bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clarifying the relationships between institutions and global strategy
Authors: Cuervo‐Cazurra Alvaro , Mudambi Ram , Pedersen Torben
Published: May 2019

Research summary

We review the relationships between institutions and global strategy and explain several clarifications for future research. First, studies need to clarify the standard used to assess quality in institutional dimensions they research rather than let readers assess them from the measures. Second, analyses need to specify the theoretical approach used, which may be based on the paradigm from a single discipline (economics, sociology, politics, psychology) or the integration of underlying disciplines, as often seen in management. This must form the basis of a consistent set of assumptions rather than a potpourri of arguments from incompatible logics. Third, investigations need to clarify the direction of relationship and mechanisms. On the one hand, studies on the impact of institutions on strategy should clarify the institutional influences used (adapt, appeal, avoid). On the other hand, research on the effect of strategy on institutional change should clarify the institutional strategies (inform, influence, incentivize) and institutional spillovers (compete, command, copy) by which firms change institutions.

Managerial summary

The study of institutions (controls of the behavior of individuals and firms) has become a popular topic analyzed in global strategy. Unfortunately, there is some confusion on how institutions affect the global strategy of firms because of differences in the viewpoints used to explain the relationships. We clarify past arguments by explaining the need to identify the standards used to assess quality in institutions, and the assumptions of approaches based on underlying disciplines (economics, sociology, politics, or psychology) as well as those that integrate these disciplines like in management. We also explain the mechanisms by which institutions affect the global strategy of firms (adapt, appeal, avoid), as well as the mechanisms by which global strategies influence the transformation of institutions via institutional strategies (inform, influence, incentivize) and institutional spillovers (compete, command, copy).
Parallel group ICA+ICA: Joint estimation of linked functional network variability and structural covariation with application to schizophrenia
Authors: Qi Shile , Sui Jing , Chen Jiayu , Liu Jingyu , Jiang Rongtao , Silva Rogers , Iraji Armin , Damaraju Eswar , Salman Mustafa , Lin Dongdong , Fu Zening , Zhi Dongmei , Turner Jessica A. , Bustillo Juan , Ford Judith M. , Mathalon Daniel H. , Voyvodic James , McEwen Sarah , Preda Adrian , Belger Aysenil , Potkin Steven G. , Mueller Bryon A. , Adali Tulay , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: May 2019

There is growing evidence that rather than using a single brain imaging modality to study its association with physiological or symptomatic features, the field is paying more attention to fusion of multimodal information. However, most current multimodal fusion approaches that incorporate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are restricted to second‐level 3D features, rather than the original 4D fMRI data. This trade‐off is that the valuable temporal information is not utilized during the fusion step. Here we are motivated to propose a novel approach called “parallel group ICA+ICA” that incorporates temporal fMRI information from group independent component analysis (GICA) into a parallel independent component analysis (ICA) framework, aiming to enable direct fusion of first‐level fMRI features with other modalities (e.g., structural MRI), which thus can detect linked functional network variability and structural covariations. Simulation results show that the proposed method yields accurate intermodality linkage detection regardless of whether it is strong or weak. When applied to real data, we identified one pair of significantly associated fMRI‐sMRI components that show group difference between schizophrenia and controls in both modalities, and this linkage can be replicated in an independent cohort. Finally, multiple cognitive domain scores can be predicted by the features identified in the linked component pair by our proposed method. We also show these multimodal brain features can predict multiple cognitive scores in an independent cohort. Overall, results demonstrate the ability of parallel GICA+ICA to estimate joint information from 4D and 3D data without discarding much of the available information up front, and the potential for using this approach to identify imaging biomarkers to study brain disorders.
Dynamic talent management capabilities and organizational agility—A qualitative exploration
Authors: Harsch Katharina , Festing Marion
Published: May 2019

Today's business environment is becoming increasingly dynamic, and the concept of agility is gaining attention in the corporate world and in academia. The objective of our research is to explain how talent management (TM) can shape talents as key human resources, according to company‐specific agility needs, and thus contribute to gaining competitive advantage in dynamic firm environments. We approach this task by viewing it from the perspective of dynamic capabilities. A total of 24 semistructured interviews were conducted with senior TM professionals working in German companies differing in terms of size, age, structure, industry, and ownership. As a result, we identified three different types of dynamic TM capabilities promoting organizational agility to various extents. By rooting our qualitative study in the research fields of TM and agility in the under‐researched theoretical realm of dynamic capabilities, we contribute to the theoretical as well as the empirical discussion by addressing the specific challenges of an increasingly dynamic environment. As a result, we provide a contextualized viewpoint from which to explain the process inherent in dynamic TM capabilities that continuously shape talent and organizational agility.
Understanding Spatial Relationships in Admission Competition
Authors: Williams David S.
Published: May 2019

One of the most critical functions on campus is enrollment management. As budgets become tighter and institutions rely more heavily on tuition, the competition to “make the class” intensifies. How can institutional research help inform strategic planning in such a market? This paper will discuss the way that institutional researchers can use exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) to help enrollment management professionals and senior campus leadership better understand how their institutional selectivity may be related to neighboring competitors. By knowing this information, campuses can make strategic decisions with respect to their enrollment management policies and procedures.
Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment Decreases Bone Turnover in Transwomen and Older Transmen
Authors: Vlot Mariska C , Wiepjes Chantal M , de Jongh Renate T , T’Sjoen Guy , Heijboer Annemieke C , den Heijer Martin
Published: May 2019

Sex steroids play a key role in bone turnover and preserving BMD; hence, gender-affirming hormone treatment (HT) in transgender people affects bone metabolism. Most studies have looked into the effect of HT on changes in BMD; however, they do not provide insights into changes in bone metabolism caused by HT. This study investigated changes in bone turnover markers (BTMs) and sclerostin, as well as their correlations with change in BMD in transwomen and transmen during the first year of HT. Transwomen received estradiol and antiandrogens; transmen received testosterone. Sclerostin; P1NP; alkaline phosphatase (ALP); CTx; and BMD of the total hip, the femoral neck, and the lumbar spine were evaluated at baseline and after 1 year of HT. There were 121 transwomen (median age 30 years, interquartile range [IQR] 24 to 41 years) and 132 transmen (median age 24 years, IQR 21 to 33 years) included in the study. In transwomen, ALP decreased in 19% (95% CI, –21 to–16), CTx in 11% (95% CI, –18 to–4), and sclerostin in 8% (95%CI, –13 to–4) of study participants after 1 year of HT. In contrast, in transmen P1NP, ALP, and sclerostin increased in 33% (95% CI, 24 to 42), 16% (95% CI, 12 to 20), and 15% (95% CI, 10 to 20) of study participants, respectively, after 1 year of HT. No age differences were seen in transwomen, whereas in transmen aged ≥50 years a decrease in all BTMs was found in contrast with the other age groups. These transmen had low estrogen concentration at the start of HT based on their postmenopausal state before the start of HT; their estradiol concentrations increased during testosterone treatment. Changes in BTMs and BMD were weakly correlated (correlation coefficient all <0.30). To conclude, 1 year of HT resulted in decreased bone turnover in transwomen and older transmen, whereas it increased in younger transmen. The decrease in bone resorption in older transmen shows the importance of estrogen as a key regulator of bone turnover. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of cord blood CD34 + stem cell expansion in coculture with mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing SDF‐1 and soluble /membrane isoforms of SCF
Authors: Ajami Mansoureh , Soleimani Masoud , Abroun Saeid , Atashi Amir
Published: May 2019

Aim

Umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (UCB HSCs) have been considered for the treatment of hematological malignancies due to their noninvasive collection, greater capacity of expansion, and remarkable tolerance for HLA mismatch in transplantation. On the other hand, the most considerable limitation of these cells is their inadequate amount of CD34 + HSCs which leads to delayed engraftment. The aim of this study was the expansion of CD34 + HSCs by coculturing with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) overexpressing stromal cell‐derived factor‐1, soluble and membrane isoforms of stem cell factor (sSCF/mSCF). Keeping structure and function of overexpressed cytokines by MSCs was expected which could beneficially affect the CD34 + HSC expansion.

Methods

MSCs and CD34 + HSCs were isolated from UCB mononuclear cells. UCB MSCs were nucleofected with one or more of sSCF, mSCF, and SDF‐1 expression vectors. Isolated CD34 + HSCs were then cocultured with nucleofected MSCs in 10 groups in culture medium containing TPO and Flt3L with or without SCF (3F or 2F groups). Then the CD34 + HSCs numeration, clonogenic capacity, and transcriptional levels of well‐known HSCs regulatory and stemness genes (CXCR4, HOXB4, BMI1, and SALL4) were assessed following coculture with modified MSCs.

Results

CD34 + HSCs which expanded on MSCs overexpressing mSCF/sSCF/SDF‐1 in the 3F group showed the most significant increase in the expansion (4.73 ± 0.26 fold), clonogenic capacity (5.3 ± 0.25 fold) and also transcriptional levels of CXCR4, HOXB4, and BMI1 (3.49 ± 0.13, 9.49 ± 0.78, and 11.6 ± 0.9 fold), respectively (
P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overexpression of SCF and SDF‐1 by UCB MSCs in coculture system has efficient effect on UCB HSCs expansion. Furthermore nucleofected MSC overexpressing either sSCF/mSCF or mSCF/ sSCF /SDF‐1 could substitute the rhu SCF in HSC expansion culture medium.
Downregulation of microRNA‐155 stimulates sevoflurane‐mediated cardioprotection against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by binding to SIRT1 in mice
Authors: Huang Guirong , Hao Fengguan , Hu Xueyan
Published: May 2019

Objective

The inhaled sevoflurane has been demonstrated to protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the relative mechanisms of sevoflurane‐mediated cardioprotection remain largely unknown. This study intends to explore the effect of miR‐155 on the sevoflurane‐mediated cardioprotection by regulating Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in mouse models of myocardial I/R.

Methods

Left anterior descending coronary artery ligation was used to induce models of myocardial I/R in mice. The I/R mice were treated with sevoflurane, sevoflurane + mimics negative control (NC) or sevoflurane + miR‐155 mimics. The expression of microRNA‐155 (miR‐155) and SIRT1 was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. Then cardiac functions and hemodynamic alterations were evaluated. Evans blue‐2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling assay staining methods were adopted to evaluate infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis, respectively.

Results

In the I/R mice, miR‐155 was expressed at a high level and SIRT1 at a low level. SIRT1 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR‐155. The treatment of sevoflurane could reduce miR‐155 expression and increased SIRT1 expression in the myocardial tissues, under which conditions, cardiac functions were promoted, accompanied by reduced infarct size and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In response to miR‐155 upregulation, the sevoflurane‐treated I/R mice showed reduced cardiac functions, and increased infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Conclusion

The findings obtained in this study provide evidence suggesting that miR‐155 targets and negatively regulates SIRT1 expression, a mechanism by which the protection of sevoflurane is inhibited against myocardial I/R in mice.
uNK cell‐derived TGF‐β1 regulates the long noncoding RNA MEG3 to control vascular smooth muscle cell migration and apoptosis in spiral artery remodeling
Authors: Liu Weifang , Luo Minglian , Zou Li , Liu Xiaoxia , Wang Rongli , Tao Hui , Wu Di , Zhang Wen , Luo Qingqing , Zhao Yin
Published: May 2019

Successful pregnancy depends on correct spiral artery (SpA) remodeling, and thus, on normal patterns of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) apoptosis and migration. Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells‐derived transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) is known to mediate the separation of VSMC layers via as yet unknown mechanisms. Likewise, the long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is a tumor suppressor that has been shown to regulate cancer cell apoptosis and migration; however, its role in VSMC loss is unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of uNK‐derived TGF‐β1 and MEG3 on VSMC function during SpA. Analyses were conducted to assess the effects of downregulating MEG3 expression, and/or administering treatments to increase or block TGF‐β1 signaling on VSMC survival and behavior. The results of these analyses showed that treating the VSMC with uNK cell‐derived supernatant or recombinant human TGF‐β1 promoted MEG3 and matrix metalloprotease 2 expression and VSMC apoptosis and migration, and suppressed VSMC proliferation. Conversely, MEG3 silencing promoted VSMC proliferation and inhibited VSMC apoptosis and migration. Notably, TGF‐β1 signaling induction had no significant effect on the proliferation, apoptosis, nor migration of the MEG3‐silenced VSMC. Together, these findings suggest that MEG3 is regulated by uNK‐derived TGF‐β1, and itself mediates VSMC apoptosis and migration; thus, it may be an important positive regulator of VSMCs separation during maternal SpA remodeling.
LncRNA PAPAS promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma by upregulating transforming growth factor‐β1
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Liu Ying , Li Chong , Zhang Li , Liu Qing , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2019

PAPAS is a recently identified long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) with inhibitory effects on ribosomal RNA synthesis. We studied the role of PAPAS in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present study we showed that plasma PAPAS and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) were both upregulated in patients with OSCC, and were positively correlated only in patients with OSCC. Plasma levels of PAPAS were not significantly affected by AJCC stages and upregulation of PAPAS distinguished stage I OSCC patients from healthy controls. High plasma levels of PAPAS were followed by low overall survival rate. PAPAS overexpression led to upregulation of TGF‐β1 in OSCC cells, while TGF‐β1 treatment failed to significantly affect PAPAS. PAPAS overexpression and exogenous TGF‐β1 treatment led to promoted invasion and migration of OSCC cells. In addition, TGF‐β inhibitor attenuated the effects of PAPAS overexpression. Therefore, lncRNA PAPAS may promote OSCC by upregulating TGF‐β1.
Phase‐shifted pentafluorobutane nanoparticles for ultrasound imaging and ultrasound‐mediated hypoxia modulation
Authors: Chen Wei‐Jian , Zhang Hua , Zeng Xue‐Yi , Chen Long , Fang Gui‐Ting , Cai Huai‐Hong , Zhong Xing
Published: May 2019

The integration of ultrasound (US) contrast enhancement with oxygen‐loading nanoagents provide the synergistic strategy for simultaneously US imaging and hypoxic microenvironment modulation. Herein, we synthesize pentafluorobutane (PFB)‐loading methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) nanoparticle as the novel US‐contrast‐enhanced agent and demonstrate that PFB@PLLA effectively loads oxygen. We characterize the nanosize, phase‐transformation property and oxygen‐loading amount of PFB@PLLA and investigate the effectiveness of these nanoagents in US‐contrast‐enhanced imaging. The PFB@PLLA displays a perfect temperature‐responsive phase‐transition property and its liquid‐to‐gas phase transition temperature is 45°C, which produces microbubbles in the targeted regions. Moreover, PFB@PLLA loads high amount of oxygen and US‐triggering PFB@PLLA reoxygenation effectively inhibits the expression of hypoxia‐related proteins (HIF‐1α and CAIX), reduces lactate secretion and glycolysis, which modulates hypoxic microenvironment and inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro. This study demonstrates that the US contrast‐enhanced activity of PFB@PLLAs and the promising utility of oxygen‐loading nanoagents to improve hypoxic microenvironment.
LncRNA SOX2‐OT regulates proliferation and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through miR‐146b‐5p/HNRNPA2B1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Enqin , Li Xueping
Published: May 2019

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive malignancy with a high mortality on account of its frequent metastasis and poor prognosis. An extensive body of investigations has proven that long noncoding RNAs are implicated in a variety of biological processes. Although SOX2‐OT has been reported to play an oncogenic role in osteosarcoma, the mechanism of SOX2‐OT‐driven NPC progression is still obscure. The aim of this study was to elucidate the biological function of SOX2‐OT and the related possible mechanism in NPC. In our study, SOX2‐OT was notably elevated in NPC samples and cells. Further, a high expression level of SOX2‐OT was correlated with poor clinical outcomes of NPC. Results from loss‐of‐function experiments suggested that knockdown of SOX2‐OT repressed cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle, facilitated cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell metastasis of NPC. To further investigate the molecular mechanism of SOX2‐OT, miR‐146b‐5p was found to directly bind to SOX2‐OT, which mediated the role of SOX2‐OT in NPC tumorigenesis. In addition, HNRNPA2B1 was a target of miR‐146b‐5p and SOX2‐OT modulated the expression of HNRNPA2B1 through competitively binding to miR‐146b‐5p. At last, we discovered that SOX2‐OT regulated NPC progression by targeting miR‐146b‐5p/HNRNPA2B1 pathway, which may provide more innovative targets for the treatment of patients with NPC.
A natural product enhances apoptosis via mitochondria/caspase‐mediated pathway in HeLa cells
Authors: Fan Yangyang , Zhang Yang , Liu Yutian , Xu Wenping , Yang Yun , Hao Youwu , Tao Liming
Published: May 2019

Cervical cancer is the fourth most lethal human malignancy and the leading cause of death among females around the world. Many antitumor agents have microbial origins. 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A is a new 24‐membered macrolide isolated from the cultured broth of Streptomyces diastatochromogenes. Therefore, we studied the activity and molecular mechanism of 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cell. The results showed that 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration. In addition, 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A obviously increased the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in HeLa cells. Moreover, nuclear shrinkage of cells, decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, and upregulation of Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio resulted in the release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase‐9/3 was observed in HeLa cells treated with 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A, which means it enhanced the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis. Besides, DNA‐damage associated proteins poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and p53 were also studied, and the expressions of cleaved‐PARP and p53 were drastically increased in HeLa cells treated with 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A. Furthermore, we confirmed that 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A affected the survival of HeLa cells by blocking cell cycle progression in the G1 phase. Taken together, the results shows that 5′‐epi‐SPA‐6952A significantly inhibited HeLa cells proliferation via intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and blocking cell migration.
LncRNA NOC2L‐4.1 functions as a tumor oncogene in cervical cancer progression by regulating the miR‐630/YAP1 pathway
Authors: Wang Qingwei , Ding Jin , Nan Guo , Lyu Yuanyuan , Ni Guantai
Published: May 2019

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a new class of noncoding RNA playing an indispensable role in different diseases by regulating miRNA. Our previous studies have suggested that miR‐630 was decreased in patients with cervical cancer. Recently, studies have shown that lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1 was abnormally expressed in patients with cervical cancer and can target miR‐630. Therefore, we wanted to identify the integrated relationship between lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1 and miR‐630 in the pathological processes regarding cervical cancer either in vitro or in vivo. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction detection shows that compared with human normal cervical epithelial cell, the expression of lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1 was significantly increased and the expression of miR‐630 was decreased in cell lines of cervical cancer. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‐630 was a target of lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1. The in vitro study found that downregulation of lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1 suppressed cervical cancer cell migration (transwell assays) and proliferation (cell counting kit‐8 and cloning formation assays). miR‐630 specific inhibitor treatment reversed the inhibitory effect of lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1 on cell proliferation and migration. Further studies also found that yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) was the target of miR‐630. Overexpression YAP1 suppressed miR‐630 overexpression induced cell proliferation and inhibition of migration. Tumors induced by implantation of lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1‐knockdown Hela cells in nude mice showed that lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1 silencing decreased the growth of tumors in both volume and weight by regulation of miR‐630/YAP1. Taken together, our study reveals the important role of lncRNA NOC2L‐4.1/miR‐630/YAP1 regulatory network in cervical cancer, which provides new insights concerning the pathogenesis of cervical cancer.
MicroRNA signature predicts survival in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Chengfeng Xiong , Gengming Cai , Junjia Zhang , Yunxia Lv
Published: May 2019

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) accounts for the majority of malignant thyroid tumors. Recently, several microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling studies have used bioinformatics to suggest miRNA signatures as potential prognostic biomarkers in various malignancies. However, a prognostic miRNA biomarker has not yet been established for PTC. The aim of the present study was to identify miRNAs with prognostic value for the overall survival (OS) of patients with PTC by analyzing high‐throughput miRNA data and their associated clinical characteristics downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. From our dataset, 150 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between tumor and nontumor samples; of these miRNAs, 118 were upregulated and 32 were downregulated. Among the 150 differentially expressed miRNAs, a four miRNA signature was identified that reliably predicts OS in patients with PTC. This miRNA signature was able to classify patients into a high‐risk group and a low‐risk group with a significant difference in OS (P < .01). The prognostic value of the signature was validated in a testing set (
P < .01). The four miRNA signature was an independent prognostic predictor according to the multivariate analysis and demonstrated good performance in predicting 5‐year disease survival with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.886. Thus, this signature may serve as a novel biomarker for predicting the survival of patients with PTC.
Hydrogen bond donors and acceptors are generally depolarized in α‐helices as revealed by a molecular tailoring approach
Authors: Kondo Hiroko X. , Kusaka Ayumi , Kitakawa Colin K. , Onari Jinta , Yamanaka Shusuke , Nakamura Haruki , Takano Yu
Published: May 2019

Hydrogen‐bond (H‐bond) interaction energies in α‐helices of short alanine peptides were systematically examined by precise density functional theory calculations, followed by a molecular tailoring approach. The contribution of each H‐bond interaction in α‐helices was estimated in detail from the entire conformation energies, and the results were compared with those in the minimal H‐bond models, in which only H‐bond donors and acceptors exist with the capping methyl groups. The former interaction energies were always significantly weaker than the latter energies, when the same geometries of the H‐bond donors and acceptors were applied. The chemical origin of this phenomenon was investigated by analyzing the differences among the electronic structures of the local peptide backbones of the α‐helices and those of the minimal H‐bond models. Consequently, we found that the reduced H‐bond energy originated from the depolarizations of both the H‐bond donor and acceptor groups, due to the repulsive interactions with the neighboring polar peptide groups in the α‐helix backbone. The classical force fields provide similar H‐bond energies to those in the minimal H‐bond models, which ignore the current depolarization effect, and thus they overestimate the actual H‐bond energies in α‐helices. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Involvement of microRNAs in physiological and pathological processes in asthma
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Reza , Ahmadi Ali , Jamalkandi Sadegh Azimzadeh , Salimian Jafar
Published: May 2019

Asthma is the most common respiratory disease accompanied by lung inflammatory disorders. The main symptoms are airway obstruction, chronic inflammation due to mast cell and eosinophil activity, and the disturbance of immune responses mostly mediated by the Th2 response. Genetic background and environmental factors also contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma. Today, microRNAs (miRNAs) are known as remarkable regulators of gene expression. As a small group of noncoding single‐strand RNAs, mature miRNAs (~21 nucleotides) modulate the gene expression by targeting complement RNAs at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. The role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of many diseases such as allergies, asthma, and autoimmunity has been vastly studied. This review provides a thorough research update on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of asthma and their probable role as diagnostic and/or therapeutic biomarkers.
MCPIP1 alleviated lipopolysaccharide‐induced liver injury by regulating SIRT1 via modulation of microRNA‐9
Authors: Han Shichao , Li Zhenzhen , Ji Peng , Jia Yanhui , Bai Xiaozhi , Cai Weixia , Li Xiaoqiang , Yang Chen , Yang Yunshu , Yang Kuan , Wu Gaofeng , Zhang Wanfu , Hu Dahai
Published: May 2019

The severity of sepsis is associated with excessive inflammatory responses. MCP‐1 induced protein (MCPIP1) could negatively regulate inflammatory responses by deubiquitinating K48 or K63 polyubiquitins of TNF receptor‐associated factors. The function of MCPIP1 in negative regulation of inflammation is known, however, only the exact molecular pathway remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how MCPIP1 is involved in the regulation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced liver injury. Macrophages and a mouse model were induced by LPS treatment. Several in vitro assays, such as quantitative real‐time PCR, immunoblotting, cell transfection, dual luciferase reporter assay, Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and Hematoxylin‐Eosin staining assay were used to explore the role of MCPIP1 and the interaction between MCPIP1, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and microRNA‐9 (miR‐9). We found that the level of MCPIP1 increased and the level of SIRT1 decreased in LPS induced Kupffer cells or RAW 264.7 macrophages. Overexpression of MCPIP1 alleviated cytokine secretion and p65 nuclear translocation. Further study showed that MCPIP1 regulated p65 nuclear translocation by controlling p65 acetylation via promoting SIRT1 expression. Meanwhile, we found that miR‐9 could directly regulate SIRT1 transcription by binding to the 3′‐Untranslated Region of SIRT1 messenger RNA and that miR‐9 was negatively regulated by MCPIP1. Importantly, overexpression of MCPIP1 in vivo could alleviate LPS‐induced inflammation responses and liver injury in septic mice. These results demonstrated that MCPIP1 could alleviate inflammation responses and sepsis associated liver injury by promoting the expression of SIRT1, and miR‐9 was involved in the MCPIP1‐mediated regulation of SIRT1. Collectively, our results provide a possible novel signaling axis involving MCPIP1/miR‐9/SIRT1 in LPS‐induced septic mice.
Remote control of biofouling by heating PDMS/MnZn ferrite nanocomposites with an alternating magnetic field
Authors: Panigrahi Ritwik , Oh Hyun‐Suk , Sharma Vinay , Lee Kai Wei Kelvin , Rice Scott A , Cohn Daniel , Ramanujan Raju V
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The accumulation of unwanted microorganisms on wetted surfaces, leading to surface damage and contamination, is a common and significant global issue.

RESULTS

Herein, we report a novel technique where the growth of microorganisms can be readily controlled by coating the surfaces with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 (manganese‐zinc ferrite) nanocomposite followed by applying alternating magnetic field (AMF). The PDMS/MnZn ferrite nanocomposite is light weight and thermally stable (up to ∼ 330 °C) that can form a flexible coating. PDMS also provides hydrophobicity, which is further enhanced by the addition of Mn and Zn. The improved hydrophobicity makes the coated surface less susceptible to biofilm formation. When external AMF was applied to nanocomposites containing various MnZn ferrite nanoparticle loads of 10%, 20% and 30%, the temperature of the surface of nanocomposites reached to 80, 120 and 160 °C, respectively. Successful biofilm deactivation was achieved by heating the nanocomposites via AMF application, as shown in the biofilm test where up to ∼ 70% of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm cells were killed when the AMF was applied for 20 min to the nanocomposites containing 30% nanoparticles.

CONCLUSION

Coating the surface with PDMS/MnZn ferrite nanocomposites followed by applying external AMF can be an effective way to remove biofilm remotely in a wide range of applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Prevalence and factors associated with fertility desires/intentions among individuals in HIV‐serodiscordant relationships: a systematic review of empirical studies
Authors: Martins Alexandra , Alves Stephanie , Chaves Catarina , Canavarro Maria C , Pereira Marco
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Better knowledge about fertility desires/intentions amongHIV‐serodiscordant partners who face unique challenges when considering childbearing may be helpful in the development of targeted reproductive interventions. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the published literature regarding the prevalence of fertility desires/intentions and its associated factors among individuals inHIV‐serodiscordant relationships while distinguishing low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC) from high‐income countries (HIC).

Methods

A systematic search of all papers published prior to February 2017 was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library). Empirical studies published in peer‐reviewed journals with individuals inHIV‐serodiscordant relationships assessing the prevalence of fertility desires/intentions and/or the associated factors were included in this systematic review. This review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results and discussion

After screening 1852 references, 29 studies were included, of which 21 were conducted inLMICand eight inHIC. A great variability in the prevalence of fertility desires/intentions was observed inLMIC(8% to 84% (one member of the dyad included)). InHIC, the results showed a smaller discrepancy between in the prevalence (32% to 58% (one member of the dyad included)); the prevalence was higher when the couple was the unit of analysis (64% to 73%), which may be related to the fact that all these studies were conducted in the context of assisted reproduction. Few studies examined the factors associated with fertility desires/intentions, and all except one were conducted inLMIC. Individuals (e.g. number of children), couple‐level (e.g. belief that the partner wanted children) and structural factors (e.g. discussions with health workers) were found to be associated.

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review suggest that many individuals inHIV‐serodiscordant relationships have fertility desires/intentions, although the prevalence is particularly heterogeneous inLMICin comparison toHIC. Well‐known factors such as younger age and a fewer number of living children were consistently associated with increased fertility desires/intentions. Different couple‐level factors emerged, reflecting the importance of considering both the individual and the couple. However, further studies that specifically focus on the dyad as the unit of analysis are warranted.
Dynamic effect of the South Asian high on the interannual zonal extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Renhe , Wen Min , Yang Song , Li Wenhong
Published: May 2019

The South Asian high (SAH) and the North Pacific subtropical high (NPSH) are two crucial systems affecting the summer rainfall over East Asia. Features of the relative vorticity of the SAH and its dynamic effect on zonal extension of the western NPSH (WNPSH) are investigated on interannual timescales using data diagnosis and numerical model experiments. Results show that two climatological centres of negative relative vorticity are observed along the northern flank of the SAH over the Tibetan Plateau and northern West Asia at 200 hPa during boreal summer. The relatively more intense centre over the Tibetan Plateau (TPV) shows a pronounced southeast‐northwest (SE‐NW) variation, indicating a SE‐NW shift of the SAH. When the SAH shifts southeastward, an anomalous anticyclone occurs over eastern China at 200 hPa. In the middle troposphere, this anomalous anticyclone is located over southern China and the northern South China Sea, leading to a westward extension of the WNPSH. A diagnostic analysis of the vorticity equation indicates that the negative relative vorticity anomalies at 500 hPa are mainly caused by the downward advection of the mean relative vorticity by anomalous sinking motions. When the SAH extends southeastward, intense convergence on the southeastern flank of the anomalous upper‐level anticyclone induces descending motions that cause downward advection of mean negative vorticity. Consequently, negative vorticity anomaly is formed at 500 hPa, leading to a westward extension of the WNPSH. Results from the experiments using an idealized anomalous atmospheric general circulation model further demonstrate that the upper‐level anomalous anticyclone associated with a southeastward extension of the SAH triggers an anomalous anticyclone at the middle level, causing a westward extension of the WNPSH.
Date of harvesting affects yields and quality of Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart
Authors: Król Beata , Kołodziej Barbara , Kędzia Bogdan , Hołderna‐Kędzia Elżbieta , Sugier Danuta , Luchowska Katarzyna
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

The aim of this experiment was to determine the essential oil, flavonoid and phenolic acid contents as well as yields of raw material collected from different morphological parts of Greek oregano in five consecutive developmental stages. Antibacterial and antifungal properties of methanol and hexane extracts from the aerial parts of Greek oregano were assessed as well.

RESULTS

The findings showed that Greek oregano grown in the cool climate of central Europe had a considerable variation in the essential oil yield and chemical composition related to the harvesting stage. Forty volatile compounds were detected in essential oils, with the highest amount of carvacrol, thymol, p‐cymene and γ‐terpinene, constituting in total from 90.72 to 92.9%.

CONCLUSION

Different morphological parts of the plants contained different amounts of essential oils, with dominant amounts in the flowers. The essential oil content systematically increased, reaching its maximum in the full blooming period. In that phase, the plants produced the highest yields of aboveground parts and provided approximately 190 L ha−1 of essential oils. Mainly owing to its content of phenolic compounds, the Greek oregano raw material exhibited relatively high antioxidant activity. The data obtained clearly showed the inhibitory activity of methanol and hexane extracts against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Small pigmented eukaryotes play a major role in carbon cycling in the P‐depleted western subtropical North Atlantic, which may be supported by mixotrophy
Authors: Duhamel Solange , Kim Eunsoo , Sprung Ben , Anderson O. Roger
Published: May 2019

We found that in the phosphate (PO4)‐depleted western subtropical North Atlantic Ocean, small‐sized pigmented eukaryotes (P‐Euk; < 5 μm) play a central role in the carbon (C) cycling. Although P‐Euk were only ~ 5% of the microbial phytoplankton cell abundance, they represented at least two thirds of the microbial phytoplankton C biomass and fixed more CO2 than picocyanobacteria, accounting for roughly half of the volumetric CO2 fixation by the microbial phytoplankton, or a third of the total primary production. Cell‐specific PO4 assimilation rates of P‐Euk and nonpigmented eukaryotes (NP‐Euk; < 5 μm) were generally higher than of picocyanobacteria. However, when normalized to biovolumes, picocyanobacteria assimilated roughly four times more PO4 than small eukaryotes, indicating different strategies to cope with PO4 limitation. Our results underline an imbalance in the CO2 : PO4 uptake rate ratios, which may be explained by phagotrophic predation providing mixotrophic protists with their largest source of PO4. 18S rDNA amplicon sequence analyses suggested that P‐Euk was dominated by members of green algae and dinoflagellates, the latter group commonly mixotrophic, whereas marine alveolates were the dominant NP‐Euk. Bacterivory by P‐Euk (0.9 ± 0.3 bacteria P‐Euk−1 h−1) was comparable to values previously measured in the central North Atlantic, indicating that small mixotrophic eukaryotes likely exhibit similar predatory pressure on bacteria. Interestingly, bacterivory rates were reduced when PO4 was added during experimental incubations, indicating that feeding rate by P‐Euk is regulated by PO4 availability. This may be in response to the higher cost associated with assimilating PO4 by phagocytosis compared to osmotrophy.
Distributed Quantum Fiber Magnetometry
Authors: Maayani Shai , Foy Christopher , Englund Dirk , Fink Yoel
Published: May 2019

Nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) quantum magnetometers offer exceptional sensitivity and long‐term stability. However, their use to date in distributed sensing applications, including remote detection of ferrous metals, geophysics, and biosensing, is limited due to the need to combine optical, microwave (MW), and magnetic excitations into a single system. Existing approaches have yielded localized devices but not distributed capabilities. In this study, a continuous system‐in‐a‐fiber architecture is reported, which enables distributed magnetic sensing over extended lengths. Key to this realization is a thermally drawn fiber that has hundreds of embedded photodiodes connected in parallel and a hollow optical waveguide that contains a fluid with NV diamonds. This fiber is placed in a larger coaxial cable to deliver the required MW excitation. This distributed quantum sensor is realized in a water‐immersible 90‐m‐long cable with 102 detection sites. A sensitivity of 63 ± 5 nT Hz−1/2 per site, limited by laser shot noise, is established along a 90 m test section. This fiber architecture opens new possibilities as a robust and scalable platform for distributed quantum sensing technologies.
Effect of topography parameter, load, and surface roughness on friction coefficient in mixed lubrication regime
Authors: Prajapati Deepak K. , Tiwari Mayank
Published: May 2019

Surface topography parameters significantly control physical processes which have asperity‐to‐asperity contacts in tribological components undergoing friction and wear. In this study, the effect of correlation length, maximum contact load, and surface roughness on friction coefficient and load distribution is studied. The load‐sharing concept is employed to determine friction coefficient and load distribution in the mixed‐lubrication regime. Results clearly demonstrate the effect of correlation length on friction coefficient and load distribution. It is found that the lower value of the coefficient of friction may be achieved even at low velocity for the smooth surface as compared with rough surfaces having higher surface roughness. For a particular value of velocity, the coefficient of friction decreases with an increase in maximum contact load. This work will help in predicting the coefficient of friction in the mixed‐lubrication regime for the engineering surfaces produced by processes like grinding, which is the result of an abrasive action.
Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of osteogenesis imperfecta type V including heterotopic ossification of muscle origins and attachments
Authors: Clewemar Pantelis , Hailer Nils P. , Hailer Yasmin , Klar Joakim , Kindmark Andreas , Ljunggren Östen , Stattin Eva‐Lena
Published: May 2019

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a clinical and genetic heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders, characterized by bone fragility and a propensity to fracture.

Methods

In this report we describe the clinical phenotype of two patients, a 28‐year‐old woman and her mother (54 years old), both with a history of short stature and multiple fractures.

Results

Exome sequencing revealed the recurring IFITM5:c.‐14 C>T variant causing OI type V. Both patients had several fractures during childhood. CT‐scan and scintigraphy showed ossification of the origin and attachment of muscles and hypertrophic callus formation.

Conclusion

Ossification of the origin and attachment of muscles seems to be part of the phenotype in patients with OI type V.
Molecular aspects of collagenolysis associated with stress urinary incontinence in women with urethral hypermobility vs intrinsic sphincter deficiency
Authors: Candoso Bercina , Meneses Maria J. , Alves Marco G. , Sousa Mário , Oliveira Pedro F.
Published: May 2019

Aims

We aimed to assess the alterations in specific molecular mechanisms associated with collagenolysis and their correlation in cases of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by urethral hypermobility (UH) and by intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD).

Methods

We evaluated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1, MMP2, and MMP9), specific tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and associated proteins (TIMP1, TIMP2, and α‐2‐macroglobulin [A2McG]) in the suburethral tissue of women with SUI (half with SUI by UH and half with SUI by ISD) by reverse‐transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and determined the correlations of the expression of these proteins on each pathological condition.

Results

In the suburethral tissue, we found significantly altered MMP2 mRNA levels, being higher in women with ISD than in those with UH. Still, MMP1 and MMP9 exhibited a tendency to a higher expression in women with ISD. Concerning the TIMPs expression, no significant statistical differences were found between women with UH and ISD. When evaluating the MMP/TIMP ratios, we found significant statistical differences between MMP9/TIMP1 and MMP9/A2McG. In fact, the correlations of the expression MMP9 with TIMP1 and A2McG were lost for women with UH. The ratios between MMP1/TIMP1 and MMP1/A2McG were similar, although there was a tendency of higher ratio in ISD for MMP2/TIMP2 and MMP2/A2McG.

Conclusion

Our results point toward higher collagenolysis in the suburethral tissue of women with SUI by ISD.
Numerical scheme for solving system of fractional partial differential equations with Volterra‐type integral term through two‐dimensional block‐pulse functions
Authors: Xie Jiaquan , Ren Zhongkai , Li Yugui , Wang Xiaogang , Wang Tao
Published: May 2019

In the current study, an approximate scheme is established for solving the fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs) with Volterra integral terms via two‐dimensional block‐pulse functions (2D‐BPFs). According to the definitions and properties of 2D‐BPFs, the original problem is transformed into a system of linear algebra equations. By dispersing the unknown variables for these algebraic equations, the numerical solutions can be obtained. Besides, the proof of the convergence of this system is given. Finally, several numerical experiments are presented to test the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sex and age‐biased exploitation and metric characterization of medium‐sized deer in the lower Paraná wetland, South America
Authors: Loponte Daniel , Corriale María José , Mucciolo Leonardo , Acosta Alejandro
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we present an analysis of the exploitation of medium‐sized deer in the lower Paraná wetland by pre‐Columbian hunter‐gatherers. To achieve this goal, we developed an osteometric frame of reference for the proper identification of hunted medium‐sized deer, and the sex and age of captured individuals. An analysis of 13 archaeofaunal assemblages showed that Ozotoceros bezoarticus (“pampas deer”) was the medium‐sized deer that was hunted with exclusivity. The presence of Mazama gouazoubira (“brown brocket deer”; “gray brocket deer”), which could have been another potentially hunted medium‐sized deer, is absent from the record, although this area is indicated as being its southernmost distribution range in South America. These results restrict the distribution of this species to a more northern sector of this large wetland. The hunted individuals of O. bezoarticus are all older than 2 years of age, and preferentially males, although some methodological bias could be influencing these results. Issues related to sex‐age selectivity in capturing these animals are discussed according to the development of conservation strategies for local resources.