bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Furin‐Instructed Intracellular Gold Nanoparticle Aggregation for Tumor Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Chen Jihua , Ma Yinchu , Du Wei , Dai Tianyue , Wang Yanfang , Jiang Wei , Wan Yifei , Wang Yucai , Liang Gaolin , Wang Guangfeng
Published: September 2020

Today, exploring ideal photothermal agents (PTAs) for effective photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer is an important issue. Cancer‐related enzyme‐instructed aggregation of gold nanoparticles less than 8 nm in diameter will significantly enhance the PTT efficiency of the traditional PTA gold nanoparticle (AuNP). Furin is a type of trans‐Golgi protein convertase upregulated in multiple malignancies. However, furin‐instructed intracellular aggregation of AuNP in cancer cells for PTT of tumor has not yet been reported. Herein, exploiting the advantages of furin and a biocompatible 2‐cyanobenzothiazole‐cysteine (CBT‐Cys) condensation reaction, a furin‐instructed intracellular gold nanoparticle aggregation strategy is developed and a furin‐responsive gold nanoparticle platform (AuNP@1) is designed for effective PTT of cancer both in vitro and in vivo. After being internalized via the high furin‐expression cancer cells, AuNP@1 is subject to a furin‐guided condensation reaction to yield the 1‐Dimers between AuNP@1s, which cross‐link AuNP@1s to form aggregates of AuNP. Experimental results show that formation of AuNP aggregates can largely enhance its photothermal properties, as a result, AuNP@1 shows more efficient photothermal therapeutic effects than its scrambled control AuNP@1‐Scr on MDA‐MB‐468 cells in vitro and MDA‐MB‐468 tumors in vivo. It is envisioned that AuNP@1 can be employed for the clinical PTT of furin‐related cancer in the near future.
Fast Charging All Solid‐State Lithium Batteries Enabled by Rational Design of Dual Vertically‐Aligned Electrodes
Authors: Gao Xuejie , Yang Xiaofei , Adair Keegan , Liang Jianneng , Sun Qian , Zhao Yang , Li Ruying , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Sun Xueliang
Published: September 2020

The slow charging limitations of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have significantly limited their practical application. Thus, significant improvement of the rate performance and development of fast charging ASSLBs is crucial for the commercialization of these systems. However, poor Li+ transport kinetics and Li dendrite formation under high charging current densities have inhibited their capabilities. To tackle these issues, the design of dual vertically‐aligned electrodes (DVAEs) is proposed to accelerate Li+ transport and suppress Li dendrite formation. At the anode side, the vertically‐aligned Li (VA‐Li) anode with lithiophilic micro‐walls enables lateral growth of Li deposits rather than perpendicular to the electrode surface, thus preventing dendrite penetration through the separator. In addition, the 3D vertically‐aligned structure in both VA‐Li and vertically‐aligned‐LiFePO4 (VA‐LFP) enables enhanced Li+ transport due to lower tortuosity and faster Li+ transport kinetics. Benefitting from the rational design, VA‐Li symmetric cells can operate for 300 h at a current density/capacity of 3 mA cm−2/3 mAh cm−2, while short‐circuiting is observed after 87 h for bare Li cycled at only 0.5 mA cm−2 (capacity: 0.5 mAh cm−2). Moreover, a fast‐charging ASSLBs assembled with DVAEs demonstrates a high capacity of 89.4 mAh g−1 after 2000 cycles at 4C.
Candidate genes of oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum in 22q region: A systematic review
Authors: Glaeser Andressa Barreto , Santos Andressa Schneiders , Diniz Bruna Lixinski , Deconte Desireé , Rosa Rafael Fabiano Machado , Zen Paulo Ricardo Gazzola
Published: September 2020

Oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum (hemifacial microsomia/OAVS, OMIM #164210) is a heterogenous and congenital condition caused by a morphogenesis defect of the first and second pharyngeal arches. Etiology includes unknown genetic, environmental factors and chromosomal alterations, which 22q11.2 region is the most frequently reported. Several candidate genes for OAVS have been proposed; however, none has been confirmed as causative of the phenotype. This review aims to sum up all clinical and molecular findings in 22q region of individuals diagnosed with OAVS and to investigate genes that may be involved in the development of the spectrum. A search was performed in PubMed using all entry terms to OAVS and Chromosome 22q11. After screening, 11 papers were eligible for review. Deletions and duplications in the q11.2 region were the most frequent (18/22) alterations reported and a total of 68 genes were described. Our systematic review reinforces the hypothesis that 22q11 region is a candidate locus for OAVS as well as CLTCL1, GSC2, HIRA, MAPK1, TBX1, and YPEL1 as potential candidates genes for genotype–phenotype correlation. Complementary studies regarding genes interaction involved in the 22q11 region are still necessary in the search for a genotype–phenotype association, since the diagnosis of OAVS is a constant medical challenge.
Targeted Small‐Molecule Conjugates: The Future is Now
Authors: Dal Corso Alberto
Published: September 2020

In recent years, novel classes of small hetero‐bifunctional compounds have been developed as tools for the treatment of cancer and other diseases through different approaches, from radio/chemotherapy and imaging to immunotherapy and protein degradation. Within this growing research area, progresses in ligand‐screening procedures and hit‐to‐lead optimizations, together with advances in drug‐release technologies, are paving the way to the future treatment of a broad range of pathologies with small targeted therapeutics.
Phosphines and other P(III)‐derivatives with Cavity‐shaped Subunits: Valuable Ligands for Supramolecular Metal Catalysis, Metal Confinement and Subtle Steric Control
Authors: Matt Dominique , Harrowfield Jack
Published: September 2020

Tertiary phosphines and other P(III)‐derivatives are the par excellence ligands in industrially relevant homogeneous catalysis. A promising, recent development in this field concerns the use of P(III)‐compounds that incorporate cavity‐shaped subunits capable of assisting metal‐centred reactions, either by functioning as receptor moieties, creating confinement about the reactive centre or merely by influencing main catalytic steps via strong steric interactions exerted on the metal first coordination sphere. This Minireview, which is based on selected examples, illustrates the utility of covalently‐constructed phosphines that incorporate a cavity and highlights future directions that deserve development in ligand design.
Product Control in Conversion of Ethanol on MIL‐101(Cr) with Adjustable Brønsted Acid Density
Authors: Ming Zheng , Wang Yingli , Zhang Tiexin , Li Lingyun , Duan Chunying , Liu Zhongmin
Published: September 2020

MIL‐101(Cr) with adjustable Brønsted acid density was prepared via post‐synthetic sulfation strategy, which was carried out with sulfuric acid in the presence of trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride, using nitromethane as solvent. XRD, TG, EDS, XPS, IR, NH3‐TPD and acid‐base titration were used to characterize structure and acidity. Adopting conversion of ethanol as a probe reaction, gas‐solid catalytic characteristics on MIL‐101(Cr) and post‐synthetic sulfated MIL‐101(Cr) in a micro fixed‐bed reactor were studied by continuous feeding. Combined with the regulation of reaction parameters, selective production of ethylene (100 %) or diethyl ether (99 %) could be achieved.
Preparation of Carbonized Kapok Fiber/Reduced Graphene Oxide Aerogel for Oil‐Water Separation
Authors: Zhou Ji , Du Enhui , He Yu , Fan Yunde , Ye Yong , Tang Bin
Published: September 2020

A carbonized composite aerogel was fabricated based on kapok fibers (KFs) and graphene oxide (GO) through hydrothermal and carbonizing reactions. The as‐prepared carbonized kapok fiber/reduced graphene oxide (CKF/RGO) aerogel exhibited special features including light weight, fire resistance, stable structure, hydrophobicity, and oleophilicity. The wettability of the KF/GO aerogel was transformed to hydrophobicity after carbonization, which provided the CKF/RGO aerogel with a distinct ability for oil‐water separation. The CKF/RGO aerogel was able to adsorb oil liquids up to 110 times of its own weight. The sorption capacity of the CKF/RGO aerogel was still higher than 90 % of the initial sorption capacity after eleven sorption‐combustion cycles of n‐hexane solvent.
Experimenting with hazardous substances and experimental competence – a legal statement
Authors: Klemeyer Horst , Ruppersberg Klaus
Published: September 2020

Das sichere Experimentieren mit Gefahrstoffen ist eine Schlüsselkompetenz für Lehrkräfte im Fach Chemie. Somit ist es für die Aus‐ und Fortbildung von Chemielehrkräften wichtig, die fachlich fundierte, sichere Kompetenz zum Experimentieren zu fördern und zu pflegen. In diesem Beitrag werden am Beispiel von Chlor und Brom Methoden vorgestellt, mit denen man trotz hoher und sehr hoher Stoffgefahren sichere Schulexperimente durchführen kann. Es wird erläutert, welche Bedeutung die Fähigkeit hat, anhand der eigenen Gefährdungsbeurteilung den Experimentalunterricht rechtssicher zu entwickeln, zu dokumentieren und durchzuführen.
Safe chemistry lessons – the check of substitute substances using the example of traditional solvents
Authors: Klemeyer Horst , Proske Wolfgang , Ruppersberg Klaus , Schwab Martin
Published: September 2020

Die Ersatzstoff‐ und Ersatzverfahrensprüfung sind wesentliche Formalien des Gefahrstoffrechts und notwendige Instrumente der Fachlehrkraft für Chemie, um Experimente im Chemieunterricht an aktuelle Anforderungen anpassen zu können, die sich aus veränderten Parametern ergeben, wie z. B. Fachraumwechsel, veränderten Lerngruppen oder verschärften GHS‐Einstufungen von Stoffen.

In dieser Arbeit wird am Beispiel von tradierten Experimenten (z. B. „Das sinkende Schiff“) mit Polystyrol (PS) aufgezeigt, wie mit Hilfe einer pragmatischen Methode leicht entzündbare, fruchtschädigende und neurotoxische Lösungsmittel gegen weniger gefährliche Lösungsmittel ausgetauscht werden können.

Die Sicherheit im experimentellen Chemieunterricht kann durch solche Ersatzstoffprüfungen gesteigert werden, wodurch eine stärkere Schüleraktivierung durch Schülerexperimente ermöglicht wird.
Modular‐based secret image sharing in Internet of Things: A global progressive‐enabled approach
Authors: Zhang Lina , Zheng Xiangqin , Yu Keping , Li Wenjuan , Wang Tao , Dang Xuan , Yang Bo
Published: September 2020

Due to the continuous development and progress of information technology, the Internet has also entered the era of big data based on the Internet of Things (IoT). How to protect the security of data stored and transmitted in the IoT is one of the urgent problems to be solved. This article focuses on the security issues of storage and transmission of image data in the IoT. Secret image sharing (SIS) is a kind of image protection mechanism by dividing an image into n shares, and different shares are given to different participants separately for preservation. Only when the number of shares reaches the threshold can the original image be recovered. From the perspective of image reconstruction mode, there are two types of SIS schemes: one is the traditional (k, n) threshold scheme, which provides an all‐or‐nothing reconstruction mode, the other is the progressive scheme, which can gradually restore the original image. In this article, a novel (k, k2) progressive secret image sharing based on modular operations is proposed, this method can divide the important images stored in the IoT into many parts and then transmit them to people in different places. It takes the whole as a unit in terms of the progressive recovery form. When the share reaches the threshold, certain blocks of the original image can be seen. As the share increases, the image will be clearer. When all shares participate in the reconstruction together, the original image can be restored without loss. Compared with other schemes, our scheme has the same smoothness, shadow size and satisfies the security, and is fine‐grained progressive.
A guided Internet‐delivered intervention for adjustment disorders: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rachyla Iryna , Mor Sonia , Cuijpers Pim , Botella Cristina , Castilla Diana , Quero Soledad
Published: September 2020

Evidence of self‐help interventions for adjustment disorder (AjD) is limited. This study aims at testing in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) the effectiveness of a disorder‐specific, Internet‐delivered cognitive–behavioural therapy (ICBT) intervention for AjD. Participants were randomly allocated to either an ICBT with brief weekly telephone support (n = 34) or a waiting list group (n = 34). Beck's inventories for depression and anxiety were used as primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes were AjD symptoms, post‐traumatic growth, positive and negative affect, and quality of life. In all, 76.5% of the participants completed the intervention. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention condition showed significantly greater improvement in all outcomes (Cohen's d ranged from 0.54 to 1.21) except in anxiety symptoms measured by Beck Anxiety Inventory (d = 0.27). Only ICBT group showed a significant improvement in post‐traumatic growth, positive and negative affect, and quality of life. The number of cases that achieved clinically meaningful change in all outcome measures was also higher in the ICBT group. All therapeutic gains were maintained at 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐ups. The current study provides evidence on the effectiveness of ICBT interventions to reduce the impact of AjD. Results suggest that brief self‐help intervention with minimal therapist support is more effective than the mere passage of time in reducing the distress symptoms associated to the disorder and also can confer additional benefits.
Refractive Index Changes of Cells and Cellular Compartments Upon Paraformaldehyde Fixation Acquired by Tomographic Phase Microscopy
Authors: Baczewska Maria , Eder Kai , Ketelhut Steffi , Kemper Björn , Kujawińska Małgorzata
Published: September 2020

Three‐dimensional quantitative phase imaging is an emerging method, which provides the 3D distribution of the refractive index (RI) and the dry mass in live and fixed cells as well as in tissues. However, an insufficiently answered question is the influence of chemical cell fixation procedures on the results of RI reconstructions. Therefore, this work is devoted to systematic investigations on the RI in cellular organelles of live and fixed cells including nucleus, nucleolus, nucleoplasm, and cytoplasm. The research was carried out on four different cell lines using a common paraformaldehyde (PFA)‐based fixation protocol. The selected cell types represent the diversity of mammalian cells and therefore the results presented provide a picture of fixation caused RI changes in a broader context. A commercial Tomocube HT‐1S device was used for 3D RI acquisition. The changes in the RI values after the fixation process are detected in the reconstructed phase distributions and amount to the order of 10−3. The RI values decrease and the observed RI changes are found to be different between various cell lines; however, all of them show the most significant loss in the nucleolus. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the evident need for standardized preparation procedures in phase tomographic measurements. © 2020 The Authors. Cytometry Part A published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Detection of follistatin‐based inhibitors of the TGF‐β signaling pathways in serum/plasma by means of LC‐HRMS/MS and Western blotting
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Weigand Tim , Knoop Andre , Thomas Andreas , Reichel Christian , Dellanna Frank , Thevis Mario
Published: September 2020

Cytokines of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) superfamily such as myostatin and activin A are considered as key regulators of skeletal muscle mass. In vivo, their activity is controlled by different binding proteins such as follistatin (FST), whose interaction with the circulating growth factors prevents activation of the activin type II receptors. FST‐based protein therapeutics are therefore not only promising drug candidates for the treatment of muscular diseases but also potential performance‐enhancing agents in sports.

Within this study, two complementary detection assays for FST‐based inhibitors of the TGF‐β signaling pathways in doping control serum and plasma samples were developed by using both monomeric FST and dimeric FST‐Fc fusion proteins as model compounds. The initial testing procedure is based on immunoaffinity purification, tryptic digestion, and LC‐HRMS/MS, offering high specificity by targeting tryptic signature peptides of FST. As the glycoprotein is also produced endogenously, the confirmation method employs immunoaffinity purification, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting in order to detect the intact proteins and differentiate synthetic FST‐Fc constructs from naturally occurring FST isoforms. Both assays were found to be highly specific with an estimated detection limit of 10 ng/ml.

Moreover, a commercial sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine endogenous FST values. The detected FST serum levels of healthy volunteers were found below 5 ng/ml, which is in accordance with reference values from the literature and below the doping control detection methods' limit of detection (LOD).

The presented assays expand the range of available tests for emerging doping agents, and the initial testing procedure can readily be modified to include further protein drugs.
Transcriptome analysis of the epididymis from Plag1 deficient mice suggests dysregulation of sperm maturation and extracellular matrix genes
Authors: Wong Joanne , Damdimopoulos Anastasios , Damdimopoulou Pauliina , Gasperoni Jemma G. , Tran Stephanie C. , Grommen Sylvia V.H. , De Groef Bert , Dworkin Sebastian
Published: September 2020

Background

The transcription factor pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) is required for male fertility. Mice deficient in PLAG1 exhibit decreased sperm motility and abnormal epididymal tubule elongation and coiling, indicating impaired sperm maturation during epididymal transit. However, the downstream transcriptomic profile of the Plag1 knockout (KO; Plag1−/−) murine epididymis is currently unknown.

Results

In this study, the PLAG1‐dependent epididymal transcriptome was characterised using RNA sequencing. Several genes important for the control of sperm maturation, motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction were dysregulated in Plag1−/− mice. Surprisingly, several cell proliferation genes were upregulated, and Ki67 analysis indicated that cell proliferation is aberrantly upregulated in the cauda epididymis stroma of Plag1−/− mice. Gene ontology analysis showed an overall upregulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix components, and an overall downregulation of genes encoding metalloendopeptidases in the epididymides from Plag1−/− mice.

Conclusion

Together, these results suggest a defect in the epididymal extracellular matrix in Plag1−/− mice. These results imply that in addition to maintaining epididymal integrity directly, PLAG1 may also regulate several genes involved in the regulation of sperm maturation and capacitation. Moreover, PLAG1 may also be involved in regulating tissue homeostasis and ensuring proper structure and maintenance of the extracellular matrix in the epididymis.
Rapid shoreline flooding enhances water turbidity by sediment resuspension: An example in a large Tibetan lake
Authors: Mi Huan , Fichot Cédric G. , Bryan Karin R. , Qiao Gang , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: September 2020

Rapid water level rise due to climate change has the potential to remobilize loose sediments along shorelines and increase the turbidity of nearshore waters, thereby impacting water quality and aquatic ecosystem health. Siling Lake is one of the largest and most rapidly expanding lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. Between 2000 and 2017, this lake experienced an increase in water level of about 8 m and a doubling in water turbidity. Here, using this lake as a study site, we used a wave model and high‐resolution remote sensing of turbidity (Landsat‐8) to assess the potential connection between water‐level rise, enhanced wind‐driven sediment resuspension and water turbidity. Our analysis revealed that strong bottom shear stresses triggered by wind‐generated waves over newly flooded areas were related to an increase in water turbidity. The spatial variability of Siling Lake turbidity showed a strong dependence on local wind characteristics and fetch. Two factors combined to drive the increase in turbidity: (1) high wave energy leading to high bottom shear stresses, and (2) flooding of unvegetated shallow areas. Using a new relationship between wave energy and turbidity developed here, we expect the increase in turbidity of Siling Lake to taper off in the near future due to the steep landscape surrounding the lake that will prevent further flooding. Our results imply that rising water levels along the coast are not only expected to influence terrestrial ecosystems but could also change water quality. The methodology presented herein could be applied to other shorelines affected by a rapid increase in water level. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study on the effect of two drying methods on the guest encapsulation behavior of osmanthus flavor‐2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex
Authors: Hu Jing , Du Peiting , Liu Shanshan , Liu Qinghe , Deng Weijun
Published: September 2020

Fragrance and flavor capsules are generally dried into powders due to the convenience of preservation and transportation, while drying has great effect on encapsulation. In this study, osmanthus flavor (OF) and hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) were used to prepare OF and HP‐β‐CD inclusion complex (OF‐CD). OF‐CD powders were obtained with oven‐drying and freeze‐drying, separately. The effect of drying methods was investigated with the morphology and odor evaluation first. The chemical structure and flavor loading ratio of OF‐CDs were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The flavor was successfully be encapsulated by HP‐β‐CD forming OF‐CD inclusion complex. Oven‐drying led to compact blocky solid, while freeze‐drying resulted in porous morphology. The amount of flavor in OF‐CD with oven‐drying (48.61 μg⁄g) was found lower than that in OF‐CD with freeze‐drying (58.1 μg⁄g). In particular, the content of alcoholics in OF‐CD with oven‐drying (11.8 μg⁄g) was much lower than that in OF‐CD with freeze‐drying (19.04 μg⁄g). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the average activation energy of OF‐CD with oven‐drying (66.3‐135.4 kJ mol−1) was higher than OF‐CD with freeze‐drying (53.0‐100.7 kJ mol−1) by 13.3‐34.7 kJ mol−1. More intermolecular hydrogen bonds in OF‐CD with freeze‐drying led to high encapsulation of partial components; however, they are not thermostable, resulting in fast release at high temperature. The better thermal stability of OF‐CD with oven‐drying makes itself a better candidate for flavor encapsulation for cooking at high temperature.
Parallel iterative stabilized finite element algorithms for the Navier–Stokes equations with nonlinear slip boundary conditions
Authors: Zhou Kangrui , Shang Yueqiang
Published: September 2020

Based on full domain partition technique, some parallel iterative pressure projection stabilized finite element algorithms for the Navier–Stokes equations with nonlinear slip boundary conditions are designed and analyzed. In these algorithms, the lowest equal‐order P1 − P1 elements are used for finite element discretization and a local pressure projection stabilized method is used to counteract the invalidness of the discrete inf‐sup condition. Each subproblem is solved on a global composite mesh with the vast majority of the degrees of freedom associated with the particular subdomain that it is responsible for and hence can be solved in parallel with other subproblems by using an existing sequential solver without extensive recoding. All of the subproblems are nonlinear and are independently solved by three kinds of iterative methods. We estimate the optimal error bounds of the approximate solutions with the use of some (strong) uniqueness conditions. Numerical results are also given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the parallel algorithms.
Relationship between administrative characteristics of long‐term care institutions and use of antipsychotics and anxiolytics in residents with cognitive impairment
Authors: Kijowska Violetta , Barańska Ilona , Szczerbińska Katarzyna
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To identify the facility characteristics that are associated with prescribing practices of typical and atypical antipsychotics, and anxiolytics in residents with cognitive impairment in long‐term care (LTC) institutions.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of a country‐representative sample of 23 LTC institutions in Poland was conducted in 2015–2016. Trained staff from each facility used the InterRAI‐LTCF tool and drug dispensary cards on the day of resident's assessment to collect data on medication use from 455 residents with cognitive impairment. We used the anatomical therapeutic chemical classification and a multiple correspondence analysis.

Results

We identified facility characteristics associated with higher rate of prescribing of: typical antipsychotics (nursing home, private ownership status, higher staff/bed ratio of physicians and nurses, and lower as refers to care assistants); atypical antipsychotics (residential home, public ownership status, higher staff/bed ratio of care assistants, and lower as refers to physicians); and anxiolytics (residential home, facilities of small size, public ownership status, higher staff/bed ratio of care assistants, lower of nurses and physicians). In the facilities where less residents received typical antipsychotics, anxiolytics were prescribed more often, and vice versa (rho = −0.442; p = 0.035).

Conclusion

This study showed a considerable variation in the use of typical and atypical antipsychotics, and anxiolytics between nursing and residential homes, which was associated with their organization (type, size, ownership status, and employment rate). We found a negative correlation between prescribing typical antipsychotics and anxiolytics, which made us aware that these medications may be used interchangeably in LTC facilities, despite the fact that both should be avoided.
Neural modelling of the semantic predictability gain under challenging listening conditions
Authors: Rysop Anna Uta , Schmitt Lea‐Maria , Obleser Jonas , Hartwigsen Gesa
Published: September 2020

When speech intelligibility is reduced, listeners exploit constraints posed by semantic context to facilitate comprehension. The left angular gyrus (AG) has been argued to drive this semantic predictability gain. Taking a network perspective, we ask how the connectivity within language‐specific and domain‐general networks flexibly adapts to the predictability and intelligibility of speech. During continuous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), participants repeated sentences, which varied in semantic predictability of the final word and in acoustic intelligibility. At the neural level, highly predictable sentences led to stronger activation of left‐hemispheric semantic regions including subregions of the AG (PGa, PGp) and posterior middle temporal gyrus when speech became more intelligible. The behavioural predictability gain of single participants mapped onto the same regions but was complemented by increased activity in frontal and medial regions. Effective connectivity from PGa to PGp increased for more intelligible sentences. In contrast, inhibitory influence from pre‐supplementary motor area to left insula was strongest when predictability and intelligibility of sentences were either lowest or highest. This interactive effect was negatively correlated with the behavioural predictability gain. Together, these results suggest that successful comprehension in noisy listening conditions relies on an interplay of semantic regions and concurrent inhibition of cognitive control regions when semantic cues are available.
Long noncoding RNA plasmacytoma variant translocation gene 1 promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in osteosarcoma
Authors: Xun Chuanhui , Jiang Dawei , Tian Zheng , Yunus Akbar , Chen Jiangtao
Published: September 2020

Objective

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumors. In the current study, our aim was to explore the role of lncRNA plasmacytoma variant translocation gene 1 (PVT1) in osteosarcoma.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of lncRNA PVT1 in osteosarcoma tissues and cells. The relationship between lncRNA PVT1 expression status and the prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma was analyzed. The effect of lncRNA PVT1 on the malignant biological behavior of osteosarcoma cells in vitro was also analyzed.

Results

LncRNA PVT1 was upregulated in osteosarcoma. High lncRNA PVT1 expression indicated poor prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. In vitro knockdown of lncRNA PVT1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells. In addition, we confirmed that lncRNA PVT1 affected the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of osteosarcoma cells.

Conclusion

LncRNA PVT1 is a potential therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
Microscopic brain tumor detection and classification using 3D CNN and feature selection architecture
Authors: Rehman Amjad , Khan Muhammad Attique , Saba Tanzila , Mehmood Zahid , Tariq Usman , Ayesha Noor
Published: September 2020

Brain tumor is one of the most dreadful natures of cancer and caused a huge number of deaths among kids and adults from the past few years. According to WHO standard, the 700,000 humans are being with a brain tumor and around 86,000 are diagnosed since 2019. While the total number of deaths due to brain tumors is 16,830 since 2019 and the average survival rate is 35%. Therefore, automated techniques are needed to grade brain tumors precisely from MRI scans. In this work, a new deep learning‐based method is proposed for microscopic brain tumor detection and tumor type classification. A 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture is designed at the first step to extract brain tumor and extracted tumors are passed to a pretrained CNN model for feature extraction. The extracted features are transferred to the correlation‐based selection method and as the output, the best features are selected. These selected features are validated through feed‐forward neural network for final classification. Three BraTS datasets 2015, 2017, and 2018 are utilized for experiments, validation, and accomplished an accuracy of 98.32, 96.97, and 92.67%, respectively. A comparison with existing techniques shows the proposed design yields comparable accuracy.
Analysis of Livelihood Strategies for Reducing Poverty Among Rural Women's Households: A Case Study of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Sharaunga Stanley , Mudhara Maxwell
Published: September 2020

This study identifies the livelihood strategies of rural women that are critical for reducing household poverty in Msinga, South Africa. Principal component analysis was used to identify the different livelihood strategies pursued by the women as well as their capital endowments. The probit model was used to assess the livelihood strategies, in addition to capital assets and other socio‐economic factors, which are crucial for poverty reduction among rural households. It was found that certain women's livelihoods, in addition to capital endowments and other socio‐economic factors, are critical to move their households out of poverty. Therefore, humanitarian and development agencies should focus on promoting women's strategies that enhance poverty reduction. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mediastinal Masses in Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound ‐ Retrospective Analysis of 58 Cases
Authors: Trenker Corinna , Dietrich Christoph Frank , Holland Angélique , Schulte Frank , Michel Christian , Görg Christian
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To determine contrast enhancing features of mediastinal masses (ML) using transcutaneous contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of n = 58 patients with histologically confirmed ML, which were examined in the period from October 2005 to February 2018 using transcutaneous B‐mode ultrasound and CEUS. In n = 29 (50%) histological confirmation was performed by ultrasound guided core‐needle biopsy. The lesions were evaluated using CEUS in regard to the enhancement pattern (hyper‐, iso‐, hypoenhancement, non‐enhancement, homogenous, inhomogenous) compared to enhancement of the spleen as an in vivo reference.

Results

N = 53 (91.4%) of ML were malignant (m) (lymphoma n = 36, metastasis n = 11, thymoma n = 2, teratoma n = 1, sarcoma n = 2, seminoma n = 1). In n = 5 (8.6%) cases there was a benign (b) histology (thyroid tissue n = 2, thymus residue n = 1, ganglioneurinoma n = 1, scar tissue: n = 1). In ultrasound, n = 53 (91.4%; (48 = m, 5 = b)) were hypoechoic, n = 5 (8.6%, (5 = m,0 = b)) hyperechoic. In CEUS, n = 35 lesions presented an arterial isoenhancement (60.3%; 33 = m, 2 = b). An arterial hypoenhancement had n = 21 (36.2%, (20 = m,1 = b)), and no enhancement showed n = 2 (3.5%, (0 = m, 2 = b) of the ML. A parenchymal isoenhancement was observed in n = 1 (1.7%, (1 = m, 0 = b)), a hypoenhancement in n = 54 (93.1%; 51 = m, 3 = b) of the patients and almost no enhancement in n = 3 ML (5.2%, (1 = m, 2 = b).) The enhancement was homogeneous in n = 26 (44.8%, (25 = m,1 = b)) cases, in n = 31 (53.5%, (28 = m,3 = b)) inhomogeneous and n = 1 (1.7%) benign lesion was exclusively cystic.

Conclusion

In CEUS, mediastinal tumor formations showed variable arterial enhancement, followed by parenchymal hypoenhancement (wash‐out).
Tackling the jelly web: Trophic ecology of gelatinous zooplankton in oceanic food webs of the eastern tropical Atlantic assessed by stable isotope analysis
Authors: Chi Xupeng , Dierking Jan , Hoving Henk‐Jan , Lüskow Florian , Denda Anneke , Christiansen Bernd , Sommer Ulrich , Hansen Thomas , Javidpour Jamileh
Published: September 2020

Gelatinous zooplankton can be present in high biomass and taxonomic diversity in planktonic oceanic food webs, yet the trophic structuring and importance of this “jelly web” remain incompletely understood. To address this knowledge gap, we provide a holistic trophic characterization of a jelly web in the eastern tropical Atlantic, based on δ13C and δ15N stable isotope analysis of a unique gelatinous zooplankton sample set. The jelly web covered most of the isotopic niche space of the entire planktonic oceanic food web, spanning > 3 trophic levels, ranging from herbivores (e.g., pyrosomes) to higher predators (e.g., ctenophores), highlighting the diverse functional roles and broad possible food web relevance of gelatinous zooplankton. Among gelatinous zooplankton taxa, comparisons of isotopic niches pointed to the presence of differentiation and resource partitioning, but also highlighted the potential for competition, e.g., between hydromedusae and siphonophores. Significant differences in spatial (seamount vs. open ocean) and depth‐resolved patterns (0–400 m vs. 400–1000 m) pointed to additional complexity, and raise questions about the extent of connectivity between locations and differential patterns in vertical coupling between gelatinous zooplankton groups. Added complexity also resulted from inconsistent patterns in trophic ontogenetic shifts among groups. We conclude that the broad trophic niche covered by the jelly web, patterns in niche differentiation within this web, and substantial complexity at the spatial, depth, and taxon level call for a more careful consideration of gelatinous zooplankton in oceanic food web models. In light of climate change and fishing pressure, the data presented here also provide a valuable baseline against which to measure future trophic observations of gelatinous zooplankton communities in the eastern tropical Atlantic.
An efficient interpolation‐free algorithm for cylindrical millimeter‐wave holographic three‐dimensional reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Ye , Jiang Xinrui , Ma Zhaoyang , Yang Qi , Zeng Yang , Deng Bin , Wang Hongqiang
Published: September 2020

In this article, an efficient interpolation‐free algorithm (IFA) applied for cylindrical millimeter‐wave (MMW) holographic three‐dimensional (3‐D) reconstruction is proposed. Compared with previous cylindrical MMW holographic 3‐D reconstruction methods, the proposed IFA can efficiently achieve high‐quality 3‐D reconstruction within the region of interest (ROI). In the IFA, the spherical wave data are decomposed into plane wave components along radial direction and height direction in the wavenumber domain. Then, an angle‐matched filter function containing distance information of the ROI is utilized to reconstruct the corresponding cylindrical coordinate 3‐D imaging result, whose radial maximum projection is then utilized to generate the 3‐D point clouds of target surface. Finally, the 3‐D surface is reconstructed based on the screened Poisson surface reconstruction method. Both simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Improving Adherence to Weight‐Loss Medication (Liraglutide 3.0 mg) Using Mobile Phone Text Messaging and Healthcare Professional Support
Authors: Li Ang , Cunich Michelle , Fuller Nicholas , Purcell Katrina , Flynn Allanah , Caterson Ian
Published: September 2020

Background

Adherence to weight‐loss medication is suboptimal, leading to poor health outcomes. Short message service (SMS) can potentially improve adherence.

Methods

A total of 3,994 participants with overweight or obesity in Australia receiving Saxenda® (liraglutide 3.0 mg) were enrolled from September 1, 2017, to February 28, 2018, through doctors, pharmacists, or websites and were randomly assigned to receive none, three, or five SMS per week. Participants were additionally offered a face‐to‐face consultation with a diabetes educator or a call from a dietitian. Medication adherence was measured as whether the total scripts claimed were at least as many as the total claims expected by March 31, 2018, and was modeled adjusting for age, sex, baseline BMI, residential region, enrolment channel, the total number of SMS, and additional patient support.

Results

Participants receiving five SMS (OR, 6.25; 95% CI: 4.28‐9.12) had greater adherence than those receiving three SMS (OR, 3.67; 95% CI: 2.67‐5.03) or zero SMS per week. The effectiveness of SMS on adherence decreased as participants received more SMS over time. Moreover, the odds of adhering to liraglutide were higher for participants enrolled with pharmacists compared with those enrolled with doctors (OR, 2.28; 95% CI: 1.82‐2.86) and for participants who received a face‐to‐face consultation (OR, 3.10; 95% CI: 1.82‐5.29) or a call (OR, 1.31; 95% CI: 1.02‐1.68) compared with those who received no extra support.

Conclusions

Integration of SMS into routine clinical practice should consider not only the frequency and content of reminders but also additional patient support to achieve higher and more sustained adherence to medication and health behavior changes.
Sex Representation in Clinical Trials Associated with FDA Cancer Drug Approvals Differs Between Solid and Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Mendis Shehara , Anand Seerat , Karasinska Joanna M. , Dasari Arvind , Unger Joseph M. , Gothwal Anirudh , Ellis Lee M. , Varadhachary Gauri , Kopetz Scott , Overman Michael J. , Raghav Kanwal , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Proportionate female representation in health research is necessary for scientific rigor and health equity. We aimed to assess the representation of women in clinical trials leading to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cancer drug approvals.

Materials and Methods

Trials supporting FDA cancer drug approvals between July 2008 and June 2018 were sourced from PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. The ratio of female to male trial enrollment was compared with cancer incidence and mortality in the U.S. using International Agency for Research on Cancer data. Reproductive tract and breast cancers were excluded. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing trial enrollment with population incidence and mortality were calculated.

Results

A total of 186 trials leading to 170 FDA cancer drug approvals showed slight female underrepresentation compared with overall cancer incidence in the U.S. (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.98, p < .0001). Female enrollment for drugs approved between 2008–2013 and 2014–2018 was unchanged (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.99–1.05, p = .25). There was slight female underrepresentation in hematological trials (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91–0.998; p = .040 for leukemia; OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90–0.997; p = .040 for lymphoma) and significant female underrepresentation in colorectal (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.69–0.76; p < .0001), pancreas (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78–0.93; p = .0004), lung (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.75–0.80; p < .0001), kidney (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.60–0.67; p < .0001), and thyroid cancer trials (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.23–0.28; p < .0001) compared with U.S. incidence.

Conclusion

Female underrepresentation has persisted within solid organ tumor trials but is less notable in hematologic trials. Additional work is required to identify drivers of such disparity.

Implications for Practice

Adequate gender representation in clinical trials is a matter of health equity. This study demonstrates that women remain underrepresented in trials across hematological and solid organ trials compared with cancer incidence and mortality in women, with the disparity worse in a number of solid organ tumor types. There are thus still significant improvements to be made regarding adequate representation of women in trials. Studies exploring the reasons for ongoing disparity in gender representation are warranted to help clinicians to rectify this.
Can policymakers push financial inclusion through mobile telephony? A qualitative inquiry among Indian “urban poor” during demonetization
Authors: Sharma Dipasha , Sinha Manish , Sheorey Pratima
Published: September 2020

Mobile telephony penetration has reached up to the remote location of globe enabling access to communication to each individual. This communication access and technology can also assist individuals to gain financial inclusion specifically in emerging economies like India. This study aims to address the issue of financial inclusion and inclusive economic growth through the development of mobile penetration in India. The study targets financially excluded Indian urban poor segment and aims to address the missing linkages between mobile telephone, digital transaction, and financial inclusion during demonetization. The study follows qualitative research design. Qualitative research design aims to address the nexus between financial inclusion and mobile telephony from the demand side. The study conducts 52 in‐depth interviews collected under naturalistic observations from the urban poor segment of society across major cities of India. Open coding method is followed to analyze the in‐depth interviews to assimilate information from various emerging themes. Qualitative data analysis identifies various themes to understand the usage of mobile telephony for any financial transaction, financial planning by the urban poor segment. The study explores various reasons behind financial exclusion of urban poor segment and how mobile telephony adoption can be utilized to attain financial inclusion.
Gliomas, germ cell tumors, and craniopharyngioma
Authors: Aridgides Paul , Janssens Geert O. , Braunstein Steve , Campbell Shauna , Poppe Matthew , Murphy Erin , MacDonald Shannon , Ladra Matthew , Alapetite Claire , Haas‐Kogan Daphne
Published: September 2020

This report summarizes the current multimodality treatment approaches for children with low‐ and high‐grade gliomas, germinoma, and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors, and craniopharyngiomas used in the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP). Treatment recommendations are provided in the context of historical approaches regarding the roles of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Future research strategies for these tumors in both COG and SIOP are also discussed.
Spectroscopic and computational evidence for the concerted mechanism of the Wagner‐Jauregg reaction
Authors: Tartakoff Samuel S. , Enders Abigail A. , Zhang Wenyao , Hill Adam D.
Published: September 2020

The Wagner‐Jauregg reaction, despite its potential utility, has remained largely unexplored since its discovery in 1930. Utilizing density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) kinetics data to generate a Hammett plot, the reaction is shown to proceed via a highly asynchronous, concerted mechanism, analogous to the Diels–Alder reaction. Our development of milder, more reliable reaction conditions for the Wagner‐Jauregg reaction will facilitate the synthesis of novel, structurally complex, polycyclic molecules.
Thymoquinone inhibits the proliferation and invasion of esophageal cancer cells by disrupting the AKT/GSK‐3β/Wnt signaling pathway via PTEN upregulation
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Zhang Yunting , Deng Huan , Liu Yinghui , Lei Xiaofei , He Pengzhan , Dong Weiguo
Published: September 2020

Although thymoquinone (TQ) has been reported to exert antitumor activity against various types of human cancers without evident toxicity, limited studies have reported the effects of TQ on esophageal cancer. Here, we showed that TQ induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and significantly inhibited cell proliferation and invasion. Further investigation of the potential mechanism revealed that TQ increased the levels of p53 and p21 but significantly reduced the expression of Cyclin B1, Cyclin A, and Cyclin E. Moreover, TQ led to a decrease in Bcl‐2 and an increase in cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved caspase‐7, cleaved caspase‐9, and Bax, indicating that TQ induced apoptosis by activating the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Western blotting showed that TQ disrupted the PI3K/AKT pathway by upregulating PTEN, thus modulating GSK‐3β activity, increasing β‐catenin degradation, and decreasing decreased MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 levels in Eca109 cells. However, these changes were attenuated by disrupting PTEN function (using a potent inhibitor) or downregulating PTEN expression. In addition, in vivo results showed that the efficacy of TQ as an antitumor agent in a mouse xenograft tumor model. In conclusion, TQ suppressed human esophageal cancer cells proliferation and invasion both in vitro and in vivo and could provide a novel therapeutic approach for esophageal cancer.