bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First‐Principles Study of Aziridinium Lead Iodide Perovskite for Photovoltaics
Authors: Teng Qiang , Shi Tingting , Zhao Yu‐Jun
Published: December 2018

The long‐term stability remains one of the main challenges for the commercialization of the rapidly developing hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskite solar cells. Herein, we investigate the electronic and optical properties of the recently reported hybrid halide perovskite (CH2)2NH2PbI3 (AZPbI3), which exhibits a much better stability than the popular halide perovskites CH3NH3PbI3 and HC(NH2)2PbI3, by using density functional theory (DFT). We find that AZPbI3 possesses a band gap of 1.31 eV, ideal for single‐junction solar cells, and its optical absorption is comparable with those of the popular CH3NH3PbI3 and HC(NH2)2PbI3 materials in the whole visible‐light region. In addition, the conductivity of AZPbI3 can be tuned from efficient p‐type to n‐type, depending on the growth conditions. Besides, the charge‐carrier mobilities and lifetimes are unlikely hampered by deep transition energy levels, which have higher formation energies in AZPbI3 according to our calculations. Overall, we suggest that the perovskite AZPbI3 is an excellent candidate as a stable high‐performance photovoltaic absorber material.
Anxiety and exploratory behavior in the African striped mouse, Rhabdomys, taxa are partially modified by the physical rearing environment
Authors: Mackay Megan K. , Pillay Neville
Published: December 2018

The environment may modulate genetic influences on behavioral expression. We investigated whether the physical rearing environment modulates anxiety and exploratory behavior in four populations, representing three species, of the striped mouse Rhabdomys. One population originated from an arid, open habitat and the others from grassy, covered habitats, and two species occurred in sympatry. We raised captive individuals of all populations in treatments that simulated cover or no cover for two generations and investigated the behavior of resulting adults in an open‐field, light–dark and startle response tests. We expected that, when raised without cover, the arid population would be less anxious and more exploratory than grassland populations, but found the opposite in the open‐field test only. We also expected that all individuals would be anxious and less exploratory when raised under cover, which was the case for anxiety in a light–dark test, but individuals from the no cover treatment were more anxious in the open‐field test. Only one population × treatment interaction was detected in which the arid population was least exploratory. Therefore, the physical rearing environment had less of an influence than phylogeny on the development of anxiety and exploration in Rhabdomys.
Standing geographic variation in eclosion time and the genomics of host race formation inRhagoletis pomonellafruit flies
Authors: Doellman Meredith M. , Egan Scott P. , Ragland Gregory J. , Meyers Peter J. , Hood Glen R. , Powell Thomas H. Q. , Lazorchak Peter , Hahn Daniel A. , Berlocher Stewart H. , Nosil Patrik , Feder Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2018

Taxa harboring high levels of standing variation may be more likely to adapt to rapid environmental shifts and experience ecological speciation. Here, we characterize geographic and host‐related differentiation for 10,241 single nucleotide polymorphisms inRhagoletis pomonellafruit flies to infer whether standing genetic variation in adult eclosion time in the ancestral hawthorn (Crataegusspp.)‐infesting host race, as opposed to new mutations, contributed substantially to its recent shift to earlier fruiting apple (Malus domestica). Allele frequency differences associated with early vs. late eclosion time within each host race were significantly related to geographic genetic variation and host race differentiation across four sites, arrayed from north to south along a 430‐km transect, where the host races co‐occur in sympatry in the Midwest United States. Host fruiting phenology is clinal, with both apple and hawthorn trees fruiting earlier in the North and later in the South. Thus, we expected alleles associated with earlier eclosion to be at higher frequencies in northern populations. This pattern was observed in the hawthorn race across all four populations; however, allele frequency patterns in the apple race were more complex. Despite the generally earlier eclosion timing of apple flies and corresponding apple fruiting phenology, alleles on chromosomes 2 and 3 associated with earlier emergence were paradoxically at lower frequency in the apple than hawthorn host race across all four sympatric sites. However, loci on chromosome 1 did show higher frequencies of early eclosion‐associated alleles in the apple than hawthorn host race at the two southern sites, potentially accounting for their earlier eclosion phenotype. Thus, although extensive clinal genetic variation in the ancestral hawthorn race exists and contributed to the host shift to apple, further study is needed to resolve details of how this standing variation was selected to generate earlier eclosing apple fly populations in the North.
Reaction of a polar gravel‐spit system to atmospheric warming and glacier retreat as reflected by morphology and internal sediment geometries (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica)
Authors: Heredia Barión Pablo , Lindhorst Sebastian , Schutter Ilona , Falk Ulrike , Kuhn Gerhard
Published: December 2018

Sedimentary architecture and morphogenetic evolution of a polar bay‐mouth gravel‐spit system are revealed based on topographic mapping, sedimentological data, radiocarbon dating and ground‐penetrating radar investigations. Data document variable rates of spit progradation in reaction to atmospheric warming synchronous to the termination of the last glacial re‐advance (LGR, 0.45–0.25 ka BP), the southern hemisphere equivalent of the Little Ice Age cooling period. Results show an interruption of spit progradation that coincides with the proposed onset of accelerated isostatic rebound in reaction to glacier retreat. Spit growth resumed in the late 19th century after the rate of isostatic rebound decreased, and continues until today. The direction of modern spit progradation, however, is rotated northwards compared with the growth axis of the early post‐LGR spit. This is interpreted to reflect the shift and strengthening in the regional wind field during the last century. A new concept for the interplay of polar gravel‐spit progradation and glacio‐isostatic adjustment is presented, allowing for the prediction of future coastal evolution in comparable polar settings. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Receptor tyrosine kinase MET as potential target of multi‐kinase inhibitor and radiosensitizer sorafenib in HNSCC
Authors: Beizaei Kaweh , Gleißner Lisa , Hoffer Konstantin , Bußmann Lara , Vu Anh Thu , Steinmeister Leonhard , Laban Simon , Möckelmann Nikolaus , Münscher Adrian , Petersen Cordula , Rothkamm Kai , Kriegs Malte
Published: December 2018

Background

The multi‐kinase inhibitor sorafenib displays antitumoral effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, the targeted kinases are unknown. Here we aimed to identify those kinases to determine the mechanism of sorafenib‐mediated effects and establish candidate biomarkers for patient stratification.

Methods

The effects of sorafenib and MET inhibitors crizotinib and SU11274 were analyzed using a slide‐based antibody array, Western blotting, proliferation, and survival assays. X‐rays were used for irradiations.

Results

Sorafenib inhibited auto‐phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and MET, which has not been described previously. MET expression in HNSCC cells was not always associated with activity/phosphorylation. Furthermore, sorafenib‐dependent cell kill and radiosensitization was not associated with MET level. Although MET inhibitors blocked proliferation, they caused only mild cytotoxicity and no radiosensitization.

Conclusion

We identified MET as a new potential target of sorafenib. However, MET inhibition is not the cause for sorafenib‐mediated cytotoxicity or radiosensitization.
Masticatory function and related factors after oral oncological treatment: A 5‐year prospective study
Authors: de Groot Reilly J. , Wetzels Jan‐Willem , Merkx Matthias A.W. , Rosenberg Antoine J.W.P. , de Haan Anton F.J. , van der Bilt Andries , Abbink Jan H. , Speksnijder Caroline M.
Published: December 2018

Background

Chewing ability is often compromised in patients with oral cancer. The aim of this study was to identify which factors affect masticatory performance in these patients.

Methods

Patients with primary oral cancer were assessed for up to 5 years after primary treatment. Healthy controls were assessed once. A mixed‐model analysis was performed, with masticatory performance as outcome measure.

Results

A total of 123 patients were included in the study. Factors positively associated with masticatory performance were number of occlusal units (OU), having functional dentures, and maximum mouth opening (MMO). The impact of tumor location and maximum bite force (MBF) differed per assessment moment. Masticatory performance declined for up to 1 year but recovered at 5 years after treatment.

Conclusion

Masticatory performance in patients treated for oral cancer is affected by MBF, MMO, number of OU, and dental status. These should be the focus of posttreatment therapy.
Regression of human immunodeficiency virus‐associated oral Kaposi sarcoma with combined antiretroviral therapy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Franco Juliana Bertoldi , Maureira Pena Loreto José , Martins e Martins Fabiana , de Oliveira Marcio Augusto , Ortega Karem L.
Published: December 2018

Background

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most prevalent malignant neoplasia in human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) patients for which the primary mode of management was chemotherapy.

Methods

We have presented the case of a newly diagnosed HIV+ male patient who was diagnosed with a pedunculated nodule in the anterior region of the hard palate, measuring 3.5 cm in diameter and with 2 months of evolution.

Results

Histopathological examination confirmed the clinical hypothesis of KS. Soon after the diagnosis, the patient started using combined antiretroviral therapy (Biovir and Kaletra), presenting a significant reduction of the lesion after 4 weeks. With 1.5 cm in diameter, the lesion was surgically removed. The patient was followed‐up for 10 years without any recurrence.

Conclusion

In antiretroviral‐naive patients with a well‐preserved immune system, the use of cART may be efficient in reducing the progression of the KS lesions, thus avoiding the use of chemotherapeutic agents.
Three prognostic indexes as predictors of response to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma after radical surgery: A large‐scale prospective study
Authors: Chen Fa , Lin Lisong , Liu Fengqiong , Yan Lingjun , Qiu Yu , Wang Jing , Hu Zhijian , Wu Junfeng , Bao Xiaodan , Lin Liangkun , Wang Rui , Cai Lin , He Baochang
Published: December 2018

Background

To develop and validate practical prognostic indexes (PIs) for predicting the prognosis and response to postoperative adjuvant therapy in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

A large cohort of 1071 OSCC patients were randomized to either training set (N = 708) or validation set (N = 363). Three types of PIs were developed according to the nomogram scores, β coefficients and excess hazard ratios, respectively. Restricted cubic spline was used to demonstrate the relationship between PIs and the risks of death.

Results

First, a nomogram was developed incorporating age at diagnosis, smoking status, clinical stage, tumor differentiation, lymph node status, comorbidity, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio levels. Then, three PIs were established with high survival predictive ability, and were superior to AJCC staging system (all P < .05). The risks of death were escalated continuously with the increasing number of PIs. Interestingly, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was positively associated with poor overall survival in patients with low PIs, but exerted a beneficial effect on patients with high PIs.

Conclusion

Combined nomogram with further established PIs not only predicts the survival probability of OSCC patients, but also continuously quantifies the risk of death. High PIs could predict a beneficial response to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, whereas low PIs indicate an unfavorable response.
Radiographic nodal prognostic factors in stage I HPV‐related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bhattasali Onita , Thompson Lester D. R. , Schumacher Andrew J. , Iganej Shawn
Published: December 2018

Background

The updated AJCC Cancer Staging Manual groups all p16‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with unilateral nodal involvement within 6 cm into the new clinical N1 classification, consolidating a heterogeneous group of disease with varying radiographic findings.

Methods

A central radiological review was conducted identifying 233 patients with stage I node‐positive (cT1‐2N1) disease who underwent definitive concurrent chemoradiation. Factors evaluated included lymph node size, low‐neck lymphadenopathy, retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy, overt radiographic extracapsular extension, and matted lymphadenopathy.

Results

On multivariate analysis adjusted for age, smoking history, and chemotherapy regimen, low‐neck lymphadenopathy (hazard ratio (HR) = 6.55; P < .001) and retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy (HR = 3.36; P = .009) predicted for inferior progression‐free survival (PFS). low‐neck lymphadenopathy (HR = 6.38; P = .001) and retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy (HR = 3.32; P = .02) also predicted for inferior overall survival (OS). All other radiographic characteristics showed no prognostic impact for PFS or OS.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that caution should be advised against de‐intensification efforts among patients with stage I node‐positive p16‐positive OPSCC with low‐neck lymphadenopathy or retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy.
Expression of CD44, EGFR, p16, and their mutual combinations in patients with head and neck cancer: Impact on outcomes of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Slavik Marek , Shatokhina Tetiana , Sana Jiri , Ahmad Parwez , Kazda Tomas , Selingerova Iveta , Hermanova Marketa , Cervena Renata , Novotny Tomas , Burkon Petr , Smilek Pavel , Horakova Zuzana , Slampa Pavel , Slaby Ondrej
Published: December 2018

Background

Progress in radiation treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) deserves the studies focused on molecular predictors that would help to enhance individually tailored treatment.

Methods

p16/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/cluster of differentiation‐44 (CD44) was immunohistochemically analyzed in 165 HNSCC patients.

Results

In the entire group and the p16 negative cohort, better 3‐year overall survival and locoregional control correlated with p16 positivity, CD44, and EGFR negativity were observed. Combined analysis revealed the worst results in the CD44+/p16−, EGFR+/p16−, and EGFR+/CD44+ groups and in the EGFR+/CD44+ within p16 negative cohort. Multivariate analysis found tumor stage, Karnofsky index, p16, and CD44 as prognostic factors of overall survival and clinical stage, and p16 as a prognostic factor for locoregional control. Clinical stage and Karnofsky index affected overall survival and tumor stage. EGFR affected locoregional control in the p16 negative subgroup.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the negative effect of CD44 and EGFR and the positive effect of p16 on radiotherapy results.
Sirtuin 4 Depletion Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumorigenesis Through Regulating Adenosine‐Monophosphate–Activated Protein Kinase Alpha/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Axis in Mice
Authors: Wang Yun‐Shan , Du Lutao , Liang Xingsi , Meng Peng , Bi Lei , Wang Yu‐li , Wang Chuanxin , Tang Bo
Published: December 2018

Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) has been reported to play a vital role in the maintenance of glutamine catabolism and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) homeostasis, but its character in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) remains obscure. In this study, we observed low expression of SIRT4 in both HCC cell lines and HCCs from patients. Decreased disease‐free survival time is associated with low tumor levels of SIRT4 in patients. Deficiency of SIRT4 facilitated liver tumor development and lung metastasis in xenografts and knockout (KO) mice by promoting colony formation and migration of hepatoma cells and enhancing sphere formation of HCCs. Mechanistically, SIRT4 deletion augmented mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling by inactivating adenosine‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) through regulation of glutamine catabolism and subsequent AM)/liver kinase B1 (LKB1) axis. Blockage of mTOR by rapamycin or inhibition of glutaminolysis abolished the discrepancy in tumorigenic capacity between SIRT4‐depleted hepatoma cells and control cells. Suppression of LKB1 or promotion of AMP by metformin also abrogated the hyperproliferative phenotype caused by SIRT4 loss, which further confirmed that the LKB1/AMPKα/mTOR axis is required in SIRT4‐deficiency–promoted HCC tumorigenesis. Conclusion: SIRT4 could exert its tumor suppressive function in HCC by inhibiting glutamine metabolism and thereby increasing the adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/AMP levels to phosphorylate AMPKα by LKB1, which blocks the mTOR signaling pathway.
Neonatal McCune‐Albright Syndrome: A Unique Syndromic Profile With an Unfavorable Outcome
Authors: Corsi Alessandro , Cherman Natasha , Donaldson David L , Robey Pamela G , Collins Michael T , Riminucci Mara
Published: December 2018

Somatic gain‐of‐function mutations of GNAS cause a spectrum of clinical phenotypes, ranging from McCune‐Albright syndrome (MAS) to isolated disease of bone, endocrine glands, and more rarely, other organs. In MAS, a syndrome classically characterized by polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (FD), café‐au‐lait (CAL) skin spots, and precocious puberty, the heterogenity of organ involvement, age of onset, and clinical severity of the disease are thought to reflect the variable size and the random distribution of the mutated cell clone arising from the postzygotic mutation. We report a case of neonatal MAS with hypercortisolism and cholestatic hepatobiliary dysfunction in which bone changes indirectly emanating from the disease genotype, and distinct from FD, led to a fatal outcome. Pulmonary embolism of marrow and bone fragments secondary to rib fractures was the immediate cause of death. Ribs, and all other skeletal segments, were free of changes of typical FD and fractures appeared to be the result of a mild‐to‐moderate degree of osteopenia. The mutated allele was abundant in the adrenal glands and liver, but not in skin, muscle, and fractured ribs, where it could only be demonstrated using a much more sensitive PNA hybridization probe‐based FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) technique. Histologically, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and cholestatic disease matched the abundant disease genotype in the adrenals and liver. Based on this case and other sporadic reports, it appears that gain‐of‐function mutations of GNAS underlie a unique syndromic profile in neonates characterized by CAL skin spots, hypercortisolism, hyperthyroidism, hepatic and cardiac dysfunction, and an absence (or latency) of FD, often with a lethal outcome. Taken together, our and previous cases highlight the phenotypic severity and the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of MAS in neonates. Furthermore, our case specifically points out how secondary bone changes, unrelated to the direct impact of the mutation, may contribute to the unfavorable outcome of very early‐onset MAS. © 2018 The Authors JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The role of lncRNAs in signaling pathway implicated in CC
Authors: Yang Min , Wang Min , Li Xianping , Xie Yixin , Xia Xiaomeng , Tian Jingjing , Zhang Kan , Tang Aiguo
Published: December 2018

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common malignancy in females. Owing to poor diagnosis, resistance to the systemic therapies, and high recurrence rate, patients with CC have a relatively poor prognosis. The role of a signaling pathway in CC has always been the focus among worldwide researchers. As reported before, aberrant expression of proteins associated with signaling pathways, such as phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase(PI3K), EGF‐R, β‐catenin, and Erk and Bcl‐2 was discovered in CC. Therefore, aberrant molecular signaling pathways are significant parts of cervical carcinogenesis. Recently discovered long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as a new regulator player of molecular biology in CC have always been reported. In this review, we highlighted the role of lncRNA in signaling pathway implicated in CC and outlined the molecular mechanism of lncRNA in it. All of these present an opportunity for developing diagnosis and therapies against CC.
Salidroside inhibits platelet‐derived growth factor–induced proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Li Hong , Yang Tian , Wu Rui , Chen Tianjun , Sun Zhongmin , Yang Lan
Published: December 2018

Abnormal proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) have been found to be important for the airway remodeling during the pathogenesis of asthma. Salidroside a bioactive glucoside that exerts antitumor activity via inhibiting the cell proliferation and migration of cancer cells. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of salidroside on the proliferation and migration of ASMCs. Our results showed that salidroside inhibited the proliferation and migration of ASMCs in response to platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation. Salidroside markedly attenuated the PDGF‐induced production of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9 in ASMCs. The levels of contractile phenotype markers including smooth muscle α‐actin and calponin were reduced in response to PDGF stimulation, which was attenuated by salidroside pretreatment. Salidroside diminished the increase in the expression levels of type I collagen and fibronectin in PDGF‐stimulated ASMCs. Furthermore, salidroside blocked the PDGF‐induced activation of the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway in ASMCs. The results suggested that salidroside functionally regulated the proliferation, migration, phenotype plasticity, and extracellular matrix deposition in PDGF‐induced ASMCs and the NF‐κB pathway might be implicated in the effects of salidroside on ASMCs induced by PDGF.
A newly synthesized oleanolic acid derivative inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo by decreasing c‐MYC‐dependent glycolysis
Authors: Gao Feng , Zuo Qiang , Jiang Tao , Song Huanghe , Zhou Jinchun
Published: December 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the primary malignant bone tumor with a peak incidence in children and adolescents. However, the little molecular mechanism of pathogenesis has been known and it is urgent to develop new therapeutical strategies to improve outcomes for patients. CDDO‐NFM (N‐formylmorpholine substituent of CDDO) is a newly synthesized triterpenoid, which is a derivative of oleanolic acid. In this study, we explored whether CDDO‐NFM possesses a potential antitumor effect and revealed its molecular mechanism. We found that CDDO‐NFM efficiently inhibited cell growth of OS cells and this inhibitory effect was independent of apoptosis‐related and cell‐cycle–related proteins. CDDO‐NFM could decrease the level of glucose uptake, the generation of lactate, and the production of adenosine triphosphate to block the process of glycolysis. In vitro and in vivo cell‐based assays showed that CDDO‐NFM inhibited glycolysis via degradation of c‐MYC rather than activating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma. Finally, CDDO‐NFM could reduce tumor volume and weight with low toxicity, and down‐regulate the expression of glycolysis‐related enzymes in nude mice. Taken together, these results showed that CDDO‐NFM might be a promising antitumor compound.
Scutellarein inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclast formation in vitro and prevents LPS‐induced bone loss in vivo
Authors: Fu Fangsheng , Shao Siyuan , Wang Ziyi , Song Fangming , Lin Xixi , Ding Jiaxin , Li Chen , Wu Zuoxing , Li Kai , Xiao Yu , Su Yiji , Zhao Jinmin , Liu Qian , Xu Jiake
Published: December 2018

Osteoporosis, arthritis, Peget's disease, bone tumor, periprosthetic joint infection, and periprosthetic loosening have a common characteristic of osteolysis, which is characterized by the enhanced osteoclastic bone resorptive function. At present, the treatment target of these diseases is to interfere with osteoclastic formation and function. Scutellarein (Scu), a flavonoids compound, can inhibit the progress of tumor and inflammation. However, the role of Scu in inflammatory osteolysis isn’t elucidated clearly. Our study showed that Scu inhibited bone destruction induced by LPS in vivo and OC morphology and function induced by RANKL in vitro. Mechanistic studies revealed that Scu suppressed osteoclastic marker gene expression by RANKL‐induced, such asCtsk9,Mmp9,Acp5, andAtp6v0d2. In addition, we found that the inhibition effects of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption function of Scu were mediated via attenuating NF‐κB and NFAT signaling pathways. In conclusion, the results showed that Scu may become a potential new drug for the treatment of inflammatory osteolysis.
CXCL2/CXCR2 axis induces cancer stem cell characteristics in CPT‐11‐resistant LoVo colon cancer cells via Gαi‐2 and Gαq/11
Authors: Chen Ming‐Cheng , Baskaran Rathinasamy , Lee Nien‐Hung , Hsu Hsi‐Hsien , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Tu Chuan‐Chou , Lin Yueh‐Min , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: December 2018

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exist in colon cancer and exhibit characteristics of stem cells which are due to lineages of tissues where they arise. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐undergoing cancer cells display CSC properties and therapeutic resistance. Cancer and stromal cells comprise of a tumor microenvironment. One way the two populations communicate with each other is to secret CXC ligands (CXCLs). CXCLs are capable of causing chemotaxis of specific types of stromal cells and control angiogenesis. Double immunofluorescence, western blot analysis, and colony‐formation assay were carried out to compare parental and CPT‐11‐resistant LoVo cells. CPT‐11‐R LoVo colon cancer cells showed increased expression of CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8. They displayed significantly increased intracellular protein levels of CXCL2 and CXCR2. CPT‐11‐R LoVo cells showed significantly elevated expression in aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44), and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). CXCL2 knockdown by short hairpin RNA resulted in reduced expression of CSC proteins, cyclins, EMT markers, G proteins, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Finally, Gαi‐2 was found to promote expression of CSC genes and tumorigenesis which were more apparent in the resistant cells. In addition, Gαq/11 showed a similar pattern with exceptions of EpCAM and MMP9. Therefore, CXCL2–CXCR2 axis mediates through Gαi‐2 and Gαq/11 to promote tumorigenesis and contributes to CSC properties of CPT‐11‐R LoVo cells.
Gene expression signatures for HOXA4, HOXA9, and HOXD10 reveal alterations in transcriptional regulatory networks in colon cancer
Authors: Bhatlekar Seema , Ertel Adam , Gonye Gregory E. , Fields Jeremy Z. , Boman Bruce M.
Published: December 2018

We previously reported that HOXA4, HOXA9, and HOXD10 are selectively expressed in colonic stem cells (SCs) and their overexpression contributes to colorectal cancer (CRC). Our goals here were to determine how these HOX genes are transcriptionally regulated and whether transcriptional dysregulation of HOX genes occurs in CRC. Accordingly, we used correlation analysis to identify genes that are expression‐correlated or anticorrelated with HOXA4, HOXA9, and HOXD10. We then used Gene Ontology (GO) analysis to functionally classify these genes. The GO results for both HOXA4 and HOXD10 correlated gene sets for normal colon and CRC show functions mostly classified as developmental, transcriptional regulation, and DNA binding. This raised the question: Are these gene sets regulated by the same transcription factors (TFs)? Consequently, we used promoter analysis and interaction network toolset (PAINT) to identify commonly shared transcription response elements. The results indicated that completely different sets of TFs coregulate HOXA4 and HOXD10 (but not HOXA9) and their expression‐correlated genes. And predicted TFs are altered in CRC compared with normal colon. Taken together, analysis of gene signatures correlated with expression of HOXA4 and HOXD10 indicates how these HOX genes are: (a) transcriptionally regulated in the normal colon; (b) dysregulated in CRC. This discovery provides a mechanism for targeting CRC SCs.
HBcAg‐induced upregulated 4‐1BB ligand on B cells contributes to B‐cell hyperactivation during chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Guiyang , Chen Yuxin , Huang Rui , Tian Chen , Li Yang , Zhao Xiang‐An , Wu Chao
Published: December 2018

During the natural history of chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB), the function of B cells is still obscure. Several limited studies have suggested that B cells are highly active in patients with CHB. In the present study, we reported that the 4‐1BB ligand (4‐1BBL) expression on B cells was significantly higher in patients with CHB than that in healthy subjects, meanwhile, the patients with CHB had higher serological IgG levels. Further, after being stimulated with sCD40L or hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), B cells had higher levels of 4‐1BBL. After being cocultured with 4‐1BBL+ B cells, the expressions of CD69 and 4‐1BB on CD4+ T cells were significantly higher than that cocultured with 4‐1BB− B cells. Cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐6 were significantly higher in the supernatant from 4‐1BBL+ B cells coculture group than those from coculture group of 4‐1BBL− B cell group, respectively; while IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in cocultured supernatant of 4‐1BBL+ B cell group were significantly lower. Consistently, the total IgG levels in culture supernatant were significantly higher in 4‐1BBL+ B cell group. Thus, hyperactive status of B cells in patients with CHB could be partially derived from the higher 4‐1BBL expression on B cells triggered by HBcAg. 4‐1BBL signaling pathway is involved in B cells activation, and further regulates B cell‐T cell interaction by modulating the cytokines secretion, which might be critical in B cells dysfunction during CHB infection.
Pursuing packrats: An evaluation of noninvasive detection methods for Neotoma
Authors: Gooley Aaron C. , Schauber Eric M.
Published: December 2018

Woodrats (Neotoma spp.) are imperiled in large swathes of the United States. Their populations have previously been monitored mainly through live‐trapping and sign surveys. However, these methods are labor‐intensive and either stress captured animals or limited by sign visibility and persistence. As noninvasive alternatives, we deployed baited camera traps and baited track plates to monitor eastern woodrat (N. floridana) presence along rocky outcrops at 4 woodrat reintroduction sites in southern Illinois, USA, during May 2013 (5 camera and track‐plate stations/site) and May and September 2014 (4 camera and track‐plate stations/site) to compare their effectiveness. During each deployment, camera traps detected woodrat presence at all 4 sites while track plates only detected presence at 2–3 sites. A greater proportion of camera traps than track plates recorded detections during each deployment. Camera traps required more person‐hours to deploy and retrieve, but resulted in more detections per hour effort than track plates. We conclude that baited camera traps are superior to baited track plates for detecting and monitoring woodrat presence. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Limiting conflicts when managing public lands for furbearer trapping and dog‐related recreation
Authors: Triezenberg Heather A. , Knuth Barbara A.
Published: December 2018

Resource users with different interests frequent public lands, resulting in opportunity for conflict. We examined the issue of interactions among wildlife trappers and dog owners by examining stakeholders’ socio‐demographics, land usage, concerns, attitudes, and satisfaction with multiuse public land management for recreation with dogs and furbearer trapping. We sent mail‐back questionnaires to licensed dog owners (n = 1,000; hereafter, dog owners) and licensed wildlife trappers (n = 1,000; hereafter, wildlife trappers) in a 10‐county area of New York, USA, during 2009. After weighting data, results revealed dog owners and wildlife trappers had differences in land usage patterns for all land types. Dog owners and wildlife trappers, regardless of whether they owned a dog, differed in all items except that they had similar levels of satisfaction for management of public lands in their region for both recreation with dogs and wildlife trapping. Seeing dogs under voice and sight command of their owner or trainer was positively related to satisfaction with management of public lands for wildlife trappers and agreement that dog owners have few places to take their dogs and allow them to run off‐leash. Concern about dogs getting caught in wildlife traps was negatively related to satisfaction with public lands management for wildlife trappers. For dog owners, agreement that trappers should be allowed to trap on public lands was positively related to satisfaction. Our results suggest that state wildlife agencies seeking to improve stakeholder interactions and satisfaction with public land management for both wildlife trapping and recreation with dogs should promote the importance of dogs being under control through voice or sight command or directly on a leash, and should consider creating spaces for dogs to run off leash. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Superboost transitions, refraction memory and super-Lorentz charge algebra
Authors: Compère Geoffrey , Fiorucci Adrien , Ruzziconi Romain
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We derive a closed-form expression of the orbit of Minkowski spacetime under arbitrary Diff(S
2) super-Lorentz transformations and supertranslations. Such vacua are labelled by the superboost, superrotation and supertranslation fields. Impulsive transitions among vacua are related to the refraction memory effect and the displacement memory effect. A phase space is defined whose asymptotic symmetry group consists of arbitrary Diff(S
2) super-Lorentz transformations and supertranslations. It requires a renormalization of the symplectic structure. We show that our final surface charge expressions are consistent with the leading and subleading soft graviton theorems. We contrast the leading BMS triangle structure to the mixed overleading/subleading BMS square structure.
Gravitational S-matrix from CFT dispersion relations
Authors: Alday Luis F. , Caron-Huot Simon
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We analyse the double-discontinuities of the four-point correlator of the stress-tensor multiplet in N=4 SYM at large t’ Hooft coupling and at order 1/N
4, as a way to access one-loop effects in the dual supergravity theory. From these singularities we extract CFT-data by using two inversion procedures: one based on a recently proposed Froissart-Gribov inversion integral, and the other based on large spin perturbation theory. Both procedures lead to the same results and are shown to be equivalent more generally. Our computation parallels the standard S-matrix reconstruction via dispersion relations. In a suitable limit, the result of the conformal field theory calculation is compared with the one-loop graviton scattering amplitude in ten-dimensional IIB supergravity in flat space, finding perfect agreement.
The large-charge expansion for Schrödinger systems
Authors: Favrod Samuel , Orlando Domenico , Reffert Susanne
Published: December 2018

Abstract

In this note, we perform the large-charge expansion for non-relativistic systems with a global U(1) symmetry in 3 + 1 and 2 + 1 space-time dimensions, motivated by applications to the unitary Fermi gas and anyons. These systems do not have full conformal invariance, but are invariant under the Schrödinger group. Also here, the low-energy physics is encoded by a Goldstone boson which is due to the breaking of the global symmetry when fixing the charge. We find that in 2 + 1 dimensions and higher, there is a large-charge expansion in which quantum corrections are suppressed with respect to the next-to-leading order terms in the Lagrangian. We give the next-to-leading-order expressions for the ground state energy and the speed of sound.
A simple approach towards the sign problem using path optimisation
Authors: Bursa Francis , Kroyter Michael
Published: December 2018

Abstract

We suggest an approach for simulating theories with a sign problem that relies on optimisation of complex integration contours that are not restricted to lie along Lefschetz thimbles. To that end we consider the toy model of a one-dimensional Bose gas with chemical potential. We identify the main contribution to the sign problem in this case as coming from a nearest neighbour interaction and approximately cancel it by an explicit deformation of the integration contour. We extend the obtained expressions to more general ones, depending on a small set of parameters. We find the optimal values of these parameters on a small lattice and study their range of validity. We also identify precursors for the onset of the sign problem. A fast method of evaluating the Jacobian related to the contour deformation is proposed and its numerical stability is examined. For a particular choice of lattice parameters, we find that our approach increases the lattice size at which the sign problem becomes serious from L ≈ 32 to L ≈ 700. The efficient evaluation of the Jacobian (O(L) for a sweep) results in running times that are of the order of a few minutes on a standard laptop.
Flows, fixed points and duality in Chern-Simons-matter theories
Authors: Aharony Ofer , Jain Sachin , Minwalla Shiraz
Published: December 2018

Abstract

It has been conjectured that 3d fermions minimally coupled to Chern-Simons gauge fields are dual to 3d critical scalars, also minimally coupled to Chern-Simons gauge fields. The large N arguments for this duality can formally be used to show that Chern-Simons-gauged critical (Gross-Neveu) fermions are also dual to gauged ‘regular ’ scalars at every order in a 1/N expansion, provided both theories are well-defined (when one fine-tunes the two relevant parameters of each of these theories to zero). In the strict large N limit these ‘quasi-bosonic’ theories appear as fixed lines parameterized by x
6, the coefficient of a sextic term in the potential. While x
6 is an exactly marginal deformation at leading order in large N, it develops a non-trivial β function at first subleading order in 1/N. We demonstrate that the beta function is a cubic polynomial in x
6 at this order in 1/N, and compute the coefficients of the cubic and quadratic terms as a function of the ’t Hooft coupling. We conjecture that flows governed by this leading large N beta function have three fixed points for x
6 at every non-zero value of the ’t Hooft coupling, implying the existence of three distinct regular bosonic and three distinct dual critical fermionic conformal fixed points, at every value of the ’t Hooft coupling. We analyze the phase structure of these fixed point theories at zero temperature. We also construct dual pairs of large N fine-tuned renormalization group flows from supersymmetric

$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$

N
=
2

Chern-Simons-matter theories, such that one of the flows ends up in the IR at a regular boson theory while its dual partner flows to a critical fermion theory. This construction suggests that the duality between these theories persists at finite N, at least when N is large.
Amplitudes involving massive states using pure spinor formalism
Authors: Chakrabarti Subhroneel , Kashyap Sitender Pratap , Verma Mritunjay
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Same amplitudes evaluated independently using RNS and pure spinor formalism are expected to agree. While for massless states, this fact has been firmly established, for massive states such an explicit check has been lacking so far. We compute all massless-massless-massive 3-point functions in open supertrings in pure spinor formalism for the first massive states and compare them with the corresponding RNS results. We fix the normalization of the vertex operators of the massive states by comparing same set of 3-point functions for a fixed ordering in the two formalisms. Once fixed, the subsequent 3-point functions for each inequivalent ordering match exactly. This extends the explicit demonstration of equivalence of pure spinor and RNS formalism from massless states to first massive states.
Adult attachment and health symptoms: The mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties
Authors: Lewczuk Karol , Kobylińska Dorota , Marchlewska Marta , Krysztofiak Magdalena , Glica Agnieszka , Moiseeva Viktoriia
Published: December 2018

Previous research suggests that insecurely attached individuals may, in some cases, have a higher risk of developing negative health symptoms than securely attached ones. We conducted two studies (Study 1, n = 191; Study 2, n = 216) aimed at broadening this finding. We analysed the relationships between two distinct dimensions of insecure attachment (anxious and avoidant) and several classes of negative physical and mental health symptoms. Additionally, we placed emotion regulation difficulties in the role of potential mediator of these relationships. Our results indicated that both anxious and avoidant attachment were positively related to health symptoms on the level of bivariate correlations. However, when both of them were controlled within one mediation model, it was only attachment anxiety, and not attachment avoidance, that proved to be a significant, positive predictor of most health symptom classes: vegetative, agoraphobic, social phobia symptoms and global symptom severity index (which reflects a broad range of negative health symptoms). These relationships were indeed mediated by emotion regulation difficulties. Our results support the notion that (1) different dimensions of insecure attachment can have differential consequences for physical and mental health, and (2) emotion regulation can be one of the mechanisms that explain the links between attachment and health.
Uranus and Neptune Should Be Top Priority, Says Report
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2018

Voyager 2 visited the ice giants in the 1980s, the only craft ever to do so. Planetary scientists argue that new missions to each planet would also benefit heliophysics and exoplanet research.
Upper Crustal Vp/Vs Ratios at the Endeavour Segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge, From Joint Inversion of P and S Traveltimes: Implications for Hydrothermal Circulation
Authors: Kim Eunyoung , Toomey Douglas R. , Hooft Emilie E. E. , Wilcock William S. D. , Weekly Robert T. , Lee Sang‐Mook , Kim Young Hee
Published: December 2018

The Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge is one of the most active and long‐lived hydrothermal areas of the mid‐ocean ridge system. However, the permeability structure that gives rise to long‐term venting at well‐established fields, such as the High Rise, Main Endeavour, and Mothra fields, is not fully understood. Here we jointly invert Pg and Sg traveltimes from a seismic refraction experiment conducted at the Endeavour segment using P‐to‐S coupling constraints. We then calculate porosity and crack density as a function of crack aspect ratio by applying the differential effective medium theory to the seismic velocities. At 1.4‐km depth, average Vp ~5 km off axis increases by ~0.4 km/s compared to the ridge axis. The average Vp/Vs has a minimum of ~1.75 on the ridge axis and increases to a maximum of ~1.84 off axis. The inferred porosity and crack density distributions show that the proportion of thick versus thin cracks decreases from the ridge axis to the flanks, since theoretical models indicate that Vp/Vs increases going from thick to thin cracks (aspect ratio decreasing from 0.1 to 0.01). The dominant presence of thick cracks on the axis may provide long‐term conduits for upflow in high‐temperature hydrothermal circulation potentially forming the vent fields. The increased proportion of thin cracks on the flanks, coupled with the increased seismic velocity, indicates a decrease in permeability caused by progressive clogging of thick cracks due to mineral precipitation likely in the downflow zone of hydrothermal circulation.
Propagation and Vertical Structure of the Tidal Flow in Nares Strait
Authors: Davis Peter E. D. , Johnson Helen L. , Melling Humfrey
Published: December 2018

The southward freshwater flux through Nares Strait is an important component of the Arctic's freshwater budget. On short time scales, flow through the strait is dominated by the tides, and tidal dynamics may be important for the magnitude of the freshwater flux over longer periods. Here we build upon our existing knowledge of the tides in the region by exploring their propagation and vertical structure using data from four bottom‐mounted Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers deployed in Nares Strait between 2003 and 2006. We observe that propagating barotropic semidiurnal tidal waves interact to create a standing wave pattern, explaining the abnormally large tidal amplitudes that are observed in this region. In the along‐strait direction, semidiurnal tidal currents exhibit strong variations with depth. In contrast, the diurnal tides propagate northward through the strait as progressive waves, and the tidal currents are broadly depth invariant. Proximity of Nares Strait to the semidiurnal critical latitude and the topographical restriction imposed by the steep side wall of Ellesmere Island are primary drivers behind the observed vertical variability. In the upper part of the water column, baroclinic activity increases the tidal current amplitude by up to 25%. In the across‐strait direction, a two‐layer structure exists in both the diurnal and semidiurnal tidal flow, with a phase lag of approximately a quarter of a tidal cycle across the strait for the semidiurnal tide. Our results suggest that strong vertical motion exists against the side walls of Nares Strait, as the across‐strait flow interacts with the steeply sloping bathymetry.
Spin‐Up of the Southern Hemisphere Super Gyre
Authors: Qu Tangdong , Fukumori Ichiro , Fine Rana A.
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the variability of the Southern Hemisphere super gyre (SHSG), using remotely sensed altimeter measurements, in situ Argo observations, and results from an ocean state estimate of the Consortium for Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean. Analyses of altimeter data show large trends of sea surface height, and their positive‐negative contrast suggests a strengthening of subtropical gyres in all the three Southern Hemisphere oceans since 1993. Analyses of Argo data and the Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean estimate indicate that these dynamic signals of southern subtropical gyres extend to at least 2,000 m. The three southern subtropical gyres are interconnected through the Tasman and Agulhas leakages and vary consistently during the period 1993–2016. The Tasman and Agulhas leakages also show an increasing trend of inter‐ocean water exchange with a typical increase of ~2 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3/s) per decade, indicative of a two‐decade‐long spin‐up of the SHSG. The strengthening and poleward shift of westerly winds are associated with an increasing southern annular mode, which affect the midlatitude and high‐latitude Southern Hemisphere oceans and contribute to the spin‐up of the SHSG.