bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Aqueous Synthesis of Au@Cu2−xS Core–Shell Nanoparticles for In Vitro and In Vivo SERS/PA Imaging‐Guided Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lv Qian , Min Huan , Duan Dong‐Ban , Fang Wei , Pan Gui‐Ming , Shen Ai‐Guo , Wang Qu‐Quan , Nie Guangjun , Hu Ji‐Ming
Published: December 2018

Both accurate tumor navigation and nanostructures with high photothermal (PT) conversion efficiency are important but remain challenging to achieve in current biomedical applications. This study reports an anion exchange‐based facile and green approach for synthesizing Au@Cu2−xS core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) in an aqueous system. In addition to the PT effect of the suggested NPs, the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is also significantly improved due to the tailored localized surface plasmon resonance coupling between the Au metal core and the Cu2−xS semiconductor shell. Using an epitaxial strategy, Au@Cu2O NPs are first obtained by the in situ reduction of cupric hydroxide on a cresyl violet acetate‐coated Au core; then, Au@Cu2−xS NPs are obtained via anion exchange between the S2− and Cu2O shell. Both the Cu/S atomic ratio and the Cu2−xS shell thickness can be adjusted conveniently. Hence, the ideal integration of the plasmonic Au core and Cu2−xS shell into a single unit is conducive not only to highly efficient PT conversion but also to the construction of a SERS‐based navigator. This new type of SERS‐guided NP, with enhanced photoacoustic signals, is an important candidate for both accurate tumor navigation and nondestructive PT treatment guided in vivo by two modes of optical imaging.
Guiding Principles for Designing Highly Efficient Metal‐Free Carbon Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Lipeng , Lin Chun‐Yu , Zhang Detao , Gong Lele , Zhu Yonghao , Zhao Zhenghang , Xu Quan , Li Hejun , Xia Zhenhai
Published: December 2018

Carbon nanomaterials are promising metal‐free catalysts for energy conversion and storage, but the catalysts are usually developed via traditional trial‐and‐error methods. To rationally design and accelerate the search for the highly efficient catalysts, it is necessary to establish design principles for the carbon‐based catalysts. Here, theoretical analysis and material design of metal‐free carbon nanomaterials as efficient photo‐/electrocatalysts to facilitate the critical chemical reactions in clean and sustainable energy technologies are reviewed. These reactions include the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells, the oxygen evolution reaction in metal–air batteries, the iodine reduction reaction in dye‐sensitized solar cells, the hydrogen evolution reaction in water splitting, and the carbon dioxide reduction in artificial photosynthesis. Basic catalytic principles, computationally guided design approaches and intrinsic descriptors, catalytic material design strategies, and future directions are discussed for the rational design and synthesis of highly efficient carbon‐based catalysts for clean energy technologies.
Chiral‐Auxiliary‐Controlled Diastereoconvergent Benzamidation Reactions of Diastereomixtures of Diarylmethanols with Benzamide Catalyzed by SnBr4
Authors: Kubo Rikiya , Nakata Kenya
Published: December 2018

An efficient chiral‐auxiliary‐controlled diastereoconvergent benzamidation reaction of diastereomixtures of diarylmethanols catalyzed by SnBr4 (Lewis acid) is described. A variety of substrates with various substituents on aromatic rings were applicable for the reaction, regardless of the type of substituent that they were bearing.
Domino Cyclization/Trifluoromethylation of 2‐Alknylphenols for the Synthesis of 3‐(Trifluoromethyl)benzofurans and Evaluation of their Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Li Mengwan , Ye Yibin , He Lisi , Hui Mamie , Ng Tzi Bun , Wong Jack Ho , Tsui Gavin Chit
Published: December 2018

Herein, we describe a one‐step synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant 3‐(trifluoromethyl)benzofurans from readily accessible 2‐alkynylphenols. The method utilizes a domino cyclization/trifluoromethylation strategy with [CuCF3] as a reagent. The CF3 source is the low‐cost industrial byproduct fluoroform (CF3H). The assays for antifungal and antibacterial activities conducted on these fluorinated benzofuran derivatives revealed that all were devoid of hemolytic activity toward rabbit erythrocytes indicating absence of toxicity. One of the compounds, 2 g, containing a 4‐NH2C6H4 moiety at the C‐2 position of the benzofuran core, demonstrated suppressive activity against the fungal pathogens Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and the bacterium methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, showing minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 64 μM, 128 μM, and 128 μM, respectively. Incubation of Candida cells with 2 g elicited a time‐dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Reconfigurable Bioinspired Framework Nucleic Acid Nanoplatform Dynamically Manipulated in Living Cells for Subcellular Imaging
Authors: Peng Pai , Du Yi , Zheng Jiao , Wang Huihui , Li Tao
Published: December 2018

In nature, the formation of spider silk fibers begins with dimerizing the pH‐sensitive N‐terminal domains of silk proteins (spidroins) upon lowering pH, and provides a natural masterpiece for programmable assembly. Inspired by the similarity of pH‐dependent dimerization behaviors, introduced here is an i‐motif‐guided model to mimic the initial step of spidroin assembly at the subcellular level. A framework nucleic acid (FNA) nanoplatform is designed using two tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) with different branched vertexes carrying a bimolecular i‐motif and a split ATP aptamer. Once TDNs enter acidic lysosomes within living cells, they assemble into a heterodimeric architecture, thereby enabling the formation of a larger‐size framework and meanwhile subcellular imaging in response to endogenous ATP, which can be dynamically manipulated by adjusting intracellular pH and ATP levels with external drug stimuli.
Titanium Carbene Complexes Stabilized by Alkali Metal Amides
Authors: Osseili Hassan , Truong Khai‐Nghi , Spaniol Thomas P. , Maron Laurent , Englert Ulli , Okuda Jun
Published: December 2018

Facile α‐H elimination from tetrakis(trimethylsilylmethyl)titanium precursors to give adducts of (alkylidene)bis(alkyl)titanium complexes is induced by light alkali metal amides of the NNNN‐type macrocyclic anionic ligand Me3TACD [(Me3TACD)H=1,4,7‐trimethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane]. In the crystal, the alkali metal interacts with the carbene carbon atom or with the CH2 group of the trimethylsilymethyl ligand. The nucleophilic character of the carbene carbon atom was shown by the reaction with benzophenone and terminal acetylenes.
Ru(II)‐based antineoplastic: A “wingtip” N‐heterocyclic carbene facilitates access to a new class of organometallics that are cytotoxic to common cancer cell lines
Authors: Mondal Ambarish , Tripathy Rajat K. , Dutta Parul , Santra Manas Kumar , Isab Anvarhusein A. , Bielawski Christopher W. , Kisan Hemanta K. , Chandra Swapan K. , Dinda Joydev
Published: December 2018

The syntheses, structures, and chemotherapeutic activities of Ag(I)‐, Au(I)‐, and Ru(II)‐complexes ligated to a novel N‐heterocyclic carbene ligand, 2‐(4‐nitrophenyl)imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridin‐2‐ylidene (1), are described. The corresponding complexes, [Ag(1)2][PF6], [Au(1)2][PF6] (3), and [Ru(1)(p‐cymene)Cl][PF6] (4), were prepared using convenient transmetallation chemistry and characterized using a range of spectroscopic and analytical techniques. X‐ray crystallography revealed that complexes 2 and 3 adopted linear structures whereas 4 exhibited a prototypical “piano‐stool”‐like geometry; the structural assignments were further supported by DFT calculations. A series of in vitro studies revealed that while the aforementioned Ag(I), Au(I) and Ru(II) complexes exhibited significant cytotoxicities against the human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT 116), lung cancer (A549), and breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines, the Ru derivative was most prominent.
Cross‐cultural consumer psychology
Authors: Shavitt Sharon , Barnes Aaron J.
Published: December 2018

Over the last 25 years, cross‐cultural consumer psychology has developed into a well‐researched domain, delivering important insights into how cultural differences influence consumer phenomena. This review synthesizes critical developments in the last decade of research related to the most commonly studied cultural dimensions. First, we describe how cultural differences in individualism and collectivism offer new insights on consumer goal pursuit and self‐regulatory processes. Next, we highlight the role of holistic and analytic thinking in consumer phenomena ranging from pricing to branding. We then describe the horizontal and vertical refinement of individualism and collectivism, and the power distance belief dimension, both of which address cultural orientations toward hierarchy and power. As we describe, these distinctions have implications for important consumer outcomes such as impulse consumption and prosocial behavior. Finally, we look ahead to an emerging cultural distinction, normative tightness–looseness, and bring attention to significant shifts in the practice of cross‐cultural consumer research.
Techno‐economic analysis of jet‐fuel production from biorefinery waste lignin
Authors: Shen Rongchun , Tao Ling , Yang Bin
Published: December 2018

Utilizing lignin feedstock along with cellulosic ethanol for the production of high‐energy‐density jet fuel offers a significant opportunity to enhance the overall operation efficiency, carbon conversion efficiency, economic viability, and sustainability of biofuel and chemical production. A patented catalytic process to produce lignin‐substructure‐based hydrocarbons in the jet‐fuel range from lignin was developed. Comprehensive techno‐economic analysis of this process was conducted through process simulation in this study. The discounted cash flow rate of return (DCFROR) method was used to evaluate a 2000 dry metric ton/day lignocellulosic ethanol biorefinery with the co‐production of lignin jet fuel. The minimum selling price of lignin jet fuel at a 10% discount rate was estimated to be in the range of $6.35–$1.76/gal depending on the lignin and conversion rate and capacity. With a production capacity of 1.5–16.6 million gallon jet fuel per year, capital costs ranged from $38.0 to $39.4 million. On the whole, the co‐production of jet fuel from lignin improved the overall economic viability of an integrated biorefinery process for corn ethanol production by raising co‐product revenue from jet fuels. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
A Biomass‐Derived Carbon‐Based Electrocatalyst for Efficient N2 Fixation to NH3 under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Huang Hong , Xia Li , Cao RongRong , Niu Zhiguo , Chen Hongyu , Liu Qian , Li Tingshuai , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sun Xuping
Published: December 2018

Currently, NH3 production primarily depends on the Haber–Bosch process, which operates at elevated temperatures and pressures and leads to serious CO2 emissions. Electrocatalytic N2 reduction offers an environmentally benign approach for the sustainable synthesis of NH3 under ambient conditions. This work reports the development of biomass‐derived amorphous oxygen‐doped carbon nanosheet (O−CN) using tannin as the precursor. As a metal‐free electrocatalyst for N2‐to‐NH3 conversion, such O−CN shows high catalytic performances, achieving a large NH3 yield of 20.15 μg h−1 mg−1cat. and a high Faradic efficiency of 4.97 % at −0.6 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in 0.1 m HCl at ambient conditions. Remarkably, it also exhibits high electrochemical selectivity and durability.
Elektrohydraulische Zerkleinerung von carbonfaserverstärkten Kunststoffen für das Carbonfaser‐Recycling
Authors: Orzol Carsten H. M. , Lieberwirth Holger
Published: December 2018

Basierend auf der Auswertung von Untersuchungen der mittleren Faserlänge, des massespezifischen Energieaufwands, E‐Moduls und Mindestrestmatrixgehalts kann die Gewinnung von freigelegten Carbonfasern aus carbonfaserverstärkten Kunststoffen mittels elektrohydraulischer Zerkleinerung als Downcycling betrachtet werden. Das bedeutet, der erzielte Sekundärrohstoff weist eine geringere Produktqualität als die Neuware auf und seine Herstellung ist mit höherem Energieaufwand als die Herstellung der Neuware verbunden.
Insect herbivory on seedlings of rainforest trees: Effects of density and distance of conspecific and heterospecific neighbors
Authors: Downey Harriet , Lewis Owen T. , Bonsall Michael B. , Fernandez D. Catalina , Gripenberg Sofia
Published: December 2018

Natural enemies of plants such as insect herbivores can contribute to structuring and maintaining plant diversity in tropical forests. Most research in this area has focused on the role of specialized enemies and the extent to which herbivory on individual plant species is density‐dependent. Relatively few insect herbivores specialize on a single host plant species. Insect herbivores that feed on more than one plant species may link the regeneration dynamics of their host species through “apparent competition” or “apparent mutualism.” We investigated herbivory and survival of seedlings of two tropical tree species (Cordia alliodoraandCordia bicolor) in the forests of Barro Colorado Island (Panama). We used experiments and observations to assess seedling fate in relation to the presence of conspecifics and heterospecifics across a range of spatial scales. Herbivory significantly increased seedling mortality and was highest at high local densities ofC. alliodoraseedlings. There was also evidence that high local densities ofC. alliodoraincreased herbivory on co‐occurringC. bicolorseedlings.Synthesis.The elevated rates of seedling herbivory at high densities of conspecifics documented in our study are consistent with the predictions of the Janzen–Connell hypothesis, which explains how so many plant species can coexist in tropical forests. Our data also highlight the possibility that herbivore‐mediated density‐dependence, facilitated by herbivores that feed on multiple plant species, can also occuracrossplant species. Enemy‐mediated indirect effects of this sort have the potential to structure plant communities.
An In‐Situ Neutron Diffraction and DFT Study of Hydrogen Adsorption in a Sodalite‐Type Metal–Organic Framework, Cu‐BTTri
Authors: Asgari Mehrdad , Semino Rocio , Schouwink Pascal , Kochetygov Ilia , Trukhina Olga , Tarver Jacob D. , Bulut Safak , Yang Shuliang , Brown Craig M. , Ceriotti Michele , Queen Wendy L.
Published: December 2018

Herein we present a detailed study of the hydrogen adsorption properties of Cu‐BTTri, a robust crystalline metal–organic framework containing open metal‐coordination sites. Diffraction techniques, carried out on the activated framework, reveal a structure that is different from what was previously reported. Further, combining standard hydrogen adsorption measurements with in‐situ neutron diffraction techniques provides molecular level insight into the hydrogen adsorption process. The diffraction experiments unveil the location of four D2 adsorption sites in Cu‐BTTri and shed light on the structural features that promote hydrogen adsorption in this material. Density functional theory (DFT), used to predict the location and strength of binding sites, corroborate the experimental findings. By decomposing binding energies in different sites in various energetic contributions, we show that van der Waals interactions play a crucial role, suggesting a possible route to enhancing the binding energy around open metal coordination sites.
Electrochemical Determination of Sunscreens Agents in Cosmetic Using Square Wave Voltammetry
Authors: Lopes Neves Raiane Aparecida , Moreira Araujo Fausto , Siqueira Pacheco Felipe , Chevitarese Azevedo Gustavo , Costa Matos Maria Auxiliadora , Camargo Matos Renato
Published: December 2018

Sunscreen agents and in particular UV filters are compounds added in different cosmetic formulations, that has the function of preventing damage caused by sun exposition. Therefore, this paper proposes the development of a simple, fast and reliable electroanalytical method utilizing square wave voltammetry (SWV) to the determination of Benzophenone‐3 (BZ‐3), camphor 4‐methylbenzylidene (MBC) and 2‐ethylhexyl‐4‐methoxycinnamate (OMC) in cosmetic samples. The electrochemical system consisted of a cell with three electrodes: work – gold electrode modified, reference – Ag/AgCl(sat) and auxiliary – platinum, using as supporting electrolyte 4.0 mL of Britton Robinson Buffer 0.04 mol L−1 (pH=4.0), 1.0 mL of methanol and 5.50×10−4 mol L−1 of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The method was validated using three commercial sunscreen samples and the results showed recovery values between 83 and 98 %. The average values found for the analysed samples were 3.49 % m/m (728 mg L−1) to BZ‐3, 0.56 % m/m (113 mg L−1) to MBC and 0.99 % m/m (208 mg L−1) to OMC. The detection (DL) and quantification (QL) limits were 0.47 mg L−1 and 1.56 mg L−1 to BZ‐3, 0.77 mg L−1 and 2.58 mg L−1 to MBC and 0.78 mg L−1 and 2.59 mg L−1 to OMC, respectively. The sunscreen protector samples were also evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) demonstrating a good correlation between the results and compared the results with allowed concentration.
Ichnology, palaeoenvironment, and ecosystem dynamics of the Early Cambrian (Stage 4, Series 2) Guanshan Biota, South China
Authors: Ding Yi , Liu Jianni , Chen Feifei
Published: December 2018

The Guanshan Biota of the Wulongqing Formation (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4) is a typical Burgess Shale‐typeLagerstätte, containing not only a diverse assemblage of exceptionally preserved body fossils but also abundant, sophisticated trace fossils. Detailed ichnological study of the lower part of the Wulongqing Formation from the Longbaoshan and Xinglongcun sections in the Kunming area, Yunnan, South China, reveals the presence of 17 ichnospecies, includingAggregatellaisp.,Cruzianaisp.,Didymaulichnus lyelli,Diplichnitesisp.,Guanshanichnus glockerichnoides,Monomorphichnusisp., Palaeophycusisp.,Planolites beverleyensis,Planolites montanus,Planolitesisp.,Psammichnitesisp., Phycodes isp.,Skolithos verticalis,Thalassinoidesisp.,Treptichnus pedum, and two types of non‐specific coprolites. These trace fossils represent burrowing or locomotion behaviours of arthropods and vermes, and belong to theCruzianaandSkolithosichnofacies. As the outcrop at the Xinglongcun section is not well exposed, a systematic sedimentary study was conducted at the Longbaoshan section. The Guanshan ichnofauna in the lower Wulongqing Formation at the Longbaoshan section occur in fine‐grained siliciclastic rocks with wavy bedding, lenticular bedding, and wrinkle structures, reflecting a tidal flat environment. The abundance of diverse trace fossils in the tidal flat facies indicate that many taxa, mostly arthropods, were able to colonize the very shallow marine environments, supporting the landward expansion of the Early Cambrian ecosystems.
Perspective of Water Distribution Based on the Performance of Hydraulic Structures in the Varamin Irrigation Scheme (Iran)
Authors: Mohammadi Amir , Parvaresh Rizi Atefeh , Abbasi Nader
Published: December 2018

Despite the extensive application of check and offtake structures in irrigation canals, their periodic assessment is generally not included in water management plans, especially in Iran. This issue would be more important when there are many problems in water distribution in irrigation projects. In this study the performance and operating status of different hydraulic structures in the Varamin irrigation scheme were evaluated using a precise flowmeter. Results show that Neyrpic modules have an error in range of −8 to 83% and these structures, on average, delivered 22% more water. The discharge coefficient of duckbill weirs has changed considerably as well and they are not able to regulate the water level appropriately, because of ageing and physical destruction. The results showed that to achieve an acceptable performance of Neyrpic modules in this scheme it is essential to perform some physical modifications, such as cleaning and sealing the gates, removing sediment around the gates, replacing old gates and continuous inspection of infrastructure. A series of measurements to estimate water losses during the conveyance process show that the conveyance efficiency for each 1000 m length of main, secondary and tertiary canals are respectively 95.0, 91.5 and 89.3%. Consequently to achieve a suitable water distribution pattern, preventive maintenance should be considered. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermo‐sensitive nanogel‐laden bicontinuous microemulsion drug‐eluting contact lenses
Authors: Lee Se‐Hee , Kim Ho‐Joong , Kim Duck‐Hyun , Chang Won‐Seok , Vales Temmy Pegarro , Kim Jae‐Woo , Kim Ki‐Hong , Kim Jong‐Ki
Published: December 2018

The bicontinuous microemulsion contact lens (BMCL) has nanoporous biphasic structures (100–250 nm) that are interconnected via multiple nano‐channels, providing suitable retention of various drugs for glaucoma. Timolol maleate (TM)‐carried thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) nanogel (30–50 nm) was incorporated into BMCLs by soaking or by centrifuging plus soaking. Here, we present drug‐loading and release in silicon‐ or polyethylene oxide‐microemulsion BMCLs under various conditions. Nanoporous BMCLs containing thermosensitive TM‐laden nanogel were capable of potent body‐temperature‐triggered release of TM. Daily drug release was controllable according to the initial volume of drug‐loaded (VDL) and loading method for sustained drug release, making them reduce drug‐loss during transportation or storage. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1159–1169, 2019.
Reference Ranges for Trabecular Bone Score in Australian Men and Women: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Anderson Kara B , Holloway‐Kew Kara L , Hans Didier , Kotowicz Mark A , Hyde Natalie K , Pasco Julie A
Published: December 2018

Trabecular bone score (TBS) is a novel method for indirectly assessing trabecular microarchitecture at the lumbar spine, providing information complementary to areal BMD. However, limited reference ranges exist for the normative distribution of TBS, particularly in men. The aim of this study was to develop such a reference range in Australian men and women. This study included 894 men and 682 women (aged 24 to 98 years) enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. TBS was determined retrospectively by analysis of lumbar spine DXA scans (Lunar Prodigy) using TBS iNsight software (version 2.2). Multivariable regression techniques were used to determine best‐fit models for TBS incorporating age, height, and weight. Age‐related differences in TBS were best modelled with a linear relationship in men and a cubic relationship in women. Combined best‐fit models for TBS included age and weight in men, and age and height in women. This study provides normative reference ranges for TBS in Australian men and women, and further indicates that TBS may identify individuals at risk for fracture despite normal BMD. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Upregulation of circular RNA circ_0000502 predicts unfavorable prognosis in osteosarcoma and facilitates cell progression via sponging miR‐1238
Authors: Qi Hongfei , Sun Yue , Jiang Yuehong , Li Xiaolin
Published: December 2018

Growing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a significant role in regulating cancer initiation and metastasis. Osteosarcoma (OS) is a sophisticated disease with various genes activated or silenced. In this study, we defined a novel cancer‐related circRNA, circ_0000502 in OS progression. qRT‐PCR was conducted to detect its expression level in OS tissue samples and cell lines. In addition, the clinical significance of circ_0000502 was investigated. Afterwards, gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function in vitro assays were performed to detect the cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and invasion altered by circ_0000502 by CCK‐8, clone‐forming, flow cytometry, and transwell experiments. Xenograft study was performed to validate the in vitro data. The luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the mechanism of circ_0000502. Circ_0000502 was identified upregulated in both OS tissue specimens and cells. In addition, its expression predicts clinical severity and unfavorable prognosis in the 63 recruited patients with OS. Circ_0000502 facilitated cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in OS cells and inhibited cell apoptosis. The animal study further confirmed the in vitro results. For mechanism exploration, circ_0000502 could directly sponge microRNA (miR)‐1238, and the oncogenic functions of circ_0000502 is partially dependent on its regulation of miR‐1238 proved by rescue assays. In summary, this study might help to develop rational predictive and therapeutic target for patients with OS.
AGAP2‐AS1 serves as an oncogenic lncRNA and prognostic biomarker in glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Tian Yanlong , Zheng Yong , Dong Xin
Published: December 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) AGAP2 antisense RNA 1 (AGAP2‐AS1) has been suggested to function as an oncogenic lncRNA in lung cancer, breast cancer, and anaplastic glioma. However, the expression pattern and molecular mechanism of AGAP2‐AS1 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to present more evidence about the clinical and biological function of AGAP2‐AS1 in GBM. In our results, we found AGAP2‐AS1 expression was increased in GBM compared with adjacent normal brain tissues or low‐grade glioma tissues, and there was no significantly different between low‐grade glioma tissues and normal tissues. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis indicated patients with GBM having high‐expression of AGAP2‐AS1 had shorter overall survival time than those with low expression of AGAP2‐AS1. The loss‐of‐function studies showed that downregulation of AGAP2‐AS1 depressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis in GBM. In summary, AGAP2‐AS1 is a prognostic biomarker for patients with GBM, and functions as an oncogenic lncRNA to modulate GBM cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, which suggests that AGAP2‐AS1 is potential therapeutic target for GBM.
CREB/Wnt10b mediates the effect of COX‐2 on promoting BMP9‐induced osteogenic differentiation via reducing adipogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liao Yun‐Peng , Du Wei‐Min , Hu Ying , Li Fu‐Shu , Ma Yan , Wang Han , Zhu Jia‐Hui , Zhou Ya , Li Qin , Su Yu‐Xi , He Bai‐Cheng
Published: December 2018

Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is one of the most potent osteogenic factors, which may be a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering. However, the osteogenic capacity of BMP9 still need to be further enhanced. In this study, we determined the effect of Wnt10b on BMP9‐induced osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) and the possible mechanism underlying this process. We introduced the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot analysis, histochemical stain, ectopic bone formation, and microcomputed tomography analysis to evaluate the effect of Wnt10b on BMP9‐induced osteogenic differentiation. Meanwhile, PCR, Western blot analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and immunoprecipitation were used to analyze the possible relationship between BMP9 and Wnt10b. We found that BMP9 upregulates Wnt10b in C3H10T1/2 cells. Wnt10b increases the osteogenic markers and bone formation induced by BMP9 in C3H10T1/2 cells, and silencing Wnt10b decreases these effects of BMP9. Meanwhile, Wnt10b enhances the level of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 (p‐Smad1/5/8) induced by BMP9, which can be reduced by silencing Wnt10b. On the contrary, Wnt10b inhibits adipogenic markers induced by BMP9, which can be decreased by silencing Wnt10b. Further analysis indicated that BMP9 upregulates cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and phosphorylation of cAMP‐responsive element binding (p‐CREB) simultaneously. COX‐2 potentiates the effect of BMP9 on increasing p‐CREB and Wnt10b, while silencing COX‐2 decreases these effects. p‐CREB interacts with p‐Smad1/5/8 to bind the promoter of Wnt10b in C3H10T1/2 cells. Our findings suggested that Wnt10b can promote BMP9‐induced osteogenic differentiation in MSCs, which may be mediated through enhancing BMP/Smad signal and reducing adipogenic differentiation; BMP9 may upregulate Wnt10b via the COX‐2/p‐CREB‐dependent manner.
Prognostic relevance of miR‐137 and its liver microenvironment regulatory target gene AFM in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wei Qian , Zhao Lin , Jiang Longyang , Bi Jia , Yu Zhaojin , Zhao Lan , Song Xinyue , Sun Mingli , Chen Yuzong , Wei Minjie
Published: December 2018

MiR‐137 has been identified as potential hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognostic biomarkers. Highly relevant HCC prognostic biomarkers may be derived from combinations of miR‐137 with its target genes involved in the regulation of liver microenvironment. This study aimed at the discovery of such a combination with improved HCC prognosis performance than miR‐137 or its target gene alone in a significantly higher number of HCC patients than previous studies. Analysis of the differentially expressed micro RNAs (miRNAs) between cancer and noncancer tissues reconfirmed miR‐137 to be among the most relevant prognostic miRNAs and the data of 375 HCC patients and 50 normal cases were from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data sets. Target genes were identified by the established search methods and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis of HCC patients was used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Cox proportional hazards regression indicated that the miR‐137 and its target gene AFM combination is an independent prognostic factor for the OS and RFS in HCC. In vitro experiments validated that miR‐137 could bind to 3′‐untranslated region of the AFM and promote the invasion and metastasis of HCC cell lines. The expressions of miR‐137 and its liver microenvironment regulatory target gene AFM in combination significantly correlated with HCC progression in a higher number of patients than in previous studies, which suggested their potential as prognostic biomarkers for HCC.
Inhibition of MUC1‐C regulates metabolism by AKT pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: GongSun Xin , Zhao YongQiang , Jiang Bin , Xin ZhongWei , Shi Mo , Song Liang , Qin QiMing , Wang Qiang , Liu XiangYan
Published: December 2018

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common digestive tumors worldwide. The Mucin 1 (MUC1) heterodimeric protein has been confirmed that is overexpressed in ESCC and induced adverse outcomes. However, the detailed mechanism(s) remained challenging. So, we investigated the relationship between MUC1‐C and metabolism in ESCC cells. In the results, TP53‐induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) was overexpressed and correlative with MUC1‐C positively in ESCC tissue. Targeting MUC1‐C inhibits AKT–mTORC–S6K1 signaling and blocks TIGAR translation. We found that the inhibitory effect of GO‐203 on TIGAR was mediated by inhibition of AKT–mTOR–S6K1 pathway. The findings also demonstrated that the suppressive effect of GO‐203 on TIGAR is related to the decrease of glutathione level, the increase of reactive oxygen species and the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane membrane potential. In xenograft tissues, GO‐203 inhibited the growth of ESCC cells and lead to the low expression of transmembrane C‐terminal subunit (MUC1‐C) and TIGAR. This evidence supports the contention that MUC1‐C is significant for metabolism in ESCC and indicated that MUC1‐C is a potential target for the treatment of ESCC.
Dose‐ and time‐dependent alterations in lipid metabolism after pharmacological PGC‐1α activation in L6 myotubes
Authors: Supruniuk Elżbieta , Mikłosz Agnieszka , Chabowski Adrian , Łukaszuk Bartłomiej
Published: December 2018

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) acts as a powerful modulator of PGC‐1α activation and therefore regulates multiple pathways involved in cellular energy homeostasis. In the present study, we assessed the effects of L6 myotubes incubation with 0.5, 1, and 3 μM PQQ solution for 2 and 24 hr with respect to the cells' lipid metabolism. We demonstrated that PQQ significantly elevates PGC‐1α content in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner with the highest efficiency for 0.5 and 1 µM. The level of free fatty acids was diminished (24 hr: −66%), while an increase in triacylglycerol (TAG) amount was most pronounced after 0.5 μM (2 hr: +93%, 24 hr: +139%) treatment. Ceramide (CER) content was elevated after 2 hr incubation with 0.5 µM and after prolonged exposure to all PQQ concentrations. The cells treated with PQQ for 2 hr exhibited decreased sphinganine (SFA) and sphinganine‐1‐phosphate (SFA1P) level, while 24 hr incubation resulted in an elevated sphingosine (SFO) amount. In summary, PGC‐1α activation promotes TAG and CER synthesis.
Orthodontic compressive force modulates Ets‐1/Tks5 pathway to promote the formation of circumferential invadopodia and the fusion of osteoclast precursors
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zeng Zhimin , Cheng Yali , Zhao Liyao , Yan Qiqi , Qiu Yu , Hu Jiangtian , Guo Jie
Published: December 2018

During orthodontic treatment a mechanical force is applied to the teeth. However, it remains unclear how mechanical force promotes the maturation and fusion of osteoclast precursors into osteoclasts. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism by which orthodontic compressive force promotes osteoclast maturation. We used a RAW264.7 macrophage‐like cell line derived from Balb/c mice as the experimental model. We found that compressive force promoted the maturation of osteoclasts based on tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining and the formation of invadopodia based on immunstaining of Tks5 and F‐actin. Moreover, we found that compressive force upregulated the expression of Ets‐1 and Tks5 and promoted the activation of Ets‐1 in RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, we identified Tks5 as a transcription target of Ets‐1 in RAW264.7 cells and demonstrated that Ets‐1 mediates the effects of compressive force on Tks5 upregulation, invadopodia formation and cell fusion in osteoclasts. In conclusion, Ets‐1 is upregulated by compressive force and it is essential to transducing the mechanical signal to promote invadopodia formation and osteoclast fusion. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanism underlying osteoclast maturation and fusion during orthodontic treatment.
Survival and growth analysis of multipurpose trees, shrubs, and grasses used to rehabilitate badlands in the subhumid tropics
Authors: Talema Ayalew , Poesen Jean , Muys Bart , Padro Roc , Dibaba Hirko , Diels Jan
Published: December 2018

Vegetation plays a vital role for sustainable rehabilitation of degraded lands such as badlands with active gully erosion. However, the establishment of plant species on badlands remains a long‐lasting challenge in most regions, including the subhumid tropics. To address this challenge, 18 multipurpose plant species (six trees, three shrubs, and nine grasses), which were preselected from the regional species pool in Southwest Ethiopia, were planted in a badland and monitored from July 2011 to June 2014. The experiment had a split‐plot design with farmyard manure (FYM) application as main plot and plant species as subplot factors repeated in three blocks. The study revealed that grasses were the most successful to survive and rehabilitate the gully within the monitoring period compared with trees and shrubs. The survival rate of the four most successful grass species, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Pennisetum macrourum, Pennisetum polystachion, and Pennisetum purpureum ranged from 61% to 90% with FYM application and from 20% to 85% without FYM, while most of the well‐known indigenous and exotic trees and shrubs failed to survive. For the grass P. purpureum, shoot height, shoot, and root biomass were enhanced by 300%, 342%, and 578%, respectively, due to FYM application, with a remarkably higher response to FYM compared with all the other studied species. The overall results demonstrate that badlands can be effectively restored by using early successional species such as locally adapted and selected grasses before the plantation of trees and shrubs.
Coregulation of nitrous oxide emissions by nitrogen and temperature in China's third largest freshwater lake (Lake Taihu)
Authors: Xiao Qitao , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Mi , Duan Hongtao , Hu Zhenghua , Wang Wei , Xiao Wei , Lee Xuhui
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and contributes to the loss of stratospheric ozone. However, the role of inland waterbodies in the dynamics of atmospheric N2O is poorly understood. We investigated N2O fluxes and their controlling factors in Lake Taihu, a large and shallow (2400 km2, 1.9 m depth) eutrophic lake in eastern China. Long‐term measurements (2011–2016) revealed spatial and temporal variations in the lake surface N2O fluxes. The mean N2O flux from the lake was 3.5 ± 1.8 (mean ± SD) μmol m−2 d−1, with an annual N2O budget of 134.4 ± 69.8 Mg (106 g) yr−1. The highest N2O fluxes occurred in the eutrophic zone with significant anthropogenic N inputs, and the lowest fluxes occurred in the noneutrophic zone with no external N inflow. A seasonal pattern in N2O fluxes was observed only in the noneutrophic zone and was strongly correlated with water temperature. No seasonality in the N2O fluxes was observed in the eutrophic zone with high N concentrations in the water, indicating that N concentrations play a dominant role in regulating N2O fluxes compared to water temperature. The average N2O emission factor in Lake Taihu was 0.18%, with temporal and spatial variations negatively associated with N concentration but positively associated with the mass ratio of dissolved organic carbon to dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Our results suggest that anthropogenic activities strongly affect N2O fluxes in freshwater lakes.
Autologous rectus fascia sling for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: A review of the literature
Authors: Mahdy Ayman , Ghoniem Gamal M.
Published: December 2018

Aims

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common in the adult females. Surgical treatment options include synthetic mid‐urethral sling (MUS), autologous sling, bulking agents, and Burch colposuspension. The autologous pubovaginal sling (PVS) has re‐emerged in response to complications of synthetic MUSs and FDA communications regarding the use of vaginal mesh. This resulted in patients’ fear related to vaginal mesh and drop in number of patients seeking surgical treatment of SUI. PVS has re‐emerged as an option for treatment of primary SUI. The aim of this review is to familiarize, disseminate information, and share tips for the practicing female pelvic surgeons related to the practice of the autologous fascia sling.

Methods

We reviewed the literature related to the autologous sling. We used the following data bases and search engines: GoPubMed (Transinsight), Cochrane reviews (Wiley Interscience), google scholar (google), and Scopus (Elsevier). Because it is the most commonly investigated and utilized, we focused on the autologous rectus fascia sling. We also focused on the retropubic sling approach because the literature on transobturator rectus fascia sling is sparse.

Results

Out of 307 articles related to the subject found, 22 articles were included and the rest were excluded.

Conclusion

ARFS is a valid primary method of treatment for female SUI. Also, it is used in particular indications such as patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), prior pelvic irradiation, failed and/or complicated synthetic MUS, and violated urethral lumen.
A bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization algorithm for mass minimization with multiple structural constraints
Authors: Munk David J.
Published: December 2018

A bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization algorithm is presented, which employs integer linear programming to compute optimal solutions to topology optimization problems with the objective of mass minimization. The objective and constraint functions are linearized using Taylor's first‐order approximation, thereby allowing the method to handle all types of constraints without using Lagrange multipliers or sensitivity thresholds. A relaxation of the constraint targets is performed such that only small changes in topology are allowed during a single update, thus ensuring the existence of feasible solutions. A variety of problems are solved, demonstrating the ability of the method to easily handle a number of structural constraints, including compliance, stress, buckling, frequency, and displacement. This is followed by an example with multiple structural constraints and, finally, the method is demonstrated on a wing‐box, showing that topology optimization for mass minimization of real‐world structures can be considered using the proposed methodology.
Time‐lapse laboratory tests to monitor multiple phases of DNAPL in a porous medium
Authors: Orlando Luciana , Palladini Lucia
Published: December 2018

A soil contaminated by dense non‐aqueous phase liquids generally exhibits variation of electrical permittivity and resistivity over time. In this paper, we relate photo images with results of electrical resistivity tomography, induced polarization tomography, and ground‐penetrating radar survey in a laboratory‐controlled test, where a cell, filled with grained‐glass beads contaminated with HFE‐7100 (hydrofluoroether) and under saturated conditions, was used. The aim was to find robust links between geophysical and physico‐chemical parameters of a contaminated soil in order to reduce the ambiguities in data interpretation. The monitoring, conducted over 100 days, shows that each geophysical method may or may not be sensitive to the multiple phases of hydrofluoroether (pure, dissolved and gaseous phases) depending on the contaminant (chemical composition, fresh, mature, etc.) and on the host enviroment. We propose some empirical relationships that allow us to quantitatively monitor the water saturation variation induced by hydrofluoroether.

The photo images confirm that the pure phase of hydrofluoroether changes over time, which is probably due to biological or/and chemical variation of the contaminant. Electrical resistivity tomography results appear to be sensitive to the vast amount of pure phase of the hydrofluoroether. Induced polarization, measured in the extremely low frequency range (<25 Hz), allows detecting the pure phase of the contaminant, probably due to the decrease of water permeability and chemical degradation of the compound over time. The ground‐penetrating radar and time domain reflectometry methods based on measurements in very‐high frequency and ultra‐high frequency ranges are mainly sensitive to the water content and, as a consequence, to the replacement of water by pure and gaseous phases of hydrofluoroether.
“Gueule cassée” (facial injuries): a 3D paleotraumatology study and facial approximation of a Napoleonic soldier who died in 1812 at Königsberg during the Russian Campaign
Authors: Coutinho Nogueira Dany , Dutailly Bruno , Comte Florent , Vasil'iev Alexandr , Khokhlov Alexandr , Shvedchikova Tatiana , Berezina Natalia , Buzhilova Alexandra , Dutour Olivier , Coqueugniot Hélène
Published: December 2018

The invasion of Russia by the Napoleonic Grande Armée was a complete disaster. The French army was decimated during the retreat from Russia. Thousands of victims were buried in mass graves located near several cities during the retreat. One of these mass graves was discovered in in the centre of Kaliningrad (formerly Königsberg), presently the most occidental oblast of the Russian Federation. Some skeletons revealed evidence of violence related traumatic injuries. Among them, the skeleton C2 belonged to a young male, who had suffered a serious injury to the lower face. The state of post‐traumatic remodelling indicated survival of about 2 months (between more than 6 weeks and less than 3 months).

The 3D reconstruction of the mandible and the maxilla contributed additional information about the injury, its cause, and treatment. This permitted pretraumatic reconstruction of the viscerocranium and mandible through the application of two new techniques: virtual osteotomy and virtual bone transplant from another individual and perform an approximation of the face (to recreate the soft tissues) of this unidentified soldier using anthropological facial approximation in three dimensions software. These results highlight the use of 3D methods in paleopathology and forensic anthropology to reconstruct traumatic facial injuries and the pretraumatic facial appearance.
EMP: execution time measurement protocol for compute‐bound programs
Authors: Suh Young‐Kyoon , Snodgrass Richard T. , Kececioglu John D. , Downey Peter J. , Maier Robert S. , Yi Cheng
Published: December 2018

Measuring execution time is one of the most used performance evaluation techniques in computer science research. Inaccurate measurements cannot be used for a fair performance comparison between programs. Despite the prevalence of its use, the intrinsic variability in the time measurement makes it hard to obtain repeatable and accurate timing results of a program running on an operating system. We propose a novel execution time measurement protocol (termed EMP) for measuring the execution time of a compute‐bound program on Linux, while minimizing that measurement's variability. During the development of execution time measurement protocol, we identified several factors that disturb execution time measurement. We introduce successive refinements to the protocol by addressing each of these factors, in concert, reducing variability by more than an order of magnitude. We also introduce a new visualization technique, what we term ‘dual‐execution scatter plot’ that highlights infrequent, long‐running daemons, differentiating them from frequent and/or short‐running daemons. Our empirical results show that the proposed protocol successfully achieves three major aspects—precision, accuracy, and scalability—in execution time measurement that can work for open‐source and proprietary software. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explaining differential vulnerability to climate change: A social science review
Authors: Thomas Kimberley , Hardy R. Dean , Lazrus Heather , Mendez Michael , Orlove Ben , Rivera‐Collazo Isabel , Roberts J. Timmons , Rockman Marcy , Warner Benjamin P. , Winthrop Robert
Published: December 2018

The varied effects of recent extreme weather events around the world exemplify the uneven impacts of climate change on populations, even within relatively small geographic regions. Differential human vulnerability to environmental hazards results from a range of social, economic, historical, and political factors, all of which operate at multiple scales. While adaptation to climate change has been the dominant focus of policy and research agendas, it is essential to ask as well why some communities and peoples are disproportionately exposed to and affected by climate threats. The cases and synthesis presented here are organized around four key themes (resource access, governance, culture, and knowledge), which we approach from four social science fields (cultural anthropology, archaeology, human geography, and sociology). Social scientific approaches to human vulnerability draw vital attention to the root causes of climate change threats and the reasons that people are forced to adapt to them. Because vulnerability is a multidimensional process rather than an unchanging state, a dynamic social approach to vulnerability is most likely to improve mitigation and adaptation planning efforts.

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation