bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IRAK4 activity controls immune responses to intracellular bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: Pattabiraman Goutham , Murphy Michael , Agliano Federica , Karlinsey Keaton , Medvedev Andrei E 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) 4 is a central enzyme of the TLR pathways. This study tested the hypothesis that IRAK4 kinase activity is prerequisite for regulating innate immunity during infections with intracellular bacteria. To this end, we analyzed responses of macrophages obtained from mice expressing wild-type (WT) IRAK4 or its kinase-inactive K213M mutant (IRAK4KI) upon infection with intracellular bacteria Listeria monocytogenes or Mycobacterium smegmatis. In contrast to robust induction of cytokines by macrophages expressing kinase-sufficient IRAK4, IRAK4KI macrophages expressed decreased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 upon infection with L. monocytogenes or M. smegmatis. Bacterial infection of IRAK4KI macrophages led to attenuated activation of IRAK1, MAPKs and NF-κB, impaired induction of inducible NO synthase mRNA and secretion of NO, but resulted in elevated microbial burdens. Compared with WT animals, systemic infection of IRAK4KI mice with M. smegmatis or L. monocytogenes resulted in decreased levels of serum IL-6 and CXCL-1 but increased bacterial burdens in the spleen and liver. Thus, a loss of IRAK4 kinase activity underlies deficient cytokine and microbicidal responses during infection with intracellular bacteria L. monocytogenes or M. smegmatis via impaired activation of IRAK1, MAPKs, and NF-κB but increases bacterial burdens, correlating with decreased induction of NO.
IRAK4 activity regulates induction of IRAK1, MAPKs, and NF-κB, and shapes cytokines and antimicrobial responses during infection with intracellular bacteria L. monocytogenes or M. smegmatis
Quantitative susceptibility map analysis in preterm neonates with germinal matrix‐intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Tortora Domenico , Severino Mariasavina , Sedlacik Jan , Toselli Benedetta , Malova Mariya , Parodi Alessandro , Morana Giovanni , Fato Marco Massimo , Ramenghi Luca Antonio , Rossi Andrea 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundGerminal matrix‐intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH‐IVH) is a common form of intracranial hemorrhage occurring in preterm neonates that may affect normal brain development. Although the primary lesion is easily identified on MRI by the presence of blood products, its exact extent may not be recognizable with conventional sequences. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) quantify the spatial distribution of magnetic susceptibility within biological tissues, including blood degradation products.Purpose/HypothesisTo evaluate magnetic susceptibility of normal‐appearing white (WM) and gray matter regions in preterm neonates with and without GMH‐IVH.Study TypeRetrospective case‐control.PopulationA total of 127 preterm neonates studied at term equivalent age: 20 had mild GMH‐IVH (average gestational age 28.7 ± 2.1 weeks), 15 had severe GMH‐IVH (average gestational age 29.3 ± 1.8 weeks), and 92 had normal brain MRI (average gestational age 29.8 ± 1.8 weeks).Field Strength/SequenceQSM at 1.5 Tesla.AssessmentQSM analysis was performed for each brain hemisphere with a region of interest‐based approach including five WM regions (centrum semiovale, frontal, parietal, temporal, and cerebellum), and a subcortical gray matter region (basal ganglia/thalami).Statistical TestsChanges in magnetic susceptibility were explored using a one‐way analysis of covariance, according to GMH‐IVH severity (P < 0.05).ResultsIn preterm neonates with normal brain MRI, all white and subcortical gray matter regions had negative magnetic susceptibility values (diamagnetic). Neonates with severe GMH‐IVH showed higher positive magnetic susceptibility values (i.e. paramagnetic) in the centrum semiovale (0.0019 versus ‐0.0014 ppm; P < 0.001), temporal WM (0.0011 versus ‐0.0012 ppm; P = 0.037), and parietal WM (0.0005 versus ‐0.0001 ppm; P = 0.002) compared with controls. No differences in magnetic susceptibility were observed between neonates with mild GMH‐IVH and controls (P = 0.236).Data ConclusionParamagnetic susceptibility changes occur in several normal‐appearing WM regions of neonates with severe GMH‐IVH, likely related to the accumulation of hemosiderin/ferritin iron secondary to diffusion of extracellular hemoglobin from the ventricle into the periventricular WM.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1199–1207.
Sex differences in associations between spatial ability and corpus callosum morphology
Authors: Kurth Florian , Spencer Debra , Hines Melissa , Luders Eileen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRotating mental representations of objects is accompanied by widespread bilateral brain activations. Thus, interhemispheric communication channels may play a relevant part when engaging in mental rotation tasks. Indeed, links between mental rotation and dimensions of the corpus callosum—the brain's main commissure system—have been reported. However, existing findings are sparse and inconsistent across studies. Here we set out to further characterize the nature of any such links, including their exact location across the corpus callosum. For this purpose, we applied an advanced image analysis approach assessing callosal thickness at 100 equidistant points in a sample of 38 healthy adults (19 men, 19 women), aged between 22 and 45 years. We detected a sex interaction, with significant structure–performance relationships in women, but not in men. Specifically, better mental rotation performance was linked to a thicker female corpus callosum within regions of the callosal splenium, posterior midbody, and anterior third. These findings may suggest sex differences in problem solving strategies where in women, more than in men, stronger interhemispheric connectivity—especially between occipitoparietal, frontal, and prefrontal regions—is associated with improved task performance. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detergent Compatible Extracellular Lipase from Streptomyces cellulosae AU‐10: A Green Alternative for the Detergent Industry
Authors: Boran Rukiye 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEnzymes can decrease the environmental and economic load of detergent products by reducing the amount of chemicals used in detergents and by allowing washing at ambient temperatures. In this study, Streptomyces cellulosae AU‐10 (GenBank accession number: MG780240) lipase was purified 7.08‐fold with 68% yield using an aqueous 2‐phase system. The Streptomyces sp. AU‐10 lipase showed maximal activity at pH 9.0 and 40 °C. Hundred percent activities were measured in the pH range from 9.0 to 11.0 for 1 h. The enzyme was also highly stable at 30–50 °C. The values of Km and Vmax were calculated as 0.34 mM and 0.83 mM min−1, respectively. The lipase has high hydrolytic activity for olive oil and sunflower oil. The effect of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid on the enzyme has shown that the lipase is a metalloenzyme. The activity increased in the presence of Fe2+, Cu2+, and various boron compounds. The enzyme has shown a good stability not only with surfactants but also with oxidizing agents. In addition, activities in the presence of Omo, Ariel, Tursil, Pril, and Fairy were measured as 108.8%, 115.6%, 98.35%, 140.4%, and 107.6%, respectively. Considering its remarkable ability, the S. cellulosae AU‐10 lipase can be considered as a potential additive in the detergent industry.
Economic sustainability? Examining the linkages and leakages between agriculture and hotels in Bhutan
Authors: Pratt Stephen , Suntikul Wantanee , Dorji Ugyen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBhutan is known for its approach to high‐value, low‐volume tourism development. Bhutan has been cited as an example of a best case approach to sustainable tourism. However, like other landlocked countries, Bhutan relies heavily on imported goods from neighbouring countries such as India and Thailand, leading to significant economic leakages. This raises the question of how economically sustainable Bhutan's tourism is. This research employs a mixed microeconomic and macroeconomic analysis of linkages and leakages between different sectors in the Bhutanese tourism industry, in particular hotels and agriculture to ascertain the volume and value of these leakages.
Hillslope degradation in representative Italian areas: Just soil erosion risk or opportunity for development?
Authors: Brandolini Pierluigi , Pepe Giacomo , Capolongo Domenico , Cappadonia Chiara , Cevasco Andrea , Conoscenti Christian , Marsico Antonella , Vergari Francesca , Del Monte Maurizio 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn recent years, much research have dealt with the impact of human and climate change on the morpho‐evolution of Mediterranean catchments characterized by high ecological and cultural value. In this paper, we speculated how humans can influence hillslope degradation by reviewing the relationships between denudation processes and land use changes in some representative areas located in different Italian regions (i.e., Liguria, Tuscany, Basilicata, and Sicily). The selected study cases are characterized by different climatic and geological features, land use, and land management and can be considered indicative of the hillslope degradation issues that affected the Apennines during the last century. We compared and discussed the main outcomes from previous studies, with the aim of identifying the main drivers leading to hillslope degradation and to shed light on the role of human action. We revealed that hillslope degradation can be mainly related to deforestation for land reclamation, cropland abandonment, and the increase of hazardous rainfall. Moreover, we focused on how human impact can have both positive and negative feedbacks. In some cases (e.g., badlands), the land levelling has produced an initial inhibition of land degradation, whereas after intensive agricultural practices, accelerated soil depletion has occurred, favouring erosion processes. Analogously, terracing controlled erosion as long as the entire terrace system was maintained, but abandoned terraced slopes can increase the magnitude of geo‐hydrological phenomena in response to high‐intensity rainfall. On‐the‐other‐hand, both rural landscape and related erosional landforms can be appreciated as elements of landscape diversity and contribute to tourism development.
A conceptual model of natural land degradation based on regressive pedogenesis in semiarid tropical environments
Authors: Vasu Duraisamy , Tiwary Pramod , Chandran Padikkal , Singh Surendra Kumar , Ray Sanjay Kumar , Butte Pravin , Parhad Vilas 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLand degradation occurs in all the climatic regions, however, the adverse effects are more pronounced in the semiarid tropical (SAT) environments due to increasing aridity and water scarcity. Though natural processes can also cause land degradation, it is generally attributed to anthropogenic factors. In this study, we elucidate the role of climate and landscape driven soil forming processes in land degradation through a conceptual model. For this, morphological, physical, and chemical properties of the soils occurring in a part of the SAT Deccan Plateau region, India, were characterized. The trend of climatic variables, namely, the mean annual rainfall, potential evapotranspiration, and maximum summer temperature during the last century (1901–2010) showed that the increase in aridity negatively influenced the soil forming processes. The results showed that rainfall variability, temperature, potential evapotranspiration, and hydrological behaviour of the SAT soils were the primary drivers of the soil forming processes and they were identified through examination of the soil variability by factor analysis. The depth distribution of selected indicators (% clay, pH, calcium carbonate, exchangeable sodium percentage, exchangeable magnesium percentage, and hydraulic conductivity) indicated that the current pedogenic processes operating in the SAT environment caused the undesirable modification in soil properties. Through our conceptual model, we discuss the mechanism of the formation of pedogenic carbonate, subsoil sodicity, and subsequent reduction in hydraulic conductivity which leads to the land and vegetation degradation in the SAT environments.
Calcium–sodium exchange equilibria in two soils of Chambal Command Area of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh Balendra , Srivastava Prakash Chandra , Shrivastava Manoj 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCalcium–sodium exchange equilibria were studied at 15 and 25 °C in 2 smectite dominant soils belonging to Typic Haplustalf (Bundi Series) and Typic Pellustert (Chambal series) of Chambal Command Area of Rajasthan (India). These soils had preference for Na+ over Ca2+; however, the soil of Bundi Series at low Na saturation (10%) showed a preference for Ca2+ at lower temperature only. Higher specificity for Na+ in Chambal Series was related to the presence of zeoloites. The relationship between exchangeable sodium ratio and sodium adsorption ratio was nonlinear, and Chambal Series could maintain relatively lower sodium adsorption ratio even at higher exchangeable sodium ratio. Among different calculated selectivity coefficients, Gapon selectivity coefficient (KG) registered the lowest coefficient of variation. The values of thermodynamic equilibrium constant (K) were greater than unity indicating higher preference for Na+, especially in Chambal Series. The Ca↔Na exchange reaction was associated with an increase in the entropy of the system in these soils.
Physiological and transcriptional responses to salt stress in salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive soybean (Glycine max[L.] Merr.) seedlings
Authors: Ning Lihua , Kan Guizhen , Shao Hongbo , Yu Deyue 
Published: May 2018

AbstractExcess salinity is a major environmental threat to agriculture. However, the adaptive mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in soybean (Glycine max[L.] Merr.) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive soybeans in their physiological characteristics and the expression patterns of 8 cation antiporters under salt stress. The inhibitory effects of salt stress on growth and photosynthesis in salt‐sensitive soybean were stronger than those in salt‐tolerant soybean. The concentration of phosphate and most other ions in the seedlings significantly declined under a 150‐mM‐NaCl treatment. Relative K+, Mg2+, and P concentrations were significantly positively correlated with relative net photosynthetic rate.GmNHX1(Glyma.10G158700) andGmNcl1(Glyma.03g171500) had similar expression patterns in the salt‐tolerant and salt‐sensitive cultivars. Furthermore, a significant correlation was present between the transcript levels of these 2 genes and the Na+concentration in soybean leaves. In addition toGmSALT3, which is the major gene in soybean for salt tolerance in previous studies,GmNHX1andGmNcl1may be associated with salt tolerance in soybean to some extent. The salt‐tolerant cultivars in this study maintained higher K+, Mg2+, and P concentrations in the leaf and had higher photosynthetic rates than the salt‐sensitive cultivar did under salt stress. These findings can provide theoretical references for the molecular breeding of salt‐tolerant soybean and the sustainable use of saline soils.
1305 nm Few‐Layer MoTe2‐on‐Silicon Laser‐Like Emission
Authors: Fang Hanlin , Liu Jin , Li Hongji , Zhou Lidan , Liu Lin , Li Juntao , Wang Xuehua , Krauss Thomas F. , Wang Yue 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe missing piece in the jigsaw of silicon photonics is a light source that can be easily incorporated into the standard silicon fabrication process. Here, silicon laser‐like emission is reported that employs few‐layer semiconducting transition metal dichalogenides of molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) as a gain material in a silicon photonic crystal L3 nanocavity. An optically pumped MoTe2‐on‐silicon laser‐like emission at 1305 nm, i.e. in the center of the “O‐band” of optical communications, is demonstrated at room temperature and with a threshold power density of 1.5 kW/cm2. The surprising insight is that, contrary to common understanding, a monolayer MoTe2 is not required to achieve higher efficiency laser‐like operation. Instead, few‐layer MoTe2 offers a higher overlap between the two dimensional (2D) gain material and the optical mode for sufficient gain. The ability to use few‐layer material opens new opportunities for deploying manufacturing methods such as chemical vapor deposition and thereby brings 2D‐on‐silicon devices a step closer to becoming a scalable technology.
Toward the Optimization of a Cr‐V Bimetallic Catalyst for Producing Bimodal Polyethylene: Effect of Vanadium Content and Calcination Temperature
Authors: Liu Bao , Tian Zhou , Jin Yulong , Zhao Ning , Liu Boping 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis work covers the synthesis of bimodal polyethylene with a SiO2‐supported vanadium‐oxide/silyl‐chromate (Cr‐V) bimetallic catalyst, which is prepared by using the residual hydroxyl groups on the VOx/SiO2 catalyst precursor to support chromium species. The effects of vanadium content and calcination temperature of the support on catalyst activity and polymer properties are investigated in detail. It is found that increasing vanadium content in the Cr‐V catalyst leads to the decline of catalyst activity, while the molecular weight of the resulting polyethylene is raised. On the other hand, the decline of catalytic activity at high vanadium content in the Cr‐V catalyst can be remedied by decreasing the calcination temperature of the support, and the molecular weight of the polymers is reduced at the same time. However, too low a calcination temperature is not beneficial for catalyst activity due to the poisoning effect of the excess hydroxyl groups on the active sites, and this would cause the increase of molecular weight as well.
Mass Production of Functional Amine–Conjugated PAN Nanofiber Mat via Syringeless Electrospinning and CVD
Authors: Moon Seongjun , Park Kyueun , Seo Eunbyeol , Lee Kyung Jin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPolymeric nanofiber webs have attained much attention because they can provide high surface area with various functional groups. To obtain the polymeric nanofiber webs, electrospinning is the most attractive method because this can provide the versatility of material selection. However, it is relatively difficult to obtain the nanofiber webs, which have highly reactive functional groups and high mechanical strength with high production rate. Here, the helically probed rotating cylinder (HPRC) system based on syringeless electrospinning and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is introduced to prepare the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber webs, having high functional groups and high mechanical strength in fast production rate. The HPRC system can provide the PAN nanofiber webs in high production rate, and the CVD process can provide high reactive functional groups on the PAN nanofiber. In addition, the nanofiber webs can be applied to diverse potential application fields, which require a high number of functional moieties.
A Very Simple Strategy for Preparing External Stress‐Free Two‐Way Shape Memory Polymers by Making Use of Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Fan Long Fei , Rong Min Zhi , Zhang Ming Qiu , Chen Xu Dong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDevelopment of two‐way shape memory polymers that operate free of external force remains a great challenge. Here, the design criteria for this type of material are proposed, deriving a novel fabrication strategy accordingly, which employs conventional crosslinked polyurethane (PU) containing crystalline poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) as the proof‐of‐concept material. Having been simply trained by stretching and thermal treatment without additional ingredients and chemicals, the PU is coupled with a two‐way shape memory effect. The core advancement of this study lies in the successful conversion of the inherent hydrogen bond network, which is often the easiest to overlook, into an internal stress provider. The temperature‐dependent reversible melting/recrystallization of the crystalline phases elaborately works with the tensed hydrogen bond network, leading to implementation of the two‐way shape memory effect. An average reversible strain of as high as ≈20% along the stretch direction is obtained through cooperation adjustment of chemical crosslinking density, crystallinity, and concentration of hydrogen bonds. Meanwhile, the highest internal tension offered by the hydrogen bond network is determined to be 0.10 MPa. Owing to the great convenience characterized by material selection, preparation, programming, and application, the current work may open up an avenue for production and usage of the smart material.
Ring‐Opening Polymerization of a New Diester Cyclic Dimer of Mandelic and Glycolic Acid: An Efficient Synthesis Method for Derivatives of Amorphous Polyglycolide with High Tg
Authors: Nakajima Hajime , Loos Katja , Ishizu Shinobu , Kimura Yoshiharu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this study, poly(mandelate‐co‐glycolate) (PMG), a modified polyglycolide (PGL), is prepared by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of L‐3‐phenyl‐1,4‐dioxane‐2,5‐dione (PDD); the cyclic dimer of biobased mandelic acid and glycolic acid. The resulting polymer shows an increased glass transition temperature (Tg) due to the incorporation of phenyl groups in the chain. High molecular weight PMG is obtained by bulk ROP at 150 °C, and it exhibits a glassy amorphous state with enhanced thermal properties such as a Tg being 35 °C higher than conventional PGL. PDD is also copolymerized with glycolide (GL) and lactide (LA), resulting in poly(mandelate‐co‐glycolate/glycolate) ((P(MG/GL)) with GL and poly(mandelate‐co‐glycolate/lactide) ((P(MG/LA)) with LA. The thermal properties of P(MG/GL) and P(MG/LA) are found to be distinctly different from PMG and conventional PGL and polylactide, and they are tunable with a changing molar ratio of PDD, GL, and LA. Therefore, PDD opens an elegant way to control and tailor the properties of biobased polyesters.
pH‐Responsive Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Copolymer Decorated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Remotely Controlled Oil‐in‐Water Nanoemulsion Separation
Authors: Yang Jing , Loh Xian Jun , Tan Beng Hoon , Li Zibiao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA smart and recyclable oil absorber based on pH‐responsive block copolymer modified magnetic nanoparticles is constructed for effective separation of oil‐in‐water emulsions. Superparamagnetic iron(III) oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are designed as the core materials for providing the separation force, and surface modification with poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐b‐dimethyl siloxane‐b‐4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP‐PDMS‐P4VP) block copolymer is performed to supply switchable oil wettability. The mean hydrodynamic radius of the nanoparticles increases from 43.8 ± 3.6 to 75.2 ± 5.3 nm when the neutral pH is reduced to 3, due to the protonation and subsequent swelling of P4VP segments at lower pH. The nanoparticles show excellent separation performance and can absorb octadecene up to 78.2 times of their own weight, simply by switching the pH of the oil‐in‐water emulsion treated with the nanoparticles and using a magnetic field. The different dipole of P4VP‐PDMS‐P4VP and protonated P4VP‐PDMS‐P4VP, as confirmed by density functional theory calculations, is responsible for the different oil miscibility and wettability of the nanoparticles.