bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can non-destructive DNA extraction of bulk invertebrate samples be used for metabarcoding?
Authors: Carew Melissa E. , Coleman Rhys A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: June 2018

Background

High throughput DNA sequencing of bulk invertebrate samples or metabarcoding is becoming increasingly used to provide profiles of biological communities for environmental monitoring. As metabarcoding becomes more widely applied, new reference DNA barcodes linked to individual specimens identified by taxonomists are needed. This can be achieved through using DNA extraction methods that are not only suitable for metabarcoding but also for building reference DNA barcode libraries.

Methods

In this study, we test the suitability of a rapid non-destructive DNA extraction method for metabarcoding of freshwater invertebrate samples.

Results

This method resulted in detection of taxa from many taxonomic groups, comparable to results obtained with two other tissue-based extraction methods. Most taxa could also be successfully used for subsequent individual-based DNA barcoding and taxonomic identification. The method was successfully applied to field-collected invertebrate samples stored for taxonomic studies in 70% ethanol at room temperature, a commonly used storage method for freshwater samples.

Discussion

With further refinement and testing, non-destructive extraction has the potential to rapidly characterise species biodiversity in invertebrate samples, while preserving specimens for taxonomic investigation.
Comprehensive circular RNA expression profile in radiation-treated HeLa cells and analysis of radioresistance-related circRNAs
Authors: Yu Duo , Li Yunfeng , Ming Zhihui , Wang Hongyong , Dong Zhuo , Qiu Ling , Wang Tiejun
Published: June 2018

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Malignant tumors develop resistance mechanisms and are less sensitive to or do not respond to irradiation. With the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies, circular RNA (circRNA) has been identified in an increasing number of diseases, especially cancers. It has been reported that circRNA can compete with microRNAs (miRNAs) to change the stability or translation of target RNAs, thus regulating gene expression at the transcriptional level. However, the role of circRNAs in cervical cancer and the radioresistance mechanisms of HeLa cells are unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of circRNAs in radioresistance in HeLa cells.

Methods

High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of irradiated and sham-irradiated HeLa cells. The reliability of high-throughput RNA sequencing was validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The most significant circRNA functions and pathways were selected by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. A circRNA–miRNA–target gene interaction network was used to find circRNAs associated with radioresistance. Moreover, a protein–protein interaction network was constructed to identify radioresistance-related hub proteins.

Results

High-throughput sequencing allowed the identification of 16,893 circRNAs involved in the response of HeLa cells to radiation. Compared with the control group, there were 153 differentially expressed circRNAs, of which 76 were up-regulated and 77 were down-regulated. GO covered three domains: biological process (BP), cellular component (CC) and molecular function (MF). The terms assigned to the BP domain were peptidyl-tyrosine dephosphorylation and regulation of cell migration. The identified CC terms were cell–cell adherens junction, nucleoplasm and cytosol, and the identified MF terms were protein binding and protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. The top five KEGG pathways were MAPK signaling pathway, endocytosis, axon guidance, neurotrophin signaling pathway, and SNARE interactions in vesicular transport. The protein–protein interaction analysis indicated that 19 proteins might be hub proteins.

Conclusions

CircRNAs may play a major role in the response to radiation. These findings may improve our understanding of the role of circRNAs in radioresistance in HeLa cells and allow the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Gender roles and challenges of village chicken keeping among farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria.
Authors: Chah Jane M. , Anugwa Ifeoma Q , Itodo Cynthia , Asadu Anthonia N. , Dimelu Mabel U. , Ezeibe Adaku
Published: June 2018

Production of village chickens is largely in the hands of the rural farm families in Enugu State, Nigeria. Local chicken keeping has been neglected by research and development. This affects women more than men, and may further limit the participation of women in village chicken keeping. Gender roles and challenges faced by village chicken farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria were examined. Multistage sampling technique was utilized in selecting 100 respondents. Structured interview schedule and observations were used in collecting the data for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage and mean scores were used in analyzing the data. The majority (93.0%) of the respondents were females. Construction of chicken house was carried out by men; while women were involved in feeding, disease control and marketing of chickens. Perceived challenges to village chicken keeping include: diseases (=2.98), poor growth rate (=2.94), predators (=2.94), high mortality (=2.56), inadequate veterinary services (=2.33) and inadequate extension services (=2.26). Provision of adequate housing facilities and mounting of vaccination and treatment campaigns are essential in reducing mortalities in village chicken.
Broadband and Ultrathin Infrared Stealth Sheets
Authors: Moghimi Mohammad J. , Lin Guangyun , Jiang Hongrui
Published: June 2018

To effectively hide objects and render them invisible to thermographic detectors, their thermal signatures in the infrared (IR) region of the spectrum may be concealed. However, to conceal broadband spontaneous thermal emission of objects, covering the mid‐ and long‐IR is a major obstacle. Here, metallic‐dielectric nanostructures and microscale IR emitters are integrated and transferred onto thin flexible substrates to realize IR stealth sheets. The nanostructures absorb and scatter a broad band of IR wavelengths to reduce both reflection and transmission to below 5% across a wide range from 2.5 to 15.5 μm, and thus significantly attenuate the amount of IR signals propagating toward the detectors. Results show that the nanostructures with their unique properties can almost completely conceal the thermal emission from objects and blend them into their surroundings. In addition, micro‐emitters thermally isolated from the broadband absorbers can present false thermography to deceive IR detectors and heat‐sensing cameras.
30 Years of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Matthew , Lu Jun , Chen Zhongwei , Amine Khalil
Published: June 2018

Over the past 30 years, significant commercial and academic progress has been made on Li‐based battery technologies. From the early Li‐metal anode iterations to the current commercial Li‐ion batteries (LIBs), the story of the Li‐based battery is full of breakthroughs and back tracing steps. This review will discuss the main roles of material science in the development of LIBs. As LIB research progresses and the materials of interest change, different emphases on the different subdisciplines of material science are placed. Early works on LIBs focus more on solid state physics whereas near the end of the 20th century, researchers began to focus more on the morphological aspects (surface coating, porosity, size, and shape) of electrode materials. While it is easy to point out which specific cathode and anode materials are currently good candidates for the next‐generation of batteries, it is difficult to explain exactly why those are chosen. In this review, for the reader a complete developmental story of LIB should be clearly drawn, along with an explanation of the reasons responsible for the various technological shifts. The review will end with a statement of caution for the current modern battery research along with a brief discussion on beyond lithium‐ion battery chemistries.
Farmer perceptions of risk in 2017
Authors: Thompson Nathanael M. , Bir Courtney , Widmar Nicole J. Olynk
Published: June 2018

Agribusinesses seeking to serve farmer clientele, as well as those buying products from the farm for processing or transport, need to understand the factors impacting on‐farm decision making. A best–worst choice experiment was employed to determine farmer perceptions of five general risk areas: production, marketing, financial, human, and legal risks. Results indicate, on average, farmers were more concerned with traditional farm business risks (production, financial, and marketing risks) relative to human and legal risks when managing their farm businesses. However, significant heterogeneity in perceptions of risk areas was observed. A latent class model identified three segments of producers that were characterized by preferences for traditional farm business risks, well‐balanced preferences for all five risks, and a large preference share for human risks. Understanding how different farm types and managers with varying demographics prioritize risk areas is helpful for targeting specific risk management programming and support services to relevant farm audiences. [EconLit citations: Q1].
Radiation degradation and stability of PBAT: copolymer of aromatic and aliphatic esters
Authors: Rzepna Magdalena , Przybytniak Grażyna , Sadło Jarosław
Published: June 2018

Effect of the exposure of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) to ionizing radiation was studied by means of EPR and diffuse reflection spectroscopy, GC, and gel permeation chromatography. In addition, the influence of radiation‐induced processes on mechanical and rheological properties for the doses in the range 0–200 kGy was investigated. The macroscopic consequences of PBAT irradiation included: crosslinking, chain cleavage, and oxidation, which led to the significant modification of physicochemical features. The crosslinking process occurred even under cryogenic conditions and was confirmed by reduction in melt flow index (MFI), increase in viscosity, and weight‐average molecular weight with increasing dose. Material degradation during long‐term storage was accompanied by deterioration of mechanical properties, increase in MFI, and viscosity reduction. Oxidation of the copolyester had a chain character and increased over time, especially in the case of irradiated PBAT. Despite the presence of aromatic rings dissipating energy, the material is susceptible to ionizing radiation. The regions containing terephthalates are involved in the aging processes; the appropriate mechanisms have been proposed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46682.
Bacterial Catabolism of Biphenyls: Synthesis and Evaluation of Analogues
Authors: Nerdinger Sven , Kuatsjah Eugene , Hurst Timothy E. , Schlapp‐Hackl Inge , Kahlenberg Volker , Wurst Klaus , Eltis Lindsay D. , Snieckus Victor
Published: June 2018

A series of alkylated 2,3‐dihydroxybiphenyls has been prepared on the gram scale by using an effective Directed ortho Metalation–Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling strategy. These compounds have been used to investigate the substrate specificity of the meta‐cleavage dioxygenase BphC, a key enzyme in the microbial catabolism of biphenyl. Isolation and characterization of the meta‐cleavage products will allow further study of related processes, including the catabolism of lignin‐derived biphenyls.
Rhenium Complexes of Bis(benzothiazole)‐Based Tetraarylethylenes as Selective Luminescent Probes for Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Gabr Moustafa T. , Pigge F. Christopher
Published: June 2018

Probes for monitoring aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides are crucial to advance understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Here, we report luminescent tricarbonyl rhenium complexes of tetraarylethylene (TAE) ligands featuring bis(benzothiazole) chelating groups in combination with (oligo)thiophene units that have been designed for monitoring amyloid fibrillation. Variation in the number of thiophenes influenced the photophysical properties of these complexes, as well as their binding affinities toward Aβ42 fibrils. All complexes displayed submicromolar Kd's for binding Aβ42 aggregates accompanied by up to 34‐fold enhanced luminescence and red‐shifted emission wavelengths. The high binding affinities and desirable photophysical properties of these complexes render them potential alternatives to established fluorescent Aβ probes such as thioflavin T. Additionally, the general and modular design approach implemented in this study should facilitate development of second‐generation TAE‐based diagnostic tools for studying protein aggregation in AD and other neurological diseases.
Flexible MnS–Carbon Fiber Hybrids for Lithium‐Ion and Sodium‐Ion Energy Storage
Authors: Gao Shuang , Chen Gang , Dall'Agnese Yohan , Wei Yingjin , Gao Zhongmin , Gao Yu
Published: June 2018

Nanostructures can improve battery capacity and cycle life, especially with sulfide electrodes. In this work, a freestanding flexible electrode, consisting of MnS nanoparticles embedded onto carbon nanofibers, was prepared by electrospinning. The produced hybrid was used as an electrode for lithium‐ion and sodium‐ion batteries. MnS nanoparticles have a size of about 5 nm and the particles are evenly distributed in the carbon nanofibers. Carbon nanofibers act as electronic conductors and buffer the volume change, while MnS nanoparticles react through rapid electrochemical reaction. As a Li‐ion battery anode, this hybrid electrode exhibits specific capacities from 240 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 5 A g−1, up to 600 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1.
Nano‐resoles‐Enabled Elegant Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Zhang Min , Yang Yannan , Yu Chengzhong
Published: June 2018

Since the extension of the Stöber method traditionally used in the synthesis of silica nanoparticles into the fabrication of resorcinol–formaldehyde nanospheres in 2011, significant progresses have been achieved in this exiting area of nano‐resole‐enabled synthesis of elegant nanostructures with versatile compositions and promising applications in various fields. To date, there are few reviews focused on this topic. In this minireview, we aim to provide an overview on recent developments, with the emphasis on nano‐resoles as an enabling strategy in the synthesis of innovative materials. The history of nano‐resoles and their distinct roles classified into four functions will be introduced. Clear understanding into this research field is vital for achieving rational design and controllable synthesis of a new generation of nano‐resoles and their derived nanostructures.
Copper‐Mediated Trifluoromethylation of Benzylic Csp3−H Bonds
Authors: Paeth Matthew , Carson William , Luo Jheng‐Hua , Tierney David , Cao Zhi , Cheng Mu‐Jeng , Liu Wei
Published: June 2018

Trifluoromethyl‐containing compounds play a significant role in medicinal chemistry, materials and fine chemistry. Although direct C−H trifluoromethylation has been achieved on Csp2−H bonds, direct conversion of Csp3−H bonds to Csp3−CF3 remains challenging. We report herein an efficient protocol for the selective trifluoromethylation of benzylic C−H bonds. This process is mediated by a combination CuIII−CF3 species and persulfate salts. A wide range of methylarenes can be selectively trifluoromethylated at the benzylic positions. A combination of experimental and theoretical mechanistic studies suggests that the reaction involves a radical intermediate and a CuIII−CF3 species as the CF3 transfer reagent.
Life stress as a risk factor for sustained anxiety and cortisol dysregulation during the first year of survivorship in ovarian cancer
Authors: Armer Jessica S. , Clevenger Lauren , Davis Lauren Z. , Cuneo Michaela , Thaker Premal H. , Goodheart Michael J. , Bender David P. , Dahmoush Laila , Sood Anil K. , Cole Steven W. , Slavich George M. , Lutgendorf Susan K.
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Patients with ovarian cancer often report elevated anxiety at diagnosis that decreases posttreatment. However, a minority of patients experience sustained anxiety. Few studies have examined risk factors for persistent anxiety or its physiologic sequelae in ovarian cancer. Therefore, the authors investigated associations between prior life events, anxiety, inflammation (plasma levels of interleukin‐6), and diurnal cortisol profiles in patients with ovarian cancer during the first year postdiagnosis.

METHODS

Participants (n = 337) completed surveys and had blood and salivary sampling prediagnosis, postchemotherapy (6 months), and 12 months after diagnosis. The Life Events and Difficulties Schedule was administered to a patient subset (n = 127) within 1 month of diagnosis. Linear mixed‐effects models were used to analyze relations between anxiety and biologic variables over time. Linear regression models assessed whether anxiety trajectories mediated associations between prior stress exposure and biologic variables. Age, chemotherapy at 1 year, and cancer stage were covariates.

RESULTS

Decreased anxiety was associated with a more normalized cortisol slope over time (β = 0.092; P = .047). Early life adversity was related to flatter cortisol slopes over time (β = −0.763; P = .002); this relation was partially mediated by anxiety trajectory (P = .046). More danger‐related events prediagnosis were associated with sustained anxiety (β = 0.537; P = .019) and flatter cortisol slopes over time (β = −0.243; P = .047); anxiety partially mediated the relation between danger and cortisol slope (P = .037). Neither anxiety nor prior stress exposure was related to levels of interleukin‐6.

CONCLUSIONS

Because dysregulated cortisol has been related to fatigue, poorer quality of life, and shorter survival in patients with ovarian cancer, those who have prior life events and chronic anxiety during the first year postdiagnosis may be at risk for more negative outcomes. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Beyond classic risk adjustment: Socioeconomic status and hospital performance in urologic oncology surgery
Authors: Odisho Anobel Y. , Etzioni Ruth , Gore John L.
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Safety‐net hospitals (SNHs) care for more patients of low socioeconomic status (SES) than non‐SNHs and are disproportionately punished under SES‐naive Medicare readmission risk‐adjustment models. This study was designed to develop a risk‐adjustment framework that incorporates SES and to assess the impact on readmission rates.

METHODS

California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development data from 2007 to 2011 were used to identify patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (n = 3771) or partial nephrectomy (PN; n = 5556) or radical nephrectomy (RN; n = 13,136) for kidney cancer. Unadjusted hospital rankings and predicted rankings under models simulating the Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program were compared with predicted rankings under models incorporating SES and hospital factors. SES, derived from a multifactorial neighborhood score, was calculated from US Census data.

RESULTS

The 30‐day readmission rate was 26.1% for RC, 8.3% for RN, and 9.5% for PN. The addition of SES, geographic, and hospital factors changed hospital rankings significantly in comparison with the base model (P < .01) except for SES for RC (P = .07) and SES and rural factors for PN (P = .12). For RN and PN, the addition of SES predicted lower percentile ranks for SNHs and thus improved observed‐to‐expected rankings (P < .01). For RC, there were no changes in hospital rankings.

CONCLUSIONS

SES is important for risk adjustments for complex surgical procedures such as RC. Patient SES affects overall hospital rankings across cohorts, and critically, it differentially and punitively affects rankings for SNHs for some procedures. Cancer 2018. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
The Autocatalytic Isomerization of Allylbenzene by Nickel(0) Tetrakis(triethylphosphite)
Authors: Bartlett Stuart A. , Badiola Katrina A. , Arandiyan Hamidreza , Masters Anthony F. , Maschmeyer Thomas
Published: June 2018

Using [Ni{(POEt)3}4] as catalyst precursor for the catalytic isomerization of allylbenzene to beta‐methylstyrene, time‐course studies suggest a mechanism that is consistent with an autocatalytic reaction. The sigmoidal curve observed when plotting conversion vs. time fits exceptionally well to a kinetic model of an autocatalytic process (R2 = 0.998). We show that the uncoordinated phosphite, generated during the catalyst activation, reduces the acid concentration and, consequently, has a detrimental effect on the formation of the protonated active nickel catalyst. The nickel complex protonation is seen as a key step in forming the active catalytic species. The novel use of a mercury salt as a phosphite scavenger leads to inhibition of the free phosphite's capability to lower acid concentration, improving the catalytic performance of the system, consistent with the mechanism proposed.
Renaissance of the Stella Quadrangula: The Lanthanoid Nitride Tellurides Ln13N5Te12 (Ln = La–Nd)
Authors: Lissner Falk , Foltin Markus L. , Schleid Thomas
Published: June 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Thomas Schleid from the University of Stuttgart, Germany. The cover image shows how both cationic components [N2Ln6]12+ and [N3Ln7]12+ in the title compounds Ln13N5Te12 (Ln = La–Nd) derive from a hypothetic stella quadrangula [N4Ln8]12+ of four edge‐sharing [NLn4]9+ tetrahedra by removal of the appropriate number of LnN equivalents.
Is there indirect selection on female extra-pair reproduction through cross-sex genetic correlations with male reproductive fitness?
Authors: Reid Jane M. , Wolak Matthew E.
Published: June 2018

One key hypothesis explaining the evolution and persistence of polyandry, and resulting female extra-pair reproduction in socially monogamous systems, is that female propensity for extra-pair reproduction is positively genetically correlated with male reproductive fitness and consequently experiences positive cross-sex indirect selection. However, key genetic correlations have rarely been estimated, especially in free-living populations experiencing natural (co)variation in reproductive strategies and fitness. We used long-term life-history and pedigree data from song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) to estimate the cross-sex genetic correlation between female propensity for extra-pair reproduction and adult male lifetime reproductive success, and thereby test a key hypothesis regarding mating system evolution. There was substantial additive genetic variance in both traits, providing substantial potential for indirect selection on female reproductive strategy. However, the cross-sex genetic correlation was estimated to be close to zero. Such small correlations might arise because male reproductive success achieved through extra-pair paternity was strongly positively genetically correlated with success achieved through within-pair paternity, implying that the same successful males commonly sire offspring produced by polyandrous and monogamous females. Cross-sex indirect selection may consequently have limited capacity to drive evolution of female extra-pair reproduction, or hence underlying polyandry, in systems where multiple routes to paternity success exist.
A prospective study of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and lung cancer risk
Authors: Luu Hung. N. , Cai Hui , Murff Harvey J. , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Cai Qiuyin , Li Honglan , Gao Jing , Yang Gong , Lan Qing , Gao Yu‐Tang , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou
Published: June 2018

Animal studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have antineoplastic and anti‐inflammatory properties. Results from epidemiologic studies on specific types of PUFAs for lung cancer risk, however, are inconclusive. We prospectively evaluated the association of specific types of dietary PUFA intakes and lung cancer risk in two population‐based cohort studies, the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS) and Shanghai Men's Health Study (SMHS) with a total of 121,970 study participants (i.e., 65,076 women and 56,894 men). Dietary fatty acid intakes were derived from data collected at the baseline using validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQs). Cox proportional hazards model was performed to assess the association between PUFAs and lung cancer risk. Total, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid intakes were not significantly associated with lung cancer risk. Total PUFAs intake was inversely associated with lung cancer risk [HRs and respective 95% CIs for quintiles 2–5 vs quintile 1: 0.84 (0.71–0.98), 0.97 (0.83–1.13), 0.86 (0.74–1.01) and 0.85 (0.73–1.00), ptrend = 0.11]. However, DHA intake was positively associated with lung cancer risk [HRs and 95% CIs: 1.01 (0.86–1.19), 1.20 (1.03–1.41), 1.21 (1.03–1.42) and 1.24 (1.05–1.47), ptrend = 0.001]. The ratio of n‐6 PUFAs to n‐3 PUFAs (i.e., 7:1) was inversely associated with lung cancer risk, particularly among never‐smokers and adenocarcinoma patients. Total PUFAs and the ratio between n‐6 PUFAs and n‐3 PUFAs were inversely associated with lung cancer risk. This study highlights an important public health impact of PUFA intakes toward intervention/prevention programs of lung cancer.
Physical activity and the risk of colorectal cancer in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Dashti S. Ghazaleh , Win Aung Ko , Hardikar Sheetal S. , Glombicki Stephen E. , Mallenahalli Sheila , Thirumurthi Selvi , Peterson Susan K. , You Y. Nancy , Buchanan Daniel D. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Campbell Peter T. , Gallinger Steven , Newcomb Polly A. , Potter John D. , Lindor Noralane M. , Le Marchand Loic , Haile Robert W. , Hopper John L. , Jenkins Mark A. , Basen‐Engquist Karen M. , Lynch Patrick M. , Pande Mala
Published: June 2018

Greater physical activity is associated with a decrease in risk of colorectal cancer for the general population; however, little is known about its relationship with colorectal cancer risk in people with Lynch syndrome, carriers of inherited pathogenic mutations in genes affecting DNA mismatch repair (MMR). We studied a cohort of 2,042 MMR gene mutations carriers (n = 807, diagnosed with colorectal cancer), from the Colon Cancer Family Registry. Self‐reported physical activity in three age‐periods (20–29, 30–49 and ≥50 years) was summarized as average metabolic equivalent of task hours per week (MET‐hr/week) during the age‐period of cancer diagnosis or censoring (near‐term exposure) and across all age‐periods preceding cancer diagnosis or censoring (long‐term exposure). Weighted Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between physical activity and colorectal cancer risk. Near‐term physical activity was associated with a small reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer (HR ≥35 vs. <3.5 MET‐hr/week, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53–0.96). The strength and direction of associations were similar for long‐term physical activity, although the associations were not nominally significant. Our results suggest that physical activity is inversely associated with the risk of colorectal cancer for people with Lynch syndrome; however, further confirmation is warranted. The potential modifying effect of physical activity on colorectal cancer risk in people with Lynch syndrome could be useful for risk prediction and support counseling advice for lifestyle modification to reduce cancer risk.
Unregulated Point‐of‐Use Devices Cause Problems
Authors: Menendez Juan J.
Published: June 2018

Public concern about the quality of drinking water has led to a dramatic increase in the use of point‐of‐use (POU) water treatment devices in homes and other buildings. For the most part, this sudden growth has occurred in a regulatory vacuum. This lack of regulation has resulted in a large potential for the abuse of the consumer by some unscrupulous individuals. This article discusses POU devices and types of abuse, such as faulty maintenance instructions, unsubstantiated claims, deceptive sales tactics, and misuse of water‐testing techniques.
Operating Experiences at VOC Treatment Facilities Part 1: GAC
Authors: Dyksen John E. , Raczko Robert F. , Cline Gary C. ,   AWWA Organic Contaminants Committee
Published: June 2018

In a followup to a 1991 survey on 68 air stripping and granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment facilities in the US, the Organic Contaminants Control Committee of the AWWA Water Quality Division contacted each facility to obtain operating experiences and operation and maintenance costs associated with the use of these technologies. The committee's findings are summarized in this two‐part article. Part 1, which appears here, presents the finds regarding GAC facilities; part 2, which will appear in the February issue of Opflow, will highlight the air‐stripping facility findings.
Conserving Forests to Protect Water
Authors: Ernst Caryn , Gullick Richard , Nixon Kirk
Published: June 2018

This article discusses how water suppliers are revisiting the idea of source protection and presents information from a study of 27 water suppliers conducted in 2002 by the Trust for Public Land and AWWA's Source Water Protection Committee that indicates operating treatment costs decreased as forest cover in a source area increased. The article discusses how many municipalities and water suppliers are considering land protection as part of a multiple‐barrier approach to providing safe drinking water. A case study of protecting the Edwards Aquifer in Austin, Texas, is presented, along with an explanation of how local and national land trusts work in partnership with local governments and water suppliers to help them permanently protect the highest‐priority lands in their source areas.
Retracted: Inhibition of Notch signaling pathway enhanced the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells
Authors: Peng Jian‐Heng , Wang Xiao‐Lin , Ran Liang , Song Jun‐Long , Zhang Zhi‐Ting , Liu Xin , Li Hong‐Yuan
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to investigate the effect of inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway on the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells. Human breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and T47D) were selected and treated with radiation of different doses. Cells were treated with Gamma secretase inhibitor (GSI) to analyze the effects of GSI on the Notch signaling, which were detected by Immunofluorescence assay, RT‐qPCR, and Western blot analysis. Besides, Transwell assay, Scratch test, colony formation assay, MTT assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to show the effects of GSI on the invasion and migration, survival fraction, cell viability, and apoptosis of MCF‐7 and T47D cells after radiation therapy. Moreover, cell transfection with a dominant negative mutant of RBPJ, the key transcription factor of Notch signaling pathway, were also applied to show the inhibition of Notch signaling pathway. Initially, we found that the 4 Gy radiation activated Notch signaling pathway, and enhanced the invasion and migration of MCF‐7 and T47D cells. However, GSI inhibited the Notch signaling pathway, and reversed the enhancement of radiation on the migration and invasion, promoted the enhancement of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation of MCF‐7 and T47D cells induced by radiation. Except that, we also determined that GSI and dnRBPJ suppressed the upregulation of Notch signaling after radiation therapy. Our study demonstrated that inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway enhanced the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells, which may provide evident for a beneficial adjuvant therapy in the breast cancer treatment.
Identification of gene expression profiles and key genes in subchondral bone of osteoarthritis using weighted gene coexpression network analysis
Authors: Guo Sheng‐Min , Wang Jian‐Xiong , Li Jin , Xu Fang‐Yuan , Wei Quan , Wang Hai‐Ming , Huang Hou‐Qiang , Zheng Si‐Lin , Xie Yu‐Jie , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2018

Osteoarthritis (OA) significantly influences the quality life of people around the world. It is urgent to find an effective way to understand the genetic etiology of OA. We used weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to explore the key genes involved in the subchondral bone pathological process of OA. Fifty gene expression profiles of GSE51588 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The OA‐associated genes and gene ontologies were acquired from JuniorDoc. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to find disease‐related networks based on 21756 gene expression correlation coefficients, hub‐genes with the highest connectivity in each module were selected, and the correlation between module eigengene and clinical traits was calculated. The genes in the traits‐related gene coexpression modules were subject to functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis using ClusterProfiler. A total of 73 gene modules were identified, of which, 12 modules were found with high connectivity with clinical traits. Five modules were found with enriched OA‐associated genes. Moreover, 310 OA‐associated genes were found, and 34 of them were among hub‐genes in each module. Consequently, enrichment results indicated some key metabolic pathways, such as extracellular matrix (ECM)‐receptor interaction (hsa04512), focal adhesion (hsa04510), the phosphatidylinositol 3'‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt signaling pathway (PI3K‐AKT) (hsa04151), transforming growth factor beta pathway, and Wnt pathway. We intended to identify some core genes, collagen (COL)6A3, COL6A1, ITGA11, BAMBI, and HCK, which could influence downstream signaling pathways once they were activated. In this study, we identified important genes within key coexpression modules, which associate with a pathological process of subchondral bone in OA. Functional analysis results could provide important information to understand the mechanism of OA.
The lncRNA TP73‐AS1 promotes ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via modulation of MMP2 and MMP9
Authors: Wang Xiaoqian , Yang Bing , She Yuanping , Ye Yuan
Published: June 2018

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancy with poor prognosis. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as key regulators in cancer development. The current study investigated the role of lncRNA P73 antisense RNA 1T (TP73‐AS1) in ovarian cancer. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction determined the expression levels of TP‐73AS1, matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) messenger RNA. Cell proliferative ability, cell invasion, and migration were CCK‐8 and colony formation, and transwell invasion and migration assays, respectively. The protein levels of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 were measured by Western blot. TP73‐AS1 was upregulated in the ovarian cancer tissues and ovarian cancer cells, and upregulation of TP73‐AS1 was associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of TP73‐AS1 significantly suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of SKOV3 cells, and overexpression of TP73‐AS1 promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of OVCA429 cells. In addition, knockdown of TP73‐AS1 suppressed the in vivo tumor growth. Tumor metastasis RT2 profiler polymerase chain reaction array showed that MMP2 and MMP9 was significantly upregulated by TP73‐AS1 overexpression in ovarian cancer cells. TP73‐AS1 overexpression enhanced the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in ovarian cancer cells. Knockdown of MMP2 and MMP9 attenuated the effects of TP73‐AS1 overexpression on cell invasion and migration. The clinical data showed that MMP2 and MMP9 were upregulated and positively correlated with TP73‐AS1 expression in ovarian cancer tissues. Collectively, our results demonstrated the oncogenic role of TP73‐AS1 in ovarian cancer, and targeting TP73‐AS1 may represent a novel approach in battling against ovarian cancer.
Is the secret for a successful aging to keep track of cancer pathways?
Authors: Tramontano Donatella , De Amicis Francesca
Published: June 2018

A successful aging could be gained by life satisfaction, social functioning, or psychological resources and, definitely, by increasing resistance to diverse age‐related pathologies. Nowadays, cancer can be considered an age‐related disease since the incidence of most cancers increases with age, rising more rapidly beginning in midlife. Although adults with extended longevity are less likely to develop cancer, it is now emerging that aging and cancer share common molecular links, and thus targeting these mechanisms may be suitable to treat multiple disorders, for the prolonging of healthy aging. At present, one of the cornerstones of antiaging is hormone‐replacement therapy to treat diseases associated with a state of age‐related sex‐hormone deficiency in women and men; however, many studies question the relationship of hormone replacement to cancer recurrence. Here, we discuss signaling and metabolic molecular crossroad linking aging and cancer. This is useful to argue about the current knowledge of prolongevity and druggable targets and to motivate specific intervention strategies that could modify practices of the aging population, activating multiple longevity pathways but keeping track of cancer pathways, thereby potentially preserving health status.
Inactivation of Tp53 and Pten drives rapid development of pleural and peritoneal malignant mesotheliomas
Authors: Sementino Eleonora , Menges Craig W. , Kadariya Yuwaraj , Peri Suraj , Xu Jinfei , Liu Zemin , Wilkes Richard G. , Cai Kathy Q. , Rauscher Frank J. , Klein‐Szanto Andres J. , Testa Joseph R.
Published: June 2018

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a therapy‐resistant cancer arising primarily from the lining of the pleural and peritoneal cavities. The most frequently altered genes in human MM are cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), which encodes components of the p53 (p14ARF) and RB (p16INK4A) pathways, BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1), and neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2). Furthermore, the p53 gene (TP53) itself is mutated in ~15% of MMs. In many MMs, the PI3K–PTEN–AKT–mTOR signaling node is hyperactivated, which contributes to tumor cell survival and therapeutic resistance. Here, we demonstrate that the inactivation of both Tp53 and Pten in the mouse mesothelium is sufficient to rapidly drive aggressive MMs. PtenL/L;Tp53L/L mice injected intraperitoneally or intrapleurally with adenovirus‐expressing Cre recombinase developed high rates of peritoneal and pleural MMs (92% of mice with a median latency of 9.4 weeks and 56% of mice with a median latency of 19.3 weeks, respectively). MM cells from these mice showed consistent activation of Akt–mTor signaling, chromosome breakage or aneuploidy, and upregulation of Myc; occasional downregulation of Bap1 was also observed. Collectively, these findings suggest that when Pten and Tp53 are lost in combination in mesothelial cells, DNA damage is not adequately repaired and genomic instability is widespread, whereas the activation of Akt due to Pten loss protects genomically damaged cells from apoptosis, thereby increasing the likelihood of tumor formation. Additionally, the mining of an online dataset (The Cancer Genome Atlas) revealed codeletions of PTEN and TP53 and/or CDKN2A/p14ARF in ~25% of human MMs, indicating that cooperative losses of these genes contribute to the development of a significant proportion of these aggressive neoplasms and suggesting key target pathways for therapeutic intervention.
Mass spectrometry is a multifaceted weapon to be used in the battle against Alzheimer's disease: Amyloid beta peptides and beyond
Authors: Grasso Giuseppe
Published: June 2018

Amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) accumulation and aggregation have been considered for many years the main cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and therefore have been the principal target of investigation as well as of the proposed therapeutic approaches (Grasso [2011] Mass Spectrom Rev. 30: 347‐365). However, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, which considers Aβ accumulation the only causative agent of the disease, has proven to be incomplete if not wrong. In recent years, actors such as metal ions, oxidative stress, and other cofactors have been proposed as possible co‐agents or, in some cases, main causative factors of AD. In this scenario, MS investigation has proven to be fundamental to design possible diagnostic strategies of this elusive disease, as well as to understand the biomolecular mechanisms involved, in the attempt to find a possible therapeutic solution. We review the current applications of MS in the search for possible Aβ biomarkers of AD to help the diagnosis of the disease. Recent examples of the important contributions that MS has given to prove or build theories on the molecular pathways involved with such terrible disease are also reviewed.
A multimode phase shifter for S‐band phased array antenna
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Cho Moon‐Kyu , Kim Jeong‐Geun
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a multi‐mode phase shifter in CMOS technology for S‐band phased array antenna with gain control modes depending on system requirement. The proposed phase shifter consists of 6‐bit phase shifter with DPDT, which provides full phase control range of 354° with the LSB of 5.625° and two distributed amplifiers (DAs). The proposed phase shifter operates four different gain modes (high‐gain mode, two mid‐gain modes, and bypass mode). Also, two mid‐gain modes are differently implemented by position of the distributed amplifier in TX/RX architecture. When the distributed amplifier is at the output, the phase shifter is in Tx mode. In contrast, the phase shifter is in Rx mode when the distributed amplifier is at input. The measured gains are 14 dB (HGM), 2 dB (MGMtx/MGMrx), and −10 dB (BPM) by gain controlling. The proposed phase shifter has the maximum RMS phase error of 2.5° and amplitude variation of 0.8 dB from 1.6 to 2.6 GHz, respectively. The measured output 1‐dB compression points (OP1dBs) are 7.5, 6.5, −5.5, and −6 dBm, and input 1‐dB compression points (IP1dBs) are −5 and 5 dBm at 2.4 GHz. The chip size is 2.5 × 1.5 mm2, including pads. The phase shifter consumes 40 mA from a 2.4 V DC supply.
A miniaturized rat‐race coupler with ultra‐wideband harmonic suppression
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Liu Fu‐Xing , Quan Chun‐He , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: June 2018

A miniaturized rat‐race coupler with ultra‐wide band harmonic suppression is proposed in this letter. Anti‐parallel lines with open stubs are applied in substitution for the conventional quarter‐wavelength transmission lines. The applied structure provides an excellent harmonic suppression property with a reduced size comparing with the conventional types. The coupler operates at 2.5 GHz with a harmonic suppression up to 17.5 GHz as measured. The amplitude imbalance and phase imbalance are 0.017 dB and 0.018°, respectively.
A power divider with high‐power handling capability and enhanced selectivity performance
Authors: Liu Fu‐Xing , Yang Wang , Zhang Xiao‐Yu , Lee Jong‐Chul
Published: June 2018

In this article, a new structure of power divider (PD) is presented. This design shows high‐power handling capability, enhanced selectivity performance, and simple structure. Theory analysis based on impedance matching method has been performed. The closed‐form design equations and detailed design procedure have been given and summarized at the same time. For verification purpose, a prototype with a center frequency of 2.5 GHz is simulated and fabricated, and the measurement results show a good agreement with the simulated ones.
Design and study of multiband planar wheel‐like fractal antenna for vehicular communication applications
Authors: Madhav B. T. P. , Anilkumar T.
Published: June 2018

In this article a multiband antenna is proposed for potential vehicular communication applications that falls under sub‐6 GHz band such as IMT2000, GSM1800/1900, LTE, universal mobile telecommunication system, WLAN, dedicated short‐range communication, and so on. A conventional circular monopole radiating element is used in this design with partial ground plane and later it is modified by incorporating the circular slots in a tree‐like fractal structure. The novel defected ground structure consisting of a semi‐circular slot and a pair of mirror‐imaged quarter circles introduced at the top edge of the partial ground, which lies exactly beneath the microstrip line feed. The structural parameters are optimized to obtain the desired pass band performance under vehicular bands. Further, to investigate the antenna performance in the vehicular environment, it is virtually placed on the top of a car model and the radiation performance is analyzed and are presented in this work. The antenna is prototyped, and the measurement results are providing good correlation with that of simulation results.
A novel monofilar‐Archimedean metamaterial inspired leaky‐wave antenna for scanning application for passive radar systems
Authors: Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Ali Abdul , Limiti Ernesto
Published: June 2018

A novel backfire‐to‐endfire leaky‐wave antenna is presented with ability to scan from −25° to +45°. The antenna is based on metamaterial transmission‐lines and is implemented using monofilar Archimedean spiral and rectangular slots, spiral inductors, and metallic via‐holes. The slots act as series left‐handed capacitances, and the spirals with via‐holes provide the shunt left‐handed inductances to realize the metamaterial antenna. A prototype antenna was fabricated prototype on FR4 dielectric substrate, which has an electrical size of 0.0302λ0 × 0.0357λ0 × 0.0008λ0, where λ0 is free space wavelength at 165 MHz. Measured bandwidth of the antenna is 710 MHz (165–875 MHz) corresponding to a fractional bandwidth of 136.5%. The main advantage of the antenna is its ability to scan over a wide angle from −25° to +45° with acceptable gain and radiation efficiency of 1.2 dBi and 50.1%, respectively, measured at 400 MHz. The wide scanning attributes of the antenna make it suitable for passive radar applications to scan across the VHF–UHF bands for FM‐Radio, television, mobile phones, and GPS applications.
A new pattern‐reconfigurable antenna with the function of 360° wide‐beam scanning and main beam direction finely‐adjustable
Authors: Xue Kun , Zhai Huiqing , Yang Dong , Wei Zichun
Published: June 2018

A new pattern‐reconfigurable antenna with the function of 360° wide‐beam scanning and main beam direction finely‐adjustable is proposed in this letter. The antenna consists of a central feeding disc which surrounded by four snowflake radiators on the top layer of the FR4 substrate. PIN diodes are placed between the disc and each snowflake patch for realizing the wide‐angle beam steering of the antenna. By controlling the four PIN diodes on the top layer, main beam can be switched in four directions with about 90° steps in the H‐plane (17°, 106°, 197°, and 287°).The bottom layer of the substrate includes a ground plane with eight rectangular ring slots. Eight PIN diodes installed on each slot are used to further control the beam direction of the antenna. By controlling the states of the PIN diodes on the bottom layer, the main beam of the proposed antenna is capable to deflect rightward or leftward about 10° on the basis of the original four states. The simulated and measured results show that the antenna operates well at 3.64–3.88 GHz under 12 states and achieves good performance with flexible pattern reconfigurability in 12 directions. The proposed antenna could be applied in 5G wireless communication systems.