bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium Tantalate Photocatalysts Doped with Metal Cations: Why Are They Active for Water Splitting?
Authors: Onishi Hiroshi
Published: February 2019

Sodium tantalate (NaTaO3) is the first semiconductor photocatalyst that produces hydrogen–oxygen mixed bubbles in the overall water splitting reaction, when appropriately doped with metal cations. A series of studies are reviewed herein to answer the question of why doping with metal cations raised the quantum efficiency of the reaction. Infrared absorption of band‐gap‐excited photocatalysts demonstrated that cation doping reduced the electron–hole recombination rate and the steady‐state population of charge carriers accordingly increased. In‐depth studies are focused on Sr cations incorporated through solid‐state, flux, and hydrothermal reactions. The recombination rate was reduced when Ta cations were exchanged with Sr cations. Sodium cations were simultaneously exchanged to balance the cationic and anionic charges with no need for creating oxygen anion vacancies. NaTaO3Sr(Sr1/3Ta2/3)O3 solid solution was formed as a result of the simultaneous doping. In addition to doping at the appropriate sites, the intraparticle distribution of Sr cations played an essential role to reduce the recombination rate. Strontium cations segregated to produce graded composition from the Sr‐rich surface to the Sr‐poor core. The bottom of the conduction band was raised at the Sr‐rich surface and the excited electrons were driven to the Sr‐poor core, leaving holes at the surface. However, the graded composition had a dual purpose; the excited electron population increased and its fractional contribution to the surface reaction decreased.
Oxidation‐Resistant, Cost‐Effective Epoxide‐Modified Polyamine Adsorbents for CO2 Capture from Various Sources Including Air
Authors: Goeppert Alain , Zhang Hang , Sen Raktim , Dang Huong , Prakash G. K. Surya
Published: February 2019

CO2 adsorbents based on the reaction of pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA) or tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) with propylene oxide (PO) were easily prepared in “one pot” by impregnation on a silica support in water. The starting materials were readily available and inexpensive, facilitating the production of the adsorbents on a large scale. The prepared polyamine/epoxide adsorbents were efficient in capturing CO2 and could be regenerated under mild conditions (50–85 °C). They displayed a much‐improved stability compared with their unmodified amine counterparts, especially under oxidative conditions. Leaching of the active organic amine became minimal or nonexistent after treatment with the epoxide. The adsorption as well as desorption kinetics were also greatly improved. The polyamine/epoxide adsorbents were able to capture CO2 from various sources including ambient air and indoor air with CO2 concentrations of only 400–1000 ppm. The presence of water, far from being detrimental, increased the adsorption capacity. Their use for indoor air quality purposes was explored.
Comparisons of bone density and body composition among adolescents with anorexia nervosa and atypical anorexia nervosa
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Carlson Jennifer L. , Golden Neville H. , Long Jin , Murray Stuart B. , Peebles Rebecka
Published: February 2019

Objective

To compare bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition among adolescents: (a) with atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) versus anorexia nervosa (AN) and (b) those with and without a prior history of overweight.

Method

Electronic medical records of patients 9–20 years with AN or AAN who underwent dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

A total of 286 adolescents with AN or AAN were included. In linear regression models, AAN was associated with greaterZ‐scores in whole body bone mineral content (BMC,B = 0.88,p < 0.001), lumbar spine BMD (B = 0.79,p = 0.002), femoral neck BMD (B = 0.670,p = 0.009); fat mass index (B = 1.33,p = 0.003), and lean body mass index (LBMI,B = 1.10,p < 0.001) compared to AN, adjusting for age, sex, and duration of illness. A prior overweight history was associated with greaterZ‐scores in whole body BMC; lumbar spine BMD, total hip BMD, femoral neck BMD, and LBMI.

Discussion

Adolescents with AAN had higher BMDZ‐scores than adolescents with AN; adolescents with a prior overweight history had greater BMDZ‐scores than adolescents without a prior overweight history. These findings may inform clinical guidelines for the medical management of AAN.
Acoustic emissions of Sorex unguiculatus (Mammalia: Soricidae): Assessing the echo‐based orientation hypothesis
Authors: Sanchez Lida , Ohdachi Satoshi D. , Kawahara Atsushi , Echenique‐Diaz Lazaro M. , Maruyama Shinichiro , Kawata Masakado
Published: February 2019

Shrew species have been proposed to utilize an echo‐based orientation system to obtain additional acoustic information while surveying their environments. This system has been supported by changes in vocal emission rates when shrews encounter different habitats of varying complexity, although detailed acoustic features in this system have not been reported. In this study, behavioral experiments were conducted using the long‐clawed shrew (Sorex unguiculatus) to assess this orientation system. Three experimental conditions were set, two of which contained obstacles. Short‐click, noisy, and different types of tonal calls in the audible‐to‐ultrasonic frequency range were recorded under all experimental conditions. The results indicated that shrews emit calls more frequently when they are facing obstacles or exploring the experimental environment. Shrews emitted clicks and several different types of tonal calls while exploring, and modified the use of different types of calls for varying behavior. Furthermore, shrews modified the dominant frequency and duration of squeak calls for different types of obstacles, that is, plants and acrylic barriers. The vocalizations emitted at short inter‐pulse intervals could not be observed when shrews approached these obstacles. These results are consistent with the echo‐based orientation hypothesis according to which shrews use a simple echo‐orientation system to obtain information from their surrounding environments, although further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Variability in the expansion of trees and shrubs in boreal Alaska
Authors: Brodie Jedediah F. , Roland Carl A. , Stehn Sarah E. , Smirnova Ekaterina
Published: February 2019

The expansion of shrubs and trees across high‐latitude ecosystems is one of the most dramatic ecological manifestations of climate change. Most of the work quantifying these changes has been done in small areas and over relatively recent time scales. These land‐cover transitions are highly spatially variable, and we have limited understanding of the factors underlying this variation. We use repeat photography to generate a data set of land‐cover changes in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, stretching back a century and spanning a range of edaphic, topographic, and climatic conditions. Most land‐cover classes were quite stable, with low probabilities of transitioning to other land‐cover types. The advance of woody vegetation into low‐stature tundra, and the spread of conifer trees into shrub‐dominated areas, were both more likely at low elevations and in areas without permafrost. Permafrost also reduced the likelihood of herbaceous vegetation transitioning to woody cover. Exceptions to the general trend of relative stability included nearly all (96%) of the broadleaf forest–dominated areas being invaded by conifers, an expected successional trajectory, and many open gravel river bars (17.8%) transitioning to thick shrubs. These floodplain areas were distinctly not at equilibrium, as only 0.1% of shrub‐dominated areas converted to gravel. Warming temperatures in coming decades and concomitant declines in the extent of permafrost are predicted to enhance the spread of woody vegetation in Denali further, but only by ~3%. Land‐cover transitions, notably the rapid advance of trees and shrubs observed in other studies, could be less likely and more spatially heterogeneous here than in other high‐latitude systems.
Matching habitat choice and plasticity contribute to phenotype–environment covariation in a stream salamander
Authors: Lowe Winsor H. , Addis Brett R.
Published: February 2019

Populations optimize the match of phenotype to environment by localized natural selection, adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and habitat choice. Habitat choice may also be achieved by several mechanisms, including matching habitat choice, where individuals distribute themselves based on self‐assessment of the phenotype–environment match. Matching habitat choice is a relatively untested concept, but one that could advance our understanding of the interplay of movement ecology and intraspecific phenotypic variation. Morphology of the salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus differs in riffles and pools, the dominant habitats in headwater streams where this species occurs. Specifically, individuals found in riffles have shorter limbs than those found in pools. Here, we used 4 yr of spatially explicit capture–mark–recapture data from three streams to test the contributions of phenotypic plasticity and matching habitat choice to this phenotype–environment covariation. We quantified morphological variation in G. porphyriticus with size‐corrected principal component (PC) scores and assessed phenotype–environment match based on the difference between habitats in these PC scores. We found that both phenotypic plasticity and matching habitat choice contribute to phenotype–environment covariation in G. porphyriticus. The phenotypes of individuals that switched habitats (i.e., riffle→pool, pool→riffle) changed to become better matched to the recipient habitat, indicating a plastic response to local habitat conditions. Consistent with matching habitat choice, individuals were also more likely to switch habitats if their initial phenotype was a better match to the alternative habitat, independent of subsequent changes in morphology due to plasticity. Realized performance, survival adjusted for the likelihood of remaining in each habitat, was higher in individuals with phenotypes matched to each habitat than in those with mismatched phenotypes, but performance was generally lower in riffles than pools, suggesting that other factors influence the use of riffles. Our results underscore the value of considering how matching habitat choice interacts with other mechanisms that allow organisms to maximize performance when faced with environmental heterogeneity. More broadly, our study shows that it is important to account for movement in any study of the causes or consequences of intraspecific trait variation, a challenge that may require novel research approaches and experimental designs.
Exotic plant species are locally adapted but not to high ultraviolet‐B radiation: a reciprocal multispecies experiment
Authors: Hock Maria , Hofmann Rainer W. , Müller Caroline , Erfmeier Alexandra
Published: February 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation intensities differ among global regions, with significantly higher levels in the southern hemisphere. UV‐B may act as an environmental filter during plant invasions, which might particularly apply to plant species from Europe introduced to New Zealand. Just like for any other abiotic or biotic filter, successful invaders can cope with novel environmental conditions via plastic responses and/or through rapid adaptation by natural selection in the exotic range. We conducted a multispecies experiment with herbaceous plants in two common gardens located in the species’ native and exotic ranges, in Germany and New Zealand, respectively. We used plants of German and New Zealand origin of eight species to test for adaptation to higher UV‐B radiation in their new range. In each common garden, all plants were exposed to three radiation treatments: (1) ambient sunlight, (2) exclusion of UV‐B while transmitting ambient UV‐A, and (3) combined exclusion of UV‐B and UV‐A. Linear mixed‐effect models revealed significant effects of UV‐B on growth and leaf traits and an indication for UV‐B‐induced biomass reduction in both common gardens pointing to an impact of natural, ambient UV radiation intensities experienced by plants in the northern and in the southern hemisphere. In both common gardens, the respective local plants (i.e., German origins in Germany, New Zealand origins in New Zealand) displayed enhanced productivity and aboveground biomass allocation, thus providing evidence for recent evolutionary processes in the exotic range. Genetic differentiation between different origins in consequence of divergent local selection pressures was found for specific leaf area. This differentiation particularly hints at different selective forces in both ranges while only little evidence was found for an immediate selective effect of high UV‐B intensities in the exotic range. However, reaction norm slopes across ranges revealed higher plasticity of exotic individuals in functional leaf traits that might allow for a more sensitive regulation of photoprotection measures in response to UV‐B. During the colonization, New Zealand populations might have been selected for the observed higher phenotypic plasticity and a consequently increased ability to successfully spread in the exotic range.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Application of Hydrogen Bond Templated Rotaxanes and Catenanes
Authors: Evans Nicholas H.
Published: February 2019

Alongside the use of metal cations and π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding is one of the major templating interactions used to prepare rotaxanes and catenanes. In this review, a brief summary of key historical milestones will be followed by discussion of developments from over the last decade in both synthetic methodology and application of hydrogen bond templated interlocked molecules. Hydrogen bond templation can allow for rapid access to interlocked molecules in high yields, with select examples having been put to useful purpose, in applications such as organocatalysis and cellular imaging.
“Sad day for the UK”: The linking of debates about settling refugee children in the UK with Brexit on an anti‐immigrant news website
Authors: Goodman Simon , Narang Amrita
Published: February 2019

This article uniquely demonstrates how UK debates about supporting child refugees during the “refugee crisis” came to be used as support for leaving the European Union (EU). The research question “how did users of a news website respond to a report about the UK government's decision to allow child refugees into the UK?” is addressed with a rigorous discursive analysis of an internet discussion forum on the anti‐immigrant website MailOnline consisting of 2,014 unique posts, with a reach of 30 million viewers. Analysis demonstrated that (1) child refugees were presented as adults, (2) allowing in refugees was presented as a “burden” on taxpayers, (3) the decision was presented as opposed to the public's will, and (4) this was used as a warrant for leaving the EU. The significant implication of this analysis is that political attempts at associating the refugee crisis with the EU may have been successful in this context.
Information content of DSGE forecasts
Authors: Fair Ray C.
Published: February 2019

This paper examines the question whether information is contained in forecasts from dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models beyond that contained in lagged values, which are extensively used in the models. Four sets of forecasts are examined. The results are encouraging for DSGE forecasts of real GDP. The results suggest that there is information in the DSGE forecasts not contained in forecasts based only on lagged values, and that there is no information in the lagged‐value forecasts not contained in the DSGE forecasts. The opposite is true for forecasts of the GDP deflator.
Update in the classification and the role of intra‐arterial stenting in the management of carotid body paragangliomas
Authors: Prasad Sampath Chandra , Laus Melissa , Al‐Ghamdi Saeed , Vashishth Ashish , Piazza Paolo , Sanna Mario
Published: February 2019

Background

To review the Shamblin classification of carotid body paragangliomas (CBPs) and the role of intra‐arterial stenting in their surgical management.

Methods

Retrospective case series of 20 patients with 28 CBPs that were surgically resected at our center. Intra‐arterial stenting was performed in Shamblin II and II classes.

Results

The mean follow‐up was 47.8 months. Five (17.9%) tumors were Shamblin class I, 15 (53.6%) were class II, and 8 (28.6%) were class III. Thirteen (68.4%) CBPs were associated with other paragangliomas. The internal carotid artery (ICA) was stented preoperatively in eight (28.6%) cases and occluded in four (14.3%) cases. The tumor extended to the jugular foramen in six cases (21.4%). Intraoperatively, there was an ICA injury in one case of Shamblin II CBP in the present era.

Conclusions

The proposed classification enables the clinician to plan the management of the ICA and the right approach. Stenting of the ICA gives a chance for complete tumor removal with arterial preservation.
“Cold turkey” or pharmacotherapy: Examination of tobacco cessation methods tried among smokers prior to developing head and neck cancer
Authors: Khariwala Samir S. , Rubin Nathan , Stepanov Irina , Nollen Nicole , Ahluwalia Jasjit S. , Nelson Heather H. , Hatsukami Dorothy K.
Published: February 2019

Background

Tobacco cessation methods employed by patients with head and neck cancer (HNSCC) are previously unstudied and have the potential to inform choice of cessation method and necessary abstinence support.

Methods

A total of 130 current smokers with HNSCC were queried regarding prior unsuccessful tobacco cessation techniques, product used (cold turkey, varenicline, and nicotine patch/gum), and maximum time abstained from smoking.

Results

One hundred six smokers retrospectively reported using one of the four main quit methods. Unassisted cessation (“cold turkey”) was the most commonly used method (P < .001). A multiple ordinal logistic general estimating equation analysis revealed that cold turkey had increased odds [5.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2, 11.8) and 4.3 (95% CI: 1.5, 12.9)] of achieving a longer quit duration than the nicotine patch or varenicline, respectively.

Conclusions

Among smokers developing HNSCC, previous cessation attempts were most commonly unassisted. This method was associated with longest abstinence periods. These data suggest insufficient support and education regarding behavioral and pharmacologic cessation therapies.
Mortality after breast cancer as a function of time since diagnosis by estrogen receptor status and age at diagnosis
Authors: Jayasekara Harindra , MacInnis Robert J. , Chamberlain James A. , Dite Gillian S. , Leoce Nicole M. , Dowty James G. , Bickerstaffe Adrian , Win Aung Ko , Milne Roger L. , Giles Graham G. , Terry Mary Beth , Eccles Diana M. , Southey Melissa C. , Hopper John L.
Published: February 2019

Our aim was to estimate how long‐term mortality following breast cancer diagnosis depends on age at diagnosis, tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status, and the time already survived. We used the population‐based Australian Breast Cancer Family Study which followed‐up 1,196 women enrolled during 1992–1999 when aged <60 years at diagnosis with a first primary invasive breast cancer, over‐sampled for younger ages at diagnosis, for whom tumor pathology features and ER status were measured. There were 375 deaths (median follow‐up = 15.7; range = 0.8–21.4, years). We estimated the mortality hazard as a function of time since diagnosis using a flexible parametric survival analysis with ER status a time‐dependent covariate. For women with ER‐negative tumors compared with those with ER‐positive tumors, 5‐year mortality was initially higher (p < 0.001), similar if they survived to 5 years (p = 0.4), and lower if they survived to 10 years (p = 0.02). The estimated mortality hazard for ER‐negative disease peaked at ~3 years post‐diagnosis, thereafter declined with time, and at 7 years post‐diagnosis became lower than that for ER‐positive disease. This pattern was more pronounced for women diagnosed at younger ages. Mortality was also associated with lymph node count (hazard ratio (HR) per 10 nodes = 2.52 [95% CI:2.11–3.01]) and tumor grade (HR per grade = 1.62 [95% CI:1.34–1.96]). The risk of death following a breast cancer diagnosis differs substantially and qualitatively with diagnosis age, ER status and time survived. For women who survive >7 years, those with ER‐negative disease will on average live longer, and more so if younger at diagnosis.
Subtraction of Epstein–Barr virus and microsatellite instability genotypes from the Lauren histotypes: Combined molecular and histologic subtyping with clinicopathological and prognostic significance validated in a cohort of 1,248 cases
Authors: Huang Shih‐Chiang , Ng Kwai‐Fong , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Cheng Chi‐Tung , Lin Jie‐Sian , Liu Yu‐Jen , Chuang Huei‐Chieh , Chen Tse‐Ching
Published: February 2019

Limited studies investigated clinicopathological and prognostic significance of histologic and molecular subgroups of gastric cancer concurrently. We retrospectively enrolled 1,248 patients with gastric cancer who received radical gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy and classified these cases into the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐associated and microsatellite instability (MSI)‐associated subtypes by EBV‐encoded small RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical stains for DNA mismatch repair proteins, respectively. The remaining cases were categorized as the Lauren intestinal and diffuse/mixed subtypes. The clinicopathological and prognostic significance of the subtypes was examined by statistical analysis. In total, 65 (5.2%), 116 (9.3%), 496 (39.7%), 431 (34.5%) and 140 (11.2%) cases were identified as EBV‐associated, MSI‐associated, intestinal, diffuse and mixed subtypes, respectively. The EBV‐associated, MSI‐associated, intestinal and diffuse/mixed subtypes exhibited distinctive clinicopathological characteristics, including differences in age, gender, stump cancer, gastric location, tumor size, TNM stage, margin involvement, lymphatic/perineural invasion, HER2 status and recurrence pattern. The log‐rank test showed survival discrimination (p < 0.001), and the multivariate analysis identified EBV‐associated and MSI‐associated cases demonstrated better outcomes than the diffuse/mixed subtype (EBV, HR 0.464, 95% CI 0.296–0.727, p = 0.001; MSI, HR 0.590, 95% CI 0.407–0.856, p = 0.005). EBV‐associated lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma cases had the most favorable outcome (HR 0.138, 95% CI 0.033–0.565, p = 0.006). In different clinical groups, the subtypes exhibited survival discrepancies. The EBV‐associated and diffuse/mixed cases exhibited more favorable response to chemotherapy. In conclusion, this combined classification, in parallel with the molecular subtypes specified in the Cancer Genome Atlas study, has implications for the clinical management of gastric cancer.
MicroRNA‐3191 promotes migration and invasion by downregulating TGFBR2 in colorectal cancer
Authors: He Hongjuan , Zhao Xiaojuan , Zhu Ziqing , Du Le , Chen Erfei , Liu Shuzhen , Li Qiqi , Dong Jing , Yang Jin , Lei Lei
Published: February 2019

Mutations in transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFBR2) are detected in up to 30% of overall colorectal cancer (CRC). Dysregulation of some microRNAs participated in the CRC pathogenesis. In this study, we used the gene ontology analyses, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses and gene set enrichment analysis to indicate that miR‐3191 was involved in the regulation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐BETA) signal pathway in CRC. These bioinformatics results were supported by data obtained from CRC samples and experiments in vitro. The luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm that miR‐3191 modulates TGF‐BETA signal pathway by targeting TGFBR2. By transwell migration and invasion assays, we showed that miR‐3191 promoted CRC cell migration and invasion by downregulating TGFBR2. And it may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating CRC patients.
In vitro and histological investigation of antitumor effect of some triazole compounds in colon cancer cell line
Authors: Parlak Akif Evren , Tekin Suat , Karatepe Arzu , Koparir Pelin , Telceken Hafize , Ceribası Ali Osman , Karatepe Mustafa
Published: February 2019

1,2,4‐Triazoles are used as antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant against some oxidative radical species. Recently, many 1,2,4‐triazoles continue to be synthesized. In this study, the effect of the 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives on human colon cancer (HT29) was investigated in vitro and in vivo in rats. MTT test was applied to in in vitro experiments. For in vivo study, rats were divided into seven groups as follows: Control group (negative control), azoxymethane (AOM), AOM + cisplatin 15, AOM + L1, AOM + L2, AOM + L3, and AOM + L4. To create colon cancer, the AOM injection was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 15 mg/kg, three times (once weekly). The in vivo studies were completed at 28 weeks. It was found that the 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives reduced the cell viability (P < 0.05). In all animals in the experimental groups, mild dysplasia was detected in 100% of the colon mucosal epithelium. Severe dysplasia and adenocarcinoma were observed in L1 groups. As a result, this study determined that the 1,2,4‐triazole derivatives exhibit antitumor activity.
Electronic structure benchmark calculations of inorganic and biochemical carboxylation reactions
Authors: Douglas‐Gallardo Oscar A. , Saez David Adrian , Vogt‐Geisse Stefan , Vöhringer‐Martinez Esteban
Published: February 2019

Carboxylation reactions represent a very special class of chemical reactions that is characterized by the presence of a carbon dioxide (CO2) molecule as reactive species within its global chemical equation. These reactions work as fundamental gear to accomplish the CO2 fixation and thus to build up more complex molecules through different technological and biochemical processes. In this context, a correct description of the CO2 electronic structure turns out to be crucial to study the chemical and electronic properties associated with this kind of reactions. Here, a systematic study of CO2 electronic structure and its contribution to different carboxylation reaction electronic energies has been carried out by means of several high‐level ab initio post‐Hartree Fock (post‐HF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations for a set of biochemistry and inorganic systems. We have found that for a correct description of the CO2 electronic correlation energy it is necessary to include post‐CCSD(T) contributions (beyond the gold standard). These high‐order excitations are required to properly describe the interactions of the four π‐electrons associated with the two degenerated π‐molecular orbitals of the CO2 molecule. Likewise, our results show that in some reactions it is possible to obtain accurate reaction electronic energy values with computationally less demanding methods when the error in the electronic correlation energy compensates between reactants and products. Furthermore, the provided post‐HF reference values allowed to validating different DFT exchange‐correlation functionals combined with different basis sets for chemical reactions that are relevant in biochemical CO2 fixing enzymes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The p35/CDK5 signaling is regulated by p75NTR in neuronal apoptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Wang Hongmei , Shen Jiabing , Li Wanyan , Cao Maosheng , Hong Yao , Cao Maohong
Published: February 2019

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), a member of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, involves in neuronal apoptosis after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). It has been previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of p35 is a crucial factor for fighting against the proapoptotic p25/CDK5 signaling in neuronal apoptosis. Then, in ICH models of rats and primary cortical neurons, we found that the expressions of p75NTR, p‐histone H1 (the kinase activity of CDK5), p25, Fas‐associated phosphatase‐1 (FAP‐1), and phosphorylated myocyte enhancer factor 2D (p‐MEF2D) were enhanced after ICH, whereas the expression of p35‐Thr(138) was attenuated. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis indicated several interactions as follows: p35/p25 and CKD5, p75NTR and p35, as well as p75NTR and FAP‐1. After p75NTR or FAP‐1 depletion with double‐stranded RNA interference in PC12 cells, the levels of p25 and p‐histone H1 were attenuated, whereas p35‐Thr(138) was elevated. Considering p75NTR has no effect of dephosphorylation, our results suggested that p75NTR might promote the dephosphorylation of p35‐Thr(138) via interaction with FAP‐1, and the p75NTR/p35 complex upregulated p25/CDK5 signaling to facilitate the neuronal apoptosis following ICH. So, in the study, we aimed to provide a theoretical and experimental basis that p75NTR could be regulated to reduce neuronal apoptosis following ICH for potential clinical treatment.
Retracted: Ras‐PI3K‐AKT signaling promotes the occurrence and development of uveal melanoma by downregulating H3K56ac expression
Authors: Li Yaping , Sun Dajun , Sun Weixuan , Yin Dexin
Published: February 2019

Background

Uveal melanoma (UM) is an intraocular malignant tumor characterized by rapid progression and recurrence. The current conventional treatments are unsatisfactory. Histone acetylation at H3 lysine 56 (H3K56ac) has been reported to be a tumor suppressor in breast cancer. However, whether H3K56ac prevents the occurrence and development of UM remains uninvestigated. The study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of H3K56ac on Ras‐PI3K‐AKT induced UM cells proliferation and migration.

Methods

The vectors of pEGFP‐RasWT, pEGFP‐K‐Ras
G12V/Y40C, and pEGFP‐N1 were transfected into MP46 cells, and protein levels of phosphorylated AKT
Ser473 and H3K56ac were examined using western blot analysis. The effect of H3K56ac on cell proliferation and migration were studied using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, colony formation, and Transwell assays. Reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to determine the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) downstream genes. Further, the regulatory effects of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog‐1 (SIRT1), general control nonderepressible 5 (GCN5), and mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) on Ras‐PI3K‐AKT affected H3K56ac expression were also investigated.

Results

H3K56ac expression was specifically downregulated by Ras‐PI3K‐AKT activation pathway. H3K56ac inhibited the tumorigenic effect of Ras‐PI3K‐AKT on MP46 cells viability, colony formation, and migration, as well as participated in regulating the transcription of PI3K/AKT downstream genes. SIRT1 silence recovered H3K56ac expression, and reversed the tumorigenic effect of Ras‐PI3K‐AKT activation on MP46 cells. Downregulation of H3K56ac induced by Ras‐PI3K‐AKT activation was found to be associated with MDM2‐mediated the degradation of GCN5.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that Ras‐PI3K‐AKT signaling promoted UM cells proliferation and migration via downregulation of H3K56ac expression, which might be related to MDM2‐mediated the degradation of GCN5.
Berberine as a potential autophagy modulator
Authors: Mohammadinejad Reza , Ahmadi Zahra , Tavakol Shima , Ashrafizadeh Milad
Published: February 2019

Today, pharmacognosy is considered a valuable science in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Among herbals, Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in the Berberis species. Surprisingly, it shows antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, and anti‐inflammatory potential. Furthermore, it diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy and enhances tumor suppression in part through autophagy and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the effect of berberine on diverse cellular pathways and describe how berberine acts as an autophagy modulator to adjust physiologic and pathologic conditions and diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy.
Curcumin prevents high glucose damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells through ERK1/2‐mediated activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway
Authors: Bucolo Claudio , Drago Filippo , Maisto Rosa , Romano Giovanni Luca , D'Agata Velia , Maugeri Grazia , Giunta Salvatore
Published: February 2019

To study the effects of curcumin on human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells exposed to high glucose (HG) insult, we performed in vitro studies on RPE cells cultured both in normal and HG conditions to assess the effects of curcumin on the cell viability, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression, HO‐1 activity, and ERK1/2 expression. RPE cells exposed to HG insult were treated with curcumin. The cell viability, apoptosis, HO‐1 activity, ERK, and Nrf2 expression were evaluated. The data indicated that treatment with curcumin caused a significant decrease in terms of apoptosis. Further, curcumin was able to induce HO‐1 expression via Nrf2 activation and counteracts the damage elicited by HG. The present study demonstrated that curcumin provides protection against HG‐induced damage in RPE cells through the activation of Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling that involves the ERK pathway, suggesting that curcumin may have therapeutic value in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Ultrasonographic assessment of the maxillary artery and middle meningeal artery in the infratemporal fossa
Authors: Lepić Toplica , Lepić Milan , Mandić‐Rajčević Stefan
Published: February 2019

Purpose

To investigate with Doppler ultrasonography the maxillary and middle meningeal arteries in the infratemporal fossa, and describe their hemodynamic characteristics.

Methods

We included 24 female and 11 male volunteers without vascular diseases, with a median age of 43 years. We used the acoustic window, enlarged by subjects half‐opening their mouth, located below the zygomatic arch, in front of temporo‐mandibular joint, to reach the maxillary and middle meningeal arteries.

Results

In the 35 subjects, 112 arteries were visualized successfully: 60 maxillary (85.7%), and 52 middle meningeal arteries (74.3%), at a depth of 2.40 and 2.50 cm, respectively. Their blood flow was directed anteriorly and away from the probe. While all the measured hemodynamic characteristics differed significantly between the maxillary and the middle meningeal artery (P < 0.001), there was no significant difference between male and female subjects, nor between the left or the right side.

Conclusions

The maxillary and middle meningeal arteries can be insonated in the infratemporal fossa through the easily accessible acoustic window below the zygomatic arch, when the patient holds his mouth half open. They can be differentiated by their ultrasonographic characteristics and blood flow features.
Comparison of the fragmentation behavior of DNA and LNA single strands and duplexes
Authors: Ickert Stefanie , Schwaar Timm , Springer Andreas , Grabarics Márkó , Riedel Jens , Beck Sebastian , Pagel Kevin , Linscheid Michael W.
Published: February 2019

DNA and locked nucleic acid (LNA) were characterized as single strands, as well as double stranded DNA‐DNA duplexes and DNA‐LNA hybrids using tandem mass spectrometry with collision‐induced dissociation. Additionally, ion mobility spectrometry was carried out on selected species. Oligonucleotide duplexes of different sequences—bearing mismatch positions and abasic sites of complementary DNA 15‐mers—were investigated to unravel general trends in their stability in the gas phase. Single‐stranded LNA oligonucleotides were also investigated with respect to their gas phase behavior and fragmentation upon collision‐induced dissociation. In contrast to the collision‐induced dissociation of DNA, almost no base loss was observed for LNAs. Here, backbone cleavages were the dominant dissociation pathways. This finding was further underlined by the need for higher activation energies. Base losses from the LNA strand were also absent in fragmentation experiments of the investigated DNA‐LNA hybrid duplexes. While DNA‐DNA duplexes dissociated easily into single stranded fragments, the high stability of DNA‐LNA hybrids resulted in predominant fragmentation of the DNA part rather than the LNA, while base losses were only observed from the DNA single strand of the hybrid.
How is Contact Force implemented in routine clinical practice? Results from a French National and Monaco Survey
Authors: Bun Sok‐Sithikun , Lațcu Decebal Gabriel , Taghji Philippe , Anselme Frederic , Boveda Serge , Cebron Jean‐Pierre , Defaye Pascal , Deharo Jean‐Claude , Fauchier Laurent , Gandjbakhch Estelle , Gras Daniel , Klug Didier , Mansourati Jacques , Marijon Eloi , Maury Jean‐Philippe , Squara Fabien , Saoudi Nadir , Taïeb Jérôme
Published: February 2019

Background

Combination of elementary parameters (force, time, power, impedance drop) has been proposed to optimize radiofrequency (RF) delivery. They have been partially validated in clinical studies.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess contact‐force (CF) implementation into clinical practice.

Methods

A 36‐question electronic form was sent to 105 electrophysiologists (EP) including some general questions concerning the practice of catheter atrial fibrillation ablation and items concerning the parameters used for CF‐guided ablation.

Results

Answers from 98 EP were collected (93% response rate). The CF‐catheters used were Smart Touch, Biosense (52%), Tacticath, Saint‐Jude Medical (12%), or both (27%) and no CF (9%). The power applied on the left atrial (LA) anterior (LAAW) and posterior (LAPW) wall was, respectively, 26‐34 W (for 73% of the EP) and below 25 W (88% of the EP). Forty percent of the Visitag® users mostly used the nominal parameters. Seventy‐five percent of the users did not use automatic display of the impedance drop. For the Tacticath users, 57% used a target value of 400 gs on the LAAW and 300 to 400 gs on the LAPW. Lesion Size Index was exceptionally used.

Conclusions

The parameters used for CF‐guided ablation are widely variable among the different operators. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the targets for automatic annotation of the RF applications.
Recent strategies to enhance the performance of polymer monoliths for analytical separations
Authors: Maya Fernando , Paull Brett
Published: February 2019

This review summarizes recent developments made in the incorporation of functional materials into organic polymer monoliths, together with new monolithic forms and formats, which enhance their application as supports and stationary phase materials for sample preparation and chromatographic separations. While polymer monoliths are well‐known supports for the separation of large molecules, recent developments have been made to improve their features for the separation of small molecules. The selectivity and performance of organic polymer monoliths has been improved by the incorporation of different materials, such as metal‐organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, or other types of nanostructured materials (carbon nanohorns, nanodiamonds, polyoxometalates, layered double hydroxides, or attapulgite). The surface area of polymer monoliths has been significantly increased by polymer hypercrosslinking, resulting in increased efficiency when applied to the separation of small molecules. In addition, recent exploration of less conventional supports for casting polymer monoliths, including photonic fibres and 3D printed materials, has opened new avenues for the applications of polymer monoliths in the field of separation science. Recent developments made in these topics are covered, focusing on the strategies followed by the authors to prepare the polymer monoliths and the effect of these modifications on the developed analytical applications.
Magnetic solid‐phase extraction of benzoylurea insecticides in tea samples with Fe3O4‐hyperbranched polyester magnetic composite as sorbent
Authors: Liu Chaoran , Liu Xinya , Marriott Philip J. , Qian Heng , Meng Zilin , Yang Zhirong , Lu Runhua , Gao Haixiang , Zhou Wenfeng
Published: February 2019

In this work, a method for the analysis of benzoylurea insecticides, including hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron, lufenuron and chlorfluazuron, in tea samples by high‐performance liquid chromatography with Fe3O4‐hyperbranched polyester nanocomposite as the adsorbent for magnetic solid‐phase extraction was developed. The magnetic nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The as‐prepared nanocomposite was used as a sorbent for the extraction and preconcentration of pesticide residues in tea samples. The extraction and desorption conditions, including mass ratios of raw materials, amount of sorbent, pH value, extraction time, and desorption time, were investigated. Under the final conditions chosen for the analysis, good linearity was obtained for all the tested compounds, with R2 values of at least 0.9979. The limits of detection were determined in the range of 0.15–0.3 μg/L. The recovery obtained from the analysis of tea samples with various spiked concentrations was between 90.7 and 98.4%, with relative standard deviations (n = 4) lower than 4.1%. Furthermore, the present approach was successfully applied to the quantitative determination of residues of benzoylurea insecticides in real samples.
Application of 3‐Dimensional Printing in Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Wang Pusen , Que Weitao , Zhang Mingman , Dai Xiaoke , Yu Kanru , Wang Chunguang , Peng Zhihai , Zhong Lin
Published: February 2019

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing has been used to support organ transplantations. However, whether it helps remains unclear. This study aimed to present and assess the application of 3D‐printed liver models in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The 3D images were printed to touchable liver models with transparent liver parenchyma, specifically colored hepatic vessels, and biliary structures. A total of 30 consecutive recipients were enrolled in the study: 10 were operated on with the support of 3D printing (3D‐printing group) and 20 (control group) were operated on without it. Detailed photographs and data of the cases in the 3D‐printing group were presented. One patient underwent auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation using the left lobe graft, in which the abdominal cavity model was also printed to test whether the planned graft fit the recipient’s abdominal cavity. The 3D‐printed models facilitated surgical planning and procedures, particularly in the management of hepatic veins and in the prevention of large‐for‐size syndrome. The operative time of donors in the 3D‐printing group was significantly shorter compared with the control group (2.3 ± 0.4 versus 3.0 ± 0.4 hours; P < 0.001). Inpatient costs for donors in the 3D‐printing group were 17.1% lower than those in the control group (34.6 ± 6.6 versus 41.7 ± 10.4 thousand ¥; P = 0.03). In conclusion, in small infants and complicated pediatric LDLT patients, 3D‐printed models can help minimize the risk of large‐for‐size syndrome and graft reduction. The 3D‐printed models may be conducive to liver graft procurement and intraoperative assistance in pediatric LDLT.
Translocation of Zymomonas mobilis pyruvate decarboxylase to periplasmic compartment for production of acetaldehyde outside the cytosol
Authors: Balodite Elina , Strazdina Inese , Martynova Jekaterina , Galinina Nina , Rutkis Reinis , Lasa Zane , Kalnenieks Uldis
Published: February 2019

Acetaldehyde, a valuable commodity chemical, is a volatile inhibitory byproduct of aerobic fermentation in Zymomonas mobilis and in several other microorganisms. Attempting to improve acetaldehyde production by minimizing its contact with the cell interior and facilitating its removal from the culture, we engineered a Z. mobilis strain with acetaldehyde synthesis reaction localized in periplasm. For that, the pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) was transferred from the cell interior to the periplasmic compartment. This was achieved by the construction of a Z. mobilis Zm6 PDC‐deficient mutant, fusion of PDC with the periplasmic signal sequence of Z. mobilis gluconolactonase, and the following expression of this fusion protein in the PDC‐deficient mutant. The obtained recombinant strain PeriAc, with most of its PDC localized in periplasm, showed a twofold higher acetaldehyde yield, than the parent strain, and will be used for further improvement by directed evolution.
Nuclear magnetic relaxation and diffusion study of the ionic liquids 1‐ethyl‐ and 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide confined in porous glass
Authors: Ordikhani Seyedlar Amin , Stapf Siegfried , Mattea Carlos
Published: February 2019

The molecular dynamics of the room‐temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Bmim Tf2N) confined in porous glass is studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry and diffusometry and is compared with the bulk dynamics over a wide temperature range. The molecular reorientation processes for anions and cations alike are found to be significantly affected by the presence of the glass interface at high temperatures. In this respect, the ionic liquid behaves similarly to polar liquids where proton NMR relaxation is governed by reorientations mediated by translational displacements (RMTDs). This process becomes less significant towards lower temperatures when the characteristic translational correlation times of the ions approach a timescale comparable with those of the RMTD process, and the relaxation dispersions in bulk and in confinement become similar below a temperature corresponding to about 1.2Tg, a value where the onset of dynamic heterogeneity has been observed before. The self‐diffusion coefficient, on the other hand, is found to be strongly reduced than the bulk within the accessible temperature range of 248 K and above and is significantly slower than expected from the tortuosity effect, suggesting that ion–surface interactions affect the macroscopic properties.
The Firefighter problem: Saving sets of vertices on cubic graphs
Authors: Duffy Christopher , MacGillivray Gary
Published: February 2019

In the context of the Firefighter problem, a deterministic model of the spread of a fire or virus on a graph, SFIRE is the decision problem that asks if a specified set of vertices can be prevented from burning. We show SFIRE remains NP‐complete even when restricted to graphs with maximum degree 3 even when the fire starts at a vertex of degree 2.
Intrasurgical Protein Layer on Titanium Arthroplasty Explants: From the Big Twelve to the Implant Proteome
Authors: Jäger Marcus , Jennissen Herbert P. , Haversath Marcel , Busch André , Grupp Thomas , Sowislok Andrea , Herten Monika
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Aseptic loosening in total joint replacement due to insufficient osteointegration is an unsolved problem in orthopaedics. The purpose of the study is to obtain a picture of the initial protein adsorption layer on femoral endoprosthetic surfaces as the key to the initiation of osseointegration.

Experimental design

The paper describes the first study of femoral stem explants from patients for proteome analysis of the primary protein layer. After 2 min in situ, the stems are explanted and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Proteins are eluted under reducing conditions and analyzed by LC‐MS/MS.

Results

After exclusion of proteins identified by a single peptide, the implant proteome is found to consist of 2802 unique proteins. Of these, 77% are of intracellular origin, 9% are derived from the plasma proteome, 8% from the bone proteome, and four proteins with highest specificity score could be assigned to the bone marrow proteome (transcriptome). The most abundant protein in the adsorbed total protein layer is hemoglobin (8–11%) followed by serum albumin (3.6–6%).

Conclusions

A detailed knowledge of the initial protein film deposited onto the implants, as demonstrated here for the first time, may help to understand and predict the response of the osseous microenvironment to implant surfaces.