bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the barrier character of poly(caprolactone): Transport properties and free volume of immiscible blends
Authors: Eceolaza Sorkunde , Sangroniz Ainara , del Río Javier , Iriarte Marian , Etxeberria Agustin
Published: May 2019

In this work, the barrier character of poly(caprolactone) is improved with the addition of a poly(hydroxy amino ether). The analysis by means of thermal, thermomechanical, and morphology characterization reveals that the blends are partially miscible. The characterization of the morphology has revealed that the blends show a droplet matrix morphology. The free volume of the samples has been characterized by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy observing a decrease in the free volume as the poly(hydroxyamino ether) (PHAE) content increases. The barrier character to water vapor and carbon dioxide is greatly improved with the addition of PHAE. However, the observed improvement does not arise only from the reduced free volume, playing the interactions between penetrants and polymers a major role. Overall, this work aims to provide a further insight on the factors affecting the improvement of the barrier character of biodegradable polymers, which would allow developing new materials for packaging applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48018.
Effect of carbon nanotubes on the biodegradability of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) nanocomposites
Authors: da Silva Ana Paula , do Amaral Montanheiro Thaís Larissa , Stieven Montagna Larissa , Andrade Patrícia Fernanda , Durán Nelson , Lemes Ana Paula
Published: May 2019

In this work, the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNT) on the biodegradability of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nanocomposites with 1 and 2% (w/w) of CNT has been evaluated by biodegradation assays in aqueous medium containing microorganisms extracted from garden soil. After biodegradation process, samples of PHBV and PHBV/CNT were compared regarding magnitude of degradation by visual macroscopic analysis, by measurement of percentage of weight loss and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The samples were further characterized regarding roughness and hydrophilicity by contact angle measurement. The final residue resultant from biodegradation of PHBV/CNT was analyzed in a FEI Inspect F50 field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) in order to verify the presence of CNT. Our results indicated that CNT did not compromise the biodegradability of PHBV matrix although the biodegradation rate has decreased with the increase of CNT content as shown by the weight loss measurements. SEM analysis of PHBV/CNT nanocomposites after biodegradation process showed increased amount of CNT exposed at the matrix surface suggesting the possibility of CNT recovering after the biodegradation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48020.
A simple, rapid and fully validated HPLC method for simultaneous quantitative bio‐analysis of rosuvastatin and candesartan in rat plasma: Application to pharmacokinetic interaction study
Authors: Patel Misari , Kothari Charmy
Published: May 2019

A simple, precise and accurate HPLC method was developed, optimized and validated for simultaneous determination of rosuvastatin and candesartan in rat plasma using atorvastatin as an internal standard. Solid‐phase extraction was used for sample cleanup and its subsequent optimization was carried out to achieve higher extraction efficiency and to eliminate matrix effect. A quality by design approach was used, wherein three‐level factorial design was applied for optimization of mobile phase composition and for assessing the effect of pH of the mobile phase using Design Expert Software. Adequate separation for both analytes was achieved with a Waters C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using acetonitrile–5 mm sodium acetate buffer (70:30, v/v; pH adjusted to 3.5 with acetic acid) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and wavelength of 254 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges 5–150 and 10–300 ng/mL for rosuvastatin (ROS) and candesartan (CAN), respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in Wistar rats and the data did not reveal any evidence for a potential drug–drug interaction between ROS and CAN. This information provides evidence for clinical rational use of ROS and CAN.
Characterization of transcriptome profile and clinical features of a novel immunotherapy target CD204 in diffuse glioma
Authors: Yuan Yongliang , Zhao Qitai , Zhao Songfeng , Zhang Penghua , Zhao Haibiao , Li Zeyun , Du Yue , Tian Xin , Lu Jingli
Published: May 2019

CD204 is a specific marker of tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in glioma. However, the expression levels of CD204 and its involvement in glioma are not fully understood. In this large‐scale study, we assessed the expression and function of CD204 in whole‐grade glioma molecularly and clinically. In total, 1323 glioma samples, including 301 microarray data and 325 RNA‐seq data from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) dataset and 697 RNA‐seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, were utilized. The statistical analysis and graphical work were mainly performed using the R software. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that CD204 was an independent prognosticator in glioma patients. CD204 expression was positively correlated with the grade of malignancy. CD204 was consistently upregulated in wild‐type isocitrate dehydrogenase glioma and highly expressed in mesenchymal glioblastoma. Gene ontology of CD204‐related genes showed that CD204 was most enriched in inflammatory response and immune response. It was associated with the stromal and immune populations, especially the monocytic lineage, fibroblasts, and T cells. Circos plots revealed that CD204 was closely associated with many immune checkpoint regulators, especially TIM‐3. CD204 expression is consistent with the malignant phenotype of glioma and independently predicts poor outcomes in glioma patients. Additionally, CD204+ TAMs, collaborating with other checkpoint members, may contribute to the dysfunction of T cells. These findings suggest that CD204 may be a promising target for glioma immunotherapy.
Data‐driven retrieval of spray details with random forest‐based distance
Authors: Peng Chen , Zhao Zipeng , Li Chen , Wang Changbo , Qin Hong , Quan Hongyan
Published: May 2019

Generating realistic spray details in liquid simulations remains computationally expensive. This paper proposes a data‐driven method to simulate high‐resolution sprays on low‐resolution grids by retrieving details with the most compatible details from a precomputed repository efficiently. We first employ a random forest‐based distance (RFD) to measure the similarity of liquid regions. In consideration of spatiotemporal relationships between one liquid region and its neighbors, we define a multinary label for RFD instead of the original binary one. Our improved RFD enables us to retrieve details that fit ground truth the best. To ensure temporal continuity of our result and to generate new details from existing ones, we formulate a series of forests with a training set from different time steps. Then, we synthesize results of each forest according to their distances. Finally, we put the synthesis result in correct positions to generate desired sprays motion. In our method, a state‐of‐the‐art cascade forest is employed for a higher accuracy. Several experiments with various grid resolutions validate our method both in visual effect and computational cost.
Change in textural properties, starch digestibility, and aroma of nonfried instant noodles by substitution of konjac glucomannan
Authors: Park Eun Young , Kim Hyo Yeong , Shin Hye‐Young , Jeon Young‐Il , Kim Jae‐Min , Kim Semiga , Kim Jong‐Yea
Published: May 2019

Background and objectives

The physicochemical properties, starch digestibility, and aroma profile of nonfried instant noodles with various glucomannan contents (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) were investigated to evaluate the effects of glucomannan on overall quality.

Findings

The substitution of glucomannan did not induce significant changes in the cooking properties (such as cooking loss and rehydration) and microstructure of the nonfried instant noodles relative to those of the control. The springiness, gumminess, tensile strength, and adhesiveness of the cooked noodles were not significantly changed by the substitution of glucomannan, while the hardness of cooked noodles decreased from 2,726 to 1,850 g as the level of glucomannan increased. For in vitro starch digestive properties, the resistant starch content of noodles increased from 1.61% to 4.57% as the level of glucomannan increased. Electronic nose analysis revealed that the substitution of glucomannan altered the aroma profile of nonfried instant noodle compared with that of the control and commercial konjac noodles.

Conclusions

The substitution of glucomannan influenced texture (especially, hardness), aroma, and starch digestibility of nonfried instant noodles.

Significance and novelty

The substitution of glucomannan in nonfried instant noodles can be effective approach to improve the textural properties and health‐promoting benefit of nonfried instant noodles.
Predictable Catalysis of Electron‐Rich Palladium Catalyst toward Aldehydes Hydrogenation
Authors: Wang Tao , Xu Yida , Yang Jie , Ju Xuehai , Ding Weiping , Zhu Yan
Published: May 2019

The catalytic properties of palladium can be purposely tailored through adjusting its electronic states by the interactions with supports. The palladium nanoparticles supported on N‐doped carbon matrix are characterized explicitly as electron‐enriched states via the charge transfer from the support to the metal. The electron‐enriched Pd catalyst shows enhanced activity for catalytic reduction of aldehydes with electron‐withdrawing groups, whereas it is detrimental to the hydrogenation of aldehydes with electron‐donating groups.
1,1′‐Binaphthyl Consisting of Two Donor–π–Acceptor Subunits: A General Skeleton for Temperature‐Dependent Dual Fluorescence
Authors: Liu Di‐Hong , Sun Zuo‐Bang , Zhao Zheng‐Hua , Peng Qian , Zhao Cui‐Hua
Published: May 2019

Temperature‐dependent dual fluorescence with the anti‐Kasha's rule is of great interest, but is a very challenging property to achieve in small organic molecules. The highly sensitive temperature‐dependent dual fluorescence of 2,2′‐bis(dimethylamino)‐6,6′‐bis(dimesitylboryl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (BNMe2‐BNaph), which essentially consists of two donor–π–acceptor (D‐π‐A) subunits, inspired the exploration of the importance of its structural features and the general utility of this molecular design. The reference compound MBNMe2‐BNaph, which lacks one electron‐accepting Mes2B, is found to show less sensitive temperature‐dependent dual fluorescence, suggesting that the structure of BNMe2‐Bnaph, consisting of two symmetrical D‐π‐A subunits, is very important for achieving highly sensitive temperature‐dependent dual fluorescence. In addition, it is found that another two 1,1′‐binaphthyls, CHONMe2‐BNaph and CNNMe2‐BNaph, which also consist of two D‐π‐A subunits with Mes2B groups replaced by CHO and CN, respectively, also show temperature‐dependent dual fluorescence, with the fluorescence changing in a similar manner to BNMe2‐BNaph, indicating the general utility of the current molecular design for temperature‐dependent dual fluorescence. Furthermore, the temperature‐dependent dual fluorescence behaviors, such as the relative intensities of the two emission bands, the separation of the two emissions bands, and the sensitivity of the fluorescence intensity ratio to temperature, are greatly influence by the electron acceptors.
Retracted: A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness‐based stress reduction for insomnia secondary to cervical cancer: Effects on sleep
Authors: Zhang Huashuang , Li Yang , Li Mingming , Chen Xiaowen
Published: May 2019

Retraction: ‘A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness‐based stress reduction for insomnia secondary to cervical cancer: Effects on sleep’ DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/cnr2.1190 by Huashuang Zhang, Yang Li, Mingming Li, Xiaowen Chen.

The above article, published online on 29 May 2019 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, Huashuang Zhang, Yang Li, Mingming Li, Xiaowen Chen, the journal Editor in Chief Nidhi Bansal, and John Wiley and Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed because of an honest error discovered by the authors in the data presented in Table 4 that impacts the overall conclusions of the article.
Immunophenotypic Heterogeneity of Polytypic Plasma Cells and the Impact on Myeloma Minimal Residual Disease Detection by Multiparameter Flow Cytometry
Authors: Schouweiler Katie E. , Karandikar Nitin J. , Holman Carol J.
Published: May 2019

Background

Flow cytometry is widely used for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in plasma cell myeloma (PCM). Recently, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that polytypic plasma cells (PPCs) display greater immunophenotypic variation than previously appreciated. Our aim was to further characterize the immunophenotype of PPC in this setting.

Methods

PPC in 102 bone marrow specimens (93 MRD‐negative post‐treatment PCM and 9 negative initial evaluations for plasma cell neoplasm) were evaluated by 10‐color flow cytometry. Frequency of CD19, CD27, CD28, CD56, CD117, and CD138 expression was assessed.

Results

All cases showed CD27 and CD19 positivity. CD117 was uniformly negative. Percentage of CD138 expression was variable with one negative case (<20% expression). Percentage of CD28 and CD56 expression was variable and included 11 CD28+ cases as well as 38 CD56+ cases. Forty‐two percent (43 of 102) cases showed atypical expression of at least one marker with 36 cases (35%) showing atypical expression of a single marker and 7 cases (7%) showing dual atypical marker expression (CD56+/CD28+).

Conclusions

Considerable immunophenotypic variation exists in PPC. The assessment of cytoplasmic light chain distribution, in conjunction with surface marker expression, is recommended to avoid diagnostic inaccuracy in MRD evaluation. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Local adaptation does not lead to genome‐wide differentiation in lava flow lizards
Authors: Krohn Alexander R. , Diepeveen Eveline T. , Bi Ke , Rosenblum Erica Bree
Published: May 2019

Adaptation can occur with or without genome‐wide differentiation. If adaptive loci are linked to traits involved in reproductive isolation, genome‐wide divergence is likely, and speciation is possible. However, adaptation can also lead to phenotypic differentiation without genome‐wide divergence if levels of ongoing gene flow are high. Here, we use the replicated occurrence of melanism in lava flow lizards to assess the relationship between local adaptation and genome‐wide differentiation. We compare patterns of phenotypic and genomic divergence among lava flow and nonlava populations for three lizard species and three lava flows in the Chihuahuan Desert. We find that local phenotypic adaptation (melanism) is not typically accompanied by genome‐wide differentiation. Specifically, lava populations do not generally exhibit greater divergence from nonlava populations than expected by geography alone, regardless of whether the lava formation is 5,000 or 760,000 years old. We also infer that gene flow between lava and nonlava populations is ongoing in all lava populations surveyed. Recent work in the isolation by environment and ecological speciation literature suggests that environmentally driven genome‐wide differentiation is common in nature. However, local adaptation may often simply be local adaptation rather than an early stage of ecological speciation.
Determination of chlorine species by capillary electrophoresis – mass spectrometry
Authors: Gaspar Attila , Pesti Anna , Szabo Maria , Kecskemeti Adam
Published: May 2019

The applicability of CZE with mass spectrometric detection for the determination of four chlorine species, namely chloride and three stable chlorine oxyanions, was studied. The main aspects of the proper selection of BGE and sheath liquid for the CE‐MS determinations of anions with high mobility were demonstrated, pointing out the importance of pH and the mobility of the anion in the BGE. The possibility of using uncoated fused silica capillary and common electrolytes for the separation was shown and the advantage of using extra pressure at the inlet capillary end was also presented. The linear range was found to be 1–100 µg/mL for ClO3− and ClO4−, 5–500 µg/mL for ClO2−, and 25–500 µg/mL for Cl−, but the sensitivity can be greatly improved if larger sample volume is injected and electrostacking effect is utilized. The LOD for ClO3− in drinking water was 6 ng/mL, when very large sample volume was injected (10 000 mbar·s was applied).
On the joint design of compressed sensing and network coding for wireless communications
Authors: Taghouti Maroua , Waurick Tobias , Tömösközi Máté , Chorppath Anil K. , Fitzek Frank H. P.
Published: May 2019

Compressed sensing and network coding techniques have seen a widespread interest in many disciplines during the last decade. Recently, a novel idea emerged for the combination of these areas in wireless communications to leverage the benefits from network coding while taking advantage of the correlations in the (sensory) data. The potential gains, such as lower latency for large‐scale sensing scenarios, reduced energy consumption, and a decrease in the amount of data during transmissions, are alluring to many use‐cases. However, a common issue one faces when joining both techniques is encountered in the fact that network coding is designed to operate over finite fields, whereas compressed sensing is mainly concerned with real numbers. This paper studies the impact of compressed sensing on network coding to enable one step decoding for the reconstruction of compressed data. We emphasize and discuss the design of the sensing and coding matrices, as well as the algorithms that enable accurate reconstructions. We employ the KL1p compressed sensing library and the NS3 simulator to evaluate this joint design. Our simulations show that using normalized coefficient matrices drawn from Gaussian distributions has higher efficiency and scalability including, but not limited to, multi‐hop networks, where the recoding feature of network coding can be exploited. Furthermore, the Subspace Pursuit algorithm outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art reconstruction algorithms, with respect to the reconstruction signal‐to‐noise ratio, by more than two folds compared to the other benchmark algorithms in cluster‐based Wireless Sensor Networks, where recoding using real network codes are involved.
Macrocyclic Amphiphiles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zheng Zhe , Geng Wen‐Chao , Xu Zhe , Guo Dong‐Sheng
Published: May 2019

Nanoparticles are the most crucial part of nanomedicine and various kinds of nanoparticles have been developed for drug delivery. As a new kind of nanoparticles, macrocyclic amphiphiles are gaining more and more attention in the field of nanomedicine due to their intrinsic features of molecular recognition and robust assembly. In this review, we summarized the reported works of drug delivery using macrocyclic amphiphiles, including cyclodextrin, calixarene, cucurbituril and pillararene species. These macrocyclic amphiphiles, serving as a new matrix of nanomedicine, can enhance drug solubility, improve drug stability, selectively deliver drugs to disease both in vitro and in vivo.
Interstitial copper‐doped edge contact for n‐type carrier transport in black phosphorus
Authors: Lin Ziyuan , Wang Jingli , Guo Xuyun , Chen Jiewei , Xu Chao , Liu Mingqiang , Liu Bilu , Zhu Ye , Chai Yang
Published: May 2019

Black phosphorus (BP) has been shown as a promising two‐dimensional (2D) material for electronic devices owing to its high carrier mobility. To realize complementary electronic circuits with 2D materials, it is important to fabricate both n‐type and p‐type transistors with the same channel material. By engineering the contact region with copper (Cu)‐doped BP, here we demonstrate an n‐type carrier transport in BP field‐effect transistors (FETs), which usually exhibit strongly p‐type characteristics. Cu metal atoms are found to severely penetrate into the BP flakes, which forms interstitial Cu (Cuint)‐doped edge contact and facilitates the electron transport in BP. Our BP FETs in back‐gated configuration exhibit n‐type dominant characteristics with a high electron mobility of ~ 138 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature. The Schottky barrier height for electrons is relatively low because of the edge contact between Cuint‐doped BP and pristine BP channel. The contact doping of BP by highly mobile Cu atoms gives rise to n‐type transport property of BP FETs. Furthermore, we demonstrate a p‐n junction on the same BP flake with asymmetric contact. This strategy on contact engineering can be further extended to other 2D materials.
Estrogen receptor alpha activates MAPK signaling pathway to promote the development of endometrial cancer
Authors: Liu Ai , Zhang Dan , Yang Xiufen , Song Ying
Published: May 2019

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system in the world. For most of the treated patients, although the survival rate is improved, most patients still have a poor prognosis. The pathogenesis of EC has always been a strong scientific focus, but there is no clear conclusion. Therefore, in view of modularization, this study is to conduct an in‐depth analysis on the effects of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) regarding EC. The purpose is to identify the molecular course of EC. We obtained 10 co‐expression modules, in which ANO2, EMP3, and other genes are significantly differentially expressed in patients with EC. Additionally, there are active regulatory effects in dysfunction modules, thus genes such as ANO2 and EMP3 would be identified as key genes, which are associated with the development of EC. Enrichment results showed that the module genes were significantly involved in RNA splicing, covalent chromatin modification, histone modification, and organelle fission, and other biological processes, as well as significantly regulated mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway, Endocytosis, Rap1 signaling pathway, and viral carcinogenesis, and other signaling pathways. Finally, we identified noncoding RNA pivot including FENDRR, miR‐520c‐3p. Besides, transcription factors pivot including NFKB1, E2F1, and RELA which significantly regulate dysfunction module genes. Overall, our work deciphered a co‐expression network involving differential gene regulation in ERα‐associated EC. It helps reveal the core modules and potential regulatory factors of the diseases and enhances our understanding of the pathogenesis. More importantly, we revealed that ERα activates the MAPK signaling pathway to promote the development of EC. It helps to provide a new reference for later research.
Prognostic significance of peripheral blood‐derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with digestive cancer
Authors: Liu Fangteng , Luo Hongliang , Zhu Zhengming , Zhu Peiqian , Huang Jun
Published: May 2019

Accumulating studies reported the clinical value of derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) regarding the prediction of survival outcomes in digestive cancers, however, the prognostic significances of dNLR in these cancers were inconsistent. This study was carried out to clarify the relationship between circulating dNLR and prognosis in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Eligible publications were collected and extracted by searching Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to November 21, 2018. The prognostic impact of dNLR in subjects with GI cancers was assessed with the overall hazard ratios (HRs). A total of 26 studies with up to 13,945 participants were recruited. Our findings showed that peripheral blood dNLR before treatment could be a useful prognostic predictor in digestive cancers, an elevated dNLR indicated a shorter overall survival (OS) in GI tumors (HR, 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51). Furthermore, its significant prognostic value for OS was also confirmed in subgroup analyses stratified by disease type, publication year, type of research, detection method, geographic location, cut‐off value, treatment, analysis type, follow‐up time and disease stage. In addition, high dNLR was significantly associated with worse cancer‐specific survival (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.04–1.47) and inferior event‐free survival (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11–1.33) in patients with digestive cancers. Our study showed elevated peripheral blood dNLR may indicate unfavorable outcomes in digestive cancer.
miR‐186 modulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and mobility via targeting MCRS1‐mediated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Wang Huiling , Ou Jinrui , Jian Zhixiang , Ou Yingliang
Published: May 2019

Previous studies have revealed that miR‐186 is involved in the pathogenesis of many malignancies. However, the role of miR‐186 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) carcinogenesis and its detailed mechanism are poorly understood. This study was to investigate the function of miR‐186 in modulating HCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion. We found that miR‐186 was decreased in HCC tissues and cell lines. Loss‐of‐function experiments showed that reduction of miR‐186 dramatically enhanced tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Besides, miR‐186 also participated in the modulation of the cell cycle. In addition, luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analysis showed that MCRS1 was a novel target of miR‐186 in HCC cells. Notably, upregulation of miR‐186 suppressed the nuclear β‐catenin accumulation and blocked the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in HCC cells. Forced MCRS1 expression abrogated the inhibitory effect of miR‐186 on cell growth, metastasis and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in HCC cells. Our findings may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of HCC and miR‐186/ MCRS1 might function as new therapeutic targets for HCC.
MiR‐199a‐3p inhibition facilitates cardiomyocyte differentiation of embryonic stem cell through promotion of MEF2C
Authors: Chen Hong‐Ping , Wen Jing , Tan Si‐Rui , Kang Lu‐Mei , Zhu Gao‐Chun
Published: May 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) is a small molecule (19–25 nucleotide) noncoding RNA that inhibits the expression of target messenger RNA (mRNA) at the posttranscriptional level as an endogenous regulator. There is an increasing evidence that miR‐199a‐3p has a significant effect on the development of multiple tumors. However, the specific roles of miR‐199a‐3p in myocardial differentiation of embryonic stem cell still need to be investigated. Method of the hanging drop was used to build the model of cardiomyocyte differentiation of stem cell and beating rate of embryoid bodies (EBs) was calculated. The levels of intracellular MEF2C, a‐MHC, GATA4, Nkx2.5, and cTnT mRNA were measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while the expressions of miR‐199a‐3p were detected simultaneously. Protein levels of MEF2C, a‐MHC, GATA4, Nkx2.5, and cTnT were quantified by western blot analysis. Immunoreactivities of MEF2C and cTnT were analyzed by immunofluorescence. The interaction between miR‐199a‐3p and its predicted target (3′‐untranslated region of MEF2C mRNA) was verified by luciferase assay. MiR‐199a‐3p levels increased during cardiogenesis. MiR‐199a‐3p inhibitor increased the beating rate of EBs and promoted expressions of cardiac‐specific markers (GATA4, Nkx2.5, cTnT, and a‐MHC). Notably, miR‐199a‐3p inhibition brought upregulation of MEF2C, which is the target of miR‐199a‐3p that we predicted and verified experimentally. In addition, MEF2C siRNA decreased miR‐199a‐3p inhibitor promoted EBs beating and attenuated miR‐199a‐3p inhibitor‐induced cTnT and MEF2C expressions. The results above showed that MEF2C was involved in the process of promoting the differentiation of stem cells into cardiac myocytes by miR‐199a‐3p inhibitors.
NAMPT regulates PKM2 nuclear location through 14‐3‐3ζ: Conferring resistance to tamoxifen in breast cancer
Authors: Ge Xin , Zhao Yang , Dong Lingling , Seng Jingjing , Zhang Xiangyu , Dou Dongwei
Published: May 2019

The resistance against tamoxifen therapy has become one of the major obstacles in the clinical treatment of breast cancer. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is an essential enzyme catalyzing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis and is important for tumor metabolism. The study here sought to explore the effect of NAMPT on breast cancer survival with tamoxifen conditioning. We found that NAMPT was highly expressed in breast cancer cells compared with normal mammary epithelial cells. Inhibition of NAMPT by FK866 inhibited cell viability and aggravated apoptosis in cancer cells treated with 4‐hydroxytamoxifen. NAMPT overexpression upregulated 14‐3‐3ζ expression. Knockdown of 14‐3‐3ζ reduced cell survival and promoted apoptosis. Activation of Akt signaling, rather than ERK1/2 pathway, is responsible for 14‐3‐3ζ regulation by NAMPT overexpression. Furthermore, NAMPT overexpression led to PKM2 accumulation in the cell nucleus and could be dampened by 14‐3‐3ζ inhibition. In addition, NAMPT overexpression promoted xenografted tumor growth and apoptosis in nude mice, while 14‐3‐3ζ inhibition attenuated its effect. Collectively, our data demonstrate that NAMPT contributes to tamoxifen resistance through regulation of 14‐3‐3ζ expression and PKM2 translocation.
Ultrastructure of spermiogenesis and the distribution of spermatozoal nuclear histones in the Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria (Crustacea: Stomatopoda)
Authors: Chen Tingrong , Sun Zhe , Mu Shumei , Jiang Lingling , Li Chao , Li Lu , Guo Mingshen , Zhang Zhaohui , Kang Xianjiang
Published: May 2019

The Japanese mantis shrimp Oratosquilla oratoria (Stomatopoda; Crustacea) is one of the most economically important aquatic species of Pacific shrimp and it is distributed from Japan to the coast of China, the Philippines, the Malay Peninsula, and the Hawaiian Islands. Early studies described certain characteristics of spermatogenesis and the sperm ultrastructure in Stomatopoda, but the composition of sperm basic nuclear proteins (SBNPs) remains completely unknown. We studied the sperm ultrastructure of O. oratoria using transmission electron microscopy and the histone composition using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. We found that the spherical nucleus is adjacent to the electron translucent external coat, which occurs in early spermatids. The acrosomal structure begins to form at the junction of the nucleus and the external coat. At the mid‐spermatid stage, part of the chromatin appears to be more electron‐dense than the external coat side. The aflagellate sperm of O. oratoria, are rounded or slightly ovoid in shape and have a consistent granular nucleus, an acrosome structure of pushpin shape and a spherical vesicular body in which faintly granular material is scattered. The acrosome consists of an acrosomal vesicle, perforatorium, and subacrosomal material. The sperm contains histones H2A, H2B, H3, H4, H3.3, H2AX, and H2AZ as well as some histone modifications, that is, H3K9me3, H3K4me2, H3S10ph, H4Kac, and H2A + H4S1ph. Histones are localized not only in the nucleus of the sperm but also in other structures outside the nucleus. The results may provide new perspectives for systematic studies of crustaceans and their sperm chromatin components. These findings extend the study of the sperm structure of Stomatopoda and provide basic data to elucidate the epigenetic mechanism of fertilization.
Feasibility of using half‐dose Gd‐BOPTA for delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) at the knee, compared with standard‐dose Gd‐DTPA
Authors: Rehnitz Christoph , Do Thuy , Klaan Bastian , Burkholder Iris , Barié Alexander , Wuennemann Felix , Kauczor Hans‐Ulrich , Weber Marc‐André
Published: May 2019

Background

We sought to replace full‐dose Gd‐DTPA with safer and lower‐dose contrast agents for delayed gadolinium‐enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC). Gd‐BOPTA has a lower intrinsic nephrogenic systemic fibrosis risk and a 2‐fold higher relaxivity at 3T; thus, the contrast agent dose may be halved, further reducing contrast agent‐dependent risks.

Purpose

To compare the feasibility of using half‐dose, high‐relaxivity Gd‐BOPTA vs. standard‐dose Gd‐DTPA for dGEMRIC.

Study Type

Prospective observational study.

Subjects

Eleven healthy volunteers (five women, mean age 25.7 years) and 10 patients with knee pain (three women, mean age 36.7 years; nine with chondromalacia).

Field Strength/Sequences

3D T1‐weighted volumetric breath‐hold examination (VIBE) sequence at 3T.

Assessment

Knee dGEMRIC was performed twice, first using 0.1 mmol/kg Gd‐BOPTA and 4 weeks later using 0.2 mmol/kg Gd‐DTPA. Contrast penetration was studied using pre‐ and 60–120‐min postcontrast imaging in volunteers and pre‐ and 90‐min postcontrast imaging in patients. Femoral cartilage lesions were assessed using modified whole‐organ MRI scores. Healthy cartilage and partial‐thickness lesions were compared using region‐of‐interest analyses by independent readers.

Statistical Tests

Linear mixed‐effect‐models, area under receiver‐operating‐characteristic curve (AUC) analysis, intraclass correlation (ICC).

Results

In healthy volunteers, Gd‐BOPTA and Gd‐DTPA T1‐values did not differ significantly at any timepoint (P = 0.164–0.995). In patients, Gd‐BOPTA T1‐values (743.33 ± 72.015 msec) were higher than Gd‐DTPA T1‐values (681.24 ± 67.635 msec, P = 0.030). Gd‐BOPTA and Gd‐DTPA detected chondromalacia areas equally well, with significantly lower T1‐values than in healthy cartilage (P < 0.001) and nonsignificantly different AUCs (0.92 and 0.96, P = 0.27). The absolute decrease in T1‐values between healthy and pathological cartilage was similar (Gd‐BOPTA: 149.59 msec; Gd‐DTPA: 149.44 msec, P = 0.99). ICCs were 0.83–0.98 for Gd‐BOPTA and 0.80–0.98 for Gd‐DTPA.

Data Conclusion

Gd‐BOPTA might be used at half the Gd‐DTPA dose in dGEMRIC, with similar contrast penetration and T1‐values in healthy cartilage and noninferior detection of cartilage damage.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:144–154.
Incorporation of a theme‐based research model into a pharmacy department research program
Authors: Welch Susan , Johns Rachelle , Nicholls Gary , Bennett Glenn , Kettle Emily , Duong Minh‐Tu , Finckh Andrew , Berry Melinda , Woods Nikki , Branch Judy , Tong Winnie , Duffy Martin
Published: May 2019

In Australian hospital pharmacy departments, research programs are growing. Research is encouraged to be part of standard practice by many Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) Standards of Practice documents and, in 2017, the SHPA National Translational Research Collaborative was implemented. Traditionally, the postgraduate research degree format is one of a theme‐based research model. Theme‐based research has been implemented in the Pharmacy Department of St Vincent's Hospital (Sydney) and a body of work has been produced. To illustrate this process, our work in the area of anaphylaxis and allergy in the emergency department over 10 years is described. This model has also been implemented for other target areas with success. It is a model that could be implemented at other sites to promote a collaborative research culture in a pharmacy department and build a body of work in a targeted area.
Corrosion behavior of anodized AA‐6060 depending on the anodizing bath aging
Authors: Schneider Michael , Kremmer Kerstin
Published: May 2019

The present work is concerned with the corrosion behavior of anodized AA‐6060 in chloride containing solutions. The anodic layers were produced with identical anodizing parameters but in an anodizing bath at different stages of bath aging or the time of use, respectively. The bath aging was monitored by the conductivity and was related to the consumed charge. The oxide layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/electron dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X‐ray fluorescence analysis. The corrosion behavior was characterized by a combination of electrochemical measurements (linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) and corrosion tests (droplet and salt spray tests). It is shown in this paper that the kinetics of oxide formation, as well as the oxide composition, changes with ongoing bath aging. The corrosion protection of the anodic layers strictly depends on the time of use of the anodizing bath and decreases continuously with ongoing bath aging.
Impact of Weight Loss Strategies on Obesity‐Induced DNA Damage
Authors: Setayesh Tahereh , Mišík Miroslav , Langie Sabine A. S. , Godschalk Roger , Waldherr Monika , Bauer Thomas , Leitner Sabine , Bichler Christoph , Prager Gerhard , Krupitza Georg , Haslberger Alexander , Knasmüller Siegfried
Published: May 2019

Scope

Obesity causes DNA damage, which is causally related to several disorders including cancer, infertility, and cognitive dysfunctions. The aim of this study is to investigate whether weight loss improves the integrity of the genetic material.

Methods and Results

Overweight mice are fed ad libitum either with a Western diet (WD), with a 40% caloric restricted WD, or with a high carbohydrate low protein (HCLP) diet. Caloric restriction and also the HCLP diet lead to ca. 30% weight loss, which is paralleled by decreased DNA damage (“comet” formation) and oxidative damage of purines in inner organs, additionally the activity of nucleotide excision repair increased. The effects are more pronounced in animals that have received the HCLP chow. Results of biochemical analyses indicate that the reduction of DNA damage is associated with a decrease of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and lower insulin levels.

Conclusion

The study indicates that weight loss may prevent obesity‐associated adverse health effects due to reduction of overall DNA damage.
Modulation of Intestinal Epithelial Glycocalyx Development by Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Non‐Digestible Carbohydrates
Authors: Kong Chunli , Elderman Marlies , Cheng Lianghui , de Haan Bart J. , Nauta Arjen , de Vos Paul
Published: May 2019

Scope

The epithelial glycocalyx development is of great importance for microbial colonization. Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOs) and non‐digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) may modulate glycocalyx development.

Methods and results

The effects of hMOs and NDCs on human gut epithelial cells (Caco2) are investigated by quantifying thickness and area coverage of adsorbed albumin, heparan sulfate (HS), and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the glycocalyx. Effects of hMOs (2′‐FL and 3‐FL) and NDCs [inulins with degrees of polymerization (DP) (DP3‐DP10, DP10‐DP60, DP30‐DP60) and pectins with degrees of methylation (DM) (DM7, DM55, DM69)] are tested using immunofluorescence staining at 1 and 5 days stimulation. HMOs show a significant enhancing effect on glycocalyx development but effects are structure‐dependent. 3‐FL induces a stronger albumin adsorption and increases HS and HA stronger than 2′‐FL. The DP3‐DP10, DP30‐60 inulins also increase glycocalyx development in a structure‐dependent manner as DP3‐DP10 selectively increases HS, while DP30‐DP60 specifically increases HA. Pectins have less effects, and only increase albumin adsorption.

Conclusion

Here, it is shown that 2′‐FL and 3‐FL and inulins stimulate glycocalyx development in a structure‐dependent fashion. This may contribute to formulation of effective hMO and NDC formulations in infant formulas to support microbial colonization and gut barrier function.
Increase of cortisol levels after temperature stress activates dmrt1a causing female‐to‐male sex reversal and reduced germ cell number in medaka
Authors: Adolfi Mateus Contar , Fischer Peter , Herpin Amaury , Regensburger Martina , Kikuchi Mariko , Tanaka Minoru , Schartl Manfred
Published: May 2019

In vertebrates, there is accumulating evidence that environmental factors as triggers for sex determination and genetic sex determination are not two opposing alternatives but that a continuum of mechanisms bridge those extremes. One prominent example is the model fish species Oryzias latipes which has a stable XX/XY genetic sex determination system, but still responds to environmental cues, where high temperatures lead to female‐to‐male sex reversal. However, the mechanisms behind are still unknown. We show that high temperatures increase primordial germ cells (PGC) numbers before they reach the genital ridge, which, in turn, regulates the germ cell proliferation. Complete ablation of PGCs led to XX males with germ cell less testis, whereas experimentally increased PGC numbers did not reverse XY genotypes to female. For the underlying molecular mechanism, we provide support for the explanation that activation of the dmrt1a gene by cortisol during early development of XX embryos enables this autosomal gene to take over the role of the male determining Y‐chromosomal dmrt1bY.
Assessing Acoustic Tagging Effects on Survival, Growth, and Swimming Ability of Juvenile Lake Sturgeon
Authors: McCabe M. M. , Chiotti J. A. , Boase J. C. , Fisk A. T. , Pitcher T. E.
Published: May 2019

Acoustic telemetry is used to quantify fish movement, ecology, and habitat use and can contribute to assessing the success of species supplementation. In this field, a better understanding of the effects of tag burden (or the impact of an acoustic telemetry tag, which is related to the ratio of tag weight to body weight) is critical to ensure postrelease monitoring. Research on the effects of acoustic tag burden on imperiled fishes at different ontogenic stages, such as juvenile Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens, is limited. Our study provides key information for the selection of the largest acoustic tag with the greatest battery life possible (taking into account tag burden) to monitor the release success and movements of juvenile Lake Sturgeon stocked for reintroduction. We characterized tag burden effects by examining survival, TL, weight, Fulton's condition factor, and swim performance of individuals. We examined four groups of fish: control (anesthetized and no acoustic tag inserted; n = 24), sham control (anesthetized with incision sutured but no acoustic tag inserted; n = 24), Vemco V8 acoustic tag (2.0 g in air; n = 24), and Vemco V9 tag (4.4 g in air; n = 24). Acoustic tags were inserted into anesthetized fish, and the incision was sutured; tag burden (mean ± SE) ranged from 2.2 ± 0.06% to 4.6 ± 0.10% of total body weight. Results showed that the two tag burden treatments had no significant effects on growth or survival (compared to both control groups) across a 114-d study period and that critical swim speed at 12–20 d postsurgery was not significantly impacted by increasing tag burden. Because neither of the acoustic tag sizes had significant deleterious effects on the metrics studied, we recommend using a larger V9 tag (i.e., the most powerful tag with the longest battery life) for postrelease monitoring of reintroduced juvenile Lake Sturgeon.
The effects of weight loss and metformin on cognition among breast cancer survivors: Evidence from the Reach for Health study
Authors: Hartman Sheri J. , Nelson Sandahl H. , Marinac Catherine R. , Natarajan Loki , Parker Barbara A. , Patterson Ruth E.
Published: May 2019

Objective

Breast cancer survivors experience problems with cognition that interfere with daily life and can last for years. In the general population, obesity and diabetes are risk factors for cognitive decline, and weight loss can improve cognition; however, the impact of intentional weight loss on cancer survivors' cognition has not been tested. We investigated the impact of weight loss and metformin on changes in cognitive function in a sample of breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Overweight/obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (n = 333) were randomized to a weight loss intervention versus control and metformin versus placebo in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Outcomes were changes in five cognitive domains from baseline to 6 months measured by objective neurocognitive tests.

Results

There were no statistically significant intervention effects for the metformin or weight loss interventions in five neurocognitive domains. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was a significant effect modifier of the changes in verbal functioning for the weight loss (P = 0.009) and metformin interventions (P = 0.0125). These effect modifications were independent of percent weight loss achieved during the 6‐month study period.

Conclusions

This randomized controlled trial of weight loss and metformin interventions that examined changes to cognition among breast cancer survivors suggests that these interventions may not improve cognitive functioning among breast cancer survivors in general. However, weight loss may improve verbal functioning among individuals with a higher BMI.
Facile Synthesis of Porous‐Carbon Nanoarchitectures as Advanced and Durable Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Yongzhuang , Zeng Siqi , Zhou Lijun , Huang Xiaolin , Zeng Yinxiang , Zheng Dezhou , Xu Wei , Lu Xihong
Published: May 2019

Carbon nanomaterials with remarkable capacitance are highly notable. Although electronic double‐layer capacitors exhibit high power density, their low energy density blocks the practical utility of these carbon materials. Herein, a type of porous‐carbon nanoarchitecture with significant capacitive performance is successfully synthesized using a ZnO template and KOH activation. Benefiting from its excellent conductivity, ultrahigh surface area, and porous architecture, the as‐prepared porous carbon delivers a high capacitance of 245.4 mF cm−2 at a current density of 2 mA cm−2 with impressive rate performance. Moreover, it shows superior cycling durability with more than 99% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles. A cost‐effective, eco‐friendly, and promising strategy is proposed for the large‐scale preparation of porous‐carbon nanomaterial electrodes.
Epitaxial Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Films on Mo Back Contact for Solar Cells
Authors: Ando Yuta , Khatri Ishwor , Matsumori Hironori , Sugiyama Mutsumi , Nakada Tokio
Published: May 2019

Single crystal Mo thin films are successfully grown on single‐crystal sapphire {0001} substrates using a newly developed two‐step sputtering method. Cu(In1‐x,Gax)Se2 (CIGS) thin films are then epitaxially grown on the Mo thin films by three‐stage co‐evaporation. Following that, a CdS buffer layer is deposited on the epitaxial (epi)‐CIGS thin films by a chemical bath deposition (CBD) method, leading to the overall epitaxial relations such as CdS{111}//CIGS{112}//MoSe2{0001}//Mo{110}//sapphire {0001}. The Cd‐diffusion into the CIGS occurs to approximately 30 nm from the CIGS/CdS interface boundary together with depleted Cu at the CIGS surface region. This suggests that Cd diffuses through Cu vacancies in the intra‐grain rather than at the grain boundaries. Two distinct solar cells are fabricated using epi‐ and polycrystalline (poly)‐CIGS thin films deposited on sapphire substrates in the same deposition run. The open‐circuit‐voltage (VOC) of epi‐CIGS solar cell is found to be higher than poly‐CIGS solar cell. The net carrier concentration (NCV) derived from the capacitance‐voltage (C‐V) measurements of epi‐CIGS solar cell is 3.5 times higher than poly‐CIGS solar cell, suggesting one of the causes of higher VOC. This large difference in the NCV is discussed based on the results of low‐temperature photoluminescence measurements.