bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five key lncRNAs considered as prognostic targets for predicting pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Song Jukun , Xu Qiuyan , Zhang Haodeng , Yin Xinhai , Zhu Chen , Zhao Ke , Zhu Jianguo
Published: December 2017

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis, and the 5‐year survival rate was only 7.7%. To improve prognosis, a screening biomarker for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is in urgent need. Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles as potential cancer prognostic biomarkers play critical roles in development of tumorigenesis and metastasis of cancer. However, lncRNA signatures in predicting the survival of a patient with PDAC remain unknown. In the current study, we try to identify potential lncRNA biomarkers and their prognostic values in PDAC. LncRNAs expression profiles and corresponding clinical information for 182 cases with PDAC were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 14 470 lncRNA were identified in the cohort, and 175 PDAC patients had clinical variables. We obtained 108 differential expressed lncRNA via R packages. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, lasso regression was performed to screen the potential prognostic lncRNA. Five lncRNAs have been recognized to significantly correlate with OS. We established a linear prognostic model of five lncRNA (C9orf139, MIR600HG, RP5‐965G21.4, RP11‐436K8.1, and CTC‐327F10.4) and divided patients into high‐ and low‐risk group according to the prognostic index. The five lncRNAs played independent prognostic biomarkers of OS of PDAC patients and the AUC of the ROC curve for the five lncRNAs signatures prediction 5‐year survival was 0.742. In addition, targeted genes of MIR600HG, C9orf139, and CTC‐327F10.4 were explored and functional enrichment was also conducted. These results suggested that this five‐lncRNAs signature could act as potential prognostic biomarkers in the prediction of PDAC patient's survival.
Ultrasound‐triggered effects of the microbubbles coupled to GDNF‐ and Nurr1‐loaded PEGylated liposomes in a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yue Peijian , Gao Lin , Wang Xuejing , Ding Xuebing , Teng Junfang
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate ultrasound‐triggered effects of the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) + nuclear receptor‐related factor 1 (Nurr1)‐polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated liposomes‐coupled microbubbles (PLs‐GDNF + Nurr1‐MBs) on behavioral impairment and neuron loss in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD). The unloaded PEGylated liposomes‐coupled microbubbles (PLs‐MBs) were characterized for zeta potential, particle size, and concentration. 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) was used to establish the PD rat model. Rotational, climbing pole, and suspension tests were used to detect behavioral impairment. The immunohistochemical staining of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) was used to assess the neuron loss. Western blot and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) analysis were used to measure the expression levels of GDNF and Nurr1. The particle size of PLs‐MBs was gradually increased, while the concentration and absolute zeta potential were gradually decreased as the time prolongs. 6‐OHDA increased amphetamine‐induced rotations and loss of dopaminergic neurons as compared to sham group. Interestingly, PLs‐GDNF‐MBs or PLs‐Nurr1‐MBs decreased rotations and increased the TH and DAT immunoreactivity. Combined of both genes resulted in a robust reduction in the rotations and a greater increase of the dopaminergic neurons. The delivery of PLs‐GDNF + Nurr1‐MBs into the brains using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided focused ultrasound may be more efficacious for the treatment of PD than the single treatment.
Exosomal miR‐6803‐5p as potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yan Shushan , Jiang Ye , Liang Caihong , Cheng Min , Jin Chengwen , Duan Quanhong , Xu Donghua , Yang Lu , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ren Bin , Jin Peng
Published: December 2017

Accumulating data have suggested exosome‐delivered microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical role in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. However, little is known about the influence of exosomal miR‐6803‐5p on the development and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Levels of serum exosomal miR‐6803‐5p were determined by microarray analysis and verified by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Outcomes of overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) of CRC patients were estimated by Kaplan‐Meier analysis. We used cox regression analysis to investigate the association between exosomes‐encapsulated miR‐6803‐5p and the clinicopathological factors of CRC patients. The exosomal miR‐6803‐5p was significantly increased in serum samples from patients with CRC in contrast to healthy controls. Significantly higher levels of serum exosomal miR‐6803‐5p were observed in CRC patients at later TNM stage or with lymph node metastasis as well as liver metastasis. Patients with elevated levels of serum exosomal miR‐6803‐5p had much poorer OS and DFS. Cox regression analysis revealed high levels of exosomal miR‐6803‐5p was associated with poor prognosis in CRC independent of other confounding factors. Thus, exosomal miR‐6803‐5p is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for patients with CRC.
The 9p21 locus: A potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in breast cancer
Authors: Rivandi Mahdi , Khorrami Mohammad‐Sadegh , Fiuji Hamid , Shahidsales Soodabeh , Hasanzadeh Malihe , Jazayeri Mir Hadi , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Ferns Gordon A. , Saghafi Nafiseh , Avan Amir
Published: December 2017

Breast cancer is an important cause of cancer related mortality in women. Despite extensive efforts to identify valid biomarkers for risk stratification, there are relatively few with proven clinical utility. It is recognized that genetic factors play a major role in determining susceptibility to breast cancer. Recent genome‐wide‐association‐studies and gene expression analysis have demonstrated that a locus on chromosome 9p21, which contains three genes; CDKN2B (encoding p15ink4b), CDKN2A (encoding p16ink4a and p14ARF) and the 3′ end of CDKN2BAS (an antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus [ANRIL]) are associated with an increased risk of this malignancy. ANRIL has a post transcriptional modulatory activity, which has been shown to perturb the expression of nearby genes and may play an important role in coordinating tissue remodeling through regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, aging, extra‐cellular matrix remodeling, and inflammatory response. However, the role of ANRIL is not well understood in breast cancer. Hypermethylation of the p14ARF and p16INK4a genes is found in some tumor types. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to confirm the clinical utility of these putative markers in risk stratification, or assessing prognosis. In this review, we have summarized the prognostic and therapeutic potential of the p14ARF and p16INK4a genes in patients with breast cancer.
Nowhere‐zero 3‐flow and ‐connectedness in graphs with four edge‐disjoint spanning trees
Authors: Han Miaomiao , Lai Hong‐Jian , Li Jiaao
Published: December 2017

Given a zero‐sum function with , an orientation D of G with in for every vertex is called a β‐orientation. A graph G is ‐connected if G admits a β‐orientation for every zero‐sum function β. Jaeger et al. conjectured that every 5‐edge‐connected graph is ‐connected. A graph is ‐extendable at vertex v if any preorientation at v can be extended to a β‐orientation of G for any zero‐sum function β. We observe that if every 5‐edge‐connected essentially 6‐edge‐connected graph is ‐extendable at any degree five vertex, then the above‐mentioned conjecture by Jaeger et al. holds as well. Furthermore, applying the partial flow extension method of Thomassen and of Lovász et al., we prove that every graph with at least four edge‐disjoint spanning trees is ‐connected. Consequently, every 5‐edge‐connected essentially 23‐edge‐connected graph is ‐extendable at any degree five vertex.
Spatial harmonic analysis on a permanent magnet linear generator with Halbach array for direct‐driver wave energy conversion
Authors: Liu Chunyuan , Zhang Jinzhao , Xiong Yuansheng , Zhu He , Yu Haitao , Huang Lei
Published: December 2017

A tubular permanent magnet linear generator (TPMLG) with Halbach array magnetization is proposed to extract wave energy. The magnetic field is analyzed by analytical analysis and verified by numerical analysis. The air‐gap flux density of TPMLG with Halbach array magnetization has a better sinusoidal shape than quasi‐Halbach and other magnetization based on the spatial harmonic analysis. The harmonic component of flux density varies with the degree of permanent magnet magnetization, through optimizing the angle α (α is the angle between the z‐axis and orientation of magnetization), and the harmonic component is smallest when the angle α equal to π/4. Meanwhile, the amplitude of Br in air‐gap region reaches maximum. Analytical analysis proves that TPMLG with Halbach array magnetization can improve generator performance and power density. Finally, a prototype is manufactured and applied to a direct‐drive power take‐off system experiment. Simulations and experimental results demonstrate that it is an effective method for direct‐drive wave power take‐off system.
Cortical electrical stimulation in female rats with a cervical spinal cord injury to promote axonal outgrowth
Authors: Jack Andrew S. , Hurd Caitlin , Forero Juan , Nataraj Andrew , Fenrich Keith , Blesch Armin , Fouad Karim
Published: December 2017

Electrical stimulation (ES) to promote corticospinal tract (CST) repair after spinal cord injury (SCI) is underinvestigated. This study is the first to detail intracortical ES of the injured CST. We hypothesize that cortical ES will promote CST collateralization and regeneration, prevent dieback, and improve recovery in an SCI rat model. The CST was transected at the the fourth cervical level in adult female Lewis rats trained in a stairwell grasping task. Animal groups included (a) ES333 (n = 14; 333 Hz, biphasic pulse for 0.2‐ms duration every 500 ms, 30 pulses per train); (b) ES20 (n = 14; 20 Hz, biphasic pulse for 0.2‐ms duration every 1 s, 60 pulses per train); (c) SCI only (n = 10); and (d) sham (n = 10). ES of the injured forelimb's motor cortex was performed for 30 min immediately prior to SCI. Comparisons between histological data were performed with a 1‐way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test, and grasping scores were compared using repeated‐measures 2‐way ANOVA.

Significantly more axonal collateralization was found in ES333 animals compared with controls (p < .01). Axonal dieback analysis revealed ES20 rats to have consistently more dieback than the other groups at all points measured (p < .05). No difference in axonal regeneration was found between groups, nor was there any difference in functional recovery. Cortical ES of the injured CST results in increased collateral sprouting and influences neuroplasticity depending on the ES parameters used. Further investigation regarding optimal parameters and its functional effects is required.
The production of hydrolysates from industrially defatted rice bran and its surface image changes during extraction
Authors: Kaewjumpol Geerada , Oruna‐Concha Maria J , Niranjan Keshavan , Thawornchinsombut Supawan
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

This research employed a mild subcritical alkaline water (mild‐SAW) extraction technique to overcome the difficulty of active compound extractability from industrially defatted rice bran (IDRB). Mild‐SAW (pH 9.5, 130 °C, 120 min) treatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis (Protease G6) was applied to produce rice bran hydrolysate (RBH). Response surface methodology was used to identify proteolysis conditions for maximizing protein content and ABTS radical scavenging activity (ABTS‐RSA). Microstructural changes occurring in IDRB during extraction were monitored. The selected RBH was characterized for protein recovery, yield, antioxidant activities, phenolic profile and hydroxymethylfufural (HMF) content.

RESULTS

Optimal proteolysis conditions were 20 mL kg−1 IDRB (enzyme/substrate ratio) for 6 h. Under these conditions, the yield, ABTS‐RSA, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total phenolic content of the RBH were 46.1%, 294.22 µmol trolox g−1, 57.72 µmol FeSO4 g−1 and 22.73 mg gallic acid g−1 respectively, with relatively low HMF level (0.21 mg g−1). The protein recovery was 4.8 times greater than that by conventional alkaline extraction. Its major phenolic compounds were p‐coumaric and ferulic acids. The microstructural changes of IDRB confirmed that the mild‐SAW/Protease G6 process enhanced the release of active compounds.

CONCLUSION

The process of mild‐SAW extraction followed by proteolysis promotes the release of active compounds from IDRB. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of incorporation of natural chemicals in water ice‐glazing on freshness and shelf‐life of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) during −18 °C frozen storage
Authors: Luo Haibo , Wang Weihua , Chen Wei , Tang Haiqing , Jiang Li , Yu Zhifang
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Microbial spoilage and lipid oxidation are two major factors causing freshness deterioration of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) during frozen storage. To provide a remedy, the effects of several natural chemicals incorporated alone or in combination in traditional water ice‐glazing on the freshness and shelf‐life of Pacific saury during frozen storage at −18 °C were investigated. Pacific sauries were subjected to individual quick freezing followed immediately by dipping into cold tap water (control) or solutions containing nisin, chitosan, phytic acid (single‐factor experiment) or their combinations ((L9(34) orthogonal experiment) for 10 s at 1 °C and then packaged in polypropylene bags before frozen storage at −18 °C. The storage duration tested was up to 12 months.

RESULTS

All ice‐glazing treatments with individual chemicals could significantly (P < 0.05) inhibit the accumulation of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) and histamine as well as the increase in bacterial total viable count (TVC) compared with controls, while the combination treatments gave even better effects. The L9(34) orthogonal experiment showed that the optimal combination was A2B1C2 (i.e. 0.5 g L−1 nisin, 5 g L−1 chitosan and 0.2 g L−1 phytic acid). The TBARS, TVB‐N, histamine and TVC values in A2B1C2‐treated samples remained far below the maximum acceptable limit for good‐freshness fish after 12 months of frozen storage at −18 °C.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of natural chemicals tested herein in ice‐glazing could inhibit microbial spoilage and lipid oxidation and therefore maintain the freshness of Pacific saury during frozen storage. Under the optimal conditions, the shelf‐life of Pacific saury could be extended up to 12 months at −18 °C. The study indicated that the combination treatment with natural chemicals could be commercially utilized to maintain the freshness and prolong the shelf‐life of Pacific saury. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Amplified environmental change: Evidence from land‐use and climate change in medieval Minorca
Authors: Balbo Andrea Luca , Puy Arnald , Frigola Jaime , Retamero Felix , Cacho Isabel , Kirchner Helena
Published: December 2017

The debate on human environmental impact has often been locked into cause–effect reasoning, aiming at factoring human impact on top of climatic variability. Here we use evidence from Minorca and the Mediterranean region to show the potential for amplified environmental change emerging from complex feedbacks between climatic and historical events. Alluvial sediments collected in a gully reveal a 14‐ to 27‐fold increase in sediment accumulation rates, leading to the rapid aggradation of the valley floor from approximatelyad1300 onwards. These environmental changes coincided with the Feudal conquest of Minorca (ad1287) and with the climatic shift from the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, c.ad900–1300) to the Little Ice Age (LIA, c.ad1300–1850). This evidence of unprecedented sediment mobilisation, in context with climatic and historical events marking the Mediterranean region, highlights the implications for environmental vulnerability emerging from positive feedbacks between climate and land‐use. Understanding such interactions in historical contexts is paramount to increase our capacity for anticipatory learning in the face of rapid climatic, economical, and ecological transformations today.
Functional Surfaces Constructed with Hyperbranched Copolymers as Optical Imaging and Electrochemical Cell Sensing Platforms
Authors: Balta Sebila , Aydogan Cansu , Demir Bilal , Geyik Caner , Ciftci Mustafa , Guler Emine , Odaci Demirkol Dilek , Timur Suna , Yagci Yusuf
Published: December 2017

In the present study, hyperbranched copolymers (HBCs), namely poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐co‐poly(2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate) and PMMA‐co‐poly(2‐dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate), are photochemically synthesized by self‐condensing vinyl polymerization of methyl methacrylate with the corresponding inimer using Type II photoinitiators. HBCs with different functional group and branching densities are used as surface coating materials in cellular adhesion and the respective electrochemical‐based studies. After the main surface characterization of the synthesized three HBCs with contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy, HaCaT keratinocytes and human neuroglioblastoma (U‐87MG) cell lines to the surfaces are conducted. The adherence of cells is proven by both fluorescence cell imaging and electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The described strategy involving hyperbranched polymers offers great potential for fabricating various new surfaces in particular “on‐chip‐sensing” applications.
Should Cookie Monster adopt a healthy lifestyle or continue to indulge? Insights into brand icons
Authors: Merchant Altaf , LaTour Kathryn A. , Ford John B. , LaTour Michael S.
Published: December 2017

Developing a brand icon has been a way for marketers to humanize and forge relationships with consumers. Icon development takes time. During this time, marketers have to face how much they stay true and consistent with their icons and how much they allow their icons to adapt to cultural changes in the marketplace. Little is known about how consumers respond to changing icons, and even less is known about whether there may be certain consumer groups that are more or less receptive to such changes. Four experiments and qualitative interviews were undertaken to gain insights into these issues. People who have a low need to belong were most impacted by changes in the icon, with effects most evident among consumers with a fearful attachment style. Feelings of rejection were found to amplify these effects. These findings have implications both for theory and practice.
NF‐κB‐regulated miR‐155, via repression of QKI, contributes to the acquisition of CSC‐like phenotype during the neoplastic transformation of hepatic cells induced by arsenite
Authors: Chen Chao , Luo Fei , Yang Qianlei , Wang Dapeng , Yang Ping , Xue Junchao , Dai Xiangyu , Liu Xinlu , Xu Hui , Lu Jiachun , Zhang Aihua , Liu Qizhan
Published: December 2017

Chronic exposure to arsenite can cause various human tumors. For the initiation and recurrence of human liver cancer, the acquisition of CSC‐like properties is essential. In various cancers, microRNAs (miRNAs) act as regulators in induction of CSC‐like properties. Liver cancers over‐express miR‐155, but the mechanism relating miR‐155 and arsenite‐induced liver cancer is unknown. Here, we show that long‐term exposure of L‐02 cells to arsenite increases miR‐155 levels by activation of NF‐κB and leads to the acquisition of CSC‐like properties. In spheroids formed from arsenite‐transformed L‐02 cells, the levels of miR‐155 positively relate to the levels of CD90, EpCAM, and OCT4. Inhibition of miR‐155, by reduction of SOX2 and OCT4, results in suppression of spheroid formation. Luciferase reporter assays indicate that QKI is a target of miR‐155. Inhibition of QKI expression by miR‐155 promotes arsenite‐induced acquisition of CSC‐like properties, whereas QKI over‐expression has the opposite effect. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that miR‐155, driven by NF‐κB, reduces QKI expression and is involved in acquisition of the CSC‐like phenotype during neoplastic transformation of hepatic cells induced by arsenite.
Trigonometric fitted, eighth‐order explicit Numerov‐type methods
Authors: Berg Dmitry B. , Simos T. E. , Tsitouras Ch.
Published: December 2017

We consider the integration of the special second‐order initial value problem of the form
. A recently introduced family of 7 stages, eighth‐order methods, sharing constant coefficients, is used as base. This family is properly modified to derive phase fitted and zero dissipative methods (ie, trigonometric fitted) that are best suited for integrating oscillatory problems. Numerical tests over a set of problems shows enhanced performance when the purely linear part of the problems is rather large in comparison with the rest of nonlinear parts. An appendix implementing a MATLAB listing with the coefficients of the new method is also given.
A new retrieval method based on time series variation using field association terms
Authors: Atlam El‐Sayed , Ghaleb Fayed , Taha Azaa , Ismail Aya
Published: December 2017

This paper studies the effects of the time change on the frequencies of specific terms connected to the document field in a given period. These specific terms are the field association (FA) terms. The paper also suggests a new method for automatic evaluation of the stabilization classes of FA terms to improve the precision of decision tree. The stabilization classes point out the popularity of list of FA terms depending on time change. Moreover, the suggested method manipulates the problem of the scattering of data numbers among classes to improve the performance of decision tree precision. The presented method is evaluated through conducting experiments by simulating the result of 1245 files, which are equivalent to 4.15 MB. The F‐measure for increment, fairly steady, and decrement classes achieves %90.4, %99.3, and %38.6, sequentially.
Nonisolated diaphragmatic hernia in Simpson‐Golabi‐Behmel syndrome
Authors: Chong Karen , Saleh Maha , Injeyan Marie , Miron Ioana , Fong Katherine , Shannon Patrick
Published: December 2017

Objective

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with Simpson‐Golabi‐Behmel syndrome (SGBS), but few cases diagnosed prenatally have been reported. The aim of this series is to highlight the association of nonisolated CDH with SGBS type I on prenatal ultrasound and emphasize the importance of genetic testing, fetal autopsy, and family history in confirming this diagnosis.

Method

Retrospective review of 3 cases of SGBS type I in a single tertiary care centre. Family history, fetal ultrasound, autopsy findings, and genetic testing for GPC3 was performed for each case.

Results

Fetal ultrasound findings in the second trimester were CDH, omphalocele, increased nuchal fold, renal anomaly, and cleft lip and palate. Fetal autopsy confirmed the prenatal ultrasound findings and also showed dysmorphic facial features and premalignant lesions on renal and gonadal histology. Microarray and DNA analysis of the GPC3 gene confirmed the diagnosis of SGBS type I in each case.

Conclusion

Nonisolated CDH in a male fetus suggests a diagnosis of SGBS type I. Fetal autopsy, pedigree analysis, and genetic testing for GPC3 are all essential to confirming the diagnosis. The histological findings of ovotestes and nephroblastomatosis indicate that cancer predisposition is established early in fetal life.
The effects of culturally adapted version of First Steps to Success for Latino English language learners: Preliminary pilot study
Authors: Castro‐Olivo Sara , Preciado Jorge , Le Loan , Marciante Mia , Garcia Melissa
Published: December 2017

For decades, Latino English language learners (ELLs) have been identified as a high‐risk population for both reading and behavioral problems. A comprehensive approach that provides academic and behavioral support in both home and school settings has been suggested by researchers as a viable option for improving outcomes of students who exhibit problems in both areas. Research has also suggested that cultural adaptations need to be implemented when working with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations to ensure cultural fit between the target population and the implemented interventions. This paper presents the results of a pilot study that examined the effects of a comprehensive, culturally adapted intervention on Latino ELLs behavior and reading skills. A multiple‐baseline, single‐subject research design was employed in this study. The results suggest that implementing a comprehensive and culturally adapted intervention has promising effects among Latino students and families. Participating students demonstrated decreases in problem behaviors and low–moderate increases in reading skills. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Hydro‐carbon material design in a capacitively coupled radio‐frequency discharge
Authors: Mitic Slobodan , Coussan Stéphane , Martin Céline , Couëdel Lénaïc
Published: December 2017

The synthesis and the growth of carbonaceous microparticles is observed in a capacitively coupled radio‐frequency discharge in controlled adamantane‐acetylene gas mixtures. The plasma is characterized by optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy while the produced particles were analyzed ex situ using Fourier‐Transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. It is revealed that the adamantane to acetylene ratio controlled the particle material properties, in particular the type of chemical bonds between the constituting polymers. Systematic and consistent changes in plasma parameters when changing the adamantane to acetylene ratio are also reported and are correlated to the evolution of particle material properties.
Amyloid‐like aggregation of designer bolaamphiphilic peptides: Effect of hydrophobic section and hydrophilic heads
Authors: Qiu Feng , Tang Chengkang , Chen Yongzhu
Published: December 2017

Amyloid‐like aggregation of natural proteins or polypeptides is an important process involved in many human diseases as well as some normal biological functions. Plenty of works have been done on this ubiquitous phenomenon, but the molecular mechanism of amyloid‐like aggregation has not been fully understood yet. In this study, we showed that a series of designer bolaamphiphilic peptides could undergo amyloid‐like aggregation even though they didn't possess typical β‐sheet secondary structure. Through systematic amino acid substitution, we found that for the self‐assembling ability, the number and species of amino acid in hydrophobic section could be variable as long as enough hydrophobic interaction is provided, while different polar amino acids as the hydrophilic heads could change the self‐assembling nanostructures with their aggregating behaviors affected by pH value change. Based on these results, novel self‐assembling models and aggregating mechanisms were proposed, which might provide new insight into the molecular basis of amyloid‐like aggregation.
Crowdsourced Asparagus Urinary Odor Population Kinetics
Authors: Ramamoorthy Anuradha , Sadler Brian M. , van Hasselt J.G. Coen , Elassaiss‐Schaap Jeroen , Kasichayanula Sreeneeranj , Edwards Alena Y. , van der Graaf Piet H. , Zhang Lei , Wagner John A.
Published: December 2017

The consumption of asparagus is associated with the production of malodorous urine with considerable interindividual variability (IIV). To characterize the urinary odor kinetics after consumption of asparagus spears, we conducted a study with consenting attendees from two American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT) meetings. Subjects were randomized to eat a specific number of asparagus spears, and then asked to report their urinary odor perception. Eighty‐seven subjects were included in the final analysis. A mixed effect proportional odds model was developed that adequately characterized the dose‐response relationship. We estimated the half‐life of the asparagus effect on malodorous urine to be 4.7 hours (relative standard error (RSE) = 13.2%), and identified a dose‐response slope term with good precision (24.3%). Age was found as the predictor of IIV in slope estimates. This study design and tools can be used as a demonstration “crowdsourcing” project for studying population kinetics in organizational and educational settings.
Photoexcitation Carrier Kinetics in WSe2 Nanolayers in the Vicinity of the Band Edge
Authors: Shestakova Anastasia , Lavrov Sergey , Brekhov Kirill , Ilyin Nikita , Kudryavtsev Andrey , Mishina Elena D. , Kulyuk Leonid L.
Published: December 2017

The photoexcitation and relaxation of carriers is studied in WSe2 nanolayers on Si/SiO2 substrate by optical pump–probe technique. The excitation wavelength falls in the vicinity of the band edge. The thickness variation of WSe2 layers acts as tuning of band gap of the layers. In this way, a band edge spectroscopy is carried out using the constant excitation wavelength. It is shown that the relaxation time constants increase with the thickness increase, while the amplitude of transient reflectivity changes nonmonotonically. A model is suggested describing the amplitude behavior.
Structural Phase Transition, Electronic, and Mechanical Properties of Beryllium Oxide: Temperature and Pressure‐Induced Effects
Authors: Lakel Saïd , Elhamra Fatima , Almi Kenza
Published: December 2017

In this work, we focus on the study of the structural, electronic, and elastic properties of beryllium oxide under the influence of both temperature and pressure. Therein, we use the density functional theory (DFT) and quasi‐harmonic Debye model within the general gradient approximation (GGA). The results show that the enthalpy of BeO with wurtzite structure is lower than that with rocksalt structure at 171.74 GPa. Through our calculations, we deliberated the structural (a and c), electronic (band structure and partial density of states), and elastic properties (elastic constants, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and Young's modulus) at high temperature and under different pressures. In addition, we find that our results are in good agreement with previous experimental and theoretical results at P = 0 GPa and T = 0 K. Our results at high temperature and under different pressures can be considered as a new reference for further investigation.
Ru(II)‐p‐cymene Thiosemicarbazone Complexes as Inhibitors of Amyloid β (Aβ) Peptide Aggregation and Aβ‐Induced Cytotoxicity
Authors: Haribabu Jebiti , Ranade Dnyanesh S. , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Kulkarni Prasad P. , Karvembu Ramasamy
Published: December 2017

The reaction of [RuCl2(η6‐p‐cymene)]2 with indole based thiosemicarbazone ligands (L1‐L3) yielded monometallic ruthenium(II) complexes, [RuCl(η6‐p‐cymene)(L)]Cl (1–3). The complexes were characterized by analytical and various spectroscopic (UV‐visible, FT‐IR, 1H & 13C NMR and mass) tools. The solid state structure of complex 2 determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis showed a piano stool geometry around the metal. The Ru(II)‐p‐cymene complexes with N‐substituted thiosemicarbazone were evaluated for their potential to inhibit aggregation of Aβ peptide and associated cytotoxicity. Results of turbidity assay revealed that complexes 1 and 2 exhibited 70 and 60% inhibition of Aβ peptide aggregation respectively. All the tested compounds were nontoxic to neuronal cells. Interestingly complexes 1 and 2 showed attenuation of Aβ induced cytotoxicity due to flexible alkyl substitution at terminal nitrogen of thiosemicarbazone moiety.
Recent Advances in Managing Atherosclerosis via Nanomedicine
Authors: Chan Cecilia Ka Wing , Zhang Lei , Cheng Chak Kwong , Yang Hongrong , Huang Yu , Tian Xiao Yu , Choi Chung Hang Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Atherosclerosis, driven by chronic inflammation of the arteries and lipid accumulation on the blood vessel wall, underpins many cardiovascular diseases with high mortality rates globally, such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. Engineered bio‐nanomaterials are now under active investigation as carriers of therapeutic and/or imaging agents to atherosclerotic plaques. This Review summarizes the latest bio‐nanomaterial‐based strategies for managing atherosclerosis published over the past five years, a period marked by a rapid surge in preclinical applications of bio‐nanomaterials for imaging and/or treating atherosclerosis. To start, the biomarkers exploited by emerging bio‐nanomaterials for targeting various components of atherosclerotic plaques are outlined. In addition, recent efforts to rationally design and screen for bio‐nanomaterials with the optimal physicochemical properties for targeting plaques are presented. Moreover, the latest preclinical applications of bio‐nanomaterials as carriers of imaging, therapeutic, or theranostic agents to atherosclerotic plaques are discussed. Finally, a mechanistic understanding of the interactions between bio‐nanomaterials and the plaque (“athero–nano” interactions) is suggested, the opportunities and challenges in the clinical translation of bio‐nanomaterials for managing atherosclerosis are discussed, and recent clinical trials for atherosclerotic nanomedicines are introduced.
A 3D Real‐Scale, Biomimetic, and Biohybrid Model of the Blood‐Brain Barrier Fabricated through Two‐Photon Lithography
Authors: Marino Attilio , Tricinci Omar , Battaglini Matteo , Filippeschi Carlo , Mattoli Virgilio , Sinibaldi Edoardo , Ciofani Gianni
Published: December 2017

The investigation of the crossing of exogenous substances through the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is object of intensive research in biomedicine, and one of the main obstacles for reliable in vitro evaluations is represented by the difficulties at the base of developing realistic models of the barrier, which could resemble as most accurately as possible the in vivo environment. Here, for the first time, a 1:1 scale, biomimetic, and biohybrid BBB model is proposed. Microtubes inspired to the brain capillaries were fabricated through two‐photon lithography and used as scaffolds for the co‐culturing of endothelial‐like bEnd.3 and U87 glioblastoma cells. The constructs show the maturation of tight junctions, good performances in terms of hindering dextran diffusion through the barrier, and a satisfactory trans‐endothelial electrical resistance. Moreover, a mathematical model is developed, which assists in both the design of the 3D microfluidic chip and its characterization. Overall, these results show the effective formation of a bioinspired cellular barrier based on microtubes reproducing brain microcapillaries to scale. This system will be exploited as a realistic in vitro model for the investigation of BBB crossing of nanomaterials and drugs, envisaging therapeutic and diagnostic applications for several brain pathologies, including brain cancer.
Shape‐Controlled 3D Periodic Metal Nanostructures Fabricated via Nanowelding
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Jun , Shin Sang‐Ho , Choi Dae‐Geun , Park Sang‐Hu , Jeong Jun‐Ho
Published: December 2017

A novel method for fabricating 3D metallic nanostructures to be used in polarized color filters based on nanoimprint lithography, electron‐beam evaporation, and nanowelding is proposed. The shape of the nanostructures can be controlled by adjusting the temperature for the nanowelding process. Ag nanowires deposited on polymer patterns are accumulated by the nanowelding process to build up diverse 3D nanostructures. The morphologies of the fabricated 3D nanostructures are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and focused ion beam; the heating temperature is varied from 90 to 130 °C in steps of 10 °C. In order to analyze the recrystallization phenomenon after welding, transmission electron microscopy is utilized. The 3D metallic nanostructure has different morphologies and optical properties corresponding to welding temperature conditions and accumulated layer thicknesses. Based on preliminary experimental results, the process parameters are optimized and a polarized color filter is fabricated. Optical characteristics of the filter are evaluated using polarizer and spectrometer. Through this work, it is shown that the proposed method is an effective way to realize various 3D metallic nanostructures for special optical properties, therefore the method based on nanowelding can be utilized in fabrication of functional metamaterials, optical filters, biosensors, and others.
Concurrent thoracic mesothelioma and thyroid C‐cell adenoma with amyloid deposition in an aged horse
Authors: Fortin Jessica S. , Royal Angela B. , Kuroki Keiichi
Published: December 2017

A 21‐year‐old American Saddlebred mare died with a history of weight loss and breathing difficulties of 1 month duration. Post‐mortem examination revealed a copious pleural effusion with multifocal to coalescing numerous white to grey nodular masses on the serosal surface of the pericardium, lungs and thoracic cavity. In addition, the left thyroid gland was markedly enlarged. A thoracic mesothelioma and C‐cell adenoma with amyloid deposits of the left thyroid gland were diagnosed by histopathology and confirmed by immunohistochemistry employing antibodies against cytokeratin (CK), vimentin and calcitonin. Amyloid deposits in the thyroid tumour were confirmed by Congo red staining with apple‐green birefringence under polarized light. Mesothelioma remains an uncommon neoplasm encountered in aged horses. Discussion includes the diagnostic challenge of differentiating carcinomatosis from mesothelioma by histology and differentiating reactive and neoplastic mesothelial cells by cytology.
The effects of olfactory stimulation on the behavior of captive ring‐tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)
Authors: Baker Brittanny , Taylor Sienna , Montrose V. Tamara
Published: December 2017

Ring‐tailed lemurs reside in many animal collections worldwide. Lemur welfare may be a cause of concern due to some captive individuals exhibiting stereotypic behavior. Despite these concerns, there has been little exploration of methods of environmental enrichment for ring‐tailed lemurs. Olfactory stimulation can enhance captive animal welfare by encouraging species‐typical behaviors, enhancing behavioral diversity, and decreasing stereotypic behaviors. We aimed to investigate the effects of olfactory stimulation via lavender, peppermint, coconut, and prey odor upon the behavior of eight captive ring‐tailed lemurs. We exposed the lemurs to six individual odor conditions (odor control, novel object control, lavender, peppermint, coconut, and Morio worms) and observed them for 4 hr a day for 3 days with an intervening period of 4 days between conditions. We recorded the lemurs’ behavior under each condition using instantaneous scan sampling. We found significant effects of olfactory stimulation on the ring‐tailed lemurs’ behavior in the initial analysis but these did not survive correction for multiple testing. Overall, while our findings are suggestive of a general effect of olfactory stimulation on the captive ring‐tailed lemurs they did not indicate a marked influence of olfactory condition. However, further investigation with a larger sample size and more biologically relevant odors may be beneficial to fully examine potential effects of olfactory stimulation in captive lemurs.
Some Mathematical Properties of the Matrix Decomposition Solution in Factor Analysis
Authors: Adachi Kohei , Trendafilov Nickolay T.
Published: December 2017

A new factor analysis (FA) procedure has recently been proposed which can be called matrix decomposition FA (MDFA). All FA model parameters (common and unique factors, loadings, and unique variances) are treated as fixed unknown matrices. Then, the MDFA model simply becomes a specific data matrix decomposition. The MDFA parameters are found by minimizing the discrepancy between the data and the MDFA model. Several algorithms have been developed and some properties have been discussed in the literature (notably by Stegeman in Comput Stat Data Anal 99:189–203, 2016), but, as a whole, MDFA has not been studied fully yet. A number of new properties are discovered in this paper, and some existing ones are derived more explicitly. The properties provided concern the uniqueness of results, covariances among common factors, unique factors, and residuals, and assessment of the degree of indeterminacy of common and unique factor scores. The properties are illustrated using a real data example.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. Among others, DSR 2005:XXIII reports on United States – Final Countervailing Duty Determination with Respect to Certain Softwood Lumber from Canada, European Communities – Export Subsidies on Sugar, United States – Sunset Reviews of Anti-Dumping Measures on Oil Country Tubular Goods from Argentina, United States – Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services and Dominican Republic – Measures Affecting the Importation and Internal Sale of Cigarettes.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2006
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. Volumes IV to VIII report on European Communities – Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2009
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2009: I and DSR 2009: II report on China – Measures Affecting Imports of Automobile Parts (WT/DS339, WT/DS340, WT/DS342).
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in The Intensive Care Unit in a Nonoutbreak Setting: Identification of Potential Reservoirs and Epidemiological Associations Between Patient and Environmental VRE
Authors: McDermott Hélène , Skally Mairead , O’Rourke James , Humphreys Hilary , Fitzgerald-Hughes Deirdre
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

Among nosocomial bloodstream infections caused by enterococcal species, Ireland has the highest proportion caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Europe at 45.8%. The contribution of the near-patient environment to VRE transmission outside of outbreaks was investigated.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study was conducted during 7 sampling periods.

METHODS

Recovery of VRE isolates by swabbing the near-patient environment and patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) was conducted to identify reservoirs, clinical and molecular epidemiological associations, and the success of active surveillance cultures (ASCs).

RESULTS

Of 289 sampling occasions involving 157 patients and their bed spaces, VRE isolates were recovered from patient bed spaces, clinical samples, or both on 114 of 289 sampling occasions (39.4%). The patient and their bed space were positive for VRE on 34 of 114 VRE-associated sampling occasions (29.8%). Of 1,647 environment samples, 107 sites (6.5%) were VRE positive, with significantly greater VRE recovery from isolation rooms than from the open-plan area (9.1% vs 4.1%;P< .0001). The most frequently VRE-contaminated sites were the drip stand, bed control panel, and chart holders, which together accounted for 61% of contaminated sites. The use of ASCs resulted in a 172% increase in identification of VRE-colonized patients. Molecular typing revealed 2 environmental clusters, 1 cluster involving 3 patients and generally greater heterogeneity of patient isolates compared to environmental isolates.

CONCLUSION

Even outside of outbreaks, near-patient ICU environmental contamination with VRE is common. Better infection control policies that limit environmental transmission of VRE in the ICU and that are supported by molecular epidemiological studies, in real time, are needed.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:40–45
Do high-performance human resource practices work? The mediating role of organizational learning capability
Authors: Jerez-Gómez Pilar , Céspedes-Lorente José , Pérez-Valls Miguel
Published: December 2017

This study explores the relationship between high-performance human resource practices and organizational outcomes, using organizational learning capability as a mediating variable. By analyzing a sample of 85 Spanish companies in the chemical industry, the results suggest that the application of high-performance human resource practices is positively related to the development of organizational learning capability. This, in turn, is positively related to the financial and non-financial firm’s performance. The mediating role of learning capability is useful and should be considered in studies that analyze the link between human resource practices and performance, a central topic in the literature on strategic human resource management. Additionally, this study provides indications which can help companies design suitable conditions for promoting organizational learning capability, which is directly related to the development of human resource systems.
Global collaboration in knowledge intensive firms: The role of activity configurations
Authors: Hydle Katja Maria , Brock David M
Published: December 2017

This paper discusses how transnational knowledge intensive firms manage complexity across multiple locations, integrating various functional specializations and catering to multifaceted customer demands. Practice theory is used to help us understand collaboration among experts across national borders. By exploring what experts do and analyzing their practices transnationally, different configurations to provide services were found. In total, six configuration types are identified: bilateral, trilateral, chain, star, network and co-location. These configurations differently relate to three interdependent axes: coordinated actions, interaction modes and spatial dimensions. The configurations expose the relevant integrative and responsive settings. The paper contributes to the international organization literature by extending, elaborating and providing examples of transnationality; and to practice theory by exposing shapes and qualitative complexity of transnational collaboration and service provision.