bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Aggregation‐Induced Emission of Imidazole Hydrazones by pH and Anions
Authors: Tian Dongjie , Zheng Xin , Li Xiaochuan , Liu Xiaojing , Zhao Jinhu , Wang Jianji
Published: October 2019

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) materials have drawn great attention for applications as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLED) and probes. The applications are, however, restricted by the complex syntheses and hydrophobic properties. Herein, a one‐step synthesis of an AIE material based on imidazole hydrazone is assessed. Protonation of the imidazole‐H leads to emission color change from yellow to green in the solid state. The emission color is recovered upon imidazole‐H+ deprotonation. Moreover, the emission wavelength shifts from 532 to 572 nm by anion exchange. In addition, an enhanced emission (ΦF up to 22.6 %) was obtained with the Br− anion compared with NTf2−, SbCl5−, PF6−, and OTf− anions. X‐ray crystallography studies together with theoretical calculations show that the enhanced emission of hydrazone salts arises from strong hydrogen bonding between the hydrazone proton and the halide ion (Cl− or Br−).
Optimizing scheduling decisions of container management tool using many‐objective genetic algorithm
Authors: Imdoukh Mahmoud , Ahmad Imtiaz , Alfailakawi Mohammad
Published: October 2019

Container virtualization is an emerging technology in cloud computing mainly due to its portability and lightweight features. Scheduling is a key task, performed by container management tool, which indirectly affects the characteristics of distributed software system in terms of availability, realizability, scalability, resources utilization, as well as power consumption. However, current schedulers only focus on some of the aforementioned aspects but not all. In this paper, a Many‐Objective Genetic Algorithm Scheduler (MOGAS) is proposed to handle all such objectives to realize solutions with better characteristics. The proposed scheduler is compared with the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)–based scheduler. Based on the proposed objective functions, simulation results show that MOGAS is better than the ACO scheduler in equally distributing tasks by 50%, assigning unique set of tasks per node by 40%, and reducing power consumption by 7%, on average.
The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on the Synthesis of Terephthalate‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Monteagudo‐Olivan Rebeca , Jiménez‐Fernández Isabel , López‐Ram‐de‐Viu Pilar , Sebastian Victor , Coronas Joaquín
Published: October 2019

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile materials for applications in fields including the environment, energy and health. A synthetic route for improving the formation of MOFs has been developed and is triggered by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to promote the formation of terephthalate‐based MOFs of MIL‐53 and MIL‐68 types, specifically those made from Fe3+ and Al3+ and mixtures of both. Different characterization techniques (TGA, XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 porosimetry and Raman, mass and NMR spectroscopies) gave insights into the effect of H2O2 on the MOF synthesis. The reaction yield was significantly improved (the highest yield being 74 % for MIL‐53(Al)), while crystallinity and N2 adsorption properties were mostly maintained for phases based on Al and Al/Fe. Furthermore, a reaction mechanism was envisaged from the mass spectroscopic analysis of the reaction solutions, thus suggesting that H2O2 plays the role of a μ‐hydroxo bridge promoter, favoring the link between terephthalate ligands and aluminum‐containing species to give rise to the μ‐carboxylate bridges, leading to a faster growth of the final MOF, and offering a novel MOF synthesis approach.
Improved error performance for generalised spatial modulation with enhanced spectral efficiency
Authors: Pillay Reggie , Pillay Narushan , Xu Hongjun
Published: October 2019

The existing analytical average bit error rate (ABER) expression of conventional generalised spatial modulation (CGSM) does not agree well with the Monte Carlo simulation results in the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) region. Hence, the first contribution of this paper is to derive a new and easy way to evaluate analytical ABER expression that improves the validation of the simulation results at low SNRs. Secondly, a novel system termed CGSM with enhanced spectral efficiency (CGSM‐ESE) is presented. This system is realised by applying a rotation angle to one of the two active transmit antennas. As a result, the overall spectral efficiency is increased by 1 bit/s/Hz when compared with the equivalent CGSM system. In order to validate the simulation results of CGSM‐ESE, the third contribution is to derive an analytical ABER expression. Finally, to improve the ABER performance of CGSM‐ESE, three link adaptation algorithms are developed. By assuming full knowledge of the channel at the receiver, the proposed algorithms select a subset of channel gain vector (CGV) pairs based on the Euclidean distance between all CGV pairs, CGV splitting, CGV amplitudes, or a combination of these.
An enhanced secure delegation‐based anonymous authentication protocol for PCSs
Authors: Gope Prosanta , Ghayvat Hemant , Cheng Yongqiang , Kabir Sohag
Published: October 2019

Rapid development of wireless networks brings about many security problems in portable communication systems (PCSs), which can provide mobile users with an opportunity to enjoy global roaming services. In this regard, designing a secure user authentication scheme, especially for recognizing legal roaming users, is indeed a challenging task. It is noticed that there is no delegation‐based protocol for PCSs, which can guarantee anonymity, untraceability, perfect forward secrecy, and resistance of denial‐of‐service (DoS) attack. Therefore, in this article, we put forward a novel delegation‐based anonymous and untraceable authentication protocol, which can guarantee to resolve all the abovementioned security issues and hence offer a solution for secure communications for PCSs.
Distribution and connectivity of protected areas in the Americas facilitates transboundary conservation
Authors: Thornton Daniel , Branch Lyn , Murray Dennis
Published: October 2019

Large‐scale anthropogenic changes to landscapes will cause species to move and shift their ranges against a backdrop of international political boundaries. Transboundary conservation efforts are therefore key to preserving intact and connected landscapes, particularly if such efforts can be implemented within the framework of protected area networks that provide for resiliency and persistence in the face of threats such as climate change. We studied the distribution, connectivity, and integrity of protected areas in regions near international borders within the Americas. We found that there is a greater proportion of land protected near vs. far from borders, with this effect extending approximately 125 km from the border. This trend was most pronounced when considering multiuse categories of protected areas in the analysis. We also found that there is greater connectivity of protected areas in border regions than more internally within countries, and relatively low rates of habitat loss within border‐situated and internal protected areas. Our results indicate that protected area networks are larger and more connected if considered in a transboundary context and that efforts to conserve species and mitigate effects of long‐term stressors like climate change will be most successful when planning includes neighboring countries. Despite a relative lack of attention to transboundary conservation in the Americas, our results suggest substantial opportunities for linking landscapes via a focus on international border regions and coordination across borders in protected areas management.
Iron Vanadates Synthesized from Hydrothermal Brines: Rb2FeV6O16, Cs2FeV6O16, and SrFe3V18O38
Authors: Smith Pellizzeri Tiffany M. , McMillen Colin D. , Wen Yimei , Chumanov George , Kolis Joseph W.
Published: October 2019

Three new alkali and alkaline earth iron vanadates have been synthesized via high‐temperature hydrothermal brines. Compound 1, Rb2FeV6O16, is built from vanadium(IV/V) oxo layers with iron(III) tetrahedra embedded in them, crystallizing in space group Cc. Compound 2, Cs2FeV6O16, has similar vanadium‐rich layers, but with a very different pattern to the layered structure in space group P1. The difference in alkali metal between 1 and 2 influences the polarity of the iron vanadate layers. Compound 3, SrFe3V18O38, crystallizes in space group R3, with a complex three‐dimensional vanadate framework containing vanadium(IV) and vanadium(III/IV) octahedra. The framework is templated by Fe(III) tetrahedra and octahedra as well as Sr cuboctahedra. All compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Broadly, this study demonstrates the structural variety that can be obtained by exploiting the sensitivity of vanadium's coordination and oxidation state in a novel hydrothermal halide environment.
Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Five Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based on Oxidized 3,3′‐Azodibenzoic Acid and Different N‐Donor Ligands
Authors: Yang Yu‐Ting , Tu Chang‐Zheng , Yin Hong‐Ju , He Chi‐Xian , Zhao Qiang , Cheng Fei‐Xiang
Published: October 2019

Self‐assembly of transition metal ions with different N‐donor ligands and 3,3′‐azodibenzoic acid (3,3′‐H2ADB) yielded five novel metal‐organic frameworks. All the 3,3′‐ADB2– anions got oxidized into 3,3′‐AO2DB2– and 3,3′‐AODB2– under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 has a 3D 6‐connected pcu architecture based on [Mn3(COO)6] SBU. Compound 2 exhibits 3D threefold interpenetrating framework based on paddlewheel [Mn2(COO)4] SBU with 41263 topological configuration. Compound 3 bears zigzag double chains, which are then connected by π–π stacking interactions into 2D porous structure. Compound 4 features 2D network with self‐penetrating feature. Compound 5 exhibits a fivefold interpenetrating architecture with dia type. Magnetic measurements show that 1, 2 and 5 exhibit antiferromagnetic behavior. In addition, compound 3 displays significant adsorption towards methylene blue in aqueous solution. Thermogravimetric analyses for 1–5 and the luminescence properties of 3 and 4 have also been investigated.
Shaping of Flexible Metal‐Organic Frameworks: Combining Macroscopic Stability and Framework Flexibility
Authors: Kriesten Martin , Vargas Schmitz Jürgen , Siegel Jonas , Smith Christopher E. , Kaspereit Malte , Hartmann Martin
Published: October 2019

A facile extrusion approach that can fully retain the breathing behavior of flexible metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) like MIL‐53 and MIL‐53‐NH2employing methyl cellulose as binder is reported. Shaped MOF extrudates were extensively characterized by nitrogen sorption, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. A detailed study on the mechanical stability of MIL‐53 extrudates with different amounts of binder reveals an increase in stability at low binder fractions while the maximum in attainable stability is reached at 5 wt.‐% binder. In‐situ XRD studies in CO2atmosphere and under humid conditions, respectively, demonstrate the reversibility in breathing behavior of the MIL‐53 extrudates without affecting the phase transition kinetics. High‐pressure methane and carbon dioxide isotherms on MIL‐53 and MIL‐53‐NH2extrudates exhibit loadings that are comparable to the uptake of the pristine powder. The shaping approach reported herein paves the way for using flexible MOF structures in technical applications.
Fish Performance Indicators Adjacent to Oil Sands Activity: Response in Performance Indicators of Slimy Sculpin in the Steepbank River, Alberta, Adjacent to Oil Sands Mining Activity
Authors: Tetreault Gerald R. , Bennett Charles J. , Clark Thomas W. , Keith Heather , Parrott Joanne L. , McMaster Mark E.
Published: October 2019

Since 2009, the Canadian and Alberta governments have been developing monitoring plans for surface water quality and quantity of the lower Athabasca River and its tributaries (2010–2013). The objectives of the present study to the fish monitoring program were to 1) assess the current status of fish in a tributary of the lower Athabasca River, 2) identify existing differences between upstream reference and within the oil sands deposit exposure sites, and 3) identify trends/changes in fish performance indicators relative to historical studies. The present study examines the fish performance indicators in slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) in the Steepbank River, Alberta, in terms of growth, gonad size, condition, and hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity as an indicator of exposure to oil-sands-related compounds. The sampling program followed historical sampling methods (1999–2000) to provide comparable data over time with an additional upstream site (n = 2) added as development progressed. Consistent changes were documented in sculpin collected from downstream sections of the Steepbank River within the oil sands deposit (n = 2) in 2010 through 2013. Sculpin demonstrated increased liver size with corresponding induction of EROD activity consistent with historical data and reductions in energy investment relative to reproductive development and gonadal steroid production capacity. There was no consistent evidence of changes in fish performance indicators with increased surface mining development, particularly adjacent to the Steepbank River Mid site. Although physical development in the Steepbank watershed has increased over the last 15 yr, these results are consistent with historical data suggesting that the magnitude of the response in the aquatic environment adjacent to the development has not changed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:396–409. © 2019 SETAC
Ascertainment of cancer in longitudinal research: The concordance between the Rotterdam Study and the Netherlands Cancer Registry
Authors: van der Willik Kimberly D. , Ruiter Rikje , van Rooij Frank J.A. , Verkroost‐van Heemst Jolande , Hogewoning Sander J. , Timmermans Karin C.A.A. , Visser Otto , Schagen Sanne B. , Ikram M. Arfan , Stricker Bruno H.Ch.
Published: October 2019

Complete and accurate registration of cancer is needed to provide reliable data on cancer incidence and to investigate aetiology. Such data can be derived from national cancer registries, but also from large population‐based cohort studies. Yet, the concordance and discordance between these two data sources remain unknown. We evaluated completeness and accuracy of cancer registration by studying the concordance between the population‐based Rotterdam Study (RS) and the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) between 1989 and 2012 using the independent case ascertainment method. We compared all incident cancers in participants of the RS (aged ≥45 years) to registered cancers in the NCR in the same persons based on the date of diagnosis and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code. In total, 2,977 unique incident cancers among 2,685 persons were registered. Two hundred eighty‐eight cancers (9.7%) were coded by the RS that were not present in the NCR. These were mostly nonpathology‐confirmed lung and haematological cancers. Furthermore, 116 cancers were coded by the NCR, but not by the RS (3.9%), of which 20.7% were breast cancers. Regarding pathology‐confirmed cancer diagnoses, completeness was >95% in both registries. Eighty per cent of the cancers registered in both registries were coded with the same date of diagnosis and ICD code. Of the remaining cancers, 344 (14.5%) were misclassified with regard to date of diagnosis and 72 (3.0%) with regard to ICD code. Our findings indicate that multiple sources on cancer are complementary and should be combined to ensure reliable data on cancer incidence.
Modulation on tetrodotoxin‐resistant sodium current of loureirin B in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons via cyclic AMP–dependent protein kinase A
Authors: Cheng Song , Rong Yi , Ma Minjie , Lin Xianguang , Liu Xiangming , Li Chenhong , Yang Xiaofei , Chen Su
Published: October 2019

To search the modulation mechanism of loureirin B, a flavonoid is extracted from Dracaena cochinchinensis, on tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) sodium channel in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats. Experiments were carried out based on patch‐clamp technique and molecular biological methods. We observed the time‐dependent inhibition of loureirin B on TTX‐R sodium currents in DRG neurons and found that neither occupancy theory nor rate theory could well explain the time‐dependent inhibitory effect of loureirin B on TTX‐R sodium currents. It suggested that a second messenger‐mediated signaling pathway may be involved in the modulation mechanism. So the cyclin AMP (cAMP) level of the DRG neurons before and after incubation with loureirin B was tested by ELISA Kit. Results showed that loureirin B could increase the cAMP level and the increased cAMP was caused by the enhancement of adenylate cyclase (AC) induced by loureirin B. Immunolabelling experiments further confirmed that loureirin B can promote the production of PKA in DRG neurons. In the presence of the PKA inhibitor H‐89, the inhibitory effect of loureirin B on TTX‐R sodium currents was reversed. Forskolin, a tool in biochemistry to raise the levels of cAMP, also could reduce TTX‐R sodium currents similar to that of loureirin B. These studies demonstrated that loureirin B can modulate the TTX‐R sodium channel in DRG neurons via an AC/cAMP/PKA pathway involving the activation of AC and PKA, which also can be used to explain the other pharmacological effects of loureirin B.
3‐(3‐Methoxyphenyl)‐6‐(3‐amino‐4‐methoxyphenyl)‐7H‐[1,2,4] triazolo [3,4‐b][1,3,4] thiadiazine, a novel tubulin inhibitor, evokes G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in SGC‐7901 and HeLa cells
Authors: Liu Zi , Lang Binyue , Gao Minghuan , Chang Xing , Guan Qi , Xu Qile , Wu Di , Li Zengqiang , Zuo Daiying , Zhang Weige , Wu Yingliang
Published: October 2019

Gastric cancer and cervical cancer are two major malignant tumors that threaten human health. The novel chemotherapeutic drugs are needed urgently to treat gastric cancer and cervical cancer with high anticancer activity and metabolic stability. Previously we have reported the synthesis, characterization and identification of a novel combretastatin A‐4 analog, 3‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)‐6‐(3‐amino‐4‐ methoxyphenyl) ‐7H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4] thiadiazine (XSD‐7). In this study, we sought to investigate its anticancer mechanisms in a human gastric cancer cell line (SGC‐7901 cells) and human cervical carcinoma cell line (HeLa cells). The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that XSD‐7 induced cytotoxicity in SGC‐7901 and HeLa cells with inhibitory concentration 50 values of 0.11 ± 0.03 and 0.12 ± 0.05 µM, respectively. Immunofluorescence studies proved that XSD‐7 inhibited microtubule polymerization during cell division in SGC‐7901 and HeLa cells. Then, these cells were arrested at G2/M cell cycle and subsequently progressed into apoptosis. In further study, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis and Western blot analysis demonstrated that XSD‐7 treatment‐induced SGC‐7901 cell apoptosis via both the mitochondria‐mediated pathway and the death receptor‐mediated pathway. In contrast, XSD‐7 induced apoptosis in HeLa cells mainly via the mitochondria‐mediated pathway. Hence, our data indicate that XSD‐7 exerted antiproliferative activity by disrupting microtubule dynamics, leading to cell cycle arrest, and eventually inducing cell apoptosis. XSD‐7 with novel structure has the potential to be developed for therapeutic treatment of gastric cancer and cervical cancer.
Circular RNA LARP4 correlates with decreased Enneking stage, better histological response, and prolonged survival profiles, and it elevates chemosensitivity to cisplatin and doxorubicin via sponging microRNA‐424 in osteosarcoma
Authors: Hu Yuhang , Gu Jiaao , Shen Hongtao , Shao Tuo , Li Song , Wang Wei , Yu Zhange
Published: October 2019

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the association of circular RNA La‐related RNA‐binding protein 4 (circ‐LARP4) with clinical features and prognosis in osteosarcoma patients, and further explore its effect on chemosensitivity in osteosarcoma cells.

Methods

Seventy‐two osteosarcoma patients with Enneking stage IIA‐IIB who underwent resection were consecutively enrolled, and then, tumor tissues and non‐tumor tissues were obtained. Circ‐LARP4 in tumor tissue/non‐tumor tissue was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. After circ‐LARP4 overexpression and negative control overexpression plasmid transfection, relative cell viability (%) was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 in MG63 cells treated by different concentrations of cisplatin, methotrexate, and doxorubicin, and IC50 was calculated.

Results

Circ‐LARP4 was downregulated in tumor tissue compared with non‐tumor tissue and had a good value in distinguishing tumor tissue from non‐tumor tissue with an area under curve of 0.829 (95% CI: 0.762‐0.859). Meanwhile, tumor circ‐LARP4 was negatively correlated with the Enneking stage. After resection, circ‐LARP4 high expression patients showed an increased tumor cell necrosis rate to adjuvant chemotherapy compared to circ‐LARP4 low expression patients, and circ‐LARP4 high expression correlated with prolonged disease‐free survival and overall survival. In vitro experiments revealed that circ‐LARP4 overexpression elevated the chemosensitivity of MG63 cells to cisplatin and doxorubicin but not methotrexate, with decreased cisplatin IC50 and doxorubicin IC50 concentrations than negative control. Besides, miR‐424 overexpression attenuated the chemosensitivity in circ‐LARP4 overexpression‐treated MG63 cells.

Conclusion

Circ‐LARP4 high expression correlates with decreased Enneking stage and prolonged survival profiles, and it elevates chemosensitivity to cisplatin and doxorubicin via sponging miR‐424 in osteosarcoma.
Retracted: K‐Ras‐PI3K regulates H3K56ac through PCAF to elevate the occurrence and growth of liver cancer
Authors: Gao Xianrui , Cheng Zhaoling , Yuan Haifeng , Zhao Haiwang
Published: October 2019

H3 modification is related to a wide range of tumors, including liver cancer. The Ras passageway is actuated in human diseases. Thus, we investigated the roles of Ras in liver cancer cells via acetylation of H3K56. Ras‐carrying G12V and Y40C site mutation was transfected into liver cancer cell lines SNU‐475 and SK‐Hep‐1. Acetylation of H3K56 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), P300/CBP‐associated factor (PCAF) and Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) was tested via western blot. Cell activity, colonies, and migration were tested via Cell Counting Kit‐8, soft‐agar colony formation, and Transwell experiment, respectively. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and PCAF were tested via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Chromatin immunoprecipitation was employed to test the relationship between Ras and downstream elements. Flow cytometry was employed to test cell cycle series. We found that RasG12V/Y40C transfection reduced the acetylation of H3K56 and activated phosphorylation of protein kinase B. H3K56Q (H3K56ac overexpression) suppressed cell activity, colonies, and migration. H3K56ac changed Ras downstream factors expression. RasG12V/Y40C bound to Ras‐PI3K downstream elements' promoters. SIRT6 silencing raised H3K56ac and suppressed cell activity, migration and S phage cell percentage. SIRT6 silence transformed expression of downstream elements. PCAF and H3K56ac demonstrated the close current while MDM2 was conversed. In summary, the Ras‐PI3K passageway promoted cell growth and metastasis via decreasing H3K56ac, in which MDM2‐mediated PCAF was involved.
MicroRNAs facilitate skeletal muscle maintenance and metabolic suppression in hibernating brown bears
Authors: Luu Bryan E. , Lefai Etienne , Giroud Sylvain , Swenson Jon E. , Chazarin Blandine , Gauquelin‐Koch Guillemette , Arnemo Jon M. , Evans Alina L. , Bertile Fabrice , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: October 2019

Hibernating brown bears, Ursus arctos, undergo extended periods of inactivity and yet these large hibernators are resilient to muscle disuse atrophy. Physiological characteristics associated with atrophy resistance in bear muscle have been examined (e.g., muscle mechanics, neural activity) but roles for molecular signaling/regulatory mechanisms in the resistance to muscle wasting in bears still require investigation. Using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR), the present study characterized the responses of 36 microRNAs linked with development, metabolism, and regeneration of skeletal muscle, in the vastus lateralis of brown bears comparing winter hibernating and summer active animals. Relative levels of mRNA of selected genes (mef2a, pax7, id2, prkaa1, and mstn) implicated upstream and downstream of the microRNAs were examined. Results indicated that hibernation elicited a myogenic microRNA, or “myomiR”, response via MEF2A‐mediated signaling. Upregulation of MEF2A‐controlled miR‐1 and miR‐206 and respective downregulation of pax7 and id2 mRNA are suggestive of responses that promote skeletal muscle maintenance. Increased levels of metabolic microRNAs, such as miR‐27, miR‐29, and miR‐33, may facilitate metabolic suppression during hibernation via mechanisms that decrease glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. This study identified myomiR‐mediated mechanisms for the promotion of muscle regeneration, suppression of ubiquitin ligases, and resistance to muscle atrophy during hibernation mediated by observed increases in miR‐206, miR‐221, miR‐31, miR‐23a, and miR‐29b. This was further supported by the downregulation of myomiRs associated with a muscle injury and inflammation (miR‐199a and miR‐223) during hibernation. The present study provides evidence of myomiR‐mediated signaling pathways that are activated during hibernation to maintain skeletal muscle functionality in brown bears.
Single peptides and combination modalities for triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Razazan Atefeh , Behravan Javad
Published: October 2019

Unlike other types of breast cancers (BCs), no specific therapeutic targets have been established for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Therefore, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the only available adjuvant therapeutic choices for TNBC. New emerging reports show that TNBC is associated with higher numbers of intratumoral tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. This is indicative of host anti‐TNBC immune surveillance and suggesting that immunotherapy can be considered as a therapeutic approach for TNBC management. Recent progress in molecular mechanisms of tumor‐immune system interaction and cancer vaccine development studies, fast discoveries and FDA approvals of immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T‐cells, and oncolytic virotherapy have significantly attracted attention and research directions toward the immunotherapeutic approach to TNBC. Here in this review different aspects of TNBC immunotherapies including the host immune system‐tumor interactions, the tumor microenvironment, the relevant molecular targets for immunotherapy, and clinical trials in the field are discussed.
IL‐17 alters the mesenchymal stem cell niche towards osteogenesis in cooperation with osteocytes
Authors: Liao Chongshan , Zhang Chengfei , Jin Lijian , Yang Yanqi
Published: October 2019

Bone remodeling is a strictly regulated dynamic process that cycles between bone formation and resorption, and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) critically orchestrates the activation and differentiation of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within their native environment receive biochemical stimuli from surrounding cells that influences their differentiation into bone precursors, while the roles of osteocytes in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs remain unclear. This study investigated the specific roles of IL‐17 signaling cascades and osteocyte‐specific pathways in the osteogenesis of MSCs. Using a transwell coculture (CC) system, we explored the effects of osteocytes and osteoblasts on the osteogenesis of MSCs with and without IL‐17 supplementation. A polycaprolactone (PCL) three‐dimensional (3D) culture model was used to evaluate their osteogenic potential in the presence of osteocytes and IL‐17. Notably, IL‐17 induced osteogenesis in MSCs, which could be attenuated by blocking IL‐17 receptor A. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs promoted by IL‐17 was further enhanced by CC with osteocytes. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐1β played an important role in IL‐17‐dependent differentiation, via the phosphorylation of AKT, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways in the MSC niche. The present study confirms a synergistic effect of osteocytes and IL‐17 in the production of biochemical signals to stimulate the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, which could be further promoted in the PCL 3D‐scaffold. These findings provide important insight into the mechanisms of MSCs activation and osteogenic differentiation within the native stem cell niche, and suggest a possible role of IL‐17 in bone tissue engineering.
Serum HBV pregenomic RNA is correlated with Th1/Th2 immunity in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Gu Yurong , Chen Lubiao , Lian Yifan , Gu Lin , Chen Yaqiong , Bi Yanhua , Huang Zexuan , Huang Yanlin , Hu Bo , Huang Yuehua
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) load and antigens are related to the innate and adaptive immunity of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. As a new HBV biomarker, the role of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) in host immunity is not known. This study aimed to identify the relationship between serum HBV pgRNA and host immunity in CHB patients.

Methods

Two hundred twenty‐five treatment‐naïve CHB patients were enrolled. Serum cytokines were measured by cytokine antibody array (Luminex multiplex platform). Th1 (T‐helper cell, Th) and Th2 cells were tested by flow cytometry. Serum HBV pgRNA was detected by a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Serum HBV pgRNA was significantly different among patients in different disease phases and significantly associated with both HBV antigens and antibodies. Serum HBV pgRNA was positively correlated with the HBsAg level (P < .001) and the presence of HBeAg (P < .001). Patients with higher HBcAb levels showed lower serum HBV pgRNA levels (P = .003). Notably, HBsAb positivity was associated with higher levels of serum HBV pgRNA in HBeAg(−) patients (P = .049). Serum HBV pgRNA was positively associated with ALT level, Th2 cell frequency, and related cytokine sCD30 (P < .001, P < .001, and P = .003, respectively), but negatively associated with Th1‐related cytokine interleukin (IL)‐12P70 and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) (P = .017 and P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the relationship between serum HBV pgRNA and host immunity. The results demonstrated that serum HBV pgRNA is positively correlated with Th2 immunity but negatively correlated with Th1 immunity, indicating that it might have a relationship with HBV antigen conversion and CTL immunodeficiency in CHB patients.
Theoretical design, preparation, and evaluation of Ginkgolide B molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Li Honghong , Zhang Wencheng , Wu Zeyu , Huang Xusheng , Hui Ailing , He Yiwen , Wang Haiyan
Published: October 2019

Ginkgolide B is in great demand worldwide on account of its extensive and excellent pharmacological effects, however, it is difficult to separate and purify ginkgolide B. In this study, ginkgolide B molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared by combining software simulation and molecular imprinting technique, and its characterization and adsorption performed evaluation were performed to understand the adsorption behavior of the polymers. The adsorption equilibrium concentration of molecularly imprinted polymers was 0.70 mg/mL, and the adsorption equilibrium time was 4 h. Meanwhile, the adsorption isotherm of the polymers for ginkgolide B fitted well with the Langmuir model, and the adsorption kinetics was in line with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. In contrast, the adsorption capacity of molecularly imprinted polymers on ginkgolide B was higher than that of non‐molecular imprinted polymers, with better selectivity and better adsorption after repeated use for six times. The application experiments showed that molecular imprinted polymers have a good adsorption effect in low purity samples. Therefore, the polymers reported herein can be expected to apply in the adsorption and separation of ginkgolide B samples.
Space in transformation: Public versus private climate change adaptation in peripheral coastal tourism areas—Case studies from Quebec, Canada
Authors: Lapointe Dominic , Lebon Coralie , Guillemard Alexis
Published: October 2019

Climate change makes the tourism industry vulnerable, as many of its resources will be heavily impacted by its effects. Coastal destinations are likely to be the most affected by rising sea levels and extreme weather events, calling for a sociospatial analysis of the dynamics of peripheral coastal tourism communities. Using a production of space framework, we describe how tourism space is produced and (re)produced in two Canadian communities located along the St. Lawrence River estuary: Tadoussac and Notre‐Dame‐du‐Portage. A case study methodology including observation, semistructured interviews, and discourses analysis is applied to deconstruct the sociospatial process of climate change adaptation. The main findings stress the importance of discourse and land tenure strategies used by different stakeholders. Managers of publicly owned land tend to make environmental strategies (green infrastructure) central to their adaptation strategies, whereas private land owners tend to use man‐made interventions (grey infrastructure) and closing space strategies to protect and enhance their land values in response to the increasing threat and evidence of climate change impacts. The results call for further research that takes the social processes of value creation embedded in land tenure and land markets into account.
Superhydrophobic Porous PLLA Sponges with Hierarchical Micro‐/Nano‐Structures for High‐Efficiency Self‐Cleaning
Authors: Wang Yongtao , Tian Shilin , Sun Qingqing , Liu Wentao , Duan Ruixia , Yang Huige , Liu Xuying , Chen Jinzhou
Published: October 2019

Porous poly (l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) sponges have received rapid development in the materials science and energy fields due to their good biocompatibility and degradability. Herein, hierarchical micro‐/nano‐structures of PLLA sponges are successfully prepared by the microphase separation method to investigate the influence of non‐solvents on PLLA microtopography. The interaction ability between PLLA and various alcohol non‐solvents is precisely calculated by using the Flory–Huggins equation. SEM results show that the porosity of PLLA surfaces increases with increasing non‐solvent solubility parameters at a certain range. When the solubility parameters of alcohol non‐solvents are much higher than that of PLLA, PLLA bulks accumulate on the surfaces, mainly caused by its insolubility. DSC curves disclose that the crystallinity has a positive relationship with contents and solubility parameters of alcohol non‐solvents. Furthermore, these porous PLLA surfaces show strong water repellency and self‐cleaning ability so that the contaminant can be quickly cleared away from the PLLA surfaces. This study provides a new insight into understanding the formation process of PLLA porous materials and the wetting variation for high‐efficiency self‐cleaning.
General intelligence and emotional intelligence in senior management in the distribution sector: An applied analysis with synthetic indicators
Authors: Sánchez Rafael Castaño , Pérez Carmelo García , Aránega Alba Yela
Published: October 2019

This study investigates the importance of General Intelligence (GI) and Emotional Intelligence (EI) to leadership skills among a sample of managers. It presents a methodology based on constructing two synthetic indicators that aggregate and measure the different components of EI and GI. The relationship between the two indicators and a one‐dimensional indicator that measures leadership capacity is then studied. This methodology is applied to data taken from questionnaires sent to hierarchical superiors in a leading international company in the distribution sector. The results of the study conducted on a sample of managers show that the intensity and direction of the effect of GI and EI on leadership capacity are similar, positive and significant in both cases.
Identification of susceptibility gene mutations associated with the pathogenesis of familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhu Junwei , Wu Kaile , Lin Zhangying , Bai Suwen , Wu Jing , Li Peikun , Xue Haowei , Du Juan , Shen Bing , Wang Huiyin , Liu Yehai
Published: October 2019

Background

Familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) accounts for approximately 3%–9% of all thyroid cancers; however, the mechanisms underlying FNMTC remain unclear. Environmental and genetic (especially genetic mutation) factors may play important roles in FNMTC etiology, development, and pathogenesis.

Methods

Three affected members, including two first‐degree relatives, and three healthy members of a family with FNMTC were studied. We performed whole‐exome and targeted gene sequencing to identify gene mutations that may be associated with FNMTC pathogenesis. The results were analyzed using Exome Aggregation Consortium data and the Genome Aggregation Database and further validated using Sanger sequencing.

Results

Of 28 pivotal genes with rare nonsynonymous mutations found, 7 were identified as novel candidate FNMTC pathogenic genes (ANO7, CAV2, KANK1, PIK3CB, PKD1L1, PTPRF, and RHBDD2). Among them, three genes (PIK3CB, CAV2, and KANK1) are reportedly involved in tumorigenesis through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusion

We identified seven pathogenic genes in affected members of a family with FNMTC. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is thought to be closely related to the development of FNMTC, and three of the susceptibility genes identified herein are associated with this pathway. These findings expand our understanding of FNMTC pathogenesis and underscore PI3K/Akt pathology as a potential therapy target.
Multi‐atlas segmentation of the skeleton from whole‐body MRI—Impact of iterative background masking
Authors: Ceranka Jakub , Verga Sabrina , Kvasnytsia Maryna , Lecouvet Frédéric , Michoux Nicolas , de Mey Johan , Raeymaekers Hubert , Metens Thierry , Absil Julie , Vandemeulebroucke Jef
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To improve multi‐atlas segmentation of the skeleton from whole‐body MRI. In particular, we study the effect of employing the atlas segmentations to iteratively mask tissues outside of the region of interest to improve the atlas alignment and subsequent segmentation.

Methods

An improved atlas registration scheme is proposed. Starting from a suitable initial alignment, the alignment is refined by introducing additional stages of deformable registration during which the image sampling is limited to the dilated atlas segmentation label mask. The performance of the method was demonstrated using leave‐one‐out cross‐validation using atlases of 10 whole‐body 3D‐T1 images of prostate cancer patients with bone metastases and healthy male volunteers, and compared to existing state of the art. Both registration accuracy and resulting segmentation quality, using four commonly used label fusion strategies, were evaluated.

Results

The proposed method showed significant improvement in registration and segmentation accuracy with respect to the state of the art for all validation criteria and label fusion strategies, resulting in a Dice coefficient of 0.887 (STEPS label fusion). The average Dice coefficient for the multi‐atlas segmentation showed over 11% improvement with a decrease of false positive rate from 28.3% to 13.2%. For this application, repeated application of the background masking did not lead to significant improvement of the segmentation result.

Conclusions

A registration strategy, relying on the use of atlas segmentations as mask during image registration was proposed and evaluated for multi‐atlas segmentation of whole‐body MRI. The approach significantly improved registration and final segmentation accuracy and may be applicable to other structures of interest.
Ship differential game approach for multiple players: Stackelberg security games
Authors: Solis Cesar U. , Clempner Julio B.
Published: October 2019

Casting the problem as a pursuit‐evasion behavior in continuous time, this paper addresses a class of multiplayer ship differential Stackelberg security game. We are concerned with the conditions under which the defenders can capture the attackers. We represent the Stackelberg game as a Nash game for relaxing the interpretation of the noncooperative solution and the equilibrium selection problem. The weights of the players for the Nash solution are determined by their role in the Stackelberg game. The defenders try to minimize the capture condition. The attackers, knowing that they are being pursued by defenders, try to maximize the capture condition and minimize the distance to a certain target. For computing the equilibrium of the game, we employ a saddle‐point method approach. The method consists of two half‐steps iterated procedure where the functional of the game decrease and finally converges to an equilibrium point. We present the analysis of the convergence. Finally, we give a numerical example to illustrate the effectiveness and usefulness of our approach.
Highly Crystalline MoS2 Thin Films Fabricated by Sulfurization
Authors: Hutar Peter , Spankova Marianna , Sojkova Michaela , Dobrocka Edmund , Vegso Karol , Hagara Jakub , Halahovets Yuriy , Majkova Eva , Siffalovic Peter , Hulman Martin
Published: October 2019

The 2D transition metal dichalcogenides attract high research interest due to their electronic properties, and MoS2 is likely the most explored compound of this group. The fabrication of MoS2 thin films by the sulfurization of predeposited MoO3 layers on a c‐plane sapphire substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering from stoichiometric MoO3 target is reported. The structure and properties of as‐grown MoO3 and MoS2 layers are characterized by several methods including X‐ray diffraction, grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, the influence of the crystallographic structure of MoO3 layers on the final MoS2 films is studied. The influence of the crystallographic structure of MoO3 on the resulting MoS2 films is focused. A strong texturation in the c‐axis direction and an indication of a high degree in‐plane orientation of MoS2 thin films on the c‐sapphire substrate is observed.
Structural and Luminescent Properties of Y2Mo4O15:Eu3+ Red Phosphor Calcined at Different Temperatures
Authors: Papan Jelena , Ristić Zoran , Ćirić Aleksandar , Kuzman Sanja , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: October 2019

The red phosphor Y2Mo4O15:Eu3+ calcined at different temperatures is obtained by a solid‐state method, and is investigated in this article. Usage of solid‐state method with the combination of five different calcination temperatures (500, 550, 600, 650, and 700 °C) leads to the formation of pure monoclinic phase in all samples apart from the one calcined at the lowest temperature. Crystallite size obtained by Rietveld refinement is in the range of 38–55 nm. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirms the presence of agglomerates. Luminescence emission spectra and emission decay curves are measured for all pure samples, and parameters derived from these measurements are used for Judd–Ofelt analysis. International commission on illumination (CIE) chromaticity diagram confirms the presence of pure red emission and high quantum efficiency.
Minority Carrier Traps in Ion‐Implanted n‐Type Homoepitaxial GaN
Authors: Alfieri Giovanni , Sundaramoorthy Vinoth Kumar
Published: October 2019

Ion implantation is a key step for device processing. This is required for anode/cathode or junction termination extension formation, which relies on the use of multiple‐energy implantation profiles (box profile). However, electrically active defects are known to arise after implantation, especially in the implant‐tail region. Although there are studies on majority carrier traps in implanted GaN, not much is known on minority carrier traps. For this reason, the electrical characterization of minority carrier levels is conducted in ion‐implanted n‐type GaN. Three electrically active levels are found in the 0.18–1.2 eV energy range, above the valence band edge, and their nature is discussed in the light of theoretical studies found in the literature.
Spatial and temporal variability in energy and water vapour fluxes observed at seven sites on the Indian subcontinent during 2017
Authors: Bhat G. S. , Morrison R. , Taylor C. M. , Bhattacharya B. K. , Paleri S. , Desai D. , Evans J. G. , Pattnaik S. , Sekhar M. , Nigam R. , Sattar A. , Angadi S. S. , Kacha D. , Patidar A. , Tripathi S. N. , Krishnan K. V. M. , Sisodiya A.
Published: October 2019

Under the INCOMPASS project, state of the art eddy‐covariance based surface flux measurement systems were installed at eight locations across India. These sites cover different climatic conditions, land use and land cover, and water management practices. Here we present the initial analysis of the measurements taken at seven sites mainly focusing on the year 2017, quantifying for the first time the remarkable contrasts in evaporative fraction across the seasons, climate zones and land management practices of the Indian subcontinent. With the exception of Jaisalmer which is the driest of the places studied, all the sites maintain values of evaporative fraction above 0.5 after the monsoon through to November. By contrast, for those sites with natural vegetation or rain‐fed agriculture, evaporative fraction remains below 0.3 for the dry January–May period. In the middle Gangetic Plain area, irrigation and pre‐monsoon showers together maintain evaporative fraction above 0.5 between January and June. It is also observed that different variables exhibit different intraseasonal variation characteristics even at one site. Except for Samastipur which is situated in the middle Indo‐Gangetic Plains, wind speed shows spectral peak at a smaller time‐scale compared to sensible and latent heat fluxes.
Significance of iron compounds in chemical and electro‐oxidation treatment of sugar industry wastewater: Batch reaction
Authors: Sahu Omprakash
Published: October 2019

Industrialization plays a major role in a nation's growth. However, with an increase in industrial activities, pollution levels are also increasing. Among all industries, the sugar‐processing industry is one that requires large amounts of water to process the sugar, and, consequently, it discharges large amounts of water as effluent. Highly polluted wastewater brings changes to the physicochemical characteristics of the surrounding environment. Iron compounds have had a significant impact when they are used in wastewater treatment in various applications, including when they are used to minimize the pollution levels in sugar industry wastewater (SIWW). To minimize the pollutant levels from SIWW, iron compounds have been key for uses in treatments involving chemical and electro‐oxidation. Two different methodologies of electrocoagulation and chemical coagulation have been used to treat SIWW. In electrocoagulation, an iron plate is used as an electrode material under specific operating conditions. Ferrous sulfate and ferric chloride have been used as chemical coagulants at various pH and mass loading levels. The use of iron metals shows an 82% reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and an 84% reduction in color at the optimum condition of pH 6, an electrode distance of 20 millimeters, and a current density of 156 square centimeters. As a chemical coagulant, iron salt (ferrous sulfate) provides a reduction of 77% COD and a 91% reduction of color at pH 6 and a 40‐millimole mass loading. Electrochemical treatment using iron was found to be suitable to treat SIWW. The sludge generated after treatment can be burned or composted with the possible recovery of some of the treatment costs.