bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissociating semantic and phonological contributions of the left inferior frontal gyrus to language production
Authors: Klaus Jana , Hartwigsen Gesa
Published: April 2019

While the involvement of the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in language production is undisputed, the role of specific subregions at different representational levels remains unclear. Some studies suggest a division of anterior and posterior regions for semantic and phonological processing, respectively. Crucially, evidence thus far only comes from correlative neuroimaging studies, but the functional relevance of the involvement of these subregions during a given task remains elusive. We applied repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over anterior and posterior IFG (aIFG/pIFG), and vertex as a control site, while participants performed a category member and a rhyme generation task. We found a functional‐anatomical double dissociation between tasks and subregions. Naming latencies were significantly delayed in the semantic task when rTMS was applied to aIFG (relative to pIFG and vertex). In contrast, we observed a facilitation of naming latencies in the phonological task when rTMS was applied to pIFG (relative to aIFG and vertex). The results provide first causal evidence for the notion that anterior portions of the IFG are selectively recruited for semantic processing while posterior regions are functionally specific for phonological processing during word production. These findings shed light on the functional parcellation of the left IFG in language production.
Prognostic value of the nodal yield in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: de Kort Willem W. B. , Maas Sybren L. N. , Van Es Robert J. J. , Willems Stefan M.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Literature analysis on the prognostic factor of the nodal yield (NY) in neck dissections (NDs), which in general surgical oncology is a strong prognosticator and quality‐of‐care marker.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of all PubMed and Embase publications until June 30, 2018 screening for data on NY as prognosticator and overall survival (OS) as outcome in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Risk for bias was asserted by application of the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool.

Results

Of the 823 screened publications, 15 were included in this analysis. Five out of seven that compared NY ≥18 vs <18 as prognosticator, showed significantly improved survival if NY ≥18. Six studies used other cutoffs and three reported improved survival with each additionally harvested lymph node.

Conclusion

Increased NY in ND specimen for HNSCC, most commonly described as ≥18 lymph nodes, is associated with improved OS and could be used as a prognosticator and quality‐of‐care marker.
Upregulated long noncoding RNA ENST00000470447.1 inhibits cell migration and invasion and predicts better disease‐free survival of oral cancer
Authors: Chen Fa , Yan Lingjun , Wang Jing , Lin Lisong , Qiu Yu , Hu Zhijian , Wu Junfeng , Bao Xiaodan , Lin Liangkun , Wang Rui , Cai Lin , Liu Fengqiong , He Baochang
Published: April 2019

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression profile of oral cancer and clarify the biological functions and clinical value of a novel lncRNA ENST00000470447.1.

Method

Microarray assay was used to explore lncRNA expression profiles in three paired oral cancer and adjacent normal tissue samples. The expression of targeted lncRNA (ENST00000545372.1, ENST00000470447.1, and ENST00000412353.1) was validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Then we evaluated the biological and clinical roles of ENST00000470447.1 in oral cancer by in vitro assays and multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results

LncRNAs were aberrantly expressed in oral cancer tissues. The expression levels of ENST00000470447.1 and ENST00000412353.1 in oral cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in matched adjacent noncancerous tissues (P < .001). in vitro assays indicated that overexpression of ENST00000470447.1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of Tca‐8113 cells, whereas promoted the apoptosis of Tca‐8113 cells. Furthermore, ENST00000470447.1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P = .030). Cox regression analyses demonstrated that high ENST00000470447.1 expression was associated with better disease‐free survival for patients with oral cancer (hazard ratio: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.95; P = .041).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that ENST00000470447.1 can be served as a potential novel marker for recurrence and metastasis prediction of patients with oral cancer, which may provide a potential therapeutic target for oral cancer.
Towards estimating root‐zone soil moisture using surface multispectral and thermal sensing: A spectral and hydrometeorological dataset from the Dookie experiment site, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Akuraju Venkata Radha , Ryu Dongryeol , Western Andrew William , Ian Young Rodger
Published: April 2019

This paper describes surface hydrometeorological and spectral datasets collected from two tower sites located in the University of Melbourne's Dookie experimental farm, Victoria, Australia. The datasets were collected from different vegetation types including wheat, canola, and grazed pasture during the 2012, 2013, and 2014 cropping seasons. The dataset includes 30‐min frequency latent and sensible heat flux measurements and layer‐average soil moisture data at profile depths of 0–5, 0–30, 30–60, 60–90, and 90–120 cm. Air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, precipitation, and incoming and outgoing longwave and shortwave radiation data were also collected from two locations in the study area. The dataset described in this paper is available online.
BRCA1 and EZH2 cooperate in regulation of prostate cancer stem cell phenotype
Authors: Gorodetska Ielizaveta , Lukiyanchuk Vasyl , Peitzsch Claudia , Kozeretska Iryna , Dubrovska Anna
Published: April 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer‐related death among men worldwide. Prostate carcinogenesis is driven by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic aberrations, which regulate cancer cell transition between a stem‐ and nonstem‐cell state and accelerate tumor evolution. Elevated expression of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) histone methyltransferase, a core member of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), results in cancer progression through histone methylation‐driven tumor cells dedifferentiation. Previous studies demonstrated that tumor suppressor breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) is a negative regulator of PRC2‐dependent H3K27 methylation. Our recent studies revealed that inhibition of EZH2‐mediated histone methylation radiosensitizes prostate cancer stem cells (CSCs) population. However, the link between BRCA1 and EZH2 in regulation of prostate CSCs remains elusive. Present study demonstrated that BRCA1 and EZH2 are coregulated in patients’ tumors and PCa cell lines, and cooperate in regulation of CSC phenotype and properties. Knockdown of BRCA1 expression significantly increases the number and the size of tumor spheres. Inhibition of BRCA1 and EZH2 expression leads to an increase of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)‐positive cell population that is, at least partially, attributed to the upregulation of ALDH1A3 protein. Treatment with a global histone methylation inhibitor 3‐Deazaneplanocin A abrogates this regulation, downregulates BRCA1 and EZH2 expression and has an inhibitory effect on the tumorigenic properties of radioresistant PCa cells in vivo. We found that EZH2/BRCA1 signaling mechanisms play an important role in the maintenance of prostate CSC properties and may be a promising target for tumor treatment.
Cisplatin and S‐1 for urachal carcinoma: A single‐institution case series
Authors: Urasaki Tetsuya , Naito Yoichi , Matsubara Nobuaki , Sasaki Masaoki , Kogawa Takahiro , Hosono Ako
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Urachal carcinoma is a rare cancer, manifesting predominantly as adenocarcinoma, and could be treated with chemotherapy in patients with advanced or recurrent disease. However, any standard chemotherapy regimens are yet to be determined.

Case presentation

We retrospectively reviewed five patients with urachal adenocarcinoma treated with a potent first‐line chemotherapy, cisplatin and S‐1, between 2011 and 2014. Among the five patients, three were males. The median age at diagnosis was 61 years, ranging from 47 to 67. The most common symptom at their first visit was macroscopic hematuria. The best response was stable disease in four patients, which persisted for 7 months. Three patients experienced only one episode of grade 3 toxicity. Cisplatin and S‐1 was well tolerated and safe.

Conclusion

The activity of cisplatin and S‐1 is modest and more efficacious treatment is desired against urachal carcinoma.
Functional paraganglioma of the bladder: Both radiographic‐negative and laboratory‐negative case
Authors: Sugimura Rumiko , Kawahara Takashi , Noguchi Go , Takamoto Daiji , Izumi Koji , Teranishi Jun‐ichi , Miyoshi Yasuhide , Yao Masahiro , Otani Masako , Uemura Hiroji
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Paraganglioma has been determined to be an extra‐adrenal pheochromocytoma. Paraganglioma of the bladder is a rare entity, accounting for 0.06% of all bladder tumors.

Case presentation

A 58‐year‐old woman had been annually followed up since being diagnosed with rectal cancer 5 years ago. In January 2018, follow‐up computed tomography detected a bladder tumor, and she was referred to our department for a further examination. Cystoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor on her right bladder wall. We performed transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. When we first marked the tumor margin, the systolic blood pressure increased, so we abandoned resection. We performed meta‐iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy and acid urinary collection, neither of which revealed any abnormal findings. We therefore performed open partial cystectomy based on a clinical diagnosis of paraganglioma of the bladder. The pathological findings revealed paraganglioma of the bladder.

Conclusion

We herein report a case of paraganglioma of the bladder.
Optimally designed reactive distillation processes for eco‐efficient production of ethyl levulinate
Authors: Vázquez‐Castillo José A , Contreras‐Zarazúa Gabriel , Segovia‐Hernández Juan G , Kiss Anton A
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Ethyl levulinate (EL) is an important chemical that can be used as a bio‐based replacement of fuel additives such as methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) and tert‐amyl methyl ether (TAME). EL production from lactic acid and ethanol is a viable option, as both precursors can be obtained from biomass. However, the problem of EL production by esterification is that this reaction is hindered by the chemical equilibrium limitations and the boiling points ranking, which is not the most favorable.

RESULTS

This study provides novel optimally designed reactive distillation (RD) processes for the production of EL, taking into account costs, environmental impact and safety. The thermally coupled RD process is the most appealing, with the lowest energy use (1.667 MJ kg−1 EL), minimal investment cost, major energy savings (up to 54.3% lower than other RD processes), reduced environmental impact (up to 51% lower ECO99 index value) and similar safety as other RD processes considered (less than 2% differences in the individual risk (IR) indicator).

CONCLUSION

The multi‐objective optimization approach used here showed its robustness, practicality and flexibility to provide multiple optimal designs of intensified processes that are economically attractive, environmentally friendly and inherently safe. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Men's experiences of recontact about a potential increased risk of prostate cancer due to Lynch Syndrome: “Just another straw on the stack”
Authors: Rasmussen Victoria , Forbes Shepherd Rowan , Forrest Laura Elenor , James Paul A. , Young Mary‐Anne
Published: April 2019

The practice of recontacting patients to provide new health information is becoming increasingly common in clinical genetics, despite the limited research to evidence the patient experience. We explored how men with Lynch Syndrome (LS) understand and experience being recontacted about a potential increased risk of prostate cancer. Sixteen men with LS (Meanage 51 years) were recruited from an Australian screening study to undergo a semi‐structured interview. A modified grounded theory approach was used to guide data collection and thematic analysis. Qualitative coding was shared by the research team to triangulate analysis. The practice of recontact was viewed by participants as acceptable and was associated with minimal emotional distress. The majority of men understood that they may be above population risk of prostate cancer, although evidence was still emerging. Men reported high engagement with personal and familial health, including regular screening practices and familial risk communication. Findings suggest that men's carrier status and beliefs about the actionability of the new cancer risk information influence their response to recontact. Recontact practices that include the offer of risk management strategies may lead to improved patient outcomes (e.g., reduced cancer worry and increased health engagement), if perceived as valuable by recipients.
Dickkopf‐4 gene expression is associated with differentiation and lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tsukui Yuya , Yamaguchi Tatsuya , Maekawa Shinya , Takano Shinichi , Sato Tadashi , Enomoto Nobuyuki
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

Although high expression of Dickkopf‐4 (DKK‐4) in colorectal cancer has been reported in previous studies, its impact on clinicopathological features, including the prognosis and mechanism of expression, has not been well clarified to date.

Methods

(i) DKK‐4 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining with anti‐DKK‐4 antibody using archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded specimens obtained at surgery from 122 patients with colorectal cancer, and its association with clinicopathological findings was also investigated. (ii) The association between intratumoral DKK‐4 protein expression and somatic hotspot mutations in cancer‐associated genes in 40 patients was investigated using a next‐generation sequencer.

Results

In cross‐section, DKK‐4 protein expression in colorectal tissue was related to an adenocarcinoma of a histologically differentiated type (tub1/tub2, P = 0.032) and distant metastasis (P = 0.012). Longitudinally, however, DKK‐4 was not an independent prognostic factor determining overall survival (OS). On the other hand, in patients with metastasis, high DKK‐4 protein was independently associated with short OS (P = 0.013). In addition, colorectal cancer tissue with high DKK‐4 protein expression was associated with hotspot mutations in Wnt/β catenin‐signaling molecules (APC, CTNNB1, and FBXW7, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Intratumoral DKK‐4 expression, by partly reflecting the Wnt/β catenin pathway, is strongly associated with the advancement of colorectal cancer and OS in colorectal cancer patients with metastasis, although further studies are needed.
Wave climate projections along the Indian coast
Authors: Chowdhury Piyali , Behera Manasa Ranjan , Reeve Dominic E.
Published: April 2019

Future changes in wave climate will influence the marine ecosystem, coastal erosion, design of coastal defences, operation of near‐ and off‐shore structures, and coastal zone management policies and may further add to the potential vulnerabilities of coastal regions to projected sea level rise. Many studies have reported changes in the global wave characteristics under climate change scenarios, but it is important to project future changes in local/regional wave climate for smooth implementation of policies and preventing severe coastal erosion and flooding. In this study the regional wave climate along the Indian coast for two time slices, 2011–2040 and 2041–2070, is reported using an ensemble of near‐surface winds generated by four different CMIP5 general circulation models (GCMs), under RCP4.5 scenario. Comparison of the wave climate for the two time slices shows an increase in wave heights and periods along much of the Indian coast, with the maximum wave heights increasing by more than 30% in some locations. An important finding is that at most locations along the east coast, wave periods are expected to increase by almost 20%, whereas along the west coast an increase of around 10% is expected. This will alter the distribution of wave energy at the shoreline through changes in wave refraction and diffraction, with potential implications for the performance and design of coastal structures and swash‐aligned beaches. Furthermore, the computations show material changes in the directional distribution of waves. This is particularly important in determining the longshore transport of sediments and can lead to realignment of drift‐aligned beaches, manifesting itself as erosion and/or siltation problems. This study is a preliminary contribution towards regional climate projections for the Indian Ocean region which are needed to plan and mitigate the impacts of future climate change.
The Volkswagen emissions scandal and its aftermath
Authors: Jung Jae C. , Sharon Elizabeth
Published: April 2019

The discovery in 2015 that car maker Volkswagen (VW) had installed “defeat devices” into its diesel engines to lower emissions during testing exposed a corporate scandal and resulted in a 40% drop in the company's share price in 2 weeks. Although industry analysts questioned whether VW would survive the fallout, its sales quickly rebounded, and in 2017 the firm was the world's largest auto manufacturer. Although this unexpected surge led some to say that the scandal had blown over, there are indicators that VW has not yet fully recovered from the affair, and several issues stemming from it remain to be resolved. An examination of several reports issued as the crisis unfolded highlights the impact on VW and offers lessons for the firm's leaders and public policy makers.
The excellence in higher education model: A Baldrige‐based tool for organizational assessment and improvement for colleges and universities
Authors: Ruben Brent D. , Gigliotti Ralph A.
Published: April 2019

The Baldrige Excellence Framework is one of the most prominent and well‐regarded instruments for integrating organizational assessment, planning, and improvement. Although it is potentially applicable to academic as well as business environments, the language and approach of the standard Baldrige model may impede its use within colleges and universities. Institutions of higher education can benefit from a framework tailored to their unique culture and requirements. Developed in 1997 and revised in a number of subsequent editions through 2016, the Excellence in Higher Education model builds on the criteria of the Baldrige framework to capture best practices from other organizations while focusing on the particular dimensions of assessment and improvement most common in higher education. Refined over time, the model has been used at more than 100 educational organizations. As these experiences have shown, this framework collectively engages colleagues in a thorough organizational self‐assessment that creates a shared sense of strengths and areas for improvement, identifies top priorities, and energizes members at all levels of the organization to engage in focused improvement activities to address those key concerns.
Mapping soil salinity using electromagnetic conductivity imaging—A comparison of regional and location‐specific calibrations
Authors: Farzamian Mohammad , Paz Maria Catarina , Paz Ana Marta , Castanheira Nádia Luísa , Gonçalves Maria Conceição , Monteiro Santos Fernando A. , Triantafilis John
Published: April 2019

Soil salinization limits agricultural productivity and can ultimately cause desertification and land abandonment. One approach to assess soil salinity over large areas efficiently is to use electromagnetic instruments to measure the soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa, mS m−1). ECa data can be then inverted to generate electromagnetic conductivity images (EMCIs), which provide the vertical distribution of the soil electrical conductivity (σ, mS m−1). In this study, we collected ECa data using an EM38 instrument across four locations with different levels of salinity in an important agricultural area of alluvial origin in Portugal. Using an inversion algorithm, we generated EMCIs and evaluated the potential for prediction of the electrical conductivity of the saturated soil paste extract (ECe). The main aim of our study is to compare regional and location‐specific calibrations in terms of ability to predict ECe from EMCIs. The results showed that the regional calibration predicted ECe unbiased, precisely (root mean square error [RMSE] = 2.54 dS m−1), and with strong concordance (0.93). The location‐specific calibration also predicted ECe unbiased, precisely (RMSE = 1.67 dS m−1), and with strong concordance (0.97). We conclude that the location‐specific calibration has slightly better prediction results, but the regional calibration is more practical for mapping soil salinity in the study area because it can be used at any new location without the need for new calibration. The prediction results at locations 3 and 4 show high to severely high soil salinity, which can compromise agricultural productivity. Therefore, monitoring soil salinity is required to conserve and improve agricultural productivity in the south of the study area.
Effects of reclamation and natural changes on coastal wetlands bordering China's Yellow Sea from 1984 to 2015
Authors: Chen Ying , Dong Jinwei , Xiao Xiangming , Ma Zhijun , Tan Kun , Melville David , Li Bo , Lu Haiying , Liu Jinfu , Liu Fengshan
Published: April 2019

Coastal wetlands are rapidly disappearing worldwide, which is posing a substantial threat to the integrity of coastal ecosystems. In addition to the direct area reduction caused by reclamation, coastal wetlands experience natural changes due to sediment transport in coastal regions. Arguably, the reclamation rates must be less than the net accretion rate to guarantee the restoration of coastal wetlands. By applying an automatic and replicable shoreline algorithm to all available Landsat imagery from 1984 to 2015 using the Google Earth Engine Cloud Platform, we developed distribution maps of coastal wetlands and reclamation in China's Yellow Sea (CYS) at 4‐ or 5‐year intervals. In addition, we divided coastal wetlands into saltmarshes and mudflats and analysed their trends separately. Over the past 30 years, the area of coastal wetlands decreased by 53% (from 6,463 to 3,036 km2), including a 67% decrease in saltmarshes (from 1,471 to 489 km2) and a 49% decrease in mudflats (from 4,992 to 2,547 km2). Meanwhile, the reclaimed area was 7,696 km2 (including 1,276 km2 of saltmarshes and 3,002 km2 of mudflats), which exceeded the area of newly formed coastal wetlands (852 km2). The natural state of mudflats gradually changed from accretion to erosion, but without considering the natural state of coastal wetlands, reclamation will continue at a high rate in CYS according to China's national marine functional zoning (MFZ) for 2010–2020. In view of their important ecological services, there is an urgent need to revise the national MFZ to achieve ‘no net loss’ of coastal wetlands.
HPMA‐Based Nanocarriers for Effective Immune System Stimulation
Authors: Kramer Stefan , Langhanki Jens , Krumb Matthias , Opatz Till , Bros Matthias , Zentel Rudolf
Published: April 2019

The selective activation of the immune system using nanoparticles as a drug delivery system is a promising field in cancer therapy. Block copolymers from HPMA and laurylmethacrylate‐co‐hymecromone‐methacrylate allow the preparation of multifunctionalized core‐crosslinked micelles of variable size. To activate dendritic cells (DCs) as antigen presenting cells, the carbohydrates mannose and trimannose are introduced into the hydrophilic corona as DC targeting units. To activate DCs, a lipophilic adjuvant (L18‐MDP) is incorporated into the core of the micelles. To elicit an immune response, a model antigen peptide (SIINFEKL) is attached to the polymeric nanoparticle—in addition—via a click reaction with the terminal azide. Thereafter, the differently functionalized micelles are chemically and biologically characterized. While the core‐crosslinked micelles without carbohydrate units are hardly bound by DCs, mannose and trimannose functionalization lead to a strong binding. Flow cytometric analysis and blocking studies employing mannan suggest the requirement of the mannose receptor and DC‐SIGN for effective micelle binding. It could be suppressed by blocking with mannan. Adjuvant‐loaded micelles functionalized with mannose and trimannose activate DCs, and DCs preincubated with antigen‐conjugated micelles induce proliferation of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells.
A comparison between 24‐hour decays and Butler–Volmer Corrosion Rates
Authors: Atkins Chris , Merola Rudi , Lambert Paul
Published: April 2019

Twenty‐four‐hr decays are commonly used to assess the performance of cathodic protection on reinforced concrete. This approach has been empirically demonstrated by the performance of systems in the field. More recently an approach has been used to extrapolate corrosion rates from the decays and applied current density. This paper compares the two approaches using laboratory data and field data from a large number of cathodically protected structures to assess the natural variability in potentials and corrosion rates.
Effects of retrogression and reaging heat treatment on the microstructure, exfoliation corrosion, electrical conductivity, and mechanical properties of AA7050
Authors: Özer Gökhan , Kaya Işık , Karaaslan Ahmet
Published: April 2019

The effects of different retrogression times and temperatures on the microstructure, electrical conductivity, exfoliation corrosion (EXCO), and hardness of the 7050 aluminium alloy were compared with the T6 and T7451 condition. The EXCO solution was prepared in accordance with ASTM G34‐01 standard and the samples were kept in the solution for 48 hr. Corrosion depths were examined by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) in the cross‐sections microstructure of the samples. The effect of EXCO on the material was investigated using stereo optical microscope images. In microstructure investigations, SEM and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analyses were used to determine the distribution and chemistry of the precipitates at the grain boundaries. The results show that retrogression and reaging (RRA) times and temperatures have significant effects on AA7050 EXCO. Especially after 200°C/30 min RRA process, it has been found that 7050 aluminium alloy has higher mechanical strength than T6 level and high corrosion resistance from T7451 level. According to the results of this study, it has been shown that there is a direct connection between electrical conductivity and EXCO.
Improvement on the pitting corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel via duplex passivation treatment
Authors: Hou Yan , Zhao Jie , Cao Tie‐Shan , Zhang Lei , Meng Xian‐Ming , Zhang Zhi‐Peng , Cheng Cong‐Qian
Published: April 2019

A remarkable improvement in the pitting corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel was attempted using a novel duplex passivation treatment method. First, chemical passivation in nitric acid followed electrochemical passivation via potential polarization of step cycling in sodium nitrate electrolyte. Compared with traditional chemical passivation, breakdown potential was increased from 0.31 VSCE to positive than 0.9 VSCE at 70°C in a solution bearing 0.6 M [Cl−] concentration. The critical pitting temperature was enhanced from 21.5°C to above 70°C in a solution with 6 M [Cl−] concentration. Impedance analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that a more compact passive film with a higher ratio of chromium oxide on iron oxide was achieved by electrochemical passivation compared with chemical passivation. Morphology observation suggested that the potential polarization of step cycling slightly increased the dissolution of inclusions after being subjected to chemical passivation. The probable reason for the improvement on pitting resistance is discussed in detail based on inclusion dissolution and the protectiveness in passive film.
Reductions on equivalence relations generated by universal sets
Authors: Ding Longyun , Yu Ping
Published: April 2019

Let X, Y be Polish spaces, , . We say A is universal for Γ provided that each x‐section of A is in Γ and each element of Γ occurs as an x‐section of A. An equivalence relation generated by a set is denoted by , where . The following results are shown:

If A is a set universal for all nonempty closed subsets of Y, then is a equivalence relation and .

If A is a set universal for all countable subsets of Y, then is a equivalence relation, and

and ;

if , then ;

if every set is Lebesgue measurable or has the Baire property, then .

for , if every set has the Baire property, and E is any equivalence relation, then .
Filter‐Through Method of Making Highly Efficient Polymer‐Clay Nanocomposite Membranes
Authors: Zhu Jian , Habel Christoph , Schilling Theresa , Greiner Andreas , Breu Josef , Agarwal Seema
Published: April 2019

Electrospun filter with hierarchical pore structure and variable pore diameter is used for the first time in making a flexible, strong, and high gas‐barrier membrane. A versatile, technical, benign processing method for the fabrication of highly filled (>25 wt%) efficient gas‐barrier polymer membrane with perfectly aligned synthetic high‐aspect ratio layered silicate (clay) of variable and considerable thickness (up to 5 µm) is presented. This process combines advantageous features of an electrospun substrate like high porosity, variable pore size (typically <5 µm), thermoplasticity and of an aqueous suspension of a synthetic clay consisting of single 1 nm thick layers with a huge median lateral extension (>10 µm) in a layered structure. By simple and fast filtration, a gas‐barrier self‐assembled layer of variable and appropriate thickness is obtained on a mechanically stable thermoplastic electrospun filter support that subsequently can be laminated adhesively or via hot pressing, even in a multilayer structure, if required. The resulting composite membranes are flexible, strong, transparent, and show enhanced gas‐barrier properties.
Bioinspired Polymeric Helical and Superhelical Microfibers via Microfluidic Spinning
Authors: Yang Huili , Guo Mingyu
Published: April 2019

The helix and superhelix play critical roles in the achievement of tissue functions. These fascinating structures have attracted increasing interest due to their potential biomimicking applications. However, continuous and controlled fabrication of these structures, especially the superhelical structures, from various polymers for different practical applications still remains a big challenge. Here, a novel and versatile microfluidic spinning strategy is presented for generation of both helical and superhelical microfibers from either hydrophilic, hydrophobic, or amphiphilic polymers. The diameter (d ), wavelength (λ), and amplitude (A) of these microfibers could be highly controlled. The helical microfibers show outstanding elongations and potential applications in magnetic responsive elastic microactuators. It is envisioned that these results will greatly enrich the possibility of generating new multiple‐ordered structures from various polymers for applications in different areas.
HDAC4 mutations cause diabetes and induce β‐cell FoxO1 nuclear exclusion
Authors: Gong Maolian , Yu Yong , Liang Lei , Vuralli Dogus , Froehler Sebastian , Kuehnen Peter , Du Bois Philipp , Zhang Jingjing , Cao Aidi , Liu Yuantao , Hussain Khalid , Fielitz Jens , Jia Shiqi , Chen Wei , Raile Klemens
Published: April 2019

Background

Studying patients with rare Mendelian diabetes has uncovered molecular mechanisms regulating β‐cell pathophysiology. Previous studies have shown that Class IIa histone deacetylases (HDAC4, 5, 7, and 9) modulate mammalian pancreatic endocrine cell function and glucose homeostasis.

Methods

We performed exome sequencing in one adolescent nonautoimmune diabetic patient and detected one de novo predicted disease‐causing HDAC4 variant (p.His227Arg). We screened our pediatric diabetes cohort with unknown etiology using Sanger sequencing. In mouse pancreatic β‐cell lines (Min6 and SJ cells), we performed insulin secretion assay and quantitative RT‐PCR to measure the β‐cell function transfected with the detected HDAC4 variants and wild type. We carried out immunostaining and Western blot to investigate if the detected HDAC4 variants affect the cellular translocation and acetylation status of Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) in the pancreatic β‐cells.

Results

We discovered three HDAC4 mutations (p.His227Arg, p.Asp234Asn, and p.Glu374Lys) in unrelated individuals who had nonautoimmune diabetes with various degrees of β‐cell loss. In mouse pancreatic β‐cell lines, we found that these three HDAC4 mutations decrease insulin secretion, down‐regulate β‐cell‐specific transcriptional factors, and cause nuclear exclusion of acetylated FoxO1.

Conclusion

Mutations in HDAC4 disrupt the deacetylation of FoxO1, subsequently decrease the β‐cell function including insulin secretion, resulting in diabetes.
Achillea biebersteinni Afan may inhibit scar formation: In vitro study
Authors: Hormozi Maryam , Baharvand Parastoo
Published: April 2019

Background

One of the major problems in wound healing is scar formation; however, there are few ways to prevent or treat it. Different species of Achillea are used to treat wounds in folk medicine from the past but there are few studies on the effect of it on wound healing and inhibition of scar formation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Achillea biebersteinii Afan hydroethanolic extract on the expression of TGFβ1 and bFGF as effective growth factors of wound healing in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells.

Methods

Mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were exposed to different concentrations of Achillea extract at two different time (12 and 24 hr); the expression of TGFβ1 and bFGF was performed by real‐time‐PCR and ELISA at the level of gene and protein.

Results

It was observed that the plant extract at 5 and 10 µg/ml downregulated the expression of TGFβ1 and upregulated the expression of bFGF at the level of gene and protein.

Conclusion

The results showed that the pattern of changes in the expression of TGFβ1 and bFGF by Achillea biebersteinni Afan extract may inhibit scar formation.
Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in Chinese patients with high‐risk breast cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaozhen , Liu Haimeng , Maimaitiaili Amina , Zhao Gang , Li Sijie , Lv Zheng , Wu Di , Shi Aiping , Guan Xin , Jia Hongyao , Li Menghan , Song Dong , Kang Lihua , Han Bing , Fu Tong , Yang Ming , Zhu Zhu , Du Ye , Song Yanqiu , Hong Jinghui , Fan Zhimin
Published: April 2019

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Here, we report the prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations in patients with high‐risk breast cancer from Inner Mongolia and Jilin, China, which was a part of a nationwide project on the detection of BRCA1/2 mutations in Chinese patients with hereditary breast cancer.

Methods

According to the criteria, index patients from a total of 245 independent families were initially recruited. All 49 exons of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and adjacent noncoding regions were screened for mutations based on next‐generation sequencing from collected saliva.

Results

We detected 17 BRCA1/2 variants in 18 of 216 (8.3%) index patients with high‐risk breast cancer. Among these, seven mutations were novel, including four BRCA1 mutations (c.123_124delCAinsAT, c.5093_5096delCTAA, c.5396‐2A>G, and c.2054delinsGAAGAGTAACAAGTAAGAAGAGTAACAAGAAG), and three BRCA2 mutations (c.304A>T, c.7552_7553insT, and c.9548_9549insA). The BRCA1/2 variants were identified in 14% (8/57) of the patients with triple‐negative breast cancer and in 6.3% (10/159) of the patients with non‐triple‐negative breast cancer. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.07). A higher frequency for BRCA1 mutations was observed in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer than in those with non‐triple‐negative breast cancer (12.3% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.004). The frequencies of the BRCA2 mutations were not significantly different between patients with triple‐negative breast cancer and those with non‐triple‐negative breast cancer (1.8% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.46).

Conclusion

We found that patients with triple‐negative breast cancer had a higher frequency of BRCA1 mutations than those with non‐triple‐negative breast cancer. In this study, no significant associations between the BRCA1/2 mutation status and age, family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer, number of primary lesions, tumor size, or lymph node metastasis were observed.
Assessments of Algal Toxicity and PBT Behaviour of Pesticides with No Eco‐toxicological Data: Predictive Ability of QSA/(T)R Models
Authors: Gökçe Selen , Saçan Melek Türker
Published: April 2019

In the present study, the effect of eight pesticides with no ecotoxicological data on the growth rate of Chlorella vulgaris was measured. The selected pesticides are acetochlor, acetamiprid, boscalid diphenamid, gibberellic acid, ioxynil, diclofop and 2,4,5‐T. The algal toxicity (IC50) of boscalid could not be determined within its solubility limit. Acetamiprid, diphenamid and gibberellic acid revealed IC50 values>100 mg/L. Among the others, the order of 96‐h IC50 of pesticides was found as acetochlor>ioxynil>diclofop>2,4,5‐T. The IC50 values were also predicted by using four Quantitative Structure‐Activity/(Toxicity) Relationship (QSA/(T)R) models selected from the literature. The predictions of the models provided by QSARINS‐Chem module of QSARINS as well as those obtained in our previous studies were compared with the results of experimental algal toxicity tests that were performed in our laboratory. The QSTR model generated for the toxicity of diverse chemicals to freshwater algae was able to correctly predict the toxicity order of the pesticides tested in the present study, confirming the utility of the QSA/(T)R approach. Additionally, Persistence, Bioaccumulation and Toxicity (PBT) Index model provided via the software QSARINS was employed and boscalid and diclofop were found to be PBT chemicals based on the PBT model. The present study will be very helpful when a more holistic approach applied to understand the fate of these chemicals in the environment.
Free‐base porphyrins as CEST MRI contrast agents with highly upfield shifted labile protons
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Yuan Yaping , Li Sha , Zeng Qingbin , Guo Qianni , Liu Na , Yang Minghui , Yang Yunhuang , Liu Maili , McMahon Michael T. , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

CEST has become a preeminent technology for the rapid detection and grading of tumors, securing its widespread use in both laboratory and clinical research. However, many existing CEST MRI agents exhibit a sensitivity limitation due to small chemical shifts between their exchangeable protons and water. We propose a new group of CEST MRI agents, free‐base porphyrins and chlorin, with large exchangeable proton chemical shifts from water for enhanced detection.

Methods

To test these newly identified CEST agents, we acquired a series of Z‐spectra at multiple pH values and saturation field strengths to determine their CEST properties. The data were analyzed using the quantifying exchange using saturation power method to quantify exchange rates. After identifying several promising candidates, a porphyrin solution was injected into tumor‐bearing mice, and MR images were acquired to assess detection feasibility in vivo.

Results

Based on the Z‐spectra, the inner nitrogen protons in free‐base porphyrins and chlorin resonate from −8 to −13.5 ppm from water, far shifted from the majority of endogenous metabolites (0‐4 ppm) and Nuclear Overhauser enhancements (−1 to −3.5 ppm) and far removed from the salicylates, imidazoles, and anthranillates (5‐12 ppm). The exchange rates are sufficiently slow to intermediate (500‐9000 s−1) to allow robust detection and were sensitive to substituents on the porphyrin ring.

Conclusion

These results highlight the capabilities of free‐base porphyrins and chlorin as highly upfield CEST MRI agents and provide a new scaffold that can be integrated into a variety of diagnostic or theranostic agents for biomedical applications.
Trade credit contract in the presence of retailer investment opportunity
Authors: Zha Yong , Chen Kehong , Yue Xiaohang , Yu Yugang , Mukhopadhyay Samar
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a model for designing a trade credit contract between a supplier and a retailer that would coordinate a supply chain in the presence of investment opportunity for the retailer. Specifically, we study a newsvendor model where the supplier offers a trade credit contract to the retailer who, by delaying the payment, can invest the accounts payable amount and earn returns. We find that when the channel partners have symmetric information about the retailer's investment return, a conditionally concessional trade credit (CTC) contract, which includes a wholesale price, an interest‐free period, and a minimum order requirement, can achieve channel coordination. We then extend the model to the information asymmetry setting in which the retailer's investment return is unobservable by the supplier. We show that, although the CTC contract cannot achieve the coordination in this setting, it can effectively improve channel efficiency as well as profitability for individual partners.
Metabolism of hyperpolarized 13C‐acetoacetate to β‐hydroxybutyrate detects real‐time mitochondrial redox state and dysfunction in heart tissue
Authors: Chen Wei , Sharma Gaurav , Jiang Weina , Maptue Nesmine R. , Malloy Craig R. , Sherry A. Dean , Khemtong Chalermchai
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be an important component of many metabolic diseases yet there is no reliable imaging biomarker for monitoring mitochondrial damage in vivo. A large prior literature on inter‐conversion of β‐hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate indicates that the process is mitochondrial and that the ratio reflects a specifically mitochondrial redox state. Therefore, the conversion of [1,3‐13C]acetoacetate to [1,3‐13C]β‐hydroxybutyrate is expected to be sensitive to the abnormal redox state present in dysfunctional mitochondria.

In this study, we examined the conversion of hyperpolarized (HP) 13C‐acetoacetate (AcAc) to 13C‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐HB) as a potential imaging biomarker for mitochondrial redox and dysfunction in perfused rat hearts. Conversion of HP‐AcAc to β‐HB was investigated using 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy in Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts in four groups: control, global ischemic reperfusion, low‐flow ischemic, and rotenone (mitochondrial complex‐I inhibitor)‐treated hearts.

We observed that more β‐HB was produced from AcAc in ischemic hearts and the hearts exposed to complex I inhibitor rotenone compared with controls, consistent with the accumulation of excess mitochondrial NADH. The increase in β‐HB, as detected by 13C MRS, was validated by a direct measure of tissue β‐HB by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance in tissue extracts. The redox ratio, NAD+/NADH, measured by enzyme assays of homogenized tissue, also paralleled production of β‐HB from AcAc. Transmission electron microscopy of tissues provided direct evidence for abnormal mitochondrial structure in each ischemic tissue model.

The results suggest that conversion of HP‐AcAc to HP‐β‐HB detected by 13C‐MRS may serve as a useful diagnostic marker of mitochondrial redox and dysfunction in heart tissue in vivo.
Enhancing piecewise‐defined surrogate response surfaces with adjoints on sets of unstructured samples to solve stochastic inverse problems
Authors: Mattis Steven A. , Butler Troy
Published: April 2019

Many approaches for solving stochastic inverse problems suffer from both stochastic and deterministic sources of error. The finite number of samples used to construct a solution is a common source of stochastic error. When computational models are expensive to evaluate, surrogate response surfaces are often employed to increase the number of samples available for approximating the solution. This leads to a reduction in finite sampling errors while the deterministic error in the evaluation of each sample is potentially increased. The pointwise accuracy of sampling the surrogate is primarily impacted by two sources of deterministic error: the local order of accuracy in the surrogate and the numerical error from the numerical solution of the model. In this work, we use adjoints to simultaneously give a posteriori error and derivative estimates in order to construct low‐order, piecewise‐defined surrogates on sets of unstructured samples. Several examples demonstrate the computational gains of this approach in obtaining accurate estimates of probabilities for events in the design space of model input parameters. This lays the groundwork for future studies on goal‐oriented adaptive refinement of such surrogates.
Finding the right vendor partners or third‐party services: Overflow, part 2
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: April 2019

Maybe your staff seems overwhelmed; working after‐hours is butting into their personal life. Perhaps your brand needs a refresh or your website needs serious attention, but there just hasn't been the time or manpower. And maybe internal practices and processes are cumbersome, time‐consuming, and clunky — but you're sticking with the status quo just until you have the opportunity to make changes (which never seems to happen). Last month we talked about enlisting freelancers to help when things get busy, and this month we'll explore a longer‐term option: partnering with a higher education service provider.
Flexible program, reasonable costs make program appealing
Authors: Waller Mary
Published: April 2019

After a year off school, Jack Waller decided to get his master's degree. As a graduate with his B.A. in theater, Waller took some time off to figure out what he wanted to do in his career. He was never truly serious about graduate school until his senior year, when he realized that bachelor's degrees weren't enough anymore. “A bachelor's degree is really worth nothing these days,” he said, and since the expectations in the job market have risen, he chose to start looking into graduate programs.
Preparation of ZrO2/silicone hybrid materials for LED encapsulation via in situ sol‐gel reaction
Authors: Huang Yufeng , Feng Yakai , Sun Xujun , Han Ying , Liu Dongshun , Tan Xiaohua
Published: April 2019

Organic silicones have been used as encapsulant materials for light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) for many years, while their performances need to be improved in order to satisfy the requirements of high‐power LEDs. A ZrO2/silicone hybrid resin (ZHR) was synthesized for LEDs encapsulation by in situ sol‐gel reactions. The oligosiloxane was synthesized as polymeric matrix by nonaqueous sol‐gel condensation using diphenylsilanediol (DPSD), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), and 3‐methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as monomers. Then zirconium propoxide was added into this polymeric matrix to be hydrolyzed to obtain the hybrid resin with a uniform dispersion of ZrO2 nanoparticles. The Si–O–Zr covalent bond was detected and benefited for excellent dispersibility of the ZrO2 nanoparticles and the well compatibility between organic and inorganic phases. The cured ZHR with 5 wt% ZrO2 content showed high light transmittance (greater than 80% in visible light range), high refractive index (=1.56), and high thermal stability (no yellowing at 150°C for 240 hours). The luminous flux of the LED chip with ZHR encapsulant was 10% higher than that of the pure silicone resin, suggesting that ZHR has great application potential in the field of LED packaging.