bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Structured Pine Nut Oil Has Hypocholesterolemic Activity by Increasing LDLR Gene Expression in the Livers of Obese Mice
Authors: Chung Min‐Yu , Kim Jiwon , Choi Hyo‐Kyoung , Choi Hee‐Don , Noh Sang K. , Kim Byung Hee
Published: April 2019

A structured pine nut oil (SPNO) is previously developed with pinolenic acid (PLA) evenly distributed at all sn positions on the glycerol backbone, whereas natural pine nut oil (NPNO) has PLA positioned mostly at the sn‐3 position. This SPNO exhibited greater lymphatic PLA absorption than NPNO, although SPNO and NPNO contained equal amounts (≈13 wt%) of PLA. In this study, SPNO containing ≈13 wt% PLA (SPNO13) and ≈44 wt% PLA (SPNO44) is produced via Novozym 435‐catalyzed esterification of glycerol with the free fatty acids containing ≈13 wt% and ≈44 wt% PLA from NPNO (from Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.). Five‐week‐old C57/BL6J mice are fed either a low‐ or high‐fat diet (HFD) containing NPNO, SPNO13, or SPNO44 for 15 weeks. Supplementation with SPNO44, but not NPNO or SPNO13, significantly attenuates HFD‐induced increases in final body weight, weight gain, and retroperitoneal and liver masses in diet‐induced obese mice, without affecting food intake. SPNO44 also significantly reduces serum total and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as serum triacylglycerol levels and hepatic lipid accumulation. The hypocholesterolemic activity of SPNO44 is attributed to the greater hepatic accumulation of PLA from it causing increased SREBP2 levels and upregulation of LDL receptor gene expression in the livers of obese mice.

Practical Applications: PLA has received much attention due to its anti‐obesity and anti‐dyslipidemia effects. NPNO is the sole source of PLA, but it can be converted into SPNO. The authors hypothesized that SPNO should improve PLA's health benefits due to the enhanced lymphatic absorption of PLA from SPNO. When compared to NPNO, SPNO44 may provide several advantages, such as enhanced anti‐obesity and anti‐dyslipidemia effects for food and nutraceutical applications. In future studies, the lymphatic absorption of SPNO44 and NPNO or SPNO13 should be compared.

SPNO44, a structured pine nut oil containing ≈44 wt% pinolenic acid (PLA) and an even distribution of PLA on the glycerol backbone, has hypocholesterolemic activity by increasing sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2 (SREBP2) levels and upregulating LDLR gene expression in the livers of obese mice.
Pt NPs catalyzed chemiluminescence method for Hg2+ detection based on a flow injection system
Authors: Zheng Fangjie , Ke Wei , Zhao Yuan , Xu Chuanlai
Published: April 2019

Establishing a simple and accurate method for Hg2+ detection is of great importance for the environment and human health. In this work, platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) with different capped agents and morphologies were synthesized. It was found that Pt NPs exhibited peroxidase‐like activity that can catalyze the chemiluminescence (CL) of the luminol system without H2O2. The most intensive CL signals were obtained by using PVP‐capped Pt NPs as catalysis. Based on the fact that Hg2+ could further enhance the CL intensity in the Pt NPs‐luminol CL system, a Pt NPs‐catalyzed CL method based on a flow injection system is developed for the sensitive analysis of Hg2+. When the concentration of Hg2+ in the system increases, the CL intensity would together increase, thereby achieving sensitive Hg2+ detection. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 8.6 nM. This developed method provides a simple and rapid approach for the sensitive detection of Hg2+ and shows great promise for applications in other complex systems.
Freestanding N‐Doped Carbon Coated CuO Array Anode for Lithium‐Ion and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yuejiao , Zhang Menglu , Qian Ji , Ma Yitian , Li Yu , Li Wanlong , Wang Fujie , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: April 2019

Considering the market demand for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) as energy storage devices, it is necessary to find a negative electrode material with low cost, high specific capacity, and long cycle life. CuO has a high theoretical specific capacity and therefore has broad application prospects. This study reports a freestanding nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated CuO array (NC‐CuO)‐based anode obtained by synthesizing CuO nanorods on a Cu net and depositing nitrogen‐doped carbon on the surface of the nanorods. The NC‐CuO array anode fully utilizes the synergistic advantages of the 3D array and the outer N‐doped carbon layer, which effectively enhance the electronic conductivity of the metal oxide and alleviate the volume change during Li/Na ion insertion and extraction. It is found that the NC‐CuO array as the anode material for LIBs has a capacity of 562.5 mAhg−1 and a cycle stability of more than 200 cycles even at a high current density of 500 mAg−1. SIBs with the NC‐CuO array anode also exhibit excellent electrochemical performance.
Mobile‐aware dynamic resource management for edge computing
Authors: Filiposka Sonja , Mishev Anastas , Gilly Katja
Published: April 2019

Shifting cloud computing capabilities close to the edge enables provisioning of low latency location‐based internet services that are adapted to user behaviour. However, this can be achieved neither with a simple move of the physical hosts closer to edge networks, nor continuing to abide by the same principles as the ones implemented in traditional cloud computing approaches. In order to accomplish the promised high quality of service, changes must be made to the resource management techniques so that they are adapted to the requirements of fog computing. This paper introduces a novel location‐based handoff management and its corresponding implementation of dynamic resource management modules that introduce resource allocation and migration strategies adapted specifically to fog computing. The aim is the implementation of the follow‐me behaviour of edge resources considering a tightly coupled perspective with the user location. The proposal is based on the concept of mapping physical areas to logical resource communities where the node mobility triggers migrations to the corresponding community. The results analysis from the simulation scenarios shows that the effectiveness of our community‐based dynamic resource management proposal in following the geographical trajectory of mobile users with wearable devices is over 80% even in highly saturated environments. The comparison with traditional resource management techniques clearly presents the advantages of our proposal, while the parameter wise in‐depth analysis discusses dependencies on the number of nodes, speed, and available resources.
Superhydrophobic Polypropylene Functionalized with Nanoparticles for Efficient Fast Static and Dynamic Separation of Spilled Oil from Water
Authors: Baig Nadeem , Saleh Tawfik A.
Published: April 2019

Frequent oil spills not only threaten the ecosystem, but they are also a waste of a valuable source of energy. There is an urgent need to develop materials that can readily remove spilled oil from water bodies and also have the capacity to collect it for energy applications. Herein, a superhydrophobic fiber of functionalized polypropylene is engineered with the help of palmitic acid interaction with incorporated copper oxide nanoparticles. The successful development of functionalized polypropylene is confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The scanning electron microscopy images reveal that the surface roughness of the polypropylene is enhanced after functionalization. The optimized functionalized polypropylene displays an ultrahydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 162.42°. The functionalized polyprolyene displays good absorption capacity. It has the capacity to take 30 to 40 times its own weight in oils and nonpolar organic solvents, which makes it useful for small spills. With a flux of 11 204 Lm−2 h−1, functionalized polypropylene is as an ideal material for the dynamic separation of oil spills from water. It also has excellent selectivity towards oil, water rejection, and oil absorption capacity.
Subregional differences in astrocytes underlie selective neurodegeneration or protection in Parkinson's disease models in culture
Authors: Kostuk Eric Wildon , Cai Jingli , Iacovitti Lorraine
Published: April 2019

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SN), while the neighboring ventral tegmental area (VTA) is relatively spared. The mechanisms underlying this selectivity are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate a vital role for subregional astrocytes in the protection of VTA DA neurons. We found that elimination of astrocytes in vitro exposes a novel vulnerability of presumably protected VTA DA neurons to the PD mimetic toxin MPP+, as well as exacerbation of SN DA neuron vulnerability. Conversely, VTA astrocytes protected both VTA and SN DA neurons from MPP+ toxicity in a dose dependent manner, and this protection was mediated via a secreted molecule. RNAseq analysis of isolated VTA and SN astrocytes demonstrated a vast array of transcriptional differences between these two closely related populations demonstrating regional heterogeneity of midbrain astrocytes. We found that GDF15, a member of the TGFβ superfamily which is expressed 230‐fold higher in VTA astrocytes than SN, recapitulates neuroprotection of both rat midbrain and iPSC‐derived DA neurons, whereas its knockdown conversely diminished this effect. Neuroprotection was likely mediated through the GRFAL receptor expressed on DA neurons. Together; these results suggest that subregional differences in astrocytes underlie the selective degeneration or protection of DA neurons in PD.
Effects of nonpharmacological interventions on functioning of people living with dementia at home: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Scott Iona , Cooper Claudia , Leverton Monica , Burton Alex , Beresford‐Dent Jules , Rockwood Kenneth , Butler Laurie , Rapaport Penny
Published: April 2019

Objective

Slowing functional decline could enable people living with dementia to live for longer and more independently in their own homes. We aimed to update previous syntheses examining the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions in reducing functional decline (activities of daily living, activity‐specific physical functioning, or function‐specific goal attainment) in people living in their own homes with dementia.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases from January 2012 to May 2018; two researchers independently rated risk of bias of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) fitting predetermined inclusion criteria using a checklist; we narratively synthesised findings, prioritising studies judged to have a lower risk of bias.

Results

Twenty‐nine papers (describing 26 RCTs) met eligibility criteria, of which we judged 13 RCTs to have a lower risk of bias. Study interventions were evaluated in four groups: physical exercise, occupational, multicomponent, and cognition‐oriented interventions. Four out of 13 RCTs reported functional ability as a primary outcome. In studies judged to have a lower risk of bias, in‐home tailored exercise, individualised cognitive rehabilitation, and in‐home activities‐focussed occupational therapy significantly reduced functional decline relative to control groups in individual studies. There was consistent evidence from studies at low risk of bias that group‐based exercise and reminiscence therapies were ineffective at reducing functional decline.

Conclusion

We found no replicated evidence of intervention effectiveness in decreasing functional decline. Interventions associated with slower functional decline in individual trials have been individually delivered and tailored to the needs of the person with dementia. This is consistent with previous findings. Future intervention trials should prioritise these approaches.
Comparison of nutrient loss pathways: Run‐off and seepage flow in Vertisols
Authors: Harmel Robert Daren , Smith Douglas R. , Haney Rick L. , Allen Peter M.
Published: April 2019

Recent studies have highlighted the agronomic and environmental importance of phosphorus (P) movement through the soil profile. Thus, faced with challenges such as high‐profile cases of P enrichment of surface water, better understanding of nutrient movement through soil is needed to better manage agricultural fertilizers and manures and their contribution to water quality degradation. In particular, field‐scale research is especially needed in soils with preferential flow transport pathways. Thus, we collected nitrogen (N) and P transport data in run‐off and seepage (lateral subsurface return flow) from 13 field‐ and farm‐scale watersheds on Vertisols in Central Texas for a 14‐year period. For 2004–2017, seepage accounted for ~20% of the total surface flow, and nutrient concentrations were generally similar in run‐off and seepage. As surface run‐off contributed ~80% of the flow, it follows that median annual N and P loads in run‐off were significantly greater than in seepage for every watershed. N loads in both run‐off and seepage flow from cultivated land were an order of magnitude greater than in native prairie and improved pasture, and the highest run‐off and seepage P loads both occurred on cultivated land with organic fertilizer sources. Increasing watershed scale (size) did not to produce consistent patterns in N or P loss in run‐off or seepage. Land use and watershed scale produced significant differences in seepage volume but did not affect run‐off volumes or total surface flow/rainfall. Although less significant in terms of total offsite flux, nutrient movement in vadose zones has important agronomic and environmental implications as considerable N and P are transported through and within the root zone and eventually offsite. And in terms of P, this contradicts the traditionally held scientific viewpoint that P movement through the vadose zone is unimportant agronomically and environmentally.
Root‐zone moisture replenishment in a native vegetated catchment under Mediterranean climate
Authors: Xu Xiang , Guan Huade , Skrzypek Grzegorz , Simmons Craig T.
Published: April 2019

The root‐zone moisture replenishment mechanisms are key unknowns required to understand soil hydrological processes and water sources used by plants. Temporal patterns of root‐zone moisture replenishment reflect wetting events that contribute to plant growth and survival and to catchment water yield. In this study, stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopes of twigs and throughfall were continuously monitored to characterize the seasonal variations of the root‐zone moisture replenishment in a native vegetated catchment under Mediterranean climate in South Australia. The two studied hillslopes (the north‐facing slope [NFS] and the south‐facing slope [SFS]) had different environmental conditions with opposite aspects. The twig and throughfall samples were collected every ~20 days over 1 year on both hillslopes. The root‐zone moisture replenishment, defined as percentage of newly replenished root‐zone moisture as a complement to antecedent moisture for plant use, calculated by an isotope balance model, was about zero (±25% for the NFS and ± 15% for the SFS) at the end of the wet season (October), increased to almost 100% (±26% for the NFS and ± 29% for the SFS) after the dry season (April and May), then decreased close to zero (±24% for the NFS and ± 28% for the SFS) in the middle of the following wet season (August). This seasonal pattern of root‐zone moisture replenishment suggests that the very first rainfall events of the wet season were significant for soil moisture replenishment and supported the plants over wet and subsequent dry seasons, and that NFS completed replenishment over a longer time than SFS in the wet season and depleted the root zone moisture quicker in the dry season. The stable oxygen isotope composition of the intraevent samples and twigs further confirms that rain water in the late wet season contributed little to root‐zone moisture. This study highlights the significant role of the very first rain events in the early wet season for ecosystem and provides insights to understanding ecohydrological separation, catchment water yield, and vegetation response to climate changes.
TERT promoter mutation in primary papillary thyroid carcinoma lesions predicts absent or lower 131i uptake in metastases
Authors: Meng Zhaowei , Matsuse Michiko , Saenko Vladimir , Yamashita Shunichi , Ren Peng , Zheng Xiangqian , Jia Qiang , Tan Jian , Li Ning , Zheng Wei , Zhao Li , Mitsutake Norisato
Published: April 2019

Genetic mutations play important roles in not only development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) but also determination of its properties. The radioactive iodine refractory (RAIR) state is a harbinger of poor outcomes for PTC. We used various statistical models to investigate the significance of TERT promoter, BRAF, and RAS mutations in distinguishing the RAIR state and their associations with 131I uptake. Mutations were examined in primary lesions of 33 RAIR cases and 34 age‐ and sex‐matched 131I‐treated cases with disease‐free status. Thyrotropin‐stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) change, 131I uptake ability, and RAIR categories were evaluated in the RAIR cases. The prevalence of TERT mutation in the RAIR group was 24.24% (8/33), which was significantly higher than that in the disease‐free group (0/34). BRAF mutation showed a similar high prevalence in both the RAIR group (69.70%) and disease‐free group (64.71%). Among the eight TERT mutation‐positive cases, six carried both TERT and BRAF mutations. RAS mutation was detected in only one disease‐free case and in two RAIR cases. Despite a significantly higher prevalence of TERT mutations in the RAIR group, only tumor size and N1b lymph node involvement were independently associated with RAIR status. In the RAIR group, all patients carrying a TERT mutation showed maximum or increased sTg. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the TERT mutation was associated with decreased 131I uptake and the RAIR categories of absent or weaker 131I uptake. TERT mutation constitutes a novel genetic biomarker indicating absent or weaker 131I‐avid lesions in RAIR PTC patients. It is worth evaluating the TERT status in all DTC patients undergoing 131I therapy. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019
LncRNA PTCSC3 inhibits triple‐negative breast cancer cell proliferation by downregulating lncRNA H19
Authors: Wang Ning , Hou Mingsheng , Zhan Ying , Sheng Xiaobin
Published: April 2019

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) PTCSC3 (hereafter PTCSC3 is used to represent lncRNA PTCSC3) inhibits glioma and thyroid cancer, indicating its potential tumor suppression function in other types of cancers. We explored the potential involvement of PTCSC3 in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). In the current study, we found that PTCSC3 was downregulated in tumor tissues of patients with TNBC. PTCSC3 expression was positively correlated with plasma levels of PTCSC3. LncRNA H19 was upregulated and was inversely correlated with PTCSC3 in tumor tissues. PTCSC3 overexpression led to downregulated H19 in TNBC cells, while H19 overexpression did not affect PTCSC3 expression. PTCSC3 inhibited and H19 promoted proliferation of TNBC cells. H19 overexpression attenuated the effects of PTCSC3 overexpression. Cancer cell migration and invasion were not significantly affected by PTCSC3 overexpression. Therefore, lncRNA PTCSC3 inhibits TNBC cell proliferation by downregulating lncRNA H19.
Long non‐coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 facilitates cardiac hypertrophy via stabilization of SDA1 domain containing 1 mRNA
Authors: Jing Ling , Li Shuang , Wang Jingyao , Zhang Guowei
Published: April 2019

Cardiac hypertrophy is a result of cardiac response to excessive heart burden. The sustention of hypertrophic stress indicates a higher risk of cardiac failure or even sudden death. Despite the increasing research works on cardiac hypertrophy, there remains a considerable space left for further mechanism exploration. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a cluster of transcripts lacking in protein coding potential. Past decades have witnessed the increasing identification of their significant roles in cardiac hypertrophy. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) has been identified as an oncogene in human cancers, but its function in cardiac hypertrophy remains unknown. SDA1 domain containing 1 (SDAD1) is newly discovered to exert procancer function in several cancers, whose role in cardiac hypertrophy remains elusive. Present study sought to investigate the biological function of SNHG7 in cardiac hypertrophy. First, the expressions of SNHG7 and SDAD1 were found to be upregulated in Ang II‐induced cardiac hypertrophy model in the neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Functionally, loss‐of‐function assays verified that silencing SNHG7 and SDAD1 attenuated the inductive effect of Ang II on cardiac hypertrophy. Mechanistically, we proved that SNHG7 interacted with Hu Antigen R so as to stabilize SDAD1 messenger RNA (mRNA). In conclusion, this study proved that SNHG7 facilitates cardiac hypertrophy via the stabilization of SDAD1 mRNA, indicating SNHG7 as a novel regulator for cardiac hypertrophy.
Role of two‐component regulatory systems in intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Li Xue , Lv Xi , Lin Yanping , Zhen Junfeng , Ruan Cao , Duan Wei , Li Yue , Xie Jianping
Published: April 2019

The typical two‐component regulatory systems (TCSs), consisting of response regulator and histidine kinase, play a central role in survival of pathogenic bacteria under stress conditions such as nutrient starvation, hypoxia, and nitrosative stress. A total of 11 complete paired two‐component regulatory systems have been found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including a few isolated kinase and regulatory genes. Increasing evidence has shown that TCSs are closely associated with multiple physiological process like intracellular persistence, pathogenicity, and metabolism. This review gives the two‐component signal transduction systems in M. tuberculosis and their signal transduction roles in adaption to the environment.
Knockdown of LASP2 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Yimeng , Zhang Liya
Published: April 2019

LIM and SH3 protein 2 (LASP2) belongs to nebulin family. It has been proven that LASP2 is involved in several cancers; however, its role in cervical cancer is unclear. Herein, we showed that LASP2 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. To knockdown LASP2 in cervical cancer cells, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting LASP2 (si‐LASP2) were used. We found that cell proliferation, migration/invasion were markedly reduced after si‐LASP2 transfection. A significant increase in E‐cadherin expression, and decrease in N‐cadherin and vimentin expressions were observed in si‐LASP2 transfected cervical cancer cells. Knockdown of LASP2 caused significant inhibitory effect on the PI3K/Akt pathway. Treatment with the activator of the PI3K/Akt pathway, 740Y‐P, abolished the effects of si‐LASP2 transfection on cervical cancer cells. These findings suggested that LASP2 may be an oncogene through regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway in cervical cancer.
Role of acute‐phase protein ORM in a mice model of ischemic stroke
Authors: Wan Jing‐Jing , Wang Peng‐Yuan , Zhang Yu , Qin Zhen , Sun Yang , Hu Bo‐Han , Su Ding‐Feng  , Xu Dong‐Ping , Liu Xia
Published: April 2019

The only Food and Drug Administration‐approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator, and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets is critical. Here, we found orosomucoid (ORM), an acute‐phase protein mainly produced by the liver, might act as a treatment candidate for an ischemic stroke. The results showed that ORM2 is the dominant subtype in mice normal brain tissue. After middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), the level of ORM2 is significantly increased in the ischemic penumbra compared with the contralateral normal brain tissue, whereas ORM1 knockout did not affect the infarct size. Exogenous ORM could significantly decrease infarct size and neurological deficit score. Inspiringly, the best administration time point was at 4.5 and 6 hr after MCAO. ORM could markedly decrease the Evans blue extravasation, and improve blood–brain barrier‐associated proteins expression in the ischemic penumbra of MACO mice and oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)‐treated bEnd3 cells. Meanwhile, ORM could significantly alleviate inflammation by inhibiting the production of interleukin 1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), reduce oxidative stress by improving the balance of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), inhibit apoptosis by decreasing caspase‐3 activity in ischemic penumbra of MCAO mice and OGD‐treated bEnd.3 cells. Because of its protective role at multiple levels, ORM might be a promising therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Induction of CD137 expression by viral genes reduces T cell costimulation
Authors: Wu Meihui , Wong Hiu Yi , Lin Jia Le , Moliner Annalena , Schwarz Herbert
Published: April 2019

Intracellular pathogens are subject to elimination by a cellular immune response, and were therefore under evolutionary pressure to develop mechanisms that allow them to inhibit especially this arm of immunity. CD137, a T cell costimulatory molecule, and its ligand, CD137 ligand (CD137L), which is expressed on antigen presenting cells (APC), are potent drivers of cellular cytotoxic immune responses. Here, we report that different viruses usurp a negative feedback mechanism for the CD137–CD137L system that weakens cellular immune responses. Latent membrane protein (LMP)‐1 and Tax, oncogenes of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), and human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)‐1, respectively, induce the expression of CD137. CD137 is transferred by trogocytosis to CD137L‐expressing APC, and the CD137–CD137L complex is internalized and degraded, resulting in a reduced CD137‐mediated T cell costimulation and a weakened cellular immune response which may facilitate the escape of the virus from immune surveillance. These data identify the usurpation of a CD137‐based negative feedback mechanism by intracellular pathogens that enables them to reduce T cell costimulation.
Stimulation with Porphyromonas gingivalis enhances malignancy and initiates anoikis resistance in immortalized oral keratinocytes
Authors: Hoppe T. , Kraus D. , Probstmeier R. , Jepsen S. , Winter J.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to get new insights into molecular processes involved in tumor propagation of immortalized oral keratinocytes induced by the keystone pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Cell culture experiments with immortalized OKF6 cells were performed to analyze cellular effects caused by bacterial stimulation focusing on altered gene expression, signaling pathways, proliferation rate, cell viability, migration and invasion behavior, and on the development of antiapoptotic pathways. Gene and protein expression were analyzed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, and protein arrays. Trypan blue staining was used to analyze proliferation and viability, transwell assays for cellular migration, Matrigel assays for invasion, and anoikis‐assays for evaluating anoikis resistance. Stimulation of OKF6 cells with Porphyromonas gingivalis led to an alteration in the molecular repertoire of proteins which are involved in cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, stem cell formation, migration, invasion, and anoikis resistance. Higher proliferation rates were detected in conjunction with an activation of PI3K/Akt signaling and the mTOR‐pathway. Additionally, inhibition of glycogen‐synthase‐kinase3‐β led to stabilization of β‐catenin and Snail, which resulted in a switch from predominant E‐cadherin to N‐cadherin expression and increased expression of the stem cell markers Oct3/4, Sox2, and Nanog. Enhanced biosynthesis and enzyme activity of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 was accompanied by elevated invasion behavior. Finally, anoikis resistance was detected in stimulated keratinocytes by decreased apoptosis of nonadherent cells and elevated expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and c‐Met. Hence, Porphyromonas gingivalis is able to induce a more aggressive tumor‐like phenotype in immortalized oral keratinocytes, thus contributing to enhanced tumor features.
Ultrasound Imaging of Disorders of Small Nerves of the Extremities: Less Recognized Locations
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , Becciolini Marco , Urigo Carlo
Published: April 2019

Ultrasound is a well‐proven imaging modality for showing peripheral nerve disorders and guiding perineural injections. The aim of this review is to focus on small peripheral nerve abnormalities, which are usually not recognized by sonologists. In fact, most of these small nerves have a tiny diameter (<2 mm), and their anatomy is less familiar. We describe the most common causes of small peripheral nerve disorders, providing an accurate description of their anatomic locations and relationships with adjacent structures; we also focus on technical hints that may help in their evaluation.
Asthma and obesity as predictors of severe obstructive sleep apnea in an adolescent pediatric population
Authors: Narayanan Ajay , Yogesh Ahana , Mitchell Ron B. , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To study a cohort of children referred for full‐night polysomnography (PSG) due to suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We examined the relationship between asthma, obesity, and severe OSA (sOSA).

Methods

We performed a retrospective case control analysis of children, ages 9 to 17 years, who underwent full‐night PSG. The primary goal was to determine the association between asthma, obesity, and sOSA (apnea‐hypopnea index ≥10). We used multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate these associations after controlling for covariates. A P value of ≤.05 was considered significant.

Results

The study included 367 children (mean [standard deviation] age 14 years (1.7), 56% male, 43% Hispanic). The prevalence of asthma was 188 of 367 (52%); obesity was 197 of 367 (54%); and sOSA was 109 of 367 (30%). sOSA was less likely in asthmatics (coefficient = −0.59; standard error [SE] = 0.23; P = .01; odds ratio [OR] = 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34 to 0.88) and more likely with obesity (coefficient = 0.89; SE = 0.24; P < .001; OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5 to 3.9). The presence of asthma reduced the likelihood of sOSA by an average of 14% among obese patients and 9% among nonobese patients. These associations held even after controlling for age, sex, race, income, and tonsillar hypertrophy.

Conclusion

The presence of asthma reduced, whereas obesity increased the likelihood of sOSA among a large cohort of older children referred for PSG. These relationships were additive. Further research is indicated regarding these relationships.

Level of Evidence

3b

Laryngoscope, 130:812–817, 2020
Stimulus‐Responsive Hydrogel for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery
Authors: Lin Deqing , Lei Lei , Shi Shuai , Li Xingyi
Published: April 2019

Blindness and vision impairment are major global health problems. Effective ophthalmic drug delivery poses a significant challenge because of protective physiological barriers and various biological clearance mechanisms that result in extremely low ocular bioavailability. Over the past several decades, several safe and effective ophthalmic drug delivery approaches have been promoted to combat these problems and to improve ocular bioavailability. Among these approaches, the stimulus‐responsive hydrogel for topical drug delivery has gained increasing attention because of its prolonged drug retention at the local site and enhanced ocular bioavailability. This review summarizes and presents recent advances and perspectives of a stimulus‐responsive hydrogel for ophthalmic drug delivery.
Factorials and the finite sequences of sets
Authors: Sonpanow Nattapon , Vejjajiva Pimpen
Published: April 2019

We write for the cardinality of the set of finite sequences of a set which is of cardinality . With the Axiom of Choice (), for every infinite cardinal where is the cardinality of the permutations on a set which is of cardinality . In this paper, we show that “ for every cardinal ”  is provable in and this is the best possible result in the absence of . Similar results are also obtained for : the cardinality of the set of finite sequences without repetition of a set which is of cardinality .
On probing intravoxel incoherent motion in the heart‐spin‐echo versus stimulated‐echo DWI
Authors: Spinner Georg R. , Stoeck Christian T. , Mathez Linda , von Deuster Constantin , Federau Christian , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Mapping intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in the heart remains challenging despite advances in cardiac DWI and DTI. In the present work, simulations and experimental imaging are used to compare the IVIM encoding efficiency of spin‐echo– and stimulated‐echo–based DWI/DTI for assessing myocardial perfusion.

Methods

Using normalized phase distributions and statistical models of capillary networks derived from histological studies, along with typical diffusion gradient waveforms for in vivo cardiac DWI/DTI, Monte Carlo simulations were performed. The simulation results were compared to IVIM measurements of perfused porcine hearts regarding both magnitude and phase modulation. An IVIM tensor model was used to account for anisotropy of the capillary network, and potential bias of parameter estimation was reported based on simulations.

Results

Both computer simulations and experimental data demonstrate a low sensitivity of spin‐echo DWI/DTI sequences for IVIM parameters, whereas stimulated‐echo–based DWI/DTI with typical mixing times can differentiate between no‐flow baseline and perfused myocardium (+129% IVIM‐derived flow). In addition, ischemic territories induced by coronary occlusion could be successfully detected. With increasing order of motion compensation (M0/M1/M2) of the diffusion encoding gradients, as required for cardiac in vivo spin‐echo DWI/DTI, the low IVIM sensitivity of spin‐echo DWI/DTI decreased further in simulations: maximum attenuations of perfusion compartment 52/13/5% (b = 500 s/mm2).

Conclusion

Given the short encoding time of spin‐echo–based DWI/DTI sequences, a limited perfusion sensitivity results, in particular in combination with motion‐compensated diffusion gradients. In contrast, stimulated‐echo based DWI/DTI has the potential to identify perfusion changes in cardiac IVIM in vivo.
Effects of Targeted Versus Adjustable Protein Fortification of Breast Milk on Early Growth in Very Low‐Birth‐Weight Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bulut Ozgul , Coban Asuman , Uzunhan Ozan , Ince Zeynep
Published: April 2019

Background

Breast milk is preferred for the feeding of very low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants, but it does not meet nutrition requirements unless it is fortified. Adequate protein intake to maintain the growth of preterm infants cannot be provided by standard fortification methods because of variation in the protein content of human milk. Individualization is necessary to achieve target protein intakes. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of 2 different methods of individualized protein fortification of breast milk on the early growth of VLBW preterm infants.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, VLBW preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestational age were randomized into 2 groups according to the method of breast milk fortification. Anthropometric measurements were performed in both groups weekly for 4 weeks to compare their growth.

Results

During the trial period, the daily protein intake (targeted vs adjustable fortification groups) was (median [range]) 4.5 (4.4–4.6) vs 4.01 (3.5–4.4) g/kg/d (P = 0.001); the daily weight gains (g/d and g/kg/d; mean ± SD) were 25.7 ± 3.9 vs 22.2 ± 6.4 g/d (P = 0.048) and 23.1 ± 4.3 vs 18.7 ± 4.3 g/kg/d (P = 0.014); and the weekly increase in head circumference was 9.8 ± 1.5 vs 8.4 ± 2.1 mm/wk (P = 0.040). All parameters were significantly higher in the targeted than the adjustable fortification group.

Conclusions

Individualized protein fortification using the targeted method for VLBW preterm infants had more positive effects on short‐term growth compared with the adjustable fortification method.
Study of tensile properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyether ether ketone polymer composites at the nanoscale
Authors: Hsu Chun‐Yen , Scrafford Kathryn , Ni Chaoying , Deng Fei
Published: April 2019

This study demonstrates the microscale and nanoscale mechanical properties of a multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyether ether ketone (MWCNTs/PEEK) composite utilizing a novel in situ testing method. Nanoscale testing specimens of a composite of PEEK thin film dispersed with 6.5 wt% MWCNTs were successfully prepared using focused ion beam (FIB) and investigated by a tensile testing device accommodated inside a field emission scanning electron microscope. The average tensile strength of the nanocomposite was measured to be 388.66 MPa. The average Young's modulus measured at 6.52 GPa demonstrated a 23% increase compared to that of the bulk specimen, suggesting a size‐dependent mechanism that limits the plastic deformation of the microscale specimens possibly due to the limited defects distribution and motion constraint of the polymer chain in the small specimen and the amorphous regions of the PEEK matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1209–1214 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of Many‐Body Effects in the Quasi‐Two‐Dimensional Electronic System of Organic Charge‐Transfer Salts
Authors: Mashoff Torge , Regel Johannes , Medjanik Katerina , Schönhense Gerd , Huth Michael , Müller Jens , Lang Michael , Valentí Roser , Baumgarten Martin , Elmers Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2019

This article reviews recent progress in the understanding of many‐body effects in the quasi‐two‐dimensional electronic system of organic charge‐transfer salts using element‐selective X‐ray absorption and scanning tunneling spectroscopy techniques. A few previously unpublished topographical scanning tunneling microscopy images illustrate structural consequences of the charge transfer mechanism. The first part of the review focuses on the understanding of the charge transfer between acceptor and donor molecules in general. Results for dithiophene‐based organic semiconductors as a representative model system is reviewed that is relevant for electronic applications, too. Experimental results are used to develop appropriate calculation schemes with large predictive power. The combination of experiment and theory reveals a charge transfer mechanism that is more complex than just the interaction of single HOMO and LUMO states in donor and acceptor molecules. The second part of the review highlights the emergence of superconductivity as a result of the charge transfer leaving strongly correlated and partly occupied electronic states at the Fermi level. The authors review recent experimental results for the κ‐phase organic superconductors obtained with scanning tunneling spectroscopy and compare the temperature‐dependent local density of states function with theoretical approaches. The superconducting order parameter for κ‐(ET)2Cu[N(CN)2]Br reveals an eight‐node gap structure resulting from a strongly anisotropic mixed‐symmetry superconducting gap.
Normal forms for multi‐input flat systems of minimal differential weight
Authors: Nicolau Florentina , Respondek Witold
Published: April 2019

We present normal forms for nonlinear control systems that are the closest to static feedback linearizable ones, that is, for systems that become feedback linearizable via the simplest dynamic feedback, which is the one‐fold prolongation of a suitably chosen control. They form a particular class of flat systems, namely those of differential weight n + m + 1, where n is the number of states and m is the number of controls. We also show that the dynamic feedback may create singularities in the control space depending on the state and we discuss them. We also address the issue of the normalization of the system only versus that of the system together with a flat output. Finally, we illustrate our results by several examples.
Reductive Heck Reaction: An Emerging Alternative in Natural Product Synthesis
Authors: Ghosh Tapas
Published: April 2019

Metal‐catalyzed cross coupling reactions are efficient synthetic methods and developing continuously for the synthesis of diverse range of heterocycles, found in wide range of natural products. Among others, reductive Heck reaction has elegantly been employed to access various natural products. This review article covers the updated summary of relevant literature on the application of reductive Heck reaction for the synthesis of natural products. Discussion on the underlying mechanistic rationale has also been included wherever felt necessary.
Basic Ionic Liquid [DPPA] Cl− Catalyzed Synthesis of Fluorescent 3‐ Acetoacetyl −6‐ aryldiazenyl‐ coumarins
Authors: Korade Suyog N. , Pore Dattaprasad M.
Published: April 2019

An efficient basic ionic liquid 1‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]‐2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10‐octahydro‐1H‐pyrimido[1,2‐a]azepin‐5‐ium chloride, [DPPA] Cl− is designed for the convenient synthesis of diversely functionalized 3‐ acetoacetyl −6‐ aryldiazenyl‐ coumarins from 5‐aryldiazenyl salicylaldehydes and 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐pyrone in ethanol‐water mixed solvent system. The synergic effect of DBU nucleus and tethered basic dimethylaminopropyl chain facilitates efficient catalysis of the reaction. Novelty of method is synthesis of highly conjugated molecular scaffold with the assistance of hybrid reusable basic ionic liquid, atom economy, wide substrate scope, short reaction time, high yields and use of eco‐benign ethanol‐water mixed solvent system, etc. The synthesized compounds exhibit fluorescence properties that could unlock the window for their use as a fluorescent material.
New Revolution in Biaryl Synthesis: Transition Metal‐Free C–C Bond Formation Promoted by the Mixture of 2‐Mercaptoethanol/KOH/DMSO
Authors: Ghorbani‐Choghamarani Arash , Taherinia Zahra
Published: April 2019

This research project introduced a novel transition metal‐free C−C coupling reaction that is believed to be a new revolution in Suzuki type reactions. Carbon‐carbon bond formation can be promoted by a mixture of 2‐mercaptoethanol/KOH/DMSO without the aid of any transition metals. It has been suggested that this reaction proceeds through radical species, hence the electron transfer route is suggested for the operation during the oxidation of 2‐mercaptoethanol in DMSO.
The effects of perceived discrimination and city identity on the social adaptation of migrant children in public and private schools
Authors: Yang Jiahui , Liu Xin , Zhao Feifei , Wang Lijing , Liu Xia , Zhou Hanwen , Shi Baoguo
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the effect of migrant children's perceived discrimination on their social adaptation and the moderating effect of their city identity. In addition, differences in the relationships among the aforementioned variables were compared across two school types in terms of public schools and privately operated migrant schools. A cluster sampling method was used to survey 410 junior high school students in China using the Social Adaptation Assessment Questionnaire, the Perceived Discrimination Questionnaire for Individuals, and the City Identity Questionnaire as measures. Results showed that perceived discrimination significantly and negatively affected the social adaptation of migrant children. The relationship between perceived discrimination and social adaptation was moderated by the city identity of migrant children in private schools but not by those in public schools. Under the condition of high or medium city identity, discrimination negatively predicts social adaptation; under the condition of low city identity, however, discrimination does not predict social adaptation. In conclusion, perceived discrimination is an important factor regarding the social adaptation of migrant children, and their relationships vary by different types of city identity and schools.
Hierarchical NiO@N‐Doped Carbon Microspheres with Ultrathin Nanosheet Subunits as Excellent Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhan Wenwen , Yuan Yusheng , Sun Liming , Yuan Yaya , Han Xiguang , Zhao Yanli
Published: April 2019

Achieving highly efficient hierarchical photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution is always challenging. Herein, hierarchical mesoporous NiO@N‐doped carbon microspheres (HNINC) are successfully fabricated with ultrathin nanosheet subunits as high‐performance photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution. The unique architecture of N‐doped carbon layers and hierarchical mesoporous structures from HNINC could effectively facilitate the separation and transfer of photo‐induced electron–hole pairs and afford rich active sites for photocatalytic reactions, leading to a significantly higher H2 production rate than NiO deposited with platinum. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the migration path of the photo‐generated electron transfer is from Ni 3d and O 2p hybrid states of NiO to the C 2p state of graphite, while the photo‐generated holes locate at Ni 4s and Ni 4p hybrid states of NiO, which is beneficial to improve the separation of photo‐generated electron–hole pairs. Gibbs free energy of the intermediate state for hydrogen evolution reaction is calculated to provide a fundamental understanding of the high H2 production rate of HNINC. This research sheds light on developing novel photocatalysts for efficient hydrogen evolution.
Highly Conductive, Stretchable, and Cell‐Adhesive Hydrogel by Nanoclay Doping
Authors: Tondera Christoph , Akbar Teuku Fawzul , Thomas Alvin Kuriakose , Lin Weilin , Werner Carsten , Busskamp Volker , Zhang Yixin , Minev Ivan R.
Published: April 2019

Electrically conductive materials that mimic physical and biological properties of tissues are urgently required for seamless brain–machine interfaces. Here, a multinetwork hydrogel combining electrical conductivity of 26 S m−1, stretchability of 800%, and tissue‐like elastic modulus of 15 kPa with mimicry of the extracellular matrix is reported. Engineering this unique set of properties is enabled by a novel in‐scaffold polymerization approach. Colloidal hydrogels of the nanoclay Laponite are employed as supports for the assembly of secondary polymer networks. Laponite dramatically increases the conductivity of in‐scaffold polymerized poly(ethylene‐3,4‐diethoxy thiophene) in the absence of other dopants, while preserving excellent stretchability. The scaffold is coated with a layer containing adhesive peptide and polysaccharide dextran sulfate supporting the attachment, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells directly on the surface of conductive hydrogels. Due to its compatibility with simple extrusion printing, this material promises to enable tissue‐mimetic neurostimulating electrodes.