bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal Supplementation with β‐Carotene During Pregnancy Disturbs Lipid Metabolism and Glucose Homoeostasis in F1 Female Mice
Authors: Guo Jiaojiao , Li Bingshui , Zuo Zhenghong , Chen Meng , Wang Chonggang 
Published: February 2019

Scopeβ‐Carotene (BC), a substitute for vitamin A, is widely used for its benefits. The present study investigates whether in‐utero BC administration can alter lipid and glucose homoeostasis in offspring.Methods and resultsPregnant mice are supplemented with BC (1 mg kg−1 weight) by oral gavage once every 3 days, for a total of six doses. Increased visceral fat may be caused by up‐regulated PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma) and RXRα/β (retinoid X receptors) in liver and adipose tissue, and glucose intolerance is observed in F1 adult females prenatally supplemented with BC, while F1 males do not exhibit these symptoms. In females, increased serum leptin, resistin, and IL‐6 and reduced adiponectin, caused by visceral obesity, may result in downregulated insulin receptor signaling in muscle and further account for glucose intolerance. Increased pancreatic β‐cell mass might compensate for the downregulated insulin gene (ins2). Increased glucagon and α‐cell mass, accompanied by upregulated glucagon gene (gcg), might also be risk factors for the development of diabetes.ConclusionsMaternal supplementation with BC disturbs lipid metabolism and induces glucose intolerance in F1 female mice, suggesting that BC supplementation during pregnancy should be used with caution.
A computational study into the origin of reactivity and selectivity of organocatalyzed [2 + 2] reactions between α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and nitroolefins
Authors: Dong Minghua , Ji Ziyue , Zhang Beibei , Guo Chenchen , Jiao Mingyang , Chen Bo‐Zhen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe mechanisms of organocatalyzed [2 + 2] reactions between α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and nitroolefins with various substituents were explored using the density functional theory M05‐2X method. The calculations indicate that all 14 reactions we studied proceed through a stepwise mechanism and most of them are predicted to be feasible both kinetically and thermodynamically. The feasibility of the catalyzed reactions is mainly attributed to that the formation of dienamines could significantly increase the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes, while the substituents have less influence. Also, the H‐bonding interactions between the catalysts and nitroolefins play a key role in the regioselectivity, and the stronger H‐bond favors the 3,4‐reactivity. Besides, the chemoselectivity is also discussed.
Engineering Multifunctional Gold Decorated Dendritic Mesoporous Silica/Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticles for Intraperitoneal Tumor‐Specific Delivery
Authors: Kashfi‐Sadabad Raana , Gonzalez‐Fajardo Laura , Hargrove Derek , Ahmadi Bahar , Munteanu Daniel , Shahbazmohamadi Sina , Jay Michael , Lu Xiuling 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNonspecific high‐energy radiation for treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer is limited by damage to healthy organs, which can be mitigated by the use of radiosensitizers and image‐guided radiotherapy. Gold (Au) and tantalum oxide (TaOx) nanoparticles (NPs), by virtue of their high atomic numbers, find utility in the design of bimetallic NP systems capable of high‐contrast computed tomography (CT) imaging as well as a potential radiosensitizing effect. These two radio‐dense metals are integrated into dendritic mesoporous silica NPs (dMSNs) with radial porous channels for high surface‐area loading of therapeutic agents. This approach results in stable, monodispersed dMSNs with a uniform distribution of Au on the surface and TaOx in the core that exhibits CT attenuation up to seven times greater than iodine or monometallic dMSNs without either TaOx or Au. Tumor targeting is assessed in a metastatic ovarian cancer mouse model. Ex vivo micro‐CT imaging of collected tumors shows that these NPs not only accumulate at tumor sites but also penetrate inside tumor tissues. This study demonstrates that after intraperitoneal administration, rationally designed bimetallic NPs can simultaneously serve as targeted contrast agents for imaging tumors and to enhance radiation therapy in metastatic ovarian cancer.
A Riemann Problem Based Coupling Method for Predicting the Combustion of Propellant in a Gun Launching Process
Authors: Hu Chaobin , Zhang Xiaobing 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMethods for improving the accuracy and guaranteeing the fidelity of numerical predictions are of great importance for physical problems accompanied by strong nonlinear multi‐physic interactions and extreme working conditions. The prediction of propellant combustion in a gun launching process is a typical example. A one‐dimensional two‐fluid model was utilized to govern the fluid field induced by the combustion. In order to guarantee the accuracy of the predictions, we utilized a Roe's scheme to solve the partial differential equations. To guarantee the accuracy of the moving boundaries in the expanding chamber, the coupling between the updating of the fluid field and the approximation of the mechanical interactions between the projectile and the barrel is realized based on the commercial software ABAQUS. The separate treatment of the advection and source terms in the split approach was verified through the agreement between the maximum value of the predicted average pressure in a closed bomb and the theoretical value. The coupled method dealing with the moving boundaries was validated by comparing the numerical results with the analytical results of a pressure‐driven piston case. Finally, the numerical method was applied to a large‐caliber gun. The predicted maximum pressure and the muzzle velocity agree well with experiments.
The Connection Between the Parameters of WLF Equation and of Arrhenius Equation
Authors: Bohn Manfred A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe description of the change in characteristic temperatures of thermomechanical and viscoelastic properties of polymers and elastomers with deformation frequency or of temperature dependence of polymer properties is widely achieved by two equations: (1) the Williams‐Landel‐Ferry (WLF) equation and (2) the Arrhenius equation. Mostly the WLF equation is used. Often the distinction between the two descriptions is based on the argument: if volume processes play the key role, then WLF equation is the right one, if thermally activated processes play the key role, then Arrhenius equation is the right one. Both equations are based on the activation of processes, and always the temperature is the variable, which activate the processes. Both descriptions are methods to parameterize the temperature dependence of properties or the change of characteristic temperatures, as glass‐rubber transition temperature, with deformation rate. Also, the so‐called ‘volume processes’ are controlled by temperature, but the thermal activation can be small in energy to initiate the change in spatial position from one site to another for a molecule. This means both descriptions should be congruent. In this article, the congruence is shown and the relation between WLF parameters and Arrhenius parameters will be established. For this, a slight modification of the usual Arrhenius equation is necessary. Also, other descriptions are discussed in short: Doolittle equation and Vogel‐Fulcher equation, they were or are used to describe the change of viscosity with temperature in melts or solutions.
The Holographic Entropy Arrangement
Authors: Hubeny Veronika E. , Rangamani Mukund , Rota Massimiliano 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe develop a convenient framework for characterizing multipartite entanglement in composite systems, based on relations between entropies of various subsystems. This continues the program initiated in [1], of using holography to effectively recast the geometric problem into an algebraic one. We prove that, for an arbitrary number of parties, our procedure identifies a finite set of entropic information quantities that we conveniently represent geometrically in the form of an arrangement of hyperplanes. This leads us to define the holographic entropy arrangement, whose algebraic and combinatorial aspects we explore in detail. Using the framework, we derive three new information quantities for four parties, as well as a new infinite family for any number of parties. A natural construct from the arrangement is the holographic entropy polyhedron which captures holographic entropy inequalities describing the physically allowed region of entropy space. We illustrate how to obtain the polyhedron by winnowing down the arrangement through a sieve to pick out candidate sign‐definite information quantities. Comparing the polyhedron with the holographic entropy cone, we find perfect agreement for 4 parties and corroborating evidence for the conjectured 5‐party entropy cone. We work with explicit configurations in arbitrary (time‐dependent) states leading to both simple derivations and an intuitive picture of the entanglement pattern.
Dopamine receptor antagonists induce differentiation of PC‐3 human prostate cancer cell‐derived cancer stem cell‐like cells
Authors: Lee Su In , Roney Md Saiful Islam , Park Jong Hyeok , Baek Ji‐Young , Park Jooyeon , Kim Sang Kyum , Park Song‐Kyu 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine whether PC‐3 human prostate cancer cell‐derived cancer stem cells (CSC)‐like cells grown in a regular cell culture plate not coated with a matrix molecule might be useful for finding differentiation‐inducing agents that could alter properties of prostate CSC.MethodsMonolayer cells prepared from sphere culture of PC‐3 cells were characterized for the presence of pluripotency and tumorigenicity. They were then applied to screen a compound library to find compounds that could induce morphology changes of cells. Mechanisms of action of compounds selected from the chemical library that induced the loss of pluripotency of cells were also investigated.ResultsC5A cells prepared from PC‐3 cell‐derived sphere culture expressed pluripotency markers such as Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4. C5A cells were highly proliferative. They were invasive in vitro and tumorigenic in vivo. Some dopamine receptor antagonists such as thioridazine caused reduction of pluripotency markers and tumorigenicity. Thioridazine, unlike promazine, inhibited phosphorylation of AMPK in a dose dependent manner. BML‐275, an AMPK inhibitor, also induced differentiation of C5A cells as seen with thioridazine whereas A769663, an AMPK activator, blocked its differentiation‐inducing ability. Transfection of C5A cells with siRNAs of dopamine receptor subtypes revealed that knockdown of DRD2 or DRD4 induced morphology changes of C5A cells.ConclusionsSome dopamine receptor antagonists such as thioridazine can induce differentiation of CSC‐like cells by inhibiting phosphorylation of AMPK. Binding to DRD2 or DRD4 might have mediated the action of thioridazine involved in the differentiation of CSC‐like cells.
Effect of heterochiral inversions on the structure of a β‐hairpin peptide
Authors: Zerze Gül H. , Stillinger Frank H. , Debenedetti Pablo G. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe study computationally a family of β‐hairpin peptides with systematically introduced chiral inversions, in explicit water, and we investigate the extent to which the backbone structure is able to fold in the presence of heterochiral perturbations. In contrast to the recently investigated case of a helical peptide, we do not find a monotonic change in secondary structure content as a function of the number of L‐ to D‐inversions. The effects of L‐ to D‐inversions are instead found to be highly position‐specific. Additionally, in contrast to the helical peptide, some inversions increase the stability of the folded peptide: in such cases, we compute an increase in β‐sheet content in the aqueous solution equilibrium ensemble. However, the tertiary structures of the stable (folded) configurations for peptides for which inversions cause an increase in β‐sheet content show differences from one another, as well as from the native fold of the nonchirally perturbed β‐hairpin. Our results suggest that although some chiral perturbations can increase folding stability, chirally perturbed proteins may still underperform functionally, given the relationship between structure and function.
Mass spectrometric quantification of the binding ratio of metal‐based anticancer complexes with protein thiols
Authors: Han Yumiao , Guo Wei , Zheng Wei , Luo Qun , Wu Kui , Zhao Yao , Wang Fuyi 
Published: February 2019

RationaleThe binding ratio of metal complexes with cysteinyl thiols in proteins plays an important role in deciphering the mechanisms of action of therapeutic metal complexes, but its analysis is still a significant challenge. In this work, a quantitative mass spectrometry method is developed to determine the binding ratio of metal‐based anticancer complexes with cysteines in human copper chaperone protein Atox1.MethodsA novel strategy based on a thiol‐specific stable isotopic labelling reagent was developed to determine the binding ratio of metal‐based anticancer complexes, namely cisplatin and organometallic ruthenium complex [(η6‐biphenyl)RuCl(en)]PF6 (en = ethylenediamine), with the cysteinyl residues of Atox1.ResultsBoth cisplatin and the ruthenium complex were reactive not only to Cys15 and/or Cys18, the copper(I) binding site of Atox1, but also to Cys44. The binding ratios of the ruthenium complex with the cysteinyl residues were much higher than those of cisplatin. However, the addition of copper(I) could markedly increase the binding ratios of cysteinyl residues of Atox1 with cisplatin, but not with the ruthenium complex.ConclusionsThis strategy can not only precisely determine the binding ratios of metal complexes to protein thiols, but also be helpful in distinguishing thiol‐binding sites from other binding sites of metal complexes in proteins. We expect wide application of this method to the research of covalent/coordinative interactions between metal complexes and protein thiols.
Advances in Graphene‐Based Liquid Cell Electron Microscopy: Working Principles, Opportunities, and Challenges
Authors: Ghodsi Seyed Mohammadreza , Megaridis Constantine M. , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza , Shokuhfar Tolou 
Published: February 2019

AbstractImaging materials and biological structures in a liquid environment pose a significant challenge for conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) due to stringent requirement of ultrahigh vacuum design in the microscope column. The most recent liquid‐cell TEM technique, graphene liquid‐cell (GLC) microscopy, employs only layers of graphene to encapsulate liquid specimens. Recent efforts with GLC–TEM have demonstrated superior imaging resolution of beam‐sensitive specimens. Herein, the parameters that affect the quality of GLC analysis, including the graphene transfer onto TEM grids, are reviewed. Several important factors that affect the in situ TEM imaging of specimens, including the variations in GLC geometries and capillary pressure are discussed. The interaction between the electron beam and the liquid along with the possibility for artifacts or the formation of radical ions is also highlighted in this review. The scientific discoveries enabled by GLC–TEM in the areas of nucleation and growth of crystals, corrosion, battery science, as well as high‐resolution imaging of organelles and proteins are also briefly discussed. Finally, possible future research directions of GLC–TEM and the associated challenges are discussed. The synergistic effort to accomplish the proposed research directions has the potential to yield new discoveries in both materials and life sciences.
On repairable earthquake resisting archetypes with a view to resiliency objectives and assisted self‐centering
Authors: Grigorian Mark , Moghadam Abdolreza S. , Kamizi Mozhgan 
Published: February 2019

SummaryPerformance‐based seismic design, as an alternative to conventional methods of approach, has served engineers and the public rather well during the last two decades. Neither approach guaranties catastrophic collapse prevention nor post‐earthquake realignment and repairs (PERR) due to major seismic events. As a result, most code‐compliant buildings can be regarded as relatively safe but practically disposable. The paper presents a new philosophy that leads to sustainable design of new structures and the upgrading of existing earthquake resisting moment frames. Repairability‐based design (RBD) relies on softening and control rather than strength and resistance to elevate seismic performance to economically viable, physical collapse prevention, damage control, and post‐earthquake realignment and repairs. The new approach was inspired by design led analysis (DLA), performance control (PC), and recent developments in rocking core‐moment frame design. DLA is a displacement based method of analysis with built‐in results. PC is the ability to design a structure in such a way as to expect predetermined modes of response at certain stages of loading, extents of damage, and drift ratios. This paper advocates higher performance objectives than current codes of practice do. Several demonstrative examples have been provided.
Smartphone LIDAR can measure tree cavity dimensions for wildlife studies
Authors: Stitt Jessica M. , Svancara Leona K. , Vierling Lee A. , Vierling Kerri T. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTRemote sensing technologies are increasingly able to measure environmental characteristics important for wildlife, but remain limited in measuring small‐scale structures like tree cavities. Tree cavities are essential structures in many systems, including use for breeding and roosting by multiple animal species that vary in size. However, obtaining cavity dimensions directly is often difficult, dangerous, or impossible. During September–October 2017 at the University of Idaho Experimental Nursery in Moscow (ID, USA), we tested a handheld Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) device that interfaces with smartphones and tablets called Spike® by IkeGPS (Wellington, New Zealand) to determine whether it could be used to remotely measure tree‐cavity entrance dimensions. The Spike laser range‐finding device pairs with a mobile app to allow users to photograph a target (i.e., a tree cavity) on their phone or tablet and measure dimensions of that target onscreen. We designed an experiment to test the accuracy of Spike across 4 cavity entrance sizes ranging from 8.25 cm2 to 80.11 cm2, based on average cavity dimensions of Pacific Northwest woodpecker (Picidae) species. We varied height of target off the ground, obliqueness of the viewing angle (i.e., offset from target azimuth), and distance from target. Correlations between Spike measurements and cavity dimensions were high (r > 0.91 across 3 dimensions; n = 294). Measurement error for both vertical and horizontal diameters of cavity entrances was <1 cm on average. Accuracy was most influenced by taking photos from a large oblique viewing angle, high target height, and large distance from the target combined, based on results from generalized linear models. Spike proved to be a low‐cost, portable technology that can noninvasively measure structures that are small and difficult to access. Because of the ease with which it can be used, handheld LIDAR likely has potential future applications in wildlife research as well as citizen science education and outreach efforts. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Injury scores and spatial responses of wolves following capture: Cable restraints versus foothold traps
Authors: Gese Eric M. , Terletzky Patricia A. , Erb John D. , Fuller Kevin C. , Grabarkewitz Jeffery P. , Hart John P. , Humpal Carolin , Sampson Barry A. , Young Julie K. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTWolves (Canis lupus) have been captured with foothold traps for several decades to equip them with radiocollars for population monitoring. However, trapping in most areas is limited to spring, summer, and autumn as cold winter temperatures can lead to frozen appendages in trapped animals. In addition, conflicts arise when domestic dogs encounter these traps in nonwinter seasons. An alternative capture method is the use of cable restraint devices (modified neck snares) in the winter. We evaluated injury scores, movement patterns, and space use of wolves captured in cable restraint devices and foothold traps in north‐central Minnesota, USA, during 2012–2016. Injury scores did not differ between capture techniques; however, movement patterns and space use were different. We found that the movement away from the capture site appeared to plateau by approximately 8–10 days for wolves captured by either foothold traps or cable restraints, but wolves captured in traps travelled farther away. Daily movement rates reached an asymptote approximately 14 days earlier for wolves captured with cable restraints as compared with wolves caught with foothold traps. We found the space use among wolves caught with cable restraint devices plateaued in a shorter time frame than wolves caught with foothold traps whether using days since capture (38 days earlier) or number of locations (149 locations earlier). When we controlled for seasonal effects and the presence of a capture using locational data collected 6 months later, there was no difference in space use. We concluded that wolves captured in cable restraints recovered more quickly from the capture and resumed space use and activity patterns more rapidly than wolves captured with foothold traps. Published 2019. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Use of visual stimuli increases count estimates for prairie dogs
Authors: Boulerice Jesse T. , Saldo Elizabeth A. , Brito Brittany T. , Mahoney Peter J. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTThroughout North America, all 5 species of prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.) have experienced drastic population declines over the past century, which has subsequently affected a host of affiliated species. Tools and techniques used to monitor prairie dogs have important implications for the management and conservation of grassland ecosystems. Behavioral responses by prairie dogs to predators may offer an opportunity to improve techniques that rely on visually based survey techniques by increasing the visibility of individuals. We evaluated whether the use of a visual stimulus resembling a common predator could increase the number of white‐tailed prairie dogs (C. leucurus) observed during visual count surveys conducted in June and July of 2017 in Wyoming, USA. We designed a visual stimulus consisting of a remote‐controlled toy car fitted with a badger (Taxidea taxus) pelt. We found counts of prairie dogs increased from 14.2 (95% CI = 10.4–18.0) to 32.6 (95% CI = 24.1–41.1) individuals/4‐ha plot when this visual stimulus was deployed. Our top model predicted counts to be 2.3 times greater when a visual stimulus was used. The increase in counts elicited by use of a visual stimulus may therefore improve the accuracy and efficiency of traditional visual counts and other visually based monitoring techniques for prairie dogs. By enabling managers to take advantage of behavioral responses, use of a visual stimulus as described here could aid efforts to monitor and manage prairie dog populations and consequently conserve prairie ecosystems. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.