bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between negative expression of pepsinogen C and a series of phenotypic markers of gastric cancer in different gastric diseases
Authors: Jiang Jingyi , Shen Shixuan , Dong Nannan , Liu Jingwei , Xu Qian , Sun Liping , Yuan Yuan
Published: July 2018

Gastric tumorigenesis is a multistep process initiated by chronic superficial gastritis (SG), followed by atrophic gastritis (AG), then intestinal metaplasia (IM), and finally by dysplasia and adenocarcinoma according to the Correa model. Pepsinogen C (PGC) decreases gradually during progression of cancer, which makes PGC an ideal negative marker for GC. To explore the correlation between PGC and other positive tumor markers in different gastric diseases, we observed the expression of PGC, MG7‐Ag, MMP9, NM23, Ki‐67, and E‐cadherin by immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT‐PCR, and immunoblot analysis. Our results showed that in SG, PGC was highly expressed while malignant phenotype markers were rarely expressed. In contrast with SG, malignant phenotype markers were highly expressed while the positive rate of PGC reached only 1.44% in GC. So there was no coexpression of PGC and malignant phenotype markers in SG or GC tissues. Only in the AG group, which is well‐known to be gastric precancerous disease, coexpression of PGC and malignant phenotype markers was detected. Our results suggested that the expression of PGC in AG was negatively correlated with that of MG7‐Ag and MMP9. Of all AG, those with low expression of PGC and high expression of MG7‐Ag and MMP9 may possess a greater potential of malignant transformation. Combined detection of negative marker PGC and positive markers MG7‐Ag and MMP9 could be used as a potential follow‐up panel for monitoring dynamical progression of AG and improving the detection efficiency of high‐risk individuals of gastric cancer, and then taking necessary interventions on the target population.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, an unusual cause of early‐onset neonatal sepsis and necrotizing pneumonia
Authors: Apilánez Urquiola Miren Alicia , Sardón Prado Olaia , Korta Murua Javier , Corcuera Elosegui Paula , Cortajarena Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2018

Key Clinical Message

Vertically transmitted sepsis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae has a low incidence, and vaginal colonization among pregnant women is exceptional. Necrotizing pneumonia is uncommon in immunocompetent term neonates, and the prognosis is uncertain. At present, systematic screening does not seem warranted in pregnant women. Therefore, aggressive treatment of neonates remains the best treatment.
Enhancement of Carbon Oxides Hydrogenation on Iron‐Based Nanoparticles by In‐Situ Water Removal
Authors: Bordet Alexis , Asensio Juan Manuel , Soulantica Katerina , Chaudret Bruno
Published: July 2018

The carbidization of Fe(0) nanoparticles (NPs) under syngas (CO/H2) produces crystalline Fe2.2C iron carbide NPs (ICNPs) displaying excellent hyperthermia properties, however, this transformation is significantly delayed by the concomitant water formation. Consequently, very long carbidization times (∼140 h) are needed to obtain ICNPs with high specific absorption rate. In this paper, we show that the rate of the carbidization process can be greatly enhanced by the in‐situ removal of water using activated molecular sieves. As a result, ICNPs displaying very high heating power were obtained after only 40 h. Using this strategy, CO was successfully replaced by CO2 as a carbon source in the carbidization process, resulting in the efficient conversion of Fe(0) NPs to ICNPs at relatively low temperature (230 °C). Without water removal, carbidization did not occur under these conditions, and the Fe(0) NPs were clearly oxidized. In addition, this approach was successfully applied to displace the equilibrium of CO2 hydrogenation and accelerate the rate of the magnetically induced hydrogenation of CO2 on ICNPs. Interestingly, the in‐situ water removal had also a strong influence on the product distribution and especially the chain growth process, leading to a higher selectivity towards the formation of C3H8 (∼11 %).
Group cognitive–behavioural treatment with long‐term follow‐up and targeting self‐identity for hoarding disorder: An open trial
Authors: O'Connor Kieron , Bodryzlova Yuliya , Audet Jean‐Sébastien , Koszegi Natalia , Bergeron Karine , Guitard Annik
Published: July 2018

Background

Group cognitive–behavioural therapy (G‐CBT) for hoarding disorder (HD) may be an intervention of choice, considering its efficacy, low costs, and impact on comorbid anxiety and depression. But although G‐CBT and modifications of G‐CBT have been applied, none has assessed G‐CBT efficacy at follow‐up. In the current open‐label pilot study, we tested the efficacy of G‐CBT at posttreatment and 6‐month follow‐up and whether the inclusion of targeted reasoning and self‐identity components added to G‐CBT efficacy.

Methods

Participants (n = 16) with the HD according to the DSM‐5 criteria without major comorbid conditions and not requiring immediate medical intervention were retained. The intervention included a 20‐week G‐CBT with the inclusion of modules on reasoning and self‐identity.

Results

Very large/large effect sizes, depending on the outcome measure, were observed at posttreatment. Also, HD severity decreased from posttreatment to 6‐month follow‐up. All participants showed reliable change from pretreatment to follow‐up.

Conclusions

The results emphasize the efficacy of G‐CBT with additional targeted reasoning and self‐components.
Deceptive ecological status of urban streams and rivers—evidence from diatom indices
Authors: Szczepocka Ewelina , Nowicka‐Krawczyk Paulina , Kruk Andrzej
Published: July 2018

Urbanization directly affects the ecological status of streams and rivers: Their beds and drainage basins are often heavily transformed and their habitat conditions disturbed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the extent of human impact in streams in the city of Łódź, Central Poland (~700,000 inhabitants), by pattern recognition analysis of benthic diatom assemblage samples using a Kohonen artificial neural network, principal component analysis, and indicator species analysis. The study also determined the ecological status of the streams using five diatom indices: Multimetric Diatom Index, Specific Pollution Sensitivity Index, Generic Diatom Index, Biological Diatom Index, and Trophic Diatom Index. The samples demonstrated considerable variation in ecological status. Examples of poor and bad ecological status were observed, clearly resulting from strong human pressure; however, good status and moderate status were also recorded, both at natural sites and, unexpectedly, those which were severely transformed, whose beds were covered with concrete and which were located downstream from combined sewer overflows. Such sites demonstrated high water conductivity of up to 1440 μS/cm, but this was accompanied by other more favorable conditions: The water flowed from upstream stretches enclosed in downtown underground canals with a fast current, low water temperature, and high average concentration of dissolved oxygen (approximately 10 mg/dm3). These conditions had a mitigating effect, shaping the diatom assemblages to a specific form with the highest species richness and the highest number of indicator taxa observed in the study. In summary, the hydromorphological transformation of streambeds may result in seemingly good ecological status at heavily degraded sites. Therefore, conclusions based on diatom‐based biomonitoring of urban streams and rivers should be drawn with caution.
Coordination Chemistry of the Tris(pentafluoroethyl)stannate(II) Anion, [Sn(C2F5)3]–
Authors: Klösener Johannes , Wiesemann Markus , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: July 2018

In this contribution the syntheses of transition metal complexes of the electron‐withdrawing Sn(C2F5)3 ligand are presented. The reaction of HSn(C2F5)3 with organometallics LnM–R (M = Zn, W, Mo; R = Et, Me; L = CO, Cp), metal carbonyls [Ni(CO)4], and [{Fe(CO)2Cp}2], as well as chloro complexes such as [TiCl2Cp2], furnished the corresponding stannylated compounds. The electron‐deficient Sn(C2F5)3 ligand significantly influences the IR spectroscopic and structural features with respect to related non‐fluorinated stannyl complexes.
Mono‐ and Polyazatriphenylene‐Based Ligands: An Updated Library of Synthetic Strategies (2001–2018)
Authors: Santra Sougata , Khasanov Albert F. , Mukherjee Anindita , Rahman Matiur , Kovalev Igor S. , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath , Chupakhin Oleg N. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: July 2018

This review surveys the most useful strategies for the synthesis of azatriphenylenes. Azatriphenylene derivatives are of considerable interest due to their promising photophysical and coordinating properties and to their presence in the composition of natural products. These scaffolds have shown ability as photoluminescent chemosensors for organic anions and nitroaromatic compounds. The straight‐forward construction of an azatriphenylene moiety from the easily available chemicals is desirable due to its tremendous use in the various branches of chemistry and material sciences. These target compounds can also be used as components of (metallo)intercalators (insertors) for biological studies as well as photoluminescent emitters. Here we report a review on the synthesis of these scaffolds employing different strategies such as cyclocondensation reaction, Friedel–Crafts reaction, Westphal condensation reaction, Chichibabin‐type condensation reaction, coupling reaction, intermolecular homocoupling‐cyclotrimerization reaction, cycloaddition reaction, Pomeranz–Fritsch cyclization and intramolecular cyclization reaction. In addition, a brief historical approach has also been discussed. This review will cover the synthetic routes to afford azatriphenylene derivatives broadly including mono‐, di‐, tri‐, tetra, and hexa‐azatriphenylenes. As a consequence, this review will contribute ample and updated information on the synthesis of this class of compounds.
Divergent Synthesis of Quinazolines Using Organocatalytic Domino Strategies under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Gujjarappa Raghuram , Maity Suvik K. , Hazra Chinmoy K. , Vodnala Nagaraju , Dhiman Shiv , Kumar Anil , Beifuss Uwe , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: July 2018

An easy and efficient organocatalytic approach to the synthesis of 2‐substituted quinazolines is described based on the reaction between 2‐aminobenzylamines and aldehydes or alcohols or amines. Three organocatalytic platforms were investigated, using 3‐nitropyridine, pyridine N‐oxide, and vitamin B3. Having established the new catalytic systems, the tandem transformations of 2‐aminobenzylamines to give substituted quinazolines were achieved in excellent yields and with a broad substrate scope, with no formation of toxic side‐products. The investigated conditions are not restricted to the use of aldehydes; the protocol also works well with alcohols or amines as substrates. These are oxidized in situ to the corresponding aldehydes to achieve the successful transformation. A mechanistic proposal has been drawn up based on control experiments. We found that under aerobic conditions, catalytic amounts of H2O2 can be generated; this plays a key role in the efficacy of the described approach. The green chemistry metrics of the developed method are also presented. The E factor of 8.18 mg/1 mg demonstrates that the reported method is an excellent complement to previous protocols.
Assessing Civic and Intercultural Competency in Higher Education: The ETS HEIghten® Approach
Authors: Liu Ou Lydia , Roohr Katrina Crotts , Rios Joseph A.
Published: July 2018

Economic globalization and interdisciplinary advancements have increased the demand for college graduates to possess transferable skills that would allow them to contribute effectively to the modern workforce. In particular, transferable competencies such as civic competency and intercultural competency are critical for colleges to prepare responsible citizens and productive workers. Despite the recognized importance, the choice and quality of assessment for such competencies have been fairly limited due to the challenges in defining such complex, multidimensional constructs and identifying item types that can adequately assess them. In this report, we describe the principles we followed to operationalize definitions for civic competency and intercultural competency and the process we followed to design assessments for these 2 competencies. Findings from a large‐scale pilot test are reported. Results showed that these multidimensional constructs can be adequately assessed and that there is room for students to improve in these areas. Implications for higher education institutions on how to promote these critical competencies are discussed.
Dynamic controller assignment problem in software‐defined networks
Authors: Zhang Bang , Wang Xingwei , Huang Min
Published: July 2018

In large‐scale software‐defined networks, multiple controllers need to be deployed in order to guarantee network reliability and scalability in a cooperative way, where the assignment of multiple controllers and switches is very significant and usually consists of static controller assignment and dynamic controller assignment. However, static mapping among controllers and switches is not adequately efficient and realistic due to the dynamic network traffic load. To this end, this paper pays attention to and solves the dynamic controller assignment problem. We propose an adaptive controller assignment scheme for multiple controllers, and it can dynamically adjust the number of active controllers and the mapping relationship among controllers and switches by three algorithms. (1) When some controllers are overloaded, that is, the load ratio of controllers reaches a certain level, other controllers are activated to share the load of these controllers. (2) When some controllers are lightly loaded, these controllers are deactivated to reduce the control traffic overhead and improve controller utilization. (3) To further improve network performance, the load among controllers is balanced after reassignment. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed adaptive controller assignment scheme has better performance than others in terms of flow setup time, control traffic overhead, and controller load balance, comprehensively.
Effect of active lipid‐based coating incorporated with nanoclay and orange peel essential oil on physicochemical properties of Citrus sinensis
Authors: Nasirifar Seyedeh Zahra , Maghsoudlou Yahya , Oliyaei Najme
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the different lipid‐based coating on the physicochemical properties and shelf life of blood orange. In this study, four different carnauba wax coatings formula were used: carnauba wax, carnauba wax incorporated with orange peel essential oil (OPEO) (1%), carnauba wax with montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) (2%), and carnauba wax combination by OPEO (0.5%) and MMT (1%). Physicochemical properties (total phenol content, antioxidant activity, °Brix, titratable acidity, vitamin C, color, firmness, and pH) of fruits were determined throughout the storage. According to the results, carnauba wax with MMT was better than the other treatments. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in carnauba wax coating containing MMT and total phenol and DDPH gained 733.00 ± 1.204 (mg gallic acid/100 g) and 78.327 ± 0/364%, respectively, at 100th day. Blood orange coated by carnauba wax with MMT had the least of deformation and dissolved solid and the highest acidity rather than other treatments. Moreover, time storage and coating had significant effect on vitamin C content in which maximum and minimum amount was observed in wax coating incorporated by MMT and combination with MMT and OPEO treatments, respectively. Fruits coating with MMT showed better brightness.
Presurgical language fMRI: Technical practices in epilepsy surgical planning
Authors: Benjamin Christopher F. A. , Dhingra Isha , Li Alexa X. , Blumenfeld Hal , Alkawadri Rafeed , Bickel Stephan , Helmstaedter Christoph , Meletti Stefano , Bronen Richard A. , Warfield Simon K. , Peters Jurriaan M. , Reutens David , Połczyńska Monika M. , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Spencer Dennis D.
Published: July 2018

Little is known about how language functional MRI (fMRI) is executed in clinical practice in spite of its widespread use. Here we comprehensively documented its execution in surgical planning in epilepsy. A questionnaire focusing on cognitive design, image acquisition, analysis and interpretation, and practical considerations was developed. Individuals responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting clinical language fMRI data at 63 epilepsy surgical programs responded. The central finding was of marked heterogeneity in all aspects of fMRI. Most programs use multiple tasks, with a fifth routinely using 2, 3, 4, or 5 tasks with a modal run duration of 5 min. Variants of over 15 protocols are in routine use with forms of noun–verb generation, verbal fluency, and semantic decision‐making used most often. Nearly all aspects of data acquisition and analysis vary markedly. Neither of the two best‐validated protocols was used by more than 10% of respondents. Preprocessing steps are broadly consistent across sites, language‐related blood flow is most often identified using general linear modeling (76% of respondents), and statistical thresholding typically varies by patient (79%). The software SPM is most often used. fMRI programs inconsistently include input from experts with all required skills (imaging, cognitive assessment, MR physics, statistical analysis, and brain–behavior relationships). These data highlight marked gaps between the evidence supporting fMRI and its clinical application. Teams performing language fMRI may benefit from evaluating practice with reference to the best‐validated protocols to date and ensuring individuals trained in all aspects of fMRI are involved to optimize patient care.
Neural correlates of gender congruence in audiovisual commercials for gender‐targeted products: An fMRI study
Authors: Casado‐Aranda Luis‐Alberto , Van der Laan Laura Nynke , Sánchez‐Fernández Juan
Published: July 2018

This article explores neural and self‐report responses to gender congruence in product‐voice combinations in commercials. An fMRI study was carried out in which participants (n = 30) were presented with gender‐targeted pictures of characteristic male or female products accompanied by either gender congruent or incongruent voices. The findings show that attitudes are more positive toward commercials with gender congruent than with gender incongruent product‐voice combinations. fMRI analyses revealed that primary visual brain areas, namely calcarine and cuneus, responded stronger to congruent than incongruent combinations suggesting that participants enhanced their endogenous attention toward congruent commercials. Incongruent combinations, by contrast, elicited stronger activation in areas related to the perception of conflicts in information processing and error monitoring, such as the supramarginal, inferior parietal gyri and superior, and middle temporal gyri. Interestingly, increased activation in the posterior cingulate cortex (an area related to value encoding) predicted more positive attitudes toward congruent commercials. Together, these results advance our understanding of the neural correlates of processing congruent and incongruent audiovisual stimuli. These findings may advice advertising professionals in designing successful campaigns of everyday products, namely by making use of congruent instead of incongruent product‐voice combinations.
White matter microstructure in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Phillipou Andrea , Carruthers Sean P. , Di Biase Maria A. , Zalesky Andrew , Abel Larry A. , Castle David J. , Gurvich Caroline , Rossell Susan L.
Published: July 2018

The neurobiological underpinnings of anorexia nervosa (AN) are unclear. White matter deficits have been described in the illness, but findings are inconsistent between studies. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in white matter microstructure in AN using diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). It was hypothesised that people with AN, relative to a healthy control (HC) group, would show decreased functional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD) in the fornix and superior longitudinal fasciculus, consistent with previous literature. Analyses were conducted on 23 females with AN and 26 age‐ and gender‐matched HCs using tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS). The results revealed widespread FA decreases and MD increases in the AN group. Our hypothesis was largely supported, although FA differences were not specifically found in the fornix. The findings suggest extensive differences in white matter structure in AN, which may contribute to AN pathophysiology.
Simulating saturation‐excess surface run‐off in a semi‐distributed hydrological model
Authors: Hughes Denis Arthur , Mazibuko Sbongiseni
Published: July 2018

The level of complexity, and the number of parameters, to include in a hydrological model is a relatively contentious issue in hydrological modelling. However, it can be argued that explicitly representing important run‐off generation processes can improve the practical value of a model's outputs. This paper explores the benefits of including a new function into an existing semi‐distributed hydrological model (the Pitman model) that is widely used in the sub‐Saharan Africa region. The new function was designed to represent saturation‐excess surface run‐off processes at subcatchment scales and was motivated by the evidence of dambo (low topography riparian areas) type features in many sub‐Saharan river basins. The results for uncertainty versions of the model, with and without the new function, were compared for 25 catchments, which were divided up into those where evidence of dambos exists and those where there is no such evidence. The results suggest that the new function certainly improves the model results for the catchments where dambos exist, but not in situations where saturation‐excess surface run‐off is not expected to occur. The overall conclusion is therefore that the addition of the new function is justified.
Cycloaddition Reactions of Benzonorbornadiene and Homonorbornadiene: New Isoxazoline and Pyridazine Derivatives
Authors: Adiloğlu Yadigar , Şahin Ertan , Tutar Ahmet , Menzek Abdullah
Published: July 2018

Ten new isoxazoline derivatives were synthesized from the reactions of benzonorbornadiene and homonorbornadiene derivatives with nitrile oxides formed from benzaldehyde and 4‐substituted benzaldehyde. Two new pyridazine derivatives were also synthesized from the reaction of the homonorbornadiene derivatives with 3,6‐di (2‐pyridyl)‐s‐tetrazine. It was seen that all cycloaddition reactions were realized as exo selectivity. Finally, γ‐Gauche effect in the isoxazoline derivatives was discussed.
Interaction of 4‐Oxo‐4H‐pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazin‐1‐ides with Grignard Reagents
Authors: Ivanov Sergey M. , Shestopalov Anatoliy M.
Published: July 2018

Reactions of magnesium 3‐tert‐butyl‐8‐R‐4‐oxo‐4H‐pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazin‐1‐ides (R = CN, CO2Et) with AlkMgBr led to nucleophilic additions to either side chain or triazine core, with selectivity being dependent on the nature of substituents, as well as on the solvents used. Previously inaccessible C8‐functionalized and C4‐functionalized pyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazines and 3‐tert‐butyl‐3‐ethyl‐4‐oxo‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydropyrazolo[5,1‐c][1,2,4]triazine were synthesized, and their reactivity and spectral data discussed.
A functional study of the global transcriptional regulator PadR from a strain Streptomyces fradiae‐nitR+bld, resistant to nitrone‐oligomycin
Authors: Vatlin Aleksey A. , Bekker Olga B. , Lysenkova Ludmila N. , Shchekotikhin Andrey E. , Danilenko Valery N.
Published: July 2018

We describe Streptomyces fradiae mechanisms of sensitivity to nitrone‐oligomycin A, a derivative of oligomycin A. We obtained S. fradiae‐nitR+bld, a nitrone‐oligomycin A resistant mutant with a «bald» phenotype. Comparative genomic analysis of the wild‐type S. fradiae ATCC19609 and S. fradiae‐nitR+bld revealed a mutation in padR – a gene encoding a multifunction transcription regulator, which resulted in the amino acid replacement in a highly conserved DNA‐binding domain. Bioinformatics genome analysis of S. fradiae ATCC19609 discovered a PadR binding site 13 bp upstream the start codon of the marR transcription factor gene. Induction of S. fradiaenitR+bld and w.t. strains with nitrone‐oligomycin A lead to a significant increase in expression level of the marR gene in the w.t. strain, but no change observed in mutant strain. We identified differences between DNA–protein interactions of the mutant and native PadR proteins with its putative binding site in S. fradiae ATCC19609. This allowed us to suggest that the padR gene, that harbored a single nucleotide mutation in the S. fradiaenitR+bld strain, might be involved in the mechanism of resistance to nitrone‐oligomycin A. We assume the participation of the transcriptional factorpadR in the formation of the bald phenotype.
Raman spectroscopy of neutron irradiated silicon carbide: Correlation among Raman spectra, swelling, and irradiation temperature
Authors: Koyanagi Takaaki , Katoh Yutai , Lance Michael J.
Published: July 2018

The effects of neutron irradiation on microstructural evolution and the resultant changes in physical and mechanical properties are of critical importance for the development of silicon carbide (SiC) materials for nuclear applications. This study neutron‐irradiated β‐SiC under a wide range of conditions at temperatures between 235 and 750°C and neutron doses of 0.01–11.8 displacements per atom, and then evaluated the effects on the SiC structure using Raman spectroscopy. The SiC optical phonon lines were shifted to lower wavenumbers by irradiation. Correlations were found among the wavenumber of the longitudinal optical phonon line, irradiation‐induced swelling, and irradiation temperature. The peak shift also correlated indirectly with decreasing thermal conductivity of irradiated SiC. The irradiation‐induced peak shift is explained by combinations of lattice strain, reduction of the elastic modulus, and other factors including decreasing coherent domain size. These findings bridge irradiation‐induced microstructural changes and property changes and illustrate how Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for nondestructively assessing irradiated SiC materials for nuclear applications.
Simultaneous determination of free and total choline and l‐carnitine in infant formula using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Hong , Yu Wenjiang , Xue Xia , Guo Zhimou , Liu Yanfang , Yang Guosheng , Liu Yanming , Zhu Jianhua
Published: July 2018

A quick, simple, and reliable method was developed for the simultaneous determination of free and total choline and l‐carnitine in infant formula employing a novel hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method. Microwave‐assisted hydrolysis was used to shorten the hydrolysis time to only 15 min. A novel Click XIon zwitterionic stationary phase was chosen because it gave better retention, perfect resolution, and sharper symmetrical peaks compared to traditional columns. The matrix effect under different experimental conditions was evaluated by using the matrix effect factor, which employs stable isotopically labeled internal standards and is more appropriate for evaluating the matrix effect related to endogenous analytes. The accuracy and precision of the method were validated with certified reference materials. The fortified recovery values for choline and l‐carnitine were between 85.0 and 104% with relevant standard deviations <5.0%. The established method was applied to the analysis of real infant formulas, demonstrating its applicability and feasibility.
Achromatic Broadband Super‐Resolution Imaging by Super‐Oscillatory Metasurface
Authors: Li Zhu , Zhang Tao , Wang Yanqin , Kong Weijie , Zhang Jian , Huang Yijia , Wang Changtao , Li Xiong , Pu Mingbo , Luo Xiangang
Published: July 2018

Past decades have seen enormous efforts to achieve subdiffraction resolution optical imaging, but most of them are suffering from either complex near‐field manipulation or prelabeling of specific specimen, like scanning near‐field optical microscopes and stimulated emission depletion microscopes. The optical super‐oscillation phenomenon seems to provide a method of far field super‐resolution imaging without particularly dealing with objects. However, the reported optical super‐oscillation imaging methods were usually constrained to narrow bandwidth, which is mainly due to the inherent complex light interference features. Here, benefiting from the nearly dispersionless feature of phase modulations with metasurface, a super‐oscillatory metasurface filter is proposed for broadband super‐resolution imaging. In demonstrative experiments, resolving ability of about 0.64 times of the Rayleigh criterion is obtained for visible light ranging from 400 to 700 nm. This method is expected to potentially promote the development of super‐resolving telescopes and microscopes based on super‐oscillation optics.
Enhancement of the Photoalignment Stability of Block Copolymer Brushes by Anchor Segments
Authors: Cai Feng , Huang Zhangjun , Zheng Feng , Lu Xuemin , Lu Qinghua
Published: July 2018

It is known that the use of a homopolymer derived from a relatively high‐surface‐energy block moiety in a diblock copolymer as a substrate can facilitate phase separation of the block copolymer in the form of a layered structure parallel to the substrate. This is an effective approach for preparing a photoresponsive surface molecular brush for liquid‐crystal alignment. However, the alignment of the polymer brushes soon diminishes during elastic deformation of the polymeric substrate due to the weak interaction between the copolymer and polymeric substrate in the interfacial blend layer. In this study, rigid segments composed of N‐p‐anisylmaleimide were controllably introduced via copolymerization into a series of well‐defined diblock copolymers as “anchors” to resist the “drift” of the copolymer from a polymethyl methacrylate substrate at above its glass transition temperature. The anchoring mechanism and the stability of the aligned azobenzene polymeric brushes were systematically studied and compared.
In vitro effects of FBXW7 mutation in serous endometrial cancer: Increased levels of potentially druggable proteins and sensitivity to SI‐2 and dinaciclib
Authors: Urick Mary Ellen , Bell Daphne W.
Published: July 2018

Serous endometrial cancers (ECs) are clinically aggressive tumors that frequently harbor somatic mutations in FBXW7 (F‐box and WD repeat domain‐containing 7). The FBXW7 tumor suppressor is part of a SCF (complex of SKP1, Cullin 1, F‐box protein) ubiquitin ligase complex which controls the degradation of numerous substrates that, if not properly regulated, can contribute to the initiation or progression of tumorigenesis. Despite reports that up to 30% of serous ECs include somatic mutations in FBXW7, the molecular effects of mutated FBXW7 in ECs have not been determined. Here, we used transient transfection and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) editing in serous EC cell lines to interrogate the molecular effects of six recurrent FBXW7 mutations. We show that FBXW7 mutations lead to increased Cyclin E1, steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC‐3), c‐MYC, Rictor, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), P70S6 kinase, and protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylated protein levels in serous EC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CRISPR‐edited FBXW7‐mutant ARK1 serous EC cells exhibit increased sensitivity to SI‐2 (a SRC inhibitor) and dinaciclib (a cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor) compared to parental ARK1 cells. Collectively, our findings reveal biochemical effects of FBXW7 mutations in the context of EC and provide in vitro evidence of sensitivity to targeted inhibitors.
Inhibition of euchromatin histone‐lysine N‐methyltransferase 2 sensitizes breast cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand through reactive oxygen species‐mediated activating transcription factor 4‐C/EBP homologous protein‐death receptor 5 pathway activation
Authors: Kim So Young , Hong MiNa , Heo Seung‐Ho , Park Sojung , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Sung Young Hoon , Oh Yumin , Lee Seulki , Yi Gwan‐Su , Kim Inki
Published: July 2018

Tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been characterized as an anti‐cancer therapeutic agent with prominent cancer cell selectivity over normal cells. However, breast cancer cells are generally resistant to TRAIL, thus limiting its therapeutic potential. In this study, we found that BIX‐01294, a selective inhibitor of euchromatin histone methyltransferase 2/G9a, is a strong TRAIL sensitizer in breast cancer cells. The combination of BIX‐01294 and TRAIL decreased cell viability and led to an increase in the annexin V/propidium iodide‐positive cell population, DNA fragmentation, and caspase activation. BIX‐01294 markedly increased death receptor 5 (DR5) expression, while silencing of DR5 using small interfering RNAs abolished the TRAIL‐sensitizing effect of BIX‐01294. Specifically, BIX‐01294 induced C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP)‐mediated DR5 gene transcriptional activation and DR5 promoter activation was induced by upregulation of the protein kinase R‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase‐mediated activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4). Moreover, inhibition of reactive oxygen species by N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine efficiently blocked BIX‐01294‐induced DR5 upregulation by inhibiting ATF4/CHOP expression, leading to diminished sensitization to TRAIL. These findings suggest that BIX‐01294 sensitizes breast cancer cells to TRAIL by upregulating ATF4/CHOP‐dependent DR5 expression with a reactive oxygen species‐dependent manner. Furthermore, combination treatment with BIX‐01294 and TRAIL suppressed tumor growth and induced apoptosis in vivo. In conclusion, we found that epigenetic regulation can contribute to the development of resistance to cancer therapeutics such as TRAIL, and further studies of unfolded protein responses and the associated epigenetic regulatory mechanisms may lead to the discovery of new molecular targets for effective cancer therapy.
Establishment of the Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort ‐ strategies for the inclusion of underrepresented populations in cancer genetics research
Authors: Bishop Madison R. , Shah Amit , Shively Melissa , Huskey Anna L. W. , Omeler Sophonie M. , Bilgili Erin P. , Jackson Ebony , Daniell Kathleen , Stallworth Elizabeth , Spina Stephanie , Shepp Kasey , Bergstresser Sydney , Davis Amber , Dean Holly , Gibson Jantunn , Johnson Brandon , Merner Nancy D.
Published: July 2018

Background

Historically, groups that are most susceptible to health and healthcare disparities have been underrepresented in medical research. It is imperative to explore approaches that can facilitate the recruitment of underrepresented individuals into research studies.

Methods

Two approaches, hospital and community‐based recruitment (CBR), were developed and implemented over 36 months to study the genetics of hereditary breast cancer and associated cancers in Alabama, a medically underserved state with double the national percentage of self‐identifying African Americans, establishing the Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort.

Results

Overall, 242 individuals enrolled. This included 84 cancer probands through hospital recruitment, as well as 76 probands and 82 family members through CBR. Eighty‐one percent of the study participants’ counties of residence are completely medically underserved. Furthermore, African Americans represent 26% of the hospital probands compared to 49% and 70% of the probands and family members who, respectively, enrolled through CBR.

Conclusion

Although both recruitment mechanisms were instrumental, the unique trust building, educational, and traveling components of CBR facilitated the enrollment of African Americans resulting in large families for genetic analyses. The ultimate goal is to gain insight from these rudimentary efforts in order to expand recruitment and accrue a unique resource for cancer genetics research.
Waist‐to‐hip ratio is a better predictor than body mass index for morbidity in abdominally based breast reconstruction
Authors: Wu Peter S. , Jordan Sumanas W. , Hodson Trevor , Chao Albert H.
Published: July 2018

Background

Body mass index is a universally recognized measure of obesity. However, it does not take body fat distribution (BFD) into account, which has been established as a significant risk factor in both medicine and surgery. The objective of this study was to compare previously developed anthropometric measures of BFD with body mass index in predicting morbidity with abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Methods

A review of patients who underwent abdominally based breast reconstruction was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between complications (recipient, donor, total) with body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, waist‐to‐height ratio, conicity index, and abdominal volume index.

Results

A total of 325 patients who underwent 442 flaps were analyzed. Waist circumference (OR, 1.16; 95% CI 1.07–1.76), waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR, 1.94; 95% CI 1.25‐3.35), and waist‐to‐height ratio (OR, 1.19; 95% CI 1.01‐1.70) were significant risk factors for recipient site complications. Body mass index (OR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.01‐1.56), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR, 2.01; 95% CI 1.30‐3.95) were significant risk factors for donor site complications. Waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.22‐4.00) was the only measure found to be a significant risk factor for experiencing any complication. A waist‐to‐hip ratio >0.84 was associated with increased risk.

Conclusions

Waist‐to‐hip ratio is a significant risk factor for recipient and donor site morbidity in abdominally based breast reconstruction. It is a readily calculable and clinically significant measure distinct from body mass index that should be considered for use in clinical care and research.
Understanding the Molecular Structure of the Sialic Acid–Phenylboronic Acid Complex by using a Combined NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Study: Toward Sialic Acid Detection at Cell Membranes
Authors: Nishitani Shoichi , Maekawa Yuki , Sakata Toshiya
Published: July 2018

The origin of the unusually high stability of the sialic acid (SA) and phenylboronic acid (PBA) complex was investigated by a combined nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) study. SA is a glycan‐terminating monosaccharide, and its importance as a clinical target has long been recognized. Inspired by the fact that the binding properties of SA–PBA complexation are anomalously high relative to those of typical monosaccharides, great effort has been made to build a clinical platform with the use of PBA as a SA‐selective receptor. Although a number of applications have been reported in recent years, the ability of PBA to recognize SA‐terminating surface glycans selectively is still unclear, because high‐affinity SA–PBA complexation might not occur in a physiological environment. In particular, different forms of SA (α‐ and β‐pyranose) were not considered in detail. To answer this question, the combined NMR spectroscopy/DFT study revealed that the advantageous binding properties of the SA–PBA complex arise from ester bonding involving the α‐carboxylate moieties (C1 and C2) of β‐SA but not α‐SA. Moreover, the facts that the C2 atom is blocked by a glycoside bond in a physiological environment and that α‐SA basically exists on membrane‐bound glycans in a physiological environment lead to the conclusion that PBA cannot selectively recognize the SA unit to discriminate specific types of cells. Our results have a significant impact on the field of SA‐based cell recognition.
Prenatal chromosomal microarray uptake with invasive prenatal diagnosis: How many patients take the leap?
Authors: Singletary Claire N. , Krstic Nevena Cvjetkovic , Czerwinski Jennifer L. , Choates Meagan Giles , Wagner Chelsea
Published: July 2018

Objective

Characterize the uptake of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) among women undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis at a large academic institution over a 4‐year time period.

Methods

Retrospective database review of women who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis via chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Entries were reviewed for demographic and clinical information.

Results

Nine hundred forty‐six diagnostic procedures were performed at our institution over a 4‐year time period including 259 CVS and 687 amniocentesis procedures. Overall, 32% elected CMA, with a significant increase in uptake over time. Women with Medicaid/CHIP insurance were more likely to elect CMA than those with private insurance (OR = 1.59, 95% CI, 1.18‐2.14), while multigravida women were less likely than primigravidas to elect CMA (P = 0.003). Women with ultrasound findings were more likely to elect CMA than any other indication. Those with structural abnormalities in multiple systems (OR = 3.75, 95% CI, 1.60‐8.79) or abnormalities in a single system (OR = 3.22, 95% CI, 1.47‐7.05) were more likely to elect CMA than with any other types of ultrasound findings.

Conclusion

The uptake of CMA significantly increased over a 4‐year period at a large academic institution. Women with ultrasound indications, specifically structural abnormalities, are the most likely to elect CMA.
The development of a template for psychological assessment of women considering risk‐reducing or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: A national Delphi consensus study
Authors: Braude Lucy , Kirsten Laura , Gilchrist Jemma , Juraskova Ilona
Published: July 2018

Objective

Risk‐reducing mastectomies (RRM) and contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPM) are increasingly prevalent strategies to reduce breast cancer risk. Given the associated physical and emotional challenges, presurgical psychological assessment is frequently recommended for this population, yet limited research exists to guide this. This study aimed to reach a consensus on the most relevant content and format of a psychological consultation prior to RRM/CPM.

Methods

A modified two‐round online Delphi study was conducted Australia‐wide. Expert participants (n = 25), including psychologists, surgeons, nurses, oncologists, genetic specialists, and researchers completed a round‐one survey, informed by a literature review, previous qualitative study and expert clinicians' input. This required participants to rate their agreement with 36 statements regarding potential content of a psychological consultation and provide feedback on format/structure. A round‐two survey comprised items that had not reached consensus and six new items suggested by participants. Parameters for statement consensus were set a priori at >75% agreement.

Results

Expert participants indicated agreement with the majority of statements (39/42, 92.8%), endorsing that the assessment should include (1) patient understanding of the RRM/CPM procedure/cancer risk, (2) potential physical/emotional impact of surgery, (3) informed decision‐making, and (4) past/current psychological issues (anxiety and body image). A provisional assessment template and user manual is provided.

Conclusions

This research culminated in a consensus‐based template to guide psychological assessment of women considering RRM/CPM. This enables health professionals to assess suitability for surgery and preempt challenges within a standardised framework. Future evaluation of the acceptability and effectiveness of the template in clinical settings is warranted.
Graphene and Graphene‐Based Materials in Biomedical Science
Authors: Priya Swetha Poyye Dsouza , Manisha Hosabettu , Sudhakaraprasad Kariate
Published: July 2018

Graphene and its composite materials are very important in many disciplines of science and have been used enormously by researchers since their discovery in 2004. These are a new group of compounds, and are also wonderful model systems for quantum behavior studies. Their properties like exceptional conductivity, biocompatibility, surface area, mechanical strength, and thermal properties make them rising stars in the scientific community. Graphene and its composite compounds are utilized widely in different medical applications, for example, biosensing of biological compounds responsible for disease development, bioimaging of various cells, tissues, microorganisms, animal models, etc. In addition, they are used for enhancing and supporting the stem cell differentiation, i.e., regenerative medicine for regeneration studies of various human organs, tissue engineering in biology for the development of carrier materials, as well as in bone reformation. This review focuses on the modification procedure involved in the fabrication of graphene‐based biomaterials for various applications and recent developments in research related to graphene and graphene‐based materials in biosensing, optical sensing, gas sensing, drug, gene, protein delivery, tissue engineering, and bioimaging. In addition, the potential toxicological effects of graphene‐based biomaterials are discussed.
Low‐Temperature‐Processed CdS as the Electron Selective Layer in an Organometal Halide Perovskite Photovoltaic Device
Authors: Zhao Wangen , Yao Zhun , Guo Ruisheng , Yu Fengyang , Wu Guohua , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: July 2018

Organic–inorganic halide perovskites have recently been crowned as the leading next‐generation photovoltaic material due to their high efficiency and simple fabrication process. Herein, a low‐temperature‐processed CdS thin film (commonly used as a buffer layer in commercial CdTe or CIGSe solar cells) is reported as an electron selective layer in perovskite devices based on the following reasons: First, the photoelectric property of CdS thin film is investigated, illustrating the possibility of CdS as the electron selective layer in the application of methylammonium lead (II) iodide perovskite devices. More specifically, CdS semiconductor film presents a higher mobility compared with traditional TiO2 thin film, which benefits the electron extraction and transmission; second, it is found that the perovskite thin film spun‐coating on the CdS substrates grows with an obvious tendency along the direction toward the thickness of thin film, which reduces the chance of recombination of electrons and hole, beneficial to their separation. It is also revealed that the perovskite‐device‐based CdS electron selective layer has a higher stability compared with that of TiO2 due to the difference of substrates wetting.
Synthesis of Long Chain Bonding Agent of CSRP and its Effect on Propellant Mechanical Properties
Authors: Abd elall Ali. M. , Lin Guo
Published: July 2018

Mechanical properties of composite solid rocket propellant are one of the most important propellant specifications and also improvement of the interfacial interactions between bonding agents and solid particles is a demand for composite solid propellants in order to withstand stresses produced due to various loading conditions, changes in environmental condition, transportation and handling. In this work, long chain bonding agent prepared from the reaction of fatty monocarboxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid with methyl aziridinyl phosphine oxide (MAPO) to form (MSA) bonding agent which is improved the mechanical properties especially strain value corresponding to stress value which gives the highest value in formulation B1 but with low yield properties. Also using an percentage of MAPO as a mixed bonding agent in order to increase the yield properties of the propellant has a significant effect on mechanical properties as giving high value of Young′s modulus and good strain value with the percentage of 0.1 % of MAPO and 0.2 % of MSA then by changing the curing agent using IPDI instead of HMDI also gives a remarkable mechanical properties as high strain corresponding stress with a good value with modulus in formulation CI2.