bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extra domain A‐containing fibronectin expression in Spin90‐deficient fibroblasts mediates cancer‐stroma interaction and promotes breast cancer progression
Authors: Kwon Ahreum , Chae In Hee , You Eunae , Kim So Hee , Ahn Su‐yeon , Lee Ok‐Jun , Park Zee‐Yong , Rhee Sangmyung , Huh Yun Hyun , Song Woo Keun
Published: October 2019

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment play major roles in supporting cancer progression. A previous report showed that SPIN90 downregulation is correlated with CAF activation and that SPIN90‐deficient CAFs promote breast cancer progression. However, the mechanisms that mediate cancer‐stroma interaction and how such interactions regulate cancer progression are not well understood. Here, we show that extra domain A (EDA)‐containing fibronectin (FN), FN(+)EDA, produced by mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from Spin90‐knockout (KO) mice increases their own myofibroblast differentiation, which facilitates breast cancer progression. Increased FN(+)EDA in Spin90‐KO MEFs promoted fibril formation in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and specifically interacted with integrin α4β1 as the mediating receptor. Moreover, FN(+)EDA expression by Spin90‐KO MEFs increased proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. Irigenin, a specific inhibitor of the interaction between integrin α4β1 and FN(+)EDA, significantly blocked the effects of FN(+)EDA, such as fibril formation by Spin90‐KO MEFs and proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. In orthotopic breast cancer mouse models, irigenin injection remarkably reduced tumor growth and lung metastases. It was supported by that FN(+)EDA in assembled fibrils was accumulated in cancer stroma of human breast cancer patients in which SPIN90 expression was downregulated. Our data suggest that SPIN90 downregulation increases FN(+)EDA and promotes ECM stiffening in breast cancer stroma through an assembly of long FN(+)EDA‐rich fibrils; moreover, engagement of the Integrin α4β1 receptor facilitates breast cancer progression. Inhibitory effects of irigenin on tumor growth and metastasis suggest the potential of this agent as an anticancer therapeutic.
Cell mechanical microenvironment for cell volume regulation
Authors: Wang Meng , Yang Yaowei , Han Lichun , Xu Feng , Li Fei
Published: October 2019

Cell volume regulation, as one of the fundamental homeostasis of the cell, is associated with many cellular behaviors and functions. With the increased studies on the effect of environmental mechanical cues on cell volume regulation, the relationship between cell volume regulation and mechanotransduction becomes more and more clear. In this paper, we review the mechanisms and hypotheses by which cell maintains its volume homeostasis both in vivo and in constructed cell mechanical microenvironment (CMM) in vitro. We discuss how the growth‐division regulation maintains the volume homeostasis of cells in the cell cycle and how the cell cortex/membrane tension mediates the effect of CMM (i.e., osmotic pressure, matrix stiffness, and mechanical force) on cell volume regulation. We also highlight the roles of cell volume as a perfect integrator of the downstream signals of mechanotransduction from different aspects of CMM and an effective indicator for the mechanical condition that cell confronts. This interdisciplinary perspective can provide new insight into biomechanics and may shed light on bioengineering and pathological research work. We hope this review can facilitate future studies on the investigation of the role of cell volume in mechanotransduction.
Podosome formation impairs endothelial barrier function by sequestering zonula occludens proteins
Authors: Rui Yan‐Ning , Chen Yawen , Guo Yichen , Bock Caroline E. , Hagan John P. , Kim Dong H. , Xu Zhen
Published: October 2019

Podosomes and tight junctions (TJs) are subcellular compartments that both exist in endothelial cells and localize at cell surfaces. In contrast to the well‐characterized role of TJs in maintaining cerebrovascular integrity, the specific function of endothelial podosomes remains unknown. Intriguingly, we discovered cross‐talk between podosomes and TJs in human brain endothelial cells. Tight junction scaffold proteins ZO‐1 and ZO‐2 localize at podosomes in response to phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate treatment. We found that both ZO proteins are essential for podosome formation and function. Rather than being derived from new protein synthesis, podosomal ZO‐1 and ZO‐2 are relocated from a pre‐existing pool found at the peripheral plasma membrane with enhanced physical interaction with cortactin, a known protein marker for podosomes. Sequestration of ZO proteins in podosomes weakens tight junction complex formation, leading to increased endothelial cell permeability. This effect can be further attenuated by podosome inhibitor PP2. Altogether, our data revealed a novel cellular function of podosomes, specifically, their ability to negatively regulate tight junction and endothelial barrier integrity, which have been linked to a variety of cerebrovascular diseases.
Identification of a prognostic alternative splicing signature in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Shuting , Wu Xiang , Diao Pengfei , Wang Chenxing , Wang Dongmiao , Li Sheng , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: October 2019

Alternative splicing (AS) is critically associated with tumorigenesis and patient's prognosis. Here, we systematically analyzed survival‐associated AS signatures in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and evaluated their prognostic predictive values. Survival‐related AS events were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses using OSCC data from the TCGA head neck squamous cell carcinoma data set. The Percent Spliced In calculated by SpliceSeq from 0 to 1 was used to quantify seven types of AS events. A predictive model based on AS events was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression assay and further validated using a training‐testing cohort design. Patient survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with Log‐rank test. The receiver operating characteristics curve area under the curves was used to evaluate the predictive abilities of these predictive models. Furthermore, gene–gene interaction networks and the splicing factors (SFs)‐AS regulatory network was generated by Cytoscape. A total of 825 survival‐related AS events within 719 genes were identified in OSCC samples. The integrative predictive model was better at predicting outcomes of patients as compared to those models built with the individual AS event. The predictive model based on three AS‐related genes also effectively predicted patients’ survival. Moreover, seven survival‐related SFs were detected in OSCC including RBM4, HNRNPD, and HNRNPC, which have been linked to tumorigenesis. The SF‐AS network revealed a significant correlation between survival‐related AS genes and these SFs. Our findings revealed a systemic portrait of survival‐associated AS events and the splicing network in OSCC, suggesting that AS events might serve as novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OSCC.
Synergistic catalysis of acid–base bifunctional ionic liquids for pentanal self‐condensation reaction
Authors: An Hualiang , Kong Yunhuan , Yang Qiusheng , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Pentanal self‐condensation to 2‐propyl‐2‐heptenal is an important process of carbon chain extension for industrial manufacture of 2‐propylheptanol. This reaction in industry employs an aqueous caustic alkali catalyst, causing several problems of equipment corrosion, treatment of alkali wastewater, etc. Herein, several acid–base bifunctional ionic liquids were synthesized for catalyzing pentanal self‐condensation.

RESULTS

[PEmim]Cl‐0.5Zn(CH3COO)2 exhibited a better catalytic performance, and the yield and selectively of 2‐propyl‐2‐heptenal could reach 82.0% and 86.6%, respectively. The recovered [PEmim]Cl‐0.5Zn(CH3COO)2 could be reused three times after being regenerated without a significant loss in its catalytic performance. The structures and charge properties of [PEmim]Cl‐Zn(CH3COO)2 and a complex of [PEmim]Cl‐Zn(CH3COO)2 and pentanal were simulated by density functional theory calculation. The results show that the action of acid and base sites of [PEmim]Cl‐Zn(CH3COO)2 can effectively activate pentanal by enhancing the electrophilicity or nucleophilicity of different pentanal molecules.

CONCLUSION

The acid–base synergetic effect of [PEmim]Cl‐Zn(CH3COO)2 could account for its high catalytic performance. An acid–base synergetic catalysis mechanism of [PEmim]Cl‐Zn(CH3COO)2 in pentanal self‐condensation was established. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Fetal tongue posture associated with micrognathia: An ultrasound marker of cleft secondary palate?
Authors: D'Ambrosio Valentina , Vena Flaminia , Manganaro Lucia , Cascone Piero , Boccherini Chiara , Piccioni Maria G. , Pizzuti Antonio , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi , Giancotti Antonella
Published: October 2019

Cleft lip and cleft palate (CP) are the most common facial malformations. Two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound (US) is the first‐line examination in the prenatal diagnosis of CP. Three‐dimensional, four‐dimensional US and MRI provide a better detection of facial clefts. We present two fetuses with micrognathia and suspected secondary CP on 2D US: fetal tongue appeared in an unusual position (low tip and high dorsum position) and showed uncoordinated movements. MRI did not confirm the US suspicion, but at birth the two fetuses were affected by Pierre Robin sequence.
Application of convolutional neural network to acquisition of clear images for objects with large vertical size in stereo light microscope vision system
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Li Xuefang , Zhang Yufeng
Published: October 2019

For an object with large vertical size that exceeds the certain depth of a stereo light microscope (SLM), its image will be blurred. To obtain clear images, we proposed an image fusion method based on the convolutional neural network (CNN) for the microscopic image sequence. The CNN was designed to discriminate clear and blurred pixels in the source images according to the neighborhood information. To train the CNN, a training set that contained correctly labeled clear and blurred images was created from an open‐access database. The image sequence to be fused was aligned at first. The trained CNN was then used to measure the activity level of each pixel in the aligned source images. The fused image was obtained by taking the pixels with the highest activity levels in the source image sequence. The performance was evaluated using five microscopic image sequences. Compared with other two fusion methods, the proposed method obtained better performance in terms of both visual quality and objective assessment. It is suitable for fusion of the SLM image sequence.
Cranial suture biomechanics in Metoposaurus krasiejowensis (Temnospondyli, Stereospondyli) from the upper Triassic of Poland
Authors: Gruntmejer Kamil , Konietzko‐Meier Dorota , Marcé‐Nogué Jordi , Bodzioch Adam , Fortuny Josep
Published: October 2019

Cranial sutures connect adjacent bones of the skull and play an important role in the absorption of stresses that may occur during different activities. The Late Triassic temnospondyl amphibian Metoposaurus krasiejowensis has been extensively studied over the years in terms of skull biomechanics, but without a detailed description of the function of cranial sutures. In the present study, 34 thin sections of cranial sutures were examined in order to determine their histovariability and interpret their biomechanical role in the skull. The histological model was compared with three‐dimensional‐finite element analysis (FEA) simulations of the skull under bilateral and lateral biting as well as skull‐raising loads for maximum and minimum principal stress. Histologically, only two sutural morphologies were recognised in the skull of Metoposaurus: interdigitated sutures (commonly associated with compressive stresses) are dominant along the entire length of the skull roof and palate; tongue‐and‐groove sutures (commonly associated with tensile stresses) are present across the maxilla. FEA shows a much more complex picture of stress type and distribution than predicted by sutures. Common to both methods is a predominance of compressive stresses which act on the skull during biting. The methods predict different stress regimes during biting in the posterior part of the skull: where histological analysis suggests compression, FEA predicts tension. For lateral biting and skull raising, histological and digital reconstructions show similar general patterns but with some variations.
Effects of western Pacific intraseasonal convection on surface air temperature anomalies over North America
Authors: Yang Ying , Zhu Zhiwei , Li Tim , Yao Mengying
Published: October 2019

Using the daily outgoing longwave radiation and 850‐hPa zonal wind over (10°S–30°N, 105°–150°E) during the extended boreal summer (May to October), the lifecycle of the western Pacific intraseasonal oscillation (WPISO) is divided into eight phases based on the first two principle components of multivariate empirical orthogonal function decomposition. Because of the pronounced northward propagation feature, the meridional location of the convection anomaly centre in each WPISO phase is quite different, leading to distinct surface air temperature (SAT) anomaly responses over the Northern Hemisphere, in which North America shows the most significant SAT anomalies, and the SAT anomalies vary significantly with WPISO phase. Under different WPISO phases, convection can induce different mid‐to‐high latitude Rossby wave trains emanating from East Asia to North America, resulting in different SAT anomaly patterns over North America. Four numerical experiments are conducted and demonstrate that the convection at different meridional locations in each WPISO phase could shape the pattern of the Rossby wave train and in turn lead to different SAT anomalies over North America. The results in this study are expected to provide predictability sources for the sub‐seasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) prediction of North American SAT anomalies.
Influence of Ibuprofen on Bone Healing After Colles' Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Aliuskevicius Marius , Østgaard Svend Erik , Hauge Ellen Margrethe , Vestergaard Peter , Rasmussen Sten
Published: October 2019

Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may delay bone healing. [Therefore, it is important to establish whether NSAID preparations delay bone healing and what correlations, if any, exist between different bone studies—DEXA—scanning, bone markers, roentgenology controls, and histological examination of newly formed bone]. The purpose of this prospective controlled study was to investigate whether ibuprofen affects bone mineral density, turnover biomarkers, and histomorphometric characteristics of the callus after a Colles' fracture. This study was a single‐center, triple‐blinded, randomized clinical trial. Ninety‐five patients (80 females) with displaced Colles' fracture, median age 65 (range 40–85) years were included in the study and operated on by external fixation from June 2012 through to June 2015. Eighty‐nine patients received interventional medicine and 83 completed the 1‐year follow‐up. The 7‐day ibuprofen group received 600 mg of ibuprofen three times a day (N = 29), the 3‐day ibuprofen group received ibuprofen for 3 days (N = 30) and a placebo for the following 4 days, and finally, the placebo group received a placebo for 7 days (N = 30). The primary outcome was the difference in bone mineral density between the ultra‐distal region of the injured and non‐injured radius at 3 months after surgery. The histomorphometric outcomes included the assessment of callus tissue volume and surface fractions at 6 weeks postoperatively. The biomarkers Osteocalcin and CrossLaps were measured at baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year. We included the results of the dropped‐out patients in the intention to treat analysis. There was no difference between treatment groups in bone mineral density, histomorphometric estimations, and changes in bone biomarkers. These findings may offer an indication of ibuprofen as a bone‐safe analgesic treatment in an acute fracture‐phase. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:545–554, 2020
Pomegranate juice improves cardiometabolic risk factors, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in hemodialysis patients: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Barati Boldaji Reza , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Sagheb Mohammad Mahdi , Esmaeilinezhad Zahra
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Pomegranate has antioxidant, cardioprotective and anti‐inflammatory properties. We designed a crossover study aimed at determining if consumption of pomegranate juice (PJ) improves lipid profile and oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers of hemodialysis patients. Forty‐one hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: PJ‐treated group receiving 100 mL of natural PJ immediately after their dialysis session three times a week and the control group receiving the usual care. After 8 weeks, a 4‐week washout period was established and then the role of the groups was exchanged. Lipid profile, blood pressure and oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers were measured before and after each sequence.

RESULTS

Based on the results of intention‐to‐treat analysis, triglycerides were decreased in PJ condition and increased in the controls. Conversely, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased in PJ and decreased in the control group. Total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol did not significantly change in either condition. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased in PJ condition. Total antioxidant capacity increased in PJ condition (P < 0.001) and decreased in the controls (P < 0.001). Conversely, malondialdehyde and interleukin‐6 decreased in PJ (P < 0.001) and increased in the control group (P ≤ 0.001). The changes of these biomarkers were significantly different between the two conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Eight‐week PJ consumption showed beneficial effects on blood pressure, serum triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, oxidative stress and inflammation in hemodialysis patients. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Authentication of liquid egg composition using ATR‐FTIR and NIR spectroscopy in combination with PCA
Authors: Uysal Reyhan Selin , Boyaci Ismail Hakki
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The starting point of this work is to propose a qualitative approach for authenticity confirmation of the composition of liquid egg products. To this end, it was aimed to detect the liquid egg authenticity and adulteration (with water) by using attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR), near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics.

RESULTS

Liquid (n = 50) and dry (n = 50) samples of whole egg, egg yolk, egg white, and whole egg containing extra egg white (BXEW) and water (BXW) were prepared. Principal component analysis (PCA) models were formed using the data obtained from ATR‐FTIR and NIR measurements of liquid and dry samples. A better classification was achieved with PCA model of ATR‐FTIR measurements formed by using dry samples (100%) instead of liquid ones (80%). The best separation was obtained between dry sample groups of BXEW and BXW (adulterated). The presence of water content in liquid samples showed a negative effect on classification of the samples, while a good classification (100%) was obtained for NIR measurements of both liquid and dry sample groups. The developed PCA models achieved classification regardless of the form of egg samples (liquid or dry).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study revealed that adulterated egg samples (with water) could be qualitatively detected using ATR‐FTIR and NIR spectroscopy techniques in combination with PCA. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Response of small sharks to nonlinear internal waves
Authors: Pineda Jesús , Rouse Sally , Starczak Victoria , Helfrich Karl , Wiley David
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Plankton and nekton may respond passively or actively to large‐amplitude, nonlinear internal waves (NLIW), with periods and wavelengths on the order of minutes and hundreds of meters, and the NLIW can cause direct or indirect changes in distribution. NLIW are ubiquitous in the coastal ocean, but understanding the influence of NLIW on organism response and distribution is challenging, because of NLIW unpredictability, short temporal and spatial scales, and the difficulty in resolving the biological response. Measurements of currents, temperature, and shark acoustic traces in Massachusetts Bay were used to evaluate the short‐term response of individuals as well as the mean effects on the distribution of an aggregation of small sharks, Squalus acanthias. In two NLIW events, we detected 527 and 3240 shark traces. Individuals moved up and down in response to the currents associated with the sinking and rising of the thermocline. However, mean distribution deepened during one of the events, suggesting that organisms did not merely move in concert with the thermocline oscillation, but that sharks instead might have responded actively. Measurements of vertical currents and shark's depth change during one of the NLIW events indicate that with downward currents (sinking of the thermocline), the sharks tend to react passively. However, in response to the fastest upward currents, sharks appeared to swim down, supporting an active response in the rising phase of the wave. NLIW and other high‐frequency processes can have a profound influence on the distribution of pelagic organisms, yet their ecological consequences remain largely unaccounted for.
Identification of Potential Inhibitors of Cathepsin‐B using Shape & Pharmacophore‐based Virtual Screening, Molecular Docking and Explicit Water Thermodynamics
Authors: Sharma Tanuj , Harioudh Munesh Kumar , Kuldeep Jitendra , Kumar Sushil , Banerjee Dibyendu , Ghosh Jimut Kanti , Siddiqi Mohammad Imran
Published: October 2019

Lysosome has been long understood as a vital digestive organelle. Increasing reports indicate that the lysosome also plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Abnormal protein degradation and deposition stimulated by lysosomal dysfunction may cause age‐related neurodegeneration. Enormous efforts have been devoted to the development of effective therapeutics against Alzheimer's disease, the most debilitating neurodegenerative disease. Endopeptidase activity of the Cathepsin‐B is associated with the pathological processes. Work presented here focuses on identification of new inhibitors against Cathepsin‐B protein using diverse computational approaches together. The inhibitors identified were further tested for in‐vitro activity using enzyme based assay method. The identified inhibitors provided interesting understanding on how the water thermodynamic properties along with hydrophobic, steric, electronic, and structural requirements contribute to cathepsin‐B inhibitory activity. These water thermodynamic studies, may further be used in computer aided drug discovery pipeline to design and predict more potent derivatives of various scaffolds as cathepsin‐B inhibitors.
A novel microstrip antenna with L‐shaped slots for circularly polarized satellite applications
Authors: AboEl‐Hassan May , Hussein Khalid F. , Awadalla Kamal H.
Published: October 2019

A novel compact design of a circularly polarized corner‐slotted microstrip antenna for satellite and Synthetic Aperture Radar applications is presented. A single probe feed is used to excite a single square patch with two L‐shaped slots added at the upper right corner and at the opposite lower left corner (or at the other two corners) to achieve circular polarization (CP) radiation. The proposed antenna has a simple shape, straightforward fabrication, and low cost. The impedance bandwidth (10 dB return loss) is approximately 600 MHz at 8.1 GHz. An axial ratio bandwidth of 170 MHz is realized. The importance of the axial ratio 3 dB bandwidth is emphasized. In addition, an analysis for the direction of rotation of the CP is given. The experimental results have a reasonable agreement with the simulation.
CREB activity is required for epidermal growth factor‐induced mouse cumulus expansion
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Jian , Yang Jing , Li Jia , Zhang Meijia
Published: October 2019

The release of a fertilizable oocyte from the ovary is dependent upon the expansion of the cumulus cells. The expansion requires cooperation between epidermal growth factor (EGF) family peptide‐activated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)3/1 and oocyte paracrine factor‐activated‐Sma‐ and Mad‐related protein (SMAD)2/3 signaling in cumulus cells. However, the mechanism underlying (MAPK)3/1 signaling is unclear. In the present study, the EGF‐activation of EGF receptor (EGFR) induced cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) response element‐binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in cumulus cells, and the interruption of CREB functional complex formation by naphthol AS‐E phosphate (KG‐501) completely blocked the EGF‐stimulated expansion‐related gene expression. EGF‐stimulated phosphorylation of CREB was completely inhibited by MAPK3/1 inhibitor U0126, suggesting that EGF‐activated MAPK3/1 results in the activation of CREB for cumulus expansion. Also, the role of EGF‐stimulated calcium signaling was studied. Calcium‐elevating reagents ionomycin and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate mimicked, but calcium chelators bis‐(o'aminophenoxy)‐ethane‐N,N,N,N‐tetraacetic acid, tetra(acetoxymethyl)‐ester, and 8‐(N,N‐diethylamino)‐octyl‐3,4,5‐trimethoxybenzoate abolished the activity of EGF on CREB phosphorylation, cumulus expansion, and expansion‐related gene expression. Furthermore, EGF‐induced cumulus expansion was inhibited by calmodulin (CaM)‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitors, KN‐93 and autocamtide‐2‐related inhibitory peptide. However, the inhibition of SMAD2/3 activity by removal of oocyte from cumulus–oocyte complexes did not affect the EGF‐induced CREB phosphorylation, indicating that EGF‐activated CREB is independent of oocyte‐activated SMAD2/3 signaling. Therefore, EGF‐induced CREB activity by MAPK3/1 and Ca2+/CaMKII signaling pathways promotes the expansion‐related gene expression and consequent cumulus expansion.
How Sweet Is This? A Review and Evaluation of Preoperative Carbohydrate Loading in the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Model
Authors: Ackerman Robert S. , Tufts Christopher W. , DePinto David G. , Chen Jeffrey , Altshuler Jaclyn R. , Serdiuk Andrew , Cohen Jonathan B. , Patel Sephalie Y.
Published: October 2019

Preoperative carbohydrate loading is a contemporary element of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) paradigm. In addition to intraoperative surgical and anesthetic modifications and postoperative care practices, preoperative optimization is essential to good postsurgical outcomes. What was long held as dogma, a period of prolonged fasting prior to the administration of anesthesia, was later re‐examined and challenged. Along with the proposed physiologic effects of decreasing the surgical stress response and insulin resistance, preoperative carbohydrate loading was also demonstrated to improve patient satisfaction and well‐being, without an increase in perioperative complications. The benefits are most strongly observed in abdominal and cardiac surgery patients, but there has also been data which support its use in other specialties and surgeries. Barriers to the adoption of perioperative carbohydrate loading are few, but importantly include overcoming the inertia to modify older and more restrictive fasting guidelines and achieving the multidisciplinary consensus necessary to implement such changes. Despite these challenges, and with an existing body of evidence supporting its benefits, preoperative carbohydrate loading presents a significant contribution to the ERAS programs.
Synthesis and Inhibitory Effect of Some Indole‐Pyrimidine Based Hybrid Heterocycles on α‐Glucosidase and α‐Amylase as Potential Hypoglycemic Agents
Authors: Badria Farid A. , Atef Saleh , Al‐Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Ali M. , Elshaier Yaseen A. M. M. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Barakat Assem
Published: October 2019

The Michael addition reaction of barbituric acid with chalcones incorporating the indole scaffold was achieved by using a highly efficient bimetallic Iron–palladium catalyst in the presence of acetylacetone (acac). This catalytic approach produced the desired products in a simple operation and low catalyst loading with acceptable yield of the new hybrids. All tested compounds were subjected for biological activity on α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase. The results revealed that all synthesized compounds exhibited very good activity against both enzymes when compared to positive control (acarbose). Moreover, compound 5o showed the best activity whereas its IC50 (μM) are 13.02+0.01 and 21.71+0.82 for α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase respectively. Both compounds 5o and 5l exhibited high similarity in binding mode and pose with amylase protein (4UAC). The obtained data may be used for developing potential hypoglycemic agents.
Tapered copolymers of styrene and 4‐vinylbenzocyclobutene via carbanionic polymerization for crosslinkable polymer films
Authors: Leibig Daniel , Messerle Margarita , Johann Tobias , Moers Christian , Kaveh Farzaneh , Butt Hans‐Jürgen , Vollmer Doris , Müller Axel H. E. , Frey Holger
Published: October 2019

Well‐defined polystyrene homopolymers with surface‐adhesive triethoxysilyl end group were synthesized via living carbanionic polymerization, epoxide end‐functionalization and subsequent hydrosilylation with triethoxysilane. Grafting‐to performance of polymers with various molecular weight (Mn = 3000–14,000 g mol−1) to a silicon surface was examined in dependence of reaction time, polymer concentration, solvent and number of alkoxysilyl end groups. Crosslinkable polymers for surface modification were synthesized by statistical carbanionic copolymerization of 4‐vinylbenzocyclobutene (4‐VBCB) and styrene, followed by epoxide end‐functionalization and triethoxysilane modification (Mn = 4000–14,000 g mol−1). The copolymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR, THF‐SEC, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption and ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. In situ 1H‐NMR kinetic studies in cyclohexane‐d12 provided information regarding the monomer gradient in the polymer chains, with styrene being the more reactive monomer (rs = 2.75, r4‐VBCB = 0.23). Thin polymer films on silicon wafers were prepared by grafting‐to surface modification under conditions derived for the polystyrene homopolymer. The traceless, thermally induced crosslinking reaction of the benzocyclobutene units was studied by DSC in bulk as well as in 3–6 nm thick polymer films. Crosslinked films were analyzed by atomic force microscopy, ellipsometry, and nanoindentation, showing smooth polymer films with an increased modulus. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 181–192
A model of unfrozen water content and its transport in icy permafrost soils: Effects on ground ice content and permafrost stability
Authors: Fisher David A. , Lacelle Denis , Pollard Wayne
Published: October 2019

Knowledge of the amount of unfrozen water and its migration in permafrost soils is important for understanding physico‐chemical and biological processes. Here, we developed sub‐routines in FREZCHEM and embedded them in the WATEREGO2 soil environmental model to: (a) estimate unfrozen water content under changing soil temperatures and water–ice phase changes; and (b) determine the effects of Van der Waals (VdW) and rheological forces driven by seasonal temperature variations on the transport of residual water and the long‐term evolution of ground ice content over depths of 30 m. Together, the seasonal thermal regime and associated VdW and rheological forces on the transport of residual water lead to the evolution of distinct zones of ice‐enrichment: near the surface of permafrost, at 3–5 m, 11–13 m and 17–19 m depth. The depths of ice enrichment are a function of soil thermal diffusivity, and the time needed to evolve the ground ice content is dependent on soil type, soil water chemistry and permafrost temperature. The model can explain observed variations with depth in ground ice content of icy permafrost soils and indicate that these conditions evolve over time. The findings can be used to assess the stability of permafrost to climate change under different temperature scenarios.
Soft X‐Ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism of Vanadium in the Metal–Insulator Two‐Phase Region of Paramagnetic V2O3 Doped with 1.1% Chromium
Authors: Schmitz Detlef , Schmitz-Antoniak Carolin , Radu Florin , Ryll Hanjo , Luo Chen , Bhandary Sumanta , Biermann Silke , Siemensmeyer Konrad , Wende Heiko , Ivanov Sergey , Eriksson Olle
Published: October 2019

V2O3 doped with 1.1% Cr is investigated at its isostructural correlation‐driven metal–insulator transition near room temperature in its paramagnetic state with X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy in external magnetic fields. A relative XMCD amplitude of about 2 permille is observed at the L2,3 absorption edges of vanadium as expected for magnetic moment per mass values of the order of 1 J T−1 kg−1 from magnetometry and the literature. Across the metal–insulator transition, the vanadium XMCD spectral shape significantly changes. According to atomic multiplet simulations, these changes are due to a changing orbital occupation indicating a changing phase composition. According to estimates used in this study, the dipole moment of the spin density distribution in the bulk increases such that the effective vanadium spin moment increases by a few percent with temperature in the two‐phase region. Thereby, it partially compensates for the decrease in the relative XMCD amplitude due to a decreasing alignment of the paramagnetic moments. After a few minor temperature cycles, the sample is in a two‐phase state in which the XMCD and X‐ray linear dichroism spectra hardly depend on the temperature, and the specific electrical resistance is intermediate, showing only a weak sign of the metal–insulator transition.
Effective Passivation of Black Silicon Surfaces via Plasma‐Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition Grown Conformal Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Layer
Authors: Özkol Engin , Procel Paul , Zhao Yifeng , Mazzarella Luana , Medlin Rostislav , Šutta Pavol , Isabella Olindo , Zeman Miro
Published: October 2019

Solar cells based on black silicon (b‐Si) are proven to be promising in photovoltaics (PVs) by exceeding 22% efficiency. To reach high efficiencies with b‐Si surfaces, the most crucial step is the effective surface passivation. Up to now, the highest effective minority carrier lifetimes are achieved with atomic layer‐deposited Al2O3 or thermal SiO2. Plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)‐grown hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si:H) passivation of b‐Si is seldom reported due to conformality problems. In this current study, b‐Si surfaces superposed on standard pyramidal textures, also known as modulated surface textures (MSTs), are successfully passivated by PECVD‐grown conformal layers of a‐Si:H. It is shown that under proper plasma‐processing conditions, the effective minority carrier lifetimes of samples endowed with front MST and rear standard pyramidal textures can reach up to 2.3 ms. A route to the conformal growth is described and developed by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images. Passivated MST samples exhibit less than 4% reflection in a wide spectral range from 430 to 1020 nm.
Endobronchial removal of uncovered stent using argon plasma coagulation via fibreoptic bronchoscopy
Authors: Zantah Massa , Basile Matthew , Burtulato Megan , Criner Gerard J.
Published: October 2019

Bronchial stenosis is a complication of lung transplantation that often requires repeated balloon dilation, endobronchial treatments, and possibly stent placement. Endobronchial stents, particularly uncovered ones, may have several complications including excessive granulation tissue that cause airways obstruction and impaired mucociliary clearance, which may lead to inflammation and infections. Removal of epithelized endobronchial stents is usually done in the operating room using rigid bronchoscopy. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has been used for removal of biliary stents. One case report described an endotracheal uncovered stent removal using this technique. APC can be used via flexible bronchoscopy, which may carry less risk of complications and can be done in an outpatient setting. In this case, we report using APC, at a low energy level, for complete removal of a totally epithelialized endobronchial uncovered stent in a patient experiencing stent‐related complications.
Nucleation and growth in two dimensions
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Griffiths Simon , Morris Robert , T Rolla Leonardo , Smith Paul
Published: October 2019

We consider a dynamical process on a graph G, in which vertices are infected (randomly) at a rate which depends on the number of their neighbors that are already infected. This model includes bootstrap percolation and first‐passage percolation as its extreme points. We give a precise description of the evolution of this process on the graph , significantly sharpening results of Dehghanpour and Schonmann. In particular, we determine the typical infection time up to a constant factor for almost all natural values of the parameters, and in a large range we obtain a stronger, sharp threshold.
Eliminating Trap‐States and Functionalizing Vacancies in 2D Semiconductors by Electrochemistry
Authors: Shi Jianjian , Zhao Xunhua , Wang Zhiguo , Liu Yuanyue
Published: October 2019

One major challenge that limits the applications of 2D semiconductors is the detrimental electronic trap states caused by vacancies. Here using grand‐canonical density functional theory calculations, a novel approach is demonstrated that uses aqueous electrochemistry to eliminate the trap states of the vacancies in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides while leaving the perfect part of the material intact. The success of this electrochemical approach is based on the selectivity control by the electrode potential and the isovalence between oxygen and chalcogen. Motivated by these results, electrochemical conditions are further identified to functionalize the vacancies by incorporating various single metal atoms, which can bring in magnetism, tune carrier concentration/polarity, and/or activate single‐atom catalysis, enabling a wide range of potential applications. These approaches may be generalized to other 2D materials. The results open up a new avenue for improving the properties and extending the applications of 2D materials.
IBFET: Index‐based features extraction technique for scalable code clone detection at file level granularity
Authors: Akram Junaid , Mumtaz Majid , Luo Ping
Published: October 2019

Many techniques have been developed over the years to detect code clones in different software systems to maintain security measures. These techniques often require the source code to compare the subject system against a very large data set of big code. This paper presents index‐based features extraction technique (IBFET) to detect code clones at a very large‐scale level to billions of LOC at file level granularity. We performed preprocessing, indexing, and clone detection for more than 324 billion of LOC using a Hadoop distributed environment, which is quite faster and more efficient as compared to existing distributed indexing and clone detection techniques; meanwhile, it detects all three types of clones efficiently. The MapReduce rule of divide and conquer is used for a count and retrieve the similar features between different systems. We evaluated the execution time, scalability, precision, and recall of IBFET by using a well‐known clone detection data set IJaDataset and BigCloneBench; furthermore, we compared the results with other state‐of‐the‐art tools. Our approach is faster, flexible, scalable, and provides accurate results with high authenticity and can be implemented at a large‐scale level.
Magnetite‐graphene oxide sheets as support for hemimicelles/admicelles based microextraction of acidic, basic and neutral compounds prior to gas chromatography determination
Authors: Nazari Najmeh , Masrournia Mahboubeh , Es'haghi Zarrin , Bozorgmehr Mohammad‐Reza
Published: October 2019

Simultaneous extraction of basic, acidic and neutral compounds is an important goal in sample preparation. In this study, dispersive solid‐phase microextraction of three analyte types was carried out in a single step. The target compounds: aniline, phenol and naphthalene with surfactant modified magnetic graphene oxide sheets, before gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. The dispersive solid‐phase microextraction performed in both cationic and anionic modes by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulfate respectively. First, the analytes were vortexed and adsorbed then the supernatant was decanted with a magnet and the sorbent was eluted with the proper solvent. The linearity was obtained over a wide concentration range; 0.044–0.50, 0.043–0.50 and 0.027–0.25 µg/mL for aniline, phenol and naphthalene respectively in both modes. The limit of detection and the limit of quantitation for target analytes were 0.008 –0.02 and 0.027–0.067 µg/mL, respectively in both modes. The method relative standard deviations for the analytes (0.1 µg/mL conc.) were ranged from 4.0 to 10.9% (n = 10). Enrichment factors ranged from 60 to 373. The method was successfully evaluated to simultaneously extract three different types of analytes (basic, acidic and neutral) from water samples. The recoveries ranged from 90.0 to 100.0%.
On the relation between the mean compressive strength and the characteristic one
Authors: Torrenti Jean Michel , Dehn Frank
Published: October 2019

Since the beginning of the construction of structures with reinforced concrete, it has been known that concrete presents a variability that should be taken into account. In modern codes, this variability implies the use of a characteristic strength corresponding to a 5% fractile of the distribution of strength. The actual relation in Eurocode 2 between the characteristic and the mean strength
fck = fcm − 8 MPa was introduced several years ago by Rüsch and is integrated in CEB or fib model codes since 1978. In this article, it is presented how the relation was obtained and it is discussed if this relation is still valid considering the fact that the range of concrete strengths is now larger. Considering the scatter of the SD, the relation proposed by Rüsch could still be used but engineers should keep in mind that the SD on site could be very different from the one predicted by means of the relation between
fck and
fcm.
Mechanical and freezing cycles properties of geopolymer concrete with recycled aggregate
Authors: Nazarpour Hadi , Jamali Milad
Published: October 2019

Geopolymer concrete as a green concrete has attracted great attention among scientists to reduce cement consumption and emissions. This study examines the use of recycled aggregates in geopolymer concrete as a substitute for coarse aggregates. To assess the mechanical performance, compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength were measured for 20 mixing designs and their relationships with suitable convergence were obtained. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) images taken from the samples made with the highest and lowest resistance showed that the formation of hardened geopolymer gel depends on the concentration of chemical solutions. The results of the freezing and thawing cycle and mass loss of samples showed that the compressive strength of the geopolymer concrete had not decreased significantly and had a good durability in these conditions.
Cadmium and nickel co‐exposure exacerbates genotoxicity and not oxido‐inflammatory stress in liver and kidney of rats: Protective role of omega‐3 fatty acid
Authors: Owumi Solomon E. , Olayiwola Yusuff O. , Alao Gbenga E. , Gbadegesin Michael A. , Odunola Oyeronke A.
Published: October 2019

The present study examined the influence of co‐exposure to cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) on hepatorenal function as well as the protective role of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω‐3FA) in rats. The animals were exposed to Cd (5 mg/kg) and Ni (150 μg/L in drinking water) singly or co‐exposed to both metals and ω‐3FA at 20 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Results showed that hepatorenal injury resulting from individual exposure to Cd or Ni was not aggravated in the co‐exposure group. Moreover, ω‐3FA markedly abrogated the reduction in the antioxidant enzyme activities, the increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and lipid peroxidation induced by Cd and Ni co‐exposure. Additionally, ω‐3FA administration markedly suppressed the increase in hepatic and renal myeloperoxidase activity, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin‐1 β levels in the co‐exposure group. Genotoxicity resulting from individual exposure to Cd or Ni was intensified in the co‐exposure group. However, ω‐3FA administration markedly ameliorated the genotoxicity and histological lesions in the co‐exposure group. Taken together, co‐exposure to Cd and Ni aggravated genotoxicity and not oxido‐inflammatory stress in the liver and kidney of rats. ω‐3FA abated hepatorenal injury and genotoxicity induced by Cd and Ni co‐exposure in rats.
Lipidomics: Current state of the art in a fast moving field
Authors: O'Donnell Valerie B. , Ekroos Kim , Liebisch Gerhard , Wakelam Michael
Published: October 2019

Lipids are essential for all facets of life. They play three major roles: energy metabolism, structural, and signaling. They are dynamic molecules strongly influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors including genetics, diet, age, lifestyle, drugs, disease and inflammation. As precision medicine starts to become mainstream, there is a huge burgeoning interest in lipids and their potential to act as unique biomarkers or prognostic indicators. Lipids comprise a large component of all metabolites (around one‐third), and our expanding knowledge about their dynamic behavior is fueling the hope that mapping their regulatory biochemical pathways on a systems level will revolutionize our ability to prevent, diagnose, and stratify major human diseases. Up to now, clinical lipid measurements have consisted primarily of total cholesterol or triglycerides, as a measure for cardiovascular risk and response to lipid lowering drugs. Nowadays, we are able to measure thousands of individual lipids that make up the lipidome. nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR) metabolomics is also being increasingly used in large cohort studies where it can report on total levels of selected lipid classes, and relative levels of fatty acid saturation. To support the application of lipidomics research, LIPID MAPS was established in 2003, and since then has gone on to become the go‐to resource for several lipid databases, lipid drawing tools, data deposition, and more recently lipidomics informatics tools, and a lipid biochemistry encyclopedia, LipidWeb. Alongside this, the recently established Lipidomics Standards Initiative plays a key role in standardization of lipidomics methodologies.

This article is categorized under:

Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Metabolomics

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods
The Dramatic Dehospitalization of Health Services is a Prerequisite for a Sustainable and Effective Health System
Authors: Goodfellow Colin
Published: October 2019

Using the general precepts of integration, Lean thinking, and patient centredness, this article highlights the potential for dramatic dehospitalization of health services as a prerequisite for a sustainable and effective health system.