bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the genes and pathways related to major depressive disorder via a systems biology approach
Authors: Fan Ting , Hu Ying , Xin Juncai , Zhao Mengwen , Wang Ju
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder caused by the combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Over the years, a number of genes potentially associated with MDD have been identified. However, in many cases, the role of these genes and their relationship in the etiology and development of MDD remains unclear. Under such situation, a systems biology approach focusing on the function correlation and interaction of the candidate genes in the context of MDD will provide useful information on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.

Methods

We collected genes potentially related to MDD by screening the human genetic studies deposited in PubMed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed). The main biological themes within the genes were explored by function and pathway enrichment analysis. Then, the interaction of genes was analyzed in the context of protein–protein interaction network and a MDD‐specific network was built by Steiner minimal tree algorithm.

Results

We collected 255 candidate genes reported to be associated with MDD from available publications. Functional analysis revealed that biological processes and biochemical pathways related to neuronal development, endocrine, cell growth and/or survivals, and immunology were enriched in these genes. The pathways could be largely grouped into three modules involved in biological procedures related to nervous system, the immune system, and the endocrine system, respectively. From the MDD‐specific network, 35 novel genes potentially associated with the disease were identified.

Conclusion

By means of network‐ and pathway‐based methods, we explored the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of MDD at a systems biology level. Results from our work could provide valuable clues for understanding the molecular features of MDD.
Retinal sublayer defect is independently associated with the severity of hypertensive white matter hyperintensity
Authors: Qu Man , Kwapong William Robert , Peng Chenlei , Cao Yungang , Lu Fan , Shen Meixiao , Han Zhao
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To investigate the association of specific retinal sublayer thicknesses on optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers using the Fazekas scale in hypertensive white matter hyperintensity (WMH) subjects.

Methods

Eighty‐eight participants (32 healthy controls and 56 hypertensive white matter hyperintensity subjects) underwent retinal imaging using the OCT and MRI. A custom‐built algorithm was used to measure the thicknesses of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCIP). Focal markers for white matter hyperintensities were assessed on MRI and graded using the Fazekas visual rating.

Results

Hypertensive WMH showed significantly reduced (p < .05) RNFL and GCIP layers when compared to healthy controls, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the RNFL (ρ = −.246, p < .001) and GCIP (ρ = −.338, p < .001) of the total participants and the Fazekas score, respectively. Statistical differences were still significant (p < .05) when correlations were adjusted for intereye correlation, age, hypertension, smoking, body mass index, and diabetes. Among the cases of hypertensive WMH, higher Fazekas scores were significantly associated (p < .05) with the thinning of both the RNFL and GCIP layers after adjustment of age and other risk factors.

Conclusions

Retinal degeneration in the RNFL and GCIP was independently associated with focal lesions in the white matter of the brain and deteriorates with the severity of the lesions. We suggest that imaging and measurement of the retinal sublayers using the OCT may provide evidence on neurodegeneration in WMH.
The association between DXA‐derived body fat measures and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Arthur Rhonda S. , Xue Xiaonan , Kamensky Victor , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Simon Michael , Luo Juhua , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Neuhouser Marian L. , Banack Hailey , Ho Gloria Y. F. , Lane Dorothy S. , Pan Kathy , Reding Kerryn W. , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Rohan Thomas E.
Published: December 2019

Background

Most studies demonstrating an association between excess adiposity and postmenopausal breast cancer have used anthropometric measures, particularly body mass index (BMI). However, more direct body fat measures may more accurately determine the relationship between body fat distribution and breast cancer risk.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards regression models were created to examine the associations of dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) body fat measures (at baseline and during follow‐up) with breast cancer risk among 10 931 postmenopausal women from the Women's Health Initiative cohort. A total of 639 incident invasive breast cancer cases (including 484 estrogen receptor positive (ER+) cases) were ascertained after a median follow‐up of 15.0 years.

Results

Excess whole body fat mass and trunk fat mass were positively associated with risk invasive breast cancer risk. These associations persisted even after additional adjustment for standard anthropometric measures. In time‐dependent analyses, we observed that both whole body fat mass and trunk fat mass, in the highest versus lowest category, were associated with a doubling of risk of invasive breast cancer overall (HR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.54‐3.05 and 2.20; 1.55‐3.14, respectively) and of ER+ breast cancer (2.05; 1.37‐3.05 and 2.03; 1.34‐3.07, respectively). The remaining DXA measures were also positively associated with breast cancer risk in baseline and time‐dependent analyses.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that DXA‐derived body fat measures are positively associated with breast cancer risk after adjustment for BMI and other conventional breast cancer risk factors.
The nuclear translocation of insulin‐like growth factor receptor and its significance in cancer cell survival
Authors: Chughtai Shahzaib
Published: December 2019

The nuclear translocation of insulin‐like growth factor receptor type 1 (IGF‐1R) has been documented in a variety of previous studies. The exact mechanism of this translocation, however, is still poorly understood. Furthermore, the functional role of IGF‐1R in the nucleus shows promise of transcriptional control. This function is particularly important in cancer cells. Understanding this role may also give insights into cancer biology and treatment methods. Processes including SUMOylation and clathrin‐mediated endocytosis are necessary for IGF‐1R nuclear translocation to occur. The antiapoptotic qualities of IGF‐1R likely contribute to its function in cancer cells. This review aims to synthesize the work on IGF‐1R in order to propose a mechanism of translocation. Using this mechanism, new therapeutic targets can be proposed that hinder the role of IGF‐1R in cancer metastasis.
Cadmium Sulfide Quantum Dots–Organometallic Halide Perovskite Bilayer Electrode Structures for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Oloore Luqman E. , Gondal Mohammed A. , Popoola Idris K. , Popoola AbdulJelili
Published: December 2019

Supercapacitors are attracting great attention because of their fast charging–discharging ability as well as their high power density. The current research in this area focuses mainly on exploring novel low‐cost electrode materials with higher energy and power densities. In this work, thin‐film electrochemical capacitors were fabricated using layers of self‐synthesized cadmium sulfide quantum dots and organometallic halide perovskite materials as active electrodes. Organometallic halide perovskites exhibit interesting ionic responses as well as extraordinary electronic properties. These properties are exploited in fabricating the electrochemical capacitors, and the devices showed excellent cycling ability with stable capacitance outputs beyond 4000 cycles. Impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed that perovskites do not only serve as active electrodes but also as solid electrolytes, thereby enhancing the capacitance of the devices and hence the energy densities. The layers provide high surface areas for electrolytes to access the electrode materials; reasonably low charge transfer resistance and small relaxation time were also observed. This work opens new opportunities for developing thin‐film supercapacitors using low‐cost electrode materials and employing a facile, inexpensive solution‐process coating.
Electrophotocatalytic Undirected C−H Trifluoromethylations of (Het)Arenes
Authors: Qiu Youai , Scheremetjew Alexej , Finger Lars H. , Ackermann Lutz
Published: December 2019

Electrophotochemistry has enabled arene C−H trifluoromethylation with the Langlois reagent CF3SO2Na under mild reaction conditions. The merger of electrosynthesis and photoredox catalysis provided a chemical oxidant‐free approach for the generation of the CF3 radical. The electrophotochemistry was carried out in an operationally simple manner, setting the stage for challenging C−H trifluoromethylations of unactivated arenes and heteroarenes. The robust nature of the electrophotochemical manifold was reflected by a wide scope, including electron‐rich and electron‐deficient benzenes, as well as naturally occurring heteroarenes. Electrophotochemical C−H trifluoromethylation was further achieved in flow with a modular electro‐flow‐cell equipped with an in‐operando monitoring unit for on‐line flow‐NMR spectroscopy, providing support for the single electron transfer processes.
A Flexible Strategy for Modular Synthesis of Curcuminoid‐BF2/Curcuminoid Pairs and Their Comparative Antiproliferative Activity in Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Abonia Rodrigo , Laali Kenneth K. , Raja Somu Dawn , Bunge Scott D. , Wang Esther C.
Published: December 2019

A facile protocol that enables synthetic interconversion of CUR‐BF2 and CUR compounds is described that significantly widens the preparative scope of curcuminoids, providing access to larger libraries of compounds, thus enabling comparative antiproliferative and apoptotic study of a larger library of synthetic analogs in cancer cell lines.
Complex Pore Structure of Mesoporous Zeolites: Unambiguous TEM Imaging Using Platinum Tracking
Authors: Volkov Roman L. , Kukin Vladimir N. , Kots Pavel A. , Ivanova Irina I. , Borgardt Nikolay I.
Published: December 2019

The article proposes a new way for visualization of mesopores and quantitative evaluation of the pore structure in zeolite crystals. The approach is based on platinum tracking inside the zeolite material after its incorporation from a gaseous precursor using an electron beam prior to preparing a TEM specimen by the focused ion beam technique. The pores in mesoporous silica and purely microporous zeolite Y were visualized in TEM images in a demonstration of the capabilities of the approach. Finally, platinum tracking was used for studying the pore structure of zeolite Y (CBV 720) containing mesopores both inside the crystal and those emerging at its surface, which were unambiguously distinguished from each other. The obtained sizes of the mesopores and the calculated material porosity are in good agreement with the results obtained by the low‐temperature argon sorption isotherms method.
Endoscopic resection of sinonasal malignancies
Authors: Abdelmeguid Ahmed S. , Raza Shaan M. , Su Shirley Y. , Kupferman Michael , Roberts Dianna , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab Y.
Published: December 2019

Background

In this study, we evaluate our experience and the outcomes of patients with sinonasal cancer treated with endoscopic resection.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients with sinonasal cancer who had endoscopic resection was conducted. The outcomes of interest included survival outcomes and surgical complications.

Results

Overall, 239 patients were included. Median follow up time was 46.6 months. Of the 239 patients, 167 (70%) had a pure endonasal endoscopic approach, while 72 (30%) had an endoscopic‐assisted approach. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred in 14 patients (5.9%). Negative margins were achieved in 209 patients (87.4%). There was no significant difference in the margin status between the pure endoscopic and endoscopic‐assisted group (P = .682). There was no significant difference in the survival outcomes between both the groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that in properly selected patients, endoscopic approaches have acceptable morbidity with low complication rates and can provide an oncologically sound alterative to open approaches.
Accelerating the Generalized Born with Molecular Volume and Solvent Accessible Surface Area Implicit Solvent Model Using Graphics Processing Units
Authors: Gong Xiping , Chiricotto Mara , Liu Xiaorong , Nordquist Erik , Feig Michael , Brooks Charles L. , Chen Jianhan
Published: December 2019

The generalized Born with molecular volume and solvent accessible surface area (GBMV2/SA) implicit solvent model provides an accurate description of molecular volume and has the potential to accurately describe the conformational equilibria of structured and disordered proteins. However, its broader application has been limited by the computational cost and poor scaling in parallel computing. Here, we report an efficient implementation of both the electrostatic and nonpolar components of GBMV2/SA on graphics processing unit (GPU) within the CHARMM/OpenMM module. The GPU‐GBMV2/SA is numerically equivalent to the original CPU‐GBMV2/SA. The GPU acceleration offers ~60‐ to 70‐fold speedup on a single NVIDIA TITAN X (Pascal) graphics card for molecular dynamic simulations of both folded and unstructured proteins of various sizes. The current implementation can be further optimized to achieve even greater acceleration with minimal reduction on the numerical accuracy. The successful development of GPU‐GBMV2/SA greatly facilitates its application to biomolecular simulations and paves the way for further development of the implicit solvent methodology. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel synthesis of pyran, thiophene, and pyridine derivatives incorporating thiazole ring and their antitumor evaluation
Authors: Mohareb Rafat M. , Khalil Eid M. , Mayhoub Amany E. , Abdallah Amira E. M.
Published: December 2019

This study aims to design and synthesize a number of novel pyran, thiophene, and pyridine derivatives incorporating thiazole ring and evaluate their antitumor inhibition (μM) as significant anticancer agents. The reactivity of compound 1 [2‐(4‐oxo‐4,5‐dihydrothiazol‐2‐yl)acetonitrile] towards different chemical reagents was described. Furthermore, the reactivity of all the newly synthesized products was evaluated. The most active compounds towards all the three tumor cancer cell lines used such as MCF‐7 (breast adenocarcinoma), NCI‐H460 (non‐small cell lung cancer) and SF‐268 (CNS cancer), and normal fibroblasts human cell line (WI‐38) were compounds 6d, 8, and 10b, which compared with the antiproliferative effects of the reference control doxorubicin. Also, some of the novel compounds indicate higher inhibition than doxorubicin against some of the cancer cell lines used such as 6c (especially towards MCF‐7) and 2b, 6b (especially towards SF‐268).
Physician Barriers and Facilitators for Screening for Congenital Heart Disease With Routine Obstetric Ultrasound
Authors: Pinto Nelangi M. , Henry Kevin A. , Grobman William A. , Ness Amen , Miller Stephen , Ellestad Sarah , Gotteiner Nina , Tacy Theresa , Wei Guo , Minich L. LuAnn , Kinney Anita Y.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Prenatal detection of congenital heart disease with obstetric screening remains at less than 50% in most population studies, far from what is thought to be achievable. We sought to identify barriers/facilitators for screening from the perspective of interpreting physicians and to understand how these barriers/facilitators may be associated with interpretation of screening images.

Methods

Our mixed‐methods studies included 4 focus groups in centers across the United States with obstetric, maternal‐fetal medicine, and radiology providers who interpreted obstetric ultrasound studies. Themes around barriers/facilitators for fetal heart screening were coded from transcripts. A national Web‐based survey was then conducted, which quantitatively measured reported barriers/facilitators and measured physicians’ ability to interpret fetal heart‐screening images. Multivariable generalized linear random‐effect models assessed the association between barriers/facilitators and the accuracy of image interpretation at the image level.

Results

Three main themes were identified in the focus groups: intrinsic barriers (ie, comfort with screening), external barriers (ie, lack of feedback), and organizational barriers (ie, study volumes). Among 190 physician respondents, 104 interpreted ultrasound studies. Perceptions of barriers varied by practice setting, with nontertiary providers having lower self‐efficacy and perceived usefulness of cardiac screening. Facilitators associated with the odds of accurate interpretation of screening images were knowledge (odds ratio, 2.54; P = .002) and the volume of scans per week (odds ratio, 1.01 for every additional scan; P = .04).

Conclusions

Some of the main barriers to cardiac screening identified and prioritized by physicians across the United States were knowledge of screening and minimal volumes of scans. Targeting these barriers will aid in improving prenatal detection of congenital heart disease.
Electrically small circularly polarized antenna using vialess CRLH‐TL and fractals for L‐band mobile satellite applications
Authors: Ameen Mohammad , Chaudhary Raghvendra Kumar
Published: December 2019

This paper explains the design and development of an electrically small (ka = 0.59) circularly polarized (CP) antenna based on vialess composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) transmission line (TL) and third‐iterative fractals (TIF) applicable for 1.637 GHz L‐band mobile satellite applications. The idea behind the CP antenna originates from the combination of curved meander line inductor on the top side of the substrate back coupled with TIF in backside of the substrate. The loading of TIF provides an increased level of cross polarization by adjusting the dimensions of TIF which is almost equal to the main polarization level of original CRLH‐TL loaded antenna on the top side of the substrate. Due to this, the antenna can generate two orthogonally polarized modes for supporting CP radiation with excellent miniaturization and improved gain. The overall dimensions of the proposed antenna are 22 × 27 × 1.27 mm with radiating element size including the ground plane are 0.11λ0 × 0.14λ0 × 0.006λ0 at 1.635 GHz. The proposed antenna can provide excellent miniaturization of 68.51% compared with the conventional monopole antenna with improved radiation performance. The antenna provides an acceptable impedance bandwidth of 0.73%, improved gain of 1.79 dBi without using complex vias, excellent miniaturization, and low profile (0.006 λ0) compared to existing similar type of antennas in the literature.
Subtle findings on fetal brain imaging in CMV infected pregnancies: What is the clinical significance? A retrospective analysis with outcome correlation
Authors: Roee Birnbaum , Adi Winsteen , Michael Brusilov , Igal Wolman , Karina Krajden Haratz , Liat Ben‐Sira , Gustavo Malinger
Published: December 2019

Objective

To describe the prognosis of subtle findings on fetal brain imaging in pregnant women with primary CMV infection during pregnancy.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. The data included: timing of infection, amniocentesis results, imaging findings, obstetric outcome, and developmental assessment.

Results

For the 27 included patients, the time of infection was: periconception, first, second, third trimesters or unknown in 14.8%, 29.7%, 40.7%, 7.4%, and 7.4%, respectively. Seventy‐four percent had only MRI findings; white matter hyperintense T2 signal (HT2) (51.8%), mild ventriculomegaly (18.5%), HT2 and temporal cyst (7.4%), dilated occipital horn (7.4%), Periventricular pseudo cyst (PVPC) with dilated occipital horn (3.7%), isolated PVPC (7.4%), choroid plexus cyst (3.7%). In 26% of fetuses, additional ultrasound findings were observed: Lenticulostriatal vasculopathy (LSV) (11.1%), LSV with PVPC (3.84%), isolated PVPC (3.84%), mild ventriculomegaly (3.84%), and bilateral temporal cysts (3.84%). In 66.6%, the MRI had false‐positive findings (due to noninfected neonates). All children are developing normally, and one has a hearing deficit. Postnatal ultrasound (US) was normal in 21/27, with LSV in five, and a resolving subependymal cyst in one patient.

Conclusion

Subtle imaging findings are more common on MRI than US and the prognosis is most likely favorable. Performing amniocentesis will significantly reduce the false‐positive rate.
Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Hairy Nanoparticles with pH and Ionic Dual‐Responsiveness
Authors: Liu Rui , Lu Yuanyuan , Pu Wanfen , Hu Pan , Luo Qiang , Luo Haoyu
Published: December 2019

Recently, polymeric shell hybrid nanoparticles with multiresponse to external triggers have attracted much interests in academic researches and technical industries. This work provided a novel of amphiphilic hairy nanoparticles (APNPs) with distinct pH and ionic dual‐responsiveness based on silica nanoparticles as the core, amphiphilic‐polymeric chains containing amine‐moieties, and carboxylic groups as the layer by a facile emulsion polymerization. The structural parameters of APNPs were characterized by combining thermal gravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, transmission electronic microscopy, and dynamic light scattering. The polymeric shell in water was compressed due to proton‐transference from carboxylic groups to amine‐moieties, where APNPs behaved as colloidal particles. By adding HCl, carboxyl groups were deionized, whereas the electrostatic repulsion of protonated amine‐moieties between the neighboring chains expanded the polymeric shell, and thus APNPs self‐assembled into a typical viscoelastic fluid. APNPs reconstructed into branch‐like viscoelastic gel in the presence of cationic ions under alkaline environment. Such transformation was reversible by adjusting the pH of APNPs dispersion. APNPs might have potential application in enhanced oil recovery of unconventional reservoirs because of their original low viscosity for desirable injectivity from ground to micro‐nanopores of subsurface, and the dramatic increase in viscosity for mobility control triggered by pH and ionic ions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:563–574, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
On topological indices of carbon nanocones and nanotori
Authors: Jahanbani Akbar
Published: December 2019

Let G be a graph with n vertices and d
i is the degree of its ith vertex (d
i is the degree of v
i). In this article, we compute the redefined first Zagreb index, redefined second Zagreb index, redefined third Zagreb index, augmented Zagreb index of graphs carbon nanocones CNC
k[n], and nanotori [C4C6C8(p,q)]. Also, compute the multiplicative redefined first Zagreb index, multiplicative redefined second Zagreb index, multiplicative redefined third Zagreb index, multiplicative augmented Zagreb index of carbon nanocones CNC
k[n], and nanotori [C4C6C8(p,q)].
Contact surface area and its association with outcomes in robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Kahn Amanda E. , Shumate Ashley M. , Galler Isabella J. , Ball Colleen T. , Thiel David D.
Published: December 2019

Background

Renal tumor scoring systems, such as the contact surface area value, aim to assist in predicting outcomes following robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy. The aim of this study is to identify associations between specific postoperative outcomes and the contact surface area of renal masses.

Methods

We analyzed 332 consecutive robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomies and calculated contact surface area for renal tumors with the contact surface area formula (CSA = 2πrd), where π ≈ 3.14, r = greatest tumor radius (cm), and d = greatest tumor depth (cm).

Results

Higher contact surface area was associated with longer warm ischemia time (P < .001), higher estimated blood loss (P < .001), and longer length of hospital stay (LOS) (P < .001). Higher contact surface area was significantly associated with decreased renal function at 1 day, 1 month, and 6 months following robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy.

Conclusions

Contact surface area is associated with certain outcomes following robotic‐assisted partial nephrectomy and may be a useful predictive tool.
A novel surgical navigation technology for placement of implants in slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Authors: Oetgen Matthew E. , Litrenta Jody , Koutenaei Bamshad Azizi , Cleary Kevin R.
Published: December 2019

Background

Fixation with a single screw is the recommended treatment for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Achieving optimal implant positioning can be difficult owing to the complex geometry of the proximal femur in SCFE. We assessed a novel navigation technology incorporating an inertial measurement unit to facilitate implant placement in an SCFE model.

Methods

Guidewires were placed into 30 SCFE models, using a navigation system that displayed the surgeon's projected implant trajectory simultaneously in multiple planes. The accuracy and the precision of the system were assessed as was the time to perform the procedure.

Results

Implants were placed an average of 5.3 mm from the femoral head center, with a system precision of 0.94 mm. The actual trajectory of the implant deviated from the planned trajectory by an average of 4.9° ± 2.2°. The total average procedure time was 97 seconds.

Conclusion

The use of computer‐based navigation in a SCFE model demonstrated good accuracy and precision in terms of both implant trajectory and placement in the center of the femoral head.
Science notebooks as interactional spaces in a multilingual classroom: Not just ideas on paper
Authors: Wilmes Sara E.D. , Siry Christina
Published: December 2019

Past studies have explored the role of student science notebooks in supporting students' developing science understandings. Yet scant research has investigated science notebook use with students who are learning science in a language they are working to master. To explore how student science notebook use is co‐constructed in interaction among students and teachers, this study examined plurilingual students' interactions with open‐ended science notebooks during an inquiry science unit on condensation and evaporation. Grounded in theoretical views of the notebook as a semiotic social space, multimodal interaction analysis facilitated examination of the ways students drew upon the space afforded by the notebook as they constructed explanations of their understandings. Cross‐group comparison of three focal groups led to multiple assertions regarding the use of science notebooks with plurilingual students. First, the notebook supported student‐determined paths of resemiotization as students employed multiple communicative resources to express science understandings. Second, notebooks provided spaces for students to draw upon diverse language resources and as a bridge in time across multiple inquiry sessions. Third, representations in notebooks were leveraged by both students and teachers to access and deepen conceptual conversations. Lastly, students' interactions over time revealed multiple epistemological orientations in students' use of the notebook space. These findings point to the benefits of open‐ended science notebooks use with plurilingual students, and a consideration of the ways they are used in interaction in science instruction.
LncRNA MIR4435‐2HG‐mediated upregulation of TGF‐β1 promotes migration and proliferation of nonsmall cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Yang Mei , He Xiaohua , Huang Xiaoxian , Wang Jiyang , He Yuxin , Wei Li
Published: December 2019

The roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in tumor progression. Here, it was identified that lncRNA MIR4435‐2HG was highly expressed in lung cancer tissues, especially in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A consistent result was obtained in lung cancer cells. Functional experiments showed that knockdown of MIR4435‐2HG reduced the proliferation and migration ability of NSCLC cells. Transcriptome‐sequencing analysis indicated that TGF‐β signaling was mostly enriched in NSCLC cells with MIR4435‐2HG knockdown. Furthermore, MIR4435‐2HG was identified as an miRNA sponge for TGF‐β1 and thus activated TGF‐β signaling. Additionally, re‐activation of TGF‐β1 rescued MIR4435‐2HG knockdown‐mediated inhibition on the progression of NSCLC cells. Therefore, this work indicates a novel MIR4435‐2HG/TGF‐β1 axis responsible for NSCLC cell progression.
Inverse association between glucose-lowering medications and severe hyponatremia: a Swedish population-based case-control study
Authors: Falhammar Henrik , Skov Jakob , Calissendorff Jan , Lindh Jonatan D. , Mannheimer Buster
Published: December 2019

Context

Glucose-lowering medications have occasionally been reported to cause hyponatremia, but the evidence is scarce.

Objectives

To explore the association between glucose-lowering medications and severe hyponatremia.

Design, setting, and participants

Subjects hospitalized with a principal diagnosis of hyponatremia (n = 14,359) were compared with matched controls (n = 57,383). Data were derived by linkage of national population-based registers. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for co-medication, diseases, previous hospitalizations, and socioeconomic factors was used to explore the association between hospitalization for hyponatremia and the use of different glucose-lowering medications. Furthermore, newly initiated (≤90 days) and ongoing use was investigated separately.

Main outcome measures

Hospitalization due to hyponatremia.

Results

The unadjusted ORs (95% CI) for hospitalization due to hyponatremia were 1.41 (1.29–1.54) for insulins, 1.38 (1.27–1.50) for metformin, and 1.22 (1.07–1.38) for sulfonylureas. However, after adjustment for confounding factors the association was consistently reversed. Thus, for any glucose-lowering medication the adjusted OR was 0.63 (0.58–0.68). For insulins, metformin and sulfonylureas, adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 0.58 (0.52–0.65), 0.81 (0.72–0.90) and 0.81 (0.69–0.94), respectively. Odds ratios for newly initated medications were overall higher while those for ongoing treatment were further decreased. Thus, adjusted ORs (95% CI) for ongoing treatment with insulins, metformin, and sulfonylureas were 0.54 (0.48–0.61), 0.82 (0.73–0.91) and 0.78 (0.66–0.92).

Conclusions

Glucose-lowering medications did not increase the risk for hospitalization due to severe hyponatremia. In fact, the association was inverse across all investigated drugs. The association may be mediated by pharmacologic mechanisms, but the uniform effects across drug-classes suggest properties of the diabetic disease are of importance.
The origins of Buchanan's views on federalism, Chicago 1946–1947
Authors: Marciano Alain
Published: December 2019

Buchanan's first writings about federalism and fiscal justice were “'Federalism’: One Barrier to Labor Mobility” and “A Theory of Financial Balance in a Federal State,” two term papers that he wrote before his dissertation and that have never been discussed before. Studying them allows us to complete the recent literature on the origins of Buchanan's fiscal federalism. We show that most of Buchanan's ideas about fiscal equity were already in these works, and also that Buchanan made other claims and used other arguments – about mobility, for instance – that were absent from the dissertation but remained important to him for a long time. We also analyze these essays in the context in which Buchanan was at that time, namely the economics department of the University of Chicago. We show how Buchanan fed on, not to say was influenced by, the courses for which he wrote these essays. This allows us to shed new light on the role Theodore Schultz, D. Gale Johnson, Henry Simons, and Roy Blough, played at the beginning of Buchanan's career.
Adding memory to pressure-sensitive phosphors
Authors: Petit Robin R. , Michels Simon E. , Feng Ang , Smet Philippe F.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Mechanoluminescence (ML) is the phenomenon describing the emission of light during mechanical action on a solid, leading to applications such as pressure sensing, damage detection and visualization of stress distributions. In most cases, this mechanical action releases energy that was previously stored in the crystal lattice of the phosphor by means of trapped charge carriers. A drawback is the need to record the ML emission during a pressure event. In this work, we provide a method for adding a memory function to these pressure-sensitive phosphors, allowing an optical readout of the location and intensity of a pressure event in excess of 72 h after the event. This is achieved in the BaSi2O2N2:Eu2+ phosphor, where a broad trap depth distribution essential for the process is present. By merging optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), thermoluminescence (TL) and ML measurements, the influence of light, heat and pressure on the trap depth distribution is carefully analysed. This analysis demonstrates that mechanical action can not only lead to direct light emission but also to a reshuffling of trap occupations. This memory effect not only is expected to lead to new pressure sensing applications but also offers an approach to study charge carrier transitions in energy storage phosphors.
Mapping disparities in education across low- and middle-income countries
Authors:   Local Burden of Disease Educational Attainment Collaborators
Published: December 2019

Educational attainment is an important social determinant of maternal, newborn, and child health1–3. As a tool for promoting gender equity, it has gained increasing traction in popular media, international aid strategies, and global agenda-setting4–6. The global health agenda is increasingly focused on evidence of precision public health, which illustrates the subnational distribution of disease and illness7,8; however, an agenda focused on future equity must integrate comparable evidence on the distribution of social determinants of health9–11. Here we expand on the available precision SDG evidence by estimating the subnational distribution of educational attainment, including the proportions of individuals who have completed key levels of schooling, across all low- and middle-income countries from 2000 to 2017. Previous analyses have focused on geographical disparities in average attainment across Africa or for specific countries, but—to our knowledge—no analysis has examined the subnational proportions of individuals who completed specific levels of education across all low- and middle-income countries12–14. By geolocating subnational data for more than 184 million person-years across 528 data sources, we precisely identify inequalities across geography as well as within populations.
Programmable RNA methylation and demethylation using PUF RNA binding proteins
Authors: Shinoda Kouki , Suda Akiyo , Otonari Kenko , Futaki Shiroh , Imanishi Miki
Published: December 2019

A new method manipulating local RNA methylation was developed by fusing the programmable RNA binding protein and the m6A demethylase or methyltransferase.
Mechanistic insight into the organocalcium-mediated nucleophilic alkylation of benzene and further rational design
Authors: Zhao Xuefei , Xiao Dengmengfei , Cui Xianlu , Chai Chaoqun , Zhao Lili
Published: December 2019

DFT calculations disclosed the mechanism of the target reaction and the origin of unusual nucleophilicity of organocalcium. More reactive analogues were designed.
Pd–Ru nanocatalysts derived from a Pd-induced aerogel for dramatic boosting of hydrogen release
Authors: Yang Xiaojiao , Wei Jianyu , Wang Qi , Shuai Maobing , Yue Guozong , Li Peilong , Huang Deshun , Astruc Didier , Zhao Pengxiang
Published: December 2019

The alloyed bimetallic PdRuNPs@alkyne-PVA aerogel catalysts exhibit very highly catalytic activity towards hydrogen release from ammonia borane hydrolysis with a TOF value of 578.2 molH2 molcat−1 min−1.
Facile synthesis of 2-alkynyl oxazoles via a Ce(OTf)3-catalyzed cascade reaction of alkynyl carboxylic acids with tert-butyl isocyanide
Authors: Cao Ming , Teng Qing-Hu , Xi Zhi-Wei , Liu Li-Qiu , Gu Ren-Yong , Wang Ying-Chun
Published: December 2019

We developed an efficient and novel protocol to synthesize 2-alkynyloxazoles from tert-butyl isocyanide and alkynyl carboxylic acids, and these diversely functionalized oxazoles showed a certain degree of biological activity.
Electrosynthesis of gradient TiO2 nanotubes and rapid screening using scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy
Authors: Gelb Florian , Chueh Yu-Chien , Sojic Neso , Keller Valérie , Zigah Dodzi , Cottineau Thomas
Published: December 2019

Electrodes of TiO2-nanotubes with a gradient of length were synthesized by a simple anodization method and analyzed locally by scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy.
Pr2BaNiMnO7−δdouble-layered Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite oxides as efficient cathode electrocatalysts for low temperature proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Wang Qi , Hou Jie , Fan Yun , Xi Xiu-an , Li Jun , Lu Ying , Huo Ge , Shao Lin , Fu Xian-Zhu , Luo Jing-Li
Published: December 2019

The performance of low-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) is heavily dependent on the electrocatalytic activity of the cathode toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
A dual-salt coupled fluoroethylene carbonate succinonitrile-based electrolyte enables Li-metal batteries
Authors: Fu Chuankai , Ma Yulin , Lou Shuaifeng , Cui Can , Xiang Lizhi , Zhao Wei , Zuo Pengjian , Wang Jiajun , Gao Yunzhi , Yin Geping
Published: December 2019

We report a novel succinonitrile (SN)-based electrolyte SN–DLi–FEC (SN–LiTFSI–LiODFB–FEC), which shows excellent compatibility with the Li-metal anode.
Electrically conductive aluminum ion-reinforced MXene films for efficient electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Liu Zhangshuo , Zhang Yu , Zhang Hao-Bin , Dai Yang , Liu Ji , Li Xiaofeng , Yu Zhong-Zhen
Published: December 2019

An ion cross-linking strategy is reported to fabricate MXene films with remarkable electromagnetic interference shielding performance and excellent mechanical strength.
Signatures of the Galactic bar in high-order moments of proper motions measured by Gaia
Authors: Palicio Pedro A. , Martinez-Valpuesta Inma , Allende Prieto Carlos , Dalla Vecchia Claudio
Published: December 2019

Our location in the Milky Way provides an exceptional opportunity to gain insight on the galactic evolution processes, and complement the information inferred from observations of external galaxies. Since the Milky Way is a barred galaxy, the study of motions of individual stars in the bulge and disc is useful to understand the role of the bar. The Gaia mission enables such study by providing the most precise parallaxes and proper motions to date. In this theoretical work, we explore the effects of the bar on the distribution of higher-order moments – the skewness and kurtosis – of the proper motions by confronting two simulated galaxies, one with a bar and one nearly axisymmetric, with observations from the latest Gaia data release (Gaia DR2). We introduce the code ASGAIA to account for observational errors of Gaia in the kinematical structures predicted by the numerical models. As a result, we find clear imprints of the bar in the skewness distribution of the longitudinal proper motion μℓ in Gaia DR2, as well as other features predicted for the next Gaia data releases.
Cosmic-ray acceleration and escape from post-adiabatic supernova remnants
Authors: Brose R. , Pohl M. , Sushch I. , Petruk O. , Kuzyo T.
Published: December 2019

Context. Supernova remnants are known to accelerate cosmic rays on account of their nonthermal emission of radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. Although there are many models for the acceleration of cosmic rays in supernova remnants, the escape of cosmic rays from these sources has not yet been adequately studied.

Aims. We aim to use our time-dependent acceleration code RATPaC to study the acceleration of cosmic rays and their escape in post-adiabatic supernova remnants and calculate the subsequent gamma-ray emission from inverse-Compton scattering and Pion decay.

Methods. We performed spherically symmetric 1D simulations in which we simultaneously solved the transport equations for cosmic rays, magnetic turbulence, and the hydrodynamical flow of the thermal plasma in a volume large enough to keep all cosmic rays in the simulation. The transport equations for cosmic rays and magnetic turbulence were coupled via the cosmic-ray gradient and the spatial diffusion coefficient of the cosmic rays, while the cosmic-ray feedback onto the shock structure can be ignored. Our simulations span 100 000 years, thus covering the free-expansion, the Sedov–Taylor, and the beginning of the post-adiabatic phase of the remnant’s evolution.

Results. At later stages of the evolution, cosmic rays over a wide range of energy can reside outside of the remnant, creating spectra that are softer than predicted by standard diffusive shock acceleration, and feature breaks in the 10 − 100 GeV-range. The total spectrum of cosmic rays released into the interstellar medium has a spectral index of s ≈ 2.4 above roughly 10 GeV which is close to that required by Galactic propagation models. We further find the gamma-ray luminosity to peak around an age of 4000 years for inverse-Compton-dominated high-energy emission. Remnants expanding in low-density media generally emit more inverse-Compton radiation, matching the fact that the brightest known supernova remnants – RCW86, Vela Jr., HESS J1731−347 and RX J1713.7−3946 – are all expanding in low density environments.
123–321 models of classical novae
Authors: José Jordi , Shore Steven N. , Casanova Jordi
Published: December 2019

Context.High-resolution spectroscopy has revealed large concentrations of CNO and sometimes other intermediate-mass elements (e.g., Ne, Na, Mg, or Al, for ONe novae) in the shells ejected during nova outbursts, suggesting that the solar composition material transferred from the secondary mixes with the outermost layers of the underlying white dwarf during thermonuclear runaway.

Aims.Multidimensional simulations have shown that Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities provide self-enrichment of the accreted envelope with material from the outermost layers of the white dwarf, at levels that agree with observations. However, the Eulerian and time-explicit nature of most multidimensional codes used to date and the overwhelming computational load have limited their applicability, and no multidimensional simulation has been conducted for a full nova cycle.

Methods.This paper explores a new methodology that combines 1D and 3D simulations. The early stages of the explosion (i.e., mass-accretion and initiation of the runaway) were computed with the 1D hydrodynamic codeSHIVA. When convection extended throughout the entire envelope, the structures for each model were mapped into 3D Cartesian grids and were subsequently followed with the multidimensional codeFLASH. Two key physical quantities were extracted from the 3D simulations and were subsequently implemented intoSHIVA, which was used to complete the simulation through the late expansion and ejection stages: the time-dependent amount of mass dredged-up from the outer white dwarf layers, and the time-dependent convective velocity profile throughout the envelope.

Results.This work explores for the first time the effect of the inverse energy cascade that characterizes turbulent convection in nova outbursts. More massive envelopes have been found that are those reported from previous models with pre-enrichment. These result in more violent outbursts, characterized by higher peak temperatures and greater ejected masses, with metallicity enhancements in agreement with observations.
Gaia-assisted discovery of a detached low-ionisation BAL quasar with very large ejection velocities
Authors: Fynbo J. P. U. , Møller P. , Heintz K. E. , Burchett J. N. , Christensen L. , Geier S. J. , Jakobsson P. , Krogager J.-K. , Ledoux C. , Milvang-Jensen B. , Noterdaeme P. , Prochaska J. X. , Tripp T. M.
Published: December 2019

We report on the discovery of a peculiar broad absorption line (BAL) quasar identified in our Gaia-assisted survey of red quasars. The systemic redshift of this quasar was difficult to establish because of the absence of conspicuous emission lines. Based on deep and broad BAL troughs of at least Si IV, C IV, and Al III, a redshift of z = 2.41 was established under the assumption that the systemic redshift can be inferred from the red edge of the BAL troughs. However, we observe a weak and spatially extended emission line at 4450 Å that is most likely due to Lyman-α emission, which implies a systemic redshift of z = 2.66 if correctly identified. There is also evidence for the onset of Lyman-α forest absorption bluewards of 4450 Å and evidence for Hα emission in the K band consistent with a systemic redshift of z = 2.66. If this redshift is correct, the quasar is an extreme example of a detached low-ionisation BAL quasar. The BALs must originate from material moving with very large velocities ranging from 22 000 km s−1 to 40 000 km s−1. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a systemic-redshift measurement based on extended Lyman-α emission for a BAL quasar. This method could also be useful in cases of sufficiently distant BL Lac quasars without systemic-redshift information.
Remote coronal dimmings related to a circular-ribbon flare
Authors: Zhang Q. M. , Zheng R. S.
Published: December 2019

Aims. In this paper, we report multiwavelength observations of remote coronal dimmings related to an M1.1 circular-ribbon flare in active region (AR) 12434.

Methods. The confined flare without a coronal mass ejection was observed by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory on 2015 October 16. We obtained global three-dimensional (3D) magnetic fields before the flare using the potential field source surface modeling.

Results. A few minutes before the flare hard X-ray peak time (06:13:48 UT), small-scale, weak dimming appeared ∼240″ away from the flare site, which can be observed by AIA only in 131 and 171 Å. Afterward, long and narrow dimmings became evident in all AIA extreme-ultraviolet passbands except 304 Å, while localized core dimming was not clearly observed near the flare site. The large-area dimmings extended southeastward and the areas increased gradually. The total area of dimmings reaches (1.2 ± 0.4) × 104 Mm2 in 193 Å. The maximal relative intensity decreases in 171 and 193 Å reach 90% and 80%, respectively. Subsequently, the dimmings began to replenish and the area decreased slowly, lasting for ≥3 h. The remote dimmings and AR 12434 are connected by large-scale coronal loops. The remote dimmings are associated with the southwest footpoints of coronal loops with weak negative polarities. Possible origins of remote dimmings are discussed.