bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale network analysis reveals molecular mechanisms and key regulators of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer
Authors: Song Won‐Min , Lin Xiandong , Liao Xuehong , Hu Dan , Lin Jieqiong , Sarpel Umut , Ye Yunbin , Feferman Yael , Labow Daniel M. , Walsh Martin J. , Zheng Xiongwei , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2019

Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths and the fourth most prevalent malignancy worldwide. The high incidence and mortality rates of gastric cancer result from multiple factors such as ineffective screening, diagnosis, and limited treatment options. In our study, we sought to systematically identify predictive molecular networks and key regulators to elucidate complex interacting signaling pathways in GC. We performed an integrative network analysis of the transcriptomic data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) gastric cancer cohort and then comprehensively characterized the predictive subnetworks and key regulators by the matched genetic and epigenetic data. We identified 221 gene subnetworks (modules) in GC. The most prognostic subnetworks captured multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment in GC involving interactions among stromal, epithelial and immune cells. We revealed the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of those subnetworks and their key transcriptional regulators. We computationally predicted and experimentally validated specific mechanisms of anticancer effects ofGKN2in gastric cancer proliferation and invasionin vitro. The network models and the key regulators of the tumor microenvironment in GC identified here pave a way for developing novel therapeutic strategies for GC.
SNAIL1 employs β‐Catenin‐LEF1 complexes to control colorectal cancer cell invasion and proliferation
Authors: Freihen Vivien , Rönsch Kerstin , Mastroianni Justin , Frey Patrick , Rose Katja , Boerries Melanie , Zeiser Robert , Busch Hauke , Hecht Andreas
Published: August 2019

The transcription factor SNAIL1 is a master regulator of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process entailing massive gene expression changes. To better understand SNAIL1‐induced transcriptional reprogramming we performed time‐resolved transcriptome analysis upon conditional SNAIL1 expression in colorectal cancer cells. Gene set variation analyses indicated that SNAIL1 strongly affected features related to cell cycle and Wnt/β‐Catenin signalling. This correlated with upregulation of LEF1, a nuclear binding partner of β‐Catenin. Likewise, transcriptomes of cell lines and colorectal cancers, including poor‐prognosis mesenchymal tumours, exhibit positively correlated SNAI1 and LEF1 expression, and elevated LEF1 levels parallel increased patient mortality. To delineate the functional contribution of LEF1 to SNAIL1‐induced EMT, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock‐out LEF1 in colorectal cancer cells, and to engineer cells that express LEF1 mutants unable to interact with β‐Catenin. Both complete LEF1‐deficiency and prevention of the β‐Catenin‐LEF1 interaction impaired the ability of SNAIL1 to elicit expression of an alternative set of Wnt/β‐catenin targets, and to promote cancer cell invasion. Conversely, overexpression of wildtype, but not of mutant LEF1, stimulated alternative Wnt/β‐Catenin target gene expression, and caused cell‐cycle arrest. Moreover, like SNAIL1, LEF1 retarded tumour growth in xenotransplantations. Thus, LEF1 phenocopies SNAIL1 with respect to several critical aspects of EMT. Indeed, comparative transcriptomics suggested that 35% of SNAIL1‐induced transcriptional changes are attributable to LEF1. However, LEF1 did not autonomously induce EMT. Rather, LEF1 appears to be a strictly β‐Catenin‐dependent downstream effector of SNAIL1. Apparently, SNAIL1 employs β‐Catenin‐LEF1 complexes to redirect Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway activity towards pro‐invasive and anti‐proliferative gene expression.
EORTC SPECTA‐AYA: A unique molecular profiling platform for adolescents and young adults with cancer in Europe
Authors: de Rojas Teresa , Kasper Bernd , Van der Graaf Winette , Pfister Stefan M. , Bielle Franck , Ribalta Teresa , Shenjere Patrick , Preusser Matthias , Fröhling Stefan , Golfinopoulos Vassilis , Morfouace Marie , McCabe Martin G.
Published: August 2019

For most adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancers, age‐specific molecular features are poorly understood. EORTC‐SPECTA, an academic translational research infrastructure for biomaterial collection, will explicitly recruit AYA patients and will therefore collect empirical data to bridge the molecular gap between pediatric and adult oncology. The initial pilot study, activated in February 2019 across Europe, will recruit 100 AYA patients (aged 12–29 years) with newly diagnosed or relapsed high‐grade gliomas and high‐grade bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The primary objective of the pilot is to determine feasibility and recruitment rates. Formalin‐fixed tumor tissue and whole blood from study participants will be prospectively collected with clinical data and stored centrally at the Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg. Whole exome sequencing of matched tumor and blood, and tumor RNA sequencing and DNA methylation profiling will be performed at the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany. Virtual central pathology review of scanned diagnostic slides will be undertaken by an international expert panel, and diagnostic material returned to the participating centers. A multidisciplinary molecular tumor board will release a clinically validated report to referring clinicians within 4–6 weeks after biopsy. SPECTA‐AYA constitutes a major opportunity to gain knowledge about the tumor biology of this unique age group. It incorporates notable innovative aspects: AYA specificity, pan‐European academic collaboration, centralized biobanking, comprehensive molecular profiling and virtual central pathology review, among others. SPECTA‐AYA will help untangle the tumor particularities of AYAs with cancer and aims to improve their access to novel drugs and personalized medicine.
A New and Robust Method for In‐situ EPR Electrochemistry
Authors: Toybenshlak Maya , Carmieli Raanan
Published: August 2019

A new and simple design of electrochemical setup for in‐situ generation of free radicals to be measured using X‐band (9.5 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer is described. The cell parts are all from commercially available components and requires no specially made glassware. The EPR performance of the setup is demonstrated by in‐situ electrochemical generation of organic radical cations and radical anions such as quinones, perylene‐diimide, pyrene, flavin, tryptophan and tyrosine through oxidation or reduction in solution. The well‐resolved EPR spectra of the radical products were simulated and analyzed and the hyperfine coupling constants have been assigned for the interactions of the unpaired electron with the various ring protons and the nitrogen nuclei.
Urbanisation reduces litter breakdown rates and affects benthic invertebrate structure in Pampean streams
Authors: Tagliaferro Marina , Giorgi Adonis , Torremorell Ana , Albariño Ricardo
Published: August 2019

The Pampean region has become one of the most urbanised areas in South America with more than 91% of the Argentinean population. This region is ideal for human settlements that have historically chosen riverine grassland areas to settle. Consequently, urban streams are increasingly subjected to pressures affecting their functioning. The aim of this study was to assess urbanisation effects on two proxies of stream integrity: leaf litter decay and benthic invertebrate assemblage colonizing litter in streams draining urbanised versus reference grassland areas. We placed plastic coarse‐ and fine‐mesh bags containing Populus nigra leaf litter along three urban and three reference reaches, and these were retrieved periodically to determine the remaining leaf mass and the identity and quantity of detritivore assemblage colonizing bags. The decay rate was negatively affected by urbanisation, and it followed a negative relationship with increasing Nitrogen concentration (mostly ammonia) and a hump‐shape relationship against soluble reactive phosphorus. Urban invertebrate assemblages were significantly different from the reference reaches, and were species‐poorer and characterized by tolerant taxa belonging to Naididae, Glossiphoniidae, and Nematoda, whereas Hyalellidae, Aeglidae, Chironomidae, Caenidae, Baetidae, and Hydrobiidae represented the reference reaches. Our proxies of structural (i.e., invertebrate assemblages) and functional (i.e., leaf litter breakdown) stream integrity were mostly driven by a nutrient‐enrichment gradient and responded in a similar direction but with different magnitude to urban alterations.
Downregulated CHI3L1 alleviates skeletal muscle stem cell injury in a mouse model of sepsis
Authors: Li Fuxing , Sheng Zhiyong , Lan Haibing , Xu Jianning , Li Juxiang
Published: August 2019

Sepsis is an acute systemic inflammatory response of the body to microbial infection and a life‐threatening condition associated with multiple organ failure. Recent data suggest that sepsis survivors present with long‐term myopathy due to the dysfunction of skeletal muscle stem cells and satellite cells. Accumulating studies have implicated chitinase‐3‐like‐1 protein (CHI3L1) in a variety of infectious diseases, specifically sepsis. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to elucidate the potential mechanism by which CHI3L1 is involved in the injury of skeletal muscle stem cells in mouse models of sepsis. An in vitro cell model was developed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and in vivo mouse model of sepsis was induced by CRP‐like protein (CLP). To elucidate the biological significance behind the silencing of CHI3L1, modeled skeletal muscle stem cells and mice were treated with siRNA against CHI3L1 or overexpressed CHI3L1. Highly expressed CHI3L1 was found in skeletal muscle tissues of mice with sepsis. Besides, siRNA‐mediated silencing of CHI3L1 was revealed to increase Bcl‐2 expression along with cell proliferation, while diminishing Bax expression, cell apopstosis as well as serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, INF‐γ, IL‐10, and IL‐6. Taken conjointly, this present study provided evidence suggesting that downregulation of CHI3L1 has the potential to prevent the injury of skeletal muscle stem cells in mice with sepsis. Collectively, CHI3L1 may serve as a valuable therapeutic strategy in alleviating sepsis.
Quantification of collagen structural changes during chick corneal development
Authors: Lee Sheng‐Lin , He Ming‐Ye , Chen Yang‐Fang , Dong Chen‐Yuan
Published: August 2019

As the most abundant structural mammalian protein, collagen has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, and cancer. In the case of cornea, abnormal cornea development can lead to conditions such as agenesis, megalocornea, microcornea, and cornea plana. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of collagen assembly during development may contribute to the prevention or treatment of corneal diseases. In this study, we applied fast Fourier transform second harmonic generation microscopy to quantify parameters of corneal structures during chick development. Our results show that both the rotational pitch and overall rotational angle of corneal stroma modulate between E9 and E19. In addition, we found that corneal structures between left and right corneas are highly correlated during development.
The mechanism of ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide by ICl3 catalysts: Halogen bond catalysis or participating in reactions?
Authors: Guo Shuaifei , Sun Cuihong , Meng Lingpeng , Zeng Yanli
Published: August 2019

The mechanism of ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide by iodine trichloride (ICl3) catalyst has been explored by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and three catalytic pathways were proposed. The first and second pathways belong to the halogen bond catalysis, and the third pathway involves the ICl3 catalysts participating in reactions. When the carbonyl group was maintained involved in the reaction and activated catalytically by the halogen bond, there are two possible pathways. The first pathway involves only one transition state, and the second pathway requires two transition states. There is another pathway in which ICl3 directly participates in the reaction, it is named the third pathway. Two different transition states of the four‐membered rings are generated successively, the transfer of I─O bonds determined the progress of the reaction. Theoretical calculations in this work provide the most basic understanding of ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide by ICl3 catalysts. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stereoselective Synthesis for Potential Isomers of Ticagrelor Key Starting Material
Authors: Mahender Madaraboina , Yakambaram B. , Pandey Jaya , Chandrashekar E. R. R. , Reddy L. Amarnath , Jayashree A. , Bandichhor Rakeshwar
Published: August 2019

Tartrate salt of carbocyclic amine 2 is one of the key starting materials for the synthesis of Ticagrelor 1. During the synthesis of 1, the isomers of 2 also need to be considered as potential impurities and characterized before establishing the specification of product. In the present work, detailed study has been carried out to synthesize the related substances of 2, and their structure characterization has been discussed.
Cycloaddition of Aroyl Isothiocyanate: A Novel Synthesis of Triazine, Oxazine, Pyrimidine, and Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Assy Mohamed G. , El‐Sayed Hassan A. , Ouf Nabil H. , Hamza Ahmed , Morsy Hesham A.
Published: August 2019

A simple and direct synthetic methodology for a novel series of azines and their annulated systems was performed. Heterocyclization of acyl isothiocyanate 2 with urea or malononitrile gave s‐triazine 4 and 1,3‐oxazine 7 derivatives, respectively. The reaction of heteroallene 1 with acetylacetone tolerated 2‐thioxopyridine derivative 9. The latter compound underwent heterocyclization with urea, hydrazine hydrate, or phenyl hydrazine to give the annulated pyridines 10–12. Pyrimidinethione 14 was resulted from reaction of acylisothiocyanate with enamine 13. Condensation of compound 14 with hydrazine hydrate, phenyl hydrazine, urea, and 3‐nitrobenzaldehyde in the presence of ethyl cyanoacetate or sodium hydroxide afforded 15–20, respectively.
Estimating the seroprevalence of chikungunya virus exposure in Shimoga district, Karnataka state: A hospital‐based study during 2014‐2018
Authors: Shilpa Cheerngod , Kavitha Karunakaran , Sudheesh Nittur , Sabeena Sasidharanpillai , Prasad Varamballi , Hindol Maity , Arunkumar Govindakarnavar
Published: August 2019

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The disease is characterized by fever, headache, rash, severe joint, and muscle pain. To evaluate the disease burden in the population and the effectiveness of public health measures, periodic seroprevalence surveys are essential. Chikungunya outbreaks were reported from many Asian countries since 2005, after more than three decades of disappearance. The study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of the chikungunya virus in southern parts of Karnataka state, through demonstrating chikungunya virus‐specific neutralizing antibodies. A cross‐sectional study was carried out using 509 archived blood samples from a hospital‐based acute febrile illness surveillance project, representative of the period between June 2014 and 2018. The study reported a 3.7% seroprevalence of chikungunya virus‐neutralizing antibodies in Thirthahalli and Hosanagara taluks of South Karnataka. The low prevalence of chikungunya‐neutralizing antibodies indicates that a major population is unexposed and prone to future outbreaks.
The Moderating Role of Agreeableness in the Relationship between Experiencing Anger and Creative Performance
Authors: Kao Chien‐Che , Chiou Wen‐Bin
Published: August 2019

Previous studies regarding the effect of experiencing anger on creative performance have shown controversial findings. Some studies have reported that anger hampers creative performance, whereas others have shown that anger promotes cognitive motivation and improves creative performance. Anger is associated with hostility, threats, and conflict, states that are congruent with low agreeableness. In contrast, anger is incompatible with an agreeable individual's preference for harmony and peace. Experiencing this negative activating emotion should be demanding and stressful to them and thereby hamper creative task engagement. Accordingly, we conducted an experimental study to examine whether agreeableness moderated the association between anger and creative performance. A total of 128 undergraduates were randomly assigned to receive either induced anger or a neutral emotion and then completed a creativity task. We found that participants with lower levels of agreeableness showed better fluency, flexibility, and originality in creativity in the anger relative to the neutral‐emotion condition, whereas participants with higher levels of agreeableness showed better creative performance in the neutral emotion relative to the anger condition. The present findings not only provide a viable account for integrating inconsistent findings regarding the facilitating effect of anger on creativity but also contribute to contingent strategies for promoting creative performance.
Performance of First‐Trimester Fetal Echocardiography in Diagnosing Fetal Heart Defects: Meta‐analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Yu Dongmei , Sui Lun , Zhang Nan
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Early fetal echocardiography is becoming increasing common during the nuchal translucency scan period. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the accuracy of first‐trimester fetal echocardiography in diagnosing congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Methods

The databases of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for the candidate articles, and the references of included studies were also examined. We recorded the characteristics of the included studies and assessed the quality of each study by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated with Meta‐Disc version 1.4 software (Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain). We also evaluated the publication bias by using Stata version 12.0 software (StataCorp, College Station, TX).

Results

This meta‐analysis included 18 studies with 26,201 fetal hearts. The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, and NLR were 0.750, 0.999, 392.95, and 0.277, respectively. The DOR and AUC were 1736.0 and 0.9331. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC for major CHDs were 0.838, 1.000, 725.69, 0.203, 5084.8, and 0.9617.

Conclusions

First‐trimester fetal echocardiography had high value in diagnosing CHDs, especially major CHDs.
Tribocorrosion of different biomaterials under reciprocating sliding conditions in artificial saliva
Authors: Vilhena Luís , Oppong Gifty , Ramalho Amílcar
Published: August 2019

It has been found in recent studies that the main reason for the failure of a biomedical material used as an implant is due to the low resistance of the combined wear and corrosion. The aim of the present research study is to investigate the triboelectrochemical behaviour of different biomedical materials used as implants under different contact conditions. Comparative experiments were performed using commercial pure titanium (cP‐Ti), Ti6Al4V alloy, pure niobium (Nb), and a Co28Cr6Mo alloy sliding against a Zirconia counterbody tested in artificial saliva. The corrosion potential of the working electrode was monitorised using the open circuit potential technique, and potentiodynamic polarization curves were obtained. It was found that the Nb specimen showed a poor tribological performance, while the Co28Cr6Mo alloy showed the lowest friction and wear. The cP‐Ti specimen showed a more noble behaviour than that of the other three specimens with the highest corrosion potential value.
Accurate case‐outcome modeling in economics, psychology, and marketing
Authors: Woodside Arch G.
Published: August 2019

This article describes why and how to end bad science practices and shallow information‐from‐data reporting by embracing a seemingly minor but quite a radically different research paradigm that includes asymmetric, configurational‐focused case‐outcome theory construction and somewhat precise outcome testing. This radically different paradigm provides accurate point or interval estimates of case‐outcomes. As an illustration of this paradigm, the exposition in this article includes an elaboration based on additional analyses of data in research appearing in a recent issue of this journal.
Guillain–Barre syndrome outbreak in Peru: Association with polymorphisms in IL‐17, ICAM1, and CD1
Authors: Jaramillo‐Valverde Luis , Levano Kelly S. , Villanueva Isolina , Hidalgo Meylin , Cornejo Marco , Mazzetti Pilar , Cornejo‐Olivas Mario , Sanchez Cesar , Poterico Julio A. , Valdivia‐Silva Julio , Guio Heinner
Published: August 2019

Background

Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS) is considered a complex disorder with significant environmental effect and genetic susceptibility. Genetic polymorphisms in CD1E, CD1A, IL‐17, and/or ICAM1 had been proposed as susceptibility genetic variants for GBS mainly in Caucasian population. This study explores the association between selected polymorphisms in these genes and GBS susceptibility in confirmed GBS cases reported in mestizo population from northern Peru during the most recent GBS outbreak of May 2018.

Methods

A total of nine nonrelated cases and 11 controls were sequenced for the polymorphic regions of CD1A, CD1E, IL‐17, and ICAM1.

Results

We found a significant protective association between heterozygous GA genotype in ICAM1 (241Gly/Arg) and GBS (p < .047). IL‐17 was monomorphic in both controls and patients. No significant differences were found in the frequency of SNPs in CD1A and CD1E between the group with GBS patients and healthy controls.

Conclusion

ICAM1 polymorphisms might be considered as potential genetic markers of GBS susceptibility. Further studies with larger sample size will be required to validate these findings.
On solvability of nonlinear fractional differential systems involving nonlocal initial conditions
Authors: Matar Mohammed M. , Abu Skhail Esmail S. , Alzabut Jehad
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the existence and uniqueness of solutions for nonlinear fractional differential systems with order α∈(1,2]. The system involves fractional derivative of different order in the nonlinearity and associated with nonlocal initial conditions which are defined by arbitrary operators. Our approach is based on the implementation of the Banach and Schauder fixed point theorems. Two examples are provided to examine the theoretical findings.
Motion robust respiratory‐resolved 3D radial flow MRI and its application in neonatal congenital heart disease
Authors: Schrauben Eric M. , Lim Jessie Mei , Goolaub Datta Singh , Marini Davide , Seed Mike , Macgowan Christopher K.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To test and implement a motion‐robust and respiratory‐resolved 3D Radial Flow framework that addresses the need for rapid, high resolution imaging in neonatal patients with congenital heart disease.

Methods

A 4‐point velocity encoding and 3D radial trajectory with double‐golden angle ordering was combined with bulk motion correction (from projection center of mass) and respiration phase detection (from principal component analysis of heartbeat‐averaged data) to create motion‐robust 3D velocity cardiac time‐averaged data. This framework was tested in a whole‐chest digital phantom with simulated bulk and realistic physiological motion. In vivo imaging was performed in 20 congenital heart disease infants under feed‐and‐sleep with submillimeter isotropic resolution in ~3 min. Flows were validated against clinical 2D PCMRI and whole‐heart visualizations of blood flow were performed.

Results

The proposed framework resolved all simulated digital phantom motion states (mean ± standard error: rotation – azimuthal = 0.29 ± 0.02°; translation – Ty = 1.29 ± 0.12 mm, Tz = −0.27 ± 0.13 mm; rotation+translation – polar = 0.49 ± 0.16°, Tx = −2.47 ± 0.51 mm, Tz = 5.78 ± 1.33 mm). Measured timing errors of peak expiration across all signal‐to‐noise ratio values were 22% of the true respiratory period (range = [404‐489 ± 298‐334] ms). For in vivo imaging, motion correction improved 3D Radial Flow measurements (no correction: R2 = 0.62, root mean square error = 0.80 L/min/m2, Bland‐Altman bias [limits of agreement] = −0.21 [−1.40, 0.94] L/min/m2; motion corrected, expiration: R2 = 0.90, root mean square error = 0.46 L/min/m2, bias [limits of agreement] = 0.06 [−0.49, 0.62] L/min/m2). Respiratory‐resolved 3D velocity visualizations were achieved in various neonatal pathologies pre‐ and postsurgical correction.

Conclusion

3D cardiac flow may be visualized and accurately quantified in neonatal subjects using the proposed framework. This technique may enable more comprehensive hemodynamic studies in small infants.
Rapid measurement and correction of spatiotemporal B0 field changes using FID navigators and a multi‐channel reference image
Authors: Wallace Tess E. , Afacan Onur , Kober Tobias , Warfield Simon K.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To measure spatiotemporal B0 field changes in real time using FID navigators (FIDnavs) and to demonstrate the efficacy of retrospectively correcting high‐resolution ‐weighted images using a novel FIDnav framework.

Methods

A forward model of the complex FIDnav signals was generated by simulating the effect of changes in the underlying B0 inhomogeneity coefficients, with spatial encoding provided by a multi‐channel reference image. Experiments were performed at 3T to assess the accuracy of B0 field estimates from FIDnavs acquired from a 64‐channel head coil under different shim settings and in 5 volunteers performing deep‐breathing and nose‐touching tasks designed to modulate the B0 field. Second‐order, in‐plane spherical harmonic (SH) inhomogeneity coefficients estimated from FIDnavs were incorporated into an iterative reconstruction to retrospectively correct 2D gradient‐echo images acquired in both axial and sagittal planes.

Results

Spatiotemporal B0 field changes measured from rapidly acquired FIDnavs were in good agreement with the results of second‐order SH fitting to the measured field maps. FIDnav field estimates accounted for a significant proportion of the ΔB0 variance induced by deep breathing (64 ± 21%) and nose touching (67 ± 34%) across all volunteers. Ghosting, blurring, and intensity modulation artifacts in ‐weighted images, induced by spatiotemporal field changes, were visibly reduced following retrospective correction with FIDnav inhomogeneity coefficients.

Conclusions

Spatially resolved B0 inhomogeneity changes up to second order can be characterized in real time using the proposed approach. Retrospective FIDnav correction substantially improves ‐weighted image quality in the presence of strong B0 field modulations, with potential for real‐time shimming.
Black Carp in North America: a Description of Range, Habitats, Time of Year, and Methods of Reported Captures
Authors: Kroboth P. T. , Cox C. L. , Chapman D. C. , Whitledge G. W.
Published: August 2019

Black Carp Mylopharyngodon piceus are considered invasive in North America. Since the first wild capture in 2003, collection records have increased, yet information summarizing successful collection methods is lacking. Reported capture methods throughout the Black Carp's native and introduced ranges vary providing minimal aid for determining control and monitoring methods. Here, we describe the current species range and the spatial and temporal variation among captures. The size of fish can affect capture; thus, we report captured fish and gear dimensions and recommend appropriate scientific collection methods. We focus on collection data from 302 Black Carp ranging from 410 to 1,607 mm total length received from 2011 to February 2019. The reported range of Black Carp has expanded in the Cumberland, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee rivers. Captures most frequently occurred in channel (41%), side-channel (24%), and backwater (22%) habitat types, with increased records in May, June, and July. Most records were commercial captures, of which hoop net (51%) and gill net (26%) were most common. Results suggest that standard scientific methods for sampling fish in large rivers and standing water by hoop net and gill net may be used to monitor Black Carp, but a robust study design needs to be applied to determine gear selectivity and to determine if catch rates are density dependent or incidental.
Role of the Nutrition Support Clinician on a Hospital Bioethics Committee
Authors: Schwartz Denise Baird , Pavic‐Zabinski Karen , Tull Katherine
Published: August 2019

Hospital bioethics committees comprise a diverse group of healthcare professionals to deal with ethical issues within the institution that arise during patient care. The nutrition support clinicians (NSCs) have an important role on a bioethics committee because of their knowledge and expertise of different nutrition routes and the benefits vs burdens and risks of these modalities, both enteral and parenteral nutrition. Ethics expertise is built on an understanding of ethical principles, when applied in clinical ethics, using critical thinking to prevent ethical dilemmas and to assist in healthcare decision making with a focus on patient‐centered care. The NSCs have the opportunity to address ethics during direct patient care with their participation in the intensive care unit interprofessional rounds, family meetings, and surrogate meetings. Evident in ethical dilemmas is often the lack of advance care planning by patients and their family members concerning healthcare wishes for when the individual is unable to communicate their preferences for life‐sustaining therapies, including nutrition support. NSCs, as hospital bioethics committee members, are able to support the initiative of National Healthcare Decisions Day to help educate other healthcare clinicians and the public about the importance of advance care planning with communication of healthcare wishes and completion of an advance directive. Components addressed in the article are incorporated into a comprehensive ethics case study, highlighting the role of NSCs.
Disturbance observer–based dynamic optimal setting control scheme for processes with nonlinear loops
Authors: Yin Liping , Zhu Pengwei
Published: August 2019

This paper is concerned with optimal operational control problems that exist in industries. The performance index is optimized by set points reselection on the operational control layer together with controllers design on the loop control layer. Firstly, the operational indices need to be obtained through some optimization algorithms. Secondly, the widely used PID controllers are adopted to achieve performance optimization in the ideal situation. To minimize performance deterioration caused by harmonic disturbances, the disturbance observer–based optimal setting control is proposed for those industrial processes with nonlinear loops. In the proposed method, the controller structure or parameter is never changed, which is accordant with actual industrial conditions. Finally, numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and convenience of the results.
The impact of foreign direct investment on the growth of the tourism sector in Jordan (1980–2016)
Authors: Al‐Hallaq Said Sami , Athamneh Abdel Baset , Suleiman Hadil Mahmoud
Published: August 2019

The study aimed at measuring and analyzing the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the growth of the Jordanian tourism sector during the period 1980–2016. In order to test the stationarity of the variables of the study model, the augmented Dickey–Fuller and the Philips Perron tests were applied. The results showed that the variables were not stationary at their levels, but they become so when taking the first difference with the intercept. The study also found a positive long‐run relationship between the ratio of FDI to gross domestic product (GDP) and the ratio of tourism revenues to GDP according to the cointegration test used, which was the Granger causality test. The test showed a one‐way causal relationship between the ratio of FDI to GDP and the ratio of tourism revenue to GDP. According to the estimation results, the error correction model showed that there is a positive impact of FDI on the growth of the tourism sector. Based on the results reached, the study recommended the need to pay attention to the tourism sector, enhance its role in economic development, and work to provide an optimal investment environment by providing all necessary means for and assistance in establishing such investments. All obstacles that limit the flow of the FDI in the Jordanian tourism sector should be removed.
A new approach to simulate confined, premixed and slow combustion
Authors: Gößnitzer Clemens , Steinrück Herbert
Published: August 2019

To simulate confined combustion, a new numerical method is presented. Assuming low‐Mach number flow and neglecting viscosity, radiation and heat conduction, the divergence of the velocity field is time‐dependent only. Thus, Helmholtz decomposition of the flow field yields a simpler numerical solution algorithm. This leads to Poisson's equations for the scalar and vector potential. To track the flame front, marker points are distributed along the discontinuity.
The differential distributions of ASPM isoforms and their roles in Wnt signaling, cell cycle progression, and pancreatic cancer prognosis
Authors: Hsu Chung‐Chi , Liao Wen‐Ying , Chan Tze‐Sian , Chen Wei‐Yu , Lee Chung‐Ta , Shan Yan‐Shen , Huang Po‐Jui , Hou Ya‐Chin , Li Chi‐Rong , Tsai Kelvin K
Published: August 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive and treatment‐resistant malignancy. The lack of pathway‐informed biomarkers hampers the development of rational diagnostics or therapies. Recently, the protein abnormal spindle‐like microcephaly‐associated (ASPM) was identified as a novel Wnt and stemness regulator in PDAC, while the pathogenic roles of its protein isoforms remain unclarified. We developed novel isoform‐specific antibodies and genetic knockdown (KD) of putative ASPM isoforms, whereby we uncovered that the levels of ASPM isoform 1 (iI) and ASPM‐iII are variably upregulated in PDAC cells. ASPM isoforms show remarkably different subcellular locations; specifically, ASPM‐iI is exclusively localized to the cortical cytoplasm of PDAC cells, while ASPM‐iII is predominantly expressed in cell nuclei. Mechanistically, ASPM‐iI co‐localizes with disheveled‐2 and active β‐catenin as well as the stemness marker aldehyde dehydrogenase‐1 (ALDH‐1), and its expression is indispensable for the Wnt activity, stemness, and the tumorigenicity of PDAC cells. By contrast, ASPM‐iII selectively regulates the expression level of cyclin E and cell cycle progression in PDAC cells. The expression of ASPM‐iI and ASPM‐iII displays considerable intratumoral heterogeneity in PDAC tissues and only that of ASPM‐iI was prognostically significant; it outperformed ALDH‐1 staining and clinico‐pathological variables in a multivariant analysis. Collectively, the distinct expression patterns and biological functions of ASPM isoforms may illuminate novel molecular mechanisms and prognosticators in PDAC and may pave the way for the development of therapies targeting this novel oncoprotein. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
The transcription factor FOXM1 regulates the balance between proliferation and aberrant differentiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Roh Vincent , Hiou‐Feige Agnès , Misetic Vinko , Rivals Jean‐Paul , Sponarova Jana , Teh Muy‐Teck , Ferreira Lopes Silvia , Truan Zinnia , Mermod Maxime , Monnier Yan , Hess Jochen , Tolstonog Genrich V , Simon Christian
Published: August 2019

Sustained expression of FOXM1 is a hallmark of nearly all human cancers including squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC). HNSCCs partially preserve the epithelial differentiation program, which recapitulates fetal and adult traits of the tissue of tumor origin but is deregulated by genetic alterations and tumor‐supporting pathways. Using shRNA‐mediated knockdown, we demonstrate a minimal impact of FOXM1 on proliferation and migration of HNSCC cell lines under standard cell culture conditions. However, FOXM1 knockdown in three‐dimensional (3D) culture and xenograft tumor models resulted in reduced proliferation, decreased invasion, and a more differentiated‐like phenotype, indicating a context‐dependent modulation of FOXM1 activity in HNSCC cells. By ectopic overexpression of FOXM1 in HNSCC cell lines, we demonstrate a reduced expression of cutaneous‐type keratin K1 and involucrin as a marker of squamous differentiation, supporting the role of FOXM1 in modulation of aberrant differentiation in HNSCC. Thus, our data provide a strong rationale for targeting FOXM1 in HNSCC. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of an algorithmic nutritional approach in children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer
Authors: Totadri Sidharth , Trehan Amita , Mahajan Diviyaa , Viani Karina , Barr Ronald , Ladas Elena J.
Published: August 2019

Background

Undernutrition impacts clinical outcome adversely in children with cancer. This study aimed to validate a nutritional algorithm with specific application to the low‐ and middle‐income country (LMIC) setting.

Procedure

Fifty children with a new diagnosis of cancer were enrolled in this randomized interventional study. Weight, height/length, and mid‐upper‐arm circumference (MUAC) were measured at baseline. The study arm was administered nutritional care as per the algorithm and the control arm received the institutional standard of care. Weight was monitored regularly and MUAC was repeated after 3 months. Children were classified based on weight for height if <2 years of age or body mass index if ≥2 years, as normal, wasted, and severely wasted. The algorithmic approach comprised administration of oral supplements, nasogastric feeds, and/or parenteral nutrition based on objective assessment of the nutritional status.

Results

Fifty patients were analyzed (study: 25, control: 25). Four in the study arm (16%) and six in the control arm (24%) had wasting at baseline. MUAC was <5th percentile in 15 (60%) and 13 (52%) patients in the study and control arms, respectively. At the end of 3 months, the median increment in weight was 0.8 kg (interquartile range [IQR]: –0.02; 2.00) and 0.0 kg (IQR: –0.70; 1.25) in the study and control arms, respectively (P = .153). The median increment in MUAC was 1.20 cm (IQR: 0.10; 2.30) and 0.00 cm (IQR: –0.50; 1.10) in the study and control arms, respectively (P = .020).

Conclusions

The application of an algorithm designed for use in LMICs resulted in significant improvement in nutritional status, as measured by MUAC.
A theoretical exploration and regulating about the excited state process for 2‐(4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl)‐3‐hydroxy‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one system
Authors: Wang Yusheng , Zhang Qiaoli , Xu Kai , Jiang Weifen , Yang Dapeng
Published: August 2019

In the present work, density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) methods have been performed to explore the ground‐state and excited‐state intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions for 2‐(4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl)‐3‐hydroxy‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (2‐DHC) system. We demonstrate that the intramolecular hydrogen bond formed in the ground state should be strengthened in the first single excited state by comparing the bond parameters and infrared (IR) vibrational spectra, which provides the possibility for excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) reaction. The calculations about hydrogen bonding energy further confirm the strengthening hydrogen bond. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) around hydrogen bonding moieties upon photoexcitation promotes the ability to attract hydrogen proton, which reveals the ESIPT tendency. In view of four different polarities solvents, we construct the potential energy curves along with ESIPT path and search the transition state (TS) structure for ESIPT reaction. We clarify the ESIPT mechanism for 2‐DHC molecule, based on which we also present the ESIPT reaction could be regulated and controlled by solvent polarity.
Microflames for the surface treatment of polymers
Authors: Holländer Andreas
Published: August 2019

Polyethylene (PE) films were treated with flame pulses for a confined activation of the surface. Acetylene, ethene, and butane were used in various mixing ratios with oxygen. The gas mixture was fed through a 0.5 mm stainless steel capillary, which was placed close to the surface of the film. An electrical spark was used to ignite the gas. A single flame pulse suffices to oxidize the polymer surface to an oxygen concentration of 26 at% (XPS). The profile of the oxygen concentration was analyzed by XPS and revealed full width at half maximum values down to 2.8 mm. The treatment of pieces of sintered PE powder (nominal pore size, 80 µm) showed that the surface oxidation penetrates several millimeters into the pore system.
Carbon Nanodot–Based Fluorescent Method for Virus DNA Analysis with Isothermal Strand Displacement Amplification
Authors: Yang Dawei , Guo Zhenzhen , Wang Jing , Jin Yakang , Mei Qian , Miao Peng
Published: August 2019

In this work, a fluorescent method is developed for ultrasensitive detection of virus DNA, coupling DNA‐modified carbon nanodots (CDs) and an isothermal amplification technology. The sensitivity is significantly improved with cyclic strand displacement polymerization and highly luminescent CDs. Taking the hemagglutinin7 (H7) gene and neuraminidase 9 (N9) gene as examples, the limits of detection are 4.6 × 10−15 and 3.4 × 10−15 m, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed method is highly selective and capable of detecting target sequences in biological samples, indicating great potential for applications in life science research and clinical diagnosis.
Safety climate factors at selected chemical manufacturing plant in Malaysia
Authors: Zakaria Junaidah , Che Hassan Che Rosmani , Hamid Mahar Diana , Sukadarin Ezrin Hani
Published: August 2019

Statistics in Malaysia show accident cases in the manufacturing industry is the highest as compared to another sector. The concept of safety climate gained interest in many industries as a means of reducing accident. This study assessed workers' perceptions toward safety climate factors, management commitment, communication, a priority of safety, safety rules procedures, social environment, supportive environment, involvement, personal priorities and need for safety, personal appreciation of risk, physical work environment, and lastly top management's commitment and priority. Safety Climate Assessment Toolkit and Zohar Safety Climate Questionnaires were used in this study. A cross‐sectional sample of 309 workers participated. Lowest total mean score was for a personal appreciation of risk (M = 5.41, SD = 1.03), supportive environment (M = 6.61, SD = 0.82), and physical work environment (M = 6.74, SD = 1.24). There was a significant difference between production and nonproduction workers for their perceptions toward involvement in safety (Z = 15.579, P < .001). From the correlation test, age, gender, education level, shift work, and the group were significantly correlated with the nine dimensions of safety climate. Lastly, workers' perception of how management prioritized safety is generally good. A total mean score is (4.89) from the 16 items of Zohar safety climate questionnaire which covers declarative, proactive, and active practices of their management.
The polypharmacy programme in Scotland: realistic prescribing
Authors: Mair Alpana , Wilson Martin , Dreischulte Tobias
Published: August 2019

Since 2012, NHS Scotland has published a series of polypharmacy guidelines to help clinicians address the many medication‐related problems arising from multimorbidity. Here, Alpana Mair, Chair of the guideline group, Martin Wilson and Tobias Dreischulte explain how the third and latest edition of the polypharmacy guidance has been updated to place a greater emphasis on what matters to the patient.
Cation Mono‐ and Co‐Doped Anatase TiO2 Nanotubes: An Ab Initio Investigation of Electronic and Optical Properties
Authors: Fadlallah Mohamed M. , Eckern Ulrich
Published: August 2019

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of metal (Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) mono‐ and co‐doped anatase TiO2 nanotubes are investigated, to elucidate their potential for photocatalytic applications. It is found that Si‐doped TiO2 nanotubes are more stable than those doped with Ge, Sn, or Pb. All dopants lower the bandgap, except the (Ge, Sn) co‐doped structure, the decrease depending on the concentration and the type of dopant. Correspondingly, a redshift in the optical properties for all kinds of dopings is obtained. Even though a Pb mono‐ and co‐doped TiO2 nanotube has the lowest bandgap, these systems are not suitable for water splitting, due to the location of the conduction band edges, in contrast to Si, Ge, and Sn mono‐doped TiO2 nanotubes. On the other hand, co‐doping of TiO2 does not improve its photocatalytic properties. The findings are consistent with recent experiments, which show an enhancement of light absorption for Si‐ and Sn‐doped TiO2 nanotubes.
Effects of Dosage Increase on Electrical Properties of Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor Diodes with Mg‐Ion‐Implanted GaN Before Activation Annealing
Authors: Akazawa Masamichi , Kamoshida Ryo , Murai Shunta , Narita Tetsuo , Omori Masato , Suda Jun , Kachi Tetsu
Published: August 2019

The effect of increasing the dosage on the electrical properties of Mg‐ion‐implanted GaN before activation annealing is investigated to obtain knowledge on the defect levels generated by ion implantation. To probe the near‐surface region, GaN metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) structures with Al2O3 are used. Two kinds of MOS diodes with Mg‐ion dosages of 1.5 × 1011 and 1.5 × 1012 cm−2 implanted at 50 keV are prepared. Although anomalous capacitance–voltage (C–V) characteristics are observed for the low‐dosage sample, they are improved by annealing at 600 °C for 3 h. However, for the high‐dosage sample, more severe and persistent frequency dispersion is observed in the C–V characteristics, which is not improved by the same annealing. On the basis of the detailed analysis of capacitance–frequency (C–f) characteristics, it is concluded that the discrete interface trap at 0.2–0.3 eV below the conduction band is responsible for the frequency dispersion observed for the high‐dosage sample. Combined with the results of deep‐level transient spectroscopy, it is highly likely that the bulk deep levels affect the C–V and C–f characteristics. The possibility that the dominant deep levels are changed by the increase in Mg‐ion dosage is discussed.