bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of PRPF4 regulates pluripotency, proliferation, and differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Park Song , Han Se‐Hyeon , Kim Hyeon‐Gyeom , Jeong Jain , Choi Minjee , Kim Hee‐Yeon , Kim Min‐Gi , Park Jin‐Kyu , Han Jee Eun , Cho Gil‐Jae , Kim Myoung Ok , Ryoo Zae Young , Choi Seong‐Kyoon
Published: September 2019

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are characterized by their self‐renewal and pluripotency and are capable of differentiating into all three germ layers. For this reason, mESCs are considered a very important model for stem cell research and clinical applications in regenerative medicine. The pre‐mRNA processing factor 4 (PRPF4) gene is known to have a major effect on pre‐mRNA splicing and is also known to affect tissue differentiation during development. In this study, we investigated the effects of PRPF4 knockdown on mESCs. First, we allowed mESCs to differentiate naturally and observed a significant decrease in PRPF4 expression during the differentiation process. We then artificially induced the knockdown of PRPF4 in mESCs and observed the changes in the phenotype. When PRPF4 was knocked down, various genes involved in mESC pluripotency showed significantly decreased expression. In addition, mESC proliferation increased abnormally, accompanied by a significant increase in mESC colony size. The formation of mESC embryoid bodies and teratomas was delayed following PRPF4 knockdown. Based on these results, the reduced expression of PRPF4 affects mESC phenotypes and is a key factor in mESC.

Significance of the study

Our results indicate that PRPF4 affects the properties of mESCs. Suppression of PRPF4 resulted in a decrease in pluripotency of mESC and promoted proliferation. In addition, suppression of PRPF4 also resulted in decreased apoptosis. Moreover, the inhibition of PRPF4 reduced the ability to differentiate and formation of teratoma in mESC. Our results demonstrated that PRPF4 is a key factor of controlling mESC abilities.
Dysregulated interleukin 11 in primary Sjögren's syndrome contributes to apoptosis of glandular epithelial cells
Authors: Ye Lei , Shi Huan , Wu Shufeng , Yu Chuangqi , Wang Baoli , Zheng Lingyan
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential function of interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine IL‐11 expression in the labial glands of 30 pSS patients and 30 healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to assess the distribution of IL‐ll‐positive cells in labial glands. The human salivary gland (HSG) cell line was used to study the effects of IL‐11 on gland epithelial cells in vitro. Cell viability and cell proliferation were examined by CCK‐8 kit and EdU assay, respectively. The population of apoptotic cells was detected in flow cytometry followed by Annexin V/PI and Hoechst staining. We found that the expression levels of IL‐11 were remarkably decreased in pSS labial glands and were positively correlated with C‐reactive protein levels and negatively correlated with rheumatoid factor levels. Fewer numbers of glandular epithelial cells were observed to be positively stained with IL‐11 antibody in labial glands from pSS patients than those in healthy control patients. After IL‐11 treatment, the viability and proliferation of HSG cells were significantly higher than those in the control group. The total apoptotic and necrotic rates of HSG cells in the group after IL‐11 treatment were significantly lower. In conclusion, the results indicated that IL‐11 promoted viability and proliferation and inhibited apoptotic and necrotic rates of glandular epithelial cells. In pSS, downregulated IL‐11 might contribute to the apoptosis of salivary gland epithelial cells. However, it might be a potential target to alleviate the pathological atrophy of glandular epithelial cells in pSS patients.
Heat shock protein 27 as a neuroprotective biomarker and a suitable target for stem cell therapy and pharmacotherapy in ischemic stroke
Authors: Behdarvandy Marjan , Karimian Mohammad , Atlasi Mohammad Ali , Azami Tameh Abolfazl
Published: September 2019

Ischemic stroke is a major common cause of death and long‐term disability worldwide. Several pathophysiological events including excitotoxicity, oxidative/nitrative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are involved in ischemic injuries. Recently, the molecular mechanisms involved in cerebral ischemia through a focus on a member of small heat shock proteins family, Hsp27, has been developed. Notably, following exposure to ischemia, Hsp27 expression in the brain could be increased rather than the normal condition and it may play an important role in neuroprotection after ischemic stroke. The neuroprotection effects of Hsp27 may arise from its anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐apoptotic, and chaperonic properties. Moreover, some therapeutic strategies such as stem cell therapy and pharmacotherapy have been developed with Hsp27 targeting. In this review, we describe the function and structure of Hsp27 and its possible role in neuroprotection after ischemic stroke. Finally, we present current studies in stroke therapy, which focused on Hsp27 targeting.
A case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma arising from multinodular pleomorphic adenoma of the buccal region
Authors: Yamamoto Koji , Sato Yuichiro , Kondo Yuudai , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Akiyama Yutaka , Yamashita Yoshihiro , Kataoka Hiroaki
Published: September 2019

In multinodular lesions or tumors with mixed benign and malignant components, malignant elements may be undetectable using fine‐needle aspiration biopsy/cytology in preoperative pathological diagnosis of some cases, because of sampling error.
Orthogonally Incorporating Dual‐Fluorescence Control into Gated Photochromism for Multifunctional Molecular Switching
Authors: Weng Taoyu , Zhang Kai , Wu Bin , Chen Xuanying , Zou Qi , Zeng Tao , Zhu Liangliang
Published: September 2019

Gated photochromism is of interest for the operation and control of modern high‐tech optofunctional materials. For further advancing this topic towards the achievement of multifunctional molecular switching, however, it remains a great challenge to incorporate multiple fluorescence regulation into gated photochromism in one unimolecular system. Herein, it is reported that a dithienylethene derivative DTEN with a Schiff base connection can be facilely synthesized by one‐step coupling, and it enabled distinct color and spectral changes upon different stimuli, including ultraviolet, visible light, Ni2+, and Al3+. Relying on hydrazine and hydroxy units in this molecule, compound DTEN exhibited novel Ni2+‐locked photochromic characteristics originating from complexation of the compound with Ni2+ in a 2:1 stoichiometry. On the other hand, a 1:1 complexation between compound DTEN and Al3+ could allow both of the initial and photostationary states of DTEN to display fluorescent enhancement and a redshift, realizing a dual‐fluorescence “turn‐on” sensing of Al3+ by light. On this basis, it is argued that the switching of the coordination mode between DTEN and Ni2+ or Al3+ brings up the possibility of tunable photoswitching by multiple stimuli, which offers a novel way for future development of multifunctional switching materials with different input and output signals, as exemplified by the construction of a delicate molecular circuit.
Stafia‐1: a STAT5a‐Selective Inhibitor Developed via Docking‐Based Screening of in Silico O‐Phosphorylated Fragments
Authors: Natarajan Kalaiselvi , Müller‐Klieser Daniel , Rubner Stefan , Berg Thorsten
Published: September 2019

We present a new approach for the identification of inhibitors of phosphorylation‐dependent protein–protein interaction domains, in which phenolic fragments are adapted by in silico O‐phosphorylation before docking‐based screening. From a database of 10 369 180 compounds, we identified 85 021 natural product‐derived phenolic fragments, which were virtually O‐phosphorylated and screened for in silico binding to the STAT3 SH2 domain. Nine screening hits were then synthesized, eight of which showed a degree of in vitro inhibition of STAT3. After analysis of its selectivity profile, the most potent inhibitor was then developed to Stafia‐1, the first small molecule shown to preferentially inhibit the STAT family member STAT5a over the close homologue STAT5b. A phosphonate prodrug based on Stafia‐1 inhibited STAT5a with selectivity over STAT5b in human leukemia cells, providing the first demonstration of selective in vitro and intracellular inhibition of STAT5a by a small‐molecule inhibitor.
Impact of assertive and defensive impression management tactics on recruiter evaluation: The case of post‐failure entrepreneurs in employment interviews
Authors: Cusin Julien , Passebois‐Ducros Juliette
Published: September 2019

This study investigates how human‐resource professionals examine, during a job interview, the application of post‐bankruptcy entrepreneurs seeking to rebound as salaried workers. We assume that the way candidates talk about their failure (impression management tactics—IM) impacts the assessment of the recruiter. Thanks to an experimental methodology we compare the impact of three distinct IM tactics on the assessment of the hiring manager (a defensive IM tactic based on excuses, a defensive IM tactic based on justification, and an assertive IM tactic). We demonstrate that recruiters are more inclined to recruit the post‐bankruptcy entrepreneur if the candidate has been able to turn the ordeal into an element of self‐valorization.
Comparative toxicity outcomes of proton‐beam therapy versus intensity‐modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer in the postoperative setting
Authors: Santos Patricia Mae G. , Barsky Andrew R. , Hwang Wei‐Ting , Deville Curtiland , Wang Xingmei , Both Stefan , Bekelman Justin E. , Christodouleas John P. , Vapiwala Neha
Published: September 2019

Background

Despite increasing utilization of proton‐beam therapy (PBT) in the postprostatectomy setting, no data exist regarding toxicity outcomes relative to intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The authors compared acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity outcomes in patients with prostate cancer (PC) who received treatment with postprostatectomy IMRT versus PBT.

Methods

With institutional review board approval, patients with PC who received adjuvant or salvage IMRT or PBT (70.2 gray with an endorectal balloon) after prostatectomy from 2009 through 2017 were reviewed. Factors including combined IMRT and PBT and/or concurrent malignancies prompted exclusion. A case‐matched cohort analysis was performed using nearest‐neighbor 3‐to‐1 matching by age and GU/GI disorder history. Logistic and Cox regressions were used to identify univariate and multivariate associations between toxicities and cohort/dosimetric characteristics. Toxicity‐free survival (TFS) was assessed using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

Three hundred seven men (mean ± SD age, 59.7 ± 6.3 years; IMRT, n = 237; PBT, n = 70) were identified, generating 70 matched pairs. The median follow‐up was 48.6 and 46.1 months for the IMRT and PBT groups, respectively. Although PBT was superior at reducing low‐range (volumes receiving 10% to 40% of the dose, respectively) bladder and rectal doses (all P ≤ .01), treatment modality was not associated with differences in clinician‐reported acute or late GU/GI toxicities (all P ≥ .05). Five‐year grade ≥2 GU and grade ≥1 GI TFS was 61.1% and 73.7% for IMRT, respectively, and 70.7% and 75.3% for PBT, respectively; and 5‐year grade ≥3 GU and GI TFS was >95% for both groups (all P ≥ .05).

Conclusions

Postprostatectomy PBT minimized low‐range bladder and rectal doses relative to IMRT; however, treatment modality was not associated with clinician‐reported GU/GI toxicities. Future prospective investigation and ongoing follow‐up will determine whether dosimetric differences between IMRT and PBT confer clinically meaningful differences in long‐term outcomes.
Findings from the National Navigation Roundtable: A call for competency‐based patient navigation training
Authors: Valverde Patricia A. , Burhansstipanov Linda , Patierno Steven , Gentry Sharon , Dwyer Andrea , Wysocki Karla L. , Patterson Angela K. , Krebs Linda U. , Sellers Jean , Johnston Danelle
Published: September 2019

The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group calls for training based on standardized patient navigation core competencies.
PFG‐NMR as a Tool for Determining Self‐Diffusivities of Various Probe Molecules through H‐ZSM‐5 Zeolites
Authors: Bingre Rogéria , Losch Pit , Megías‐Sayago Cristina , Vincent Bruno , Pale Patrick , Nguyen Patrick , Louis Benoît
Published: September 2019

The understanding of major zeolite applications is partially based on diffusion of molecules inside or outside microporous networks. However, it is still a challenge to measure such phenomena. The diffusion ordered nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (DOSY) technique has been reported to measure a probe molecule‘s diffusion inside porous solids. Pulsed‐field gradient (PFG)‐NMR has been used herein to measure the self‐diffusivity of different probe molecules, such as neopentane, benzene, toluene and 1‐dodecene with increasing dynamic diameter, respectively, on a series of H‐ZSM‐5 zeolites. The latter materials exhibit different crystal sizes, Si/Al ratios and the presence (or absence) of crystalline defects. In addition, shaped zeolite bodies representing industrial catalysts were compared with the afore‐mentioned samples.
Secondary Stroke Prevention: A Population‐Based Cohort Study on Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Treatments, and the Risk of Death or Recurrence
Authors: Faure Mareva , Castilloux Anne‐Marie , Lillo‐Le‐Louet Agnès , Bégaud Bernard , Moride Yola
Published: September 2019

Using claims databases of a public healthcare program (Quebec) for the years 2010–2013, we conducted a cohort study of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to describe secondary prevention treatments and determine how they stood against practice guidelines. We compared the risk of death or AIS recurrence over 1 year in patients treated with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and/or other cardiovascular drugs. In the month after discharge, 44.3% of the patients did not receive the recommended treatment and > 20% did not have any treatment. Untreated patients were younger, had less comorbidities, and a more severe AIS. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets were associated with a reduced risk of death or recurrence (hazard ratio (HR) 0.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.36 and HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.16–0.38, respectively) compared with the untreated group. Effect size was similar for the other treatments. Findings confirm treatment benefits shown in clinical trials and emphasize the importance of AIS secondary prevention.
Design and analysis of CNTFET based 10T SRAM for high performance at nanoscale
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Ubhi Jagpal Singh
Published: September 2019

The proposed 10T SRAM cell design is implemented for different CNTFET parameters like pitch, number of tubes, chirality, dielectric materials, and flatband voltage to analyze its effect on various performance parameters. The channel gate width, average read, and write power increase, but leakage power, read delay, and write delay decrease with the increase in pitch of CNTFET, whereas all these parameters are directly proportional to the number of tubes. Chirality alteration shows inverse effect on threshold voltage, read delay, and write delay although other parameters are directly related to it. The performance parameters are evaluated for various dielectric materials, and HfO2 gives the best results for low power and high‐speed applications. Analysis of flatband voltage on proposed 10T SRAM is performed by keeping flatband voltage constant for n‐CNTFET and varied for p‐CNTFET. Extensive analysis has been done to scrutinize the sharing of powers and delay of 10T SRAM because of variations in supply voltage and temperature. The supply voltage sweeps for a range between 0.6 and 1.2 V, and range of temperature variation is considered from −27 to 127°C. The stability of the proposed SRAM cell is calculated using N‐curve method to find voltage and current information. The CNTFET based 10T SRAM cell depicts that it persists supply voltage and temperature variation significantly superior than CMOS.
Sexually dimorphic behavioral effects of maternal separation in anorexic rats
Authors: Farinetti Alice , Aspesi Dario , Marraudino Marilena , Marzola Enrica , Amianto Federico , Abbate-Daga Giovanni , Gotti Stefano
Published: September 2019

Exposure to negative events during the neonatal period is one of the leading factors contributing to the development of psychiatric disorders, including anorexia nervosa. In this study, we investigated the effects of maternal separation (MS) on the development of anorexia in rodents using the mild‐stress form of the activity‐based anorexia (ABA) model (2 hr of free access to a running wheel and a 1‐hr feeding test) in both male and female rats. We assessed anxiety‐like and locomotor behavior and hyperactivity with the open field and elevated plus maze tests. Our results showed that ABA rats of both sexes displayed hyperactive behavior associated with reduced anxiety‐like behavior when compared to controls. However, a sexually dimorphic effect of MS emerged in anorexic rats: while the females exposed to MS + ABA were hyperactive with diminished anxiety‐related behaviors compared to females of the ABA group, MS in males attenuated or did not alter the effects of the ABA protocol. In conclusion, our data reveal that the synergistic effects of MS and ABA on physical activity and anxiety‐like behavior act in opposite directions in the two sexes.
Amido Silicon Chalcogenide Compounds with Unprecedented Cluster Cores and Low Oxidation State Silicon Atoms
Authors: Schwedtmann Kevin , Hepp Alexander , Schwedtmann Kai , Weigand Jan J. , Lips Felicitas
Published: September 2019

Reactions of the bicyclic silicon(I) ring compound [Si4{N(SiMe3)Dipp}4] 1 with the chalcogens O2, Se, Te and the group 16 element compounds TeP(nBu)3 and Me3NO afforded unprecedented amido‐substituted cage compounds such as [Si4Se3{N(SiMe3)Dipp}4] 3–5 with two different tricyclo‐heptane‐type cages and one with a defect‐hetero‐cubane‐type Si4Se3 core, and [Si4Te6{N(SiMe3)Dipp}4] 6 with an adamantane‐type cage. These compounds were examined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution, ESI mass spectrometry, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and DFT calculations.
Highly Selective and Sensitive Electrochemical Determination of Ni(II) in Real Samples Based on Ion‐imprinted Polymer Technology
Authors: Razmi Habib , Dehghanzade Mahsa
Published: September 2019

Nickel is one of the heavy metals which has been considered as a serious pollutant affecting the human health. Therefore, it is necessary to control its concentration in foods and drinks. Recently, ion‐imprinted polymer based electrochemical sensors have been attracted lots of attention due to their valuable selectivity and sensitivity toward target analytes. In this study, Ni(II)‐1,10‐phenanthroline complex was prepared in ethanol and added stepwise to the aqueous solution of dopamine, followed by pH adjustment for self‐polymerization of dopamine in alkaline conditions. During the polymerization process, Ni(II)‐imprinted polydopamine (Ni‐PDA) was formed due to effective interactions between polydopamine and 1,10‐phenanthroline ligands carrying Ni(II) ions. A thin film of Ni‐PDA was anchored on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through a simple casting procedure. After drying, the sensor was employed for the determination of Ni(II) ions by means of differential pulse voltammetry. Under optimum conditions, a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range 1–25 μM with the detection limit of 0.39 μM (S/N=3). Due to excellent selectivity to Ni(II) ions, the sensor was not suffered from the excess amount of interfering ions and used for Ni(II) determination in different water and tea samples.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Paracetamol at DNA Modified Gold Electrode
Authors: Althagafi Ismail I. , Kassem Mohammed A. , Awad Mohamed I.
Published: September 2019

Cysteine monolayer has been assembled onto bare gold electrode (SAM/Au), and subsequently deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been successfully immobilized at the SAM/Au electrode. The thus modified electrode is assigned DNA/SAM/Au. Modification steps of the electrode were followed electrochemically using K4[Fe(CN6)] electrochemical marker. Also, the build‐up of the modified electrode composition is followed using EDX and the crystallographic orientation is inspected using XRD. The electrochemical behavior of paracetamol (PC) at DNA/SAM/Au electrode is investigated. Interestingly, the sluggish irreversible behavior of PC at the bare gold electrode is converted to a quasi‐reversible one at DNA/SAM/Au electrode pointing to some interaction between the immobilized DNA and PC. The enhanced electrochemical behavior of PC at modified DNA/SAM/Au electrode is successfully used for a sensitive electrochemical determination of PC. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) was used for this purpose. The concentration of PC was in linear relation with the peak current at the optimum conditions within the range 10.0–110.0 μg mL−1 with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998. Also, the standard deviation (SD) and relative standard deviation (RSD) were calculated and found to be 0.817 and 1.52, respectively, indicating the significance of the present method.
Pulsed Deposited Manganese and Vanadium Oxide Film Modified with Carbon Nanotube and Gold Nanoparticle: Chitosan and Ionic Liquid‐based Biosensor
Authors: Akoğulları Seçil , Çιnar Seda , Özdokur Kemal Volkan , Aydemir Tülin , Ertaş Fatma Nil , Koçak Süleyman
Published: September 2019

Present study describes the synthesis of mixed oxide films of manganese and vanadium by electrochemical pulsed deposition technique on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The film was further decorated with gold nanoparticles to enhance the reduction signal of dissolved oxygen in pH 5.17 acetate buffer solution. All of the electrochemical synthesized modified electrodes have been characterized with Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The electrode obtained (AuNPs/MnOx−VOx/CNT/GCE) was utilized as a platform for glucose biosensor where the glucose oxidase enzyme was immobilized on the composite film with the aid of chitosan and an ionic liquid. The electrochemical performance of the biosensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and the relative parameters have been optimized by amperometric measurements in pH 5.17 acetate buffer solution. The developed biosensor exhibited a linear range for glucose between 0.1–1.0 mM and the limit of detection was calculated as 0.02 mM.
A Novel Strategy for Quantifying Clopidogrel Using Square‐wave Voltammetry and a Boron‐doped Diamond Film
Authors: Nascimento Louise Oliveira , Scremin Jessica , Mattos Gabriel Junquetti , Gomes Adriana , Clausen Débora Nobile , Sartori Elen Romão
Published: September 2019

The voltammetric behavior of clopidogrel bisulfate (CLO), an antiplatelet agent, was investigated for the first time in the literature on a cathodically pretreated boron‐doped diamond electrode (CP‐BDDE) using cyclic (CV) and square‐wave voltammetry (SWV). It was observed an anodic peak for CLO, suitable for analytical purposes, at about 1.15 V (vs. Ag/AgCl (3.0 mol L−1 KCl)) by CV in Britton‐Robinson buffer solution (pH 5.0). On the physical‐chemical characterization of the interface phenomena, it was proved that electrode reaction of the analyte was controlled by a diffusion process. At optimized square‐wave parameters (pulse amplitude of 60 mV, frequency of 30 Hz and scan increment of 3 mV), the obtained analytical curve was linear for the CLO concentration range from 0.60 to 60.0 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 0.60 μmol L−1. The simple, rapid and greener analytical method, based on CP‐BDDE electrochemical sensor, was successfully applied in real samples (pharmaceuticals and urine).
Polyaniline‐Modified Hierarchical Graphene Fiber for Ultrahigh‐Performance Electrochemical Supercapacitor with Carbon Fiber in Core as Current Collector
Authors: Luo Weijian , Zhang Li , Wang Wenqian , Ouyang Linhong , Xue Hao
Published: September 2019

As the demand for portable and wearable energy‐storage devices increases, fiber‐type supercapacitors have rapidly developed. Herein, a two‐step synthesis method is developed to fabricate polyaniline‐modified hierarchical graphene fibers (GFs) with carbon fiber as the core. Using these fibers as the electrode of the supercapacitor, the highly conductive graphene sheets in these fibers can accelerate the transfer of electrolyte ions and fully enhance the Faraday redox transition of polyaniline on the fiber surface, thus realizing the volume capacitance of 2053 F cm−3. The core–shell hierarchical structures contribute to the high robustness and flexibility of the fibers, which are beneficial to their application in wearable or flexible systems. Moreover, large‐scale production of the core–shell fibers as supercapacitor electrodes without metal wires can be easily realized by a simple bonding technique, which opens up a promising opportunity for practical flexible devices.
Experimental study on the failure mechanism of layer‐crack structure
Authors: Guo Wei‐yao , Yu Feng‐hai , Tan Yun‐liang , Zhao Tong‐bin
Published: September 2019

Field investigations have proven that layer‐crack structures make an essential contribution to rock burst occurrence in brittle coal or rock mass. This paper first studies the mechanical behavior of layer‐crack red sandstone specimens with different geometric configurations of vertical fissures (ie, fissure width, fissure length, and fissure number) through uniaxial compression and Brazilian tests. Then, the digital speckle correlation method (DSCM) and acoustic emission (AE) technique are used to record the deformation and failure processes. Finally, the failure mechanisms of the layer‐crack structure are presented and discussed. Under compressive conditions, the failure process can be divided into compatible support, incompatible support, and postpeak unstable failure stages. An increase in fissure width, as well as fissure length or number, causes an increase in the inner damage accumulation and a decrease in the stiffness coefficient by decreasing the strain of the compatible support stage. Thus, the bearing capacity of the layer‐crack structure is weakened. Under tensile conditions, the tensile ability decreases linearly as the fissure length increases, but the vertical pressure acting on the fissure increases linearly as the fissure width increases. Thus, the tensile strength of the layer‐crack structure decreases as the fissure length (or width) increases.
Cloud traffic prediction based on fuzzy ARIMA model with low dependence on historical data
Authors: Mehdi Hamid , Pooranian Zahra , Vinueza Naranjo Paola G.
Published: September 2019

Traffic prediction with high accuracy has become a vital and challenging issue for resource management in cloud computing. It should be noted that one of the prominent factors in resource management is accurate traffic prediction based on a few data points and within a short time period. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model is a suitable model to predict traffic in short time periods. However, it requires a massive amount of historical data to achieve accurate results. On the other hand, the fuzzy regression model is adequate for prediction using less historical data. Aforementioned by these considerations, in this paper, a combination of ARIMA and fuzzy regression called fuzzy autoregressive integrated moving average (FARIMA) is used to forecast traffic in cloud computing. Besides, we adopt the FARIMA model by using the sliding window, called SOFA, concept to determine models with higher prediction accuracy. Accuracy comparison of these models based on the root means square error and coefficient of determination demonstrates that SOFA is about 5.4 and 0.009, respectively, which is the superior model for traffic prediction.
Techno‐economic analysis of 5G immersive media services in cloud‐enabled small cell networks: The neutral host business model
Authors: Paglierani Pietro , Neokosmidis Ioannis , Rokkas Theodoros , Meani Claudio , Nasr Karim M. , Moessner Klaus , Sayyad Khodashenas Pouria
Published: September 2019

Fifth generation (5G) envisages a “hyperconnected society” with an enormous number of interconnected devices, anywhere and at any time. Edge computing plays a pivotal role in this vision, enabling low latency, large traffic volumes, and improved quality of experience. The advent of 5G and edge computing encourages vertical industries to develop innovative services, which can meet the challenging demands coming from consumers. However, economic feasibility is the ultimate factor that determines the viability of a new service. Hence, effective techniques for the economic assessment of such services are needed. This paper analyzes the provision of immersive media services in crowded events, through a cloud‐enabled small cell network owned by a neutral host, and offered in multitenancy to different mobile network operators. We initially develop a planning model to predict the required compute, storage, and radio resources. Taking into account dynamic factors such as service penetration and price evolution, we then provide a number of economic indices, such as net present value, internal rate of return, and expected payback period to assess the viability of a potential investment in a 5G infrastructure for immersive media services. The presented analysis will guide small cell network operators in the provision of 5G innovative media services.
Consistent inlet and outlet boundary conditions for particle methods
Authors: Hu Fangyuan , Wang Zidi , Tamai Tasuku , Koshizuka Seiichi
Published: September 2019

In this paper, simple and consistent open boundary conditions are presented for the numerical simulation of viscous incompressible laminar flows. The present approach is based on an arbitrary Lagrangian‐Eulerian particle method using upwind interpolation. Three kinds of inlet/outlet boundary conditions are proposed for particle methods, a pressure specified inlet/outlet condition, a velocity profile specified inlet/outlet condition, and a fully developed flow outlet condition. These inlet/outlet conditions are realized by using boundary particles and modification to the physical value such as velocity. Poiseuille flows, flows over a backward‐facing step, and flows in a T‐shape branch are calculated. The results are compared with those of mesh‐based methods such as the finite volume method. The method presented herein exhibits accuracy and numerical stability.
Oil price volatility and real options: 35 years of evidence
Authors: Elder John
Published: September 2019

There has been a surge in interest in the effects of uncertainty on investment decisions, motivated at least in part by the theory of real options. For example, Bloom (2009,Econometrica,77, 623–685) shows that higher uncertainty causes firms to temporarily pause investment and hiring, generating sharp economic downturns. This paper investigates these effects by examining the response of disaggregated measures of production to volatility in oil prices. We find that increased oil price volatility has strong negative effects on the production of durable goods, such as transportation equipment, and oil exploration, such as the drilling of oil and gas wells.
Uncontrolled diabetes and health care utilisation: A bivariate latent Markov model approach
Authors: Gil Joan , Li Donni Paolo , Zucchelli Eugenio
Published: September 2019

Although uncontrolled diabetes (UD) or poor glycaemic control is a widespread condition with potentially life‐threatening consequences, there is sparse evidence of its effects on health care utilisation. We jointly model the propensities to consume health care and UD by employing an innovative bivariate latent Markov model that allows for dynamic unobserved heterogeneity, movements between latent states and the endogeneity of UD. We estimate the effects of UD on primary and secondary health care consumption using a panel dataset of rich administrative records from Spain and measure UD using a biomarker. We find that, conditional on time‐varying unobservables, UD does not have a statistically significant direct effect on health care use. Furthermore, individuals appear to move across latent classes and increase their propensities to poor glycaemic control and health care use over time. Our results suggest that by ignoring time‐varying unobserved heterogeneity and the endogeneity of UD, the effects of UD on health care utilisation might be overestimated and this could lead to biased findings. Our approach reveals heterogeneity in behaviour beyond standard groupings of frequent versus infrequent users of health care services. We argue that this dynamic latent Markov approach could be used more widely to model the determinants of health care use.
Machine learning in materials science
Authors: Wei Jing , Chu Xuan , Sun Xiang‐Yu , Xu Kun , Deng Hui‐Xiong , Chen Jigen , Wei Zhongming , Lei Ming
Published: September 2019

Traditional methods of discovering new materials, such as the empirical trial and error method and the density functional theory (DFT)‐based method, are unable to keep pace with the development of materials science today due to their long development cycles, low efficiency, and high costs. Accordingly, due to its low computational cost and short development cycle, machine learning is coupled with powerful data processing and high prediction performance and is being widely used in material detection, material analysis, and material design. In this article, we discuss the basic operational procedures in analyzing material properties via machine learning, summarize recent applications of machine learning algorithms to several mature fields in materials science, and discuss the improvements that are required for wide‐ranging application.
Ganoderic acid A holds promising cytotoxicity on human glioblastoma mediated by incurring apoptosis and autophagy and inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Cheng Yong , Xie Peng
Published: September 2019

Ganoderic acid A (GA‐A), recognized as a lanostanetriterpene isolated from Ganoderma lucidum, demonstrates an efficient antitumor activity in multiple cancers. To date, it is unclear whether and how GA‐A functions on human glioblastoma (GBM). To unravel the functional significance of GA‐A on human glioblastoma (GBM), the cell‐counting kit‐8 and transwell assays were used to detect proliferation, migration, and invasion of human GBM cell after GA‐A treatment. Then, we utilized the flow cytometry and western blot to further evaluate the effect of GA‐A on GBM cell. Further, activities of autophagy and PI3K/AKT signaling were assessed by Western blot assay. We found that GA‐A significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cell. Additionally, GA‐A markedly triggered cell apoptosis, which incarnated an elevation trend in apoptotic percentage, simultaneously, an increased level of proapoptosis protein (Bax and active caspase‐3) and a decreased level of antiapoptosis protein (Bcl‐2), induced by GA‐A treatment. Meanwhile, levels of two well‐known autophagy markers (beclin 1 and LC3 II) increased while another autophagic substrate (P‐62) was reduced. Moreover, the expressions levels of phosphorylated AKT, mTOR, p‐P70S6K, and cyclin D1 in the PI3K/AKT pathway were significantly reduced, which revealed GA‐A repressed the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, these results indicate that GA‐A may encourage U251 cell growth and invasion/migration inhibition, apoptosis, and autophagy through the inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in human GBM. Hence, GA‐A may be a potent antitumorigenic agent for human GBM in future clinical practice.
Efficient electrosynthesis of sulfinic esters via oxidative cross‐coupling between alcohols and thiophenols
Authors: Gong Fengping , Lu Fangling , Zuo Lin , Wang Qi , Li Ru , Hu Jiaxin , Li Zhen , Takfaoui Abdelilah , Lei Aiwen
Published: September 2019

A new protocol for SO bond formation was developed by electrochemical oxidative cross‐coupling between alcohols and thiophenols. With this strategy, a series of valuable sulfinic ester derivatives were synthesized up to 96% yield from basic starting materials. A preliminary mechanistic investigation reveals that this reaction involves oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
CircRNA expression profiles and function prediction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Dong Zhaofei , Deng Lingna , Peng Qingxia , Pan Jingrui , Wang Yidong
Published: September 2019

Most circular RNAs (circRNAs) belong to a novel class of noncoding RNAs that are produced by back‐splicing reactions, and they regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes in human disease. Although circRNA expression has been shown to be altered in the ischemic cerebral tissue in animal studies, the expression profile of circRNA in the patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has not been investigated to date. In this investigation, high‐throughput sequencing was carried out to compare the circRNA expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from five patients with AIS and five healthy subjects. A total of 521 circRNAs were expressed differentially between the patients with AIS and healthy controls (p < .05, fold difference ≥2) including 373 upregulated circRNAs and 148 downregulated circRNAs in patients with AIS compared to controls. Thirteen candidate circRNAs were verified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Bioinformatics analyses showed that these differentially expressed circRNAs were highly conserved, as well as eight circRNAs that were confirmed by qRT‐PCR containing binding sites to multiple microRNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment and gene ontology analyses indicated that the aberrantly expressed circRNAs participated in many pathophysiological processes of AIS, especially regarding inflammation and immunity. In conclusion, patients with AIS differentially express certain circRNAs in PBMCs, which may be diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.
Developmental Pharmacodynamics and Modeling in Pediatric Drug Development
Authors: Conklin Laurie S. , Hoffman Eric P. , van den Anker John
Published: September 2019

Challenges in pediatric drug development include small patient numbers, limited outcomes research, ethical barriers, and sparse biosamples. Increasingly, pediatric drug development is focusing on extrapolation: leveraging knowledge about adult disease and drug responses to inform projections of drug and clinical trial performance in pediatric subpopulations. Pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic (PK‐PD) modeling and extrapolation aim to reduce the numbers of patients and data points needed to establish efficacy. Planning for PK‐PD and biomarker studies should begin early in the adult drug development program. Extrapolation relies on the assumption that both the underlying disease and the mechanism of action of the drug used to treat that disease are similar in adults and pediatric subpopulations. Clearly, developmental changes in PK and PD need to be considered to enhance the quality of PK‐PD modeling and, therefore, increase the success of extrapolation. This article focuses on the influence of differences in PD between adults and pediatric subpopulations that are highly relevant for the use of extrapolation.
Ontogeny and the Application of Pharmacogenomics to Pediatric Drug Development
Authors: Green Dionna
Published: September 2019

Drug product labels are important vehicles for conveying the scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of a medicinal product. Increasingly, pharmacogenomic (PGx) information is being incorporated into US Food and Drug Administration‐approved product labels. In the majority of cases, the PGx information in labeling is derived from studies in adults. Observed genotype‐phenotype relationships in adults may not always be reflective of those in certain pediatric age groups because of the influence of ontogeny. The quantitative data necessary for modeling certain genomic markers in pediatrics is still lacking, and further research focused on generating this is needed. In addition, drug safety research focused on understanding the potential contributions of ontogeny, PGx and other underlying mechanisms to differences in adverse drug reactions between pediatrics and adults is warranted.
Biological nutrient removal from slaughterhouse wastewater via nitritation/denitritation using granular sludge: an onsite pilot demonstration
Authors: Dobbeleers Thomas , Caluwé Michel , Dockx Lennert , Daens Dominque , D'aes Jolien , Dries Jan
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

In this study, an onsite pilot sequencing batch reactor (SBR) of 450 L was operated at a local Flemish slaughterhouse in two consecutive periods. During period I, nitrogen removal via nitritation/denitritation (Nit/DNit) was achieved by the use of an innovative startup strategy without seed sludge and subsequently maintained by the use of aeration phase length control based on the oxygen uptake rate (OUR). In period II, the operational strategy was modified. In order to obtain Nit/DNit granular sludge (GS), an anaerobic (feast) feeding was introduced followed by a dynamic controlled (OUR‐based) aerobic (famine) reaction step.

RESULTS

After 74 days, the local (Flemish) legislation standards for COD (125 mg O2 L−1) and T‐N (15 mg N L−1) were fulfilled. During period II, floccular sludge was partially transformed into GS, which resulted in increased COD and NH4‐N conversion rates of 50 and 60% respectively. Average removal efficiencies for SCOD, N and P during period II were 89.5 ± 4.2, 88.8 ± 9.8 and 84.4 ± 9.3% respectively. Despite the relatively low biomass concentrations (2.5 g L−1), excellent sludge settling was reported, with SVI30 < 100 mL g−1 from day 167 onwards. Moreover, it was found that the operational strategy and temperature variability had a crucial impact on the microbial community dynamics and granule growth.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the Nit/DNit BNR‐GS system in a real operational environment through the operation of an onsite pilot plant. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease in uruguay: Coxsackievirus A6 identified as causative of an outbreak in a rural childcare center
Authors: Lizasoain Andrés , Piegas Sofia , Victoria Matías , Da Silva Edson E. , Colina Rodney
Published: September 2019

To know the epidemiological context of hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease (HFMD) in a region of Uruguay and to identify the Enterovirus responsible for an outbreak in a rural childcare center in 2018. Swab samples from skin lesions and/or stools samples were collected from children suffering HFMD during an outbreak in a rural childcare center. Samples were subject to viral RNA extraction and reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction towards VP1 coding segment, to identify the Enterovirus type by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Total of 149 cases of HFMD affecting 98 boys and 51 girls were reported in Salto Province‐Uruguay in 2018. Total 60% of the cases were originated from outbreaks, which occurred in ten educative and childcare institutions from both urban and rural areas. Coxsackievirus‐6 (CV‐A6) was identified as responsible for one of the rural outbreaks. Uruguayan strains were more related to strains reported in Russia, Turkey, and Germany (2014‐2017) than to strains reported in Brazil and Argentina from 2015 to 2016. This is the first report of CV‐A6‐associated HFMD in Uruguay, evidencing a wide geographic range of the virus in the Latin American region. Our report also warns about CV‐A6‐associated HFMD during winter, contrarily to most reports that register HFMD during summer and fall seasons.
Aberrant features of in vivo striatal dynamics in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lee Kwang , Masmanidis Sotiris C.
Published: September 2019

The striatum plays an important role in learning, selecting, and executing actions. As a major input hub of the basal ganglia, it receives and processes a diverse array of signals related to sensory, motor, and cognitive information. Aberrant neural activity in this area is implicated in a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. It is therefore important to understand the hallmarks of disrupted striatal signal processing. This review surveys literature examining how in vivo striatal microcircuit dynamics are impacted in animal models of one of the most widely studied movement disorders, Parkinson's disease. The review identifies four major features of aberrant striatal dynamics: altered relative levels of direct and indirect pathway activity, impaired information processing by projection neurons, altered information processing by interneurons, and increased synchrony.
Algicidal characterization and mechanism of Bacillus licheniformis Sp34 against Microcystis aeruginosa in Dianchi Lake
Authors: Liu Jinyu , Yang Caiyun , Chi Yuxin , Wu Donghao , Dai Xianzhu , Zhang Xiaohui , Igarashi Yasuo , Luo Feng
Published: September 2019

Microcystis aeruginosa blooms are a worldwide serious environmental problem and bloom control with bacteria is promising. In this study, a Bacillus licheniformis strain Sp34 with potent algicidal and inhibitory effects on the microcystins synthesis against fast‐growing M. aeruginosa was isolated from Dianchi Lake. Sp34 killed the bloom‐causing algal strain M. aeruginosa DCM4 of Dianchi Lake with an initial Chlorophyll‐a concentration of 2.0 mg/L at a cell density of no less than 1.35 × 105 CFU/ml. It can also efficiently kill some other harmful algal species, such as M. wesenbergii and Phormidium sp. The algicidal activity of Sp34 relied on the release of algicidal substances, which had good heat (−20°C to 121°C) and acid–base (pH 3–11) resistance. In addition, the high algicidal activity depended on the good growth of algae indicated by the significantly positive correlations between algal growth and algicidal ratio (p < .001). The algicidal effect of Sp34 involved causing oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and morphological injury of algal cells, along with DNA damage and dysfunction of DNA‐repair function, weakening the photosynthesis system, and inhibiting microcystin synthesis. In general, Sp34 can kill fast‐growing M. aeruginosa and inhibit algal microcystin synthesis efficiently, so, it is a promising biocontrol agent to mitigate cyanobacterial blooms.