bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bi2S3/Ketjen Black as a Highly Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Long‐Cycle Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Xu Peng , Zhu Jiajia , Chen Congdi , Xie Jian , Wang Miao
Published: April 2019

A catalyst that possesses an efficient bifunctional catalytic activity is vital to achieve long‐life lithium‐oxygen (Li−O2) batteries. Herein, a bismuth sulfide/Ketjen black (Bi2S3/KB) hybrid is synthesized through a one‐step hydrothermal method and used as a bifunctional catalyst in Li−O2 batteries. The results demonstrate that Li−O2 batteries with the Bi2S3/KB hybrid exhibit both a higher capacity and a lower overpotential than those with the bare bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) and KB catalysts. A Li−O2 battery with the Bi2S3/KB catalyst shows an excellent cycle life of 391 cycles at 1000 mA h g−1, which is one of the best results for batteries with sulfide catalysts. The excellent electrochemical performance of the batteries originates from the synergistic catalytic effect between Bi2S3 and KB. It is found that the Li2O2 is deposited on Bi2S3 nanorods prior to on KB upon discharge, which can defer the deactivation of the cathode and inhibit the side reactions.
Second‐order multivariate calibration with the extended bilinear model: Effect of initialization, constraints, and composition of the calibration set on the extent of rotational ambiguity
Authors: Olivieri Alejandro C.
Published: April 2019

Extended bilinear modeling is popular in second‐order multivariate calibration, particularly when the matrix data for each sample are of chromatographic origin. Since elution time profiles vary across samples, in both shape and peak position, it is not possible to process these data in a three‐way trilinear format. In these cases, the most successful model for quantitating analytes in the presence of interferents is multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) in its extended version, ie, processing an augmented data matrix built with the matrices for a test sample and the calibration samples, appended in the direction of the elution time mode. MCR‐ALS starts with certain initial profiles and applies a set of natural constraints during the ALS phase, whose purpose is to reduce the range of feasible solutions or to lead to unique bilinear solutions if possible. In this report, a simulated second‐order three‐component system (two calibrated analytes and one uncalibrated interferent in test samples) is studied regarding the presence of rotational ambiguity in the bilinear solutions, using (a) a grid search methodology to compute the feasible solutions and (b) MCR‐ALS on a large set of test samples to estimate the average prediction errors. Various initialization schemes and constraints are probed, and the results are compared in terms of the extent of rotational ambiguity and global uncertainty in predicted concentrations.
High‐Field Detection of Biomarkers with Fast Field‐Cycling MRI: The Example of Zinc Sensing
Authors: Bödenler Markus , Malikidogo Kyangwi P. , Morfin Jean‐François , Aigner Christoph Stefan , Tóth Éva , Bonnet Célia S. , Scharfetter Hermann
Published: April 2019

Many smart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes provide response to a biomarker based on modulation of their rotational correlation time. The magnitude of such MRI signal changes is highly dependent on the magnetic field and the response decreases dramatically at high fields (>2 T). To overcome the loss of efficiency of responsive probes at high field, with fast‐field cycling magnetic resonance imaging (FFC‐MRI) we exploit field‐dependent information rather than the absolute difference in the relaxation rate measured in the absence and in the presence of the biomarker at a given imaging field. We report here the application of fast field‐cycling techniques combined with the use of a molecular probe for the detection of Zn2+ to achieve 166 % MRI signal enhancement at 3 T, whereas the same agent provides no detectable response using conventional MRI. This approach can be generalized to any biomarker provided the detection is based on variation of the rotational motion of the probe.
An efficient method for allocating resources in a cloud computing environment with a load balancing approach
Authors: Pourghaffari Ali , Barari Morteza , Sedighian Kashi Saeed
Published: April 2019

Cloud computing technology forms a computational ensemble of large computing services and systems. Recently, it has been the focus of research on resource management, task scheduling, and effective resource sharing among users. Given the computational and resource management challenges in cloud computing, an improved method is required to approach the optimal allocation of resources. The current research combines evolutionary algorithms, fuzzy logic and task scheduling techniques to improve computational cloud resource allocation with the aim of maintaining load balance in cloud providers. Simulation of the proposed model reveals that the response time, task execution time, and energy consumption of the proposed method are better than for those of other methods.
An efficient KP design framework of attribute‐based searchable encryption for user level revocation in cloud
Authors: Mamta  , Gupta B.B.
Published: April 2019

Attribute‐based searchable encryption (ABSE) is the combination of attribute‐based encryption (ABE) and searchable encryption with the inherent benefits of fine‐grained access control and expressive searching capabilities in multiuser setting. In this paper, we have used the key‐policy (KP) design framework of ABE and named the scheme KP‐ABSE. The proposed KP‐ABSE scheme efficiently supports user revocation where the computationally intensive tasks are delegated to the cloud server. Furthermore, the proposed scheme generates constant‐size user secret keys and trapdoors and has constant number of pairing operations, which in other schemes typically varies with the number of attributes associated with them. Thus, the proposed scheme reduces computational and storage costs and supports fast searching. Finally, the proposed scheme can be proven secure under a decision linear assumption in a selective security model.
An enhanced 3DCNN‐ConvLSTM for spatiotemporal multimedia data analysis
Authors: Wang Tian , Li Jiakun , Zhang Mengyi , Zhu Aichun , Snoussi Hichem , Choi Chang
Published: April 2019

At present, human action recognition is a challenging and complex task in the field of computer vision. The combination of CNN and RNN is a common and effective network structure for this task. Especially, we use 3DCNN in CNN part and ConvLSTM in RNN part. We divide the video into multiple temporal segments by average and compress each segment into one feature map by pooling layer. Adding the pooling layer, dropout layer, and batch normalization layer into ConvLSTM is our groundbreaking work. We test our model on KTH, UCF‐11, and HMDB51 datasets and achieve a high accuracy of action recognition.
MOVPE of Group‐III Heterostructures for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Scholz Ferdinand
Published: April 2019

The method of metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) has developed over the recent 50 years into an indispensable tool in research and industrial production for novel compound semiconductor structures and devices. This article provides a brief explanation of its historical development and basic functionality. A major focus will be laid on the growth of group‐III nitride heterostructures which, on the one hand, owing to their unique material properties, impose challenging problems, but, on the other hand, have evolved into the most important semiconductor family just after silicon mainly due to their application in solid‐state lighting, which would not be possible without their successful growth by MOVPE.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions of Alkenes with Green Oxidants
Authors: Hu Miao , Wu Wanqing , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: April 2019

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed oxidative functionalization of alkenes has emerged as a powerful and valuable tool in modern organic synthesis. Recently, many methods have been established for the assembly of C−C and C–heteroatom bonds, which provides tremendous possibility for application in biology, medicine, and materials science. However, the use of stoichiometric amounts of strong oxidants leads to poor selectivity, low atom economy, and a series of undesired waste products. By contrast, green oxidants, such as O2, H2O2, or tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), have bright prospects due to their attributes of mild, low cost, and great sustainability in transition‐metal‐catalyzed oxidation reactions. Based on the great and unique potential for the development of aerobic reactions, this review mainly highlights homogenous palladium‐catalyzed green oxidations of alkenes that have been reported in recent years. These methods provide new strategies for the transformation and functionalization of alkenes; some of them have also been successfully applied to the synthesis of the core structures of drugs and natural products. Additionally, through in‐depth studies of the reaction mechanisms in this field, it is believed that palladium‐catalyzed green oxidation reactions of alkenes with O2, H2O2, or TBHP will create added value for organic synthetic chemistry.
Meta‐analysis supports further refinement of eDNA for monitoring aquatic species‐specific abundance in nature
Authors: Yates Matthew C. , Fraser Dylan J. , Derry Alison M.
Published: April 2019

The use of eDNA to detect the presence/absence of rare or invasive species is well documented and its use in biodiversity monitoring is expanding. Preliminary laboratory research has also shown a positive correlation between the concentration of species‐specific eDNA particles and the density/biomass of a species in a given environment. However, the extent to which these results can be extended to natural environments has yet to be formally quantified. We collated data from experiments that examined the correlation between eDNA and two metrics of abundance (biomass and density) and, using mixed‐effects meta‐analysis, quantified the strength of that correlation across laboratory and natural environments. We found that eDNA particle concentration was more strongly correlated with abundance in laboratory environments compared to natural environments, accounting for approximately 82% and 57% of the observed variation in abundance, respectively. We found some evidence of potential publication bias that may have impacted the estimation of the correlation in natural environments; after smaller studies were removed from the dataset, eDNA particle concentration accounted for approximately 50% of the observed variation in abundance in natural environments. No effect of abundance metric was found on the strength of correlation between eDNA particle concentration and abundance. Despite a weaker general correlation in natural environments, eDNA concentration often still explained substantial variation in abundance. eDNA research is still an emergent field of study; with only moderate improvements in technology or technique, it could represent a powerful new tool for quantifying abundance.
Preparation of Methylaluminoxane from CO2 and Me3Al
Authors: Okajima Yuuya , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi , Tanaka Ryo
Published: April 2019

In this contribution, we investigated the key factors for the successful preparation of methylaluminoxane (MAO) from CO2 and Me3Al by analyzing the reaction intermediates and by‐products. The preparation of MAO, which possesses high cocatalytic ability, requires a precise amount of CO2 feed. GC–MS and NMR analysis of the product suggested that tert‐butoxyaluminum species was a key intermediate, which guaranteed the involvement of CO2 in the formation of MAO. The prepared MAO can be applied as a cocatalyst in propylene polymerization using zirconocene, titanocene, nickel, and iron catalysts; its performance as cocatalyst reached to almost the same level as that of the commercially available MAO. Considering that currently olefin monomers require thorough removal of CO2 before polymerization, this method can open the way to omitting some purification processes in the polyolefin industry.
Preparation of bioactive peptides with antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antioxidant activities and identification of α‐glucosidase inhibitory peptides from soy protein
Authors: Wang Rongchun , Zhao Hongxing , Pan Xiaoxi , Orfila Caroline , Lu Weihong , Ma Ying
Published: April 2019

In this study, the peptides of soy protein obtained by enzymatic digestion with proteases were analyzed for their antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antioxidant activities. Peptides prepared with alkaline proteinase (AP) exhibited the highest α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity compared with those from papain and trypsin digestion. AP hydrolysates also exhibited dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitory, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, and antioxidant activities. Gastrointestinal digestion of peptides enhanced α‐glucosidase, DPP‐IV, and ACE inhibitory activities compared with AP hydrolysates. AP peptides showing highest α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity were purified by anion‐exchange and size‐exclusion chromatography， and identified using tandem MS. We found three novel α‐glucosidase inhibitory peptides with sequences LLPLPVLK, SWLRL, and WLRL with IC50 of 237.43 ± 0.52, 182.05 ± 0.74, and 162.29 ± 0.74 μmol/L, respectively. Therefore, peptides hydrolyzed from soy protein are promising natural ingredients for nutraceutical applications assisting in the management of diabetes.
Fluid inclusions and H–O–C–S isotope constraints on fluid evolution and ore genesis of the Wangjiadashan Cu–Au deposit in Suizao area of the Tongbai‐Dabie orogenic belt, central China
Authors: Niu Pan‐Pan , Jiang Shao‐Yong , Hu Qi‐Sheng , Xu Tian‐liang , Xiong Suo‐Fei
Published: April 2019

The Wangjiadashan Cu–Au deposit is a vein‐type deposit controlled by the secondary faults of the Wushan Fault zone in the Suizao area of Hubei Province. Three hydrothermal stages are identified, namely, (I) barren quartz stage, (II) the quartz‐sulphide stage, and (III) quartz‐carbonate stage. Six types of fluid inclusions occur in quartz: (a) liquid‐rich aqueous fluid inclusions (L + V), (b) vapour‐rich aqueous‐carbonic fluid inclusions (V + L), (c) water‐rich aqueous‐carbonic fluid inclusions (L + V + CO2), (d) CO2‐rich aqueous‐carbonic fluid inclusions (V + L + CO2), (e) pure carbonic fluid inclusions (pure CO2), and (f) daughter mineral‐bearing multiphase inclusions (S‐type) with three subclasses (S1, S2, and S3 subtype). Two types of fluid inclusions occur in calcite: (a) liquid‐rich aqueous fluid inclusions (L + V) and (b) pure carbonic fluid inclusions (pure CO2). The S‐type fluid inclusions include halite (NaCl), calcite (CaCO3), and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). The fluid system is composed of CO2–NaCl–H2O. The homogenization temperatures of the three stages are 295°C to 390°C, 245°C to 280°C, and 200°C to 241°C, with salinities of 7.3–19.8 wt% NaCl equiv. (except for several high values of 33.8 to 44.3 wt% NaCl equiv.), 7.7–13.7 wt% NaCl equiv., and 5.6–10.1 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. Fluid immiscibility occurred in stage I that accounts for the high‐salinity fluids, but the dominant ore precipitation occurred afterward during temperature drop. In situ sulphur isotope analysis indicates a δ34S value around 0 (+1.1% to +2.2%) for the chalcopyrite, suggesting that the sulphur likely derived from the deep‐seated magma. Pyrites show δ34S values from −0.5‰ to +6.5‰ in stage II, from +0.7‰ to +6.6‰ in country rock of marble, but significantly higher from +12.8‰ to +21.7‰ in country rock of greenschist. These results indicate the sulphur for pyrite in stage II likely derived from the mixing of deep‐seated magma and country rocks. From stages I to II, a slightly increase of δD (from −86‰ and −73‰ to −59‰ and −56‰) and a decrease of δ18O (from 8.9‰ and 7.1‰ to 1.3‰ and 3.4‰) indicate that an increasing involvement of meteoric water. The carbon isotopes of fluid inclusions CO2 in quartz of stage I (−11.0‰ to −13.0‰) indicate a major magmatic or metamorphic carbon source mixed with minor sedimentary sourced carbon, but a major organic carbon source (−32.0‰ to −35.0‰) for stage II fluids. In conclusion, the Wangjiadashan Cu–Au deposit belongs to the orogenic type.
Prognostic analysis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on clinical features and plasma surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Qi‐Jie , Chen Yang , Zou Xiao‐Huan , Hu Wei , Lin Xue‐Liang , Feng Shang‐Yuan , Chen Fa , Xu Liu‐Qing , Chen Wan‐Jin , Wang Ning
Published: April 2019

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with a wide range of survival times. We aimed to explore prognostic factors related to short survival based on clinical features and plasma metabolic signatures using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). One hundred and thirty‐eight sporadic ALS cases were enrolled serially, including 62 for the short‐duration group (≤3 years) and 76 for the long‐duration group (>3 years). Multivariate analysis showed that an older age of onset (>60 years; odds ratio [OR] = 3.98, 95% CI: 1.09‐14.53), lower body mass index (BMI) (<18.5; OR = 6.80, 95% CI: 1.36‐33.92), and lower ALSFRS‐R score (<35; OR = 6.03, 95% CI: 1.42‐25.63) were associated with higher odds of tracheotomy or death, while a higher uric acid (UA) level showed a protective effect (>356.36 μmol/L; OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05‐0.73). SERS analysis showed significant differences between the two groups, and pathway analysis highlighted five main metabolic pathways, including metabolisms of glutathione, pyrimidine, phenylalanine, galactose, and phenylalanine‐tyrosine‐tryptophan biosynthesis. In conclusion, age of onset, BMI, ALSFRS‐R score and UA, together with dysregulation of glucose, amino acid, nucleic acid, and antioxidant metabolism contributed to disease progression, and are therefore potential therapeutic targets for ALS.
MCM10 facilitates the invaded/migrated potentials of breast cancer cells via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling and is positively interlinked with poor prognosis in breast carcinoma
Authors: Yang Wei‐Dong , Wang Lu
Published: April 2019

The minichromosome maintenance protein 10 (MCM10) is one of the MCM proteins that initiate DNA replication by interacting with CDC45‐MCM2–7. It has been reported that MCM10 has a role in breast cancer progression. However, MCM10 in breast cancer is still not comprehensively studied and further research is needed. This study was aimed at investigating the potential effects of MCM10 on metastasis, the prognosis of breast carcinoma, and its underlying mechanisms. Using the ONCOMINE database and the Kaplan‐Meier Plotter, MCM10 was significantly overexpressed in cancers, and high expression of MCM10 was involved in the poor prognosis of breast carcinoma. MCM10 can promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA‐MB‐231 cells. MCM10 knockdown brought about a radical reversal in cell behaviors. Meanwhile, decreased expression of β‐catenin and cyclin Dl was detected in MCM10 short hairpin RNA cells, implying that MCM10 might induce breast cancer metastasis via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.MCM10 can be defined as a potential diagnostic tool and a promising target for breast carcinoma.
Integrated analysis of a competing endogenous RNA network reveals key long noncoding RNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ye Jiaxiang , Zhang Jinyan , Lv Yufeng , Wei Jiazhang , Shen Xiaoyun , Huang Junqi , Wu Susu , Luo Xiaoling
Published: April 2019

Growing evidence has revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important impact on tumorigenesis and tumor progression via a mechanism involving competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, their use in predicting the survival of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to develop a novel lncRNA expression–based risk score system to accurately predict the survival of patients with HCC. In our study, using expression profiles downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs), lncRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) were explored in patients with HCC and normal liver tissues, and then a ceRNA network constructed. A risk score system was established between lncRNA expression of the ceRNA network and overall survival (OS) or recurrence‐free survival (RFS); it was further analyzed for associations with the clinical features of patients with HCC. In HCC, 473 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 63 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 1417 differentially expressed mRNAs were detected. The ceRNA network comprised 41 lncRNA nodes, 12 miRNA nodes, 24 mRNA nodes, and 172 edges. The lncRNA expression–based risk score system for OS was constructed based on six lncRNAs (MYLK‐AS1, AL359878.1, PART1, TSPEAR‐AS1, C10orf91, and LINC00501), while the risk score system for RFS was based on four lncRNAs (WARS2‐IT1, AL359878.1, AL357060.1, and PART1). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed the risk score systems for OS or RFS were significant independent factors adjusted for clinical factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the area under the curve for the risk score system was 0.704 for OS, and 0.71 for RFS. Our result revealed a lncRNA expression–based risk score system for OS or RFS can effectively predict the survival of patients with HCC and aid in good clinical decision‐making.
microRNA‐146a downregulates IL‐17 and IL‐35 and inhibits proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Zhao Sen , Cheng Yawei , Kim Jong Ghee
Published: April 2019

Periodontitis is characterized by increased levels of proinflammatory factors, such as interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and IL‐35. In this study, the expression of microRNA‐146a (miRNA‐146a), IL‐17, and IL‐35 in the plasma of patients with periodontitis and healthy controls were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. miRNA‐146a mimic was transfected into periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) isolated from periodontitis‐affected teeth and healthy teeth. Cell proliferation and expression of IL‐17 and IL‐35 were detected by cell counting kit‐8 assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. It was observed that miRNA‐146a was downregulated but IL‐17 and IL‐35 were upregulated in the plasma of patients with periodontitis than in healthy controls. miRNA‐146a was inversely correlated with IL‐17 and IL‐35 in patients with periodontitis. miRNA‐146a overexpression inhibited proliferation of PDLSCs derived from both periodontitis‐affected teeth and healthy teeth. miRNA‐146a overexpression led to downregulated IL‐17 and IL‐35 expression in PDLSCs isolated from periodontitis‐affected teeth. We, therefore, conclude that miRNA‐146a may improve periodontitis by downregulating IL‐17 and IL‐35 expression and inhibiting proliferation of human PDLSCs.
Retracted: Vinculin promotes gastric cancer proliferation and migration and predicts poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Liu Pei , Xu Famei , He Yuanlong , Xie Xiangjun , Jiang Xiangjun
Published: April 2019

Vinculin is a highly conserved protein involved in cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion. However, the effects of vinculin on gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the functional role of vinculin in GC, as well as its underlying mechanism. Expression of vinculin in patients with GC was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Overall survival was evaluated by the Kaplan‐Meier method with the log‐rank test. The relationship between vinculin and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with GC was further identified. In addition, we assessed the expression of vinculin in GC cell lines. Besides, vinculin was suppressed or overexpressed by transfection with small interfering (si‐vinculin) or pcDNA‐vinculin and then cell viability, cell apoptosis, and/or migration was respectively examined by the 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazole‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐biphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay, flow cytometer, and scratch assay, respectively. Moreover, the cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related proteins were detected by Western blot analysis. The expression of vinculin was significantly increased in the GC tissues and cells compared with the nontumor tissues or cells. Vinculin protein positive staining was mainly located in the cell membrane and cytoplasm. Moreover, vinculin was significantly associated with Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) and poor differentiation. Patients with high vinculin levels had significantly worse overall survival than those with low levels. Suppression of vinculin significantly decreased cell viability and migration and promoted cell apoptosis. However, overexpression of vinculin statistically increased cell viability but had no effects on cell apoptosis. Vinculin promotes GC proliferation and migration and predicts poor prognosis in patients with GC.
Long noncoding RNA myocardial infarction associated transcript promotes the development of thoracic aortic by targeting microRNA‐145 via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Shiyuan , Chen Hu , Yu Chaowen , Lu Ran , Song Tao , Wang Xiaogao , Tang Wenbo , Gao Yong
Published: April 2019

The main aim of our study was to investigate the roles and molecular basis of long noncoding RNA myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT) in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysm. RT‐qPCR assay was performed to measure the expressions of MIAT, microRNA‐145 (miR‐145), along with Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xl messenger RNAs. Western blot assay was conducted to determine protein levels of Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xl, phosphorylated‐Akt (p‐Akt), and total Akt (t‐Akt). Cell viability was detected by the (3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The relationship of MIAT and miR‐145 was examined by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay. MIAT expression was significantly increased, and miR‐145 expression was markedly reduced in thoracic aortic aneurysms compared with normal thoracic aortic tissues. MIAT overexpression or miR‐145 depletion improved cell viability and inhibited cell apoptosis in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (h‐VSMCs). Further exploration revealed that MIAT could inhibit miR‐145 expression by direct interaction. And miR‐145 upregulation abrogated MIAT‐induced viability increase and apoptosis inhibition in h‐VSMCs. Moreover, MIAT inhibited the activation of Akt signaling, while this effect was abated by miR‐145 overexpression in h‐VSMCs. The inhibition of the Akt pathway by MK‐22062HCl resulted in the reduction of cell viability and the increase of cell apoptotic activity in h‐VSMCs. Akt activation by HY‐18749 improved cell viability and suppressed cell apoptosis in h‐VSMCs. And the introduction of HY‐18749 raised cell viability and curbed cell apoptosis in h‐VSMCs cotransfected with MIAT overexpression plasmid and miR‐145 mimic. lncRNA‐MIAT could target miR‐145 to affect the viability and apoptosis of h‐VSMCs, which was implicated in the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes exert antiapoptosis effect via activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway on H9C2 cells
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Xiaolu , Gong Xuhe , Wang Guogan
Published: April 2019

Background/Objectives

In recent years, as an alternative to stem cell therapy for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), exsomes have attracted wide attention among researchers. The present study aimed to investigate the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC‐MSCs) derived exosomes play on H9C2 cells apoptosis and possible mechanisms.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from normal UC‐MSCs culture media and hypoxic preconditioning culture media. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of exosomes. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to detect the size distribution and concentration of exosomes. Western blot analysis was used to analyzed the surface marker CD63 of exosomes. H9C2 cells were induced apoptosis by hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD) and then were treated respectively by group. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay was used to detect viability of H9C2 cells. Apoptosis was detected by Hochest staining and annexin V‐FITC/PI. The expression levels of related proteins of apoptosis, autophagy, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were analyzed by Western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze LC3B expression.

Results

Hypoxic preconditioning increased the exosomes secretion of UC‐MSCs. UC‐MSCs derived exosomes could inhibit H/SD‐induced H9C2 cells apoptosis. Hypoxic preconditioning strengthened this antiapoptosis effect of UC‐MSCs. Hypoxic preconditioning UC‐MSCs derived exosomes (H‐Exo) downregulated LC3B‐II/I and beclin‐1 and upregulated P62, p‐Akt/Akt and p‐mTOR/mTOR. The antiapoptotic effect of H‐Exo could be attenuated by treatment with LY294002 and rapamycin.

Conclusion

UC‐MSCs derived exosomes could inhibit H9C2 cells apoptosis induced by H/SD through regulating autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Hypoxia preconditioning could enhance above effects through increasing exosomes secretion of UC‐MSCs.
microRNA‐340‐5p inhibits hypoxia/reoxygenation‐induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes by regulating the Act1/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Li Dong , Zhou Jian , Yang Baoping , Yu Yan
Published: April 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in the occurrence, progression, and treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanism by which miRNA regulates target gene expression in ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not entirely clear. MiR‐340‐5p was reported to be downregulated in acute ischemic stroke. However, it still remains unknown whether miR‐340‐5p is mediated in the pathogenesis process of I/R injury after AMI. In the present study, male C57BL/6 J mice and H9C2 cardiomyocytes were used as experimental models. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blot analysis, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end‐labeling immunofluorescence staining assay were conducted to examine related indicators in the study. We confirmed that the expression of miR‐340‐5p is downregulated after I/R in AMI mice and hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R)‐induced cardiomyocytes. miR‐340‐5p could inhibit apoptosis and oxidative stress in H/R‐induced H9C2 cells via downregulating activator 1 (Act1). The inhibiting action of miR‐340‐5p on H/R‐induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes was partially reversed after Act1 overexpression. Moreover, the results showed that the NF‐κB pathway may be mediated in the role of miR‐340‐5p on H/R‐induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress. We demonstrated that upregulation of miR‐340‐5p suppresses apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by H/R in H9C2 cells by inhibiting Act1. Therapeutic strategies that target miR‐340‐5p, Act1, and the NF‐κB pathway could be beneficial for the treatment of I/R injury after AMI.
UHRF1 is regulated by miR‐124‐3p and promotes cell proliferation in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Mengxuan , Wei Chuanyuan , Lin Jiajia , Dong Shuangshuang , Gao Dongmei , Chen Jie , Zhao Yan , Liu Binbin
Published: April 2019

Ubiquitin‐like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1) is abnormally overexpressed in multiple cancers and closely correlated with tumor‐promoting effects, such as high proliferation. However, how UHRF1 functions in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) has not yet been determined. Herein, we found that UHRF1 is overexpressed in ICC tissues. Downregulated UHRF1 attenuated the transition of the G1/S cell cycle and then suppressed cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, upstream regulators of the UHRF1 expression were predicted, and we found that direct binding of miR‐124‐3p inhibited the UHRF1 expression. Elevated miR‐124‐3p suppressed proliferation and led to the arrest of the cell cycle. Furthermore, the expression of UHRF1 was positively correlated with PCNA. Clinically, we showed that elevated UHRF1 was associated with poor prognosis, and served as an independent prognostic factor in ICC patients. Together, these findings demonstrate that UHRF1, regulated by miR‐124‐3p, acts as a tumor promoter by promoting cell proliferation in ICC.
Hypoxic regulation of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and Mas receptor in human CD34+ cells
Authors: Joshi Shrinidh , Wollenzien Hannah , Leclerc Estelle , Jarajapu Yagna PR
Published: April 2019

CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) are vasculogenic and hypoxia is a strong stimulus for the vasoreparative functions of these cells. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/angiotensin‐(1–7)/Mas receptor (MasR) pathway stimulates vasoprotective functions of CD34+ cells. This study tested if ACE2 and MasR are involved in the hypoxic stimulation of CD34+ cells. Cells were isolated from circulating mononuclear cells derived from healthy subjects (n = 46) and were exposed to normoxia (20% O2) or hypoxia (1% O2). Luciferase reporter assays were carried out in cells transduced with lentivirus carrying ACE2‐ or MasR‐ or a scramble‐3′‐untranslated region gene with a firefly luciferase reporter. Expressions or activities of ACE, angiotensin receptor Type 1 (AT1R), ACE2, and MasR were determined. In vitro observations were verified in HSPCs derived from mice undergoing hindlimb ischemia (HLI). In vitro exposure to hypoxia‐increased proliferation and migration of CD34+ cells in basal conditions or in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or stromal‐derived factor 1α (SDF) compared with normoxia. Expression of ACE2 or MasR was increased relative to normoxia while ACE or AT1R expressions were unaltered. Luciferase activity was increased by hypoxia in cells transfected with the luciferase reporter plasmids coding for the ACE2‐ or MasR promoters relatively to the control. The effects of hypoxia were mimicked by VEGF or SDF under normoxia. Hypoxia‐induced ADAM17‐dependent shedding of functional ACE2 fragments. In mice undergoing HLI, increased expression/activity of ACE2 and MasR were observed in the circulating HSPCs. This study provides compelling evidence for the hypoxic upregulation of ACE2 and MasR in CD34+ cells, which likely contributes to vascular repair.
PPARγ promotes diabetes‐associated centrosome amplification via increasing the expression of SKA1 directly at the transcriptional level
Authors: Liu Qin Qin , Wang Pu , He Qin Ju , Ma Ronald , Lee Shao Chin
Published: April 2019

We have recently published that type 2 diabetes can induce cell centrosome amplification due to the action of high glucose, palmitic acid, and insulin, and ROCK1 and 14‐3‐3σ are signal mediators. In this study, we further investigated the molecular mechanisms of the centrosome amplification in colon cancer HCT116 cells. Treatment of the cells with high glucose, palmitic acid, and insulin increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) as well as the spindle and kinetochore associated protein 1 (SKA1), knockdown of each of which resulted in the inhibition of the treatment‐triggered centrosome amplification. Knockdown of PPARγ inhibited the treatment‐evoked increase in the SKA1 level, whereas knockdown of SKA1 did not modify the treatment‐increased PPARγ level. We found a predicted binding site for PPARγ in the promoter region of the SKA1 gene from the JASPAR database. Experimental results showed that the treatment increased the messenger RNA level of SKA1, which could be inhibited by PPARγ chemical inhibitor or small interfering RNA. Moreover, we were able to show that PPARγ could bind to the binding site in the SKA1 gene promoter, which was increased by the experimental treatment. In conclusion, it is suggested that the pathophysiological factors in type 2 diabetes, high glucose, palmitic acid, and insulin, induce the cell centrosome amplification through the PPARγ‐SKA1 pathway, in which PPARγ increases the expression of SKA1 via directly enhancing the SKA1 gene transcription.
Non‐viral gene delivery for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Saeed Madiha , Zhou Yao , Yang Lili , Wang Dangge , Yu Haijun
Published: April 2019

Recent decades have witnessed the revolutionary development of cancer immunotherapies, which boost cancer‐specific immune responses for long‐term tumor regression. However, immunotherapy still has limitations, including off‐target side effects, long processing times and limited patient responses. These disadvantages of current immunotherapy are being addressed by improving our understanding of the immune system, as well as by establishing combinational approaches. Advanced biomaterials and gene delivery systems overcome some of these delivery issues, harnessing adverse effects and amplifying immunomodulatory effects, and are superior to standard formulations with respect to eliciting antitumor immunity. Nucleic acid‐based nanostructures have diverse functions, ranging from gene expression and gene regulation to pro‐inflammatory effects, as well as the ability to specifically bind different molecules. A brief overview is provided of the recent advances in the non‐viral gene delivery methods that are being used to activate cancer‐specific immune responses. Furthermore, the tumor microenvironment‐responsive synergistic strategies that modulate the immune response by targeting various signaling pathways are discussed. Nanoparticle‐based non‐viral gene delivery strategies have great potential to be implemented in the clinic for cancer immunotherapy.
Low risk of neurodevelopmental impairment among perinatally acquired HIV‐infected preschool children who received early antiretroviral treatment in Thailand
Authors: Jantarabenjakul Watsamon , Chonchaiya Weerasak , Puthanakit Thanyawee , Theerawit Tuangtip , Payapanon Jesdaporn , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Veeravigom Montida , Jahanshad Neda , Thompson Paul M , Ananworanich Jintanat , Malee Kathleen , Pancharoen Chitsanu ,   the DOET study
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended in perinatally HIV‐infected (PHIV) infants immediately upon diagnosis. We aimed to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes between PHIV children who initiated ART within 12 months of life and perinatally HIV‐exposed uninfected (PHEU) children and to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes by timing of ART.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included Thai children aged 12 to 56 months who were assessed with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) at enrolment and at 48 weeks. Global Developmental Impairment (GDI) was defined as Early Learning Composite (ELC) ≤ 70 on the MSEL; typical developmental pattern was defined as ELC > 70 at both visits. Logistic regression was used to compare prevalence of any GDI. Predictors of changing ELC scores were analysed with generalized estimating equations linear regression model.

Results

From 2016 to 2017, 50 PHIV (twenty‐seven early ART within three months and twenty‐three standard ART within three to twelve months) and 100 PHEU children were enrolled. Median (IQR) age at first assessment was 28 (19 to 41) months. PHIV children had lower age‐relevant Z scores for weight, height and head circumference compared to the PHEU group (p < 0.05).

The prevalence of overall GDI was 18% (95% CI 11 to 27) and 32% (95% CI 20 to 47) in PHEU and PHIV children respectively (p = 0.06). In subgroup analysis, 22% (95% CI 9 to 42) of early ART PHIV children and 44% (95% CI 23 to 66) of standard ART PHIV children had overall GDI. There was a higher rate of GDI in standard ART PHIV children (p = 0.01), but not in the early ART group (p = 0.62) when compared with PHEU children. The standard ART PHIV group demonstrated lower typical developmental pattern than both the early ART PHIV group and the PHEU group (57% vs. 77% vs. 82% respectively). Non‐attendance at nursery school was associated with changes in ELC score during study participation (adjusted coefficient −3.8; 95% CI −6.1 to −1.6, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Preschool children with HIV who initiated ART in the first three months of life had a similar rate of GDI as PHEU children. Lack of nursery school attendance predicted poor developmental trajectory outcomes among PHIV children.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Study of New Ferrocene‐Based Schiff Bases as Potential Nonionic Surfactants
Authors: Ali Shazaib , Badshah Amin , Hussain Hamid , Fatima Saira , Shah Aamir Hassan , Shah Afzal , Saifullah Salim , Shah Muhammad Raza
Published: April 2019

Ferrocene‐based nonionic surfactants were synthesized by reacting ferrocenylcarboxyaldehyde with different long‐chain amines. Nonionic surfactants were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR), 1HNMR, and 13CNMR spectroscopy. The ferrocene‐based surfactants were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy and surface tension measurements to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The CMC values indicate high aggregation ability of the synthesized surfactants in ethanol. Dominance of their hydrophilic character was ensured from hydrophilic–lipophilic balance in the 10–15 range. Voltammetric response of all surfactants showed well‐defined and stable redox signals. Computational studies further revealed their physicochemical characteristics. Results of the study confirm the multifunctionality of the surfactants and suggest utilization in various fields.
A Thermally Stable Polyamine/Unsaturated Fatty Acid System: Gelation Behaviors and Application
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Qin‐Tang , Hu Run‐Tao , Luan Ling‐Yu
Published: April 2019

The gelation behavior of diethylenetriamine (DETA) and oleic acid (OLA) with different molar ratios in water was investigated. The gels, which were composed of lamellar phase and vesicles, were characterized using small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and freeze‐fracture transmission electron microscopy (FF‐TEM). The responsive rheological properties were also investigated. Our results show that lamellar gels and rodlike micelles were formed successively with the increase of the DETA/OLA molar ratio. The lamellar gels exhibiting high thermal stability can be obtained in a wide range of polyamine/unsaturated fatty acid molar ratios. The mechanism of lamellar gel formation was explained by the packing parameter and the noncovalent interactions between the building blocks. Moreover, gel–sol transition can be triggered by tuning pH and ionic strength. This system has a good emulsification property, and no obvious nanoemulsion droplet coarsening is observed upon dilution after 30 days.
Seasonal ecosystem metabolism across shallow benthic habitats measured by aquatic eddy covariance
Authors: Attard Karl M. , Rodil Iván F. , Glud Ronnie N. , Berg Peter , Norkko Joanna , Norkko Alf
Published: April 2019

Shallow benthic habitats are hotspots for carbon cycling and energy flow, but metabolism (primary production and respiration) dynamics and habitat‐specific differences remain poorly understood. We investigated daily, seasonal, and annual metabolism in six key benthic habitats in the Baltic Sea using ~ 2900 h of in situ aquatic eddy covariance oxygen flux measurements. Rocky substrates had the highest metabolism rates. Habitat‐specific annual primary production per m2 was in the order Fucus vesiculosus canopy > Mytilus trossulus reef > Zostera marina canopy > mixed macrophytes canopy > sands, whereas respiration was in the order M. trossulus > F. vesiculosus > Z. marina > mixed macrophytes > sands > aphotic sediments. Winter metabolism contributed 22–31% of annual rates. Spatial upscaling revealed that benthic habitats drive > 90% of ecosystem metabolism in waters ≤5 m depth, highlighting their central role in carbon and nutrient cycling in shallow waters.
Influence of grinding parameters on the corrosion behavior of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Reinemann Steffi , Rosemann Paul , Babutzka Martin , Lehmann Jens , Burkert Andreas
Published: April 2019

Samples of the austenitic stainless steel grade X5CrNi18‐10 (1.4301, AISI 304) were ground industrially with various grinding parameters to study their influence on corrosion resistance. The ability of the mechanically ground surfaces to form a stable passive layer was evaluated by KorroPad test and a modified electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation test based on a single loop (EPR‐SL). Furthermore, the surfaces were characterized by surface analytical methods. The main influence was determined regarding abrasive belt type. Surfaces mechanically ground with granulate abrasive belts constantly had a lower corrosion resistance than surfaces ground with single‐coated grain. The granulate abrasive belts generated more sensitized surface areas and left formations of welded sample material on the mechanically ground surfaces. A post‐treatment with a nonwoven abrasive proved to be an effective finishing process by which the surface defects and sensitized material got removed and the surfaces regained the expected corrosion resistance.
Preparation and Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Poly(butylene succinate)/Talc Composites for Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Zhou Yunhong , Xia Xinshu , Liu Xinping , Huang Baoquan , Xiao Liren , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua
Published: April 2019

In this paper, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with a low melting point and a similar performance to polyethylene is employed as a printing material; talc is introduced into the matrix to enhance the melt strength of pure PBS during printing. The PBS/talc composite 3D printing filament is prepared by melt extrusion, and the thermal, mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties of the composites are investigated. The results show that the addition of talc to PBS leads to an increase in crystallization temperature. In addition, the tensile and flexural strengths of the injection‐molded specimens increase when the talc concentration increases. However, the mechanical properties of the printed specimens exhibit an opposite variation trend due to their distinct forming process. The printing temperature is 135 °C, which is far lower than those of commercial grade polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) printing filaments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that increasing the talc concentration creates better printed formability and well‐organized fracture surface structures. By comparing printed fishbones, the results suggest that the presence of talc leads to a good printing performance with the composite. Furthermore, the rheological results reveal that η*, G′, and G″ are enhanced by the addition of talc.
In Situ Migration Analysis and Diffusion Coefficient Determination of Bio‐Based Plasticizer From NBR Using FTIR‐ATR and Estimation of Migrated Plasticizer Contents by TGA Analysis
Authors: Shahzad Irfan , Wittchen Sergei , Cepus Valentin
Published: April 2019

The migration of plasticizer from a product can restrict the usability of the product as this process affects material properties and shorten their service life. The objective of the present study is to investigate this migration process and observe its dynamics under short‐term thermal aging. For this purpose, in situ FTIR‐ATR spectra are recorded after every hour for continuous 60 h, while the plasticized and unplasticized NBR system is mounted and heated on ATR crystal with a heating plate at 70 °C. The band ratio of the corresponding characteristic peak areas from plasticizer carbonyl (1736 cm−1) and reference C‐H stretching from butadiene (968 cm−1) is determined after every hour. TGA analysis carried out on similar NBR samples with gradually increasing plasticizer amounts helped to obtain the calibration curve which is used to determine the migrated plasticizer amount. With the obtained data, it is possible to determine the diffusion coefficient and to quantify the migrated plasticizer amount during short‐term thermal aging and thus present a universal tool for the comparison of different plasticizers with respect to their migration behavior.