bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying generalized allometric regressions to predict live body mass of tropical and temperate arthropods
Authors: Sohlström Esra H. , Marian Lucas , Barnes Andrew D. , Haneda Noor F. , Scheu Stefan , Rall Björn C. , Brose Ulrich , Jochum Malte
Published: December 2018

The ecological implications of body size extend from the biology of individual organisms to ecosystem‐level processes. Measuring body mass for high numbers of invertebrates can be logistically challenging, making length–mass regressions useful for predicting body mass with minimal effort. However, standardized sets of scaling relationships covering a large range in body length, taxonomic groups, and multiple geographical regions are scarce. We collected 6,212 arthropods from 19 higher‐level taxa in both temperate and tropical locations to compile a comprehensive set of linear models relating live body mass to a range of predictor variables. We measured live weight (hereafter, body mass), body length and width of each individual and conducted linear regressions to predict body mass using body length, body width, taxonomic group, and geographic region. Additionally, we quantified prediction discrepancy when using parameters from arthropods of a different geographic region. Incorporating body width into taxon‐ and region‐specific length–mass regressions yielded the highest prediction accuracy for body mass. Using regression parameters from a different geographic region increased prediction discrepancy, causing over‐ or underestimation of body mass depending on geographical origin and whether body width was included. We present a comprehensive range of parameters for predicting arthropod body mass and provide guidance for selecting optimal scaling relationships. Given the importance of body mass for functional invertebrate ecology and the paucity of adequate regressions to predict arthropod body mass from different geographical regions, our study provides a long‐needed resource for quantifying live body mass in invertebrate ecology research.
Crystallization Pathways of Cerium(IV) Phosphates Under Hydrothermal Conditions: A Search for New Phases with a Tunnel Structure
Authors: Shekunova Taisiya O. , Istomin Sergey Ya. , Mironov Andrey V. , Baranchikov Alexander E. , Yapryntsev Alexey D. , Galstyan Arsen A. , Simonenko Nikolay P. , Gippius Andrey A. , Zhurenko Sergey V. , Shatalova Tatyana B. , Skogareva Lyudmila S. , Ivanov Vladimir K.
Published: December 2018

Hydrothermal crystallization pathways of amorphous ceric phosphate gels were found to be determined by the ammonia concentration in a reaction medium. This allows for highly selective hydrothermal synthesis of various finely crystalline ceric phosphates, including Ce(PO4)(HPO4)0.5(H2O)0.5, (NH4)2Ce(PO4)2(H2O), and previously unknown NH4Ce2(PO4)3. The structure of the latter compound was solved from powder X‐ray diffraction data. It appeared to be isostructural to ammonium thorium phosphate, NH4Th2(PO4)3; in this crystal structure, large channels (5.07 × 3.79 Å) located along the c‐axis are occupied by NH4+ ions.
Transition Metal‐Free Oxidative Coupling of Primary Amines in Polyethylene Glycol at Room Temperature: Synthesis of Imines, Azobenzenes, Benzothiazoles, and Disulfides
Authors: Hudwekar Abhinandan D. , Verma Praveen K. , Kour Jaspreet , Balgotra Shilpi , Sawant Sanghapal D.
Published: December 2018

A transition metal‐free protocol has been developed for the oxidative coupling of primary amines to imines and azobenzenes, thiols to disulfides, and 2‐aminothiophenols to benzothiazoles, offering excellent yields. The advantageous features of the present environmentally benign methodology include the usage of biocompatible and green reaction conditions such as, solvent, room temperature reactions and transition metal‐free approach. Moreover, it offers a broader substrate scope.
Sensing at Your Fingertips: Glove‐based Wearable Chemical Sensors
Authors: Hubble Lee J. , Wang Joseph
Published: December 2018

In this review, we detail the evolution and recent progress of glove‐based wearable electrochemical sensors with focus on forensic, security, and defense applications. Glove‐based wearable sensors offer the ability to have rapid, on‐site chemical and biological threat assessment, ranging from explosive and gunshot residues to drugs of abuse and pesticides, critical for timely and informed incident management and investigation. Additionally, these field deployable systems offer the ability for law enforcement to complete on‐the‐spot qualitative chemical testing for immediate forensic evidence collection in connection to mechanical ‘swipe’ sampling. Recent advances have been made for translation of this class of wearable electrochemical sensors to increase the sensory perspective of robotics, demonstrating the progression to robotic skin with chemical analysis capability suitable for translation to remote chemical analysis in hazardous scenarios. Critical to such progress have been advances in flexible electrochemically‐compatible materials and design, with increasing functionality, leveraging from advances in wearable biosensors and electronic miniaturization. Indeed, the customization potential of these wearable systems is great, yet challenges remain for advancing these systems from prototypes to more ubiquitous devices readily deployed in the field. With significant attention these challenges can be overcome, creating new opportunities for further decentralization of electrochemical analyses using these flexible and intuitive glove‐based wearable sensing systems for significant impact on fields such as forensics, defense, biomedical, robotics and beyond.
Antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of feather protein hydrolysate in high‐fat diet‐fed mice
Authors: Ben Hamad Bouhamed Sana , Chaari Marwa , Bellassoued Khaled , Naifar Manel , Makni‐Ayadi Fatma , Boudaouara Tahia , El Feki Abdelfattah , Kechaou Nabil
Published: December 2018

The hyperlipidemia is a serious health problem that increases the risk of many complications including cardiovascular disease. This study aims to evaluate the possible antihyperlipidemic effects of the feather protein hydrolysate (FPH) in a mice fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice during 5 weeks. The FPH administration improved dose‐dependent lipid profile, as well as the liver and renal dysfunction indices in hyperlipidemic mice. The FPH also restored the antioxidant status in liver, kidney, and heart by lowering the lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase [SOD]). Moreover, the histological studies proved that FPH administration prevents hepatic steatosis, glomerular hyperfiltration risk, and cardiac muscle hypertrophy. Accordingly, the FPH is a promising novel medicinal ingredient for possible use in the hyperlipidemic treatment and related complications.
Subglacial sediment production and snout marginal ice uplift during the late ablation season of a temperate valley glacier
Authors: Perolo P. , Bakker M. , Gabbud C. , Moradi G. , Rennie C. , Lane S.N.
Published: December 2018

Sediment export from glaciated basins involves complex interactions between ice flow, basal erosion and sediment transfer in subglacial and proglacial streams. In particular, we know very little about the processes associated with sediment transfer by subglacial streams. The Haut Glacier d'Arolla (VS, Switzerland) was investigated during the summer melt season of 2015. LiDAR survey revealed positive surface changes in the ablation zone, indicating glacier uplift, at the end of the morning during the period of peak ablation. Instream measures of sediment transport showed that suspended load and bedload responded differently to diurnal flow variability. Suspended load depended on the availability of fine material whereas bedload depended mainly on the competence of the flow. Interpretation of these results allowed development of a conceptual model of subglacial sediment transport dynamics. It is based upon the mechanisms of clogging (deposition) and flushing (transport/erosion) in sub‐glacial channels as forced by diurnal flow variability. Through the melt season, the glacier hydrological response evolves from being buffered by glacier snow cover with a poorly developed subglacial drainage system to being dominated by more rapid ice melt with a more hydraulically efficient subglacial channel system. The resultant changes in the shape of diurnal discharge hydrographs, and notably higher peak flows and lower base flows, causes sediment transport to become discontinuous, with overnight clogging and late morning flushing of subglacial channels. Overnight clogging may be sufficient to reduce subglacial channel size, creating temporarily pressurized flow and lateral transfer of water away from the subglacial channels, leading to the late morning glacier surface uplift. However, without further data, we cannot exclude other hypotheses for the uplift. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sclerosis of the arytenoid cartilage and glottic carcinoma: A clinical‐pathological study
Authors: Lucioni Marco , Lionello Marco , Machin Piernicola , Sovran Federica , Canal Fabio , Bertolin Andy , Rizzotto Giuseppe
Published: December 2018

Background

Given the relevance of any tumor invasion of the arytenoid cartilage or crico‐arytenoid unit to the planning open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL) for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), it is important to have a reliable radiological test to assess impairments of these structures.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the endoscopic, radiological, and pathological findings in patients with glottic LSCC who underwent OPHL.

Results

The endoscopic finding of a reduced (impaired or absent) vocal cord motility proved more sensitive, with better positive and negative predictive values, but less specific than the radiological finding of complete arytenoid sclerosis in detecting histologically assessable infiltration of the arytenoid cartilage.

Conclusions

Endoscopy retains a key role in the preoperative workup for glottic LSCC. CT evidence of complete sclerosis of the arytenoid cartilage is related to a dangerous contiguity of the tumor to the cartilage.
Medical aromatherapy revisited—Basic mechanisms, critique, and a new development
Authors: Schneider Rainer , Singer Nick , Singer Tim
Published: December 2018

Objective

According to a series of recent meta‐analyses and systematic reviews, aromatherapy has shown to be effective in treating patients with different medical conditions. However, many of the clinical studies are of rather low methodological quality. Moreover, there is much conceptual ambiguity with regard to what aromatherapy actually constitutes.

Method

In this paper, we discuss the conditions under which aromatherapy is most likely to be of medical value by outlining the workings of the olfactory system and the necessary requirements of odors to be therapeutic. We then introduce an aromatherapeutic inhaler that was tested in a series of studies involving 465 participants.

Results

This inhaler (AromaStick®) produced large to very large effects across a variety of physiological target systems (e.g., cardiovascular, endocrine, blood oxygenation, and pain), both short term and long term.

Discussion

Inhalation of volatile compounds from essential oils yields almost immediate, large, and clinically relevant effects as long as the scents are delivered highly concentrated from an appropriate device. The changes caused in the body seem side effect‐free and can be sustained when inhalation is repeated.
Sleep‐competing behaviours among Australian school‐attending youth: Associations with sleep, mental health and daytime functioning
Authors: Mellor David , Hallford David J. , Tan Jeretine , Waterhouse Monique
Published: December 2018

Sleep problems are highly prevalent among school‐attending youth, and impact on school performance and outcomes. Sleep‐competing behaviours are likely factors in the inadequate sleep time and related functional outcomes observed in this population. We examined a range of sleep‐competing behaviours and their associations with sleep variables in Australian school‐attending youth. We also assessed whether these behaviours indirectly affected mental health and daytime functioning through poorer sleep quality. A total of 353 school‐attending youth (mean age = 14.6 years, 53% female) were recruited from high schools in Australia, and completed a range of self‐report measures. Approximately 50% of the youth obtained sub‐optimal levels of sleep and reported having a problematically long sleep onset latency. Sleep competing behaviours, related and unrelated to electronic media use, were reported as occurring frequently, and were associated with a range of sleep variables. These behaviours were also related to poorer mental health and daytime sleepiness, with this association explained by indirect effects through sleep quality. Sleep‐competing behaviours are prevalent on school nights in Australian youth, and may have adverse associations with mental health and functioning. Prevention and intervention programs might address the risk factors identified in the current study.
Abstraction of tactile properties by individuals with autism and Down syndrome using a picture‐based communication system
Authors: Belisle Jordan , Stanley Caleb R. , Alholail Amani M. , Galliford Megan E. , Dixon Mark R.
Published: December 2018

The present study evaluated the efficacy of a set of procedures for bringing tact extensions of abstract tactile properties under stimulus control. Two participants with disabilities who communicated via a picture‐based communication system received reinforcement for tacts of tactile properties of four wet/dry and four hard/soft stimuli. Test trials were conducted to evaluate the extent to which the participants' correct responding generalized to novel stimuli with the same tactile properties. The results suggest that the procedures were effective in bringing tact extensions of abstract tactile properties under stimulus control. Both participants' correct responding generalized to a set of novel stimuli. Mastery level responding to training and test targets maintained for 2 weeks following training. The results provide further evidence supporting the use of DTT to teach stimulus abstraction to nonvocal verbal individuals who use augmentative forms of communication.
Effects of modeling rote versus varied responses on response variability and skill acquisition during discrete‐trial instruction
Authors: Peterson Sean P. , Rodriguez Nicole M. , Pawich Tamara L.
Published: December 2018

Despite its advantages, discrete‐trial instruction (DTI) has been criticized for producing rote responding. Although there is little research supporting this claim, if true, this may be problematic given the propensity of children with autism to engage in restricted and repetitive behavior. One feature that is common in DTI that may contribute to rote responding is the prompting and reinforcement of one correct response per discriminative stimulus. To evaluate the potential negative effects of rote prompts on varied responding, we compared the effects of modeling rote versus varied target responses during the teaching of intraverbal categorization. We also evaluated the effects of these procedures on the efficiency of acquisition of any one correct response. For all four children, any increase in varied responding was fleeting, and for two participants, acquisition was slower in the variable‐modeling condition.
A comparison of blocked and mixed‐trial methods for teaching auditory–visual discriminations
Authors: Bentham Stephanie N. , Walker Stephen F. , Vander Pluym Maria E. , Tejeda Kristina N.
Published: December 2018

Behavior analysts typically teach conditional discriminations in a mixed‐trial format but may switch to a blocked‐trial format for learners displaying limited acquisition. No known research has shown that mixed‐trial methods are more effective or efficient than blocked‐trial methods for teaching discriminations, so it is not clear why this format has been adopted as the “first‐line” intervention. We compared blocked and mixed‐trial formats for teaching novel auditory–visual discriminations to three adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Results show blocked‐trial methods resulted in faster skill acquisition in all cases, suggesting this format may be a preferable starting point for instruction.
Optical study of stress hormone‐induced nanoscale structural alteration in brain using partial wave spectroscopic microscopy
Authors: Bhandari Shiva , Shukla Pradeep K. , Almabadi Huda M. , Sahay Peeyush , Rao Radhakrishna , Pradhan Prabhakar
Published: December 2018

Chronic stress affects nano to microscale structures of the brain cells/tissues due to suppression of neural growths and reconnections, hence the neuronal activities. This results in depression, memory loss and even death of the brain cells. Our recently developed novel optical technique, partial wave spectroscopic microscopy has nanoscale sensitivity, and hence, can detect nanoscale changes in brain tissues due to stress. In this study, we applied this technique to quantify the stress related structural changes in the corticosterone‐treated mouse model of stress. Our results show that brains from corticosterone‐treated mice showed higher nanoscale structural disorder in the hippocampal region as compared to the brain from normal (vehicle) mice. The increase in structural alteration correlates with the duration of the stress. We further quantified the relative changes and the spatial localization of these changes in this mouse model and found out that the maximum changes occurred nearly symmetrically in both regions of the hippocampus. The mRNA for stress‐related genes, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase‐coupled receptor were also significantly reduced in the hippocampus of corticosterone‐treated mice compared to that in control mice. These results indicate that chronic corticosterone treatment induces nanoscale structural alterations in mouse brain that corresponds to changes in stress‐related gene expression.
A Comparison of US and Canadian Osteoporosis Screening and Treatment Strategies in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Crandall Carolyn J , Larson Joseph , Manson JoAnn E , Cauley Jane A , LaCroix Andrea Z , Wactawski-Wende Jean , Datta Mridul , Sattari Maryam , Schousboe John T , Leslie William D , Ensrud Kristine E
Published: December 2018

The optimal approach to osteoporosis screening and treatment in postmenopausal women is unclear. We compared (i) the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and Osteoporosis Canada osteoporosis screening strategies; and (ii) the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and Canadian treatment strategies. We used data from the prospective Women's Health Initiative Observational Study and Clinical Trials of women aged 50 to 79 years at baseline (n = 117,707 followed for self-reported fractures; n = 8134 in bone mineral density [BMD] subset). We determined the yield of the screening and treatment strategies in identifying women who experienced major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) during a 10-year follow-up. Among women aged 50 to 64 years, 23.1% of women were identified for BMD testing under the USPSTF strategy and 52.3% under the Canadian strategy. For women ≥65 years, 100% were identified for testing under the USPSTF and Canadian strategies, 35% to 74% were identified for treatment under NOF, and 16% to 37% were identified for treatment under CAROC (range among 5-year age subgroups). Among women who experienced MOF during follow-up, the USPSTF strategy identified 6.7% of women 50 to 54 years-old and 49.5% of women 60 to 64 years-old for BMD testing (versus 54.4% and 60.6% for the Canadian strategy, respectively). However, the specificity of the USPSTF strategy was higher than that of the Canadian strategy among women 50 to 64 years-old. Among women who experienced MOF during follow-up, sensitivity for identifying women as treatment candidates was lowest for both strategies in women aged 50 to 64 (NOF 10% to 38%; CAROC 1% to 15%) and maximal in 75-year-old to 79-year-old women (NOF 82.8%; 51.6% CAROC); specificity declined with advancing age and was lower with the NOF compared to the CAROC strategy. Among women aged 50 to 64 years, the screening and treatment strategies examined had low sensitivity for identifying those who subsequently experience MOF; sensitivity was higher among women ≥65 years than among younger women. New screening and treatment algorithms are needed. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Molecular docking and two‐dimensional quantitative structure‐activity relationship studies of synthetic flavonoids on horseradish peroxidase compounds (I, II, and III)
Authors: Mahfoudi Reguia , Tahri Djilali , Djeridane Amar , Yousfi Mohamed , Gaydou Emile M.
Published: December 2018

For the first time, the enzymatic inhibition activity of 13 synthetic flavonoids was assessed by quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) modeling and molecular docking with the three states of the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The results show that apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, tricetin, and luteolin exerted a high competitive inhibition on HRP (Ki between 0.14 and 1.74 mM) compared with other flavonoids. The QSAR model of enzymatic activity (R2 = 0.95, RMSE = 5.48) showed that Ghose‐Crippen octanol‐water partition coefficient (Alog P) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital’s energy (εlumo) correlated with 0.65 and 0.17, respectively, with Ki values. According to the docking results using Molegro Virtual Docker program, all the flavonoids have shown great binding affinity towards peroxidase. Apigenin has the largest MolDock score in the three states of HRP noting an increased affinity of these flavonoids between compound I and compound II by 2.26%. However, these affinities strongly decrease between compound II and compound III by 28.43% especially for luteolin whose MolDock score decreased by 74.7%. With the results of docking, the affinities of the flavonoids tested and translated by their Ki values are much more presentative of the inhibition of the first reaction states of HRP because their inhibitory effect is important.
Retracted: miR‐145 modulates epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and invasion by targeting ZEB2 in non–small cell lung cancer cell lines
Authors: Liu Qun , Chen Jianhui , Wang Baolan , Zheng Yulong , Wan Yufeng , Wang Yi , Zhou Liyang , Liu Shu , Li Gang , Yan Yi
Published: December 2018

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major event that drives cancer progression. Here we aim to investigate the role of microRNA, miR‐145, in regulating EMT of the highly invasive non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that miR‐145 was downregulated in cancer tissue compared with that in adjacent normal tissue. NSCLC cell lines, namely H1299, PC7, and SPCA‐1, also demonstrated miR‐145 downregulation, which is correlated well with their invasive ability, assessed by the Matrigel invasion assay. miR‐145 overexpression resulted in downregulation of N‐cadherin, and downregulation of vimentin and E‐cadherin, suggesting a decreased EMT activity. TargetScan analysis predicted that a binding site exists between miR‐145 and an oncogene, ZEB2, which was verified using the dual‐luciferase assay. Alteration of miR‐145 expression also induced inverse effects on ZEB2 expression, and a negative correlation exists between ZEB2 and miR‐145 in human tissues. ZEB2 and miR‐145 also exerted antagonizing effects on the invasion of NSCLC cells. Therefore, miR‐145 is an important molecule in NSCLC that regulates cancer EMT through targeting ZEB2.
Construction and analysis of dysregulated lncRNA‐associated ceRNA network in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhu Yiping , Bian Yinzhu , Zhang Qun , Hu Jing , Li Li , Yang Mi , Qian Hanqing , Yu Lixia , Liu Baorui , Qian Xiaoping
Published: December 2018

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed digestive system cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interactions among messenger RNAs (mRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in CRC to reveal the mechanisms of CRC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from public gene expression data sets. One thousand eighty‐one common dysregulated mRNAs in two data sets were identified. Gene function analysis and protein‐protein interaction network analysis indicated that these DEGs might play important roles in CRC. LINC00365 was selected through coding‐ noncoding network analysis and its expression was validated upregulated in 22 paired clinical samples and four CRC cell lines. A competing endogenous RNA network composed of 70 miRNAs, nine mRNAs, and LINC00365 was constructed. Eight of nine mRNAs were validated upregulated in The Cancer Genome Atlas data set. Our results suggested that LINC00365 was an oncogene in CRC and it could regulate the expression of several mRNAs through sponging miRNAs.
Acetylation drives hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β stability by blocking proteasome‐mediated degradation
Authors: Lopes‐Coelho Filipa , Silva Fernanda , Hipólito Ana , Cardoso Bruno A. , Serpa Jacinta
Published: December 2018

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) is mostly expressed in the liver, but is also expressed in other organs, like kidney, pancreas and genitourinary tract. In fact, HNF1β, a member of the superfamily of homeodomain‐containing transcription factors, has been described as a hallmark in clear cell carcinomas. However, its role as an oncogene or as tumor suppressor gene remains controversial. Here, we disclose a mechanism of HNF1β stabilization and degradation, using human HNF1β‐expressing cell lines of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (ES2), hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2), and normal immortalized kidney tubular cells (HK2). We show that increased levels of HNF1β is concomitant with an increase in the acetylation load and protein stabilization by interfering with the ubiquitin‐proteasome degradation system. This study reinforces that acetylation, besides their role in regulating chromatin conformation and gene expression, could also act in the action, turnover and stability of proteins essential for the survival and progression of certain cancer types.
Lack of Association between IL‐6 Polymorphisms and Haplotypes with Gastric Cancer
Authors: dos Santos Mônica Pezenatto , Sallas Mayara Luciana , Zapparoli Diana , Orcini Wilson Aparecido , Chen Elizabeth , Smith Marilia de Arruda Cardoso , Payão Spencer L. Marques , Rasmussen Lucas Trevizani
Published: December 2018

The process of combating neoplasms and mononuclear cells, and during H. pylori infection, several pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines are synthesized. In view of the involvement of the IL‐6 law and the presence of H. pylori in the development of gastric diseases, the present study aimed to characterize the promoter‐region polymorphism −597 (G/A) (rs1800797), −572 (C/G) (rs1800796), and −174 (G/C) (rs1800795) by PCR‐RFLP in 375 gastric biopsy specimens from patients with peptic symptoms. A total of 375 samples were analyzed: 87 patients (without lesion without gastric tissue); 236 patients with gastritis and 52 patients with gastric cancer analyzed the PCR‐RFLP techniques. All the results were normalized in relation to the presence of H. pylori. The frequencies of the three polymorphisms were compared in the Control vs Gastritis groups and a statistically significant test observed: −174 (G/C) (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.84–1.93; P = 0.26), 572 (C/G) (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.78–2.59; P = 0.25), and 597 (G/A) (OR: 0.98; 95% CI, 0.64–1.52; P = 0.94). Similar results were obtained when the gastric cancer group was compared to the control group: −174 (G/C) (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.66–2.47; P = 0.47), −572 (C/G) (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.43–2.68; P = 0.88), and −597 (G/A) (OR: 1.01; 95% CI, 0.5–0.9; P = 0.99). The haplotypes were and were not observed statistically significant differences. In conclusion, we found no correlations between any of the three polymorphisms in the IL‐6 gene analyzed in this study and a higher risk of gastritis or gastric cancer.
Molecular mechanism of miR‐153 inhibiting migration, invasion and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of breast cancer by regulating transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Liang Shuhang , Duan Xiuqing
Published: December 2018

Objective

To investigate the role and mechanism of action of miR‐153 in the migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer cells.

Methods

Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR‐153 and transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFBR2) in tissue specimens and cells. miR‐153 overexpression in breast cancer cells was achieved by miR‐153 mimic transfection. Mobility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells were evaluated by transwell assay. EMT was evaluated by Western blot detecting the protein level of E‐cadherin and Vimentin. Interaction of miR‐153 and 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of TGFBR2 messenger RNA (mRNA) was investigated by luciferase reporter assay.

Results

The expression of miR‐153 in breast cancer tissue specimens and MDA‐MB‐231 cells was significantly lower than that in nonmalignant counterparts, inversely correlating with that of TGFBR2 mRNA. Transfection with miR‐153 mimic significantly increased miR‐153 level in MDA‐MB‐231 cells while inhibiting its migration, invasion, and EMT in vitro, which could be mimicked by TGFBR2 knockdown. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed two targets of miR‐153 on the 3′‐UTR of TGFBR2 mRNA. Restoring TGFBR2 protein level by transient overexpression largely rescued migration, invasion, and EMT of MDA‐MB‐231 cells that were repressed by miR‐153 mimic transfection.

Conclusion

miR‐153 inhibits breast cancer cell migration, invasion, and EMT by targeting TGFBR2.
Association between polymorphisms of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes with warfarin maintenance dose in a group of warfarin users in Birjand city, Iran
Authors: Fereidouni Mohammad , Moossavi Maryam , Kazemi Touba , Nouranihassankiade Shaghayeghsadat , Asghari Arghavan
Published: December 2018

Warfarin is the cardinal anticoagulant drug prescribed around the world. Due to stochastic bleeding in patients, it is essential to adjust the dose for every individual. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 gene polymorphisms and their association with warfarin maintenance dose in a sample of cardiovascular patients in Birjand, South‐Khorasan province of Iran. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disorders who take warfarin daily were selected. CYP2C9 and VKORC1 gene polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism in all participants. A total of 114 patients (mean age: 52.7 ± 14.9 years, M/F ratio: 0.76) participated in this study. Regarding CYP2C9 gene polymorphisms, the most frequent genotype was 1*/1* (80.4% in females and 62.5% in males). The frequency of 1*/2* and 2*/2* variants was 13% and 6.5% in females and 25% and 12.5% in males, respectively. The frequency of VKORC1 gene (1639 G > A), was 31.5%, 39.5%, and 29% for GG, GA, and AA in males, respectively. Besides, the mentioned genotype frequencies for females were 50%, 40.5%, and 9.5%, respectively. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between VKORC1 gene −1639 G > A variant and warfarin maintenance dose (P < 0.001) but not for CYP2C9 variants. The results of the current study confirmed that the mutant variants of CYP2C9 are not frequent and do not have any impact on warfarin dose. In the case of VKORC1, the mutant allele (A) showed a positive correlation with warfarin dose adjustment.
4‐Deoxyraputindole C induces cell death and cell cycle arrest in tumor cell lines
Authors: Vital Wagner D. , Torquato Heron F. V. , Jesus Larissa de Oliveira Passos , Judice Wagner Alves de Souza , Silva Maria Fátima das G. F. da , Rodrigues Tiago , Justo Giselle Zenker , Veiga Thiago A. M. , Paredes‐Gamero Edgar J.
Published: December 2018

Several molecules extracted from natural products exhibit different biological activities, such as ion channel modulation, activation of signaling pathways, and anti‐inflammatory or antitumor activity. In this study, we tested the antitumor ability of natural compounds extracted from the Raputia praetermissa plant. Among the compounds tested, an alkaloid, here called compound S4 (4‐Deoxyraputindole C), showed antitumor effects against human tumor lineages. Compound S4 was the most active against Raji, a lymphoma lineage, promoting cell death with characteristics that including membrane permeabilization, dissipation of the mitochondrial potential, increased superoxide production, and lysosomal membrane permeabilization. The use of cell death inhibitors such as Z‐VAD‐FMK (caspase inhibitor), necrostatin‐1 (receptor‐interacting serine/threonine‐protein kinase 1 inhibitor), E‐64 (cysteine peptidases inhibitor), and
N‐acetyl‐
L‐cysteine (antioxidant) did not decrease compound S4‐dependent cell death. Additionally, we tested the effect of cellular activity on adherent human tumor cells. The highest reduction of cellular activity was observed in A549 cells, a lung carcinoma lineage. In this lineage, the effect on the reduction of the cellular activity was due to cell cycle arrest, without plasma membrane permeabilization, loss of the mitochondrial potential or lysosomal membrane permeabilization. Compound S4 was able to inhibit cathepsin B and L by a nonlinear competitive (negative co‐operativity) and simple‐linear competitive inhibitions, respectively. The potency of inhibition was higher against cathepsin L. Compound S4 promoted cell cycle arrest at G
0 and G
2 phase, and increase the expression of p16 and p21 proteins. In conclusion, compound S4 is an interesting molecule against cancer, promoting cell death in the human lymphoma lineage Raji and cell cycle arrest in the human lung carcinoma lineage A549.
Identification of core genes and outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Shen Shu , Kong Junjie , Qiu Yiwen , Yang Xianwei , Wang Wentao , Yan Lvnan
Published: December 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant liver disease in the world. However, the mechanistic relationships among various genes and signaling pathways are still largely unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate potential core candidate genes and pathways in HCC. The expression profiles GSE14520, GSE25097, GSE29721, and GSE62232, which cover 606 tumor and 550 nontumour samples, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Furthermore, HCC RNA‐seq datasets were also downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were filtered using R software, and we performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway analysis using the online databases DAVID 6.8 and KOBAS 3.0. Furthermore, the protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network complex of these DEGs was constructed by Cytoscape software, the molecular complex detection (MCODE) plug‐in and the online database STRING. First, a total of 173 DEGs (41 upregulated and 132 downregulated) were identified that were aberrantly expressed in both the GEO and TCGA datasets. Second, GO analysis revealed that most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in extracellular exosomes, cytosol, extracellular region, and extracellular space. Signaling pathway analysis indicated that the DEGs had common pathways in metabolism‐related pathways, cell cycle, and biological oxidations. Third, 146 nodes were identified from the DEG PPI network complex, and two important modules with a high degree were detected using the MCODE plug‐in. In addition, 10 core genes were identified, TOP2A, NDC80, FOXM1, HMMR, KNTC1, PTTG1, FEN1, RFC4, SMC4, and PRC1. Finally, Kaplan‐Meier analysis of overall survival and correlation analysis were applied to these genes. The abovementioned findings indicate that the identified core genes and pathways in this bioinformatics analysis could significantly enrich our understanding of the development and recurrence of HCC; furthermore, these candidate genes and pathways could be therapeutic targets for HCC treatment.
Microwave‐assisted Synthesis, Characterization, and Density Functional Theory Study of Biologically Active Ferrocenyl Bis‐pyrazoline and Bis‐pyrimidine as Organometallic Macromolecules
Authors: Khan Salman A. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Zayed Mohie E. M. , Parveen Humaira , Aqlan Faisal M. S. , Sharma Kamlesh
Published: December 2018

Organometallic macromolecules such as ferrocenyl bis‐pyrazoline (2, 3) and bis‐pyrimidine (4, 5) derivatives were synthesized by reacting ferrocenyl bis‐chalcone 1 with thiosemicarbazide/phenylhydrazine/guanidine hydrochloride/thiourea, respectively, under microwave irradiation. Ferrocenyl bis‐chalcone 1 was synthesized by reacting acetyl ferrocene with terephthalaldehyde. Synthesized compounds were characterized by using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, EI‐MS, and elemental analysis. In vitro antibacterial activity against two Gram‐negative and two Gram‐positive bacteria was determined by the disc diffusion assay. Moreover, minimum inhibition concentrations were also measured with reference to chloramphenicol. Thioamide functionally containing ferrocenyl bis‐pyrazoline derivative 2 shows the best antibacterial activity on Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, among all tested compounds including the reference drug chloramphenicol. The structure–activity relationship is also developed by using computational calculations with density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP method.
Pulmonary vein reconnection mapping with Advisor HD Grid demonstrating local EGM which were not visible on Tacticath ablation catheter
Authors: Yeo Colin , Tan Vern Hsen , Wong Kelvin Cheok Keng
Published: December 2018

We present a case of redo atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation for pulmonary vein reconnection. In mapping of posterior wall of left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV) with HD grid, a new and unique multipolar mapping catheter, it demonstrated presence of local electrocardiogram signals (EGM). But during mapping with the Tacticath ablation catheter, these signals were not visible. Nevertheless, ablation at this point resulted in isolation of LUPV. The unique mapping technology offered by HD grid mapping catheter may enable us to discover local EGM not otherwise visible in conventional bipole parallel recordings, to have more accurate maps and deliver for effective therapies.
Efficient Cholera Toxin B Subunit‐Based Nanoparticles with MRI Capability for Drug Delivery to the Brain Following Intranasal Administration
Authors: Chen Yiming , Fan Huimin , Xu Chen , Hu Wenli , Yu Bingran
Published: December 2018

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative brain disorder that exhibits clear pathologic changes in the hippocampus. Traditional drug delivery systems are ineffective due to the existence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). In this study, an efficient, stable, and easily constructed nanosystem (CB‐Gd‐Cy5.5) based on the cholera toxin B subunit (CB) is designed to improve the efficiency of drug delivery to the brain, especially the hippocampus. Through intranasal administration, CB‐Gd‐Cy5.5 is easily delivered to the brain without intervention by the BBB. The CB in CB‐Gd‐Cy5.5 is used for specifically combining with the monosialoganglioside GM1, which is widely found in the hippocampus. This nanosystem exhibits impressive performance in accumulating in the hippocampus. In addition, the good magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capability of CB‐Gd‐Cy5.5 can satisfy the monitoring of AD in the different stages.
Predatory Threat of Introduced Yellow Perch in a Salmonid-Dominated Reservoir Food Web
Authors: Hansen Adam G. , Thompson Jedidiah S. , Hargis Lauren N. , Brauch Daniel , Johnson Brett M.
Published: December 2018

Unauthorized or unanticipated introductions of sport fish can threaten native species and expose existing fisheries to unnecessary risk. Although introductions of apex predators draw more attention, introductions of coolwater mesopredators like Yellow Perch Perca flavescens could also be problematic yet are poorly studied. Here, we quantified the seasonal and size-dependent diet and distribution of introduced Yellow Perch and evaluated their direct effects on age-0 kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka in a 3,793-ha mesotrophic reservoir during 2016, 15 years after the initial discovery of Yellow Perch. We compared these effects to those of Brown Trout Salmo trutta, which have been present in the reservoir since it was formed. Spatial overlap between kokanee and Yellow Perch occurred for less than 7 d during April and was confined to the inlet region as fry stocked upstream entered the reservoir. Predation from Brown Trout was 39-fold greater than predation by Yellow Perch during this time. After fry funneled through the inlet, minimal spatial overlap was observed seasonally between Yellow Perch and age-0 kokanee, particularly during summer, when a thermal refuge formed. Furthermore, age-0 kokanee outgrew 58% of piscivorous-sized Yellow Perch by June and outgrew 95% by October. Although age-0 kokanee were more morphologically vulnerable to Brown Trout throughout the year, Brown Trout occupied nearshore areas away from pelagic kokanee. Yellow Perch exhibited a similar trophic role as Brown Trout by consuming mostly invertebrates (95.8% and 88.1%, respectively). The diet of each species contained over 25% Daphnia, but we saw no evidence that planktivory by Yellow Perch affected the abundance of Daphnia available to kokanee. Peak Daphnia densities in June 2016 (23.9–39.0 individuals/L) were the same as or higher than those recorded during 1993–2000, before Yellow Perch were discovered. Our study represents one of few in-depth evaluations of introduced Yellow Perch in a montane reservoir. More empirical evaluations of the effects of introduced mesopredators are needed for refining risk assessments and guiding appropriate management actions.
Discovery of Grass Carp Larvae in the Colorado River Arm of Lake Powell
Authors: Brandenburg W. Howard , Francis Travis A. , Snyder Darrel E. , Bestgen Kevin R. , Hines Brian A. , Wilson Wade D. , Bohn Sandra , Harrison Alexis S. , Clark Barkalow Stephani L.
Published: December 2018

Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella stocking in the upper Colorado River basin is statutorily limited to triploid, i.e., functionally sterile, individuals. Systematic fish sampling in the upper Colorado River basin indicates adult Grass Carp remain rare but have been increasing in abundance since 2007. Grass Carp larvae collected in the Colorado River arm of Lake Powell, about 26 km downstream from the inflow, in 2015 and 2016, are evidence of the presence of a spawning population. These larvae were the first documentation of Grass Carp spawning in a river basin of the western United States. While Grass Carp reproductive biology suggests spawning occurred in the Colorado River or its tributaries upstream from Lake Powell, the sample location, age, and number of larvae collected pose the possibility of reservoir spawning. Addition of another, reproductively viable, nonnative, fish species to the already heavily invaded upper Colorado River basin could further impact conservation of the federally endangered native fishes.
Securing light clients in blockchain with DLCP
Authors: da Costa Leonardo , Neto André , Pinheiro Billy , Cordeiro Weverton , Araújo Roberto , Abelém Antônio
Published: December 2018

In blockchain, full nodes (FNs) are peers that store and verify entire chains of transactions. In contrast, light clients (LCs) are those with limited resources, and for this reason, they request only block headers from FNs for transaction verification—using protocols like Simple Payment Verification (SPV). In an approach to prevent FN tampering on transaction verification (byzantine fault), LCs request block headers from multiple FNs and compare received responses. One problem with this approach is that an LC must connect to each FN and perform the same cryptographic operations with each one repeatedly, which leads to client‐side complexity and slower response. We propose an alternate approach to tackle this issue, in which LCs can encrypt a request for block headers only once, and send that request to a predetermined set of FNs to access, process, and reply back in a single response. Our approach, called Distributed Lightweight Client Protocol (DLCP), enables LCs to verify with little effort if FNs have agreed on a response. From an experimental evaluation, we observed that DLCP provided lower latency and reduced computing and communication overhead in comparison with the existing conventional approach.
Improving video QoE with IP over ICN
Authors: Doumanis Ioannis , Phinikarides Alexander , Xylomenos George , Porter Stuart C.M. , Georgiades Michael
Published: December 2018

Information‐centric networking (ICN) has long been advocating for radical changes to the Internet, but the upgrade challenges that these entail have hindered its adoption. To break this loop, the POINT project proposed a hybrid, IP‐over‐ICN, architecture: IP networks are preserved at the edge, connected to each other over an ICN core. This exploits the key benefits of ICN, enabling individual network operators to improve the performance of their IP‐based services, without changing the rest of the Internet. This paper first provides an overview of POINT and outlines how it can improve upon IP in terms of performance and resilience. It then describes a trial of the POINT prototype in a production network, where real users operated actual IP‐based applications. As part of the trial, we carried out experiments to evaluate the quality of experience (QoE) for video services offered via either HLS or IPTV, using either IP or POINT as a substrate. The results from the trial verify that the IP‐over‐ICN approach of POINT offers enhanced QoE to the users of these video services, compared with traditional IP, especially under exceptional network conditions.
Obstacle identification using the TRAC algorithm with a second‐order ABC
Authors: Levin Tomer , Turkel Eli , Givoli Dan
Published: December 2018

We consider obstacle identification using wave propagation. In such problems, one wants to find the location, shape, and size of an unknown obstacle from given measurements. We propose an algorithm for the identification task based on a time‐reversed absorbing condition (TRAC) technique. Here, we apply the TRAC method to time‐dependent linear acoustics, although our methodology can be applied to other wave‐related problems as well, such as elastodynamics. There are two main contributions of our identification algorithm. The first contribution is the development of a robust and effective method for obstacle identification. While the original paper presented criteria for accepting or rejecting regions that enclose the obstacle, we use these criteria to develop an algorithm that automatically identifies the location of the obstacle. The second contribution is the utilization of an improved absorbing boundary condition (ABC) for the identification. We use the second‐order Engquist‐Majda ABC, and we implement it with a finite element scheme. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the second‐order Engquist‐Majda ABC is employed with the finite element method, as this boundary condition does not naturally fit in finite element schemes in its original form. Numerical experiments for the algorithms are presented.