bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and one‐dimensional assembly of cylindrical polymer nanoparticles prepared from tricomponent bottlebrush copolymers
Authors: Onbulak Sebla , Rzayev Javid
Published: September 2017

Biological systems feature controlled assembly of well‐defined building blocks at different length scales. While major progress has been achieved in directing the assembly of synthetic molecular building blocks, controlled organization of nanostructured units into micro‐ and macroscale aggregates remains a challenge. Herein, we report the synthesis of well‐defined nanostructured building blocks, cylindrical polymeric nanoparticles with controlled dimensions and inner surface chemistry, and their dynamic anisotropic organization into one‐dimensional assemblies. Nanoparticle building blocks were produced by molecular templating of cylindrical bottlebrush copolymers featuring tricomponent side chains. The produced nanostructures were composed of a nonionic and bioinert polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell and stimuli‐responsive poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) chains grafted on the interior. We show that pH‐dependent interactions between PMA chains exposed only at the nanoparticle ends lead to anisotropic end‐to‐end association of parent cylindrical nanostructures into elongated superstructures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3868–3874
Alkyl side chain length dependent compatibility of poly(4‐n‐alkylstyrene)s and 1,4‐rich polyisoprene blends
Authors: Matsushima Satoru , Takano Atsushi , Matsushita Yushu
Published: September 2017

We investigated the compatibility of blends of 1,4‐rich polyisoprene (1,4‐PI) and poly(4‐n‐alkylstyrene)s with six kinds of n‐alkyl side groups, that is, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, and octyl focusing on carbon number of alkyl groups. Poly(4‐methylstyrene)/1,4‐PI blend was turned out to be immiscible at all temperature range adopted in this work and poly(4‐ethylstyrene)/1,4‐PI blend revealed UCST type phase behavior, while the others were found to be compatible. The phase diagrams of poly(4‐ethylstyrene)/1,4‐PI blends were obtained by optical microscopy, and the temperature dependence of the Flory‐Huggins interaction parameter χ has been estimated to be χ = −0.036 + 24/T by applying lattice theory, where T is the absolute temperature. From this relationship χ value at room temperature (298 K) was calculated to be 0.045, the value is reasonably low for miscible polymers system. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1791–1797
Thermal actuation of hydrogels from PNIPAm, alginate, and carbon nanofibres
Authors: Warren Holly , in het Panhuis Marc , Spinks Geoffrey M. , Officer David L.
Published: September 2017

Composite ionic‐covalent entanglement (ICE) hydrogel networks were prepared from poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), alginate, and carbon nanofibres. An optimised triple network hydrogel with 86% water content exhibited a compressive strength of 3.0 ± 0.1 MPa and 66 ± 13 mS/cm electrical conductivity. Thermal actuation was shown to have a shorter response time for gels containing nanofibres, compared to those which did not and hydrogel samples more than halved in volume within 1 minute when placed in a 60 °C water bath. Controlled dye release was demonstrated as a potential application and used to further quantify thermal actuation over short times. Joule heating techniques were used to electronically actuate the hydrogel samples, removing the traditional requirements for immersion in a temperature controlled liquid. It is expected that devices based on these materials will find potential applications in soft robotics and micro fluidics. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 46–52
Reduced stress‐optical coefficient of polycarbonate by antiplasticization
Authors: Nobukawa Shogo , Hasunuma Seiki , Sako Takumi , Miyagawa Azusa , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: September 2017

We have investigated the effect of antiplasticization on the stress‐optical behavior of polycarbonate (PC) containing terphenyls (tPh) and di(2‐ethylhexyl)adipate (DEHA). Addition of the three tPhs (p‐, o‐, and m‐tPh) and DEHA at contents of 5–10 wt % increases the tensile storage modulus (E') of PC owing to the antiplasticization effect. In particular, p‐tPh increases E' more than the other additives, suggesting that the rod‐like shape matches the free volume of PC in the glassy state. The three tPh isomers improve the glassy birefringence of PC while DEHA does not change the glassy birefringence, which corresponds to the polarizability anisotropy. The stress‐optical coefficient, a ratio of stress and birefringence, of PC decreases with increasing additive content in order of p‐tPh ≫ o‐tPh > m‐tPh = DEHA. This result is agreement with a restricted rotational motion of additive molecule in PC, which is observed in dynamic mechanical and birefringence data. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1837–1842
Arginine‐rich membrane‐permeable peptides are seriously toxic
Authors: Li Qian , Xu Mengchuan , Cui Yali , Huang Chunqian , Sun Manji
Published: September 2017

The membrane‐permeable peptides (MPP) such as undecapeptides TAT (YGRKKRRQRRR) and CTP (YGRRARRRRRR) have been receiving much attention for delivering various kinds of low membrane‐permeability materials in vitro and in vivo. We have successfully used MPP in carrying various proteins through blood‐brain barrier (BBB) in treatment of many kinds of nervous diseases. However, people always concentrate their mind on the efficacy and the mechanism of permeation of the conjugates across BBB, but overlook the toxicity of the membrane‐permeable peptide itself. Once we injected intravenously not very large amounts of gamma‐aminobutyric acid‐MPP (GABA‐MPP) to the mice, to our great surprise, the mice died within seconds with seizure, whereas the GABA control mice well survived. Thus, the importance of the toxicity of MPPs and their conjugates comes into the field of our vision. The low LD50 values of arginine‐rich TAT (27.244 mg kg−1) and CTP (21.345 mg kg−1) per se in mice indicate that they all fall within the range of highly toxic chemicals. Among the arginine‐rich peptides, R11 (RRRRRRRRRRR), a peptide composed purely of arginine residues, has the lowest LD50 value (16.5 mg kg−1) and manifests the highest toxicity, whereas TD (ACSSSPSKHCG), a peptide without arginine residue, shows a much lower toxicity and higher survival rate in mice. The mass percentage of arginine‐rich MPP in the conjugate is critically important, the mass radio of arginine in the MPP appears a linear correlation with the toxicity. Thus we conclude, the arginine‐rich MPPs are more suitable for using in the macro‐molecular conjugates, but not in the small‐molecular one.
Possible use of a H3R antagonist for the management of nonmotor symptoms in the Q175 mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Whittaker Daniel S. , Wang Huei‐Bin , Loh Dawn H. , Cachope Roger , Colwell Christopher S.
Published: September 2017

Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor as well as nonmotor symptoms for which there is currently no cure. The Q175 mouse model of HD recapitulates many of the symptoms identified in HD patients including disruptions of the sleep/wake cycle. In this study, we sought to determine if the daily administration of the histamine‐3 receptor (H3R) antagonist/inverse agonist 6‐[(3‐cyclobutyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐3‐benzazepin‐7‐yl)oxy]‐N‐methyl‐3‐pyridinecarboxamide hydrochloride (GSK189254) would improve nonmotor symptoms in the Q175 line. This class of drugs acts on autoreceptors found at histaminergic synapses and results in increased levels of histamine (HA). HA is a neuromodulator whose levels vary with a daily rhythm with peak release during the active cycle and relatively lower levels during sleep. H3Rs are widely expressed in brain regions involved in cognitive processes and activation of these receptors promotes wakefulness. We administered GSK189254 nightly to homozygote and heterozygote Q175 mice for 4 weeks and confirmed that the plasma levels of the drug were elevated to a therapeutic range. We demonstrate that daily treatment with GSK189254 improved several behavioral measures in the Q175 mice including strengthening activity rhythms, cognitive performance and mood as measured by the tail suspension test. The treatment also reduced inappropriate activity during the normal sleep time. The drug treatment did not alter motor performance and coordination as measured by the challenging beam test. Our findings suggest that drugs targeting the H3R system may show benefits as cognitive enhancers in the management of HD.
Genetic analysis of tropical maize inbred lines for resistance to maize lethal necrosis disease
Authors: Beyene Yoseph , Gowda Manje , Suresh L. M. , Mugo Stephen , Olsen Michael , Oikeh Sylvester O. , Juma Collins , Tarekegne Amsal , Prasanna Boddupalli M.
Published: September 2017

Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease is a recent outbreak in eastern Africa and has emerged as a significant threat to maize production in the region. The disease is caused by the co-infection of Maize chlorotic mottle virus and any member of potyviridae family. A total of 28 maize inbred lines with varying levels of tolerance to MLN were crossed in a half-diallel mating design, and the resulting 340 F1 crosses and four commercial checks were evaluated under MLN artificial inoculation at Naivasha, Kenya in 2015 and 2016 using an alpha lattice design with two replications. The objectives of the study were to (i) investigate the magnitude of general combining ability variance (σ
GCA
2
) and specific combining ability variance (σ
SCA
2
) and their interaction with years; (ii) evaluate the efficiencies of GCA based prediction and hybrid performance by means of a cross-validation procedure; (iii) estimate trait correlations in the hybrids; and (iv) identify the MLN tolerant single cross hybrids to be used as female parents for three-way cross hybrids. Results of the combined analysis of variance revealed that both GCA and SCA effects were significant (P < 0.05) for all traits except for ear rot. For MLN scores at early and late stages, GCA effects were 2.5–3.5 times higher than SCA effects indicating that additive gene action is more important than non-additive gene action. The GCA based prediction efficiency for MLN resistance and grain yield accounted for 67–90% of the variations in the hybrid performance suggesting that GCA-based prediction can be proposed to predict MLN resistance and grain yield prior to field evaluation. Three parents, CKDHL120918, CML550, and CKLTI0227 with significant GCA effects for GY (0.61–1.21; P < 0.05) were the most resistant to MLN. Hybrids “CKLTI0227 × CML550”, “CKDHL120918 × CKLTI0138”, and “CKDHL120918 × CKLTI0136” ranked among the best performing hybrids with grain yield of 6.0–6.6 t/ha compared with mean yield of commercial check hybrids (0.6 t/ha). The MLN tolerant inbred lines and single cross hybrids identified in this study could be used to improve MLN tolerance in both public and private sector maize breeding programs in eastern Africa.
Phospholipase D Activity in Relation to the Size of Substrate Micelles
Authors: Dreßler Lars , Ulbrich‐Hofmann Renate
Published: September 2017

The activity of phospholipase D (PLD) is strongly dependent on the aggregation state of its substrate. Artificial substrates, such as phosphatidyl‐p‐nitrophenol (PpNP), are preferably used in a mixture with Triton® X‐100 (Serva) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the form of mixed micelles. In this paper the activities of PLD from cabbage (PLDcab), which needs Ca2+ ions for its activity, and PLD from Streptomyces sp. (PLDStr), which is independent of Ca2+ ions, are compared as a function of the detergent and substrate concentrations. While the variation of the Triton® X‐100 and PpNP contents changed the activities of both enzymes in similar way, SDS showed activation effects on plant PLD but inactivation effects on microbial PLD. The activity decreased to 50% at a 7‐tenfold molar excess of Triton® X‐100 related to PpNP. SDS induced a strong activation (up to fourfold) of PLDcab but decreased the activity of PLDStr with increasing concentration. Activity‐substrate profiles of both PLDs passed optima at 3–4 mM PpNP. In all experiments, the activity changes correlated with changes of the micelle sizes determined by dynamic light scattering. These results highlight the immense importance of the micelle structure, which is not considered in most studies.
Physicochemical and thermal characterization of seed oil from Mexican mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota)
Authors: Hernández‐Santos Betsabé , Sánchez‐Ortega Edgar , Herman‐Lara Erasmo , Rodríguez‐Miranda Jesús , Gómez‐Aldapa Carlos A. , Peryronel Fernanda , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Martínez‐Sánchez Cecilia E.
Published: September 2017

The aim of this research was to perform a physicochemical characterization of native mamey sapote seed oil [Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore and Stearn]. Mamey sapote seed oil showed good oxidative stability as it had low peroxide, free fatty acid, and p‐anisidine values. The main fatty acids present in the oil were palmitic, stearic and oleic acid, constituting five major triacylglycerides families: PLP, POP, StOO, POSt and StOSt. Crystallization and melting points of the oil were −37.7 and 23.84 °C, respectively. The oil had higher SFC when the temperature was lower than 10 °C. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that prolonged storage times lead to the formation of β crystals. Micrographs showed granular crystals (91–105 μm), with needle edges similar to cocoa butter. In addition, mamey sapote seed oil can be used in confectionery products or as a possible substitute for cocoa butter to improve and obtain good‐quality products.
Challenges in the study of adolescent and acculturative changes☆
Authors: van de Vijver Fons J.R.
Published: September 2017

This article focuses on two recurrent themes in the study of acculturation in adolescence that challenge progress of the field. First, we often work with low‐dimensional, trait‐like models of acculturation that cannot deal with modern types of acculturation that are often characterized by multidimensionality and domain specificity. Second, acculturative change in adolescence is undertheorized and there is a need to integrate developmental tasks and models of acculturation. It is argued that approaches that have been adopted in the study of identity (with their models that range from generalized traits to situated approaches and their adoption of both quantitative and qualitative methods) are highly suitable for the study of acculturation. A more contextualized approach would also facilitate the study of the interaction of contextual conditions and acculturative changes in adolescence.
Effect of postconditioning and atorvastatin in preventing remote intestinal reperfusion injury
Authors: Santos Carlos Henrique Marques dos , Dourado Doroty Mesquita , Sampaio Trícia Luna , Dias Letícia do Espirito Santo , Almeida Murillo Henrique Martins de , Oliva João Victor Durães Gomes , Chaves Ian de Oliveira , Pontes Henrique Budib Dorsa
Published: September 2017

Objective To evaluate the capacity of ischemic postconditioning and atorvastatin in prevent or minimize reperfusion injury in small bowel of rats subjected to ischemia and reperfusion by abdominal aorta clamping.

Methods 41 Wistar norvegic rats were distributed into 5 groups: ischemia and reperfusion, ischemic postconditioning, postconditioning + statin, statin and Sham. After anesthesia, laparotomy and dissection of the infra-renal abdominal aorta were performed; except the Sham group, all others were subjected to aorta clamping for 70 min (ischemia) and withdrawal of clamp for 70 min (reperfusion). In the IPC and IPC + S groups, four cycles of postconditioning were performed between the phases of ischemia and reperfusion lasting 30 s each. In IPC + S and S groups, 3.4 mg/day of atorvastatin was given for seven days per gavage; 1 cm of the ileum were removed for histological study and the results were subjected to statistical treatment considering significant p < 0.05.

Results The average of intestinal lesion was 2 in the I/R group, 0.66 in the IPC group, 0 in the IPC + S group, 0 in the S group, and 0 in the SHAM group.

Conclusion The ischemic postconditioning and atorvastatin were capable of minimizing intestinal reperfusion injury, either alone or in combination.
Safety and Efficacy of Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in the Treatment of Acute-Phase Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Minh Tue , Anaissie James , DeLay Kenneth J. , Yafi Faysal A. , Sikka Suresh C. , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: September 2017

Background

Peyronie’s disease (PD), defined as the abnormal formation of fibrous plaque(s) in the tunica albuginea of the penis, is a chronic condition that afflicts 3% to 13% of the US male population; there is no current research on the efficacy and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) in the treatment of acute phase PD.

Aim

To examine the efficacy and safety of CCH in the treatment of acute-phase PD.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records for all patients treated with CCH for PD from April 2014 through April 2017. Patients who reported penile pain and duration of PD no longer than 12 months at presentation qualified as being in the acute phase of PD. The primary outcomes of interest were final changes in curvature after CCH treatment regardless of the number of CCH cycles received and frequency of treatment-related adverse events.

Outcomes

Parameters of efficacy and safety were compared between acute- and stable-phase PD.

Results

A total of 162 patients were included in the study, of which 36 (22%) qualified as having acute-phase PD (group 1) and the remaining 126 (78%) qualified as having stable-phase PD (group 2). Median duration of PD was 8.5 months (range = 1–12) for group 1 and 18 months (range = 1–492) for group 2. There was no significant difference in final change in curvature between the acute and stable phases of PD (16.7° vs 15.6°; P = .654). There was no statistically significant difference in frequency of treatment-related adverse events between the acute phase (4 patients, 11%) and the stable phase (12 patients, 10%; P = .778).

Clinical Implications

CCH therapy is as safe and efficacious in acute-phase PD as it is in stable-phase PD.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first report that assesses the safety and efficacy of CCH therapy focusing on acute-phase PD. This study was composed of a large cohort of patients receiving CCH therapy in acute- and stable-phase PD. Limitations include bias associated with retrospective studies, a small sample, and a single-center setting.

Conclusions

Although CCH is not clearly indicated for treatment during the acute phase of PD, these results suggest that CCH use during this phase can be effective and safe. There was no statistically significant difference in final change in curvature or treatment-related adverse events after CCH therapy delivered between the acute and stable phases of PD.
Reliability and Validity of Subjective Measures of Aerobic Intensity in Adults With Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: van der Scheer Jan W. , Hutchinson Michael J. , Paulson Thomas , Martin Ginis Kathleen A. , Goosey‐Tolfrey Victoria L.
Published: September 2017

Objective

To systematically synthesize and appraise research regarding test‐retest reliability or criterion validity of subjective measures for assessing aerobic exercise intensity in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Data Sources

Electronic databases (Pubmed, PsychINFO, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, and CINAHL) were searched from inception to January 1, 2016.

Study Selection

Studies involving at least 50% of participants with SCI who performed an aerobic exercise test that included measurement of subjective and objective intensity based on test‐retest reliability or criterion validity protocols.

Data Extraction

Characteristics were extracted on study design, measures, participants, protocols, and results. Each study was evaluated for risk of bias based on strength of the study design and a quality checklist score (COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments [COSMIN]).

Data Synthesis

The 7 eligible studies (1 for reliability, 6 for validity) evaluated overall, peripheral and/or central ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) on a scale of 6‐20 (RPE 6‐20). No eligible studies were identified for other subjective intensity measures. The evidence for reliability and validity were synthesized separately for each measure and were assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Overall, very low GRADE confidence ratings were established for reliability and validity evidence generalizable to the entire population with SCI and various upper‐body and lower‐body modalities. There was low confidence for the evidence showing that overall RPE 6‐20 has acceptable validity for adults with SCI and high fitness levels performing moderate to vigorous‐intensity upper‐body aerobic exercise.

Conclusions

Health care professionals and scientists need to be aware of the very low to low confidence in the evidence, which currently prohibits a strong clinical recommendation for the use of subjective measures for assessing aerobic exercise intensity in adults with SCI. However, a tentative, conditional recommendation regarding overall RPE 6‐20 seems applicable, depending on participants' fitness level as well as the exercise intensity and modality used.

Level of Evidence

NA
Pharmacogenomic Variability of Oral Baclofen Clearance and Clinical Response in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: McLaughlin Matthew J. , He Yang , Brunstrom‐Hernandez Janice , Thio Liu Lin , Carleton Bruce C. , Ross Colin J.D. , Gaedigk Andrea , Lewandowski Andrew , Dai Hongying , Jusko William J. , Leeder J. Steven
Published: September 2017

Background

Pharmacogenomic variability can contribute to differences in pharmacokinetics and clinical responses. Pediatric patients with cerebral palsy with genetic variations have not been studied for these potential differences.

Objective

To determine the genetic sources of variation in oral baclofen clearance and clinical responses.

Design

Pharmacogenomic add‐on study to determine variability in oral baclofen clearance and clinical responses.

Setting

Multicenter study based in academic pediatric cerebral palsy clinics.

Participants

A total of 49 patients with cerebral palsy who had participated in an oral baclofen pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study.

Methods or Interventions

Of 53 participants in a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic trial, 49 underwent genetic analysis of 307 key genes and 4535 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms involved in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Associations between genotypes and phenotypes of baclofen disposition (weight‐corrected and allometrically scaled clearance) and clinical endpoints (improvement from baseline in mean hamstring Modified Tardieu Scale scores from baseline for improvement of R1 spastic catch) were determined by univariate analysis with correction for multiple testing by false discovery rate.

Main Outcome Measurements

Primary outcome measures were the genotypic and phenotypic variability of oral baclofen in allometrically scaled clearance and change in the Modified Tardieu Scale angle compared to baseline.

Results

After univariate analysis of the data, the SNP of ABCC9 (rs11046232, heterozygous AT versus the reference TT genotype) was associated with a 2‐fold increase in oral baclofen clearance (mean 0.51 ± standard deviation 0.05 L/h/kg for the AT genotype versus 0.25 ± 0.07 L/h/kg for the TT genotype, adjusted P < .001). Clinical responses were associated with decreased spasticity by Modified Tardieu Scale in allelic variants with SNPs ABCC12, SLC28A1, and PPARD.

Conclusions

Genetic variation in ABCC9 affecting oral baclofen clearance highlights the need for continued studies of genetic polymorphisms to better characterize variable drug response in children with cerebral palsy. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in ABCC12, SLC28A1, and PPARD were associated with varied responses, which warrants further investigation to determine their effect on spasticity.

Level of Evidence

II
Inappropriate Dexamethasone Use by a Trekker in Nepal: A Case Report
Authors: Haslam Nicholas R. , Garth Rachel , Kelly Nicola
Published: September 2017

We present a case of inappropriate dexamethasone use in a trekker in the Everest region of Nepal. We aim to increase awareness among health professionals of the possible use of this medication by trekkers and promote knowledge of potential complications. In this case, a previously altitude-naive trekker was prescribed prophylactic dexamethasone by physicians in a Western travel clinic before high-altitude trekking in Nepal. There were no indications for prophylactic medication nor for the use of dexamethasone. The trekker reported that no discussion regarding risks and benefits, alternatives, side effects, contraindications, or dose tapering on completion of the course had occurred before travel. Side effects were temporary, but serious complications may have ensued if it not for timely interventions by doctors at the International Porter Protection Group rescue post. The events leading to inappropriate dexamethasone use in this case cannot be known for certain. However, it is clear that the trekker lacked the knowledge to use the medication safely. Although the efficacy of dexamethasone in the prevention of acute mountain sickness is undisputed, associated side effects and other limitations make acetazolamide the prophylactic drug of choice. Inappropriate use of dexamethasone can lead to severe complications, and such a case has been reported from Mount Everest. Clinicians prescribing dexamethasone must understand the indications and risks, and health professionals at altitude should be aware of its use by trekkers and the potential complications.
Dual role of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 expression in predicting the overall survival of gastric cancer patients
Authors: Zang Mingde , Hu Lei , Cao Shu , Fan Zhiyuan , Pang Li , Li Jianfang , Su Liping , Li Chen , Liu Wentao , Gu Qinlong , Zhu Zhenggang , Yan Min , Liu Bingya
Published: September 2017

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a member of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked immunoglobulin superfamily that is implicated in many human cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of CEACAM6 expression in predicting the overall survival (OS) in gastric cancer (GC). The impact of CEACAM6 on the survival of patients with GC (n = 876) was assessed using an online Kaplan-Meier plotter. Findings were validated using the OS data of patients (n = 160) recruited from Ruijin Hospital. We found that high CEACAM6 expression was associated with a better OS in early-stage or well-differentiated GC, or who were treated without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Conversely, high CEACAM6 expression was associated with a poor OS in advanced-stage GC, poorly differentiated tumors, or who were treated with 5-FU. Furthermore, CEACAM6 may serve as a better marker for predicting OS in GC than CEA. In addition, CEACAM6 overexpression in GC cells increased apoptotic resistance to 5-FU. Moreover, CEACAM6 induced cluster of differentiation 4- and 8-positive lymphocytes were detected in early-stage GC. In conclusion, CEACAM6 plays a contradictory role in predicting the OS in GC. In early-stage GC, high CEACAM6 expression is associated with improved OS. However, in advanced-stage GC, high CEACAM6 expression is associated with a poor OS.
Expression of an RNA glycosidase inhibits HIV-1 transactivation of transcription
Authors: Kutky Meherzad , Hudak Katalin A.
Published: September 2017

HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) transcription is primarily controlled by the virally encoded Tat (transactivator of transcription) protein and its interaction with the viral TAR (transcription response element) RNA element. Specifically, binding of a Tat-containing complex to TAR recruits cellular factors that promote elongation of the host RNA polymerase engaging the viral DNA template. Disruption of this interaction halts viral RNA transcription. In the present study, we investigated the effect of pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), an RNA glycosidase (EC#: 3.2.2.22) synthesized by the pokeweed plant (Phytolacca americana), on transcription of HIV-1 mRNA. We show that co-expression of PAP with a proviral clone in culture cells resulted in a Tat-dependent decrease in viral mRNA levels. PAP reduced HIV-1 transcriptional activity by inhibiting Tat protein synthesis. The effects of PAP expression on host factors AP-1 (activator protein 1), NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells) and specificity protein 1, which modulate HIV-1 transcription by binding to the viral LTR (5′-long terminal repeat), were also investigated. Only AP-1 showed a modest JNK pathway-dependent increase in activity in the presence of PAP; however, this activation was not sufficient to significantly enhance transcription from a partial viral LTR containing AP-1 binding sites. Therefore, the primary effect of PAP on HIV-1 transcription is to reduce viral RNA synthesis by decreasing the abundance of Tat. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the observed decrease in viral RNAs in cells expressing PAP and contribute to our understanding of the antiviral effects of this plant protein.
Ozone oil promotes wound healing by increasing the migration of fibroblasts via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Xiao Weirong , Tang Hua , Wu Meng , Liao Yangying , Li Ke , Li Lan , Xu Xiaopeng
Published: September 2017

Skin injury affects millions of people via the uncontrolled inflammation and infection. Many cellular components including fibroblasts and signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were activated to facilitate the wound healing to repair injured tissues. C57BL/6 female mice were divided into control and ozone oil treated groups. Excisional wounds were made on the dorsal skin and the fibroblasts were isolated from granulation tissues. The skin injured mouse model revealed that ozone oil could significantly decrease the wound area and accelerate wound healing compared with control group. QPCR and Western blotting assays showed that ozone oil up-regulated collagen I, α-SMA, and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein levels in fibroblasts. Wound healing assay demonstrated that ozone oil could increase the migration of fibroblasts. Western blotting assay demonstrated that ozone oil increased the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in fibroblasts via up-regulating fibronectin, vimentin, N-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9, insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3, IGFBP5, and IGFBP6, and decreasing epithelial protein E-cadherin and cellular senescence marker p16 expression. Mechanistically, Western blotting assay revealed that ozone oil increased the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR to regulate the EMT process, while inhibition of PI3K reversed this effect of ozone oil. At last, the results from Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) demonstrated ozone oil significantly decreased the inflammation in fibroblasts. Our results demonstrated that ozone oil facilitated the wound healing via increasing fibroblast migration and EMT process via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. The cellular and molecular mechanisms we found here may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of skin injury.
Mesenchymal stromal cells can be applied to red blood cells storage as a kind of cellular additive
Authors: Chen Yaozhen , Zhang Jing , Gu Shunli , Yin Dandan , An Qunxing , An Ning , Weng Lihong , Yi Jing , Xu Jinmei , Yin Wen , Hu Xingbin
Published: September 2017

During storage in blood banks, red blood cells (RBCs) undergo the mechanical and metabolic damage, which may lead to the diminished capacity to deliver oxygen. At high altitude regions, the above-mentioned damage may get worse. Thus, more attention should be paid to preserve RBCs when these components need transfer from plain to plateau regions. Recently, we found that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) could rescue from anemia, and MSCs have been demonstrated in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) transplantation to reconstitute hematopoiesis in vivo by us. Considering the functions and advantages of MSCs mentioned above, we are trying to find out whether they are helpful to RBCs in storage duration at high altitudes. In the present study, we first found that mice MSCs could be preserved in citrate phosphate dextrose adenine-1 (CPDA-1) at 4 ± 2°C for 14 days, and still maintained great viability, even at plateau region. Thus, we attempted to use MSCs as an available supplement to decrease RBCs lesion during storage. We found that MSCs were helpful to support RBCs to maintain biochemical parameters and kept RBCs function well on relieving anemia in an acute hemolytic murine model. Therefore, our investigation developed a method to get a better storage of RBCs through adding MSCs, which may be applied in RBCs storage as a kind of cellular additive into preservation solution.
RNAi-mediated TCF-3 gene silencing inhibits proliferation of Eca-109 esophageal cancer cells by inducing apoptosis
Authors: Ma Jie , Wang Xian-Bin , Li Rui , Xuan Shu-Hong , Wang Fang , Li Xin-Hua , Zhang Zhi-Ping , Tan Lu , Li Lian
Published: September 2017

Esophageal cancer (EC) remains an important health problem in China. In the present study, through the use of siRNA, specific gene knockdown of transcription factor 3 gene (TCF-3) was achieved in vitro and the effect of TCF-3 gene on human EC Eca-109 cell proliferation and apoptosis. Eca-109 cells were treated using negative control (NC) of siRNA against TCF-3 (siTCF-3) and siTCF-3 group. Colony formation assay was used to detect the colony formation ability in Eca-109 cells. MTT assay was used to measure the cell growth and viability, whereas BrDU assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation, and flow cytometry (FCM) to assess cell apoptosis. Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was applied to measure TCF-3 gene expression. Protein expressions of TCF-3, apoptosis-related proteins, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 were determined using Western blotting. Transfection of siTCF-3 successfully down-regulated TCF-3 gene expression. In addition, siTCF-3, reduced Eca-109 cell viability and proliferation, in a time-dependent manner, and inhibited progression of cell cycle from G0/G1 to S-stage. When treated with siTCF-3, the Eca-109 cells exhibited increased apoptosis, with up-regulated cleaved caspase and Bax expressions, whereas Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated. The present study shows that TCF-3 gene silencing inhibits Eca-109 cell growth and proliferation, suppresses cell cycle progression, and promotes apoptosis, which might serve as a new objective for EC treatment.
Overexpression of TrpC5 promotes tumor metastasis via the HIF-1α–Twist signaling pathway in colon cancer
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zhu Yaodan , Dong Yongfei , Zhang Peng , Han Xiping , Jin Jian , Ma Xin
Published: September 2017

In cancer cells, intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is altered, and this is involved in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we report that transient receptor potential channel 5 (TrpC5), a receptor-activated non-selective Ca2+ channel, is correlated with tumor metastasis in colon cancer patients. Moreover, in colon cancer cells, overexpression of TrpC5 caused a robust rise in the concentration of ([Ca2+]i), decreased E-cadherin, and increased mesenchymal biomarker expression, then promoted cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. Interestingly, we found that TrpC5 mediated hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression, activating Twist to promote the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, patients with high expression of TrpC5 displayed poorer overall and metastasis-free survival. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that TrpC5 induces the EMT through the HIF-1α–Twist signaling pathway to promote tumor metastasis in colon cancer.
Self‐compared bit‐line pairs for eliminating effects of leakage current
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Wang Jinkai , Peng Chunyu , Li Xuan , Lin Zhiting , Wu Xiulong
Published: September 2017

This Letter proposes a new scheme to eliminate the bit‐line leakage current of static random access memory. The proposed scheme utilises a four‐input sense amplifier to amplify the voltages of self‐compared bit‐line pairs. The bit‐lines of the proposed structure have no series capacitances and are directly connected to the sense amplifier input. By this way, read delay and error caused by the leakage current of bit‐lines will be eliminated. Simulation results in SMIC 28 nm CMOS process design kits show that the proposed scheme has better stability and can decrease delay time by 41.1% at 0.9 V supply voltage compared with the X‐Calibration technology.
Active contours driven by novel LGIF energies for image segmentation
Authors: Han Bin , Wu Yiquan
Published: September 2017

An active contour model driven by novel local and global intensity fitting (LGIF) energies for image segmentation is presented. First, the GIF energy is defined by the squared‐chord distance, which is more robust to noise. Second, the LIF energy is defined by the Lorentzian distance to calculate the local intensity information, which improves the generality of the presented model. Experiments are carried out on synthetic and real images and the results illustrate that the presented model can obtain higher segmentation accuracy and better segmentation efficiency; moreover, it is not sensitive to initial contour.
Online detection approach for direct current flux of power transformer
Authors: Cao Jianan , Cheng Shuai , Khan Rafiq
Published: September 2017

Direct current (DC) flux in power transformer initiates its abnormal operation, and can eventually lead to the transformer damage. A new fluxgate sensor structure to detect the transformer's DC flux is presented. A magnetic shunt path is designed to extract fractional flux from the transformer's core limb. The DC flux can be obtained by measuring the demodulation outcomes of the output signal from the sensor's detecting coil, for there is a monotonic relation between them. The DC flux can be measured by the demodulation of output from the sensor's detecting coil. As verification, the experiment has been implemented with a 10 kVA power transformer. Measurement results show that when the external DC current, used to produce the DC flux in the transformer, varies from 0.2 to 2.5 A, the magnetic modulated output signal changes significantly and the RMS value is monotonously changing with the excited DC current.
No‐reference stereoscopic image quality assessment based on saliency‐guided binocular feature consolidation
Authors: Xu Xiaogang , Zhao Yang , Ding Yong
Published: September 2017

Different from traditional methods depending on the procedure of intermediate ‘cyclopean’ view construction, a novel framework based on saliency‐guided multi‐scale feature consolidation for stereoscopic image quality assessment is proposed. For quality representation, the underlying features are extracted from three aspects: (i) global natural statistics features, (ii) local spatial and spectral entropy features and (iii) the kurtosis and skew of disparity distribution. Then the binocular features are consolidated by a saliency‐guided weighted process. Finally, a machine learning technique of support vector regression is used for objective quality mapping. Experimental results demonstrate the promising performance of the proposed method.
Mode‐locked femtosecond 910 nm Nd:fibre laser with phase biased non‐linear loop mirror
Authors: Li Min , Yang Wan , Zhang Zhigang , Wang Aimin
Published: September 2017

The authors demonstrate a mode‐locked Nd:fibre laser working at 910 nm incorporating a phase biased non‐linear loop mirror. The broadest spectral width of the pulse is 11.9 nm and the output power is 20 mW with 450 mW pump power. The dechirped pulse width is 206 fs. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a 900 nm femtosecond neodymium fibre laser based on a non‐linear loop mirror.
Bidirectional active clamp DC–DC converter with high conversion ratio
Authors: Liu Hongchen , Wang Liuchao , Li Fei , Ji Yuliang
Published: September 2017

A bidirectional DC/DC converter is presented with the advantages of high conversion ratio in boost and buck mode, low conduction loss, recycling the energy of leakage inductor, and zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) in some switches. This new topology can realise a higher step‐up voltage gain by the using of a coupled inductor. Then an active clamp circuit was applied to reduce conduction loss and recycle the energy of the leakage inductor. The soft‐switching technique is applied to achieve ZVS turn‐on. The main circuit of the DC–DC converter is analysed in detail and the performance of the proposed converter is verified by the experimental verifications with a 200 W prototype.
All‐resonator based LTCC diplexer using substrate‐integrated‐waveguides
Authors: Llamas‐Garro Ignacio , Mira Fermin , Zheng Peng , Liu Zhifu , Wu Lin‐Sheng , Wang Yi
Published: September 2017

A compact diplexer is implemented in Low‐Temperature‐Cofired‐Ceramic (LTCC) technology and consists of six coupled substrate‐integrated‐waveguide (SIW) cavity resonators stacked in two layers. No transmission‐line based junction is used. The couplings between the cavities are achieved through both SIW irises and slots placed in metal layers. The diplexer has two third‐order filtering channels, centred at 2.7 and 3.3 GHz with 120 MHz bandwidths. The overall size of the diplexer is 27.74 mm (2.3λg at 3 GHz) × 10.4 mm (0.86λg at 3 GHz) × 0.84 mm, achieved by using an LTCC material of a high dielectric constant of 68. Simulations and measurements are in good agreement to demonstrate a compact diplexer based on an all‐resonator structure using high dielectric constant LTCC material.
Synthetic self‐patterning and morphogenesis in mammalian cells: a proof‐of‐concept step towards synthetic tissue development
Authors: Cachat Elise , Liu Weijia , Davies Jamie A.
Published: September 2017

This study reports a proof‐of‐concept study as a step toward synthetic‐biological morphogenesis of tissues. Events in normal animal development usually follow the sequence: patterning → differential gene expression → morphogenesis. A synthetic biological approach to development might follow a similar sequence, with each stage under the control of synthetic biological modules. The authors have constructed and published a synthetic module that drives self‐organised patterning of mammalian cell populations into patches of different cell types. Here, as a proof of concept, they extend the self‐patterning module with a morphogenetic effector that drives elective cell death in just one cell type. The result is a self‐constructing pattern of two cell types, one of which can be selectively eliminated to leave remaining cells as a monolayer with a net‐like structure. This simple device demonstrates and validates the idea of coupling synthetic biological morphogenetic effectors to synthetic biological patterning devices. It opens the path to engineering more sophisticated structures and, perhaps eventually, tissues.
Distributed restoring of barrier coverage in wireless sensor networks using limited mobility sensors
Authors: Dash Dinesh , Dasgupta Anurag
Published: September 2017

Coverage problem in sensor network ensures quality of monitoring of a given region. Depending on applications, different measures of coverage are there such as area coverage, sweep coverage, barrier coverage and so on. Barrier coverage ensures monitoring only the boundary of a region. Barrier coverage is a critical issue in wireless sensor networks for border protection, the performance of which is highly related to the locations of sensor nodes. The objective of the sensors is to detect objects that cross the boundary. The primary objective of this study is to restore barrier coverage after sensor failure with the help of mobile sensors. Battery life of the sensors is one of the critical parameters of a sensor network. To increase the lifetime of the sensor network, the authors’ restoring scheme tries to keep the total displacement incurred by the mobile sensors to minimum. A localised distributed barrier coverage restoring scheme is proposed. It first finds the existence of alternate barrier locally. If alternate barrier is not found, an alternate barrier is reconstructed by shifting the existing nearby sensors in a cascaded manner. Simulation results are presented in detail to evaluate the performance of their algorithm.
Multiple proteolytic events in caspase-6 self-activation impact conformations of discrete structural regions
Authors: Dagbay Kevin B. , Hardy Jeanne A.
Published: September 2017

Significance

Caspases are central players in programmed cell death. Among caspases, caspase-6 is unique for its association with neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. The structural details underlying caspase-6 activation are still limited but are requisites in understanding caspase-6 function. The prodomain and linker play essential roles in caspase function and regulation; however, while the long prodomains in initiator caspases are known, the structures of the short prodomains in executioner caspases remain elusive, despite efforts using crystallography and NMR. Here, we used hydrogen/deuterium exchange MS and revealed two important findings: the prodomain and intersubunit linker are intrinsically disordered, and the presence or absence of these regions results in distinct structural dynamics as procaspase-6 progresses through its proteolytic activation.
First critical repressive H3K27me3 marks in embryonic stem cells identified using designed protein inhibitor
Authors: Moody James D. , Levy Shiri , Mathieu Julie , Xing Yalan , Kim Woojin , Dong Cheng , Tempel Wolfram , Robitaille Aaron M. , Dang Luke T. , Ferreccio Amy , Detraux Damien , Sidhu Sonia , Zhu Licheng , Carter Lauren , Xu Chao , Valensisi Cristina , Wang Yuliang , Hawkins R. David , Min Jinrong , Moon Randall T. , Orkin Stuart H. , Baker David , Ruohola-Baker Hannele
Published: September 2017

Significance

We describe an approach to blocking protein–protein interactions in living cells and use it to probe the earliest stages of epigenetic regulation in stem cell differentiation. We describe a computationally designed protein that tightly binds EED and disrupts PRC2 function in both cancer and stem cells. Expression of the binder at different stem cell stages identifies the first critical repressive H3K27me3 mark in embryonic development.