bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stepwise Solar Methane Reforming and Water‐Splitting via Lattice Oxygen Transfer in Iron and Cerium Oxides
Authors: Chuayboon Srirat , Abanades Stéphane , Rodat Sylvain
Published: July 2019

Chemical‐looping reforming of methane (CLRM) involves lattice oxygen transfer in metal oxides. This study aims to compare iron (Fe2O3) and cerium (CeO2) oxides as oxygen carrier materials for isothermal solar‐driven stepwise CH4 reforming and H2O splitting. Experiments are conducted in a directly irradiated lab‐scale solar reactor heated by concentrated sunlight at 950–1150 °C. Using solar energy for process heat reduces the dependence on fossil energy resources and avoids CO2 emissions, while converting solar energy into chemical fuels. The performance of the oxygen carrier materials is compared and evaluated by determining the amount of oxygen transferred, methane conversion, syngas yield, and thermochemical cycling stability. As a result, iron oxide reduction with methane strongly depends on temperature and displays relatively lower reaction rate than CeO2. The reduced iron is not completely reoxidized to Fe3O4 after water‐splitting because of low thermal stability resulting in strong sintering and agglomeration, thereby decreasing syngas yield and leading to material deactivation. In contrast, ceria exhibits faster reaction rate and stable syngas yield with H2/CO molar ratios approaching two over repeated cycles. Stable patterns in the averaged oxygen nonstoichiometry (δ = 0.35–0.38) demonstrate excellent thermal cycling stability. Thus, using Fe2O3 oxygen carrier is not suitable for solar CLRM, but iron oxide reduction with methane can be promising for solar metallurgy aiming at producing both metallic iron and syngas.
The outsized trophic footprint of marine urbanization
Authors: Malerba Martino E , White Craig R , Marshall Dustin J
Published: July 2019

Artificial structures are proliferating along coastlines worldwide, creating new habitat for heterotrophic filter feeders. The energy demand of this heterotrophic biomass is likely to be substantial, but is largely unquantified. Combining in situ surveys, laboratory assays, and information obtained from geographic information systems, we estimated the energy demands of sessile invertebrates found on marine artificial structures worldwide. At least 950,000 metric tons of heterotrophic biomass are associated with commercial ports around the world, emitting over 600 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and consuming 5 million megajoules of energy per day. We propose the concept of a trophic “footprint” of marine urbanization, in which every square meter of artificial structure can negate the primary production of up to 130 square meters of surrounding coastal waters; collectively, these structures not only act as energy sinks and carbon sources, but also potentially reduce the productivity of coastal food webs.
Uptake and Retention of Nanoplastics in Quagga Mussels
Authors: Merzel Rachel L. , Purser Lauren , Soucy Taylor L. , Olszewski Monica , Colón‐Bernal Isabel , Duhaime Melissa , Elgin Ashley K. , Banaszak Holl Mark M.
Published: July 2019

Here, a set of experiments to assess the feasibility of using an invasive and widespread freshwater mussel (Dreissena rostrformis bugensis) as a sentinel species for nanoplastic detection is reported. Under laboratory experimental conditions, mussels ingest and retain fluorescent polystyrene (PS) beads with carboxylic acid (COOH) termination over a size range of 200–2000 nm. The number of beads the mussels ingested is quantified using fluorescence spectroscopy and the location of the beads in the mussels is imaged using fluorescence microscopy. PS beads of similar size (1000–2000 nm) to mussels' preferred food are trafficked in the ciliated food grooves of the gills. Beads of all sizes are observed in the mussels' digestive tracts, indicating that the mussels do not efficiently reject the beads as unwanted foreign material, regardless of size. Fluorescence microscopy shows all sizes of beads are concentrated in the siphons and are retained there for longer than one month postexposure. Combined atomic force microscopy–infrared spectroscopy and photothermal infrared spectroscopy are used to locate, image, and chemically identify the beads in the mussel siphons. In sum, these experiments demonstrate the potential for using mussels, specifically their siphons, to monitor environmental accumulation of aquatic nanoplastics.
Geochronology and geochemistry of the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks in Aksu River area, western end of the East Kunlun Orogen
Authors: Xu Xin , Liu Changfeng , Liu Wencan , Ye Baoying , Zhao Zixian , Ma Bin
Published: July 2019

We present LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating, geochemical data for the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks in the Aksu River area, western end of the East Kunlun Orogen, with an aim to constrain the ages, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of volcanic rocks and to comprehend the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous tectonic evolution of the north branch of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean. The Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks are mostly composed of andesite and rhyolite. The new U–Pb ages show that the volcanic rocks formed in the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous with ages of ca. 364–343 Ma. The volcanic rocks are classified as calc‐alkaline series. All of the volcanic rocks are characterized by enrichment in large‐ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, U, Sr, and K) and light rare earth elements and depletion in some high‐field‐strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, P, and Ti). The andesite samples have relatively high La/Nb (1.66–3.63) but low La/Ba (0.05–0.23) ratios, indicating the mantle source could be depleted mantle, and it had been metasomatized before partial melting. The rhyolite samples have low Nb/Ta and Zr/Hf ratios and Cr, Ni, and Co contents, which indicate that the material source was mainly crust derived and has experienced fractional crystallization process. Combined with our zircon U–Pb dating, geochemical data and geological field investigation, the tectonic setting of the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous volcanic rocks is possibly related to the subduction process. Furthermore, the Paleo‐Tethys oceanic crust between the Bayan Har and East Kunlun‐Qaidam terrane northward subducted beneath the East Kunlun‐Qaidam terrane in the Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous, and the north branch of the Paleo‐Tethys Ocean between the Bayan Har and East Kunlun‐Qaidam terrane opening event should be earlier than this time (~364 Ma).
Financial incentives and physician prescription behavior: Evidence from dispensing regulations
Authors: Burkhard Daniel , Schmid Christian P. R. , Wüthrich Kaspar
Published: July 2019

In many health care markets, physicians can respond to changes in reimbursement schemes by changing the volume (volume response) and the composition of services provided (substitution response). We examine the relative importance of these two behavioral responses in the context of physician drug dispensing in Switzerland. We find that dispensing increases drug costs by 52% for general practitioners and 56% for specialists. This increase is mainly due to a volume increase. The substitution response is negative on average, but not significantly different from zero for large parts of the distribution. In addition, our results reveal substantial effect heterogeneity.
A ladybug bear can fly and climb trees: Children prefer conjunctions of labels and properties for cross‐classifiable toys
Authors: Nguyen Simone P. , Girgis Helana , Knopp Jamie
Published: July 2019

The present studies (N = 159) investigated children's and adults' preferences for label and property conjunctions for cross‐classifiable toys. In Study 1, 4‐year‐olds, 5‐year‐olds, and adults participated in a labelling and property attribution task involving experimental toys that belong to two categories and control toys that belong to only one category. In Study 2, the same age groups were tested on a version of the task focusing on the control toys. In Study 3, 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds were tested on a modified version of the labelling and property attribution task involving the experimental and control toys. Finally, Study 4 tested a younger age group, 3‐year‐olds. Overall, the results indicated that by age 3 years, individuals prefer assigning experimental toys (but not controls) with joint labels that are a conjunction of two single category labels. By age 4 years, individuals prefer assigning experimental toys (but not controls) with dual properties that are a conjunction of two single properties. These results document the development of how different types of toys elicit preferences for conjunctions of labels that denote membership in two distinct categories and conjunctions of properties that combine features of these categories.

Highlights

This study examines children's preferences in labeling and attributing properties to cross-classifiable toys.

Children labeled and attributed properties to toys that belonged to two categories (experimental) and one category (control).

The results reveal that by 4 years, children prefer both label and property conjunctions for the experimental toys that can be cross‐classified into more than one category, but not for the control toys.
Development of a training program for the ultrasound screening of placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Dimitrova Ivelina , Jauniaux Eric , Zosmer Nurit , De Stefani Luciana Bocchi , Andrade Walkyria , Bourmpaki Elli , Bunce Catey , Nicholaides Kypros H.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a training program using a systematic protocol on ultrasound signs of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

Methods

Intra‐ and inter‐observer variability rates and sensitivity were tested, before and after additional training, by two research fellows with a prior basic training in obstetric ultrasound using digitally recorded second‐trimester ultrasound images from cases of anterior placenta previa with and without PAS.

Results

Fifty‐two cases of anterior placenta previa with PAS (n=26) and without PAS (n=26) were included in the study. The highest level of inter‐observer agreement for ultrasound signs was found for the absence of placental bulge and/or focal exophytic mass on gray‐scale imaging and the absence of subplacental hypervascularity, bridging vessels and lacunar feeder vessels on color Doppler imaging. The level of inter‐observer agreement increased from 39% before training to 40% after training; the numbers agreed as PAS by both trainees increased from four to 20. No cases were classified as inconclusive after training. There was a significant (P<0.001) change in sensitivity for both trainees after training.

Conclusion

Additional training in detecting the ultrasound signs associated with PAS using a standardized protocol improves the diagnostic accuracy of operators with only a basic obstetric ultrasound training.
Overexpression of heme oxygenase‐1 in microenvironment mediates vincristine resistance of B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by promoting vascular endothelial growth factor secretion
Authors: Yu Kunlin , Wang Jishi , Lu Tingting , Ma Dan , Wei Danna , Guo Yongling , Cheng Bingqin , Wang Weili , Fang Qin
Published: July 2019

Chemoresistance often causes treatment failure of B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL). However, the mechanism remains unclear at present. Herein, overexpression of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) was found in the bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) from B‐ALL patients developing resistance to vincristine (VCR), a chemotherapeutic agent. Two B‐ALL cell lines Super B15 and CCRF‐SB were cocultured with BMSCs transfected with lentivirus to regulate the expression of HO‐1. Silencing HO‐1 expression in BMSCs increased the apoptotic rates of B‐ALL cell lines induced by VCR, whereas upregulating HO‐1 expression reduced the rate. Cell cycle can be arrested in the G2/M phase by VCR. In contrast, B‐ALL cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase due to HO‐1 overexpression in BMSCs, which avoided damage from the G2/M phase. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in BMSCs, as a key factor in the microenvironment‐associated chemoresistance, was also positively coexpressed with HO‐1. VEGF secretion was markedly increased in BMSCs with HO‐1 upregulation but decreased in BMSCs with HO‐1 silencing. B‐ALL cell lines became resistant to VCR when cultured with VEGF recombinant protein, so VEGF secretion induced by HO‐1 expression may promote the VCR resistance of B‐ALL cells. As to the molecular mechanism, the PI3K/AKT pathway mediated regulation of VEGF by HO‐1. In conclusion, this study clarifies a mechanism by which B‐ALL is induced to resist VCR through HO‐1 overexpression in BMSCs, and provides a novel strategy for overcoming VCR resistance in clinical practice.
Neuroprotective effect of ginkgetin in experimental cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via apoptosis inhibition and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway activation
Authors: Tian Zhaohua , Tang Congyao , Wang Zhigang
Published: July 2019

Background

Ginkgetin, extracted from Ginkgo biloba L leaves, has been demonstrated to have potential anti‐inflammatory and immune‐suppressive properties. But the neuroprotective effect and potential mechanisms of ginkgetin on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury remain unclear.

Methods

In this research, we studied the neuroprotective effect of ginkgetin in the middle part of the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion rat model, by analyzing the apoptosis of brain tissues harvested from treatment groups and control groups using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling and apoptosis assays. In addition, we detected the association of the neuroprotective effect of ginkgetin with apoptosis inhibition via the activation of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway using Western blot analysis.

Results

Our results showed that administration of ginkgetin remarkably reduced brain infarction volumes and neurologic deficits; in addition, reducing apoptotic cell numbers, downregulating the levels of cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax, and upregulating the level of Bcl‐2 in rats subjected to IR injury in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, high‐dose ginkgetin treatment (100 mg/kg) significantly increased the phosphorylations of Akt and mTOR. Blocking of PI3K by LY294002 clearly decreased its antiapoptotic effect and reduced both Akt and mTOR phosphorylation levels.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results for the first time suggest that ginkgetin antagonizes cerebral IR‐induced injury by inhibiting apoptosis in rats, and this effect was attenuated by the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
Overexpression of human MX2 gene suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via ERK/P38/NF‐κB pathway in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Wang Huanyu , Guan Qiang , Nan Yang , Ma Quanfeng , Zhong Yue
Published: July 2019

In human, there are two myxovirus resistance genes—MX1 and MX2, which respectively encode MXA and MXB protein. For MXB, it was traditionally deemed to work in the progression of cell cycle and adjustment of nuclear import. Thus, we speculated that it might play important roles in tumor progression. The purpose of this study was to preliminarily explore the underlying functions and mechanism of the MX2 gene on glioblastoma multiforme. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT), and transwell experiments were to detect the relative MX2 mRNA level and its biological functions on glioma cells, respectively. The data displayed that MX2 was obviously downregulated both in glioblastoma (GBM) and GBM cell lines, meanwhile, its overexpression could markedly reduce cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells, implying that it was related with glioblastoma progression. In addition, the overall survival of patient with glioblastoma had a negative correlation with the MX2 expression. Then, Western blot indicated the potential mechanism of MX2 in glioblastoma. We found that MX2 overexpression could decrease the relative levels of phosphorylated‐ERK1/2 (p‐ERK1/2), p‐p38, and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), while have no effects on extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and lamin B1. Moreover, the influences of MX2 overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion could be weakened by the three inhibitors (PD98059, SB203580, and (pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl) dithiocarbamate [PDTC]). These results implied that MX2 might suppress the proliferation and metastasis of glioma cells by manipulating the ERK/P38/NF‐κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, MX2 is potential to be a new marker used for glioblastoma prognosis or a new target for glioblastoma treatments.
Inhibition of miR‐337‐3p involved in the protection of CoCl2‐induced injury in PC12 cells via activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Juan , Wang Ting , Jiang Xiu‐Fang
Published: July 2019

Objective

To investigate the possibility of microRNA (miR)‐337‐3p in the protection of hypoxia‐induced injury in PC12 cells via modulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Methods

Dual‐luciferase reporter assay analyzed the relationship between the miR‐337‐3p and JAK2. PC12 cells were divided into normal, CoCl2, CoCl2 + NC, CoCl2 + inhibitors, CoCl2 + JAK2, and CoCl2 + mimics + JAK2 groups. Then, PC12 cell viability and apoptosis were measured by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Annexin‐V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide methods. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to determine expressions. Besides, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined by dichloro‐dihydro‐fluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) while the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by using JC‐1.

Results

The negative targeting relationship between miR‐337‐3p and JAK2 was confirmed. When compared with the normal group, miR‐337‐3p was increased while JAK2 and STAT3 were decreased in CoCl2‐induced PC12 cells, with decreased cell viability. Moreover, either miR‐337‐3p inhibitor or JAK2 overexpression could partially reverse CoCl2‐induced decrease in PC12 cell viability. Besides, CoCl2 could also trigger PC12 cell apoptosis by increasing cleaved caspase 3 and Bax but decreasing Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL, which, however, were abolished with the transfection of miR‐337‐3p inhibitors or lentivirus transfection to activate JAK2. Compared with the CoCl2 group, the average of fluorescent signals of ROS in the CoCl2 + inhibitors group and the CoCl2 + JAK2 group was lower, while the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total anti‐oxidative capacity were higher, together with an increase in MMP.

Conclusion

Inhibiting miR‐337‐3p could activate the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to suppress CoCl
2‐induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis and ameliorate oxidative stress and MMP in PC12 cells.
LncRNA TUG1 regulates FGF1 to enhance endothelial differentiation of adipose‐derived stem cells by sponging miR‐143
Authors: Xue Ya‐Nan , Yan Yu , Chen Zi‐Zi , Chen Jia , Tang Feng‐Jie , Xie Hui‐Qing , Tang Shi‐Jie , Cao Ke , Zhou Xiao , Wang Ai‐Jun , Zhou Jian‐Da
Published: July 2019

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) have emerged as a cell source for regeneration medicine. ADSCs possess the capacity to differentiate into endothelial cells and serve an essential role in vascular development and function. LncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) has recently been linked with angiogenesis in hepatoblastoma. However, the roles of TUG1 in endothelial differentiation of ADSCs remain unidentified. Human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) were obtained and characterized by flow cytometry, Oil red O and Alizarin Red staining. HADSCs were maintained in the endothelial differentiation medium and the expressions of TUG1, miR‐143, and FGF1 were examined by qRT‐PCR. To assess endothelial differentiation, the expressions of CD31, von Willebrand factor (vWF), VE‐cadherin were examined by Western blot analysis, qRT‐PCR, and immunofluorescence. Tube formation in Matrigel was examined. The interactions between TUG1 and miR‐143, miR‐143 and FGF1 were validated by luciferase assays. During the endothelial differentiation process, TUG1 and FGF1 were upregulated, whereas miR‐143 was downregulated. TUG1 overexpression downregulated miR‐143, upregulated FGF1, CD31, vWF, and VE‐cadherin, and enhanced capillary tube formation. Luciferase assays showed that TUG1 interacted with miR‐143, and FGF1 was a direct target of miR‐143. Furthermore, the enhancement of endothelial differentiation induced by TUG1 overexpression was abolished by miR‐143 overexpression. Our findings implicated that lncRNA TUG1 promoted endothelial differentiation of ADSCs by regulating the miR‐143/FGF1 axis.
miR‐200a mediates protection of thymosin β‐4 in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells as a novel mechanism under hypoxia‐reoxygenation injury
Authors: Li Yang , Zhu Xiaolong , Liu Xiping , Du Aolin , Yu Bo
Published: July 2019

Thymosin β‐4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous protein, which has been suggested to regulate multiple cell signal pathways and a variety of cellular functions. However, the role Tβ4 plays in the cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) under myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is currently unknown. Here we investigated the effects of Tβ4 on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) induced CMECs injury and its potential molecular mechanism. Cultured CMECs were positively identified by flow cytometry using antibody against CD31 and VWF/Factor VIII, which are constitutively expressed on the surface of CMECs. Then the reduced level of Tβ4 was detected in H/R‐CMECs by a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To determine the effects of Tβ4 on H/R‐CMECs, we transfected the overexpression or silence vector of Tβ4 into CMECs under H/R condition. Our results indicated that H/R treatment could reduce proliferation, increased apoptosis, adhesion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in CMECs, which were attenuated by Tβ4 overexpression or aggravated by Tβ4 silencing, implying Tβ4 is able to promote CMECs against H/R‐induced cell injury. Furthermore, the microRNA‐200a (miR‐200a) level was also increased by Tβ4 in H/R‐CMECs or reduced by Tβ4 small interfering RNA. To investigated the mechanism of protective effects of Tβ4 on CMECs injury, the miR‐200a inhibitor was transfected into H/R‐CMECs. The results indicated that inhibition of miR‐200a inversed the protection of Tβ4 on H/R‐CMECs, specifically including cell proliferation, cell adhesion, cell apoptosis, and ROS production, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation. In conclusion, our results determined that Tβ4 attenuated H/R‐induced CMECs injury by miR‐200a‐Nrf2 signaling.
Palbociclib, a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, restricts cell survival and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in Panc‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2 pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Rencuzogulları Ozge , Yerlikaya Pınar Obakan , Gürkan Ajda Çoker , Arısan Elif Damla , Telci Dilek
Published: July 2019

The mortality rate of pancreatic cancer has close parallels to its incidence rate because of limited therapeutics and lack of effective prognosis. Despite various novel chemotherapeutics combinations, the 5‐year survival rate is still under 5%. In the current study, we aimed to modulate the aberrantly activated PI3K/AKT pathway and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling with the treatment of CDK4/6 inhibitor PD‐0332991 (palbociclib) in Panc‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2 pancreatic cancer cells.

It was found that PD‐0332991 effectively reduced cell viability and proliferation dose‐dependently within 24 hours. In addition, PD‐0332991 induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase by downregulation of aberrant expression of CDK4/6 through the dephosphorylation of Rb in each cell lines. Although PD‐0332991 treatment increased epithelial markers and decreased mesenchymal markers, the nuclear translocation of β‐catenin was not prevented by PD‐0332991 treatment, especially in MiaPaCa‐2 cells. Effects of PD‐0332991 on the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling and its downstream targets such as GSK‐3 were cell type‐dependent. Although the activity of AKT was inhibited in both cell lines, the phosphorylation of GSK‐3β at Ser9 increased only in Panc‐1.

In conclusion, PD‐0332991 induced cell cycle arrest and reduced the cell viability of Panc‐1 and MiaPaCa‐2 cells. However, PD‐0332991 differentially affects the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and EMT process in cells due to its distinct influence on Rb and GSK‐3/β‐catenin signaling. Understanding the effect of PD‐0332991 on the aberrantly activated signaling axis may put forward a new therapeutic strategy to reduce the cell viability and metastatic process of pancreatic cancer.
ATP is stored in lysosomes of greater epithelial ridge supporting cells in newborn rat cochleae
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Hou Shule , Yang Jun
Published: July 2019

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which plays a crucial role in both developing and mature cochleae, is released from greater epithelial ridge (GER) supporting cells of the rat cochlea, but the organelles in which ATP is stored have not yet been identified. Thus, we studied the organelles involved in ATP storage and suggest that lysosomes provide this function. GER supporting cells of newborn rats were isolated, purified, and cultured, and labeled vesicles within the supporting cells were identified via confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ATP release from GER supporting cells after glycyl‐L‐phenylalanine‐β‐naphthylamide (GPN) treatment was measured. The specifically labeled organelles observed by confocal microscopy and TEM were lysosomes, and GPN treatment enhanced ATP luminescence in the extracellular fluid of the supporting cells. The release of ATP from supporting cells was affected by changes in intra‐ and extracellular Ca2+ concentrations. In addition, changes in the intracellular Ca2+ caused by inhibiting the phospholipase signaling pathway affected the release of ATP from supporting cells. We demonstrated that ATP is stored in the lysosomes of GER supporting cells within newborn rat cochleae and that ATP release from GER supporting cells may be Ca2+‐dependent.
Overexpression of lncRNA Gm15621 alleviates apoptosis and inflammation response resulting from sevoflurane treatment through inhibiting miR‐133a/Sox4
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Ai Yanqiu
Published: July 2019

Sevoflurane is the most widely used anesthetic administered by inhalation. Exposure to sevoflurane can elicit learning deficits and abnormal cognitive disorder. In this study, we investigated the function of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Gm15621. Primary hippocampal neuron cells were used to analyze the function of lncRNA Gm15621 in vitro. The tunel, inflammation markers, and cell survival rates were detected to evaluate the function of lncRNA Gm15621. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the interaction between microRNA 133a and Gm15621. We found that lncRNA Gm15621 located in the cytoplasm. The expression of lncRNA Gm15621 was decreased with the development of sevoflurane exposure. Overexpression of lncRNA Gm15621 significantly reduced the apoptosis and cell survival rates. The inflammation response was also attenuated in lncRNA Gm15621 overexpressed group. The dual‐luciferase assay revealed that miR‐133a was the direct target of lncRNA Gm15621. In addition, we also found that Sox4 was a downstream target of miR‐133a and lncRNA Gm15621 exerted its biological functions by regulating the expression of Sox4. In summary, our findings revealed that lncRNA Gm15621 ameliorated the sevoflurane‐induced neurotoxicity and the important role of Gm15621/miR‐133a/Sox4 axis in cognitive disorder.
Exploring the entrepreneurial ecosystem: Some local Canadian perspectives
Authors: Alam Jasmine , Ibn‐Boamah Mustapha , Johnson Kayla
Published: July 2019

Identifying each organization's connection and contribution to the entrepreneurial ecosystem helps to highlight the gaps and the support needed for a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. New Brunswick has much work ahead to host a large striving entrepreneurial ecosystem: a place for innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. The key players in the ecosystem could provide educational institutions with entrepreneurial support, such as resource opportunities that can support the growth of young entrepreneurs, generate networks, and ultimately provide mentorship opportunities. Sharing success stories of social enterprises with the community is important; social entrepreneurs hold the potential to solve complex social issues in the community and if they have the availability of a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem for support, the future for a stronger economy and society is distinctly possible.
Correlates of response and outcomes with talimogene laherperpvec
Authors: Zhou Alice Y. , Wang Daniel Y. , McKee Svetlana , Ye Fei , Wen Chun‐Che , Wallace Debbie E. , Ancell Kristin K. , Conry Robert M. , Johnson Douglas B.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Patients with in‐transit or limited cutaneous metastatic melanoma may benefit from intralesional injections with talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC), a modified oncolytic herpesvirus. However, its use in patients with adverse prognostic scores in a real‐life clinical setting has not been studied.

Methods

We performed a two‐center retrospective analysis of 40 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with TVEC from 2015–2017. Demographics, overall response, and survival after therapy were noted.

Results

Overall, there was a durable response rate of 40%; median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 10.5 months and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Bulky disease was associated with decreased OS (15.7 months vs not reached, P < .05) and mPFS (2.3 months vs not reached, P < .05), when compared with smaller tumors. Poor performance status (ECOG 2–3) was associated with worse OS (10.2 months vs not reached, P < .05) and PFS (2.1 months vs not reached, P < .05) compared to patients with ECOG 0–1. There was no difference in the outcomes with age greater than 75 or with prior therapies. Adverse events were relatively tolerable.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that TVEC is an effective and safe treatment for metastatic melanoma in a real‐life clinical setting, and suggest parameters to aid in appropriate therapy selection for optimal response.
Clinical Value of the Elastographic Q‐Analysis Score in Assisting Real‐Time Elastography‐Guided Prostate Biopsy: A Retrospective Study of 125 Patients
Authors: Ding Zhimin , Jiao Yang , Wu Huaiyu , Zhang Lei , Song Hong , Ni Zhipeng , Ye Xiuqin , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the elastographic Q‐analysis score (EQS) in assisting real‐time elastography‐ and transrectal US‐guided prostate biopsy.

Methods

A total of 125 patients with 301 lesions were enrolled in this study; all were confirmed by pathologic results. The patients underwent transrectal US and elastographic examinations before biopsy. Elastographic Q‐analysis score analysis software was used for measuring the mean EQS of the elastic images. First, the suspicious regions on elastography underwent biopsy. Then 12‐core systematic prostate biopsy was performed. An EQS curve was used to calculate the mean EQS, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to find the cutoff point for the EQS to predict prostate cancer.

Results

Of the 301 lesions in this study, 125 were malignant, and 176 were benign. The mean EQS values of benign and malignant lesions ± SD were 1.47 ± 0.75 and 2.98 ± 1.06, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.87. When the cutoff point was 1.95 for diagnosing malignant and benign lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio were 83.5%, 84.4%, 76.8%, 89.2%, 5.35, and 0.20.

Conclusions

The EQS could be used as a way to predict benign and malignant lesions and thus could serve as guidance for adding targeted biopsy.
GIS‐based susceptibility assessment of the occurrence of gully headcuts and pipe collapses in a semi‐arid environment: Golestan Province, NE Iran
Authors: Kariminejad Narges , Hosseinalizadeh Mohsen , Pourghasemi Hamid Reza , Bernatek‐Jakiel Anita , Alinejad Mohammad
Published: July 2019

When the effect of two soil erosion features, in this study, gully headcuts (GHs) and pipe collapses (PCs), is investigated jointly, a new comprehensive concept related to their controlling factors can be found. The objective of this paper to evaluate susceptibility to these two features in the hilly region of the Golestan Province (NE Iran), which may be helpful in land management and the sustainable development of the region. The maps of the controlling factors of GHs and PCs were constructed and the random forest algorithm was used to prioritize the factors controlling the occurrence of these two soil erosion features. The GHs and PCs susceptibility maps were prepared using the random forest model in the R software and validated applying the receiver operating characteristic curves, fourfold plot, and Cohen's kappa index, whereas the susceptibility map of the two soil erosion features was prepared by overlapping these maps. The results of factor importance analysis have indicated that land use, slope, and silt content are the most important factors in the occurrence of PCs, whereas slope gradient, silt content, and distance to streams are the most important in GHs occurrence. This means that steep and uncultivated slopes in the study area are most susceptible to GHs and PCs. The susceptibility models of GHs and PCs have excellent accuracy, that is, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of GHs and PCs models were 0.960 and 0.935, respectively. The susceptibility map of GHs and PCs analysed jointly has shown that 66% of the area is not susceptible to any of these soil erosion features, whereas 15% is susceptible to both of them. The places susceptible to the two types of soil erosion features (GHs and PCs) indicate the areas where there is a high probability of GHs retreat due to the PCs. This study has confirmed that it is feasible to forecast the spatial behaviour of GHs and PCs occurrence and development. This is particularly preferred when the developed methods are applied for the susceptibility evaluation under various mitigation scenarios.
Bragg Soliton Compression and Fission on CMOS‐Compatible Ultra‐Silicon‐Rich Nitride
Authors: Sahin Ezgi , Blanco‐Redondo Andrea , Xing Peng , Ng Doris K. T. , Png Ching E. , Tan Dawn T. H. , Eggleton Benjamin J.
Published: July 2019

Higher‐order soliton dynamics, specifically soliton compression and fission, underpin crucial applications in ultrafast optics, communications, and signal processing. Bragg solitons exploit the strong dispersive properties of periodic media near the photonic band edge. This enables soliton dynamics to occur in very short propagation distances, opening avenues to harness soliton compression and fission in integrated photonic platforms. However, implementation in complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible platforms has been hindered by the strong nonlinear loss that dominates the propagation in silicon and the low‐optical nonlinearity of traditional silicon nitride. Here, CMOS‐compatible, on‐chip Bragg solitons, are presented with a soliton‐effect pulse compression with a factor of × 5.7, along with time‐resolved measurements of soliton fission on a CMOS‐compatible photonic circuit platform. These observations are enabled by the combination of a unique cladding‐modulated Bragg grating design and the high nonlinearity and negligible nonlinear loss of compositionally engineered ultra‐silicon‐rich nitride (USRN: Si7N3).
Investigating the applicability of induced polarization method in ore modelling and drilling optimization: a case study from Abassabad, Iran
Authors: Mostafaei Kamran , Ramazi Hamidreza
Published: July 2019

The main issue in mineral exploration is to obtain as much information as possible in a time‐ and cost‐efficient manner. This may be achieved through a combination of geophysical methods including the induced polarization method. The induced polarization is the most applicable method in case of metal exploration through drilling. We argue that the relationship between induced polarization, electrical resistivity and ore grade data may be used in resource estimation. This argument is tested in the active copper mine of Madan Bozorg, Abassabad, which is located in the Miami‐Sabzevar mineralization belt in NW Iran. Within the borehole locations, geophysical profiles of induced polarization and electrical resistivity were designed and surveyed using combined resistivity sounding and profiling array. Two‐dimensional models of induced polarization and electrical resistivity were prepared through inversion of geophysical data, after the primary processing. The three‐dimensional block models of induced polarization and electrical resistivity were also compiled using geostatistical methods. Obtained two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional models of induced polarization and electrical resistivity were checked using exploratory boreholes to investigate the relationship among induced polarization, electrical resistivity and copper grade. The three‐dimensional block model of the copper ore was prepared using cokriging and artificial neural network, using a combination of induced polarization and drilling data. In the cases where borehole data were unavailable, the presence of copper ore was predicted by artificial neural network and cokriging methods, and the three‐dimensional models of ore body were constructed in all of the study area. Obtained models based on the predicted copper ore distribution were checked and compared with ore distribution model compiled using drilling data. The results indicate a good agreement between predicted and real results. This led to reduction of borehole number to about 45% and the optimization of boreholes locations. Finally, an optimized drilling plan has been prepared and presented for the Abassabad copper mine.
High‐Performance HMI Screens Benefit Water/Wastewater Operators
Authors: Duhaime Scott , Geiger Dave
Published: July 2019

You've been working with the same human–machine interface (HMI) screens for more than a decade. There's money in the budget this year, and now your integrator is updating the entire supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, including all the screens, based on ANSI/ISA‐101 and high‐performance HMI standards. Scared of change and being phased out? Relax because this change is all about making you a superhero in your organization—a high‐performance operator.
Risk‐reducing surgery in BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers: Are there factors associated with the choice?
Authors: Manoukian Siranoush , Alfieri Sara , Bianchi Elisabetta , Peissel Bernard , Azzollini Jacopo , Borreani Claudia
Published: July 2019

Objective

Female carriers of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations (BRCAm) are at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The main prevention options currently available consist in either clinical‐radiological surveillance or risk‐reducing surgery. This study investigated factors that might influence the choice of risk‐reducing mastectomy (RRM) and/or salpingo‐oophorectomy (RRSO) over surveillance in high‐risk women.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐eight BRCAm women, 75 (58.60%) cancer affected (C‐A) and 53 (41.40%) cancer‐unaffected (C‐UN), completed a baseline questionnaire concerning socio‐demographic factors, personal medical history, cancer family history, and psychological dimensions. Preferences about prevention strategies were evaluated after 15 months. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between these factors and the choice of RRSO or RRM in the whole cohort and the choice of surgery (RRM and/or RRSO) in C‐A and C‐UN women.

Results

The analyses on the whole cohort highlighted factors associated with the choice of both RRM and RRSO (“cancer concern,” “previous therapeutic mastectomy,” and “number of cancer‐affected family members”), but also a few specifically associated with either RRM (age) or RRSO (“health” and “energy” perception and “number of children”). Surgery was more likely to be chosen by C‐A (76%) than C‐UN women (34%). With the exception of “cancer concern,” factors associated with the choice of surgery were different between C‐A (“number of deaths for cancer in the family” and “feeling downhearted and blue”) and C‐UN (“number of children” and “health perception”) women.

Conclusion

This study highlights potential drivers underlying the choice of preventive surgery, which should be considered when supporting the decision‐making process in these women.
Combustion of Aluminum‐Metal Fluoride Reactive Composites in Different Environments
Authors: Valluri Siva Kumar , Schoenitz Mirko , Dreizin Edward L.
Published: July 2019

Combustion of two nanocomposite powders comprising equal mass fractions of aluminum and a metal fluoride, BiF3 or CoF2, is characterized experimentally. The powders were prepared by arrested reactive milling; earlier work showed that they are readily ignited upon heating and are insensitive to ignition by electrostatic discharge. Here, powder particles were ignited in air by passing through a focused CO2 laser beam. They were also ignited and burned in oxygen‐starved environments produced in the combustion products of an air‐acetylene and air‐hydrogen flames. Burn times and color temperatures of the particles were measured optically. Combustion products were collected and examined using electron microscopy. Correlations of burn times with particle sizes showed that the composites containing BiF3 burned faster than those containing CoF2. In air, the burn rates of both composite powders exceeded that of pure Al; in the oxygen‐starved environments the burn rates of the prepared composites were comparable to that of Al. The flame temperatures of the CoF2‐containing composite were limited by the Al boiling point while BiF3 containing composites burned at higher temperatures. Combustion mechanisms for the prepared materials are discussed qualitatively.
AurH1: a new heptapeptide derived from Aurein1.2 antimicrobial peptide with specific and exclusive fungicidal activity
Authors: Madanchi Hamid , Khalaj Vahid , Jang Soojin , Shabani Ali Akbar , Ebrahimi Kiasari Ramin , Seyed Mousavi Seyed Javad , Kazemi Sealani Shima , Sardari Soroush
Published: July 2019

Due to the increasing incidence of fungal opportunistic infections and emergence of antibiotic‐resistant fungal strains, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as ideal candidates for antifungal compounds. In silico methods can reduce the limitations of natural AMPs such as toxicity and instability and improve their antimicrobial properties and selectivity. In this study, we designed AurH1, a new truncated peptide, based on the six‐amino acid sequence of Aurein1.2. Further, the antimicrobial activities and toxicity effects of AurH1 on human skin fibroblast cells and red blood cells were investigated. Finally, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and flow cytometry were performed in order to study the mechanism of action of AurH1. The results indicated that AurH1 had only antifungal activity (at a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 7.3‐125 μg/mL) without any antibacterial effects on the selected bacteria, while Aurein1.2 had both antifungal and antibacterial activities as positive control. Furthermore, AurH1 did not show any toxicity on Hu02 cells and human red blood cells at its MIC range. In conclusion, it became clear that AurH1 is a selective peptide against fungi with no toxic effects on the selected bacteria and human cells.
Lifestyle migrants or “environmental refugees”?—Resisting urban risks
Authors: Persson Linda
Published: July 2019

A relatively large group of immigrants to rural parts of inner Scandinavia are of German and Dutch descent. Many are families with young children having moved to unpopular areas, characterised by declining populations and services. Seven households of Dutch and German descent were interviewed with a narrative approach to explore their decision to migrate. It is revealed that they do not fit the common explanations of lifestyle migration. A “tale” of escape emerges as they describe what they wanted to leave behind, primarily risks associated with a neoliberal urban environment such as stress, aggression, and competition. The rural is described as a restful and safe space, like Hobbiton, where urban environmental refugees can exhale and live life a bit more lugnt. Drawing on Focaults “care for the self,” their experiences of the negative effects, of the individualisation of risks, neoliberal competition, and an accelerating society render evasion to a new environment into a means of risk avoidance.
The Photo‐Elastic Constant of Silicon Reviewed in Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Herms Martin , Irmer Gert , Kupka Gregor , Wagner Matthias
Published: July 2019

Results of experiments on single‐crystalline silicon wafers that allow for the determination of the degree of photo‐elastic anisotropy Ape are presented. Ape is introduced as an absolute value of (π11 − π12 − π44)/(π11 − π12 + π44), where π11, π12, and π44 are the piezo‐optical coefficients. These experiments are performed using the measurement system scanning infrared depolarization (SIRD) imager equipped with a special calibration set‐up that produces a defined diametrical loading of the wafer. The generated depolarization maps are compared with simulation results based on a classic 2D stress model, taking the crystallographic anisotropy of silicon into account, by applying the full tensor calculus. The best‐matching material constants used for simulation are compared with data being available from external publications. Ape is determined to be 0.21 ± 0.01 at a wavelength λ = 1.3 μm. Conclusions in view of current studies on other semiconductor material systems are discussed.
Boron–Oxygen Complex Responsible for Light‐Induced Degradation in Silicon Photovoltaic Cells: A New Insight into the Problem
Authors: Markevich Vladimir P. , Vaqueiro-Contreras Michelle , De Guzman Joyce T. , Coutinho José , Santos Paulo , Crowe Iain F. , Halsall Matthew P. , Hawkins Ian , Lastovskii Stanislau B. , Murin Leonid I. , Peaker Anthony R.
Published: July 2019

Results available in the literature on minority carrier trapping and light‐induced degradation (LID) effects in silicon materials containing boron and oxygen atoms are briefly reviewed. Special attention is paid to the phenomena associated with “deep” electron traps (J. A. Hornbeck and J. R. Haynes, Phys. Rev. 1955, 97, 311) and the recently reported results that have linked LID with the transformation of a defect consisting of a substitutional boron atom and an oxygen dimer (BsO2) from a configuration with a deep donor state into a recombination active configuration associated with a shallow acceptor state (M. Vaqueiro‐Contreras et al., J. Appl. Phys. 2019, 125, 185704). It is shown that the BsO2 complex is a defect with negative‐U properties, and it is responsible for minority carrier trapping and persistent photoconductivity in nondegraded Si:B+O samples and solar cells. It is argued that the “deep” electron traps observed by Hornbeck and Haynes are the precursors of the “slow” forming shallow acceptor defects, which are responsible for the dominant LID in boron‐doped Czochralski silicon (Cz‐Si) crystals. Both the deep and shallow defects are BsO2 complexes, transformations between charge states and atomic configurations of which account for the observed electron trapping and LID phenomena.