bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The characteristics of transferrin variants by carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin tests using capillary zone electrophoresis
Authors: Yoo Gilsung , Kim Juwon , Yoon Kap Joon , Lee Jong‐Han
Published: April 2018

Background

Transferrin is the major plasma transport protein for iron. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of transferrin variant by carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) test using capillary zone electrophoresis.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the CDT tests of 2449 patients from March 2009 to May 2017 at a tertiary hospital in Korea. CDT was quantified using a Capillarys 2 system (Sebia, Lisses, France) by capillary zone electrophoresis. The characteristics of variant transferrin patterns using electropherogram of CDT tests were analyzed.

Results

Seventy‐seven (3.1%) patients were classified as variant transferrin. Mean age of these patients was 51.8 years, and the male‐to‐female ratio was 3.5:1. The most common variants were the BC variants (n = 37), followed by the CD variants (n = 27), unclear patterns (n = 7), BD variants (n = 3), CC variants (n = 2), misclassification (n = 1). In the variant Tf group, the most common disease was alcoholic liver cirrhosis (n = 22, 28.6%), followed by the toxic effects of substances (n = 17, 22.1%), and mental and behavioral disorders attributable to alcohol (n = 11, 14.3%). Nonvariant group showed a predominance of the toxic substance effects (n = 880, 37.1%), a personal history of suicide attempts (n = 634, 26.7%), and mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol (n = 336, 14.2%).

Conclusion

We analyzed the basic characteristics of variant transferrin by CDT tests using capillary zone electrophoresis. The prevalence of variant transferrin was 3.1% of the study subjects. Male patients, alcohol abusers, and liver cirrhosis patients predominated in the variant transferrin population. Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate variant transferrin in clinical practice.
Effects of interleukin‐7/interleukin‐7 receptor on RANKL‐mediated osteoclast differentiation and ovariectomy‐induced bone loss by regulating c‐Fos/c‐Jun pathway
Authors: Zhao Ji‐Jun , Wu Zhao‐Feng , Yu Ying‐Hao , Wang Ling , Cheng Li
Published: April 2018

To explore the effects of IL‐7/IL‐7R on the RANKL‐mediated osteoclast differentiation in vitro and OVX‐induced bone loss in vivo. BMMs and RAW264.7 were transfected with IL‐7, IL‐7R siRNA, c‐Fos siRNA, and c‐jun siRNA and later stimulated by RANKL. TRAP and toluidine blue staining were used to observe osteoclast formation and bone resorption, respectively. HE and TRAP staining were used to detect trabecular bone microstructure and osteoclasts of mice, respectively. qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis were used to examine expression. IL‐7 unregulated the expression of CTSK, NFATc1, MMP9, and the phosphorylation of p38 and Akt by activating the c‐Fos/c‐Jun pathway, which increased osteoclast numbers and bone resorption in RANKL‐stimulated macrophages. While IL‐7R siRNA and c‐Fos siRNA decreased the expression, as well as and the phosphorylation of p38 and Akt.IL‐7 decreased the BMD and OPG expression in OVX‐induced mice and increased the TRAP positive cells, the mRNA expression of c‐fos, c‐jun, and RANKL, which was contradictory to IL‐7R siRNA, and c‐Fos siRNA. Furthermore, IL‐7R siRNA and c‐Fos siRNA caused thicker trabeculae, increased trabecular number, and decreased osteolysis in OVX mice. IL‐7/IL‐7R can promote RANKL‐mediated osteoclast formation and bone resorption by activating the c‐Fos/c‐Jun pathway, as well as inducing bone loss in OVX mice.
Tyrosine kinase receptor c‐ros‐oncogene 1 inhibition alleviates aberrant bone formation of TWIST‐1 haploinsufficient calvarial cells from Saethre–Chotzen syndrome patients
Authors: Camp Esther , Anderson Peter J. , Zannettino Andrew C. W. , Glackin Carlotta A. , Gronthos Stan
Published: April 2018

Saethre–Chotzen syndrome (SCS), associated with TWIST‐1 mutations, is characterized by premature fusion of cranial sutures. TWIST‐1 haploinsufficiency, leads to alterations in suture mesenchyme cellular gene expression patterns, resulting in aberrant osteogenesis and craniosynostosis. We analyzed the expression of the TWIST‐1 target, Tyrosine kinase receptor c‐ros‐oncogene 1 (C‐ROS‐1) in TWIST‐1 haploinsufficient calvarial cells derived from SCS patients and calvaria of Twist‐1del/+ mutant mice and found it to be highly expressed when compared to TWIST‐1 wild‐type controls. Knock‐down of C‐ROS‐1 expression in TWIST‐1 haploinsufficient calvarial cells derived from SCS patients was associated with decreased capacity for osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Furthermore, treatment of human SCS calvarial cells with the tyrosine kinase chemical inhibitor, Crizotinib, resulted in reduced C‐ROS‐1 activity and the osteogenic potential of human SCS calvarial cells with minor effects on cell viability or proliferation. Cultured human SCS calvarial cells treated with Crizotinib exhibited a dose‐dependent decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity and mineral deposition, with an associated decrease in expression levels of Runt‐related transcription factor 2 and OSTEOPONTIN, with reduced PI3K/Akt signalling in vitro. Furthermore, Crizotinib treatment resulted in reduced BMP‐2 mediated bone formation potential of whole Twist‐1del/+ mutant mouse calvaria organotypic cultures. Collectively, these results suggest that C‐ROS‐1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of TWIST‐1 haploinsufficient calvarial osteogenic progenitor cells. Furthermore, the aberrant osteogenic potential of these cells is inhibited by the reduction of C‐ROS‐1. Therefore, targeting C‐ROS‐1 with a pharmacological agent, such as Crizotinib, may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to alleviate craniosynostosis associated with aberrant TWIST‐1 function.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐30d preserves pancreatic islet β‐cell function through negative regulation of the JNK signaling pathway via SOCS3 in mice with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Shan , Wen Xin , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Yong‐Jian , Shen Min , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhuang Juan , Xu Wei , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Shan Qun , Li Meng‐Qiu , Hu Bin , Sun Chun‐Hui , Wu Dong‐Mei , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin
Published: April 2018

The loss of pancreatic islet β‐cell function represents the classical feature in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Previous evidence has highlighted the involvement of the activated JNK pathway in relation to islet β‐cell apoptosis. Hence, during the present study a streptozotocin‐induced DM mice model was established in a bid to ascertain as to whether microRNA‐30d (miR‐30d) plays a regulatory role in the JNK pathway in relation to islet β‐cell dysfunction. The collection and identification of the islet β cells from streptozotocin‐induced mice was performed. Islet β cells with elevated or suppressed levels of miR‐30 as well as knocked down SOCS3 were established in order to verify the regulatory mechanisms by which miR‐30d governs SOCS3 in vitro. We found miR‐30d was overexpressed among tissue samples obtained form streptozotocin‐induced mice and their islet β cells, as well as increasing miR‐30d expression when the JNK pathway was activated were found to promote islet β cell growth and cell cycle entry, and inhibit apoptosis. SOCS3, confirmed to be a miR‐30d target, was decreased in the islet β cells following the promotion of miR‐30d, while the JNK pathway was inhibited following SOCS3 knocdown. Furthermore, the effect of miR‐30d inhibition was lost in islet β cells when SOCS3 was knocked down. The data of the present study support the notion that miR‐30d‐mediated direct suppression of SOCS3 acts to protect pancreatic β‐cell functions through the JNK signaling pathway, emphasizing the potential of miR‐30d as a novel pharmacological target for treatment and intervention of DM.
A peptide that blocks the interaction of NF‐κB p65 subunit with Smad4 enhances BMP2‐induced osteogenesis
Authors: Urata Mariko , Kokabu Shoichiro , Matsubara Takuma , Sugiyama Goro , Nakatomi Chihiro , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Hirata‐Tsuchiya Shizu , Aoki Kazuhiro , Tamura Yukihiko , Moriyama Yasuko , Ayukawa Yasunori , Matsuda Miho , Zhang Min , Koyano Kiyoshi , Kitamura Chiaki , Jimi Eijiro
Published: April 2018

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) potentiates bone formation through the Smad signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. The transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) suppresses BMP‐induced osteoblast differentiation. Recently, we identified that the transactivation (TA) 2 domain of p65, a main subunit of NF‐κB, interacts with the mad homology (MH) 1 domain of Smad4 to inhibit BMP signaling. Therefore, we further attempted to identify the interacting regions of these two molecules at the amino acid level. We identified a region that we term the Smad4‐binding domain (SBD), an amino‐terminal region of TA2 that associates with the MH1 domain of Smad4. Cell‐permeable SBD peptide blocked the association of p65 with Smad4 and enhanced BMP2‐induced osteoblast differentiation and mineralization without affecting the phosphorylation of Smad1/5 or the activation of NF‐κB signaling. SBD peptide enhanced the binding of the BMP2‐inudced phosphorylated Smad1/5 on the promoter region of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (Id‐1) compared with control peptide. Although SBD peptide did not affect BMP2‐induced chondrogenesis during ectopic bone formation, the peptide enhanced BMP2‐induced ectopic bone formation in subcortical bone. Thus, the SBD peptide is useful for enabling BMP2‐induced bone regeneration without inhibiting NF‐κB activity.
Oleic acid promotes prostate cancer malignant phenotype via the G protein‐coupled receptor FFA1/GPR40
Authors: Liotti Antonietta , Cosimato Vincenzo , Mirra Paola , Calì Gaetano , Conza Domenico , Secondo Agnese , Luongo Gelsomina , Terracciano Daniela , Formisano Pietro , Beguinot Francesco , Insabato Luigi , Ulianich Luca
Published: April 2018

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in men and the second leading cause of cancer‐related death in industrialized countries. Epidemiologic evidence suggests that obesity promotes aggressive PCa. Recently, a family of Free Fatty Acid (FFA) receptors (FFARs) has been identified and reported to affect several crucial biological functions of tumor cells such as proliferation, invasiveness, and apoptosis. Here we report that oleic acid (OA), one of the most prevalent FFA in human plasma, increases proliferation of highly malignant PC3 and DU‐145 PCa cells. Furthermore, docetaxel cytotoxic action, the first‐line chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of androgen‐independent PCa, was significantly reduced in the presence of OA, when measured by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, suggesting that this FFA plays also a role in chemoresistance. OA induced intracellular calcium increase, in part due to the store operated calcium entry (SOCE), measured by a calcium imaging technique. Moreover, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was enhanced, as revealed by increased Akt phosphorylation levels. Intriguingly, attenuating the expression of FFA1/GPR40, a receptor for long chain FFA including OA, prevented the OA‐induced effects. Of relevance, we found that FFA1/GPR40 is significantly overexpressed in tissue specimens of PCa, compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues, at both mRNA and protein expression level, analyzed by Real Time RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence experiments, respectively. Our data suggest that OA promotes an aggressive phenotype in PCa cells via FFA1/GPR40, calcium and PI3K/Akt signaling. Thus, FFA1/GPR40, might represent a potential useful prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of advanced PCa.
NAMPT expression in osteoblasts controls osteoclast recruitment in alveolar bone remodeling
Authors: Hassan Bassam , Baroukh Brigitte , Llorens Annie , Lesieur Julie , Ribbes Sandy , Chaussain Catherine , Saffar Jean‐Louis , Gosset Marjolaine
Published: April 2018

In bone remodeling, osteoclasts are recruited via increased production of RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand) and migrate to the bone surface, aided by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). NAMPT (nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase), which catalyzes the rate‐limiting step in the NAD+ salvage pathway, increases during in vitro osteogenic differentiation and inhibits RANKL‐induced osteoclast differentiation. Alveolar bone loss, due to disturbance of the remodeling process, is a major feature of periodontitis. Thus, we investigated the role of NAMPT in a synchronized alveolar bone remodeling rat model. NAMPT expression increased in osteogenic cells during the remodeling activation phase, in parallel with RANKL and MMP‐2 expression. Inhibition of NAMPT activity, by systemic delivery of its selective inhibitor FK866, decreased the recruitment of osteoclasts, but not their activity. In vitro, NAMPT mRNA, and protein expression also increased during osteoblast differentiation in primary calvarial osteoblast cultures. Recombinant NAMPT and NMN, its direct metabolite, dose‐dependently increased bone marker expression, including that of sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OC), whereas their expression was inhibited by FK866 treatment. Recombinant NAMPT did not regulate MMP‐2, −9, MMP‐13, or RANKL/OPG mRNA expression in osteoblasts. Our data suggest that de novo NAMPT synthesis in osteoblasts controls cell differentiation through osteoclast recruitment during the activation of bone remodeling.
Retracted: Gadd45a gene silencing by RNAi promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis and senescence in skin squamous cell carcinoma through the p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Li‐Qian , Tian Fu‐Jun , Xiong Ying , Zhao Yan , Song Jian‐Bo
Published: April 2018

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is generally considered as nonaggressive lesions and mainly caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Gadd45a is a key component protecting skin against UV‐induced tumors. For that, the study aims to investigate the mechanism of Gadd45a gene silencing on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence in nude mice with skin SCC through the p53 signaling pathway. Healthy nude mice was collected as the normal group and 40 nude mouse models of skin SCC were successfully established as the model group, which were sub‐divided into five groups. The incidence, size, and weight of SCC tumor of nude mice were observed. The mRNA expression of Gadd45a, Cyclin B1, MMP‐2, Bcl‐2, and Bax were determined by RT‐qPCR. Cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis, cell senescence were detected by MTT assay, flow cytometry, and β‐galactosidase staining, respectively. The levels of inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by using ELISA. The protein expression rate of mutant p53 was detected by immunohistochemistry. Mice transfected with siGadd45a showed increased tumor incidence, size, and weight. Cells transfected with siGadd45a showed decrease in expression of Gadd45a and Bax; and increase in expression of Cyclin B1, MMP‐2, and Bcl‐2, expression of mutant p53, IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and VEGF. Cell apoptosis and senescence were inhibited, while cell viability and proliferation were promoted after siGadd45a treatment. The results reveal that Gadd45a silencing increases tumor cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis and senescence through the p53 signaling pathway in skin SCC.
Quercetin: A functional dietary flavonoid with potential chemo‐preventive properties in colorectal cancer
Authors: Darband Saber G. , Kaviani Mojtaba , Yousefi Bahman , Sadighparvar Shirin , Pakdel Firouz G. , Attari Javad A. , Mohebbi Iraj , Naderi Somayeh , Majidinia Maryam
Published: April 2018

Recently, an intense attention has been paid to the application of natural compounds as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Quercetin, a natural flavonol present in many commonly consumed food items, is widely demonstrated to exert inhibitory effects on cancer progression through various mechanisms. Since there is a strong association with diets containing abundant vegetables, fruits, and grains, and significant decline in the risk of colon cancer, accumulation studies have focused on the anticancer potential of quercetin in colorectal cancer. Cell cycle arrest, increase in apoptosis, antioxidant replication, modulation of estrogen receptors, regulation of signaling pathways, inhibition of and metastasis and angiogenesis are among various mechanisms underlying the chemo‐preventive effects of quercetin in colorectal cancer. This review covers various therapeutic interactions of Quercetin as to how targets cellular involved in cancer treatment.
Primary Endpoints in Pediatric Efficacy Trials Submitted to the US FDA
Authors: Green Dionna J. , Burnham Janelle M. , Schuette Paul , Liu Xiaomei I. , Maas Brian M. , Yao Lynne , McCune Susan K. , Chen Joseph , van den Anker John N. , Burckart Gilbert J.
Published: April 2018

The selection of appropriate endpoints in pediatric drug development trials is a critical aspect of trial design. Given the high pediatric trial failure rate, selecting optimal trial design elements, such as the primary efficacy endpoint, is essential to ensuring increased potential for trial success. The objectives of this study were to identify the primary efficacy endpoints measured in pediatric drug development trials submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration and to relate endpoint attributes to trial and label outcome. The analysis included pediatric pivotal efficacy studies submitted from September 2007 to July 2016 for which there was a corresponding adult trial for the same indication. Two hundred and thirty‐four efficacy trials on 138 unique products studied in pediatric patients were assessed. The adult and pediatric endpoints were the same in 141 of the 234 trials (60.3%), and these trials succeeded in meeting their primary endpoint more often (122 of 141 [86.5%]) than when the adult and pediatric endpoints differed (57 of 93 [61.3%]; odds ratio, 4.03; 95%CI, 2.10–7.80). Trials that included both pediatric and adult patients succeeded more frequently than those trials that did not combine pediatric and adult patients (85 of 95 versus 94 of 139, respectively; odds ratio, 4.05; 95%CI, 1.94–9.31). No differences were observed in pediatric trial success between those using subjective and objective endpoints. Using the same endpoint in the pediatric trial as was measured in the corresponding adult trial and enrolling pediatric and adult patients in the same trial were attributes associated with trial success.
Impact of electrocoagulation on membrane filtration resistance under different proportions of industrial wastewater
Authors: Qian Guangsheng , Ye Linlin , Li Liang , Hu Xiaomin
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

The principal purpose of the present work was to explore the mechanism of mitigation of membrane fouling in a periodic reversal submerged electro‐coagulation membrane bioreactor (SECMBR) with Fe–C electrodes. In this study, membrane resistance and activated sludge performance were compared in a SECMBR and a conventional submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR).

RESULTS

Adsorption fouling had a strong direct correlation with the soluble microbial products (SMP) and carbohydrates in SMP and had a moderate correlation with the mixed liquor volatile suspended solids, viscosity and average particle size. SECMBR enhanced the flocculation of suspended sludge, decreased the absolute value of the ζ potential, and maintained microbial activities. With increasing proportion of oil shale wastewater, more soluble microbial products were secreted by microorganisms in the SECMBR than in the SMBR.

CONCLUSION

Electrocoagulation technology has the capacity to increase the sludge particle size and decrease the absolute value of the ζ potential to alleviate cake layer fouling and total resistance. As the proportion of oil shale wastewater was increased, microbial activity in the conventional MBR was inhibited, leading to less secreted SMP and a lower adsorption fouling rate. The results provide insight into understanding the mechanism of mitigation of membrane resistance in an SECMBR. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
pDNA capture using grafted adsorbents
Authors: Singh Naveen K , Dsouza Roy N , Yelemane Vikas , Nentwig Nina , Grasselli Mariano , Fernández‐Lahore Marcelo
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

‘Expanded’ composite materials are of interest as an alternative, or as a supplement, to packed‐bed chromatography during bioproduct recovery and purification. Functionalized non‐woven fabrics and mega‐porous bodies are examples of systems that showed promise. However, there is scarce information on their suitability to capture and release plasmid DNA (pDNA), an important type of product employed in gene therapy.

RESULTS

Composite adsorbents were prepared using either chemical (CG‐DEAE‐NW) or gamma‐irradiated graft‐polymerization (GIR‐DEAE‐MP), and subsequently modified to have diethylamino ethanol (DEAE) functionality. Capture experiments showed that pDNA can actually reversibly bind to the two mentioned adsorbents, with capacity values of 2.4 and 1.3 mg per mL, respectively. These values are in the range of what can be expected from commercial beaded adsorbents but lower that the values expected from monoliths.

CONCLUSIONS

Expanded materials, due to their high voidage, may present limited capacity for pDNA. However, such materials are able to bind proteins and other contaminants from bacterial lysate, opening the way for their utilization in the ‘negative’ mode. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Ethylene Tethered Isatin‐Coumarin Hybrids and Evaluation of Their in vitro Antimycobacterial Activities
Authors: Gao Tao , Zeng Zhigang , Wang Gangqiang , Sun Shaofa , Liu Yi
Published: April 2018

A series of novel isatin‐coumarin derivatives tethered through ethylene were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their in vitro antimycobacterial activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) H37Rv and multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB). All hybrids exhibited potential antimycobacterial activities against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 32 to 256 μg/mL. In particular, the hybrid 4h (MIC: 50 and 32 μg/mL) was most active against MTB H37Rv and MDR‐TB strains, which was 2 and >4 folds more potent than the first‐line antitubercular agents rifampicin (MIC: 64 μg/mL) and isoniazid (MIC: >128 μg/mL) against MDR‐TB, warrant further optimization.
The anticoagulant properties of cadmium telluride quantum dots
Authors: Maguire Ciarán M. , Lavin Michelle , Doyle Mairead , Byrne Mary , Prina‐Mello Adriele , O'Donnell James S. , Volkov Yuri
Published: April 2018

The size‐dependent optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) are frequently exploited for use in medical imaging and labelling applications. Similarly, presented here, they also elicit profound size‐dependent anticoagulant properties. Cadmium telluride quantum dot (QDs) (3.2 nm) were shown to have a dramatic anticoagulant effect centred on around the intrinsic coagulation pathway, compared to their 3.6 nm counterparts. Several clinically relevant diagnostic tests were carried out over a concentration range of the QDs and demonstrated that the 3.2 nm QDs elicited their response on the intrinsic pathway as a whole, yet the activity of the individual intrinsic coagulation factors was not affected. The mechanism appears also to be strongly influenced by the concentration of calcium ions and not cadmium ions leached from the QDs. Static and shear‐based primary haemostasis assays were also carried out, demonstrating a profound anticoagulant effect which was independent of platelets and phospholipids. The data presented here suggest that the physical–chemical properties of the QDs may have a role in the modulation of haemostasis and the coagulation cascade, in a yet not fully understood mechanism. This study has implications for the use of similar QDs as diagnostic or therapeutic tools in vivo, and for the occupational health and safety of those working with such materials.
The role of the oath in credibility assessment
Authors: Wu Song , Cai Wei
Published: April 2018

Based on the adaptive lie detector theory, this study is an examination of whether taking an oath, as context‐general information, increases the credibility of a suspect. The consistency of the testimonies of 6 eyewitnesses was manipulated so that it could be used as individuating information. There were 2 sets of testimonies: one that was consistent and one that was inconsistent. The results supported the adaptive lie detector theory. The participants judged those persons who took an oath to be more credible than those who did not, but this only happened in situations where the testimonies of the eyewitnesses were inconsistent. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings and future directions are then discussed.
Comparative anatomy and development of pectoral and pelvic girdles in hylid anurans
Authors: Soliz Mónica C. , Ponssa María Laura , Abdala Virginia
Published: April 2018

The development of the tetrapod pectoral and pelvic girdles is intimately linked to the proximal segments of the fore‐ and hindlimbs. Most studies on girdles are osteological and provide little information about soft elements such as muscles and tendons. Moreover, there are few comparative developmental studies. Comparative data gleaned from cleared‐and‐stained whole mounts and serial histological sections of 10 species of hylid frogs are presented here. Adult skeletal morphology, along with bones, muscles, and connective tissue of both girdles and their association with the proximal portions of the anuran fore‐ and hindlimbs are described. The data suggest that any similarity could be attributable to the constraints of their ball‐and‐socket joints, including incorporation of the girdle and stylopodium into a single developmental module. An ancestral state reconstruction of key structures and developmental episodes reveals that several development events occur at similar stages in different species, thereby preventing heterochronic changes. The medial contact of the halves of the pectoral girdle coincides with the emergence of the forelimbs from the branchial chamber and with the total differentiation of the linkage between the axial skeleton and the girdles. The data suggest that morphogenic activity in the anterior dorsal body region is greater than in the posterior one, reflecting the evolutionary sequence of the development of the two girdles in ancient tetrapods. The data also document the profound differences in the anatomy and development of the pectoral and pelvic girdles, supporting the proposal that the pectoral and pelvic girdles are not serially homologous, as was long presumed.
Monitoring of oral cytomegalovirus DNA shedding for the prediction of viral DNAemia in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Pascual Tania , Solano Carlos , Torres Ignacio , Talaya Alberto , Giménez Estela , Vinuesa Víctor , Piñana José L. , Hernández‐Boluda Juan C. , Pérez Ariadna , Navarro David
Published: April 2018

Preemptive antiviral therapy based on detecting cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia above a preestablished threshold is the mainstay strategy for the prevention of CMV disease in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT) recipients; nevertheless, CMV DNAemia, even at low levels, may increase mortality. We investigated whether surveillance of saliva for the presence of CMV DNA may anticipate the occurrence of CMV DNAemia. This was a prospective observational study with 53 consecutively enrolled allo‐HSCT recipients. Saliva and plasma specimens were collected on a weekly basis from Day 0 to Day 100 after transplantation. CMV DNA was quantified in both specimen types using the Abbott Real‐Time PCR assay (Abbott Molecular, Des Plaines, IL). CMV DNA was quantifiable in 44 (83%) patients: either in saliva (n = 1) or plasma (n = 12) only, or in both specimen types (n = 31). CMV oral shedding preceded the occurrence of CMV DNAemia in eight patients (18.2%), while the opposite pattern was observed in 21 patients (47.7%). The CMV DNA loads quantified in saliva and plasma correlated modestly (P = 0.33; P = 0.013) and did not differ in magnitude (P = 0.527). No transplantation factors, other than recipient CMV seropositivity, were associated with oral CMV DNA shedding; serum CMV IgG levels were comparable, regardless of the timing of the detection of CMV DNA at both sites. In summary, screening of saliva specimens for the presence of CMV DNA appear to be of limited value for anticipating the occurrence of CMV DNAemia in allo‐HSCT recipients.
Increased serum levels of IL‐33 and soluble ST2 in neonates with human cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Chen Yanru , Qian Jihong
Published: April 2018

Interleukin 33 (IL‐33) and soluble form of ST2 (sST2) are involved in inflammation. This study aimed to assess the role of serum IL‐33 and sST2 in neonates with HCMV infection. The concentration of serum IL‐33 and sST2 in 20 patients and 16 healthy controls were measure by enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay (ELISA). The clinical and laboratory data were described. Our results showed serum sST2 and IL‐33 levels were significantly higher in the HCMV group than the control group. Significant positive correlation was observed between sST2 and IL‐33 (r = 0.518, P = 0.001). Furthermore, there was a positive, moderate, and statistically significant correlation between sST2 and ALT levels in the control and HCMV groups (r = 0.579, P = 0.007; r = 0.66, P = 0.005, respectively). The AUC of sST2 and IL‐33 was found to be 0.822 and 0.867 respectively. Further, at a cut‐off value of 1823.4 ng/mL, sST2 gave 65% sensitivity and 93.7% specificity. Similarly, IL‐33 gave 95% sensitivity and 68.7% specificity at a cut‐off value 2.04 pg/mL. The Youden index of sST2 and IL‐33 was found to be 0.587 and 0.637, respectively. In conclusion, this study revealed that sST2 and IL‐33 have great potential to be used as biomarkers for early screening and indicate liver damage for HCMV patients in future after validation in large cohort study.
Phylogenetic analysis of HTLV‐1 in Iranian blood donors, HIV‐1 positive patients and patients with beta thalassemia
Authors: Pirayeshfard Leila , Sharifi Zohreh , Amini‐Kafiabad Sedigheh , Haghnazari Sadaghiani Nasrin
Published: April 2018

Human T‐cell lymphoma virus (HTLV) has been associated with various disease types. Since the discovery of the virus in 1980, seven subtypes of the virus have been identified. HTLV is widespread and endemic in some regions, such as Japan, Africa, South America, and northeast Iran. This study aimed to identify HTLV‐1 genotype and also to analyze the nucleotide sequence of the LTR region in three groups, including blood donors, HIV‐1+ patients, and β‐thalassemia patients. In this cross‐sectional study, 2200 samples were collected from blood donors in Tehran (2000 samples), HIV‐1+ patients (100 samples) and β‐thalassemia patients (100 samples). All samples were screened for anti‐HTLV‐I&II antibodies by ELISA. Then, genomic DNA was extracted from repeatedly positive samples, and nested PCR was performed for both the TAX and LTR regions. Purified PCR products were sequenced and analyzed, and finally, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using Mega7 software. The prevalence of the anti‐HTLV‐I&II antibody among blood donors and HIV‐1+ patients was 1.7% (34/2000) and 12% (12/100), respectively. The PCR results confirmed that 0.05% (1/2000) of blood donors, 5% (5/100) of HIV‐1+ patients, and 8% (8/100) of β‐thalassemia patients were HTLV‐I positive. All sequences were matched to HTLV‐1 subtype a, subgroup A. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequenced samples belong to the endemic clusters of Iran. HTLV‐1 genotypes in all samples were similar in three groups and were derived from the strains, which had been previously reported from Iran (AF00300/Mashhad and KT190712.1/Sabzevar).
Semianalytical modeling of the depletion layers and their effects on the threshold voltage of a junctionless double‐gate MOSFET including trapped charges
Authors: Beigi Kobra , Hashemi Seyed Amir
Published: April 2018

This paper considers the depletion regions at the source and drain sides in a symmetric junctionless double‐gate metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor with trapped charges working in subthreshold condition. The effects of depletion layers on the potential, threshold voltage, drain‐induced barrier lowering (DIBL), and the current of the device have been investigated. The channel of the transistor is divided into 4 regions: 2 regions without and with trapped charges and 2 depletion regions on either side of the channel. Solving the 2‐dimensional Poisson's equation, a semianalytical model for the potential is achieved in these regions and the threshold voltage, the DIBL, and the current are calculated. Also, the depletion widths are calculated during the modeling and their variation against the positive and negative trapped charges is investigated. To show the importance of the depletion layers, another junctionless double‐gate metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor without depletion layers is considered and the mentioned electrical properties of the 2 devices are compared with each other. Smaller central potential, threshold voltage, and current and higher DIBL are achieved when the depletion layers are considered. Good agreement between the results of the proposed model and the simulated results by TCAD software shows the physical validity of the proposed model.
A scalable and multibias parameter extraction method for a small‐signal GaN HEMT model
Authors: Chen Yongbo , Xu Yuehang , Wang Feng , Wang Changsi , Wu Qingzhi , Qiao Shiyang , Yan Bo , Xu Ruimin
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a scalable and multibias parameter extraction method for gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor small‐signal model has been proposed. The main advantage of this method is that the temperature‐dependent access resistances and nonlinear thermal resistance have been taken into account, which makes the extracted access resistances and intrinsic elements more physical and reliable at different bias conditions for various device dimensions. The new modeling method has been validated by comparing the simulated small‐signal S‐parameters with the measured data over a wide range of frequency.
Conditional deletion of Neurog1 in the cerebellum of postnatal mice delays inhibitory interneuron maturation
Authors: Obana Edwin A. , Zhou Qiong , Furmanski Orion , Doughty Martin L.
Published: April 2018

The transcriptional programs that drive the generation of diverse GABAergic neuron populations from their common progenitor pools in the developing cerebellum remain unclear. Neurog1 is a pro‐neural basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor expressed in GABAergic progenitor cells in the ventricular zone (VZ) of embryos and subsequently in the presumptive white matter (pWM) tracts of developing postnatal mice. Genetic inducible fate‐mapping labels Purkinje cells and all inhibitory interneuron cell types of the cerebellar cortex. As conventional Neurog1Neo knockout (KO) mice are neonatal lethal, we generated Neurog1loxP mutant mice to examine the effects of conditional Neurog1 deletion on the postnatal development of the cerebellum. Targeted Neurog1 loss‐of‐function in the developing cerebellum does not result in significant differences in cerebellar morphology or in the number of GABAergic neurons in the cerebellar cortex of mice at postnatal day 21 (P21). To determine the effects of Neurog1 deletion on GABAergic progenitors, we quantified rates of cell proliferation and cell cycle progression or re‐entry in embryonic Neurog1Neo and postnatal Neurog1loxP mutants. The data revealed no significant effect of Neurog1 loss‐of‐function on embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) VZ progenitors or on P5 and P6 progenitors in the pWM at P7. However, 4–5 day pulse‐labeling of P5 and P6 progenitors revealed reductions in inhibitory interneuron dispersal from the pWM to the cerebellar cortex in P10 conditional Neurog1loxP/loxP KO mice. Thus, our conditional Neurog1 KO approach reveals a requirement for Neurog1 activity in inhibitory interneuron cell dispersal from pWM tracts in the developing cerebellum of postnatal mice.
Keeping work and private life apart: Age‐related differences in managing the work–nonwork interface
Authors: Spieler Ines , Scheibe Susanne , Stamov Roßnagel Christian
Published: April 2018

Initial evidence suggests that older workers enjoy higher work–life balance than young workers. Yet little is known about the mechanisms of this effect or the robustness of age differences when accounting for differences in life context. We introduce and test the boundary management account of aging and work–life balance, which suggests that older workers maintain stronger work–nonwork boundaries as a pathway toward work–life balance. Both in Study 1 (cross‐sectional; N = 298 bank employees) and in Study 2 (aggregated diary entries; N = 608 workers), older workers reported better work–life balance and stronger boundaries at work than young workers; and stronger boundaries at home (Study 1). In both studies, stronger boundaries were related to better work–life balance, and boundary strength mediated the relationship between age and work–life balance. Study 2 additionally suggests that the use of boundary management strategies is responsible for stronger boundaries at higher age. Analyses accounted for differences in family and work context characteristics (both studies) and boundary preferences (Study 1). The findings corroborate evidence of older workers' enhanced work–life balance and suggest that it results from more successful boundary management with age rather than merely from changes in contextual factors or boundary preferences.
A dynamic phase model of psychological contract processes
Authors: Rousseau Denise M. , Hansen Samantha D. , Tomprou Maria
Published: April 2018

In formulating a dynamic model of psychological contract (PC) phases, this paper offers new insights by incorporating a temporal perspective into the study of the PC. Although conceptualized as a dynamic construct, little empirical attention has been directed at how PCs evolve and change over time. Moreover, conceptualization of the PC and its processes has undergone limited revision since the 1990s despite challenges to some of its tenets and advances in related fields that suggest the importance of time to such processes. In this article, we address limitations in existing theory, clarify the conceptualization of the PC, and bring dynamism to the forefront of PC theory building by emphasizing dynamic processes. We propose a phase‐based model of PC processes (intraphase and interphase) wherein the functions of key variables (e.g., promises, inducements, contributions, and obligations) change over time and context. These phases include creation, maintenance, renegotiation, and repair. This model directs attention to the dynamic nature of the PC, drawing on contemporary evidence regarding self‐regulatory mechanisms. Finally, we present the implications of this dynamic phase model for theory and research.
Explaining dyadic expertise use in knowledge work teams: An opportunity–ability–motivation perspective
Authors: Hong Woonki , Gajendran Ravi Shanker
Published: April 2018

Organizations use project teams to lower search costs associated with locating expertise by assembling requisite expertise within a single unit. But prior research suggests that availability of expertise in teams does not guarantee its use. When are team members more likely to reach out to their peers for their expertise? To answer this question, this paper develops a theoretical model predicting dyadic expertise use in teams based on the opportunity–ability–motivation framework of behavior in organizations. We argue that 3 complementary conditions influence dyadic expertise use in teams: A focal team member is more likely to use a peer's expertise in a specific domain when the peer is perceived to have valuable expertise (opportunity), when the member is psychologically empowered (motivation), and when the member shares a strong tie with the peer (ability). We tested our framework using a 2‐wave dataset consisting of 1,898 observations of dyadic domain‐specific peer expertise use based on 71 members rating 166 peers nested within 22 teams. Findings suggest that tie strength and psychological empowerment jointly moderate the relationship between perceived peer expertise level and peer expertise use.
Springtime extra‐tropical cyclones in Northeast Asia and their impacts on long‐term precipitation trends
Authors: Cho Hyeong‐Oh , Son Seok‐Woo , Park Doo‐Sun R.
Published: April 2018

Springtime extra‐tropical cyclones (ETCs) in Northeast Asia and the associated precipitation anomalies are examined by objectively tracking ETCs from reanalysis data. The cluster analyses reveal that Northeast Asian cyclones are largely grouped into two distinct tracks, that is, north and south tracks, depending on their pathways. The south‐track ETCs typically form over southeast China and travel towards the Japanese Islands, while the north‐track ETCs are first detected around Mongolia and move southeastwards to the Korean Peninsula. Unlike the latter ones, the former ones exhibit a significant negative trend in their occurrence frequency (−1.17 per decade from 1979 to 2014), explaining a negative precipitation trend over the broad regions from southeast China to the Kyushu Islands. It is argued that the reduction of the south‐track ETCs is at least in part caused by the strengthened convection over the tropical western Pacific. The resulting Gill‐type response in the subtropics tends to drive reduced moisture supplies to southern China, likely causing an unfavourable condition for the development of the south‐track ETCs.
Climatological trends of snowfall over the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin
Authors: Baijnath‐Rodino Janine A. , Duguay Claude R. , LeDrew Ellsworth
Published: April 2018

The leewards shores of the Laurentian Great Lakes are highly susceptible to lake‐induced snowfall. During the late autumn and winter season, cold air advection over relatively warm lakes can induce instability in the lower planetary boundary layer (PBL), facilitating the exchange of moisture and energy fluxes and fuelling the development of snowfall. Snowfall in this region can have disastrous impacts on local communities such as the November 2014 Buffalo storm that caused 13 fatalities. This paper discusses historical snowfall trends along the Canadian leewards shores of Lakes Superior and Huron‐Georgian Bay and explores several lake‐induced predictor variables that may influence the snowfall trends. Spatio‐temporal snowfall and total precipitation trends were computed for the 1980–2015 period over the Great Lakes Basin (GLB) using the Daymet (version 3) gridded estimated data set. Results show a significant decrease in snowfall, at a rate of 40 cm/36 years, and a significant decrease in total precipitation of 20 mm/36 years, along the Ontario snowbelts of Lake Superior and partially along that of Lake Huron‐Georgian Bay at the 95% confidence level during the cold season. Attributions to these negative spatio‐temporal trends are explored using data from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) data sets. Predictor variables show significant warming in lake surface temperature (LST) at a rate of over 6 K/36 years for Lake Superior, significant decrease in ice cover fraction for both lakes, and an increase in the vertical temperature gradient (VTG) between the LST and the 850 mb level. While the behavioural trends of these variables are believed to enhance snowfall through increased evaporation, there are other complex processes involved, such as inefficient moisture recycling and increased moisture storage in warmer air masses that may inhibit the development of snowfall along the immediate leewards shores of Lake Superior.
Ambient‐light‐adaptive image quality enhancement for full‐color e‐paper displays using a saturation‐based tone‐mapping method
Authors: Qin Zong , Chen Yi‐Wen , Lin Fang‐Cheng , Hung Chi‐Mao , Shieh Han‐Ping David , Huang Yi‐Pai
Published: April 2018

Full‐color e‐paper displays that have a small color gamut encounter image tone distortions and contour artifacts in high‐saturation regions. To solve these issues, in this paper, we comprehensively measure the colorimetric responses of input image signals and demonstrate that the perceptual colorfulness in terms of chroma abnormally declines when the input saturation is beyond a certain value. Accordingly, saturation‐based tone‐mapping curves are developed to map the abnormal high saturation to the range that the display is able to normally render. By testing several test charts and natural images, the recoveries of the original image tones and the removals of the contour artifacts are experimentally verified. More important, by discussing how to conduct a database of tone‐mapping curves for different ambient lights and utilize the database for an unknown ambient light, the proposed method is proven to be completely ambient light adaptive.
Transparent AMOLED display driven by split oxide TFT backplane
Authors: Lee Suhui , Chen Yuanfeng , Kim Jeonggi , Kim Hyo‐Min , Jang Jin
Published: April 2018

We have developed stable and high performance etch‐stopper amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide thin‐film transistor (TFT) by using split active oxide semiconductor. The amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide TFTs exhibit the mobility as high as over 70 cm2/Vs and the stable operation under positive bias temperature stress. In this work, we demonstrated a 4‐in. transparent active‐matrix organic light‐emitting diode display using oxide TFT backplane with split active layer, where the gate driver is integrated.
Multidimensional analyses of the learning curve for single‐incision plus one port laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon and upper rectal cancer
Authors: Li Junmeng , Wang Yanan , Liu Dong , Zhou Haipeng , Mou Tingyu , Li Guoxin , Deng Haijun
Published: April 2018

Background and Objectives

Single‐incision plus one port surgery (SILS + 1) provides the advantages of being minimally invasive and easier to perform than pure single‐incision laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the learning curve (LC) for SILS + 1 for sigmoid colon and upper rectal cancer.

Method

From November 2012 to May 2014, a series of 85 consecutive patients underwent selective SLIS + 1 for sigmoid colon and upper rectal cancer performed by a single surgeon at Nanfang Hospital. The LC for SILS + 1 was evaluated using cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) and risk‐adjusted CUSUM methods. Data for all the perioperative variables and pathologic results among the phases were compared.

Results

The LC had three phases: phase 1 (cases 1‐13) was the initial learning period; phase 2 (cases 14‐44) was the learning plateau period; and phase 3 (cases 45‐85) was the competent period. The differences in total operating time among the three phases were significant. The number of harvested lymph nodes increased along with increases in the surgeon's experience.

Conclusions

For experienced CLS surgeons, the learning process reached the plateau period after the 13th case, and technical competence was achieved after the 44th case.