bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deregulation of lncRNA‐AC078883.3 and microRNA‐19a is involved in the development of chemoresistance to cisplatin via modulating signaling pathway of PTEN/AKT
Authors: Xing Shijie , Qu Yue , Li Chaoyi , Huang Ai , Tong Song , Wu Chuangyan , Fan Kai
Published: May 2019

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. As a platinum‐based chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin has been used in the NSCLC treatment for over 30 years, and its effects are impaired by drug resistance. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of lncRNA‐AC078883.3 in the development of chemoresistance against cisplatin. Real‐time PCR, Western blot analysis, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay, bioinformatic analysis, and luciferase assay were collaboratively used to establish the lncRNA‐AC078883.3/miR‐19a/PTEN/AKT pathway. Also, the effect of cisplatin on cell proliferation was observed via an MTT assay. Furthermore, Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to study whether lncRNA‐AC078883.3 is involved in the survival of NSCLC. Compared with the Cisplatin‐Sensitive group, the Cisplatin‐Resistance group exhibited lower levels of lncRNA‐AC078883.3 and PTEN and higher levels of miR‐19a and p‐Akt. The growth rate of A549 and H460 cells and the IC
50 of DPP in the Cisplatin‐Resistance group were higher than those in the Cisplatin‐S group. miR‐19a contains a putative binding site of lncRNA‐AC078883.3, which enabled the luciferase activity of wild‐type lncRNA‐AC078883.3 to be reduced by miR‐19a. In addition, by directly targeting PTEN 3′‐untranslated region (UTR), miR‐19a repressed the luciferase activity of wild‐type PTEN 3′‐UTR. The median OS of patients with reduced lncRNA‐AC078883.3 expression was longer than that of patients with higher lncRNA‐AC078883.3 expression. Finally, compared with low lncRNA‐AC078883.3‐expression patients, the high lncRNA‐AC078883.3‐expression patients were associated with lower miR‐19a expression and higher PTEN expression. Therefore, we suggested for the first time that the low expression of lncRNA‐AC078883.3 contributed to the development of chemoresistance against cisplatin.
Is Moxifloxacin a Treatment Option for Pancreatic Infections? A Pharmacometric Analysis of Serum and Pancreatic Juice
Authors: Wicha Sebastian G. , Mundkowski Ralf G. , Klock Andrea , Hopt Ulrich T. , Drewelow Bernd , Kloft Charlotte , Wellner Ulrich F. , Keck Tobias , Wittel Uwe A.
Published: May 2019

Postoperative local infection is a major complication after pancreatic surgery. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess the potential of moxifloxacin (MXF) to treat pancreatic infections from a pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) perspective. The PK of MXF in serum and pancreatic juice, via an inserted tube in the pancreatic duct, was determined in 19 patients up to day 7 after pancreatoduodenectomy. PK data in both specimens was analyzed with NONMEM 7.3. Intraoperative swipes were performed for microbiological examination. PK/PD target attainment was assessed in both matrices using unbound area under the plasma concentration–time curve/minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) targets of ≥30 and ≥100, for gram‐positive and gram‐negative pathogens, respectively. A 2‐compartment population PK model in which the measurements in pancreatic juice were assigned to a scaled peripheral compartment best described the PK in both specimens simultaneously. Median (10th–90th percentile) area under the plasma concentration–time curve values after the third dose were 28.9 mg · h/L (18.6–42.0) in serum and 55.8 mg · h/L (23.7–81.4) in pancreatic juice. Target attainment rate for the intraoperatively isolated bacterial strains was ≥0.88 after the third MXF dose. For gram‐negatives, high probability of target attainment ≥0.84 was observed in serum for MIC ≤ 0.125 mg/L and in pancreatic juice for MIC ≤ 0.25 mg/L. For gram‐positives, the probability of target attainment was 0.84–1 in serum for MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/L and in pancreatic juice for MIC ≤ 1 mg/L. In conclusion, penetration of MXF into pancreatic juice was substantial. The PK/PD analysis indicated that treatment of pancreatic infections by isolates with MIC ≤ 0.25 mg/L (gram‐negative) and ≤1 mg/L (gram‐positive) should be evaluated in further studies.
Going the distance: The biomechanics of gap‐crossing behaviors
Authors: Graham Mal , Socha John J.
Published: May 2019

The discontinuity of the canopy habitat is one of the principle differences between the terrestrial and arboreal environments. An animal's ability to cross gaps—to move from one support to another across an empty space—is influenced by both the physical structure of the gap and the animal's locomotor capabilities. In this review, we discuss the range of behaviors animals use to cross gaps. Focusing on the biomechanics of these behaviors, we suggest broad categorizations that facilitate comparisons between taxa. We also discuss the importance of gap distance in determining crossing behavior, and suggest several mechanical characteristics that may influence behavior choice, including the degree to which a behavior is dynamic, and whether or not the behavior is airborne. Overall, gap crossing is an important aspect of arboreal locomotion that deserves further in‐depth attention, particularly given the ubiquity of gaps in the arboreal habitat.
Assessing effects of scanner upgrades for clinical studies
Authors: Keenan Kathryn E. , Gimbutas Zydrunas , Dienstfrey Andrew , Stupic Karl F.
Published: May 2019

Background

Scanner upgrades due to software and hardware changes are an inevitable part of MR research and, without quality assurance protocols, can jeopardize studies.

Purpose

To evaluate changes in T1 relaxation time by inversion recovery (IR) and variable flip angle (VFA) measurements on a 3T system that underwent an "everything but the magnet" upgrade.

Study Type

Longitudinal.

Phantom

An International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine / National Institute of Standards and Technology (ISMRM/NIST) system phantom with repeated measurements across multiple (n = 3) days.

Field Strength/Sequence

T1 IR, VFA at 3T.

Assessment

The T1 measurements by IR and VFA were compared with the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements, which constitute the known values for the ISMRM/NIST system phantom, to determine the measurement error.

Statistical Tests

Descriptive.

Results

The T1 VFA measurement errors were distributed around zero (–15% to +10%) on the original system and then the errors were distributed entirely above zero post‐upgrade (+5% to 30%). The T1 IR results had a dramatic increase in error distribution (±5% original, ±20% post‐upgrade) prior to the identification of signal saturation as an issue. Once the signal saturation was accounted for, the T1 IR errors decreased to ±10% post‐upgrade.

Data Conclusion

The T1 VFA measurement differences between the original and post‐upgrade systems can be entirely attributed to contributions from B1. The T1 IR measurements demonstrate the need for quantitative quality assurance (QA) processes. The site under study passed the QA protocols in place, which did not identify the increased T1 error, nor the signal saturation issue. To improve on this study, we would make systematic, quantitative measurements at intervals less than a year and following any hardware or software upgrade.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1948–1954.
High frame rate cardiac cine MRI for the evaluation of diastolic function and its direct correlation with echocardiography
Authors: Zhang Jiming , Chen Jie , Cheong Benjamin , Pednekar Amol , Muthupillai Raja
Published: May 2019

Background

Breath‐hold cine MR is the method of choice for evaluating left ventricular (LV) systolic function; however, the evaluation of diastolic function remains in the domain of high frame rate echocardiography. Thus, a cine MR technique for simultaneously evaluating LV systolic and diastolic function would be clinically valuable.

Purpose

To test the feasibility of extracting indices that characterize LV diastolic function from high frame rate cine MR.

Study Type

Single center, prospective.

Population

Asymptomatic volunteers (N = 24; age 45.8 ± 12.3 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

High frame rate (70 fps) cine MR and phase‐contrast MR during free breathing were acquired at 1.5T.

Assessment

The following MR‐based LV filling metrics were extracted from LV volume changes during the cardiac cycle: 1) the volume–rate ratio, REFP/RLFP (ratio of the peak LV filling rate during the early filling period [EFP] to that during the late filling period [LFP]); and 2) the volume ratio, VEFP/VLFP (the ratio of cumulative LV volume change between the EFP and LFP). These metrics were then compared with traditional transmitral blood flow‐based MR and echocardiographic indices. The effect of temporal resolution on these metrics was also evaluated.

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed metrics against traditional indices of diastolic function.

Results

The REFP/RLFP and VEFP/VLFP correlated well with E/AQ‐flow (r
2 = 0.66 and 0.54, respectively) and E/Aecho (r
2 = 0.58 and 0.49, respectively). Systolic indices remained robust (<3% error) for frame rates ≥20 fps. Although the proposed VEFP/VLFP was robust (<5% error) up to 25 fps, the proposed volume–rate diastolic function metrics were less reliable (>8% error) for frame rates below 35 fps.

Data Conclusion

In asymptomatic volunteers, cardiac cine MR images acquired at frame rates >35 fps can be used to extract LV diastolic function indices from the temporal changes in LV volume.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1571–1582.
In vitro beneficial effects of Streptococcus dentisani as potential oral probiotic for periodontal diseases
Authors: Esteban‐Fernández Adelaida , Ferrer Maria D. , Zorraquín‐Peña Irene , López‐López Arantxa , Moreno‐Arribas M. Victoria , Mira Alex
Published: May 2019

Background

Periodontal diseases are of high prevalence globally and are characterized by an exacerbated inflammatory response which leads to oral tissue destruction. The use of probiotics is widely extended in the case of gastrointestinal disorders; however, their use in microbial‐origin oral diseases is still preliminary.

Methods

We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine the levels of the oral bacterium Streptococcus dentisani 7746 in the tongue, saliva, supragingival, and subgingival plaque. We explore the potential benefits of this probiotic by measuring inhibition of the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum growth and attachment to human gingival fibroblasts. In addition, its anti‐inflammatory activity against cytokines secretion induced by these pathogens was determined in an in vitro model by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We report that S. dentisani is found at high levels in the gingival crevice. Data show a strong inhibitory action of S. dentisani supernatant against the periodontal pathogens in pure culture. S. dentisani attached to gingival cells in vitro, inhibiting periodontal pathogens by competition, adherence, and displacement mechanisms. Finally, in a simple in vitro model, the oral probiotic strongly increased the secretion of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 after incubations with P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum, as well as significantly reduced the expression of interferon‐γ induced by F. nucleatum.

Conclusion

Altogether, these results highlight the potential of S. dentisani as adjuvant therapy in the management of periodontal diseases, whose efficacy will need to be tested in clinical studies.
A prospective clinical trial of proton therapy for chordoma and chondrosarcoma: Feasibility assessment
Authors: Baumann Brian C. , Lustig Robert A. , Mazzoni Susan , Grady Sean M. , O’Malley Bert W. , Lee John Y. K. , Newman Jason G. , Schuster James M. , Both Stefan , Lin Alexander , Dorsey Jay F. , Alonso‐Basanta Michelle
Published: May 2019

Background/Objectives

Proton therapy (PRT) has emerged as a treatment option for chordomas/chondrosarcomas to escalate radiation dose more safely. We report results of a phase I/II trial of PRT in patients with chordoma/chondrosarcoma.

Methods

Twenty adult patients with pathologically confirmed, nonmetastatic chordoma or chondrosarcoma were enrolled in a single‐institution prospective trial of PRT from 2010 to 2014. Seventeen patients received adjuvant PRT and three received definitive PRT. Median dose was 73.8 Gy(RBE; range 68.4‐79.2 Gy) using PRT‐only (n = 6) or combination PRT/intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (n = 14). Quality‐of‐life (QOL) and fatigue were assessed weekly and every 3 months posttreatment with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy ‐ Brain (FACTBr) and Brief Fatigue Inventory. Primary endpoint was feasibility (90% completing treatment with < 10 day treatment delay and ≤ 20% unexpected acute grade ≥ 3 toxicity).

Results

Tumors included chordomas of the skull base (n = 10), sacrum (n = 5), and cervical spine (n = 3), and skull base chondrosarcomas (n = 2). Median age was 57. The 80% had positive margins/gross disease. Median follow‐up was 37 months. Feasibility endpoints were met. The 3‐year local control and progression‐free survival was 86% and 81%. There were no deaths. Two patients had acute grade 3 toxicity (both fatigue). One had late grade 3 toxicity (epistaxis and osteoradionecrosis). There were no significant differences in patient reported fatigue or QOL from baseline to the end‐of‐treatment.

Conclusions

We report favorable local control, survival, and toxicity following PRT.
The prefabricated supraclavicular artery flap in high‐risk tracheal stenosis patients
Authors: Zender Chad A. , Patel Akshay V. , Strohl Madeleine , Melki Sami , Maronian Nicole
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Primary tracheal resection in appropriately selected patients with tracheal stenosis achieves >90% success rate. Risk factors for complications have been identified, making some patients high risk for this procedure. Herein is a review and discussion of a novel treatment method for tracheal stenosis utilizing a prefabricated composite auricular cartilage graft embedded in a supraclavicular artery island flap (pSCAIF) for tracheal reconstruction in high‐risk patients.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, cases were analyzed after data collection. Between 2014 and 2016, eight patients underwent airway reconstruction using an auricular cartilage graft prefabricated within a supraclavicular artery island flap reconstruction; all of these were included in the study. Each case was reviewed, and relevant details of patient and disease characteristics, operative course, postoperative course, decannulation, and status at last follow‐up were isolated and reported.

Results

Seven of eight patients were female. The most common cause of stenosis was iatrogenically induced multilevel stenosis (7/8 patients). All patients had undergone prior airway procedures, were high risk based on comorbid conditions, and underwent grafting and reconstruction with a composite supraclavicular island flap. All patients continue to follow up in a multidisciplinary clinic, and at last follow‐up, eight of eight patients were successfully decannulated.

Conclusions

The pSCAIF is a novel method for tracheal reconstruction. The analysis of the prefabricated locoregional approach cohort supports its utility for tracheal reconstruction in patients with complicated multilevel stenosis and adverse comorbidities and characteristics.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:641–648, 2020
Production and ecosystem structure in cold‐core vs. warm‐core eddies: Implications for the zooplankton isoscape and rock lobster larvae
Authors: Waite Anya M. , Raes Eric , Beckley Lynnath E. , Thompson Peter A. , Griffin David , Saunders Megan , Säwström Christin , O'Rorke Richard , Wang Miao , Landrum Jason P. , Jeffs Andrew
Published: May 2019

Anticyclonic (warm‐core) mesoscale eddies (WCEs) in the Eastern Indian Ocean carry higher surface chlorophyll signatures than cyclonic (cold‐core) eddies (CCEs). Paradoxically, WCEs host rock lobster larvae (phyllosomas) with lower lipid stores and protein reserves than phyllosomas in CCEs, suggesting a poorer nutritional status. We assess primary productivity and zooplankton isotopic data from eight eddies across four research voyages (2003–2011) to determine how this contradiction might occur. We find that WCEs and CCEs are equally productive per unit chlorophyll a, but depth‐integrated primary production (PP) is greater in eddies with shallower mixed layers (MLs), especially in CCEs. MLs tend to be shallower in CCEs than in WCEs because the pycnocline is closer to the surface. This, in combination with stronger stratification in CCE euphotic zones than those of WCEs, supports greater flagellate and dinoflagellate populations in CCEs. These phytoplankton provide high‐quality nutrition for zooplankton, which feed on average ~ 0.6 trophic level lower in CCEs with the shallowest MLs, accumulating high lipid stores. Conversely, WCEs have, on average, ~ 70 m deeper MLs than CCEs, and host a phytoplankton community with more diatoms. Diatoms provide lower quality food for zooplankton, and zooplankton lipid stores in WCEs decline with trophic level, and possibly, with time after initial (or seasonal) nutrient injection. As a result, phyllosomas in CCEs have higher energy and lipid content than those in warm‐core eddies. The resolution of the paradox, therefore, is that the higher surface chlorophyll signatures of WCEs are not representative of the nutritional value of the prey field of the phyllosoma. We also conclude that interannual variations of mixed layer depth occur at a regional scale, controlling PP.
Catalyst‐Free One‐Step Preparation of Self‐Crosslinked pH‐Responsive Vesicles
Authors: Tan Jidong , Lei Hengxin , Liaw Der‐Jang , Chen Xingxing , Ma Li , Cui Chenhui , Zhong Qianyun , Cheng Yilong , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: May 2019

The fabrication of block copolymer (BCP) vesicles with controlled membrane permeability and promising stability remains a considerable challenge. Herein, a new type of pH‐responsive and self‐crosslinked vesicle based on a hydrolytically hindered urea bond is reported. This kind of vesicle is formed by the self‐assembly of a pH‐responsive and hydrolytically self‐crosslinkable copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly[2‐(3‐(tert‐butyl)‐3‐ethylureido)ethyl methacrylate‐co‐2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PEG‐b‐P(TBEU‐co‐DEA)). The BCP can be easily synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 2‐(3‐(tert‐butyl)‐3‐ethylureido)ethyl methacrylate (TBEU) and 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEA) using PEG‐based macro‐chain transfer agent. The copolymer could self‐assemble into stable vesicles by the hydrophobic interaction and in situ cross‐linking between amines and isocyanates after the hydrolysis of the hindered urea bonds without any catalyst. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies show that the vesicles exhibit enhanced stability against the dilution of organic solvent, and the size can be adjusted through the change of pH values. Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase‐loaded vesicles can act as nano‐reactor and enable free diffusion of small molecules into the vesicles, followed by the significantly improved fluorescence intensity of phosphate‐caged fluorescein. This self‐crosslinking and pH‐sensitive vesicles may serve as a smart platform in controlled drug delivery and molecular reactor.
The human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells therapy on, SKOV3, ovarian cancer cell line
Authors: Gholizadeh‐Ghaleh Aziz Shiva , Fardyazar Zahra , Pashaiasl Maryam
Published: May 2019

Purpose

One of the most common malignancies peculiar to female health with few symptoms, low response to therapy, difficult diagnosis, frequent relapse, and high mortality, is ovarian cancer. Thus, our experiment, using Human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAFMSCs) as a therapeutic tool, aims to find an efficient treatment approach for patients suffering from SKOV3 ovarian cancer.

Material & Methods

In this study, we obtained 5 ml amniotic fluid from 16–20 week pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis for routine prenatal diagnosis by karyotyping in Al‐Zahra Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Using trans wells in 24 wells plate, hAFMSCs were isolated from all samples, co‐cultured with SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line, and characterized via flow cytometry and RT‐PCR. Human skin fibroblast cells (HSFCs) were isolated and used as a negative control. SKOV3 and HSFCs' viability after 5 days was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptotic genes were analyzed by real‐time PCR.

Results

We successfully isolated and characterized hAFMSCs through it positivity for CD44 and CD90 specific mesenchymal stem cell markers and negativity for CD31 and CD45. Oct4 and NANOG were evaluated by RT‐PCR as pluripotency markers, and visualized on 2% gel electrophoresis. We established hAFMS cell lines after 5 days of co‐culturing the SKOV3 cells, viability was decreased; however, HSFCs did not show toxicity by MTT assay. The genes indicated upregulation and high expression by a real‐time PCR.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that hAFMSCs have natural tumor tropism, and can release soluble factors in a cell culture, which cause an efficient anticancer effect. Thus, we can use hAFMSCs for complete anticancer therapy on SKOV3 cell line at cell culture condition and possibly in vivo in the near future.
Extremal solutions for p‐Laplacian boundary value problems with the right‐handed Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative
Authors: Xue Tingting , Liu Wenbin , Shen Tengfei
Published: May 2019

The paper is concerned with the solvability for several nonlinear boundary value problems of fractional p‐Laplacian differential equation involving the right‐handed Riemann‐Liouville derivative. By applying monotone iterative technique, lower and upper solutions method and the Banach fixed point theorem, sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of extremal solutions are obtained and they extend existing results. At last, two examples are provided to illustrate the results.
Effects of chemical pollutants on reproductive and developmental processes in Italian amphibians
Authors: Pinelli Claudia , Santillo Alessandra , Chieffi Baccari Gabriella , Falvo Sara , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena
Published: May 2019

It is a widely held belief that environmental contaminants contribute to the decline of amphibian populations. By spending most of their early life in water and later stages on the land, amphibians face a constant risk of exposure to pesticides and other chemical pollutants in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. This review presents an overview of the studies carried out in Italian amphibians to highlight hazardous effects of bioaccumulation of chemical pollutants in juveniles and adults in various contaminated environments. Further, the studies in the laboratory setting assessing the effects of chemical pollutants on reproductive and developmental processes are reported. These studies and their relative references have been summarized in a tabular form. Three prominent contaminant groups were identified: herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides; and only a few works reported the effects of other chemical pollutants. Each pollutant group has been delegated to a section. All through the literature survey, it is seen that interest in this topic in Italy is very recent and sparse, where only a few anuran and caudata species and only some chemical pollutants have been studied.
Detection of lung transplant rejection in a rat model using hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate‐based metabolic imaging
Authors: Siddiqui Sarmad , Habertheuer Andreas , Xin Yi , Pourfathi Mehrdad , Tao Jian‐Qin , Hamedani Hooman , Kadlecek Stephen , Duncan Ian , Vallabhajosyula Prashanth , Naji Ali , Chatterjee Shampa , Rizi Rahim
Published: May 2019

The current standard for noninvasive imaging of acute rejection consists of X‐ray/CT, which derive their contrast from changes in ventilation, inflammation and edema, as well as remodeling during rejection. We propose the use of hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate MRI—which provides real‐time metabolic assessment of tissue—as an early biomarker for tissue rejection.

In this preliminary study, we used μCT‐derived parameters and HP 13C MR‐derived biomarkers to predict rejection in an orthotopic left lung transplant model in both allogeneic and syngeneic rats.

On day 3, the normalized lung density—a parameter that accounts for both lung volume (mL) and density (HU)—was −0.335 (CI: ‐0.598, −0.073) and − 0.473 (CI: ‐0.726, −0.220) for the allograft and isograft, respectively (not significant, 0.40). The lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratios—derived from the HP 13C MRI—for the allograft and isograft were 0.200 (CI: 0.161, 0.240) and 0.114 (CI: 0.074, 0.153), respectively (significant, 0.020). Both techniques showed tissue rejection on day 7. A separate sub‐study revealed CD8+ cells as the primary source of the lactate‐to‐pyruvate signal.

Our study suggests that hyperpolarized (HP) [1‐13C] pyruvate MRI is a promising early biomarker for tissue rejection that provides metabolic assessment in real time based on changes in cellularity and metabolism of lung tissue and the infiltrating inflammatory cells, and may be able to predict tissue rejection earlier than X‐ray/CT.
Multifidelity component interface reduction and modal truncation augmentation
Authors: Gibanica Mladen , Abrahamsson Thomas J. S. , Rixen Daniel J.
Published: May 2019

A Hurty‐Craig‐Bampton (HCB) reduced order component can have unnecessarily large dimension if it contains many interface degrees of freedom. This is often the case for high spatial resolution models. Furthermore, for such high‐fidelity models, their static constraint modes can be expensive to compute. To overcome these problems, a component mode synthesis method with interface reduction is developed using multifidelity models. The interface reduction basis is computed from the assembled system by coarsening each substructure's mesh, but keeping the model resolution at the interface intact. It is shown that such a mesh coarsening has a small effect on the interface reduction basis quality. Using this reduction basis, the dimension of the static constraint modes problem can be reduced and the modes computed at a low cost. When few interface modes can be used without significant loss of accuracy, it is possible to enrich the HCB basis with modal truncation augmentation (MTA) vectors to increase accuracy at a small extra cost. The accuracy of a procedure that utilises MTA vectors together with the multifidelity interface reduction is investigated. The method's performance and accuracy are illustrated on a planar problem and a more complex problem from industry.
Impact of Intensive Lifestyle Intervention on Neural Food Cue Reactivity: Action for Health in Diabetes Brain Ancillary Study
Authors: McDermott Kathryn Demos , Williams Samantha E. , Espeland Mark A. , Erickson Kirk , Neiberg Rebecca , Wadden Thomas A. , Bryan R. Nick , Desiderio Lisa , Leckie Regina L. , Falconbridge Lucy H. , Jakicic John M. , Alonso‐Alonso Miguel , Wing Rena R. ,   for the Action for Health in Diabetes Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Look AHEAD Brain) Ancillary Study Research Group
Published: May 2019

Objective

The Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) research study was a randomized trial comparing the effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) versus a diabetes support and education (DSE) control group in adults with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine whether neural food cue reactivity differed for these groups 10 years after randomization.

Methods

A total of 232 participants (ILI, n = 125, 72% female; DSE, n = 107, 64% female) were recruited at three of the Look AHEAD sites for functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neural response to high‐calorie foods compared with nonfoods was assessed in DSE versus ILI. Exploratory correlations were conducted within ILI to identify regions in which activity was associated with degree of weight loss.

Results

Voxel‐wise whole‐brain comparisons revealed greater reward‐processing activity in left caudate for DSE compared with ILI and greater activity in attention‐ and visual‐processing regions for ILI than DSE (P < 0.05, family‐wise error corrected). Exploratory analyses revealed that greater weight loss among ILI participants from baseline was associated with brain activation indicative of increased cognitive control and attention and visual processing in response to high‐calorie food cues (P < 0.001, uncorrected).

Conclusions

These findings suggest there may be legacy effects of participation in a behavioral weight loss intervention, with reduced reward‐related activity and enhanced attention or visual processing in response to high‐calorie foods.
Different PES nanofibrous membrane parameters effect on the efficacy of immunoassay performance
Authors: Mahmoudifard Matin , Vossoughi Manuchehr
Published: May 2019

The contribution of electrospun nanofibrous membranes (e.NFMs) in the biosensing platforms opens up a new prospect for the invention of faster and more sensitive analytical devices. In this paper, we utilized e.NFM of polyethersulfone (PES) as a solid substrate for the protein immobilization through two different approaches: physical and covalent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier‐transform‐infrared (FTIR) tests were performed to study the effect of plasma treatment on protein immobilization efficacy. Moreover, taking advantage of ELISA technique, the influence of different parameters, namely, nanofibers diameter, membrane thickness, plasma treatment time, an incubation time of ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS), and their ratio on antibody immobilization efficacy through two mentioned approaches, was also assessed.
Mechanical properties, thermal stability, sound absorption, and flame retardancy of rigid PU foam composites containing a fire‐retarding agent: Effect of magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide
Authors: Peng Hao‐Kai , Wang XiaoXiao , Li Ting‐Ting , Lou Ching‐Wen , Wang YanTing , Lin Jia‐Horng
Published: May 2019

Isocyanate, polyether polyol, a flame retardant (10 wt%), and aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) are used to form the rigid polyurethane (PU) foam, while nylon nonwoven fabrics and a polyester aluminum foil are combined to serve as the panel. The rigid PU foam and panel are combined to form the rigid foam composites. The cell structure, compressive stress, combustion resistance, thermal stability, sound absorption, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the rigid foam composites are evaluated, examining the effects of using aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. Compared with magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide exhibits superior performance to the rigid foam composites. When aluminum hydroxide is 20 wt%, the rigid foam composite has an optimal density of 0.153 g/cm3, an average cell size of 0.2466 mm, a maximum compressive stress of 546.44 Kpa, an optimal limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 29.5%, an optimal EMI SE of 40 dB, and excellent thermal stability and sound absorption.
Protein‐oligosaccharide conjugates as novel prebiotics
Authors: Seifert Adi , Freilich Shay , Kashi Yechezkel , Livney Yoav D.
Published: May 2019

Maintaining a good proportion of gut probiotic bacteria is imperative to health. This may be achieved by consuming “prebiotics,” e.g., galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) that selectively promote probiotic bacteria, as they often uniquely express transporters for such oligosaccharides. Proteins are an important source for amino acids essential to probiotic bacteria. As most protein digestion products are absorbed in the small intestine, and there is great competition on the residuals by colonic bacteria, amino acids are scarce (<0.01 mM) in the colonic intercellular fluid, thus limiting probiotics' proliferation. However, no existing prebiotic product contains protein. Herein, we propose a new type of prebiotics: protein‐oligosaccharide conjugates. These conjugates were designed to be selectively targeted to probiotic bacteria in the colon, for enhancing their competitive advantage over undesired microorganisms. The approach was inspired by active targeting of chemotherapy, achieved by conjugating drugs to ligands, which selectively bind to proteins uniquely expressed on cancer cells; except here, we aimed to promote, not eliminate, the targeted cells. We formed these conjugates by mild Maillard‐reaction‐based covalent conjugation of GOS to lactoferrin hydrolysate (LFH), formed by peptic digestion, hence it resists gastric digestion. LFH‐GOS conjugates comprised 76% ± 1% LFH and 25% ± 4% GOS, and self‐assembled into 0.2 to 1.5‐μm microparticles. Most of the conjugates' protein content endured simulated gastrointestinal digestion, hence is expected to reach the colon. Remarkably, we found that the growth rate of a model probiotic bacterium (Lactobacillus casei) on the conjugates was double that on the unconjugated components (0.082 and 0.041 h−1, respectively). This study proposes the next generation of prebiotics.
Application of plasma jet to the inhibition of the proliferation of hepatic malignant cells via reactive oxygen species generation
Authors: Nguyen Duc Ba , Mok Young Sun , Huynh Do Luoung , Jeong Dong Kee , Lee Wong Gyu
Published: May 2019

In vitro treatment of hepatic malignant cells with plasma‐activated medium conjugated with gemcitabine was investigated with a He plasma jet generated by a two‐ring dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The DBD reactor was operated by high‐voltage pulses of alternating polarity (frequency: 20 kHz; pulse width: 4 µs). The electron density of plasma plume was estimated to be 9×1012 to 10×1012 cm−3, and the jet temperature was around 36℃. The plasma jet exhibited the inhibitory effects on the growth of hepatic malignant cells via the generation of reactive oxygen species, which could be potentially applicative in anticancer therapies. The optimization of the operating parameters and configuration of the plasma jet would help increase the possibility in practical cancer treatments.
CUL4B regulates cancer stem‐like traits of prostate cancer cells by targeting BMI1 via miR200b/c
Authors: Jiao Meng , Qi Mei , Zhang Facai , Hu Jing , Feng Tingting , Zhao Mingfeng , Li Xinjun , Liu Hui , Teng Wei , Zhang Jing , Liu Zhiyan , Zhang Lili , Wu Zhen , Han Bo
Published: May 2019

Background

Cancer stem‐like traits contribute to prostate cancer (PCa) progression and metastasis. Cullin 4B (CUL4B) is a member of the ubiquitin E3 ligase family and overexpressed in several solid malignancies including PCa. CUL4B has been suggested to be an oncogene through epigenetic repression of tumor suppressors. However, the link between CUL4B expression and cancer stem‐like phenotype remains unclear.

Methods

Western blot analysis, sphere formation, and colony formation assays were used to examine the effect of CUL4B on cancer stem‐like traits in PCa cells. Mechanically, bioinformatic analysis was utilized to evaluate whether BMI1 was a target of CUL4B. Moreover, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify microRNAs regulated by CUL4B. Finally, Western blot assay was used to validate the regulation of CUL4B, miR200b, and miR200c (miR200b/c) on the stem‐like characteristics of PCa cells.

Results

CUL4B promotes PCa pluripotency‐associated markers expression, sphere formation, and anchorage‐independent growth ability in vitro. Mechanically, CUL4B upregulates BMI1 expression via epigenetically repressing miR200b/c expression. In addition, miR200b/c could partially reverse CUL4B‐induced BMI1 and pluripotency‐associated marker expression.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that CUL4B regulates cancer stem‐like traits of prostate cancer cells by targeting BMI1 via miR200b/c, which might give novel insight into how CUL4B promotes PCa progression through regulating cancer stem‐like traits.
Internal Migration Trajectories, Occupational Achievement and Social Mobility in Contemporary Italy. A Life Course Perspective
Authors: Impicciatore Roberto , Panichella Nazareno
Published: May 2019

This work analyses the interrelation among migration, student career, job experiences and family formation. It focuses on Italian South‐to‐North internal migration. Empirical analyses first describe the life patterns experienced by internal migrants, and then study the selection into different migration trajectories, as well as their association with different occupational achievements and social mobility pathways. The analyses are based on longitudinal data from IHLS and use Sequence Analysis and Logit Models. Results show that different migration trajectories are characterised by a marked selectivity of movers, and that they have different, even opposite, association with individual life chances. Some trajectories create social closure because they ‘reproduce’ the southern upper classes in the North. Other types are more widespread among the lower classes, but they do not guarantee better opportunities of social mobility. Finally, there are forms of mobility that represent valid routes of upward mobility for the middle and lower classes.
Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Citrus macroptera Fruit Extract: Anti‐Biofilm and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Majumdar Moumita , Biswas Suresh Chandra , Choudhury Rupasree , Upadhyay Priyanka , Adhikary Arghya , Roy Dijendra Nath , Misra Tarun Kumar
Published: May 2019

Citrus macroptera (CM) fruit juice was used to reduce gold ions (Au3+) and to stabilize as‐formed gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). CM‐AuNPs exhibit surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 544 nm. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) study reveals that they are multi‐shaped, predominantly pseudo‐spherical with a diameter 20 nm. They have surface charge −30 mV and possess FCC lattice pattern. Particles could effectively inhibit the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Experimental study shows that CM‐AuNPs make the bacteria cripple to generate EPS and pyocyanin. AFM images of the structure of biofilm reveal that CM‐AuNPs indeed efficiently disrupt the biofilm structure. CM‐AuNPs in combination with Sub‐MIC dose of gentamicin against P. aeruginosa bacteria exhibit quite high efficiency. The cytotoxic effect of CM‐AuNPs against three human cancer cell line show that they are comparatively more efficient to regulate the growth of HepG2 (liver cancer cell line) than that of A 549 (adenocarcinogenic human alveolar basal epithial cell) and MDA‐MB 468 (breast cancer cell). Thus, the CM‐AuNPs could be treated as a potential anti‐biofilm and anti‐cancer agent.
The Doping of FeNb11O29 as a Way to Improve Its Electrochemical Performances
Authors: Bini Marcella , Quinzeni Irene , Spada Daniele
Published: May 2019

FeNb11O29, with the possibility to exchange up to 23 electrons per formula unit and a theoretical capacity value of 400 mAh/g, is nowadays a very promising anode material for Li‐ion batteries. However, the improvement of its electrochemical performances is still an open challenge, and the doping is a well‐recognized method to obtain this goal. In this paper, orthorhombic Fe0.8Mn0.2Nb11O29 and Fe0.8V0.2Nb11O29 samples were prepared by solid state synthesis. The redox processes, as determined by cyclic voltammetry, involve only Fe and Nb ions as in the undoped compound. FeNb11O29 is a well‐known mixed oxide with pseudocapacitive behavior, which is increased with the Mn doping. The doped samples show better performances during long term cycling at 2 C, with capacities of 240 and 220 mAh/g and capacity retention of 100.9 and 98.7% for Mn and V doped respectively.
Dosage‐related beneficial and deleterious effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on mouse oocyte maturation and fertilization and fetal development
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsun , Wang Fu‐Ting , Chan Wen‐Hsiung
Published: May 2019

Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), the major saponin component of ginseng root, has a wide range of therapeutic applications for various diseases. Previously, our group showed that GRb1 triggers ROS‐mediated apoptotic cascades in mouse blastocysts, leading to decreased cell viability and impairment of pre‐ and postimplantation embryonic development, both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we further found that GRb1 exerted dose‐dependent effects on oocyte maturation and sequent development in vitro. Oocytes preincubated with 25 μg/mL GRB1 displayed significantly enhanced maturation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rates, along with progression of subsequent embryonic development. In contrast, treatment with 50 and 100 μg/mL GRB1 led to impairment of mouse oocyte maturation, decreased IVF rates, and injurious effects on subsequent embryonic development. In vivo, intravenous injection of 1 mg/kg body weight GRb1 significantly promoted mouse oocyte maturation, IVF, and early‐stage embryo development after fertilization while administration of 5 mg/kg body weight GRb1 led to a marked decrease in oocyte maturation and IVF rates concomitant with impairment of early embryonic development in our animal model. In terms of the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of GRb1 demonstrated increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in the 100 μg/mL GRb1 treatment group. However, we observed a significant decrease in total intracellular ROS content and inhibition of apoptosis events in the 25 μg/mL GRb1 treatment group, signifying that the intracellular ROS content serves as a key upstream regulator of GRb1 that influences its dose‐dependent beneficial or deleterious effects on oocyte maturation and sequent embryonic development. For further clarification of the mechanisms underlying GRb1‐triggered injurious effects, oocytes were pretreated with Ac‐DEVD‐CHO, a caspase‐3‐specific inhibitor, which effectively blocked injury to oocyte maturation, fertilization, and sequent development. In sum, study findings highlight the potential involvement of p53‐, p21‐, and caspase‐3‐dependent regulatory signaling cascades in GRb1‐mediated apoptotic processes.
Discrete [Yb(NCS)3(H2O)5] Molecules in Pentaaquatriisothiocyanatoytterbium(III) Monohydrate
Authors: Reckeweg Olaf , Conrad Maurice , Lissner Falk , Schleid Thomas
Published: May 2019

Single crystals of [Yb(NCS)3(H2O)5]·H2O were synthesized from a salt‐metathesis reaction between stoichiometric amounts of aqueous solutions of Yb2(SO4)3·8H2O and Ba(NCS)2·3H2O driven by the precipitation of Ba(SO4), followed by isothermic evaporation of the filtered‐off solution at room temperature under atmospheric conditions. These crystals of the title compound came as transparent, colorless and hygroscopic needles. According to the X‐ray diffraction structure analysis [Yb(NCS)3(H2O)5]·H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21 with the lattice parameters a = 845.38(5), b = 719.26(4), c = 1219.65(7) pm, β = 103.852(3)° for Z = 2. The acentric crystal structure contains crystallographically unique Yb3+ cations, each surrounded by three thiocyanate anions, all grafting with their nitrogen atoms, and five water molecules forming a neutral [Yb(NCS)3(H2O)5] complex with square antiprismatic shape, completed by a sixth interstitial water molecule. ATR‐FT infrared and single‐crystal Raman spectra of [Yb(NCS)3(H2O)5]·H2O confirm these findings.
Fractional instanton of the SU(3) gauge theory in weak coupling regime
Authors: Itou Etsuko
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Motivated by recent studies on the resurgence structure of quantum field theories, we numerically study the nonperturbative phenomena of the SU(3) gauge theory in a weak coupling regime. We find that topological objects with a fractional charge emerge if the theory is regularized by an infrared (IR) cutoff via the twisted boundary conditions. Some configurations with nonzero instanton number are generated as a semi-classical configuration in the Monte Carlo simulation even in the weak coupling regime. Furthermore, some of them consist of multiple fractional-instantons. We also measure the Polyakov loop to investigate the center symmetry and confinement. The fractional-instanton corresponds to a solution linking two of degenerate ℤ3-broken vacua in the deconfinement phase.
„Wir bestehen alle nur aus buntscheckigen Fetzen“ (Montaigne). Grundsätzliche Überlegungen zu Psychotherapie bei konstitutioneller Geschlechtsinkongruenz
Authors: Kunert Cornelia
Published: May 2019

Die Zuschreibungen der Geschlechtsidentität aufgrund von anatomischen Verhältnissen des Körpers oder anderen biologischen Daten müssen (a) nicht eindeutig sein und (b) nicht mit Selbsterleben übereinstimmen. Das Vorhandensein einer konstitutionellen Geschlechtsinkongruenz wird aufgrund neurologischer Erkenntnisse und sozialer Wirklichkeit nach dem ICD11 nicht mehr als psychische Störung klassifiziert werden. Daher ist auch eine verpflichtende Psychotherapie für diese Personen zur Erlangung von Anpassungsschritten an das Identitätsgeschlecht zu hinterfragen. Vorrang in der Arbeit mit Transgender Personen hat immer die lebensweltliche Erfahrung der betreffenden Person, die Verbesserung der subjektiven Lebensqualität mit Bedacht auf die kongruenzdynamische Entwicklung im Transitionsprozess. Im folgenden Text wird daher die Bedeutung und der Vorrang der Erste-Person-Perspektive und der Selbstverantwortung für die Psychotherapie mit Transgender Personen diskutiert.
Preventing Wetting Between Liquid Copper and Solid Steel: A Simple Extraction Technique
Authors: Daehn Katrin E. , Serrenho André Cabrera , Allwood Julian
Published: May 2019

Copper contamination of end-of-life steel scrap is the main barrier to high-quality recycling. Preferential melting of copper from solid steel scrap is a potential extraction technique, which could be integrated into conventional scrap re-melting with little additional energy. However, previous investigations show removal of liquid copper is limited by its adherence to solid scrap. Preventing wetting between liquid copper and steel is essential to enable separation. The carbon content of steel, initial surface oxidation, and applied coatings effect wetting behavior, but have not been systematically studied. In this study, the individual and combined effects of these parameters on wetting behavior in an inert gaseous environment are observed with a heating microscope. Carbon content appears to be the most significant factor: blistering of the oxide scale on medium-carbon steels causes liquid copper to flow rapidly between the oxide and steel substrate. Liquid copper exhibited a stable droplet on low-carbon steel, regardless of the initial level of oxidation. The tested coatings did not consistently improve nonwetting behavior, but impaired the connection between the scale and steel substrate. This study confirms the potential of the preferential melting technique, but further investigation is needed to determine the most robust process conditions to handle diverse, fragmented scrap at an industrial scale.