bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Smad3 pathway in atrial fibrosis induced by elevated hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Wei Wei , Rao Fang , Liu Fangzhou , Xue Yumei , Deng Chunyu , Wang Zhaoyu , Zhu Jiening , Yang Hui , Li Xin , Zhang Mengzhen , Fu Yongheng , Zhu Wensi , Shan Zhixin , Wu Shulin
Published: December 2017

Hypertension is a main risk factor for atrial fibrillation, but the direct effects of hydrostatic pressure on the atrial fibrosis are still unknown. The present study investigated whether hydrostatic pressure is responsible for atrial fibrosis, and addressed a potential role of the Smad pathway in this pathology. Biochemical assays were used to study regulation and expression of fibrotic factors in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar rats, and in cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) cultured under standard (0 mmHg) and elevated (20, 40 mmHg) hydrostatic pressure. Levels of atrial fibrosis and protein expression of fibrotic factors Col‐1A1/‐3A1, TGF‐β1, and MMP‐2 in SHRs' left atrial tissues were higher than those in Wistar rats. Exposure to elevated pressure was associated with the proliferation of CFs. The protein expression of Col‐1A1/‐3A1, TGF‐β1, and MMP‐2 in CFs was also up‐regulated in a pressure‐dependent manner. The proliferation of CFs and increased expressions of fibrotic markers induced by elevated hydrostatic pressure could be reversed by the Smad3 inhibitor naringenin. The activation of Smad3 pathway was also stimulated by elevated hydrostatic pressure. These results demonstrate that CF secretory function and proliferation can be up‐regulated by exposure to elevated pressure, and that Smad3 may modulate CF activation induced by high hydrostatic pressure.
Apelin/APJ system: A critical regulator of vascular smooth muscle cell
Authors: Luo Xuling , Liu Jiaqi , Zhou Hong , Chen Linxi
Published: December 2017

APJ, an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor, is first identified through homology cloning in 1993. Apelin is endogenous ligand of APJ extracted from bovine stomach tissue in 1998. Apelin/APJ system is widely expressed in many kinds of cells such as endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes, especially vascular smooth muscle cell. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC), an integral part of the vascular wall, takes part in many normal physiological processes. Our experiment firstly finds that apelin/APJ system enhances VSMC proliferation by ERK1/2‐cyclin D1 signal pathway. Accumulating studies also show that apelin/APJ system plays a pivotal role in mediating the function of VSMC. In this paper, we review the exact role of apelin/APJ system in VSMC, including induction of proliferation and migration, enhance of contraction and relaxation, inhibition of calcification. Furthermore, we discuss the role of apelin/APJ system in vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) from the point of VSMC. Above all, apelin/APJ system is a promising target for managing vascular disease.
The biological roles and clinical implications of microRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: He Ying‐hua , Chen Chen , Shi Zheng
Published: December 2017

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) accounts for about 3% of tumors in adults as well as 85% of all primary renal carcinoma. And it is the third most predominant urological carcinoma, but it has the maximum mortality rate. Early diagnosis and proper follow‐up of ccRCC patients may improve the prognosis of the illness. Thus, it is imperative to understand the new biomarkers of ccRCC and study new method for the modern therapy of this deadly disease. Furthermore, a large number of microRNAs (miRNAs), small non‐coding RNAs, have been relevant to tumor type, stage, or survival and miRNAs might be progressed as the markers of diagnosis or prognosis in ccRCC. A growing body of data also advised the rationality of regarding miRNAs as therapeutic targets for ccRCC treatment. In this review, we tried to summarize biogenesis of miRNAs and their expression profiles, biological roles, and clinical implications in ccRCC.
Electronic cigarette: A recent update of its toxic effects on humans
Authors: Huang Shu‐Jie , Xu Yan‐Ming , Lau Andy T. Y.
Published: December 2017

Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes), battery‐powered and liquid‐vaporizing devices, were invented to replace the conventional cigarette (c‐cigarette) smoking for the sake of reducing the adverse effects on multiple organ systems that c‐cigarettes have induced. Although some of the identified harmful components in e‐cigarettes were alleged to be measured in lower quantity than those in c‐cigarettes, researchers unveiled that the toxic effects of e‐cigarettes should not be understated. This review is sought for an attempt to throw light on several typical types of e‐cigarette components (tobacco‐specific nitrosamines, carbonyl compounds, and volatile organic compounds) by revealing their possible impacts on human bodies through different action mechanisms characterized by alteration of specific biomarkers on cellular and molecular levels. In addition, this review is intended to draw the limelight that like c‐cigarettes, e‐cigarettes could also be accompanied with toxic effects on whole human body, which are especially apparent on respiratory system. From head to foot, from physical aspect to chemical aspect, from genotype to phenotype, potential alterations will take place upon the intake of the liquid aerosol.
Prognostic impact of circulating tumor cells in patients with ampullary cancer
Authors: Sun Bo , Liu Han , Wang Shengnan , Xiang Jianbin , Liu Xingdang
Published: December 2017

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are an important topic of investigation for both basic and clinical cancer research. In this prospective study, we evaluated the clinical role of CTCs in ampullary cancer. We analyzed blood samples from 62 consecutively diagnosed patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma and 24 healthy controls for their CTC content. Combined data from immunostaining of CD45, 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI), and fluorescence in situ hybridization with a chromosome 8 centromere (CEP8) probe were used to identify CTCs; cells that were CD45‐/DAPI+/CEP8>2 were considered CTCs. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the relationship between CTCs, clinical characteristics, and patient outcomes. We detected ≥2 CTCs/3.2 ml whole blood in 43 of 62 patients (69.4%), as well as ≥5 CTCs/3.2 ml in 16 of these patients (25.8%). A CTC cutoff value of 2 cells/3.2 ml achieved 69.4% sensitivity and 95.8% specificity as a diagnostic tool; CTCs were associated with tumor burden. CTC levels ≥3/3.2 ml (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.2–5.2), p = 0.014) and ≥5/3.2 ml (HR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.7–7.3, p < 0.001) were both associated with shorter disease‐free survival. Moreover, ≥3 CTCs/3.2 ml (HR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–6.3, p = 0.019) and ≥5 CTCs/3.2 ml (HR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.8–8.5, p < 0.001) were predictive of shorter overall survival. CTC assessment may help identify patients with ampullary cancer who are at high risk of an unfavorable outcome.
Reactive oxygen species and colorectal cancer
Authors: Lin Sisi , Li Yongyu , Zamyatnin Andrey A. , Werner Jens , Bazhin Alexandr V.
Published: December 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has become the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death in the worldwide. It is urgent to find more effective therapeutic strategies for it. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play multiple roles in normal cellular physiology processes. Thus, a certain level of ROS is essential to keep normal cellular function. However, the accumulation of ROS shows dual roles for cells, which is mainly dependent on the concentration of ROS, the origin of the cancer cell and the activated signaling pathways during tumor progression. In general, moderate level of ROS leads to cell damage, DNA mutation and inflammation, which promotes the initiation and development of cancer. Excessive high level of ROS induces cancer cell death, showing an anti‐cancer role. ROS are commonly higher in CRC cells than their normal counterpart cells. Therefore, it is possible that ROS induce cell death in cancer cells while not affecting the normal cells, demonstrating lower side effects. Besides, ROS also play a role in tumor microenvironment and drug resistance. These multiple roles of ROS make them a promising therapeutic target for cancer. To explore potential ROS‐target therapies against CRC, it is worth to comprehensively understanding the role of ROS in CRC and therapy. In this review, we mainly discuss the strategies of ROS in CRC therapy, including direct CRC cell target and indirect tumor environment target. In addition, the influences of ROS in drug resistance will also been discussed.
Vacuolated PAS‐positive lymphocytes as an hallmark of Pompe disease and other myopathies related to impaired autophagy
Authors: Pascarella Angelo , Terracciano Chiara , Farina Olimpia , Lombardi Luca , Esposito Teresa , Napolitano Filomena , Franzese Giuseppina , Panella Giovanni , Tuccillo Francesco , la Marca Giancarlo , Bernardini Sergio , Boffo Silvia , Giordano Antonio , Di Iorio Giuseppe , Melone Mariarosa A.B. , Sampaolo Simone
Published: December 2017

Autosomal recessive Pompe disease is a lysosomal disorder caused by mutations of the acid‐α‐glucosidase (GAA) gene. Deficiency of GAA enzyme leads to glycogen accumulation and autophagy impairment in cardiac and skeletal muscles, but also in lymphocytes. Since an effective therapy is available, a rapid, sensitive, and specific test is crucial to early identify affected subjects. Number of lymphocytes containing PAS‐positive vacuoles was evaluated on blood films from 72 consecutive adult patients with hyperckemia and/or muscle weakness, 13 genetically confirmed late‐onset‐Pompe‐disease (LOPD) and 13 of their offspring. GAA activity, measured on dried blood spot (DBS) in all patients inversely correlated with number of PAS‐positive lymphocytes. More than 4 PAS‐positive lymphocytes were found in 11 out of the 72 patients (6 new diagnosis of LOPD, 3 different glycogen storage myopathies, 1 glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, 1 caveolinopathy), in all 13 LOPD patients and in the 13 LOPD offspring. These latter resulted to have all a single GAA mutation but low GAA levels. Immunostaining with the autophagy markers LC3 and p62 confirmed the autophagic nature of lymphocytes vacuoles. ROC curve assessment of PAS‐positive lymphocytes disclosed 100% of sensitivity and 94% of specificity in recognizing both compound heterozygous and heterozygous GAA carriers. The other myopathies with more than 4 PAS‐positive lymphocytes appeared to be all related to impaired autophagy, which seems to be responsible of PAS‐positive vacuolated lymphocytes formation. Quantification of PAS‐positive lymphocytes in blood films is useful to identify autophagic vacuolar myopathies and should be routinely used as first level test for Pompe disease.
Origin of sex chromosomes in six groups of Rana rugosa frogs inferred from a sex‐linked DNA marker
Authors: Oike Akira , Watanabe Koichiro , Min Mi‐Sook , Tojo Koji , Kumagai Masahide , Kimoto Yuya , Yamashiro Tadashi , Matsuo Takanori , Kodama Maho , Nakamura Yoriko , Notsu Masaru , Tochimoto Takeyoshi , Fujita Hiroyuki , Ota Maki , Ito Etsuro , Yasumasu Shigeki , Nakamura Masahisa
Published: December 2017

Each vertebrate species, as a general rule, has either the XX/XY or ZZ/ZW chromosomes by which sex is determined. However, the Japanese Rana (R.) rugosa frog is an exception, possessing both sex‐determining combinations within one species, varying with region of origin. We collected R. rugosa frogs from 104 sites around Japan and South Korea and determined the nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene. Based on the sequences, R. rugosa frogs were divided into four groups from Japan and one from South Korea. The ZZ/ZW type is reportedly derived from the XX/XY type, although recently a new ZZ/ZW type of R. rugosa was reported. However, it still remains unclear from where the sex chromosomes in the five groups of this species were derived. In this study, we successfully isolated a sex‐linked DNA maker and used it to classify R. rugosa frogs into several groupings. From the DNA marker as well as from nucleotide analysis of the promoter region of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, we identified another female heterogametic group, designated, West‐Central. The sex chromosomes in the West‐Central originated from the West and Central groups. The results indicate that a sex‐linked DNA marker is a verifiable tool to determine the origin of the sex chromosomes in R. rugosa frogs in which the sex‐determining system has changed, during two independent events, from the male to female heterogamety.
Lewis on Industrialisation and Industrial Policy
Authors: Weiss John
Published: December 2017

The Lewis model is widely cited, and its implications for the transfer of workers from low productivity to higher productivity jobs have been reflected in recent discussions of ‘growth‐retarding’ structural change in economies where the manufacturing share in GDP is declining. What is less well known is Lewis's recommendations on industrial policy in the context of low income economies. This paper reviews Lewis's position and links it with contemporary debates on the role of industrial policy and the challenges facing Africa. In relation to specific policy proposals, his emphasis on modest and temporary levels of support (either through trade protection or other means), with government provision of infrastructure and support for training, is now a standard part of policy discussion. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acceleration of the partial element equivalent circuit method with uniform tessellation—Part II: Frequency domain solver with interpolation and reuse of partial elements
Authors: Romano Daniele , Lombardi Luigi , Antonini Giulio
Published: December 2017

Stated the importance of accelerating electromagnetic numerical methods to perform accurate and fast virtual prototyping, addressing electromagnetic compatibility/electromagnetic interference issues, in this work, we propose a novel strategy for fast frequency sweeps arising in the partial element equivalent circuit method. Since, as shown in Part I, many geometrical configurations are repeated for a uniform tessellation of 3D structures, the calculation of volume and surface integrals required to fill the partial element matrices can be performed only for a subset of the total elements. Furthermore, since these integrals slowly change with frequency, they can be easily interpolated. Finally, since the interpolation is used over a reduced number of coefficients, their computation can be performed in a vectorialized fashion. All this process leads to an impressive acceleration in the computation of partial elements for the entire frequency sweep by paying a little overhead of random access memory usage. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method are demonstrated through its application to 2 pertinent problems.
Role of the innate immune system in the neuropathological consequences induced by adolescent binge drinking
Authors: Pascual María , Montesinos Jorge , Guerri Consuelo
Published: December 2017

Adolescence is a critical stage of brain maturation in which important plastic and dynamic processes take place in different brain regions, leading to development of the adult brain. Ethanol drinking in adolescence disrupts brain plasticity and causes structural and functional changes in immature brain areas (prefrontal cortex, limbic system) that result in cognitive and behavioral deficits. These changes, along with secretion of sexual and stress‐related hormones in adolescence, may impact self‐control, decision making, and risk‐taking behaviors that contribute to anxiety and initiation of alcohol consumption. New data support the participation of the neuroimmune system in the effects of ethanol on the developing and adult brain. This article reviews the potential pathological bases that underlie the effects of alcohol on the adolescent brain, such as the contribution of genetic background, the perturbation of epigenetic programming, and the influence of the neuroimmune response. Special emphasis is given to the actions of ethanol in the innate immune receptor toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), since recent studies have demonstrated that by activating the inflammatory TLR4/NFκB signaling response in glial cells, binge drinking of ethanol triggers the release of cytokines/chemokines and free radicals, which exacerbate the immune response that causes neuroinflammation/neural damage as well as short‐ and long‐term neurophysiological, cognitive, and behavioral dysfunction. Finally, potential treatments that target the neuroimmune response to treat the neuropathological and behavioral consequences of adolescent alcohol abuse are discussed.
Reversibility of defect formation during oxygen‐assisted electron‐beam‐induced etching of graphene
Authors: Pillet Guillaume , Freire‐Soler Victor , Eroles Marc Nuñez , Bacsa Wolfgang , Dujardin Erik , Puech Pascal
Published: December 2017

We explore the defect formation on single‐layer graphene partially suspended over a microcavity upon etching by a focused electron beam in a reactive oxygen atmosphere. The formation of oxygenated defects in an area of several μm2 around the cut is studied by Raman spectroscopy. The narrow symmetric Raman D band has the same bandwidth as the G band line width of supported graphene. For suspended graphene, the D bandwidth is larger. From the ratio of the intensity of the Raman D and D′ band (ID/ID′), it is concluded that mainly sp3‐type defects are formed on supported graphene and more defects with a different spectral signature are formed on suspended graphene. Annealing in reductive H2/Ar atmosphere is found to remove bonded oxygen on supported graphene, whereas on suspended graphene with higher density of defects, defects are removed only partially.
In vivo determination of carotenoid resonance excitation profiles of Chlorella vulgaris, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Koch Matthias , Kniggendorf Ann‐Kathrin , Meinhardt‐Wollweber Merve , Roth Bernhard
Published: December 2017

Under stress, certain species of algae produce pigments such as astaxanthin, β‐carotene, or phycoerythrin for protection against photosynthethic stress. These pigments are of high commercial demand, for example, as food additives. Measuring and maintaining stress conditions precisely are necessary for efficient pigment synthesis in algae cultures. We present resonance excitation maps of three common species of algae, Chlorella vulgaris, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Porphyridium purpureum, exploring the feasibility of resonance Raman spectroscopy for stress monitoring in vivo. The resonance excitation profiles for individual Raman lines of carotenoids extracted from the resonance excitation maps of different stress states are a helpful guide to pick optimal excitation wavelengths for maximum resonance enhancement in living algae cultures of these species under laboratory conditions.
Electrodeposition of silver nanoparticles in the presence of different complexing agents by time‐resolved Raman spectroelectrochemistry
Authors: Ibañez D. , Izquierdo D. , Fernandez‐Blanco C. , Heras A. , Colina A.
Published: December 2017

Chemical and physical properties of metal nanoparticles (NPs) are determined not only by the synthesis method used to prepare them but also by the experimental conditions under the generation process takes place. One of the most important factors in the synthesis of NPs is the presence of complexing agents in the media that can change the size and shape of the NPs. The significant role of different complexing agents (cyanide, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and ethylenediamine) in the electrochemical formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been analyzed by time‐resolved Raman spectroelectrochemistry. Electrochemical and spectroscopic responses, obtained simultaneously, provide suitable information about the changes that occur on the platinum electrode surface during the AgNPs electrodeposition. The morphology of AgNPs has been analyzed by ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroelectrochemistry, providing additional information and a detailed view of the electrodeposition process. The influence of the complexing agent used to generate AgNPs has been studied analyzing the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect of the modified substrate. Raman spectra show different SERS behavior depending on the complexing agent and therefore on the AgNPs generated. The relationship between SERS signals and the morphology of AgNPs has been displayed by scanning electron microscopy images. Time‐resolved Raman spectroelectrochemistry confirms that chemical mechanism is necessary for SERS effect.
Change of the structure and the digestibility of myofibrillar proteins in Nanjing dry‐cured duck during processing
Authors: Du Xiaojing , Sun Yangying , Pan Daodong , Wang Ying , Ou Changrong , Cao Jinxuan
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

To investigate the change of bioavailability and structure of myofibrillar proteins during Nanjing dry‐cured duck processing, carbonyl content, sulfhydryl (SH) group, disulfide (SS) group, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, surface hydrophobicity, secondary structures and in vitro digestibility were determined.

RESULTS

During processing, carbonyl content and surface hydrophobicity increased; SH turned into SS group; α‐helix turned into β‐sheet and random coil fractions. Protein degradation occurred during dry‐curing and drying–ripening stages. The in vitro digestibility of pepsin and pancreatic proteases increased during the salt curing stage and decreased during the drying–ripening stage.

CONCLUSION

The increase of digestibility could be attributed to the mild oxidation, degradation and unfolding of proteins while the decrease of digestibility was related to the intensive oxidation and aggregation of proteins. Protein degradation was not a main factor of digestibility during the drying–ripening stage. Results demonstrated that the bioavailability loss of myofibrillar proteins in Nanjing dry‐cured duck occurred during the stage of drying–ripening instead of curing. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Airborne particulate concentration during laser hair removal: A comparison between cold sapphire with aqueous gel and cryogen skin cooling
Authors: Ross Edward V. , Chuang Gary S. , Ortiz Arisa E. , Davenport Scott A.
Published: December 2017

Background

High concentrations of sub‐micron nanoparticles have been shown to be released during laser hair removal (LHR) procedures. These emissions pose a potential biohazard to healthcare workers that have prolonged exposure to LHR plume.

Objective

We sought to demonstrate that cold sapphire skin cooling done in contact mode might suppress plume dispersion during LHR.

Methods

A total of 11 patients were recruited for laser hair removal. They were treated on the legs and axilla with a 755 or 1064 nm millisecond‐domain laser equipped with either (i) cryogen spray (CSC); (ii) refrigerated air (RA); or (iii) contact cooling with sapphire (CC). Concentration of ultrafine nanoparticles <1 μm were measured just before and during LHR with the three respective cooling methods.

Results

For contact cooling (CC), counts remained at baseline levels, below 3,500 parts per cubic centimeter (ppc) for all treatments. In contrast, the CSC system produced large levels of plume, peaking at times to over 400,000 ppc. The CA cooled system produced intermediate levels of plume, about 35,000 ppc (or about 10× baseline).

Conclusions

Cold Sapphire Skin cooling with gel suppresses plume during laser hair removal, potentially eliminating the need for smoke evacuators, custom ventilation systems, and respirators during LHR. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:280–283, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photofrin® photodynamic therapy with intratumor photosensitizer injection provides similar tumor response while reducing systemic skin photosensitivity: Pilot murine study
Authors: Baran Timothy M.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The goal of this study was to compare tumor response to Photofrin® photodynamic therapy using intravenous and intratumoral injection of photosensitizer. Systemic skin photosensitivity and photosensitizer distribution were also compared between the two delivery methods.

Methods

SCCVII tumors were initiated in the hind legs of female C3H mice and grown to a volume of ∼1,000 mm3. Photofrin® was delivered intravenously via the tail vein at a concentration of 2 mg/kg or intratumorally at concentrations ranging from 0.5–2 mg/kg. A 630 nm laser illumination was delivered via interstitial diffuser placement at a fluence rate of 400 mW/cm and fluence of 100 J/cm. Mice were maintained under normal room lighting for 24 hours after treatment, at which point photographs were captured for assessment of skin photosensitivity. Animals were then sacrificed, and their tumors were excised, sectioned, imaged, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). H&E slides were imaged to assess necrosis post‐PDT, and skin photographs were evaluated by two blinded reviewers for quantification of skin photosensitivity. Whole‐body fluorescence imaging was performed before and after photodynamic therapy.

Results

Tumor necrosis was not significantly different based on treatment group (P = 0.33), while skin photosensitivity was significantly reduced in animals that received Photofrin® intratumorally (P = 0.0005). Fluorescence imaging revealed similar photosensitizer fluorescence in excised tumors for intratumor and intravenous injection of Photofrin® (P = 0.48), although fluorescence decreased significantly with decreasing intratumor injection concentration (P= 0.01).

Conclusions

This pilot study shows that intratumoral administration of Photofrin® has the potential to produce similar tumor outcomes, while reducing systemic skin photosensitivity. Further studies are warranted to characterize and optimize intratumor delivery. Lasers Surg. 50:476–482, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Generalizations of Cantor's theorem in
Authors: Shen Guozhen
Published: December 2017

A set x is Dedekind infinite if there is an injection from ω into x; otherwise x is Dedekind finite. A set x is power Dedekind infinite if , the power set of x, is Dedekind infinite; otherwise x is power Dedekind finite. For a set x, let pdfin(x) be the set of all power Dedekind finite subsets of x. In this paper, we prove in (without the axiom of choice) two generalizations of Cantor's theorem (i.e., the statement that for all sets x, there are no injections from into x): The first one is that for all power Dedekind infinite sets x, there are no Dedekind finite to one maps from into pdfin(x). The second one is that for all sets , if x is infinite and there is a power Dedekind finite to one map from y into x, then there are no surjections from y onto . We also obtain some related results.
Frequency and phase correction for multiplexed edited MRS of GABA and glutathione
Authors: Mikkelsen Mark , Saleh Muhammad G. , Near Jamie , Chan Kimberly L. , Gong Tao , Harris Ashley D. , Oeltzschner Georg , Puts Nicolaas A.J. , Cecil Kim M. , Wilkinson Iain D. , Edden Richard A.E.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Detection of endogenous metabolites using multiplexed editing substantially improves the efficiency of edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multiplexed editing (i.e., performing more than one edited experiment in a single acquisition) requires a tailored, robust approach for correction of frequency and phase offsets. Here, a novel method for frequency and phase correction (FPC) based on spectral registration is presented and compared against previously presented approaches.

Methods

One simulated dataset and 40 γ‐aminobutyric acid‐/glutathione‐edited HERMES datasets acquired in vivo at three imaging centers were used to test four FPC approaches: no correction; spectral registration; spectral registration with post hoc choline‐creatine alignment; and multistep FPC. The performance of each routine for the simulated dataset was assessed by comparing the estimated frequency/phase offsets against the known values, whereas the performance for the in vivo data was assessed quantitatively by calculation of an alignment quality metric based on choline subtraction artifacts.

Results

The multistep FPC approach returned corrections that were closest to the true values for the simulated dataset. Alignment quality scores were on average worst for no correction, and best for multistep FPC in both the γ‐aminobutyric acid‐ and glutathione‐edited spectra in the in vivo data.

Conclusions

Multistep FPC results in improved correction of frequency/phase errors in multiplexed γ‐aminobutyric acid‐/glutathione‐edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments. The optimal FPC strategy is experiment‐specific, and may even be dataset‐specific. Magn Reson Med 80:21–28, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Phenotyping the detrusor underactivity: Is it more important than categorizing the symptomatic presentation of detrusor underactivity?
Authors: Lee Bora , Kim Jae Heon
Published: December 2017

Aims

Recently, [Brown et al Neurourol Urodyn. 36:1151–1154, 2017] reported a remarkable study regarding detrusor underactivity (DU) by categorizing the possible phenotypes. Although this study presents novel findings on the possible phenotypes, several points need to be clarified further for a better understanding.

Methods

The methodology, especially regarding categorizing the phenotypes has been reviewed and comments have been added for better understanding of their study.

Results

To better understand novel results of their study, several points have to be considered, which include cluster analysis and categorization according to symptomatic presentations.

Conclusions

Phenotyping by either etiologies or covariates and by syndromic presentations is not easy. Due to the aging features, multiple factors are needed during interpretation of the categorized phenotypes. Considering the advantage of the clinical benefit from the patient's viewpoint, categorization of syndromic symptomatic presentation using multiple validated tools including patient‐reported outcomes is needed.
The two faces of enhanced stroma: Stroma acts as a tumor promoter and a steric obstacle
Authors: Mierke Claudia Tanja , Sauer Frank , Grosser Steffen , Puder Stefanie , Fischer Tony , Käs Josef Alfons
Published: December 2017

In addition to genetic, morphological and biochemical alterations in cells, a key feature of the malignant progression of cancer is the stroma, including cancer cell motility as well as the emergence of metastases. Our current knowledge with regard to the biophysically driven experimental approaches of cancer progression indicates that mechanical aberrations are major contributors to the malignant progression of cancer. In particular, the mechanical probing of the stroma is of great interest. However, the impact of the tumor stroma on cellular motility, and hence the metastatic cascade leading to the malignant progression of cancer, is controversial as there are two different and opposing effects within the stroma. On the one hand, the stroma can promote and enhance the proliferation, survival and migration of cancer cells through mechanotransduction processes evoked by fiber alignment as a result of increased stroma rigidity. This enables all types of cancer to overcome restrictive biological capabilities. On the other hand, as a result of its structural constraints, the stroma acts as a steric obstacle for cancer cell motility in dense three‐dimensional extracellular matrices, when the pore size is smaller than the cell's nucleus. The mechanical properties of the stroma, such as the tissue matrix stiffness and the entire architectural network of the stroma, are the major players in providing the optimal environment for cancer cell migration. Thus, biophysical methods determining the mechanical properties of the stroma, such as magnetic resonance elastography, are critical for the diagnosis and prediction of early cancer stages. Fibrogenesis and cancer are tightly connected, as there is an elevated risk of cancer on cystic fibrosis or, subsequently, cirrhosis. This also applies to the subsequent metastatic process.
A data‐driven approximate solution to the model‐free HJB equation
Authors: Huang Zhijian , Li Yudong , Zhang Cheng , Wu Gang , Liu Yihua , Chen Yuli
Published: December 2017

It is generally impossible to analytically solve the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman (HJB) equation of an optimal control system. With the coming of the big‐data era, this paper first derives a new data‐driven and model‐free Hamilton function for the HJB equation. Then, a data‐driven tracking differentiator method is proposed to solve the Hamilton function. Finally, the simulation for a classic example shows that the optimal control policy can be approximated with the proposed method. Thus, an online data‐driven model‐free approximate solution to the HJB equation is achieved. This method is only driven by the measured system states. All other variables and derivatives can be derived from the data‐driven model‐free Hamilton function and tracking differentiator. The method has a complete mathematical support and works like a controller. It does not need neural networks and has no training or iterative convergence problem. Thus, this paper adds an online data‐driven model‐free method to the existing literature on the approximate solution to the HJB equation.
Piecewise affine approximations for quality modeling and control of perishable foods
Authors: Xin Jianbin , Negenborn Rudy R. , Lin Xiao
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a new methodology for modeling and controlling quality degradation of perishable foods when zero‐order kinetics are considered. This methodology approximates the nonlinear model of the zero‐order quality kinetics using the piecewise affine (PWA) modeling representation. For obtaining a proper PWA model, two state‐of‐the‐art methods are discussed, and eventually, a hybrid identification‐based PWA model is considered after the comparison. This PWA model is then transformed into a computational mixed logical dynamical model, based on which an optimal control strategy is proposed that balances food quality and associated energy consumption. Furthermore, a model predictive control is proposed for improving energy efficiency when a dynamical weather environment is considered. Simulation experiments illustrate the potentials of the proposed optimal controller and the model predictive controller in a case study involving the bighead carp.
Bureaucratization and administrative development in Africa: A reading of Riggs' theory of prismatic society
Authors: Ikeanyibe Okechukwu M.
Published: December 2017

Poor bureaucratization in prismatic (transitional) societies is attributed to malintegration of the ideal bureaucratic principles with subsisting traditional sociocultural features by Fred Riggs. Riggs has been severely criticized on many fronts, yet aspects of his theory remain relevant towards explaining persistent poor administrative behaviour in most African countries. This article applies Riggs' notion of poly‐communalism and poly‐normativism to explain the contribution of low state identity to persistent poor administrative behaviour in Africa. Historical institutionalism theory is also used to attempt at resolving the challenge of equilibrium for which Riggs' theory is commonly criticized. The author avers that communalism, a value that supports group interest in a traditional society, subsists in most poly‐communal transitional African countries, leading to distortions in administrative behaviour. A good number of African countries were mobilized through colonialism but poorly assimilated, thus lacking strong common state identity, which leads to ineffective public administration. The article suggests that resolving the trapping of the administrative system in Africa requires resolving the challenge of poly‐communalism and lack of common identity among a state population.
Targeting early PKCθ‐dependent T‐cell infiltration of dystrophic muscle reduces disease severity in a mouse model of muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lozanoska‐Ochser Biliana , Benedetti Anna , Rizzo Giuseppe , Marrocco Valeria , Di Maggio Rosanna , Fiore Piera , Bouche Marina
Published: December 2017

Chronic muscle inflammation is a critical feature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and contributes to muscle fibre injury and disease progression. Although previous studies have implicated T cells in the development of muscle fibrosis, little is known about their role during the early stages of muscular dystrophy. Here, we show that T cells are among the first cells to infiltrate mdx mouse dystrophic muscle, prior to the onset of necrosis, suggesting an important role in early disease pathogenesis. Based on our comprehensive analysis of the kinetics of the immune response, we further identify the early pre‐necrotic stage of muscular dystrophy as the relevant time frame for T‐cell‐based interventions. We focused on protein kinase C θ (PKCθ, encoded by Prkcq), a critical regulator of effector T‐cell activation, as a potential target to inhibit T‐cell activity in dystrophic muscle. Lack of PKCθ not only reduced the frequency and number of infiltrating T cells but also led to quantitative and qualitative changes in the innate immune cell infiltrate in mdx/Prkcq−/− muscle. These changes were due to the inhibition of T cells, since PKCθ was necessary for T‐cell but not for myeloid cell infiltration of acutely injured muscle. Targeting T cells with a PKCθ inhibitor early in the disease process markedly diminished the size of the inflammatory cell infiltrate and resulted in reduced muscle damage. Moreover, diaphragm necrosis and fibrosis were also reduced following treatment. Overall, our findings identify the early T‐cell infiltrate as a therapeutic target and highlight the potential of PKCθ inhibition as a therapeutic approach to muscular dystrophy. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of surface‐modified montmorillonite incorporated biopolymer membranes for PEM fuel cell applications
Authors: Kalaiselvimary J. , Selvakumar K. , Rajendran S. , Sowmya G. , Ramesh Prabhu M.
Published: December 2017

Proton Exchange Membranes (PEMs) based on nanocomposite consisting of Chitosan and Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)/modified montmorillonite (H+‐MMT) was prepared by solution casting technique. To appraise PEM performance, the structural properties, hydrolytic stability and transport properties of the prepared membranes were investigated using various characterization methods like FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, AFM, water uptake, swelling ratio, ion exchange capacity (IEC), and proton conductivity measurements. Fabricated blend membranes showed favorable PEM characteristics such as afford comparable proton conductivity, moderate ion exchange capacity and reasonable water uptake. Proton conductivities of the blend membranes are about 2.99 × 10−2 S/cm at room temperature. All the membranes are homogenous that could be revealed from the XRD studies. All the results obtained from this study can be used to conclude that the Chitosan/PEO membrane with H+‐MMT filler is a promising high performance PEM candidate for fuel cell applications in future. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E301–E311, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Silane surface treatment of boron nitride to improve the thermal conductivity of polyethylene naphthalate requiring high temperature molding
Authors: Ryu Seokgyu , Kim Kiho , Kim Jooheon
Published: December 2017

Thermal conductive composites were fabricated using a boron nitride (BN) filler and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) matrix. To enhance the interfacial affinity, two types of silane curing agents, 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) and phenyl triethoxysilane (PTEOS), were introduced onto the BN particle surfaces. The modified BN particles were embedded in a PEN matrix via a melt mixing process using twin extrusion to form APTES@BN and PTEOS@BN composites. The highest thermal conductivity was exhibited at 50 wt% BN (1.41 W/mK), which increased to 1.54 W/mK and 1.63 W/mK when the BN particles were surface treated. These values were 9% and 16% higher than the thermal conductivities of the pure BN and the PEN matrix, respectively. The surface‐treated composite also showed improved storage moduli and tensile strength because of the improved interfacial adhesion and the interaction between the BN filler and the PEN matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1692–E1700, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Intercalation structure and toughening mechanism of graphene/urea‐formaldehyde nanocomposites prepared via in situ polymerization
Authors: Wu Buyong , Ye Lin , Liu Yalong , Zhao Xiaowen
Published: December 2017

Based on the industrialized graphene (GN) product, a series of graphene/urea‐formaldehyde nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ polymerization by incorporation of silicon coupling agent with terminal amino groups (SA) as the compatibilizer. The results showed that addition of SA coupling agent led to much more efficient grafting of UF molecules on the GN surface with high layer thickness by formation of hydrogen bonding, and thus complete exfoliation and uniform dispersion of GN were achieved for the composites. Compared with neat UF, the addition of 1.0 wt% GN resulted in a roughly 25% increase in tensile strength and 12% increase in impact strength; meanwhile the impact fracture surfaces of the composite showed obvious ductile fracture characteristics, indicating the reinforcing and toughening effect of GN on the UF matrix. With increasing GN content, the storage modulus, glass transition temperature and crosslinking density of UF increased, while the tan δmax decreased, suggesting that a double crosslinking network structure with GN centered crosslinking point and chemical crosslinking point of UF molecular chains formed, leading to improvement in the stiffness of the composites. The present work showed promising potential for developing high performance UF resin on an industrial scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Moisture‐mediated intrinsic self‐healing of modified polyurethane urea polymers
Authors: Wittmer Anastassija , Brinkmann Andreas , Stenzel Volkmar , Hartwig Andreas , Koschek Katharina
Published: December 2017

Functional materials having the ability to self‐heal cracks or scratches after damage are of great interest for a huge scope of applications. Herein, we report a self‐healing polyurethane urea‐based material with implemented 1‐(2‐aminoethyl) imidazolidone (UDETA) as a chain terminating molecule and for hydrogen bond network formation. Both, UDETA content and moisture affected the self‐healing process. The reversible change in the materials properties was proven by detailed analyses of hardness and thermomechanical behavior in dependence of the water uptake of the samples. FT‐IR analysis revealed that water is able to act as a plasticizer interrupting hydrogen bonding interactions within the polymer network and thus, influencing glass transition temperature and hardness of the samples. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 537–548.
Tailoring 3D hydrogel systems for neuronal encapsulation in living electrodes
Authors: Aregueta‐Robles Ulises A. , Martens Penny J. , Poole‐Warren Laura A. , Green Rylie A.
Published: December 2017

State‐of‐the‐art neurorprostheses rely on stiff metallic electrodes to communicate with neural tissues. It was envisioned that a soft, organic electrode coating embedded with functional neural cells will enhance electrode‐tissue integration. To enable such a device, it is necessary to produce a cell scaffold with mechanical properties matched to native neural tissue. A degradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel was tailored to have a range of compressive moduli through variation in macromer composition and initiator amount. A regression model was used to predict the amount of initiator required for hydrogel polymerization with nominal macromer content ranging between 5 and 20 wt %. Hydrogels at 5 and 10 wt % were reliably formed but 15 wt % and above were not able to be fabricated due to the light attenuation properties of the initiator ruthenium at increased concentration. Compressive modulus of hydrogels decreased upon incorporation of biomolecules (sericin and gelatin), however, the bulk stiffness spanned the range required to match neural tissue properties (0.04–20kPa). Neuroglia cells, such as Schwann cells survived and grew within the scaffold. The significant finding of this work is that the PVA‐tyramine system can be tuned to provide a soft degradable scaffold for neural tissue regeneration while presenting bioactive molecules for cellular expansion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 273–287
Effect of Nano‐Sized Y2O3 Doping on the Electrical Properties of (Ba0.90Ca0.10)(Ti0.9Sn0.1)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Zhi‐hui , Li Zhi‐wei , Qiu Jian‐hua , Zhao Tian‐xiang , Zhu Ke‐qin , Ding Jian‐ning , Zhu Wei‐qin , Xu Jiu‐jun
Published: December 2017

Well dispersed Y2O3 nanoparticles are prepared by azeotropic co‐precipitation method. (Ba0.90Ca0.10)(Ti0.9Sn0.1)O3 lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics doped with the nano‐sized Y2O3 (BCTZY, x = 0.01–0.09%) are synthesized at 1460 °C for 2 h via solid‐state sintering method. X‐ray diffraction suggests typical perovskite structure of all the compositions. The addition of the nano‐Y2O3 results in the improvement in dielectric and piezoelectric properties. The optimized piezoelectric properties is obtained at x = 0.01 with d33 of 596 pC/N and Kp of 57.1%, respectively.
Myricetin attenuated LPS induced cardiac injury in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Zhang Nan , Feng Hong , Liao Hai‐Han , Chen Si , Yang Zheng , Deng Wei , Tang Qi‐Zhu
Published: December 2017

Sepsis induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) is a common complication and leads to an increased mortality. SIMD is closely related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Myricetin exhibits strong capacities of anti‐inflammation and anti‐oxidative stress, but its pharmacological effects for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cardiac injury remains undefined. This study aimed to explore whether myricetin was efficient to alleviate SIMD in mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes injury. Mice administrated with myricetin (100 mg/kg, po, bid) or vehicle groups were challenged with LPS (10 mg/kg, ip), and cardiac functions examined by echocardiography after 12 hr LPS exposure. LPS markedly impaired mouse cardiac functions, which were significantly attenuated by myricetin administration. Myricetin significantly reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines both in serum and cardiac tissue. Myricetin could inhibit the nuclear translocation of p65, degradation of IκBα, and cellular apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Myricetin also prevented overexpression of iNOS and reduction of oxidoreductase (SOD and GPx) activity. Besides, Myricetin treatment could attenuate production of inflammatory cytokines of peritoneal macrophages stimulated with LPS in vitro. Thus we concluded that myricetin could attenuate the LPS induced cardiac inflammation injury in vivo and in vitro. Myricetin may be a potential therapy or adjuvant therapy for SIMD.
N‐doped cycloparaphenylenes: Tuning electronic properties for applications in thermally activated delayed fluorescence
Authors: Graham Christina , Moral Mónica , Muccioli Luca , Olivier Yoann , Pérez‐Jiménez Ángel J. , Sancho‐García Juan‐Carlos
Published: December 2017

We theoretically characterize a series of substituted cycloparaphenylene nanohoops to study the effect of incorporating an electron‐withdrawing group into their cyclic structure. We systematically vary the nature, position, and number of nitrogen‐containing acceptor groups in both neutral (pyridine) and charged forms (pyridinium and methylpyridinium) to provide insights into how this functionalization affects the structural, electronic, and optical properties of these systems. We focus also on the singlet‐triplet energy difference, with low values found, which might pave the way to further applications in the field of devices for light‐emitting applications providing a potential class of TADF‐based emitters.