 71.1% as a branch of either the superior orbitoglabellar or the supratrochlear artery. It ran in the supraperiosteal layer for a short course and penetrated the periosteum above the superciliary ridge or above the medial eyebrow, adhering tightly to the bony surface. This study suggests a safe injection technique for the glabella based on a thorough knowledge of arterial distribution and topography and color Doppler ultrasonographic examination prior to the injection, which is recommended to minimize the risk of severe complications. Clin. Anat. 33:370–382, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pyridinylidenaminophosphines: Facile Access to Highly Electron‐Rich Phosphines
Authors: Rotering Philipp , Wilm Lukas F. B. , Werra Janina A. , Dielmann Fabian
Published: November 2019

Electron‐rich tertiary phosphines are valuable species in chemical synthesis. However, their broad application as ligands in catalysis and reagents in stoichiometric reactions is often limited by their costly synthesis. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of a series of phosphines with 1‐alkylpyridin‐4‐ylidenamino and 1‐alkylpyridin‐2‐ylidenamino substituents that are accessible in a very short and scalable route starting from commercially available aminopyridines and chlorophosphines. The determination of the Tolman electronic parameter (TEP) value reveals that the electron donor ability can be tuned by the substituent pattern at the aminopyridine backbone and it can exceed that of common alkylphosphines and N‐heterocyclic carbenes. The potential of the new phosphines as strong nucleophiles in phosphine‐mediated transformations is demonstrated by the formation of Lewis base adducts with CO2 and CS2. In addition, the coordination chemistry of the new phosphines towards CuI, AuI, and PdII metal centers has been explored, and a convenient procedure to introduce the most basic phosphine into metal complexes starting from air‐stable phosphonium salt is described.
DFT calculation–assisted stereo‐structural assignment of arundifungin
Authors: Nishiyama Mami , Tonouchi Akio , Maeda Hayato , Hashimoto Masaru
Published: November 2019

Arundifungin (1) has been reported as a potent antifungal agent against Candida and Aspergillus spp; however, only its planar structure has been disclosed. This paper describes the assignment of the relative and absolute configuration of 1, which includes (a) determination of the relative configuration of the ABCD polycyclic ring moiety on the basis of detailed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis, followed by the confirmation with density functional theory (DFT)–based 13C NMR chemical shift calculations, (b) determination of the absolute configuration of the ABCD polycyclic ring moiety by observing a positive Cotton effect at 217 nm because of the C‐8/C‐9 tetrasubstituted double bond and its reproduction using DFT calculations, (c) determination of the configurational relationship between C‐17 and C‐20 by a combination of nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) analysis and DFT‐based conformational analysis, and (d) determination of the relative and absolute configuration of the C‐24 and C‐25 asymmetric centers on the acyclic side chain by a combination of chemical derivatization including modified Mosher's method and DFT‐based conformational analysis, followed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectral reproduction. Present study also discovered 26‐deoxyarundifungin (2) of which relative structure was readily elucidated by 1H and 13C spectral comparison with those of 1. Since 2 exhibits slightly weaker antifungal activity against Cochliobolus miyabeanus than 1, the hydroxy group at C‐26 moderately contributes to the activity.
Effects of rhizoma peanut cultivars (Arachis glabrata Benth.) on the soil bacterial diversity and predicted function in nitrogen fixation
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Bo , Hsu Chih‐Ming , Dubeux José C. B. , Mackowiak Cheryl , Blount Ann , Han Xing‐Guo , Liao Hui‐Ling
Published: November 2019

There is a growing awareness of the importance of soil microorganisms in agricultural management practices. Currently, much less is known about whether different crop cultivar has an effect on the taxonomic structure and diversity, and specific functions of soil bacterial communities. Here, we examined the changes of the diversity and composition and enzyme‐encoding nitrogenase genes in a long‐term field experiment with seven different rhizoma peanut cultivars in southeastern USA, coupling high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the sequence‐based function prediction with Tax4Fun. Of the 32 phyla detected (Proteobacteria class), 13 were dominant: Acidobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Firmicutes, Nitrospirae, Chloroflexi, and Planctomycetes (relative abundance >1%). We found no evidence that the diversity and composition of bacterial communities were significantly different among different cultivars, but the abundance of some dominant bacterial groups that have N‐fixation potentials (at broad or fine taxonomic level) and predicted abundances of some enzyme‐encoding nitrogenase genes showed significant across‐cultivar differences. The nitrogenase genes were notably abundant in Florigraze and Latitude soils while remarkably lower in Arbook and UF_TITO soils when compared with other cultivars, indicating different nitrogen fixation potentials among different cultivars. The findings also suggest that the abundance of certain bacterial taxa and the specific function bacteria perform in ecosystems can have an inherent association. Our study is helpful to understand how microbiological responses and feedback to different plant genotypes through the variation in structure and function of their communities in the rhizosphere.
Human Heterozygous ENPP1 Deficiency Is Associated With Early Onset Osteoporosis, a Phenotype Recapitulated in a Mouse Model of Enpp1 Deficiency
Authors: Oheim Ralf , Zimmerman Kristin , Maulding Nathan D , Stürznickel Julian , von Kroge Simon , Kavanagh Dillon , Stabach Paul R , Kornak Uwe , Tommasini Steven M , Horowitz Mark C , Amling Michael , Thompson David , Schinke Thorsten , Busse Björn , Carpenter Thomas O. , Braddock Demetrios T
Published: November 2019

Biallelic ENPP1 deficiency in humans induces generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI) and/or autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets type 2 (ARHR2). The latter is characterized by markedly increased circulating FGF23 levels and renal phosphate wasting, but aberrant skeletal manifestations associated with heterozygous ENPP1 deficiency are unknown. Here, we report three adult men with early onset osteoporosis who presented with fractures in the thoracic spine and/or left radius, mildly elevated circulating FGF23, and hypophosphatemia. Total hip bone mineral density scans demonstrated osteoporosis (Z-score < −2.5) and HRpQCT demonstrated microarchitectural defects in trabecular and cortical bone. Next-generation sequencing revealed heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in ENPP1 previously observed as biallelic mutations in infants with GACI. In addition, we present bone mass and structure data as well as plasma pyrophosphate (PPi) data of two siblings suffering from ARHR2 in comparison to their heterozygous and wild-type family members indicative of an ENPP1 gene dose effect. The skeletal phenotype in murine Enpp1 deficiency yielded nearly identical findings. Ten-week-old male Enpp1asj/asj mice exhibited mild elevations in plasma FGF23 and hypophosphatemia, and micro-CT analysis revealed microarchitectural defects in trabecular and cortical bone of similar magnitude to HRpQCT defects observed in humans. Histomorphometry revealed mild osteomalacia and osteopenia at both 10 and 23 weeks. The biomechanical relevance of these findings was demonstrated by increased bone fragility and ductility in Enpp1asj/asj mice. In summary, ENPP1 exerts a gene dose effect such that humans with heterozygous ENPP1 deficiency exhibit intermediate levels of plasma analytes associated with bone mineralization disturbance resulting in early onset osteoporosis. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of a series of 2‐trifluoromethylbenzimidazole‐thiazolidinone derivatives
Authors: Cheddie Adele , Shintre Suhas A. , Bantho Aishwarya , Mocktar Chunderika , Koorbanally Neil A.
Published: November 2019

A series of 2‐phenyl‐3‐(2‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐benzoimidazol‐6‐yl)thiazolidin‐4‐one derivatives were synthesized from p‐nitro‐o‐phenylenediamine in a three‐step reaction. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and mass spectral data. The synthesized compounds showed excellent antibacterial activity ranging from 3‐fold, to greater than 100‐fold higher than the standard antibiotics, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Compounds 3d (2′‐Br), 3j (4′‐Br), and 3l (4′‐NO2) displayed a broad spectrum of activity against the strains tested (0.14–38.33 μM). The brominated derivatives 3d and 3j showed excellent activity against the Gram‐positive bacterial strains (MBC between 0.12 and 35.46 μM), while the nitro derivative 3l showed excellent activity against all four Gram‐negative strains tested (MBC between 0.15 and 9.58 μM).
Regioselective synthesis of spiro isoxazole‐oxindole‐tetrahydrothiophene hybrids via cascade reactions under catalyst‐free conditions
Authors: Nagaraju Sakkani , Sathish Kota , Satyanarayana Neeli , Paplal Banoth , Kashinath Dhurke
Published: November 2019

Catalyst‐free synthesis of the isoxazole‐spirooxindole‐tetrahydrothiophene hybrids is reported. Formation of 1,4‐thia‐Michael and intramolecular aldol reactions were observed (instead of 1,6‐thia‐Michael followed by vinylogous Henry reactions) in a regioselective fashion to give new isoxazole‐spirooxindole‐tetrahydrothiophene hybrids with excellent yields.
Combining Ultra‐High Drug‐Loaded Micelles and Injectable Hydrogel Drug Depots for Prolonged Drug Release
Authors: Lübtow Michael M. , Lorson Thomas , Finger Tamara , Gröber‐Becker Florian‐Kai , Luxenhofer Robert
Published: November 2019

Hydrogel‐based drug depot formulations are of great interest for therapeutic applications. While the biological activity of such drug depots is often characterized well, the influence of incorporated drug or drug‐loaded micelles on the gelation properties of the hydrogel matrix is less investigated. However, the latter is of great importance from fundamental and application points of view as it informs on the physicochemical interactions of drugs and water‐swollen polymer networks and it determines injectability, depot stability, as well as drug‐release kinetics. Here, the impact of incorporated drug, neat polymer micelles, and drug‐loaded micelles on the viscoelastic properties of a cytocompatible hydrogel is investigated systematically. To challenge the hydrogel with regard to the desired application as injectable drug depot, curcumin (CUR) is chosen as a model compound due to its very low‐water solubility and limited stability. CUR is either directly solubilized by the hydrogel or pre‐incorporated into polymer micelles. Interference of CUR with the temperature‐induced gelation process can be suppressed by pre‐incorporation into polymer micelles forming a binary drug delivery system. Drug release from a collagen matrix is studied in a trans‐well setup. Compared to direct injection of drug formulations, the hydrogel‐based systems show improved and extended drug release over 10 weeks.
Palm tree coplanar Vivaldi antenna for near field radar application
Authors: Nurhayati N. , De Oliveira Alexandre M. , Justo João F. , Setijadi Eko , Sukoco Bagus E. , Endryansyah E.
Published: November 2019

The Vivaldi antenna is an ultra‐wideband device that has high gain and directional radiation pattern. This paper performs a comparison of conventional, regular and exponential edges of a Palm Tree Vivaldi antenna that could operate in L and S band frequencies. The conventional coplanar Vivaldi antenna (C‐CVA), regular coplanar Vivaldi antenna (R‐CVA), exponential slot edge coplanar Vivaldi antenna (ESE‐CVA), regular antipodal Vivaldi antenna (R‐AVA) and exponential slot edge antipodal Vivaldi antenna (ESE‐AVA), all with the same dimensions, are compared in terms of reflection coefficient and radiation pattern performance. Gain improvement is achieved as 6.22, 7.64, 7.90, 7.92, and 10.74 dB at 3 GHz respectively for R‐AVA, ESE‐AVA, Convetional ‐ Coplanar Vivaldi Antenna, R‐CVA, and ESE‐CVA. The number, height, and opening rate of slot edges predispose current distribution and radiation pattern of CVA. Our results show that the exponential slot edge coplanar Vivaldi antenna provides the best gain and derives the best side lobe level, which confirmed the possibility of applying the Palm Tree technique to coplanar Vivaldi antennas, in addition to the antipodal ones, as originally proposed.
Dietary Weight Loss, Exercise, and Inflammation in Older Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease
Authors: Rejeski W. Jack , Marsh Anthony P. , Fanning Jason , Ambrosius Walter T. , Walkup Michael P. , Nicklas Barbara J.
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study aimed to examine exercise modality during weight loss on change in inflammation among older adults with overweight or obesity and cardiometabolic disease.

Methods

A total of 222 older adults with a mean (SD) age of 66.9 (4.7) years and a mean (SD) BMI of 33.5 (3.5) kg/m2 were randomized to weight loss (WL; n = 68), WL plus aerobic training (WL + AT; n = 79), or WL plus resistance training (WL + RT; n = 75) for 18 months. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‐6 were measured at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months.

Results

All groups lost significant weight from baseline to 18 months, with average adjusted changes of −5.5% for WL, −9.0% for WL + AT, and −10.1% for WL + RT. WL + RT and WL + AT lost significantly more weight than WL (P < 0.05). At 18 months, CRP values in WL + RT were significantly lower than WL (2.25 pg/mL vs. 3.38 pg/mL; P = 0.004). The only difference in interleukin‐6 was that at 18 months, WL + RT was lower than WL + AT (2.32 pg/mL vs. 2.75 pg/mL; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The addition of RT during WL was more effective at reducing levels of CRP than WL. Although results were in the expected direction, there was no difference in CRP between WL and WL + AT.
Association Between Waist Circumference and Dementia in Older Persons: A Nationwide Population‐Based Study
Authors: Cho Geum Joon , Hwang Soon Young , Lee Kyu‐Min , Choi Kyung Mook , Hyun Baik Sei , Kim Tak , Han Sung Won , Yoo Hye Jin
Published: November 2019

Objective

This study examined whether a positive association exists between waist circumference (WC) and dementia among older persons.

Methods

The study population comprised 872,082 participants aged 65 years and older who participated in a Korean national health screening examination between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2009. Adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs for dementia during follow‐up from 2009 to 2015 were calculated according to baseline BMI and WC categories.

Results

After a multivariate adjustment that included BMI, the hazard ratios for dementia showed a stepwise increase according to the increase in WC categories by 5 cm from 85 to 90 cm in men and from 80 to 85 cm in women until ≥ 110 cm (from 1.06 [95% CI: 1.03‐1.09] to 1.64 [95% CI: 1.37‐1.94] in men and from 1.04 [95% CI: 1.02‐1.07] to 1.58 [95% CI: 1.36‐1.84] in women). The influence of the current WC category for abdominal obesity on the risk of dementia was different according to BMI; especially, the normal weight men and women with abdominal obesity had a prominent increased risk of dementia compared with those without abdominal obesity.

Conclusions

Abdominal obesity, as measured by WC, was associated with significantly increased risk of dementia after adjustment for general obesity.
Hyper‐Palatable Foods: Development of a Quantitative Definition and Application to the US Food System Database
Authors: Fazzino Tera L. , Rohde Kaitlyn , Sullivan Debra K.
Published: November 2019

Objective

Extensive research has focused on hyper‐palatable foods (HPF); however, HPF are defined using descriptive terms (e.g., fast foods, sweets), which are not standardized and lack specificity. The study purpose was to develop a quantitative definition of HPF and apply the definition to the Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS) to determine HPF prevalence in the US food system.

Methods

A numeric definition of HPF was developed by extracting common HPF descriptive definitions from the literature and using nutrition software to quantify ingredients of fat, simple sugars, carbohydrates, and sodium. The definition was applied to the FNDDS.

Results

HPF from the literature aligned with three clusters: (1) fat and sodium (> 25% kcal from fat, ≥ 0.30% sodium by weight), (2) fat and simple sugars (> 20% kcal from fat, > 20% kcal from sugar), and (3) carbohydrates and sodium (> 40% kcal from carbohydrates, ≥ 0.20% sodium by weight). In the FNDDS, 62% (4,795/7,757) of foods met HPF criteria. The HPF criteria identified a variety of foods, including some labeled reduced or low fat and vegetables cooked in creams, sauces, or fats.

Conclusions

A data‐derived HPF definition revealed that a substantial percentage of foods in the US food system may be hyper‐palatable, including foods not previously conceptualized as hyper‐palatable.
Development of bionanocomposites of pectin and nanoemulsions of carnauba wax and neem oil pectin/carnauba wax/neem oil composites
Authors: de Castro e Silva Priscila , de Oliveira Ana C. S. , Pereira Lívio A. S. , Valquíria Michele , Carvalho Gabriel R. , Miranda Kelvi W. E. , Marconcini José M. , Oliveira Juliano E.
Published: November 2019

The search for biodegradable materials motivated the development of new materials for the food industry. Biomaterials (pectin, starch, and chitosan) are considered promising biodegradable polymers for developing or improving materials. This study aimed to develop biodegradable bionanocomposite films with neem oil and carnauba wax nanoemulsion using pectin (high methyl esterification) polymer matrix; and to evaluate the nanoemulsions effects on the water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability properties of the films. Nanoemulsions were characterized by the polydispersity index and mean particle diameter. These results showed an average diameter of 59 to 69 nm. The pectin and 30% of neem oil nanoemulsions showed a 27% reduction in WVP. In addition, the mechanical property was optimized. Young module showed a 66% to 75% reduction for pectin and 30% of carnauba wax film and pectin and 30% of neem oil film. In the biodegradability analysis was presented a very fast degradation in soil. In addition, there was no macroresidue formation in soil with neem oil films during the biodegradation process. This result showed a weight loss after 45 days of testing. Developed bionanocompositie materials have great potential for application in emerging packagings (edible films and coatings) for the food industry and agribusiness area (food and seeds).
Germline BLM mutations and metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Ledet Elisa M. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Isaacs William B. , Lotan Tamara L. , Pritchard Colin , Sartor A. Oliver
Published: November 2019

Background

Biallelic loss‐of‐function BLM mutations result in Bloom syndrome: a genetic disorder characterized by growth deficiencies, photosensitivity, and multiple cancer susceptibilities. There are conflicting reports about whether or not heterozygous BLM carriers are at a higher risk of various cancers. Without BLM protein functionality, there is evidence of increased sister chromatid exchange and chromosomal instability.

Methods

Metastatic prostate cancer patients (N = 796) underwent germline genetic testing as part of routine care at three academic centers. Patients with heterozygous BLM mutations were identified. Tumor tissue was analyzed for somatic alterations in those patients who had a germline pathogenic mutation. Control data using a population sample were extracted from the Genome Aggregation Database.

Results

Heterozygous BLM germline mutations in 5 of 796 patients (prevalence, 0.63%). All mutations were loss‐of‐function truncating alterations. None of the mutations were BLMAsh. The control population (gnomAD) frequency of pathogenic or likely pathogenic BLM mutations was 0.18% (212 of 116 653). The relative risk (RR) of BLM mutations in metastatic prostate cancer patients was 3.4 (95% CI, 1.42‐8.33; P < .0062) compared to gnomAD controls. Tumor DNA sequencing in the BLM carriers showed no evidence of somatic BLM mutations. Interestingly, 3 of 5 BLM germline carriers had bi‐allelic BRCA2 inactivation evident on tumor sequencing. One patient had both germline and somatic mutations in BRCA2. Excluding the patient with the germline BRCA2 mutation (BLM prevalence, 4 of 796: 0.50%) still yielded a statistically significant finding vs the gnomAD controls (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.02‐7.39; P < .04).

Conclusion

Truncating BLM germline mutations occur at a higher frequency in patients with advanced prostate cancer as compared to control populations. Though no biallelic loss of BLM was no noted in cancers, a surprising number of the BLM germline heterozygotes had pathogenic BRCA2 mutations in their tumor.
Scaled consensus for asynchronous high‐order discrete‐time multiagent systems
Authors: Cheng Yuhua , Zhou Quan , Bai Libing , Zhang Xilin , Qiu Gen
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the distributed scaled consensus problem of multiple agents with high‐order dynamics under the asynchronous setting, where each agent measures the neighbors' information at certain discrete time instants according to its own clock rather than the whole discrete process and all agents' clocks are independent of each other. Assume that the communication topology can be arbitrarily switched and the information transfer between agents has a time‐varying delay. Under the designed asynchronous distributed control protocol, it is shown that the agents with the same scale will reach a common final state, while the agents with different scales will reach different final states. Moreover, an effective parameters selection strategy is presented for a large number of gain parameters in high‐order multiagent systems based on novel model transformation techniques. Simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the high‐order scaled consensus performances for the agents in the presence of asynchronous setting.
Spectroscopic Identifications, Molecular Docking, Neuronal Growth and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Steroidal Nitro Olefin: Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Alam Mahboob , Park Soonheum
Published: November 2019

FT‐IR, NMR and ultraviolet spectroscopy by means of DFT / B3LYP‐6‐311G(d, p), molecular docking and biological activity of 6‐nitrocolest‐5‐en‐3‐beta‐yl acetate (steroid nitro‐olefin) was reported in this article. The optimized molecular geometric structure and its associated parameters including vibrational frequencies, carbon and1H NMR data of the title compound in ground electronic state was obtained at DFT approach applying B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p). The ultraviolet absorbance data is obtained at TDB3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) basis set. The present computational data are found in reasonable agreement with the experimental results. Simulated electronic and NMR (1H and13C) spectra have been reported in solution phase. Parameters like thermodynamic quantities, dipole moment, FMO energies, MEP and global reactivity descriptors of steroid nitro olefin were determined at same level of theory. The neuromodulatory effect of the compound on central nervous system development of rat embryonic hippocampal neurons has been studied. Based on the outcome; compound demonstrated suppression activity despite the promotion of neuronal cytoarchitecture leading to a negative effect on hippocampal neurons. The nature of the compound found to be toxic to the cells. Besides, steroid compound is also used to perform inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) compared to the reference drug i. e. Galanthamine. The molecular docking of the synthesized compound is carried out with the structure of the acetylcholinesterase (PDB: 1DX6) protein to check the mode of interactions.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Effect and Lipophilicity‐Activity Dependence of Three Series of Dichained N‐Alkylammonium Salts
Authors: Benkova Marketa , Soukup Ondrej , Prchal Lukas , Sleha Radek , Eleršek Tina , Novak Martin , Sepčić Kristina , Gunde‐Cimerman Nina , Dolezal Rafael , Bostik Vanda , Bostik Pavel , Marek Jan
Published: November 2019

Quaternary ammonium salts belong to the group of cationic surfactants and their structure, especially the length of the alkyl chain, plays a significant role in its activity against various microorganisms. Globally, there is a growing need to develop novel compounds due to the increasing resistance of microorganisms to antimicrobial agents. Three series of quaternary ammonium compounds based on dichained N‐alkylammonium salts were synthesized with different carbon chain lengths (C8, C10, C12, C14, C16). These compounds were characterized with analytical methods and tested in vitro for antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antialgal activities. In addition, the determination of their critical micelle concentrations, lipophilicity and cytotoxicity were likewise performed to assess potential lipophilicity‐activity dependence. Almost all compounds showed a high efficacy against bacterial and fungal strains. Significant effects against Varicella zoster virus and algae were also noticed. Some of novel drugs outperformed standard benzalkonium salts. The expected trend of the correlation of an increase of cytotoxicity with the length of carbon chain was confirmed. These compounds show a higher potential as disinfectants rather than antiseptics due to their cytotoxic potential and low selectivity for microbes over mammalian cells.
Copper‐Catalyzed Chemoselective 1,4‐Reductions: Sequential One‐Pot Synthesis of Esters
Authors: Kumar Devarapalli Ravi , Panigrahy Ram Sankar , Ravi Kishore Dakoju , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: November 2019

A sequential one‐pot Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons reaction followed by [Cu]‐catalyzed 1,4‐reduction for an efficient preparation of esters, is described. The protocol showed excellent chemoselectivity and broad functional group tolerance. In addition, the strategy was successfully applied for the synthesis of indanones by using a single column chromatography process.
Physical Mechanism of Breakdown Failure in Polymer Composites with Various Filler Loading
Authors: Ding Shanjun , Kong Yingming
Published: November 2019

Dielectric polymer materials consisting of zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS_nps) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were prepared by a solution‐casting process. The introduction of low filler loading results in obviously improved breakdown strength and energy density in comparison with pure PVDF, while the breakdown strength sharply becomes weak in the case of high filler loading. Based on the multi‐core model, the electric double layer theory as well as the physical model we built, we propose that the insulation and charge distribution of the composites are regulated by the inter‐fillers distance between neighboring fillers, resulting in the redistribution of the internal electric filed direction and the increase or decrease of the internal electric filed strength in the applied electric filed.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles Encapsulated by Carbon Nanotube for Selective Aromatic Compound Adsorption
Authors: Yan Li , Zhu Geng , Guan Jian‐Ning , Han Guo‐Zhi
Published: November 2019

Based on the epoxidation modification of the carbon nanotubes surface, we develop a facile one‐pot synthesis of core‐shell magnetic carbon nanotubes where Fe3O4 nanoparticles are encapsulated inside the carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4@CNTs). Compared with traditional magnetic carbon nanotubes which prepared by surface deposition, the well‐designed core‐shell magnetic carbon nanotubes show higher selective adsorption for aromatic organic compounds. For those aromatic compounds containing hydrophilic groups on benzene rings such as phenols, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of the compound on the surface of Fe3O4@CNTs is almost zero. Conversely, the Fe3O4@CNTs exhibit good adsorption capacity for those aromatic compounds with electron‐withdrawing group on benzene ring such as nitro group, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity can reach 2.07 mg/g in aqueous solution. In addition, the corresponding selective adsorption mechanism is put forward through the kinetic studies. This study provides a new strategy for the water environmental treatment and the reuse of aromatic pollutants.
Bifunctional Platinum Tetrapods: High‐Performance Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Aromatic Nitro Compounds and Electrochemical Sensor for Hydrazine.
Authors: Anbarasan Rajagopal , Viswanath Kamatchirajan Balaji , Nithya Kesavan , Vasantha Vairathevar Sivasamy , Suresh Devarajan , Amali Arlin Jose
Published: November 2019

Precise engineering of platinum as nanostructured platinum tetrapods (Pt TPs) is achieved via a facile one‐step hydrothermal synthesis using KCl and KBr as structure directing agents. Heavily influenced by its size and shape, Pt TPs exhibits excellent catalytic activity, selectivity and recyclability in hydrogenation of nitroarenes and acts as an electrochemical sensor for hydrazine. This enhanced activity is attributed to the surface structure of Pt with high‐index facets.
Self‐Standing Hybrid Film of SnO2 Nanotubes and MXene as A High‐Performance Anode Material for Thin Film Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Kexin , Zhu Xiaodong , Wang Chuang , Hu Yanjing , Gu Liangliang , Qiu Shengyou , Gao Xiaotian , Mao Yachun
Published: November 2019

A self‐standing hybrid film was fabricated, which consists of SnO2 nanotubes sandwiched by MXene nanosheets through alternate vacuum filtration. As an anode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the self‐standing hybrid film delivers a reversible capacity of 663 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100mAg−1 and exhibits excellent rate capability with a reversible capacity of 327mAhg−1 at 5Ag−1. The superior cycle stability and rate performance are achieved through the synergetic effect between SnO2 nanotubes and MXene nanosheets, which provides a reference for the development of flexible batteries.
1D Core‐shell MnO@S, N co‐Doped Carbon for High Performance Lithium Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Jun , Zhong Ming , Wu Hongtao , Yue Bin
Published: November 2019

Manganese monoxide (MnO) is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries, but it often shows poor electrochemical performance due to some inevitable drawbacks including intrinsic low electrical conductivity, poor stability, and severe polarization. In this work, a 1D core‐shell MnO@S, N co‐doped carbon material (MnO@SNC) was obtained by pyrolysis of MnO2@PPy precursor at 600 °C in N2 atmosphere. When evaluated as an anode for lithium ion batteries, the unique structure and composition advantages endow the as‐formed material with excellent lithium storage performance in terms of high specific capacity (955.5 mAh g−1 at a current density of 500 mA g−1), long‐term cycling stability (up to 500 cycles), and superior rate capability (458.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1). The outstanding electrochemical performance could be attributed to the unique 1D core‐shell structure, abundant graphited carbon and MnO nanorods.
Catalyst‐Free α‐Aminoxylation of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds with TEMPO Using Selectfluor as an Oxidant
Authors: Tang Lin , Yang Zhen , Yang Fang , Huang Yifan , Chen Hanfei , Cheng Hao , Song Weiyan , Ren Bo , Zhou Qiuju
Published: November 2019

A catalyst‐free and regioselective α‐aminoxylation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with TEMPO by use of Selectfluor as a mild oxidant has been demonstrated, yielding the corresponding alkoxyamines in good to excellent yields. The developed protocol features no employment of a catalyst, broad substrate scope and mild reaction conditions, which enables a convenient and efficient avenue for quaternary C–O bond formation.
Duration of load behaviour of a glued shear plate dowel joint
Authors: Larsson Gustaf , Gustafsson Per Johan , Serrano Erik , Crocetti Roberto
Published: November 2019

An experimental study on the duration of load effects in a glued shear plate dowel joint was conducted. The joint design features a single large diameter dowel for load transfers between members, via external steel plates, which are bonded to the timber with a low stiffness bond line. Due to the low bond line stiffness, the timber element is subjected to a close to uniform shear stress distribution over the bond area. The study comprises a total of 80 test specimens loaded in shear, both parallel and perpendicular to the grain, at three load levels in the range of 50–80% of the short-term failure load. All specimens failed within approximately 110 days in outdoor sheltered conditions during which time deformations were recorded for one specimen of each type and load level. The study found a significantly larger influence of duration of load for this dominant shear action than what is reported in the literature for bending tests. The method of ranked stress was used to determine a suggested reduction factor kmod for the shear plate dowel joint to 0.10 and 0.30 for parallel and perpendicular loading, respectively. This is a rough estimate based upon a 50-year extrapolation of 4-month data. Thus, it must be concluded that the studied shear plate dowel joint is not efficient in terms of long-duration loads in outdoor sheltered climate, and that further studies are needed in order to verify the use in other climates. It is also evident in this study that there is a lack of knowledge and empirical evidence on the duration of load effects in timber for shear loading.
Thermodynamics of DNA: heat capacity changes on duplex unfolding
Authors: Dragan Anatoliy , Privalov Peter , Crane-Robinson Colyn
Published: November 2019

The heat capacity change, ΔCp, accompanying the folding/unfolding of macromolecules reflects their changing state of hydration. Thermal denaturation of the DNA duplex is characterized by an increase in ΔCp but of much lower magnitude than observed for proteins. To understand this difference, the changes in solvent accessible surface area (ΔASA) have been determined for unfolding the B-form DNA duplex into disordered single strands. These showed that the polar component represents ~ 55% of the total increase in ASA, in contrast to globular proteins of similar molecular weight for which the polar component is only about 1/3rd of the total. As the exposure of polar surface results in a decrease of ΔCp, this explains the much reduced heat capacity increase observed for DNA and emphasizes the enhanced role of polar interactions in maintaining duplex structure. Appreciation of a non-zero ΔCp for DNA has important consequences for the calculation of duplex melting temperatures (Tm). A modified approach to Tm prediction is required and comparison is made of current methods with an alternative protocol.
Feedforward discharges couple the singing central pattern generator and ventilation central pattern generator in the cricket abdominal central nervous system
Authors: Schöneich Stefan , Hedwig Berthold
Published: November 2019

We investigated the central nervous coordination between singing motor activity and abdominal ventilatory pumping in crickets. Fictive singing, with sensory feedback removed, was elicited by eserine-microinjection into the brain, and the motor activity underlying singing and abdominal ventilation was recorded with extracellular electrodes. During singing, expiratory abdominal muscle activity is tightly phase coupled to the chirping pattern. Occasional temporary desynchronization of the two motor patterns indicate discrete central pattern generator (CPG) networks that can operate independently. Intracellular recordings revealed a sub-threshold depolarization in phase with the ventilatory cycle in a singing-CPG interneuron, and in a ventilation-CPG interneuron an excitatory input in phase with each syllable of the chirps. Inhibitory synaptic inputs coupled to the syllables of the singing motor pattern were present in another ventilatory interneuron, which is not part of the ventilation-CPG. Our recordings suggest that the two centrally generated motor patterns are coordinated by reciprocal feedforward discharges from the singing-CPG to the ventilation-CPG and vice versa. Consequently, expiratory contraction of the abdomen usually occurs in phase with the chirps and ventilation accelerates during singing due to entrainment by the faster chirp cycle.
INDISIM-Denitrification, an individual-based model for study the denitrification process
Authors: Araujo-Granda Pablo , Gras Anna , Ginovart Marta , Moulton Vincent
Published: November 2019

Denitrification is one of the key processes of the global nitrogen (N) cycle driven by bacteria. It has been widely known for more than 100 years as a process by which the biogeochemical N-cycle is balanced. To study this process, we develop an individual-based model called INDISIM-Denitrification. The model embeds a thermodynamic model for bacterial yield prediction inside the individual-based model INDISIM and is designed to simulate in aerobic and anaerobic conditions the cell growth kinetics of denitrifying bacteria. INDISIM-Denitrification simulates a bioreactor that contains a culture medium with succinate as a carbon source, ammonium as nitrogen source and various electron acceptors. To implement INDISIM-Denitrification, the individual-based model INDISIM was used to give sub-models for nutrient uptake, stirring and reproduction cycle. Using a thermodynamic approach, the denitrification pathway, cellular maintenance and individual mass degradation were modeled using microbial metabolic reactions. These equations are the basis of the sub-models for metabolic maintenance, individual mass synthesis and reducing internal cytotoxic products. The model was implemented in the open-access platform NetLogo. INDISIM-Denitrification is validated using a set of experimental data of two denitrifying bacteria in two different experimental conditions. This provides an interactive tool to study the denitrification process carried out by any denitrifying bacterium since INDISIM-Denitrification allows changes in the microbial empirical formula and in the energy-transfer-efficiency used to represent the metabolic pathways involved in the denitrification process. The simulator can be obtained from the authors on request.
Fuel Subsidies Versus Market Power: Is There a Countervailing Second-Best Optimum?
Authors: Adetutu Morakinyo O. , Weyman-Jones Thomas G.
Published: November 2019

Fuel subsidies distort end-use prices below cost, resulting in overconsumption and huge environmental cost. On the other hand, the mark-up over cost due to the exercise of market power results in the social loss of consumer surplus. We open a new line of inquiry into the potential for a market-based solution from these two countervailing forces: can the two offsetting distortions conceivably achieve a second- best optimum? Relying on dynamic panel techniques and gasoline market data for 68 developing countries, we uncover an excessive second-best subsidy offset to market power mark-up on the order of 4.5. Our results indicate that the potential for policy failure strongly exceeds the potential for market failure in our model, and gasoline prices across our sample may not be aligned with vigorous anti-climate change policy.