bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic stability of the human MG‐63 osteoblastic cell line at different passages
Authors: Staehlke Susanne , Rebl Henrike , Nebe Barbara
Published: November 2018

One of the most popular cell lines in osteogenesis studies is the human osteoblastic line MG‐63. For cell biological investigation, it is important that the cells remain stable in their phenotype over several passages in cell culture. MG‐63 cells can be used to provide fundamental insights into cell‐–material interaction. The aim of this study is to present a systematic characterization of the physiological behavior of MG‐63 cells in the range of passages 5–30. Significant cell physiology processes during the first 24 h, including cell morphology, availability of adhesion receptors, cell cycle phases, as well as the expression of the signaling proteins Akt, GSK3a/b, IkB‐α, ERK1/2, p38‐MAPK, and intracellular calcium ion mobilization, remained stable over the entire range of passages P5‐P30. Due to these stable characteristics in a wide range of cell culture passages, MG‐63 cells can be considered as a suitable in vitro model to analyze the biocompatibility and biofunctionality of implant materials.
Toward predictive modeling of catheter‐based pulmonary valve replacement into native right ventricular outflow tracts
Authors: Jolley Matthew A. , Lasso Andras , Nam Hannah H. , Dinh Patrick V. , Scanlan Adam B. , Nguyen Alex V. , Ilina Anna , Morray Brian , Glatz Andrew C. , McGowan Francis X. , Whitehead Kevin , Dori Yoav , Gorman Joseph H. , Gorman Robert C. , Fichtinger Gabor , Gillespie Matthew J.
Published: November 2018

Background

Pulmonary insufficiency is a consequence of transannular patch repair in Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) leading to late morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter native outflow tract pulmonary valve replacement has become a reality. However, predicting a secure, atraumatic implantation of a catheter‐based device remains a significant challenge due to the complex and dynamic nature of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). We sought to quantify the differences in compression and volume for actual implants, and those predicted by pre‐implant modeling.

Methods

We used custom software to interactively place virtual transcatheter pulmonary valves (TPVs) into RVOT models created from pre‐implant and post Harmony valve implant CT scans of 5 ovine surgical models of TOF to quantify and visualize device volume and compression.

Results

Virtual device placement visually mimicked actual device placement and allowed for quantification of device volume and radius. On average, simulated proximal and distal device volumes and compression did not vary statistically throughout the cardiac cycle (P = 0.11) but assessment was limited by small sample size. In comparison to actual implants, there was no significant pairwise difference in the proximal third of the device (P > 0.80), but the simulated distal device volume was significantly underestimated relative to actual device implant volume (P = 0.06).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that pre‐implant modeling which assumes a rigid vessel wall may not accurately predict the degree of distal RVOT expansion following actual device placement. We suggest the potential for virtual modeling of TPVR to be a useful adjunct to procedural planning, but further development is needed.
Influence of a Pre‐organized N‐Donor Group on the Coordination of Trivalent Actinides and Lanthanides by an Aminopolycarboxylate Complexant
Authors: Heathman Colt R. , Grimes Travis S. , Jansone‐Popova Santa , Roy Santanu , Bryantsev Vyacheslav S. , Zalupski Peter R.
Published: November 2018

The thermodynamic influence of a pre‐organized N‐donor group on the coordination of trivalent actinides and lanthanides by an aqueous aminopolycarboxylate complexant has been investigated. The synthesized reagent,N‐2‐methylpicolinate‐ethylenediamine‐N,N′,N′‐triacetic acid (EDTA‐Mpic), resembles ethylenediamine‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraacetic acid (EDTA) with a single acetate pendant arm replaced by a 6‐carboxypyridin‐2‐ylmethyl group. The rigid N‐donor picolinate functionality has a profound impact on ligand protonation and trivalent f element complexation equilibria, as demonstrated by potentiometric, spectroscopic, and liquid/liquid metal‐partitioning studies as well as by molecular dynamics calculations. Relative to diethylenetriamine‐N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentaacetic acid (DTPA), the ability to preferentially bind trivalent actinides over trivalent lanthanides was moderately lowered due to the presence of theN‐(6‐carboxypyridin‐2‐ylmethyl) substituent. The structural modification substantially amplifies the total ligand acidity of EDTA‐Mpic. As a result the complexant sustains the metal complexation and efficient An3+/Ln3+differentiation in aqueous mixtures of unprecedented acidity for this class of reagents.
Recent Applications of Diazirines in Chemical Proteomics
Authors: Halloran Matthew W. , Lumb Jean‐Philip
Published: November 2018

The elucidation of substrate–protein interactions is an important component of the drug development process. Due to the complexity of native cellular environments, elucidating these fundamental biochemical interactions remains challenging. Photoaffinity labeling (PAL) is a versatile technique that can provide insight into ligand‐target interactions. By judicious modification of substrates with a photoreactive group, PAL creates a covalent crosslink between a substrate and its biological target following UV‐irradiation. Among the commonly employed photoreactive groups, diazirines have emerged as the gold standard. In this Minireview, recent developments in the field of diazirine‐based photoaffinity labeling will be discussed, with emphasis being placed on their applications in chemical proteomic studies.
Quantifying the reimbibition effect on the performance of gas‐oil gravity drainage in fractured reservoirs: Mathematical modelling
Authors: Rahmati Negin , Rasaei Mohammad‐Reza
Published: November 2018

As a major oil production mechanism, gravity drainage in fractured oil reservoirs is heavily affected by the reimbibition phenomenon. In this work, a stack of oil‐saturated two matrix blocks surrounded by oil‐saturated fractures are considered as a synthetic fractured reservoir. A mathematical computer program is developed to numerically simulate the fluids’ flow through the matrixes and fractures employing the finely gridded single porosity concept. Simulation results are validated by checking the continuity of the gas volume through the reservoir. The percentage of oil recovered by gravity drainage is determined employing the new material balance equation approach. A new procedure is employed for deactivating the reimbibition phenomenon, introducing the zero transmissibility for the oil phase in the case of oil transfer from the fracture to matrix region. According to the simulation results and considering the proposed model, under the constraints of constant gas injection and oil production rates, fully or partially deactivating the reimbibition phenomenon causes a faster gas movement through vertical fractures. The reason for this is that some of the oil leaving the upper matrix block goes to vertical fractures and causes a faster gas breakthrough in them due to reduced available pore volume to gas. In this case the oil recovered by gravity drainage from the system is decreased. Inactivating this phenomenon in the simulated case study causes a 40 % reduction in oil production by gravity drainage from the matrix blocks until the breakthrough time.
A population of descending tyraminergic/octopaminergic projection neurons of the insect deutocerebrum
Authors: Kononenko Natalia L. , Hartfil Sergej , Willer Julia , Ferch Jessica , Wolfenberg Heike , Pflüger Hans‐Joachim
Published: November 2018

In this study, we describe a cluster of tyraminergic/octopaminergic neurons in the lateral dorsal deutocerebrum of desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) with descending axons to the abdominal ganglia. In the locust, these neurons synthesize octopamine from tyramine stress‐dependently. Electrophysiological recordings in locusts reveal that they respond to mechanosensory touch stimuli delivered to various parts of the body including the antennae. A similar cluster of tyraminergic/octopaminergic neurons was also identified in the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) and the pink winged stick insect (Sipyloidea sipylus). It is suggested that these neurons release octopamine in the ventral nerve cord ganglia and, most likely, convey information on arousal and/or stressful stimuli to neuronal circuits thus contributing to the many actions of octopamine in the central nervous system.
Self‐Assembly of Nanoparticles into Two‐Dimensional Arrays for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Yu Chao , Guo Xuefeng , Muzzio Michelle , Seto Christopher T. , Sun Shouheng
Published: November 2018

Self‐assembly of nanoparticles (NPs) is at the heart of nanotechnology, and has shown many potential applications in fabricating nanodevices with highly controlled functionality. Two‐dimensional (2D) arrays of NPs can provide a thin and uniform NP array with each NP being exposed on the surface to maximize NP catalysis. This minireview summarizes the recent progress on the fabrication and application of 2D NP arrays. It conveys the important message to readers that creation of libraries of NP arrays with varying catalytic strengths is an exciting direction in catalysis. This approach can be used to solve complicated catalytic problems in which multiple chemical reactions need to be catalyzed in a single reaction vessel.
Encephalitozoon: Tissue Culture, Cryopreservation, and Murine Infection
Authors: Han Bing , Moretto Magali , M. Weiss Louis
Published: November 2018

Microsporidia are eukaryotic unicellular parasites that have been studied for more than 150 years. They are found throughout the world and are capable of infecting various invertebrate and vertebrate hosts. They can cause disease in both immune‐compromised and immune‐competent humans. In immune‐compromised individuals, infections can be severe and often fatal. Microsporidia possess a unique, highly specialized invasion mechanism that involves a structure known as the polar tube as well as the spore wall. During spore germination, the polar tube rapidly discharges from the spore and deliver the sporoplasm into the host cell. Spores are the only stage of microsporidia that can survive outside of host cells. Since the first attempt to culture microsporidia in vitro in 1930s, their cultivation has served a critical role in the study and diagnosis of these parasites. In this chapter, we include methods on the cultivation, isolation, and cryopreservation of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which can infect humans and provides a useful model for other microsporidia. These methods can also be utilized for the culture of Encephalitozoon hellem or Encephalitozoon intestinalis. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Moving beyond personal change: Using dialogue in ethnically divided communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Šerá Komlossyová Eva
Published: November 2018

Dialogue has proved to be an effective tool in changing people's perceptions and attitudes. The article adds to the discussion about the potential of dialogue to contribute to more than only personal change. It analyzes the dialogue approach implemented by the Nansen Dialogue Centre Sarajevo, a nongovernmental organization working in ethnically divided communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of rebuilding a functional society. The analysis focuses on the effectiveness of dialogue in influencing broader sociopolitical changes. The article concludes that the Centre has created a viable model that contributes to the de‐ethnicizing of everyday problems local communities face.
Promoting Li–O2 Batteries With Redox Mediators
Authors: Shen Xiaoxiao , Zhang Shuaishuai , Wu Yuping , Chen Yuhui
Published: November 2018

Li–O2 batteries have a high theoretical specific energy, 3500 Wh kg−1; however, its practical capacity is far below this value and limited by the passivation with the insulating discharge product Li2O2. The nonconductive nature of Li2O2 also impedes the charging process, leading to a low coulombic efficiency and high overpotential on charge even at a moderate rate. To address these challenges, redox mediators could be used both during discharge and charge to transfer electrons between O2/electrode surface or Li2O2/electrode surface to overcome the passivation of Li2O2, which would facilitate the discharge and charge process. The capacity and current density were significantly improved using the redox mediators, thus representing a promising strategy to achieve a high energy density for Li–O2 batteries.
Tools and resources for metabolomics research community: A 2017–2018 update
Authors: Misra Biswapriya B. , Mohapatra Subhashree
Published: November 2018

The scale at which MS‐ and NMR‐based platforms generate metabolomics datasets for both research, core, and clinical facilities to address challenges in the various sciences—ranging from biomedical to agricultural—is underappreciated. Thus, metabolomics efforts spanning microbe, environment, plant, animal, and human systems have led to continual and concomitant growth of in silico resources for analysis and interpretation of these datasets. These software tools, resources, and databases drive the field forward to help keep pace with the amount of data being generated and the sophisticated and diverse analytical platforms that are being used to generate these metabolomics datasets. To address challenges in data preprocessing, metabolite annotation, statistical interrogation, visualization, interpretation, and integration, the metabolomics and informatics research community comes up with hundreds of tools every year. The purpose of the present review is to provide a brief and useful summary of more than 95 metabolomics tools, software, and databases that were either developed or significantly improved during 2017–2018. We hope to see this review help readers, developers, and researchers to obtain informed access to these thorough lists of resources for further improvisation, implementation, and application in due course of time.
Shake table testing of a miniature steel building with ductile‐anchor, uplifting‐column base connections for improved seismic performance
Authors: Trautner Christopher , Hutchinson Tara , Grosser Philipp , Piccinin Roberto , Silva John
Published: November 2018

Previous research has demonstrated that uplifting‐column or rocking building systems may exhibit improved seismic performance, including reductions in total base shear and decreased residual drift, when compared with systems rigidly connected to the foundation. These beneficial effects may be due to lengthened periods, activation of rocking modes, and energy dissipation of base fuse elements. In the current work, several configurations of a miniature steel building with different combinations of base connection and traditional superstructure fuse strength and stiffness were subjected to identical earthquake motions to evaluate differences in demands and performance. The uplifting base connections incorporate highly ductile concrete anchors with long stretch lengths, allowing robust connection performance and easy replacement of damaged connection elements following the seismic event, an advantage over previously tested systems. Testing and dynamic numerical analysis indicates that ductile anchor uplifting systems may reduce total base shear by over 20%, as well as reducing residual structural drift by more than 80%.
Daggernose Shark: An Elusive Species from Northern South America
Authors: Feitosa Leonardo Manir , Martins Ana Paula Barbosa , Lessa Rosangela Paula Teixeira , Barbieri Ricardo , Nunes Jorge Luiz Silva
Published: November 2018

The Daggernose Shark Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus is an endemic species of the northern coast of South America distributed from Trinidad and Tobago to Brazil's Amazon Coast. Due to increasing fishing efforts and its limited distribution range, the Daggernose Shark is one of the most endangered shark species in the world. Further threats arise from mangrove deforestation, pollution, and aquaculture caused by increasing human populations in coastal areas. The Daggernose Shark is highly associated to the turbid waters influenced by the Amazon and Orinoco estuaries. Furthermore, its morphological features associated to adaptations to these environments such as an elongated rostrum, small eyes, and long pectoral fins make it one of the most iconic shark species in the world. Finally, we report the capture of a young-of-the-year I. oxyrhynchus in a freshwater system in Northern Brazil—the first recorded in a non-marine environment.
Microscopic deformation structures in archaeological contexts
Authors: Karkanas Panagiotis
Published: November 2018

Evidence of deformation at the microscopic level in archaeological contexts is rather rare. To address the problem of identification of deformation structures, a series of experimental floors were prepared and studied by micromorphological analysis. Ethnographic samples of constructed floors and mud bricks were also used. Constructed floors and mud bricks from prehistoric sites were then reanalyzed in light of the experimental findings and compared with the ethnographic ones. Small‐scale debris and mud flows from archaeological contexts were also analyzed to identify microscopic deformation structures that could be compared with the rich available literature on such sediments. Microscopic deformation structures were identified in all types of samples: they included rotational and planar features, fold structures, boudins, and other squeezed features, shear planes, and water‐escape features. It appears that in some cases there is no clear difference between microscopic deformation features that develop in either geogenic or anthropogenic deposits. Furthermore, there is some overlap between deformation features produced by trampling and those in the formation of mud constructions that needs to be resolved with more experimental work. Nevertheless, trampling of water‐saturated sediment produces deformation features that, for the most part, are the result of compression and not shearing.
Hospital responses to price shocks under the prospective payment system
Authors: Shin Eunhae
Published: November 2018

Under the prospective payment system (PPS), hospitals receive a bundled payment for an entire episode of treatment based on diagnosis‐related groups (DRG). Although there is ample evidence regarding the impact of the introduction of the PPS, there is little research on the effects of the ensuing changes in payment levels under the PPS. In 2005, the Medicare PPS changed its definition of payment areas from the Metropolitan Statistical Areas to the Core‐Based Statistical Areas, generating substantial area‐specific price shocks. Using these exogenous price variations, this study examines hospital responses to price changes under the PPS. The results demonstrate that, while the average payment amount significantly increases in the affected areas, no parallel trend is observed in admission volume, treatment intensity, and quality of services. Conversely, hospitals facing a price increase are more liable to the perverse incentives that the PPS is known to encourage, namely, selecting or shifting patients into higher‐paying DRGs. These results suggest that paying a higher price for a given service may not induce hospitals to offer services of better quality, but can rather prompt even higher payments through other behavioral responses.
Interaction of gut microbiota with dysregulation of bile acids in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and potential therapeutic implications of probiotics
Authors: Chen Jiezhong , Thomsen Michael , Vitetta Luis
Published: November 2018

The intestinal microbiota is now recognised to play key roles in health due to its involvement in many aspects of human physiology. Disturbance in gut microbiota (dysbiosis) is thus associated with many diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which includes nonalcoholic fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The mechanisms for the effect of dysbiosis in NAFLD pathogenesis are not completely elucidated. Many explanations have been proposed to trigger dysbiosis, leading to NAFLD including inflammation, ethanol produced by the gut bacteria and lipotoxicity. Recently the roles of bile acids and nuclear receptors are highly regarded. It is well known that gut microbes produce enzymes that convert primary bile acids into secondary bile acids in the intestines. Several studies have demonstrated that disturbance of the intestinal microbiota leads to decreased synthesis of secondary bile acids, which in turn decreases activation of nuclear receptors such as farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor, Takeda G‐protein–coupled bile acid protein 5 and vitamin D receptor. These receptors are important in energy regulation and their dysregulation can cause NAFLD. Therefore, stimulation of nuclear receptors especially FXR has been extensively explored for the amelioration of NAFLD. However, paradoxical effects of nuclear receptor activation are a major problem for the clinical application of nuclear receptor stimuli. We further posit that microbiome restoration could be an alternative approach for the treatment of NAFLD. Several gut bacteria are now known to be involved in bile acid metabolism. It will be necessary to identify which one/ones is/are feasible. Careful selection of commensal bacteria for probiotics may lead to an effective therapy for NAFLD.
Overexpression of the lncRNA FER1L4 inhibits paclitaxel tolerance of ovarian cancer cells via the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Siwei , Zou Bingyu , Tian Tian , Luo Xiaohui , Mao Banyun , Zhang Xun , Lei Huajiang
Published: November 2018

To determine how the lncRNA FER1L4 in ovarian cancer cells influences paclitaxel (PTX) resistance, we examined the expression level of FER1L4 in human ovarian epithelial cell lines IOSE80 and HOSEpiC and human ovarian cancer cell lines OVCAR‐3, Caov‐3, and SKOV3 through RNA isolation and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). SKOV3 cell lines were treated with PTX. The cell survival rate and apoptosis rate of SKOV3 and SKOV3‐PR at different PTX dose levels were evaluated. Next, qRT‐PCR was performed to detect the expression of FER1L4 in SKOV3 and SKOV3‐PR cell lines. SKOV3‐PR cell lines were transfected with pcDNA3.1 as the control group (SKOV3‐PR/pcDNA3.1) or pcDNA3.1‐FER1L4 to upregulate the expression level of FER1L4 (SKOV3‐PR/pcDNA3.1‐FER1L4). The level of cell survival, apoptosis, and colony formation were compared between the two groups using MTT, flow cytometry analysis, and colony formation assay. To reveal the molecular mechanism, we measured the relative protein phosphorylation level of ERK and MAPK in SKOV3, SKOV3‐PR, SKOV3‐PR/pcDNA3.1, and SKOV3‐PR/pcDNA3.1‐FER1L4 groups using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) on PTX were also investigated to reveal the function of the MAPK pathway on the PTX tolerance of SKOV3. In comparison with normal ovarian epithelial cells, FER1L4 was downregulated. The FER1L4 level was decreased in human ovarian cancer cells with drug resistance than in common ovarian cancer cells. The upregulation of FER1L4 could promote the PTX sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells. The increased level of FER1L4 could suppress the PTX resistance of ovarian cancer cells through the inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway.
Potential of bacterial culture media in biofabrication of metal nanoparticles and the therapeutic potential of the as‐synthesized nanoparticles in conjunction with artemisinin against MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Khan Badrealam Farheen , Hamidullah  , Dwivedi Sonam , Konwar Rituraj , Zubair Swaleha , Owais Mohammad
Published: November 2018

In the recent past, various groups have proposed diverse biocompatible methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs). Besides culture biomass, culture supernatants (CS) are increasingly being explored for the synthesis of NPs; however, with the ever‐increasing exploration of various CS in the biofabrication of NPs, it is equally important to explore the potential of various culture media (CMs) in the synthesis of metal NPs. Considering these aspects, in the present investigation, we explore the possible applicability of various CMs in the biofabrication of metal NPs. The synthesis of NPs was primarily followed by UV/VIS spectroscopy, and, thereafter, the NPs were characterized by various physiochemical techniques, including EM, EDX, FT_IR, X‐ray diffraction, and DLS measurements, and finally, their anticancer potentialities were investigated against breast cancer. In addition, the NPs were examined in conjunction with artemisinin for therapeutic benefits against aggressive and highly metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. Cumulatively, the results of the present study collated the potentials of various bacterial CMs in the biofabrication of metal NPs and ascertained the efficacy of the as‐synthesized silver nanoparticles, especially the combinatorial entity as intriguing breast cancer therapeutics. The data of the present study plausibly assist in advancing the therapeutic applicability of the combinatorial amalgam against aggressive and highly metastatic MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells.
Ethyl acetate and n‐butanol fraction of Cissus quadrangularis promotes the mineralization potential of murine pre‐osteoblast cell line MC3T3‐E1 (sub‐clone 4)
Authors: Toor Rabail Hassan , Tasadduq Raazia , Adhikari Achyut , Chaudhary Muhammad Iqbal , Lian Jane B. , Stein Janet L. , Stein Gary S. , Shakoori Abdul Rauf
Published: November 2018

In a sequel to investigate osteogenic potential of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ), the present study reports the osteoblast differentiation and mineralization potential of ethyl acetate (CQ‐EA) and butanol (CQ‐B) extracts of CQ on mouse pre‐osteoblast cell line MC3T3‐E1 (sub‐clone 4) with an objective to isolate an antiosteoporotic compound. Growth curve, proliferation, and viability assays showed that both the extracts were nontoxic to the cells even at high concentration (100 µg/ml). The cell proliferation was enhanced at low concentrations (0.1 µg/ml and 1 µg/ml) of both the extracts. They also upregulated the osteoblast differentiation and mineralization processes in MC3T3‐E1 cells as reflected by expression profile of osteoblast marker genes such as RUNX2, Osterix, Collagen (COL1A1), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Integrin‐related Bone Sialoprotein (IBSP), Osteopontin (OPN), and Osteocalcin (OCN). CQ‐EA treatment resulted in early differentiation and mineralization as compared with the CQ‐B treatment. These findings suggest that low concentrations of CQ‐EA and CQ‐B have proliferative and osteogenic properties. CQ‐EA, however, is more potent osteogenic than CQ‐B.
MiRNA‐548c‐5p downregulates inflammatory response in preeclampsia via targeting PTPRO
Authors: Wang Zengfang , Wang Pingping , Wang Zengyan , Qin Zhihao , Xiu Xia , Xu Donghua , Zhang Xiaozhen , Wang Yingliang
Published: November 2018

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy and leads to maternal hypertension and proteinuria. It remains a major health problem for mothers and babies across the world due to high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Accumulated data have implicated the critical role of microRNA in preeclampsia. However, to date, the role of miR‐548c‐5p in preeclampsia remains vaguely understood. In this study, we first elucidate the role of miR‐548c‐5p and its underlying molecular mechanism in preeclampsia. Compared with healthy controls, miR‐548c‐5p was obviously downregulated in serum exosomes and placental mononuclear cells in patients with preeclampsia. Nonetheless, PTPRO was significantly upregulated and negatively associated with miR‐548c‐5p in placental mononuclear cells in patients with preeclampsia. PTPRO was a target of miR‐548c‐5p. PTPRO was downregulated in the miR‐548c‐5p‐overexpressed macrophages. In addition, miR‐548c‐5p could inhibit the proliferation and activation of LPS‐stimulated macrophages, as evidenced by decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐12 and TNF‐α) and less nuclear translocation of pNF‐κB in pTHP1 cells. MiR‐548c‐5p acts as an anti‐inflammatory factor in preeclampsia. The axis of miR‐548c‐5p/PTPRO/NF‐κB may provide novel targets for the diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia.
Morphology of the clasper musculature in rays (Chondrichthyes; Elasmobranchii: Batoidea), with comments on their phylogenetic interrelationships
Authors: Moreira Renan A. , de Carvalho Marcelo R.
Published: November 2018

The subclass Batoidea comprise skates, electric rays, stingrays, guitarfishes, and sawfishes, and their interrelationships are still problematical despite recent morphological and molecular phylogenetic studies. The most recent morphological phylogeny indicates that guitarfishes are a polyphyletic group, and that the phylogenetic placement of Platyrhina and Platyrhinoidis is still unclear. Several molecular studies suggest that guitarfishes (except Zanobatus) and sawfishes comprise the monophyletic order Rhinopristiformes, and that thornback rays (Platyrhinidae, Platyrhina, and Platyrhinoidis) are more closely related to the electric rays (Torpediniformes); rhinopristiforms have recently been supported by morphological data as well. The clasper musculature of batoids suggests an alternative pattern of interrelationships for thornback rays, with the m. dilatator attached to the dorsal terminal 1 cartilage by a series of tendons found only in Rhinopristiformes and Platyrhinidae, suggesting that they are closely related. Furthermore, Rajiformes, Rhinopristiformes, and Platyrhinidae exclusively share a reduced m. extensor lateralis, suggesting that these taxa form a monophyletic group. This study identifies new synapomorphies that corroborate the separate monophyly of Rajiformes, Torpediniformes, and Myliobatiformes: the m. dilatator divided into dorsal and ventral bundles and the presence of a single m. flexor are found only in Rajiformes; the extensor lateralis with a laminar shape is a derived character of Torpediniformes; and the exclusive m. flexor medialis arising on the puboischiadic bar is derived for Myliobatiformes.
Mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Can diffusion‐weighted imaging predict microvascular invasion?
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wang Xiaolin , Xu Chen , Zhou Guofeng , Liu Xiaoyu , Gao Shanshan , Xu Pengju
Published: November 2018

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a risk factor influencing the survival rate of patients with mass‐forming intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IMCC).

Purpose

To investigate whether diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) could be useful in predicting MVI of IMCC.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Eighty patients with surgically resected single IMCC (21 MVI‐positive lesions and 59 MVI‐negative lesions).

Field Strength/Sequence

Preoperative hepatic MRI (1.5T), including T1‐ and T2‐weighted images (T1WI, T2WI), DWI, and dynamic enhancement imaging.

Assessment

Morphologic characteristics including contour of the lesion, biliary dilation and hepatic capsule retraction, signal features on T1WI, T2WI, and DWI, and dynamic enhancement patterns were qualitatively evaluated. The quantitative analysis was performed for the size and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, and the independent t‐test were used for univariate analysis to determine the relationships between these radiological parameters and the presence of MVI. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of MVI among these radiological parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate their diagnostic performance.

Results

Larger tumor size (P = 0.006) and higher ADC values (P < 0.001) were positively correlated with MVI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the ADC value (odds ratio, 3.099; P = 0.001) was an independent predictor for MVI of IMCC. The ADC value for MVI of IMCC showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.782 (optimal cutoff value was 1.59 × 10−3 mm2/s).

Data Conclusion

Larger tumor size was associated with MVI and higher ADC values can be a useful predictor of MVI during the preoperative evaluation of IMCC.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:315–324.
Resistive pulse sensing as particle counting and sizing method in microfluidic systems: Designs and applications review
Authors: Vaclavek Tomas , Prikryl Jan , Foret Frantisek
Published: November 2018

Resistive pulse sensing is a well‐known and established method for counting and sizing particles in ionic solutions. Throughout its development the technique has been expanded from detection of biological cells to counting nanoparticles and viruses, and even registering individual molecules, e.g., nucleotides in nucleic acids. This technique combined with microfluidic or nanofluidic systems shows great potential for various bioanalytical applications, which were hardly possible before microfabrication gained the present broad adoption. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of microfluidic designs along with electrode arrangements with emphasis on applications focusing on bioanalysis and analysis of single cells that were reported within the past five years.
Evolving phenotype of the head and neck surgeon
Authors: Kay Seth , Miller Robert , Kraus Dennis , Terris David J.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Characterize the evolution of head and neck (H&N) surgical practices in the United States over two decades by using resident case log data as a surrogate.

Methods

National residency case log data from all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education‐accredited otolaryngology residency programs was reviewed for the past 20 academic years (1996–2015). Key indicator procedures in each subcategory of H&N were analyzed to characterize standard ablative H&N surgical practices. Mean number of cases completed per resident each year was calculated.

Results

The proportion of H&N surgeries contributing to the total number of otolaryngology cases performed yearly remained relatively stable during the study period, ranging from 6.4% to 8.7%, indicating concurrent growth of H&N cases with all otolaryngology surgeries. Although each subcategory within H&N demonstrated modest increases in the number of cases performed per resident each year over the study period, the most significant growth occurred in the endocrine surgery subcategory: a 288% increase from 18.4 in 1996 to 71.5 in 2015. The proportion of H&N cases represented by each subcategory decreased, except for endocrine, which more than doubled in proportion from 21% in 1996 to 43% in 2015.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the modern H&N surgeon is increasingly becoming an endocrine and H&N surgeon. The proportion of endocrine surgeries performed in residency, which serves as a surrogate for H&N practices, has more than doubled over the past 20 years and now represents the largest subcategory of H&N surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:1150–1154, 2019
Voice therapy associated with a decrease in the reflux symptoms index in patients with voice complaints
Authors: Schneider Sarah L. , Clary Matthew S. , Fink Daniel Steven , Wang Sean X. , Chowdhury Farshad N. , Yadlapati Rena , Jetté Marie E. , Courey Mark S.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Patients with muscle tension dysphonia often demonstrate an elevation in Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and 10‐item Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐10) scores, and may be erroneously diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. In this study we assessed the effects of voice therapy on RSI and VHI‐10 scores in patients with voice complaints not responsive to antireflux medications.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A study of patients was conducted at a single tertiary‐care center over 1 year (January 2012–January 2013). Patients were included if they had dysphonia not responsive to proton pump inhibition, did not have neurologic or neoplastic disease, and participated in at least three voice‐therapy sessions in the absence of antireflux therapy. Primary analysis assessed change in RSI scores between the initial and follow‐up visits with a laryngologist.

Results

A total of 18 patients were included (mean age = 49.9 ± 14.5 years, 89% female, 83% with a primary complaint of dysphonia). From initial to follow‐up visit, the median RSI score (18.5 [interquartile range {IQR}, 9.5–22.8] vs. 10.5 [IQR, 4.5–14]; P = .02) and median VHI‐10 score (25.5 [IQR, 11.3–30.0] vs. 13.5 [IQR, 9.5–20.8]; P = .03) significantly decreased. A significant inverse correlation was found between the number of voice therapy sessions/month and change in RSI score (r = −0.4; P = .05).

Conclusions

In this study of patients with muscle tension dysphonia or vocal hyperfunction not responsive to antireflux therapy, RSI and VHI‐10 scores improved following voice therapy. Results suggest that self‐reported symptoms typically attributed to laryngopharyngeal reflux disease may actually be secondary to inefficient voice use patterns or anxiety about dysphonia that are responsive to voice therapy.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:1169–1173, 2019
Key role of bacteria in the short‐term cycling of carbon at the abyssal seafloor in a low particulate organic carbon flux region of the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sweetman Andrew K. , Smith Craig R. , Shulse Christine N. , Maillot Brianne , Lindh Markus , Church Matthew J. , Meyer Kirstin S. , van Oevelen Dick , Stratmann Tanja , Gooday Andrew J.
Published: November 2018

The cycling of carbon (C) by benthic organisms is a key ecosystem function in the deep sea. Pulse‐chase experiments are designed to quantify this process, yet few studies have been carried out using abyssal (3500–6000 m) sediments and only a handful of studies have been undertaken in situ. We undertook eight in situ pulse‐chase experiments in three abyssal strata (4050–4200 m water depth) separated by tens to hundreds of kilometers in the eastern Clarion‐Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ). These experiments demonstrated that benthic bacteria dominated the consumption of phytodetritus over short (~ 1.5 d) time scales, with metazoan macrofauna playing a minor role. These results contrast with the only other comparable in situ abyssal study, where macrofauna dominated phytodetritus assimilation over short (2.5 d) time scales in the eutrophic NE Atlantic. We also demonstrated that benthic bacteria were capable of converting dissolved inorganic C into biomass and showed that this process can occur at rates that are as high as the bacterial assimilation of algal‐derived organic C. This demonstrates the potential importance of inorganic C uptake to abyssal ecosystems in this region. It also alludes to the possibility that some of the C incorporation by bacteria in our algal‐addition studies may have resulted from the incorporation of labeled dissolved inorganic carbon initially respired by other unstudied organisms. Our findings reveal the key importance of benthic bacteria in the short‐term cycling of C in abyssal habitats in the eastern CCFZ and provide important information on benthic ecosystem functioning in an area targeted for commercial‐scale, deep‐sea mining activities.
Spectral heat content for Lévy processes
Authors: Grzywny Tomasz , Park Hyunchul , Song Renming
Published: November 2018

In this paper we study the spectral heat content for various Lévy processes. We establish the small time asymptotic behavior of the spectral heat content for Lévy processes of bounded variation in,. We also study the spectral heat content for arbitrary open sets of finite Lebesgue measure inwith respect to symmetric Lévy processes of unbounded variation under certain conditions on their characteristic exponents. Finally, we establish that the small time asymptotic behavior of the spectral heat content is stable under integrable perturbations to the Lévy measure.
Examining the Severity of Roof-Hooking Injuries in Dolphinfish: a Comparison between Computed Tomography and Gross Necropsy
Authors: Mikles Chloe S. , Harms Craig A. , Buckel Jeffrey A. , Rudershausen Paul J.
Published: November 2018

We describe hook trauma to the roof of the mouth in Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus and compare computed tomography (CT) scanning to gross necropsy (GN) as a technique for diagnosing hooking injury in fish. Forty-two Dolphinfish carcasses spanning a range of hook injuries were collected and CT scanned, and 33 of those carcasses were evaluated using GN. Specimens were hooked either in the roof of the mouth, the eye via the roof or upper jaw, or the jaw (control group). In 75% of roof-hooked individuals, GN revealed nondisplaced to comminuted fractures of the bones of the suspensorium, hematomas in and laceration of the extraocular muscles, and/or damage to the optic nerve. These injuries have the potential to compromise vision and therefore decrease postrelease survival rates of obligate sight-feeding species such as the Dolphinfish. We evaluated the effectiveness of CT scanning to diagnose injury and found that CT could efficiently and accurately identify fractures and some soft-tissue damage, but some injuries found in GN (e.g., optic nerve damage) were not observed on CT scans. Based on our findings, it is likely that mortality is greater in Dolphinfish when hooked in the roof of the mouth than when hooked in the jaw. This study demonstrates a novel technique that was effective at diagnosing hooking injuries associated with the roof of the mouth.
Electrical conductivities of high‐density polyethylene composites reinforced with carbon fiber and nanometer carbon black
Authors: Liang Ji‐Zhao
Published: November 2018

The effect of carbon fiber (CF) content on the electric conductive behavior of high‐density polyethylene composites filled with 10 wt% nanometer carbon black (CB) was investigated. It was found that the influence of the CF and CB on the resistivity was not the sum of these two fillers; the resistivity varied slightly and irregularly when the CF weight fraction was lower than 6 wt%, and then decreased quickly. The intensity of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) increased first and then decreased with increasing the CF weight fraction; when the CF weight fraction increased to 12 wt% from 8 wt%, the PTC intensity of the composite systems increased to 6.6 from 3.4; when the CF weight fraction increased to 15 wt% from 12 wt%, the PTC intensity of the composites decreased to 4.8 from 6.6. This could be attributed to the aggregation of the conductive filler in the matrix in this case. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1801–E1807, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Relationship between body image and health‐related quality of life in Chinese cancer survivors during the transitional cancer survivorship
Authors: Chow Ka Ming , Chan Carmen W.H. , Leung Alice W.Y. , Wong Martin M.H. , Choi Kai Chow
Published: November 2018

Background

Previous research has documented the negative impact of cancer treatment on body image and health‐related quality of life among survivors, and the positive relationship between those factors. However, existing evidence is mainly based on Western studies of female survivors, and there is thus a huge knowledge gap in research on non‐Western cancer survivors.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess body image and health‐related quality of life, and explore their relationship, among Chinese cancer survivors during transitional survivorship.

Methods

Chinese cancer survivors with various diagnoses at the oncology outpatient clinic of a regional hospital in Hong Kong were invited to complete a self‐reported survey on socio‐demographic and clinical data, the instrument of Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Survivors and Body Image Scale.

Results

A convenience sample of 402 Chinese cancer survivors was recruited, with a mean age of 54.4 years, the majority female (70.4%). In general, participants reported satisfactory body image but only fair health‐related quality of life. Hierarchical multiple regression showed that body image was independently associated with both generic and cancer‐specific health‐related quality of life after controlling for socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics (B = 9.572, P < 0.001; B = 5.165, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Addressing body image may be an effective approach to enhancing Chinese cancer survivors' health‐related quality of life during their transitional survivorship. Since there is a lack of attention given to body image in local clinical settings, early assessment and appropriate interventions should be considered.
In vivo transcriptomic analysis of Beauveria bassiana reveals differences in infection strategies in Galleria mellonella and Plutella xylostella
Authors: Zhou Qiumei , Shao Ying , Chen Anhui , Li Wanzhen , Wang Jiuxiang , Wang Yulong
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Insect pests have evolved various defense mechanisms to combat fungal infection, and fungi have developed multiple strategies to overcome the immune defense responses of insects. However, transcriptomic analysis of fungal strategies for infecting different pests has not been reported.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic profiling of Beauveria bassiana was performed at 12, 24 and 48 h after infecting Galleria mellonella and Plutella xylostella, and 540, 847 and 932 differentially expressed genes were detected, respectively. Functional categorization showed that most of these genes are involved in the ribosome, nitrogen metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Thirty‐one differentially expressed virulence genes (including genes involved in adhesion, degradation, host colonization and killing, and secondary metabolism) were found, suggesting that different molecular mechanisms were used by the fungus during the infection of different pests, which was further confirmed by disrupting creA and fkh2. Virulence assay results showed that ΔcreA and Δfkh2 strains of B. bassiana had distinct fold changes in their 50% lethal time (LT50) values (compared with the control stains) during infection of G. mellonella (ΔcreA: 1.38‐fold > Δfkh2: 1.18‐fold) and P. xylostella (ΔcreA: 1.44‐fold < Δfkh2: 2.25‐fold). creA was expressed at higher levels during the infection of G. mellonella compared with P. xylostella, whereas fkh2 showed the opposite expression pattern, demonstrating that creA and Fkh2 have different roles in B. bassiana during the infection of G. mellonella and P. xylostella.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that B. bassiana regulates different genes to infect different insects, advancing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of Beauveria–pest interactions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Formation and realisation of moving intentions across the adult life course
Authors: Dommermuth Lars , Klüsener Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Residential and migratory moves are frequently regarded as instruments to attain other life goals. Thus, empirical studies increasingly link moves to other life course events. However, to fully understand moving decisions, it is also necessary to consider prior plans in various life domains, as not all life course plans and potentially related moves are realised. On the basis of representative data for Norway, these aspects are analysed for four life phases: the young adult phase, the family phase, the middle age phase, and the retirement phase. For all four life phases, highly significant associations between intentions and events in various life domains and moving intentions and actual moves are obtained. The relevance of specific domains for the formulation of moving intentions and actual moves is subject to variation across the life course and dependent on whether all moves or only moves over longer distances are considered.