bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZnCl2 “Water‐in‐Salt” Electrolyte Transforms the Performance of Vanadium Oxide as a Zn Battery Cathode
Authors: Zhang Lu , Rodríguez‐Pérez Ismael A. , Jiang Heng , Zhang Chong , Leonard Daniel P. , Guo Qiubo , Wang Wenfeng , Han Shumin , Wang Limin , Ji Xiulei
Published: May 2019

Zn batteries potentially offer the highest energy density among aqueous batteries that are inherently safe, inexpensive, and sustainable. However, most cathode materials in Zn batteries suffer from capacity fading, particularly at a low current rate. Herein, it is shown that the ZnCl2 “water‐in‐salt” electrolyte (WiSE) addresses this capacity fading problem to a large extent by facilitating unprecedented performance of a Zn battery cathode of Ca0.20V2O5∙0.80H2O. Upon increasing the concentration of aqueous ZnCl2 electrolytes from 1 m to 30 m, the capacity of Ca0.20V2O5∙0.80H2O rises from 296 mAh g−1 to 496 mAh g−1; its absolute working potential increases by 0.4 V, and most importantly, at a low current rate of 50 mA g−1, that is, C/10; its capacity retention increases from 8.4% to 51.1% over 100 cycles. Ex situ characterization results point to the formation of a new ready‐to‐dissolve phase on the electrode in the dilute electrolyte. The results demonstrate that the Zn‐based WiSE may provide the underpinning platform for the applications of Zn batteries for stationary grid‐level storage.
Efficient Delivery of Nerve Growth Factors to the Central Nervous System for Neural Regeneration
Authors: Xu Duo , Wu Di , Qin Meng , Nih Lina R. , Liu Chaoyong , Cao Zheng , Ren Jie , Chen Xiangjun , He Zhanlong , Yu Wenhai , Guan Jiaoqiong , Duan Suqin , Liu Fang , Liu Xiangsheng , Li Jesse , Harley Dushawn , Xu Bin , Hou Lihua , Chen Irvin S. Y. , Wen Jing , Chen Wei , Pourtaheri Sina , Lu Yunfeng
Published: May 2019

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a central role in the control of sensory and motor functions, and the disruption of its barriers can result in severe and debilitating neurological disorders. Neurotrophins are promising therapeutic agents for neural regeneration in the damaged CNS. However, their penetration across the blood–brain barrier remains a formidable challenge, representing a bottleneck for brain and spinal cord therapy. Herein, a nanocapsule‐based delivery system is reported that enables intravenously injected nerve growth factor (NGF) to enter the CNS in healthy mice and nonhuman primates. Under pathological conditions, the delivery of NGF enables neural regeneration, tissue remodeling, and functional recovery in mice with spinal cord injury. This technology can be utilized to deliver other neurotrophins and growth factors to the CNS, opening a new avenue for tissue engineering and the treatment of CNS disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric [2+2+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of 1,6‐Enynes and Oxabenzonorbornadienes
Authors: Ni Jianxiao , Chen Jingchao , Zhou Yongyun , Wang Gaowei , Li Sida , He Zhenxiu , Sun Weiqing , Fan Baomin
Published: May 2019

The asymmetric [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions of 1,6‐enynes and oxabenzonorbornadienes was accomplished by using the complex of [Rh(COD)2]BF4 and (R)‐Xyl‐P‐Phos as chiral catalyst. A range of 1,6‐enynes and oxabenzonorbornadienes were well tolerated in the cycloaddition reaction, which afforded various polycyclic products with asymmetric quaternary carbon centers generally in excellent enantioselectivities.

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A Helical Polypeptide‐Based Potassium Ionophore Induces Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress‐Mediated Apoptosis by Perturbing Ion Homeostasis
Authors: Lee DaeYong , Lee Soo‐Hwan , Noh Ilkoo , Oh Eonju , Ryu Hyunil , Ha JongHoon , Jeong SeongDong , Yoo Jisang , Jeon Tae‐Joon , Yun Chae‐Ok , Kim Yeu‐Chun
Published: May 2019

Perturbation of potassium homeostasis can affect various cell functions and lead to the onset of programmed cell death. Although ionophores have been intensively used as an ion homeostasis disturber, the mechanisms of cell death are unclear and the bioapplicability is limited. In this study, helical polypeptide‐based potassium ionophores are developed to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress‐mediated apoptosis. The polypeptide‐based potassium ionophores disturb ion homeostasis and then induce prolonged ER stress in the cells. The ER stress results in oxidative environments that accelerate the activation of mitochondria‐dependent apoptosis. Moreover, ER stress‐mediated apoptosis is triggered in a tumor‐bearing mouse model that suppresses tumor proliferation. This study provides the first evidence showing that helical polypeptide‐based potassium ionophores trigger ER stress‐mediated apoptosis by perturbation of potassium homeostasis.
Cytocompatible, Injectable, and Electroconductive Soft Adhesives with Hybrid Covalent/Noncovalent Dynamic Network
Authors: Xu Yong , Patsis Panagiotis A. , Hauser Sandra , Voigt Dagmar , Rothe Rebecca , Günther Markus , Cui Meiying , Yang Xuegeng , Wieduwild Robert , Eckert Kerstin , Neinhuis Christoph , Akbar Teuku Fawzul , Minev Ivan R. , Pietzsch Jens , Zhang Yixin
Published: May 2019

Synthetic conductive biopolymers have gained increasing interest in tissue engineering, as they can provide a chemically defined electroconductive and biomimetic microenvironment for cells. In addition to low cytotoxicity and high biocompatibility, injectability and adhesiveness are important for many biomedical applications but have proven to be very challenging. Recent results show that fascinating material properties can be realized with a bioinspired hybrid network, especially through the synergy between irreversible covalent crosslinking and reversible noncovalent self‐assembly. Herein, a polysaccharide‐based conductive hydrogel crosslinked through noncovalent and reversible covalent reactions is reported. The hybrid material exhibits rheological properties associated with dynamic networks such as self‐healing and stress relaxation. Moreover, through fine‐tuning the network dynamics by varying covalent/noncovalent crosslinking content and incorporating electroconductive polymers, the resulting materials exhibit electroconductivity and reliable adhesive strength, at a similar range to that of clinically used fibrin glue. The conductive soft adhesives exhibit high cytocompatibility in 2D/3D cell cultures and can promote myogenic differentiation of myoblast cells. The heparin‐containing electroconductive adhesive shows high biocompatibility in immunocompetent mice, both for topical application and as injectable materials. The materials could have utilities in many biomedical applications, especially in the area of cardiovascular diseases and wound dressing.
Dynamic Nonlinear Image Tuning through Magnetic Dipole Quasi‐BIC Ultrathin Resonators
Authors: Xu Lei , Zangeneh Kamali Khosro , Huang Lujun , Rahmani Mohsen , Smirnov Alexander , Camacho‐Morales Rocio , Ma Yixuan , Zhang Guoquan , Woolley Matt , Neshev Dragomir , Miroshnichenko Andrey E.
Published: May 2019

Dynamical tuning of the nonlinear optical wavefront allows for a specific spectral response of predefined profiles, enabling various applications of nonlinear nanophotonics. This study experimentally demonstrates the dynamical switching of images generated by an ultrathin silicon nonlinear metasurface supporting a high‐quality leaky mode, which is formed by partially breaking a bound‐state‐in‐the‐continuum (BIC) generated by the collective magnetic dipole (MD) resonance excited in the subdiffractive periodic systems. Such a quasi‐BIC MD state can be excited directly under normal plane wave incidence and leads to a strong near‐field enhancement to further boost the nonlinear process, resulting in a 500‐fold enhancement of the third‐harmonic emission experimentally. Due to sharp spectral features and asymmetry of the unit cell, it allows for effective tailoring of the nonlinear emissions over spectral or polarization responses. Dynamical nonlinear image tuning is experimentally demonstarted via polarization and wavelength control. The results pave the way for nanophotonics applications such as tunable displays, nonlinear holograms, tunable nanolaser, and ultrathin nonlinear nanodevices with various functionalities.
Fabrication, spectroscopic characterization, calf thymus DNA binding investigation, antioxidant and anticancer activities of some antibiotic azomethine Cu(II), Pd(II), Zn(II) and Cr(III) complexes
Authors: Abu‐Dief Ahmed M. , El‐Sagher Hussein M. , Shehata Mohamed R.
Published: May 2019

This study was conducted to prepare novel azomethine chelates of Cu(II), Pd(II), Zn(II) and Cr(III) with tridentate dianionic azomethine OVAP ligand 2‐[(2‐hydroxyphenylimino)methyl]‐6‐methoxyphenol. The prepared compounds were characterized using elemental analyses and spectral, conductivity, magnetic and thermal measurements. The spectroscopic data suggest that the parent azomethine ligand binds to the investigated metal ions through both deprotonated phenol oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atoms, and adopts distorted octahedral geometry in the case of Cr(III) and Cu(II) ions while tetrahedral and square planar geometries for Zn(II) and Pd(II) ions, respectively. In order to confirm the molecular geometry of the investigated azomethine chelator and its complexes, theoretical density functional theory calculations were employed. Correlation between experimental observations and theoretical calculations of geometry optimization results are in a good agreement. Absorption titration was used to explore the interaction of the investigated azomethine metal chelates with calf thymus DNA, and the binding constant as well as Gibbs free energy were evaluated. Viscosity measurements and gel electrophoresis studies suggest intercalative and replacement binding modes of the azomethine metal chelates with calf thymus DNA. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the complexes was screened against some pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This biological study shows that the complexes exhibit a marked inhibitory effect compared to the corresponding ligand and standard drugs. Furthermore, the effect of the novel compounds as antioxidants was determined by reduction of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl and compared with that of vitamin C. Finally, in vitro cell proliferation via MTT assay was investigated against colon carcinoma cells (HCT‐116), hepatic cellular carcinoma cells (HepG‐2(and breast carcinoma cells (MCF‐7) to calculate the cytotoxicity of the prepared compounds. Cell proliferation is inhibited for all compounds and in a dose‐dependent manner in the sequence of OVAPPd > OVAPCu > OVAPZn > OVAPCr > OVAP azomethine ligand.
Multifunctional DNA Origami Nanoplatforms for Drug Delivery
Authors: Lu Xuehe , Liu Jianbing , Wu Xiaohui , Ding Baoquan
Published: May 2019

DNA nanotechnology has been employed in the construction of self‐assembled nano‐biomaterials with uniform size and shape for various biological applications, such as bioimaging, diagnosis, or therapeutics. Herein, recent successful efforts to utilize multifunctional DNA origami nanoplatforms as drug‐delivery vehicles are reviewed. Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on gold nanorods, chemotherapeutic drugs, cytosine–phosphate–guanine, functional proteins, gene drugs, and their combinations for optoacoustic imaging, photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, immunological therapy, gene therapy, and coagulation‐based therapy are summarized. The challenges and opportunities for DNA‐based nanocarriers for biological applications are also discussed.
Phenotypic Adaptations Help Rhodococcus erythropolis Cells during the Degradation of Paraffin Wax
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos J. C. , de Carvalho Carla C. C. R.
Published: May 2019

During crude oil extraction, the reduction in temperature and pressure results in the precipitation of paraffin wax that contains 20–40 carbon chain hydrocarbons. The paraffin wax may accumulate inside production tubes, pipelines, and processing facilities, and also in tankers during petroleum transportation. There are few bacterial strains that are able to degrade solid substrates. In the present study, the biodegradation of paraffin is evaluated using Rhodococcus erythropolis cells. This bacterium is able to grow using paraffin wax from an oil refinery plant as the sole carbon source. The cells grow as a thick biofilm over the solid substrate, make scale‐like structures that increase the area of the initially smooth surface of paraffin, produce biosurfactants, and become more negatively charged than ethanol‐ or glucose‐grown cells. When paraffin wax is supplied as microparticles, to increase the cell–substrate contact area and to simulate paraffin precipitation, the cells also adjust the composition of the fatty acids of the phospholipids of the cellular membrane to decrease its fluidity and paraffin biodegradation increases considerably. The study suggests that the phenotypic adaptation of R. erythropolis cells may be used to degrade paraffin wax under real conditions.
Activated hippo signal pathway inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in NK/T cell lymphoma cells
Authors: Chang Yu , Fu Xiao‐Rui , Cui Meng , Li Wei‐Ming , Zhang Lei , Li Xin , Li Ling , Sun Zhen‐Chang , Zhang Xu‐Dong , Li Zhao‐Ming , You Xiao‐Yan , Nan Fei‐Fei , Wu Jing‐Jing , Wang Xin‐Hua , Zhang Ming‐Zhi
Published: May 2019

Background

Natural Killer T–Cell Lymphoma (NKTCL) is a subtype of Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and its morbidity is ranked the first of T‐Cell Lymphoma. Hippo signaling pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of tumors. However, the role of Hippo signaling pathway in the oncogenesis of NKTCL still remains unclear.

Methods

The expressions of mammalian sterile 20‐like kinase 1 (MST1) and Yes‐associated protein (YAP) were investigated by RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Cell viability was detected by MTT assays. Cell cycle and cell apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Cell proliferative capacity was detected by colony formation assay. Nude mice xenograft models were established and the tumor sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.

Results

The expression of MST1 was significantly down‐regulated in NKTCL tissues (n = 30) and cell lines, while the expression of YAP was significantly up‐regulated, and the phosphorylation of YAP was inhibited. Overexpression of MST1, knockdown of YAP, or verteporfin (VP) treatment could inhibit cell proliferation, and promote cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in NKTCL cells, while knockdown of MST1 and overexpression of YAP promoted cell proliferation. Additionally, Bcl‐2/Bax ratio and downstream effectors of Hippo signaling pathway (c‐myc, survivin, cyclinD1, CTGF, and TEAD) were significantly decreased when MST1 was overexpressed and YAP was knocked down or after VP treatment. Furthermore, our mice model demonstrated that activation of Hippo signal pathway suppressed the tumorigenesis of NKTCL.

Conclusion

The activation of Hippo signal pathway via overexpressing MST1 or down‐regulating YAP can inhibit the tumorigenesis of NKTCL.
MicroJet Reactor Technology: An Automated, Continuous Approach for Nanoparticle Syntheses
Authors: Hiemer Julia , Clausing Aline , Schwarz Thomas , Stöwe Klaus
Published: May 2019

A new design of a confined impinging jet microreactor has been applied for continuous‐flow syntheses of metal chalcogenide nanomaterials. The microjet reactor is an automated, flexible, scalable, and thus industrially viable technology allowing a strict control over process parameters for the design of materials with tunable properties. Due to the short mixing times in the µs to ms range, crystallite nucleation and crystal growth are well separated and enable concentration‐limited particle growth and thus nanoparticle synthesis. The first approaches on the microjet reactor setup presented here were focused on the synthesis of nanocrystalline Ta‐doped tin dioxides and cadmium sulfide nanoparticles. The nanomaterials were characterized by a number of methods like powder X‐ray diffraction and conductivity measurements.
Degradation of red lead pigment in the oil painting during UV aging
Authors: Zhao Yanrui , Wang Jianli , Pan Aizhao , He Ling , Simon Stefan
Published: May 2019

The degradation product and mechanism of red lead pigment (Pb3O4, minium) in pure powder and in modeled oil painting are dynamically tracked during ultraviolet light aging by the change of color, crystal structure, chemical composition, and surface morphology. After UV aging, the color of pure minium pigment gradually darkens from bright orange‐red into black, but the color of model paint samples made by minium and tung oil binder changes into brownish and whitish color (ΔE* = 56.60). After aging, the crystal structure of Pb3O4 powder is proved to transfer into plattnerite (β‐PbO2) by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, but the degradation product of Pb3O4 in model paint samples is identified as 2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2 by the noticeable peaks at 24.8°, 27.4°, and 34.3° in XRD pattern, and two new Fourier transform infrared peaks at 1393 cm−1 and 682 cm−1 attributed to the presence of , and a new peak at 1051 cm−1 in Raman spectroscopy. During UV aging, the model paint samples' surface is verified gradually from wrinkled surface into nanoscale sheet‐like structure and finally a regular hexagonal plate‐like crystal structure, showing hexagonal crystals of hydrocerussit 2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2. This reveals the interaction between organic tung oil binder and inorganic minium to accelerate the degradation of Pb3O4 pigment. Therefore, the degradation mechanism is deduced as that CO2 and H+ formed by oxidizing ester/carboxyl groups in tung oil reacts with Pb2+ to yield the white product of 2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2. It is believed that this study will contribute much to the complete understanding of the degradation of minium pigment in oil paintings.
A MapReduce‐based modified Grey Wolf optimizer for QoS‐aware big service composition
Authors: Bhaskar Bhattu , Jatoth Chandrashekar , Gangadharan G.R. , Fiore Ugo
Published: May 2019

Big services are the collection of interrelated web services across virtual and physical domains, integrating service oriented computing and big data. The rapid growth of Big services that offer similar functionality with varying QoS attributes makes the process of selection and composition of these big services as highly challenging and complex. In this paper, we develop an efficient QoS‐aware Big service composition approach by applying a MapReduce based Modified Grey Wolf Optimizer (MR‐MGWO) that explores more search space, especially in a multidimensional environment. Our approach ensures an optimal balance of exploration and exploitation that enhances the convergence rate and minimizes the computational time. The empirical analysis illustrates that the performance of MR‐MGWO is superior to other similar approaches for solving Big service composition.
Decentralized LPWAN infrastructure using blockchain and digital signatures
Authors: Durand Arnaud , Gremaud Pascal , Pasquier Jacques
Published: May 2019

This paper introduces a fully decentralized low‐power wide‐area network (LPWAN) infrastructure for the Internet of Things (IoT) using the LoRa protocol. While global LPWANs typically require roaming agreements between network providers and a trusted third party for server resolution, we propose a trustless model where the network servers are resolved using a blockchain application. Since LoRaWAN relies on symmetric cryptography, we also propose a new security model that adds non‐repudiation using digital signatures. This paves the way for linking devices to decentralized applications. We finally analyze the impact of this new model on message size and energy requirements.
Single‐Cell RNA‐seq: Introduction to Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Ji Fei , Sadreyev Ruslan I.
Published: May 2019

Quantitative analysis of single‐cell RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) is crucial for discovering the heterogeneity of cell populations and understanding the molecular mechanisms in different cells. In this unit we present a bioinformatics workflow for analyzing single‐cell RNA‐seq data with a few current publicly available computational tools. This workflow is focused on the interpretation of the heterogeneity from single‐cell transcriptomes as well as the identification of cell clusters and genes that are differentially expressed between clusters. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Effect of Using Pazopanib With Food vs. Fasted on Pharmacokinetics, Patient Safety, and Preference (DIET Study)
Authors: Lubberman Floor J.E. , Gelderblom Hans , Hamberg Paul , Vervenne Walter L. , Mulder Sasja F. , Jansman Frank G.A. , Colbers Angela , van der Graaf Winette T.A. , Burger David M. , Luelmo Saskia , Moes Dirk Jan A.R. , van Herpen Carla M.L. , van Erp Nielka P.
Published: May 2019

Pazopanib is taken fasted in a fixed oral daily dose of 800 mg. We hypothesized that ingesting pazopanib with food may improve patients’ comfort and reduce gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. Therefore, we investigated the bioequivalent dose of pazopanib when taken with food compared with 800 mg pazopanib taken fasted. In addition, we investigated the differences in GI toxicity, patient satisfaction, and patient's preference for either intake. The intake of 600 mg pazopanib with food resulted in a bioequivalent exposure and was preferred over a standard pazopanib dose without food. No differences were seen in GI toxicities under both intake regimens. Patients seem to be more positive about their feelings about side effects and satisfaction with their therapy when pazopanib was taken with food. Forty‐one of the patients (68%) preferred the intake with a continental breakfast.
Determination of benzodiazepines in blood and in dried blood spots collected from post‐mortem samples and evaluation of the stability over a three‐month period
Authors: Moretti Matteo , Freni Francesca , Tomaciello Ilaria , Vignali Claudia , Groppi Angelo , Visonà Silvia Damiana , Tajana Luca , Osculati Antonio Marco Maria , Morini Luca
Published: May 2019

The aims of this study were (a) to develop a liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the identification of 27 benzodiazepines and metabolites in dried blood spots (DBSs) and in whole blood; (b) to compare the diagnostic reliability of DBSs with blood analyses; and c) to monitor analytes stability on DBSs within a three‐month period. Aliquots of 85 μL of blood from post‐mortem cases were pipetted on cards for DBS analysis. We also collected a tube of blood and stored it at − 20°C. The cards were allowed to dry at room temperature. For each case, DBSs were analyzed immediately (T0), within the following 3 weeks (T1, T2, T3) and after 3 months (T4). The method was applied to 60 post‐mortem cases. A screening procedure was applied to all 27 molecules, while the method was fully validated for the 9 molecules detected in real samples. Limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were in the range 0.1–50.0 ng/mL and 5.0–100.0 ng/mL, respectively. Nine analytes were detected and quantitated in 14 cases: diazepam (n = 6, 58–162 ng/mL), desmethyldiazepam (n = 6, 99‐ > 500 ng/mL), 7‐aminoclonazepam (n = 5, 43‐ > 500 ng/mL), alprazolam (n = 2, 15 and 69 ng/mL), chlordesmethyldiazepam (n = 1, 55 ng/mL), desalkylflurazepam (n = 1, 270 ng/mL), flurazepam (n = 1, 50 ng/mL), medazepam (n = 1, 155 ng/mL), and midazolam (n = 1, 227 ng/mL). The concentrations on DBSs were in good agreement with those obtained on conventional blood samples (<20% variation). Except for midazolam (degraded in 1 week), desalkylflurazepam and medazepam (decreased more than 50% after three months), a good stability for a three‐month period was observed for most of the compounds detected in real post‐mortem samples.
Training RAN or reading? A telerehabilitation study on developmental dyslexia
Authors: Pecini Chiara , Spoglianti Silvia , Bonetti Silvia , Di Lieto Maria Chiara , Guaran Francesca , Martinelli Alice , Gasperini Filippo , Cristofani Paola , Casalini Claudia , Mazzotti Sara , Salvadorini Renata , Bargagna Stefania , Palladino Paola , Cismondo Dhebora , Verga Athena , Zorzi Carolina , Brizzolara Daniela , Vio Claudio , Chilosi Anna Maria
Published: May 2019

Rehabilitation procedures recommended for developmental dyslexia (DD) are still not fully defined, and only few studies directly compare different types of training. This study compared a training (Reading Trainer) working on the reading impairment with one (Run the RAN) working on the rapid automatized naming (RAN) impairment, one of the main cognitive deficits associated with DD. Two groups of DD children (N = 45) equivalent for age, sex, full IQ, and reading speed were trained either by Reading Trainer (n = 21) or by Run the RAN (n = 24); both trainings required an intensive home exercise, lasting 3 months. Both trainings showed significant improvements in reading speed and accuracy of passages and words. Bypassing the use of alphanumeric stimuli, but empowering the cognitive processes underlying reading, training RAN may be a valid tool in children with reading difficulties opening new perspectives for children with severe impairments or, even, at risk of reading difficulties.
Is MHC diversity a better marker for conservation than neutral genetic diversity? A case study of two contrasting dolphin populations
Authors: Manlik Oliver , Krützen Michael , Kopps Anna M. , Mann Janet , Bejder Lars , Allen Simon J. , Frère Celine , Connor Richard C. , Sherwin William B.
Published: May 2019

Genetic diversity is essential for populations to adapt to changing environments. Measures of genetic diversity are often based on selectively neutral markers, such as microsatellites. Genetic diversity to guide conservation management, however, is better reflected by adaptive markers, including genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Our aim was to assess MHC and neutral genetic diversity in two contrasting bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) populations in Western Australia—one apparently viable population with high reproductive output (Shark Bay) and one with lower reproductive output that was forecast to decline (Bunbury). We assessed genetic variation in the two populations by sequencing the MHC class II DQB, which encompasses the functionally important peptide binding regions (PBR). Neutral genetic diversity was assessed by genotyping twenty‐three microsatellite loci.

We confirmed that MHC is an adaptive marker in both populations. Overall, the Shark Bay population exhibited greater MHC diversity than the Bunbury population—for example, it displayed greater MHC nucleotide diversity. In contrast, the difference in microsatellite diversity between the two populations was comparatively low.

Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that viable populations typically display greater genetic diversity than less viable populations. The results also suggest that MHC variation is more closely associated with population viability than neutral genetic variation. Although the inferences from our findings are limited, because we only compared two populations, our results add to a growing number of studies that highlight the usefulness of MHC as a potentially suitable genetic marker for animal conservation. The Shark Bay population, which carries greater adaptive genetic diversity than the Bunbury population, is thus likely more robust to natural or human‐induced changes to the coastal ecosystem it inhabits.
Serum total thiol levels and the risk of lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer: A prospective case–cohort study
Authors: Gào Xīn , Wilsgaard Tom , Jansen Eugène H. J. M. , Xuan Yang , Anusruti Ankita , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: May 2019

Free thiol groups of intra and extracellular molecules are considered to be antioxidative and to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. However, the associations of serum total thiol levels (TTL) with the incidences of the four most frequent cancer sites have not yet been investigated in a large population‐based, prospective study. TTL was measured in case–cohort design in a sample from the population‐based, Norwegian Tromsø 3 study (cancer cases: n = 941; random subcohort: n = 1,000) and was repeatedly measured at Tromsø 5. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by weighted multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression with time‐dependent modeling of TTL for incident lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer. High serum TTL were associated with a reduced risk of all four major cancers. The associations with lung (top vs. bottom tertile: HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.41, 0.99) and breast cancer (top vs. bottom tertile: HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.42, 0.96) were statistically significant, whereas associations with colorectal (top vs. bottom tertile: HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.54, 1.16) and prostate cancer (top vs. bottom tertile: HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.53, 1.17) were not statistically significant but pointed in the same protective direction. These findings from a large, prospective Norwegian cohort study suggest a preventive role of thiols against the development of the four most frequent cancers. Whereas associations with breast and lung cancer could be shown with statistical significance, larger studies are needed to corroborate potential associations of TTL with colorectal and prostate cancer.
VPS33B negatively modulated by nicotine functions as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Yiyu , Liu Zhen , Wang Huijun , Tang Zibo , Liu Yiyi , Liang Zixi , Deng Xiaojie , Zhao Mengyang , Fu Qiaofen , Li Libo , Cai Hongbing , Xie Weibing , Fang Weiyi
Published: May 2019

The biological role of vacuolar protein sorting 33B (VPS33B) has not been examined in colorectal cancer (CRC). We report that VPS33B was downregulated in dextran sulfate sodium/azoxymethane (DSS/AOM) ‐induced CRC mice models and nicotine‐treated CRC cells via the PI3K/AKT/c‐Jun pathway. Reduced VPS33B is an unfavorable factor promoting poor prognosis in human CRC patients. VPS33B overexpression suppressed CRC proliferation, intrahepatic metastasis and chemoresistance of cisplatin (DDP) in vivo and in vitro through modulating the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/RAS/ERK/c‐Myc/p53/miR‐133a‐3p feedback loop and the downstream cell cycle or EMT‐related factors. Furthermore, NESG1 as a newly identified tumor suppressor interacted with VPS33B via colocalization in the cytoplasm, and it was stimulated by VPS33B through the downregulation of RAS/ERK/c‐Jun‐mediated transcription. NESG1 also activated VPS33B expression via the RAS/ERK/c‐Jun pathway. Suppression of NESG1 increased cell growth, migration and invasion via the reversion of the VPS33B‐modulating signal in VPS33B‐overexpressed cells. Taken together, VPS33B as a tumor suppressor is easily dysregulated by chemical carcinogens and it interacts with NESG1 to modulate the EGFR/RAS/ERK/c‐Myc/p53/miR‐133a‐3p feedback loop and thus suppress the malignant phenotype of CRC.
Automated delineation of non‐small cell lung cancer: A step toward quantitative reasoning in medical decision science
Authors: Saad Maliazurina , Lee Ik Hyun , Choi Tae‐Sun
Published: May 2019

Quantitative reasoning in medical decision science relies on the delineation of pathological objects. For example, evidence‐based clinical decisions regarding lung diseases require the segmentation of nodules, tumors, or cancers. Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tends to be large sized, irregularly shaped, and grows against surrounding structures imposing challenges in the segmentation, even for expert clinicians. An automated delineation tool based on spatial analysis was developed and studied on 25 sets of computed tomography scans of NSCLC. Manual and automated delineations were compared, and the proposed method exhibited robustness in terms of the tumor size (5.32–18.24 mm), shape (spherical or irregular), contouring (lobulated, spiculated, or cavitated), localization (solitary, pleural, mediastinal, endobronchial, or tagging), and laterality (left or right lobe) with accuracy between 80% and 99%. Small discrepancies observed between the manual and automated delineations may arise from the variability in the practitioners' definitions of region of interest or imaging artifacts that reduced the tissue resolution.
AN OVERVIEW OF DRAINAGE AND SALINIZATION PROBLEMS OF IRRIGATED LANDS
Authors: Singh Ajay
Published: May 2019

The development of irrigated agriculture is essential to feed the growing world population. Nevertheless, without proper drainage provisions, this development can result in salinization and rising groundwater table problems in irrigated areas. An effective drainage system not only improves existing agricultural lands but also brings new areas under cultivation. Poor drainage and the associated salinization cause a reduction in crop growth and yield and this reduction will be much higher if both salinization and submergence occur simultaneously. Drainage is necessary for humid as well as dry regions and it is one of the main inputs to obtain better yields per unit of agricultural area. The provision of drainage has many direct and indirect effects. This paper provides an overview of the drainage and salinization problems of irrigated lands and their impact on overall agricultural productivity. The significance of the study along with its goals and the historical development of agricultural drainage is provided. The processes involved in drainage‐associated salinization of irrigated lands and the effects of salinization and shallow groundwater tables on plant growth and yield and the environmental perspective of the problems are also detailed in the paper. Conclusions are provided that can be of use to the reader. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations between sleep conditions and body composition states: results of the EPISONO study
Authors: Piovezan Ronaldo D. , Hirotsu Camila , Moizinho Renato , de Sá Souza Helton , D'Almeida Vania , Tufik Sergio , Poyares Dalva
Published: May 2019

Background

Evidence suggests anthropometric indicators of obesity are associated with changes in sleep quality and quantity, and the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Investigations including diverse and objective evaluations of sleep and body composition are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the associations between indicators of sleep impairment and body composition states in a sample from a population‐based study.

Methods

Participants of the first follow‐up of the EPISONO (São Paulo, Brazil) >50 years were cross‐sectionally evaluated. Sleep was assessed through questionnaires, actigraphy, and polysomnography. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted for body mass index defined sarcopenia (men <0.789 and women <0.512). Total body fat defined obesity (men >30% and women >40%). The overlap between both conditions defined sarcopenic obesity (SO). Final results were obtained by multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results

Three hundred fifty‐nine adults [mean (standard deviation) age, 61 (8.8) years; 212 (59.1%) female] were enrolled. Obesity was detected in 22.6% of the sample, sarcopenia in 5.6%, and SO in 16.2%. After controlling for covariates, OSA was associated with SO [odds ratio = 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.49–6.61]. Additionally, nocturnal hypoxaemia was associated with both obesity (adjusted odds ratio = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.49–4.49) and SO (odds ratio = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.39–6.13). Other indicators of poor sleep/sleep disorders were not associated with body composition states.

Conclusions

Sarcopenic obesity but not obesity alone was associated with OSA. Both obesity and SO but not sarcopenia were associated with nocturnal hypoxaemia. The findings suggest a complex pathophysiologic relationship between adverse body composition states and OSA. Upcoming research on risk factors and therapeutic interventions for OSA should target synchronically the lean and adipose body tissues.
Prophylactic endotracheal intubation in critically ill patients with upper gastrointestinal bleed: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chaudhuri Dipayan , Bishay Kirles , Tandon Parul , Trivedi Vatsal , James Paul D , Kelly Erin M , Thavorn Kednapa , Kyeremanteng Kwadwo
Published: May 2019

Background and Aim

Prophylactic endotracheal intubation for airway protection prior to endoscopy for the management of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is controversial. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to examine the clinical outcomes and costs related to prophylactic endotracheal intubation compared to no intubation in UGIB.

Methods

EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used to identify studies through June 2017. Data regarding mortality, total hospital and intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), pneumonia, and cardiovascular events were collected. The DerSimonian‐Laird random effects models were used to calculate the inverse variance‐based weighted, pooled treatment effect across studies.

Results

Seven studies (five manuscripts and two abstracts) were identified (5662 total patients). Prophylactic intubation conferred an increased risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–6.64), hospital LOS (mean difference, 0.96 days, 95% CI: 0.26–1.67), and pneumonia (OR 6.58, 95% CI: 4.91–8.81]) compared to endoscopy without intubation. The LOS‐related cost was greater when prophylactic intubation was performed ($9020 per patient, 95% CI: $6962–10 609) compared to when it was not performed ($7510 per patient, 95% CI: $6486–8432). There was no difference in risk of cardiovascular events after sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

Prophylactic intubation in severe UGIB is associated with a greater risk of pneumonia, LOS, death, and cost compared to endoscopy without intubation. Randomized trials examining this issue are warranted.
An efficient Perkin synthesis of 13C‐labelled cinnamic acids from acetic acid as the source of the rare isotope
Authors: Lenz Dominik , Koeppe Benjamin , Tolstoy Peter M. , Limbach Hans‐Heinrich
Published: May 2019

This practitioner protocol describes an efficient Perkin synthesis of 1‐13C‐p‐alkylcinnamic acids from 1‐13C‐acetic acid and the benzaldehyde with caesium carbonate and pivalic anhydride as reagents. Our new method employing the nonenolizable pivalic anhydride as the condensation agent avoids the minimum threefold excess of identically labelled carboxylate moieties (in both acid and anhydride) required in a conventional Perkin synthesis to prevent isotope dilution. More generally, this variation of the Perkin synthesis broadens the scope of that classic reaction to valuable carboxylic acid components.
Monitoring of acoustic cavitation in microbubble‐presented focused ultrasound exposure using gradient‐echo MRI
Authors: Wu Chen‐Hua , Liu Hao‐Li , Ho Cheng‐Tao , Hsu Po‐Hung , Fan Ching‐Hsiang , Yeh Chih‐Kuang , Kang Shih‐Tsung , Chen Wen‐Shiang , Wang Fu‐Nien , Peng Hsu‐Hsia
Published: May 2019

Background

Gadolinium‐based contrast agents can be used to identify the blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening after inducing a focused ultrasound (FUS) cavitation effect in the presence of microbubbles. However, the use of gadolinium may be limited for frequent routine monitoring of the BBB opening in clinical applications.

Purpose

To use a gradient‐echo sequence without contrast agent administration for monitoring of acoustic cavitation.

Study Type

Animal and phantom prospective.

Phantom/Animal Model

Static and flowing gel phantoms; six normal adult male Sprague–Dawley rats.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T, 7T; fast low‐angle shot sequence.

Assessment

Burst FUS with acoustic pressures = 1.5, 2.2, 2.8 MPa; pulse repetition frequencies = 1, 10,100 Hz; and duty cycles = 2%, 5%, 10% were transmitted to the chamber of a static phantom with microbubble concentrations = 10%, 1%, 0.1%. MR slice thicknesses = 3, 6, 8 mm were acquired. In flowing phantom experiments, 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% microbubbles were infused and transmitted by burst FUS with an acoustic pressure = 0.4 and 1 MPa. In in vivo experiments, 0.25% microbubbles was infused and 0.8 MPa burst FUS was transmitted to targeted brain tissue beneath the superior sagittal sinus. The mean signal intensity (SI) was normalized using the mean SI from pre‐FUS.

Statistical Tests

Two‐tailed Student's t‐test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the static phantom, the time courses of normalized SI decreases to minimum SI levels of 70–80%. In the flowing phantom, substantial normalized SI of 160–230% was present with variant acoustic pressures and microbubble concentrations. Compared with in vivo control rats, the brain tissue of experimental rats with transmission of FUS pulses exhibited considerable decreases of normalized SI (P < 0.001) because of the cavitation‐induced perturbation of flow.

Data Conclusion

Observing gradient‐echo SI changes can help monitor the targeted location of microbubble‐enhanced FUS, which in turn assists the monitoring of the BBB opening.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:311–318.
High‐speed broadband Fourier‐transform coherent anti‐stokes Raman scattering spectral microscopy
Authors: Kinegawa Ryo , Hiramatsu Kotaro , Hashimoto Kazuki , Badarla Venkata Ramaiah , Ideguchi Takuro , Goda Keisuke
Published: May 2019

We demonstrate broadband Fourier‐transform coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (FT‐CARS) spectral microscopy with a pixel dwell time of 42 μs, which is ~50 times shorter than the shortest‐to‐date pixel dwell time for CARS spectral microscopy. Our broadband FT‐CARS spectral microscope is composed of an FT‐CARS spectrometer, a rapid galvanometric scanner, and a high‐speed image acquisition circuit, enabling a frame rate of 2.4 fps with a pixel resolution of 100 × 100 pixels, a bandwidth of 600–1,200 cm−1, a spatial resolution of 0.95 μm, and a spectral resolution of 37 cm−1. As a proof‐of‐principle demonstration, we used the high‐speed FT‐CARS spectral microscope to perform CARS imaging of polymer beads and Haematococcus lacustris cells. Our high‐speed broadband CARS spectral microscope holds promise for studying rapid cellular dynamics, such as signaling, cell‐to‐cell communication, and molecular transport in a label‐free manner.
Patient selection in palliative surgery: Defining value
Authors: Cohen Joshua T. , Miner Thomas J.
Published: May 2019

Proper patient selection for palliative surgery requires a challenging and often complex decision‐making process. Optimally, proposed palliative procedures must be undertaken with an intent to provide the greatest possible value to patients at the end of life. This review describes the process of patient selection and identifies psychosocial, biochemical, and functional markers that can complement sound surgical judgment.
Dissolution corrosion of 4H‐SiC in lead‐bismuth eutectic at 550°C
Authors: Li Bingsheng , Sheng Yanbin , Liu Huiping , Lu Xirui , Shu Xiaoyan , Xiong Anli , Wang Xu
Published: May 2019

The corrosion behavior of 4H‐SiC in lead‐bismuth (Pb‐Bi) eutectic (LBE) at 550°C is investigated. To clarify the effect of irradiation damage on corrosion, samples with and without Si5+ ion irradiation are contrastively evaluated. The main results show that dissolution corrosion occurs in both unirradiated and irradiated samples, while the irradiation damage can accelerate the corrosion rate. The corroded surface is characterized by the loss of C element and the formation of amorphous layers with a slight enrichment of Si atoms. The possible reasons are discussed.
Effect of RRA heat treatment on corrosion and mechanical properties of AA7075
Authors: Özer Gökhan , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: May 2019

In this study, a retrogression process (R) has been applied to AA7075 at 180, 240, and 370°C for 15, 30, 90, and 120 min. After the retrogression, reaging treatment (RA) was reapplied with T6 conditions (120°C for 24 hr). The effect of different temperatures and time periods of retrogression and reaging temper on exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) of the AA7075 is examined. The EXCO solution was prepared in accordance with the ASTM G34‐01 standard and the samples were kept in the solution for 48 hr. Susceptibility of the alloy to EXCO was determined by weight loss detection, macro and microstructure studies, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and energy dispersive X‐ray analyses. The mechanical properties of aged samples were determined by hardness, tensile tests, and fractography.
Anionic Hybrid Copolymerization via Concurrent Oxa‐Michael Addition and Ring‐Opening Polymerizations
Authors: Yang Hongjun , Zhang Jiadong , Zuo Yongkang , Song Yiye , Huang Wenyan , Jiang Li , Jiang Qimin , Xue Xiaoqiang , Jiang Bibiao
Published: May 2019

Here, a new type of anionic hybrid copolymerization is exploited via the concurrent oxa‐Michael addition of ethylene glycol and neopentyl glycol diacrylate and the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone. The hybrid copolymerization process and the resulting copolymers are characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance, size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry measurements, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the hybrid copolymerization can proceed smoothly under mild reaction conditions and that the synthesized copolymer contains ester and ether structures in the backbone, possibly endowing the polymers with good hydrophilicity and degradability. More importantly, the composition of the synthesized polymer can be easily adjusted by changing the monomer feed ratio, and the chain crystallization is significantly reduced due to the random copolymeric structure. This hybrid copolymerization reaction provides a new method for synthesizing degradable functional copolymers from commercially available materials. Hence, this polymerization is important not only in polymer chemistry but also in environmental and biomedical engineering.
Lower Limb Rigidity Is Associated with Frequent Falls in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: McKay J. Lucas , Hackney Madeleine E. , Factor Stewart A. , Ting Lena H.
Published: May 2019

Background and Objective

The role of muscle rigidity as an etiological factor of falls in Parkinson's disease (PD) is poorly understood. Our objective was to determine whether lower leg rigidity was differentially associated with frequent falls in PD compared to upper limb, neck, and total rigidity measures.

Methods

We examined the associations between Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–Part III (motor) rigidity subscores and the history of monthly or more frequent falls in 216 individuals with PD (age, 66 ± 10 years; 36% female; disease duration, 7 ± 5 years) with logistic regression.

Results

A total of 35 individuals were frequent fallers. Significant associations were identified between lower limb rigidity and frequent falls (P = 0.01) after controlling for age, sex, PD duration, total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale– Part III score, and presence of freezing of gait. No significant associations (P ≥ 0.14) were identified for total, arm, or neck rigidity.

Conclusion

Lower limb rigidity is related to frequent falls in people with PD. Further investigation may be warranted into how parkinsonian rigidity could cause falls.
Two variants of magnetic diffusivity stabilized finite element methods for the magnetic induction equation
Authors: Wacker Benjamin
Published: May 2019

We consider the time‐dependent magnetic induction model where the sought magnetic field interacts with a prescribed velocity field. This coupling results in an additional force term and time dependence in Maxwell's equation. We propose two different magnetic diffusivity stabilized continuous nodal‐based finite element methods for this problem. The first formulation simply adds artificial magnetic diffusivity to the partial differential equation, whereas the second one uses a local projected magnetic diffusivity as stabilization. We describe those methods and analyze them semi‐discretized in space to get bounds on stabilization parameters where we distinguish equal‐order elements and Taylor‐Hood elements. Different numerical experiments are performed to illustrate our theoretical findings.