bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircRNA hsa_circRNA_101996 increases cervical cancer proliferation and invasion through activating TPX2 expression by restraining miR‐8075
Authors: Song Tiefang , Xu Aili , Zhang Zongfeng , Gao Fei , Zhao Lin , Chen Xiuhui , Gao Jiayin , Kong Xianchao
Published: January 2019

In recent years, circular RNAs have been shown to serve as essential regulators in several human cancers. Nevertheless, the function and mechanism of CircRNA in cervical cancer remain elusive. In the present study, we showed that hsa_circRNA_101996 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues compared with matched normal tissues by bioinformatics analysis. We showed that the expression level of hsa_circRNA_101996 in cervical cancer tissues was positively correlated with TNM stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis. Moreover, higher levels of hsa_circRNA_101996 were related to poor outcomes of cervical cancer patients. We found that knockdown of hsa_circRNA_101996 significantly inhibited the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that hsa_circRNA_101996 served as a sponge of miR‐8075, which targeted TPX2 in cervical cancer cells. We showed that miR‐8075 that was downregulated in cervical cancer tissues repressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Furthermore, we validated that upregulation of TPX2 by hsa_circRNA_101996‐mediated inhibition of miR‐8075 contributed to cervical cancer proliferation, migration, and invasion. Taken together, our findings revealed a novel mechanism that hsa_circRNA_101996‐miR‐8075‐TPX2 network promoted cervical cancer progression.
Effects of activin A on the transcriptome of mouse oogenesis in vitro
Authors: Wang Jun‐Jie , Zhai Qiu‐Yue , Zhang Rui‐Qian , Ge Wei , Liu Jing‐Cai , Li Lan , Sun Zhong‐Yi , De Felici Massimo , Shen Wei
Published: January 2019

From the previous research, it has been supported that activin A (ActA) is conducive to ovarian development in vitro. In the present paper, with the aim to identify the molecular pathways through which ActA can influence processes of the fetal and early postnatal oogenesis, we analyzed the transcriptome of embryonic ovaries (12.5 days postcoitum) in vitro cultured with or without ActA for 6 days, as well as the produced oocytes for 28 days, and further compared the gene expression profile with their in vivo counterparts. With the confirmation of designed test, we found that the addition of ActA to the ovary culture tended, generally, to align oocyte gene expression to the in vivo condition, in particular of a number of genes involved in meiosis and epigenetic modifications of histones. In particular, we identified DNA recombination during the oocyte meiotic prophase I and lysine trimethylation of the histone H3K27 during the oocyte growth phase as molecular pathways modulated by ActA.
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain and mechanical dispersion predict response to multipoint pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Zhu Mengruo , Chen Haiyan , Fulati Zibire , Liu Yang , Su Yangang , Shu Xianhong
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the acute effect of multipoint pacing (MPP) and search for the better baseline predictors of response to MPP for guiding patient selection.

Methods

We enrolled 46 heart failure patients scheduled for implantation of MPP‐enabled cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. An acute pacing protocol including conventional CRT and MPP pacing configurations was performed after implantation. Echocardiography was used at baseline and during pacing test, and response was defined as left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic volume (ESV) reduction ≥ 15% at 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

MPP response was present in 32 (69%) patients. Responders showed significantly superior LV ejection fraction, global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS), and mechanical dispersion (MD) with MPP than with conventional CRT (all P < 0.05). Baseline GLPS (OR 1.524; 95% CI 1.031‐2.251; P = 0.034) and MD (OR 1.048; 95% CI 1.016‐1.081; P = 0.003) were independent predictors of MPP response in multivariate regression analysis. Both |GLPS| and MD were significantly correlated with percentage change in LVESV (▵LVESV%) at 6‐month follow‐up (r = 0.731 and r = 0.696, respectively; all P < 0.001). |GLPS| ≥ 5.0% combined with MD ≥ 120 ms predicted MPP response with the optimal sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 71% (AUC = 0.848, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

MPP tends to be superior to conventional CRT in improving acute response. |GLPS| and MD can successfully predict response to MPP, and their combination can further improve the prediction accuracy of response.
Contour extraction of a laser stripe located on a microscope image from a stereo light microscope
Authors: Wang Yuezong , Geng Benliang , Long Chao
Published: January 2019

A stereo light microscope has a special optical structure that consists of two optical paths. With two cameras fitted on its imaging planes, a microscopic binocular vision system can be constructed, and this system can be applied in three‐dimensional (3D) shape measurements of a microscopic object. A novel‐shape reconstruction system is developed in this article composed of laser fringe scanning and a stereo light microscope. A laser projector emits a thin light sheet and projects it onto the microscopic object's surface. The microscopic object is placed on a micro‐displacement mechanism and moved in a given direction. The entire surface of the object is scanned by the light sheet. This system captures a series of microscopic images of the laser stripe, which are used to restore the 3D shape of the object. In this article, we mainly focus on the study of the laser stripe detection method, which is derived based on the Canny rule. First, the Canny rule outputs pixels at the left and right edges of the laser stripe. Then, a subpixel edge extraction method is proposed based on polynomial fitting that outputs the center curve of the laser stripe. Finally, an edge filter is used to smooth the edge burrs, and the Hermite interpolation method is used to link the broken edges and construct continuous, smoothing edge contours. The results show that this method can effectively find the subpixel position of the laser stripe and output high‐quality edge contours. The method is suitable for extracting the contours of a laser stripe located in a microscope image.
Estimation of HIV‐1 viral load in plasma of HIV‐1‐infected people based on the associated Raman spectroscopic peaks
Authors: Otange Ben , Birech Zephania , Rop Ronald , Oyugi Julius
Published: January 2019

Most HIV viral load determination techniques available commercially are anchored on direct measurements of either HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA), provirus DNA, or viral antigen. Such techniques often require expensive reagents which makes the process expensive. This study reported the feasibility of label‐free determination of HIV‐1 viral load in plasma based on the consequence of the virus in the components of plasma. The study aimed to provide a relatively cheap and faster HIV‐1 detection and further estimate the concentration of the virus without using any reagent. We subjected 22 HIV‐1‐infected human plasma samples to Raman peak height evaluation to develop a detection and concentration estimation model for HIV‐1. Simultaneously, all the samples were examined for HIV‐1 infection using qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The positive samples were further subjected to quantitative PCR to determine their corresponding viral load. Principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) were employed in Raman spectral analysis to enhance label‐free detection of the HIV‐1 in plasma. The quantification model results for HIV‐1 yielded a good correlation with those obtained by the reference quantitative PCR method. HIV‐1 viral load estimation based on the associated Raman spectral peaks centered at 1,270 and 1,446 cm−1 achieved a clinically accepted coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.9). The viral detection sensitivity from the two associated peaks were 95 and 100 copies of the virus per milliliter of plasma, respectively, hence showing that the Raman‐based model can be a potential HIV‐1 diagnostic and viral load estimation tool.
Effect of Various Electrolytes on the Phase Separation and Thermodynamic Properties of p‐Tert‐Alkylphenoxy Poly (Oxyethylene) Ether in the Absence/Presence of Drugs
Authors: Khan Muhammad Akhlaqur Rahman , Amin Md. Ruhul , Mahbub Shamim , Alam Md. Masud , Rub Malik Abdul , Hoque Md. Anamul , Khan Mohammed Abdullah , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: January 2019

Cloud point (CP) measurements of 4‐(1,1,3,3‐tetramethylbutyl) phenyl‐polyethyleneglycol (Triton X‐100 (TX‐100)) were performed in aqueous solution in the presence of drug Amikacin sulfate (AS)/Neomycin sulfate (NS)/(AS/NS+ different inorganic salts). In aqueous solution, the CP values of TX‐100 first decrease with increasing concentration and then increase with increasing surfactant concentration. The CP values of TX‐100 solutions were found to increase with the increasing concentration of the AS/NS drug. The CP values of TX‐100‐AS/NS mixtures were also observed to decrease with the increase of the concentration of salt. Different thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy (), standard enthalpy () as well as the standard entropy () change of phase separation were calculated and discussed in relation to molecular interactions.
Layer‐By‐Layer Modified Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Stimuli‐Responsive Drug Release Properties
Authors: Akbar Majid , Cagli Eda , Erel‐Göktepe Irem
Published: January 2019

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are synthesized through ultrasound based coprecipitation method. SPIONs are coated with poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PIPOX) and tannic acid (TA) in a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) fashion at pH 4 and 25 °C. PIPOX/TA coated SPIONs are then loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) at pH 7.5 and 25 °C. DOX release from LbL‐coated SPIONs is examined at pH 7.5 and pH 6 at 25 °C, 37 °C, and 42 °C. LbL‐coated SPIONs exhibit dual responsive behavior and release the greatest amount of DOX at pH 6 and 42 °C. Increasing layer number decreases the colloidal stability and saturation magnetization. Superparamagnetic behavior of SPIONs retains after coating. Overall, this study shows an alternative strategy to modify the surface of SPIONs with a dual responsive polymer coating which is capable of releasing DOX at moderately acidic pH of 6 within a physiologically related temperature range. Besides, it generates fundamental knowledge for further development of SPIONs‐based drug carriers.
TAD Click Chemistry on Aliphatic Polycarbonates: A First Step Toward Tailor‐Made Materials
Authors: Baroni Alexandra , Vlaminck Laetitia , Mespouille Laetitia , Prez Filip Du , Delbosc Nicolas , Blankert Bertrand
Published: January 2019

For the first time, the effectiveness of triazolinedione (TAD) click chemistry onto aliphatic polycarbonates (APC) is demonstrated. Statistic copolymers carrying click‐reactive conjugated diene (in a ratio of 10%) are synthesized via organocatalyzed ring‐opening polymerization. The highly efficient click reaction of TADs carrying simple butyl and phenyl functions are confirmed by 1H‐NMR and DSC. Network formation using a bivalent TAD is also performed and simply characterized by DSC. This post‐polymerization functionalization of biocompatible and biodegradable APC pave the way to easy and versatile “on‐demand” materials design.
Nanoscale Archimedean Tilings Formed by 3‐Miktoarm Star Terpolymer Thin Films
Authors: Antoine Ségolène , Aissou Karim , Mumtaz Muhammad , Pécastaings Gilles , Buffeteau Thierry , Fleury Guillaume , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: January 2019

3‐Miktoarm star terpolymer architecture (3µ‐ABC), consisting of three dissimilar polymer chains, A, B, and C connected at a junction point, provides a unique opportunity in the design of complex nanoscale patterns such as Archimedean tilings that are not accessible from linear ABC terpolymers. In this work, the synthesis and the self‐assembly of 3‐miktoarm star terpolymers, namely, polystyrene‐arm‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine)‐arm‐polyisoprene (3µ‐SPI) into Archimedean tiling patterns is described. Several 3µ‐SPI terpolymers are produced via a mid‐functional PS‐b‐P2VP, synthesized by sequential anionic polymerization, using a 1,1‐diphenylethylene bearing a tert‐butyldimethylsilyl–protected hydroxyl functionality as a core molecule. PI arms with different sizes are then linked to the deprotected hydroxyl function of the core molecule via a Steglich esterification. Solvent‐annealed 3µ‐SPI thin films exhibit nanoscale prisms arranged into a (4.6.12) Archimedean tiling pattern. Depending on the size of the low etch‐resistant PI arm and the solvent selected to promote the self‐assembly of 3µ‐SPI thin films, the voided columns occupy the square or decagonal sites of the (4.6.12) pattern. The use of this (4.6.12) tiling produced for the first time from self‐assembled 3µ‐ABC thin films can be a promising route to build 2D photonic crystals having complete photonic band gaps, where the light propagation is completely prohibited.
The usual suspects, dopamine and alpha‐synuclein, conspire to cause neurodegeneration
Authors: Mor Danielle E. , Daniels Malcolm J. , Ischiropoulos Harry
Published: January 2019

Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily a movement disorder driven by the loss of dopamine‐producing neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Early identification of the oxidative properties of dopamine implicated it as a potential source of oxidative stress in PD, yet few studies have investigated dopamine neurotoxicity in vivo. The discovery of PD‐causing mutations in α‐synuclein and the presence of aggregated α‐synuclein in the hallmark Lewy body pathology of PD revealed another important player. Despite extensive efforts, the precise role of α‐synuclein aggregation in neurodegeneration remains unclear. We recently manipulated both dopamine levels and α‐synuclein expression in aged mice and found that only the combination of these 2 factors caused progressive neurodegeneration of the SN and an associated motor deficit. Dopamine modified α‐synuclein aggregation in the SN, resulting in greater abundance of α‐synuclein oligomers and unique dopamine‐induced oligomeric conformations. Furthermore, disruption of the dopamine‐α‐synuclein interaction rescued dopaminergic neurons from degeneration in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans models. In this Perspective, we discuss these findings in the context of known α‐synuclein and dopamine biology, review the evidence for α‐synuclein oligomer toxicity and potential mechanisms, and discuss therapeutic implications. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Assessment of modern hydro‐meteorological hazards in a big city – identification for Warsaw
Authors: Żmudzka Elwira , Kulesza Kinga , Lenartowicz Maciej , Leziak Kamil , Magnuszewski Artur
Published: January 2019

Continuous urban development significantly transforms the ecosystem in a big city. The increasing frequency of heat waves and their influence on the rise in mortality in big cities suggest that the thermal hazard (long‐term occurrence of high air temperature) is one of the key climatic hazards of present times. The global temperature rise, reinforced in urbanized areas by the anthropogenic heat flux, leads to intensified convection processes and increased precipitation, especially torrential rain. One of the most important hydrological hazards in a big conurbation is the urban flood hazard. In this paper the identified climatic hazards occurring in a big city are analysed: the thermal hazard and the urban flood hazard. The areas currently exposed to thermal and urban flood hazards in Warsaw are identified and assessed in terms of the hazard level. The results obtained are verified with the data from meteorological measuring stations (the thermal hazard) and from the Fire Department interventions connected with rainfall and flooding (the urban flood hazard). A map of hydro‐meteorological hazards was created by combining thermal hazard and urban flood hazard maps. The approach combining the exposure to thermal and urban flood hazards, presented in this study, uses widely accessible spatial data and can be applied to any location. It can also play a significant role in assessing the adaptation of urban areas to climate change and be an important source of information on the current exposure to hydro‐meteorological hazards as well as their possible increase.
Series representations for densities functions of a family of distributions—Application to sums of independent random variables
Authors: Marques Filipe J. , Loots M. Theodor , Bekker Andriëtte
Published: January 2019

Series representations for several density functions are obtained as mixtures of generalized gamma distributions with discrete mass probability weights, by using the exponential expansion and the binomial theorem. Based on these results, approximations based on mixtures of generalized gamma distributions are proposed to approximate the distribution of the sum of independent random variables, which may not be identically distributed. The applicability of the proposed approximations are illustrated for the sum of independent Rayleigh random variables, the sum of independent gamma random variables, and the sum of independent Weibull random variables. Numerical studies are presented to assess the precision of these approximations.
TRPV4 is involved in levonorgestrel‐induced reduction in oviduct ciliary beating
Authors: Li Cheng , Wu Yan‐Ting , Zhu Qian , Zhang Hui‐Yu , Huang Zhen , Zhang Duo , Qi Hang , Liang Gui‐Ling , He Xiao‐Qing , Wang Xiao‐Feng , Tang Xue , Huang He‐Feng , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2019

Previous studies revealed the increasing risk of tubal pregnancy following failure of levonorgestrel (LNG)‐induced emergency contraception, which was attributed to the reduced ciliary motility in response to LNG. However, understanding of the mechanism of LNG‐induced reduction in the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) is limited. The transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 4 channel is located widely in the female reproductive tract and generates an influx of Ca2+ following its activation under normal physiological conditions, which regulates the CBF. The present study aimed to explore whether LNG reduced the CBF in the Fallopian tubes by modulating TRPV4 channels, leading to embryo retention in the Fallopian tubes and subsequent tubal pregnancy. The study provided evidence that the expression of TRPV4 was downregulated in the Fallopian tubes among patients with tubal pregnancy and negatively correlated with the serum level of progesterone. LNG downregulated the expression of TRPV4, limiting the calcium influx to reduce the CBF in mouse oviducts. Furthermore, the distribution of ciliated cells and the morphology of cilia did not change following the administration of LNG. LNG‐induced reduction in the CBF and embryo retention in the Fallopian tubes and in mouse oviducts were partially reversed by the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486 or the TRPV4 agonist 4α‐phorbol 12,13‐didecanoate (4α‐PDD). The results indicated that LNG could downregulate the expression of TRPV4 to reduce the CBF in both humans and mice, suggesting the possible mechanism of tubal pregnancy. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Specific influence of polyethersulfone functionalization on the delamination toughness of modified carbon fiber reinforced polymer processed by resin transfer molding
Authors: Ballout W. , Van Velthem P. , Magnin D. , Henry E. , Sclavons M. , Pardoen T. , Bailly C.
Published: January 2019

The specific influence of polyethersulfone (PES) end‐functionalization with chlorine or hydroxyl end groups at same molar mass on PES‐epoxy composites based on a high‐performance tetra‐epoxide with di‐amine hardener resin (RTM6) is investigated in terms of morphology, thermal behavior, and toughness. A model study on PES filaments embedded in epoxy precursor is first performed to compare the interdiffusion and resulting morphology upon curing. PES‐OH shows a larger interdiffusion distance compared to PES‐Cl in the model systems and the laminates. This effect is more pronounced at high heating rate. Cross sections and fracture surfaces of composite panels are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy to establish the link between the microstructures and fracture mechanisms. The toughness of PES‐OH‐modified epoxy composites is doubled compared to unmodified reference panels, whereas the PES‐Cl shows no improvement. The favorable influence of PES‐OH is ascribed to enhanced miscibility, interfacial adhesion and morphology, resulting from the better affinity between hydroxyl‐terminated PES and the epoxy‐resin. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:996–1009, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cover Image, Volume 68, Issue 2
Authors: Wang Bao , Menyhard Alfred , Alfonso Giovanni C , Müller Alejandro J , Cavallo Dario
Published: January 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Article Differential scanning calorimetry study of cross‐nucleation between polymorphs in isotactic poly(1‐butene) by Bao Wang et al. DOI: 10.1002/pi.5595.

image
Optimizing Size Exclusion Chromatography for Extracellular Vesicle Enrichment and Proteomic Analysis from Clinically Relevant Samples
Authors: Lane Rebecca E. , Korbie Darren , Trau Matt , Hill Michelle M.
Published: January 2019

The field of extracellular vesicle (EV) research has rapidly expanded in recent years, with particular interest in their potential as circulating biomarkers. Proteomic analysis of EVs from clinical samples is complicated by the low abundance of EV proteins relative to highly abundant circulating proteins such as albumin and apolipoproteins. To overcome this, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) has been proposed as a method to enrich EVs whilst depleting protein contaminants; however, the optimal SEC parameters for EV proteomics have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, quantitative evaluation and optimization of SEC are reported for separating EVs from contaminating proteins. Using a synthetic model system followed by cell line‐derived EVs, it is found that a 10 mL Sepharose 4B column in PBS produces optimal resolution of EVs from background protein. By spiking‐in cancer cell‐derived EVs to healthy plasma, it is shown that some cancer EV‐associated proteins are detectable by nano‐LC‐MS/MS when as little as 1% of the total plasma EV number are derived from a cancer cell line. These results suggest that an optimized SEC and nanoLC‐MS/MS workflow may be sufficiently sensitive for disease EV protein biomarker discovery from patient‐derived clinical samples.
Ultrastretchable and conductive core/sheath hydrogel fibers with multifunctionality
Authors: Yin Tenghao , Wu Lei , Wu Tonghao , Mao Guoyong , Nian Guodong , Chen Zhe , Hu Xiaocheng , Wang Peng , Xiang Yuhai , Yu Honghui , Qu Shaoxing , Yang Wei
Published: January 2019

Conductive hydrogels with ionic compounds possess great potential for the development of soft smart devices. A dielectric scarfskin is typically required for these devices to prevent short circuiting, leading to devices with lower stretchability than the hydrogel. Henceforth, commonly used dielectric materials, such as PDMS and Ecoflex, cannot be largely stretched. Hydrogel devices with ultrastretchability are required to accommodate hostile application environments. Herein, we propose a hydrogel fiber coated with a dielectric layer that can be stretched to over 2000% of its initial length. The fiber remains conductive when stretched to ~1300%. In addition, the core/sheath hydrogel fiber can be endowed with a variety of functional properties, such as electroluminescence (EL), photoluminescence (PL), and magnetic‐responsiveness, demonstrating scalability of the resultant fiber. The present work can pave the way for numerous next‐generation soft devices, such as smart textiles and wearable electronics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 272–280
Diagnostic and Prognostic Performance of Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) Assay for Detecting Primary and Recurrent Urinary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Critselis Elena , Rava Marta , Marquez Mirari , Lygirou Vasiliki , Chatzicharalambous Despoina , Liapi Panagiota , Lichtinghagen Ralph , Brand Korbinian , Cecchini Lluís , Vlahou Antonia , Malats Nuria , Zoidakis Jerome
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) in detecting urinary bladder cancer (UBC).

Methods

The Integrated Study on Bladder Cancer (n = 571; mean age:69.4 ± 12.2 years) evaluates cross‐sectionally SPARC diagnostic performance in primary (n = 264) and recurrent (n = 307) UBC. SPARC prognostic performance is evaluated in a nested cohort (n = 250) prospectively followed for 80 months to detect tumor relapse, recurrence and/or progression. Baseline urine samples are analyzed blindly using a commercially available SPARC ELISA assay, characterized for its analytical performance according to clinical test regulatory requirements (R&D Manufactures Inc.).

Results

While higher mean SPARC levels are detected in primary (p = 0.008) and recurrent (p < 0.0001) UBC, the assay has limited diagnostic performance (AUC:0.593; 95% CI:0.524‐0.663). SPARC positive patients undergoing disease monitoring are more likely to develop tumor relapse (age and gender Adj. HR:1.52; 95% CI:1.04‐2.22) and progression (Adj. HR:1.83; 95% CI:1.02–3.27). However, prognostic performance is affected by hematuria.

Conclusions

SPARC diagnostic performance for detecting UBC appears insufficient for clinical implementation. In patients undergoing disease monitoring, SPARC is a promising prognostic marker for tumor relapse and/or progression, but is affected by hematuria.
Urinary Peptidomic Biomarker for Personalized Prevention and Treatment of Diastolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Yu , Nkuipou‐Kenfack Esther , Staessen Jan A.
Published: January 2019

Diastolic heart failure (DHF) is characterized by slow left ventricular (LV) relaxation, increased LV stiffness, interstitial deposition of collagen, and a modified extracellular matrix proteins. Among Europeans, the frequency of asymptomatic diastolic LV dysfunction (DD) is 25%. This constitutes a large pool of people at high risk of DHF. The goal of this review was to describe the discovery and the initial validation of new multidimensional urinary peptidomic biomarkers (UPB) indicative of DD, mainly consisting of collagen fragments, and to describe a roadmap for their introduction into clinical practice. The availability of new drugs creates a window of opportunity for mounting a randomized clinical trial consolidating the clinical applicability of UPB to screen for DD. If successfully completed, such trial will benefit ≈25% of all people older than 50 years and open a large market for a UPB diagnostic tool and the drug tested. Moreover, sequenced peptides making up UPB will generate novel insights in the pathophysiology of DD and facilitate personalized treatment of patients with DHF for whom prevention came too late. If proven cost‐effective, the clinical application of UPB will contribute to the sustainability of health care in aging population in epidemiologic transition.
Urinary Proteomics and Precision Medicine for Chronic Kidney Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Persson Frederik , Rossing Peter
Published: January 2019

Precision medicine is since long an ongoing refinement of classical medicine, integrating improved and more detailed pathophysiological understanding with rapid technological advances. In the heterogenous area of chronic kidney disease there seems to be a high potential for the improvement in treatment and prognosis for several causes, with new technologies under development, that are yet to be introduced in clinical practice. As in other medical disciplines, investigation of abundant peptide patterns (proteomics) has gained recent interest. Especially relevant for kidney disease, urinary proteomics may provide both improved diagnosis and, as reviewed here, also holds promise for personalized treatment in the future. So far, capillary electrophoresis coupled to mass spectrometry (CE‐MS) is the most widely applied technique, and in addition to several cross‐sectional and cohort studies, there is even an ongoing randomized controlled trial that will soon report on the concept used as a method of personalizing treatment. In addition, there is hope that urinary proteomics can turn into a “liquid biopsy,” replacing the invasive diagnostic procedure. The next couple of years will provide more answers on the topic.
Evaluation of a CL‐20/TATB Energetic Co‐crystal
Authors: Chapman Clinton J. , Groven Lori J.
Published: January 2019

Exploration of novel energetic‐energetic co‐crystals has greatly increased in recent years as the need for energetic materials with improved detonation performance and reduced sensitivity continues to grow. In 2015 a CL‐20/TATB co‐crystal was reported and touted sensitivity and detonation properties that would make it a potential replacement for the industry standard HMX. The confirmation, reproducibility, and characterization of energetic materials are still a widely debated topic especially when the material of interest has exceptional properties. In this work, CL‐20/TATB co‐crystals are attempted via solvent‐nonsolvent (S/NS) cocrystallization to assess the formation of a true co‐crystal. The prepared crystals were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder x‐ray diffraction (PXRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This work reproduced S/NS cocrystallization similar to that reported in 2015, provides a solubility and thermodynamic explanation behind CL‐20/TATB cocrystallization, and assesses the future viability of CL‐20/TATB crystals.
Do farmers misuse pesticides in crop production in China? Evidence from a farm household survey
Authors: Sun Shengyang , Hu Ruifa , Zhang Chao , Shi Guanming
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

In China, pesticide overuse and underuse have been studied. However, little empirical evidence has been provided for pesticide misuse.

RESULTS

Using data from a farm household survey in 2016, we quantitatively analyzed Chinese farmers' pesticide misuse in the production of rice, apple, tea, and greenhouse vegetables. The results show that pesticide misuse is common in China. However, the misuse is found to be lower in rice production than in the production of apple, tea, and greenhouse vegetables. Compared with that of the major pests, pesticide misuse is much more common for the control of the secondary pests. In a considerable number of observations, some farmers even failed to indicate the pests they controlled or the pesticides they used.

CONCLUSIONS

Pesticide misuse may result in both the overuse and underuse of pesticides. In China, pesticide misuse could be attributed to the lack of pest management knowledge among farmers, limited accessibility to a high‐quality governmental agricultural extension service, misleading information, and absence of pest prediction and forecast. Hence, a socialized agricultural extension system and new agricultural extension models adapted to different farmers are expected to be developed and implemented in China. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Citronella oil‐loaded electrospun micro/nanofibrous matrices as sustained repellency systems for the Asian tiger mosquitoAedes albopictus
Authors: Iliou Konstantina , Kikionis Stefanos , Petrakis Panos V , Ioannou Efstathia , Roussis Vassilios
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Mosquitoes are hematophagous insects of major public health concern, serving as vectors of many diseases. Available products for personal protection against mosquitoes lack adequate efficacy and in most cases need to be reapplied or replaced frequently. In recent years, the encapsulation of the active repellents in various matrices has arisen as an alternative method for the development of new‐generation repellent systems. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential of functional micro/nanofibrous matrices as systems for the sustained release of the highly volatile insect‐repellent citronella oil.

RESULTS

Micro/nanofibrous single‐ and triple‐layer systems incorporating citronella oil as the active agent were developed via the electrospinning technique using the low‐cost, non‐toxic, biodegradable polymers cellulose acetate and polyvinylpyrrolidone. All the micro/nanofiber systems produced exhibited prolonged release of citronella oil and a high repellent activity in laboratory bioassays against the mosquitoAedes albopictusfor at least 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Considering the high volatility of the embedded repellent, the present study demonstrates the strong potential of the micro/nanofibrous matrices to act as carriers of highly volatile repellents for an effective and sustained protection from mosquitoes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Rare Earth Doping of Topological Insulators: A Brief Review of Thin Film and Heterostructure Systems
Authors: Hesjedal Thorsten
Published: January 2019

Magnetic topological insulators (MTIs) are a novel materials class in which a topologically nontrivial electronic band structure coexists with long‐range ferromagnetic order. The ferromagnetic ground state can break time‐reversal symmetry, opening a gap in the topological surface states whose size is dependent on the magnitude of the magnetic moment. Doping with rare earth ions is one way to introduce higher magnetic moments into a material, however, in Bi2Te3bulk crystals, the solubility limit is only a few percent. Using molecular beam epitaxy for the growth of doped (Sb,Bi)2(Se,Te)3TI thin films, high doping concentrations can be achieved while preserving their high crystalline quality. The growth, structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of Dy, Ho, and Gd doped TI thin films will be reviewed. Indeed, high magnetic moments can be introduced into the TIs, which are, however, not ferromagnetically ordered. By making use of interfacial effects, magnetic long‐range order in Dy doped Bi2Te3, proximity‐coupled to the MTI Cr:Sb2Te3, has been achieved. Clearly, engineered MTI heterostructures offer new possibilities that combine the advantageous properties of different layers, and thus provide an ideal materials platform enabling the observation new quantum effects at higher temperatures.
Structures, Elasticity, and Sensitivity Characteristics of ɛ‐CL‐20 under High Pressure from First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Zhong Mi , Qin Han , Liu Qi‐Jun , Liu Fu‐Sheng , Tang Bin
Published: January 2019

First‐principles calculations have been conducted for ɛ‐CL‐20 to study the pressure effects on the structures, elasticity, and sensitivity characteristics under 0–75 GPa. It is found that N–NO2 possesses smaller populations than other bonds and is verified as the trigger bond for ϵ‐CL‐20, and the nitrogen atoms on nitro groups (–NO2) are more sensitive to pressure than that on the rings. A detailed understanding of elasticity has been studied and discussed under pressure. In general, the mechanical properties of ɛ‐CL‐20 are distinctly enhanced under compression. The obtained elastic constants show better agreement with the experiment at zero pressure. As the pressure increases, the lattice interactions towards different directions present pronounced difference. A relationship of C11 ≈ C33 > C22 is obtained in the lower pressure region. However, a different relationship of C11 > C22 ≈ C33 is predicted under higher pressure. The crystal, ɛ‐CL‐20, changes from brittleness to plasticity according to the sharp increase of B/G and C12–C44 under compression. And the band gap of ɛ‐CL‐20 decreases with the increasing pressure, indicating the crystal becomes more sensitive under compression.
Picosecond‐Range Avalanche Switching Initiated by a Steep High‐Voltage Pulse: Si Bulk Samples Versus Layered pn Junction Structures
Authors: Brylevskiy Victor , Podolska Natalia , Smirnova Irina , Rodin Pavel , Grekhov Igor
Published: January 2019

The study is devoted to picosecond‐range avalanche switching initiated by application of a steep high‐voltage ramp. It is focused on comparing layered semiconductor structures with bulk semiconductors. Experimental measurements and numerical simulations of ultrafast transients in layered Si structures with pn junctions and bulk Si samples are presented. The experimental setup allows measuring both device current and voltage during ultrafast high voltage switching transient with time resolution better than 50 ps. The focus is on the inner spatio‐temporal dynamics of electron–hole plasma generation, plasma concentration, and triggering mechanism. It is shown that in contrast to layered pn junction structures bulk samples with Ohmic contacts exhibit uniform switching in the whole structure volume. This comes at the price of steeper triggering pulse and absence of pulse sharpening capability. Our findings establish pulse‐triggered avalanche switching as a general method to create large (fractions of cubic mm) volumes of electron–hole plasma in semiconductors.
Morinda citrifolia noni water extract enhances innate and adaptive immune responses in healthy mice, ex vivo, and in vitro
Authors: Hong Yo Han , Yi Young‐Su , Han Sang Yun , Aziz Nur , Kim Han Gyung , Park Sang Hee , Hossain Mohammad Amjad , Baik Kwang Soo , Choi Su Young , Lee Jongsung , Kim Jong‐Hoon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: January 2019

Although Morinda citrifolia (noni) has long been used in traditional medicines for human diseases, its molecular and cellular mechanism of immunostimulatory ability to improve human health under normal healthy conditions is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo immunostimulatory activity of M. citrifolia fruit water extract treated with enzymes (Mc‐eWE). In vitro studies revealed that Mc‐eWE stimulated the cells by inducing nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ). The immunostimulatory activity was mediated by activation of NF‐κB and AP‐1. Ex vivo studies showed that Mc‐eWE stimulated splenocytes isolated from mice by inducing NO production and expression of immunostimulatory cytokines and by downregulating the expression of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL‐10 without cytotoxicity. In vivo demonstrated that Mc‐eWE induced immunostimulation by modulating populations of splenic immune cells, especially by increasing the population of IFN‐γ+ NK cells. Mc‐eWE enhanced the expression of inflammatory genes and immunostimulatory cytokines and inhibited the expression of IL‐10 in the mouse splenocytes and sera. Taken together, these results suggest that Mc‐eWE plays an immunostimulatory role by activating innate and adaptive immune responses.
Obtusifolin isolated from the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia regulates the gene expression and production of MUC5AC mucin in airway epithelial cells via affecting NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Choi Byung‐Soo , Kim Yu‐jin , Choi Jae Sue , Lee Hyun Jae , Lee Choong Jae
Published: January 2019

We investigated whether obtusin, obtusifolin, and cassiaside isolated from the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia inhibit the gene expression and production of airway mucin 5AC (MUC5AC). Confluent NCI‐H292 cells were pretreated with obtusin, obtusifolin, or cassiaside for 30 min and then stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA), or tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) for 24 hr. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression was measured by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Production of MUC5AC mucin protein was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. To elucidate the action mechanism of obtusifolin, effect of obtusifolin on PMA‐induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway was investigated by western blot analysis. Obtusin, obtusifolin, or cassiaside inhibited the expression of MUC5AC mucin gene and the production of MUC5AC mucin protein, induced by EGF, PMA, or TNF‐α. Obtusifolin inhibited PMA‐induced activation (phosphorylation) of inhibitory kappa B kinase, and thus phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory kappa B alpha. Obtusifolin inhibited PMA‐induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65. These results suggest that obtusifolin can regulate the production and gene expression of mucin by acting on airway epithelial cells through regulation of NF‐κB signaling pathway.
Valerian extract alters functional brain connectivity: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Roh Daeyoung , Jung Jae Hoon , Yoon Kyung Hee , Lee Chang Hyun , Kang Lee Young , Lee Sang‐Kyu , Shin Kitack , Kim Do Hoon
Published: January 2019

Valerian root is the most commonly used herbal supplement for sedation and anxiolysis, but it is unknown whether it may affect functional brain connectivity. Our goal was to use electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate whether valerian root extract (VRE) affects resting‐state connectivity changes and whether such changes are associated with clinical symptoms. This 4‐week, double‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted with 64 nonclinical volunteers suffering psychological stress. The participants received VRE (100 mg) or a placebo thrice daily. We examined VRE's therapeutic effects on anxiety and stress‐related psychological constructs. Functional brain connectivity changes were measured as EEG coherence in the alpha and theta frequency bands. The VRE and placebo groups both exhibited significant postintervention improvements on all clinical scales, but no significant between‐group differences in these changes were noted. Compared with the placebo group, the VRE group exhibited significantly greater increases in frontal brain region alpha coherence across four electrode pairs, and these changes were significantly correlated with anxiolysis. The VRE group also exhibited significantly greater decreases in theta coherence across another four electrodes pairs. Our findings indicate that VRE alters functional brain connectivity in relation to anxiety. Further EEG studies are needed to confirm VRE's neurophysiological effects.
Chemical Design of Palladium‐Based Nanoarchitectures for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Kim Jeonghun , Yuliarto Brian , Kang Yong‐Mook , Bando Yoshio , Sugahara Yoshiyuki , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: January 2019

Palladium (Pd) plays an important role in numerous catalytic reactions, such as methanol and ethanol oxidation, oxygen reduction, hydrogenation, coupling reactions, and carbon monoxide oxidation. Creating Pd‐based nanoarchitectures with increased active surface sites, higher density of low‐coordinated atoms, and maximized surface coverage for the reactants is important. To address the limitations of pure Pd, various Pd‐based nanoarchitectures, including alloys, intermetallics, and supported Pd nanomaterials, have been fabricated by combining Pd with other elements with similar or higher catalytic activity for many catalytic reactions. Herein, recent advances in the preparation of Pd‐based nanoarchitectures through solution‐phase chemical reduction and electrochemical deposition methods are summarized. Finally, the trend and future outlook in the development of Pd nanocatalysts toward practical catalytic applications are discussed.
Highly Foldable and Efficient Paper‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Hongjiang , Li Xiaodong , Wang Weiyan , Huang Jinhua , Li Jia , Lu Yuehui , Chang Junwei , Fang Junfeng , Song Weijie
Published: January 2019

Foldable paper‐based solar cells are attractive power sources for wearable and portable applications. Currently, low power conversion efficiency (PCE) and degradation under different folding conditions restrict practical applications of paper‐based solar cells. Herein are constructed solar cells on cellophane paper using oxide/ultrathin Ag/oxide (OMO) and perovskite as electrodes and absorbers, respectively. The perovskite solar cell (PSC) on cellophane exhibits a PCE of 13.19%, the highest among all the paper‐based solar cells. More importantly, beneficial from ultrathin cellophane substrates combined with foldable OMO electrodes, PSCs on paper exhibit 50 single folding and 10 dual folding stability: they preserve 85.3 and 84.1% of the initial PCE after −180° and +180° single folding for 50 cycles, respectively; and they remain 67.2 and 55.3% of the initial PCE after 10 inner and outer dual folding cycles, respectively. Furthermore, the solar cells after dual folding show serious cracks and delamination, leading to faster degradation than single folding. The highly efficient, foldable, and lightweight PSCs on cellophane are promising for future self‐powered paper‐based electronic applications.
Effect of Submerged‐Entry Nozzle (SEN) Design on Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Thin‐Slab Steel Caster
Authors: Liu Rui , Blazek Kenneth , Forman Bruce , Fritz Chris , Graham Clint
Published: January 2019

Occurrence of breakouts (BO) during casting of narrow slabs is observed to be influenced by the submerged‐entry nozzle (SEN) design in one of ArcelorMittal's thin‐slab casters. To understand the root cause for the BO, three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are developed to simulate steady‐state and transient molten steel flow and heat transfer in the SEN and in the CSP caster for three four‐port SEN designs (type‐ A, B, and C), among which exist two major design differences, including the presence of a top insert at SEN tube entrance and height of the flow divider at SEN bottom. CFD models are validated by water model measurements of SEN port opening velocities. Both water model experiments and numerical simulation results suggest that SEN design with a taller bottom flow divider increases both mean and variations of the upper port flow rates and large‐scale asymmetric flows in the CSP mold region. Transient heat transfer simulation results further show that this unstable biased flow in the mold increases “hot spots” near the shell around the funnel‐to‐flat transition region, which could be responsible for local steel re‐melting and potential breakout under certain critical ferrostatic pressure.
Synthesis and Comparative Investigation of Silicon Transition Metal Silicide Composite Anodes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Ruttert Mirco , Siozios Vassilios , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: January 2019

A significant increase in energy density of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) can be achieved by using high‐capacity, silicon (Si)‐based negative electrode materials. Several challenges arise from the enormous volumetric changes of Si during lithiation/delithiation, such as disintegration/pulverization of the active material and the electrode as well as ongoing electrolyte decomposition, leading to rapid capacity fading. Here, we synthesize and comparatively investigate three different porous transition metal‐Si‐carbon composite materials that are composed of an active Si phase and the corresponding inactive metal‐silicide phases. In this material design, the inactive phases, as well as the pores serve as a buffer to attenuate the previously mentioned detrimental effects. The synthesized materials are studied with respect to their structural and surface properties and are characterized electrochemically regarding their rate performance, and long‐term charge/discharge cycling stability. Thereby, the composite materials show a promising rate capability and a high specific capacity. Their low initial Coulombic efficiency, due to the porous structure, can be partially compensated by pre‐lithiation. This is demonstrated by the application of the synthesized materials in a LIB full‐cell set‐up vs. NMC‐111 cathodes, where the amount of lithium is confined due to anode/cathode capacity balancing.