bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressible lattice Boltzmann simulations on high‐performance and low‐cost GeForce GPU
Authors: Qiu Ruo‐Fan , Wang Hai‐Ning , Zhu Jian‐Feng , Chen Rong‐Qian , Zhu Cheng‐Xiang , You Yan‐Cheng
Published: May 2019

The feasibility of compressible lattice Boltzmann simulations on high‐performance and low‐cost NVIDIA GeForce GPU is studied to enhance computational efficiency of compressible lattice Boltzmann by using much cheaper computing hardware. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 GPU, which has similar single precision operation computing performance with NVIDIA scientific computational Tesla K80 GPU and much lower price (seven to ten times) than the latter, is used in this work. The problem of GeForce GPUs is with low double precision operation performance and lack of error‐correcting code memory, which will influence the accuracy of compressible lattice Boltzmann simulations. To evaluate its feasibility, the double‐distribution‐function lattice Boltzmann method is adopted for compressible fluid flows. Three typical compressible problems are tested, ie, the Riemann problem, the regular shock reflection problem, and the supersonic boundary layer problem. The results by GeForce GPU with single precision operation have numerical fluctuations in the simulations with shock waves. Moreover, GeForce GPUs have similar numerical accuracy with CPUs in the regular shock reflection problem and supersonic boundary layer problem.
Compromised account detection in online social networks: A survey
Authors: P. Velayudhan Savyan , Somasundaram Mary Saira Bhanu
Published: May 2019

Online Social Networks are an integral part of the modern society. Social networking sites are at the top rank in terms of usage out of the billions of websites hosted in the internet. The way in which criminal activities are interleaved to these networks are beyond our imagination. Securing these networks from cyber criminals and malicious attackers are a major concern nowadays. There are various security threats happening to the Online Social Network accounts, and account compromise is one among it. Account compromise can cause collateral damage to the user and to a mass community. Misusing the personal information of the users and exploiting their trust relationships within the network lead to serious problems. These compromised accounts are becoming a safe zone for criminals to launch attacks. The threats caused by these compromised accounts include spreading malware, spy advertisements, and espionage. In most cases, it becomes too late to detect that an account is compromised. Detection of these accounts is important in order to reduce the impact of damage. The detection of compromised Online Social Network account is the process of confirming whether the account used by an individual or by an organization has lost its control or not. This survey reviews the various methods that are found in the literature toward detecting compromised Online Social Network Accounts.
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of [11C]Rosuvastatin Hepatic Concentrations and Hepatobiliary Transport in Humans in the Absence and Presence of Cyclosporin A
Authors: Billington Sarah , Shoner Steven , Lee Scott , Clark‐Snustad Kindra , Pennington Matthew , Lewis David , Muzi Mark , Rene Shirley , Lee Jean , Nguyen Tot Bui , Kumar Vineet , Ishida Kazuya , Chen Laigao , Chu Xiaoyan , Lai Yurong , Salphati Laurent , Hop Cornelis E.C.A. , Xiao Guangqing , Liao Mingxiang , Unadkat Jashvant D.
Published: May 2019

Using positron emission tomography imaging, we determined the hepatic concentrations and hepatobiliary transport of [11C]rosuvastatin (RSV; i.v. injection) in the absence (n = 6) and presence (n = 4 of 6) of cyclosporin A (CsA; i.v. infusion) following a therapeutic dose of unlabeled RSV (5 mg, p.o.) in healthy human volunteers. The sinusoidal uptake, sinusoidal efflux, and biliary efflux clearance (CL; mL/minute) of [11C]RSV, estimated through compartment modeling were 1,205.6 ± 384.8, 16.2 ± 11.2, and 5.1 ± 1.8, respectively (n = 6). CsA (blood concentration: 2.77 ± 0.24 μM), an organic‐anion‐transporting polypeptide, Na+‐taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, and breast cancer resistance protein inhibitor increased [11C]RSV systemic blood exposure (45%; P < 0.05), reduced its biliary efflux CL (52%; P < 0.05) and hepatic uptake (25%; P > 0.05) but did not affect its distribution into the kidneys. CsA increased plasma concentrations of coproporphyrin I and III and total bilirubin by 297 ± 69%, 384 ± 102%, and 81 ± 39%, respectively (P < 0.05). These data can be used in the future to verify predictions of hepatic concentrations and hepatobiliary transport of RSV.
Reversible Intercalation of Multivalent Al3+ Ions into Potassium‐Rich Cryptomelane Nanowires for Aqueous Rechargeable Al‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Joseph Jickson , Nerkar Jawahar , Tang Cheng , Du Aijun , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: May 2019

The development of new battery technology that utilizes abundant electrode materials that are environmentally benign is an important area of research. To alleviate the reliance on Li‐ion batteries new energy storage mechanisms are urgently needed. To address these issues, MnO2 nanowires were investigated as a possible electrode material for use in rechargeable Al ion batteries that can operate in aqueous conditions. The use of this type of material and an aqueous electrolyte ensures safe operation as well as easy recycling of spent batteries. A potassium‐rich cryptomelane structure was presented, and a new mechanism of electrochemical energy storage was elucidated based on the intercalation and deintercalation of small‐radius Al3+ ions interchanging with larger K+ ions in the cryptomelane MnO2 nanowires, which was supported by DFT calculations. This first‐time use of a cryptomelane MnO2 cathode for an aqueous Al ion system yielded a discharge capacity of 109 mAh g−1, which indicates the potential commercial viability of rechargeable aqueous Al‐ion batteries.
Deformation ‘boundary front’ movements in subglacial tills—A microsedimentological perspective from till sequences near Pine Point, NWT, Canada
Authors: Menzies John , Paulen Roger C. , Rice Jessey M. , McClenaghan M. Beth , Oviatt Natasha M. , Dhillon Nitasha
Published: May 2019

Investigations of glacial sediment exposures in a former open pit in the Pine Point Mining District, Northwest Territories, reveal evidence of changes in stress magnitude as exhibited by the movement of deformation ‘fronts’ within subglacial tills, as evident through micromorphological analysis. Indications of deformation, driven by stress fluctuations, were observed throughout a set of vertical subglacial till samples associated with the Laurentide Ice Sheet. These tills exhibit multiple sub‐lithofacies variations in concert with marked changes in microshear orientation, which can be directly related to changing stress levels within a subglacial deforming bed. The evidence of changes in till stress conditions is typical of subglacial tills occurring beneath an active temperate ice mass within a soft deforming bed. As differing ‘layers’ of till that form a mosaic‐like pattern become immobilized and ‘detached’ subjacent to the deforming bed sediments, a signature of this action is recorded within the tills as sequences of specific microstructures. These microstructures are part of a spectrum of micro‐forms that develop as consequence of changes in stress, porewater content and clay content within the ‘fault‐gouge’—like environment formed beneath an active temperate ice sheet. A model is developed that uses data from Pit O‐28 demonstrating where deformation ‘boundary front’ evidence in the form of deformation bands has developed as basal driven stress levels have penetrated active deforming sediments. The evidence from Pine Point indicates that till acts as an excellent palaeo‐strain record of past active glacial processes, subglacial basal thermal conditions and sediment mobility.
Co‐activation of SAM and HPA responses to acute stress: A review of the literature and test of differential associations with preadolescents’ internalizing and externalizing
Authors: Wadsworth Martha E. , Broderick Amanda V. , Loughlin‐Presnal John E. , Bendezu Jason J. , Joos Celina M. , Ahlkvist Jarl A. , Perzow Sarah E. D. , McDonald Ashley
Published: May 2019

Understanding co‐activation patterns of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA) and sympathetic adrenal medullary (SAM) during early adolescence may illuminate risk for development of internalizing and externalizing problems. The present study advances empirical work on the topic by examining SAM‐HPA co‐activation during both the reactivity and recovery phases of the stress response following acute stress exposure. Fourth and fifth grade boys and girls (N = 149) provided cortisol and alpha‐amylase via saliva at seven times throughout a 95‐min assessment in which they were administered the modified Trier Social Stress Test. Parents reported on adolescents’ life stress, pubertal development, medication use, and externalizing problems. Adolescents reported their own internalizing symptoms. Multiple linear regressions tested both direct and interactive effects of SAM and HPA reactivity and recovery on internalizing and externalizing problems. Results from these analyses showed that whereas SAM and HPA reactivity interacted to predict internalizing symptoms, it was their interaction during the recovery phase that predicted externalizing. Concurrent high SAM and HPA reactivity scores predicted high levels of internalizing and concurrently low SAM and HPA recovery scores predicted high levels of externalizing. Implications of the findings for further study and clinical application are discussed.
Cellular Automata Modeling of Stem‐Cell‐Driven Development of Tissue in the Nervous System
Authors: Lehotzky Dávid , Zupanc Günther K.H.
Published: May 2019

Mathematical and computational modeling enables biologists to integrate data from observations and experiments into a theoretical framework. In this review, we describe how developmental processes associated with stem‐cell‐driven growth of tissue in both the embryonic and adult nervous system can be modeled using cellular automata (CA). A cellular automaton is defined by its discrete nature in time, space, and state. The discrete space is represented by a uniform grid or lattice containing agents that interact with other agents within their local neighborhood. This possibility of local interactions of agents makes the cellular automata approach particularly well suited for studying through modeling how complex patterns at the tissue level emerge from fundamental developmental processes (such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, and death) at the single‐cell level. As part of this review, we provide a primer for how to define biologically inspired rules governing these processes so that they can be implemented into a CA model. We then demonstrate the power of the CA approach by presenting simulations (in the form of figures and movies) based on building models of three developmental systems: the formation of the enteric nervous system through invasion by neural crest cells; the growth of normal and tumorous neurospheres induced by proliferation of adult neural stem/progenitor cells; and the neural fate specification through lateral inhibition of embryonic stem cells in the neurogenic region of Drosophila.
Safety and efficacy of antihyperglycaemic agents in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Niezen Sebastian , Diaz del Castillo Humberto , Mendez Castaner Lumen A. , Fornoni Alessia
Published: May 2019

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major contributor to the mortality and the financial burden of diabetes, accounting for approximately 50% of the cases of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in the developed world. Several studies have already demonstrated that achieving blood pressure targets in DKD with agents blocking the renin‐angiotensin system confer superior renoprotection when compared to other agents. However, the effects on renal outcomes of antihyperglycaemic agents in these patients have not been reported or studied broadly until recent years. The intent of this article is to review the available data on safety, efficacy, impact on renal outcomes and pathophysiology implications of the most utilized antihyperglycaemic agents in DKD/ESRD.
Effect of Pollution on the Quality of Olive Oils from Trees Grown Near a Phosphoric Acid Factory
Authors: Rekik Ons , Ben Mansour Amir , Jabeur Hazem , Rodriguez Gutierrez Guillermo , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: May 2019

Given the importance of olive oil as a food product worldwide and given the exposure of many productive olive orchards to many pollution sources, this work is a contribution to the clarification of atmospheric metal pollution effects on the quality of olive oil and its possible toxicity for human beings. This work is carried out on olive orchards (Olea europaea L., cv. Chemlali) situated in a polluted region close to a fertilizer factory and in a controlled, unpolluted area, managed with comparable cultivation techniques during two successive years (2015/2016 and 2016/2017). Pollution negatively affects the oxidative stability and nutritional value of olive oil, especially by decreasing the contents of antioxidant compounds and the fatty acid composition. Atmospheric metals are confirmed to have a negative effect on olive oil chemicals; oils show a disruption of their squalene, tocopherols, and triglyceride composition in comparison with control oils.

Practical Applications: This study is carried out in two olive orchards (Olea europaea L., cv. Chemlali) located in a polluted area near a fertilizer factory and in a control unpolluted site, managed with similar cultivation techniques. The aim is to investigate the physiological and biochemical responses of polluted oils (PO), exposed to atmospheric metal contamination as compared to control oils (CO). The results of this study emanate from the accidental exposure to contamination sources, such as the direct contact of olives, with an elevated polluted environment that might be made more severe by gaseous air pollutants emitted by the factory. Then, air contamination avoidance from factories should be examined together with any possible probable methodologies to decrease plant tissue contamination.

The SIAPE is the main pollution source in Sfax city. Vegetation developed around the city is continuously exposed to air pollution. Therefore, olive fruits are contaminated by the chemical pollution which affects the quality of olive oils.
Microwave‐Assisted Domino Heck Cyclization and Phosphorylation: Synthesis of Phosphorus Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Ramesh Karu , Satyanarayana Gedu
Published: May 2019

A domino [Pd]‐catalyzed intramolecular Heck cyclization followed by intermolecular phosphorylation, for the construction of phosphorus containing heterocyclic compounds, is presented. Notably, the process is accelerated by microwave heating conditions and enabled the construction of C–C and C–P bonds in short reaction times.
Synthesis of 2,3‐Dihydro‐4‐pyridones, 4‐Quinolones, and 2,3‐Dihydro‐4‐azocinones by Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Aerobic Dehydrogenation
Authors: Sevenich Adrian , Mark Paulina Sophie , Behrendt Torsten , Groß Jonathan , Opatz Till
Published: May 2019

The synthesis of 2,3‐dihydro‐4‐pyridones and 4‐quinolones was realized by visible‐light mediated photoredox‐catalyzed aerobic dehydrogenation of 4‐piperidones and 2,3‐dihydro‐4‐quinolones. This method enables the synthesis of cyclic enaminones in up to 89 % yield under mild and eco‐friendly conditions and with a high tolerance of functional groups using oxygen as an inexpensive terminal oxidant and rhodamine 6G as a readily available organic photocatalyst. The process can be extended to access 2,3‐dihydro‐4‐azocinones in up to 62 % yield via a [2+2] cycloaddition/ring‐expansion sequence in a telescoping one‐pot reaction. Hence, a protocol for the synthesis of three different types of N‐heterocycles was developed on the same general transformation.
The Influence of Different Post‐Drying Procedures on Remaining Water Content and Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huttner Fabienne , Haselrieder Wolfgang , Kwade Arno
Published: May 2019

The post‐drying of electrodes and separators for lithium‐ion batteries just before cell assembly aims at reducing the water content in the cells below a critical value. This is important as the remaining water can lead to cell degradation and thus cause a safety risk. In addition, it can impede the formation of an effective solid electrolyte interface. Nevertheless, the post‐drying of lithium‐ion battery electrodes and separators is still poorly investigated. Considering this, three different post‐drying procedures are investigated on pouch cells and compared with the non‐post‐dried state. The remaining water contents are measured via coulometric Karl Fischer Titration and correlated to the resulting electrochemical performance. Surprisingly, the most intensely post‐dried cells show the worst electrochemical performance despite reaching the lowest water content. In contrast, the mildest post‐dried cells, which show the highest water content, achieve the best electrochemical performance. Further analyses show that extreme post‐drying can cause irreparable damages within the electrode structures. Therefore, a good electrochemical performance is not only guaranteed by low remaining water content but also, in particular, by gentle post‐drying.
Rat Organic Anion Transport Protein 1A1 Interacts Directly With Organic Anion Transport Protein 1A4 Facilitating Its Maturation and Trafficking to the Hepatocyte Plasma Membrane
Authors: Wang Pijun , Wang Wen‐Jun , Choi‐Nurvitadhi Jo , Lescaille Yaniuska , Murray John W. , Wolkoff Allan W.
Published: May 2019

Organic anion transport proteins (OATPs) on the basolateral surface of hepatocytes mediate uptake of a number of drugs and endogenous compounds. Previous studies showed that rat OATP1A1 (rOATP1A1) has a postsynaptic density protein, drosophila disc large tumor suppressor, zonula occludens‐1 protein (PDZ) consensus binding motif at its C‐terminus and binds to PDZ domain containing 1 (PDZK1), which is required for its cell‐surface localization. PDZK1 associates with rOATP1A1‐containing endocytic vesicles within cells, mediating recruitment of motor proteins required for microtubule‐based trafficking to the plasma membrane. rOATP1A4 also traffics to the plasma membrane, although it lacks a PDZ binding consensus sequence. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that trafficking of rOATP1A4 to the plasma membrane requires its direct interaction with rOATP1A1 resulting in a complex that traffics through the cell in common subcellular vesicles in which the cytosolic tail of rOATP1A1 is bound to PDZK1. We found that 74% of rOATP1A4‐containing rat liver endocytic vesicles (n = 12,044) also contained rOATP1A1. Studies in transfected HEK293 cells showed surface localization of rOATP1A1 only when coexpressed with PDZK1 whereas rOATP1A4 required coexpression with rOATP1A1 and PDZK1. Studies in stably transfected HeLa cells that constitutively expressed PDZK1 showed that coexpression of rOATP1A4 with rOATP1A1 resulted in more rapid appearance of rOATP1A4 on the plasma membrane and faster maturation to its fully glycosylated form. Similar results were observed on immunofluorescence analysis of single cells. Immunoprecipitation of rat liver or transfected HeLa cell lysates with rOATP1A1 antibody specifically co‐immunoprecipitated rOATP1A4 as determined by western blotting. Conclusion: These studies indicate that optimal rOATP1A4 trafficking to the cell surface is dependent upon coexpression and interaction with rOATP1A1. As rOATP1A1 binds to the chaperone protein, PDZK1, rOATP1A4 functionally hitchhikes through the cell with this complex.
Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Regulates Hepatic Bile Acid Synthesis in Mice
Authors: Hoogerland Joanne A. , Lei Yu , Wolters Justina C. , de Boer Jan Freark , Bos Trijnie , Bleeker Aycha , Mulder Niels L. , van Dijk Theo H. , Kuivenhoven Jan A. , Rajas Fabienne , Mithieux Gilles , Haeusler Rebecca A. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Bloks Vincent W. , Kuipers Folkert , Oosterveer Maaike H.
Published: May 2019

It is well established that, besides facilitating lipid absorption, bile acids act as signaling molecules that modulate glucose and lipid metabolism. Bile acid metabolism, in turn, is controlled by several nutrient‐sensitive transcription factors. Altered intrahepatic glucose signaling in type 2 diabetes associates with perturbed bile acid synthesis. We aimed to characterize the regulatory role of the primary intracellular metabolite of glucose, glucose‐6‐phosphate (G6P), on bile acid metabolism. Hepatic gene expression patterns and bile acid composition were analyzed in mice that accumulate G6P in the liver, that is, liver‐specific glucose‐6‐phosphatase knockout (L‐G6pc−/−
) mice, and mice treated with a pharmacological inhibitor of the G6P transporter. Hepatic G6P accumulation induces sterol 12α‐hydroxylase (Cyp8b1) expression, which is mediated by the major glucose‐sensitive transcription factor, carbohydrate response element‐binding protein (ChREBP). Activation of the G6P‐ChREBP‐CYP8B1 axis increases the relative abundance of cholic‐acid–derived bile acids and induces physiologically relevant shifts in bile composition. The G6P‐ChREBP–dependent change in bile acid hydrophobicity associates with elevated plasma campesterol/cholesterol ratio and reduced fecal neutral sterol loss, compatible with enhanced intestinal cholesterol absorption. Conclusion: We report that G6P, the primary intracellular metabolite of glucose, controls hepatic bile acid synthesis. Our work identifies hepatic G6P‐ChREBP‐CYP8B1 signaling as a regulatory axis in control of bile acid and cholesterol metabolism.
Serum exosomal microRNAs as novel biomarkers for multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐yao , Li Yan‐chen , Geng Chuan‐ying , Zhou Hui‐xing , Gao Wen , Chen Wen‐ming
Published: May 2019

Accumulating studies have focused on circulating microRNAs, which might be potential biomarkers for different malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of serum exosomal microRNAs to be novel serum biomarkers for smouldering myeloma (SMM) or even multiple myeloma (MM). The levels of serum exosomal microRNAs and serum circulating microRNAs were measured in healthy individuals and patients with SMM (n = 20) or MM (n = 20). Serum exosomal microRNAs and serum circulating microRNAs were extracted from serum, and the expression levels of selected microRNAs were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The levels of serum exosome‐derived miR‐20a‐5p, miR‐103a‐3p, and miR‐4505 were significantly different among patients with MM, patients with SMM, and healthy individuals, while there were differences in the levels of let‐7c‐5p, miR‐185‐5p, and miR‐4741 in patients with MM relative to those in SMM patients or healthy controls. Additionally, a significant correlation was rarely found between the levels of serum and exosomal microRNAs. This study shows that serum exosomal microRNAs can be used independently as novel serum biomarkers for MM.
Extramammary Paget's disease of the glans penis secondary to urethral recurrence of bladder carcinoma after radical cystectomy: A case report
Authors: Nishikawa Ryoma , Honda Masashi , Masago Toshihiko , Morizane Shuichi , Hikita Katsuya , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva secondary to urothelial carcinoma is rare. It is important to determine whether extramammary Paget's disease is primary or secondary, because the appropriate treatment strategies differ. We report a case of penile extramammary Paget's disease secondary to urothelial carcinoma recurrence.

Case presentation

A 75‐year‐old man who was diagnosed with bladder carcinoma and received urethra‐sparing radical cystectomy 5 years ago presented with erythema and red spots in the glans penis. Immunostaining (cytokeratin 7 and cytokeratin 20) of skin biopsy specimens suggested a secondary extramammary Paget's disease that originated from the urothelial carcinoma. Under urethroscopy, urethral recurrence was also suspected. A total penectomy was performed, and a final diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma recurrence and secondary extramammary Paget's disease of the glans penis were established.

Conclusion

Using immunostaining, the differential diagnosis between primary and secondary extramammary Paget's disease is more accurate. Secondary extramammary Paget's disease should be considered when a skin lesion is present on the penis of patients with urothelial carcinoma.
Bimodal recognition of affective states with the features inspired from human visual and auditory perception system
Authors: Selvaraj Arivazhagan , Russel Newlin Shebiah
Published: May 2019

In this article, attention‐based mechanism with the enhancement on biologically inspired network for emotion recognition is proposed. Existing bio‐inspired models use multiscale and multiorientation architecture to gain discriminative power and to extract meticulous visual features. Prevailing HMAX model represents S2 layers by randomly selected prototype patches from training samples that increase the computational complexity and degrade the discerning ability. As eyes and mouth regions are the most powerful and reliable cues in determining facial emotions, they serve as the prototype patches for S2 layer in HMAX model. Audio code 4 book is constructed from mel‐frequency cepstral coefficients, temporal and spectral features processed by principal component analysis. Audio and video data features are fused to train support vector machine classifier. The attained results on eNTERFACE, surrey audio‐visual expressed emotion and acted facial expressions in the wild database datasets ascertain the efficiency of the proposed architecture for emotion recognition.
Fuzzy relevance vector machine based classification of lung nodules in computed tomography images
Authors: Sathiya Thanikachalam , Sathiyabhama Balasubramaniam
Published: May 2019

Lung cancer is a critical disease with growing death rate, hence, the faster identification and treatment of lung cancer is essential. In medical image processing, the traditional methods like support vector machine, relevance vector machine for classifying cancer tissues are less sensitive to false data and required optimal improvement in classification accuracy. The proposed system of accurate lung cancer classification is obtained by a hybrid fuzzy relevance vector machine (FRVM) classifier with correlation negation ant colony optimization (CNACO) algorithm. This system provides enhanced accuracy and sensitivity by implementing two stages of feature extraction, image thresholding, and tumor segmentation, with a novel feature selection and tumor classification algorithm. The best features are selected by the proposed CNACO algorithm. The selected features are labeled and classified by FRVM classifier. The proposed classification scheme is validated on lung image database consortium and image database resource initiative public database and obtained accuracy of about 98.75%.
In situ diode laser fenestration: An ex‐vivo evaluation of irradiation effects on human aortic tissue
Authors: Piazza Roberta , Micheletti Filippo , Condino Sara , Magni Giada , Berchiolli Raffaella N. , De Simone Paolo , Ferrari Vincenzo , Ferrari Mauro , Pini Roberto , Rossi Francesca
Published: May 2019

The in situ laser fenestration is an interesting option for the endovascular treatment of short‐necked aneurysms with an intraoperative modification of a standard endograft. According to literature evidence, diode laser emitting in the near‐infrared wavelength (810 nm) can be successfully used to fenestrate the endograft fabric. This paper describes a three‐dimensional navigation system for the accurate targeting of the fenestration site, then reports results of an ex vivo study to assess whether the laser operative conditions, which ensure the fabric fenestration, are harmless for the biological tissue surrounding the endoprosthesis. Two hundred twenty‐five samples of human aorta, including healthy specimens and abdominal aortic aneurysm samples, were irradiated ex vivo using a 810 nm diode laser. Energy and pulse duration were varied. Irradiated tissues were fixed in formaldehyde, sectioned and subjected to histological examination. Only 7.5% of the irradiated samples exhibited a thermal damage, which was always confined to the contact point between the laser fiber tip and the aortic wall. These experiments suggest that the diode laser can be safely used for the proposed surgical application.
Optical flow sensor for continuous invasive measurement of blood flow velocity
Authors: Ruiz‐Vargas Albert , Morris Scott A. , Hartley Richard H. , Arkwright John W.
Published: May 2019

Continuous monitoring of intrapulse measurement of blood flow in humans is currently not achievable with clinically available instruments. In this paper, we demonstrate a method of measuring the instantaneous variations in flow during pulsatile blood flow with an optical flow sensor comprising a fiber Bragg grating sensor and illumination from a 565 nm Light‐Emitting‐Diode. The LED illumination heats the blood and fluctuations in temperature, due to variations in flow, are detected by the fiber sensor. A set of experiments at different flow rates (20 to 900 mL/min) are performed in a simulated cardiac circulation setup with pulsatile flow. Data are compared with an in‐line time of flight ultrasound flow sensor. Our results show that the optical and ultrasonic signals correlate with Pearson coefficients ranging from −0.83 to −0.98, dependent on the pulsatile frequency. Average flow determined by ultrasound and the optical fiber sensor showed a parabolic relationship with R2 = 0.99. An abrupt step change in flow induced by occlusion and release of the circuit tubing demonstrated that the optical fiber and ultrasound sensor had similar response. The method described is capable of intrapulse blood flow measurement under pulsatile flow conditions, with potential applications in medicine where continuous blood flow sensing is desired.
IL‐1RA suppresses esophageal cancer cell growth by blocking IL‐1α
Authors: Chen Sui , Shen Zhimin , Liu Zhun , Gao Lei , Han Ziyang , Yu Shaobin , Kang Mingqiang
Published: May 2019

Background

Interleukin‐1 promotes tumor angiogenesis through VEGF production. The interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist can suppress tumors by blocking this effect.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry, WB, and gene sequencing were used to analyze the expression of IL‐1RA in esophageal cancer patients. WB was used to detect the expression of IL‐1RA and interleukin‐1α in esophageal cancer cells. Stable ESCC cell models overexpressing the IL‐1RA were constructed. Their cell functions were tested, and their effects on VEGF were examined.

Results

IL‐1RA is downregulated in primary EC tumors, and this downregulation of IL‐1RA is closely related to TNM staging and survival prognosis. The overexpression of IL‐1RA increased the proliferation of KYSE410 EC cells, which have a high level of IL‐1α expression. Overexpression of IL‐1RA in KYSE410 cells promotes a decrease in the expression of VEGF‐A. However, IL‐1RA expression did not cause any changes in EC9706 cells with low IL‐1α expression.

Conclusion

IL‐1RA acts as a tumor suppressor, and its deletion promotes tumor progression by increasing VEGF‐A expression in ESCC.
LncRNA FAM83H‐AS1 induces nucleus pulposus cell growth via targeting the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Rong , Chen Yuxuan , Zhao Zheyuan , Gu Qiuhan , Wu Junlong
Published: May 2019

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) represents a new group of transcripts which act a critical role in various biological and pathological processes. Growing evidence suggested that a new lncRNA, FAM83H‐AS1, played important roles in several cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of FAM83H‐AS1‐regulating functions in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) have yet to be explained. Thus study examined the role of lncRNA FAM83H‐AS1 in progression of IDD. First, we proved that expression level of FAM83H‐AS1 was expressed in nondegenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) tissues and degenerative NP samples. Moreover, we studied the expression level of FAM83H‐AS1 relationship of the clinical disc degeneration grade. Our data suggested that FAM83H‐AS1 expression was downregulated in normal NP samples compared with in the degenerated NP samples. FAM83H‐AS1 expression was positively correlated with degree of disc degeneration grade. The expression of FAM83H‐AS1 was positively correlated with scores of Pfirrmann grade. FAM83H‐AS1 expression was increased by IL‐1β and TNF‐αtreatment in NP cells. Ectopic expression of FAM83H‐AS1 induced cell growth and modulated extracellular matrix (ECM) expression in the NP cell. Elevated expression of FAM83H‐AS1 promoted Notch1 and Hes1 expression in NP cells. Furthermore, FAM83H‐AS1 induced NP cell growth and modulated ECM expression through targeting Notch 1. To conclude, dysregulated expression of FAM83H‐AS1 played a crucial role in progression of IDD.
Upregulation of microRNA‐7 contributes to inhibition of the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells through the inhibition of IGF1R
Authors: Zhang Zuojun , Zhao Ming , Wang Guojie
Published: May 2019

We aim to uncover the methylation of microRNA‐7 (miR‐7) promoter in osteosarcoma (OS) and the inner mechanism of miR‐7 on the progression of OS cells. Expression and methylation state of miR‐7 in OS tissues and cells were detected. With the aim to unearth the ability of miR‐7 in OS, the proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, invasion, migration of OS cells, and the tumor growth in nude mice were determined. Meanwhile, IGF1R expression was detected and the association between miR‐7 and IGF1R was confirmed. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was tested by immunohistochemical staining, and the lung metastasis was observed by H&E staining. miR‐7 expression was decreased and methylation state of miR‐7 was increased in OS tissues and cells. Upregulated miR‐7 inhibited proliferation, cell cycle progression, invasion,and migration, while inducing apoptosis of OS cells and the tumor growth as well as PCNA expression in nude mice. Expression of IGF1R was downregulated in OS cells with overexpression of miR‐7. Experiments verified the binding site between miR‐7 and IGF1R. Our study demonstrates that abnormal methylation of miR‐7 contributes to decreased miR‐7 in OS. In addition, miR‐7 represses the initiation and progression of OS cells through the inhibition of IGF1R.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor, AR‐42, exerts antitumor effects by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in Y79 cells
Authors: Duan Sujuan , Gong Xiaona , Liu Xing , Cui Wenwen , Chen Kaddie , Mao Longbing , Jun Sun , Zhou Ruihao , Sang Yi , Huang Guofu
Published: May 2019

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common type of intraocular malignant tumor that occurs in childhood. AR‐42, a member of a newly discovered class of phenylbutyrate‐derived histone deacetylase inhibitors, exerts antitumor effects on many cancers. In the present study, we initially evaluated the effect of AR‐42 towards RB cells and explored the underlying mechanism in this disease. Our results found that AR‐42 showed powerful antitumor effects at low micromolar concentrations by inhibiting cell viability, blocking cell cycle, stimulating apoptosis in vitro, and suppressing RB growth in a mouse subcutaneous tumor xenograft model. Furthermore, the AKT/nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathway was disrupted in Y79 cells treated with AR‐42. In conclusion, we propose that AR‐42 might be a promising drug treatment for RB.
Role of nuclear factor‐κB pathway in the transition of mouse secondary follicles to antral follicles
Authors: Xu Jun‐Jie , Wang Guang , Luo Xin , Wang Li‐Jing , Bao Yongping , Yang Xuesong
Published: May 2019

Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling is involved in regulating a great number of normal and abnormal cellular events. However, little is known about its role in ovarian follicular development. In this study, we found NF‐κB signaling is activated during the transition from secondary to antral follicles. We generated active NF‐κB mice and found that antral follicular numbers were higher than wild‐type ovaries. Activation of NF‐κB signaling could enhance granulosa cell proliferation and regress granulosa cell apoptosis of mouse ovarian follicles. Higher follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor expressions were observed in active NF‐κB ovaries compared to wild type. Furthermore, we confirmed that NF‐κB signaling was indeed involved in the granulosa cell viability and proliferation through FSHR using COV434 cell line. This is the first experimental evidence that NF‐κB signaling is implicated in the control of follicular development through FSHR and its corresponding target molecules, which might be achieved by targeting proliferation and apoptosis in follicular granulosa cells.
New emerging roles of CD133 in cancer stem cell: Signaling pathway and miRNA regulation
Authors: Aghajani Marjan , Mansoori Behzad , Mohammadi Ali , Asadzadeh Zahra , Baradaran Behzad
Published: May 2019

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are rare immortal cells within a tumor that are able to initiate tumor progression, development, and resistance. Advances studies show that, like normal stem cells, CSCs can be both self‐renewed and given rise to many cell types, therefore form tumors. A number of cell surface markers, such as CD44, CD24, and CD133 are frequently used to identify CSCs. CD133, a transmembrane glycoprotein, either alone or in collaboration with other markers, has been mainly considered to identify CSCs from different solid tumors. However, the exactness of CD133 as a cancer stem cell biomarker has not been approved yet. The clinical importance of CD133 is as a CSC marker in many cancers. Also, it contributes to shorter survival, tumor progression, and tumor recurrence. The expression of CD133 is controlled by many extracellular or intracellular factors, such as tumor microenvironment, epigenetic factors, signaling pathways, and miRNAs. In this study, it was attempted to determine: 1) CD133 function; 2) the role of CD133 in cancer; 3) CD133 regulation; 4) the therapeutic role of CD133 in cancers.
Fucosylated umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell expansion on selectin‐coated scaffolds
Authors: Islami Maryam , Payandeh Zahra , Dalir Abdolahinia Elaheh , Saburi Ehsan , Soleimanifar Fatemeh , Kehtari Mousa , Mortazavi Yousef , Nadri Samad , Darvish Maryam
Published: May 2019

Despite the advantages of transplantation of umbilical cord blood's (UCB's) hematopoietic stem cells (uHSCs) for hematologic malignancy treatment, there are two major challenges in using them: (a) Insufficient amount of uHSCs in a UCB unit; (b) a defect in uHSCs homing to bone marrow (BM) due to loose binding of their surface glycan ligands to BM's endothelium selectin receptors. To overcome these limitations, after poly l‐lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold establishment and incubation of uHSCs with fucosyltransferase‐VI and GDP‐fucose, ex vivo expansion of these cells on selectin‐coated scaffold was done. The characteristics of the cultured fucosylated and nonfucosylated cells on a two‐dimensional culture system, PLLA, and a selectin‐coated scaffold were evaluated by flow cytometry, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, colony‐forming unit (CFU) assay, and CXCR4 expression at the messenger RNA and protein levels. According to the findings of this study, optimized attachment to the scaffold in scanning electron microscopy micrograph, maximum count of CFU, and the highest 570 nm absorption were observed in fucosylated cells expanded on selectin‐coated scaffolds. Furthermore, real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed the highest expression of the CXCR4 gene, and immunocytochemistry data confirmed that the CXCR4 protein was functional in this group compared with the other groups. Considered together, the results showed that selectin‐coated scaffold could be a supportive structure for fucosylated uHSC expansion and homing by nanotopography. Fucosylated cells placed on the selectin‐coated scaffold serve as a basal surface for cell–cell interaction and more homing potential of uHSCs. Accordingly, this procedure can also be considered as a promising technique for the hematological disorder treatment and tissue engineering applications.
Retracted: Green tea polyphenols attenuate LPS‐induced inflammation through upregulating microRNA‐9 in murine chondrogenic ATDC5 cells
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Wang Yongkun , Zhang Mingran , Ying Hongliang
Published: May 2019

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA), a universal chronic musculoskeletal disorder, is closely related to inflammation. More effective drugs for improving OA outcome are definitely needed. Herein, we attempted to verify the protective role of green tea polyphenols (GTP) after treatment with murine in ATDC5 cells to reveal the regulatory mechanism.

Methods

ATDC5 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic an inflammatory response during OA. Cell activity, apoptosis, levels of relative proteins, and prophlogistic factors were tested via a Cell Counting Kit‐8 experiment, a flow cytometry experiment, western blot, and RT‐qPCR (ELISA and Western blot), separately. miR‐9 level was detected by RT‐qPCR and altered via miR‐9 mimic and inhibitor transfection. We finally studied MAPK and NF‐κB pathways in GTP‐related modulations using western blot.

Results

LPS caused inflammatory cell damage in ATDC5 cells, showing decreased cell activity, enhanced apoptosis, and increased levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. GTP pretreatments could significantly attenuate LPS‐induced alterations. In addition, LPS‐induced miR‐9 upregulation was further positively regulated in ATDC5 cells. The effects of GTP pretreatments in LPS‐caused ATDC5 cells were enhanced via miR‐9 upregulation, whereas they were reduced via miR‐9 suppression. Finally, we found that GTP pretreatments could suppress the MAPK and NF‐κB pathways through miR‐9 regulation.

Conclusion

GTP pretreatments attenuated LPS‐induced inflammatory response accompanied by the suppression of the MAPK and NF‐κB pathways via positively regulating miR‐9 in ATDC5 cells.
Dynamics of elastin in liver fibrosis: Accumulates late during progression and degrades slowly in regression
Authors: Chen Wei , Yan Xuzhen , Xu Anjian , Sun Yameng , Wang Bingqiong , Huang Tao , Wang Huan , Cong Min , Wang Ping , Yang Aiting , Jia Jidong , You Hong
Published: May 2019

Elastin is an amorphous protein highly resistant to elastase degradation and is believed to be the most stable component among the extracellular matrix (ECM) members. Thus the excessive deposition of elastin in advanced liver fibrosis may contribute to the declining reversibility of the disease. Our previous study has found that elastin crosslinking inhibition can effectively arrest liver fibrosis progression. To further understand the roles of elastin involved in liver fibrosis, we systematically investigated the expression, accumulation, and degradation based on dynamic and bidirectional CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis mouse models and visualized the ultrastructure of elastin globules in cultured LX‐2 cells. We found that the expression pattern of tropoelastin (soluble elastin) and collagen I was not completely comparable at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels during liver fibrosis progression and regression. Elastin mainly accumulated onto the internodular fibrous septa and enlarged portal areas and intertwined with collagen I at the late stage of liver fibrosis. Three‐dimensional analysis of elastin and collagen I by confocal immunofluorescence coupled with biochemical analyses revealed that with respect to collagen, elastin deposition was characterized by late aggregation in progression and slow turnover in regression. In addition, we visualized the dynamic ultrastructure of ECM fibers during liver fibrogenesis and fibrolysis and the ultrastructure of elastin globules self‐aggregated by tropoelastin crosslinking. Our current study established new general hallmarks of elastin levels and forms in progressive and regressive liver fibrosis and provided a foundation for further experimental investigation of the growing role of elastin in liver fibrosis regression.
A new concept for total components conversion of lignocellulosic biomass: a promising direction for clean and sustainable production in its bio‐refinery
Authors: Huang Chao , Guo Hai‐Jun , Zhang Hai‐Rong , Xiong Lian , Li Hai‐Long , Chen Xin‐De
Published: May 2019

Nowadays, biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass by the classical route including hydrolysis, fermentation, and separation has attracted much attention for its great potential to solve the crisis of resources and energy around the world. Generally, three types of wastes (solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes) will be generated during this chemical process which limit its industrialization and bring some environmental issues. Efficient conversion of these components to high value‐added products can increase the profits of bio‐refinery and reduce the generation of wastes. In the article, a new concept for total components conversion of lignocellulosic biomass is introduced. This concept uses ABE (acetone–butanol–ethanol) production from lignocellulosic biomass, one of the most attractive technologies in bio‐refinery, as the platform of conversion. In this platform, the residue of hydrolysis, end gas of fermentation, and downstream wastewater of fermentation can be converted into high value‐added products such as polyols, mix‐alcohols, bio‐products, etc. Different from traditional total components conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, this concept is a process of ‘simultaneous separation and conversion’, and it can be applied in many actual practices and therefore can promote the industrialization of bio‐refinery. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
MRI evaluation of the placenta from normal variants to abnormalities of implantation and malignancies
Authors: Zaghal Arwa A. , Hussain Hero K. , Berjawi Ghina A.
Published: May 2019

Even though the placenta has been known for millennia, it is still considered one of the most complex and least understood human organs. Imaging of the placenta is gaining attention due to its impact on fetal and maternal outcomes. MRI plays a vital role in evaluation of inconclusive cases by ultrasonography. It enables precise mapping of placental abnormalities for proper multidisciplinary planning and management. In this article we provide a comprehensive in‐depth review of the role of antenatal MR in evaluating "The Placenta." We will describe the protocols and techniques used for MRI of the placenta, review anatomy of the placenta, describe MRI features of major placental abnormalities including those related to position, depth of implantation, hemorrhage, gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, and retained products of conception and discuss the added value of MRI in the management and preoperative planning of such abnormalities.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1702–1717.