bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A miniaturized circularly polarized coaxial fed superstrate slot antenna for L‐band application
Authors: Ali Tanweer , Saadh Mohammad A. W. , Pathan Sameena , Biradar Rajashekhar C.
Published: December 2017

A miniaturized circularly polarized superstrate antenna is presented in this letter. The antenna consists of a corner cut square radiating patch in which 4 arrow type slots are etched out, a superstrate placed exactly above the radiating patch and a coaxial feed. Circular polarization in the design is accomplished by the corner cuts in the radiating patch and placing the feed point below origin (0, 0, 0) along x‐axis. The slot miniaturization technique results in about 73.7% and 79.8% reduction in volume and active patch area of the designed antenna. The antenna has a compact dimension of about 0.11λ0 × 0.11λ0 × 0.02λ0 at a frequency of 1.21 GHz with S11 <  − 10 dB bandwidth of about 3.03% (1.30–1.34 GHz). Axial ratio < 3, good impedance matching, acceptable gain, radiation efficiency greater than 90%, and stable radiation characteristics are observed across the operational bandwidth of the designed antenna.
Reverse mapping method for complex polymer systems
Authors: Krajniak Jakub , Zhang Zidan , Pandiyan Sudharsan , Nies Eric , Samaey Giovanni
Published: December 2017

We present a comprehensive approach for reverse mapping of complex polymer systems in which the connectivity is created by the simulation of chemical reactions at the coarse‐grained scale. Within the work, we use a recently developed generic adaptive reverse mapping procedure that we adapt to handle the varying connectivity structure resulting from the chemical reactions. The method is independent of the coarse‐grained and fine‐grained force‐fields by design and relies only on a single control parameter. We employ the approach to reverse map four different systems: a three‐component epoxy network, a trimethylol melamine network, a hyperbranched polymer, and a polyethylene terephthalate. In the case of the epoxy network, we use two fine‐scale representations: fully atomistic and united‐atom. Whereas the trimethylol melamine network the hyperbranched polymer and the polyethylene terephthalate are reverse mapped to the fully atomistic description. After the reverse mapping, we examine the fine‐grained structure by comparing the radial distribution functions with respect to the control parameter. Moreover, in the case of the epoxy we perform tensile‐test experiments and examine the resulting Young's modulus. In all cases, we show how the properties of the reverse mapped systems depend on the control parameters. In general, we see that the results are relatively insensitive to the control parameter and the resulting atomistic systems are stable. Only for the trimethylol melamine network, we notice chemically incorrect conformations when the reverse mapping is performed too fast. We provide a remedy for this issue. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ovoids of generalized quadrangles of order and Delsarte cocliques in related strongly regular graphs
Authors: Adm Mohammad , Bergen Ryan , Ihringer Ferdinand , Jaques Sam , Meagher Karen , Purdy Alison , Yang Boting
Published: December 2017

We investigate strongly regular graphs for which Hoffman's ratio bound and Cvetcović's inertia bound are equal. This means that, wherevis the number of vertices,kis the regularity,is the smallest eigenvalue, andis the multiplicity of. We show that Delsarte cocliques do not exist for all Taylor's 2‐graphs and for point graphs of generalized quadrangles of orderfor infinitely manyq. For cases where equality may hold, we show that for nearly all parameter sets, there are at most two Delsarte cocliques.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of circulating microRNAs in coronary artery disease: A novel approach to disease diagnosis of stable CAD and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Parizadeh Seyed Mostafa , Ferns Gordon A. , Ghandehari Maryam , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Parizadeh Seyed Mohammad Reza , Avan Amir
Published: December 2017

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common manifestation of CVD and the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with a substantial morbidity and mortality in most populations globally. There are several biomarkers for diagnosis of MI. Troponin is routinely used as a biomarker in patients with chest pain, but it lacks sensitivity in the first hours of onset of symptoms, and so there is still a clinical need for new biomarkers for the diagnosis of CAD events. Recent studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation and their expression is altered during CAD events. Whilst studies have shown that several miRNAs are not superior to troponin in the diagnosis of a MI, they may be useful in the early diagnosis and prognosis of patients with CAD, however further studies are required. In this review we have summarized the recent studies investigating circulating miRNAs as novel biomarkers for the early detection of MI, CVD risk stratification and in the assessment of the prognosis of patients with ACS.
Novel smoothened antagonists as anti‐neoplastic agents for the treatment of osteosarcoma
Authors: Bernardini Giulia , Geminiani Michela , Gambassi Silvia , Orlandini Maurizio , Petricci Elena , Marzocchi Barbara , Laschi Marcella , Taddei Maurizio , Manetti Fabrizio , Santucci Annalisa
Published: December 2017

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an ultra‐rare highly malignant tumor of the skeletal system affecting mainly children and young adults and it is characterized by an extremely aggressive clinical course. OS patients are currently treated with chemotherapy and complete surgical resection of cancer tissue. However, resistance to chemotherapy and the recurrence of disease, as pulmonary metastasis, remain the two greatest challenges in the management, and treatment of this tumor. For these reasons, it is of primary interest to find alternative therapeutic strategies for OS. Dysregulated Hedgehog signalling is involved in the development of various types of cancers including OS. It has also been implicated in tumor/stromal interaction and cancer stem cell biology, and therefore presents a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In our work, we tested the activity of five potent Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, four acylguanidine and one acylthiourea derivatives, against an OS cell line. We found that almost all our compounds were able to inhibit OS cells proliferation and to reduce Gli1 protein levels. Our results also indicated that SMO inhibition in OS cells by such compounds, induces apoptosis with a nanomolar potency. These findings suggest that inactivation of SMO may be a useful approach to the treatment of patients with OS.
Simple kinetic model of mitochondrial swelling in cardiac cells
Authors: Chapa‐Dubocq Xavier , Makarov Vladimir , Javadov Sabzali
Published: December 2017

Mitochondria play an important role in both cell survival and cell death. In response to oxidative stress, they undergo opening of non‐selective permeability transition pores (PTP) in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Sustained PTP opening triggers mitochondrial swelling due to increased colloidal osmotic pressure in the matrix accompanied by mitochondrial membrane depolarization and ATP hydrolysis. Mitochondrial swelling is the major factor leading to mitochondria‐mediated cell death through both apoptosis and necrosis. Hence, precise estimation of the threshold parameters of the transition of reversible swelling to irreversible swelling is important for understanding the mechanisms of PTP‐mediated cell death as well as for the development of new therapeutic approaches targeting the mitochondria under pathological conditions. In this study, we designed a simple kinetic model of the Ca2+‐induced mitochondrial swelling that describes the mechanisms of transition from reversible to irreversible swelling in cardiac mitochondria. Values of kinetic parameters calculated using parameter estimation techniques that fit experimental data of mitochondrial swelling with minimum average differences between the experimental data and model parameters. Overall, this study provides a kinetic model verified by data simulation and model fitting that adequately describes the dynamics of mitochondrial swelling.
Nucleoskeletal stiffness regulates stem cell migration and differentiation through lamin A/C
Authors: Chen Liujing , Jiang Fulin , Qiao Yini , Li Hong , Wei Zhangming , Huang Tu , Lan Jingxiang , Xia Yue , Li Juan
Published: December 2017

Stem cell‐based tissue engineering provides a prospective strategy to bone tissue repair. Bone tissue repair begins at the recruitment and directional movement of stem cells, and ultimately achieved on the directional differentiation of stem cells. The migration and differentiation of stem cells are regulated by nucleoskeletal stiffness. Mechanical properties of lamin A/C contribute to the nucleoskeletal stiffness and consequently to the regulation of cell migration and differentiation. Nuclear lamin A/C determines cell migration through the regulation of nucleoskeletal stiffness and rigidity and involve in nuclear‐cytoskeletal coupling. Moreover, lamin A/C is the essential core module regulating stem cell differentiation. The cells with higher migration ability tend to have enhanced differentiation potential, while the optimum amount of lamin A/C in migration and differentiation of MSCs is in conflict. This contrary phenomenon may be the result of mechanical microenvironment modulation.
HMGB1 contributes to the irradiation‐induced endothelial barrier injury through receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE)
Authors: Zhou Haihong , Jin Congli , Cui Lili , Xing Huaijie , Liu Jun , Liao Wang , Liao Haojie , Yu Yangsheng
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to investigate whether HMGB1 (high mobility group box‐1 protein) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) were involved in the irradiation‐induced endothelial barrier damage and their mechanism. We constructed the damage model of endothelium barrier model with bEnd.3 cells. The permeability of endothelial barrier was detected by sodium fluorescein (Na‐F) permeation test, and the irradiation dose which could induce permeability transition was determined by being exposed to different irradiation doses (5, 10, 15, 20 Gy). MTT assay was applied to detect cell viability under different concentrations of HMGB1, glycyrrhizic acid (GA, a specific inhibitor of HMGB1), and FPS‐ZM1 (a blood‐brain‐barrier permeant blocker of RAGE V domain‐mediated ligand binding). The expression of HMGB1, RAGE, and related molecules involved in MAPK signaling pathway, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, ZO‐1, and claudin 5 of differently treated groups were measured by qRT‐PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Cells possessed stable endothelial barrier function on 4–7 days after seeded on transwell plates. The permeability of endothelial barrier would change under at least 10 Gy radiation. Both radiation and HMGB1 treatment alone could improve the permeability. After irradiation, the expressions of HMGB1 and RAGE increased and MAPK signal pathway was activated. Meanwhile, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were overexpressed, while the expression of tight junction proteins ZO‐1 and claudin 5 was decreased. Radiation could activate MAPK signaling pathway through promoting the expression of HMGB1 and RAGE, which further led to endothelial barrier injury and changed its permeability.
GSK3β regulates ameloblast differentiation via Wnt and TGF‐β pathways
Authors: Yang Yaling , Li Ziyue , Chen Guoqing , Li Jie , Li Hui , Yu Mei , Zhang Weiping , Guo Weihua , Tian Weidong
Published: December 2017

Wnt and TGF‐β signaling pathways participate in regulating a variety of cell fates during organogenesis, including tooth development. Despite well‐documented, the specific mechanisms, especially how these two pathways act coordinately in regulating enamel development, remain unknown. In this study, we identified Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (GSK3β), a negative regulator of Wnt signal pathway, participated in ameloblast differentiation via Wnt and TGF‐β pathways during enamel development. In vitro rat mandible culture treated with specific GSK3β inhibitor SB415286 displayed enamel defects, accompanied by disrupted ameloblasts polarization, while odontoblasts and dentin appeared to be unaffected. Moreover, after GSK3β knockdown by lentivirus‐mediated RNA silencing, HAT‐7 cells displayed abnormal cell polarity and cell adhesion, and failed to synthesize appreciable amounts of ameloblast‐specific proteins. More importantly, inactivation of GSK3β caused upregulated Wnt and downregulated TGF‐β pathway, while reactivation of TGF‐β signaling or suppression of Wnt signaling partially rescued the differentiation defects of ameloblasts caused by the GSK3β knock‐down. Taken together, these results suggested that GSK3β was essential for ameloblasts differentiation, which might be indirectly mediated through Wnt and TGF‐β signaling pathways.
FGF‐2 promotes osteocyte differentiation through increased E11/podoplanin expression
Authors: Ikpegbu Ekele , Basta Lena , Clements Dylan N. , Fleming Robert , Vincent Tonia L. , Buttle David J. , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Staines Katherine A. , Farquharson Colin
Published: December 2017

E11/podoplanin is critical in the early stages of osteoblast‐to‐osteocyte transitions (osteocytogenesis), however, the upstream events which regulate E11 expression are unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of FGF‐2 on E11‐mediated osteocytogenesis and to reveal the nature of the underlying signaling pathways regulating this process. Exposure of MC3T3 osteoblast‐like cells and murine primary osteoblasts to FGF‐2 (10 ng/ml) increased E11 mRNA and protein expression (p < 0.05) after 4, 6, and 24 hr. FGF‐2 induced changes in E11 expression were also accompanied by significant (p < 0.01) increases in Phex and Dmp1 (osteocyte markers) expression and decreases in Col1a1, Postn, Bglap, and Alpl (osteoblast markers) expression. Immunofluorescent microscopy revealed that FGF‐2 stimulated E11 expression, facilitated the translocation of E11 toward the cell membrane, and subsequently promoted the formation of osteocyte‐like dendrites in MC3T3 and primary osteoblasts. siRNA knock down of E11 expression achieved >70% reduction of basal E11 mRNA expression (p < 0.05) and effectively abrogated FGF‐2‐related changes in E11 expression and dendrite formation. FGF‐2 strongly activated the ERK signaling pathway in osteoblast‐like cells but inhibition of this pathway did not block the ability of FGF‐2 to enhance E11 expression or to promote acquisition of the osteocyte phenotype. The results of this study highlight a novel mechanism by which FGF‐2 can regulate osteoblast differentiation and osteocyte formation. Specifically, the data suggests that FGF‐2 promotes osteocytogenesis through increased E11 expression and further studies will identify if this regulatory pathway is essential for bone development and maintenance in health and disease.
Protective effect of epigenetic silencing of CyclinD1 against spinal cord injury using bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in rats
Authors: Wang Yuan , Kong Qing‐Jie , Sun Jin‐Chuan , Xu Xi‐Ming , Yang Yong , Liu Ning , Shi Jian‐Gang
Published: December 2017

This study focuses on the protective effect of epigenetic silencing of CyclinD1 against spinal cord injury (SCI) using bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in rats. Eighty‐eight adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into the sham group, the control group, the si‐CyclinD1 + BMSCs group and the BMSCs group. CyclinD1 protein and mRNA expressions after siRNA transfection were detected by Western blotting and qRT‐PCR. The siRNA‐CyclinD1 BMSCs were transplanted into rats in the si‐CyclinD1 + BMSCs group using stereotaxic method 6 hr after SCI. Hindlimb locomotor performance was determined using inclined plane test and Basso‐Beattie‐Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale. Expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) were detected by immunohistochemistry. Inclined plane and BBB scores in the control, si‐CyclinD1 + BMSCs, and BMSCs groups were significantly lower than the sham group, but these scores were evidently decreased in the control group and increased in the si‐CyclinD1 + BMSCs group compared with the BMSCs group. The repair degree of spinal cord tissues of rats in the si‐CyclinD1 + BMSCs group was obvious than the BMSCs group. GFAP and NGF protein expressions were markedly decreased in the control, si‐CyclinD1 + BMSCs and BMSCs groups when compared with the sham group. GFAP‐ and NGF‐positive cells were significantly increased in the si‐CyclinD1 + BMSCs group while decreased in the control group. Our study provides evidence that epigenetic silencing of CyclinD1 using BMSCs might accelerate the repair of SCI in rats.
Eucalyptol protects lungs against bacterial invasion through attenuating ciliated cell damage and suppressing MUC5AC expression
Authors: Yu Na , Sun Yi‐Tian , Su Xin‐Ming , He Miao , Dai Bing , Kang Jian
Published: December 2017

This study was conducted to investigate whether eucalyptol plays a role in influencing bacterial growth in cigarette smoke‐exposed lungs. Rats were exposed to air (control) and cigarette smoke (smoking) in the presence and absence of eucalyptol (260 mg/day). Morphological analysis of lung structures and status of airway mucous production were observed under microscope. Pathological changes of ciliated columnar epithelium in airways were examined using transmission electron microscopy. MUC5AC protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs were determined. Application of eucalyptol reduced pulmonary bullae formation and airway mucus overproduction in the smoke‐exposed lungs. Treatment with eucalyptol attenuated ciliated cell damage in cigarette smoke‐exposed lungs. Bacterial colonies of lungs were obviously lower in the eucalyptol‐treated rats than that in the smoking rats (p < 0.01). Treatment with eucalyptol reduced the counts of bacterial colonization residing in the challenged lungs (p < 0.01). Application of eucalyptol not only decreased MUC5AC protein expression in BALF and tobacco‐exposed lungs but also suppressed its mRNA expression in the lungs (all p < 0.05). Intervention of eucalyptol benefits elimination of bacterial organisms from tobacco‐exposed lungs through attenuating ciliated cell damage and suppressing MUC5AC expression in the lungs.
Nanoliposomes as the adjuvant delivery systems in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zamani Parvin , Momtazi‐Borojeni Amir Abbas , Nik Maryam Ebrahimi , Oskuee Reza Kazemi , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: December 2017

Cancer immunotherapy is one of the commonly used methods in the treatment of cancer. The aim of this approach is to strengthen or restore immune function for effective diagnosis of aberrant cells antigens. For this reason, cancer specific peptides or proteins are used as antigens to induce an immune response capable of removing cancer cells. Liposomal formulations are an important carrier system frequently used for delivery of antigen because the specific properties of this component such as lipid composition, charge, size, encapsulation of antigens, or adjuvants can be changed. Among different types of liposomal formulations, the use of cationic and pH‐sensitive nanoliposomes has been markedly increased for liposome‐based vaccines. In this review, we describe the properties of nanoliposomes as delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy.
The STAT3/NFIL3 signaling axis‐mediated chemotherapy resistance is reversed by Raddeanin A via inducing apoptosis in choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Peng Zheng , Zhang Chun , Zhou Wenjun , Wu Chenchun , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2017

Chemotherapy resistance is the major issue of choriocarcinoma. Apoptosis always is the ultimate outcome of chemotherapeutic drugs, which considered one of the reasons of resistance. We investigated the role of STAT3/NFIL3 signaling‐inhibited apoptosis in chemotherapy resistance and whether Raddeanin A (RA) could be a new drug to reverse resistance. Established three drug‐resistant cell lines as JEG‐3/MTX, JEG‐3/5‐FU, and JEG‐3/VP16. NFIL3 and STAT3 expression was evaluated in the cells. The IC50 value, apoptosis rate and apoptins were observed with transfection of siNFIL3, Lenti‐OE™‐NFIL3, shSTAT3, and Lenti‐OE™‐STAT3 or RA treatment. In addition, the luciferase reporter analysis and co‐immunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the relation of STAT3 and NFIL3. Hyper‐activation of STAT3 and NFIL3 expression were observed in three drug‐resistant cell lines. STAT3 enhanced NFIL3 transcriptional activity by binding the relative promoter region. Activated STAT3/NFIL3 pathway caused low rate of apoptosis which resulted in chemotherapy resistance. RA reduced the resistance index of resistant cells and induced caspase 3 dependent apoptosis, meanwhile it repressed the STAT3/NFIL3 activation. STAT3/NFIL3 axis‐inhibited apoptosis is a novel mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in choriocarcinoma. With the suppression of STAT3/NFIL3 axis and apoptosis induction, RA is a potential agent or lead candidate for improving chemotherapy.
Crosstalk between adipose stem cells and tendon cells reveals a temporal regulation of tenogenesis by matrix deposition and remodeling
Authors: Costa‐Almeida Raquel , Calejo Isabel , Reis Rui L. , Gomes Manuela E.
Published: December 2017

Tendon injuries constitute an unmet clinical challenge owing to the limited intrinsic regenerative ability of this tissue. Cell‐based therapies aim at improving tendon healing through the delicate orchestration of tissue rebuilding and regain of function. Hence, human adipose‐derived stem cells (hASCs) have been proposed as a promising cell source for boosting tendon regeneration. In this work, we investigated the influence of hASCs on native human tendon‐derived cells (hTDCs) through the establishment of a direct contact co‐culture system. Results demonstrated that direct interactions between these cell types resulted in controlled proliferation and spontaneous cell elongation. ECM‐related genes, particularly COL1A1 and TNC, and genes involved in ECM remodeling, such as MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, and TIMP1, were expressed in co‐culture in a temporally regulated manner. In addition, deposition of collagen type I was accelerated in co‐culture systems and favored over the production of collagen type III, resulting in an enhanced COL1/COL3 ratio as soon as 7 days. In conclusion, hASCs seem to be good candidates in modulating the behavior of native tendon cells, particularly through a balanced process of ECM synthesis and degradation.
Sel1l knockdown negatively influences zebrafish embryos endothelium
Authors: Barbieri Andrea , Carra Silvia , De Blasio Pasquale , Cotelli Franco , Biunno Ida
Published: December 2017

SEL1L (suppressor/enhancer of Lin‐12‐like) is a highly conserved gene associated with the endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation (ERAD) pathway and involved in mediating the balance between stem cells self‐renewal and differentiation of neural progenitors. It has been recently shown that SEL1L KO mice are embryonic lethal and display altered organogenesis. To better characterize the function of SEL1L in the early stages of embryonic development, we turned to the zebrafish model (Danio rerio). After exploring sel1l expression by RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization, we employed a morpholino‐mediated down‐regulation approach. Results showed extensive impairments in the vasculature, which supports the mice knock‐out findings.
Alterations in the in vitro and in vivo regulation of muscle regeneration in healthy ageing and the influence of sarcopenia
Authors: Brzeszczyńska Joanna , Meyer Angelika , McGregor Robin , Schilb Alain , Degen Simone , Tadini Valentina , Johns Neil , Langen Ramon , Schols Annemie , Glass David J. , Roubenoff Ronenn , Ross James A. , Fearon Kenneth C.H. , Greig Carolyn A. , Jacobi Carsten
Published: December 2017

Background

Sarcopenia is defined as the age‐related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. While all humans lose muscle with age, 2–5% of elderly adults develop functional consequences (disabilities). The aim of this study was to investigate muscle myogenesis in healthy elderly adults, with or without sarcopenia, compared with middle‐aged controls using both in vivo and in vitro approaches to explore potential biomarker or causative molecular pathways associated with sarcopenic versus non‐sarcopenic skeletal muscle phenotypes during ageing.

Methods

Biomarkers of multiple molecular pathways associated with muscle regeneration were analysed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in quadriceps muscle samples obtained from healthy elderly sarcopenic (HSE, n = 7) or non‐sarcopenic (HENS, n = 21) and healthy middle‐aged control (HMC, n = 22) groups. An in vitro system of myogenesis (using myoblasts from human donors aged 17–83 years) was used to mimic the environmental challenges of muscle regeneration over time.

Results

The muscle biopsies showed evidence of satellite cell activation in HENS (Pax3, P < 0.01, Pax7, P < 0.0001) compared with HMC. Early myogenesis markers Myogenic Differentiation 1 (MyoD1) and Myogenic factor 5 (Myf5) (P < 0.0001) and the late myogenesis marker myogenin (MyoG) (P < 0.01) were increased in HENS. In addition, there was a 30‐fold upregulation of TNF‐α in HENS compared with HMC (P < 0.0001). The in vitro system demonstrated age‐related upregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (2‐fold upregulation of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 mRNA, increased secretion of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and IL‐6, all P < 0.05) associated with impaired kinetics of myotube differentiation.

The HSE biopsy samples showed satellite cell activation (Pax7, P < 0.05) compared with HMC. However, no significant upregulation of the early myogenesis (MyoD and Myf5) markers was evident; only the late myogenesis marker myogenin was upregulated (P < 0.05).

Higher activation of the oxidative stress pathway was found in HENS compared with the HSE group. In contrast, there was 10‐fold higher upregulation of HSPA1A a stress‐induced chaperone acting upon misfolded proteins in HSE compared with the HENS group.

Conclusions

Both pathological and adaptive processes are active in skeletal muscle during healthy ageing. Muscle regeneration pathways are activated during healthy ageing, but there is evidence of dysregulation in sarcopenia. In addition, increased cellular stress, with an impaired oxidative‐stress and mis‐folded protein response (HSPA1A), may be associated with the development of sarcopenia. The in vitro system of young and old myoblasts replicated some of the differences between young and old muscle.
Decomposition of complete uniform multi‐hypergraphs into Berge paths and cycles
Authors: Javadi Ramin , Khodadadpour Afsaneh , Omidi Gholamreza
Published: December 2017

In 2015, Bryant, Horsley, Maenhaut, and Smith, generalizing a well‐known conjecture by Alspach, obtained the necessary and sufficient conditions for the decomposition of the complete multigraph into cycles of arbitrary lengths, where I is empty, when is even and I is a perfect matching, when is odd. Moreover, Bryant in 2010, verifying a conjecture by Tarsi, proved that the obvious necessary conditions for packing pairwise edge‐disjoint paths of arbitrary lengths in are also sufficient. In this article, first, we obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for packing edge‐disjoint cycles of arbitrary lengths in . Then, applying this result, we investigate the analogous problem of the decomposition of the complete uniform multihypergraph into Berge cycles and paths of arbitrary given lengths. In particular, we show that for every integer , and , can be decomposed into Berge cycles and paths of arbitrary lengths, provided that the obvious necessary conditions hold, thereby generalizing a result by Kühn and Osthus on the decomposition of into Hamilton Berge cycles.
Land degradation effects initiated by trail running events in an urban protected area of Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Sai‐Leung , Leung Yu‐Fai , Cheung Suet‐Yi , Fang Wei
Published: December 2017

Trail degradation is a common management problem in protected areas, especially those that accommodate high levels of trail users or organized sporting events. Trail running became popular in Hong Kong in the early 2000s, with a number of trail running events involving large numbers of runners organized in recent years. Although trail competitions are believed to produce very intense impacts on trails and their surrounding environments, limited research exists to quantify and characterize these impacts to inform policy and management responses. This study empirically examined and evaluated the impacts generated by a running competition on a remote trail in Hong Kong. Results indicated that a running competition can cause significant initial degradation on the trail. Although some degradation features (e.g., incision) can recover in 6 months, some negative effects (e.g., soil coarsening) can persist or worsen. It is recommended that trail running competitions should be regulated in protected areas in terms of both number of events and number of participants. Trail maintenance is crucially important for keeping the protected areas in good condition.
Potassium amendment increases biomass and reduces heavy metal concentrations in Lablab purpureus after phosphate mining
Authors: Ruthrof Katinka X. , Fontaine Joseph B. , Hopkins Anna J.M. , McHenry Mark P. , O'Hara Graham , McComb Jen , Hardy Giles E.St.J. , Howieson John
Published: December 2017

Agricultural pursuits in post‐mining environments are becoming increasingly important globally as many regions are challenged with food insecurity and post‐mining land‐use legacies. Although there are many advantages for agricultural production at post‐mining sites, these substrates have abiotic and biotic challenges for plant growth, including poor fertility, heavy metals, and lack of beneficial soil microbes. We investigated whether increased potassium (K) levels in a post‐phosphate mining substrate on Christmas Island, Australia, could improve plant productivity and reduce heavy metal concentrations. Addition of K (80 and 160 kg ha−1) significantly increased plant biomass and enhanced root growth and mycorrhizal fungal colonisation rates. Potassium amendment was also strongly correlated with lower heavy metal concentrations in leaf material. Clearly, K is the critical limiting nutrient for legumes in post‐phosphate mining sites on Christmas Island for enhancing biomass and health. We hypothesise that heavy metals were either being diluted in a larger biomass and/or healthy plants could also select against heavy metal uptake; however, this requires further investigation of the mechanisms involved. These results have significant global ramifications for sites transitioning from mining to agriculture.
Thulium laser‐assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomy: Determining safe laser settings using in vitro model and 2 year follow‐up results in 106 patients
Authors: de Boorder Tjeerd , Brouwers Hans B. , Noordmans Herke Jan , Woerdeman Peter A. , Han Kuo S. , Verdaasdonk Rudolf M.
Published: December 2017

Background and Objective

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is used to treat hydrocephalus. Different laser wavelengths have been proposed for laser‐assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomies over the last decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate Thulium laser endoscopic third ventriculostomy heat penetration in the surrounding environment of the floor of the third ventricle in an in vitro setting with visualization of thermal distribution. Subsequently 106 Thulium laser endoscopic third ventriculostomy procedures were retrospectively analyzed to demonstrate safety.

Methods

The in vitro visualization was based on the color Schlieren method. The heat penetration was measured beneath a tissue phantom of the floor of the third ventricle with a fiber of 365 μm in diameter at different energy settings; 1.0W (956 J/cm2), 2.0W (1,912 J/cm2), 4.0W (3,824 J/cm2), and 7.0W (6,692 J/cm2), with a pulse duration of 1.0 second. All experiments were repeated five times. In addition, 106 Thulium laser endoscopic third ventriculostomy procedures between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively analysed for etiology, sex, complications, and laser parameters.

Results

In the energy settings from 1.0 to 4.0 W, heat penetration depth beneath the phantom of the third ventricle did not exceed 1.5 mm. The heat penetration depth at 7 W, exceeded 6 mm. The clinical overall success rate was 80% at the 2‐year follow‐up study. Complications occurred in 5% of the procedures. In none of the 106 investigated clinical patients bleeding or damage to the basilar artery was encountered due to Thulium laser ablation.

Conclusions

The in vitro experiments show that under 4.0W the situation is considered safe, due to low penetration of heat, thus the chance of accidentally damaging critical structures like the basilar artery is very small. The clinical results show that the Thulium laser did not cause any bleeding of the basilar artery, and is a safe technique for laser endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:629–635, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synergistic Effects of Selenophene and Extended Ladder‐Type Donor Units for Efficient Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Hua‐Chun , Li Qing‐Ya , Yin Hong‐Bo , Ren Xiancheng , Yao Kai , Zheng Yonghao , Xu Yun‐Xiang
Published: December 2017

Two pairs of polymer donor materials based on indacenodithiophene (IDT) and indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (IDTT) as the donor units are synthesized. Thiophene or selenophene is introduced as the π‐bridge units and electron‐deficient fluorine‐substituted quinoxaline is used as acceptor unit. Selenophene‐containing polymers PIDT‐DFQ‐Se and PIDTT‐DFQ‐Se show redshifted absorption and narrower bandgaps. Combined with IDTT donor unit, PIDTT‐DFQ‐Se shows the highest absorption coefficient. Both the IDTT unit and selenophene unit have positive effects on the hole mobilities, making PIDTT‐DFQ‐Se the highest one. The best power conversion efficiency of 7.4% is obtained from devices based on PIDTT‐DFQ‐Se:[6,6]‐phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) with a Jsc of 12.6 mA cm−2, a Voc of 0.89 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.66.
Inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 reduces tumor‐induced angiogenesis and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in head and neck cancer
Authors: Liu Jian‐Feng , Deng Wei‐Wei , Chen Lei , Li Yi‐Cun , Wu Lei , Ma Si‐Rui , Zhang Wen‐Feng , Bu Lin‐Lin , Sun Zhi‐Jun
Published: December 2017

Angiogenesis is an essential event in tumor growth and metastasis, and immune system also contributes to the tumor evasion. Emerging evidences have suggested the bidirectional link between angiogenesis and immunosuppression. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (MDSC) is a kind of immunosuppressive cells and plays an important role in this process. However, the actual regulatory mechanisms of angiogenesis and MDSCs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were unclear. In this study, through analyzing the immunohistochemistry staining of human HNSCC tissue microarray, we found that the microvascular density (MVD) was significantly increased in HNSCC patients. We also characterized angiogenic factors p‐STAT3, VEGFA, CK2, and MDSCs marker CD11b in HNSCC tissue array, and found the close expression correlation among these markers. To determine the role of JAK2/STAT3 pathway in tumor microenvironment of HNSCC, we utilized AG490 (an inhibitor of JAK2/STAT3) for further research. Results showed that inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 suppressed angiogenesis by decreasing VEGFA and HIF1‐α both in vitro and vivo. Moreover, in HNSCC transgenic mouse model, inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 not only suppressed angiogenesis but also reduced MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment through suppressing VEGFA and CK2. Our findings demonstrated the close relationship between angiogenesis and MDSCs in HNSCC, and inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 could reduce tumor‐induced angiogenesis and decrease MDSCs.
Human perforin gene variation is geographically distributed
Authors: Willenbring Robin C. , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Pease Larry R. , Johnson Aaron J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Deleterious mutations in PRF1 result in lethal, childhood disease, familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 2 (FHL 2). However, not all mutations in PRF1 are deleterious and result in FHL 2. Currently, these nondeleterious mutations are being investigated in the onset of numerous disorders, such as lymphomas and diabetes. Yet, there is still an overwhelmingly large amount of PRF1 mutations that are not associated with disease.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of the PRF1 mutations in the coding region using the recently published Exome Aggregation Consortium genomes, Leiden Open Variation Database, NCBI SNP database, and primary literature to better understand PRF1 variation in the human population.

Results

This study catalogs 460 PRF1 mutations in the coding region, and demonstrates PRF1 is more variant then previously predicted. We identify key PRF1 mutations with high allelic frequency and are only found in certain populations. Additionally, we define PRF1 SNVs are geographically distributed.

Conclusions

This study concludes with a novel hypothesis that nondeleterious mutation in PRF1, which decreases perforin expression and/or activity, may be an example of selective advantage in the context of environmental stressors prevalent near the equator. Our studies illustrate how perforin deficiency can be protective from injuries resulting in blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption.
System matrix computation vs storage on GPU: A comparative study in cone beam CT
Authors: Matenine Dmitri , Côté Geoffroi , Mascolo‐Fortin Julia , Goussard Yves , Després Philippe
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Iterative reconstruction algorithms in computed tomography (CT) require a fast method for computing the intersection distances between the trajectories of photons and the object, also called ray tracing or system matrix computation. This work focused on the thin‐ray model is aimed at comparing different system matrix handling strategies using graphical processing units (GPUs).

Methods

In this work, the system matrix is modeled by thin rays intersecting a regular grid of box‐shaped voxels, known to be an accurate representation of the forward projection operator in CT. However, an uncompressed system matrix exceeds the random access memory (RAM) capacities of typical computers by one order of magnitude or more. Considering the RAM limitations of GPU hardware, several system matrix handling methods were compared: full storage of a compressed system matrix, on‐the‐fly computation of its coefficients, and partial storage of the system matrix with partial on‐the‐fly computation. These methods were tested on geometries mimicking a cone beam CT (CBCT) acquisition of a human head. Execution times of three routines of interest were compared: forward projection, backprojection, and ordered‐subsets convex (OSC) iteration.

Results

A fully stored system matrix yielded the shortest backprojection and OSC iteration times, with a 1.52× acceleration for OSC when compared to the on‐the‐fly approach. Nevertheless, the maximum problem size was bound by the available GPU RAM and geometrical symmetries. On‐the‐fly coefficient computation did not require symmetries and was shown to be the fastest for forward projection. It also offered reasonable execution times of about 176.4 ms per view per OSC iteration for a detector of 512 × 448 pixels and a volume of 3843 voxels, using commodity GPU hardware. Partial system matrix storage has shown a performance similar to the on‐the‐fly approach, while still relying on symmetries.

Conclusion

Partial system matrix storage was shown to yield the lowest relative performance. On‐the‐fly ray tracing was shown to be the most flexible method, yielding reasonable execution times. A fully stored system matrix allowed for the lowest backprojection and OSC iteration times and may be of interest for certain performance‐oriented applications.
A Small Molecule Impedes Insulin Fibrillation: Another New Role of Phenothiazine Derivatives
Authors: Mukherjee Meghomukta , Jana Jagannath , Chatterjee Subhrangsu
Published: December 2017

Protein misfolding is interrelated to several diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and type II diabetes. Misfolded/unfolded proteins produce soluble oligomers that accumulate into “amyloid plaques”. Inhibition of amyloid‐plaque formation by those misfolded/unfolded proteins will lead to the invention of new therapeutic approaches for amyloid‐related diseases. Herein, methylene blue (MB), a well‐defined drug against multiple diseases and disorders, is used to impede insulin fibrillation. In this study, we perform an array of in vitro experiments to monitor the effects of MB on the fibrillation of bovine insulin. Our results confirm that MB distresses the kinetics of insulin fibrillation by interacting with insulin in its monomeric form. A thioflavin T assay indicates that insulin fibrillation is interrupted upon the addition of MB. The same results are confirmed by circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). According to the DLS data, the insulin fibrils are 800 nm in diameter, and the addition of MB reduces the size of the fibrils, which remain 23 nm in size, and this indicates that no fibrillation of insulin occurs in the presence of MB. This data is also supported by SEC. Saturation transfer difference NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate the interactions between insulin and MB at the atomic level.
Wearable Chemosensors: A Review of Recent Progress
Authors: Qian Ruo‐Can , Long Yi‐Tao
Published: December 2017

In recent years, there has been growing demand for wearable chemosensors for their important potential applications in mobile and electronic healthcare, patient self‐assessment, human motion monitoring, and so on. Innovations in wearable chemosensors are revolutionizing the modern lifestyle, especially the involvement of both doctors and patients in the modern healthcare system. The facile interaction of wearable chemosensors with the human body makes them favorable and convenient tools for the detection and long‐term monitoring of the chemical, biological, and physical status of the human body at a low cost with high performance. In this Minireview, we give a brief overview of the recent advances and developments in the field of wearable chemosensors, summarize the basic types of wearable chemosensors, and discuss their main functions and fabrication methods. At the end of this paper, the future development direction of wearable chemosensors is prospected. With continued interest and attention to this field, new exciting progress is expected in the development of innovative wearable chemosensors.
The influence of nanostructured UV‐blockers on mechanical properties of carbon fiber epoxy composites during accelerated weathering condition
Authors: Pakravan Hamid Reza , Yari Hossein
Published: December 2017

In a 3‐stage experimental approach, it was attempted to enhance the weathering performance of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFRC). For this purpose, 2 types of UV‐blocking nanoparticles titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were employed to separately be introduced into the composite matrix. In the first stage, the optimum content of nanoparticles was found to be 0.5 wt.% for both nanoparticles. The second stage of experiments revealed that addition of nanoparticles into CFRC could increase the strength of the composite around 6% to 12% depending on the nanoparticles used. In the third stage (weathering), it was demonstrated that nanoparticles significantly enhanced the weathering stability of CFRC. Finally, it was concluded that while TiO2 could reinforce the composite more efficiently, ZnO nanoparticles provided a higher level of protection (62% improvement in weathering stability compared with neat composite). The higher protection efficiency of ZnO compared with TiO2 was explained by its lower photocatalytic activity during weathering.
Organic‐inorganic hybrids based on phenanthrene‐functionalized gold nanoparticles for OLEDs
Authors: Jayaraman Jayabharathi , Ganapathy Abirama Sundari , Thanikachalam Venugopal , Palanivel Jeeva , Sekar Panimozhi
Published: December 2017

The electroluminescence intensity of the phenanthrene‐functionalized gold nanoparticles, PMPT‐Au nanoparticles/CPB: Ir(PIA)2 (acac) film, was increased by 4.9 times compared with control device, CPB: Ir(PIA)2 (acac) due to coupling between the excitons of emissive layer and localized surface plasmonic resonance of PMPT‐Au NPs. The maximum luminous efficiencies of devices II to IV with PMPT‐Au NPs were 39.2 cd A−1 (11.8 V), 40.1 cd A−1 (10.5 V), and 43.1 cd A−1 (9.0 V), respectively. The increment of current efficiency with PMPT‐Au NP coated devices was strongly related to the energy transfer between the radiated light generated from CBP: Ir(PIA)2 (acac) emissive layer and localized surface plasmonic resonance excited by PMPT‐Au NP layer.
Preparation of Cross‐Linked Micelles from Glycidyl Methacrylate Based Block Copolymers and Their Usages as Nanoreactors in the Preparation of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Kocak Gökhan , Solmaz Gökhan , Dikmen Zeynep , Bütün Vural
Published: December 2017

This study reports the synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether‐block‐poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (MPEG‐b‐PGMA) diblock, and poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether‐block‐poly(glycidyl methacrylate)‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (MPEG‐b‐PGMA‐b‐PMMA) triblock copolymers via atom transfer radical polymerization and their self‐assembly behaviors in aqueous media by using acetone as cosolvent. These block copolymers formed near monodisperse core–shell micelles having cross‐linkable cores. Two types of cross‐linked micelles, namely spherical MPEG‐b‐PGMA core cross‐linked (CCL) micelles and MPEG‐b‐PGMA‐b‐PMMA interlayer cross‐linked (ILCL) micelles, were also successfully prepared from these block copolymers by using various bifunctional cross‐linkers such as hexamethylenediamine (HMDA), ethylenediamine (EDA), and 2‐aminoethanethiol (AET). Cross‐linking was successfully carried out via ring‐opening reactions of epoxy residues of hydrophobic‐cores with primary amine or thiol groups of bifunctional cross‐linkers. Finally, these cross‐linked micelles were successfully used as nanoreactors in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in aqueous media. Both CCL and ILCL micelles were found to be good stabilizers for AuNPs in aqueous media. Both CCL‐ and ILCL‐stabilized AuNP dispersions were stable for a long time without any size changes and flocculation at room temperature. These cross‐linked stabilized AuNPs exhibited good catalytic activities in the reduction of p‐nitrophenol. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 514–526.