bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of lung adenocarcinoma complicated by pulmonary talcosis occurring in a patient employed in the confectionery industry
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Watanabe Naoki , Oka Teruaki , Tomita Hiroyuki , Suzui Natsuko , Oumi Yasunori , Hara Akira , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko
Published: February 2019

A 73‐year‐old Japanese man, who worked at a confectionery company for more than 20 years, was diagnosed with a 28 mm nodular lesion in the superior lobe of the right lung by whole‐body computed tomography examination. A biopsy revealed the presence of adenocarcinoma. With a diagnosis of a primary lung cancer, a right upper lobectomy was performed. A nodular lesion, 25 × 23 mm in size, was observed in the upper right lobe lung field, and was diagnosed histopathologically as a papillary adenocarcinoma. In addition, fibrous scars in the central part of the tumor showed numerous Langhans and/or foreign body giant cells, and histiocytic cells that had phagocytized numerous small transparent crystals, together with coal powder deposition. The extracted crystals were observed with a scanning electron microscope, and although plate‐like structures were observed, ferruginous bodies suggestive of asbestos were not found. The crystals were demonstrated to be talc by powder X‐ray diffraction. Herein, we investigated a case of lung adenocarcinoma in a patient with talcosis, with discussions based on a literature search. This collision of talcosis and lung adenocarcinoma adds to an increasing body of knowledge on an apparent association between talc and cancer cases.
Relative effectiveness of insects versus hummingbirds as pollinators of Rubiaceae plants across elevation in Dominica, Caribbean
Authors: Lehmann L. J. , Maruyama P. K. , Joaquim Bergamo P. , Maglianesi M. A. , Rahbek C. , Dalsgaard B.
Published: February 2019

Most angiosperms rely on animal pollination for reproduction, but the dependence on specific pollinator groups varies greatly between species and localities. Notably, such dependence may be influenced by both floral traits and environmental conditions. Despite its importance, their joint contribution has rarely been studied at the assemblage level.

At two elevations on the Caribbean island of Dominica, we measured the floral traits and the relative contributions of insects versus hummingbirds as pollinators of plants in the Rubiaceae family. Pollinator importance was measured as visitation rate (VR) and single visit pollen deposition (SVD), which were combined to assess overall pollinator effectiveness (PE).

In the wet and cool Dominican highland, we found that hummingbirds were relatively more frequent and effective pollinators than insects, whereas insects and hummingbirds were equally frequent and effective pollinators at the warmer and less rainy midelevation. Furthermore, floral traits correlated independently of environment with the relative importance of pollinators, hummingbirds being more important in plant species having flowers with long and wide corollas producing higher volumes of dilute nectar.

Our findings show that both environmental conditions and floral traits influence whether insects or hummingbirds are the most important pollinators of plants in the Rubiaceae family, highlighting the complexity of plant–pollinator systems.
Hemodynamic and electrocortical reactivity to specific scene contents in emotional perception
Authors: Frank David W. , Sabatinelli Dean
Published: February 2019

Emotional scene perception is characterized by enhanced neural activity across broad regions of visual cortex, the frontoparietal network, and anterior corticolimbic structures. In human fMRI and electrocortical experiments, activation enhancement is strongly related to self‐reported emotional arousal evoked by scene stimuli. However, an additional bias in reaction to pleasant scenes has been reported in a subset of emotion‐enhanced brain regions. Human fMRI and primate electrophysiological studies show biased frontoparietal network activity in response to rewarding cues. In addition, activation in lateral occipital regions may show a bias in pleasant scene perception, as shown in fMRI and in the early posterior negativity (EPN) ERP component. To define this potential pleasure bias, we presented a balanced set of naturalistic scenes to participants during separate fMRI and ERP recording sessions. Consistent with past work, the amplitude of the slow‐wave late positive potential (LPP), as well as hemodynamic activity in fusiform gyrus and amygdala, showed equivalent enhancement across highly arousing pleasant and unpleasant, relative to neutral scenes. In addition to this emotional enhancement, the EPN component, as well as hemodynamic activity in lateral occipital cortex and frontoparietal network, showed greater reactivity during highly arousing pleasant relative to unpleasant scenes, consistent with a pleasure bias. The interpretation of this pattern of reactivity is discussed with respect to selective and evolved attention mechanisms.
Approximate Bayesian Computation with the Wasserstein Distance
Authors: Bernton Espen , Jacob Pierre E. , Gerber Mathieu , Robert Christian P.
Published: February 2019

A growing number of generative statistical models do not permit the numerical evaluation of their likelihood functions. Approximate Bayesian computation has become a popular approach to overcome this issue, in which one simulates synthetic data sets given parameters and compares summaries of these data sets with the corresponding observed values. We propose to avoid the use of summaries and the ensuing loss of information by instead using the Wasserstein distance between the empirical distributions of the observed and synthetic data. This generalizes the well-known approach of using order statistics within approximate Bayesian computation to arbitrary dimensions. We describe how recently developed approximations of the Wasserstein distance allow the method to scale to realistic data sizes, and we propose a new distance based on the Hilbert space filling curve. We provide a theoretical study of the method proposed, describing consistency as the threshold goes to 0 while the observations are kept fixed, and concentration properties as the number of observations grows. Various extensions to time series data are discussed. The approach is illustrated on various examples, including univariate and multivariate g-and-k distributions, a toggle switch model from systems biology, a queuing model and a Lévy-driven stochastic volatility model.
Higher‐level molecular phylogeny of jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea)
Authors: Cho Geonho , Malenovský Igor , Lee Seunghwan
Published: February 2019

Jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) are known for a few deleterious pest species worldwide, yet the phylogeny of the group has been poorly understood until very recently. Here, we reconstruct the higher‐level phylogeny for the superfamily Psylloidea based on multilocus DNA sequences, three mitochondrial (COI‐tRNAleu‐COII, 12S, 16S) and five nuclear (18S, 28S D2, 28S D3, 28S D6–7a, 28S D9–10) gene fragments, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic frameworks. Our results are largely congruent with the recent phylogenomic study and partly support prior classification of Psylloidea based mainly on morphology, with the following major exceptions: the family Calophyidae is revealed as polyphyletic, Aphalaridae as paraphyletic with respect to most other taxa of Psylloidea, and Liviidae as paraphyletic with respect to Calophyinae, Psyllidae and Triozidae. Our phylogenetic hypothesis identifies Phacopteronidae and the genus Cecidopsylla Kieffer as the very basal taxa within extant Psylloidea. Sister‐group relationships of Rhinocolinae with Togepsyllinae and of Pachypsyllinae with Homotomidae are also suggested. We present specific discussions for each group of interest recovered in our phylogenetic analysis. One nomenclatorial change is proposed: Spanioneura longicauda (Konovalova) comb.n., from Psylla Geoffroy.
Somatic mutation of HLA‐DRB1*04:03 in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome at diagnosis
Authors: Park Sholhui , Jeong Tae D. , Mun Yeung C. , Seo Dongchun , Im Jisu , Huh Jungwon
Published: February 2019

Loss or decrease in expression of human HLA caused by somatic mutations of HLA genes has been reported in various malignancies. However, mutations in the HLA‐DR gene have been rarely noted in hematologic malignancies. Here, we report a case of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with a novel point mutation in exon 2 of the HLA‐DRB1*04:03 gene pertaining to a silent mutation (c.357A > T[p.Thr=]). When compared before and after anticancer drug treatment and to the results from the full HLA‐matching sibling donor, mutation of the HLA‐DRB1 gene suggests clonal evolution. In conclusion, we report a new DRB1*04:03 mutation in an MDS patient at diagnosis that results in a synonymous substitution with unknown clinical impact.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*08:181 allele in a volunteer donor for hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Sörman Anna , Knutson Carina , Bengtsson Mats
Published: February 2019

HLA‐B*08:181 differs from HLA‐B*08:01:01:01 in codon 94, 95, 97 and 99 of exon 3.
Reliabilism, the Generality Problem, and the Basing Relation
Authors: Demircioglu Erhan
Published: February 2019

In “A Well‐Founded Solution to the Generality Problem”, Comesaña argues, inter alia, for three main claims. One is what I call the unavoidability claim: Any adequate epistemological theory needs to appeal, either implicitly or explicitly, to the notion of a belief's being based on certain evidence. Another is what I call the legitimacy claim: It is perfectly legitimate to appeal to the basing relation in solving a problem for an epistemological theory. According to Comesaña, the legitimacy claim follows straightforwardly from the unavoidability claim. The third is what I call the basing solution claim: An appeal to the notion of basing relation is all we need to solve the generality problem for (process) reliabilism. In this article, I argue that the unavoidability claim and the basing solution claim are false and that the legitimacy claim might be true only in a qualified sense.
OsMYB108 loss‐of‐function enriches p‐coumaroylated and tricin lignin units in rice cell walls
Authors: Miyamoto Takuji , Takada Rie , Tobimatsu Yuki , Takeda Yuri , Suzuki Shiro , Yamamura Masaomi , Osakabe Keishi , Osakabe Yuriko , Sakamoto Masahiro , Umezawa Toshiaki
Published: February 2019

Breeding approaches to enrich lignins in biomass could be beneficial to improving the biorefinery process because lignins increase biomass heating value and represent a potent source of valuable aromatic chemicals. However, despite the fact that grasses are promising lignocellulose feedstocks, limited information is yet available for molecular‐breeding approaches to upregulate lignin biosynthesis in grass species. In this study, we generated lignin‐enriched transgenic rice (Oryza sativa), a model grass species, via targeted mutagenesis of the transcriptional repressor OsMYB108 using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing. The OsMYB108‐knockout rice mutants displayed increased expressions of lignin biosynthetic genes and enhanced lignin deposition in culm cell walls. Chemical and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses revealed that the mutant cell walls were preferentially enriched in γ‐p‐coumaroylated and tricin lignin units, both of which are typical and unique components in grass lignins. NMR analysis also showed that the relative abundances of major lignin linkage types were altered in the OsMYB108 mutants.
Local duality for representations of finite group schemes
Authors: Benson Dave , Iyengar Srikanth B. , Krause Henning , Pevtsova Julia
Published: February 2019

A duality theorem for the stable module category of representations of a finite group scheme is proved. One of its consequences is an analogue of Serre duality, and the existence of Auslander–Reiten triangles for the $\mathfrak{p}$-local and $\mathfrak{p}$-torsion subcategories of the stable category, for each homogeneous prime ideal $\mathfrak{p}$ in the cohomology ring of the group scheme.
Synergistic Effect of Ceftazidime-Avibactam with Meropenem against Panresistant, Carbapenemase-Harboring
Acinetobacter baumannii
and
Serratia marcescens
Investigated Using Time-Kill and Disk Approximation Assays
Authors: Gaudereto Juliana Januário , Perdigão Neto Lauro Vieira , Leite Gleice Cristina , Ruedas Martins Roberta , Boas do Prado Gladys Villas , Rossi Flavia , Guimarães Thais , Levin Anna Sara , Costa Silvia Figueiredo
Published: February 2019

Susceptibility of ceftazidime-avibactam and
in vitro
synergy with meropenem were investigated using disk approximation and time-kill assays against 11 multiresistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates harboring oxacillinases and 5
Serratia marcescens
isolates carrying
bla
KPC-2
. Ceftazidime-avibactam was very active and synergistic with meropenem against multiresistant
S. marcescens
isolates.
The Evolution of Azole Resistance in
Candida albicans
Sterol 14α-Demethylase (CYP51) through Incremental Amino Acid Substitutions
Authors: Warrilow Andrew G. , Nishimoto Andrew T. , Parker Josie E. , Price Claire L. , Flowers Stephanie A. , Kelly Diane E. , Rogers P. David , Kelly Steven L.
Published: February 2019

Recombinant
Candida albicans
CYP51 (CaCYP51) proteins containing 23 single and 5 double amino acid substitutions found in clinical strains and the wild-type enzyme were expressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified by Ni
2+
-nitrilotriacetic acid agarose chromatography. Catalytic tolerance to azole antifungals was assessed by determination of the concentration causing 50% enzyme inhibition (IC
50
) using CYP51 reconstitution assays.
Mapping the Heterogeneity of Histone Modifications on Hepatitis B Virus DNA Using Liver Needle Biopsies Obtained from Chronically Infected Patients
Authors: Flecken Tobias , Meier Marie-Anne , Skewes-Cox Peter , Barkan David T. , Heim Markus H. , Wieland Stefan F. , Holdorf Meghan M.
Published: February 2019

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health concern, chronically infecting millions of patients and contributing to a rising burden of liver disease. The viral genome forms the basis for chronic infection and has been shown to be subject to regulation by epigenetic mechanisms, such as posttranslational modification of histone proteins. Here, we confirm and expand on previous results by adapting a high-resolution technique for analysis of histone modifications for use with patient-derived fine-needle liver biopsy specimens. Our work highlights that the situation
in vivo
is more complex than predicted by current
in vitro
models, for example, by suggesting a novel, noncanonical role of the histone modification H3K9me3 in the HBV life cycle. Importantly, enabling the use of fine-needle liver biopsy specimens for such high-resolution analyses may facilitate further research into the epigenetic regulation of the HBV genome.
Targeting IL-17 attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension through downregulation of β-catenin
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Jie , Wang Wang , Qi Xianmei , Wang Ying , Tian Bo , Dai Huaping , Wang Jing , Ning Wen , Yang Ting , Wang Chen
Published: February 2019

Background

The role of interleukin 17 (IL-17) in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) remains unclear. This study is designed to explore whether IL-17 is a potential target for HPH treatment.

Methods

Clinic samples from the lung tissue and serum were obtained from qualified patients. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and/or ELISA were used to measure the expression of relevant proteins. HPH models were established in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) andIL-17−/−mice and were treated with exogenous recombinant mouse IL-17 (rmIL-17) or an IL-17 neutralising antibody. Assays for cell proliferation, angiogenesis and adhesion were employed to analyse the behaviours of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs). A non-contact Transwell coculture model was used to evaluate intercellular interactions.

Results

Expression of IL-17 was increased in lung tissue of both patients with bronchiectasis/COPD-associated PH and HPH mouse model. Compared with WT mice,IL-17−/−mice had attenuated HPH, whereas administration of rmIL-17 aggravated HPH. In vitro, recombinant human IL-17 (rhIL-17) promoted proliferation, angiogenesis and adhesion in HPAECs through upregulation of Wnt3a/β-catenin/CyclinD1 pathway, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of β-catenin almost completely reversed this IL-17-mediated phenomena. IL-17 promoted the proliferation but not the migration of human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) cocultured with HPAECs under both normoxia and hypoxia, but IL-17 had no direct effect on proliferation and migration of HPASMCs. Blockade of IL-17 with a neutralising antibody attenuated HPH in WT mice.

Conclusions

IL-17 contributes to the pathogenesis of HPH through upregulation of β-catenin expression. Targeting IL-17 might provide potential benefits for alternative therapeutic strategies for HPH.
Comparison of MC Geant4 simulation with the measurements of gamma photons produced by neutrons
Authors: Kasztelan M. , Jȩdrzejczak K. , Szabelski J.
Published: February 2019

In this work, we have focused on results of measurements of the hydrogen line 2223 keV and compared them with the results of Geant4 simulations. The paraffin containing hydrogen was irradiated by neutrons produced by the weak AmBe source. Produced gammas were measured with the germanium detector. The experimental setup was placed inside a carbon chamber which provided the shielding from the external neutrons. The measurements were performed for different amounts of paraffin. The processes playing a role in the description of our measurements are transport and moderation of neutrons, production of gamma rays in neutron-hydrogen interactions, transport and detection of gamma rays. It has been shown that the correctly carried out Monte Carlo simulations reproduced the measured values of the intensity of the observed gamma line 2223 keV from the neutron capture on hydrogen. The absorption of gamma rays is also described correctly. This has been shown in comparing the measurements of gamma line 322 keV from [Formula: see text]Pb with the simulations.
Study of pion kaon and proton in proton–carbon interactions at 158 GeV/c using hadron production models
Authors: Ali Y. , Ullah S. , Khattak S. A. , Ajaz M.
Published: February 2019

In this work, we investigate the production of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] mesons, protons and antiprotons, by exploiting the theoretical hadron production models: EPOS 1.99, EPOS-LHC and QGSJETII-04, using proton–carbon collisions at a potential laboratory momentum of 158 GeV/c. Laboratory momentum-dependent double differential yields of these particles are studied where it is produced at a polar angle ranging from 0 mrad to 420 mrad for [Formula: see text] mesons while for [Formula: see text] mesons, protons and antiprotons, the angle ranges from 0 mrad to 360 mrad. The QGSJET predicts high yields of the [Formula: see text] mesons for a polar angle ranging from 0 mrad to 20 mrad at the peak of the distribution while beyond 20 mrad, the high yield is demonstrated by EPOS-LHC. In the case of [Formula: see text] mesons and antiprotons, the QGSJETII-04 gives higher yield at the peak of the distribution in all the cases, whereas the EPOS-1.99 and EPOS-LHC produce similar results. In most of the cases at high momentum of the hadrons, the trios are in very good agreement with each other.
Structural symmetry breaking induced polarization sensitivity enhancement: Used for THz tri-band mechanical tunability
Authors: Rong Qi , Hu Fangrong , Li Yuanyuan , Yin Shan , Jiang Mingzhu , Li Tong , Li Dongxia , Wang Yue’e
Published: February 2019

A symmetry broken hexagram metamaterial (SBHM) is presented to enhance the polarization sensitivity, and thus realize mechanically controlling the transmissions of tri-band in terahertz (THz) region. This SBHM has different electromagnetic response for rotating clockwise and anticlockwise, respectively. When incident THz wave is polarized in the direction of [Formula: see text], the SBHM has three stopbands with central frequencies at 0.36 THz, 0.52 THz and 0.75 THz, respectively. When the SBHM rotates clockwise [Formula: see text], the transmission of 0.52 THz increases from 0.17 to 0.85, and its modulation depth reaches 68%. On the contrary, when it rotates anticlockwise [Formula: see text], the transmissions of the other two bands can be modulated simultaneously, and their modulation depth are 78% and 40%, respectively. The physical mechanism for the tunability is investigated using finite-integration time-domain (FITD) method. The results indicated that the tri-band tunability in the SBHM is due to the mode transfer and polarization sensitivity enhancement which is induced by near field coupling. This novel design proves a new way for modulation, selection and switching of the THz wave at multiband.
MULTIPLE REPRESENTATIONS OF REAL NUMBERS ON SELF-SIMILAR SETS WITH OVERLAPS
Authors: JIANG KAN , REN XIAOMIN , ZHU JIALI , TIAN LI
Published: February 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be the attractor of the following iterated function system (IFS) [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the convex hull of [Formula: see text]. The main results of this paper are as follows: [Formula: see text] if and only if [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text]

As a consequence, we prove that the following conditions are equivalent:

(1) For any [Formula: see text], there are some [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text].

(2) For any [Formula: see text], there are some [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text]

(3) [Formula: see text].
A NOVEL HYBRID FRACTAL INTERPOLATION-SVM MODEL FOR FORECASTING STOCK PRICE INDEXES
Authors: WANG HONG-YONG , LI HONG , SHEN JIN-YE
Published: February 2019

Forecasting stock price indexes has been regarded as a challenging task in financial time series analysis. In order to improve the prediction accuracy, a novel hybrid model that integrates fractal interpolation with support vector machine (SVM) models has been developed in this paper to forecast the time series of stock price indexes. For this, a new method to calculate the vertical scaling factors of the fractal interpolation iterated function system is first proposed and an improved fractal interpolation model is then established. The improved fractal interpolation model and the SVM model are integrated to predict the every 5-min high frequency index data of Shanghai Composite Index. The experimental results show that the hybrid model is suitable for forecasting the stock index time series with fractal characteristics. In addition, a comparison of the prediction accuracy is carried out among the hybrid model and other three commonly used models. The results show that the prediction performance of the hybrid model is superior to that of other three models.
Experimental Investigation on Stability of Circular Steel Tubular Stub Columns at Elevated Temperatures Under Axial Compression
Authors: He Kang , Chen Yu
Published: February 2019

This paper studies the structural stability of circular steel tubular stub columns at elevated temperatures under axial compression. Fifty-one specimens are subjected to high-temperature treatment and axial compression. The variables of the specimen are temperature, wall thickness of steel tube and duration of high temperature. The displacement–load curve, strain–load curve, ultimate load, axial compressive stiffness and failure characteristics of the specimens were analyzed. Test results show that after exposure to high temperatures, the specimens’ failure phenomenon in the axial compression loading test is consistent with that at room temperature, the bearing capacity decreases considerably, the ductility decreases slightly and the axial compressive stiffness changes irregularly. Temperature is the determining factor of the ultimate load of the specimen, and the reducing extent of ultimate load increases with the temperature. When the temperature reaches 1000∘C, its maximum reducing extent exceeds 50%. Among the three parameters considered in this study, the duration of high temperature has the least influence on the specimen.
Computing Buckling Characteristics of Double-Layered Graphene Film Embedded in an Elastic Foundation
Authors: Wu Zhengtian , Zhang Yang , Ma Weicheng
Published: February 2019

Given the unique and extremely valuable properties, research has significantly focussed on graphene sheets (GSs). To premeditate the small-scale effect, the present work applies the nonlocal theory to study the buckling behavior of a double-layered GS (DLGS) embedded in an elastic foundation. To derive the equation, classical plate theory is adopted. For the elastic foundation, Pasternak-type model is used. In terms of buckling response, a meshless method is utilized to compute simulation results. Accordingly, we examine the effects of aspect ratio, geometry, boundary conditions and nonlocal parameters on the buckling responses of DLGSs.
Remarks on PBW bases of Ringel–Hall algebras of cyclic quivers
Authors: Zhao Zhonghua
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we give a recursive formula for the interesting PBW basis [Formula: see text] of composition subalgebras [Formula: see text] of Ringel–Hall algebras [Formula: see text] of cyclic quivers after [Generic extensions and canonical bases for cyclic quivers, Canad. J. Math. 59(6) (2007) 1260–1283], and another construction of canonical bases of [Formula: see text] from the monomial bases [Formula: see text] following [Multiplication formulas and canonical basis for quantum affine, [Formula: see text], Canad. J. Math. 70(4) (2018) 773–803]. As an application, we will determine all the canonical basis elements of [Formula: see text] associated with modules of Loewy length [Formula: see text]. Finally, we will discuss the canonical bases between Ringel–Hall algebras and affine quantum Schur algebras.
Mannose distribution in glycoconjugated tetraphenylporphyrins governs their uptake mechanism and phototoxicity
Authors: Daghildjian Katia , Kasselouri Athena , N’Diaye Marline , Michel Jean-Philippe , Vergnaud Juliette , Poyer Florent , Maillard Philippe , Rosilio Véronique
Published: February 2019

Tetraphenylporphyrins (TPPs) have been proposed for the treatment of retinoblastoma by photodynamic therapy. Glycoconjugated compounds were synthesized for improving TPP solubility and amphipathy, and to specifically target mannose receptors overexpressed at the surface of cells. The efficiency of four TPP derivatives with different chemical structures was compared by phototoxicity tests and flow cytometry experiments. Interestingly, the absence/presence and distribution of saccharide moieties in the various compounds affected differently their mechanism of interaction with cancer cells and their phototoxic efficiency. For glycodendrimeric TPP-1 and TPP-2 incubated with retinoblastoma cells, a fast two-step uptake-equilibrium process was observed, whereas for a dendrimeric TPP without saccharide moieties (TPP-1c) and a glycoconjugated compound with no dendrimeric structure (TPP(DegMan)[Formula: see text] uptake was very slow. The difference in uptake profiles and kinetics between TPP-1c on the one hand and TPP-1 and TPP-2 on the other hand would account for the interaction of the two glycodendrimeric compounds with a mannose receptor. These TPPs encapsulated in endosomes would induce less damage to cells upon illumination. TPP(DegMan)[Formula: see text] showed the highest phototoxicity, but its efficiency was unaffected by pretreatment of cells by mannan. The penetration of this glycoconjugated compound in cells and its phototoxic effect appeared independent of its interaction with a mannose receptor. Thus, if glycoconjugation influenced TPPs behavior in solution and interaction with serum proteins, phototoxicity was not necessarily related to upfront molecular recognition.
Biocompatibility and Hyperthermia Efficiency of Sonochemically Synthesized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Talebi Majid , Balasi Zahra Malaie , Ahadian Mohammad Mahdi , Hatamie Shadie , Alavijeh Mohammad Hossein Shahsavari , Ghafuri Hossein
Published: February 2019

Hereby, a sonochemical method for synthesis of pure magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) in large scale is being introduced. Synthesis proceeds via simple approach, at room temperature, under sonication, using cheap reagents, green antioxidant-reductant reagent and without using inert gas purge as protective atmosphere condition. During this procedure, hydrogen gas releases continuously as valuable byproduct at the anaerobic step of reaction. Characterizations’ results indicate that the final product is pure spherical Fe3O4-NPs, with narrow size distribution and about less than 32[Formula: see text]nm in mean diameter while more than 99% of particles size were less than 40[Formula: see text]nm. According to Vibrational Sampling Magnetometer (VSM) result, NPs pose high saturation magnetization of about 77 (emu/g) and magnetization curve shows superparamagnetic behavior with no hysteresis loop. Also by various weight ratios, these NPs performed stable dispersion in aqueous media for long times. Iron oxide NPs show nontoxicity for lower dosage of 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL in 24[Formula: see text]h on fibroblast cell. Hyperthermia results show maximum heating efficiency in 100[Formula: see text]KHz for 1[Formula: see text]mg/mL of NPs.
Triggers for Atrial Fibrillation: The Role of Anxiety
Authors: Severino Paolo , Mariani Marco Valerio , Maraone Annalisa , Piro Agostino , Ceccacci Andrea , Tarsitani Lorenzo , Maestrini Viviana , Mancone Massimo , Lavalle Carlo , Pasquini Massimo , Fedele Francesco
Published: February 2019

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most widely recognized arrhythmia. Systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, and valvular heart diseases are major risk factors for the onset and progression of AF. Various studies have emphasized the augmented anxiety rate among AF patients due to the poor quality of life; however, little information is known about the possibility of triggering atrial fibrillation by anxiety. The present review sought to underline the possible pathophysiological association between AF and anxiety disorders and suggests that anxiety can be an independent risk factor for AF, acting as a trigger, creating an arrhythmogenic substrate, and modulating the autonomic nervous system. The awareness of the role of anxiety disorders as a risk factor for AF may lead to the development of new clinical strategies for the management of AF.
3-Mercaptopropionic, 4-Mercaptobenzoic, and Oleic Acid-Capped CdSe Quantum Dots: Interparticle Distance, Anchoring Groups, and Surface Passivation
Authors: dos Santos José Augusto Lucena , Baum Fabio , Kohlrausch Emerson Cristofer , Tavares Fabiele C. , Pretto Tatiane , dos Santos Francisco P. , Leite Santos Jacqueline F. , Khan Sherdil , Leite Santos Marcos J.
Published: February 2019

The optoelectronic properties of quantum dots are strongly controlled by the chemical nature of their surface-passivating ligands. In this work, we present the synthesis, characterization, and surface modification of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) and their application in solar cells. CdSe QDs were capped in oleic acid (OA), 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), and 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA). The QDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis absorption and emission spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analyses, and 1H and 13C NMR. From TEM analysis, it has been observed that interparticle distance can be effectively controlled by the presence of different molecular size ligands. From the 1H and 13C NMR, specific types of interactions between the Cd2+ and the ligands have been observed. Although CdSe/OA presented larger interparticle distance as compared to CdSe/MPA and CdSe/MBA, the photocatalytic oxidation of the thiol groups on the surface of the MPA- and MBA-based quantum dots resulted in poor surface stabilization, ultimately resulting in poor power conversion efficiencies which were ca. 70% smaller than that of OA-based solar cell.
Calponin 3 Regulates Cell Invasion and Doxorubicin Resistance in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hong Keun-Seok , Kim Hyemin , Kim Seon-Hee , Kim Minju , Yoo Jiyun
Published: February 2019

Calponin 3 (CNN3) is an F-actin-binding protein that regulates actin cytoskeletal rearrangement. However, the role of CNN3 in cancer cell invasion and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents has not yet been investigated. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether CNN3 influences cancer-related phenotypes in gastric cancer. We demonstrate that CNN3 contributes to cell invasion and resistance to doxorubicin in gastric cancer. CNN3 expression was markedly elevated in highly invasive cancer cell lines compared to less invasive or noninvasive cancer cell lines. Depletion of CNN3 protein suppressed the invasive ability of gastric cancer cells. The highly invasive MKN-28 gastric cancer cells were more resistant to doxorubicin than the noninvasive MKN-45 cells; however, knockdown of CNN3 expression in MKN-28 cells resensitized them to doxorubicin treatment. Taken together, our results suggest that CNN3 plays a key role in invasiveness and doxorubicin resistance in gastric cancer cells.
Modified Minkowski Fractal Unit Cell for Reflectarrays with Low Sensitivity to Mutual Coupling Effects
Authors: Costanzo Sandra , Venneri Francesca , Di Massa Giuseppe
Published: February 2019

A single-layer miniaturized reflectarray element with low sensitivity to mutual coupling effects of surrounding elements is presented in this paper. The configuration is proposed to preserve the effectiveness of the infinite array approach in those applications requiring reflectarrays with very small interelement spacing. The inherent ability of the proposed geometry to be adopted in highly miniaturized cells is demonstrated through an extensive analysis of mutual coupling effects on reflectarray phase design curves. In order to prove the independence of the proposed cell to mutual coupling effect, the phase curve variations due to the presence of different surrounding elements with respect to the case of identical cells are evaluated using the well-known extended local periodicity method. Small and negligible mutual coupling errors are retrieved for the proposed miniaturized unit cell, thus demonstrating lower sensitivity to mutual coupling adverse effects.
Design and Optimization of Solar Carport Canopies for Maximum Power Generation and Efficiency at Bahawalpur
Authors: Umer Farhana , Aslam Muhammad Shehzad , Rabbani Muhammad Shoaib , Hanif Muhammad Javed , Naeem Nadeem , Abbas Muhammad Tafseer
Published: February 2019

In recent years, the upturn demand of electricity and the generation of electrical power demand from fossil fuels are increasing day by day which results in environmental impacts on the atmosphere by greenhouse gases, and a high cost of electric power from these sources makes it unaffordable. The use of renewable energy sources can overcome this problem. Therefore, in this work, we present a solution by implementing the solar car parking lots. A detailed work has been done for solar car parking site selection and maximum solar electric power generation and its capacity effects with the shading of nearby trees and buildings by using the HelioScope online software developed by Folsom Labs. A detailed optimization and selection of car parking canopies are performed at different standard tilt angles to produce maximum solar photovoltaic energy, and it is analyzed that the monopitch canopy is the best to mount at solar car parking lots at a tilt angle of 10°. We have done a detailed economic analysis which shows that 14% electricity cost was offset by the installation of a solar car parking lot with 17% reduction in annual energy consumption from the grid at the proposed site. The total investment cost of the parking structure and the photovoltaic (PV) system can be paid back in 6-7 years.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in High Bleeding Risk Patients
Authors: Merella Pierluigi , Lorenzoni Giovanni , Delitala Alessandro P. , Sechi Filomena , Decandia Federica , Viola Graziana , Berne Paola , Deiana Gianluca , Mazzone Patrizio , Casu Gavino
Published: February 2019

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in high bleeding risk patients suffering atrial fibrillation (AF) and to analyze the different antithrombotic therapies following the intervention. Background. Methods. This monocentric study included 68 patients with nonvalvular AF with an absolute contraindication to OAT or at high bleeding risk. Follow-up was done with a clinical visit at 3-6-12 months. Results. Successful LAAO was achieved in 67/68 patients. At discharge, 32/68 patients were on dual antiplatelet therapy (APT), 34/68 were without any antithrombotic therapy or with a single antiplatelet drug, and 2/68 were on anticoagulant therapy. At three-month follow-up visit, 73.6% of the patients did not receive dual APT, of whom 14.7% had no thrombotic therapy and 58.9% were on single antiplatelet therapy. During a follow-up of 1.4 ± 0.9 years, 3/62 patients had late adverse effects (2 device-related thrombus without clinical consequences and 1 extracranial bleeding). The device-related thrombosis was not related to the antithrombotic therapy. Conclusions. LAAO is feasible and safe and prevents stroke in patients with AF with contraindication to oral anticoagulant therapy. After LAAO, single antiplatelet therapy seems to be a safe alternative to dual antiplatelet therapy, especially in patients at high bleeding risk. No benefit has been observed with dual APT.
Review and Performance Evaluation of Photovoltaic Array Fault Detection and Diagnosis Techniques
Authors: Appiah Albert Yaw , Zhang Xinghua , Ayawli Ben Beklisi Kwame , Kyeremeh Frimpong
Published: February 2019

The environmentally clean nature of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology causes PV power generation to be embraced by all countries across the globe. Consequently, installation and utilization of PV power systems have seen much growth in recent years. Although PV arrays of such systems are robust, they are not immune to faults. To guarantee reliable power supply, economic returns, and safety of both humans and equipment, highly accurate fault detection, diagnosis, and interruption devices are required. In this paper, an overview of four major PV array faults and their causes are presented. Specifically, ground fault, line-line fault, arc fault, and hot spot fault have been covered. Next, conventional and advanced fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) techniques for managing these faults are reviewed. Moreover, a single evaluation metric has been proposed and utilized to evaluate the performances of the advanced FDD techniques. Finally, based on the papers reviewed, PV array fault management future trends and possible recommendations have been outlined.
High Glucose Enhances Bupivacaine-Induced Neurotoxicity via MCU-Mediated Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Liu Zhong-Jie , Zhao Wei , Lei Hong-Yi , Xu Hua-Li , Lai Lu-Ying , Xu Rui , Xu Shi-Yuan
Published: February 2019

Bupivacaine, a typical local anesthetic, induces neurotoxicity via reactive oxygen species regulation of apoptosis. High glucose could enhance bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity through regulating oxidative stress, but the mechanism of it is not clear. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), a key channel for regulating the mitochondrial Ca2+(mCa2+) influx, is closely related to oxidative stress via disruption of mCa2+homeostasis. Whether MCU is involved in high glucose-sensitized bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity remains unknown. In this study, human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were cultured with high glucose and/or bupivacaine, and the data showed that high glucose enhanced bupivacaine-induced MCU expression elevation, mCa2+accumulation, and oxidative damage. Next, Ru360, an inhibitor of MCU, was employed to pretreated SH-SY5Y cells, and the results showed that it could decrease high glucose and bupivacaine-induced mCa2+accumulation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Further, with the knockdown of MCU with a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in SH-SY5Y cells, we found that it also could inhibit high glucose and bupivacaine-induced mCa2+accumulation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. We propose that downregulation expression or activity inhibition of the MCU channel might be useful for restoring the mitochondrial function and combating high glucose and bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the crucial role of MCU in high glucose-mediated enhancement of bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity, suggesting the possible use of this channel as a target for curing bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity in diabetic patients.
Comparison of Immunosuppressive and Angiogenic Properties of Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells between 2D and 3D Culture Systems
Authors: Miceli Vitale , Pampalone Mariangela , Vella Serena , Carreca Anna Paola , Amico Giandomenico , Conaldi Pier Giulio
Published: February 2019

The secretion of potential therapeutic factors by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has aroused much interest given the benefits that it can bring in the field of regenerative medicine. Indeed, the in vitro multipotency of these cells and the secretive capacity of both angiogenic and immunomodulatory factors suggest a role in tissue repair and regeneration. However, during culture, MSCs rapidly lose the expression of key transcription factors associated with multipotency and self-renewal, as well as the ability to produce functional paracrine factors. In our study, we show that a three-dimensional (3D) culture method is effective to induce MSC spheroid formation, to maintain the multipotency and to improve the paracrine activity of a specific population of human amnion-derived MSCs (hAMSCs). The regenerative potential of both 3D culture-derived conditioned medium (3D CM) and their exosomes (EXO) was assessed against 2D culture products. In particular, tubulogenesis assays revealed increased capillary maturation in the presence of 3D CM compared with both 2D CM and 2D EXO. Furthermore, 3D CM had a greater effect on inhibition of PBMC proliferation than both 2D CM and 2D EXO. To support this data, hAMSC spheroids kept in our 3D culture system remained viable and multipotent and secreted considerable amounts of both angiogenic and immunosuppressive factors, which were detected at lower levels in 2D cultures. This work reveals the placenta as an important source of MSCs that can be used for eventual clinical applications as cell-free therapies.
Dynamic Analysis of a 5‐DOF Flexure‐Based Nanopositioning Stage
Authors: Shen Yiping , Luo Xin , Wang Songlai , Li Xuejun
Published: February 2019

A multibody dynamic model is developed for dynamic analysis of a 5‐DOF flexure‐based nanopositioning stage in the projection optical system of the semiconductor lithography in this paper. The 5‐DOF stage is considered as an assembly of rigid bodies interconnected by elastic flexure hinges. Considering the length effects of flexure hinges, multibody dynamic equations are established according to spatial motions of rigid bodies by using Lagrangian method. The shear effects and the torsional compliances of the commonly used circular flexure hinges are considered to enhance the modeling accuracy. The accuracies of various out‐of‐plane compliance formulas are also discussed. To verify the developed dynamic model, the finite element analyses (FEA) by using ANSYS and modal hammer experimental tests of the primary flexure‐based composition structures and the integral 5‐DOF stage are performed. The analytical modal frequencies are well in agreement with FEA and experimental test. The results are significant to analyze and optimize the 5‐DOF flexure‐based nanopositioning stage.
Prevalence and Cellular Distribution of Novel Immune Checkpoint Targets Across Longitudinal Specimens in Treatment-naïve Melanoma Patients: Implications for Clinical Trials
Authors: Edwards Jarem , Tasker Annie , Pires da Silva Inês , Quek Camelia , Batten Marcel , Ferguson Angela , Allen Ruth , Allanson Benjamin , Saw Robyn P.M. , Thompson John F. , Menzies Alexander M. , Palendira Umaimainthan , Wilmott James S. , Long Georgina V. , Scolyer Richard A.
Published: February 2019

Purpose:

Immunotherapies targeting costimulating and coinhibitory checkpoint receptors beyond PD-1 and CTLA-4 have entered clinical trials. Little is known about the relative abundance, coexpression, and immune cells enriched for each specific drug target, limiting understanding of the biological basis of potential treatment outcomes and development of predictive biomarkers for personalized immunotherapy. We sought to assess the abundance of checkpoint receptors during melanoma disease progression and identify immune cells enriched for them.

Experimental Design: Multiplex immunofluorescence staining for immune checkpoint receptors (ICOS, GITR, OX40, PD-1, TIM-3, VISTA) was performed on 96 melanoma biopsies from 41 treatment-naïve patients, including patient-matched primary tumors, nodal metastases, and distant metastases. Mass cytometry was conducted on tumor dissociates from 18 treatment-naïve melanoma metastases to explore immune subsets enriched for checkpoint receptors.

Results:

A small subset of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes expressed checkpoint receptors at any stage of melanoma disease. GITR and OX40 were the least abundant checkpoint receptors, with <1% of intratumoral T cells expressing either marker. ICOS, PD-1, TIM-3, and VISTA were most abundant, with TIM-3 and VISTA mostly expressed on non-T cells, and TIM-3 enriched on dendritic cells. Tumor-resident T cells (CD69+/CD103+/CD8+) were enriched for TIGIT (>70%) and other coinhibitory but not costimulatory receptors. The proportion of GITR+ T cells decreased from primary melanoma (>5%) to lymph node (<1%, P = 0.04) and distant metastases (<1%, P = 0.0005).

Conclusions:

This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of immune checkpoint receptor expression in any cancer and provides important data for rational selection of targets for trials and predictive biomarker development.