bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image quality comparison between a phase-contrast synchrotron radiation breast CT and a clinical breast CT: a phantom based study
Authors: Brombal Luca , Arfelli Fulvia , Delogu Pasquale , Donato Sandro , Mettivier Giovanni , Michielsen Koen , Oliva Piernicola , Taibi Angelo , Sechopoulos Ioannis , Longo Renata , Fedon Christian
Published: November 2019

In this study we compared the image quality of a synchrotron radiation (SR) breast computed tomography (BCT) system with a clinical BCT in terms of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), noise power spectrum (NPS), spatial resolution and detail visibility. A breast phantom consisting of several slabs of breast-adipose equivalent material with different embedded targets (i.e., masses, fibers and calcifications) was used. Phantom images were acquired using a dedicated BCT system installed at the Radboud University Medical Center (Nijmegen, The Netherlands) and the SR BCT system at the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra SR facility (Trieste, Italy) based on a photon-counting detector. Images with the SR setup were acquired mimicking the clinical BCT conditions (i.e., energy of 30 keV and radiation dose of 6.5 mGy). Images were reconstructed with an isotropic cubic voxel of 273 µm for the clinical BCT, while for the SR setup two phase-retrieval (PhR) kernels (referred to as “smooth” and “sharp”) were alternatively applied to each projection before tomographic reconstruction, with voxel size of 57 × 57 × 50 µm3. The CNR for the clinical BCT system can be up to 2-times higher than SR system, while the SNR can be 3-times lower than SR system, when the smooth PhR is used. The peak frequency of the NPS for the SR BCT is 2 to 4-times higher (0.9 mm−1 and 1.4 mm−1 with smooth and sharp PhR, respectively) than the clinical BCT (0.4 mm−1). The spatial resolution (MTF10%) was estimated to be 1.3 lp/mm for the clinical BCT, and 5.0 lp/mm and 6.7 lp/mm for the SR BCT with the smooth and sharp PhR, respectively. The smallest fiber visible in the SR BCT has a diameter of 0.15 mm, while for the clinical BCT is 0.41 mm. Calcification clusters with diameter of 0.13 mm are visible in the SR BCT, while the smallest diameter for the clinical BCT is 0.29 mm. As expected, the image quality of the SR BCT outperforms the clinical BCT system, providing images with higher spatial resolution and SNR, and with finer granularity. Nevertheless, this study assesses the image quality gap quantitatively, giving indications on the benefits associated with SR BCT and providing a benchmarking basis for its clinical implementation. In addition, SR-based studies can provide a gold-standard in terms of achievable image quality, constituting an upper-limit to the potential clinical development of a given technique.
Minimally Invasive Delivery of Microbeads with Encapsulated, Viable and Quiescent Neural Stem Cells to the Adult Subventricular Zone
Authors: Matta Rita , Lee Seyoung , Genet Nafiisha , Hirschi Karen K. , Thomas Jean-Leon , Gonzalez Anjelica L.
Published: November 2019

Stem cell therapies demonstrate promising results as treatment for neurological disease and injury, owing to their innate ability to enhance endogenous neural tissue repair and promote functional recovery. However, delivery of undifferentiated and viable neuronal stem cells requires an engineered delivery system that promotes integration of transplanted cells into the inflamed and cytotoxic region of damaged tissue. Within the brain, endothelial cells (EC) of the subventricular zone play a critical role in neural stem cell (NSC) maintenance, quiescence and survival. Therefore, here, we describe the use of polyethylene glycol microbeads for the coincident delivery of EC and NSC as a means of enhancing appropriate NSC quiescence and survival during transplantation into the mouse brain. We demonstrate that EC and NSC co-encapsulation maintained NSC quiescence, enhanced NSC viability, and facilitated NSC extravasation in vitro, as compared to NSC encapsulated alone. In addition, co-encapsulated cells delivered to an in vivo non-injury model reduced inflammatory response compared to freely injected NSC. These results suggest the strong potential of a biomimetic engineered niche for NSC delivery into the brain following neurological injury.
Germline variants in cancer genes in high-risk non-BRCA patients from Puerto Rico
Authors: Dutil Julie , Teer Jamie K. , Golubeva Volha , Yoder Sean , Tong Wei Lue , Arroyo Nelly , Karam Rachid , Echenique Miguel , Matta Jaime L. , Monteiro Alvaro N.
Published: November 2019

Inherited pathogenic variants in genes that confer moderate to high risk of breast cancer may explain up to 50% of familial breast cancer. This study aimed at identifying inherited pathogenic variants in breast cancer cases from Puerto Rico that were not linked toBRCA1orBRCA2. Forty-eight breast cancer patients that met the clinical criteria forBRCAtesting but had received a negativeBRCA1/2 result were recruited. Fifty-three genes previously implicated in hereditary cancer predisposition were captured using the BROCA Agilent cancer risk panel followed by massively parallel sequencing. Missense variants of uncertain clinical significance inCHEK2were evaluated using anin vitrokinase assays to determine their impact on function. Pathogenic variants were identified inCHEK2,MUTYH, andRAD51Bin four breast cancer patients, which represented 8.3% of the cohort. We identified three rare missense variants of uncertain significance inCHEK2 and two variants (p.Pro484Leu and p.Glu239Lys) showed markedly decreased kinase activityin vitrocomparable to a known pathogenic variant. Interestingly, the local ancestry at theRAD51Blocus in the carrier of p.Arg47* was predicted to be of African origin. In this cohort, 12.5% of theBRCA-negative breast cancer patients were found to carry a known pathogenic variant or a variant affecting protein activity. This study reveals an unmet clinical need of genetic testing that could benefit a significant proportion of at-risk Latinas. It also highlights the complexity of Hispanic populations as pathogenic factors may originate from any of the ancestral populations that make up their genetic backgrounds.
Productivity and carbon fluxes depend on species and symbiont density in soft coral symbioses
Authors: Pupier Chloé A. , Fine Maoz , Bednarz Vanessa N. , Rottier Cécile , Grover Renaud , Ferrier-Pagès Christine
Published: November 2019

Soft corals often constitute one of the major benthic groups of coral reefs. Although they have been documented to outcompete reef-building corals following environmental disturbances, their physiological performance and thus their functional importance in reefs are still poorly understood. In particular, the acclimatization to depth of soft corals harboring dinoflagellate symbionts and the metabolic interactions between these two partners have received little attention. We performed stable isotope tracer experiments on two soft coral species (Litophyton sp. and Rhytisma fulvum fulvum) from shallow and upper mesophotic Red Sea coral reefs to quantify the acquisition and allocation of autotrophic carbon within the symbiotic association. Carbon acquisition and respiration measurements distinguish Litophyton sp. as mainly autotrophic and Rhytisma fulvum fulvum as rather heterotrophic species. In both species, carbon acquisition was constant at the two investigated depths. This is a major difference from scleractinian corals, whose carbon acquisition decreases with depth. In addition, carbon acquisition and photosynthate translocation to the host decreased with an increase in symbiont density, suggesting that nutrient provision to octocoral symbionts can quickly become a limiting factor of their productivity. These findings improve our understanding of the biology of soft corals at the organism-scale and further highlight the need to investigate how their nutrition will be affected under changing environmental conditions.
Respiratory syncytial virus reduces STAT3 phosphorylation in human memory CD8 T cells stimulated with IL-21
Authors: Antunes Krist Helen , Becker André , Franceschina Caroline , de Freitas Deise do Nascimento , Lape Isadora , da Cunha Mariana D’Ávila , Leitão Lidiane , Rigo Mauricio M. , Pinto Leonardo Araújo , Stein Renato T. , de Souza Ana Paula Duarte
Published: November 2019

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of childhood lower respiratory tract infections. The recent failure of a vaccine candidate based on recombinant F protein underlines the urgent need to better understand the protective human memory immune response against RSV. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein is a transcription factor that promotes the maturation of the memory CD8 T cell response in cooperation with IL-10 and IL-21. However, the role of STAT3 in the memory CD8 T cell response during RSV infection remains to be elucidated. We found that in infants with bronchiolitis infected with RSV, the expression of STAT3 detected in nasal washes is reduced when compared to that in infants infected by other viruses. In vitro, RSV impairs STAT3 phosphorylation induced by IL-21 in purified human memory CD8 T cells. In addition, RSV decreases granzyme B production by memory CD8 T cells, reducing its cytotoxic activity against RSV-infected epithelial pulmonary cell lines. Together, these data indicate that RSV modulates the IL-21/STAT3 pathway in human memory CD8 T cells, and this could be a mechanism to be further explored to improve the memory response against the infection.
Curcumin enhances cisplatin-induced human laryngeal squamous cancer cell death through activation of TRPM2 channel and mitochondrial oxidative stress
Authors: Gökçe Kütük Sinem , Gökçe Gökçen , Kütük Mustafa , Gürses Cila Hacer Esra , Nazıroğlu Mustafa
Published: November 2019

In this study, laryngeal tumor cells were killed through the production of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ influx by cisplatin (CISP). Nevertheless, a resistance was determined against CISP treatment in the tumor cells. We have investigated the stimulating role of curcumin (CURC) on CISP-induced human laryngeal squamous cancer (Hep2) cell death through TRPM2 channel activation, and its protective role against the adverse effects of CISP in normal kidney (MPK) cells. Hep2 and MPK cells were divided into four groups as control group, CURC group (10μM for 24 hrs), CISP group (25 μM for 24 hrs), and CURC + CISP combination group. CISP-induced decrease of cell viability, cell count, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione level in Hep2 cells were further increased by CURC treatment, but the CISP-induced normal MPK cell death was reduced by the treatment. CISP-induced increase of apoptosis, Ca2+ fluorescence intensity, TRPM2 expression and current densities through the increase of lipid peroxidation, intracellular and mitochondrial oxidative stress were stimulated by CURC treatment. In conclusion, CISP-induced increases in mitochondrial ROS and cell death levels in Hep2 cells were further enhanced through the increase of TRPM2 activation with the effect of CURC treatment. CISP-induced drug resistance in Hep2 cells might be reduced by CURC treatment.
Cytokine signatures associate with disease severity in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Yang Mingyue , Meng Fanzheng , Gao Man , Cheng Genhong , Wang Xiaosong
Published: November 2019

Host immune response may be involved in the pathogenesis of children Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). In the current study, we investigated the alterations of cytokines levels among control, mild MPP and severe MPP children to determine whether cytokine signatures associate with MPP and correlate with disease severity. We measured 13 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 88 children with MPP and 26 children with foreign body aspiration (FB) using a Luminex system. Linear discriminant analyses were performed to develop predictive models of mild MPP and severe MPP on these children. We observed nearly complete separations of severe MPP group, mild MPP group and control group in linear discriminant analyses. Eleven cytokines significantly increased in children with MPP, and seven cytokines had statistically significant upward linear trends correlated with MPP severity. In addition, compared to control group, both IFNγ/IL4 ratio and IFNγ/IL13 ratio increased in mild MPP and severe MPP groups. Our results suggest that children MPP can alter BALF cytokines signatures which associate with disease severity and can be characterized by a distinct airway molecular phenotype that has elevated Th1/Th2 ratios.
Cell alignment and accumulation using acoustic nozzle for bioprinting
Authors: Sriphutkiat Yannapol , Kasetsirikul Surasak , Ketpun Dettachai , Zhou Yufeng
Published: November 2019

Bioprinting could spatially align various cells in high accuracy to simulate complex and highly organized native tissues. However, the uniform suspension and low concentration of cells in the bioink and subsequently printed construct usually results in weak cell-cell interaction and slow proliferation. Acoustic manipulation of biological cells during the extrusion-based bioprinting by a specific structural vibration mode was proposed and evaluated. Both C2C12 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) could be effectively and quickly accumulated at the center of the cylindrical tube and consequently the middle of the printed construct with acoustic excitation at the driving frequency of 871 kHz. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of cell distributions fitted with a Gaussian curve showed a significant reduction by about 2.2 fold in the printed construct. The viability, morphology, and differentiation of these cells were monitored and compared. C2C12 cells that were undergone the acoustic excitation had nuclei oriented densely within ±30° and decreased circularity index by 1.91 fold or significant cell elongation in the printing direction. In addition, the formation of the capillary-like structure in the HUVECs construct was found. The number of nodes, junctions, meshes, and branches of HUVECs on day 14 was significantly greater with acoustic excitation for the enhanced neovascularization. Altogether, the proposed acoustic technology can satisfactorily accumulate/pattern biological cells in the printed construct at high biocompatibility. The enhanced cell interaction and differentiation could subsequently improve the performance and functionalities of the engineered tissue samples.
Silicon Mode-Selective Switch via Horizontal Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Capacitor Incorporated With ENZ-ITO
Authors: Jiang Weifeng , Miao Jinye , Li Tao
Published: November 2019

A silicon mode-selective switch (MSS) is proposed by using a horizontal metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor incorporated with the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) indium-tin-oxide (ITO). The carrier concentration of the double accumulation-layers in ITO can be adjusted via the applied gate-voltage to achieve the desired switching state. The MOS-type mode of the central MOS-capacitor based triple-waveguide coupler is introduced and optimised by using the full-vectorial finite element method to switch the “OFF” and “ON” states. The thickness of the accumulation layer and the optimal design are studied by using the 3D full-vectorial eigenmode expansion method. The optimised quasi-TE0 and quasi-TE1 modes based MSSes are with the extinction ratios of 28.52 dB (19.05 dB), 37.29 dB (17.8 dB), and 37.29 dB (23.7 dB), at “OFF” (“ON”) states for the accumulation-layer thicknesses of 1.5, 5.0, and 10.0 nm, respectively. The operation speed can achieve to be 6.3 GHz, 6.2 GHz, and 6.2 GHz for these three accumulation-layer thicknesses, respectively. The performance of the proposed MSS with a 2.5 V gate-voltage is also studied for preventing the oxide breakdown. The proposed MSS can be applied in the mode-division-multiplexing networks for signal switching and exchanging.
Re-enforcing hypoxia-induced polyploid cardiomyocytes enter cytokinesis through activation of β-catenin
Authors: Jiang Yun-Han , Zhu Yu , Chen Sai , Wang Hai-Long , Zhou Yang , Tang Fu-Qin , Jian Zhao , Xiao Ying-Bin
Published: November 2019

Cardiomyocyte (CM) loss is a characteristic of various heart diseases, including ischaemic heart disease. Cardiac regeneration has been suggested as a promising strategy to address CM loss. Although many studies of regeneration have focused mainly on mononucleated or diploid CM, the limitations associated with the cytokinesis of polyploid and multinucleated CMs remain less well known. Here, we show that β-catenin, a key regulator in heart development, can increase cytokinesis in polyploid multinucleated CMs. The activation of β-catenin increases the expression of the cytokinesis-related factor epithelial cell transforming 2 (ECT2), which regulates the actomyosin ring and thus leads to the completion of cytokinesis in polyploid CMs. In addition, hypoxia can induce polyploid and multinucleated CMs by increasing factors related to the G1-S-anaphase of the cell cycle, but not those related to cytokinesis. Our study therefore reveals that the β-catenin can promote the cytokinesis of polyploid multinucleated CMs via upregulation of ECT2. These findings suggest a potential field of polyploid CM research that may be exploitable for cardiac regeneration therapy.
Effects of enzymatic browning reaction on the usability of tobacco leaves and identification of components of reaction products
Authors: Chen Yanjie , Zhou Junfei , Ren Ke , Zou Congming , Liu Junjun , Yao Guangmin , He Jianshen , Zhao Gaokun , Huang Wei , Hu Binbin , Chen Yi , Xiong Kaisheng , Jin Yan
Published: November 2019

The enzyme browning reaction results in grey speckles on tobacco leaves, which impairs the value and industrial usability of tobacco leaves. To demonstrate the influences of different browning degrees (BDs) of tobacco leaves on the usability of different cultivars and positions and identified structure of brown (grey) matter, we selected three flue-cured tobacco cultivars (K326, Yunyan87, and Honghuadajinyuan (Hongda)) and set four different BDs (<25%, 25% to 50%, 50% to 75%, and >75%). Indices related to: economic traits, chemical components, physical properties, and sensory quality of tobacco leaves with different cultivars were evaluated. Moreover, by utilising thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, we analysed and identified the structure of the grey matter in terms of chemical composition. The experimental results show that the main component of grey speckles on tobacco leaves is 3-acetyl-6,7-dimethoxycoumarin (YC-ZJF). With the increase of BD, the amount of total sugar and reducing sugar, output value, the proportion of superior tobacco, shatter resistance index, and sensory evaluation score of the three cultivars significantly decrease, while the starch content increases significantly. The changes in protein, total nitrogen, and nicotine are insignificant with changing BD. In addition, other indices show different trends for different cultivars of flue-cured tobacco. After separation and identification of the components of grey speckled leaves, it is proved that the substance derived from grey speckles on tobacco leaves is YC-ZJF. The research is important to the study of browning mechanisms in tobacco leaves and provides corresponding targets for strategies to reduce browning thereof.
Machine Learning Approaches to Radiogenomics of Breast Cancer using Low-Dose Perfusion Computed Tomography: Predicting Prognostic Biomarkers and Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Park Eun Kyung , Lee Kwang-sig , Seo Bo Kyoung , Cho Kyu Ran , Woo Ok Hee , Son Gil Soo , Lee Hye Yoon , Chang Young Woo
Published: November 2019

Radiogenomics investigates the relationship between imaging phenotypes and genetic expression. Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that manifests complex genetic changes and various prognosis and treatment response. We investigate the value of machine learning approaches to radiogenomics using low-dose perfusion computed tomography (CT) to predict prognostic biomarkers and molecular subtypes of invasive breast cancer. This prospective study enrolled a total of 723 cases involving 241 patients with invasive breast cancer. The 18 CT parameters of cancers were analyzed using 5 machine learning models to predict lymph node status, tumor grade, tumor size, hormone receptors, HER2, Ki67, and the molecular subtypes. The random forest model was the best model in terms of accuracy and the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). On average, the random forest model had 13% higher accuracy and 0.17 higher AUC than the logistic regression. The most important CT parameters in the random forest model for prediction were peak enhancement intensity (Hounsfield units), time to peak (seconds), blood volume permeability (mL/100 g), and perfusion of tumor (mL/min per 100 mL). Machine learning approaches to radiogenomics using low-dose perfusion breast CT is a useful noninvasive tool for predicting prognostic biomarkers and molecular subtypes of invasive breast cancer.
Dissociated lower limb muscle involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and its differential diagnosis value
Authors: Hu Fangfang , Jin Jiaoting , Chen Qiaoyi , Kang Li , Jia Rui , Qin Xing , Liu Xiao , Dang Yonghui , Dang Jingxia
Published: November 2019

To explore differential diagnosis value of dissociated lower-limb muscle impairment, we performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and electrophysiological features in 141 lower-limb involved ALS patients, 218 normal controls, 67 disease controls, and 32 lumbar spondylosis disease patients. The dissociated lower-limb muscle impairment was quantified by plantar flexion and dorsiflexion strength, compound muscle action potentials ratio of peroneal and tibial nerves (split index, SI) and semi-quantitative scoring scale of denervation potential. Clinical features: the proportion of decreased dorsiflexion was higher than decreased planter flexor strength in lower-limb involved ALS (77.2%vs 38.3%). Electrophysiological features: (1) SI in ALS was the lowest among four groups (Test statistic = 40.57, p < 0.001). (2) Percentage of positive denervation potential was higher in tibialis anterior than gastrocnemius muscle (χ2 = 87.12, p < 0.001). ROC curve: the SI cutoff was 0.52 and 0.33 respectively to differentiate ALS from lumbar spondylosis disease and peripheral neuropathy. Lower-limb involved ALS patients exhibited “split leg” phenomenon. The SI value could be used as an electrophysiological marker to differentiate ALS from lumbar spondylosis disease and peripheral neuropathy.
Estimating the risk of arbovirus transmission in Southern Europe using vector competence data
Authors: Mariconti Marina , Obadia Thomas , Mousson Laurence , Malacrida Anna , Gasperi Giuliano , Failloux Anna-Bella , Yen Pei-Shi
Published: November 2019

Arboviral diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses have been threatening the European countries since the introduction in 1979 of the major vectorAedes albopictus. In 2017, more than three hundred of CHIKV autochthonous cases were reported in Italy, highlighting the urgent need for a risk assessment of arboviral diseases in European countries. In this study, the vector competence for three major arboviruses were analyzed in eightAe.albopictuspopulations from Europe. Here we show that Southern EuropeanAe.albopictuswere susceptible to CHIKV, DENV-1 and ZIKV with the highest vector competence for CHIKV. Based on vector competence data and vector distribution, a prediction risk map for CHIKV was generated stressing the fear of CHIKV and to a lesser extent, of other arboviruses for Europe, calling us for new public health strategies.
Feasibility study of finalizing the extended adjuvant temozolomide based on methionine positron emission tomography (Met-PET) findings in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Hirono Seiichiro , Hasegawa Yuzo , Sakaida Tsukasa , Uchino Yoshio , Hatano Kazuo , Iuchi Toshihiko
Published: November 2019

In the management of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, there is no standard duration for adjuvant temozolomide treatment. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of finalizing adjuvant temozolomide treatment on the basis of methionine uptake in methionine positron emission tomography (Met-PET). We conducted a retrospective review of glioblastoma patients who underwent more than twelve cycles of temozolomide (extended temozolomide) treatment after resection and concomitant chemoradiotherapy with no evidence of recurrence on MRI. In addition to the methionine uptake value at the completion of extended temozolomide, local and distant recurrence and progression-free survival were also analyzed. Forty-four patients completed the extended temozolomide treatment. Among these, 18 experienced some type of tumor recurrence within one year. A Tmax/Nave value of 2.0 was the optimal cut-off value indicating progression. More than 80% of the patients with low methionine uptake completed the temozolomide treatment, and subsequent basic MRI observations showed no recurrence within one year after Met-PET. Subgroups with high uptake (≥2.0), even with continuation of temozolomide treatment, showed more frequent tumor progression than patients with low uptake (<2.0) who completed the extended temozolomide treatment (p < 0.001, odds ratio 14.7, 95% CI 3.46–62.3). The tumor recurrence rate increased in stepwise manner according to methionine uptake. Finalization of the extended temozolomide treatment on the basis of low uptake value was feasible with a low recurrence rate. Compared to MRI, Met-PET shows better ability to predict tumor progression in long-term glioblastoma survivors with extended temozolomide use.
Author Correction: Sex-based Differences in the Association between Body Composition and Incident Fracture Risk in Koreans
Authors: Kim Jung Hee , Hong A. Ram , Choi Hyung Jin , Ku Eu Jeong , Cho Nam H. , Shin Chan Soo
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Modelling Dunes from Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Brazil): Largest dune field in South America
Authors: dos Santos André Luís Silva , Borges Hélder Pereira , Silva Junior Celso Henrique Leite , Piedade Junior Raimundo Nonato , da Silva Bezerra Denilson
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
The effect of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor therapy on prostate cancer detection in the era of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kim Jung Kwon , Lee Hak Jong , Hwang Sung Il , Choe Gheeyoung , Kim Hak Ju , Hong Sung Kyu
Published: November 2019

We aimed to evaluate the effect of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) treatment on prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) detection in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) fusion biopsy in the current era of multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI). We retrospectively reviewed our TRUS/MRI fusion biopsy database (n = 706). Eighty (11.3%) patients who had used 5-ARI for more than one year at the time of biopsy were stratified as 5-ARI group. Subsequently, we performed comparative analyses of 5-ARI and non-5-ARI groups. csPCa was defined by a Gleason score ≥3 + 4 in a single biopsy core. Chi-squared test was used to evaluate the performance of mpMRI in predicting PCa/csPCa between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the significant variables associated with PCa detection. There were no significant differences in PCa/csPCa detection rates between 5-ARI and non-5-ARI groups (all, P > 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analyses for the evaluation of variables associated with csPCa detection, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.062; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.035–1.090; P < 0.001), pre-biopsy PSA (OR, 1.062; 95% CI, 1.034–1.090; P < 0.001), prostate volume on TRUS (OR, 0.956; 95% CI, 0.943–0.970, P < 0.001), and PI-RADsV2 category (OR, 5.528; 95% CI, 3.017–10.131; P < 0.001) were found to be significant predictors. However, 5-ARI had no significant association with PCa detection (P = 0.384). Conclusively, 5-ARI therapy did not adversely affect PCa/csPCa detection after TRUS/MRI fusion biopsy, which suggests that exposure to 5-ARI may not impair the performance of mpMRI.
Bevacizumab for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer patients with synchronous brain metastases
Authors: Ascha Mustafa S. , Wang Jacqueline Fang , Kumthekar Priya , Sloan Andrew E. , Kruchko Carol , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S.
Published: November 2019

Bevacizumab is FDA-approved in the treatment of primary brain tumors, but its efficacy in patients with brain metastases could be better-studied. This study examines a population of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with synchronous brain metastases to identify predictors of the decision to use bevacizumab and survival following bevacizumab treatment. Primary cancer registry data were used to determine which NSCLC patients diagnosed in the years 2010 through 2012 had synchronous brain metastases at the time of diagnosis, and Medicare claims used to identify a population of patients treated with bevacizumab. Record of bevacizumab treatment was found for 81 and 666 patients with and without brain metastases, respectively. After adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics, bevacizumab was associated with 0.88 times the hazard of mortality in the elderly NSCLC population (95% CI: 0.81–0.96, p: 0.003) and a corresponding hazard ratio of 0.75 in the population of elderly NSCLC patients with synchronous brain metastases (95% CI: 0.59–0.96, p: 0.020). Bevacizumab may benefit NSCLC patients with synchronous brain metastases more than it does patients without intracranial disease, possibly as a result of its multiple potential mechanisms of action simultaneously inhibiting angiogenesis and minimizing vasogenic edema.
A spectroscopic and computational study of a tough MOF with a fragile linker: Ce-UiO-66-ADC
Authors: Airi Alessia , Atzori Cesare , Bonino Francesca , Damin Alessandro , Øien-Ødegaard Sigurd , Aunan Erlend , Bordiga Silvia
Published: November 2019

A spectroscopic and computational insight in the defective nature of the acetylene dicarboxylic acid based Ce-MOF, having UiO-66 topology and denoted as Ce-UiO-66-ADC MOF.
Influence of the solvent environment on luminescent centers within carbon dots
Authors: Stepanidenko Evgeniia A. , Arefina Irina A. , Khavlyuk Pavel D. , Dubavik Aliaksei , Bogdanov Kirill V. , Bondarenko Daniil P. , Cherevkov Sergei A. , Kundelev Evgeny V. , Fedorov Anatoly V. , Baranov Alexander V. , Maslov Vladimir G. , Ushakova Elena V. , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: November 2019

The influence of chlorine-containing solvents on the optical properties of carbon dots supports the existence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
A hybrid polymer to target blood group dependence of cholera toxin
Authors: Haksar Diksha , Quarles van Ufford Linda , Pieters Roland J.
Published: November 2019

New hybrid glycopolymers were synthesized that contain two epitopes blocking GM1- and fucose-based intoxication modes of the cholera toxin.
An amine-functionalized mesoporous silica-supported PdIr catalyst: boosting room-temperature hydrogen generation from formic acid
Authors: Nie Wendan , Luo Yixing , Yang Qifeng , Feng Gang , Yao Qilu , Lu Zhang-Hui
Published: November 2019

PdIr/SBA-15-NH2 nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile surface functionalization and co-reduction method and used as a superior catalyst for complete and fast dehydrogenation of formic acid at room temperature.
A hybrid nanoparticle/alkoxide ink for inkjet printing of TiO2: a templating effect to form anatase at 200 °C
Authors: Turner Josh , Aspinall Helen C. , Rushworth Simon , Black Kate
Published: November 2019

Novel hybrid nanoparticle/alkoxide inks for the inkjet printing of low temperature anatase TiO2.
Analysis of antisense oligonucleotides with the use of ionic liquids as mobile phase modifiers
Authors: Kaczmarkiewicz Anna , Zielak Judyta , Nuckowski Łukasz , Studzińska Sylwia
Published: November 2019

The main goal of this study was the investigation of the impact of several ionic liquids, commonly used as free silanol suppressors, on the retention and separation of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides.
The effect of graphitization degree of carbonaceous material on the electrochemical performance for aluminum-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Junxiang , Tu Jiguo , Lei Haiping , Zhu Hongmin
Published: November 2019

The discharge capacity of graphitic carbon from non-graphitizable carbon strongly depends on the graphitization degree when used for aluminum-ion batteries.
Observation of the transition state of domain wall displacement and GMI effect of FINEMET/graphene composite ribbons
Authors: Zou Jintang , Chen Yijun , Li Xin , Song Yenan , Zhao Zhenjie
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of FINEMET/graphene composite ribbons are systematically studied by SEM, Raman and static methods (hysteresis loops) and the dynamic method (giant magneto-impedance effect, GMI) respectively.
Improvement of near-infrared (NIR) reflectivity and black color tone by doping Zn2+ into the Ca2Mn0.85Ti0.15O4 structure
Authors: Oka Ryohei , Iwasaki Senri , Masui Toshiyuki
Published: November 2019

The near infrared reflectivity and black color tone of a Ca2Mn0.85Ti0.15O4 pigment were improved by the introduction of strain with Zn2+ doping into the [MnO6] octahedra and a decrease in the manganese ion concentration.
New spirobisnaphthalenes from an endolichenic fungus strain CGMCC 3.15192 and their anticancer effects through the P53–P21 pathway
Authors: Li Jingwen , Ding Rong , Gao Hao , Guo Liangdong , Yao Xinsheng , Zhang Youwei , Tang Jinshan
Published: November 2019

New spirobisnaphthalenes from an endolichenic fungus strain and their anticancer effects mediated by the P53–P21 pathway.
Diverse autophagy and apoptosis in myeloid leukemia cells induced by 20(s)-GRh2 and blue LED irradiation
Authors: Zhuang Jianjian , Yin Juxin , Xu Chaojian , Jiang Mengmeng , Lv Shaowu
Published: November 2019

Blue LED and 20(S)-GRh2 induced apoptosis and autophagy in cells.
Transport of polymer-modified nanoparticles in nanochannels coated with polymers
Authors: Li Lujuan , Cao Qianqian , Liu Hao , Gu Zhiqing , Yu Ying , Huang Fengli , Zuo Chuncheng
Published: November 2019

Using molecular dynamics simulations based on explicit-solvent model, we study migration of polymer-modified nanoparticles through nanochannels coated with polymers.
Collective absorption of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene into lipid membranes and its effects on bilayer properties. A computational study
Authors: Yang Hong , Zhou Mi , Li Huarong , Liu Liu , Zhou Yang , Long Xinping
Published: November 2019

The widely used explosive, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), is a highly toxic chemical, which can cause hepatitis, cataracts, jaundice and so on, in humans.
Green syntheses of silver nanoparticle decorated reduced graphene oxide using l-methionine as a reducing and stabilizing agent for enhanced catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol and antibacterial activity
Authors: Belachew Neway , Meshesha Desta Shumuye , Basavaiah Keloth
Published: November 2019

Herein, we have reported a facile and green synthesis approach of Ag NP decorated reduced graphene oxide (RGO) through an in situ self-assembly method in the presence of l-methionine (l-Met) as reducing and stabilizing agent.
1,4-Benzenedimethanethiol (1,4-BDMT) as a scavenger for greener peptide resin cleavages
Authors: Pawlas Jan , Svensson Thomas , Rasmussen Jon H.
Published: November 2019

1,4-BDMT is a benign, non-odorous scavenger for peptide resin cleavages which provides crude peptides in higher quality than the aliphatic thiols used for this purpose.
Porous g-C3N4 covered MOF-derived nanocarbon materials for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Chao , Chen Xi
Published: November 2019

Here, we report a porous g-C3N4 covered MOF-derived nanocarbon material with large surface area and high nitrogen doping for supercapacitors.
Catalytic methanation of CO2 in biogas: experimental results from a reactor at full scale
Authors: Dannesboe Christian , Hansen John Bøgild , Johannsen Ib
Published: November 2019

Methanation technology for direct catalytic upgrading of CO2 in biogas is proven ready for full scale implementation.
Clogging of microfluidic constrictions by monoclonal antibody aggregates: role of aggregate shape and deformability
Authors: Duchêne Charles , Filipe Vasco , Huille Sylvain , Lindner Anke
Published: November 2019

Using a microfluidic model system, we demonstrate that aggregates formed in solutions of monoclonal antibodies geometrically clog constrictions and that unclogging can be obtained by increasing the applied pressure through aggregate deformability.
Temporal evolution of concentration and microstructure of colloidal films during vertical drying: a lattice Boltzmann simulation study
Authors: Chun Byoungjin , Yoo Taehyung , Jung Hyun Wook
Published: November 2019

Computer simulations of colloidal film drying including hydrodynamic interactions between the particles.
Chemically coupled NiCoS/C nanocages as efficient electrocatalysts for nitrogen reduction reactions
Authors: Wu Xueke , Wang Zuochao , Han Yi , Zhang Dan , Wang Minghui , Li Hongdong , Zhao Huan , Pan Yue , Lai Jianping , Wang Lei
Published: November 2019

Chemically coupled NiCoS/C nanocages were synthesized by etching ZIF-67 and vulcanizing at a low temperature. With the unique structure and strong chemical coupled effect, NiCoS/C nanocages show good NRR activity and stability at a low potential.
Highly dispersed nickel nitride nanoparticles on nickel nanosheets as an active catalyst for hydrazine electrooxidation
Authors: Lin Xi , Wen He , Zhang Deng-Xue , Cao Guo-Xuan , Wang Ping
Published: November 2019

Tiny Ni3N nanoparticles dispersed on Ni nanosheets exhibit an impressively high activity towards N2H4 electrooxidation.
Cation exchange synthesis of two-dimensional vertical Cu2S/CdS heterojunctions for photovoltaic device applications
Authors: Zhan Yangyang , Shao Zhibin , Jiang Tianhao , Ye Jing , Wu Xiaofeng , Zhang Bingchang , Ding Ke , Wu Di , Jie Jiansheng
Published: November 2019

For the first time, two-dimensional vertical Cu2S/CdS heterojunctions with ultrathin thickness and large size were prepared by the cation exchange reaction for high-efficiency photovoltaic applications.
Recent progress in g-C3N4 quantum dots: synthesis, properties and applications in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Wang Teng , Nie Chunyang , Ao Zhimin , Wang Shaobin , An Taicheng
Published: November 2019

Graphitic-C3N4 quantum dots (g-C3N4QDs), which can be prepared by top-down and bottom-up synthesis, exhibit excellent optical features. They can act as different roles during the photo(electro)catalytic removal of organic pollutants.
Surface oxygen-mediated ultrathin PtRuM (Ni, Fe, and Co) nanowires boosting methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Li Hongdong , Pan Yue , Zhang Dan , Han Yi , Wang Zuochao , Qin Yingnan , Lin Shuangyan , Wu Xueke , Zhao Huan , Lai Jianping , Huang Bolong , Wang Lei
Published: November 2019

The surface-oxygen-modified ultrathin Pt62Ru18Ni20–O/C nanowires catalyst exhibits outstanding mass activity, excellent stability, and CO anti-poisoning for methanol oxidation reaction in acidic medium by DFT and electrochemical experiments.
“Tuning aggregativeversusnon-aggregative lectin binding with glycosylated nanoparticles by the nature of the polymer ligand”
Authors: Georgiou Panagiotis G. , Baker Alexander N. , Richards Sarah-Jane , Laezza Antonio , Walker Marc , Gibson Matthew I.
Published: November 2019

Varying the nature of polymeric linkers modulates the aggregation response of glycosylated nanoparticles upon interaction with lectins.
First successful stabilization of consolidated amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) by cold sintering: toward highly-resorbable reactive bioceramics
Authors: Luginina Marina , Orru Roberto , Cao Giacomo , Grossin David , Brouillet Fabien , Chevallier Geoffroy , Thouron Carole , Drouet Christophe
Published: November 2019

An adequate tuning of amorphous calcium phosphates ionic composition and cold sintering conditions allowed the first successful stabilization of these bioactive compounds. These results show promise for the setup of highly-resorbable bone substitutes.
Aggregation-induced red-shifted emission and fluorescent patterning of poly(aryleneethynylene) with a lateral AIEgen substituent
Authors: Meng Zhengong , Fu Kuo , Zhao Yang , Zhang Yanfeng , Wei Zhuoxun , Liu Yi , Ren Xiang-Kui , Yu Zhen-Qiang
Published: November 2019

A poly(aryleneethynylene)-based polymer with a lateral AIEgen showed a large red-shift in emission during aggregation and various high-resolution fluorescent patterns were fabricated by imprinting lithography.
HuoXue QianYang QuTan Recipe attenuates left ventricular hypertrophy in obese hypertensive rats by improving mitochondrial function through SIRT1/PGC-1α deacetylation pathway
Authors: Wang Jing , Dong Zhen-Hua , Gui Ming-Tai , Yao Lei , Li Jian-Hua , Zhou Xun-Jie , Fu De-Yu
Published: November 2019

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a vital role in the progression of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Previous studies have confirmed that the disorder of SIRT1/PGC-1α deacetylation pathway aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction. HuoXue QianYang QuTan Recipe (HQQR) is a commonly used prescription that has shown therapeutic effects on obesity hypertension and its complications. However, the potential mechanisms are still unclear. In the present study, obesity hypertension (OBH) was established in rats and we investigated the efficacy and mechanisms of HQQR on LVH. Rats were divided into the five groups: (1) WKY-ND group, (2) SHR-ND group, (3) OBH-HF group, (4) OBH-HF/V group and (5) OBH-HF/H group. We evaluated body weight, Lee index and blood pressure (BP) before and every 2 weeks after treatment. After 10 weeks of treatment, we mainly detected glycolipid metabolic index, the severity of LVH, mitochondrial function along with SIRT1/PGC-1α deacetylation pathway. Our results showed that HQQR significantly lowered body weight, Lee index, BP and improved the disorder of glycolipid metabolism in OBH rats. Importantly, we uncovered HQQR could alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction in OBH rats by regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α deacetylation pathway. These changes could be associated with the inhibition of LVH.
Parallel strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm‐II based image encryption
Authors: Kaur Manjit , Singh Dilbag , Singh Uppal Raminder
Published: November 2019

In recent years, many image encryption approaches have been proposed on the basis of chaotic maps. The various types of chaotic maps such as one‐dimensional and multi‐dimensional have been used to generate the secret keys. Chaotic maps require some parameters and value assignment to these parameters is very crucial. Because, poor value assignments may make the chaotic map un‐chaotic. Therefore, hyper‐parameter tuning of chaotic maps is required. Recently, meta‐heuristic based image encryption approaches have been designed by researchers to resolve this issue. However, the majority of the techniques suffer from poor computational speed and stuck in local optima problems. Therefore, in this study, a strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm‐II based meta‐heuristic approach is proposed to tune the hyper‐parameters of the four‐dimensional chaotic map. The proposed approach is also implemented in a parallel fashion to enhance the computational speed. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is evaluated through extensive experiments. Comparative analyses show that the proposed approach outperforms the competitive approaches in terms of entropy, NPCR, UACI, and PSNR by , , , and , respectively.
High‐power combiners with terminating resistors for DTV applications in the frequency range of 470–860 MHz
Authors: Momenzadeh Melika , Ahmadi Arash
Published: November 2019

In this study, a broadband high‐power combiner for digital video broadcasting‐terrestrial (DVB‐T) applications is presented. The proposed broadband combiner is a combination of a bisection Wilkinson power combiner, some coaxial baluns and 50‐Ω terminating resistors. For increased power capability and wideband performance, the floating resistors are replaced by, two 50‐Ω terminating resistors using coaxial baluns. The wideband combiner is analysed by even and odd mode method. As the inherent capacitance of the terminating resistors is lower compared to the capacitance of a floating resistor, the isolation and return loss are less affected in wideband applications. The proposed power combiner covers the frequency range of 470–860 MHz, which is intended for DVB‐T applications. A second planar wideband high‐power combiner is also introduced in this study as another extension to the proposed power combiner, in which the coaxial baluns have been replaced with overlay quadrature hybrids. This combiner features a planar structure and utilises some standard 50‐Ω terminating resistors as the isolation resistor. The electrical performance of these power combiners is compared to each other. The first and the second power combiners are designed to handle up to 600 and 400 W output power, respectively.
The extended molecular envelope of the asymptotic giant branch star π1 Gruis as seen by ALMA
Authors: Doan L. , Ramstedt S. , Vlemmings W. H. T. , Mohamed S. , Höfner S. , De Beck E. , Kerschbaum F. , Lindqvist M. , Maercker M. , Paladini C. , Wittkowski M.
Published: November 2019

Context. This study is a follow up to the previous analysis of lower-angular resolution data in which the kinematics and structure of the circumstellar envelope (CSE) around the S-type asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star π1 Gruis were investigated. The AGB star has a known companion (at a separation of ~400 AU) that cannot explain the strong deviations from spherical symmetry of the CSE. Recently, hydrodynamic simulations of mass transfer in closer binary systems have successfully reproduced the spiral-shaped CSEs found around a handful of sources. There is growing evidence for an even closer, undetected companion complicating the case of π1 Gruis further.

Aims. The improved spatial resolution allows for the investigation of the complex circumstellar morphology and the search for imprints on the CSE of the third component.

Methods. We have observed the 12CO J = 3–2 line emission from π1 Gruis using both the compact and extended array of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The interferometric data have furthermore been combined with data from the ALMA total power array. The imaged brightness distribution has been used to constrain a non-local, non-local thermodynamic equilibrium 3D radiative transfer model of the CSE.

Results. The high-angular resolution ALMA data have revealed the first example of a source on the AGB where both a faster bipolar outflow and a spiral pattern along the orbital plane can be seen in the gas envelope. The spiral can be traced in the low- to intermediate-velocity (13–25 km s−1) equatorial torus. The largest spiral-arm separation is ≈5.′′5 and consistent with a companion with an orbital period of ≈330 yr and a separation of less than 70 AU. The kinematics of the bipolar outflow is consistent with it being created during a mass-loss eruption where the mass-loss rate from the system increased by at least a factor of five for 10–15 yr.

Conclusions. The spiral pattern is the result of an undetected companion. The bipolar outflow is the result of a rather recent mass-loss eruption event.