bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and characterization of a multi‐layered polymeric drug delivery vehicle
Authors: Tan Kei Xian , Ujan Safina , Danquah Michael K. , Lau Sie Yon
Published: November 2018

Aptamer‐mediated targeted delivery is a promising advanced therapeutic delivery strategy with the potential to provide site‐directed cyto‐toxicity to malignant cells. However, effective translation of preclinical aptamer‐navigated targeted delivery data into clinical success has been challenged by several biophysical and biochemical factors including rapid renal clearance, endonuclease‐induced degradation, and cell membrane electrostatic repulsion. Aptamer‐conjugated biopolymer systems represent new and smart drug carriers capable of delivering adequate amounts of drug molecules sufficient to elicit effective in vivo therapies at target sites in a controlled and sustained drug release pattern. In this work, a novel co‐polymeric multi‐layer BSA‐loaded thrombin aptamer‐conjugated PLGA‐PEI (DPAP) formulation was synthesized using a w/o/w double emulsion and characterized layer‐by‐layer in vivo. DLS analysis of the DPAP particles showed a positively charged DPAP particulate system with a D[4,3] average hydrodynamic size of ∼0.866 μm and a zeta potential of +9.85 mV. The zeta potential and D[4,3] average hydrodynamic size of DPAP layered compartments demonstrated pH‐dependence but are not temperature dependent. The ionic strength of the binding medium affected the degradation and release rates of DPAP micro‐particles. A strong binding strength and shielding effect of DPAP towards encapsulated BSA molecules was observed under increasing ionic strength. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the DPAP formulation decomposes at ∼300 °C, demonstrating the thermal stability of the polymer composite for effective storage in temperate environments. The data from this study is vital to engineer the interactions between DPAP polymeric system and cellular structures in order to enhance targeting events. While the DPAP construct demonstrates a great potential for targeted delivery, more in vivo delivery work is essential to prove its pre‐clinical targeting capability.
Understanding the Influence of Rheological Properties of Shear‐Thinning Liquids on Segmented Flow in Microchannel using CLSVOF Based CFD Model
Authors: Sontti Somasekhara Goud , Pallewar Pankaj G. , Ghosh Amritendu Bhuson , Atta Arnab
Published: November 2018

In this study, two phase gas‐shear‐thinning liquid flow in a square microchannel is numerically investigated using the coupled level set and volume of fluid (CLSVOF) methods. A systematic investigation is carried out to explore the influence of polyacrylamide (PAM) concentration, surface tension, velocity ratios, and contact angle on the gas slug length, volume, unit cell length, and pressure drop. Three different concentrations of PAM solutions, which exhibit shear‐thinning behaviour are considered as the continuous phase. Gas slug length, volume, and unit cell length decreased with increasing the PAM concentration. Velocity and non‐homogeneous viscosity distributions in the liquid slug for three different PAM concentration solutions are reported. Gas slug length decreases with an increase of the contact angle and the bubble shape change from convex to concave. This numerical work provides the fundamental insights in segmented flow formation and two‐phase flow characteristics comprising shear‐thinning liquids.
A Three‐Dimensional MnII‐[MoIII(CN)7]4– Ferrimagnet Containing Formate as a Second Bridging Ligand
Authors: Shi Le , Shao Dong , Shen Fu‐Ying , Wei Xiao‐Qin , Wang Xin‐Yi
Published: November 2018

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Self‐assembly of the [Mo(CN)7]4– anion and the Mn2+ ion in the aqueous solution containing ammonium formate results in a new coordination polymer, {(NH4)3[(H2O)Mn3(HCOO)][Mo(CN)7]2·4H2O}n. Single crystal X‐ray analysis revealed a very complicated three‐dimensional (3D) framework, where both the [Mo(CN)7]4– and the formate anions act as bridges between the MnII centers. Magnetic measurements revealed that this compound displays ferrimagnetic ordering below 70 K. Competing antiferromagnetic interactions between the spin carriers might lead to spin frustration and non‐linear alignment of the magnetic moments. Specifically, this compound is the first mixed [Mo(CN)7]4–/HCOO– bridged molecule magnet.
Highly Stable and Antibacterial Two‐Dimensional Tungsten Disulfide Lamellar Membrane for Water Filtration
Authors: Cheng Peng , Chen Yan , Yan Xi , Wang Yanjie , Lang Wan‐Zhong
Published: November 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) lamellar membranes consisting of restacked WS2 nanosheets have shown excellent separation properties for water filtration. The stability, antifouling properties, and antibacterial activities of the WS2 laminar membranes were investigated for practical application. We discovered that the separation properties of the WS2 laminar membranes changed slightly after soaking in water for 28 days as well as that of a 45 h‐cross‐flow filtration, demonstrating an extraordinary operational stability of the WS2 laminar membranes. The remarkable stability is related to the dominant van der Waals interactions between WS2 nanosheets. In addition, the WS2 laminar membranes exhibited excellent antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli with antibacterial rates of 91.3 % and 89.7 %, respectively. These properties of the WS2 laminar membranes make them promising candidates for application in water filtration.
Psychomotor Dysfunction in Rett Syndrome: Insights into the Neurochemical and Circuit Roots
Authors: Liao Wenlin
Published: November 2018

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the methyl‐CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Patients with RTT develop symptoms after 6–18 months of age, exhibiting characteristic movement deficits, such as ambulatory difficulties and loss of hand skills, in addition to breathing abnormalities and intellectual disability. Given the striking psychomotor dysfunction, numerous studies have investigated the underlying neurochemical and circuit mechanisms from different aspects. Here, I review the evidence linking MeCP2 deficiency to alterations in neurotransmission and neural circuits that govern the psychomotor function and discuss a recently identified pathological origin underlying the psychomotor deficits in RTT.
Extinctions of interactions: quantifying a dung beetle–mammal network
Authors: Raine Elizabeth H. , Mikich Sandra B. , Lewis Owen T. , Riordan Philip , Vaz‐de‐Mello Fernando Z. , Slade Eleanor M.
Published: November 2018

Loss of large‐bodied mammals across the globe through hunting, habitat degradation, and fragmentation is one of the most significant anthropogenic impacts on the environment. Cascading effects of these extinctions through ecosystems have been little studied, although correlative studies have revealed co‐extinctions in closely linked groups, with implications for ecosystem structure and function. Despite playing important roles in seed dispersal and hence seedling recruitment, mammals have been largely neglected in network studies. Similarly, the role of secondary seed dispersers, such as ants and dung beetles, has been largely unexplored. Most dung beetles rely on mammal feces for feeding and breeding and provide a suite of important ecosystem functions and services. While dung beetle community responses to environmental change have been widely investigated, studies quantifying the network of associations between dung beetle and mammal species are lacking. By developing the first quantitative mammal–dung beetle networks, we address several important knowledge gaps contributing to the understanding of how interactions in networks involving mammals and secondary insect seed dispersers are structured. We use the resulting quantitative interaction networks to model mammal species extinction scenarios to further explore the consequences for dung beetle populations, and the extent to which networks change the strength of interactions through resource switching. Dung beetle feeding and breeding networks did not differ significantly in structure and showed high nestedness and low levels of trophic specialization. Simulations suggested that mammal extinction scenarios based on mammal body mass and mammal dung volume will impact dung beetle populations to a greater extent than random scenarios of mammal loss. Thus, despite their generalist feeding preferences, realistic mammal extinction scenarios have the potential to negatively impact the dung beetle community, which may have consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Fine‐scale environmental DNA sampling reveals climate‐mediated interactions between native and invasive trout species
Authors: Wilcox Taylor M. , Young Michael K. , McKelvey Kevin S. , Isaak Daniel J. , Horan Dona L. , Schwartz Michael K.
Published: November 2018

It is widely recognized that biotic interactions may act as important mediators of species responses to climate change. However, collecting the abiotic and biotic covariates at the resolution and extent needed to reveal these interactions from species distribution models is often prohibitively expensive and labor‐intensive. Here we used crowd‐sourced environmental DNA sampling—the inference of species presence from genetic material in the environment—and high‐resolution habitat covariates across 630 sites over an area of nearly 10,000 km2 to build an accurate species distribution model (AUC = 0.96; prediction accuracy = 0.90) for bull trout in cold‐water habitats that incorporates fine‐scale, context‐dependent interactions with invasive brook trout. We then used this model to project possible climate change and brook trout invasion scenarios for bull trout forward in time. Our environmental DNA sampling results were concordant with traditional electrofishing samples in the basin and revealed species patterns that were consistent with previous studies: Bull trout were positively associated with larger stream sizes and negatively associated with high brook trout abundances. However, our modeling also revealed an important nuance: At high abundance, brook trout appear to exclude bull trout from small streams, even those below the thermal optima for brook trout. Climate projections suggest a loss of suitable bull trout habitat as streams warm and summer flows decrease, which could make deleterious interactions with brook trout more common in the future. Where brook trout are invading bull trout habitats, streams that are both large and cold are most likely to provide native bull trout with long‐term refuges.
Eomesodermin controls a unique differentiation program in human IL‐10 and IFN‐γ coproducing regulatory T cells
Authors: Gruarin Paola , Maglie Stefano , De Simone Marco , Häringer Barbara , Vasco Chiara , Ranzani Valeria , Bosotti Roberto , Noddings Johanna S. , Larghi Paola , Facciotti Federica , Sarnicola Maria L. , Martinovic Martina , Crosti Mariacristina , Moro Monica , Rossi Riccardo L. , Bernardo Maria E. , Caprioli Flavio , Locatelli Franco , Rossetti Grazisa , Abrignani Sergio , Pagani Massimiliano , Geginat Jens
Published: November 2018

Whether human IL‐10‐producing regulatory T cells (“Tr1”) represent a distinct differentiation lineage or an unstable activation stage remains a key unsolved issue. Here, we report that Eomesodermin (Eomes) acted as a lineage‐defining transcription factor in human IFN‐γ/IL‐10 coproducing Tr1‐like cells. In vivo occurring Tr1‐like cells expressed Eomes, and were clearly distinct from all other CD4+ T‐cell subsets, including conventional cytotoxic CD4+ T cells. They expressed Granzyme (Gzm) K, but had lost CD40L and IL‐7R expression. Eomes antagonized the Th17 fate, and directly controlled IFN‐γ and GzmK expression. However, Eomes binding to the IL‐10 promoter was not detectable in human CD4+ T cells, presumably because critical Tbox binding sites of the mouse were not conserved. A precommitment to a Tr1‐like fate, i.e. concominant induction of Eomes, GzmK, and IFN‐γ, was promoted by IL‐4 and IL‐12‐secreting myeloid dendritic cells. Consistently, Th1 effector memory cells contained precommitted Eomes+GzmK+ T cells. Stimulation with T‐cell receptor (TCR) agonists and IL‐27 promoted the generation of Tr1‐like effector cells by inducing switching from CD40L to IL‐10. Importantly, CD4+Eomes+ T‐cell subsets were present in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues, and their frequencies varied systemically in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and graft‐versus‐host disease. We propose that Eomes+ Tr1‐like cells are effector cells of a unique GzmK‐expressing CD4+ T‐cell subset.
Co‐Catalyzed Intramolecular S‐N Bond Formation in Water for 1,2‐Benzisothiazol‐3(2H)‐ones and 1,2,4‐Thiadiazoles Synthesis
Authors: Yang Liting , Song Lijuan , Tang Shanyu , Li Longjia , Li Heng , Yuan Bingxin , Yang Guanyu
Published: November 2018

An efficient and versatile Co‐catalyzed intramolecular S‐N bond formation in water to synthesize 1,2‐benzisothiazol‐3(2H)‐one and 1,2,4‐thiadiazoles derivatives in good to excellent yields was developed. The transformation showed great tolerance with a broad range of substituents. The mother liquor was able to be recycled 6 times with minor loss in product yield.
Combining geochemistry and petrography to provenance Lionato and Lapis Albanus tuffs used in Roman temples at Sant’Omobono, Rome, Italy
Authors: Diffendale Daniel P. , Marra Fabrizio , Gaeta Mario , Terrenato Nicola
Published: November 2018

Tufo Lionato is a volcanic tuff that was used extensively for construction in Rome, Italy, during antiquity and after; at least three varieties can be identified: Anio, Monteverde, and Portuense. The widespread introduction of Tufo Lionato in Roman construction is generally dated to the mid‐second century before the common era (B.C.E.). Another tuff, Lapis Albanus, is held to have been introduced during the third century B.C.E. Due to their similar macroscopic appearance, it is impossible to reliably distinguish visually among varieties of Tufo Lionato, or between Lapis Albanus and other “peperino” tuffs, nor does geochemistry alone always allow definitive identifications. A combination of geochemical and petrographical analyses is presented here, to provenance building stone from the Roman temples of Fortuna and Mater Matuta at Sant’Omobono in Rome. The combination of techniques allows for secure identification of Anio tuff and Lapis Albanus, and their use in structures of the fourth–third and fifth–third centuries B.C.E., respectively, one to two centuries earlier than previously demonstrated. These findings show a diversification of tuffs used by the Roman construction industry earlier than henceforth acknowledged, and suggest the ability of archaeometric techniques to bring new perspectives even to such familiar archaeological contexts as the city of Rome.
Does social interaction influence the effect of cognitive intervention program? A randomized controlled trial using Go game
Authors: Iizuka Ai , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ogawa Susumu , Kobayashi‐Cuya Kimi Estela , Kobayashi Momoko , Inagaki Hiroki , Sugiyama Mika , Awata Shuichi , Takebayashi Toru , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to clarify the influence of social interaction on the effect of a cognitive intervention program using Go.

Methods

A single‐blind, randomized controlled trial using a classical board game “Go” was conducted. A total of 72 community‐dwelling older adults, without previous experience playing Go, were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) a face‐to‐face group (FG) in which members attended 12 Go group lessons held once a week; (2) a non‐face‐to‐face group (NFG) in which members individually underwent the same Go lessons as the FG using a tablet computer; or (3) a health education control group (CG). The main outcome variable, working memory, was assessed before and after the interventions using the Visual Memory Span Test (VMST) and the Visual Memory Span Backward (VMSB) task. Go performance and additional cognitive domains were also examined.

Results

Analysis of covariance revealed that VMST scores significantly improved after the intervention in both the FG and NFG (both P < .05). Compared with the CG, the effect size of the FG (Cohen's d = 0.89) was greater than that of the NFG (Cohen's d = 0.67). Although VMSB scores significantly improved after the intervention in the FG (P < .05), no significant changes were observed in other groups.

Conclusions

This study showed that Go game could improve visual working memory regardless of social interaction. Furthermore, findings suggested that playing board games face‐to‐face with others is more effective for cognitive function than playing alone.
Metabolic syndrome rates in older patients with severe mental illness after five years of follow‐up and the association with mortality
Authors: de Louw Emma J. , Paans Nadine P.G. , Sonnenberg Caroline M. , Konz Hugo , Meesters Paul D. , van Grootheest Daniel , Oudega Mardien L. , Rhebergen Didi , Kerssens Cora , Comijs Hannie C. , Stek Max L. , Dols Annemiek
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To establish the course of metabolic syndrome (MS) rates in older patients with severe mental illness (SMI) after 5‐year follow‐up and evaluate whether MS at baseline is associated with mortality or diabetes at follow‐up.

Methods

Patients (>60 years of age) with SMI (N = 100) were included at a specialized mental health outpatient clinic. Metabolic parameters were collected from patients' medical files at baseline and after 5‐year follow‐up.

Results

Follow‐up data were available of 98 patients (98%); nine patients had died. Parameters of MS were available of 76 patients; 34.2% were diagnosed with MS. This was not significantly different compared with baseline (46.1%). MS at baseline was not significantly associated with mortality or development of diabetes at follow‐up.

Conclusions

In older patients with SMI, the rates of MS may reach a plateau. Screening for MS in older patients treated at a specialized mental health outpatient clinic may generate attention for their somatic health and treatment for the components of MS that may in turn have a positive effect on their outcome. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed in order to confirm these findings.
The recency ratio is related to CSF amyloid beta 1‐42 levels in MCI‐AD
Authors: Bruno Davide , Gleason Carey E. , Koscik Rebecca L. , Pomara Nunzio , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Johnson Sterling C.
Published: November 2018

Objective

As anti‐amyloid therapeutic interventions shift from enrolling patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia to individuals with pre‐clinical disease, the need for sensitive measures that allow for non‐invasive, fast, disseminable, and cost‐effective identification of preclinical status increases in importance. The recency ratio (Rr) is a memory measure that relies on analysis of serial position performance, which has been found to predict cognitive decline and conversion to early mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this study was to test Rr's sensitivity to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the core AD biomarkers in individuals with MCI‐AD and controls.

Methods

Baseline data from 126 (110 controls and 16 MCI‐AD) participants from the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center were analysed. Partial correlations adjusting for demographics were carried out between CSF measure of amyloid beta (Aβ40, Aβ42, and the 40/42 ratio) and tau (total and phosphorylated), and memory measures (Rr, delayed recall, and total recall) derived from the Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test.

Results

Results indicated that Rr was the most sensitive memory score to Aβ42 levels in MCI‐AD, while no memory score correlated significantly with any biomarker in controls.

Conclusions

This study shows that Rr is a sensitive cognitive index of underlying amyloid β pathology in MCI‐AD.
Gradual acquisition of visuospatial associative memory representations via the dorsal precuneus
Authors: Schott Björn H. , Wüstenberg Torsten , Lücke Eva , Pohl Ina‐Maria , Richter Anni , Seidenbecher Constanze I. , Pollmann Stefan , Kizilirmak Jasmin M. , Richardson‐Klavehn Alan
Published: November 2018

Activation of parietal cortex structures like the precuneus is commonly observed during explicit memory retrieval, but the role of parietal cortices in encoding has only recently been appreciated and is still poorly understood. Considering the importance of the precuneus in human visual attention and imagery, we aimed to assess a potential role for the precuneus in the encoding of visuospatial representations into long‐term memory. We therefore investigated the acquisition of constant versus repeatedly shuffled configurations of icons on background images over five subsequent days in 32 young, healthy volunteers. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was conducted on Days 1, 2, and 5, and persistent memory traces were assessed by a delayed memory test after another 5 days. Constant compared to shuffled configurations were associated with significant improvement of position recognition from Day 1 to 5 and better delayed memory performance. Bilateral dorsal precuneus activations separated constant from shuffled configurations from Day 2 onward, and coactivation of the precuneus and hippocampus dissociated recognized and forgotten configurations, irrespective of condition. Furthermore, learning of constant configurations elicited increased functional coupling of the precuneus with dorsal and ventral visual stream structures. Our results identify the precuneus as a key brain structure in the acquisition of detailed visuospatial information by orchestrating a parieto–occipito–temporal network.
A Framework for Understanding Systems Principles and Methods
Authors: Rousseau David
Published: November 2018

Systems engineering is increasingly challenged by the rising complexity of projects undertaken, resulting in increases in costs, failure rates, and negative unintended consequences. This resulted in calls for more scientific principles to underpin the methods of systems engineering. In this paper, it is argued that our ability to improve systems engineering's methods depends on making the principles of systemology, of which systems engineering is a part, more diverse and more scientific. An architecture for systemology is introduced, which shows how the principles of systemology arise from interdependent processes spanning multiple disciplinary fields, and on this basis a typology is introduced, which can be used to classify systems principles and systems methods. This framework, consisting of an architecture and a typology, can be used to survey and classify the principles and methods currently in use in systemology, map vocabularies referring to them, identify key gaps, and expose opportunities for further development. It may thus serve as a tool for coordinating collaborative work towards advancing the scope and depth of systemology
INCOSE Working Group Addresses System and Software Interfaces
Authors: Sheard Sarah , Creel Rita , Cadigan John , Marvin Joseph , Chim Leung , Pafford Michael E.
Published: November 2018

In the 21st century, when any sophisticated system has significant software content, it is increasingly critical to articulate and improve the interface between systems engineering and software engineering, that is the relationships between systems and software engineering technical and management processes, products, tools, and outcomes. Although systems engineers and software engineers perform similar activities and use similar processes, their primary responsibilities and concerns differ. Systems engineers focus on the global aspects of a system. Their responsibilities span the lifecycle and involve ensuring the various elements of a system—such as hardware, software, firmware, engineering environments, and operational environments—work together to deliver capability. Software engineers also have responsibilities that span the lifecycle, but their focus is on activities to ensure the software satisfies software‐relevant system requirements and constraints. Software engineers must maintain sufficient knowledge of the non‐software elements of the systems that will execute their software, as well as the systems their software must interface with. Similarly, systems engineers must maintain sufficient awareness of the software to enable early identification and resolution of software risks and issues driven by other system elements. Thus, to enable continued progress in creating and sustaining capability in complex, interconnected systems, systems and software engineers must commit to improving the interfaces between their disciplines, to aligning and integrating their terminology, processes, methods, and tools.

Recognizing the need to improve the system engineering‐software engineering interface, INCOSE approved the charter of the System and Software Interface Working Group (SaSIWG) in 2017. At its initial meeting at the INCOSE International Symposium 2017 (IS 2017) in Adelaide, Australia, the SaSIWG derived working group objectives from lists of brainstormed systems and software issues. This paper documents the interface issues elicited, grouped into seven categories, along with system‐ software interface use cases identified by SaSIWG members. The interface issues and use cases expose questions for the SaSIWG to prioritize and respond to. The paper concludes with a summary of the SaSIWG's plan to respond to these questions and strengthen the interface between the systems engineering and software engineering disciplines.
Comparison of the inhibitory potential towards carbonic anhydrase, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase of chalcone and chalcone epoxide
Authors: Stellenboom Nashia
Published: November 2018

Chalcones and chalcone epoxides are important synthetic intermediates in organic and medicinal chemistry. Chalcones possess a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, 1,3‐diphenyl‐2‐propenone or chalcone has not been given the attention it deserve as its substituted derivatives. In this study, the inhibition effects of chalcone and its epoxidated derivative chalcone epoxide against human carbonic anhydrase isozymes I and II (hCA I and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were evaluated. The results obtained showed that both compounds exhibited potent inhibitory activity, with IC50 values less than 10 µM. IC
50 values in the submicromolar (hCA I and hCA II) to low micromolar range (AChE and BuChE) were observed for both compounds. The mechanism of inhibition and the inhibitory constants (
K
i values) for each compound were also determined. Furthermore, chalcone epoxide was docked within the active sites of hCA I, hCA II, AChE, and BuChE to explore its binding mode with the enzymes.
Overexpression of RYBP inhibits proliferation, invasion, and chemoresistance to cisplatin in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells via the EGFR pathway
Authors: Tong Ai‐Hua , Tan Juan , Zhang Jin‐Hua , Xu Fang‐Jiang , Li Fu‐Yuan , Cao Chun‐Yu
Published: November 2018

Ring1 and YY1 binding protein (RYBP), a new member of the polycomb group protein family, has been reported to play an important role in various biological processes. Recently, more and more studies have demonstrated an implication of RYBP in cancer development. However, the specific role of RYBP in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) remains unknown. In this study, we investigated for the first time the expression pattern and biological functions of RYBP in ATC. We showed that RYBP was lowly expressed in ATC tissues and cell lines. We also found that overexpression of RYBP inhibited ATC cell proliferation, invasion, and cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, we observed that upregulation of RYBP decreased the phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK1/2 in ATC cells. Taken together, our data indicated that RYBP might be considered as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of ATC.
Effect of microRNA‐141 on the development of diabetic nephropathy through regulating AKT/AMPK signaling pathway by targeting insulin receptor substrate 2
Authors: Li Yang , Huang Denggao , Zheng Linlin , Cao Hui , Fan Zhongcheng
Published: November 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of microRNA‐141 (miR‐141) on the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its potential mechanism.

Methods

Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) was used to detect the expression level of miR‐141 in peripheral blood of DN patients. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The expression level of insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) was analyzed by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis. The targeting regulatory sites were predicted by Targetscan and luciferase assay was conducted to confirm the relationship between miR‐141 and IRS2. The expression levels of protein kinase B (AKT)/adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK)‐related proteins were investigated by Western blot analysis.

Results

MiR‐141 was upregulated in peripheral blood of DN patients (P < 0.05). Upregulation of miR‐141 significantly promoted apoptosis (
P < 0.05) and the expression of TNF‐α and IL‐6 (
P < 0.05). However, downregulation of miR‐141 inhibited cell apoptosis (
P < 0.05) and productions of TNF‐α and IL‐6 (
P < 0.05). Moreover, miR‐141 displayed a negatively regulatory effect on IRS2 abundance, and overexpression of IRS2 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR‐141 on development of DN cells (
P < 0.05). Besides, knockdown of miR‐141 significantly promoted the expressions of AKT/AMPK‐related proteins (
P < 0.05), which was attenuated by inhibition of IRS2 (
P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MiR‐141 promoted DN progression through regulating AKT/AMPK signaling pathway by targeting IRS2.
Construction of direct Z‐Scheme photocatalysts for overall water splitting using two‐dimensional van der waals heterojunctions of metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Fu Cen‐Feng , Zhang Ruiqi , Luo Qiquan , Li Xingxing , Yang Jinlong
Published: November 2018

The direct Z‐scheme system constructed by two‐dimensional (2D) materials is an efficient route for hydrogen production from photocatalytic water splitting. In the present work, the 2D van der Waals (vdW) heterojunctions of MoSe2/SnS2, MoSe2/SnSe2, MoSe2/CrS2, MoTe2/SnS2, MoTe2/SnSe2, and MoTe2/CrS2 are proposed to be promising candidates for direct Z‐scheme photocatalysts and verified by first principles calculations. Perpendicular electric field is induced in these 2D vdW heterojunctions, which enhances the efficiency of solar energy utilization. Replacing MoSe2 with MoTe2 not only facilitates the interlayer carrier migration, but also improves the optical absorption properties for these heterojunctions. Excitingly, the 2D vdW MoTe2/CrS2 heterojunction is demonstrated, for the first time, to be 2D near‐infrared‐light driven photocatalyst for direct Z‐scheme water splitting. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring scale validity and measurement invariance of the Toronto Mindfulness Scale across levels of meditation experience and proficiency
Authors: Ireland Michael J. , Day Jamin J. , Clough Bonnie A.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS) is a widely used instrument of state mindfulness. Research suggests the interpretation and functioning of mindfulness scale items may differ as a function of meditation experience, and thus, establishing invariance across experience levels is essential.

Methods

Five hundred and five meditation practitioners (32.7% male, 33.3% female, and 34.1% unspecified) with an average age of 42.37 years (SD = 12.70) completed the TMS online.

Results

Results support at least partial invariance across subgroups based on years of mindfulness meditation experience and self‐reported proficiency. Construct validity of the Decentering subscale was also supported; however, the Curiosity subscale did not meet validity expectations, as it required additional model modifications to yield good fit, and means were not sensitive to differences in group experience or proficiency.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest further review of the TMS Curiosity items may be warranted to determine its suitability for use within mindfulness assessment.
Chronic myeloid leukemia with complex karyotypes: Prognosis and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Asnafi Ali Amin , Deris Zayeri Zeinab , Shahrabi Saeid , Zibara Kazem , Vosughi Tina
Published: November 2018

Objective and Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a neoplastic disease whose genetic and cytogenetic changes play important roles in prognosis and treatment strategies. Philadelphia (Ph) translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11) is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in CML.

Methods

Pubmed and Google Scholar databases were searched for English language articles from 1975 to 2017 containing the terms CML; Additional chromosomal abnormalities; Philadelphia translocation; Prognosis; and Treatment.

Discussion

Approximately 10–12% of CML patients exhibit additional chromosomal aberrations (ACAs) in chronic phase and blast crisis. ACAs emergence may cause different features in CML patients according to Ph pattern. For instance, deletion of chromosome 9 derivation is associated to patient’s bad survival, whereas monosomy 7 develops myeloid dysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in CML patients with Ph‐negative pattern. And ACAs in Ph‐positive CML is considered as a failure in the management of CML with imatinib.

Conclusion

CML classification using different features such as Ph and ACAs can play a decisive role in the evaluation of treatment responses in patients, for example, CML patients with Ph negative and monosomy 7 develop MDS or CML patient –Y and extra copy of Ph have a good response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, therefore, classifications according to Ph and ACAs play an important role in choosing better treatment protocols and therapeutic strategies. Karyotype analysis in CML patients with complex karyotype shows unrandom pattern so ACAs can be great clue in medical guidelines.
DANCR contributed to hepatocellular carcinoma malignancy via sponging miR‐216a‐5p and modulating KLF12
Authors: Wang Jianchu , Pu Jian , Zhang Ying , Yao Tianwei , Luo Zongjiang , Li Wenchuan , Xu Guidan , Liu Juan , Wei Wujun , Deng Yibin
Published: November 2018

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (DANCR) has been identified as an oncogene in several cancers. However, the biological function and role of DANCR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Our current study aimed to investigate the detailed mechanism of DANCR in HCC. We found that DANCR was significantly upregulated in HCC cell lines in comparison to LO2 cells. Then, we observed that knockdown of DANCR could greatly inhibit Huh7 and HepG2 cell proliferation. In addition, HCC cell apoptosis was increased by silence of DANCR and meanwhile, cell cycle progression was blocked in G1 phase. Apart from these, downregulation of DANCR repressed HCC cell migration and invasion ability obviously. As predicted by the bioinformatics analysis, microRNA‐216a‐5p (miR‐216a‐5p) could serve as a direct target of DANCR. MiR‐216a‐5p has been reported to be involved in many cancers. Here, the correlation between miR‐216a‐5p and DANCR was confirmed using dual‐luciferase reporter assay and radioimmunoprecipitation assay. Subsequently, Kruppel‐like factor 12 (KLF12) exerts an important role in different tumor types. KLF12 can function as a downstream target of miR‐216a‐5p. Finally, the in vivo experiments were used and the data proved that DANCR also strongly suppressed HCC tumor growth in vivo via targeting miR‐216a‐5p and KLF12. In conclusion, our study indicated that DANCR might provide a new perspective for HCC treatment.
Geographical traceability of wheat and its products using multielement light stable isotopes coupled with chemometrics
Authors: Wadood Syed Abdul , Boli Guo , Yimin Wei
Published: November 2018

The present study was aimed to investigate the variation of stable isotopic ratios of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen in wheat kernel along with different processed fractions from three geographical origins across 5 years using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Multiway ANOVA revealed significant differences among region, harvest year, processing, and their interactions for all isotopes. The region contributed the major variability in the δ13C ‰, δ2H ‰, δ15N ‰, and δ18O‰ values of wheat. Variation of δ13C ‰, δ15N ‰, and δ18O ‰ between wheat whole kernel and its products (break, reduction, noodles, and cooked noodles) were ˂0.7‰, and no significant difference was observed, suggesting the reliability of these isotope fingerprints in geographical traceability of wheat‐processed fractions and foods. A significant influence of wheat processing was observed for δ2H values. By applying linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to the whole dataset, the generated model correctly classified over 91% of the samples according to the geographical origin. The application of these parameters will assist in the development of an analytical control procedure that can be utilized to control the mislabeling regarding geographical origin of wheat kernel and its products.
Umifenovir susceptibility monitoring and characterization of influenza viruses isolated during ARBITR clinical study
Authors: Leneva Irina A. , Falynskova Irina N. , Makhmudova Nailya R. , Poromov Artem A. , Yatsyshina Svetlana B. , Maleev Viktor V.
Published: November 2018

Antiviral drugs can play a significant role in the control of influenza. Umifenovir (Arbidol) is licensed and widely used in Russia for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of influenza. We evaluated the susceptibility to umifenovir of reference influenza A and B viruses and influenza A viruses isolated from patients in the ARBITR clinical trial in 2012‐2014 seasons. Using an MDCK cell‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we showed that the replication of antigenically dominant human influenza A and B viruses was efficiently inhibited by umifenovir. The wild‐type А/Perth/265/2009 (H1N1)pdm09, A/Fukui/45/2004 (H3N2), and B/Perth/211/2001 viruses and their oseltamivir‐resistant counterparts were susceptible to umifenovir among in vitro laboratory assays. All 18 clinical isolates of influenza A viruses obtained before and during therapy were susceptible to umifenovir with 50% effective concentration (EC
50) ranging from 8.4 ± 1.1 to 17.4 ± 5.4 µM. No molecular markers of umifenovir resistance were identified in influenza viruses isolate d from patients at 3, 5, and 7 days after initiation of therapy. None of the viruses isolated before and during umifenovir therapy displayed reduced susceptibility to neuraminidase (NA) inhibitors. Thus, umifenovir is effective against influenza viruses circulating in 2012‐2014 seasons, and therapy did not lead to the emergence of drug‐resistant variants.
Numerical simulation of all optical demultiplexer based on pillar photonic crystal ring resonators
Authors: Mohammadi Masoud , Seifouri Mahmood
Published: November 2018

We present the numerical simulation of an all‐optical demultiplexer using 2D photonic crystal ring resonators for optical communications systems. The structure consists of three ring resonators, one bus waveguide, and three drop waveguides. The photonic crystal of the demultiplexer has a square‐shaped structure made up of silicon rods with lattice constant a = 548 nm, filling factor(r/a) of 0.18, where r is the radius of the rods, and linear refractive index of n = 3.4. The structure can filter three standard wavelengths with 4.2 nm channel spacing between the wavelengths. From the simulations, the mean quality factor and transmission efficiency of our structure are computed to be respectively 4936 and 96.5%, at wavelengths very close to 1.55 μm. The minimum and maximum values of crosstalk are −18.6 dB and −34.6 dB, respectively. The footprint of the device is 293.7 μm2, which is suitable for photonic integrated circuits. The optical characteristics and the behavior of the proposed demultiplexer have been achieved by means of finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method.
Protein matrices ensure safe and functional delivery of rosmarinic acid from marjoram (Origanum majorana) extracts
Authors: Arranz Elena , Villalva Marisol , Guri Anilda , Ortego‐Hernández Elena , Jaime Laura , Reglero Guillermo , Santoyo Susana , Corredig Milena
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

To understand the interactions between carriers and functional ingredients is crucial when designing delivery systems, to maximize bioefficacy and functionality. In this study, two different protein matrices were evaluated as means to protect the extract isolated from marjoram leaves (Origanum majorana), casein micelles from fresh skim milk and soy protein isolate (SPI).

RESULTS

Marjoram extract was obtained from pressurization of ethanol and water solvent. Protein dispersions of casein and SPI (5 g L−1 each) with or without marjoram extract (0.1–3 mg mL−1) were prepared and homogenized. The physicochemical characterization of charge and entrapment efficiency were conducted. The results demonstrated that entrapment efficiency was highly dependent on the carrier itself where SPI formulations showed 20% higher affinity when compared to casein micelles. To investigate the physiological behaviour of the marjoram–protein dispersions, human macrophages were employed. A non‐specific inflammatory response of macrophages stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide was measured for TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6 cytokine secretion.

CONCLUSION

Casein and SPI protein formulations warranted high bioefficacy of marjoram extract, showing their potential as safe carriers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Physical, mechanical and water barrier properties of yuba films incorporated with various types of additives
Authors: Kim Nayeon , Seo Eunsung , Kim Yookyung
Published: November 2018

Background

To apply yuba as an edible film, we evaluated film properties after adding various additives, including plasticizer (glycerol and sorbitol), cross‐linking agent (oxidized ferulic acid), emulsifier (sodium pyrophosphate), thicker (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) and lipid (beeswax), alone or in combination (sodium pyrophosphate and sorbitol; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol; and beeswax and glycerol).

Results

The addition of beeswax and oxidized ferulic acid enhanced the water resistance of the film, showing a decreased solubility in water and swelling ratio. The results for tensile strength and elongation showed opposite trends, except for sorbitol, sodium pyrophosphate, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol. Tensile strength of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (9.3 MPa) was increased compared to that of yuba without additive (3.5 MPa). Elongation was increased in glycerol (132%) compared to that in the control (8%). Water vapor permeability decreased in all samples by 0.7 to 8 times compared to that of the control. X‐ray diffraction analysis found that blending additives influenced the crystalline degree and second structure of the film. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the control (37 nm) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol (47 nm) exhibited smooth surface and lower roughness values compared to glycerol (84 nm) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol (87 nm).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that yuba could be used as edible film with a wide range of applications depending on types of additive and purpose of use. The results of the present study revealed that sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and glycerol‐added yuba film had exceptional edible film properties, including water resistance, elongation and water vapor permeability based on principal component analysis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of a new seamless data stream from EMR to EDC system using SS‐MIX2 standards applied for observational research in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Takenouchi Kiyoteru , Yuasa Keisuke , Shioya Masahiro , Kimura Michio , Watanabe Hiroshi , Oki Yutaka , Hakamata Akio , Watanabe Hiroshi , Fukushima Masanori
Published: November 2018

Over the last decade, redundant entry of data in electronic medical records (EMR) for health care and electronic data capture (EDC) systems for research has been the typical medical research methodology. The corresponding data transcription this methodology requires not only increases the burden for clinician investigators and clinical research coordinators (CRCs), but it also decreases the quality of data. We designed and developed a new standards‐based and platform‐independent system to use data in the EMR to directly populate clinical data management systems in the EDC to eliminate the need for data transcription, streamline the clinical research process, and reduce clinician burden. Standardized structured medical information eXchange2 (SS‐MIX2) was implemented along with the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) Retrieve Form for Data Capture (RFD) Integration Profile. Standards from Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC) were used to define metadata for research data collection forms and as a means to standardize data exchange semantics. These standards and the associated methodology were applied to observational research in patients with diabetes mellitus. The system we developed complies with global requirements for regulated research. It provides a standard‐based and platform‐independent method that can serve to accelerate the cycle of a learning health system.
Design and analysis of novel optimal harmonic elimination strategy based on MOPSO to obliterate low‐order harmonics of odd‐nary cascaded transformers‐based multilevel inverter
Authors: Falehi Ali Darvish , Rafiee Mansour
Published: November 2018

Creating a high‐step staircase sinusoidal voltage taking into account of low number of switches is recognized as a significant challenge ahead of inventors of power electronics. This paper suggests a maiden cascaded transformer‐based multilevel inverter to effectively develop and solve the abovementioned challenge. Hence, via appending the bidirectional switches to the capacitors of submultilevel inverter as well as low‐frequency transformers, the proposed inverter structure can flexibly operate as so‐called “odd‐nary asymmetrical multilevel inverter.” From the perspective of low‐order harmonics produced by all inverter structures, apart from inverter type, it is essential that an effective strategy to be implemented to eliminate these harmonics. Toward this subject, kerf‐style Selective Harmonic Elimination Pulse Width Modulation (SHEPWM) has been scheduled as an optimization problem. Because of nature of multiobjective state of the problem, application of the multiobjective optimization technique is inevitable. Considering significant performance of Multi Objective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) for solving the nonlinear objectives, the elimination of fifth, seventh, and 11th harmonics is formulated by relevant fitness functions based on MOPSO. Putting it all together, the relevant analytical study accompanying both the simulation and experimental results has transparently verified the performance of the proposed multilevel inverter. Furthermore, elimination of all three designated low‐order harmonics, ie, fifth, seventh, and 11th harmonics using MOPSO‐based kerf‐style SHEPWM strategy has been well confirmed.