bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of microbiota in the development of colorectal cancer
Authors: Dai Zhujiang , Zhang Jingqiu , Wu Qi , Chen Juan , Liu Jun , Wang Lu , Chen Chaowu , Xu Jiaming , Zhang Hongpeng , Shi Chunfeng , Li Zhen , Fang Huiwen , Lin Chaobiao , Tang Dong , Wang Daorong
Published: November 2018

Colorectal cancer is the third largest cancer in worldwide and has been proven to be closely related to the intestinal microbiota. Many reports and clinical studies have shown that intestinal microbial behavior may lead to pathological changes in the host intestines. The changes can be divided into epigenetic changes and carcinogenic changes at the gene level, which ultimately promote the production and development of colorectal cancer. This article reviews the pathways of microbial signaling in the intestinal epithelial barrier, the role of microbiota in inflammatory colorectal tumors, and typical microbial carcinogenesis. Finally, by gaining a deeper understanding of the intestinal microbiota, we hope to achieve the goal of treating colorectal cancer using current microbiota technologies, such as fecal microbiological transplantation.
Shen’ge powder decreases the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in chronic heart failure by activating the Rho protein/Rho‐associated coiledcoil forming protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Yan Xinpeng , Jiao Kai , Song Xiaozheng
Published: November 2018

Objective

The current study aimed to explore the role and the molecular mechanism of Shen’ge powder in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rats were selected for the study and divided randomly into four groups: control, model, Shen’ge powder, and fasudil group. An inverted microscope was used to determine the diameter of cardiomyocytes in each group. The survival and apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes in each group was determined by the tetrazolium dye MTT 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The messenger RNA levels and protein expression of RhoA, Rho‐associated coiled‐coil forming protein kinase (ROCK), myosin light‐chain phosphatase (MLCP), and myosin light‐chain kinase (MLCK) were determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively.

Results

CHF increased the diameter and apoptotic rate of cardiomyocytes and decreased the survival rate of cardiomyocytes. The levels of RhoA, ROCK, and MLCK were increased significantly in CHF model rats, and the level of MLCP was decreased. After treating with Shen’ge powder, the expression of RhoA, ROCK, and MLCK decreased dramatically and the expression of MLCP increased.

Conclusion

Shen’ge powder could reduce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in CHF by regulating the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway.
Chinese herbal decoction of Wenshen Yangxue formula improved fertility and pregnancy rate in mice through PI3K/Akt signaling
Authors: Xin Mingwei , He Junqin , Zhang Ying , Wu Ying , Yang Wei , Liang Xinyun , Yin Xiaodan
Published: November 2018

Objective

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an effective management to infertility. The association between TCM‐mediated fertility and inhibition of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) would be investigated.

Methods

Institute of Cancer Research mice were treated with three herbal decoctions, named Wenshen Yangxue formula, Wenshen formula, and Yangxue formula, plus with human gonadotropins. PI3K inhibitor wortmannin was administrated to half of mice. Some index such as body weight, fertility ability would be investigated. The expression of P13K/Akt signaling was detected by using Western blot analysis.

Results

No difference was observed in body weight among groups. Mice receiving the administration of human gonadotropins and herbal decoctions showed increased follicle numbers, percentage of fertilization, and promoted embryonic development. The treatment of Wenshen Yangxue formula decoction showed the highest efficiency, significant higher than Wenshen and Yangxue formulas. And increased the expression of p‐PI3K and p‐Akt proteins.

Conclusion

These results suggested the herbal decoctions promoted the fertilization of mice, which was related to the charge of PI3K/Akt activation.
LncRNA H19/miR‐194/PFTK1 axis modulates the cell proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sun Yunpeng , Zhu Qiandong , Yang Wenjun , Shan Yunfeng , Yu Zhengping , Zhang Qiyu , Wu Huanhuan
Published: November 2018

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a huge challenge due to its high mortality and morbidity; gene therapy might be a promising treatment for PDAC. The critical role of Wnt‐signaling pathway in cancer pathogenesis has been widely recognized; cyclin‐dependent kinase 14 (CDK14, PFTK1)‐induced low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related proteins 5/6 (LRP5/6) phosphorylation is an important issue in Wnt‐signaling activation. Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA)‐microRNA (miRNA)‐messenger RNA (mRNA) modulating the pathogenesis of cancers has been regarded as a major mechanism. In the current study, upregulated lncRNAs positively correlated with PFTK1 were analyzed and selected using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Of them, lncRNA H19 can activate Wnt signaling in cancers. In PDAC tissues, the expression of H19 and PFTK1 were upregulated; H19 knockdown suppressed the cell proliferation and migration of PDAC, while PFTK1 overexpression partially attenuated the suppressive effect of H19 knockdown. As analyzed by TCGA and predicted by online tools, miR‐194 was negatively correlated with PFTK1 and might bind to both H19 and PFTK1, which was further confirmed by luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Moreover, the effect of H19 knockdown on PFTK1 protein and the cell proliferation and migration could be partially reversed by miR‐194 inhibition; H19/miR‐194 axis modulated PDAC cell proliferation and migration through PFTK1 downstream Wnt signaling. Results suggested that rescuing miR‐194 expression in PDAC can inhibit lncRNA H19 and PFTK1 expression, subsequently suppressing PDAC cell proliferation and migration. Due to the complexity of the lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA network, further in vivo experiments examining potential side effects are needed in future study to explore the clinical application of these findings.
Long noncoding RNA POU3F3 promotes cancer cell proliferation in prostate carcinoma by upregulating rho‐associated protein kinase 1
Authors: Wan Xiaodong , Xiang Jun , Zhang Qimin , Bian Cuidong
Published: November 2018

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) POU3F3 is overexpressed in esophageal squamous‐cell carcinomas, while its role in other human cancers is unclear. In this study we found that POU3F3 and rho‐associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were both increased in tumor tissues than in adjacent healthy tissues of patients with prostate carcinoma. Expression levels of POU3F3 increased with increase in the diameter of tumor but were not significantly affected by lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis. Expression levels of POU3F3 and ROCK1 were positive correlated in tumor tissues but not in adjacent healthy tissues. POU3F3 and ROCK1 overexpression promoted, while ROCK1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of prostate carcinoma cells. ROCK1 knockdown reduced the enhancing effect of POU3F3 overexpression on cancer cell proliferation. POU3F3 overexpression led to ROCK1 overexpression in prostate carcinoma cells, while ROCK1 overexpression did not significantly affect POU3F3 expression. Therefore, lncRNA POU3F3 may promote cancer cell proliferation in prostate carcinoma by upregulating ROCK1.
Disorders in NADPH generation via pentose phosphate pathway influence the reproductive potential of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast due to changes in redox status
Authors: Kwolek‐Mirek Magdalena , Maslanka Roman , Molon Mateusz
Published: November 2018

Intermediary metabolites have a crucial impact on basic cell functions. There is a relationship between cellular metabolism and redox balance. To maintain redox homoeostasis, the cooperation of both glutathione and nicotine adenine dinucleotides is necessary. Availability of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as a major electron donor is critical for many intracellular redox reactions. The activity of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (Zwf1p) and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (Gnd1p and Gnd2p) is responsible for NADPH formation in a pentose phosphate (PP) pathway. In this study, we examine the impact of redox homoeostasis on cellular physiology and proliferation. We have noted that the Δzwf1 mutant lacking the rate‐limiting enzyme of the PP pathway shows changes in the cellular redox status caused by disorders in NADPH generation. This leads to a decrease in reproductive potential but without affecting the total lifespan of the cell. The results presented in this paper show that nicotine adenine dinucleotides play a central role in cellular physiology.
Combined testing for herpes simplex virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with aseptic meningitis in Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Zida Sylvie , Kolia‐Diafouka Pratt , Kania Dramane , Sotto Albert , Foulongne Vincent , Bolloré Karine , Ouangraoua Soumeya , Méda Nicolas , Carrère‐Kremer Séverine , Van de Perre Philippe , Tuaillon Edouard
Published: November 2018

Background

Little is known about the involvement of herpes simplex virus (HSV) or Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) as potentially curable causes of central nervous system (CNS) infections in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Objective

In this study, we developed a PCR assay dedicated to simultaneous testing of HSV1/HSV2 and MTB in Burkina Faso, a country where HSV is neglected as a cause of CNS infection and where TB prevalence is high.

Methods

A consensus HSV1/HSV2 set of primers and probe were designed and combined to primers and probe targeting the IS6110 repetitive insertion sequence of MTB. Analytical performances of the assay were evaluated on reference materials. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from subjects with aseptic meningitis was tested for HSV1/HSV2 and MTB DNA.

Results

The UL29 gene was chosen as a highly conserved region targeted by the HSV1/HSV2 nucleic acid test. The lower limits of detection were estimated to be 2.45 copies/µL for HSV1, 1.72 copies/µL for HSV2, and 2.54 IS6110 copies per µL for MTB. The PCR was used in 202 CSF collected from subjects suspected of aseptic meningitis. Five samples (2.46%) tested positive, including two children positive for HSV1 (0.99%) and three adults tested positive for MTB (1.47%).

Conclusion

Using an in‐house real‐time PCR assay, we showed that both HSV and MTB are etiologic pathogens contributing to aseptic meningitis in Burkina Faso. This molecular test may have clinical utility for early diagnosis for those treatable CNS infections.
Importance of sample volume to the measurement and interpretation of plasma osmolality
Authors: Sollanek Kurt J. , Kenefick Robert W. , Cheuvront Samuel N.
Published: November 2018

Background

Small sample volumes may artificially elevate plasma osmolality (Posm) measured by freezing point depression. The purpose of this study was to compare two widely different sample volumes of measured Posm (mmol/kg) to each other, and to calculated osmolarity (mmol/L), across a physiological Posm range (~50 mmol/kg).

Methods

Posm was measured using freezing point depression and osmolarity calculated from measures of sodium, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen. The influence of sample volume was investigated by comparing 20 and 250 μL Posm samples (n = 126 pairs). Thirty‐two volunteers were tested multiple times while EUH (n = 115) or DEH (n = 11) by −4.0% body mass. Protinol™ (240, 280, and 320 mmol/kg) and Clinitrol™ (290 mmol/kg) reference solutions were compared similarly (n = 282 pairs).

Results

The 20 μL samples of plasma showed a 7 mmol/kg positive bias compared to 250 μL samples and displayed a nearly constant proportional error across the range tested (slope = 0.929). Calculated osmolarity was lower than 20 μL Posm by the same negative bias (−6.9 mmol/kg) but not different from 250 μL Posm (0.1 mmol/kg). The differences between 20 and 250 μL samples of Protinol™ were significantly higher than Clinitrol™.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that Posm measured by freezing point depression will be ~7 mmol/kg higher when using 20 μL vs 250 μL sample volumes. Approximately half of this effect may be due to plasma proteins. Posm sample volume should be carefully considered when calculating the osmole gap or assessing hydration status.
Hereditary graph classes: When the complexities of coloring and clique cover coincide
Authors: Blanché Alexandre , Dabrowski Konrad K. , Johnson Matthew , Paulusma Daniël
Published: November 2018

A graph is ‐free for a pair of graphs if it contains no induced subgraph isomorphic to or . In 2001, Král et al initiated a study into the complexity of coloring for ‐free graphs. Since then, others have tried to complete their study, but many cases remain open. We focus on those ‐free graphs where is , the complement of . As these classes are closed under complementation, the computational complexities of coloring and clique cover coincide. By combining new and known results, we are able to classify the complexity of coloring and clique cover for ‐free graphs for all cases except when for or for . We also classify the complexity of coloring on graph classes characterized by forbidding a finite number of self‐complementary induced subgraphs, and we initiate a study of ‐
coloring for ‐free graphs.
Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Evaluation of N‐Substituted‐1‐(3‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)‐N‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide Derivatives
Authors: Wu Zhibing , Yang Guangqian , Zhao Xin , Wu Jiangchun , Wu Shixi
Published: November 2018

A series of 1‐(3‐chloropyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxamide derivatives which have di‐substituents on nitrogen were designed and synthesized. Bioassay results showed that all the synthetic compounds exhibited lower antifungal activities against Gibberella zeae, Cytospora mandshurica, and Fusarium oxysporum than T3 (14.7, 21.1, and 32.7 μg/mL), but some of them exhibited better activities against Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora infestans, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum than T3 (>200, >200, and >200 μg/mL); the EC50 values of 7d and 7c against B. cinerea were 94.9 and 56.2 μg/mL, respectively. The EC50 values of 7a, 7d, and 7c against S. sclerotiorum were 73.5, 78.7, and 68.5 μg/mL, respectively.
How good is regional climate model version 4 in simulating the monsoon onset over Kerala?
Authors: Pattnayak Kanhu C. , Panda Subrat K. , Saraswat Vaishali , Dash Sushil K.
Published: November 2018

This study assesses the performance of regional climate model version 4 (RegCM4) in simulating the monsoon onset over Kerala (MOK). It also examines any possible relationship between the onset dates with the summer monsoon rainfall over India as whole as well as each grid points of the India land points and also the moisture inflow into Indian subcontinent. A 30‐year long simulation starting from 1979 till 2008 was carried out with the lateral boundary forcings provided by European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA‐interim) at 25 km horizontal resolution. The simulated climatological MOK date is found to be 28th May, while as per the India Meteorological Department, climatological normal onset date is 1st June. The model has performed well in simulating the inter‐annual variation of MOK during the study period. The correlation coefficient between model simulated and observed MOK is 0.83 significant at 95% confidence level. In both model and observations, the MOK is weakly correlated with All India Summer Monsoon Rainfall. Again, the model skill was examined through equitable threat score (ETS). The ETS score is high for normal (0.48) and delayed (0.42) onset years, while the score is very low in early onset years. The spatial patterns of rainfall over central India are very similar in early and normal onset years. The model has performed well in reproducing the moisture inflow in to the Indian subcontinent from all the directions in most of the years, but there is no one‐to‐one relation between different categories of MOK years with total rainfall and net moisture inflow. Based on this study, it is found that RegCM4 reproduces different aspects of MOK reasonably well.
Presentation and eustachian tube function test results in children evaluated at a specialty clinic
Authors: Alper Cuneyt M. , Teixeira Miriam S. , Richert Beverly C. , Douglas Swarts J.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Interest in eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction (ETD) has increased with the recent Food and Drug Administration approval of a new device for balloon dilation of the ET (BDET) in adults. However, children have been receiving BDET treatment with ET‐specific or sinus balloons around the world and off‐label in the United States for years. It is important, therefore, to understand the manifestations of and methods to verify ETD in children.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of clinical presentations and results of ET function (ETF) tests in children referred to the ETD clinic. An otorhinolaryngology exam, nasopharyngeal videoendoscopy of the ET orifices during swallow and maneuvers, and ETF tests, including inflation deflation, forced response test, and pressure chamber tests, were performed as applicable.

Results

Data for 30 children aged 6.2 to 17.3 years (mean = 12.9 ± 2.8 years) were analyzed. Of 60 ears, 19 (31.7%) had an intact tympanic membrane (TM), 16 (26.7%) had a patent and two had a blocked ventilation tube, and 23 (38.3%) had a TM perforation. Endoscopy of the nasopharynx revealed a large amount of secretions in 19/45 (42.2%); ET orifices and mucosal inflammation in 22/45 (48.8%); a large amount of adenoid tissue in the fossa of Rosenmuller was noted in 21/45 (46.7%). ETF tests revealed abnormal active function in 43/54 ears (79.6%) and abnormal passive function in 40/54 ears (74.1%).

Conclusions

ETD in children is often associated with residual or regrowth of adenoids and inflammation. Caution should be taken assigning a uniform phenotype and treatment prior to thorough evaluation and testing.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:1218–1228, 2019
Enzyme‐Mediated In Situ Buildup and Site‐Specific Addressing of Polymeric Coatings
Authors: Appel Daniel , Wedegärtner David , Lüther Marco , Strube Oliver I.
Published: November 2018

Formation of site‐specific deposition of polymeric particles and films with controllable parameters via enzyme‐mediated addressing is investigated. The polymers are synthesized in situ by combining the addressing process with enzyme‐mediated radical polymerization, using the enzyme horseradish peroxidase. As a model system, the technically important poly(methyl methacrylate) is formed and addressed on both glass‐ and polyethylene supports.

The key to the controllability is the influence of different reaction parameters on particle formation, namely, the concentration of H2O2 and the pH show the most significant impact. With higher concentrations of H2O2, size and amount of gained particles increases, due to H2O2 being a limiting factor to the reaction. Moreover, since acetyl acetone forms the end‐group of the polymer chains, the pH directly influences the particle stability in addition to affecting the enzyme activity. This effect can be utilized to gain either films or particle assemblies at will. Deposition occurs highly site‐specific, exclusively on enzyme‐functionalized areas, enabling patterned coating structures within a safe, energy efficient, and easy‐to‐apply process.
Operators with Wentzell boundary conditions and the Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann operator
Authors: Binz Tim , Engel Klaus‐Jochen
Published: November 2018

In this paper we relate the generator property of an operator A with (abstract) generalized Wentzell boundary conditions on a Banach space X and its associated (abstract) Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann operator N acting on a “boundary” space . Our approach is based on similarity transformations and perturbation arguments and allows to split A into an operator A00 with Dirichlet‐type boundary conditions on a space X0 of states having “zero trace” and the operator N. If A00 generates an analytic semigroup, we obtain under a weak Hille–Yosida type condition that A generates an analytic semigroup on X if and only if N does so on . Here we assume that the (abstract) “trace” operator is bounded that is typically satisfied if X is a space of continuous functions. Concrete applications are made to various second order differential operators.
A new proof of the Barton–Timoney theorem on the bidual of a ‐triple
Authors: Rodríguez Palacios Ángel , Cabrera García Miguel
Published: November 2018

By deeply refining previous results of Dineen [8], Barton and Timoney [2] proved that the bidual of any ‐triple J becomes a ‐triple under a triple product which extends that of J and is separately ‐continuous. In this note we give a simpler new proof of the above theorem.
Extract of the Microalga Nitzschia laevis Prevents High‐Fat‐Diet‐Induced Obesity in Mice by Modulating the Composition of Gut Microbiota
Authors: Guo Bingbing , Liu Bin , Wei Hehong , Cheng Ka‐Wing , Chen Feng
Published: November 2018

Scope

The aim of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of Nitzschia laevis extract (NLE) in preventing obesity in mice fed with a high‐fat diet (HFD), and the potential underlying mechanisms focusing on modulation of the gut microbiota profile.

Methods and results

Physiological, histological, and biochemical parameters and gut microbiota compositions are compared among four experimental groups fed respectively with the following diets for 8 weeks: Normal chow diet, HFD, HFD + low concentration of NLE, and HFD + high concentration of NLE. The results demonstrate that NLE supplementation significantly reduces body weight gain and effectively prevents lipid accumulation in the white adipose tissue and liver of the mice. Mechanistic analysis reveals that NLE promotes the expression of uncoupling protein 1 and peroxisome proliferators‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1 mRNA in brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, NLE protects the gut epithelium and positively reshapes the gut microbiota composition against the damaging effect of HFD.

Conclusions

NLE supplementation demonstrates a protective effect against HFD‐induced obesity in mice, which is associated with reshaping the profile of gut microbiota. To the best of our knowledge, this has been the first report on the potential of microalgal extract to prevent obesity by modulating gut microbiota.
Integrated production, inventory, and batch delivery scheduling with due date assignment and two competing agents
Authors: Yin Yunqiang , Yang Yongjian , Wang Dujuan , Cheng T.C.E. , Wu Chin‐Chia
Published: November 2018

This paper considers several integrated production, inventory, and batch delivery scheduling problems on a single machine with due date assignment and two competing agents, each of which seeks to optimize its own performance. All the jobs of the first agent have a common due date, which is a decision variable to be determined by the decision maker, whereas the due dates of the jobs of the second agent are exogenously given. The jobs of the same agent are processed sequentially in batches and the batch processing time is equal to the total processing time of the jobs in the batch, where the batch size can be either bounded or unbounded. A batch is available only when all the jobs in it are completed. An available batch is delivered to its agent immediately, and the cost per batch delivery is fixed and independent of the number of jobs in the batch. Finished jobs are kept in inventory, if necessary, incurring an additional holding cost. The first agent wishes to find a job sequence, a common due date, and a dispatch date for each of its jobs that jointly minimize the total cost comprising the earliness, weighted number of tardy jobs, job holding, due date assignment, and batch delivery costs, while the second agent seeks to minimize one of the following criteria plus the batch delivery cost: the maximum value of a regular scheduling criterion, total completion time, and weighted number of tardy jobs. The overall objective is to minimize the objective value of the first agent, subject to the objective value of the second agent not exceeding a given threshold. For each of the problems considered, we study its computational complexity and develop exact and/or approximation solution algorithms.
Initial and crucial genetic events in intestinal‐type gastric intramucosal neoplasia
Authors: Rokutan Hirofumi , Abe Hiroyuki , Nakamura Hiromi , Ushiku Tetsuo , Arakawa Erika , Hosoda Fumie , Yachida Shinichi , Tsuji Yosuke , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Koike Kazuhiko , Totoki Yasushi , Fukayama Masashi , Shibata Tatsuhiro
Published: November 2018

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and life‐threatening malignancies. The course of disease and tumor aggressiveness vary among GCs, although how early fate is determined and by what factors remains elusive. To solve this question, we collected 43 gastric intramucosal neoplasias (GINs), comprising dysplasia/intraepithelial neoplasia (D/IEN; a premalignant lesion) and minute GC (miGC; ≤10 mm) of intestinal histotype and performed targeted deep DNA sequencing of 67 GC‐related genes derived from large‐scale data. Gastric D/IEN was classified into low or high grade (LG‐D/IEN or HG‐D/IEN). The most frequent mutations in D/IENs included APC (19/25; 76%), ARID2 (6/25; 24%) and MUC6 (5/25; 20%). All LG‐D/IENs had APC mutation (12/12) and APC hotspot mutations affecting R1450 and E1554 were noted in both LG‐D/IEN and HG‐D/IEN. ARID2 mutation always co‐occurred with APC mutation, whose tumor variant allele frequency (TVAF) was higher than that of ARID2 in D/IEN. APC and TP53 mutations were mutually exclusive in D/IEN (p = 0.031 [main cohort], p = 0.025 [expanding cohort]) and TP53‐mutated D/IEN was exclusively HG‐D/IEN (4/4). TP53 mutations were highly recurrent (11/14; 79%) in MLH1‐positive miGCs and were detected even in two microscopic lesions measuring 1 and 3 mm, respectively. Furthermore, TVAF analyses suggested that TP53 mutation is the initial event in the TP53‐mutated miGCs. In contrast, TP53 mutation was absent (0/4) in MLH1‐negative small intramucosal carcinoma (8–24 mm). Advanced GC data suggested that early mutations (APC and TP53) may affect the potential of cancerous progression from D/IEN. This study revealed somatic mutational landscape and initial mutations of GINs, and we report for the first time that TP53 mutations precede other mutations in intestinal‐type GC. Our results also indicate that molecular subtyping based on APC/TP53 mutations would be a high‐priority approach for determining and predicting the malignant potential of GIN, including D/IEN. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nano‐crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol)‐based hybrid hydrogels for drug delivery and antibacterial activity
Authors: Arsalani Nasser , Kazeminava Fahimeh , Akbari Ali , Hamishehkar Hamed , Jabbari Esmaiel , Kafil Hossein S
Published: November 2018

The synthesis is reported of novel hybrid hydrogels based on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dianhydride and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with octa‐aminopropyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane hydrochloride salt (OA‐POSS) as a nano‐crosslinker under solvent‐free conditions. The molecular weight of PEG was varied between 600 and 1000 Da. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized using various techniques. Further, the swelling behavior and antibacterial activity of the hydrogels and release kinetics of metronidazole (MTZ) as a model drug from them were evaluated. Experimental results demonstrate that hydrogels with tunable properties can be synthesized by varying the PEG molecular weight and type of crosslinker (hybrid or organic). Among the synthesized hybrid hydrogels, that crosslinked by OA‐POSS with long PEG chains (1000 Da) showed the highest swelling degree (2000%), drug encapsulation efficiency (88%) and extent of MTZ release (96%). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Bifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) based crosslinked network polymers as electrolytes for all‐solid‐state lithium ion batteries
Authors: Grewal Manjit Singh , Tanaka Manabu , Kawakami Hiroyoshi
Published: November 2018

Polymer electrolyte based lithium ion batteries represent a revolution in the battery community due to their intrinsic enhanced safety, and as a result polymer electrolytes have been proposed as a replacement for conventional liquid electrolytes. Herein, the preparation of a family of crosslinked network polymers as electrolytes via the ‘click‐chemistry’ technique involving thiol‐ene or thiol‐epoxy is reported. These network polymer electrolytes comprise bifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) as the lithium ion solvating polymer, pentaerythritol tetrakis (3‐mercaptopropionate) as the crosslinker and lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide as the lithium salt. The crosslinked network polymer electrolytes obtained show low Tg, high ionic conductivity and a good lithium ion transference number (ca 0.56). In addition, the membrane demonstrated sterling mechanical robustness and high thermal stability. The advantages of the network polymer electrolytes in this study are their harmonious characteristics as solid electrolytes and the potential adaptability to improve performance by combining with inorganic fillers, ionic liquids or other materials. In addition, the simple formation of the network structures without high temperatures or light irradiation has enabled the practical large‐area fabrication and in situ fabrication on cathode electrodes. As a preliminary study, the prepared crosslinked network polymer materials were used as solid electrolytes in the elaboration of all‐solid‐state lithium metal battery prototypes with moderate charge–discharge profiles at different current densities leaving a good platform for further improvement. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Carbon Nanofibers on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of NC‐TEGDN‐RDX Triple‐Base Gun Propellants
Authors: Shen Jinpeng , Liu Zhitao , Xu Bin , Liang Hao , Zhu Yao , Liao Xin , Wang Zeshan
Published: November 2018

Triple‐base gun propellants composed of nitrocellulose (NC), triethylene glycol dinitrate (TEGDN) and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were studied to explore the effects of CNFs on the thermal and mechanical properties. The results indicated that CNFs with less than 0.50 wt % were evenly and randomly dispersed in the propellant, otherwise there existed obvious aggregation. Temperatures of initial decomposition and exothermic peak reduced with the increase of NCFs from 0.00 to 3.00 wt %. Decomposition enthalpy of the composites with 0.50 wt % NCFs was 1214.6 J g−1, increased by ∼131.4 J g−1 compared to that of NC‐TEGDN‐RDX propellants. Moreover, the mechanical properties were effectively tailored by varying the amount of CNFs added to the composition. Decomposition enthalpy of the propellant with 0.25 wt % CNFs were hardly compromised for achieving enhancement in the compressive and impact properties, while the tensile strengths decreased slightly compared to that of the propellants.
Boron Nitride‐Based Paint with High Heat Dissipation Performance
Authors: Bhang Seok Jin , Kim Hyunjoong , Kim Kyung Rae , Park Jinhwan
Published: November 2018

In order to increase heat dissipation efficiency of the heat sink, heat dissipating paint using hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as a thermal conductive additive is designed and evaluated. The adhesion strength of the heat dissipating paint onto the aluminum (Al) plate is confirmed by the cross‐cut adhesion test method (ISO 2409). The ratio of detachment of the coating film from the Al plate is observed to be 5% or less and, from the resultants, it is found that the adhesion strength of the hBN‐based heat dissipation paint is excellent. The heat dissipation performance of the heat dissipating paint is determined by the temperature difference between the paint coated Al plate and the unpainted Al plate when the heat generated from the heat source is transferred to the around through the Al plate. The hBN‐based heat dissipating paint has the effect of lowering the temperature of the Al plate by 6 °C or more, and the heat dissipation performance of the paint tends to gradually increase with time. When the thickness of the coating film is reduced by about 20%, the heat dissipation performance is improved by more than 50%. As a result, the hBN‐based heat dissipating paint is able to achieve heat dissipation performance of more than 10 °C.
Dyakonov Surface Electromagnetic Waves in III‐Nitride Heterostructures
Authors: Karpov Sergey Yu.
Published: November 2018

Lossless Dyakonov surface electromagnetic waves (DWs) that may be excited at the interfaces between non‐polar III‐nitride wurtzite semiconductors and optically isotropic dielectrics are considered theoretically. Because of stringent requirements on optical properties of the dielectrics suitable for DW excitation, those of them satisfying the existence conditions of surface electromagnetic waves are selected to operate in pair with AlGaN materials in a wide spectral range. DWs formed at the representative HfO2/AlN and SrTiO3/GaN interfaces are discusses in detail, including their propagation directions, angle bands of existence, and localization lengths of the surface waves near the interfaces.
An atmospheric Bénard problem
Authors: Fantini Maurizio
Published: November 2018

In a reformulation for the atmosphere of the classical Bénard problem for the atmosphere, the characterizing elements are the height of the domain and the use of potential temperature in the thermodynamic equation. The constant‐temperature boundary conditions induce a coupling of the odd and even modes that are separate in the “laboratory” version of the problem. A non‐dimensional parameter (γ) controls the coupling, and takes values ofin the Earth's atmosphere. The changes to the critical Rayleigh number for instability are correspondingly small, i.e. an increase of a few percent. Larger corrections can be obtained for larger values ofγ, appropriate for different geo‐ or astrophysical systems, but the approximations applied here limit the allowed range.
Superior Compatibility of C2N with Human Red Blood Cell Membranes and the Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Shitong , Zhao Lin , Gu Zonglin , Duan Guangxin , Zhou Bo , Yang Zaixing , Zhou Ruhong
Published: November 2018

The widespread use of nanomaterials, such as carbon based 2D nanomaterials, in biomedical applications, has been accompanied by a growing concern on their biocompatibility, and in particular, on how they may affect the integrity of cell membranes. Herein, the interactions between C2N, a novel 2D nanomaterial, and human red blood cell membranes are explored using a combined experimental and theoretical approach. The experimental microscopies show that C2N exerts a negligible hemolysis effect on the blood cells with a superior compatibility to their cell membranes, when compared with the control system, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which is found to be highly hemolytic. The molecular dynamics simulations further reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms, which indicate that C2N prefers to be adsorbed flat on the water–membrane interface. Interaction energy analyses demonstrate the crucial role of Coulombic contributions, originating from the unique electrostatic potential surface of C2N, in preventing C2N from penetrating into cell membranes. These findings indicate a high compatibility of C2N with cell membranes, which may provide useful foundation for the future exploration of this 2D nanomaterial in related biomedical applications.
Gamma induced changes in the structure and optical properties of ZnS/PVA nanocomposite
Authors: Nouh Samir A. , Benthami Kaoutar
Published: November 2018

Nanocomposite of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) was fabricated by ex situ casting technique. ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by chemical coprecipitation method in air atmosphere using EDTA‐ethylenediamine as stabilizing agent. Rietveld refinement of X‐ray data showed that the prepared ZnS adapts cubic zinc blend structure with a lattice parameter fits 5.345 Å and a mean grain size of 4 nm. Samples from ZnS/PVA nanocomposite have been exposed to gamma doses in the range 0–400 kGy. The effect of gamma radiation on the structural and optical properties of ZnS/PVA has been investigated using XRD and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The absorption spectra confirm the formation of hybridized film ZnS/PVA nanocomposite with refractive index in the range of 1.3123–1.5253 (at 700 nm). Also, the gamma radiation reduces the optical energy gap from 4.58 to 2.75 eV. This could be attributed to the increase in structural disorder of the irradiated ZnS/PVA nanocomposite due to the formation of coordination reaction between OH of PVA and ZnS nanoparticles. This means that the gamma radiation led to a more compact structure of ZnS/PVA nanocomposite and causes proper dispersion of ZnS nanoparticles in the PVA matrix. Further, the Commission Internationale de E'Claire (CIE units x, y, and z) methodology was applied for the description of colored samples. The color intensity ΔE, the color difference between the non irradiated sample and the irradiated ones, was increased from 1.39 to 11.18 with increasing the gamma dose up to 400 kGy. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:271–277, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Improving the sustainability of ex situ populations with mate choice
Authors: Martin‐Wintle Meghan S. , Wintle Nathan J.P. , Díez‐León María , Swaisgood Ronald R. , Asa Cheryl S.
Published: November 2018

Many breeding programs managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plans® (SSPs) are not meeting goals for population size and genetic diversity due to failure of recommended pairs to breed successfully. According to AZA Population Management Center analyses, as many as 80% of recommended breeding pairs fail to produce young before the next breeding and transfer plan is issued. Determining reasons for failure and ensuring that a specific pairing produces offspring can be challenging. Mate incompatibility, one possible reason for failure, might be addressed by allowing mate choice. Although many SSP® coordinators and breeding managers, who implement breeding recommendations at their institutions, recognize the potential benefits of mate choice, examples and models for presenting and assessing choice are lacking. Here we review examples from birds, rodents, lagomorphs, marsupials, carnivores, fishes, and insects where mate choice has been incorporated. These examples provide strong evidence that free mate choice and mating with preferred partners increase a variety of reproductive success measurements when compared to assigned mate pairings. We suggest innovative housing and breeding arrangements for better incorporating mate choice into the management strategies for species held ex situ. Further, we discuss the fitness consequences and welfare implications of allowing choice. We advocate for a more systematic use of behavioral research in cooperative breeding programs. Behavioral management for mating can yield more successful programs, thus ensuring SSP® genetic and demographic goals are met, while simultaneously improving welfare.
Growth rates of juvenile Boa constrictor under two feeding regimes
Authors: Hill Robert L. , Huskisson Sarah M. , Weigel Emily , Mendelson Joseph R.
Published: November 2018

Many husbandry routines in zoo herpetology are based on tradition, authoritarianism, anecdote, or speculation. However, relatively few empirical studies underlie many very common practices. We compared growth rates among littermates of Boa constrictor raised under two feeding regimes that were identical in terms of the mass of food ingested, but differed in weekly versus bi‐weekly schedules. The growth rate of the group fed weekly was greater than the rate for the biweekly group. Snakes fed 10% of their body mass on a weekly regimen grew to a larger size, and at a faster rate, than did snakes fed 20% of their body mass on a biweekly regimen.
Epilogue: What’s the Matter with Rotterdam?
Authors: Vertovec Steven
Published: November 2018

What’s the matter with Rotterdam? This is a question I asked in a 2017 lecture (available to view at www.mmg.mpg.de), when trying to figure out how and why the city seems to disrupt common contemporary narratives concerning migration and cities. That is, social scientists since Simmel have postulated that cities are largely incubators of cosmopolitanism, or openness (if only indifference) to socio-cultural differences. It is often presumed that such openness goes together with an acceptance of ethnic diversity and immigration. Opinion polls and ethnographic research in cities usually bears out this presumption. Hence, it comes as surprising if not shocking to learn that in super-diverse Rotterdam – with over 50% of its population stemming from some 180 nations – the urban model of cosmopolitan incubator seems to fail. Authors in this collection have pointed to developments in Rotterdam by way of negative reactions to diversity, substantial voting for rightwing, anti-immigrant parties, and an ‘unhappy version’ of super-diversity in which the growth of a disapproving atmosphere has led to sharper ethnic boundaries, retreat into white enclaves, and low levels of white-ethnic minority social contact. Indeed, what’s the matter with Rotterdam?
Innovativer HVDC-DC-Wandler für Hochspannungs-Gleichstrom-Netze – Grundsätzliche Überlegungen zu Topologie, Regelung und elektromagnetischer Verträglichkeit
Authors: Renner Herwig , Schichler Uwe , Krischan Klaus , Deutschmann Bernd , Auinger Bernhard , Horn Martin , Reichhartinger Markus , Vollmaier Franz
Published: November 2018

Vermaschte Hochspannungs-Gleichstrom-Netze werden in der Zukunft bei der elektrischen Energieübertragung eine bedeutende Rolle spielen. Netzgeführte Umrichter, wie sie heute standardmäßig bei leistungsstarken HGÜ-Verbindungen zum Einsatz kommen, werden durch selbstgeführte Umrichter abgelöst und ermöglichen einen einfacheren Mehr-Stationen-Betrieb. Um einzelne, unabhängig entstandene Gleichstromsysteme mit unterschiedlicher Nennspannung verbinden zu können, ist die Entwicklung von Hochspannungs-Gleichstromwandlern notwendig. In der vorliegenden Publikation werden grundsätzliche Überlegungen zu Topologie und Regelung angestellt und ein Demonstrator vorgestellt, der im Rahmen des institutsübergreifenden Forschungsprojektes „GriDConv“ an der Technischen Universität Graz entworfen und gebaut wurde. Die Anlage ist als hybrider, kaskadierter 2-Stufen DC-DC-Wandler mit drei Zweigen ausgeführt. Damit sollen das Funktionsprinzip sowie ausgewählte Regelfunktionalitäten im Labormaßstab demonstriert werden. Die Eckdaten dieses Demonstrators wurden mit Nennspannungen von 800 V oberspannungsseitig, 500 V unterspannungsseitig und einer Übertragungsleistung von 50 kW festgelegt. Einen wesentlichen Punkt stellt die elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (EMV) der Anordnung dar. Unterschiedliche Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung der EMV können mit dem Demonstrator hinsichtlich ihrer Wirksamkeit untersucht werden.
Biometrics for banking: best practices and barriers to adoption
Authors: Goode Alan
Published: November 2018

Banks are increasingly adopting biometric technology in their drive to better identify new customers, securely authenticate existing customers, protect high-value transactions and combat fraud. In fact, as banks deploy biometrics everywhere from traditional physical branches to the latest digital platforms, this technology is proving to be the sole reliable means to authenticate and secure banking customers across all channels.
Editorial
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: November 2018

When I interviewed Stu Sjouwerman of KnowBe4 for the interview on page 17, he started by telling me to check my email inbox.
Phishing 2.0: the new evolution in cybercrime
Authors: Boddy Matt
Published: November 2018

Phishing is simply trying to trick people into doing something – be it opening a malicious email attachment, clicking a link, transferring funds or revealing confidential data. As such, it carries with it the stigma of having been foolish enough to be caught out, especially in light of large-scale programmes to educate users and encourage healthy scepticism when looking at your inbox or messages.
The symmetric draining of capillary liquids from containers with interior corners
Authors: Weislogel Mark M. , McCraney Joshua T.
Published: November 2018

A new lubrication model solution is found for the late-stage draining of a wetting capillary liquid from a linear interior corner. The solution exploits the symmetry of volumetric sink conditions at opposing ends of such a ‘double-drained’ interior corner flow with applications ranging from liquid recovery in microfluidic devices on Earth to liquid fuel scavenging in large fuel tanks aboard spacecraft. At long times $t$, the nominal liquid depth is $h\sim t^{-1}$, the liquid volume is $V\sim t^{-2}$ and the maximum volumetric liquid removal rate is $Q\sim t^{-3}$. The constraints under which the solution is valid are provided. To qualitatively assess the value of the solution, representative experiments are conducted at larger length scales aboard the International Space Station and at microfluidic length scales in a terrestrial laboratory. Both sets of experiments confirm the predicted power-law dependences. We show that the separation of variables solution offers a method to predict maximum drain rates from related geometries where a single drain location provides the required symmetry of the problem.
Turbulence modulation in channel flow of finite-size spheroidal particles
Authors: Ardekani M. Niazi , Brandt L.
Published: November 2018

Finite-size particles modulate wall-bounded turbulence, leading, for the case of spherical particles, to increased drag also owing to the formation of a particle wall layer. Here, we study the effect of particle shape on the turbulence in suspensions of spheroidal particles at volume fraction $\unicode[STIX]{x1D719}=10\,\%$ and show how the near-wall particle dynamics deeply changes with the particle aspect ratio and how this affects the global suspension behaviour. Direct numerical simulations are performed using a direct-forcing immersed boundary method to account for the dispersed phase, combined with a soft-sphere collision model and lubrication corrections for short-range particle–particle and particle–wall interactions. The turbulence reduces with the aspect ratio of oblate particles, leading to drag reduction with respect to the single-phase flow for particles with aspect ratio ${\mathcal{A}}{\mathcal{R}}\leqslant 1/3$, when the significant reduction in Reynolds shear stress is more than the compensation by the additional stresses, induced by the solid phase. Oblate particles are found to avoid the region close to the wall, travelling parallel to it with small angular velocities, while preferentially sampling high-speed fluid in the wall region. Prolate particles also tend to orient parallel to the wall and avoid its vicinity. Their reluctance to rotate around the spanwise axis reduces the wall-normal velocity fluctuation of the flow and therefore the turbulence Reynolds stress, similar to oblates; however, they undergo rotations in wall-parallel planes which increase the additional solid stresses due to their relatively larger angular velocities compared to the oblates. These larger additional stresses compensate for the reduction in turbulence activity and lead to a wall drag similar to that of single-phase flows. Spheres on the other hand, form a layer close to the wall with large angular velocities in the spanwise direction, which increases the turbulence activity in addition to exerting the largest solid stresses on the suspension, in comparison to the other studied shapes. Spherical particles therefore increase the wall drag with respect to the single-phase flow.