bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Painting Country: Spatial, Somatic and Linguistic Experience in Central Australian Aboriginal Art
Authors: Tavendale Olwyn
Published: March 2019

A demonstration that the spatial experience informing some Central Australian Aboriginal art is topographically precise brings into question the relevance of structuralist methodologies for appraising these maps of country. Qualitative aspects of spatial, somatic, linguistic and emotional experiences are found to inform the way‐finding depicted in paintings by artists of three language groups.
Improvement of mechanical and dielectric properties of ethylene–octene copolymer by multi‐walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with poly(2,2′‐bithiophene)
Authors: Roja Zhenjia , Reinholds Ingars , Zicans Janis , Meri Remo Merijs , Kizane Gunta , Vugule Guna
Published: March 2019

In this study, Baytube™ multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were in situ modified by graft‐polymerized 2,2′‐bithiophene. The obtained PBT‐g‐MWCNTs were used as fillers for the development of semi‐conductive nanocomposites with ethylene–octene copolymer (EOC, ENGAGE™ 8540). The methods of infrared and Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the filler materials. Composite specimens with neat MWCNTs and PBT‐g‐MWCNTs at their contents of 3, 5, and 10 wt% were made by ultra‐sound assisted master batching method and their mechanical and dielectric properties were compared. The strength properties (storage modulus, tensile strength) and the elongation at break of the composites with high contents (> 3 wt%) of PBT‐g‐MWCNTs were notably improved comparing to EOC/MWCNT composites. A notable improvement by more than two orders of magnitude of EOC conductivity was determined at 10 wt% content of PBT‐g‐MWCNT compared to that of pristine MWCNTs used as the composite nanofiller. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3971–3980, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prechemotherapy Levels of Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone and Its Sulfated Form as Predictors of Cancer‐Related Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Toh Yi Long , Shariq Mujtaba Juliana , Bansal Sumit , Yeo Angie , Shwe Maung , Lau Aik Jiang , Chan Alexandre
Published: March 2019

Study Objective

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form (DHEAS)—jointly referred to asDHEA(S)—are neurosteroids known to regulate brain development and function that have been found to be positively correlated with cognitive function. It is unknown whether prechemotherapy plasmaDHEA(S) levels are associated with the onset of cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether an association exists between prechemotherapy plasmaDHEA(S) levels and onset ofCRCIin patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy.

Design

Multicenter, prospective cohort study.

Setting

Two specialized cancer centers in Singapore.

Patients

Eighty‐one patients with early‐stage breast cancer (stages I–III) who had no prior exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and were scheduled to receive anthracycline‐based or taxane‐based chemotherapy treatment with curative intent.

Measurements and Main Results

Patients completed assessments for self‐perceived and objective cognitive function at three time points: prechemotherapy (T1), during chemotherapy (T2), and after chemotherapy (T3). Plasma samples were collected prior to chemotherapy, andDHEA(S) levels were quantified by using ultra–high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for clinically important factors and to evaluate the association between prechemotherapy plasmaDHEA(S) levels andCRCI. Mean ± SDage was 48.9 ± 9.3 years, with 27.8% of patients experiencing clinically significant cognitive impairment based on global Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive Function scores. The mean ± SDprechemotherapy plasmaDHEASandDHEAlevels were 1.61 ± 0.91 μmol/L and 19.21 ± 13.13 nmol/L, respectively. PrechemotherapyDHEASlevels were found to be associated with impairment in the self‐perceived cognitive domains of verbal fluency (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08–0.96) and mental acuity (adjustedOR0.25, 95%CI0.08–0.74). Conversely,DHEAlevels were not associated with impairment in any cognitive subdomains.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that patients with higher prechemotherapyDHEASlevels had lower odds of developing self‐perceived cognitive impairment. Future studies are required to further investigate the effect ofDHEA(S) on specific cognitive domains and to validate our findings in independent cohorts.
Fixed‐Dose Four‐Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Vitamin K Antagonist Reversal: Does One Dose Fit All?
Authors: Schwebach Alyson A. , Waybright Ryan A. , Johnson Thomas J.
Published: March 2019

Four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F‐PCC) has emerged as the preferred option for emergent reversal of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs); however, the optimal dosing strategy is unknown. Although several studies have attempted to determine the optimal dose of 4F‐PCC using a variety of dosing regimens, no dosing strategy has been found to be superior. Many of these studies have evaluated a low, fixed dose of 4F‐PCC rather than individualized dosing as recommended in product labeling. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of various fixed‐dose strategies of 4F‐PCC for emergent VKA reversal and to assess limitations of the existing literature. A search of the PubMed database was performed from the earliest available date through 2018 for relevant articles describing fixed‐dose 4F‐PCC for VKA reversal. Reference lists of relevant articles were also manually reviewed. Most currently available studies are primarily observational and heterogeneous in design. A very low fixed dose of 500 IU is likely inadequate for successful VKA reversal, but increased fixed doses of 1000–1500 IU have found some degree of success and may be considered for VKA reversal. However, many of these studies consistently identified a trend toward international normalized ratio (INR) reversal failure in patients presenting with high baseline INR values or intracranial hemorrhage, suggesting that higher 4F‐PCC doses are needed in these patients. Available studies are underpowered to determine whether a dose‐dependent association with thrombotic risk exists. Additional large, randomized studies are needed to determine the optimal dosing strategy and ascertain the role for fixed‐dose 4F‐PCC.
The effect of poly(butylene succinate) content on the structure and thermal and mechanical properties of its blends with polylactide
Authors: Ostrowska Justyna , Sadurski Waldemar , Paluch Magdalena , Tyński Piotr , Bogusz Jakub
Published: March 2019

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and polylactide (PLA) were blended in a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder with various contents of PBS from 0 to 100 wt%. The effect of PBS content on the thermal and mechanical properties of PBS/PLA blends was investigated by using DSC, softening point measurements, a Charpy impact test and tensile testing. The Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that the polymers are immiscible, but the addition of PBS could modify the PLA structure in PBS/PLA blends by changing the content of amorphous and crystalline phases. In addition, the cold crystallization temperature of PLA in blends decreases in comparison with pure PLA, which shows that PBS could have a plasticizing effect on PLA. This is confirmed by the results of DSC analysis. The mechanical properties of the blends depend on the percentage of PBS addition. Typically, the mechanical properties of PBS/PLA blends are intermediate between the properties of the polyesters from which they are obtained. However, in some cases unexpected changes in mechanical properties of the blends were observed. For example, the elongation at break for a PBS/PLA blend containing 10 wt% PLA is higher than for pure PBS. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative, Label‐Free Proteomics in the Symptomatic Niemann–Pick, Type C1 Mouse Model Using Standard Flow Liquid Chromatography and Thermal Focusing Electrospray Ionization
Authors: Pergande Melissa R. , Nguyen Thu T. A. , Haney‐Ball Carol , Davidson Cristin D. , Cologna Stephanie M.
Published: March 2019

Niemann–Pick disease, type C1 (NPC1) is a fatal, autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disorder caused by mutations in the NPC1 gene. As a result, there is accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and sphingolipids in the late endosomal/lysosomal system. This abnormal accumulation results in a cascade of pathophysiological events including progressive, cerebellar neurodegeneration, among others. While significant progress has been made to better understand NPC1, the downstream effects of cholesterol storage and the major mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration remain unclear. In the current study, a) the use of a commercial, highly efficient standard flow‐ESI platform for protein biomarker identification is implemented and b) protein biomarkers are identified and evaluated at a terminal time point in the NPC1 null mouse model. In this study, alterations are observed in proteins related to fatty acid homeostasis, calcium binding and regulation, lysosomal regulation, and inositol biosynthesis and metabolism, as well as signaling by Rho family GTPases. New observations from this study include altered expression of Pcp2 and Limp2 in Npc1 mutant mice relative to control, with Pcp2 exhibiting multiple isoforms and specific to the cerebella. This study provides valuable insight into pathways altered in the late‐stage pathophysiology of NPC1.
Removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution by semi‐interpenetrating polymer network hybrid hydrogel: Optimization through Taguchi method
Authors: Yilmaz Elif , Guzel Kaya Gulcihan , Deveci Huseyin
Published: March 2019

In this study, sodium humate/poly(acrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid)/kaolin semi‐interpenetrating polymer network hybrid hydrogel was synthesized as an effective adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue. The morphological and structural properties, and swelling behavior in distilled water and various environments of hybrid hydrogel were investigated with different analyses and tests. The equilibrium swelling percent of hybrid hydrogel reached to 37,000% in 240 min. The parameters (agitation time, concentration, dose, temperature, and pH) affecting adsorption process for methylene blue were optimized using Taguchi method. The data obtained in optimum conditions were well fitted to Langmuir adsorption isotherm and maximum adsorption capacity was determined as 833. 33 mg/g. In the light of the results, the utilization of hybrid hydrogel with high swelling capacity is foreseen as a favored adsorbent in several separation processes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1070–1078
Influence of the pH value on the degradation of an azo dye of methyl orange by air discharge plasma
Authors: Chen Qiang , He Bangbang , Ma Yupengxue , Wang Xin , Xiong Qing , Li Junshuai , Liu Qing Huo
Published: March 2019

Treatment of methyl orange (MO) synthetic wastewater by air discharge plasma was investigated, and the solution's pH value was found to be a key parameter of influencing the treatment efficiency. The results indicate that lower pH value can induce production of high reactive species, NO+ and peroxynitrous acid, which can contribute to the MO decomposition. When the appropriate amount of Fe2+ ions is present in the MO solution, the MO decomposition can be promoted by Fenton's reaction (Fe2+ reacts with H2O2 produced from the plasma–liquid interaction). Furthermore, the lower pH value is also beneficial for the Fenton's reaction by avoiding an appearance of Fe(OH)3 precipitate that can reduce the treatment efficiency.
Utility and safety of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration and endoscopic ultrasound with an echobronchoscope‐guided fine needle aspiration in children with mediastinal pathology
Authors: Gulla Krishna Mohan , Gunathilaka Ganganath , Jat Kana Ram , Sankar Jhuma , Karan Madan , Lodha Rakesh , Kabra Sushil K
Published: March 2019

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound with an echobronchoscope‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐B‐FNA) are useful modalities in the evaluation of mediastinal pathologies in adults. However, sparse data are available in children.

Objective

To describe the utility and safety of EBUS‐TBNA and EUS‐B‐FNA in children with mediastinal pathologies of unknown etiology.

Design

Chart review.

Setting

Pediatric Chest and Tuberculosis Clinics, Department of Pediatrics, AIIMS, New Delhi from May 2015 to March 2018.

Patients

Children <18 years of age with mediastinal pathologies of undefined etiology.

Methods

Case records of children who underwent EBUS‐TBNA and EUS‐B‐FNA were reviewed. Data on demographic profile, clinical features, laboratory investigations, the technique of EBUS‐TBNA/ EUS –B‐ FNA, complications, and findings were collected.

Results

Thirty children (19 males) with mean (SD) age of 9.6 (±3.5) years underwent endobronchial procedures. Median (IQR) weight(kg) and height(cm) were 29 (19.5, 35) and 134 (125, 150) respectively. Tuberculosis was the most common preprocedure clinical diagnosis (73.3%), followed by lymphoma (13.3%). Presenting features were fever (80%), cough (53.3%), hepatomegaly (13%), peripheral lymphadenopathy (21.7%), and positive tuberculin skin test (63.3%). Approximately one fourth were on antitubercular therapy without definite evidence of TB. Conscious sedation was used for the procedures: midazolam and fentanyl (n = 22), propofol (n = 8). Transesophageal, transtracheal, and both routes were used in 20 (66.6%), 7 (23.3%), and 3 (10.1%), respectively. Lymph‐nodes were sampled in 24 children (subcarinal in 16, right paratracheal in 4 and both in 4). Mean (SD) size of lymph node (in cm) on EBUS was 1.93(±0.5) and median (IQR) number of FNAC needle passes per node were 2 (2, 4). The diagnosis was confirmed in 11 (36.6%, tuberculosis in 10 by GeneXpert/ MGIT/ cytopath and lymphoma in one) patients. Only 3.3% had a minor complication.

Conclusion

EBUS‐TBNA and EUS‐B‐FNA are helpful in children with undiagnosed mediastinal pathology with fair diagnostic yield and excellent patient safety profile.
Investigation Of Crystallisation Conditions to Produce CL‐20/HMX Cocrystal for Polymer‐bonded Explosives
Authors: Herrmannsdörfer Dirk , Gerber Peter , Heintz Thomas , Herrmann Michael J. , Klapötke Thomas M.
Published: March 2019

Since its discovery in 2012, multiple techniques to generate the CL‐20/HMX cocrystal have been published. However, as yet no assessment or trial has been reported of crystallisation methods capable of producing the cocrystal in a size region and production scale suitable for its use in polymer bonded explosives (PBX). This paper provides insight into the selection of suitable crystallisation methods, solvent selection and process optimisation with a focus on the efficient production of high‐quality cocrystals for use in PBX. Through extensive solvent screening, acetonitrile was identified as the best solvent for solution‐based crystallisation, due to its capability to produce compact parallelepipedic crystals and its comparably wide cocrystal phase region. Crystallisation conducted at 60 °C was found to increase the conversion rate and the material efficiency compared to room temperature. By application of an advanced seeding procedure, high‐quality cocrystals in the size region of 180–250 μm were produced in laboratory‐scale antisolvent and cooling crystallisations. By pilot‐plant‐scale batch reaction cocrystallization, cocrystals with a volume‐weighted mean diameter of 33 μm were produced in quantities of 250 g per day.
Identification of a α‐helical molten globule intermediate and structural characterization of β‐cardiotoxin, an all β‐sheet protein isolated from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah (king cobra)
Authors: Roy Amrita , Qingxiang Sun , Alex Chapeaurouge , Rajagopalan Nandhakishore , Jobichen Chacko , Sivaraman J. , Kini R. Manjunatha
Published: March 2019

β‐Cardiotoxin is a novel member of the snake venom three‐finger toxin (3FTX) family. This is the first exogenous protein to antagonize β‐adrenergic receptors and thereby causing reduction in heart rates (bradycardia) when administered into animals, unlike the conventional cardiotoxins as reported earlier. 3FTXs are stable all β‐sheet peptides with 60–80 amino acid residues. Here, we describe the three‐dimensional crystal structure of β‐cardiotoxin together with the identification of a molten globule intermediate in the unfolding pathway of this protein. In spite of the overall structural similarity of this protein with conventional cardiotoxins, there are notable differences observed at the loop region and in the charge distribution on the surface, which are known to be critical for cytolytic activity of cardiotoxins. The molten globule intermediate state present in the thermal unfolding pathway of β‐cardiotoxin was however not observed during the chemical denaturation of the protein. Interestingly, circular dichroism (CD) and NMR studies revealed the presence of α‐helical secondary structure in the molten globule intermediate. These results point to substantial conformational plasticity of β‐cardiotoxin, which might aid the protein in responding to the sometimes conflicting demands of structure, stability, and function during its biological lifetime.
Sea cucumber extract TBL‐12 inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human prostate cancer cells through the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and intrinsic caspase apoptosis pathway
Authors: Yuan Lei , Huang Xubin , Zhou Kai , Zhu Xun , Huang Bin , Qiu Shaopeng , Cao Kaiyuan , Xu Lin
Published: March 2019

Background

Sea cucumber is a kind of nutritious echinoderm that has multiple biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. However, there is no extensive study on the antitumor effect of sea cucumber extract on prostate cancer (PCa). TBL‐12 is a new sea cucumber extract. In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti‐PCa effect of TBL‐12 and its in vitro effects on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of the human PCa cell lines LNCaP, 22RV1, PC‐3, and DU145, and evaluated its possible mechanisms.

Methods

Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit‐8 and colony formation assays. Scratch migration assay and transwell invasiveness assay were used to observe TBL‐12 effect on the migration and invasion of PCa cells. Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) and MMP‐9 expression and enzymatic activity was determined by Western blot analysis, quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, and gelatin zymography. Apoptosis level was detected by flow cytometry analysis. Western blot analysis was used to analyze p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and apoptosis pathways. Angiogenic array analysis was used to explore autocrine and paracrine growth factors in PCa cell lines. Xenograft tumor model was built to observe the in vivo anticancer effect.

Results

TBL‐12 could significantly inhibit tumor growth in xenograft PCa mice in vivo, and dramatically inhibit the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasiveness of PCa cells in vitro (P < 0.05 and
P < 0.001). The expression and enzyme activity of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were significantly suppressed by TBL‐12 (
P < 0.01), and decreased phosphorylation level of p38 in PCa cells was detected (
P < 0.001). Furthermore, TBL‐12 could reinforce the MMP‐2/MMP‐9 inhibitory effect of SB203580, a specific inhibitor of the p38 MAPK pathway (
P < 0.05). Besides, TBL‐12 could induce the apoptosis of PCa cells by activating caspase‐9, caspase‐7, and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and suppressing survivin, and inhibit the secretion of angiogenin, angiopoietin‐2, and vascular endothelial growth factor in PCa cells.

Conclusions

Sea cucumber extract TBL‐12 could suppress the proliferation and metastasis of human PCa cells by inhibiting MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 via blocking the p38 MAPK pathway, inducing apoptosis through intrinsic caspase apoptosis pathway and inhibiting the secretion of angiogenic factors. Our findings may be of importance and significance for the research and clinical applications of sea cucumber extract in PCa treatment.
Genome‐wide identification and analysis of genes associated with RNA interference in Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Tian Lixia , Zeng Yang , Xie Wen , Wu Qingjun , Wang Shaoli , Zhou Xuguo , Zhang Youjun
Published: March 2019

Background

As a method of RNA‐mediated gene silencing, RNA interference (RNAi) is a useful reverse genetic tool with which to study gene function, and holds great promise for pest management. Bemisia tabaci is a cosmopolitan pest that causes extensive damage to crops. The mechanism underlying RNAi efficiency in B. tabaci is not well known. We identified and analyzed candidate genes in the RNAi pathway to understand the RNAi mechanism and provide a basis for the application of RNAi in pest management.

Results

We identified 33 genes putatively involved in the RNAi pathway from the B. tabaci Q genome. Phylogenetic and structural analyses confirmed the characteristics of these genes. Furthermore, quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and transcriptomic analysis profiled gene expression patterns during different developmental stages. Gene expression levels estimated by qRT‐PCR and RNA‐seq analyses were significantly correlated. Moreover, gene functions were verified by RNAi. When accompanied by knockdown of AGO2, Dicer2 and Sid1, the efficiency of CYP6DB3 RNAi decreased correspondingly.

Conclusion

In this study, we annotated and validated genes involved in B. tabaci RNAi. A better understanding of the building blocks of the RNAi process in B. tabaci facilitates integration of this novel biotechnology into the management of this emerging pest, either directly or indirectly. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatial assessment of pesticide leaching risk to groundwater: sub‐national decision making and model output aggregation
Authors: Dowling Thomas PF , Beulke Sabine , Garratt James
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

This study compares standard regulatory methodology (fixed scenarios and models) to spatial modelling at a 1 km landscape resolution for the evaluation of predicted environmental concentrations of pesticides in groundwater. The use of spatial modelling in the decision‐making processes is discussed and three options for the sub‐national evaluation and restriction of substances based on spatial environmental fate modelling are examined. Wheat and sugar beet are tested with two modified FOCUS substances (A and D) in the PEARL and GeoPEARL models. The 80th percentile value in time and space, aggregated to three different sub‐national divisions of interest to a regulator, is used as a regulatory relevant output.

RESULTS

Means and medians of predicted environmental concentrations at the national level are not useful summary statistics in the age of extensive and freely available geospatial data. A better statistic to use is the P80 (or other desired threshold/percentile combination) in time and space of predicted environmental concentration, combined with flexible and adaptable sub‐divisions of the country based on the desired protective target.

CONCLUSION

Tier 3b modelling is shown to provide an increase in localism and regulatory nuance over Tier 1 scenarios when combined with soil and aquifer type sub‐national units. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Modelling the potential effects of climate factors on Dubas bug (Ommatissus lybicus) presence/absence and its infestation rate: A case study from Oman
Authors: Al Kindi Khalifa M , Kwan Paul , Andrew Nigel R , Welch Mitchell
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae) (Dubas Bug, DB) is an insect pest attacking date palms. It occurs in Arab countries including Oman. In this paper, the logistic, ordinary least square, and geographical weighted regressions were applied to model the absence/presence and density of DB against climate factors. A method is proposed for modelling spatially correlated prorations annually over the study period, based on annual and seasonal outbreaks. The historical 2006–2015 climate data were obtained from weather stations located in nine governorates in northern Oman, while dataloggers collected the 2017 microclimate data in eight of these nine governorates.

RESULTS

Logistic regression model showed the percentages of correctly predicted values using a cut‐off point of 0.5 were 90%, 88% and 84%, indicating good classification accuracy. OLS and GWR models showed an overall trend of strong linear correlation between DB infestation levels and short‐ and long‐term climate factors. The three models suggested that precipitation, elevation, temperature, humidity, wind direction and wind speed are important in influencing the spatial distribution and the presence/absence of dense DB populations.

CONCLUSION

The results provide an improved understanding of climate factors that impact DB's spread and is considered useful for managing DB infestations in date palm plantations. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Defect‐Pattern‐Induced Fingerprints in the Electron Density of States of Strained Graphene Layers: Diffraction and Simulation Methods
Authors: Radchenko Taras M. , Tatarenko Valentyn A. , Lizunov Vyacheslav V. , Molodkin Vadim B. , Golentus Illya E. , Sahalianov Ihor Y. , Prylutskyy Yuriy I.
Published: March 2019

The paper combines two theoretical approaches – the method of grazing dynamical diffraction (which allows performing the nondestructive structural diagnostics of defects in the near‐surface layers) with efficient numerical simulation method (which enables computation of electron structure in realistically large systems with millions of atoms) – for studying electronic properties in uniaxially strained graphene layers with point defects: impurity atoms. Electron density of states (DOS) is proved sensitive to the direction of uniaxial tensile deformation and configuration of defects. If defects are distributed orderly, the band gap value (estimated from the DOS curves) varies nonmonotonically versus the stretching deformation along zigzag‐edge direction. In this case, the minimal tensile strain required for the band gap opening is found to be smaller than that for defect‐free graphene, and the maximum band gap value is close to that predicted for failure limit of the defect‐free graphene. The obtained results play a significant part for band gap engineering in graphene: via spatial configuring of defects and external tensile stresses.
Morin enhances auranofin anticancer activity by up‐regulation of DR4 and DR5 and modulation of Bcl‐2 through reactive oxygen species generation in Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Hwang‐Bo Hyun , Lee Won Sup , Nagappan Arulkumar , Kim Hong Jae , Panchanathan Radha , Park Cheol , Chang Seong‐Hwan , Kim Nam Deuk , Leem Sun‐Hee , Chang Young‐Chae , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Cheong Jae Hun , Kim Gon Sup , Jung Jin‐Myung , Shin Sung Chul , Hong Soon Chan , Choi Yung Hyun
Published: March 2019

Evidence suggests that auranofin (AF) exhibits anticancer activity by inhibiting thioredoxin reductase (TrxR). Here, in this study, we have investigated the synergistic effects of AF and morin and their mechanism for the anticancer effects focusing on apoptosis in Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. We assessed the anticancer activities by annexin V/PI double staining, caspase, and TrxR activity assay. Morin enhances the inhibitory effects on TrxR activity of AF as well as reducing cell viability. Annexin V/PI double staining revealed that morin/AF cotreatment induced apoptotic cell death. Morin enhances AF‐induced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) loss and cytochrome c release. Further, morin/AF cotreatment upregulated death receptor DR4/DR5, modulated Bcl‐2 family members (upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl‐2), and activated caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9. Morin also enhances AF‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The anticancer effects results from caspase‐dependent apoptosis, which was triggered via extrinsic pathway by upregulating TRAIL receptors (DR4/DR5) and enhanced via intrinsic pathway by modulating Bcl‐2 and inhibitor of apoptosis protein family members. These are related to ROS generation. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that morin can enhance the anticancer activity of AF in Hep3B human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, indicating that its combination could be an alternative treatment strategy for the hepatocellular carcinoma.
Human Genomic Safe Harbors and the Suicide Gene-Based Safeguard System for iPSC-Based Cell Therapy
Authors: Kimura Yasuyoshi , Shofuda Tomoko , Higuchi Yuichiro , Nagamori Ippei , Oda Masaaki , Nakamori Masayuki , Onodera Masafumi , Kanematsu Daisuke , Yamamoto Atsuyo , Katsuma Asako , Suemizu Hiroshi , Nakano Toru , Kanemura Yonehiro , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: March 2019

The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and recent advances in cell engineering have opened new prospects for cell-based therapy. However, there are concerns that must be addressed prior to their broad clinical applications and a major concern is tumorigenicity. Suicide gene approaches could eliminate wayward tumor-initiating cells even after cell transplantation, but their efficacy remains controversial. Another concern is the safety of genome editing. Our knowledge of human genomic safe harbors (GSHs) is still insufficient, making it difficult to predict the influence of gene integration on nearby genes. Here, we showed the topological architecture of human GSH candidates, AAVS1, CCR5, human ROSA26, and an extragenic GSH locus on chromosome 1 (Chr1-eGSH). Chr1-eGSH permitted robust transgene expression, but a 2 Mb-distant gene within the same topologically associated domain showed aberrant expression. Although knockin iPSCs carrying the suicide gene, herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK), were sufficiently sensitive to ganciclovir in vitro, the resulting teratomas showed varying degrees of resistance to the drug in vivo. Our findings suggest that the Chr1-eGSH is not suitable for therapeutic gene integration and highlight that topological analysis could facilitate exploration of human GSHs for regenerative medicine applications. Our data indicate that the HSV-TK/ganciclovir suicide gene approach alone may be not an adequate safeguard against the risk of teratoma, and suggest that the combination of several distinct approaches could reduce the risks associated with cell therapy. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:627&638
EP4 Antagonist-Elicited Extracellular Vesicles from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Rescue Cognition/Learning Deficiencies by Restoring Brain Cellular Functions
Authors: Chen Shih-Yin , Lin Meng-Chieh , Tsai Jia-Shiuan , He Pei-Lin , Luo Wen-Ting , Herschman Harvey , Li Hua-Jung
Published: March 2019

Adult brains have limited regenerative capacity. Consequently, both brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases often cause functional impairment for patients. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), one type of adult stem cells, can be isolated from various adult tissues. MSCs have been used in clinical trials to treat human diseases and the therapeutic potentials of the MSC-derived secretome and extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been under investigation. We found that blocking the prostaglandin E2/prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (PGE2/EP4) signaling pathway in MSCs with EP4 antagonists increased EV release and promoted the sorting of specific proteins, including anti-inflammatory cytokines and factors that modify astrocyte function, blood–brain barrier integrity, and microglial migration into the damaged hippocampus, into the EVs. Systemic administration of EP4 antagonist-elicited MSC EVs repaired deficiencies of cognition, learning and memory, inhibited reactive astrogliosis, attenuated extensive inflammation, reduced microglial infiltration into the damaged hippocampus, and increased blood–brain barrier integrity when administered to mice following hippocampal damage. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019
Conspicuous reserves: Ideologies of water consumption and the performance of class
Authors: O'Leary Heather
Published: March 2019

Water has multiple values across and within cultures—transforming it from basic substance to a vehicle of cultural identity. Water scarcity can be imposed by hydrological or by social exclusion; each reinforces the other. Yet, even under scarcity, hierarchies are not immutable. People use myriad tools to increase their share of water, including, at times, the expenditure of more water. In water‐scarce informal settlements and tenements in Delhi, India, people's conspicuous use of water not only increases their social status and economic power but also generates additional access to water. This article argues that broader transformations of urban Indian culture, such as its increased commitment to middle classness, are demonstrated through the conspicuous consumption of water as a form of economic agency. Economic anthropology's theories of consumption are valuable frameworks to challenge the way water expenditures are modeled and hierarchies are upheld.
Randomised trials with provision for early stopping for benefit (or harm): The impact on the estimated treatment effect
Authors: Walter S.D. , Guyatt G.H. , Bassler D. , Briel M. , Ramsay T. , Han H.D.
Published: March 2019

Stopping rules for clinical trials are primarily intended to control Type I error rates if interim analyses are planned, but less is known about the impact that potential stopping has on estimating treatment benefit. In this paper, we derive analytic expressions for (1) the over‐estimation of benefit in studies that stop early, (2) the under‐estimation of benefit in completed studies, and (3) the overall bias in studies with a stopping rule. We also examine the probability of stopping early and the situation in meta‐analyses.

Numerical evaluations show that the greatest concern is with over‐estimation of benefit in stopped studies, especially if the probability of stopping early is small. The overall bias is usually less than 10% of the true benefit, and under‐estimation in completed studies is also typically small. The probability of stopping depends on the true treatment effect and sample size. The magnitude of these effects depends on the particular rule adopted, but we show that the maximum overall bias is the same for all stopping rules. We also show that an essentially unbiased meta‐analysis estimate of benefit can be recovered, even if some component studies have stopping rules. We illustrate these methods using data from three clinical trials.

The results confirm our earlier empirical work on clinical trials. Investigators may consult our numerical results for guidance on potential mis‐estimation and bias in the treatment effect if a stopping rule is adopted. Particular concern is warranted in studies that actually stop early, where interim results may be quite misleading.
Renewable Biomass‐Derived Hierarchically Porous Carbonaceous Sponge (CS)/g‐C3N4Composites as Adsorption and Photocatalytic Materials
Authors: Tu Dan , Liao Huiwei , Deng Qiulin , Liu Xiang , Shang Ronggang , Zhang Xiaoyong
Published: March 2019

In this work, the preparation, characterization and removal capability of hierarchically porous carbonaceous sponges and their g‐C3N4/CS composites were described. Possessing a hierarchically porous structure and extremely large surface areas, g‐C3N4/CS composites are demonstrated to have advantages in adsorption and photocatalytic activities. The adsorption and photocatalytic activities of the as‐prepared catalysts were evaluated by the degradation of RhB, MO, and phenol. The best results showed that 97% decomposition of RhB was obtained by using g‐C3N4/CS‐60 composites within 20 min at 25 °C under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, the g‐C3N4/CS‐60 composites showed remarkable regeneration stability, which maintains high photocatalytic activity after the samples are saturated. Additionally, the degradation mechanisms of RhB and the photocatalytic mechanism are explained in this paper.
Fabrication of Large Area Crack‐Free 2D and 3D WO3 Inverse Opal Films by “Dynamic Hard Template Infiltration Strategy”
Authors: Li Hua , Li Shali , Robichaud Jacques , Su Bao‐Lian , Djaoued Yahia
Published: March 2019

Large‐area crack‐free 2D and 3D WO3 inverse opal (IO) films, using a wide range of sizes of sacrificial PS spheres as colloidal crystal template, were fabricated by “dynamic hard template infiltration strategy”. First a dynamic PS opal film was formed floating on the surface of water followed by infiltration of a preformed WO3 sol underneath the PS opal film. The resultant PS/WO3 opal composite film was then deposited on various types of substrates (rigid and flexible) and 2D WO3 IO films were obtained following the removal of the PS template by chemical method. Based on this strategy, multiple layer WO3 IOs were fabricated through a layer by layer route. The WO3 IO films deposited on indium tin oxide coated conductive (ITO) substrates were used as active electrode in the fabrication of electrochromic devices, demonstrating their advanced properties for electrochromic application.
Transesterification instead of N‐Alkylation: An Intriguing Reaction
Authors: Giannakopoulou Erofili , Pardali Vasiliki , Skrettas Ioannis , Zoidis Grigoris
Published: March 2019

An intriguing transesterification reaction is reported here for the first time. Different carbocyclic N‐1 alkoxycarbonyl methyl substituted hydantoins were treated with alkyl halides and sodium hydride as a base, in the presence of N,N‐dimethylformamide. Under these typical N‐alkylation reaction conditions, hydantoin alkyl acetates were also isolated, along with the expected N‐alkylated products. Additional experiments were also performed to investigate the role of N,N‐dimethylformamide in the transesterification reaction and a possible mechanism is also proposed.
Selective Inhibition of IRE1 Signalling mediated by MKC9989: New Insights from Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Carlesso Antonio , Eriksson Leif A.
Published: March 2019

MKC9989 is an inhibitor of IRE1α endonuclease activity that binds selectively to Lysine907 through Schiff base formation. Consistent with the experimental scenario, using Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics (MD), we herein further validate MKC9989 selectivity towards two critical Lysines, Lys907 and Lys599, located in the RNase and kinase domain, respectively.
Culture of trust and division of labor in nonhierarchical teams
Authors: Meier Stephan , Stephenson Matthew , Perkowski Patryk
Published: March 2019

Research Summary

Firms exhibit heterogeneity in size, productivity, and internal structure, and this is true even within the same industry. Our paper provides evidence of a link between an organization's culture—specifically the trust environment—and its level of specialization. We show experimentally that exogenously‐imposed culture endogenously leads to variation in organizational form. We prime trust and demonstrate that the level of trust within an organization affects division of labor and consequently productivity in nonhierarchical teams. This evidence is consistent with a cross‐country link between trust and the division of labor that we observe in data from the European Social Survey.

Managerial Summary

Firms vary among many dimensions such as culture and internal organization even within the same industry. Trust is one component of corporate culture that is crucial for cooperation within organizations. In this paper, we show that the trust dimension of corporate culture can affect firm performance through internal structure, in particular the degree of division of labor. Using evidence from a game‐theoretic model, a lab experiment, and country‐level data, we show that an increase in trust leads to increased worker specialization. Our results suggest that increasing trust in work environments where division of labor is beneficial is one way to boost team productivity.

RESOURCES

This article has earned an Open Data badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://osf.io/pr39h/. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Active Site Identification and Evaluation Criteria of In Situ Grown CoTe and NiTe Nanoarrays for Hydrogen Evolution and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Yang Liu , Xu Haoxiang , Liu Huibing , Cheng Daojian , Cao Dapeng
Published: March 2019

Developing efficient non‐precious bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is highly critical for overall water splitting. Herein, vertically aligned CoTe and NiTe nanoarrays are synthesized in situ grown on Ni foams (marked as CoTeNR/NF and NiTeNR/NF) via a facile hydrothermal method, and further explore their catalytic activities for overall water splitting. The CoTeNR/NF catalyst exhibits not only excellent OER performance with a low overpotential of 350 mV to deliver 100 mA cm−2, but also high HER activity only requiring 202 mV overpotential to yield 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline condition. Moreover, experimental technique and density functional theory are combined together to reveal that the real active sites of CoTeNR/NF for OER are from the in situ generated CoOOHspecies on CoTeNR/NF in the OER process, and also propose a new HER performance evaluation criteria of using H2O adsorption energy, H2O dissociation barrier, and H2/OH− desorption energy as an indicator. The new criteria can satisfactorily evaluate the HER performance of as‐synthesized samples, while the traditional one of using H adsorption energy as an indicator fails in the HER performance evaluation of as‐synthesized samples. It is expected that the new evaluation criteria can be used as a general criteria to evaluate the HER performance of other electrocatalysts.
Dynamic Probing of Structural Evolution of Single Crystal Fe during Rolling Process Using Atomistic Simulation
Authors: Reddy K. Vijay , Pal Snehanshu
Published: March 2019

Rolling process is known to have significant influence on the structural properties of nanomaterials. However, the atomistic mechanism of the deformation behavior during rolling process is still unclear. Here, for the first time, MD simulations are implemented to study the deformation mechanism and structural evolution in single crystal Fe during cryo‐ and cold‐rolling. The results show that new grains are formed in the specimen with {001}<100> and {011}<011> orientation through grain rotation, whereas the plastic strain is accumulated through lattice distortion in specimen having {011}<111> orientation. The phenomenon of grain rotation and lattice distortion is also confirmed through Virtual X‐ray diffraction method. Also, structural evolution analysis has shown BCC to FCC phase transformation in specimen with {001}<100> orientation and it is found that the two phases have Bains’ orientation relationship.
Attention retargeting using saliency map and projector–camera system in real space
Authors: Takimoto Hironori , Yamamoto Katsumi , Kanagawa Akihiro , Kishihara Mitsuyoshi , Okubo Kensuke
Published: March 2019

Many attention‐retargeting methods based on the visual saliency model of bottom‐up attention for guiding human attention to target regions have recently been proposed. However, existing attention‐retargeting methods focus on only modulating an image or a video presented to a display. It is difficult for the existing methods to guide humans' attention to objects in the real space. In this paper, we propose an appearance control method using a projector–camera system to realize attention retargeting in real space. The ideal appearance for attention retargeting is estimated on the basis of reverse engineering of the visual saliency map theory. Our system then projects an optimum light pattern calculated from the difference between the ideal appearance and current appearance in real space. Attention retargeting to the plane of real space is addressed as an initial step of our research. As a result, our attention‐retargeting method can effectively control an appearance in real space for attention retargeting compared with spot light projection. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thermal comfort and heat stress indices for outdoor occupations over 15 years: a case study from Iran
Authors: Ghalhari Gholamabbas Fallah , Dehghan Somayeh Farhang , Shakeri Fahimeh , Abbasinia Marzieh , Asghari Mehdi
Published: March 2019

The present study aims to assess seasonal trends in thermal comfort and heat stress indices for outdoor occupations over a 15‐year period using the Iranian Meteorological Organization's database for Sari, Iran. Hourly and daily meteorological data including temperature, wind speed, cloudiness, relative humidity and vapor pressure measurements for Sari city from 2000 to 2014 are used. The wet‐bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and universal thermal climate index (UTCI) are calculated, along with thermal comfort indices including physiological equivalent temperature (PET), standard effective temperature (SET) and predicted mean vote (PMV).

The highest and lowest mean monthly air temperature values for the 15‐year period were recorded for August (27.55 ± 0.57°C) and January (7.9 ± 0.68°C), respectively. The highest and lowest mean monthly relative humidity values were observed for December (81.2 ± 2.6%) and August (73.7 ± 1.94%), respectively. The strongest correlations were found between all of the thermal comfort and heat stress indices under study and air temperature (r = 0.97–0.99; P < 0.001), as well as all indices and mean radiant temperature (r = 0.96–0.98; P < 0.001). Strong significant correlations were observed between all heat stress and thermal comfort indices (r > 0.93; P < 0.001). The use of meteorological data can enable the prediction of physiologically stressful conditions via knowledge of the strong positive correlation between heat stress and certain physiological indices, as highlighted in this study.
A Review of the Forces Influencing Maternal Health Policies in Post‐War Guatemala
Authors: Summer Anna , Walker Dilys , Guendelman Sylvia
Published: March 2019

Guatemala's 1996 Peace Accord ending the 36‐year civil war included the goal to lower its maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Yet, Guatemala still has one of Latin America's highest MMRs, especially among Mayan women. To improve maternal health, the professional midwife is being reintroduced in Guatemala. Meier's Linear Model of the Public Policy Process states that policymakers respond to international and society‐centered forces when making policy decisions. How have such forces influenced the creation of birth attendance policies in Guatemala from 1996 to today? Using a process tracing approach, we analyzed 132 policy documents, peer‐reviewed journal articles, and gray literature noting international and national maternal health recommendations and all birth attendance legislation passed in Guatemala from 1996 to present. International forces advocated for skilled birth attendance (SBA) to address maternal mortality. Society‐centered forces promoted intercultural care with traditional birth attendants (TBAs). Both—sometimes conflicting—forces have influenced policymakers in the creation of maternal health policies in post‐war Guatemala. Policymakers must constantly reconcile tensions between society‐centered realities and international agendas when making policies. The reintroduction of professional midwifery in Guatemala presents a means of addressing both agendas: Increasing SBA and improving intercultural care.