bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A coil layout of wireless power transfer systems based on multicoil arrangement for underwater vehicles
Authors: Sato Naoki , Kifune Hiroyasu , Komeda Shohei
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes an optimal coil layout of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for underwater vehicles (UVs). The power supply station adopts a multicoil arrangement with a double layer, and the UV also uses two receiving coils. The proposed WPT system for UVs has a reasonable advantage, where it does not request to adjust the relative position of coils. This paper experimentally discusses an optimal coil layout based on measurement results of a coupling coefficient. As a result, the proposed coil arrangement with the geometry rule realizes a certain power transfer under any positions and directions of UVs.
Tuning the Electrochemical Property of the Ultrafine Metal‐oxide Nanoclusters by Iron Phthalocyanine as Efficient Catalysts for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Cheng Yi , Wu Xing , Veder Jean‐Pierre , Thomsen Lars , Jiang San Ping , Wang Shuangyin
Published: March 2019

Nanoclusters (NCs) have been demonstrated of outstanding performance in electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies due to their strong quantum confinement effects and strong interaction with supports. Here, we developed a class of ultrafine metal‐oxide (MOx, M = Fe, Co and Ni) NCs incorporated with iron phthalocyanine (FePc), MOx/FePc‐G, supported on graphene as high‐performance catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR). The high activities for ORR and OER are attributed to the electron donation and accepting ability of the highly redox active of FePc‐G that could tune the properties of MOx. The FeOx/FePc‐G exhibits an extremely positive half‐wave potential (E1/2) of 0.888 and 0.610 V for ORR in alkaline and neutral conditions, respectively, which is around 60 mV more positive than that of Pt/C. And NiOx/FePc‐G shows similar OER activity with the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts, Ir/C, and better performance than NiFeO NCs supported on graphene. Remarkably, the CoOx/FePc‐G and NiOx/FePc‐G show high activity and selectivity to reduce CO2 into CO with a low onset potential of −0.22 V (overpotential is 0.11 V).
The Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements and Sustainable Development
Authors: Matlin Stephen A. , Mehta Goverdhan , Hopf Henning , Krief Alain
Published: March 2019

The Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements, central to the field of chemistry, also carries a message of broad societal significance. It conveys a stark warning about the limits of the element stock of our planet and the dangers of excessive and inappropriate utilisation that are a threat to sustainable development.
The Art of Splitting Water: Storing Energy in a Readily Available and Convenient Form
Authors: Shatskiy Andrey , Kärkäs Markus D. , Åkermark Björn
Published: March 2019

This essay for EurJIC's special issue on “Redox Catalysis for Artificial Photosynthesis” introduces the reader to the field of water oxidation using molecular catalysts. The most essential challenge our society must address during the 21st century is perhaps the realization of a system for producing sustainable energy on the global scale. Currently, there exists an urgent need to develop effective and economical carbon‐neutral or carbon‐free energy technologies. The production of solar fuels through water splitting constitutes a key enabling element. The construction of robust and efficient catalysts for oxidation of water is therefore essential. In this essay the progress and mechanistic considerations pertaining to molecular water oxidation catalysts are described and discussed from a personal perspective.
Phosphonated Podand Type Ligand for the Complexation of Lanthanide CationsPhosphonated Podand Type Ligand for the Complexation of Lanthanide Cations
Authors: Charpentier Cyrille , Salaam Jérémy , Lecointre Alexandre , Jeannin Olivier , Nonat Aline , Charbonnière Loïc J.
Published: March 2019

A new tripodal ligand, based on a central nitrogen atom tris‐functionalized with 6‐methylene‐2‐pyridyl phosphonic acid was synthesized and characterized, in particular by its X‐ray crystal structure. The coordination behaviour of the tripod with lanthanide cations in aqueous solutions was studied by means of UV/Vis electronic absorption spectroscopy and steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy, revealing the formation of a [LnL] complex followed by polynuclear species with 2:1 and 3:1 metal/ligand stoichiometries. The [LnL] complexes (Ln = Eu, Tb and Yb) were isolated and characterized and the solid‐state structure of the Eu complex was determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis on monocrystals, revealing the observation of dimeric species, in which the Ln3+ cations are firmly held in the cavity formed by the three pyridylphosphonate arms, the coordination of the cations being completed by a water molecule and a phosphonate function of the second complex, allowing for the formation of the dimers, which are further stabilized by π–π stacking interactions between one pyridyl unit of each adjacent monomer. The spectroscopic properties of the complexes in aqueous solutions were studied, showing an impressive 16 µs excited state lifetime for the Yb complex in D2O, despite the presence of a water molecule in the first coordination sphere.
Synthesis of Ruthenium Tris‐Diimine Photosensitizers Substituted by Four Methylphosphonate Anchoring Groups for Dye‐Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Cell Applications
Authors: Queyriaux Nicolas , Giannoudis Emmanouil , Lefebvre Jean‐François , Artero Vincent , Chavarot‐Kerlidou Murielle
Published: March 2019

The design and synthesis of ruthenium tris‐diimine photosensitizers appropriately functionalized to be (i) anchored onto transparent conductive oxides (TCO) and (ii) covalently coupled with a water‐splitting catalyst represents an important target for solar fuel production in dye‐sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DS‐PECs). In this study, two different synthetic routes to prepare heteroleptic [Ru(4,4′‐(CH2PO3Et2)2‐bpy)2(N^N)](PF6)2 complexes are evaluated, the scope and limitations of the organometallic pathway involving half‐sandwich η6‐arene ruthenium complexes as synthetic intermediates being especially studied. The spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of a series of novel structures varying by the nature of the third diimine N^N ligand is reported.
Alkali Metal Catalysed Double Hydrophosphorylation of Nitriles and Alkynes
Authors: Banerjee Indrani , Harinath Adimulam , Panda Tarun K.
Published: March 2019

Catalytic C–P and N–P bond formation via double hydrophosphorylation of nitriles with diphenylphosphane oxide using alkali metal precatalyst [MN(SiMe3)2] (M = Li, Na, K) is reported. The potassium congener was observed to be the most efficient catalyst for converting aryl nitriles to the corresponding N‐((diphenyl‐phosphoryl)(aryl)methyl)‐P,P‐diphenylphosphinic amide [ArCHP(O)‐Ph2NHP(O)Ph2] at mild temperature (60 °C) and with neat reactants. Double hydrophosphorylation of alkynes with HP(O)Ph2 is also very effective when [KN(SiMe3)2] is used as a precatalyst at room temperature and gives the corresponding 1,2‐diylbis(diphenyl‐phosphane oxide [RCHP(O)Ph2CH2P(O)Ph2] as the product. A wider substrate scope of both reactions is explored.
Mechanical‐to‐Electrical Energy Conversion with Variable Electric Double Layers
Authors: Morrissey Timothy G. , Mitchell Shane K. , Jaros Alexandra T. , Ambos Eric , Keplinger Christoph
Published: March 2019

The electromagnetic generator requires sophisticated power take‐off systems to effectively capture low‐frequency mechanical motion such as ocean waves and human gait. Conversely, electrostatic generators are variable capacitors, which harness charge separation processes that can directly capture low‐frequency mechanical energy. The fundamentals of mechanical‐to‐electrical energy conversion with an electrostatic generator that exploits the high energy density of electric double layer (EDL) capacitors and varies capacitance by physical manipulation of the electrode–electrolyte interfacial area are elucidated. A model system is designed where all experimental parameters are easy to access in order to gain a detailed understanding of the energy flow in this conversion process. The system, termed a variable EDL generator, is based on titanium electrodes in NaCl aqueous electrolyte and operated as a charge pump. The net positive electrical energy generation of the system in the voltage–charge work‐conjugate plane is analyzed, and it shows that the variable EDL generator can be scaled‐up to spin an electric motor and increase the output power of the generator through the use of waste heat. The detailed analysis of this energy conversion principle suggests multiple avenues to enhance the performance of the variable EDL generator.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Ionic Behavior of Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrodes via Discrete Element Method Simulations
Authors: Sangrós Giménez Clara , Schilde Carsten , Froböse Linus , Ivanov Stoyan , Kwade Arno
Published: March 2019

Herein, a discrete element method (DEM) approach is proposed to investigate the impact of the calendering process on the electrical and ionic conductivities and on the adhesion strength of Li[Ni1/3 Mn1/3 Co1/3]O2 (NMC)‐based electrodes. For this purpose, key correlations between the microstructure and these electrode‐scale properties are established using the outcomes of the simulations and real experiments. In addition, the evolution of the structure and the development of mechanical stress are also studied numerically during electrochemical cycling, offering a closer insight into the intercalation mechanism. Finally, the impact of the initial noncalendered porosity on the electrode mechanical response is examined, showing that higher initial porosities lead to lower final porosities under same calendering loads. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of DEM simulations in improving the understanding of the microstructure and mechanics of lithium‐ion electrodes.
Simultaneous Polymerization Enabled the Confinement of Size‐Adjustable TiO2 Nanocrystals in S‐Doped Carbons for High‐Rate Anode Materials
Authors: Gao Pengyuan , Lu Yun , Deng Shuyi , Cui Xun , Zhang Qing , Yang Yingkui
Published: March 2019

Homogeneous confinement of metal oxide nanoparticles into the heteroatom‐doped carbon matrix is highly desirable but remains challenging to develop high‐performance anode materials. Herein, a facile simultaneous polymerization of 2‐thiophenemethanol (ThM) and titanium ethoxide (TTEO) is proposed to incorporate ultrafine anatase TiO2 nanocrystals into the continuous S‐doped carbon framework by carbonizing the as‐produced TiO2/poly(2‐thiophenemethanol) composites. This in situ crafting process spatially suppresses the growth of TiO2 by the polymerization of ThM, thus producing size‐adjustable TiO2 nanocrystals (5–50 nm) by tailoring the ratio of TTEO to ThM. It is found that smaller TiO2 nanocrystals are generated using the lower TTEO‐to‐ThM ratio. When used as lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) anode, TiO2/S‐doped carbon (TSC) shows larger reversible capacity, superior rate capability, and better cycling stability compared to pure TiO2. A typical TSC with the smallest TiO2 nanocrystals (8 nm) shows the reversible capacity as high as 386 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1, and retains 55% of initial capacity at 500 mA g−1, and 96.8% capacity after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the shortened ion diffusion path of ultrafine TiO2 and the improved electronic conductivity, structural stability, and surface/interface nature by the S‐doped carbon matrix.
Novel recurrent PHF1‐TFE3 fusions in ossifying fibromyxoid tumors
Authors: Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Song Wangzhao , Sung Yun‐Shao , Zhang Lei , Swanson David , Fletcher Christopher D. M. , Dickson Brendan C. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: March 2019

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm of uncertain differentiation and intermediate malignant potential. Recurrent PHF1 gene rearrangements are detected in up to 80% of OFMTs. We describe the clinicopathologic features of five OFMTs harboring a novel PHF1‐TFE3 fusion. In two cases, RNA sequencing identified a fusion transcript composed of PHF1 exon 11 fused to TFE3 exon 3, whereas in a third case PHF1 exon 12 was fused to TFE3 exon 7. A FISH break‐apart assay revealed rearrangements in both PHF1 and TFE3 genes in all cases. The cohort included three males and two females with a median age of 64 years. One OFMT originated in the scapula, while four occurred in the deep soft tissues. Two OFMTs had typical features, whereas three were classified as malignant. Despite uniform cytologic features and fibromyxoid stroma compatible with an OFMT diagnosis, none showed a peripheral shell of lamellar bone. S100 expression was focally present in only one case, while desmin was positive in three cases. All tumors showed strong nuclear immunopositivity for TFE3. All three malignant OFMTs developed metastases, either regionally or to the lung. One patient died of disease 1 year after diagnosis, while the remaining two are alive with disease. In summary, we report novel recurrent PHF1‐TFE3 fusions in a subset of OFMTs with aggressive clinical behavior. The PHF1‐TFE3 fusions resulted in consistent protein TFE3 overexpression which can be used as a reliable screening tool, adding OFMT as another tumor driven by TFE3 oncogenic activation pathway.
Neural mechanisms of vibrotactile categorization
Authors: Malone Patrick S. , Eberhardt Silvio P. , Wimmer Klaus , Sprouse Courtney , Klein Richard , Glomb Katharina , Scholl Clara A. , Bokeria Levan , Cho Philip , Deco Gustavo , Jiang Xiong , Bernstein Lynne E. , Riesenhuber Maximilian
Published: March 2019

The grouping of sensory stimuli into categories is fundamental to cognition. Previous research in the visual and auditory systems supports a two‐stage processing hierarchy that underlies perceptual categorization: (a) a “bottom‐up” perceptual stage in sensory cortices where neurons show selectivity for stimulus features and (b) a “top‐down” second stage in higher level cortical areas that categorizes the stimulus‐selective input from the first stage. In order to test the hypothesis that the two‐stage model applies to the somatosensory system, 14 human participants were trained to categorize vibrotactile stimuli presented to their right forearm. Then, during an fMRI scan, participants actively categorized the stimuli. Representational similarity analysis revealed stimulus selectivity in areas including the left precentral and postcentral gyri, the supramarginal gyrus, and the posterior middle temporal gyrus. Crucially, we identified a single category‐selective region in the left ventral precentral gyrus. Furthermore, an estimation of directed functional connectivity delivered evidence for robust top‐down connectivity from the second to first stage. These results support the validity of the two‐stage model of perceptual categorization for the somatosensory system, suggesting common computational principles and a unified theory of perceptual categorization across the visual, auditory, and somatosensory systems.
Measuring the organizational impact of training: The need for greater methodological rigor
Authors: Garavan Thomas , McCarthy Alma , Sheehan Maura , Lai Yanqing , Saunders Mark N. K. , Clarke Nicholas , Carbery Ronan , Shanahan Valerie
Published: March 2019

We review the methodological rigor of empirical quantitative studies that have investigated the training and organizational performance relationship. Through a content analysis of 217 studies published in quality journals, we demonstrate significant validity threats (internal, external construct, and statistical conclusion validity) that raise questions about the methodological rigor of the field. Our findings suggest that the time is appropriate for a renewed methodological endeavor to understanding the relationship between training and organizational performance. We make specific recommendations to enhance methodological rigor and generate research findings that will enhance operationalization of theory, help researchers to make inferences about causality, and inform the decision‐making of Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners.
Education and gastric cancer risk—An individual participant data meta‐analysis in the StoP project consortium
Authors: Rota Matteo , Alicandro Gianfranco , Pelucchi Claudio , Bonzi Rossella , Bertuccio Paola , Hu Jinfu , Zhang Zuo‐Feng , Johnson Kenneth C. , Palli Domenico , Ferraroni Monica , Yu Guo‐Pei , Galeone Carlotta , López‐Carrillo Lizbeth , Muscat Joshua , Lunet Nuno , Ferro Ana , Ye Weimin , Plymoth Amelie , Malekzadeh Reza , Zaridze David , Maximovitch Dmitry , Kogevinas Manolis , Fernández de Larrea Nerea , Vioque Jesus , Navarrete‐Muñoz Eva M. , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hamada Gerson S. , Hidaka Akihisa , Pakseresht Mohammadreza , Wolk Alicja , Håkansson Niclas , Hernández‐Ramírez Raúl Ulises , López‐Cervantes Malaquias , Ward Mary , Pourfarzi Farhad , Mu Lina , Kurtz Robert C. , Lagiou Areti , Lagiou Pagona , Boffetta Paolo , Boccia Stefania , Negri Eva , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: March 2019

Low socioeconomic position (SEP) is a strong risk factor for incidence and premature mortality from several cancers. Our study aimed at quantifying the association between SEP and gastric cancer (GC) risk through an individual participant data meta‐analysis within the “Stomach cancer Pooling (StoP) Project”. Educational level and household income were used as proxies for the SEP. We estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) across levels of education and household income by pooling study‐specific ORs through random‐effects meta‐analytic models. The relative index of inequality (RII) was also computed. A total of 9,773 GC cases and 24,373 controls from 25 studies from Europe, Asia and America were included. The pooled OR for the highest compared to the lowest level of education was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.44–0.84), while the pooled RII was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.29–0.69). A strong inverse association was observed both for noncardia (OR 0.39, 95% CI, 0.22–0.70) and cardia GC (OR 0.47, 95% CI, 0.22–0.99). The relation was stronger among H. pylori negative subjects (RII 0.14, 95% CI, 0.04–0.48) as compared to H. pylori positive ones (RII 0.29, 95% CI, 0.10–0.84), in the absence of a significant interaction (p = 0.28). The highest household income category showed a pooled OR of 0.65 (95% CI, 0.48–0.89), while the corresponding RII was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.22–0.72). Our collaborative pooled‐analysis showed a strong inverse relationship between SEP indicators and GC risk. Our data call for public health interventions to reduce GC risk among the more vulnerable groups of the population.
Survival among solid organ transplant recipients diagnosed with cancer compared to nontransplanted cancer patients—A nationwide study
Authors: Benoni Henrik , Eloranta Sandra , Ekbom Anders , Wilczek Henryk , Smedby Karin E.
Published: March 2019

Solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have an increased cancer risk but their survival once diagnosed with cancer has seldom been assessed. We therefore investigated cancer‐specific survival among OTRs with a wide range of cancer forms nationally in Sweden. The study included 2,143 OTRs with cancer, and 946,089 nontransplanted cancer patients diagnosed 1992–2013. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex and calendar year. Median follow‐up was 3.1 (range 0–22) years. Overall, OTRs diagnosed with any cancer had a 35% higher rate of cancer death compared to nontransplanted cancer patients (HR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.24–1.47). Specifically, higher rates of cancer‐specific death were observed among OTRs diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HR: 15.0, 95% CI: 5.56–40.6), high‐grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (HR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.90–3.77), malignant melanoma (HR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.74–4.52) and urothelial (HR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.65–3.97), breast (HR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.38–3.25), head/neck (HR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.02–2.36) and colorectal (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.07–1.88) cancer. The worse outcomes were not explained by differences in distribution of cancer stage or histologic subtypes. For other common cancer forms such as prostate, lung and kidney cancer, the prognosis was similar to that in nontransplanted cancer patients. In conclusion, several but not all types of posttransplantation cancer diagnoses are associated with worse outcomes than in the general population. Reasons for this should be further explored to optimize posttransplantation cancer management.
The Impact of Chemical Biology on Drug Discovery
Authors: Plettenburg Oliver
Published: March 2019

In early times, the drug discovery process was mainly based on profiling of new medications in in vivo systems. In the absence of knowledge on enzymatic structures, biochemical signaling or precise cellular processes, researchers were dependent on knowledgeable readout of phenotypic effects in living animals.
A Personal Reflection on the Chemistry‐Biology Interface
Authors: Tawfik Dan S.
Published: March 2019

Chemists, including the most prominent ones, have always had a profound interest in living systems and biomolecules. Here, I describe few historical endeavors at the interface of Chemistry and Biology that inspired me and shaped my research interests. These examples highlight the uniqueness of implementing a chemist's mindset to fundamental biological questions, by obtaining biological insight via structure‐function analyses and by implementing the fundamentals of physical chemistry. I therefore see Chemical Biology as the study of biological systems and molecules with the mindset of a chemist, and in my case, of a physical organic chemist. To me, addressing biological questions with the toolset and mindset of a chemist seems so obvious and natural that there may be no need to define a specialized sub‐discipline.
Computer aided automated detection and classification of brain tumors using CANFIS classification method
Authors: Johnpeter Jasmine Hephzipah , Ponnuchamy Thirumurugan
Published: March 2019

The development of abnormal cells in human brain leads to the formation of tumors. This article proposes an efficient approach for brain tumor detection and segmentation using image fusion and co‐active adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (CANFIS) classification method. The brain MRI images are fused and the dual tree complex wavelet transform is applied on the fused image. Then, the statistical features, local ternary pattern features and gray level co‐occurrence matrix features. These extracted features are classified using CANFIS classification approach for the classification of source brain MRI image into either normal or abnormal. Further, morphological operations are applied on the abnormal brain MRI image for segmenting the tumor regions. The proposed methodology is evaluated with respect to the performance metrics sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, tumor segmentation accuracy with detection rate. The proposed image fusion based brain tumor detection and classification methodology stated in this article achieves 96.5% of average sensitivity, 97.7% of average specificity, 87.6% of positive predictive value, 96.6% of negative predictive value, and 98.8% of average accuracy.
Centimeter‐scale growth of two‐dimensional layered high‐mobility bismuth films by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Yang Zhibin , Wu Zehan , Lyu Yongxin , Hao Jianhua
Published: March 2019

Ever since discovery of graphene, two‐dimensional (2D) materials become a new tool box for information technology. Among the 2D family, ultrathin bismuth (Bi) has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years due to its unique topological insulating properties and large magnetoresistance. However, the scalable synthesis of layered Bi ultrathin films is rarely been reported, which would greatly restrict further fundamental investigation and practical device development. Here, we demonstrate the direct growth of homogeneous and centimeter‐scale layered Bi films by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The as‐grown Bi film exhibits high‐purity phase and good crystallinity. In addition, both (111) and (110)‐oriented Bi films can be synthesized by precisely controlling the processing temperature. The characterization of optical properties shows a thickness dependent band gaps (0.075‐0.2 eV). Moreover, Bi thin‐film‐based field‐effect transistors have been demonstrated, exhibiting a large carrier mobility of 220 cm2 V−1 s−1. Our work suggests that the PLD‐grown Bi films would hold the potential to develop spintronic applications, electronic and optoelectronic devices used for information science and technology.
Fast and reliable determination of Escherichia coli susceptibility to antibiotics: Infrared microscopy in tandem with machine learning algorithms
Authors: Sharaha Uraib , Rodriguez‐Diaz Eladio , Sagi Orli , Riesenberg Klaris , Salman Ahmad , Bigio Irving J. , Huleihel Mahmoud
Published: March 2019

Antimicrobial drugs have an important role in controlling bacterial infectious diseases. However, the increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics has become a global health care problem. Rapid determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates is often crucial for the optimal antimicrobial therapy. The conventional methods used in medical centers for susceptibility testing are time‐consuming (>2 days). Two bacterial culture steps are needed, the first is used to grow the bacteria from urine on agar plates to determine the species of the bacteria (~24 hours). The second culture is used to determine the susceptibility by growing colonies from the first culture for another 24 hours. Here, the main goal is to examine the potential of infrared microscopy combined with multivariate analysis, to reduce the time it takes to identify Escherichia coli susceptibility to antibiotics and to determine the optimum choice of antibiotic to which the bacteria will respond. E coli colonies of the first culture from patients with urinary tract infections (UTI) were examined for the bacterial susceptibility using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR). Our results show that it is possible to determine the optimum choice of antibiotic with better than 89% sensitivity, in the time span of few minutes, following the first culture.
Sulfated hyaluronan‐containing artificial extracellular matrices promote proliferation of keratinocytes and melanotic phenotype of melanocytes from the outer root sheath of hair follicles
Authors: Schneider Marie , Rother Sandra , Möller Stephanie , Schnabelrauch Matthias , Scharnweber Dieter , Simon Jan‐Christoph , Hintze Vera , Savkovic Vuk
Published: March 2019

The aim of this work was to establish improved cultivation conditions for human keratinocytes (HUKORS) and melanocytes (HUMORS) from the outer root sheath (ORS) of human hair follicles for purposes of generating an epidermal graft. To this end, the cells were cultivated on artificial extracellular matrix coatings composed of collagen (COLL) and hyaluronan (HA) with varying sulfation degrees. HUKORS and HUMORS were characterized based on their morphology and proliferation, marker gene expression, protein expression and melanin content in melanocytes. Depending on the sulfation degree, the matrices provided a favorable proliferation environment for HUKORS and improved the balance between proliferation and the exertion of melanotic phenotype (gene expression and melanin content) in HUMORS. Based on the increased gene expression of microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor, as well as the downstream‐affected melanotic genes premelanosome protein and tyrosinase in HUMORS cultivated on collagen matrices with high‐sulfated HA, we assume that sulfated HA enhanced melanotic phenotype either by directly binding the CD44 receptor or by concentrating signaling mediators on site. Being a promising cultivation environment for both HUKORS and HUMORS, collagen matrices with sulfated HA have a potential of significantly improving the development of ORS‐based epidermal grafts. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1640–1653, 2019.
Carboxymethyl kappa carrageenan‐modified decellularized small‐diameter vascular grafts improving thromboresistance properties
Authors: Ilanlou Shervin , Khakbiz Mehrdad , Amoabediny Ghasem , Mohammadi Javad , Rabbani Hodjattallah
Published: March 2019

The development of decellularized small‐diameter vascular grafts is a potential solution for patients requiring vascular reconstructive procedures. However, there is a limitation for acellular scaffolds due to incomplete recellularization and exposure of extracellular matrix components to whole blood resulting in platelet adhesion. To address this issue, a perfusion decellularization method was developed using a custom‐designed set up which completely removed cell nuclei and preserved three‐dimensional structure and mechanical properties of native tissue (sheep carotid arteries). Afterwards, carboxymethyl kappa carrageenan (CKC) was introduced as a novel anticoagulant in vascular tissue engineering which can inhibit thrombosis formation. The method enabled uniform immobilization of CKC on decellularized arteries as a result of interaction between amine functional groups of decellularized arteries and carboxyl groups of CKC. The CKC modified graft significantly reduced platelet adhesion from 44.53 ± 2.05% (control) to 19.57 ± 1.37% (modified) and supported endothelial cells viability, proliferation, and nitric oxide production. Overall, the novel CKC modified scaffold provides a promising solution for thrombosis formation of small‐diameter vessels and could be a potent graft for future in vivo applications in vascular bypass procedures. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1690–1701, 2019.
Expression of γ‐H2AX and patient prognosis in breast cancer cohort
Authors: Wang Beili , Zhang Zheng , Xia Shi’an , Jiang Mawei , Wang Yajie
Published: March 2019

H2AX phosphorylation is a novel marker of DNA double‐stranded breaks. In the present study, we assessed the γ‐H2AX expression, its association with other clinicopathologic characteristics, and the prognosis in a cohort of 97 patients with breast cancer. Ninety‐seven specimens of tumor tissue and 77 adjacent normal tissues from patients with breast cancer were examined. All patients underwent modified radical mastectomy or local tumor resection without lymph node dissection. γ‐H2AX expression was assessed by standard immunohistochemistry. Patients were followed after surgery for a mean duration of 70.1 ± 18.7 months (range, 6‐93 months). The γ‐H2AX staining was positive in 27 (27.8%) patients. The positive rates of H2AX were 26.0% and 2.6% in tumor tissue and adjacent normal tissues, respectively. γ‐H2AX positive status was negatively associated with TNM staging, with 24 positive cases (32.4%) in TNM staging I‐II, while no positive cases in TNM staging III‐IV (P = 0.026). Sixteen patients (16.5%) died during the follow‐up. No significant association between γ‐H2AX expression and patient survival was detected. The unadjusted HR (hazard ratio) for γ‐H2AX positive was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.27, 2.60). In TNM staging subgroup analysis, death only occurred in γ‐H2AX negative patients. Our study is the first study to demonstrate that expression of γ‐H2AX is associated with TNM staging. Due to the small sample and limited follow‐up time, we did not observe a significant association between γ‐H2AX and patient survival. γ‐H2AX expression could be a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prediction, and further studies are in need.
Alteration of circular RNA expression in rat dental follicle cells during osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Du Yu , Li Jing , Hou Yuluan , Chen Chanchan , Long Weilin , Jiang Hongwei
Published: March 2019

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are novel noncoding RNAs and play crucial roles in various biological processes. However, little is known about the functions of circRNAs in osteogenic differentiation. The current study aimed to investigate the differential expression of circRNAs in rat dental follicle cells (rDFCs) during osteogenic differentiation, identified by RNA high‐throughput sequencing and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to further explore the biofunctions of circRNA biofunctions. Two hundred sixty‐six differentially‐expressed circRNAs that are involved in several important signaling pathways, including mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling pathways were revealed. Among these, circFgfr2 and its predicted downstream targets, miR‐133 and BMP6 (bone morphogenetic protein‐6), were identified both in vivo and in vitro. For further validation, circFgfr2 was overexpressed in rDFCs, the results showed that the expression of miR‐133 was downregulated and the expression of BMP6 was upregulated. Taken together, the results revealed the circRNA expression profiles and indicated the importance of circRNAs of rDFCs. In addition, circFgfr2 might promote osteogenesis by controlling miR‐133/BMP6, which is a potential new target for the manipulation of tooth regeneration and bone formation.
The treatment effects and the underlying mechanism of B cell translocation gene 1 on the oncogenesis of brain glioma
Authors: Qian Yu , Lu Xinyu , Li Qiaoyu , Zhao Su , Fang Dazhao
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Glioma is characterized by cell over‐proliferation, aggressive phenotype, and angiogenesis. B cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) works as a tumor suppressor in various cancer types. We aimed to study the functions of BTG1 in glioma development.

Methods

We tested the BTG1 expressions in various glioma cell lines. T98G and U87 cells were transfected with siBTG1 and BTG1 expression vector, respectively, then assessing cell viability, cell migration, and invasion abilities. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. The status of angiogenesis was assessed by In vitro angiogenesis assay. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used for expression analyses. The inhibitor FH535 (20 μM) and agonist LiCl (20 mM) of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway were introduced to treat transfected cells.

Results

BTG1 was low‐expressed in glioma cell lines. In T98G cell transfected with siBTG1, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis abilities were notably increased, BTG1 silencing promoted the cell survival and cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to the S phase. In BTG overexpressed U87 cell, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis abilities were significantly inhibited. In addition, cell apoptosis significantly increased and the number of G0/G1 phase cells was also significantly increased. We also found that the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin was significantly inhibited in BTG1 group. LiCl and FH535 treatments could partially reverse the effects of BTG1 on glioma cell viabilities.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that BTG1 functions as a tumor suppressor in glioma, and the anticancer ability of BTG1 involves the repression of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
An immunophenotyping of renal clear cell carcinoma with characteristics and a potential therapeutic target for patients insensitive to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Zhao Weiwei , Zhao Falin , Yang Kai , Lu Yaxin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Wenjie , Xie Hongyu , Deng Kui , Yang Chunyan , Rong Zhiwei , Hou Yan , Li Kang
Published: March 2019

Renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC) patients who do not achieve optimal control of progression with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) should be further studied. Unsupervised consensus clustering was used to group 525 RCC patients based on two typical ICB pathways, CTLA‐4 and pogrammed death 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), as well as two new discovered regulators, CMTM6 and CMTM4. Three immune molecular subtypes (IMMSs) with different clinical and immunological characteristics were identified (type I, II, and III), among which there were more stage I and low‐grade tumors in type I RCC than in type II and III. The proportion of males was highest in type II RCC. Overall survival of type II and III was similar (5.2 and 6 years) and statistically shorter than that of type I (7.6 years) before and after adjusting for age and gender. When conducting stratified analysis, our IMMSs were able to identify high‐risk patients among middle‐aged patients, males, and stage IV patients. Among the differentially expressed genes, approximately 84% were highly expressed in type II and III RCC. Genes related to ICB (CTLA‐4, CD274, and PDCD1LG2) and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CD8A, GZMA, and PRF1) were all highly expressed in type II and III RCC. These results documented that patients with type II and III cancer may be more sensitive to anti‐CTLA‐4 therapy, anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 therapy, and a combination of immunotherapies. High expression of CMTM4 in type I RCC (69%) and a statistically significant interaction of CD274 and CMTM6 indicated that CMTM4/6 might be new therapy targets for type I, who are resistant to ICB.
Modulatory effects of silibinin in cell behavior during osteogenic phenotype
Authors: Fernandes Célio Jr. da Costa , Veiga Mariana R. , Peracoli Maria Terezinha Serrão , Zambuzzi Willian F.
Published: March 2019

Natural molecules, such as flavonoid, are very welcome strategies to modulate bone turnover. This prompted us to comprehend better the effect of silibinin on osteoblast metabolism, mainly considering intracellular pathways able to drive cell adhesion to differentiation. By exploring in vitro approaches, our data show a modulatory effect of the silibinin (200 μg/mL) on the osteoblast intracellular signaling, contributing with decisive pathways governing cell adhesion, differentiation, and further mineralization, recapitulating important stages of osteogenesis. Within the first 24 hours of adhesion (acute stage), osteoblasts respond to silibinin by rearranging their cytoskeleton and start mechanisms responsible to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, which reach intense profile at 28 days of treatment (chronic stage) by favoring matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs‐2, and ‐9) activities, concomitant to mineralizing phenotype. Importantly, silibinin seems to reprogram genes related to inflammatory landscape and significantly upmodulating osteoprotegerin (>25 fold‐changes), signaling molecule involved with osteoclastogenesis. Altogether, our results show for the first time that silibinin drives in vitro osteoblast differentiation by requiring specific intracellular signaling. In conjunction, this molecular landscape contributes to understand the effect of silibinin on osteoblasts performance and open novel therapeutic possibilities to silibinin in bone disorders, such as osteoporosis.
Resistance training restores metabolic alterations induced by monosodium glutamate in a sex‐dependent manner in male and female rats
Authors: Quines Caroline B. , Jardim Natália S. , Araujo Paulo Cesar O. , Cechella José Luiz , Prado Vinicius C. , Nogueira Cristina W.
Published: March 2019

Despite resistance exercises being associated with health outcomes, numerous issues are still unresolved and further research is required before the exercise can faithfully be prescribed as medicine. The goal of this study was to investigate whether there are sex differences in resistance training effects on metabolic alterations induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG), a model of obesity, in male and female rats. Male and female Wistar rats received MSG (4 g/kg body weight/day, s.c.) from postnatal day 1 to 10. After 10 days from MSG administration, the rats were separated into two groups: MSG‐sedentary and MSG‐exercised. At postnatal day 60, the animals started a resistance training protocol in an 80 degrees inclined vertical ladder apparatus and performed it for 7 weeks. Control rats received saline solution and were divided in saline‐sedentary and saline‐exercised. Resistance training restored all plasma biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) increased in male and female rats treated with MSG. The MSG administration induced hyperglycemia associated with a decrease in the skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) levels and accompanied by deregulation in proteins, G‐6Pase, and tyrosine aminotransferase, involved in hepatic glucose metabolism of male and female rats. MSG induced dyslipidemia and lipotoxicity in the liver and skeletal muscle of male rats. Regarding female rats, lipotoxicity was found only in the skeletal muscle. The resistance training had beneficial effects against metabolic alterations induced by MSG in male and female rats, through regulation of proteins (GLUT2, protein kinase B, and GLUT4) involved in glucose and lipid pathways in the liver and skeletal muscle.
Green synthesis of new thiouracilodepsipeptides in ionic liquid: One‐pot four‐component reaction of isocyanides
Authors: Shahvelayati Ashraf S.
Published: March 2019

Thiouracil‐containing depsipeptides were produced via one‐pot four‐component condensation/Passerini tandem reaction of thiouracil, 2‐chloroacetic acid derivatives, ketones, and isocyanides in ionic liquid as green reaction media in high yields.
Targeting siRNA in colorectal cancer therapy: Nanotechnology comes into view
Authors: Aghamiri Shahin , Jafarpour Ali , Malekshahi Ziba Veisi , Mahmoudi Gomari Mohammad , Negahdari Babak
Published: March 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known as one of the most important causes of death and mortality worldwide. Although several efforts have been made for finding new therapies, no achievements have been made in this area. Multidrug resistance (MDR) mechanisms are one of the key factors that could lead to the failure of chemotherapy. Moreover, it has been shown that various chemotherapy drugs are associated with several side effects. Hence, it seems that finding new drugs or new therapeutic platforms is required. Among different therapeutic approaches, utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) for targeting a variety of molecules such as siRNAs are associated with good results for the treatment of CRC. Targeting siRNA‐mediated NPs could turn off the effects of oncogenes and MDR‐related genes. In the current study, we summarized various siRNAs targeted by NPs which could be used for the treatment of CRC. Moreover, we highlighted other routes such as liposome for targeting siRNAs in CRC therapy.
Dexmedetomidine ameliorates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute kidney injury in rats by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress via the GSK‐3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Feng Xiujing , Guan Wei , Zhao Yuan , Wang Chaoran , Song Manyu , Yao Yujie , Yang Tianyuan , Fan Honggang
Published: March 2019

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent and serious complication of sepsis; however, there are currently no effective therapies. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the major mechanisms implicated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced AKI. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been reported to have remarkable anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Here, we examined the renoprotective effects of DEX and potential underlying mechanisms in rats with LPS‐induced AKI. We analyzed renal function and structure; serum inflammatory cytokine; renal oxidant and antioxidant levels; and renal expression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β)/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway‐related proteins in rats 4 hr after administration of LPS. Pretreatment with DEX improved renal function and significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Treatment with DEX and the GSK‐3β inhibitor SB216367 promoted phosphorylation of GSK‐3β, induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and increased transcription of the Nrf2 target genes heme oxygenase‐1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase‐1, primarily in renal tubules. Alpha‐2‐adrenergic receptor (α2‐AR) antagonist atipamezole and imidazoline I
2 receptor (I
2R) antagonist idazoxan reversed the effects of DEX. These results suggest that the renoprotective effects of DEX are mediated via α2‐AR and I
2R‐dependent pathways that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress through GSK‐3β/Nrf2 signaling.
Recent developments in the field of cachexia, sarcopenia, and muscle wasting: highlights from the 11th Cachexia Conference
Authors: Ebner Nicole , Anker Stefan D. , von Haehling Stephan
Published: March 2019

This article highlights the updates from preclinical and clinical studies into the field of wasting disorders that were presented at the 11th Cachexia Conference held in Maastricht, the Netherlands, in December 2018. Herein, we summarize the biological and clinical significance of different markers and new diagnostic tools and cut‐offs for the detection of skeletal muscle wasting, including micro‐RNAs, siRNAs, epigenetic targets, the ubiquitin–proteasome system, mammalian target of rapamycin signalling, news in body composition analysis including the D3‐creatine dilution method, and electrocardiography that was modified to enable segmental impedance spectroscopy. Of particular interest were the beneficial effects of BIO101 on muscle cell differentiation, hypertrophy of myofibers associated with mammalian target of rapamycin pathways activation, and the effect of metal ion transporter ZIP14 loss that reduces cancer‐induced cachexia. The potential of anti‐ZIP14 antibodies and zinc chelation as anti‐cachexia therapy should be tested in patients with cancer cachexia. Big randomized studies were presented such as RePOWER (observational study of patients with primary mitochondrial myopathy), STRAMBO (influence of physical performance assessed as score and clinical testing), MMPOWER (treatment of elamipretide in subjects with primary mitochondrial myopathy), FORCE (examined differences in relative dose intensity and moderate and severe chemotherapy‐associated toxicities between a strength training intervention and a control group), and SPRINTT (effectiveness of exercise training in healthy aging). Effective treatments were urothelin A, rapamycin analogue treatment, epigenetic factor BRD 4 and epigenetic protein BET, and the gut pathobiont Klebsiella oxytoca. Clinical studies that investigated novel approaches, including urolithin A, the role of gut microbiota, metal ion transporter ZIP14, lysophosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and BIO101, were described. It remains a fact, however, that effective treatments of cachexia and wasting disorders are urgently needed in order to improve patients' quality of life and their survival.