bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term streamflow forecasting using artificial neural network based on preprocessing technique
Authors: Li Fang‐Fang , Wang Zhi‐Yu , Qiu Jun
Published: November 2018

Artificial neural network (ANN) combined with signal decomposing methods is effective for long‐term streamflow time series forecasting. ANN is a kind of machine learning method utilized widely for streamflow time series, and which performs well in forecasting nonstationary time series without the need of physical analysis for complex and dynamic hydrological processes. Most studies take multiple factors determining the streamflow as inputs such as rainfall. In this study, a long‐term streamflow forecasting model depending only on the historical streamflow data is proposed. Various preprocessing techniques, including empirical mode decomposition (EMD), ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT), are first used to decompose the streamflow time series into simple components with different timescale characteristics, and the relation between these components and the original streamflow at the next time step is analyzed by ANN. Hybrid models EMD‐ANN, EEMD‐ANN and DWT‐ANN are developed in this study for long‐term daily streamflow forecasting, and performance measures root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) indicate that the proposed EEMD‐ANN method performs better than EMD‐ANN and DWT‐ANN models, especially in high flow forecasting.
Distribution of brain iron accrual in adolescence: Evidence from cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis
Authors: Peterson Eric T. , Kwon Dongjin , Luna Beatriz , Larsen Bart , Prouty Devin , De Bellis Michael D. , Voyvodic James , Liu Chunlei , Li Wei , Pohl Kilian M. , Sullivan Edith V. , Pfefferbaum Adolf
Published: November 2018

To track iron accumulation and location in the brain across adolescence, we repurposed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired in 513 adolescents and validated iron estimates with quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in 104 of these subjects. DTI and fMRI data were acquired longitudinally over 1 year in 245 male and 268 female, no‐to‐low alcohol‐consuming adolescents (12–21 years at baseline) from the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) study. Brain region average signal values were calculated for susceptibility to nonheme iron deposition: pallidum, putamen, dentate nucleus, red nucleus, and substantia nigra. To estimate nonheme iron, the corpus callosum signal (robust to iron effects) was divided by regional signals to generate estimated R2 (edwR2 for DTI) and R2* (eR2* for fMRI). Longitudinal iron deposition was measured using the normalized signal change across time for each subject. Validation using baseline QSM, derived from susceptibility‐weighted imaging, was performed on 46 male and 58 female participants. Normalized iron deposition estimates from DTI and fMRI correlated with age in most regions; both estimates indicated less iron in boys than girls. QSM results correlated highly with DTI and fMRI results (adjusted R2 = 0.643 for DTI, 0.578 for fMRI). Cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses indicated an initial rapid increase in iron, notably in the putamen and red nucleus, that slowed with age. DTI and fMRI data can be repurposed for identifying regional brain iron deposition in developing adolescents as validated with high correspondence with QSM.
Two‐dimensional π‐conjugated metal‐organic framework with high electrical conductivity for electrochemical sensing
Authors: Wu Fei , Fang Wei , Yang Xueyuan , Xu Jiaoyan , Xia Jianfei , Wang Zonghua
Published: November 2018

A two‐dimensional π‐conjugated metal‐organic framework (MOF) with long‐range delocalized electrons has been prepared and applied as modified electrode material without further post‐modification. The MOF (Cu3(HHTP)2) is composed of Cu(II) centers and a redox‐active linker (2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene, HHTP). Compared to most MOFs, Cu3(HHTP)2 displays higher electrical conductivity and charge storage capacity owing to the collective effect of metal ions and aromatic ligands with π–π conjugation. In order to confirm the superior properties of this material, the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) was conducted and the satisfactory results were obtained. The currents increase linearly with the concentration of DA in the range 5.0 × 10−8 to 2.0 × 10−4 M with a detection limit of 5.1 nM. Furthermore, Cu3(HHTP)2 presents high selectivity and applicability in serum samples for electrochemical DA sensing. Overall, this material has excellent potential as a promising platform for establishing an MOF‐based electrochemical sensor.
Protective effect of microRNA‐224 on acute lower extremity ischemia through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway via CHOP in mice
Authors: Chen Yang‐Xi
Published: November 2018

Acute lower extremity ischemia (ALEXI) is known worldwide as an urgent condition, occurring when there is an abrupt interruption in blood flow into an extremity. This study aims to investigate whether microRNA‐224 (miR‐224) affects the ALEXI mice and the underlying mechanism. The miR‐224 expression and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1), and phosphoprotein 70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) messenger RNA (mRNA), as well as protein expressions, were determined. The target gene of miR‐224 was also verified by using a luciferase reporter gene assay. The vascular endothelial cells from the ALEXI mice were transfected with miR‐224 mimics, miR‐224 inhibitors, or small‐interfering RNA against CHOP. Cell proliferation was assessed using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The cell cycle distribution along with the cell apoptosis were both evaluated by using a flow cytometry. The muscle fibers of the lower extremities found in the ALEXI mice were evidently swollen and rounded, presenting with a remarkably narrowed gap. The positive CHOP expression increased in ALEXI mice than normal mice, while the miR‐224 expression and mTOR, 4E‐BP1, and p70S6K mRNA, as well as the protein expression, decreased. Luciferase reporter gene assay validated that the miR‐224 gene directly targeted CHOP. MiR‐224 facilitated cell proliferation but inhibited cell apoptosis; by contrast, CHOP increased cell apoptosis. Moreover, the cells transfected along with miR‐224 mimic exhibited a lower CHOP expression as well as increased mTOR, 4E‐BP1, and p70S6K expression. Our study provided evidence that miR‐224 could alleviate the occurrence and development of ALEXI in mice through activation of the mTOR signaling pathway by downregulating CHOP.
Novel effects of sphingosylphosphorylcholine on the apoptosis of breast cancer via autophagy/AKT/p38 and JNK signaling
Authors: Ge Di , Gao Jia , Han Lina , Li Ying , Liu Hong‐Hong , Yang Wan‐Cheng , Chang Fen , Liu Jing , Yu Mei , Zhao Jing
Published: November 2018

Sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), an important lipid mediator in blood, inhibits the proliferation and migration of various cancer cells. However, its effect as a cell‐specific sphingolipid in breast cancer cells is still unknown. Here, we showed that SPC promoted autophagy and apoptosis in triple‐negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Autophagy worked as a negative regulator of apoptosis‐induced by SPC. Mechanistically, SPC mediated apoptosis via activating c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Meanwhile, p38MAPK (p38) and protein kinase B (PKB or AKT) signaling pathways were also activated to inhibit apoptosis, suggesting that SPC could evoke multiple signaling pathways to modulate cell apoptosis. In addition, the crosstalk between autophagy, p38, AKT and JNK is that autophagy, p38, and AKT attenuated the JNK. AKT and p38 were in the downstream of autophagy, which is autophagy/AKT/p38 signaling evoked by SPC to antagonize JNK signaling and subsequent apoptosis. Although the pathways that antagonize apoptosis were evoked, the cells eventually reached apoptosis by SPC. Therefore, the combination with pharmacological autophagy inhibitors would be a more effective therapeutic strategy for eliminating breast cancer cells by SPC.
Negative feedback by SNAI2 regulates TGFβ1‐induced amelotin gene transcription in epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Nakayama Yohei , Tsuruya Yuto , Noda Keisuke , Yamazaki‐Takai Mizuho , Iwai Yasunobu , Ganss Bernhard , Ogata Yorimasa
Published: November 2018

Junctional epithelium (JE) demonstrates biological responses with the rapid turnover of gingival epithelial cells. The state occurs in inflammation of gingiva and wound healing after periodontal therapy. To understand the underlying mechanisms and to maintain homeostasis of JE, it is important to investigate roles of JE‐specific genes. Amelotin (AMTN) is localized at JE and regulated by inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic factors that represent a critical role of AMTN in stabilizing the dentogingival attachment, which is an entrance of oral bacteria. In this study, we demonstrated that the AMTN gene expression was regulated by SNAI2 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) that occurs in wound healing and fibrosis during chronic inflammation. SNAI2 downregulated AMTN gene expression via SNAI2 bindings to E‐boxes (E2 and E4) in the mouse AMTN gene promoter in EMT of gingival epithelial cells. Meanwhile, TGFβ1‐induced AMTN gene expression was attenuated by SNAI2 and TGFβ1‐induced SNAI2, without inhibition of the TGFβ1‐Smad3 signaling pathway. Moreover, SNAI2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) rescued SNAI2‐induced downregulation of AMTN gene expression, and TGFβ1‐induced AMTN gene expression was potentiated by SNAI2 siRNA. Taken together, these data demonstrated that AMTN gene expression in the promotion of EMT was downregulated by SNAI2. The inhibitory effect of AMTN gene expression was an independent feedback on the TGFβ1‐Smad3 signaling pathway, suggesting that the mechanism can be engaged in maintaining homeostasis of gingival epithelial cells at JE and the wound healing phase.
DDIT3 regulates cementoblast mineralization by isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 through nuclear factor‐κB pathway
Authors: Liu Xiayi , Sun Hualing , Yu Miao , Liu Jie , Yang Beining , Wu Yanru , Wang Jiawei
Published: November 2018

DDIT3 is of great importance in endoplasmic reticulum stress and is involved in many inflammatory diseases and mineralization processes. The cementum protects teeth from periodontitis and provides attachment for Sharpey's fibers of the periodontal ligament. However, the effect of DDIT3 on cementoblast differentiation remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that DDIT3 was suppressed during cementoblast differentiation. Knockdown of DDIT3 increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of several key osteogenic markers in vitro, including alkaline phosphatase, runt‐related transcription factor 2, and osteocalcin (OCN). In addition, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) was increased during cementoblast differentiation, and knockdown of DDIT3 increased the protein and mRNA levels of IDH1. Furthermore, inhibition of IDH1 could partially reduce the effect of DDIT3 on cementoblast differentiation. The DDIT3 knockdown activated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) transcriptional activity and upregulated the expression of p‐p65 and p‐IκBα. The increased osteogenic differentiation ability and IDH1 expression, as induced by the DDIT3 knockdown, could be partially turned over by the addition of NF‐κB inhibitor BAY 11–7082. Overall, our data clarified that DDIT3 suppresses cementoblast differentiation through IDH1, via the NF‐κB pathway.
Prospect of mesenchymal stem cells in therapy of osteoporosis: A review
Authors: Aghebati‐Maleki Leili , Dolati Sanam , Zandi Reza , Fotouhi Ali , Ahmadi Majid , Aghebati Ali , Nouri Mohammad , Kazem Shakouri Seyed , Yousefi Mehdi
Published: November 2018

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease associated with reduced bone strong point that results in raised fracture risk, with decreased bone strength, leading to reduced bone mineral density and poor bone quality. It is the most common in older females but some men are also at high risk. Although considered as a predictable result of aging, it is can be avoidable and treatable. The existing treatment of osteoporosis mainly contains antiresorptive and anabolic agents. In spite of these improvements, concerns around unusual side‐effects of antiresorptive drugs, and the lack of perfect confirmation in maintenance of their long‐standing effectiveness is bring about many patients not receiving these drugs. Over the years, the stem cell‐based therapy has attained substantial clinical consideration because of its potential to treat numerous diseases. The stem cell therapy has been recommended as a probable therapeutic approach for patients with osteoporosis. Even though the concept of stem cell‐based therapy for osteoporosis has caught substantial attention, no clinical trial has been published on humans. The cell studies based on osteoporosis are primarily focused on osteoclastic activity and bone resorption procedures. Earlier, it was on osteoblastogenesis and in recent times, on the differentiation probable of mesenchymal stem cells. In this review, we have summarized the therapeutic role of stem cell‐based strategy in osteoporosis.
Immunoresolvents in asthma and allergic diseases: Review and update
Authors: Lotfi Ramin , Rezaiemanesh Alireza , Mortazavi Seyed Hamidreza , Karaji Ali Gorgin , Salari Farhad
Published: November 2018

Asthma and allergic diseases are inflammatory conditions developed by excessive reaction of the immune system against normally harmless environmental substances. Although acute inflammation is necessary to eradicate the damaging agents, shifting to chronic inflammation can be potentially detrimental. Essential fatty‐acids‐derived immunoresolvents, namely, lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, and maresins, are anti‐inflammatory compounds that are believed to have protective and beneficial effects in inflammatory disorders, including asthma and allergies. Accordingly, impaired biosynthesis and defective production of immunoresolvents could be involved in the development of chronic inflammation. In this review, recent evidence on the anti‐inflam]matory effects of immunoresolvents, their enzymatic biosynthesis routes, as well as their receptors are discussed.
Trehalose inhibits cell proliferation and amplifies long‐term temozolomide‐ and radiation‐induced cytotoxicity in melanoma cells: A role for autophagy and premature senescence
Authors: Allavena Giulia , Del Bello Barbara , Tini Paolo , Volpi Nila , Valacchi Giuseppe , Miracco Clelia , Pirtoli Luigi , Maellaro Emilia
Published: November 2018

Cutaneous melanomas frequently metastasize to the brain, with temozolomide (TMZ) plus radiotherapy (RT) offering little control of these lesions. We tested whether trehalose, a natural glucose disaccharide proved to induce autophagy, could enhance the effect of TMZ and ionizing radiation (IR). In two melanoma cell lines (A375 and SK‐Mel‐28), which greatly differ in chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity, trehalose significantly inhibited short‐term cell proliferation and also enhanced IR‐induced cytostasis. Interestingly, in TMZ‐resistant SK‐Mel‐28 cells, trehalose was more effective than TMZ, and combined trehalose + TMZ further reduced cell proliferation. In long‐term experiments, colony‐forming capacity was dramatically reduced by trehalose, and even more by combined trehalose + TMZ or trehalose + IR. In resistant SK‐Mel‐28 cells, although growth was inhibited most with trehalose + TMZ + IR‐6 Gy combined treatment, it is notable that trehalose + TMZ treatment was also very effective. Along with a direct antiproliferative effect, two further mechanisms may explain how trehalose potentiates TMZ‐ and IR‐induced effects: the remarkable trehalose‐stimulated autophagy in A375 cells, which were sensitive to TMZ‐ and IR‐induced apoptosis; and the notable trehalose‐stimulated premature senescence in SK‐Mel‐28 cells, which were resistant to apoptosis and less prone to autophagy. In normal melanocytes, trehalose induced a minor autophagy and cell proliferation inhibition, without affecting cell viability; moreover, when trehalose was used in combination with TMZ, the slight TMZ‐induced cytotoxicity was not significantly reinforced. Together, our results suggest that trehalose, a safe nutrient supplement able to cross the blood–brain barrier, is a promising candidate, worthy to be further explored in vivo, to augment the therapeutic efficacy of TMZ and RT in melanoma brain metastases.
Identification of dysregulated miRNAs in triple negative breast cancer: A meta‐analysis approach
Authors: Naorem Leimarembi Devi , Muthaiyan Mathavan , Venkatesan Amouda
Published: November 2018

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with poor clinical outcomes and lack of approved targeted therapy. Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) have been considered a promising biomarker, which plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of human cancer. Due to the increase in miRNA profiling datasets of TNBC, a proper analysis is required for studying. Therefore, this study used meta‐analysis to amalgamate ten miRNA profiling studies of TNBC. By the robust rank aggregation method, metasignatures of six miRNAs (4 upregulated: hsa‐miR‐135b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐18a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐9‐5p and hsa‐miR‐522‐3p; 2 downregulated: hsa‐miR‐190b and hsa‐miR‐449a) were obtained. The gene ontology analysis revealed that target genes regulated by miRNAs were associated with processes like the regulation of transcription, DNA dependent, and signal transduction. Also, it is noted from the pathway analysis that signaling and cancer pathways were associated with the progression of TNBC. A Naïve Bayes‐based classifier built with miRNA signatures discriminates TNBC and non‐TNBC samples in test data set with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. From the analysis carried out by the study, it is suggested that the identified miRNAs are of great importance in improving the diagnostics and therapeutics for TNBC.
Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence among blood donors in Pune, India
Authors: Tripathy Anuradha S. , Puranik Shaila , Sharma Meenal , Chakraborty Sambuddha , Devakate Ujwal R.
Published: November 2018

Background

Blood transfusion is a recently reported route of hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmission. It is a bigger concern in regions where large‐scale HEV genotype 1 infections occur causing more severe disease. The present study aims to assess the prevalence and rate of HEV infection in the blood donors of Pune, India.

Materials and Methods

A total of 2447 healthy blood donors were screened for anti‐HEV IgG and IgM antibodies. Anti‐HEV IgM antibody positives were further subjected to alanine aminotransferase measurement, HEV RNA detection, viral load quantification and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Anti‐HEV seroprevalence rate was 17.70%, while IgM prevalence rate was 0.20%. An age dependent increase in IgG seropositive rate was observed. Two of five IgM‐positives tested positive for HEV RNA. The viral load ranged from 3.5 × 104 to 4.6 × 105 copies/mL and belonged to HEV genotype 1.

Conclusions

HEV prevalence rate of 17.70% in the blood donors of Pune, India, a developing country, goes at par with the developed countries. Current data of 0.20% (5 of 2447) blood donors positive for anti‐HEV IgM and two of them being HEV RNA positive suggest a need for consideration of cost‐effective evaluation towards pooled HEV RNA testing in blood banks.
Thioredoxin reductase gene expression and activity among human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1–infected patients
Authors: Yaghoubi Neda , Youssefi Masoud , Hashemy Seyed Isaac , Rafat Panah Houshang , Mashkani Barat Ali , Zahedi Avval Farnaz
Published: November 2018

Background

The thioredoxin (Trx) system is a reducing complex, consisting of Trx, Trx reductase (TrxR), and NADPH, that scavenges reactive oxygen species. The system is a natural protective mechanism to prevent apoptosis and progression of oxidative stress‐related diseases. The present study was conducted to explore possible changes in TrxR activity and gene expression as a response to the oxidative stress during HTLV‐1 infection.

Materials and Methods

Blood samples were collected from 40 HTLV‐1‐infected patients and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. The patient group consisted of chronic asymptomatic carriers and HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM‐TSP) patients. A commercial kit was used to measure the TrxR enzyme activity, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate TrxR gene expression in extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Results

A decreasing pattern of TrxR enzyme activity was observed among control, carrier, and HAM‐TSP groups (mean ± SD; controls, 0.1734 ± 0.056; carriers, 0.134 ± 0.065; and HAM‐TSP, 0.0928 ± 0.047 µmol/min/mL). Cellular TrxR gene expression showed the same decreasing trend. The fold differences of gene expression in carriers and HAM‐TSP groups compared with healthy controls were 0.8 and 0.7 vs 1, respectively.

Conclusion

We found a reduction in TrxR expression as well as serum enzyme activity in HTLV‐1‐infected individuals, particularly in HAM‐TSP patients. The reduced TrxR activity during HTLV‐1 infection may hamper the natural protective mechanisms, thereby contributes to virus‐induced complications.
Vascular effects of caffeine found in BOLD fMRI
Authors: Yang Ho‐Ching (Shawn) , Liang Zhenhu , Yao Jinxia (Fiona) , Shen Xin , Frederick Blaise deB. , Tong Yunjie
Published: November 2018

The blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures neuronal activation indirectly. Previous studies have found aperiodic, systemic low‐frequency oscillations (sLFOs, ~0.1 Hz) in BOLD signals from resting state (RS) fMRI, which reflects the non‐neuronal cerebral perfusion information. In this study, we investigated the possibility of extracting vascular information from the sLFOs in RS BOLD fMRI, which could provide complementary information to the neuronal activations. Two features of BOLD signals were exploited. First, time delays between the sLFOs of big blood vessels and brain voxels were calculated to determine cerebral circulation times and blood arrival times. Second, voxel‐wise standard deviations (SD) of LFOs were calculated to represent the blood densities. We explored those features on the publicly available Myconnectome data set (a 2‐year study of an individual subject (Male)), which contains 45 RS scans acquired after the subject had coffee, and 45 coffee‐free RS scans, acquired on different days. Our results showed that shorter time delays and smaller SDs were detected in caffeinated scans. This is consistent with the vasoconstriction effects of caffeine, which leads to increased blood flow velocity. We also compared our results with previous findings on neuronal networks from the same data set. Our finding showed that brain regions with the significant vascular effect of caffeine coincide with those with a significant neuronal effect, indicating close interaction. This study provides methods to assess the physiological information from RS fMRI. Together with the neuronal information, we can study simultaneously the underlying correlations and interactions between vascular and neuronal networks, especially in pharmacological studies.
Effect of continuous cooking on cooking water properties and pasta quality
Authors: Diamante Giulia , Peressini Donatella , Simonato Michele , Anese Monica
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Professional pasta cookers are filled with fresh water. The solids leached from the cooked pasta make pasta less firm and stickier while leading to changes in water properties and overflow. Added fresh water then has to be reheated. The effect of continuous cooking on cooked pasta quality and water properties was investigated for the first time by simulating professional pasta cooking on a laboratory scale.

RESULTS

Continuous cooking procedure of 12 batches led to a solid content of cooking water of 37 g kg−1, resulting in an increase in shear‐thinning behaviour and consistency index. Pasta cooking loss decreased from 52.7 to 35.7 g kg−1 due to the lower water concentration gradient through the pasta. This was confirmed by a decrease in swelling index from 2.0 × 10−3 to 1.6 × 10−3 g kg−1 during the optimal cooking time (13 min 45 s). Surprisingly, continuous cooking made the pasta firmer while stickiness did not differ significantly (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Taking batch number 7 as the acceptability threshold, further studies are required to find an optimal solution for retaining cooking water properties highly affecting daily cooking procedures in food service kitchens. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Prophylactic use of probiotic chocolate modulates intestinal physiological functions in constipated rats
Authors: Lee Chul Sang , Tan Pei Lei , Eor Ju Young , Choi Da Hye , Park Miri , Seo Sung Keum , Yoon Seokmin , Yang Siyoung , Kim Sae Hun
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the in vivo prophylactic effect of probiotic chocolate on constipation. Rats were administered chocolate containing 2.5 × 1010 CFU g−1 of probiotics daily for 4 weeks and treated with loperamide (5 mg kg−1) daily at the fourth week of treatment.

RESULTS

Probiotic chocolate treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased the intestinal motility, colon length, fecal moisture content and number of excreted fecal pellets in constipated rats. Moreover, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction data and histological images also revealed that both probiotic chocolate LYC and BB12 treatments were capable of upregulating the mRNA expression levels of colonic ZO‐1, occludin and AQP8, leading to the maintenance of the defensive barrier function in the constipated rats compared with the negative controls. Interestingly, these treatments also modulated gut bacterial populations by increasing the abundance levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, as well as reducing the abundance level of Enterobacteriaceae.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that probiotic chocolate LYC and BB12 could potentially be used as alternative agents for prophylactic constipation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
An effective method based on medium‐pressure liquid chromatography and recycling high‐speed counter‐current chromatography for enrichment and separation of three minor components with similar polarity from Dracocephalum tanguticum
Authors: Yang Xue , Wang Nana , Shen Cheng , Li Hongmei , Zhao Jingyang , Chen Tao , Li Yulin
Published: November 2018

The separation of minor compounds, especially those with similar polarities from a complex sample, remains challenging. In the proposed study, an effective method based on medium‐pressure liquid chromatography and recycling high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was developed for the enrichment and separation of three minor components from Dracocephalum tanguticum. The crude extract was directly introduced to medium‐pressure liquid chromatography for the enrichment of the three minor components. Based on high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, the total content of these three compounds increased from 0.48% in the crude extract to 85.3% in the medium‐pressure liquid chromatography fraction. In addition, high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was employed to separate the enriched compounds using the solvent system hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (1.18:8.82:1.18:8.82, v/v/v/v). As a result, compound 3 and a mixture of compounds 1 and 2 were obtained. In order to improve the resolution of compounds 1 and 2 while saving separation time, a recycling and heart‐cut mode was used. Finally, compounds 1 and 2 were obtained after five cycles. These compounds were identified as 3‐phenylethyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside (1), tazettoside E (2), and cirsiliol‐4′‐glucoside (3). Compounds 1 and 2 were primarily separated from D. tanguticum. Moreover, the developed method provided a reference for the separation of minor components from the complex sample.
On hypercyclic rank one perturbations of unitary operators
Authors: Baranov Anton , Kapustin Vladimir , Lishanskii Andrei
Published: November 2018

Recently, S. Grivaux showed that there exists a rank one perturbation of a unitary operator in a Hilbert space which is hypercyclic. Another construction was suggested later by the first and the third authors. Here, using a functional model for rank one perturbations of singular unitary operators, we give yet another construction of hypercyclic rank one perturbation of a unitary operator. In particular, we show that any countable union of perfect Carleson sets on the circle can be the spectrum of a perturbed (hypercyclic) operator.
Staged inset of free flaps for complex microsurgical head and neck reconstruction to ensure total flap survival
Authors: Huang Tony C.T. , Ciudad Pedro , Manrique Oscar J. , Agko Mouchammed , Chen Shih‐Heng , Tang Phoebe Yueh‐Bih , Sabbagh M. Diya , Chen Hung‐Chi
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Microsurgical reconstruction of complex head and neck defects often requires reliable tissue in multiple spatial configurations to achieve good functional and aesthetic outcomes. In addition to robust perforators, flap inset and wound closure require great caution to minimize complications especially in the presence of trismus with limited space for inset. This report describes the technique and results of our staged approach to flap inset which increases the chance of total flap survival in complex head and neck reconstructions.

Methods

From February 2010 to August 2016, a total of 53 patients were identified via a retrospective chart review. Patients who were suspected to have a high risk of vascular compromise and subsequently underwent complex head and neck reconstruction with staged inset of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were included. The flap was inset only partially at the recipient site initially with fewer sutures. At a second stage, after neovascularization from surrounding tissue was established, the flap was partially elevated, divided and mobilized on its own pedicle for definitive inset.

Results

Fifty‐one patients had complete survival of flaps and had uneventful postoperative course. Six cases required immediate re‐exploration to release wound tension or reposition the pedicle. Of these, 4 flaps were salvaged, 2 failed due to small perforators despite anastomosis revision. The flap survival rate was 96.2% and the average time between 2 stages was 24 days (range, 21–28).

Conclusion

Staged flap inset can improve free flap survival in complex head and neck reconstructions.
Application of predictive control to the Hegselmann‐Krause model
Authors: Almeida Ricardo , Girejko Ewa , Machado Luís , Malinowska Agnieszka B. , Martins Natália
Published: November 2018

The aim of this paper is to analyze the behavior of Hegselmann‐Krause–type models. General sufficient conditions for achieving consensus are provided. Model predictive control is applied to the Hegselmann‐Krause system in the context of time scales. Numerical simulations show that the predictive control mechanism has the ability to steer the system to attain a consensus. Moreover, faster consensus speed is observed when compared with the classical model. Finally, in the case of the discrete time scale and all agents being neighbors at the initial time, conditions guaranteeing an average consensus are given.
The BOLD sensitivity of rapid steady‐state sequences
Authors: Scheffler Klaus , Heule Rahel , Báez‐Yánez Mario G. , Kardatzki Bernd , Lohmann Gabriele
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Relaxation and dephasing of water protons embedded in a vascular network is driven by local magnetic field inhomogeneities around deoxygenated blood vessels. These effects strongly depend on the relation between mean diffusion length and diameter of blood vessels, as well as on the chosen imaging sequence. In this work, the BOLD sensitivity of steady‐state sequences as a function of vessel size, field strength, and sequence parameters are analyzed.

Methods

Steady‐state magnetization within a network of artificial cylinders is simulated with Monte Carlo methods for different coherence pathways. In addition, measurements on microspheres were performed to confirm theoretical results.

Results

Simulations and phantom results demonstrate a vessel size‐dependent signal attenuation effect of all coherence pathways. Both the FID and ECHO pathways show a signal profile similar to spin echo sequences where in the static dephasing regime the effect of larger vessels is suppressed.

Conclusion

The BOLD effect measured in steady‐state sequences is most sensitive to microvessels and might therefore be closer to the underlying neuronal event compared to gradient echo sequences.
China–Pakistan economic corridor projects development in Pakistan: Local citizens benefits perspective
Authors: Kanwal Shamsa , Chong Ren , Pitafi Abdul Hameed
Published: November 2018

China and Pakistan have initiated a mega project with the name of CPEC (China‐Pakistan Economic Corridor). CPEC projects in Pakistan are an initial stage, and government officials and policymakers expected that CPEC projects are beneficial for local Pakistani community, as this project generates several business and employment opportunities for local citizens. This research study examines the benefit of the CPEC projects and its influence on local Pakistani citizen's living standards. Data were collected online using the Google platform from 310 citizens, residing in all provinces of Pakistan. In total, 310 samples were analyzed and reported, and for data analysis, SPSS version 21 and AMOS 8.0 tools were used; the findings of this study validate most of the hypothesis. Based on results, this study discussed the local Pakistani community benefits with numerous factors such as perceived education, income, and employment. Results of this study will guide the officials and policymakers of CPEC to gain local citizen's support for the CPEC development projects and designs policies accordingly for the future projects. This study also provides important guidelines for CPEC policymakers and officials.
Ambient curable latex films and adhesives based on natural rubber bearing Acetoacetoxy functionality
Authors: Ninjan Rattanawadee , Thongnuanchan Bencha , Lopattananon Natinee , Thitithammawong Anoma , Nakason Charoen
Published: November 2018

The study described in this paper first demonstrates that a newly modified form of natural rubber, namely graft copolymers of natural rubber with poly (acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate), NR‐g‐PAAEM, is able to undergo a cross‐linking reaction at room temperature by reaction with a water dispersible polyisocyanate based on hexamethylene diisocyanate (poly‐HDI). Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) analysis indicated that amide groups were formed by the reaction of the acetoacetyl groups (AcAc) present in the grafted poly (acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate) (PAAEM) chains with the poly‐HDI. This observation was accompanied by a noticeable increase in the tensile strength of the NR‐g‐PAAEM latex films when adding poly‐HDI to the latex prior to film formation. DMTA analyses also revealed a shift in the tan δ peaks, corresponding to the transitions of both NR‐g‐PAAEM and free PAAEM phases, to higher temperatures. These results provide firm evidence of cross‐linking between NR‐g‐PAAEM chains by reaction with poly‐HDI during film formation under ambient conditions. Adhesives for bonding wood to wood based on the NR‐g‐PAAEM latex were then prepared, using poly‐HDI as the cross‐linker. The lap shear strength of the resulting adhesives exhibited a maximum value of 2657 KPa when a poly‐HDI:AAEM molar ratio of 3:1 was employed. It was also observed that the adhesive attained about approximately 89% of the highest lap shear strength after it was allowed to set at 30°C for 24 hours. Hence, the use of poly‐HDI in cross‐linking NR particles bearing grafted PAAEM offers great potential for developing latex adhesives and coatings capable of curing under ambient conditions.
Conclusive chemical deciphering of the consistently occurring double‐peak carbonyl‐stretching FTIR absorbance in polyurethanes
Authors: Stern Theodor
Published: November 2018

Polyurethanes include an extremely vast and varied family of polymers, exhibiting a vast range of properties and applications. Although the urethane chemical structure consists of a single carbonyl group, the vast majority of polyurethane Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra exhibit two distinct adjacent carbonyl‐stretching absorbances. It was the purpose of the present research to investigate and determine the reason of occurrence of this consistently observed phenomenon. A polyurethane, designed and synthesized here as linear and containing only urethane and methylene groups, strongly exhibited two very distinct carbonyl‐stretching FTIR absorbances. A new polyurethane, exhibiting an extremely high degree of trifunctional crosslinking, was hereby designed and synthesized to sterically inhibit diisocyanate access to already established urethanes and thus inhibit the allophanate and further tertiary oligo‐uret forming side‐reactions. The resulting polymer dramatically exhibited only a single, strong and sharp, carbonyl‐stretching FTIR absorbance belonging only to the urethane group. Synthesis of a polymer exhibiting a lower degree of crosslinking led to the reappearance of the split double carbonyl‐stretching FTIR absorbance. Solid‐state 13C NMR measurement results of the same polymers were highly consistent with the FTIR spectroscopy results. The experimental results of the present research conclusively prove and determine the exclusive side‐reaction‐related double carbonyl‐stretching absorbance in the FTIR analysis of polyurethanes. These research results conclusively reveal that, in fact, the so‐called linear polyurethanes synthesized from diisocyanates and diols are branched or even loosely crosslinked.
Electrospun EGNPs reinforced precursor carbon nanofibril composites by using RSM
Authors: Zoalfakar Said H. , Mohamed Mostafa A. , El‐Hamid Mohamed A. , Ali Ashraf A.
Published: November 2018

Response surface methodology (RSM),based on five‐level, four variable Box‐Benkhen technique was investigated for modeling the average fiber diameter of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. The four important electrospinning parameters were studied including applied voltage (kV), Berry's number, deposition distance from nozzle to collector (cm), and spinning angle (Ѳ in degree). The measured fiber diameters were in a good agreement with the predicted results by using RSM technique. High‐regression coefficient between the variables and the response (R2 = 87.74%) indicates excellent evaluation of experimental data by second‐order polynomial regression model. The optimum PAN average fiber diameters of 208 and 37‐nm standard deviation were collected at 19 kV, Berry's number = 10, 25° spinning angle, and 16‐cm deposition distance. The PAN/N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) polymer solution with the optimum weight concentration (10 wt.%) was selected to study the effect of dispersing exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (EGNPs) in PAN/DMF solution on the electrospun EGNP/PAN fibril composite diameter. Five different EGNPs weight concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt.%) were dispersed in the optimized PAN/DMF polymer solution. Morphology of EGNPs/PAN fibril composites and its distribution were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to show the minimum fiber diameter for the above‐mentioned 5 wt. % of EGNPs. A minimum fibril composite diameter of 182 nm was obtained at 10 wt.% of EGNPs. Morphological characteristics of electrospun fibers and their distribution were tested by Raman spectroscopy, SEM, differential light scattering, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Antifouling zwitterionic pSBMA‐MSN particles for biomedical applications
Authors: Beltrán‐Osuna Ángela A. , Ródenas‐Rochina Joaquín , Gómez Ribelles José L. , Perilla Jairo E.
Published: November 2018

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are one of the most promising nanocarriers in biomedicine. Nonetheless, surface modification has been pointed out as a condition necessary for drug delivery applications, where stability and biocompatibility are extremely important for the vehicle performance. Likewise, zwitterionic polymers are outstanding candidates in biological fields, where poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA) has been widely studied. These polymers, known as antifouling materials, are able to render a surface capacity to avoid protein adhesion. In this work, a core‐shell nanocarrier was created, where pSBMA was covalently grafted by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) onto a previously functionalized MSN surface. Brush morphologies with different chain lengths (
, between 6500 and 32 300) and graft densities (σpSBMA, between 0.15 and 0.51 molecules of pSBMA per nm2 of MSN) were obtained. Protein adhesion resistance was evaluated with two proteins: fibronectin (FN) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). The best nanocarrier synthesized allowed a reduction of 96% of FN and 76% of BSA adhesion (compared with an adsorption of 100% assigned to the native material). Since the influence of the brush morphology is seldom studied or reported, this work aims to comprehend how the configuration of the polymer brushes affected their antifouling capacity, in order to use this pSBMA‐MSN product for biomedical applications, notably as a possible drug delivery nanocarrier. Future work will analyze the solution behavior of the zwitterionic brushes to evaluate variations of temperature and pH values as possible mechanisms of delivery.
The influence of furanyl monomer on the self‐healing polyurethanes by reverse Diels‐Alder cross‐link
Authors: Pan Yunlin , Yu Xi , Yang Pengfei , Li Junying , Zhang Datong , Liu Lian , Wang Yongqing
Published: November 2018

In this work, several furanyl diols with amide, imide, or amine groups were synthesized, each diol was subsequently polymerized with 4,4′‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate and polytetramethylenene ether glycol to prepare polyurethanes. Bis(4‐maleimidophenyl) methane was then added as a cross‐linker to give self‐healing polyurethanes. DSC and DMA analysis were used to measure the DA/rDA temperature of these polyurethanes with different chemical structures. It was demonstrated that the polyurethane prepared from amide furanyl diol had the highest DA/rDA temperature, followed with the order of amide > imide > amine. This expands the versatility of monomers that have different self‐healing activity, which is expected to have the application for preparing various polyurethane coatings.
Validity of maternal recall of gestational age and weight at birth: Comparison of structured interview and medical records
Authors: Petersen Julie M. , Mitchell Allen A. , Van Bennekom Carla , Werler Martha M.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To assess agreement between maternal recall and medical records for gestational age (GA) at birth as derived from dating information and birthweight.

Methods

In the case‐control Slone Birth Defects Study, within 6 months of delivery, trained nurses conducted standardized telephone interviews with mothers of infants with and without major structural malformations. In a subset of approximately 5000 case and control mothers from five US centers (2008–2012), a research nurse abstracted subjects' medical records. GA at delivery was calculated as date of delivery minus (estimated date of confinement [EDC] minus 280); if EDC was unknown, last menstrual period served as a proxy for start of pregnancy. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) were calculated, using medical records as the standard, for categories of GA at delivery (ie, early preterm <238, late preterm <258, and term ≥259 d) and birthweight (low <2500, normal 2500 to 4500, and high >4500 g).

Results

The gestational age and birthweight validation samples comprised 3122 and 4760 women, respectively, with diverse characteristics. The PPV and NPV were high (>92% and >99%, respectively) for all categories of delivery GA and birthweight.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that mothers' recall may be a valid alternative to medical records to estimate delivery GA and birthweight. This study used standardized interviews conducted by trained research nurses, had a short recall period (<6 months post delivery), and for delivery GA, focused on date‐derived GA. Further research is needed on the potential impact of study design, population characteristics, and comparison to other data sources.
Thermal aging effects on overall mechanical behavior of short glass fiber‐reinforced polyphenylene sulfide composites
Authors: Zuo Peiyuan , Fitoussi Joseph , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Bakir Farid , Tcharkhtchi Abbas
Published: November 2018

In this article, the overall mechanical properties of a short glass fiber‐reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composite were tested after oxidation at different temperatures (140, 160, 180, and 200°C), with a maximum oxidation time of approximately 5,300 h. In aspect of thermal aging process, the oxidation rates in 200 and 180°C are considerably harsher and faster than the case in 160 and 140°C, according to the concentration evolution of [C=O]. In aspect of mechanical properties, for virgin samples, due to an excellent fiber–matrix adhesion, no progressive damage is developed. Moreover, the fatigue results of aged samples show that the fatigue lifetime of PPS composites decreases more and more obviously with the oxidation time increasing while no significant loss of stiffness is observed. In addition, both monotonic and cyclic loadings are basically driven by the PPS matrix deformation. In the end, the relationship between fatigue lifetime and concentration of [CO] is built and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:765–772, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evolutionary divergence of the nuclear pore complex from fungi to metazoans
Authors: Chopra Kriti , Bawaria Shrankhla , Chauhan Radha
Published: November 2018

Nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the largest multimeric protein assembly of the eukaryotic cell, which mediates the nucleocytoplasmic transport. The constituent proteins of this assembly (nucleoporins) are present in varying copy numbers to give a size from ~ 60 MDa (yeast) to 112 MDa (human) and share common ancestry with other membrane‐associated complexes such as COPI/COPII and thus share the same structural folds. However, the nucleoporins across species exhibit very low percentage sequence similarity and this reflects in their distinct secondary structure and domain organization. We employed thorough sequence and phylogenetic analysis guided from structure‐based alignments of all the nucleoporins from fungi to metazoans to understand the evolution of NPC. Through evolutionary pressure analysis on various nucleoporins, we deduced that these proteins are under differential selection pressure and hence the homologous interacting partners do not complement each other in the in vitro pull‐down assay. The super tree analysis of all nucleoporins taken together illustrates divergent evolution of nucleoporins and notably, the degree of divergence is more apparent in higher order organisms as compared to lower species. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that the protein–protein interactions in such large multimeric assemblies are species specific in nature and hence their structure and function should also be studied in an organism‐specific manner.