bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Ni3(iPr2Im)3(µ2‐CO)3(µ3‐CO)] – A CO‐Stabilized NHC Analogue of the Parent Neutral Nickel Chini‐Type Cluster
Authors: Berthel Johannes H. J. , Kuntze‐Fechner Maximilian W. , Radius Udo
Published: April 2019

The reactivity of nickel tetracarbonyl [Ni(CO)4] with the N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) 1,3‐diisopropylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene (iPr2Im) and 1,3‐di(isopropyl)‐4,5‐di(methyl)imidazolin‐2‐ylidene (iPr2ImMe) is reported. The reaction of [Ni(CO)4] with two equiv. iPr2Im and iPr2ImMe and one equiv. iPr2ImMe leads to the formation of the complexes [Ni(iPr2Im)2(CO)2] 2, [Ni(iPr2ImMe)2(CO)2] 3, and [Ni(iPr2ImMe)(CO)3] 4. The reaction of [Ni(CO)4] with one equiv. (or less) iPr2Im affords the triangular 44 VE (valence electron) cluster complex [Ni3(iPr2Im)3(µ2‐CO)3(µ3‐CO)] 1, a NHC‐stabilized analogue of the parent neutral nickel Chini cluster [Ni3(CO)3(µ2‐CO)3].
2,2‐Diazido‐1,2‐diarylethanones: Synthesis and Reactivity with Primary Amines
Authors: Holzschneider Kristina , Häring Andreas P. , Kirsch Stefan F.
Published: April 2019

We describe the synthesis and reactivity of a new class of diazidated compounds: the 2,2‐diazido‐1,2‐diarylethanones. The diazides are easily accessible from 1,2‐diarylethanones through a mild and simple protocol for the direct oxidative diazidation, using iodine and sodium azide in DMSO at room temperature. In studies towards their reactivity with amine nucleophiles under basic conditions, the diazides are shown to undergo a controlled fragmentation reaction that provides a straightforward access to the corresponding amides. In stark contrast to our previous results on the amine‐triggered fragmentation of diazidated compounds, aromatic nitriles are found to be by‐products of synthetic value. The net reaction consisting of diazidation and subsequent fragmentation, thus, provides a simple way to convert 1,2‐diarylethanones into both aromatic amides and nitriles.
The impact of post‐migration stressors on refugees’ emotional distress and health: A longitudinal analysis
Authors: James Poppy , Iyer Aarti , Webb Thomas L.
Published: April 2019

Refugees often experience poor physical and mental health outcomes following resettlement. These outcomes have been linked to the conditions that are experienced by refugees in the post‐migration context, but little is known about the mechanisms by which these conditions influence health. We therefore conducted secondary analyses of the Survey of New Refugees, a large longitudinal study commissioned by the UK Home Office with data collected at four time points spanning 21 months. Refugees’ experience of emotional distress such as feeling stressed, worried, and depressed fully mediated the relationship between post‐migration stressors and longitudinal general health. There was no evidence that perceived social support influenced this relationship. These findings suggest that emotional distress contributes to poor health outcomes among refugees and thus that interventions might target emotional distress.
Development of a Structured Reactor System for CO2 Methanation under Dynamic Operating Conditions
Authors: Stiegler Thomas , Meltzer Katharina , Tremel Alexander , Baldauf Manfred , Wasserscheid Peter , Albert Jakob
Published: April 2019

Herein, the use of an additively manufactured rack‐type reactor for CO2 methanation under dynamic operating conditions is proposed. In detail, CO2 methanation using an additively manufactured structured reactor (catalyst: 2.5 wt% Ru/Al2O3/MgO) is reported. The dynamic operation is simulated by changing the reactant flow rates (loads) based on the operation strategy of an electrolyzer connected to a wind farm. Due to the high heat conductivity of the metallic structures, temperature hotspots related to load variations are avoided efficiently. In the test rig, these structured reaction systems reach equilibrium CO2‐conversions with only minor axial temperature gradients for various loads and thus offer a high potential for the dynamic operation of exothermic gas‐phase processes.
Toward Data‐Driven Applications in Lithium‐Ion Battery Cell Manufacturing
Authors: Turetskyy Artem , Thiede Sebastian , Thomitzek Matthias , von Drachenfels Nicolas , Pape Till , Herrmann Christoph
Published: April 2019

Production chain of lithium‐ion battery cells is a highly complicated system with manifold process–product interdependencies and high sensitivity to ambient conditions. This complexity makes it harder to control and regulate economic and environmental target criteria (e.g., product quality, cost, and energy demand). Therefore, it is necessary to develop a holistic system understanding and to identify and evaluate the interactions between the process steps within the production chain of battery cells and their effects on the relevant cell properties. In this study, a data‐driven concept to acquire relevant data along the production line, including technical building services and cell diagnostics, is presented. Furthermore, it describes the combination of automated and manual data acquisition as well as merging of data from different sources, of different communicational protocols, and of different formats toward accessibility, convenient data management, and visualization.
Utilization of cocoa activated carbon for trimethylamine and hydrogen sulfide gas removals in a confined space and its techno‐economic analysis and life‐cycle analysis
Authors: Wang Shuang , Nam Hoseok , Nam Hyungseok
Published: April 2019

In this study, a removal technique of porous activated carbon filter was developed using copper impregnated on commercially available cocoa activated carbon (Cu/AC) for the removal of toxic pollutant gases (trimethylamine [TMA] and hydrogen sulfide [H2S]). Cu/AC (filter) was characterized with Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/Differential thermal analysis, proximate analysis, Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur (CHNS)/O, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, the results indicated the Cu/AC possesses good physical and chemical characteristics and is suitable for adsorption of air pollutants. The Cu/AC filter exhibited excellent adsorption capacity for the removal of TMA (qe = 654.8 mg/g) and H2S (qe = 220.37 mg/g). The isotherm and kinetic models were applied to analyze the adsorption properties and adsorption mechanism. Langmuir isotherm showed best fit for the adsorption of TMA and H2S, whereas the pseudo‐first‐ and second‐order kinetic models best fitted in describing the adsorption of H2S and TMA, respectively. Also, the adsorption process for the removal of TMA and H2S was controlled by the intraparticle diffusion model. The H2S‐adsorbed Cu/AC filter can be regenerated but not lasting too many cycles. Techno‐economic analysis and life‐cycle analysis (LCA) were performed at a plant scale. Production costs were ¢1.37 for cocoa AC filter and ¢10.13 for activated rice husk (ARH) filter. Also, the LCA result for during the filter production was estimated to be 2.52 kg CO2‐eq for cocoa AC filter and 4.47 kg CO2‐eq for ARH filter. This study proves the competitiveness compared to ARH filter of the previous study in the adsorption performance and the filter production cost.
Validating Classifications From Learning Progressions: Framework and Implementation
Authors: Attali Yigal , Arieli‐Attali Meirav
Published: April 2019

Learning progressions (LPs) have seen a growing interest in recent years due to their potential benefits in the development of formative assessments for classroom use. Using an LP as the backbone of an assessment can yield diagnostic classifications of students that can guide instruction and remediation. In operationalizing an LP, assessment items are classified as measuring specific LP levels and, through the application of a measurement model, students are classified as masters of specific LP levels. To support the use of LPs in instructional planning and formative assessment, the reliability and validity of both item and student classifications should stand up to scrutiny. Reliability of classifications refers to their consistency. Validity of classifications refers to alignment of these classifications with test data. A framework for testing these classifications is proposed and implemented in a validation study of a rational number LP for elementary school mathematics. As part of this study, 400 items were classified in terms of LP level of understanding, a cognitive diagnostic model of student mastery level within the LP was fitted to the data, and analyses were conducted to assess the reliability and validity of these classifications.
Sulfation, pore, and fractal properties of hydrated spent calcium magnesium acetate from calcium‐based looping
Authors: Zhang Shiling , Zhang Lihui , Duan Feng
Published: April 2019

Hydration of the spent calcium‐based sorbent from calcium‐looping can improve its inadequate pore characteristics. The hydrated sorbent can be used for desulfurization before calcium‐based looping, which decreases the SO2 concentration in the flue gas entering the calcium‐based looping and also decreases the cost of CO2 capture. The effects of hydration time, hydration temperature, and liquid‐solid ratio on the reactivation performance of a hydrated spent calcium‐based sorbent were studied using spent calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) in this study. Fractal analysis based on the pore structure data of the hydrated sorbents was also conducted, and the relationship between the fractal dimension and the desulfurization performance of the hydrated spent sorbents was also investigated. The results showed that the sulfation conversion rate of the hydrated spent CMA decreased slowly at first, and then increased with hydration time. The conversion rate also increased with the hydration temperature but it decreased with the liquid‐solid ratio. The maximum sulfation conversion of the hydrated spent CMA under the optimized conditions was 68.0%, which approached that of fresh CMA. Compared to that of spent CMA, the sulfation conversion increased by 53.3%. The spent CMA consisted mainly of mesopores and macropores. After hydration, the volumes of both types of pores increased. However, the mesopore percentage decreased, while the macropore percentage increased. The hydrated spent CMA had obvious fractal characteristics. There was an optimum range for the fractal dimension of the samples, 2.31 < D < 2.35, at which the sulfation conversion was maximized. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Astrocyte‐specific deletion of the mitochondrial m‐AAA protease reveals glial contribution to neurodegeneration
Authors: Murru Sara , Hess Simon , Barth Esther , Almajan Eva R. , Schatton Désirée , Hermans Steffen , Brodesser Susanne , Langer Thomas , Kloppenburg Peter , Rugarli Elena I.
Published: April 2019

Mitochondrial dysfunction causes neurodegeneration but whether impairment of mitochondrial homeostasis in astrocytes contributes to this pathological process remains largely unknown. The m‐AAA protease exerts quality control and regulatory functions crucial for mitochondrial homeostasis. AFG3L2, which encodes one of the subunits of the m‐AAA protease, is mutated in spinocerebellar ataxia SCA28 and in infantile syndromes characterized by spastic‐ataxia, epilepsy and premature death. Here, we investigate the role of Afg3l2 and its redundant homologue Afg3l1 in the Bergmann glia (BG), radial astrocytes of the cerebellum that have functional connections with Purkinje cells (PC) and regulate glutamate homeostasis. We show that astrocyte‐specific deletion of Afg3l2 in the mouse leads to late‐onset motor impairment and to degeneration of BG, which display aberrant morphology, altered expression of the glutamate transporter EAAT2, and a reactive inflammatory signature. The neurological and glial phenotypes are drastically exacerbated when astrocytes lack both Afg31l and Afg3l2, and therefore, are totally depleted of the m‐AAA protease. Moreover, mitochondrial stress responses and necroptotic markers are induced in the cerebellum. In both mouse models, targeted BG show a fragmented mitochondrial network and loss of mitochondrial cristae, but no signs of respiratory dysfunction. Importantly, astrocyte‐specific deficiency of Afg3l1 and Afg3l2 triggers secondary morphological degeneration and electrophysiological changes in PCs, thus demonstrating a non‐cell‐autonomous role of glia in neurodegeneration. We propose that astrocyte dysfunction amplifies both neuroinflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity in patients carrying mutations in AFG3L2, leading to a vicious circle that contributes to neuronal death.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms and its associated factors among healthy community‐dwelling older adults living in Australia and the United States
Authors: Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Agustini Bruno , Woods Robyn L. , McNeil John J. , Nelson Mark R. , Shah Raj C. , Nguyen Van , Storey Elsdon , Murray Anne M. , Reid Christopher M. , Kirpach Brenda , Wolfe Rory , Lockery Jessica E. , Berk Michael ,   on behalf of the ASPREE Investigator Group
Published: April 2019

Objective

This study was conducted to estimate prevalence rates and factors associated with depressive symptoms indexed by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies‐Depression (CES‐D‐10) score in a large sample of community‐dwelling healthy older adults from Australia and the United States. Convergent and divergent validity of the CES‐D‐10 were also examined.

Methods

A total of 19 114 individuals aged greater than or equal to 65 years old were enrolled from a primary prevention clinical trial. Depressive symptoms were classified using the CES‐D‐10 score greater than or equal to 8 and greater than or equal to 10. Gender‐specific prevalence for subgroups according to sociodemographic characteristics were reported, and factors associated with depressive symptoms were estimated.

Results

The overall prevalence rates of depressive symptoms were 9.8%, 95% CI, 8.5‐11.2 and 5.0%, 95% CI, 4.0‐6.0, according to the CES‐D‐10 score greater than or equal to 8 and greater than or equal to 10, respectively. Depressive symptoms were more common in women, individuals with less than 12 years of education, those living alone or in a residential care, ethnic minorities, current smokers, and former alcohol users. Convergent and divergent validities of the CES‐D‐10 were confirmed by observing strong negative association with the SF‐12 mental health component and a modest negative association with SF‐12 physical component, respectively.

Conclusions

This study reports the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Australian and US community‐dwelling healthy older populations. These findings emphasize the high burden of the condition and factors associated with depressive symptoms, to better inform clinicians and help with early detection and treatment of depression in this age group.
HDAC6 Suppresses Let‐7i‐5p to Elicit TSP1/CD47‐Mediated Anti‐Tumorigenesis and Phagocytosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Hee Doo , Kim Hyung Seok , Kim Sang Yean , Na Min Jeong , Yang Gyeongdeok , Eun Jung Woo , Wang Hee Jung , Cheong Jae Youn , Park Won Sang , Nam Suk Woo
Published: April 2019

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) uniquely serves as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms leading to tumor suppression are not fully understood. To identify comprehensive microRNAs (miRNAs) regulated by HDAC6 in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, differential miRNA expression analysis of HDAC6‐transfected Hep3B cells was performed. Using integrative analyses of publicly available transcriptome data and miRNA target prediction, we selected five candidate miRNAs and, through in vitro functional validation, showed that let‐7i‐5p specifically suppressed thrombospondin‐1 (TSP1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ectopic expression of antisense let‐7i‐5p (AS‐let‐7i‐5p) inhibited in vitro tumorigenesis of HCC cells. In addition, treatments of partially purified TSP1 from culture cell media (ppTSP1) and recombinant TSP1 (rTSP1) exhibited similar effects with AS‐let‐7i‐5p treatment on the same HCC cells, whereas TSP1 neutralizing antibody treatment significantly attenuated these effects. Notably, treatments of HDAC6 plasmid, AS‐let‐7i‐5p, ppTSP1, and rTSP1 significantly suppressed in vitro angiogenesis and metastatic potential of HCC cells, but the co‐treatment of TSP1 antibody specific to cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) binding domain successfully blocked these effects in the same cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that recovery of HDAC6 elicited let‐7i‐5p suppression to de‐repress TSP1 expression; therefore, it occupied the CD47 receptor to block CD47‐SIRPα‐mediated anti‐phagocytosis of macrophage in HCC. We also observed that HCC‐derived exosomal let‐7i‐5p suppressed TSP1 of recipient hepatocyte cells. Treatments of HDAC6 plasmid, AS‐let‐7i‐5p, and rTSP1 suppressed tumor incidence as well as tumor growth rates in a spontaneous mouse HCC model. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the HDAC6–let‐7i‐5p–TSP1 regulatory pathway suppresses neoplastic and antiphagocytic behaviors of HCC by interacting with cell surface receptor CD47 in HCC and neighboring cells of tumor microenvironment, providing a therapeutic target for the treatment of liver malignancy and metastasis.
Beyond the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Laplane Lucie , Duluc Dorothée , Bikfalvi Andreas , Larmonier Nicolas , Pradeu Thomas
Published: April 2019

In contrast to the once dominant tumour‐centric view of cancer, increasing attention is now being paid to the tumour microenvironment (TME), generally understood as the elements spatially located in the vicinity of the tumour. Thinking in terms of TME has proven extremely useful, in particular because it has helped identify and comprehend the role of nongenetic and noncell‐intrinsic factors in cancer development. Yet some current approaches have led to a TME‐centric view, which is no less problematic than the former tumour‐centric vision of cancer, insofar as it tends to overlook the role of components located beyond the TME, in the ‘tumour organismal environment’ (TOE). In this minireview, we highlight the explanatory and therapeutic shortcomings of the TME‐centric view and insist on the crucial importance of the TOE in cancer progression.
Use of fertility drugs in early‐onset female cancer survivors—A Finnish register‐based study on 8,929 survivors
Authors: Melin Johanna , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura , Hirvonen Elli , Seppä Karri , Malila Nea , Pitkäniemi Janne , Gissler Mika , Tiitinen Aila
Published: April 2019

Advances in multimodality cancer treatments have increased the risk of long‐term complications in early‐onset cancer survivors. For female cancer survivors, these include diminished reproductive function, often resulting in a narrowed fertile window. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of fertility treatments in cancer survivors (aged 0–39 years at diagnosis) compared to siblings. Data from Finnish registers on cancer, birth and prescribed medications were merged to identify 8,929 survivors and 9,495 siblings without previous deliveries. Fertility drug purchases from 1993 to 2012 at the age of 16–41 years were included. A Poisson regression model was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for the use of fertility drugs, adjusting for age and calendar time at fertility drug purchase. Fertility treatments were more common in survivors compared to siblings, as 6.1% of survivors compared to 3.8% of siblings had bought fertility drugs (IRR 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.25–1.65). A subclassification of fertility treatments into ovulation inductions and assisted reproductive technology (ART), showed increased use of ART (IRR 2.41, 95% CI 1.97–2.96), whereas the use of ovulation induction was similar in survivors and siblings. Analyses by calendar time periods showed the use of ART to be significantly higher in the most recent decade, from 2003 onwards. We conclude that cancer survivors have an increased risk for subfertility, which is why fertility counseling is important. However, our results mirror a more active approach among clinicians towards fertility treatments in cancer survivors during the most recent years.
The cross‐lagged relationship between interpersonal forgiveness and depression symptoms in China
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Liang Jieshuang , Sun Siyu , Wu Zhen
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the relationship between the process of forgiveness and depressive symptoms in China. A total of 116 college students who had experienced an interpersonal transgression “within the past week” were selected to perform the tracking measurements at 2‐week intervals. Cross‐lagged models showed that the victim's depressive symptoms were related to increasing revenge and avoidance motivations as well as decreased benevolence motivation; however, the revenge, avoidance, and benevolence motivations of the victims did not predict subsequent changes in depressive symptoms. These results confirm that the presence of depressive symptoms is a predictor of the reduced interpersonal forgiveness, and the alleviation of individuals' depressive symptoms plays a protective role in the adaptive process of interpersonal relationships.
Optimization of the photodynamic inactivation of prions by a phthalocyanine photosensitizer: The crucial involvement of singlet oxygen
Authors: Kostelanska Marie , Freisleben Jaroslav , Backovska Hanusova Zdenka , Mosko Tibor , Vik Robert , Moravcova Daniela , Hamacek Ales , Mosinger Jiri , Holada Karel
Published: April 2019

Prion disorders are fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the autocatalytic conversion of a natively occurring prion protein (PrPC) into its misfolded infectious form (PrPTSE). The proven resistance of PrPTSE to common disinfection procedures increases the risk of prion transmission in medical settings. Herein, we present the effective photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of prions by disulfonated hydroxyaluminum phthalocyanine (AlPcOH(SO3)2) utilizing two custom‐built red light sources. The treatment eliminates PrPTSE signal in infectious mouse brain homogenate with efficiency that depends on light intensity but has a low effect on the overall protein content. Importantly, singlet oxygen (O2(1Δg)) is the only species significantly photogenerated by AlPcOH(SO3)2, and it is responsible for the PDI of prions. More intensive light conditions show not only higher O2(1Δg) production but also decreases in AlPcOH(SO3)2 photostability. Our findings suggest that PDI by AlPcOH(SO3)2‐generated O2(1Δg) represents a promising approach for prion inactivation that may be useful in future decontamination strategies for delicate medical tools.
Identification of association between rs1057317 polymorphism in TLR4 3′‐untranslated region and the susceptibility to osteoporosis
Authors: Hong Ronghua , Xie Jingjing , Zhang Fuguo , Pan Hansong , Guo Changjun
Published: April 2019

It has been proved that the expression of TLR4 is associated with a reduced risk of osteoporosis (OP). One single‐nucleotide polymorphism located within the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of TLR4 may “generate” binding site of miR‐34a and thereby associated with risk of OP. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to specify the effect of polymorphisms on the interaction between miR‐34a and TLR4 gene. Western blot analysis and real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to study the expressions of miR‐34a, TLR4 in different groups or cells transfected with miR‐34a mimics or inhibitor. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to estimate the effect of miR‐34a on the apoptosis of osteoblast. TLR4 was identified as a target of miR‐34a, with negative regulatory relationship predicted. The expression levels of miR‐34a was comparable with each other between CC, CA, and AA groups, and the expression levels of TLR4 was evidently lower in CC compared with GG and GC groups. Also, TLR4 level in culture osteoblast (genotyped as CC) treated with miR‐34a mimics was substantially downregulated compared with scramble control, while those cells (genotyped as CC) treated with miR‐34a inhibitors showed increased expression of TLR4. Additionally, the apoptosis of osteoblast genotyped as CC was decreased following transfection with miR‐34a mimics, while evidently promoted subsequent to transfect with miR‐34a inhibitor. The regulatory association between rs1057317 polymorphism in TLR4 3′‐UTR led to an inhibitory effect on the expression of TLR4 by miR‐34a, which may explain the observed association between the polymorphism and the susceptibility to OP.
BMP and mTOR signaling in heterotopic ossification: Does their crosstalk provide therapeutic opportunities?
Authors: Wu Jianhui , Ren Bowen , Shi Fuli , Hua Ping , Lin Hui
Published: April 2019

Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to the pathological formation of ectopic bone in soft tissues, it occurs following severe trauma or in patients with a rare genetic disorder known as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The pathological process of HO formation is a two‐step mechanism: inflammation and destruction of connective tissues, followed by bone formation. The latter is further subdivided into three stages: fibroproliferation/angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis. Currently, therapeutic options for HO are limited. New potential therapeutics will most likely arise from a more detailed understanding of the signaling pathways implicated in each stage of ectopic bone formation and molecular targets that may be effective at both the early and late stages of HO. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is believed to play a key role in the overall HO process. Recently, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has received attention as a critical pathway for chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and HO. Inhibition of mTOR signaling has been shown to block trauma‐induced and genetic HO. Intriguingly, recent studies have revealed crosstalk between mTOR and BMP signaling. Moreover, mTOR has emerged as a factor involved in the early hypoxic and inflammatory stages of HO. We will summarize the current knowledge of the roles of mTOR and BMP signaling in HO, with a particular focus on the crosstalk between mTOR and BMP signaling. We also discuss the activation of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) by the most widely used drug for type 2 diabetes, metformin, which exerts a dual negative regulatory effect on mTOR and BMP signaling, suggesting that metformin is a promising drug treatment for HO. The discovery of an mTOR‐BMP signaling network may be a potential molecular mechanism of HO and may represent a novel therapeutic target for the pharmacological control of HO.
Investigating the reliability of suicide attempt history reporting across five measures: A study of US military service members at risk of suicide
Authors: Hom Melanie A. , Stanley Ian H. , Duffy Mary E. , Rogers Megan L. , Hanson Jetta E. , Gutierrez Peter M. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Utilizing a sample of military service members at risk of suicide, this study aimed to: (a) identify patterns of suicide attempt (SA) history reporting across five measures and (b) evaluate whether consistent SA reporters (i.e., individuals who consistently report an SA history across measures) differ from inconsistent SA reporters on other clinical severity indices.

Method

Participants (N = 984) completed five validated SA history measures and self‐report psychiatric symptom measures.

Results

Of the sample, 35.4% inconsistently responded to SA history measures. Inconsistent reporters disclosed more severe suicide threat histories than consistent reporters. On all other clinical severity indices, inconsistent reporters evinced either less severe or comparable symptom levels.

Conclusions

A nontrivial portion of service members may respond inconsistently to different assessments of SA history. Research is needed to identify factors that account for inconsistent SA history reporting and to improve the accuracy of SA history assessments among military personnel.
Loss of G3BP1 suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal cancer cells via Wnt/β‐catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Li‐Na , Zhao Lei , Yan Xin‐Long , Huang Ying‐Hui
Published: April 2019

Accumulating evidence suggests that Ras GTPase‐activating protein SH3 domain‐binding protein 1 (G3BP1) is very crucial to regulate tumorigenesis and metastasis. Recently, many research works have suggested that G3BP1 is overexpressed in many human cancers including esophageal cancer. Nevertheless, the functional roles of G3BP1 in esophageal cancer are still unknown. Here, the results suggested that silencing of G3BP1 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal cancer cells, whereas overexpression of G3BP1 led to opposite effects on the growth and metastasis. Surprisingly, G3BP1‐depletion had no effect on cell death but caused the arrest of cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and increased the levels of p53 and p21. In addition, loss of G3BP1 led to a significant elevation of E‐cadherin and decrease of N‐cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, MMP‐9, and MMP‐2. Mechanistically, loss of G3BP1 dramatically suppressed Wnt‐stimulated T‐cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factor activity and downregulated its target genes including c‐Myc, Axin2, and cyclin D1. Moreover, knockdown of G3BP1 downregulated the expression levels of p‐PI3K, p‐AKT, and p‐GSK‐3β, but the total PI3K, AKT, and GSK‐3β were not changed. Furthermore, our data proved that the promoting effects of G3BP1‐overexpression on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion could be rescued by PI3K inhibitor LY294002 treatment. Collectively, our results here elucidate that G3BP1‐depletion suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of esophageal cancer cells via the inactivation of Wnt/β‐catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Furthermore, our findings imply that G3BP1 can participate in the regulation of esophageal cancer progression, and will be taken as a promising target to treat esophageal cancer.
Biomechanical properties of red blood cells infected by Plasmodium berghei ANKA
Authors: Kwon Sangwoo , Lee Dong‐Hun , Han Se‐Jik , Yang Woochul , Quan Fu‐Shi , Kim Kyung Sook
Published: April 2019

Malaria is a pathogenic disease in mammal species and typically causes destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). The malaria‐infected RBCs undergoes alterations in morphology and its rheological properties, and the altered rheological properties of RBCs have a significant impact on disease pathophysiology. In this study, we investigated detailed topological and biomechanical properties of RBCs infected with malaria Plasmodium berghei ANKA using atomic force microscopy. Mouse (BALB/c) RBCs were obtained on Days 4, 10, and 14 after infection. We found that malaria‐infected RBCs changed significantly in shape. The RBCs maintained a biconcave disk shape until Day 4 after infection and then became lopsided on Day 7 after infection. The central region of RBCs began to swell beginning on Day 10 after infection. More schizont stages were present on Days 10 and 14 compared with on Day 4. The malaria‐infected RBCs also showed changes in mechanical properties and the cytoskeleton. The stiffness of infected RBCs increased 4.4–4.6‐fold and their cytoskeletal F‐actin level increased 18.99–67.85% compared with the control cells. The increase in F‐actin depending on infection time was in good agreement with the increased stiffness of infected RBCs. Because more schizont stages were found at a late period of infection at Days 10 and 14, the significant changes in biomechanical properties might contribute to the destruction of RBCs, possibly resulting in the release of merozoites into the blood circulation.
Pyrimidine Derivatives with Terminal Pyridyl Heterocycles: Facile Synthesis and Their Antiproliferative Activities
Authors: Singh Khushwant , Jana Achintya , Lippmann Petra , Ott Ingo , Das Neeladri
Published: April 2019

Incorporation of heterocyclic pyrimidine or pyridine motifs is common in the drug design for various therapeutic applications. Herein, we describe the facile synthesis of two molecules containing both pyrimidine and pyridine scaffolds. A variety of analytical techniques (multinuclear NMR, Fourier transform infrared, and mass spectrometry analyses) confirmed the purity of these molecules. In pristine form, their potential as antitumor drugs was screened by investigating their cytotoxicity against various cell lines (cancerous and normal cells). Experimental results confirmed that the two molecules exhibited cell growth inhibition at very low concentrations. This was evident from their IC50 values that are in the range of 0.45–2.20 μM.
Exploratory study of geometric distortion correction of prostate diffusion‐weighted imaging using B0 map acquisition
Authors: Tong Angela , Lemberskiy Gregory , Huang Chenchan , Shanbhogue Krishna , Feiweier Thorsten , Rosenkrantz Andrew B.
Published: April 2019

Background

Evaluation of prostate MRI relies on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), commonly distorted by susceptibility artifacts, thereby creating a need for approaches to correct such distortion.

Purpose

To compare geometric distortion on prostate MRI between standard DWI and a geometric distortion correction method for DWI described as static distortion correction DWI (SDC DWI).

Study Type

Retrospective case study.

Population

Thirty patients (ages 31–81 years) undergoing prostate MRI.

Sequence

Geometric distortions from echo planar imaging were corrected with the SDC DWI protocol, which first acquires a B0‐field map to estimate geometric distortions.

Assessment

Contours of the prostate were placed on axial T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI) as an anatomic standard. Pixel shifts and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared between prostate contours applied to the SDC DWI and standard DWI sequences. Detailed characterization of the impact of SDC DWI was performed in three representative patients.

Statistical Tests

One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Spearman correlation test, and Bland–Altman plots were calculated.

Results

There was significantly greater overlap of the SDC DWI prostate region of interest (ROI) with T2WI than standard DWI with T2WI (10.56 cm2 ± 3.14, P < 0.05). R2 of ADC values from standard DWI vs. SDC DWI in the 30 patients ranged from 0.02–0.94 (mean 0.60). A patient without susceptibility artifact demonstrated minimal pixel shift ranging from 0.6–1.3 mm and high correlation of ADC values (R2 = 0.89) between SDC DWI and standard DWI. A patient with rectal gas showed greater pixel shift (range: –2.5 to –0.5 mm) and less ADC value correlation (R2 = 0.69). A patient with a pelvic phlebolith adjacent to the prostate showed an even greater pixel shift (range: 10–16 mm) and decreased ADC correlation (R2 = 0.21).

Data Conclusion

SDC DWI appears to correct for susceptibility‐related pixel shifts in the prostate compared with standard DWI, which may have value for assessing prostate lesions obscured by geometric warping.

Level of Evidence 4

Technical Efficacy Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1614–1619.
Electric modeling and characterization of pulsed high‐voltage nanoelectrospray ionization sources by a miniature ion trap mass spectrometer
Authors: Xu Zuqiang , Wu Hanyan , Tang Yang , Xu Wei , Zhai Yanbing
Published: April 2019

A better understanding of nanoelectrospray ionization (nano‐ESI) would be beneficial in further improving the performances of nano‐ESI. In this work, the pulsed high‐voltage (HV) nano‐ESI has been electrically modeled and then systematically characterized by both voltage‐current and mass spectrometry measurements. First, the equivalent resistance of a nano‐ESI source changes with respect to both emitter tip diameter and the HV applied. Increased voltage could improve both spray current and ionization efficiency of the pulsed HV nano‐ESI. Compared with conventional DC HV method, a pulsed HV has less heating effect on the capillary tip and thus allowing the application of a much higher voltage onto a nano‐ESI source. As a result, a pulsed HV nano‐ESI could further boost the ionization efficiency of nano‐ESI by employing even higher voltages than conventional DC nano‐ESI sources.
Curaxin CBL0137 has the potential to reverse HIV‐1 latency
Authors: Jean Maxime J. , Zhou Dawei , Fiches Guillaume , Kong Weili , Huang Huachao , Purmal Andrei , Gurova Katerina , Santoso Netty G. , Zhu Jian
Published: April 2019

A cure for human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) has been hampered by the limitation of current combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to address the latent reservoirs in HIV‐1 patients. One strategy proposed to eradicate these reservoirs is the “shock and kill” approach, where latency‐reversing agents (LRAs) are used to reactivate and promote viral cell death and/or immune killing of reactivated cells. Here, we report that curaxin CBL0137, an antitumor compound, can potentiate tumor necrosis factor‐α‐mediated reactivation of latently infected HIV‐1cell lines. Additionally, the single use of CBL0137 is sufficient to reactivate HIV‐1 latent reservoirs in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from HIV‐1 positive, cART‐treated, aviremic patients. Thus, CBL0137 possesses capabilities as a LRA and could be considered for the “shock and kill” approach.
OLED display incorporating organic photodiodes for fingerprint imaging
Authors: Kamada Taisuke , Hatsumi Ryo , Watanabe Kazunori , Kawashima Susumu , Katayama Masahiro , Adachi Hiroki , Ishitani Tetsuji , Kusunoki Koji , Kubota Daisuke , Yamazaki Shunpei
Published: April 2019

This paper introduces and demonstrates a display that incorporates an organic image sensor formed in the same pixel as organic light‐emitting diodes through side‐by‐side patterning. The potential applications of this display include touch sensing, scanning, and fingerprint identification at any location on the entire display screen, without the necessity of an external module.
α‐Tocopherol, but Not γ‐Tocopherol, Attenuates the Expression of Selective Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha‐Induced Genes in Primary Human Aortic Cell Lines
Authors: Ranard Katherine M. , Kuchan Matthew J. , Erdman Jr John W.
Published: April 2019

Of the antioxidant vitamin E isoforms, α‐tocopherol (αT) and γ‐tocopherol (γT) are the most abundant in the human diet, and αT is consumed from both natural and synthetic sources. αT and γT may differentially impact inflammation and influence cardiovascular outcomes, in part by modulating gene expression. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of natural αT, synthetic αT, and γT on gene expression in two human cell lines. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) and endothelial cells (HAEC) were either: (1) treated with 25 μM tocopherols alone, or (2) pretreated with tocopherols prior to a pro‐inflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, TNF‐α) stimulation. The expression of atherosclerosis‐related genes was measured using RT2 Profiler PCR arrays. Tocopherol treatments alone did not significantly modulate the expression of genes in unstimulated HASMC or HAEC. TNF‐α stimulation significantly upregulated genes involved with apoptosis and stress response in both cell lines. Pretreating cells with tocopherols did not normalize the gene expression changes induced by TNF‐α. However, αT pretreatments, but not γT pretreatments, attenuated TNF expression in both HASMC and HAEC. These findings suggest that under stimulated conditions, αT modestly modulates the expression of selective genes and that αT may be more anti‐inflammatory than γT.
Oxidation‐led decomposition of hexagonal boron nitride coatings on alloy substrates at 900 °C: Ti‐6Al‐4V
Authors: Fleming Christopher
Published: April 2019

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) coatings on Ti‐6Al‐4V substrates undergo complete decomposition in air at 900 °C. This fate is similar to that of this ceramic material on chromia‐former alloys, and unlike that of a mass of powder treated in isolation. As the ceramic and alloy oxidize concurrently, outwardly diffusing aluminum (III) ions but not the predominant titanium (IV) ions react with the boron trioxide that forms around the h‐BN basal plane peripheries. Resultant aluminum borate is incorporated into the growing scale and the boron trioxide diffusion barrier is depleted. By this mechanism, the oxidation of h‐BN is maintained at an enhanced rate, until both this material and its oxide completely decompose. Liberated nitrogen from the oxidation of h‐BN can enter the underlying scale as a randomly distributed solute in rutile solid solution. The post‐coating oxide‐atmosphere interface comprises elongated aluminum borate crystallites protruding through at the boundaries between 3–5 at% nitrogen‐doped rutile grains. It differs significantly from that of oxidized, uncoated Ti‐6Al‐4V, which is occupied by a thin α‐alumina layer atop rutile. This interface does not change with an additional 72 h of heat‐treatment.
Layered Double Hydroxide Derivatives as Flame Retardants for Flexible PVC
Authors: Labuschagné Johan , Molefe Dan , Focke Walter W , Ofosu Osei
Published: April 2019

The use of layered double hydroxide (LDH) derivatives as flame retardants for PVC, plasticized with 100 phr diisononyl phthalate (DINP), was investigated. Cone calorimeter results, obtained at a radiant flux of 35 kW m−2, revealed that adding 30 phr conventional magnesium‐aluminium LDH lowered the peak heat release (pHRR) rate from 623 ± 8 kW m−2 to 389 ± 9 kW m−2 and reduced the smoke release by 37 %. Partial replacement of the aluminium with iron resulted in a red pigmented additive that was more effective as a flame retardant reducing the pHRR to as little as 253 ± 5 kW m−2. This additive also showed better smoke suppression (44 % lower) but the best smoke suppression was achieved by replacing part of the magnesium with copper (49 % lower).
Oxidative Degradation of Polyolefins in the Presence of Cupric and Ferric Stearate Additives
Authors: De Beer Jacques A. , Focke Walter W.
Published: April 2019

Ferric stearate‐ and cupric stearate‐containing masterbatches were successfully prepared by reactive extrusion compounding in a twin screw compounder. These prodegradant additives were formed by the reaction of the corresponding hydrated sulfate salts with calcium stearate in the polyethylene melt. High density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) films containing these metal‐based additives showed accelerated ageing in both QUV artificial UV ageing as well as oven ageing at 63 °C.
Direct Compounding Injection Molding and Resulting Properties of Ternary Blends of Polylactide, Polybutylene Succinate and Hydrogenated Styrene Farnesene Block Copolymers
Authors: Hirsch Patrick , Menzel Matthias , Klehm Jessica , Putsch Peter
Published: April 2019

Direct compounding injection molding of ternary blends of polylactide (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and a hydrogenated styrene farnesene block copolymer (HSFC) was investigated for different blend compositions. Morphological analysis by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed a heterogeneous morphology of the ternary blends, with coexisting droplets of HSFC and PLA respectively PBS. Particle sizes analysis of the minor phases in the ternary blends showed mean values in the range of ∼1 μm, which is discussed in correlation to the rheological properties of the blend components as obtained by high pressure capillary rheometry. In result, with increasing HSFC content, the ternary blends showed a significant increase in notched Charpy impact strength (acN). In concrete, for the ternary blends with 15 wt% of HSFC a maximum acNof 15.8 kJ/m2was found. At the same time, incorporation of the HSFC resulted only in a moderate reduction in elastic modulus and tensile strength.
Developing Precautionary Reference Points for Fishery Management Using Robust Control Theory: Application to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Fishery
Authors: Wilberg Michael J. , Woodward Richard T. , Huang Pei , Tomberlin David
Published: April 2019

Most efforts to establish precautionary guidelines for fisheries management use essentially ad hoc impressions as to what constitutes conservative management. Such approaches, however, fail to take into account the magnitude of the uncertainty about particular systems. One alternative approach to precautionary management is robust control, in which decision makers attempt to maximize an outcome under the assumption that the conditions will be worse than expected. In this paper, we apply a robust optimization approach to estimate the maximum sustainable yield and other reference points for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab Callinectes sapidus fishery. This approach is relatively easy to implement in standard stock assessment models that use a maximum-likelihood approach to estimate model parameters. In addition, it has the advantage that a standard level of precaution can be chosen by decision makers and then applied to different fisheries with vastly different levels of data and analysis.
Solving optimal control problems of Fredholm constraint optimality via the reproducing kernel Hilbert space method with error estimates and convergence analysis
Authors: Abu Arqub Omar , Shawagfeh Nabil
Published: April 2019

Modeling of dynamic systems of optimal control problems (OCPs) is very important issue in applied sciences and engineering. In this analysis, by developed the reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) method within the calculus of variations, the OCP is solved with respect to initial conditions and Fredholm operator optimality. The solution methodology involves the use of two generalized Hilbert spaces (HSs) for both range and domain spaces. Numerical algorithm and procedure of solution are assembled compatibility with the optimal formulation of the problem. The convergence analysis and error rating of the utilized method are considered under some presumptions, which provide the theoretical structure behind the technique. The optimal profiles show the performance of the numerical solutions and the effect of the Fredholm operator in the optimal results. In this approach, computational simulations are introduced to delineate the suitability, straightforwardness, and relevance of the calculations created.
Prolyl oligopeptidase regulates progesterone secretion via the ERK signaling pathway in murine luteal cells
Authors: Xu Ping , Bao Riqiang , Zhang Yaqiong , Lu Enhang , Feng Fen , Zhang Luyin , Li Jiaheng , Wang Jing , Tan Ximin , Tang Min , Hu Chuan , Li Gang , Zhang Chunping
Published: April 2019

Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), one of the most widely distributed serine endopeptidases, is highly expressed in the ovaries. However, the physiological role of POP in the ovaries is not clear. In this study, we investigated the significance of POP in the corpus luteum. Murine luteal cells were cultured in vitro and treated with a POP selective inhibitor, (2S)‐1[[(2
S)‐1‐(1‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutyl)‐2‐pyrrolidinyl carbonyl]‐2‐pyrrolidinecarbonitrile (KYP‐2047). We found that KYP‐2047 treatment decreased progesterone secretion. In contrast, POP overexpression increased progesterone secretion. Three essential steroidogenic enzymes, including p450 cholesterol side‐chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A), 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β‐HSD), and the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), were regulated by POP. Further studies showed that POP overexpression increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased the expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), while KYP‐2047 treatment decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and SF1 expression. To clarify the role of ERK1/2 signaling in POP‐regulated progesterone synthesis, U0126‐EtOH, an inhibitor of the ERK signaling pathway, was used to treat luteal cells. We found that U0126‐EtOH decreased progesterone production and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and SF1. POP overexpression did not reverse the effects of U0126‐EtOH. Overall, POP regulates progesterone secretion by stimulating the expression of CYP11A, 3β‐HSD, and StAR in luteal cells. ERK signaling and downstream SF1 expression contribute to this process.