bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Should we consider gallbladder cancer a new smoking‐related cancer? A comprehensive meta‐analysis focused on dose–response relationships
Authors: Lugo Alessandra , Peveri Giulia , Gallus Silvano
Published: September 2019

The few studies on the association of smoking with gallbladder cancer risk have given conflicting results. Here, we provide the most accurate and up‐to‐date quantification of the effect of cigarette smoking on gallbladder cancer risk, and investigate for the first time the dose–response relationships. Using an innovative approach for the identification of publications, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of epidemiological studies published until March 2019 on the association of smoking with gallbladder cancer risk. Pooled relative risks (RRs) for smoking were estimated using random‐effects models; one‐stage random‐effects log‐linear models were used for dose–response relationships. Out of 22 eligible articles, 20 (11 case–control and 9 cohort studies) were included in the meta‐analysis, for a total of 4,676 gallbladder cancer cases. Compared to never smokers, the pooled RR was 1.33 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.51) for current and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.94–1.23) for former smokers. The risk of gallbladder cancer increased linearly with smoking intensity and duration, the RR being 1.60 (95% CI: 1.21–2.11) for 30 cigarettes/day and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.01–1.56) for 30 years of smoking. There was a nonsignificant linear decrease in gallbladder cancer risk with increasing time since quitting, compared to current smokers. Former smokers reached the risk of those who had never smoked 20 years after quitting. This comprehensive meta‐analysis suggests a moderately but significantly higher risk of gallbladder cancer for current but not former smokers. We also provide the first report of a linear increase in gallbladder cancer risk according to smoking intensity and duration.
Functional connectivity differences in brain networks from childhood to youth
Authors: İçer Semra
Published: September 2019

Examining while using the resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) of brain development in terms of functional connectivity between childhood and adulthood in healthy subjects gives important information. In this study, it was aimed to examine the changes in functional networks between healthy age groups by using rs‐fMRI for prepuberty (childhood), puberty, and adolescence by examining changes within and between networks. The rs‐fMRI data in this study were obtained from the New York University Child Study in ADHD200 database. The data that 53 healthy subjects selected from the New York University dataset were split into three groups in the 8‐9, 13‐14, and 16‐18 age ranges, and these groups included 18, 18, and 17 healthy subjects, respectively. The functional connectivity of data that preprocessed using the statistical parametric mapping routine was analyzed with ROI‐to‐ROI analysis by the CONN toolbox and the changes in the resting brain networks were obtained. Multiple voxel comparisons in statistical analyses were determined with the false discovery rate corrected p value (p‐FDR), p < .05 for positive and negative correlations. According to our findings, within‐network connectivity increases from childhood to young adulthood, and the connection between networks is weaker in childhood, also it has many dispersed connections, but less and strong links came out with advancing age. In addition, the brain begins to show a number of functional differences in adolescence, along with new changes that occur. The examination of resting‐state networks in healthy children will make significant contributions to the scientific infrastructure and literature in terms of both identifying normal brain development and comparing it with neurological and psychiatric problems.
MicroRNAs expression profiling in Egyptian colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Bader El Din Noha G. , Ibrahim Marwa K. , El‐Shenawy Reem , Salum Ghada M. , Farouk Sally , Zayed Naglaa , Khairy Ahmed , El Awady Mostafa
Published: September 2019

Egypt has increased incidence and high rate of early onset colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to profile the expression levels of 84 circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in Egyptian CRC patients and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of some selected miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC patients. A total of 129 subjects (84 CRC patients and 45 healthy controls) were enrolled in two independent sample sets: the screening set (39 subjects) and the validation set (90 subjects). The expression profiles of 84 miRNAs were studied by miRNA PCR array in the screening set. Then four miRNAs (let‐7c, 21, 26a, 146a) were selected to be studied by quantitative real‐time PCR in the validation set. The PCR array results revealed significant up regulation of 20 miRNAs and downregulation of two miRNAs in CRC patients compared to the healthy subjects. Moreover, the expression levels of the four selected miRNAs were significantly higher in CRC serum samples than controls. The ROC analysis revealed that miRNAs (let‐7c, 21, 26a and 146a) can effectively discriminate between CRC patients and the controls. The combination of the four miRNAs showed AUC of 0.950 (95% CI [0.898–1.002], p = .001). However, the combination of miR‐21 and miR‐26a showed the best diagnostic accuracy with AUC of 0.953 (95% CI [0.908–0.999], p = .001). The current data suggest that miRNAs (let‐7c, 21, 26a, 146a) could play an important role in CRC development and they can be used as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.
Decreased SPTLC1 expression predicts worse outcomes in ccRCC patients
Authors: Zhu Wen‐Kai , Xu Wen‐Hao , Wang Jun , Huang Yong‐Qiang , Abudurexiti Mierxiati , Qu Yuan‐Yuan , Zhu Yi‐Ping , Zhang Hai‐Liang , Ye Ding‐Wei
Published: September 2019

Objective

Serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 1 (SPTLC1) catalyzes the first step in sphingolipid synthesis and has been implicated in the progression of various cancers. However, its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the expression and prognostic value of SPTLC1 in ccRCC.

Methods

Three ccRCC patient cohorts were studied. ccRCC and adjacent normal kidney tissue samples were obtained from 183 patients at the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) and subjected to immunohistochemical staining and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction to evaluate SPTLC1 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Two validation cohorts consisting of mRNA and clinicopathological data sets from patients with ccRCC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, n = 429) and Oncomine (n = 178) databases. Associations between low and high SPTLC1 mRNA and protein expression and survival were evaluated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. Independent prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

SPTLC1 mRNA or protein were expressed at significantly lower levels in ccRCC tissues compared with normal kidney tissues in all three patient cohorts (P < .001). Low SPTLC1 expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival in the FUSCC (P = .041) and Oncomine (P < .001) cohorts, and was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (P < .0001) and progression‐free survival (P < .001) in the TCGA cohort. Bioinformatics analysis identified 10 genes significantly coregulated with SPTLC1 in ccRCC, most of which contributed to sphingomyelin metabolism (SPTLC2, SPTLC3, SPTSSA, SPTSSB, ORMDL1, ORMDL2, ORMDL3, ZDHHC9, GOLGA7B, and KDSR). Functional enrichment analysis predicted that SPTLC1 and its network play significant roles in inflammatory, hypoxia, and interferon gamma responses, and in allograft rejection pathways.

Conclusion

Low SPTLC1 expression is significantly associated with disease progression and poor survival in patients with ccRCC, suggesting that SPTLC1 may function as a tumor suppressor. Thus, SPTLC1 could be a potential new biomarker and/or therapeutic target for ccRCC.
Cyclic fatigue and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy examination of the novel ROTATE instrument
Authors: Ertuğrul İhsan F. , Orhan Ekim O.
Published: September 2019

To investigate the cyclic fatigue resistance of novel ROTATE instruments and to compare with the same size of One Curve, TF adaptive, and Mtwo instruments using a root canal simulation model. Four‐type of 25/0.06 instruments were used: ROTATE, Mtwo, One Curve, TF adaptive. Instruments were divided into two subgroups: Distilled water and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (n = 20). Instruments were operated at 35°C. The time to fracture and the length of the fractured fragments were compared One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's multiple comparison tests (p < .05). Descriptive analysis was performed for the elemental composition of instruments by Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. ROTATE demonstrated the lowest Ni content and SD values. ROTATE had significantly higher NCF values than other groups (p < .0001). Sodium hypochlorite was decreased the mean NCF values. This is the first study in the literature on the cyclic fatigue of ROTATE. ROTATE presented higher cyclic fatigue life than One Curve, TF Adaptive, and Mtwo.
A Novel Synthesis and Antioxidant Evaluation of Functionalized [1,3]‐Oxazoles Using Fe3O4‐Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Soleimani‐Amiri Somayeh , Shafaei Faezeh , Varasteh Moradi Ali , Gholami‐Orimi Fathali , Rostami Zohreh
Published: September 2019

In this research, green procedure was employed for biosynthesis of magnetic nanoparticles of iron oxide (Fe3O4‐MNPs) by reduction of ferric chloride solution with Orange peel water extract. Also, dihydro‐2H‐cyclopenta[d][1,3]oxazole was generated through multicomponent reaction of 1,3‐oxazole‐2(3H)‐thione, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, α‐haloketones, and Fe3O4‐MNPs as catalyst at ambient temperature in good yield. Initially, 1,3‐oxazole‐2(3H)‐thione derivatives as one of the precursors are produced through the reaction of alkyl bromides, isothiocyanate, sodium hydride, and Fe3O4‐MNPs as catalyst water at ambient temperature in 83–95% yields. Also, diphenyl‐picrylhydrazine radical trapping and ferric reduction activity potential assays are used for evaluation of antioxidant activity of some synthesized compounds. Among investigated compounds, 4b has good power for radical trapping activity and 4d has good reduction power to butylated hydroxytoluene and 2‐tert‐butylhydroquinone.
Design, Synthesis, Antimicrobial Evaluation, and Laccase Catalysis Effect of Novel Benzofuran–Oxadiazole and Benzofuran–Triazole Hybrids
Authors: Faiz Sadia , Zahoor Ameer Fawad , Ajmal Muhammad , Kamal Shagufta , Ahmad Sajjad , Abdelgawad Abdelrahman M. , Elnaggar Mehrez E.
Published: September 2019

Novel structural hybrids of benzofuran–oxadiazole and benzofuran–triazole have been synthesized and evaluated for their potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. The excellent antibiotic activity was shown by compounds 5c and 9c against S. aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration values in 1.74–5.16 mg/mL range. The estimation of in vitro antifungal activity of synthetic compounds was performed against Trichoderma harzianum, Aspergillus niger, and Metarhizium anisopliae. Among compounds 5a–5j, only 5h and 5i showed promising antifungal potential against T. harzianum and A. niger, whereas compound 5j showed enhanced antifungal effect only against A. niger when their activity values were compared with standard drug amphotericin. No pronounced antifungal activity was shown by synthesized compounds 9a–j, except for compound 9g, which was active against all fungal strains having minimum inhibitory concentration values in 1.90–2.03 mg/mL range. In addition to antimicrobial evaluation, the synthesized compounds were also analyzed to study their effects on the catalytic potential of laccase, and it was found that among all, compound 9b showed very strong activity with maximum relative reactivity of 145% at 0.03‐mM concentration.
Design of low‐power high‐speed CNFET 1‐trit unbalanced ternary multiplier
Authors: Shrivastava Yogesh , Gupta Tarun Kumar
Published: September 2019

Existing two‐level binary logic and MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) technology have limitations. To overcome the limitations, three levels ternary logic with CNFET (carbon nanotube field effect transistor) technology is introduced. In this paper, the 1‐trit ternary multiplier is reconfigured for wide applications using CNFET Stanford model, for low and high die temperature. The proposed design is compared with two existing designs of the multiplier on the basis of power consumption, delay, requirements of the chip area, and other parameters. The proposed design uses a decoder that is a modified version of existing decoders. The role of the modified decoder is to convert ternary signals into binary form. Because of this conversion, analysis and implementation of the circuit become easier along with improvement in power consumption and delay with other parameters at low and high temperature.
Pharmaceutical quality of antibiotics in Small Island Nations in the Western Pacific region: a pilot survey
Authors: Scrimgeour Sophia , Nunan Michael , Sanburg Amanda L. C. , Jones Alison , Narkowicz Christian , Jacobson Glenn A. , Schneider Jennifer J. , McLachlan Andrew J. , Quilty Simon
Published: September 2019

Background

Australia's closest neighbours in the Western Pacific face many procurement, distribution and regulatory challenges providing patients with quality pharmaceuticals on limited budgets. This study tested the hypothesis that some antibiotics being used within the healthcare systems of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands were substandard, and through this pilot project explored challenges and constraints around collaborative regional pharmaceutical quality testing opportunities.

Methods

A list of 11 commonly used and ‘essential’ acute care intravenous and oral antibiotic products was compiled. A purposive sample of 20 units of each listed medicine was collected at the earliest possible point of the supply chain within the three participating nations. These samples were transported to Australia for analysis.

Results

All oral and intravenous product samples complied with uniformity of mass standards, except for oral amoxicillin from Country 3. Most antibiotics showed uniformity of content except for cloxacillin.

Conclusion

Most samples met quality standards, except for cloxacillin, which failed dramatically and this may indicate increased susceptibility to degradation in tropical settings. Although the results are reassuring compared with recent studies of pharmaceutical quality in this region, products of substandard quality were identified. The issues encountered in the timely testing of samples demonstrate the need for innovative solutions to promote pharmaceutical quality assurance, particularly in resource‐limited settings. Strategic regional cooperation could greatly increase testing capability for Small Island Nations, benefiting the most vulnerable populations and strengthening antibiotic stewardship across the region.
Tracing the production area of citrus fruits using aroma‐active compounds and their quality evaluation models
Authors: Zhang Wenlin , Chen Tingting , Tang Jianmin , Sundararajan Balasubramani , Zhou Zhiqin
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Aroma is one of the most important aspects of fruit quality and can reflect the characteristics of different fruits. Aroma‐active compounds can usefully be employed to trace the production areas of two citrus cultivars (‘Eureka’ lemon and ‘Huapi’ kumquat) and to evaluate their aroma quality.

RESULTS

‘Huapi’ kumquat peel displayed higher monoterpene and sesquiterpene compound content, whereas ‘Eureka’ lemon peel exhibited higher monoterpene and monoterpene aldehyde compound content. ‘Eureka’ lemon peel (‘Wanzhou’ cultivar) had higher nerol acetate and geraniol acetate compound content. Kumquat peel (‘Suichuan’ and ‘Rongan’ cultivars) had higher sesquiterpene content. In addition, 30 and 31 aroma‐active compounds were observed in kumquat and lemon, respectively, based on their odor activity values. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) results indicated that classification for production areas based on aroma‐active compounds was useful. The selected aroma‐active compounds have been checked as aroma quality parameters that could be used with multivariate analysis to establish a model of aroma quality evaluation. Higher aroma quality values from kumquat and lemon were collected from Rongan and Wanzhou cultivars, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aroma‐active compounds can be used to discriminate production areas using multivariate statistics. An objective method was established to evaluate the aroma quality of citrus fruits. ‘Huapi’ kumquat and ‘Eureka’ lemon, which had the highest aroma quality, was harvested from the Rongan and Wanzhou production areas. This was the first time that the aroma quality of citrus fruits was evaluated using multivariate analysis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Selenium affects the activity of black tea in preventing metabolic syndrome in high‐fat diet‐fed Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Gao Ying , Xu Yongquan , Ruan Jianyun , Yin Junfeng
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome, a group of factors that increase the risk of health problems, is becoming increasingly common. Strategies to prevent metabolic syndrome have received substantial attention. Black tea consumption and selenium (Se) intake have been reported to be associated negatively with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. We therefore sought to investigate whether Se‐rich black tea might have a stronger effect than Se‐deficient black tea in the prevention of metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed a normal rodent diet, high‐fat diet, high‐fat diet containing 3% Se‐rich black tea, or a high‐fat diet containing 3% Se‐deficient black tea for 4 weeks. Blood and tissue samples were tested at the end of the experiment. The results suggested that both types of black tea ameliorated high‐fat diet‐induced body‐weight gain, lowered serum triglycerides and attenuated intestinal barrier dysfunction. Selenium‐rich black tea showed stronger activity in decreasing fasting serum glucose and increasing insulin sensitivity, as well as stronger hepatoprotection, owing to higher total antioxidant capacity and activated hepatic antioxidant enzymes. However, it did not exhibit better effects in preventing fat accumulation. The different effects of Se‐rich and Se‐deficient black tea on the gut microbiota might have been partially responsible for the results.

CONCLUSION

Compared with Se‐deficient black tea, Se‐rich black tea displayed stronger activity in preventing high‐fat diet‐induced hyperglycemia and liver damage but was not better at preventing fat accumulation and attenuating dysbiosis. More experiments are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms further. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A simple liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry approach for the simultaneous quantification of thirteen compounds in rats following oral administration of raw and processedFructus Xanthii: Application in a comparative pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Jiang Hai , Yang Liu , Xing Xudong , Yan Meiling , Guo Xinyue , Man Wenjing , Hou Ajiao , Yang Bingyou , Wang Qiu‐Hong , Kuang Hai‐Xue
Published: September 2019

A simple and sensitive analysis using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with a tandem mass spectrometric system operated in selected reaction monitoring mode was developed for the determination of 11 phenolic acids, atractyloside, and carboxyatractyloside in rat plasma. The two classes of analytes were then separated on a Waters ACQUITY™ UPLC HSS T3 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) using gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.2% formic acid in water containing 10 mM ammonium acetate and methanol. Detection was accomplished by selected reaction monitoring scanning via an electrospray source operating in negative ionization mode. The calibration curve was linear (R2 = 0.990) over a concentration range of 1.20–3500 ng/mL, while the validated lower limit of quantification was 1.20 ng/mL. The precision varied from 0.84 to 4.62%, and the accuracy varied within ±5%. The method proved robust with sample freezing and thawing and with short‐ and long‐term sample storage. The established method was used for simultaneous quantification and was successfully used for the first time for the pharmacokinetic evaluation of 13 compounds after the intragastric administration of raw and processedFructus Xanthiiin rats. The results indicated that processing affects the absorption and metabolism ofFructus Xanthiiextract. Importantly, the results also indicated the importance of processing for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine.
Obstructive sleep apnea treatment in adults
Authors: Chang Hong‐Po , Chen Yu‐Feng , Du Je‐Kang
Published: September 2019

Sleep‐related breathing disorders are complex problems that decrease quality of life and increase morbidity and mortality in patients. Comprehensive evaluation is essential for selecting and planning obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatments. However, the many proposed OSA treatments are rarely compared in the literature. The literature on OSA consists largely of case series studies, and the paucity of controlled studies makes comparisons of OSA treatments difficult. This article provides a brief overview of the most common OSA interventions. Because of the controversies and unanswered questions about OSA treatments, further studies are needed to define what treatments are best for specific OSA patients.
Enhancement of Bactericidal Activity via Cyclic Poly(cationic liquid) Brushes
Authors: Liu Wenying , Dong Yishi , Liu Shengjie , Wei Ting , Wu Zhaoqiang , Chen Hong
Published: September 2019

In addition to extensive studies of conventional linear poly(ionic liquids) (PILs), exploration of the effects of PIL topology, especially cyclic architecture, on bactericidal properties will expand the design possibilities for the development of excellent antibacterial surfaces. Herein, the preparation of antibacterial surfaces based on cyclic PIL brushes is reported for the first time and how the cyclic PIL architecture affects bactericidal activity is investigated. It is shown that the cyclic architecture imparted PIL brushes with enhanced bactericidal activity, achieving only 1.7% of bacterial viable percentage against gram‐negative Escherichia coli using Live/Dead staining methods, compared to 6.6% for the corresponding linear PIL brushes. The enhanced bactericidal activity is also validated by the direct observation of scanning electron microscopy and a colony counting assay. Further mechanism studies reveal that the substantially different morphologies of cyclic aggregates and altered surface charge density induced by the cyclic PIL architecture can account for the enhanced bactericidal activity.
Overt Hypogonadism May Not Be a Sentinel Sign of RING Finger Protein 216: Two Novel Mutations Associated with Ataxia, Chorea, and Fertility
Authors: Lieto Maria , Galatolo Daniele , Roca Alessandro , Cocozza Sirio , Pontillo Giuseppe , Fico Tommasina , Pane Chiara , Saccà Francesco , De Michele Giuseppe , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Filla Alessandro
Published: September 2019

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Coenzyme Q10 Upregulates Platelet cAMP/PKA Pathway and Attenuates Integrin αIIbβ3 Signaling and Thrombus Growth
Authors: Ya Fuli , Xu Xiaohong Ruby , Shi Yilin , Gallant Reid C. , Song Fenglin , Zuo Xiao , Zhao Yimin , Tian Zezhong , Zhang Cheng , Xu Xiping , Ling Wenhua , Ni Heyu , Yang Yan
Published: September 2019

Scope

Platelet integrin αIIbβ3 is the key mediator of atherothrombosis. Supplementation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a fat‐soluble molecule that exists in various foods, exerts protective cardiovascular effects. This study aims to investigate whether and how CoQ10 acts on αIIbβ3 signaling and thrombosis, the major cause of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and results

Using a series of platelet functional assays in vitro, it is demonstrated that CoQ10 reduces human platelet aggregation, granule secretion, platelet spreading, and clot retraction. It is further demonstrated that CoQ10 inhibits platelet integrin αIIbβ3 outside‐in signaling. These inhibitory effects are mainly mediated by upregulating cAMP/PKA pathway, where CoQ10 stimulates the A2A adenosine receptor and decreases phosphodiesterase 3A phosphorylation. Moreover, CoQ10 attenuates murine thrombus growth and vessel occlusion in a ferric chloride (FeCl3)‐induced thrombosis model in vivo. Importantly, the randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial in dyslipidemic patients demonstrates that 24 weeks of CoQ10 supplementation increases platelet CoQ10 concentrations, enhances the cAMP/PKA pathway, and attenuates αIIbβ3 outside‐in signaling, leading to decreased platelet aggregation and granule release.

Conclusion

Through upregulating the platelet cAMP/PKA pathway, and attenuating αIIbβ3 signaling and thrombus growth, CoQ10 supplementation may play an important protective role in patients with risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Use of Hypertonic Media to Cryopreserve Sauger Spermatozoa
Authors: Blawut Bryan , Wolfe Barbara , Moraes Christa R , Ludsin Stuart A , Coutinho da Silva Marco A
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of extender osmolality on postthaw sperm quality and fertility in Sauger Sander canadensis. Fresh milt from 10 male Saugers was diluted by using base extenders with osmolalities of 350, 500, or 750 mOsm/kg (E350, E500, and E750, respectively) containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide, frozen in LN2 vapor, and stored. Sperm parameters (total motility, progressive motility, velocity, and viability) were assessed at different steps of the cryopreservation process (extended, equilibrated, and postthaw). Fertilization rates were compared between fresh and frozen sperm and at two sperm-to-egg ratios. All of the parameters that were measured, except for progressive motility, were reduced by cryopreservation. Extender 500 yielded the highest postthaw progressive motility (32.20 ± 3.86% [mean ± SD]) and velocity (84.97 ± 16.82 μm/s), whereas both E350 and E500 displayed the highest total motility (65.30 ± 4.24 and 68.70 ± 6.46%) and viability (80.60 ± 4.84 and 78.80 ± 3.91%), respectively. By contrast, E750 yielded the lowest postthaw velocity, viability, and total and progressive motility. Despite the increase in the motility parameters, fertilization in E350 (13.93%) was approximately double that in E500 (6.58%), although not statistically different. In conclusion, traditional isosmotic base extenders (E350) were found to be superior to hypertonic base extenders in the preservation of Sauger milt. These results serve as a starting point for future investigations of cryopreservation potential for Sauger spermatozoa that work toward developing a freezing protocol that is more suitable for large-scale application.
Electrocyclic Ring‐Opening of 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole[4,5‐a]piridinium Chloride: a New Route to 1,2,4‐Oxadiazole Dienamino Compounds
Authors: Carella Stefano , Memeo Misal Giuseppe , Quadrelli Paolo
Published: September 2019

1,2,4‐Oxadiazole[4,5‐a]piridinium chloride adds nucleophiles to undergo electrocyclic ring opening affording 1,2,4‐oxadiazole dienamino derivatives. These pyridinium salts represent a special class of Zincke salts that are prone to rearrange when treated with primary amines or in the presence of bicarbonate to give the pyridones. The pivotal tuning of the experimental conditions leads to a straightforward synthesis of valuable 1,2,4‐oxadiazole dienamine derivatives. The mechanism is also discussed in the light of NMR experiments and theoretical calculations.
Astaxanthin ameliorates cisplatin‐induced damage in normal human fibroblasts
Authors: Yamaguchi Momoho , Tomihara Kei , Heshiki Wataru , Sakurai Kotaro , Sekido Katsuhisa , Tachinami Hidetake , Moniruzzaman Rohan , Inoue Sayaka , Fujiwara Kumiko , Noguchi Makoto
Published: September 2019

Objective

Oral mucositis is a common adverse side effect of cancer chemotherapy. Its management is of vital importance during cancer treatment. Oxidative stress against normal cells, including epithelial and stromal cells, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis. Fibroblasts may play a major role in the repair of oral mucosal tissue after chemotherapy. Astaxanthin (AST), a natural xanthophyll carotenoid, has sparked interest because of its strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. This study illustrates the protective effects of astaxanthin on normal fibroblasts damaged by chemotherapy.

Methods

Human normal fibroblasts were exposed to cisplatin. The cells were then assessed for cell viability, apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species, migratory activity, and expression of platelet‐derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) in the absence or presence of astaxanthin.

Results

Astaxanthin protected fibroblasts from the side effects of cisplatin, such as reduction in cell viability, apoptotic cell death, generation of reactive oxygen species, reduction in migration activity, and reduced expression of PDGFRs.

Conclusions

Our results indicate a broad range of protection from cisplatin damage in fibroblasts by astaxanthin, implying its possible use as a novel therapeutic agent against chemotherapy‐induced oral mucositis.
Influences of buffer material and fabrication atmosphere on the electrical properties of CdTe solar cells
Authors: Awni Rasha A. , Li Deng‐Bing , Song Zhaoning , Bista Sandip S. , Razooqi Mohammed A. , Grice Corey R. , Chen Lei , Liyanage Geethika K. , Li Chongwen , Phillips Adam B. , Heben Michael J. , Ellingson Randy J. , Li Jian V. , Yan Yanfa
Published: September 2019

The electrical properties such as interface energy barriers, defect energy levels, and densities dictate the performance of thin film solar cells. Here, we show that these properties can be quantified in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin‐film solar cells using admittance spectroscopy‐based techniques. Our results reveal that the electrical properties in CdTe thin‐film solar cells depend on both buffer material and the fabrication atmosphere. We find that only a negligible front contact barrier exists at the CdS/CdTe front junction regardless of the fabrication atmospheres, while an obvious front barriers are observed at the ZnMgO (ZMO)/CdTe junctions. Both CdS/CdTe and ZMO/CdTe solar cells exhibit back contact barrier. The energy level of defects is shallower in CdS/CdTe cells than in ZMO/CdTe cells. The fabrication atmosphere influences the electrical properties, i.e., an oxygen‐free atmosphere reduces the front and back barrier heights and lowers the energy level of defects. The results provide critical insights for understanding and optimizing the performance of CdTe thin‐film solar cells.
Efficient and modular CRISPR‐Cas9 vector system for Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Mallett Darren R. , Chang Mingqin , Cheng Xiaohang , Bezanilla Magdalena
Published: September 2019

CRISPR‐Cas9 has been shown to be a valuable tool in recent years, allowing researchers to precisely edit the genome using an RNA‐guided nuclease to initiate double‐strand breaks. Until recently, classical RAD51‐mediated homologous recombination has been a powerful tool for gene targeting in the moss Physcomitrella patens. However, CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated genome editing in P. patens was shown to be more efficient than traditional homologous recombination (Plant Biotechnology Journal, 15, 2017, 122). CRISPR‐Cas9 provides the opportunity to efficiently edit the genome at multiple loci as well as integrate sequences at precise locations in the genome using a simple transient transformation. To fully take advantage of CRISPR‐Cas9 genome editing in P. patens, here we describe the generation and use of a flexible and modular CRISPR‐Cas9 vector system. Without the need for gene synthesis, this vector system enables editing of up to 12 loci simultaneously. Using this system, we generated multiple lines that had null alleles at four distant loci. We also found that targeting multiple sites within a single locus can produce larger deletions, but the success of this depends on individual protospacers. To take advantage of homology‐directed repair, we developed modular vectors to rapidly generate DNA donor plasmids to efficiently introduce DNA sequences encoding for fluorescent proteins at the 5′ and 3′ ends of gene coding regions. With regard to homology‐directed repair experiments, we found that if the protospacer sequence remains on the DNA donor plasmid, then Cas9 cleaves the plasmid target as well as the genomic target. This can reduce the efficiency of introducing sequences into the genome. Furthermore, to ensure the generation of a null allele near the Cas9 cleavage site, we generated a homology plasmid harboring a “stop codon cassette” with downstream near‐effortless genotyping.
Investigation of Ion Channeling and Scattering for Single‐Ion Implantation with High Spatial Resolution
Authors: Raatz Nicole , Scheuner Clemens , Pezzagna Sébastien , Meijer Jan
Published: September 2019

The production of quantum systems based on single atoms in a solid requires new techniques in ion implantation. A pierced atomic force microscope (AFM) tip is developed as a nanoaperture to implant single ions with nanometer resolution at kinetic energies below 10 keV to avoid ion straggling. This technique is already used for a large number of novel quantum devices in diamonds. However, to further improve the resolution, scattering at the aperture is identified as the main limiting factor of lateral placement accuracy and ion channeling effect as the main factor for depth resolution at low kinetic energy. The simulations of the scattering effects show that the fraction of scattered ions depends not only on the cone angle and shape of the hole, but also on the beam divergence and the gap between AFM tip and sample. The decrease in axial precision due to ion channeling depends mainly on the surface roughness and the incident angle of the ion beam. For a smooth (100) surface, a 12°‐inclined beam that provides the best conditions for highest resolution is found.
The Direct Solution‐Process Crystallization of π‐Conjugated Small Molecules In‐Situ Integrated Planar Electrodes
Authors: Fliegans Lionel , Morvan Marjorie , Bensalem Salah , Calmes Cyril , Anthony John , Sanaur Sébastien
Published: September 2019

Organic electronic devices have seen a new enthusiasm in flexible electronics. Indeed, they know new applications and improved performances even fabricated at low temperatures by low‐cost solution‐process and printing technologies. Nonetheless, some critical aspects remain to be improved, such as organic semiconductor (OSC) patterning and the control and alignment of organic crystal growth in the desired location and direction. Herein, a new controlled OSC solution‐growth processing, which directly occurs within planar electrodes patterning, is reported. A capillary‐driven flow occurs in air‐opened microchannels and then confines the OSC solution before growing these crystals in the desired region and direction. 1) The modeling, 2) fabrication, 3) experimental functionality of such capillary‐driven flow techniques, and 4) growth of OSC single‐colored crystals in situ integrated planar device electrodes are reported. Polarized optical images show large crystal growth (i.e., >100 μm) of typical π‐conjugated small molecules (diF‐TES‐ADT and C8‐BTBT). By such a technology, benefits from both 1) the meniscus‐guided coating mechanisms and 2) advantages of maskless and noncontact digital printing technologies are taken. Finally, these results visualize the directional control of OSC single‐crystal growth in a printing‐compatible (dispensing, inkjet) route in a reliable and reproducible way.
Efficient global monitoring statistics for high‐dimensional data
Authors: Li Jun
Published: September 2019

Global monitoring statistics play an important role in developing efficient monitoring schemes for high‐dimensional data. A number of global monitoring statistics have been proposed in the literature. However, most of them only work for certain types of abnormal scenarios under specific model assumptions. How to develop global monitoring statistics that are powerful for any abnormal scenarios under flexible model assumptions is a long‐standing problem in the statistical process monitoring field. To provide a potential solution to this problem, we propose a novel class of global monitoring statistics. Our proposed global monitoring statistics are easy to calculate and can work under flexible model assumptions since they can be built on any local monitoring statistic that is suitable for monitoring a single data stream. Our simulation studies show that the proposed global monitoring statistics perform well across a broad range of settings and compare favorably with existing methods.
Inspection of an underwater structure using point‐cloud SLAM with an AUV and a laser scanner
Authors: Palomer Albert , Ridao Pere , Ribas David
Published: September 2019

This paper presents experimental results using a newly developed 3D underwater laser scanner mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for real‐time simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). The algorithm consists of registering point clouds using a dual step procedure. First, a feature‐based coarse alignment is performed, which is then refined using iterative closest point. The robot position is estimated using an extended Kalman filter (EKF) that fuses the data coming from navigation sensors of the AUV. Moreover, the pose from where each point cloud was collected is also stored in the pose‐based EKF‐SLAM state vector. The results of the registration algorithm are used as constraint observations among the different poses within the state vector, solving the full‐SLAM problem. The method is demonstrated using the Girona 500 AUV, equipped with a laser scanner and inspecting a 3D sub‐sea infrastructure inside a water tank. Our results prove that it is possible to limit the navigation drift and deliver a consistent high‐accuracy 3D map of the inspected object.
Channel response to sediment replenishment in a large gravel‐bed river: The case of the Saint‐Sauveur dam in the Buëch River (Southern Alps, France)
Authors: Brousse Guillaume , Arnaud‐Fassetta Gilles , Liébault Frédéric , Bertrand Mélanie , Melun Gabriel , Loire Remi , Malavoi Jean‐René , Fantino Guillaume , Borgniet Laurent
Published: September 2019

The Saint‐Sauveur dam was built in 1992 in the middle section of the Buëch River. Downstream of the dam, a channel incision by several meters was observed. A gravel replenishment operation was planned in order to restore the active channel. An equivalent of two times the mean annual bedload‐transport capacity (43,500 m3) was replenished downstream of the dam in September 2016. The aim of this paper is to quantify morphological change associated with sediment remobilization in order to evaluate the efficiency of the restoration works. The monitoring was based on a combination of (a) change detection using sequential high‐resolution digital elevation models (from airborne LiDAR data), (b) bedload tracing using active ultrahigh‐frequency radio‐frequency identification technology, and (c) complementary field surveys of channel grain‐size distribution and morphology for bedload‐transport computation. Field monitoring allows us to capture a net aggradation along a 2‐km reach after the first post‐replenishment flood. A sediment balance analysis was performed to back‐calculate bedload supply coming from the sluicing operation during the flood. Although the sediment replenishment operation clearly had a positive impact on the morphological conditions of the starved river reach, the effective bedload supply from artificial berms (22,650 m3) was insufficient to initiate substantial channel shifting along the restored reach and a subsequent amplification of the sediment recharge. The combination of high‐resolution topographic resurveys and sediment tracing was successful to evaluate the downstream propagation of sediment replenishment effects.
Do adaptive cycles of floodplain vegetation response to inundation differ among vegetation communities?
Authors: Thapa Rajesh , Thoms Martin C. , Reid Michael , Parsons Melissa
Published: September 2019

Flooding is a key driver of floodplain vegetation productivity. Adaptive cycles provide a model for examining the productivity of floodplain vegetation communities in response to hydrology. Accordingly, floodplain inundation drives vegetation productivity responses through an adaptive cycle of wetting (exploitation phase), wet (conservation phase), drying (release phase), and dry (reorganization phase). We examined changes in the productivity of four floodplain vegetation communities (lignum, coolibah, grass, and poplar box) through the four phases of an adaptive cycle and explore the various strategies used by these vegetation communities to cope with variation in water availability. All four vegetation communities showed significant differences in productivity, as indicated by changes in the normalized difference vegetation index between the adaptive cycle phases. Differences were evident in the total area of vegetation that showed a productivity response, the quality or the vigour of the response, the trajectory of change overtime (i.e., towards higher or lower productivity), and the probability of change. Although the four vegetation communities exhibited response patterns in relation to flooding and drying that fit the adaptive cycle model, differences were evident in the timing of transitions between the four phases and the duration spent in those phases for each vegetation community. Poplar box and coolibah communities showed a higher productivity response during the drying or release phase. By comparison, the highest productivity response for the grassland and lignum shrubland was observed during the wetting or exploitation phase. Overall, the results showed that the four vegetation communities are sensitive to the degree of wetting at different phases in the adaptive cycle. Knowledge of floodplain vegetation response in each phase of an adaptive cycle will enable better management of floodplains, as management activities can be tailored to adaptive phase patterns associated with each community.
SIMS accurate determination of matrix composition of topological crystalline insulator material Pb1 − xSnxSe
Authors: Jakieła Rafał , Galicka Marta , Dziawa Piotr , Springholz Gunther , Barcz Adam
Published: September 2019

Substitutional alloy Pb1 − xSnxSe is a new class of electronic materials called topological crystalline insulators, which at the temperature range from 0 K to 300 K exhibit topological state at compositions in the range 0.18 < x < 0.40 (in the rock‐salt structure). In this report, we present a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analysis technique to provide accurate Pb and Sn composition based on the measurement of PbCs+ and SnCs+ cluster ions intensities. Studies of Pb1 − xSnxSe bulk samples with various values of x show that x/(1 − x) is linear in relation to the intensity ratio of PbCs+/SnCs+ over the range from x = 0.15 to x = 0.41. This technique allows us to obtain an accurate Sn content for multilayered heterostructures, quantum wells containing Pb1 − xSnxSe with different x values for each layer.
Avoiding pitfalls when combining multiple imputation and propensity scores
Authors: Granger Emily , Sergeant Jamie C. , Lunt Mark
Published: September 2019

Overcoming bias due to confounding and missing data is challenging when analyzing observational data. Propensity scores are commonly used to account for the first problem and multiple imputation for the latter. Unfortunately, it is not known how best to proceed when both techniques are required. We investigate whether two different approaches to combining propensity scores and multiple imputation (Across and Within) lead to differences in the accuracy or precision of exposure effect estimates. Both approaches start by imputing missing values multiple times. Propensity scores are then estimated for each resulting dataset. Using the Across approach, the mean propensity score across imputations for each subject is used in a single subsequent analysis. Alternatively, the Within approach uses propensity scores individually to obtain exposure effect estimates in each imputation, which are combined to produce an overall estimate. These approaches were compared in a series of Monte Carlo simulations and applied to data from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register. Results indicated that the Within approach produced unbiased estimates with appropriate confidence intervals, whereas the Across approach produced biased results and unrealistic confidence intervals. Researchers are encouraged to implement the Within approach when conducting propensity score analyses with incomplete data.
Electrochemical Water Oxidation of NiCo2O4 and CoNi2S4 Nanospheres Supported on Ni Foam Substrate
Authors: Rani Balasubramanian Jansi , Nivedha Katturajan. , Ravi Ganesan , Yuvakkumar Rathinam
Published: September 2019

Electrochemical water splitting is an environment‐friendly technique for producing clean energy. Low‐cost, high performance and robust electro catalysts for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly essential for improving the overall efficiency of water splitting. In the present study, NiCo2O4 and CoNi2S4 nanospheres were successfully prepared by employing solvothermal method and optimized at 180°C. XRD result confirmed the formation of cubic structure of both NiCo2O4 and CoNi2S4 nanospheres. SEM images evidently revealed the perfect nanospherical surface morphology of NiCo2O4 and distorted nanospherical morphology of CoNi2S4. The obtained characteristic Raman active modes of vibrations confirmed the product formation. Photoluminescence study proclaimed the emission behavior of the product. FTIR results confirmed the metal oxygen vibrations such as Ni−O, Co−O and Ni−S of NiCo2O4 and CoNi2S4 nanospheres. UV spectra and Tauc plot revealed the optical band gaps of Ni and Co based oxide and sulfide nanospheres. Electrochemical studies of optimized NiCo2O4 and CoNi2S4 revealed the respective specific capacitance of 767.067 F/g and 648.11 F/g at scan rate of 10 mVs−1 in 1 M KOH electrolyte solution. Furthermore, the current density of 331 and 159 mAg−1 was achieved for the best performed NiCo2O4 and CoNi2S4 electrodes with improved electrical conductivity. The stability over 12 h of highly performed NiCo2O4 nanospheres has been reported. This work suggested a viable and optimized approach to synthesize Ni and Co based oxide and sulfide nanospheres for efficient electrochemical water oxidation.