bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-cadherin and hyaluronan expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, relation to patient outcomes
Authors: Hendawy Heba A. El , Ibrahiem Afaf , SY El-Nagdy , W Zedan
Published: December 2017

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is regarded as an essential step for tumor invasion and metastasis. In squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC), N-Cadherin expression and its involvement in tumor progression remains a controversial topic.Aim of the study: The present study aimed to assess the expression of N-cadherin and HA in HNSCC and further study their relation to patients survival and outcomes.Material and methods: Fifty-eight retrospective selected cases of head and neck squamous carcinomas (HNSCCs) with available paraffin blocks. Complete clinico-pathological and follow-up data were recorded. Immune staining for N-cadherin and hyaluronan were done, also, we study the correlation of the results with patients survival data.Results: Squamous cell carcinoma islands demonstrated high N-cadherin expression in 55.2% and low expression in 44.8%. N-cadherin high expression was significantly (p < .05) associated with large tumor sizes, advanced TNM clinical stage, increased incidence of recurrence and patient’s death. A significant correlation was recorded between the presence of neural invasion and N-cadherin expression (p = .004). Strong intensity of stromal HA was significantly (p < .05) associated with an oral site, nodal metastasis, and higher TNM stage. Patients with high N-cadherin expression, diffuse hyaluronan, and strong stromal hyaluronanreaction had significantly lower DFS rates (p < .05). High N-cadherin expression, diffuse hyaluronan immunoreactivity, and strong stromal hyaluronan reaction intensity had significantly lower OS rates (p < .05).Conclusion: N-cadherin and hyaluronan could be important and promising biomarkers during surveillance of patients with HNSCC.
The Effect of Parental Smoking on the Severity of Asthma in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Irani Carla , Saliba Jad
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND: Several environmental factors trigger attacks of asthma by immunological and non-immunological mechanisms. Among these factors are cited the passive or second hand smoking (SHS) which has a deleterious effect on the prognosis of childhood asthma and induces a resistance to treatment by corticosteroids. The aim of the present study was to identify parents of children with asthma who are smokers and to explore the possible negative impact of SHS exposure on the disease of asthmatic children.MATERIALS & METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from February 2012 to February 2013.The study population consisted of children with asthma. The information concerning the patients was collected from their medical records filled out by the physician in a clinical setting in direct communication with the patients, or their parents when it is a little child. A group of 100 children age between 2 and 15 years, with asthma were recruited for the study. The study children were divided into two groups: cases with 28 children from smoking families, and controls with 73 children from non-smoking families. Analysis of the number of respiratory infections, asthma exacerbations per year, and the average number of hospitalization was done in both groups.RESULTS: Pearson chi2 test was adopted. We showed that smoking among the father was positively correlated with a higher number of hospitalizations for asthma, higher incidence of lower respiratory tract infections and asthma exacerbations. Similarly, the maternal smoking was positively correlated with a higher number of hospitalizations for asthma, lower respiratory tract infections and asthma exacerbations.CONCLUSION: Passive smoking causes respiratory illness, asthma, poor growth, neurological disorders in children. To avoid the risk of respiratory and allergic diseases by environmental tobacco smoke, absolute smoking cessation by parents is strongly recommended.
Detection of Peanut Allergen Traces with a Real Time PCR Assay - The Challenge to Protect Food-Allergic Consumers
Authors: Houhoula Dimitra , Koussissis Stamatios , Lougovois Vladimiros , Tsaknis John , Kassavita Dimitra , Papatheodorou Spiridon , Akkermans Simen , Impe Jan Van , Tsakali Efstathia
Published: December 2017

The aim of the present study was the implementation of molecular techniques in the detection and quantification of allergic substances of peanut in various kinds of food products, e.g., breakfast cereals, chocolates and biscuits that are frequently related to allergies. In some cases, the presence of peanuts can be due to contamination during production and are not declared on the label. A total of 152 samples were collected from supermarkets and were analysed by a Real Time PCR method. The results indicated that 125 samples (83,3%) were found positive in peanut traces but the most important finding is that from the 84 samples that had no allergen declaration for peanuts, 48 (57,1%) of them were found positive. In conclusion, Real Time PCR can be a very important tool for the rapid detection and quantification of food allergens.
The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Physical Activity Increment and Obesity Decrement in the Patients Suffering from Heart Disease in Bandar Abbas
Authors: Taj abadi pour Sedigeh, , Zareh Eghbal,
Published: December 2017

This research is aimed at determining the role of acceptance and mindfulness therapy on physical activity increment and obesity decrement in in the patients suffering from heart disease in Bandar Abbas. In terms of type, the research is applied one and in terms of research method, it is a quasi-experimental study along with a pretest-posttest with a control group. The statistical population of the research involves all the patients suffering from heart disease being overweight who had visited Bandar Abbas’ hospitals during 2016-2017 and according to angiographic reports, eclipse was more than 50% and BMI >= 30. Available sampling method was used in the study. The population size was 20 that 10 were assigned to experimental group and 10 to control group. The data were collected though making use of physical activity level, body mass index (BMI) questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using covariance analysis and SPSS software. The results showed that acceptance therapy had been effective on physical activity increment and body mass decrement of the patients suffering from heart disease. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that mindfulness-based therapy can be considered as a non-invasive treatment.
Selective Determination of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos in the Presence of Their Degradation Products: Application to Environmental Samples
Authors: Rezk Mamdouh R , Abd El-Aleem Abd El-Aziz B , Khalile Shaban M , El-Naggar Omneya K
Published: December 2017

An accurate, sensitive, and selective HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of diazinon and chlorpyrifos. These pesticides were subjected to different stress conditions, such as acidic, alkaline, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic hydrolysis. The proposed method used a C18 Eclipse Plus column (100 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 µm) and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–water (70 + 30, v/v) in an isocratic separation mode. The flow rate was 1.5 mL/min, with UV detection at 247 and 230 nm for diazinon and chlorpyrifos, respectively. The proposed method was linear over the range of 0.40–50.00 µg/mL for diazinon and 0.40–40.00 µg/mL for chlorpyrifos. The proposed method was validated per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and subsequently applied for the successful determination of the studied pesticides in bulk form in their commercial samples in the presence of their degradation products. The developed method was used for the determination of the residues of these pesticides in lavender and rosemary leaves that were pretreated with the recommended doses of these pesticides.
Making Traditions: Girls’ Carnival Morris Dancing and Material Practice
Authors: Wright Lucy
Published: December 2017

Girls’ carnival morris dancing holds a curious status in the canon of English folk performance. On the one hand, this highly competitive team-formation dance operates at a fundamental remove from the conventional spaces and narratives of the two English folk revivals with which most morris dancing is associated (Wright 2017). More closely linked to the popular “town carnival movement” of the late-nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries than to the contemporary folk scene, girls’ morris dancing is practised in sports halls and community centres, predominantly in the northwest of England and parts of North Wales, and is rarely seen in public. The dancers—almost exclusively girls and young women from working-class communities—compete as members of morris dancing troupes within regional and cross-regional carnival organizations. They do not straightforwardly identify as “folk” dancers.
Stomping on the Ground: Dancing Flamenco through Tokyo's Soundscape
Authors: Van Ede Yolanda
Published: December 2017

In “Culture on the Ground,” Tim Ingold states that “a more grounded approach to human movement, sensitive to embodied skills of footwork, opens up new terrain in the study of environmental perception, the history of technology, landscape formation and human anatomical evolution” (2004:315). In “Being Alive” he continues this argument, explaining that

the mechanization of footwork was part and parcel of a wider suite of changes that accompanied the onset of modernity—in modalities of travel and transport, in the education of posture and gesture, in the evaluation of the senses, and in the architecture of the built environment—all of which conspired to lend practical and experiential weight to an imagined separation between the activities of a mind at rest and a body in transit, between cognition and locomotion, and between the space of social and cultural life and the ground upon which that life is materially enacted. (Ingold 2004:321)
Unimagining Song: Making Kin in the Vocal Scene
Authors: Tonelli Chris
Published: December 2017

The task set out for us in this curated section of the Yearbook is, from the perspective I present here, problematic. We are invited to consider utterances on the boundaries between speech and song, and I cannot help thinking that this is like being asked to consider bodies at the border between the air and Canada. Though the terms “speech” and “song” both have numerous meanings, speech generally refers to something relatively concrete: the use of the human voice to convey linguistic meaning. The term speech is like the term air; it refers to something intangible but still concrete. Song, on the other hand, is like Canada. It is a reification. How do we address the space between something concrete and something imagined? Song's borders lie at a variety of distinct perceived locations. Unlike with speech, we cannot objectively determine the line between song and non-song. Even if no one shares your sense of where the borders of song lie, no one has the authority to claim you are wrong. Others may be correct to deem your judgment as culturally inappropriate in a given context, but not objectively untrue. If I hear all speech as song, you cannot prove me wrong. If you see all running as dance, I have no solid ground to assert that it's not. We can quibble over intention and the importance of shared cultural conceptions, but ultimately there is no objectively verifiable way to confirm an utterance as song.
Fitness, cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors: A correlational study
Authors: Batalau Rui Miguel , Cruz Joana Mendes , Gonçalves Ricardo Carmo , Santos Magda Almeida , Leal João , Palmeira António Labisa
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to verify the relationship between anthropometric measures (AM), blood pressure (BP) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour (SB), predicted BMI z-score, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) variance. A total of 245 children (8.90 ± .80years-old) were recruited from a Portuguese school. WHtR was classified according the reference ≥ 0.5. WC was measured above iliac crest. BP was assessed using a sphygmomanometer, and CRF using 20-m run test. PA and SB were assessed by accelerometers (Actigraph GT3x) and by questionnaire. Participants did not meet recommendations on PA. CRF and vigorous PA (VPA) were inversely correlated with AM. Moderate and vigorous PA were positively correlated with CRF. CRF was inversely correlated with systolic and diastolic BP. CRF and PA explained BMI z-score variance. WC and WHtR variance was predicted by CRF. These results emphasize the importance of international recommendations for PA with the purpose of developing CRF. A new emphasis should be given to CRF and interdisciplinary approaches in international recommendations. This should provide new health implications for primary care providers and school services.
Hepatic glycogen levels in female rats submitted to aquatic therapy after muscle disuse
Authors: Fortes Jefferson Pacheco Amaral , De Carvalho Felipe Lima , Alves Juliana Osório , Chaves Marcia Maria Gonçalves Felinto , Carneiro Mayara Rangel Araújo , Ceccatto Vânia Marilande , Santos Júnior Francisco Fleury Uchoa , De Souza Karla Camila Lima
Published: December 2017

The aim of the present study was to analyse the changes in liver glycogen content in rats subjected to aquatic therapy post-disuse of the paw. 32 wistar adult female rats were equally divided: Control (C), kept in the cage for two weeks without interventions; Disuse (D) had the right paw immobilized with hip extension, knee and plantar flexion for two weeks; Aquatic Therapy (AT) underwent aquatic therapy with increments of 3 minutes daily for two weeks, totalizing 36 minutes of training; Disused Aquatic Therapy (DTA) was first subjected to immobilization for two weeks and 24 hours after withdrawal of immobilization aquatic therapy was started for two more weeks, in same protocols of D and AT groups. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, and tissues were dissected, weighed and stored. The liver tissues were referred analysis of glycogen content. It was observed that the blood glucose levels of the AT group (104 mg/dL) were different from the C group (86 mg/dL; p = 0.0213). Regarding hepatic glycogen, the D (2.35mg±0.07) and AT (2.73mg±0.07) groups had hepatic glycogen reduction by 22% and 15%, relative to C (2.51mg±0.03); p <0.0001). The DTA group presented no differences when compared to the control, suggesting the normalization of the finding. Muscle disuse by two weeks promoted changes in glycogen levels, however, two weeks after disuse condition, the aquatic therapy were able to correct the energetic reserve in liver.
Une difficile prise en compte des changements sociaux en milieu minier nordique : le cas de Malartic (Québec)
Authors: Brisson Geneviève , Morin Boulais Catherine , Doyon Sabrina , Bouchard-Bastien Emmanuelle
Published: December 2017

En 2011, l’ouverture d’une mine d’or à ciel ouvert dans la municipalité de Malartic, en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, a suscité un éventail de changements sociaux. Le présent article décrit les impacts subis par les Malarticois entre 2006 et 2013, à partir des résultats d’un projet de recherche d’approche ethnographique au cours duquel des entretiens semi-dirigés ont été réalisés avec 93 acteurs du dossier. S’appuyant sur l’écologie politique et l’économie politique, l’analyse expose les principales limites des politiques publiques destinées à prendre en compte les impacts révélés par le cas de Malartic, et montre comment ces politiques s’inscrivent dans une logique néolibérale.
Integrated downstream regulation by the quorum-sensing controlled transcription factors LrhA and RcsA impacts phenotypic outputs associated with virulence in the phytopathogenPantoea stewartiisubsp.stewartii
Authors: Duong Duy An , Stevens Ann M.
Published: December 2017

Pantoea stewartiisubsp.stewartiiis a Gram-negative proteobacterium that causes leaf blight and Stewart’s wilt disease in corn. Quorum sensing (QS) controls bacterial exopolysaccharide production that blocks water transport in the plant xylem at high bacterial densities during the later stage of the infection, resulting in wilt. At low cell density the key master QS regulator inP. stewartii, EsaR, directly repressesrcsA, encoding an activator of capsule biosynthesis genes, but activateslrhA, encoding a transcription factor that regulates surface motility. Both RcsA and LrhA have been shown to play a role in plant virulence. In this study, additional information about the downstream targets of LrhA and its interaction with RcsA was determined. A transcriptional fusion assay revealed autorepression of LrhA inP. stewartiiand electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) using purified LrhA confirmed that LrhA binds to its own promoter. In addition, LrhA binds to the promoter for the RcsA gene, as well as those for putative fimbrial subunits and biosurfactant production enzymes inP. stewartii,but not to theflhDCpromoter, which is the main direct target of LrhA inEscherichia coli.This work led to a reexamination of the physiological function of RcsA inP. stewartiiand the discovery that it also plays a role in surface motility. These findings are broadening our understanding of the coordinated regulatory cascades utilized in the phytopathogenP. stewartii.
The tetrapod fauna of the upper Permian Naobaogou Formation of China: 1. Shiguaignathus wangi gen. et sp. nov., the first akidnognathid therocephalian from China
Authors: Liu Jun , Abdala Fernando
Published: December 2017

The Permian from China has a well-known terrestrial record where approximately 30 tetrapod taxa, including several therapsids, have been described. However, the record of therocephalians in China has remained elusive. Shiguaignathus wangi gen. et sp. nov., discovered in the Member III of the Naobaogou Formation, Nei Mongol, China, is here described. This is the first therocephalian recovered from this fauna and only the second from the Permian of China. It is represented by a well-preserved robust snout of a medium-sized animal. This is the first akidnognathid reported from the Chinese Permian and only the second genus from Laurasia as one genus is known from Russia whereas the remaining members of the group are from the South African Karoo Basin. A phylogenetic analysis of therocephalians supports a basal position of S. wangi within Akidnognathidae, followed by the Russian Annatherapsidus. Akidnognathidae is the latest major group of therocephalian appearing in the fossil record, and one of the few that does not have species from South Africa representing its most basal members.
Roots of Ru 儒 Ethics in shi 士 Status Anxiety
Authors: Richter Matthias L.
Published: December 2017

When originally independent pragmatic texts were included in larger early Chinese compilations, this entailed a recontextualization that potentially transformed the meaning of those texts significantly. Focusing on examples from the Analects and the Zengzi chapters in Da Dai Liji, this paper demonstrates that some didactic precepts which have come to be appreciated as general Ru moral and political philosophy are probably rooted in concrete and more modest applications. The texts discussed are in part based on a discourse accompanying the establishment of meritocratic administrative structures in the early to mid Warring States period. These pragmatic discourses inspired didactic texts that reflected shi status anxiety. Members of the shi class not only composed texts for the edification of their rulers and the education of their princes. They also directed admonitions at their own peers, formulating standards by which they could manifest their claim to elevated social status. The further these texts became removed over time from their original historical context, the more they came to be read as Ru ethics in the sense of universally applicable standards.
Seven Generations since the Fall of Akkad. Edited by Harvey Weiss
Authors: Pruss Alexander
Published: December 2017

Seven Generations since the Fall of Akkad. Edited by Harvey Weiss. Studia Chaburensia, vol. 3. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2012. Pp. viii + 299, illus. €64 (paper).
Die Lebermodelle aus Boğazköy. By An de Vos
Authors: Beckman Gary
Published: December 2017

Die Lebermodelle aus Boğazköy. By An de Vos. Studien zu den Boğazköy-Texten, Beiheft 5. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2013. Pp. 274, 56 plts. €76.
Divination, Politics & Ancient Near Eastern Empires. Edited by Alan Lenzi and Jonathan Stökl
Authors: Deluty Julia B.
Published: December 2017

Divination, Politics & Ancient Near Eastern Empires. Edited by Alan Lenzi and Jonathan Stökl. Ancient Near East Monographs, vol. 7. Atlanta: Society of BibilicaL Literature, 2014. Pp. x + 209, illus. (paper). $29.95.
From the Mari Archives: An Anthology of Old Babylonian Letters. By Jack M. Sasson
Authors: Miglio Adam E.
Published: December 2017

From the Mari Archives: An Anthology of Old Babylonian Letters. By Jack M. Sasson. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2015. Pp. xx + 454. $59.50.
Biblical History and Israel’s Past: The Changing Study of the Bible and History. By Megan Bishop Moore and Brad E. Kelle
Authors: Holm Tawny
Published: December 2017

Biblical History and Israel’s Past: The Changing Study of the Bible and History. By Megan Bishop Moore and Brad E. Kelle. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2011. Pp. xvii + 518. $46 (paper).
Israelite Religions: An Archaeological and Biblical Survey. By Richard S. Hess
Authors: Holm Tawny
Published: December 2017

Israelite Religions: An Archaeological and Biblical Survey. By Richard S. Hess. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2007. Pp. 423, illus. $34.99.
New Perspectives on Ezra-Nehemiah: History and Historiography, Text, Literature, and Interpretation. Edited by Isaac Kalimi
Authors: Harrington Hannah K.
Published: December 2017

New Perspectives on Ezra-Nehemiah: History and Historiography, Text, Literature, and Interpretation. Edited by Isaac Kalimi. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 2012. Pp. xv + 296, illus. $49.50.
Sogdian Epigraphy of Central Asia and Semirech’e. By Vladimir A. Livshits, translated by Tom Stableford and edited by Nicholas Sims-Williams
Authors: Benkato Adam
Published: December 2017

Sogdian Epigraphy of Central Asia and Semirech’e. By Vladimir A. Livshits, translated by Tom Stableford and edited by Nicholas Sims-Williams. Corpus Inscriptionum Iranicarum, pt. II: Inscriptions of the Seleucid and Parthian periods of Eastern Iran and Central Asia, vol. III: Sogdian IV. London: School of Oriental and African Studies, 2015. Pp. 315. £60.
Hunter, the Stag, and the Mother of Animals: Image, Monument, and Landscape in Ancient North Asia. By Esther Jacobson-Tepfer
Authors: Laursen Sarah
Published: December 2017

The Hunter, the Stag, and the Mother of Animals: Image, Monument, and Landscape in Ancient North Asia. By Esther Jacobson-Tepfer. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015. Pp. xxxiii + 413. $85.
White Lotus Rebels and South China Pirates: Crisis and Reform in the Qing Empire. By Wensheng Wang
Authors: Miller Ian Matthew
Published: December 2017

White Lotus Rebels and South China Pirates: Crisis and Reform in the Qing Empire. By Wensheng Wang. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2014. Pp. 252. $42.
Front Matter
Authors: Editors
Published: December 2017

Front matter
Geoelectric Hazard Maps for the Mid‐Atlantic United States: 100 Year Extreme Values and the 1989 Magnetic Storm
Authors: Love Jeffrey J. , Lucas Greg M. , Kelbert Anna , Bedrosian Paul A.
Published: December 2017

Maps of extreme value geoelectric field amplitude are constructed for the Mid‐Atlantic United States, a region with high population density and critically important power grid infrastructure. Geoelectric field time series for the years 1983–2014 are estimated by convolving Earth surface impedances obtained from 61 magnetotelluric survey sites across the Mid‐Atlantic with historical 1 min (2 min Nyquist) measurements of geomagnetic variation obtained from a nearby observatory. Statistical models are fitted to the maximum geoelectric amplitudes occurring during magnetic storms, and extrapolations made to estimate threshold amplitudes only exceeded, on average, once per century. For the Mid‐Atlantic region, 100 year geoelectric exceedance amplitudes have a range of almost 3 orders of magnitude (from 0.04 V/km at a site in southern Pennsylvania to 24.29 V/km at a site in central Virginia), and they have significant geographic granularity, all of which is due to site‐to‐site differences in magnetotelluric impedance. Maps of these 100 year exceedance amplitudes resemble those of the estimated geoelectric amplitudes attained during the March 1989 magnetic storm, and, in that sense, the March 1989 storm resembles what might be loosely called a “100 year” event. The geoelectric hazard maps reported here stand in stark contrast with the 100 year geoelectric benchmarks developed for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
Hydrological and Biogeochemical Controls on Absorption and Fluorescence of Dissolved Organic Matter in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Wang Chao , Guo Weidong , Li Yan , Stubbins Aron , Li Yizhen , Song Guodong , Wang Lei , Cheng Yuanyue
Published: December 2017

The Kuroshio intrusion from the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and mesoscale eddies are important hydrological features in the northern South China Sea (SCS). In this study, absorption and fluorescence of dissolved organic matter (CDOM and FDOM) were determined to assess the impact of these hydrological features on DOM dynamics in the SCS. DOM in the upper 100 m of the northern SCS had higher absorption, fluorescence, and degree of humification than in the Kuroshio Current of the WPS. The results of an isopycnal mixing model showed that CDOM and humic‐like FDOM inventories in the upper 100 m of the SCS were modulated by the Kuroshio intrusion. However, protein‐like FDOM was influenced by in situ processes. This basic trend was modified by mesoscale eddies, three of which were encountered during the fieldwork (one warm eddy and two cold eddies). DOM optical properties inside the warm eddy resembled those of DOM in the WPS, indicating that warm eddies could derive from the Kuroshio Current through Luzon Strait. DOM at the center of cold eddies was enriched in humic‐like fluorescence and had lower spectral slopes than in eddy‐free waters, suggesting inputs of humic‐rich DOM from upwelling and enhanced productivity inside the eddy. Excess CDOM and FDOM in northern SCS intermediate water led to export to the Pacific Ocean interior, potentially delivering refractory carbon to the deep ocean. This study demonstrated that DOM optical properties are promising tools to study active marginal sea‐open ocean interactions.
miR‐204‐5p suppresses hepatocellular cancer proliferation by regulating homeoprotein SIX1 expression
Authors: Chu Yi , Jiang Mingzuo , Du Feng , Chen Di , Ye Tao , Xu Bing , Li Xiaowei , Wang Weijie , Qiu Zhaoyan , Liu Haiming , Nie Yongzhan , Liang Jie , Fan Daiming
Published: December 2017

Fewer than 30% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are eligible to receive curative therapies, and so a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HCC is needed to identify potential therapeutic targets. The role of microRNA (miRNA) in modulating tumour progression has been demonstrated, and therapies targeting miRNA appear promising. miR‐204‐5p has been shown to function in numerous types of cancer, but its role in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we found that miR‐204‐5p expression was downregulated in cancerous HCC tissues compared to nontumour tissues. Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis also showed that low expression of miR‐204‐5p predicted worse outcomes of HCC patients. In addition, miR‐204‐5p expression was significantly lower in HCC cell lines. The function of miR‐204‐5p was also assessed both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that ectopic expression of miR‐204‐5p in HCC cell lines inhibited HCC cell proliferation and clonogenicity using CCK8, BrdU and colony‐forming assays, while the inhibition of miR‐204‐5p enhanced proliferation and clonogenicity. Further in vivo studies in mice further confirmed the proliferation capacity of miR‐204‐5p. We also identified sine oculis homeobox homologue 1 (SIX1) as a direct target of miR‐204‐5p and showed that it was inversely correlated with miR‐204‐5p in both human and mouse HCC tissues. Transfection of miR‐204‐5p mimics in BEL‐7404 cells blocked the cell cycle by inhibiting the expression of cyclin‐D1 and cyclin‐A1, cell cycle‐related factors regulated by SIX1. More importantly, overexpression of the 3′UTR mutant SIX1 but not the wild‐type SIX1 abolished the suppressive effect of miR‐204‐5p, and downregulated SIX1 in BEL‐7402 cells that transfected with miR‐204 inhibitors could partly block the inhibitory effect of miR‐204‐5p on proliferation. Thus, we have demonstrated that miR‐204‐5p suppresses HCC proliferation by directly regulating SIX1 and its downstream factors.
Massive cortical reorganization is reversible following bilateral transplants of the hands: evidence from the first successful bilateral pediatric hand transplant patient
Authors: Gaetz William , Kessler Sudha K. , Roberts Tim P.L. , Berman Jeffrey I. , Levy Todd J. , Hsia Michelle , Humpl Deborah , Schwartz Erin S. , Amaral Sandra , Chang Ben , Levin Lawrence Scott
Published: December 2017

In this repeated measures case study, we show that sensory deafferentation after limb amputation leads to changes in cortical somatotopic maps which are reversible after restoration of sensory input. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we observed in a child with bilateral hand transplants large‐scale shifts in somatosensory lip cortical representation from anatomic hand area to anatomic face region. After recovery of tactile sensation in the digits, responses to finger stimulation were localized to orthotopic sensory cortex, but with atypical electrophysiologic features (amplitude and frequencies).
30 s Response Time of K+ Ion‐Selective Hydrogels Functionalized with 18‐Crown‐6 Ether Based on QCM Sensor
Authors: Zhang Zhenxiao , Dou Qian , Gao Hongkai , Bai Bing , Zhang Yongmei , Hu Debo , Yetisen Ali K. , Butt Haider , Yang Xiaoxia , Li Congju , Dai Qing
Published: December 2017

Potassium detection is critical in monitoring imbalances in electrolytes and physiological status. The development of rapid and robust potassium sensors is desirable in clinical chemistry and point‐of‐care applications. In this study, composite supramolecular hydrogels are investigated: polyethylene glycol methacrylate and acrylamide copolymer (P(PEGMA‐co‐AM)) are functionalized with 18‐crown‐6 ether by employing surface initiated polymerization. Real‐time potassium ion monitoring is realized by combining these compounds with quartz crystal microbalance. The device demonstrates a rapid response time of ≈30 s and a concentration detection range from 0.5 to 7.0 × 10−3
m. These hydrogels also exhibit high reusability and K+ ion selectivity relative to other cations in biofluids such as Na+, NH4+, Mg2+, and Ca2+. These results provide a new approach for sensing alkali metal ions using P(PEGMA‐co‐AM) hydrogels.
Rapid Differential Diagnosis of Breast Microcalcification Using Targeted Near‐Infrared Fluorophores
Authors: Park Min Ho , Lim Wonbong , Jo Danbi , Jung Jin Seok , Kim Subin , Kim Jangho , Lim Hyo Soon , Lee Ji Shin , Min Jung‐Joon , Hyun Hoon
Published: December 2017

Early detection and differential diagnosis of breast microcalcifications are of significant importance in effective treatment of early breast cancer, because mineral composition of breast calcification is directly associated with different pathological states. However, applying image‐based modalities for component identification in breast calcification remains challenging, because no calcification‐specific contrast agent is available to distinguish between benign and malignant (type I and type II, respectively) calcifications of breast lesions. In this study, real‐time near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of breast microcalcifications using targeted NIR fluorophores in combination with dual‐channel NIR fluorescence imaging system is reported. This strategy can be used to solve major problem in mammography and ultrasonography methods for the differentiation of benign and malignant microcalcifications. Thus, this novel technology shows significant potential for breast cancer diagnosis and image‐guided surgery performed with increased precision and efficiency by providing differential diagnosis of breast microcalcifications.
A Toroidal Metamaterial Switch
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Srivastava Yogesh Kumar , Singh Ranjan
Published: December 2017

Toroidal dipole is a localized electromagnetic excitation that plays an important role in determining the fundamental properties of matter due to its unique potential to excite nearly nonradiating charge–current configuration. Toroidal dipoles are recently discovered in metamaterial systems where it is shown that these dipoles manifest as poloidal currents on the surface of a torus and are distinctly different from the traditional electric and magnetic dipoles. Here, an active toroidal metamaterial switch is demonstrated in which the toroidal dipole can be dynamically switched to the fundamental electric dipole or magnetic dipole, through selective inclusion of active elements in a hybrid metamolecule design. Active switching of nonradiating toroidal configuration into highly radiating electric and magnetic dipoles can have significant impact in controlling the electromagnetic excitations in free space and matter that can have potential applications in designing efficient lasers, sensors, filters, and modulators.
Synergistic Exploitation of the Superoxide Scavenger Properties of Reduced Graphene Oxide and a Trityl Organic Radical for the Impedimetric Sensing of Xanthine
Authors: Seber Gonca , Muñoz Jose , Sandoval Stefania , Rovira Concepció , Tobias Gerard , Mas‐Torrent Marta , Crivillers Núria
Published: December 2017

This work is based on synergetically exploiting the activity of graphene‐based materials and trityl free radicals to sense xanthine (X) by their combined scavenging properties for superoxide anion radical (O2•−). For this, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and rGO covalently functionalized with a perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radical derivative (rGO@PTM) are synthesized, characterized, and casted on an electrode surface to achieve a highly sensitive electrochemical recognition platform for xanthine determination. The electrochemical analysis is based on impedimetrically monitoring a radical‐involved reaction on the graphene‐based electrode surface after reacting with such O2•− derived from the xanthine/xanthine oxidase enzymatic system. The presented strategy yields to determine X at nm levels, decreasing the detection limit 100 times with respect to previously reported (bio)sensors.
3D Printed Organ Models with Physical Properties of Tissue and Integrated Sensors
Authors: Qiu Kaiyan , Zhao Zichen , Haghiashtiani Ghazaleh , Guo Shuang‐Zhuang , He Mingyu , Su Ruitao , Zhu Zhijie , Bhuiyan Didarul B. , Murugan Paari , Meng Fanben , Park Sung Hyun , Chu Chih‐Chang , Ogle Brenda M. , Saltzman Daniel A. , Konety Badrinath R. , Sweet Robert M. , McAlpine Michael C.
Published: December 2017

The design and development of novel methodologies and customized materials to fabricate patient‐specific 3D printed organ models with integrated sensing capabilities can yield advances in smart surgical aids for preoperative planning and rehearsal. Here, 3D printed prostate models are demonstrated with physical properties of tissue and integrated soft electronic sensors using custom‐formulated polymeric inks. The models show high quantitative fidelity in static and dynamic mechanical properties, optical characteristics, and anatomical geometries to patient tissues and organs. The models offer tissue‐mimicking tactile sensation and behavior and thus can be used for the prediction of organ physical behavior under deformation. The prediction results show good agreement with values obtained from simulations. The models also allow the application of surgical and diagnostic tools to their surface and inner channels. Finally, via the conformal integration of 3D printed soft electronic sensors, pressure applied to the models with surgical tools can be quantitatively measured.
Hydration and Intramolecular Cyclization of Homopropargyl Sulfonamide Derivatives Catalyzed by Silver Hexafluoroantimonate(V): Synthesis of Structurally Diverse 2,3‐Dihydro‐1H‐Pyrroles
Authors: Yu Xiuling , Guo Zhonglin , Song Hongjian , Liu Yuxiu , Wang Qingmin
Published: December 2017

We have developed an efficient, simple protocol for synthesis of structurally diverse functionalized 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrroles by hydration and intramolecular cyclization of homopropargyl sulfonamide derivatives. Mechanistic experiments revealed that the sulfonamide nitrogen participated in the hydration reaction by chelating the Ag atom of the catalyst to assist in the formation of the hydration intermediate. The protocol accommodated a wide range of substrates and was used for a formal synthesis of (S)‐nicotine.

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Naphthalenediimide – A Unique Motif in Macrocyclic and Interlocked Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Diac Andreea , Matache Mihaela , Grosu Ion , Hădade Niculina D.
Published: December 2017

This review presents a survey through macrocyclic and interlocked structures containing 1,4,5,8‐naphthalendiimide residues from the synthetic point of view and also illustrates the structural particularities that dictate their main applications in supramolecular, biological and materials chemistry. The paper is organised as a comprehensive description of macrocycles, cyclophanes, catenanes, rotaxanes and metallamacrocycles along with other types of supramolecular interlocked architectures. For each category, we present the synthetic approach, the structural investigation of their properties and the developed applications as semiconductors, energy storage devices, photovoltaics, artificial photosystems, sensors, catalysts or molecular machines.

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Processes and Effects of Oxygen and Moisture in Resistively Switching TaOx and HfOx
Authors: Lübben Michael , Wiefels Stefan , Waser Rainer , Valov Ilia
Published: December 2017

Foreign components such as dopants and impurities in molecular or ionic form may significantly influence forming/switching processes in redox‐based memories. This work presents a systematic study and discussion on effects of oxygen and moisture in Ta2O5 and HfO2 thin films, being two of the most used materials for redox‐based resistively switching random access memories. Whereas oxygen is found to not affect the device behavior, the presence of moisture profoundly influences it. It plays a crucial role for the counter electrode reaction, providing additional charged species and enabling the formation of oxygen vacancies, thus determining the forming voltage and the kinetics of this process. Here, methods for incorporation of moisture within the oxide films and its defect chemistry are discussed. Based on the standard electrode potentials and analysis of the electrochemical processes at both electrodes, it is possible to predict their sequence during switching. The difference using symmetric cells with inert electrodes Pt/MeOx/Pt and asymmetric devices with ohmic electrodes Me/MeOx/Pt is explained by the electrochemical reaction sequence and ability of the ohmic electrode to undergo redox reactions. Upon oxidation the Me electrode can either exchange O2− with the oxide or can be a source for cations within the MeOx, keeping the balance between oxygen rich/deficient matrix.
Comparison of digital and film chest radiography for detection and medical surveillance of silicosis in a setting with a high burden of tuberculosis
Authors: Franzblau Alfred , teWaterNaude Jim , Sen Ananda , d'Arcy Hannah , Smilg Jacqueline S. , Mashao Khanyakude S. , Meyer Cristopher A. , Lockey James E. , Ehrlich Rodney I.
Published: December 2017

Background

Continuing use of analog film and digital chest radiography for screening and surveillance for pneumoconiosis and tuberculosis in lower and middle income countries raises questions of equivalence of disease detection. This study compared analog to digital images for intra‐rater agreement across formats and prevalence of changes related to silicosis and tuberculosis among South African gold miners using the International Labour Organization classification system.

Methods

Miners with diverse radiological presentations of silicosis and tuberculosis were recruited. Digital and film chest images on each subject were classified by four expert readers.

Results

Readings of film and soft copy digital images showed no significant differences in prevalence of tuberculosis or silicosis, and intra‐rater agreement across formats was fair to good. Hard copy images yielded higher prevalences.

Conclusion

Film and digital soft copy images show consistent prevalence of findings, and generally fair to good intra‐rater agreement for findings related to silicosis and tuberculosis.
Endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure after failure of primary endoscopic sinus surgery: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Abuzeid Waleed M. , Vakil Mayand , Lin Juan , Fastenberg Judd , Akbar Nadeem A. , Fried Marvin P. , Fang Christina H.
Published: December 2017

Background

The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP) has been used as a salvage technique for frontal sinusitis following failed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). We aim to examine the safety and efficacy of the EMLP following failure of primary ESS.

Methods

All English‐language publications from 2000 to 2016 reporting the use of EMLP after primary ESS were identified using the PubMed database and evaluated per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Random effects summaries of patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgical outcomes were obtained through meta‐analysis.

Results

Eleven studies constituting 778 patients were included and 86.5% had chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Mean follow‐up duration was 28.4 months. The mean number of surgeries prior to EMLP was 3.5. Symptom improvement was reported in 82.3%. Subgroup analysis of 7 studies in which all 357 patients had CRS revealed a mean follow‐up of 31.5 months. Symptom improvement occurred in 75.9% of cases and 23.1% experienced polyp recurrence. The cerebrospinal fluid leak rate was 2.5%. Restenosis of the neo‐ostium occurred in 17.1% with complete closure occurring in 3.9% of cases. The reoperation rate after EMLP was 9.0%. Aspirin sensitivity was associated with an increased risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (p = 0.0339) and a reduced incidence of neo‐ostium closure (p = 0.0001). Aspirin sensitivity and asthma were associated with a reduced incidence of reoperation (p ≤ 0.001) and increased symptom improvement (p < 0.005). Restenosis or closure of the frontal neo‐ostium was associated with less symptom improvement (p < 0.04) but not with reoperation.

Conclusion

The EMLP is an effective salvage procedure for refractory frontal sinusitis based on data from higher‐volume centers.
The efficacy of a novel budesonide chitosan gel on wound healing following endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Ha Thanh , Valentine Rowan , Moratti Stephen , Hanton Lyall , Robinson Simon , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: December 2017

Background

Adhesion formation and ostial stenosis are common causes of surgical failure after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). Postoperative topical steroid application has been shown to improve wound healing. Chitosan‐dextran gel (CD gel) is an effective hemostatic nasal dressing. This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of budesonide to CD gel on postoperative ostial stenosis and adhesion formation following ESS.

Methods

This prospective, blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted between October 2012 and April 2015. Thirty‐six patients over 18 years undergoing ESS were randomized to receive either: no treatment, CD gel, CD gel with 1 mg/ 2 mL budesonide, or topical steroid cream to their left or right sinuses (different treatment each side). Each sinus ostium and endoscopic features of wound healing was measured intraoperation, and 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months postoperation.

Results

Data was analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) tests. There was a significant reduction in stenosis within all 3 sinuses ostia sites when CD + budesonide was compared to control, with the greatest effect seen at 12 months: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) percentage of baseline areas at 12 months were 76% ± 6.2% vs 37% ± 23.5%, 76% ± 6.3% vs 52% ± 4.9%, and 83% ± 6.5% vs 58% ± 5.0% (all p < 0.05), for CD + budesonide compared to control in the frontal, sphenoid, and maxillary sinuses, respectively. The incidence of adhesions was 4% in the CD + budesonide group compared to 15% in the control group.

Conclusion

This study has shown that CD gel, when combined with topical budesonide solution, improves long‐term sinus ostial patency and prevents ostial stenosis post‐ESS.
A Molecular Pillar Approach To Grow Vertical Covalent Organic Framework Nanosheets on Graphene: Hybrid Materials for Energy Storage
Authors: Sun Jinhua , Klechikov Alexey , Moise Calin , Prodana Mariana , Enachescu Marius , Talyzin Alexandr V.
Published: December 2017

Hybrid 2D–2D materials composed of perpendicularly oriented covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and graphene were prepared and tested for energy storage applications. Diboronic acid molecules covalently attached to graphene oxide (GO) were used as nucleation sites for directing vertical growth of COF‐1 nanosheets (v‐COF‐GO). The hybrid material has a forest of COF‐1 nanosheets with a thickness of 3 to 15 nm in edge‐on orientation relative to GO. The reaction performed without molecular pillars resulted in uncontrollable growth of thick COF‐1 platelets parallel to the surface of GO. The v‐COF‐GO was converted into a conductive carbon material preserving the nanostructure of precursor with ultrathin porous carbon nanosheets grafted to graphene in edge‐on orientation. It was demonstrated as a high‐performance electrode material for supercapacitors. The molecular pillar approach can be used for preparation of many other 2D‐2D materials with control of their relative orientation.
Heterotelechelic Polymers by Ring‐Opening Metathesis and Regioselective Chain Transfer
Authors: Liu Peng , Yasir Mohammad , Ruggi Albert , Kilbinger Andreas F. M.
Published: December 2017

Heterotelechelic polymers were synthesized by a kinetic telechelic ring‐opening metathesis polymerization method relying on the regioselective cross‐metathesis of the propagating Grubbs’ first‐generation catalyst with cinnamyl alcohol derivatives. This procedure allowed the synthesis of hetero‐bis‐end‐functional polymers in a one‐pot setup. The molecular weight of the polymers could be controlled by varying the ratio between cinnamyl alcohol derivatives and monomer. The end functional groups can be changed using different aromatically substituted cinnamyl alcohol derivatives. Different monomers were investigated and the presence of the functional groups was shown by NMR spectroscopy and MALDI‐ToF mass spectrometry. Labeling experiments with dyes were conducted to demonstrate the orthogonal addressability of both chain ends of the heterotelechelic polymers obtained.