bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOXA11‐AS regulates JAK‐STAT pathway by miR‐15a‐3p/STAT3 axis to promote the growth and metastasis in liver cancer
Authors: Wang Shasha , Zhang Shichao , He Yonggang , Huang Xiaobing , Hui Yuanjian , Tang Yichen
Published: May 2019

Background

HOMEOBOX A11 (HOXA11) antisense RNA (HOXA11‐AS), a newly identified long noncoding RNAs, is involved in the carcinogenic process of several human tumors. However, the role of HOXA11‐AS in liver cancer progression is not well understood.

Materials and Methods

This study used liver cancer tissues and cell lines (CSQT‐2 and HCCLM3) to explore the potential mechanism of HOXA11‐AS. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were applied to evaluate the bio‐molecules expression. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA pull down and luciferase report assay were applied to determine the molecules bind. MTT, transwell, and wound healing assay were used to measure the cell growth situation.

Results

HOXA11‐AS was highly expressed in liver cancer tissues and cell lines, which was closely related with poor prognosis in patients with liver cancer. HOXA11‐AS could act as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐15a‐3p. Besides, miR‐15a‐3p negatively controlled its target molecule signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Furthermore, a linear regression analysis and biological experiments showed a positive correlation between HOAX11‐AS and STAT3. Moreover, HOAX11‐AS overexpression activated the Janus kinase (JAK)‐STAT pathway and thus promoted the growth, migration, and invasion of liver cancer cells, which might be through regulating miR‐15a‐3p/STAT3 axis.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that HOAX11‐AS could regulate the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway by miR‐15a‐3p/STAT3 axis to promote the progression of liver cancer. Thus, HOXA11‐AS may be regarded as an effective biomarker with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potentials for liver cancer.
Feedback modulation of endothelial cells promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells by Von Willebrand Factor release
Authors: Ling Jing , Sun Yu , Pan Jun , Wang Huan , Ma Zhenni , Yin Jie , Bao Zhaohua , Yang Huilin , Liu Ling
Published: May 2019

Endothelial cells (ECs), as a tumor niche cell, generate and secrete Von Willebrand factor (VWF) that is linked to osteosarcoma (OS) progression. However, the role and regulatory mechanisms of VWF that underpin OS progression remain unclear. Here, using a coculture system ex vivo, we showed that ECs promoted the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in OS cells via enhanced VWF secretion. VWF secreted by ECs directly contributed to OS EMT and metastasis by activating NF‐κB signaling. In addition, OS cells exerted a feedback effect on ECs to promote VWF release via activation of phospholipase D 1 signaling, through which enhanced VWF secretion results in further tumor deterioration. To conclude, ECs served as a modulator and an effector of OS, accelerating OS exacerbation by VWF release.
Further in vivo evidence implying DNA apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activity in Trypanosoma cruzi oxidative stress survival
Authors: Valenzuela Lucía , Sepúlveda Sofía , Bahamondes Paula , Ramirez‐Toloza Galia , Galanti Norbel , Cabrera Gonzalo
Published: May 2019

Trypanosoma cruzi is under the attack of reactive species produced by its mammalian and insect hosts. To survive, it must repair its damaged DNA. We have shown that a base excision DNA repair (BER)‐specific parasite TcAP1 endonuclease is involved in the resistance to H2O2. However, a putative TcAP1 negative dominant form impairing TcAP1 activity in vitro did not show any in vivo effect. Here, we show that a negative dominant form of the human APE1 apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonuclease (hAPE1DN) induces a decrease in epimastigote and metacyclic trypomastigote viability when parasites were exposed to H2O2. Those results confirm that TcAP1 AP endonuclease activity plays an important role in epimastigote and in infective metacyclic trypomastigote oxidative DNA damage resistance leading to parasite persistence in the insect and mammalian hosts. All along its biological cycle and in its different cellular forms, T. cruzi, the etiological parasite agent of Chagas’ disease, is under the attack of reactive species produced by its mammalian and insect hosts. To survive, T. cruzi must repair their oxidative damaged DNA. We have previously shown that a specific parasite TcAP1 AP endonuclease of the BER is involved in the T. cruzi resistance to oxidative DNA damage. We have also demonstrated that epimastigotes and cell‐derived trypomastigotes parasite forms expressing a putative TcAP1 negative dominant form (that impairs the TcAP1 activity in vitro), did not show any in vivo effect in parasite viability when exposed to oxidative stress. In this work, we show the expression of a negative dominant form of the human APE1 AP endonuclease fused to a green fluorescent protein (GFP; hAPE1DN‐GFP) in T. cruzi epimastigotes. The fusion protein is found both in the nucleus and cytoplasm of noninfective epimastigotes but only in the nucleus in metacyclic and cell‐derived trypomastigote infective forms. Contrarily to the TcAP1 negative dominant form, the ectopic expression of hAPE1DN‐GFP induces a decrease in epimastigote and metacyclic trypomastigote viability when parasites were exposed to increasing H2O2 concentrations. No such effect was evident in expressing hAPE1DN‐GFP cell‐derived trypomastigotes. Although the viability of both wild‐type infective trypomastigote forms diminishes when parasites are submitted to acute oxidative stress, the metacyclic forms are more resistant to H2O2 exposure than cell‐derived trypomastigotes.Those results confirm that the BER pathway and particularly the AP endonuclease activity play an important role in epimastigote and metacyclic trypomastigote oxidative DNA damage resistance leading to parasite survival and persistence inside the mammalian and insect host cells.
Nuclear localization signal peptide enhances transfection efficiency and decreases cytotoxicity of poly(agmatine/N,N′‐cystamine‐bis‐acrylamide)/pDNA complexes
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Yanping , Lang Lang , Yang Tianzhi , Zhao Xiaoyun , Cai Cuifang , Liu Zhijun , Ding Pingtian
Published: May 2019

At present, nonviral gene vectors develop rapidly, especially cationic polymers. A series of bioreducible poly(amide amine) (PAA) polymers containing guanidino groups have been synthesized by our research team. These novel polymer vectors demonstrated significantly higher transfection efficiency and lower cytotoxicity than polyethylenimine (PEI)—25kDa. However, compared with viral gene vectors, relatively low transfection efficiency, and high cytotoxicity are still critical problems confronting these polymers. In this study, poly(agmatine/N,N′‐cystamine‐bis‐acrylamide) p(AGM‐CBA) was selected as a model polymer, nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide PV7 (PKKKRKV) with good biocompatibility and nuclear localization effect was introduced to investigate its impact on transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. NLS peptide‐mediated in vitro transfection was performed in NIH 3T3 cells by directly incorporating NLS peptide with the complexes of p(AGM‐CBA)/pDNA. Meanwhile, the transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity of these complexes were evaluated. The results showed that the transfection efficiency could be increased by 5.7 times under the appropriate proportion, and the cytotoxicity brought by the polymer vector could be significantly reduced.
Evaluation of microporous hollow fibre membranes for mass transfer of H2 into anaerobic digesters for biomethanization
Authors: Nock William J , Serna‐Maza Alba , Heaven Sonia , Banks Charles J
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

With high surface‐to‐volume ratios, hollow fibre membranes offer a potential solution to improving gas–liquid mass transfer. This work experimentally determined the mass transfer characteristics of commercially available microporous hollow fibre membranes and compared these with the mass transfer from bubble column reactors. Both mass transfer systems are considered for biological methanization, a process that faces a challenge to enhance the H2 gas–liquid mass transfer for methanogenic Archaea to combine H2 and CO2 into CH4.

RESULTS

Polypropylene membranes showed the highest mass transfer rate of membranes tested, with a mass transfer coefficient for H2 measured as kL = 1.2 × 10−4 ms−1. These results support the two‐film gas–liquid mass transfer theory, with higher mass transfer rates measured with an increase in liquid flow velocity across the membrane. Despite the higher mass transfer rate from polypropylene membranes and with a liquid flow across the membrane, a volumetric surface area of α = 10.34 m−1 would be required in a full‐scale in situ biological methanization process with much larger values potentially required for high‐rate ex situ systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The large surface area of hollow fibre membranes required for H2 mass transfer and issues of fouling and replacement costs of membranes are challenges for hollow fibre membranes in large‐scale biological methanization reactors. Provided that the initial bubble size is small enough (de < 0.5 mm), calculations indicate that microbubbles could offer a simpler means of transferring the required H2 into the liquid phase at a head typical of that found in commercial‐scale anaerobic digesters. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Development, modification and characterization of new biodegradable film from basil seed (Ocimum basilicum L.) mucilage
Authors: Thessrimuang Naruenart , Prachayawarakorn Jutarat
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Biodegradable films from basil seed mucilage (BSM) were formed and modified with several di‐carboxylic acid crosslinkers; i.e. tartaric acid (TA), malic acid (MA) and succinic acid (SA) with varying acidity and chemical structures, to enhance mechanical properties and water barrier ability. Basil seeds have a reasonable mucilage content and valuable properties; thus, it has the potential to develop valuable new biodegradable films.

RESULT

We characterized BSM films with the three crosslinkers using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and observed a 1730 cm−1 CO stretching peak, which confirmed ester linkage between the mucilage and crosslinkers. The crosslinked films showed higher gel fraction than native films. The crosslinked films showed better swelling and water vapor permeability with SA than with TA and MA. Crosslinking led to significant improvement in strain at maximum load. Further, the stress maximum load was comparable to that of commercial low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film. Crosslinked films showed additional homogeneous morphology and an increase in thermal degradation temperatures.

CONCLUSION

Crosslinking with dicarboxylic acids improved all the key properties of BSM films, including excellent stress and strain at maximum load, improved barrier capability and thermal properties. Thus, these films showed good potential as biodegradable films, especially for food packaging. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Relative contribution of sensory characteristics for different types of pork loin, assessed by temporal dominance of sensations
Authors: Watanabe Genya , Ohmori Hideyuki , Tajima Kiyoshi , Sasaki Yasuhito , Wakiya Yuichiro , Motoyama Michiyo , Nakajima Ikuyo , Sasaki Keisuke
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Sensory perception is a dynamic process occurring sequentially. The dynamic analysis of the perception of sensory characteristics in meat is important to understand complex meat sensory characteristics. Temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) is a dynamic sensory method that captures the ‘dominance of sensations’ throughout food consumption, and it is possible to calculate the relative contribution of various sensory characteristics by ‘dominance rate’ over time. The objective of this study was to assess the major sensory characteristics of the dynamic sensory perception of pork loin. Using the TDS, we evaluated pork loins derived from pigs with different genetic and feeding backgrounds. Moreover, we checked the integrity of the TDS by comparing the TDS results with a descriptive sensory analysis and a physico‐chemical analysis.

RESULTS

Seven types of pork loin were evaluated by TDS, and ‘tender and/or soft,’ ‘tough and/or hard,’ ‘juicy,’ ‘dry,’ ‘fat melting,’ ‘smoothness,’ ‘sourness,’ ‘umami,’ and ‘beast odors’ became dominant in at least one type of pork loin. The dynamics of the perception of pork sensory characteristics was also depicted by TDS. In addition, TDS and descriptive analysis demonstrated similarity in principal component analysis.

CONCLUSION

TDS demonstrated the major sensory characteristics on the dynamic sensory perception of pork loin. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Does sustainability matter to package tourists? The case of large‐scale coastal tourism
Authors: Goffi Gianluca , Cladera Magdalena , Pencarelli Tonino
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates if there are segments of large‐scale coastal package tourists (LCPTs) interested in sustainability, if current sustainability initiatives meet their expectations and if sustainability influences their satisfaction and intention to return. A survey questionnaire has been submitted to LCPTs in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, one of the world's leading large‐scale coastal destinations. A descriptive statistical analysis, a gap analysis, and a structural equation model have been developed. Findings reveal that LCPTs show a high interest in sustainability, which is a critical area that needs to be improved and that sustainability affects LCPTs' satisfaction and intention to return.
Interleukin‐37 is highly expressed in regulatory T cells of melanoma patients and enhanced by melanoma cell secretome
Authors: Osborne Douglas G. , Domenico Joanne , Luo Yuchun , Reid Anna L. , Amato Carol , Zhai Zili , Gao Dexiang , Ziman Melanie , Dinarello Charles A. , Robinson William A. , Fujita Mayumi
Published: May 2019

Immune suppression is one of the 10 hallmarks of cancer. Interleukin‐37 (IL‐37), a member of the IL‐1 family, inhibits both innate and adaptive immunity, and has been shown to modulate immune responses in various disease conditions. Yet, IL‐37 has rarely been investigated in cancer patients, and its biological role in cancer remains to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the gene expression of IL‐37 in age‐ and sex‐matched blood samples of healthy individuals and melanoma patients, and demonstrated upregulation of IL‐37 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the blood samples of melanoma patients. By further analyzing immune cell subsets responsible for the upregulated IL‐37 expression, we discovered that IL‐37 mRNA was highly expressed in T cells and granulocytes, with the highest expression in regulatory T (Treg) cells in healthy individuals, and that IL‐37 mRNA was upregulated in lymphocytes (T, B, and natural killer cells) in melanoma patient blood. Among all cell subsets, Treg cells from melanoma patients exhibited the highest IL‐37 gene expression levels. We provided evidence that melanoma‐conditioned media induces IL‐37 mRNA and protein expression in multiple lymphocyte populations, particularly in Treg cells. We further confirmed that the IL‐1‐mediated secretome from human melanoma cells, specifically transforming growth factor‐β, induces IL‐37 mRNA expression in human Treg cells. Our results suggest a potential immunosuppressive role for IL‐1 and IL‐37 in melanoma tumorigenesis. Highly elevated IL‐37 in specific lymphocyte populations could serve as a biomarker for tumor‐induced immunosuppression.
Copy number alterations associated with clinical features in an underrepresented population with breast cancer
Authors: Rodrigues‐Peres Raquel M. , de S. Carvalho Benilton , Anurag Meenakshi , Lei Jonathan T. , Conz Livia , Gonçalves Rodrigo , Cardoso Filho Cássio , Ramalho Susana , de Paiva Geisilene R. , Derchain Sophie F. M. , Lopes‐Cendes Iscia , Ellis Matthew J. , Sarian Luis O.
Published: May 2019

Background

As the most incident tumor among women worldwide, breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Tremendous efforts have been made to understand how tumor characteristics as histological type, molecular subtype, and tumor microenvironment collectively influence disease diagnosis to treatment, which impact outcomes. Differences between populations and environmental and cultural factors have impacts on the origin and evolution of the disease, as well as the therapeutic challenges that arise due to these factors. We, then, compared copy number variations (CNVs) in mucinous and nonmucinous luminal breast tumors from a Brazilian cohort to investigate major CNV imbalances in mucinous tumors versus non‐mucinous luminal tumors, taking into account their clinical and pathological features.

Methods

48 breast tumor samples and 48 matched control blood samples from Brazilian women were assessed for CNVs by chromosome microarray. Logistic regression and random forest models were used in order to assess CNVs in chromosomal regions from tumors.

Results

CNVs that were identified in chromosomes 1, 5, 8, 17, 19, and 21 classify tumors according to their histological type, ethnicity, disease stage, and familial history.

Conclusion

Copy number alterations described in this study provide a better understanding of the landscape of genomic aberrations in mucinous breast cancers that are associated with clinical features.
A clinicopathologic study of the spectrum of systemic forms of EBV‐associated T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders of childhood: A single tertiary care pediatric institution experience in North America
Authors: Coffey Amy M. , Lewis Annisa , Marcogliese Andrea N. , Elghetany M. Tarek , Punia Jyotinder N. , Chang Chung‐Che , Allen Carl E. , McClain Kenneth L. , Gaikwad Amos S. , El‐Mallawany Nader Kim , Curry Choladda V.
Published: May 2019

Background

Systemic forms of EBV‐associated T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders of childhood (S‐EBV‐T‐LPD) comprise three major forms: EBV‐positive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV‐HLH), systemic EBV‐positive T‐cell lymphoma (S‐EBV‐TCL), and systemic chronic active EBV infection (S‐CAEBV). These disorders occur rarely in children in Western countries. Here, we described eight children of such entities.

Design

Eight cases (six clinical and two autopsy) with S‐EBV‐T‐LPD of childhood were retrospectively identified from 1990 to 2015. Clinicopathologic parameters including histomorphology, immunophenotype, EBV studies, and T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement studies were recorded.

Results

Patients include five females and three males of Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian origins with an age range of 14 months to 9 years. Fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, abnormal EBV serologies, and very high EBV viral loads were common findings. Histologic findings showed EBV+ T‐cell infiltrates with variable degrees of architectural distortion and cytologic atypia ranging from no to mild cytologic atypia to overt lymphoma and tissue hemophagocytosis. All showed aberrant CD4+ or CD8+ T cells with dim to absent CD5, CD7, and CD3, and bright CD2 and CD45 by flow cytometry or loss of CD5 by immunohistochemistry. TCR gene rearrangement studies showed monoclonal rearrangements in all clinical cases (6/6). Outcomes were poor with treatment consisting of chemotherapy per the HLH‐94 or HLH‐2004 protocols with or without bone marrow transplant.

Conclusion

In this large pediatric clinicopathologic study of S‐EBV‐T‐LPD of childhood in the United States, EBV‐HLH, S‐EBV‐TCL, and S‐CAEBV show many overlapping features. Diagnosis is challenging, and overall outcome is poor using current HLH‐directed therapies.
Redox degradable 3‐helix micelles with tunable sensitivity
Authors: Xue Yi , Jung Benson T. , Xu Ting
Published: May 2019

We report a new design of redox‐responsive 15 nm 3‐helix micelles with tunable cargo release pathway. The self‐assembled micelles are structurally stabilized by the 3‐helix bundle forming peptide‐poly(ethylene glycol) conjugates and exhibit excellent stability without the presence of reducing agent (e.g., glutathione). Incorporating disulfide linkers at different locations of peptide‐poly(ethylene glycol) conjugates yields different redox‐degradation products that enable different degradation kinetics of the micelle and subsequently cargo release pathway. In conjunction with other attributes of the 3‐helix micelle such as small size, long circulation, and deep tumoral penetration, the present study provides an effective strategy toward controlled intercellular delivery of hydrophobic drugs and therapeutic peptides.
Investigation of the surface microstructure evolution of silicone rubber during corona discharge via slow positron beam and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Zheng , Li Jingjing , Zhou Yuming , Zhang Ni , He Chunqing , Peng Xiangyang , Huang Zhen , Cao Xingzhong , Wang Baoyi , Fang Pengfei
Published: May 2019

Silicone rubber is the outer dielectric material of the composite insulator used in high‐voltage transmission lines. A study of the microstructure evolution during corona discharge could provide a new understanding of catastrophic fracture in composite insulators. In this paper, the corona degradation process of silicone rubber is divided into three stages based on the data obtained by slow positron beam and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In stage I, the parameter decreases slightly in the low‐energy range, suggesting a crosslinking process in the polymeric “skin,” and the silicone rubber holds its high value of resistance, . In stage II, the organic sample surface is gradually transformed into an inorganic one. Further cracking of the surface layer contributes to a dramatic increase in the sample porosity. At the beginning of water immersion, the Bode phase angle remains approximately at low frequency, and a diffusion‐dependent Warburg impedance is observed. In stage III, a massive number of polar groups and inorganic particles are generated and the sample fails to repel water. The increase in the sample porosity is the main factor that leads to an ingress of water and failure of the material, while the generated polar groups are the secondary factor.
Lung function in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Attanasi Marina , Lucantoni Marta , Rapino Daniele , Petrosino Marianna I. , Marsili Manuela , Gasparroni Giorgia , Di Filippo Paola , Di Pillo Sabrina , Chiarelli Francesco , Breda Luciana
Published: May 2019

Aim

We measured respiratory parameters in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) without clinical signs of respiratory involvement and assessed the influence of methotrexate (MTX) treatment and disease activity on lung function.

Methods

In 49 JIA children and 70 controls lung volumes by spirometry and body plethysmography, and lung diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLCO) with single‐breath technique were evaluated.

Results

DLCO was significantly different between JIA children and controls (P = .01), whereas no differences were found in flow expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV
1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of FVC (FEF
25‐75), peak expiratory flow, total lung capacity, and residual volume. After dividing study JIA patients according to MTX treatment, a significant difference in DLCO was found among JIA patients treated with MTX and those treated with other drugs and controls (P < .001). A significant difference in DLCO was also found among JIA patients with active disease and those with inactive disease and controls (P = .003). Analysis of covariance showed a weak independent effect of MTX therapy on DLCO after adjusting for sex and height (P = .04). Furthermore, a negative correlation of DLCO with MTX cumulative dose and MTX treatment duration (r = −.58, P = .006; r = −.68, P = .001, respectively) was found, whereas there was no correlation between DLCO and disease activity (r = −.10; P = .51).

Conclusions

In JIA children MTX treatment seems to have a dose‐dependent effect on lung function. For this reason in these patients, a regular assessment of lung function, especially with DLCO evaluation, is recommended.
Squared‐down passivity–based state synchronization of homogeneous continuous‐time multiagent systems via static protocol in the presence of time‐varying topology
Authors: Liu Zhenwei , Stoorvogel Anton A. , Saberi Ali , Nojavanzadeh Donya
Published: May 2019

This paper studies state synchronization of homogeneous multiagent systems (MAS) via a static protocol with partial‐state coupling in the presence of a time‐varying communication topology, which includes general time‐varying graphs as well as switching graphs. If the agents are squared‐down passive or squared‐down passifiable (via static output feedback or static input feedforward), then a static protocol can be designed for balanced, time‐varying graphs. Moreover, this static protocol works for arbitrary switching directed graphs if the agents are squared‐down minimum phase with relative degree one. The static protocol is designed for each agent such that state synchronization is achieved without requiring exact knowledge about the time‐varying network.
Concise Review: Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke Patients: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Borlongan Cesario V.
Published: May 2019

Four decades of preclinical research demonstrating survival, functional integration, and behavioral effects of transplanted stem cells in experimental stroke models have provided ample scientific basis for initiating limited clinical trials of stem cell therapy in stroke patients. Although safety of the grafted cells has been overwhelmingly documented, efficacy has not been forthcoming. Two recently concluded stroke clinical trials on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) highlight the importance of strict adherence to the basic science findings of optimal transplant regimen of cell dose, timing, and route of delivery in enhancing the functional outcomes of cell therapy. Echoing the Stem Cell Therapeutics as an Emerging Paradigm for Stroke and Stroke Treatment Academic Industry Roundtable call for an NIH-guided collaborative consortium of multiple laboratories in testing the safety and efficacy of stem cells and their derivatives, not just as stand-alone but preferably in combination with approved thrombolytic or thrombectomy, may further increase the likelihood of successful fruition of translating stem cell therapy for stroke clinical application. The laboratory and clinical experience with MSC therapy for stroke may guide the future translational research on stem cell-based regenerative medicine in neurological disorders. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:983–988
Determinants of sustainable development: Evidence from 12 Asian countries
Authors: Koirala Bishwa S. , Pradhan Gyan
Published: May 2019

This study examines the factors that determine sustainable development, measured by adjusted net saving, using panel data for 12 Asian countries for the 1990–2014 period. A panel data model is estimated using both random‐effect and fixed‐effect approaches. The Hausman test points to the superiority of the random‐effect model over the fixed‐effect model, which is apparent when the results of the two estimations are compared. The results of the random‐effect estimation show a more significant and better overall fit. These results indicate a positive and significant effect of per capita income and financial development on sustainable development and a negative and significant effect of the inflation rate, natural resource rent, and time. The results suggest that maintaining a proper natural resource balance is necessary for sustainable development.
Missing data strategies for time‐varying confounders in comparative effectiveness studies of non‐missing time‐varying exposures and right‐censored outcomes
Authors: Desai Manisha , Montez‐Rath Maria E. , Kapphahn Kristopher , Joyce Vilija R. , Mathur Maya B. , Garcia Ariadna , Purington Natasha , Owens Douglas K.
Published: May 2019

The treatment of missing data in comparative effectiveness studies with right‐censored outcomes and time‐varying covariates is challenging because of the multilevel structure of the data. In particular, the performance of an accessible method like multiple imputation (MI) under an imputation model that ignores the multilevel structure is unknown and has not been compared to complete‐case (CC) and single imputation methods that are most commonly applied in this context. Through an extensive simulation study, we compared statistical properties among CC analysis, last value carried forward, mean imputation, the use of missing indicators, and MI‐based approaches with and without auxiliary variables under an extended Cox model when the interest lies in characterizing relationships between non‐missing time‐varying exposures and right‐censored outcomes. MI demonstrated favorable properties under a moderate missing‐at‐random condition (absolute bias <0.1) and outperformed CC and single imputation methods, even when the MI method did not account for correlated observations in the imputation model. The performance of MI decreased with increasing complexity such as when the missing data mechanism involved the exposure of interest, but was still preferred over other methods considered and performed well in the presence of strong auxiliary variables. We recommend considering MI that ignores the multilevel structure in the imputation model when data are missing in a time‐varying confounder, incorporating variables associated with missingness in the MI models as well as conducting sensitivity analyses across plausible assumptions.
Familywise and per‐family error rates of multiple comparison procedures
Authors: Lawrence John
Published: May 2019

In multiple testing scenarios, one of the more popular definitions of the error rate is the familywise error rate (FWER). The per‐family error rate (PFER) is often not considered. The PFER deserves more attention than it currently receives. Both of these concepts were formulated by Tukey. We highlight some of the good and bad qualities of the FWER and the PFER. We find the FWER and PFER for four commonly used multiple comparison procedures.
Structures of Complexes of Gossypol with Ferrous Sulfate Based on High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Separation, Spectroscopic Analysis, and PM3 calculations
Authors: Zhang Jian , Ran Han , Xiong Wei , Yang Tianyi , Mei Yunjun , He Dongping , Liu Ye , Cheng Qunpeng , Li Shenglan , Song Guangsen
Published: May 2019

The complexes of gossypol with Fe2+ were prepared by using methanol as solvent in the presence of CO2 atmosphere. The results from FT‐IR spectra analysis indicated that the aromatic aldehyde groups in gossypol molecules were entirely involved in coordination with Fe2+. UV‐Vis absorption spectrum of the complexes in methanol solution displays blue‐shift in comparison with that of gossypol. Five compounds from the complexes were isolated by high performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the complexes are consistent with PM3 calculations. Two compounds were formed by coordination of gossypol with Fe2+ at 1:2 molar ratio, other three compounds were formed by chelation of gossypol with Fe2+ at molar ratio by 1:1, 1:3, and 1:4 respectively.
g‐C3N4/Cu3P/UiO‐66 Ternary Composites for Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Pu Junnan , Jin Zhiliang , Cheng Yan , Yuan Wei
Published: May 2019

The synergistic composite g‐C3N4/Cu3P/UiO‐66 with a uniform three‐dimensional (3D) cubic structure distribution was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The larger spherical particles (UiO‐66) uniformly distributed on the g‐C3N4 flaky nanomaterial and the specific surface area of CNCU‐3 reaches an astonishing 1002.08 (m2/g), which is 23 times than that of the base material g‐C3N4. As a result of that, the addition of CU3P and MOF can effectively improve charge transfer and separation, and improve the hydrogen production activity of photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4/Cu3P/UiO‐66 ternary composite was significantly better than that of monomer g‐C3N4, binary g‐C3N4/Cu3P and g‐C3N4/UiO‐66, especially, the introduction of UiO‐66 significantly increased hydrogen production, and the maximum hydrogen production reach 79 μmol in five hours. Moreover, XRD, SEM, TEM, PL, UV‐vis, XPS prove that Cu3P effectively conduct electrons to promote electron transfer and UiO‐66 provide large specific surface area. The synergistic effect of the these factors plays a key role in photocatalytic activity.
A Computational Investigation of Unconventional Lone‐Pair Hole Interactions of Group V–VIII Elements
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Telb Ebtisam M. Z.
Published: May 2019

For the first time, unconventional lone‐pair (lp) hole interactions were uncovered in chalcogen⋅⋅⋅, halogen⋅⋅⋅, and aerogen⋅⋅⋅Lewis base complexes. An lp‐W‐XYZ⋅⋅⋅B nomenclature was proposed to describe the lp‐hole interaction, where W is the Group V‐VIII element, XYZ are three atoms on the same side of the lp‐hole and B is a Lewis base. Point‐of‐Charge (PoC) approach was adopted to investigate the characteristics of lp‐hole interactions from an electrostatic perspective. Results showed: (i) the occurrence of lp‐holes in the pnicogen‐, chalcogen‐, halogen‐, and aerogen‐containing molecules, (ii) that strength of the lp‐hole interaction increases with increasing negativity of the Lewis basicity, and (iii) the more electronegative XYZ atoms are the lower the favorable interaction energy. The key role of Lewis basicity in orienting the geometrical structure of molecules containing Group V‐VIII elements was reported for the first time.
Glycerol: A Benign Solvent‐Assisted Metal‐Free One‐Pot Multi‐Component Synthesis of 4H‐Thiopyran and Thioamides from Easily Accessible Precursors
Authors: Mitra Bijeta , Pariyar Gyan Chandra , Ghosh Pranab
Published: May 2019

Glycerol, a green, bio‐degradable, benign solvent has been recognized to act as a highly efficient medium for the catalyst free synthesis of a vast range of highly functionalized thioamide by modified Willgerodt‐Kindler Reaction and 4H‐thiopyran via one‐pot multi‐component synthesis from easily accessible precursors. These protocols avoid hardnosed reaction conditions and proceed without any metal catalyst or toxic acid or solvent. In addition, these protocols have numerous advantages such as shorter reaction time, high yield and excellent functional group tolerance. Further the solvent can be recovered and reused at the end of the reaction which makes this methodology inexpensive, greener and environmentally safe protocol.
Adverse childhood experiences and neuroinflammatory biomarkers—The role of sex
Authors: Kim Seoyoun , Watt Toni , Ceballos Natalie , Sharma Shobhit
Published: May 2019

Despite the growing interest in adverse childhood experiences and biomarkers, less attention has been paid to multiple biomarkers as representing interrelated systems among college students. Guided by the neuroinflammatory pathway hypothesis, the current project takes the initial step in examining the link between three types of childhood adversity and biomarkers of neuroplasticity (brain‐derived neurotropic factor [BDNF]) and low‐grade inflammation (C‐reactive protein [CRP]) in an overarching model and whether this link may differ in men and women. Undergraduate students (n = 85) were recruited through multiple departments from a state university. The participants responded to the detailed online survey questionnaire on childhood adversity and provided one blood sample via venous blood draw. Given that CRP and BDNF represent two interrelated systems, structural equation models were considered the most suitable for the analyses. The findings partially support neural and inflammatory pathways, such that childhood adversity and particularly family dysfunction have a significant positive effect on BDNF (b = 30.41, p < .01). The link between family dysfunction and CRP was stronger in female students (b = 0.57, p < .05). Results suggest that interventions for college students with family dysfunctions may need to target different physiological and behavioral outcomes for male and female students.
Product Scope and Productivity: Evidence from India's Product Reservation Policy
Authors: Tewari Ishani , Wilde Joshua
Published: May 2019

Protections for small enterprises are commonplace in developing countries. How do these policies affect overall industrial performance? Using exogenous variation in the timing of an Indian policy dismantling laws that “reserved” certain products for exclusive manufacture by small firms, we identify the effect of the dereservation policy on size, productivity, product churning, and other industry dynamics. Following the change, we find that firms significantly altered their product lines, leading to the reallocation of productive factors, increasing exits, and increasing total factor productivity. These effects were driven by new entrants moving into the formerly restricted product space, and in particular by multiproduct firms. Our findings underscore the importance of intrafirm heterogeneity on the impact of size‐contingent regulations, as firms' product line dynamics can be an important dimension of productivity growth.
Molecular and Supra‐Molecular Structural Ordering of Wheat Starch‐OSA Modified Waxy Maize Starch Mixtures During Storage
Authors: Hadnađev Miroslav , Dapčević‐Hadnađev Tamara , Pajić‐Lijaković Ivana , Mastilović Jasna , Bugarski Branko
Published: May 2019

The influence of waxy maize OSA starches on the retrogradation kinetics of wheat starch pastes is investigated using dynamic oscillatory rheological and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Total starch concentration for the rheological experiments is 4% (w/w) and wheat starch/OSA starch ratios are 100/0, 90/10, and 80/20. A modified fractional Kelvin‐Voigt model is proposed to interpret system behavior under low oscillatory shear conditions and get deeper insight into its structural changes during storage. The results indicate that structural ordering of the systems composed of wheat starch and a) non‐physically modified (OSA‐ST); b) pregelatinized (Pregel OSA‐ST); and c) hydrolyzed/spray dried (Hydrol OSA‐ST) starches is governed by different molecular mechanisms. OSA‐ST retarded short‐term aging (7 days) of wheat starch gel due to amylose dilution with partially disrupted OSA‐ST granules as well as the steric effect of OS groups. However, enthalpies of wheat starch/OSA‐ST mixtures stored for 14 days were similar to that of wheat starch alone. On the contrary, both the rheological and DSC results suggest that mixtures containing Pregel OSA‐ST and Hydrol OSA‐ST retrograde slower than wheat starch gel during short and long storage. The model systems investigated in this study may represent a useful tool to understand the functionality of OSA starches as anti‐staling additives in breadmaking.
Synthesis and Characterization of Corn Starch Phthalate by a Semidry Method
Authors: Yang Chengdong , Lin Yi , Cheng Fei , Zhou Mi , Tan Lin , Zhu Puxin
Published: May 2019

Starch phthalate (SP) with plasticity and hydrophobicity can have a better adhesion to aromatic polyesters compared with other esterified starch. Hence, modification of corn starch with phthalic anhydride (PA) is carried out by using a semidry method, and the product SP with varied degrees of substitution (DS) is characterized by group titration, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), rapid viscosity analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, film transmittance test, and water contact angle measurement. The results show that a small amount of N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent for dissolving PA can help to greatly increase the DS of the SP samples. The phthalate group is successfully introduced into starch structure by the semidry method under the recommended reaction conditions of 150 °C for 2 h. Compared with native corn starch, SP samples have lower values of crystallinity, paste viscosity, retrogradation, and thermal degradation temperature, and higher values of carbon residue in thermal decomposition, of transparency and hydrophobicity for the films. Due to these good characteristics, the modified starch, SP, may have great potential applied in starch film, adhesives, textile sizes, and so on.
A variable‐step size NLMS algorithm based on the cross‐correlation between the squared output error and the near‐end input signal
Authors: Casco‐Sanchez Fausto , Lopez‐Guerrero Miguel , Javier‐Alvarez Sergio , Medina‐Ramirez Reyna Carolina
Published: May 2019

In this work, we introduce an adaptive variable‐step size normalized least mean squares algorithm to be used in finite impulse response structures. In our proposal, the step size is adjusted according to the cross‐correlation between the squared output error of the adaptive filter and the near‐end input signal. We show that the step increases or decreases as the error increases or decreases. This behavior is used to update the filter coefficients in the proposed adaptive filter. The proposed algorithm is named VSS‐CR, after variable step size based on cross‐correlation. This proposal was evaluated using computer simulations, and the obtained results show that it achieves higher levels of echo return loss enhancement and less misalignment than other algorithms. We identified a trade‐off between steady‐state performance and convergence time; the VSS‐CR achieves higher levels of echo reduction, but it takes some more time to reach its mean square error steady‐state value. This algorithm can be used in acoustic echo canceling in public switched telephone networks. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Prediction model on disturbance of maintenance operation during real‐time pricing adaptive control for building air‐conditioners
Authors: Matsukawa Shun , Takehara Masanori , Otsu Hideyuki , Morikawa Junji , Inaba Takashi , Kondo Seiji , Ninagawa Chuzo
Published: May 2019

It is desirable to predict the occurrence of disturbance during power consumption management such as the Real‐Time Pricing (RTP) adaptive control in the future smart grid. Maintenance operation is one of the most power‐consuming operations of multitype air‐conditioners in office buildings. Because the operation occurs stochastically and abruptly, it is extremely difficult to predict the occurrence timing from the RTP control system's point of view. In this research, we propose a prediction model that forecasts the impending occurrence of the operation. The model was implemented as a Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) neural network because the occurrence timing depends on the air‐conditioner's operation history. The prediction accuracy was evaluated and then the contribution of the prediction model to the RTP control goodness score was estimated. In our example case, even though prediction accuracy was not perfect, the improvement of the score was estimated by up to 21%. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Retracted: A InIII‐MOF with Imidazole Decorated Pores as 5‐Fu Delivery System to Inhibit Colon Cancer Cells Proliferation and Induce Cell Apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Hao‐Tian , Song Shi‐Jun , Pei Xiao‐Rui , Lu De‐Bao
Published: May 2019

A new nontoxic porous InIII‐based metal‐organic framework [In(Hpbic)(pbic)](DMF)2 (1) (DMF = N,N‐dimethylacetamide) was successfully prepared with 2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid (H2pbic) as organic linker via a solvothermal process. Further, the nanostructure 1 could be obtained via a green grinding method. Nitrogen adsorption measurements revealed the presence of micropores as well as moderate high BET surface areas in the activated nanostructure 1 (1a). The drug loading experiment shows that 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) is preferentially captured into the pore of the nanostructure 1a with a loading capacity of 32.6 %. Meanwhile, the controlled release of 5‐Fu in a simulated human body with liquid phosphate‐buffered saline solution was realized. In addition, the Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay was conducted to determine the inhibitory effect of 5‐Fu@1a on human colon cancer cell SW60 viability and proliferation, the results indicated the excellent anti‐cancer activity of 5‐Fu@1a in vitro. To reveal the related mechanism, the Annexin V‐FITC/PI assay and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level detection was carried out after 5‐Fu@1a treatment. Finally, the in vivo xenograft model was constructed in mice, the tumor volume, and mice body weight were recording at indicated time. The in vivo results suggested the significant inhibitory activity of 5‐Fu@1a in mice.
Neonatal pain detection in videos using the iCOPEvid dataset and an ensemble of descriptors extracted from Gaussian of Local Descriptors
Authors: Brahnam Sheryl , Nanni Loris , McMurtrey Shannon , Lumini Alessandra , Brattin Rick , Slack Melinda , Barrier Tonya
Published: May 2019

Diagnosing pain in neonates is difficult but critical. Although approximately thirty manual pain instruments have been developed for neonatal pain diagnosis, most are complex, multifactorial, and geared toward research. The goals of this work are twofold: 1) to develop a new video dataset for automatic neonatal pain detection called iCOPEvid (infant Classification Of Pain Expressions videos), and 2) to present a classification system that sets a challenging comparison performance on this dataset. The iCOPEvid dataset contains 234 videos of 49 neonates experiencing a set of noxious stimuli, a period of rest, and an acute pain stimulus. From these videos 20 s segments are extracted and grouped into two classes: pain (49) and nopain (185), with the nopain video segments handpicked to produce a highly challenging dataset. An ensemble of twelve global and local descriptors with a Bag-of-Features approach is utilized to improve the performance of some new descriptors based on Gaussian of Local Descriptors (GOLD). The basic classifier used in the ensembles is the Support Vector Machine, and decisions are combined by sum rule. These results are compared with standard methods, some deep learning approaches, and 185 human assessments. Our best machine learning methods are shown to outperform the human judges.
Spatial Navigation in Rats and Humans: A Neuropsychological Perspective
Authors: Stuart Ian
Published: May 2019

Background and objective:

In a landmark publication, O’Keefe & Dostrovsky (1971) presented a model for spatial navigation in the rat, the cognitive map theory. In this theory they proposed that the processing and storage of spatial information for spatial navigation takes place in the hippocampus. The theory was extended to include the contribution of the grid cells in the medial entorhinal cortex (Hafting et al. 2005). The cognitive map theory has been widely applied to spatial navigation in humans as well as rats. In this paper, an alternative theory is proposed in which spatial processing takes place in the right parieto-temporo-occipital area in humans, and that damage to this area causes a fragmentation in the sense of space, affecting the recall of both visual and tactile spatial information.

Method:

A group of eight subjects with damage to the right parieto-temporo-occipital area and a fragmented sense of space was assessed on tests of spatial navigation and memory and the results were compared with a group of patients with damage to the right hippocampus. Other comparison groups included left and right hemisphere subjects with normal spatial functioning.

Results:

The results suggest that, in the human, damage to the right parieto-temporo-occipital area causes a fragmentation in the sense of space, as well as an impaired memory for spatial material in both the visual and tactile modalities. These results support a model of spatial navigation in which the integrity of the right parieto-temporo-occipital area, and not the right hippocampus, is a necessary condition for the processing of spatial information in humans. An alternative explanation for the functioning of the right hippocampus is also presented.