bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Elevated ASK1 Expression Inhibits Proliferation and Invasion in Gastric Cancer HGC‐27 Cells
Authors: Wan Xiaochen , Shi Liying , Ma Xiaohong , Tang Haimin , Wu Guoyou
Published: October 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanism of action of ASK1 gene on the growth and migration of gastric cancer (GC) cells. Total RNA was extracted from the gastric cell lines and GC tissues. The expression level of ASK1, and the association between ASK1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of ASK1 on the proliferation of HGC–27 cells were assessed by the CCK–8 assay. In addition, the effects of ASK1 on the migration of HGC–27 cells were analyzed by the migration assay using transwell chambers. The expression levels of signaling proteins related to cell migration were detected by Western blotting. Although no significant differences were observed in the expression levels of ASK1 between the GC tissue samples and the normal tissue samples (P = 0.241), ASK1 expression correlated with tumor lymph node metastasis (P = 0.008). Furthermore, ASK1 inhibited proliferation and migration of HGC–27 cells. The increase in the expression of ASK1 in HGC–27 cells induced the activation of the JNK and p38 signaling pathways. The findings demonstrated that increased ASK1 expression level inhibited migration and proliferation of HGC–27 gastric cancer cells, whereas the possible mechanism of action may be attributed to the activation of the JNK and p38 signaling pathways. Anat Rec, 301:1815–1819, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strong Solid‐state Luminescence Enhancement in Supramolecular Assemblies of Polyoxometalate and “Aggregation‐Induced Emission”‐active Phospholium
Authors: Bolle Patricia , Chéret Yohan , Roiland Claire , Sanguinet Lionel , Faulques Eric , Serier‐Brault Hélène , Bouit Pierre‐Antoine , Hissler Muriel , Dessapt Rémi
Published: October 2018

Two new supramolecular fluorescent hybrid materials, combining for the first time [M6O19]2− (M=Mo, W) polyoxometalates (POMs) and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active 1‐methyl‐1,2,3,4,5‐pentaphenyl‐phospholium (1+), were successfully synthesized. This novel molecular self‐assembling strategy allows designing efficient solid‐state emitters, such as (1)2[W6O19], by directing favorably the balance between the AIE and aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effects using both anion‐π+ and H‐bonding interactions in the solid state. Combined single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, Raman, UV‐vis and photoluminescence analyses highlighted that the nucleophilic oxygen‐enriched POM surfaces strengthened the rigidity of the phospholium via strong C−H⋅⋅⋅O contacts, thereby exalting its solid‐state luminescence. Besides, the bulky POM anions prevented π–π stacking interactions between the luminophores, blocking detrimental self‐quenching effects.
Identification of synoptic weather types over Taiwan area with multiple classifiers
Authors: Su Shih‐Hao , Chu Jung‐Lien , Yo Ting‐Shuo , Lin Lee‐Yaw
Published: October 2018

In this study, a novel machine learning approach was used to classify three types of synoptic weather events in Taiwan area from 2001 to 2010. We used reanalysis data with three machine learning algorithms to recognize weather systems and evaluated their performance. Overall, the classifiers successfully identified 52–83% of weather events (hit rate), which is higher than the performance of traditional objective methods.

The results showed that the machine learning approach gave low false alarm rate in general, while the support vector machine (SVM) with more principal components of reanalysis data had higher hit rate on all tested weather events. The sensitivity tests of grid data resolution indicated that the differences between the high‐ and low‐resolution datasets are limited, which implied that the proposed method can achieve reasonable performance in weather forecasting with minimal resources.

By identifying daily weather systems in historical reanalysis data, this method can be used to study long‐term weather changes, to monitor climatological‐scale variations, and to provide better estimate of climate projections. Furthermore, this method can also serve as an alternative of model output statistics and potentially be used for synoptic weather forecasting.
Can coupled models perform better in the simulation of sub‐seasonal evolution of the western North Pacific subtropical high than atmospheric models in boreal summer?
Authors: Lin Renping , Dong Xiao , Fan Fangxing
Published: October 2018

This study examines the climatological sub‐seasonal evolution of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH) in boreal summer using observation and multiple state‐of‐the‐art climate models, which has not been focused by previous research. The two sub‐seasonal shifts in boreal summer are analyzed, one from June to July (J–J) and another from July to August (J–A). In observation, the WNPSH consistently retreats eastward and jumps northward (weakens) from June to August. Driven by observed sea surface temperature (SST), the multi‐models ensemble (MME) of atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) that participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) can reproduce the weakening of WNPSH from June to July, but fail to simulate the weakening from July to August. This may be due to the sub‐seasonal variation of local SST increasing from June to July but decreasing from July to August. Compared with AGCMs simulation, CMIP5 coupled models MME largely improve the sub‐seasonal variation of the WNPSH and associated precipitation change. Thus, it is argued that coupled models should be adopted in studies of the WNPSH on sub‐seasonal timescales.
Improving polyhydroxyalkanoate production from inexpensive carbon sources by genetic approaches: a review
Authors: Favaro Lorenzo , Basaglia Marina , Casella Sergio
Published: October 2018

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of biodegradable intracellular polyesters that a number of Eubacteria and Archaea can accumulate for energy and carbon storage. Most of the genetic modifications to the producing bacterial species have been accomplished to clarify basic biochemical, genetic, and metabolic aspects of PHA metabolism. However, due to its plastic‐like properties and complete biodegradability, this bio‐based polymer has attracted the attention of a variety of manufacturers. A number of genetic approaches have therefore been reported, aimed at improving the performance of the microorganisms with a potential for use in a production process. Indeed, genetic tools may find useful applications in all the phases of the PHA production chain, from the isolation and characterization of new microbial strains through all the production steps until they reach the downstream processes. The substrates generally used for PHA production are expensive, so the search for low‐cost feedstock is necessary. These materials, possibly deriving from agri‐food processes, are unfortunately not easily degraded or converted directly into PHAs. Thus, the development of engineered microbes is in progress to process waste streams and covert them to valuable polymers. This review will summarize the most relevant results obtained through genetic engineering tools for the production of PHAs from cheap carbon sources in view of possible industrial applications. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The earliest known case of frontal sinus osteoma in man
Authors: Seiler Roger , Öhrström Lena M. , Eppenberger Patrick , Gascho Dominic , Rühli Frank J. , Galassi Francesco M.
Published: October 2018

Frontal sinus osteoma is a relatively common finding in the modern clinical setting. Although, its paleopathological record is not in dispute, its presence in Ancient Egypt has never been clarified. The aim of this article is to contribute to the debate. An Egyptian mummy head from the Musée d'Éthnographie de Neuchâtel (Switzerland) was studied radiologically and the obtained evidence was contextualized in the wider frame of multidisciplinary paleopathology. A 128‐slice CT scanner was used for further investigation; datasets were processed with OsiriX‐64 bit (version 5.8.5), and multiplanar (MPR) and volumetric reconstructions were performed. A small hyperdense and well‐defined structure, most likely an osteoma, was identified in the right frontal sinus. Frontal sinus osteoma definitely existed in Ancient Egypt. Finally, this represents the oldest case in anatomically modern humans so far reported. Clin. Anat.32:105–109, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Towards more Durable Electrochemical Capacitors by Elucidating the Ageing Mechanisms under Different Testing Procedures
Authors: He Minglong , Fic Krzysztof , Frąckowiak Elżbieta , Novák Petr , Berg Erik J.
Published: October 2018

Electrical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) commonly denoted supercapacitors are rechargeable energy storage devices with excellent power and energy delivery metrics intermediate to conventional capacitors and batteries. High‐voltage aqueous electrolyte based EDLCs are particularly attractive due to their high‐power capability, facile production, and environmental advantages. EDLCs should last for thousands of cycles and evaluation of future cell chemistries require long‐term and costly galvanostatic cycling. Voltage holding tests have been proposed to shorten evaluation time by accelerating cell degradation processes. Whether voltage holding can replace cycling completely remains undemonstrated. In this work, a systematic investigation of the influence of testing procedure on cell performance is presented. The state‐of‐the‐artpost‐mortemandoperandoexperimental techniques are implemented to elucidate ageing mechanisms and kinetics inside EDLC cells under different testing procedures. Carbon corrosion occurring on the positively polarized electrode leads to the lower active surface area and higher oxygen content. On the contrary, an increase of surface area and micropore volume are observed on the negatively polarized electrode. Repeated galvanostatic cycles atU<1.6 V appears to facilitate the depletion of oxygen species on the positively polarized electrode in comparison with voltage holding, which indicates a more complex degradation mechanism during cycling. Caution is advised when comparing results from different test procedures.
Endovascular treatment of femoro‐popliteal lesions
Authors: Kansal Aman , Long Chandler A. , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler
Published: October 2018

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a major health concern affecting more than 200 million people worldwide and studies have shown PAD to be a strong predictor of mortality, morbidity, and disability. The management of PAD is multi‐tiered and advancements in technology have given physicians more options for endovascular revascularization if medical therapy does not result in substantial improvement. Many randomized controlled trials have reported efficacy of various therapies including laser atherectomy, stent technology, and drug‐coated balloons over standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; however, uncertainty regarding the best standard of care remains unclear because of a lack of head to head comparisons between novel therapies. Furthermore, variability in the reported clinical outcomes exists and makes it difficult to evaluate the superiority of any specific treatment modality, especially for functional capacity and quality of life. Recently established consensus definitions for clinical outcomes coupled with investigators incorporating direct comparisons within clinical trials will be crucial to establish consistent care and meaningful gain in treatment for these patients. This review will highlight the treatment modalities, literature supporting each treatment modality, and insight into why they are being used and why variation exists around the United States.
Paraneoplastic vasculitis in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tsimafeyeu Ilya , Leonenko Valentina , Kuznetsov Vladimir , Semenkova Evgenia , Bondarenko Anastasia , Demidov Lev
Published: October 2018

Background

A paraneoplastic syndrome is observed in 5% to 10% of cancer patients. Paraneoplastic vasculitis (PV) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients has been poorly investigated.

Aims

In our case series study, we evaluated the incidence and development of PV in patients with mRCC.

Methods and results

Patients were required to have previously untreated clear‐cell or papillary mRCC and no evidence of autoimmune diseases or venous thrombosis in history. Patients had a careful examination including Doppler ultrasonography of the blood vessels and skin punch biopsy in the presence of suspicious skin rash. Sixteen (8.2%) of 196 patients were diagnosed with PV, which was manifested clinically by leukocytoclastic vasculitis on the lower extremities. Skin biopsy confirmed vasculitis. Progression‐free survival and overall survival were significantly better in patients without PV.

Conclusions

PV is not rare paraneoplastic syndrome in mRCC. Leukocytoclastic vasculitis was the most common type of PV in this study.
Chaotic sequence‐based MC‐CDMA for 5G
Authors: Reena raj T. , Sakthidasan @ Sankaran K. , Nagarajan V.
Published: October 2018

A unique chaotic spreading sequence‐based MC‐CDMA (multi‐carrier code division multiple accesses) is studied in this article. By employing this spreading sequence, interference effect that is inherent in a multi‐user environment can be lessened by deciding on the spreading series with suitable cross‐correlation properties. The simulation study exhibits that chaotic sequence‐based MC‐CDMA acts well in a multiuser setting, resulting in better attainable error rates. Moreover, results confirm that chaotic sequence‐based MC‐CDMA beats the Walsh Hadamard code spreading‐based MC CDMA system. The inception of MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) scheme leads to the augment in the number of antennas that are present in the transmitting in addition to receiving side. This induces an enhancement in the throughput and the robustness of the communication system. Further, the simulation outcomes exhibit that the suggested technique is far beneficial in the context of combating MAI (multiple access interference) and aids to achieve performance amelioration concerning the utility of approximately 9%.
Software plagiarism detection in multiprogramming languages using machine learning approach
Authors: Ullah Farhan , Wang Junfeng , Farhan Muhammad , Habib Masood , Khalid Shehzad
Published: October 2018

The Software plagiarism, which arises the problem of software piracy is a growing major concern nowadays. It is a serious risk to the software industry that gives huge economic damages every year. The customers may develop a modified version of the original software in other types of programming languages. Furthermore, the plagiarism detection in different types of source codes is a challenging task because each source code may have specific syntax rules. In this paper, we proposed a methodology for software plagiarism detection in multiprogramming languages based on machine learning approaches. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is applied for features extraction from source codes without losing the actual information. It extracts features by factor analysis and converts the dataset into normalized linear principal components which are further useful for predictions analysis. Then, the multinomial logistic regression model (MLR) is applied to these components to classify the source codes documents based on predictions. It gives the generalization of logistic regression to handle multiclass problems. Further, the predictors' performance in MLR is evaluated by 2 tailed z test. To apply the experiment, the dataset is collected in five different and popular languages, ie, C, C++, Java, C#, and Python. Each programming language taken in two different case studies, ie, binary search and Stack.
Murine Models of Pancreatitis Leading to the Development of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Leal Ana S. , Liby Karen T.
Published: October 2018

Chronic or repeated episodes of acute pancreatic inflammation, or pancreatitis, are risk factors for the development of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by a strong fibro‐inflammatory tumor microenvironment. In pancreatitis, the same fibro‐inflammatory reaction is observed concurrently with a loss of normal pancreatic cells. Mouse models are commonly employed to study the progression of pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, with genetic and pharmacological tools used to elucidate cellular and acellular interactions within pancreatic tumors. Described in this article is a protocol for using KrasG12D; Pdx1‐Cre (KC) mice stimulated with caerulein, a small oligopeptide that increases secretion of digestive enzymes, as a model for pancreatitis. KRAS is mutated in 90‐95% of the tumors in patients with pancreatic cancer. The combination of this mutation with an inflammatory stimulus accelerates the development of pancreatic cancer. The protocol detailed in this report follows the progression of disease in KC mice from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias to invasive pancreatic adenocarcinoma. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An Electrostatically Enhanced Phenol as a Simple and Efficient Bifunctional Organocatalyst for Carbon Dioxide Fixation
Authors: Rostami Ali , Mahmoodabadi Mohammadali , Hossein Ebrahimi Amir , Khosravi Hormoz , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed
Published: October 2018

An electrostatically enhanced phenol as a simple and competent bifunctional organocatalyst for the atom‐economical conversion of epoxides to cyclic carbonates under environmentally benign conditions is described. Incorporating a positively charged center into phenols through a modular one‐step synthesis results in a bifunctional system with enhanced acidity and reactivity, capable of epoxide activation, a halide nucleophilic ring‐opening process, and CO2 incorporation in a synergistic fashion. A rational survey of the efficiency of different positively charged phenols and the influence of different parameters, such as temperature, catalyst loading, and the nature of the nucleophile, on catalytic activity was conducted. In addition, the time‐dependent conversion of epoxide into the corresponding cyclic carbonate was further explored by FTIR‐ATR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. This bifunctional catalytic platform is among one of the mildest and most efficient metal‐free systems that is capable of converting a variety of epoxides into cyclic carbonates under virtually ambient conditions. The 1H NMR titration experiment validated the bifunctional catalytic mechanism wherein both the epoxide activation and the nucleophilic ring‐opening process occur in concert en route to carbon dioxide fixation.
Screen‐printed Electrodes for the Determination of Iridium in Drugs
Authors: Zaguirre Marc , Ariño Cristina , Serrano Núria , Díaz‐Cruz José Manuel , Esteban Miquel
Published: October 2018

Among the impurities that must be controlled in drugs and pharmaceuticals, metal ions are considered. These metal impurities appear in those products because of their use as catalysts. Although Pharmacopeias recommend ICP based methods for their determination, the use of electroanalytical techniques can be considered as a sensible, selective and non‐expensive alternative for the determination of heavy metal ions in general and metal impurities in particular. In the present work, we propose a differential pulse voltammetric method based on the use of carbon based‐screen‐printed electrodes (graphite, nanotubes or nanofibers) that allows the determination of iridium in drugs at the concentration limits recommended by official organisms. Carbon screen‐printed electrode modified with nanotubes (CNT‐SPCE) is the sensor that provided the best LOD and LOQ (0.03 and 0.10 mg L−1 respectively). Then, the proposed method was applied to the voltammetric determination of iridium in spiked drug samples purchased in local chemists using CNT‐SPCE.
Rapid and efficient method for removal of basic dyes from wastewater with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion
Authors: Kim Jeong Yun , Woo Sung Wun , Hwang Tae Gyu , Kim Hong Mo , Sakong Chun , Choi Jun , Lee Woosung , Kim Jae Pil
Published: October 2018

A novel and simple method for the removal of the basic dyes from wastewater is suggested in this paper. A bulky and symmetric counteranion is introduced to basic dyes for forming precipitates upon counteranion substitution. The precipitates are separated from the water by filtration. The dye removal method is applied to eight commercial basic dyes and the dye removal efficiency is assessed based on absorbance and transmittance data. Half of the basic dyes used require less than 5 min, and the other half is removed with 98% efficiencies within 30 min. In comparison with the previously reported methods for this concern, the dye removal method suggested in this study is quick, easy and involves a little energy consumption. Moreover, this method exhibits superior dye removal efficiency and can be applied to all basic dyes regardless of their structures or other properties. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S146–S156, 2019
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic chitin composite and its application towards the uptake of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution
Authors: Rathinam Karthik , Jayaram Preethi , Sankaran Meenakshi
Published: October 2018

In this article, we described one‐pot synthesis of magnetite‐coated chitin (MCC) and its adsorption performance towards Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions. MCC was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray analyzer, atomic force microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. After the inclusion of magnetic nanoparticles to the chitin matrix, chitin showed increased surface area from 2.06 to 19.658 m2 g−1 and thus resulted in enhanced adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions with the maximum adsorption capacity of 54.43 and 53.13 mg g−1, respectively. Electrostatic adsorption and complexation mechanism has driven the adsorption process. Subsequently, adsorption study results revealed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The adsorption process was well described by the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Moreover, field trial analysis revealed that MCC could be effectively used to remove Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from field water. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S288–S297, 2019
Liver and plasma lipid changes induced by cyclic fatty acid monomers from heated vegetable oil in the rat
Authors: Mboma Jean , Leblanc Nadine , Wan Sereana , Jacobs René L. , Tchernof André , Dubé Pascal , Angers Paul , Jacques Hélène
Published: October 2018

Cyclic fatty acid monomers (CFAM) generated through domestic or industrial heating of vegetable oils may alter liver enzymes and induce hepatomegaly and steatosis, but the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. This study aimed to assess the effects of CFAM on liver and plasma lipids and to determine whether these effects are modulated by dietary lipids. Thirty‐six (36) male Wistar rats were fed either of the four isoenergetic diets consisting of canola oil or soybean oil with/without 500 mg/100 g CFAM of total fat for 28 days. Rats fed CFAM had higher liver total lipids (p = 0.03) and triacylglycerols (TAG) (p = 0.02), but less hepatic phosphatidylcholine (p = 0.02) compared to those fed the non‐CFAM diets. CFAM did not alter liver phosphatidylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase (PEMT) activity and CTP: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (CT‐α) protein levels. Rats fed CFAM diets had higher levels of plasma total cholesterol (TC), VLDL + LDL cholesterol, higher ratio of TC to HDL cholesterol, and lower levels of HDL cholesterol compared with rats fed non‐CFAM diets (p < 0.05). Plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) was decreased with CFAM, but plasma insulin, glucose, and TAG did not vary among the four diet groups (p < 0.05). Rats fed canola oil and CFAM had higher plasma levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and AST/ALT ratio compared with the other three diet groups. These results indicate that CFAM may provoke an accumulation of TAG in the liver related to a decrease in phosphatidylcholine (PC) levels, but the effect of CFAM on PC concentrations may not occur through impairment of the two main PC biosynthesis pathways.
Hydrologic impact of aspen harvesting within the subhumid Boreal Plains of Alberta
Authors: Thompson Craig , Devito Kevin J. , Mendoza Carl A.
Published: October 2018

This study examined the hydrological impact of harvesting aspen (Populus tremuloides) within the subhumid Boreal Plains of Alberta, Canada, following clear‐cutting of two stands in successive winters within a small catchment situated in glacial moraine. Impacts were evaluated using a combination of observational data collected from within the harvested catchment and an adjacent reference catchment and numerical simulations conducted with HydroGeoSphere. Sensitivity simulations evaluated the influence of post‐harvest evapotranspiration rates and variability in atmospheric conditions on the range of hydrologic response. Study results indicate that aspen harvesting had limited impact on groundwater levels and streamflows within these hydrologic systems because of the subhumid climate with low frequency of large storms, large soil‐moisture storage capacity of heterogeneous glacial materials, and high evapotranspiration rates of regenerating aspen. Despite an estimated increase in hillslope groundwater levels of up to 3 m, pond and peatland water levels increased by less than 0.3 m and were accompanied by increased streamflows of less than 10 mm. However, predicted increases in groundwater levels and streamflows were sensitive to regenerating aspen evapotranspiration rates, which can be enhanced by appropriate harvesting techniques but may be reduced by climate change. These results are consistent with previous results from within the Boreal Plains but differ from aspen harvesting studies conducted in other settings where appreciable increases in streamflows have been reported. This disparity highlights the need to consider the integrated response of the hydrologic system when evaluating impacts from disturbance and making comparisons between settings.
miR‐199b‐5p‐Stonin 2 axis regulates metastases and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Ren Lei , Xu Yapei , Qin Guijun , Liu Cong , Yan Yushan , Zhang Huijuan
Published: October 2018

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is one of the most fatal malignant endocrine tumors, and the prognosis remains poor because of the lack of effective therapeutic targets. In this study, we demonstrated that the level of miR‐199b‐5p was markedly downregulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma. The ectopic expression level of miR‐199b‐5p in papillary thyroid carcinoma cell B‐CPAP could inhibit growth, migration, and invasion as well as epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and decreased cell metastasis in vivo, but silencing miR‐199b‐5p caused a contradictory outcome. Additionally, Stonin 2 (STON2) was identified as a direct target gene of miR‐199b‐5p. Consistent with the downregulation of miR‐199b‐5p, the overexpression of STON2 induced the growth, migration and invasion of B‐CPAP cells. It was also demonstrated that miR‐199b‐5p suppressed papillary thyroid carcinoma cell aggressiveness by targeting STON2. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR‐199b‐5p inhibited cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and increased the chemo‐sensitivity of thyroid carcinoma B‐CPAP cells toward the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. Finally, in vivo experiments further demonstrated that miR‐199b‐5p suppressed tumor growth in nude mice. Thus, this study revealed that miR‐199b‐5p functions as antioncogene miRNA in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells and that the miR‐199b‐5p/STON2 axis might be a potential treatment option for papillary thyroid carcinoma. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):28–40, 2019
Electroactive graphene composite scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Hitscherich Pamela , Aphale Ashish , Gordan Richard , Whitaker Ricardo , Singh Prabhakar , Xie Lai‐hua , Patra Prabir , Lee Eun Jung
Published: October 2018

Contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes relies on directed signal propagation through the electroconductive networks that exist within the native myocardium. Due to their unique electrical properties, electroactive materials, such as graphene, have recently emerged as promising candidate materials for cardiac tissue engineering applications. In this work, the potential of three‐dimensional (3D) nanofibrous graphene and poly(caprolactone) (PCL + G) composite scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering has been explored for the first time. The addition of graphene into PCL led to an increased volume conductivity of scaffolds with an even distribution of graphene particles throughout the matrix. Graphene particles provided local conductive sites within the PCL matrix, which enabled application of external electrical stimulation throughout the scaffold using a custom point stimulation device. When mouse embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (mES‐CM) were seeded on PCL + G scaffolds, cells adhered well, contracted spontaneously, and exhibited classical cardiomyocyte phenotype confirming the biocompatibility of electroactive PCL + G scaffolds. Further functional characterization demonstrated that graphene especially affected Ca2+ handling properties of mES‐CM compared to that of cardiomyocytes cultured in 2D culture, highlighting the potential of PCL + G for in vitro cardiac tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biomed. Mater. Res. Part A: 106A: 2923–2933, 2018.
Evaluation of a mixed chelator as heavy metal stabilizer for municipal solid‐waste incineration fly ash: Behaviors and mechanisms
Authors: Sun Yangyu , Xu Congbin , Yang Wenjie , Ma Lekuan , Tian Xue , Lin Aijun
Published: October 2018

This paper compares the stabilization performances of three dithiocarbamate and three phosphate chemical stabilizing agents, selects the best agents from each group, combines them as a mixed heavy metal stabilizer for municipal solid‐waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash, and investigates the effectiveness of the mixed chelator in stabilizing heavy metals in MSWI fly ash from southwest China. The mechanism of stabilization is also analyzed. Results indicate that piperazine dithiocarbamate can stabilize Cd, Cu, and Ni effectively, while sodium dihydrogen phosphate can stabilize Pb better. With the addition of the mixed chelator (2% sodium dihydrogen phosphate and 1% piperazine dithiocarbamate), all the targeted heavy metal concentrations in the leachate were below the standards for pollution control on municipal solid waste landfill sites in China. The stabilizing agents combined with the heavy metals in fly ash could not generate insoluble crystals; however, the heavy metals could combine with the agents' effective groups, generating flocs in the pores or on the surfaces of the fly ash and offering significant densification. The mixed chelator could transfer heavy metals from unstable fractions to stable fractions, so the leaching of heavy metals from the fly ash was greatly decreased.
Effects of salinity, pH and growth phase on the protein productivity by Dunaliella salina
Authors: Sui Yixing , Vlaeminck Siegfried E
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Microalgae have long been adopted for use as human food, animal feed and high‐value products. For carotenogenesis, Dunaliella salina is one of the most studied microalgae, yet its protein synthesis has been limitedly reported. In this study, D. salina was cultivated at different NaCl and pH levels to optimize its protein productivity.

RESULTS

The biomass protein content followed an increase–decrease pattern throughout the growth phases, with a maximum in the exponential phase (60–80% over ash‐free dry weight). Adversely, the biomass pigment contents were at relatively stable levels (around 0.5% carotenoids, 1.3% chlorophyll a and 0.5% chlorophyll b over ash‐free dry weight). Among the tested conditions (1–3 mol L−1 salinity, pH 7.5–9.5), the highest protein productivity (43.5 mg L−1 day−1) was achieved at 2 mol L−1 salinity and pH 7.5 during the exponential phase, which surpassed others by 16–97%. Additionally, table salts were tested to be equivalent and cost‐efficient salt sources for the growth medium.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the suitability of D. salina as a protein source, providing guidelines for 70% cheaper medium formulation in the lab and for maximum protein productivity at larger scale. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing the repeatability of resurgence in humans: Implications for the use of within‐subject designs
Authors: Kestner Kathryn M. , Diaz‐Salvat Claudia C. , St. Peter Claire C. , Peterson Stephanie M.
Published: October 2018

Resurgence refers to the recurrence of a previously reinforced response following the worsening of reinforcement conditions (e.g., extinction) for an alternative response. Because of the implications for treatment relapse, researchers have become particularly interested in mitigating resurgence of human behavior. Some studies have employed reversal designs and varied parameters across replications (e.g., ABCADC) to compare effects of second‐phase variables. Although resurgence is generally repeatable within and between subjects, the extent to which similar levels of resurgence occur across replications is less clear. To assess the repeatability of resurgence, we conducted a secondary analysis of 62 human‐operant data sets using ABCABC reversal designs from two laboratories in the United States. We found significant reductions in the magnitude of resurgence during the second exposure to extinction relative to the first exposure when all other phase variables were held constant. These results suggest that researchers should exercise caution when using within‐subject, across‐phase replications to compare resurgence between variable manipulations with human participants.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection: A retrospective single‐center chart review
Authors: Kim Pamela , Gadani Akash , Abdul‐Baki Heitham , Mitre Ricardo , Mitre Marcia
Published: October 2018

Background and Aim

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been proposed as a treatment option for patients with recurrent Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection but remains a novel option. We examined if FMT is an effective means of treating recurrent C. difficile infection.

Methods

A retrospective review of 35 patients who underwent FMT was completed. Demographics and other variables, including the use of proton pump inhibitor therapy and history of inflammatory bowel disease, were collected.

Results

Twenty‐five patients (71.4%) belonged to a high‐risk population (working in a hospital setting, rehabilitation center, or nursing facility) and a total of 74.3% of patients (n = 26 patients) had no history of proton pump inhibitor use. Twenty‐five patients (71.4%) had used metronidazole prior to transplantation, 35 patients (100%) had used vancomycin, and 7 patients (20%) had used fidaxomicin for prior infection. Four patients (11.4%) had used all three antibiotics during prior treatment. Of the eight patients who had a history of inflammatory bowel disease, six (75%) experienced resolution of symptoms after transplantation. A total of 30 patients (85.7%) had resolution of their symptoms 6–8 weeks’ posttransplant, while 5 patients (14.3%) continued to have symptoms.

Conclusions

Our retrospective chart review supports that patients benefit from FMT in the setting of recurrent C. difficile infection.
Specific adverse events predict survival rates in a Chinese population diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and treated with sorafenib
Authors: Lee Shou‐Wu , Lee Teng‐Yu , Yang Sheng‐Shun , Peng Yen‐Chun , Yeh Hong‐Zen , Chang Chi‐Sen
Published: October 2018

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis and a low chemotherapeutic efficiency except for when sorafenib is administered. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of sorafenib therapy in a Chinese population diagnosed with HCC.

Method

Data for the subjects with HCC receiving sorafenib at Taichung Veterans General Hospital from June 2012 to October 2016 were evaluated. All enrolled cases belonged to the HCC Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification stage C. The AEs were defined as appearances of hand–foot syndrome reaction (HFSR), hypertension (HTN), or diarrhea. The exclusion criteria included a poor performance status, lack of compliance to drugs, and loss of follow‐up within the following day.

Results

Of a total of 116 subjects enrolled, there were 43 (37.1%), 13 (11.2%), and 15 (12.9%) cases experiencing HFSR, HTN, and diarrhea, respectively. The cases with AE had both a longer time to progression (TTP) (HFSR 5.16 vs. 3.33 months, P = 0.003; HTN 6.62 vs. 3.68 months, P = 0.001; diarrhea 6.67 vs. 3.61 months, P = 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HFSR 8.12 vs. 4.75 months, P = 0.001; HTN 9.08 vs. 5.61 months, P = 0.008; diarrhea 8.20 vs. 5.67 months, P = 0.042) than those without. More AEs were correlated with a longer TTP and OS.

Conclusion

The appearance of sorafenib AEs, including HFSR, HTN, and diarrhea, can predict a positive therapy efficacy to HCC.
Differential cerebral hemometabolic responses to blood transfusions in adults and children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Juttukonda Meher R. , Lee Chelsea A. , Patel Niral J. , Davis Larry T. , Waddle Spencer L. , Gindville Melissa C. , Pruthi Sumit , Kassim Adetola A. , DeBaun Michael R. , Donahue Manus J. , Jordan Lori C.
Published: October 2018

Background

Blood transfusions are administered to children and adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA) for secondary stroke prevention, or as treatment for recurrent pain crises or acute anemia, but transfusion effects on cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism are not well‐characterized.

Purpose

To compare blood transfusion‐induced changes in hemometabolic parameters, including oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), within and between adults and children with SCA.

Study Type

Prospective, longitudinal study.

Subjects

Adults with SCA (n = 16) receiving simple (n = 7) or exchange (n = 9) transfusions and children with SCA (n = 11) receiving exchange transfusions were scanned once when hematocrit was near nadir and again within 7 days of transfusion. Adult controls without SCA or sickle trait (n = 7) were scanned twice on separate days.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and T2‐relaxation‐under‐spin‐tagging (TRUST) imaging, and phase contrast angiography.

Assessment

Global OEF was computed as the relative difference between venous oxygenation (from TRUST) and arterial oxygenation (from pulse oximetry). Global CBF was computed as total blood flow to the brain normalized by intracranial tissue volume.

Statistical Tests

Hemometabolic variables were compared using two‐sided Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests; associations were analyzed using two‐sided Spearman's correlation testing.

Results

In adults with SCA, posttransfusion OEF = 0.38 ± 0.05 was lower (P = 0.001) than pretransfusion OEF = 0.45 ± 0.09. A change in OEF was correlated with increases in hematocrit (P = 0.02; rho = –0.62) and with pretransfusion hematocrit (P = 0.02; rho = 0.65). OEF changes after transfusion were greater (P = 0.002) in adults receiving simple versus exchange transfusions. Posttransfusion CBF = 77.7 ± 26.4 ml/100g/min was not different (P = 0.27) from pretransfusion CBF = 82.3 ± 30.2 ml/100g/min. In children with SCA, both posttransfusion OEF = 0.28 ± 0.04 and CBF = 76.4 ± 26.4 were lower than pretransfusion OEF = 0.36 ± 0.06 (P = 0.004) and CBF = 96.4 ± 16.5 (P = 0.004).

Data Conclusion

Cerebral OEF reduces following transfusions in adults and children with SCA. CBF reduces following transfusions more often in children compared to adults, indicating that vascular reserve capacity may remain near exhaustion posttransfusion in many adults.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:466–477.
Quantitative characterization of carotid plaque components using MR apparent diffusion coefficients and longitudinal relaxation rates at 3T: A comparison with histology
Authors: Ota Hideki , Tamura Hajime , Itabashi Ryo , Yazawa Yukako , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Hisamatsu Kenji , Takamatsu Manabu , Endo Hidenori , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Enomoto Yukiko , Nagasaka Tatsuo , Kajita Kimihiro , Watanabe Mika , Yoshimura Shinichi , Yuan Chun
Published: October 2018

Background

There is limited evidence of parametric MR mapping to characterize carotid plaques associated with cerebral ischemic events.

Purpose

To explore the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) and longitudinal relaxation rates (R1) of carotid plaques, including areas of hemorrhage, lipid‐rich/necrotic core (LR/NC) without hemorrhage, and fibrous tissue (Fbr)

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twelve patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy.

Field Strength/Sequence

R1 was measured using double angle Look–Locker acquisition on 3T systems. Single‐shot spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging with fat suppression and outer‐volume suppression (OVS‐DWEPI) with b values of 10 and 500 s/mm2 was used for diffusion‐weighted imaging.

Assessment

A phantom study using diluted gadolinium solutions and polyvinyl alcohol solutions was used to validate the two protocols. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually outlined on MR images for areas of LR/NC, hemorrhage, and Fbr based on histological cross‐sections. Pixel‐based R1 and ADC values in the ROIs were plotted for each component. The probability density function of the plots determined the optimum contours to separate the three components in the ADC‐R1 plane. The LR/NC, hemorrhage, and Fbr regions were mapped on MR images based on the above results and compared to histological results.

Statistical Tests

The R1 values of the phantom measurements were tested using Bland–Altman analysis. The accuracies of the MRI classification were calculated.

Results

R1 values <8 s−1 calculated using our method agreed with those calculated using an inversion‐recovery fast‐spin‐echo sequence (error, ≤0.1 s−1). ADC values obtained using OVS‐DWEPI were 4.1% higher than those obtained using standard echo‐planar imaging. LR/NC (R1, 0.4–1.2 s−1; ADC, 0–1.5 μm2/ms), hemorrhage (R1 ≥ 1.5 s−1; ADC, 0.5–1.5 μm2/ms), and Fbr (R1, 0.2–0.8 s−1; ADC, 1.5–2.9 μm2/ms) were separated on the plots. The accuracies of MRI classification were LR/NC, 0.86; hemorrhage, 0.79; and Fbr, 0.77.

Conclusion

The combination of ADC and R1 values measured using our method enabled differentiation among LR/NC, hemorrhage, and Fbr.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1657–1667
Modelling the role of Atlantic air–sea interaction in the impact of Madden–Julian Oscillation on South American climate
Authors: Barreiro Marcelo , Sitz Lina , de Mello Santiago , Franco Ramon Fuentes , Renom Madeleine , Farneti Riccardo
Published: October 2018

This study addresses the role of Atlantic air–sea interaction in the remote influence of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) on eastern South American climate during austral summertime. To disentangle the different processes involved, reanalysis data as well as a regional climate model run in coupled mode and as a stand‐alone atmosphere are used. The simulations are able to represent the observed influences of the MJO in precipitation and surface air temperature. In particular, in both setups the model is able to represent adequately the atmospheric teleconnections associated with the MJO, which involves the development of a barotropic cyclonic anomaly over South America between 30°S and 60°S, which favours a southwards shift of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) and a warming in eastern Brazil. Moreover, model simulations support the hypothesis that air–sea interaction is important to set up the strength of the rainfall response in the SACZ. That is, the development of a local warm SST anomaly forced by heat flux anomalies associated with the direct MJO impact in turn feeds back into the atmosphere generating a stronger surface convergence that shifts the SACZ southwards. In the absence of this SST‐forced response the SACZ still shifts southwards, but anomalies are much weaker and less extensive. We also found that the coupled model represents more adequately the remotely forced MJO temperature signal over eastern Brazil, probably due to a too strong response of the stand‐alone model to prescribed sea surface temperature.
Seasonal climate and the onset of the rainy season in western‐central Brazil simulated by Global Eta Framework model
Authors: Latinović Dragan , Chou Sin Chan , Rančić Miodrag , Medeiros Gustavo Sueiro , Lyra André de Arruda
Published: October 2018

The seasonal cycle of precipitation in tropical South America is determined by the monsoonal system. The transition from dry to wet season occurs in austral spring (September–November, SON) when intense convection from northwestern South America rapidly shifts southwards to the southern Amazon Basin and western‐central Brazil (WCB) in October and further to the southeast of Brazil in November. This study evaluates ability of the global atmospheric model, Global Eta Framework (GEF), at 25‐km horizontal resolution, to simulate the onset of the rainy season in WCB region. The simulations are based on a five‐member ensemble seasonal integrations for the years 2011 and 2013. Evaluation of mean global simulated fields, such as 200‐hPa wind, 500‐hPa geopotential height, 850‐hPa temperature and wind, and MSLP at the surface, for the SON period indicates high level of agreement with reanalyses and observations, both in spatial distribution and intensity for most of the variables. The variable of the lowest skill is precipitation, which is overestimated over some tropical oceanic regions and underestimated over tropical continental regions, including South America. The onset of the rainy season is determined using methods based on precipitation and outgoing long‐wave radiation (OLR). The threshold based on simulated precipitation is also calculated as an alternative method for defining monsoon onset. Comparison of the 5‐day averaged values (pentads) of precipitation and OLR of all members of the ensemble and the ensemble mean against the observed data shows the ability of GEF to reproduce the typical pattern of transition from dry to wet season in WCB, although most of ensemble members tend to underestimate precipitation and overestimate OLR. The onset date is delayed for few pentads in the model simulations.