bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of RF‐EMF on the Human Resting‐State EEG—the Inconsistencies in the Consistency. Part 1: Non‐Exposure‐Related Limitations of Comparability Between Studies
Authors: Danker‐Hopfe Heidi , Eggert Torsten , Dorn Hans , Sauter Cornelia
Published: June 2019

The results of studies on possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMFs) on human waking electroencephalography (EEG) have been quite heterogeneous. In the majority of studies, changes in the alpha‐frequency range in subjects who were exposed to different signals of mobile phone‐related EMF sources were observed, whereas other studies did not report any effects. In this review, possible reasons for these inconsistencies are presented and recommendations for future waking EEG studies are made. The physiological basis of underlying brain activity, and the technical requirements and framework conditions for conducting and analyzing the human resting‐state EEG are discussed. Peer‐reviewed articles on possible effects of EMF on waking EEG were evaluated with regard to non‐exposure‐related confounding factors. Recommendations derived from international guidelines on the analysis and reporting of findings are proposed to achieve comparability in future studies. In total, 22 peer‐reviewed studies on possible RF‐EMF effects on human resting‐state EEG were analyzed. EEG power in the alpha frequency range was reported to be increased in 10, decreased in four, and not affected in eight studies. All reviewed studies differ in several ways in terms of the methodologies applied, which might contribute to different results and conclusions about the impact of EMF on human resting‐state EEG. A discussion of various study protocols and different outcome parameters prevents a scientifically sound statement on the impact of RF‐EMF on human brain activity in resting‐state EEG. Further studies which apply comparable, standardized study protocols are recommended. Bioelectromagnetics. 2019;40:291–318. © 2019 The Authors. Bioelectromagnetics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bile acid changes after metabolic surgery are linked to improvement in insulin sensitivity
Authors: Ahlin S , Cefalo C , Bondia-Pons I , Capristo E , Marini L , Gastaldelli A , Mingrone G , Nolan J J
Published: June 2019

Background

Metabolic surgery is associated with a prompt improvement in insulin resistance, although the mechanism of action remains unknown. The literature on bile acid changes after metabolic surgery is conflicting, and insulin sensitivity is generally assessed by indirect methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between improvement in insulin sensitivity and concentration of circulating bile acids after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of nine patients who underwent BPD and six who had RYGB. Inclusion criteria for participation were a BMI in excess of 40 kg/m2, no previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and willingness to participate. Exclusion criteria were major endocrine diseases, malignancies and liver cirrhosis. Follow-up visits were carried out after a mean(s.d.) of 185·3(72·9) days. Fasting plasma bile acids were assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, and insulin sensitivity was measured by means of a hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp.

Results

A significant increase in all bile acids, as well as an amelioration of insulin sensitivity, was observed after metabolic surgery. An increase in conjugated secondary bile acids was significantly associated with an increase in insulin sensitivity. Only the increase in glycodeoxycholic acid was significantly associated with an increase in insulin sensitivity in analysis of individual conjugated secondary bile acids.

Conclusion

Glycodeoxycholic acid might drive the improved insulin sensitivity after metabolic surgery.
Meta-analysis of the effect of extending the interval after long-course chemoradiotherapy before surgery in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Ryan É J , O'Sullivan D P , Kelly M E , Syed A Z , Neary P C , O'Connell P R , Kavanagh D O , Winter D C , O'Riordan J M
Published: June 2019

Background

The current standard of care in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Surgery is conventionally performed approximately 6–8 weeks after nCRT. This study aimed to determine the effect on outcomes of extending this interval.

Methods

A systematic search was performed for studies reporting oncological results that compared the classical interval (less than 8 weeks) from the end of nCRT to TME with a minimum 8-week interval in patients with LARC. The primary endpoint was the rate of pathological complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints were recurrence-free survival, local recurrence and distant metastasis rates, R0 resection rates, completeness of TME, margin positivity, sphincter preservation, stoma formation, anastomotic leak and other complications. A meta-analysis was performed using the Mantel–Haenszel method.

Results

Twenty-six publications, including four RCTs, with 25 445 patients were identified. A minimum 8-week interval was associated with increased odds of pCR (odds ratio (OR) 1·41, 95 per cent c.i. 1·30 to 1·52; P < 0·001) and tumour downstaging (OR 1·18, 1·05 to 1·32; P = 0·004). R0 resection rates, TME completeness, lymph node yield, sphincter preservation, stoma formation and complication rates were similar between the two groups. The increased rate of pCR translated to reduced distant metastasis (OR 0·71, 0·54 to 0·93; P = 0·01) and overall recurrence (OR 0·76, 0·58 to 0·98; P = 0·04), but not local recurrence (OR 0·83, 0·49 to 1·42; P = 0·50).

Conclusion

A minimum 8-week interval from the end of nCRT to TME increases pCR and downstaging rates, and improves recurrence-free survival without compromising surgical morbidity.
Corporate social responsibility strategy and economic business value of multinational companies in emerging economies: The mediating role of corporate reputation
Authors: Abugre James B. , Anlesinya Alex
Published: June 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and business value of multinational corporations are significantly tied to corporate reputation. In this work, we investigated the mediating influence of corporate reputation of multinational companies (MNCs) on their CSR strategy and economic business value. The study adapted a quantitative methodology with a sample of respondents from multinational corporations in Ghana—an emerging economy. Drawing from 267 employees of MNCs in Ghana, a structural equation modelling and bootstrapping analysis are used to assess the hypothesised relationship. The results showed that CSR strategy positively and significantly predicts economic business value and corporate reputation of MNCs. Findings also showed that corporate reputation mediates the relationship between CSR strategy and economic business value of MNCs operating in emerging economies. This study suggests that good corporate reputation significantly influences MNCs' strategy in corporate responsibility and economic business value. Thus, management of MNCs can enhance their corporate business objectives through sustainability practices.
Human papillomavirus 16E6/E7 activates autophagy via Atg9B and LAMP1 in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Tingting Chen , Shizhou Yang , Songfa Zhang , Junfen Xu , Weiguo Lu , Xiaodong Cheng , Xing Xie
Published: June 2019

Backgrounds

Although the role of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 in cellular malignant transformation has been elucidated， the function of both genes in cellular homeostasis is still unknown. Autophagy functions in maintenance of cellular homeostasis play a key role in the initiation and development of cancer and infectious disease.

Methods

Cervical cancer cell lines SiHa and CaSki were utilized in this study.

Results

We found that HPV 16E6/E7 (16E6/E7) downregulation inhibited autophagy, and consequently suppressed cell proliferation and promoted early apoptosis. Transcriptome sequencing demonstrated that Atg9B and LAMP1 were downregulated in 16E6/E7 knockdown cells. Gene function experiments revealed that 16E6/E7 downregulation depressed Atg9B and LAMP1, and Atg9B and LAMP1 overexpression compensated, at least partially, autophagy blockage induced by 16E6/E7 knockdown. Immunoprecipitation assay showed that 16E7 interacted with Atg9B and dual‐luciferase reporter system revealed that 16E6 most likely regulated −1750 to −2000 nt in Atg9B and −1800 to −2000 nt in LAMP1 promoter region.

Conclusions

Our findings verified that 16E6/E7 activated autophagy via accelerating autophagosome formation and degradation, and Atg9B and LAMP1 were involved in the process of 16E6/E7 modulating autophagy, suggesting that targeting autophagy may be a potential approach in cervical cancer therapeutics.
Survival analysis and sentinel lymph node status in thin cutaneous melanoma: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Tejera‐Vaquerizo Antonio , Ribero Simone , Puig Susana , Boada Aram , Paradela Sabela , Moreno‐Ramírez David , Cañueto Javier , de Unamuno Blanca , Brinca Ana , Descalzo‐Gallego Miguel A. , Osella‐Abate Simona , Cassoni Paola , Carrera Cristina , Vidal‐Sicart Sergi , Bennássar Antoni , Rull Ramón , Alos Llucìa , Requena Celia , Bolumar Isidro , Traves Víctor , Pla Ángel , Fernández‐Orland A. , Jaka Ane , Fernández‐Figueres María T. , Hilari Josep M. , Giménez‐Xavier Pol , Vieira Ricardo , Botella‐Estrada Rafael , Román‐Curto Concepción , Ferrándiz Lara , Iglesias‐Pena Nicolás , Ferrándiz Carlos , Malvehy Josep , Quaglino Pietro , Nagore Eduardo ,   on behalf of SENTIMEL group
Published: June 2019

Mitotic rate is no longer considered a staging criterion for thin melanoma in the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual. The aim of this observational study was to identify prognostic factors for thin melanoma and predictors and prognostic significance of sentinel lymph node (SLN) involvement in a large multicenter cohort of patients with melanoma from nine tertiary care hospitals. A total of 4249 consecutive patients with thin melanoma diagnosed from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2016 were included. The main outcomes were disease‐free interval and melanoma‐specific survival for the overall population and predictors of SLN metastasis (n = 1083). Associations between survival and SLN status and different clinical and pathologic variables (sex, age, tumor location, mitosis, ulceration, regression, lymphovascular invasion, histologic subtype, Clark level, and Breslow thickness) were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic regression. SLN status was the most important prognostic factor for melanoma‐specific survival (hazard ratio, 13.8; 95% CI, 6.1‐31.2; P < 0.001), followed by sex, ulceration, and Clark level for patients who underwent SLNB. A mitotic rate of >2 mitoses/mm2 was the only factor associated with a positive SLN biopsy (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.22‐7; P = 0.01. SLN status is the most important prognostic factor in thin melanoma. A high mitotic rate is associated with metastatic SLN involvement. SLN biopsy should be discussed and recommended in patients with thin melanoma and a high mitotic rate.
Time‐Effective Accelerated Cyclic Aging Analysis of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Agyei Appiah Williams , Park Joonam , Byun Seoungwoo , Roh Youngjoon , Ryou Myung‐Hyun , Lee Yong Min
Published: June 2019

We propose a time‐effective framework for accelerated cyclic aging analysis of lithium‐ion batteries. The proposed framework involves the coupling of a physico‐chemical capacity‐fade model that considers the cyclic aging mechanisms of the LiMn2O4/graphite cell, with a physics‐based porous‐composite electrode model to predict cycling performance at different temperatures. A one‐dimensional simple empirical life model is then developed from the coupled physico‐chemical capacity‐fade model and the physics‐based porous‐composite electrode model predictions. An accelerated cyclic aging analysis based on the principle of time‐temperature superposition is performed using the developed one‐dimensional simple life empirical model. The proposed framework is used to predict the maximum number of cycles and the highest temperature required for accelerated cyclic aging analysis of LiMn2O4/graphite cells. The efficacy of the proposed framework is validated with experimental cycle‐performance data obtained from LiMn2O4/graphite coin cells at 25 and 60 °C.
Chemical Mass Production of MoS2/Graphene van der Waals Heterostructure as a High‐Performance Li‐ion Intercalation Host
Authors: Gong Shan , Zhao Guangyu , Zhang Naiqing , Sun Kening
Published: June 2019

Two‐dimensional (2D) heterostructured materials, combining the desired advantages of individual 2D materials and eliminating the associated shortcomings, have inspired great interest in electrochemical energy storage applications. But searching a highly efficient and practical method for preparing 2D heterostructures as electrode materials is still challenging. Herein, a 2D MoS2/graphene (GR) heterostructure is synthesized through a facile and accessible self‐assembly method, which includes adsorbing ammonium thiomolybdate onto graphene oxide (GO) surface via electrostatic attraction and subsequently annealing the precursor to heterostructure. A high loading amount (86.2 %) of unilaminar MoS2 nanosheets lie on the GR sheets forming a face‐to‐face structure, and the MoS2 nanosheets exhibit a largely expanded interlayer spacing (1.0–1.2 nm) resulting from the alternately stacked structure during self‐assembly process. As a Li‐ion intercalation host, this unique MoS2/GR heterostructure exhibits pseudocapacitance‐dominated characteristics with superior kinetic performances and extremely high structural stability. These characteristics afford MoS2/GR heterostructure remarkable rate capability (155.6 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1; 119.3 mAh g−1 at 16 A g−1) and a durable reversible capacity (over 5000 cycles). This method is suitable for mass production of MoS2/GR heterostructure and paves a way for utilizing 2D heterostructured materials in Li‐ion or other metal ion batteries.
Support‐Free Pd3Co NCs as an Efficient Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst for New Organic Transformations of C−C Coupling Reactions
Authors: Pradhan Samjhana , Mishra Kanchan , Lee Yong Rok
Published: June 2019

A support‐free heterogeneous Pd3Co nanostructured composite (NC), synthesized through a hydrothermal route, acted as an effective catalytic system in multivariate Heck‐, Sonogashira‐, and Suzuki‐type coupling reactions of iodonium ylides. The XPS analysis of the bimetallic Pd3Co NCs confirmed the elemental composition as 75 % palladium and 25 % cobalt. Furthermore, high‐resolution (HR) TEM analysis confirmed the spherical morphology of the Pd3Co bimetallic nanoparticles. The average diameter of the NCs is 14.8 nm. The coupling reaction proceeded through the generation of α‐iodoenones with simultaneous migration of the phenyl group, thereby giving a scaffold with higher atom economy. The heterogeneous Pd3Co NCs were recycled and reused without any significant change in catalytic ability for up to five reaction cycles. The high concentration of Pd and association of cobalt into the lattice of palladium appears to enhance its catalytic ability for the diverse coupling reactions in comparison with its monometallic counterparts as well as with bimetallic NCs with a comparatively lesser amount of Pd.
Directing Traffic: Halogen‐Bond‐Mediated Membrane Transport
Authors: Govindaraj Vijayakumar , Ungati Harinarayana , Jakka Surendar R. , Bose Sritama , Mugesh Govindasamy
Published: June 2019

The plasma membrane regulates the transport of molecules into the cell. Small hydrophobic molecules can diffuse directly across the lipid bilayer. However, larger molecules require specific transporters for their entry into the cell. Regulating the cellular entry of small molecules and proteins is a challenging task. The introduction of halogen, particularly iodine, to small molecules and proteins is emerging to be a promising strategy to improve the cellular uptake. Recent studies reveal that a simple substitution of hydrogen atom with iodine not only increases the cellular uptake, but also regulates the membrane transport. The strong halogen‐bond‐forming ability of iodine atoms plays a crucial role in the transport and the introduction of iodine may provide an efficient strategy for studying membrane activity and cellular functions and improving the delivery of therapeutic agents. This Concept article does not provide a comprehensive picture of membrane transport but highlights halogen‐substitution as a novel strategy for understanding and regulating the cell‐membrane traffic.
Benzyl Borane NHC Adducts: Beyond B−C Bond Scission
Authors: Böser Richard , Denker Lars , Frank René
Published: June 2019

Benzyl‐substituted boronates and borates are widely employed as mild sources in radical or anionic transfer reactions of benzyl entities. In this process the B−C bond to the benzyl moiety is essentially ruptured. In contrast, reactions with retention of the B−C bond are poorly investigated although several other reactive sites in benzyl–boron systems are clearly inherent. In this respect, the novel reactivity of the representative borane adduct IiPr−BH2Bn [IiPr=:C{N(iPr)CH}2, Bn=CH2C6H5] is demonstrated. Dihalogenation of the BH2 entity is observed with BCl3 and BBr3, whereas BI3 either affords IiPr−BHI2 or proceeds with borylation of the aromatic phenyl ring to give a hydride‐bridged bisborylated species. The photochemical mono‐ and dihalogenation of the benzylic CH2 group was demonstrated with elemental bromine Br2. The brominated product IiPr−BBr2−CHBr−C6H5 was borylated at the benzylic carbon atom in an umpolung event with BI3 to afford the zwitterion IiPr−BI−CH(BI3)−C6H5.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Biaryl Atropisomers Using an Organocatalyst‐Mediated Domino Reaction as the Key Step
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Takikawa Akira , Koshino Seitaro , Ishida Keiichi
Published: June 2019

A three‐pot synthetic method that features the use of an organocatalyst as the key step was developed for the preparation of biaryl atropisomers. The first reaction is an asymmetric domino Michael–Henry reaction catalyzed by diphenylprolinol silyl ether to afford the substituted nitrocyclohexanecarbaldehyde with four stereogenic centers and one defined configuration of a stereogenic axis with excellent enantioselectivity. Removal of the central chirality from the domino products afforded biaryl atropisomers having axial chirality with excellent enantioselectivity.
Copula‐based semiparametric analysis for time series data with detection limits
Authors: Li Fuyuan , Tang Yanlin , Wang Huixia Judy
Published: June 2019

The analysis of time series data with detection limits is challenging due to the high‐dimensional integral involved in the likelihood. Existing methods are either computationally demanding or rely on restrictive parametric distributional assumptions. We propose a semiparametric approach, where the temporal dependence is captured by parametric copula, while the marginal distribution is estimated non‐parametrically. Utilizing the properties of copulas, we develop a new copula‐based sequential sampling algorithm, which provides a convenient way to calculate the censored likelihood. Even without full parametric distributional assumptions, the proposed method still allows us to efficiently compute the conditional quantiles of the censored response at a future time point, and thus construct both point and interval predictions. We establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed pseudo maximum likelihood estimator, and demonstrate through simulation and the analysis of a water quality data that the proposed method is more flexible and leads to more accurate predictions than Gaussian‐based methods for non‐normal data. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 438–454; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canada
Toward a knowledge model focusing on microservices and cloud computing
Authors: Apel Sebastian , Hertrampf Florian , Späthe Steffen
Published: June 2019

Microservices tend to use a variety of tools to create a well‐defined process of building, packing, backing, and publishing. These tools are usually configured independently by their descriptors. Interrelations between the different tools arise implicitly, but the overall structure only works if the different configurations are correctly coordinated along each other. This paper motivates the development of a knowledge model via a microservice measurement infrastructure within the research project WINNER, which explicitly shapes these interrelationships. For the development of our infrastructure‐related work, experience and requirements of currently common tools are used as a basis. The model contains essential structures for the description of configurations and endpoints, artefacts, and connections for the creation as well as publication process of services result. Our results are applied and discussed in an example.
Assessing the determinants of performance in the recycling business: Evidence from the Italian context
Authors: Franceschelli Maria Vittoria , Santoro Gabriele , Giacosa Elisa , Quaglia Roberto
Published: June 2019

This study aims to shed light on the elements that can influence the performance of green businesses, more specifically organizations active within the recycling business. After defining and identifying green businesses, the paper focuses on the Italian recycling business, examining whether the green practices and features of a green business can influence the organization's performance. Using a quantitative methodology with a sample of 87 Italian organizations whose core business is recycling and applying a model of multiple linear regression, the findings highlight several variables that affect the economic results. The originality of this study lies in the link between green practices and green businesses, exploring which structures are efficient and are driving elements of these recycling organizations. These findings offer several contributions to theory and practice and for policymakers.
Sustainable business model innovation and acceptance of its practices among Spanish entrepreneurs
Authors: Peralta Alberto , Carrillo‐Hermosilla Javier , Crecente Fernando
Published: June 2019

Sustainable business model innovation debate is mostly focusing on the use of certain practices and tools to implement sustainable objectives in new firms. Our paper contributes to this debate examining the factors influencing the entrepreneur's election of the practices to develop sustainable business model innovation (SBMI). We conducted an empirical analysis on a population of Spanish entrepreneurs (N = 234) and applied a sound behavioral framework and the PLS‐SEM algorithms to factor out those elements. On the basis of this analysis, we argue that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, habit, costs, speed, funding, and security and behavioral intention might affect the entrepreneurial acceptance of the practices leading to SBMI. We also argue that the knowledge of these factors benefit incubators, mentors, and agencies balance them into their support to sustainable business development. Our analyses open a novel research line by studying those factors influencing entrepreneurial use of sustainable innovation practices and facilitating future development of full‐scale models explaining this usage.
Signaling game approach to improve the MAC protocol in the underwater wireless sensor networks
Authors: Jouhari Mohammed , Ibrahimi Khalil , Tembine Hamidou , Benattou Mohammed , Ben Othman Jalel
Published: June 2019

Underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) are instructed for critical applications like military surveillance and underwater oil spills that conducted in a very massive three‐dimensional (3‐D) space that needs many underwater nodes (UNs) to cover the target area. Those UNs are not easy to recharge and cannot exploit solar power. MAC protocols deployed for UWSN ought to consider the energy efficiency, so as, to extend the network lifetime with total connectivity and significant throughput. Terrestrial MAC protocols could not be used for UWSN due to long and unpredictable propagation delay. Consequently, the development of a new MAC protocol for the harsh environment as underwater is a challenging task. In this study, we focus on the deployment of TDMA in UWSN for this, two schemes entitled TDMA slot sharing (TSS) and free time slots reallocation (FTSR) are proposed. Received data stored in the buffer waiting for processing and forwarding might lead to an unlimited data transfer latency those results in the buffer overflow. Otherwise, free time slots appearing during the communication process resulting from dead nodes increase uselessly sleep time for the rest of the nodes. Both schemes based on signaling game are proposed to overcome those problems, TSS is used to enable the slot sharing between UNs during the communication process to reduce the buffer overflow. FTSR scheme aims to increase the throughput of UNs by allowing the reuse of free time slots. Numerical results conducted in this work show good improvement in the network performance concerning throughput.
Salt‐tolerant native plants have greater responses to other environments when compared to salt‐tolerant invasive plants
Authors: Liu Muxin , Liao Huixuan , Peng Shaolin
Published: June 2019

The strong expansion potential of invasive plants is often attributed to fast adaptive responses to stress. However, the evolution of tolerance to one stressor may affect the responses to other stressors. Currently, it remains unclear what effect the evolution to one stressor might have on the responses to other single or combined stressors. Moreover, it is unknown how this might differ between invasive and native species.

Invasive plants (Mikania micrantha and Bidens pilosa) and native plants (Merremia hederacea and Sida acuta) from low‐ and high‐salinity habitats were grown under control and stressful conditions [salt stress, water stress (drought/waterlogging), and their combinations]. We explored the effects of evolved salt tolerance on the responses to water stress/combined stresses and the underlying trait mechanisms.

The high‐salinity populations of all species exhibited stronger salt tolerance than the low‐salinity populations. As to the tolerance to other stressors, the high‐salinity and low‐salinity populations of the invasive species were similar, whereas the high‐salinity populations of the native species exhibited stronger tolerance than the low‐salinity populations under most stress treatments. However, the enhanced salt tolerance in native species was accompanied by reduced total biomass under control condition. The stress tolerance of native species correlated with leaf production rate and allocation to root, while the performance of native species under control condition correlated with leaf morphology and carbon assimilation rate. This suggests a trade‐off between salt tolerance and performance in the native but not the invasive species, probably resulting from altered phenotypic/physiological traits.

Synthesis

Our work suggests that the evolution of tolerance to one stressor may have stronger effects on the tolerance to other stressors of the native compared with the invasive species. This may be a new paradigm to explain the greater advantage of invasive vs. native species in highly stressful habitats.
MS‐based strategies for identification of protein SUMOylation modification
Authors: Sheng Zenghua , Wang Xixi , Ma Yanni , Zhang Dan , Yang Yanfang , Zhang Peng , Zhu Hongxia , Xu Ningzhi , Liang Shufang
Published: June 2019

Protein SUMOylation modification conjugated with small ubiquitin‐like modifiers (SUMOs) is one kind of PTMs, which exerts comprehensive roles in cellular functions, including gene expression regulation, DNA repair, intracellular transport, stress responses, and tumorigenesis. With the development of the peptide enrichment approaches and MS technology, more than 6000 SUMOylated proteins and about 40 000 SUMO acceptor sites have been identified. In this review, we summarize several popular approaches that have been developed for the identification of SUMOylated proteins in human cells, and further compare their technical advantages and disadvantages. And we also introduce identification approaches of target proteins which are co‐modified by both SUMOylation and ubiquitylation. We highlight the emerging trends in the SUMOylation field as well. Especially, the advent of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/ Cas9 technique will facilitate the development of MS for SUMOylation identification.
Angler Attitudes Explain Disparate Behavioral Reactions to Fishery Regulations
Authors: Murphy Robert , Scyphers Steven , Gray Steven , H Grabowski Jonathan
Published: June 2019

Recreational fishery management poses unique challenges as diverse user groups often maintain disparate attitudes and behaviors, limiting our ability to predict how fishing mortality may change under future regulatory conditions. We surveyed Striped Bass Morone saxatilis anglers from multiple coastal Atlantic states to explore how potential policies may change fishing behavior, assess angler motivations and catch-related attitudes, and determine whether attitudes correlate with intended behavior. Results revealed that rule changes fundamentally changed effort allocation, whereby participants often shifted fishing effort to other saltwater species. However, disparate groups of anglers responded quite differently to potential policies. Importantly, differences in participant attitudes about fishing, such as how much they value keeping fish, were important predictors of intended behavior. Overall, our study illustrates how behavior, and thus fishing mortality, may shift under future management scenarios, and that an understanding of the characteristics of recreational fishing populations may help to predict the directionality and magnitude of these changes.
Cervical cancer risk in women living with HIV across four continents: A multicohort study
Authors: Rohner Eliane , Bütikofer Lukas , Schmidlin Kurt , Sengayi Mazvita , Maskew Mhairi , Giddy Janet , Taghavi Katayoun , Moore Richard D. , Goedert James J. , Gill M. John , Silverberg Michael J. , D'Souza Gypsyamber , Patel Pragna , Castilho Jessica L. , Ross Jeremy , Sohn Annette , Bani‐Sadr Firouze , Taylor Ninon , Paparizos Vassilios , Bonnet Fabrice , Verbon Annelies , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Post Frank A. , Sabin Caroline , Mocroft Amanda , Dronda Fernando , Obel Niels , Grabar Sophie , Spagnuolo Vincenzo , Quiros‐Roldan Eugenia , Mussini Cristina , Miro José M. , Meyer Laurence , Hasse Barbara , Konopnicki Deborah , Roca Bernardino , Barger Diana , Clifford Gary M. , Franceschi Silvia , Egger Matthias , Bohlius Julia
Published: June 2019

We compared invasive cervical cancer (ICC) incidence rates in Europe, South Africa, Latin and North America among women living with HIV who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 1996 and 2014. We analyzed cohort data from the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) and the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research in Europe (COHERE) in EuroCoord. We used flexible parametric survival models to determine regional ICC rates and risk factors for incident ICC. We included 64,231 women from 45 countries. During 320,141 person‐years (pys), 356 incident ICC cases were diagnosed (Europe 164, South Africa 156, North America 19 and Latin America 17). Raw ICC incidence rates per 100,000 pys were 447 in South Africa (95% confidence interval [CI]: 382–523), 136 in Latin America (95% CI: 85–219), 76 in North America (95% CI: 48–119) and 66 in Europe (95% CI: 57–77). Compared to European women ICC rates at 5 years after ART initiation were more than double in Latin America (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.27–4.68) and 11 times higher in South Africa (aHR: 10.66, 95% CI: 6.73–16.88), but similar in North America (aHR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.37–1.71). Overall, ICC rates increased with age (>50 years vs. 16–30 years, aHR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.03–2.40) and lower CD4 cell counts at ART initiation (per 100 cell/μl decrease, aHR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.15–1.36). Improving access to early ART initiation and effective cervical cancer screening in women living with HIV should be key parts of global efforts to reduce cancer‐related health inequities.
Key candidate genes of STAT1 and CXCL10 in melanoma identified by integrated bioinformatical analysis
Authors: Huang Lili , Chen Jianhua , Zhao Yu , Gu Linaer , Shao Xiaoyan , Li Jiyu , Xu Yu , Liu Zhuqing , Xu Qing
Published: June 2019

The underlying mechanisms and gene signatures of melanoma are unknown. In this study, three expression profile data sets (GSE65568, GSE100050, GSE114445) were integrated to identify candidate genes explaining the pathways and functions of melanoma. Expression data sets including 24 melanoma tumours and 13 normal skin samples were merged and analysed in detail. The three GSE profiles shared 431 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 227 upregulated genes, 200 downregulated genes and 4 differentially regulated genes. Moreover, the functions and signalling pathways of the shared DEGs with significant p‐values were identified. The two most significant modules were filtered from the DEGs protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, which consisted of 284 nodes. We also plotted the prognostic value of hub genes from an online database. In summary, using integrated bioinformatic analysis, we have identified candidate DEGs and pathways in melanoma that could improve our understanding of the causes and underlying molecular events of melanoma, and these candidate genes and pathways could be therapeutic targets for melanoma.
Development of an oral reference dose for the perfluorinated compound GenX
Authors: Thompson Chad M. , Fitch Seneca E. , Ring Caroline , Rish William , Cullen John M. , Haws Laurie C.
Published: June 2019

Ammonium 2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoro‐2‐(heptafluoropropoxy)‐propanoate, also known as GenX, is a processing aid used in the manufacture of fluoropolymers. GenX is one of several chemistries developed as an alternative to long‐chain poly‐fluoroalkyl substances, which tend to have long clearance half‐lives and are environmentally persistent. Unlike poly‐fluoroalkyl substances, GenX has more rapid clearance, but has been detected in US and international water sources. There are currently no federal drinking water standards for GenX in the USA; therefore, we developed a non‐cancer oral reference dose (RfD) for GenX based on available repeated dose studies. The review of the available data indicate that GenX is unlikely to be genotoxic. A combination of traditional frequentist benchmark dose models and Bayesian benchmark dose models were used derive relevant points of departure from mammalian toxicity studies. In addition, deterministic and probabilistic RfD values were developed using available tools and regulatory guidance. The two approaches resulted in a narrow range of RfD values for liver lesions observed in a 2‐year bioassay in rats (0.01–0.02 mg/kg/day). The probabilistic approach resulted in the lower, i.e., more conservative RfD. The probabilistic RfD of 0.01 mg/kg/day results in a maximum contaminant level goal of 70 ppb. It is anticipated that these values, along with the hazard identification and dose‐response modeling described herein, should be informative for risk assessors and regulators interested in setting health‐protective drinking water guideline values for GenX.
Transmission of monetary policy expectations on the money markets: Comparative analysis of nontraditional monetary policy regimes in Japan
Authors: Ito Takayasu
Published: June 2019

When the Bank of Japan (BOJ) adopts interest rate targeting under a comprehensive easing policy, the term structure up to 12 months in the Japanese money market is driven by a single trend. It is caused by monetary policy expectations. The regime of interest rate targeting gives a sense of comfort to market participants that the regular transmission mechanism works in the term structure of the money market. Thus, monetary policy expectations are fully transmitted to the yield curve end. On the other hand, monetary policy expectations are not fully transmitted to the yield curve end under either the quantitative and qualitative easing policy or the negative easing policy. The quantitative and qualitative easing policy and the negative interest rate policy paralyze the market function in the short‐term money market.
Long noncoding RNA AC073284.4 suppresses epithelial–mesenchymal transition by sponging miR‐18b‐5p in paclitaxel‐resistant breast cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yue‐Yue , Yan Lei , Yang Shuo , Xu He‐Nan , Chen Tian‐Tian , Dong Zheng‐Yuan , Chen Su‐Lian , Wang Wen‐Rui , Yang Qing‐Ling , Chen Chang‐Jie
Published: June 2019

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignant cancer in the world, is the leading cause of cancer‐related death female. Recently, there is accumulating evidence that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) might as an important role in the progression of BC. (epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is considered to play a vital role in tumor cells migration and invasion. Nevertheless, the entire biological mechanisms and functions of lncRNAs in tumor migration, invasion, and EMT remain uncertain. In the present research, we observed that the expression of lncRNA AC073284.4 was downregulated in BC paclitaxel‐resistant (PR) cells (MCF‐7/PR) and tissues. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR‐18b‐5p was a direct target of AC073284.4, which has been validated by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. We further proved that AC073284.4 could directly bind to miR‐18b‐5p and relieve the suppression for dedicator of cytokinesis protein 4 (DOCK4). Furthermore, the underlying functional experiments demonstrated that AC073284.4 might sponge miR‐18b‐5p to attenuate the invasion, metastasis, and EMT of BC cell through upregulating DOCK4 expression. In summary, AC073284.4 might serve as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) in BC progression via modulating miR‐18b‐5p/DOCK4 axis, which weakens EMT and migration of BC. These results suggesting that AC073284.4 might function as a potential novel diagnostic biomarker in the progression of BC.
Potential drugs used in the antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) architecture for cancer therapy
Authors: Yaghoubi Sajad , Karimi Mohammad Hossein , Lotfinia Majid , Gharibi Tohid , Mahi‐Birjand Motahare , Kavi Esmaeil , Hosseini Fahimeh , Sineh Sepehr Koushan , Khatami Mehrdad , Bagheri Nader , Abdollahpour‐Alitappeh Meghdad
Published: June 2019

Cytotoxic small‐molecule drugs have a major influence on the fate of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). An ideal cytotoxic agent should be highly potent, remain stable while linked to ADCs, kill the targeted tumor cell upon internalization and release from the ADCs, and maintain its activity in multidrug‐resistant tumor cells. Lessons learned from successful and failed experiences in ADC development resulted in remarkable progress in the discovery and development of novel highly potent small molecules. A better understanding of such small‐molecule drugs is important for development of effective ADCs. The present review discusses requirements making a payload appropriate for antitumor ADCs and focuses on the main characteristics of commonly‐used cytotoxic payloads that showed acceptable results in clinical trials. In addition, the present study represents emerging trends and recent advances of payloads used in ADCs currently under clinical trials.
Mst1 deletion reduces septic cardiomyopathy via activating Parkin‐related mitophagy
Authors: Shang Xiuling , Lin Kaiyang , Zhang Yingrui , Li Min , Xu Jingqing , Chen Kaihua , Zhu Pengli , Yu Rongguo
Published: June 2019

Cardiomyocyte function and viability are highly modulated by mammalian Ste20‐like kinase 1 (Mst1)‐Hippo pathway and mitochondria. Mitophagy, a kind of mitochondrial autophagy, is a protective program to attenuate mitochondrial damage. However, the relationship between Mst1 and mitophagy in septic cardiomyopathy has not been explored. In the present study, Mst1 knockout mice were used in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced septic cardiomyopathy model. Mitophagy activity was measured via immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Pathway blocker and small interfering RNA were used to perform the loss‐of‐function assay. The results demonstrated that Mst1 was rapidly increased in response to LPS stress. Knockout of Mst1 attenuated LPS‐mediated inflammation damage, reduced cardiomyocyte death, and improved cardiac function. At the molecular levels, LPS treatment activated mitochondrial damage, such as mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction, mitochondrial potential reduction, mitochondrial ATP depletion, and caspase family activation. Interestingly, in response to mitochondrial damage, Mst1 deletion activated mitophagy which attenuated LPS‐mediated mitochondrial damage. However, inhibition of mitophagy via inhibiting parkin mitophagy abolished the protective influences of Mst1 deletion on mitochondrial homeostasis and cardiomyocyte viability. Overall, our results demonstrated that septic cardiomyopathy is linked to Mst1 upregulation which is followed by a drop in the protective mitophagy.
The cytokine network type I IFN-IL-27-IL-10 is augmented in murine and human lupus
Authors: Lee Michael H , Gallo Paul M , Hooper Kirsten M , Corradetti Chelsea , Ganea Doina , Caricchio Roberto , Gallucci Stefania
Published: June 2019

IL-10 is elevated in the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we show that conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) from predisease lupus-prone B6.NZM Sle1/Sle2/Sle3 triple congenic (TCSle) mice produce more IL-10 than wild-type congenic cDCs upon TLR stimulation, and this overproduction is prevented by blocking the type I IFN receptor (IFNAR) with specific Abs. Priming wild-type cDCs with type I IFN mimics the IL-10 overproduction of TCSle cDCs. The MAPK ERK is more phosphorylated in lupus cDCs, partially contributing to IL-10 overproduction. Moreover, we found that TCSle cDCs express higher levels of IL-27 upon TLR7/TLR9 stimulation, and IFNAR blockade reduced IL-27 levels in TCSle cDCs. These results suggest that dysregulated type I IFNs in cDCs contribute to the increased IL-10 and IL-27 in SLE. Since IL-27 neutralization did not inhibit TLR-induced IL-10 production, we propose that type I IFNs enhanced IL-10 in TCSle cDCs independently from IL-27. Moreover, RNA sequencing analysis of a cohort of SLE patients reveals higher gene expression of these cytokines in SLE patients expressing a high IFN signature. Since IL-27 and IL-10 have both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects, our results also suggest that these cytokines can be modulated by the therapeutic IFN blockade in trials in SLE patients and have complex effects on the autoimmune response.
Domino liver transplantation for select metabolic disorders: Expanding the living donor pool
Authors: Celik Neslihan , Squires James E. , Soltys Kyle , Vockley Jerry , Shellmer Diana A. , Chang Wonbae , Strauss Kevin , McKiernan Patrick , Ganoza Armando , Sindhi Rakesh , Bond Geoffrey , Mazariegos George , Khanna Ajai
Published: June 2019

Domino liver transplantation (DLT) involves transplanting liver from a patient with metabolic disease into a patient with end‐stage liver disease with the expectation that the recipient will not develop the metabolic syndrome or the recurrent syndrome will have minimal affect. The domino donor gets a deceased donor or a segment of live‐donor liver through the deceased donor organ allocation system. Waitlist mortality for the domino recipient exceeds morbidity associated with getting the donor disease. Between 2015 and 2017, four patients with three metabolic disorders at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh underwent DLT with domino allografts from maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) patients. These included patients with propionic acidemia (PA) (n = 1), Crigler‐Najjar (CN) syndrome type‐1 (n = 2), and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase deficiency (CPSD) (n = 1). Mean follow‐up was 1.6 years (range 1.1‐2.1 years). Total bilirubin levels normalized postoperatively in both CN patients and they maintain normal allograft function. The PA patient had normal to minimal elevations of isoleucine and leucine, and no other abnormalities on low protein diet supplemented with a low methionine and valine free formula. No metabolic crises have occurred. The patient with CPSD takes normal baby food. No elevation in ammonia levels have been observed in any of the patients. DLT for a select group of metabolic diseases alleviated the recipients of their metabolic defect with minimal evidence of transferrable‐branched chain amino acid elevations or clinical MSUD despite increased protein intake. DLT using allografts with MSUD expands the live donor liver pool and should be considered for select metabolic diseases that may have a different enzymatic deficiency.
User and system pitfalls in liver imaging with LI‐RADS
Authors: Elsayes Khaled M. , Fowler Kathryn J. , Chernyak Victoria , Elmohr Mohab M. , Kielar Ania Z. , Hecht Elizabeth , Bashir Mustafa R. , Furlan Alessandro , Sirlin Claude B.
Published: June 2019

The Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) is a comprehensive system for standardizing the terminology, technique, interpretation, reporting, and data collection of liver imaging, created specifically for patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Over the past years, LI‐RADS has been progressively implemented into clinical practice, but pitfalls remain related to user error and inherent limitations of the system. User pitfalls include the inappropriate application of LI‐RADS to a low‐risk patient population, incorrect measurement techniques, inaccurate assumptions about LI‐RADS requirements, and improper usage of LI‐RADS terminology and categories. System pitfalls include areas of discordance with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) as well as pitfalls related to rare ancillary features. This article reviews common user pitfalls in applying LI‐RADS v2018 and how to avoid preventable errors and also highlights deficiencies of the current version of LI‐RADS and how it might be improved in the future.

Level of Evidence:3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1673–1686.
Agronomic biofortification of cowpea with selenium: effects of selenate and selenite applications on selenium and phytate concentrations in seeds
Authors: Silva Vinícius M , Boleta Eduardo HM , Martins Juliana T , dos Santos Flavia LM , da Rocha Silva Anne C , Alcock Thomas D , Wilson Lolita , de Sá Marco E , Young Scott D , Broadley Martin R , White Philip J , dos Reis André R
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) is a nutrient for animals and humans, and is considered beneficial to higher plants. Selenium concentrations are low in most soils, which can result in a lack of Se in plants, and consequently in human diets. Phytic acid (PA) is the main storage form of phosphorus in seeds, and it is able to form insoluble complexes with essential minerals in the monogastric gut. This study aimed to establish optimal levels of Se application to cowpea, with the aim of increasing Se concentrations. The efficiency of agronomic biofortification was evaluated by the application of seven levels of Se (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60 g ha−1) from two sources (selenate and selenite) to the soil under field conditions in 2016 and 2017.

RESULTS

Application of Se as selenate led to greater plant Se concentrations than application as selenite in both leaves and grains. Assuming human cowpea consumption of 54.2 g day−1, Se application of 20 g ha−1 in 2016 or 10 g ha−1 in 2017 as selenate would have provided a suitable daily intake of Se (between 20 and 55 μg day−1) for humans. Phytic acid showed no direct response to Se application.

CONCLUSION

Selenate provides greater phytoavailability than selenite. The application of 10 g Se ha−1 of selenate to cowpea plants could provide sufficient seed Se to increase daily human intake by 13–14 μg d−1. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry