bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of mast cell and microvascular densities in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with and without neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Vasconcelos Roberto André Torres de , Guimarães Coscarelli Pedro , Vieira Thyago Marsicano , Noguera Washington Silva , Rapozo Davy Carlos Mendes , Acioly Marcus André
Published: February 2019

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcomas with a significant susceptibility to metastasize early in their course. Pathogenesis is yet to be fully elucidated. Recently, the essential role of mast cells in the tumor onset of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)‐associated neurofibromas and MPNSTs was confirmed in both experimental and human studies. In this study, we investigate mast cell density (MCD), microvascular density (MVD), and proliferation index (Ki‐67) in MPNST. A secondary aim was to correlate histological staining to clinical data and survival in patients with and without NF1. In total, 34 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded MPNST tissues from 29 patients were eligible. MCD, MVD, and Ki‐67 labeling index (LI) were analyzed in all stained tissues by a computer‐based quantitative algorithm (Aperio ImageScope). In addition, chart review was performed for clinical data and survival analysis. Overall, MCD, MVD, and Ki‐67 LI were evenly distributed throughout tumor tissue. There was a negative correlation of NF1 status (affected, P = 0.037), tumor size (>10 cm, P = 0.023), and MVD in the tumor periphery (higher tercile, P = 0.002) to survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of MVD in the tumor periphery (higher tercile, P = 0.019) with a decreased overall survival. Diverse mast cell and microvascular distributions suggest that angiogenesis in MPNST occurs independently. The role of mast cells in tumor progression is unclear and lacks prognostic value. Higher MVD has prognostic significance with possible therapeutic implications in MPNST.
Genome‐Scale CRISPR/Cas9 Screening Reveals Squalene Epoxidase as a Susceptibility Factor for Cytotoxicity of Malformin A1
Authors: Koizumi Yukio , Fukushima Jun , Kobayashi Yayoi , Kadowaki Ayumi , Natsui Miyuki , Yamaguchi Tomokazu , Imai Yumiko , Sugiyama Toshihiro , Kuba Keiji
Published: February 2019

Malformin A1 (MA1) is a fungus‐produced cyclic pentapeptide. MA1 exhibits teratogenicity to plants, fibrinolysis‐enhancing activity, and cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. To clarify the cytotoxic mechanism of MA1, we screened for the genes involved in the cytotoxicity of MA1 in monocytoid U937 cells by using a CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome‐wide knockout library. Screening was performed by positive selection for cells that were resistant to MA1 treatment, and single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) integrated into MA1‐resistant cells were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing. As a result of the evaluation of sgRNAs that were enriched in MA1‐resistant cells, SQLE, which encodes squalene epoxidase, was identified as a candidate gene. SQLE‐depleted U937 cells were viable in the presence of MA1, and squalene epoxidase inhibitor conferred MA1 resistance to wild‐type cells. These results indicate that squalene epoxidase is implicated in the cytotoxicity of MA1. This finding represents a new insight into applications of MA1 for treating ischemic diseases.
Higher‐Order Structures Based on Molecular Interactions for the Formation of Natural and Artificial Biomaterials
Authors: Künzle Matthias , Lach Marcel , Budiarta Made , Beck Tobias
Published: February 2019

The assembly of molecular building blocks into highly ordered structures is crucial, both in nature and for the development of novel functional materials. In nature, noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonds or hydrophobic interactions, enable the reversible assembly of biopolymers, such as DNA or proteins. Inspired by these design principles, scientists have created biohybrid materials that employ natural building blocks and their assembly properties. Thus, structures and materials are attainable that cannot be made through other synthetic procedures. Herein, we review current concepts and highlight recent advances.
Efficient Enzymatic Cyclization of Disulfide‐Rich Peptides by Using Peptide Ligases
Authors: Schmidt Marcel , Huang Yen‐Hua , Texeira de Oliveira Eduardo F. , Toplak Ana , Wijma Hein J. , Janssen Dick B. , van Maarseveen Jan H. , Craik David J. , Nuijens Timo
Published: February 2019

Disulfide‐rich macrocyclic peptides—cyclotides, for example—represent a promising class of molecules with potential therapeutic use. Despite their potential their efficient synthesis at large scale still represents a major challenge. Here we report new chemoenzymatic strategies using peptide ligase variants—inter alia, omniligase‐1—for the efficient and scalable one‐pot cyclization and folding of the native cyclotides MCoTI‐II, kalata B1 and variants thereof, as well as of the θ‐defensin RTD‐1. The synthesis of the kB1 variant T20K was successfully demonstrated at multi‐gram scale. The existence of several ligation sites for each macrocycle makes this approach highly flexible and facilitates both the larger‐scale manufacture and the engineering of bioactive, grafted cyclotide variants, therefore clearly offering a valuable and powerful extension of the existing toolbox of enzymes for peptide head‐to‐tail cyclization.
Management of undifferentiated high‐grade pleomorphic sarcoma of parotid region in elderly women
Authors: Sessa Michele , Tonni Daniela , Zangrandi Adriano , Oscar Redaelli de Zinis Luca , Cuda Domenico
Published: February 2019

Key Clinical Message

Undifferentiated high‐grade pleomorphic sarcoma is a slow‐growing tumor rarely localized in the head and neck region. The treatment of UHPS should be based on large surgical resections in free margins associated with neck dissection. Postoperative radiotherapy improves local control of the disease and the prognosis quod vitam.
Three‐Dimensional Graphene/Ag Aerogel for Durable and Stable Li Metal Anodes in Carbonate‐Based Electrolytes
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Min , Geng Hongbo , Zhang Yufei , Fang Yanxiong , Li Chengchao , Zhao Jinbao
Published: February 2019

The use of Li metal as the anode for Li‐based batteries has attracted considerable attention due to its ultrahigh energy density. However, the formation of Li dendrites, uneven deposition, and huge volume changes hinder its reliable implementation. These issues become much more severe in commercial carbonate‐based electrolytes than in ether‐based electrolytes. Herein, a rationally designed three‐dimensional graphene/Ag aerogel (3D G‐Ag aerogel) is proposed for Li metal anodes with long cycle life in carbonate‐based electrolytes. The modified lithiophilic nature of G‐Ag aerogel, realized through decoration with Ag NPs, effectively decreases the energy barrier for Li nucleation, regulating uniform Li deposition behavior. Moreover, the highly flexible, conductive 3D porous architecture with hierarchical mesopores and macropores can readily accommodate deposited Li and ensures the integrity of the conductive network during cycling. Consequently, high coulombic efficiency (over 93.5 %) and a significantly long cycle life (1589 h) over 200 cycles, with a relatively high cycling capacity of 2.0 mAh cm−2, can easily be achieved, even in a carbonate‐based electrolyte. Considering the intrinsic high voltage windows of carbonate‐based electrolytes, matching the G‐Ag aerogel Li metal anode with a high‐voltage cathode can be envisaged for the fabrication of high‐energy‐density Li secondary batteries.
Microfluidic Production of Pyrophosphate Catalyzed by Mineral Membranes with Steep pH Gradients
Authors: Wang Qingpu , Barge Laura M. , Steinbock Oliver
Published: February 2019

Pyrophosphate might have functioned as an energy storage/currency molecule on early Earth, essential for the emergence of life. Here we synthesized mineral membranes involving iron(II), iron(III), and other divalent metal cations (calcium, manganese, cobalt, copper, zinc, and nickel) and tested their ability to catalyze the formation of pyrophosphate from phosphate and acetyl phosphate across steep pH gradients in microfluidic devices. We studied the chemical compositions of the precipitate membranes (which included vivianite, goethite, and green rust) using in situ and ex situ micro‐Raman spectroscopy. The yields of pyrophosphate were determined by aqueous 31P NMR spectroscopy. We found that Fe2+ and Ca2+ were the best catalysts for pyrophosphate synthesis among investigated ions; Fe3+ and mixed‐valence iron membranes were also able to promote pyrophosphate formation. In addition, the pH gradients across the membranes affected the pyrophosphate yields and the smallest pH gradient resulted in the highest yield. These results suggest a possible route of substrate phosphorylation in prebiotic hydrothermal systems.
Mechanisms of Cobalt/Phosphine‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Kreyenschmidt Friedrich , Meurer Selim E. , Koszinowski Konrad
Published: February 2019

>The combination of CoCl2 with bidentate phosphines is known to catalyze challenging cross‐coupling and Heck‐type reactions, but the mechanisms of these valuable transformations have not been established. Here, we use electrospray‐ionization mass spectrometry to intercept the species formed in these reactions. Our results indicate that a sequence of transmetalation, reductive elimination, and redox disproportionation convert the cobalt(II) precatalyst into low‐valent cobalt complexes. These species readily transfer single electrons to alkyl bromides, which thereupon dissociate into alkyl radicals and Br−. In cross‐coupling reactions, the alkyl radicals add to the cobalt catalyst to form observable heteroleptic complexes, which release the coupling products through reductive eliminations. In the Heck‐type reactions, the low abundance of newly formed ionic species renders the analysis more difficult. Nonetheless, our results also point to the occurrence of single‐electron transfer processes and the involvement of radicals in these transformations.
Facile Synthesis of Luminescent Ir–Pt–Ir Trimetallic Complexes
Authors: Na Hanah , Song Mina , Teets Thomas S.
Published: February 2019

A new class of luminescent, heterotrimetallic supramolecular constructs partnering two bis‐cyclometalated iridium centers with a diimine platinum acetylide center is introduced. Whereas most supramolecular constructs featuring cyclometalated iridium involve elaborate bridging ligands and are prepared under forcing conditions with low to moderate yields, the three Ir–Pt–Ir complexes described here are prepared at room temperature from simple precursors and isolated in near‐quantitative yields. ESI‐MS, NMR spectroscopy, and diffusion ordered spectroscopy confirm the identity and homogeneity of the trimetallic products. In comparison with monometallic model complexes, analysis of UV/Vis absorption, steady‐state photoluminescence and time‐resolved emission reveals the impacts of supramolecular assembly on the photophysical properties. UV/Vis absorption and cyclic voltammetry suggest perturbation of some frontier orbital energies as a result of assembly, and the emission spectra and lifetimes reveal efficient excited‐state energy transfer via a Dexter mechanism, and show that the site of luminescence (platinum or iridium) depends on the identity of the cyclometalating ligand bound to iridium.
Measurement of the Impact Force and Pressure of Water Jets under the Influence of Jet Break‐up
Authors: Fuchs Enrico , Köhler Hannes , Majschak Jens‐Peter
Published: February 2019

Using a new test setup, the results for the mechanical impact force and pressure of water jets of a nozzle in tubular form with different nozzle diameters (3, 4 mm), gauge pressures (1 – 6 bar) and stand‐off distances (0.5 – 5 m) are presented. It is shown that the stand‐off distance and, thus, the jet break‐up has a significant influence on the mechanical forces of water jets. An optimum stand‐off distance with regard to the maximum impact force and pressure was determined in the range of 2 – 2.5 m. As a result, a semi‐empirical equation for the description of the mean impact force was derived.
Expression of cholecystokinin by neurons in mouse spinal dorsal horn
Authors: Gutierrez‐Mecinas Maria , Bell Andrew M. , Shepherd Fraser , Polgár Erika , Watanabe Masahiko , Furuta Takahiro , Todd Andrew J.
Published: February 2019

Excitatory interneurons account for the majority of dorsal horn neurons, and are required for perception of normal and pathological pain. We have identified largely non‐overlapping populations in laminae I‐III, based on expression of substance P, gastrin‐releasing peptide, neurokinin B, and neurotensin. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is expressed by many dorsal horn neurons, particularly in the deeper laminae. Here, we have used immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization to characterize the CCK cells. We show that they account for ~7% of excitatory neurons in laminae I‐II, but between a third and a quarter of those in lamina III. They are largely separate from the neurokinin B, neurotensin, and gastrin‐releasing peptide populations, but show limited overlap with the substance P cells. Laminae II‐III neurons with protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ) have been implicated in mechanical allodynia following nerve injury, and we found that around 50% of CCK cells were PKCγ‐immunoreactive. Neurotensin is also expressed by PKCγ cells, and among neurons with moderate to high levels of PKCγ, ~85% expressed CCK or neurotensin. A recent transcriptomic study identified mRNA for thyrotropin‐releasing hormone in a specific subpopulation of CCK neurons, and we show that these account for half of the CCK/PKCγ cells. These findings indicate that the CCK cells are distinct from other excitatory interneuron populations that we have defined. They also show that PKCγ cells can be assigned to different classes based on neuropeptide expression, and it will be important to determine the differential contribution of these classes to neuropathic allodynia.
Brain mapping of the gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone‐related peptide 2 with a novel antibody suggests a connection with emotional reactivity in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica, Temminck & Schlegel, 1849)
Authors: Poissenot Kevin , Anger Karine , Constantin Paul , Cornilleau Fabien , Lomet Didier , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi , Dardente Hugues , Calandreau Ludovic , Beltramo Massimiliano
Published: February 2019

Gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a neuropeptide first discovered in the quail brain that is involved in the control of reproductive physiology and behaviors, and stress response. GnIH gene encodes a second peptide, GnIH‐related peptide‐2 (RP2), the distribution and function of which remain unknown. We therefore studied GnIH‐RP2 distribution by immunohistochemistry using a novel antibody capable of discriminating between GnIH and GnIH‐RP2. The overall distribution of GnIH‐RP2 is similar to that of GnIH. The vast majority of labeled neurons is located in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Labeling of fibers is conspicuous in the diencephalon, but present also in the mesencephalon and telencephalon. Several regions involved in the control of reproduction and stress response (the PVN, septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and nucleus commissura pallii) showed a dense network of immunolabeled fibers. To investigate the potential function of GnIH‐RP2 we compared its expression in two quail lines genetically selected for divergence in their emotional reactivity. A quantitative analysis in the above‐mentioned brain regions showed that the density of fibers was similar in the two lines. However, the number of GnIH‐RP2 labeled neurons was higher in the median portion of the PVN in birds with higher emotional reactivity. These results point to a possible involvement of GnRH‐RP2 in modulating stress response and/or emotional reactivity.
Insight into the Excitation‐Dependent Fluorescence of Carbon Dots
Authors: Divya Sasi , Narayan Satya , Ainavarapu Sri Rama Koti , Khushalani Deepa
Published: February 2019

High quantum yield, photoluminescence tunability, and sensitivity to the environment are a few distinct trademarks that make carbon nanodots (CDs) interesting for fundamental research, with potential to replace the prevalent inorganic semiconductor quantum dots. Currently, application and fundamental understanding of CDs are constrained because it is difficult to make a quantitative comparison among different types of CDs simply because their photoluminescence properties are directly linked to their size distribution, the surface functionalization, the carbon core structures (graphitic or amorphous) and the number of defects. Herein, we report a facile one‐step synthesis of mono‐dispersed and highly fluorescent nanometre size CDs from a ‘family’ of glucose‐based sugars. These CDs are stable in aqueous solutions with photoluminescence in the visible range. Our results show several common features in the family of CDs synthesized in that the fluorescence, in the visible region, is due to a weak absorption in the 300–400 nm from a heterogeneous population of fluorophores. Fluorescence quenching experiments suggest the existence of not only surface‐exposed fluorophores but more importantly solvent inaccessible fluorophores present within the core of CDs. Interestingly, time‐resolved fluorescence anisotropy experiments directly suggest that a fast exchange of excitation energy occurs that results in a homo‐FRET based depolarization within 150 ps of excitation.
Reversible Metal‐Hydride Transformation in Mg‐Ti‐H Nanoparticles at Remarkably Low Temperatures
Authors: Patelli Nicola , Migliori Andrea , Pasquini Luca
Published: February 2019

We study the kinetics of hydrogen sorption in Mg‐Ti‐H nanoparticles prepared by gas phase condensation of mixed Mg‐Ti vapors under a H2‐containing atmosphere. Four samples with different Ti contents from 14 to 63 at.% Ti are examined in the 100–150 °C range. The hydrogen absorption kinetics coupled with the formation of MgH2 can be described by a nucleation and growth model. The activation energy is in the range
 kJ/mol and the rate constant (at 150 °C) increases from
s−1 to
s−1 with increasing Ti content. Hydrogen desorption is well modeled by a sequence of surface‐limited and contracting‐volume kinetics, except at the highest Ti content where nucleation and growth is observed. The activation energy of surface‐limited kinetics is
/mol. The rate constant (at 150 °C) increases from
s−1 to
 s−1 with the Ti content. These results open an unexplored kinetic window for Mg‐based reversible hydrogen storage close to ambient temperature.
On the Nature of the Positronic Bond
Authors: Goli Mohammad , Shahbazian Shant
Published: February 2019

Recently it has been proposed that the positron, the anti‐particle analog of the electron, is capable of forming an anti‐matter bond in a composite system consists of two hydride anions and a positron [Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57, 8859–8864 (2018)]. In order to dig into the nature of this novel bond the newly developed multi‐component quantum theory of atoms in molecules (MC‐QTAIM) is applied to this positronic system. The topological analysis reveals that this species is composed of two atoms in molecules, each containing a proton and half of the electronic and the positronic populations. Further analysis elucidates that the electron exchange phenomenon is virtually non‐existent between the two atoms and no electronic covalent bond is conceivable in between. On the other hand, it is demonstrated that the positron density enclosed in each atom is capable of stabilizing interactions with the electron density of the neighboring atom. This electrostatic interaction suffices to make the whole system bonded against all dissociation channels. Thus, the positron indeed acts like an anti‐matter glue between the two atoms.
A pilot clinical evaluation of oral mucosal dryness in dehydrated patients using a moisture‐checking device
Authors: Fukushima Yosuke , Sano Yoshie , Isozaki Yuta , Endo Mao , Tomoda Taketo , Kitamura Tomohisa , Sato Tsuyoshi , Kamijo Yoshito , Haga Yoshiyuki , Yoda Tetsuya
Published: February 2019

This study included 30 patients (17 males and 13 females; mean age, 73.7 ± 13.1 years) who were diagnosed with dehydration based on vital signs, skin symptoms, and blood test findings by emergency medicine physicians. First, the attending physician of our department measured oral mucosal dryness. Subsequently, the emergency medicine physician blindly divided the severity of dehydration into three stages according to clinical findings and blood test results. In this study, the oral moisture‐checking device (Mucus®; Life Co., Ltd., Saitama, Japan) was used to measure the oral mucosal dryness. We examined the oral moisture level for each dehydration severity level and the correlations of each severity level of dehydration with the measured values. Spearman's correlation coefficient (Medcalc version 11.3 for Windows) was used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 indicated significant differences. Twenty‐six patients were diagnosed with dry mouth, and a moderate negative correlation was found between the severity of dehydration and oral moisture degree (r = −0.686). The correlation coefficient for the relationship between oral moisture degree and severity of dehydration was −0.686, indicating a negative correlation (P < .05). These results suggest that the oral mucosal dryness may be a useful index of dehydration severity.
Bright CD38 Expression by Flow Cytometric Analysis Is a Biomarker for Double/Triple Hit Lymphomas with a Moderate Sensitivity and High Specificity
Authors: Alsuwaidan Abdullah , Pirruccello Elaina , Jaso Jesse , Koduru Prasad , Garcia Rolando , Krueger JoEllen , Doucet Meggie , Chaudhry Rahman , Fuda Franklin , Chen Weina
Published: February 2019

Background

High‐grade B‐cell lymphomas (HGBCL) with MYC and BCL2 or/and BCL6 rearrangements (R), so‐called double/triple‐hit lymphomas (DH/THL), are uncommon, clinically aggressive lymphomas that require a prompt diagnosis. We aim to identify flow cytometric immunophenotypic (IP) features of DH/THL that may aid in triaging these cases followed by a timely confirmatory cytogenetic study.

Methods

We compared the IP features of 43 cases of DH/THL to those of 55 cases of single‐hit lymphoma (SHL) and 59 cases of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) without MYC‐R (MYCneg DLBCL). We analyzed the expression patterns of CD10, CD19, CD20, CD38, and surface immunoglobulin light chain in lymphoma cells.

Results

Bright CD38 expression (CD38bright) analyzed either qualitatively or semi‐quantitatively was more common in DH/THL (56%) than in MYCneg DLBCL (17%) but less common compared to SHL (82%), indicating that CD38bright can serve as a biomarker for DH/THL. Additionally, CD38bright may be a better indicator for predicting DH/THL‐BCL2 than DHL‐BCL6, and very bright CD38 expression was exclusive to MYC rearranged lymphomas. The expression patterns of other markers were similar among these lymphoma groups.

Conclusions

CD38bright is a biomarker associated with DH/THL with a moderate sensitivity (~50%) and high specificity (~90%). While this marker cannot be used as a screening tool, awareness of this correlation may aid in expediting the diagnosis and prioritizing FISH testing in resource limited settings or situations when samples are limited. Future studies to combine immunohistochemical markers are needed to further enhance the predictive power of CD38bright in diagnosing DH/THL. © 2019 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Clinical features, predictors, and long‐term prognosis of pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cho Sung Woo , Gwag Hye Bin , Hwang Jin Kyung , Chun Kwang Jin , Park Kyoung‐Min , On Young Keun , Kim June Soo , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: February 2019

Aims

We investigated the clinical features, predictors, and long‐term prognosis of pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy (PiCM).

Methods and results

From a retrospective analysis of 1418 consecutive pacemaker patients, 618 were found to have a preserved baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), follow‐up echocardiographic data, and no history of heart failure (HF). PiCM was defined as a reduction in LVEF (< 50%) along with either (i) a ≥ 10% decrease in LVEF, or (ii) new‐onset regional wall motion abnormality unrelated to coronary artery disease. PiCM occurred in 87 of 618 patients (14.1%), with a decrease in mean LVEF from 60.5% to 40.1%. The median time to PiCM was 4.7 years. Baseline left bundle branch block, wider paced QRS duration (≥ 155 ms), and higher ventricular pacing percentage (≥ 86%) were identified as independent predictors of PiCM in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The risk of PiCM increased gradually with the number of identified predictors, becoming more significant in the presence of two or more predictors (P < 0.001). During the entire follow‐up (median 7.2 years), the risk of all‐cause death or HF admission was significantly higher in patients with PiCM compared to those without PiCM (38.3% vs. 54.0%, adjusted hazard ratio 2.93; 95% confidence interval 1.82–4.72; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy patients showed a worse long‐term prognosis than those without PiCM. Therefore, patients with multiple risk factors of PiCM should be monitored carefully even if their left ventricular systolic function is preserved initially. A timely upgrade to a biventricular or His‐bundle pacing device needs to be considered in patients with PiCM.
Brass and Glass: Crystal Structure Solution and Phase Characterisation of the Corrosion Product Zn4Cu3(Zn1–xCux)6(HCOO)8(OH)18·6(H2O)
Authors: Bette Sebastian , Fischer Andrea , Stelzner Jörg , Eggert Gerhard , Dinnebier Robert E.
Published: February 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is Sebastian Bette from the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart, Germany. The cover image shows a picture and structure of a corrosion phase formed at the contact between historic glass and brass.
Measurement of Signal‐to‐Noise Ratio In Graphene‐based Passive Microelectrode Arrays
Authors: Rastegar Sepideh , Stadlbauer Justin , Pandhi Twinkle , Karriem Lynn , Fujimoto Kiyo , Kramer Kyle , Estrada David , Cantley Kurtis D.
Published: February 2019

This work aims to investigate the influence of various electrode materials on the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of passive microelectrode arrays (MEAs) intended for use in neural interfaces. Noise reduction substantially improves the performance of systems which electrically interface with extracellular solutions. The MEAs are fabricated using gold, indium tin oxide (ITO), inkjet printed (IJP) graphene, and chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene. 3D‐printed Nylon reservoirs are adhered to glass substrates with identical MEA patterns and filled with neuronal cell culture media. To precisely control the electrode area and minimize the parasitic coupling of metal interconnects and solution, SU‐8 photoresist is patterned to expose only the area of the electrode to solution and cap the remainder of the sample. Voltage signals with varying amplitude and frequencies are applied to the solution using glass micropipettes, and the response is measured on an oscilloscope from a microprobe placed on the contact pad external to the reservoir. The time domain response signal is transformed into a frequency spectrum, and SNR is calculated. As the magnitude or the frequency of the input signal gets larger, a significantly increased signal‐to‐noise ratio was observed in CVD graphene MEAs compared to others. This result indicates that 2‐dimensional nanomaterials such as graphene can provide better signal integrity and potentially lead to improved performance in hybrid neural interface systems.
Specific and Rapid Glucose Detection Using NAD‐dependent Glucose Dehydrogenase, Diaphorase, and Osmium Complex
Authors: Haque Al‐Monsur Jiaul , Nandhakumar Ponnusamy , Yang Haesik
Published: February 2019

Selective glucose measurement in serum and blood and rapid glucose measurement using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase (NAD‐GDH) are still very challenging. Here, we report a selective and rapid glucose sensor, based on electrochemical‐enzymatic‐enzymatic (ENN) redox cycling involving bis(2,2‐bipyridyl)dichloroosmium(II) [Os(bpy)2Cl2], diaphorase (DI), NAD+, NAD‐GDH, and glucose. DI and Os(bpy)2Cl2 are used to obtain fast mediated oxidation of NADH that is generated as a result of glucose oxidation by NAD‐GDH. DI and NAD‐GDH are co‐immobilized via affinity binding on an avidin‐modified indium tin oxide electrode to obtain fast and stable ENN redox cycling. Two enzymes (DI and NAD‐GDH) and two electron mediators [Os(bpy)2Cl2 and NAD+] are insensitive to oxygen. The applied potential (0.0 V vs Ag/AgCl) is low enough to minimize interfering electrochemical reactions, and the redox reactions of Os(bpy)2Cl2 with interfering species are slow. NAD‐GDH is much less reactive to problematic monosaccharides such as xylose, fructose, galactose, and mannose than glucose. Artificial serum containing 5 % (w/v) human serum albumin shows a similar electrochemical background level in serum. All results enable us to obtain selective and reproducible glucose detection. The fast ENN redox cycling allows sensitive glucose detection with a wide range of concentrations in artificial serum with a short measuring time (5 s) without an incubation period.
Three‐Dimensionally Scaffolded Hydrogel@Sulfur Composite as a Binder‐Free Polysulfides‐Adsorptive Cathode for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Jinyun , Zhou Ping , Shen Zihan , Zhang Huigang , Jiang Mingxi , Han Yanqiang , Li Jinjin , Li Jianwei
Published: February 2019

Chemically and mechanically robust sulfur (S) cathodes are highly significant for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. Herein, a novel 3D hydrogel@S composite as binder‐free high‐performance cathode is presented, which consists of a 3D conductive hydrogel polyaniline (PAN) scaffold coated with dense S particles. The 3D PAN@S composite exhibits polysulfides‐adsorptive performance, suitable structure for accommodating the volume change of S upon lithiation, and improved overall conductivity of the electrode. After cycling for 100 times at 0.2 C, the binder‐free 3D PAN@S composite shows a capacity of 816 mAh g−1, along with a Coulombic efficiency as high as 99.9%. A good electrochemical performance is also achieved when cycling at a high temperature of 50 °C. In addition, the adsorptive effect of PAN towards polysulfides is demonstrated through density functional theory calculations on the adsorption energies.
Feasibility and Practicability of Magnetophoretic‐Augmented Composite Membrane in Treating Polluted River Water: Real Case Application
Authors: Ng Qi Hwa , Lim Jit Kang , Shuit Siew Hoong , Low Siew Chun
Published: February 2019

River water is a complex water system consisting of various foulants with different properties that affects the membrane removal efficiency as well as the fouling propensity. Present work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of an in‐house developed ultrafiltration (UF) magnetophoretic‐augmented composite (MAC) membrane in treating polluted river water for drinkable water production. Permeation and rejection performances of the commercial UF and UF MAC membranes were compared using cross‐flow recirculation unit. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and porometer analyses confirmed the end‐caped of magnetite colloids onto the surface of neat microfiltration (MF) polyethersulfone (PES) membrane. The laid magnetite layer on the surface of MF PES membrane has transformed it into UF MAC membrane. The commercial UF membrane suffered from greater amount of flux decline (27% of the initial flux) as compared with that of the developed UF MAC membrane (8% flux decline from the initial flux), after 48 h of filtration. Filtrates from both of the commercial UF and UF MAC membranes achieved the minimum requirement of local drinking‐water quality standards. The UF MAC membrane proved to effectively suppressed membrane fouling without jeopardizing the membrane rejection performances. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Flow cytometry and growth‐based analysis of the effects of fruit sanitation on the physiology of Escherichia coli in orange juice
Authors: Anvarian Amir H. P. , Smith Madeleine P. , Overton Tim W.
Published: February 2019

Chlorine‐based solutions are commonly used to sanitize orange fruits prior to juice extraction. We used flow cytometry (FCM) to investigate the physiology of Escherichia coli following its subjection to chlorine‐based solutions and alternative sanitizing agents (H2O2 and organic acids). Green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐generating E. coli K‐12 were washed with 50–200 ppm available chlorine (AC), 1%–5% H2O2, 2%–4% citric acid, 4% acetic acid, or 4% lactic acid, after which they were added to 1.2 μm‐filtered orange juice (OJ). Cell physiology was investigated with FCM during storage at 4°C, and culturability was determined using plate counting. Analysis of GFP fluorescence allowed estimation of intracellular pH (pHi). FCM results demonstrated an inverse relationship between the concentration of AC or H2O2 and cellular health in OJ. Higher concentrations of sanitizer also resulted in a significantly greater number of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) cells. Real‐time FCM showed that supplementation of AC with 2% citric acid, but not with 100 ppm of Tween‐80, led to a significant reduction in pHi of the cells incubated in OJ, and that the majority of the reduction in pHi occurred during the first 2 min of incubation in OJ. Organic acids were found to be more effective than both AC and H2O2 in reducing the pHi, viability, and culturability of the cells in OJ. The results confirmed the hypothesis that consecutive subjection of E. coli to maximum legally permitted concentrations of sanitizers and OJ induces the VBNC state. Furthermore, we demonstrate successful application of FCM for monitoring the efficacy of washing procedures.
Improving volatility prediction and option valuation using VIX information: A volatility spillover GARCH model
Authors: Pan Zhiyuan , Wang Yudong , Liu Li , Wang Qing
Published: February 2019

We develop a new generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model that accounts for the information spillover between two markets. This model is used to detect the usefulness of the CBOE volatility index (VIX) for improving the performance of volatility forecasting and option pricing. We find the significant ability of VIX to predict stock volatility both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample. VIX information also helps to greatly reduce the option pricing error. The proposed volatility spillover GARCH model performs better than the related approaches proposed by Kanniainen et al. (2014, J Bank Finance, 43, pp. 200‐211) and P. Christoffersen et al. (2014, J Financ Quant Anal, 49, pp. 663–697).
Urban micromorphology: A microecological narrative of a Neopalatial neighborhood at Bronze Age Palaikastro, Crete
Authors: Kulick Rachel
Published: February 2019

The new micromorphological evidence from the 2013–2015 Palace and Landscape at Palaikastro (PALAP) excavations (Crete, Greece) provides significant information on a new area of the Bronze Age urban center of Palaikastro and its surrounding environment—a microecological narrative. The evidence suggests that slope processes had a significant impact on the area of three newly excavated buildings during the Neopalatial period (1650/1640–1440/1430 B.C.). The findings indicate that phases of gradual sediment accumulation, associated with flooding and eolian deposition, occurred during the Middle Minoan III to Late Minoan IA periods; such phases may indicate active slope or landscape management (e.g., terracing). In contrast, periods of increased slope instability, possibly relating to abandonment phases, occurred in the Late Minoan IB period. Combined with other archaeological evidence, micromorphological observations suggest a local aridity event in Late Minoan IB, and this dry period may be connected to larger regional and Mediterranean climatic patterns.
The recall of dementia‐related and neutral words by people with dementia: The ironic process of thought suppression
Authors: Cheston Richard , Dodd Emily , Hart India , Christopher Gary
Published: February 2019

Objective

Thought suppression may not work effectively when people have a cognitive impairment. This study tests whether participants with dementia showed lessened or enhanced recall and recognition of dementia‐related words compared with a control population.

Methods

Fifty participants living with dementia with mild levels of cognitive impairment and a control group of 52 participants without a diagnosis of dementia took part. A list of 12 words, composed of six dementia‐related and six neutral words matched for frequency and length, was read out on four occasions, with the word order being varied for each presentation. Recognition was also assessed.

Results

There was an interaction between word‐type and participant group at both recall and recognition. While control participants recalled more neutral than dementia‐related words, there was no difference for dementia participants. However, dementia participants recognised a significantly higher proportion of the dementia‐related words, while there was no difference in word‐type recognition for control participants.

Conclusions

This study adapts a social psychological paradigm to explore whether an important psychological mechanism for reducing distress can be affected by cognitive impairment. Our findings suggest that for people living with dementia, thought suppression may be either ineffective in reducing conscious awareness of distal threats or operate in an ironic fashion. While threatening proximal material may be repressed from awareness, distal threats may return into implicit awareness. This casts new light on research and has clinical implications.
Induction of squamous cell carcinoma after MAP3K8 overexpression in murine salivry gland epithelial cells
Authors: Lee Jun‐Han , Jeong Joseph H. , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Kim So‐yeon , Kim Kyung‐Eun , Seong Je Kyung , Lee Sang Hyuk
Published: February 2019

Background

Salivary gland neoplasms are relatively rare and comprise only 1%‐4% of all human neoplasms. Salivary gland neoplasms also show an extremely wide range of morphological diversity. Currently, the genetic alterations and corresponding molecular mechanisms underlying salivary gland neoplasms development remain largely unknown.

Method

We generated an inducible Tet‐MAP3K8::MMTV‐rTA mouse model by crossing the MAP3K8 transgenic mice with MMTR‐rTA transgenic mice to express MAP3K8 in the salivary gland.

Results

MAP3K8 overexpression in the murine salivary glands of Tet‐MAP3K8::MMTR‐rTA transgenic mice induces tumorigenesis. Pathological investigations reveal partial fibrosis and adenosis of salivary glands, and foci of atypical squamoid cellular proliferation, which represent invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Conclusion

MAP3K8 overexpression is associated with SCC development in murine salivary glands. It provides an in vivo framework for the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying SCC development in the salivary glands and also for the development of a future therapeutic strategy targeting this tumor type.
Assessment of severity in neuropsychiatric disorders based on radiomic features with prior shape level set and metaheuristic algorithms
Authors: Latha Manohar , Kavitha Ganesan
Published: February 2019

The diagnostic and clinical overlap between schizophrenia (SZ) and schizoaffective (SA) is vital oncological issue in psychiatry disorder. This study is designed to examine tissue variation in cerebellum region. Shape prior levelset method is used to segment cerebellum from MR image, and is subdivided by symmetry line detection. Radiomic features are extracted and subjected to Binary PSO (BPSO) fuzzy‐SVM classifier. This work is evaluated on COBRE database. The results show that, shape prior levelset could segment cerebellum region with better similarity values. The Laplacian of Gaussian and structure tensor features extracted from right cerebellum gives high significance between SA and SZ (P < 0.00001). The BPSO‐FSVM could classify the normal, SA, and SZ with an accuracy of 88.33%. The AUC is 0.913 for the combined features extracted from right cerebellum. It is concluded that optimized feature selection‐based classifier gives better results. This study is clinically helpful in the investigation of psychiatry disorder.
Effects of Drip Irrigation Frequency on Emitter Clogging using Saline Water for Processing Tomato Production
Authors: Lili Zhangzhong , Peiling Yang , Wengang Zheng , Yu Liu , Mengji Guo , Fengru Yang
Published: February 2019

As an important parameter of drip irrigation using saline water, irrigation frequency not only affects crop growth by changing the soil moisture–salinity distribution, but also influences the anti‐clogging performance of the drip irrigation system by changing fouling growth inside emitters. Hence, a representative medium‐salt‐tolerant crop of processing tomatoes was selected as the research object. The effects of different drip irrigation frequencies (S1 (1‐day irrigation interval), S2 (2‐day irrigation interval) and S3 (4‐day irrigation interval)) on the clogging characteristics of emitters were analysed via a 2‐year drip irrigation experiment using saline water between 2013 and 2014. The results showed that the discharge ratio variation (Dra) and the Christiansen uniformity coefficient (CU) of the emitters decreased as the irrigation interval increased, while there was a negative linear correlation between Dra and the irrigation interval (R2 > 0.79). The highest Dra and CU values of 80.9 and 78.0% were observed in high‐frequency irrigation (S1) after 2 years of planting. Moreover, clogging fouling inside the emitter accumulated gradually and exhibited a significant positive linear correlation with irrigation interval time (R2 > 0.80). The chemical components of clogging fouling, which were calcium magnesium carbonates, quartz, silicates, and sodium chloride, were the same under different irrigation frequencies. The emitter clogging of drip irrigation systems using saline water for processing tomato production in the Hetao irrigation area presented a composite clogging (mainly chemical clogging associated with physical clogging). Considering previous research, a high frequency of once per day is recommended for drip irrigation using saline water. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the contribution of mobile money to well‐being from a capability perspective
Authors: Adaba Godfried B. , Ayoung Daniel A. , Abbott Pamela
Published: February 2019

This study considered the impact of mobile money on well‐being and development from a capability perspective using data from the Upper East Region of Northern Ghana. The evidence suggests varied capability enhancing benefits of mobile money use, ranging from empowerment to participate in the financial system, to choice, and agency to meet various functionings that contribute to better well‐being outcomes in employment, health, and education. Erratic power supply and a poor network signal in some communities are unfreedoms that need removing for people to take advantage of the huge well‐being and human development potential of mobile money. The long‐term dependency on family and social networks for monetary support is a capability diminishing feature of mobile money. The study findings support the necessity to adopt a multifaceted and pragmatic conceptualisation of development in information and communication technology for development research.
Quantitative analysis on in vivo tumor‐microvascular images from optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Zhao Qian , Lin Riqiang , Liu Chengbo , Zhao Jingxiu , Si Guangtao , Song Liang , Meng Jing
Published: February 2019

Optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR‐PAM) has been shown to be an excellent imaging modality for monitoring and study of tumor microvasculature. However, previous studies focused mainly on the normal tissues and did not quantify the tumor microvasculature. In this study, we present an in vivo OR‐PAM imaging of the melanomas and hepatoma implanted in the mouse ear. We quantify the vessel growth by extracting the skeletons of both dense and thin branches of the tumor microvasculature obtained by Hessian matrix enhancement followed by improved two‐step multistencils fast marching method. Compared with the previous methods of using OR‐PAM for normal tissues, our method was more effective in extracting the binary vascular network in the tumor images and in obtaining the complete and continuous microvascular skeleton maps. Our demonstration of using OR‐PAM in improving microvasculature of tumors and quantification of tumor growth would push deep this technology for the early diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
Blockage of transferred exosome‐shuttled miR‐494 inhibits melanoma growth and metastasis
Authors: Li Jingjing , Chen Jia , Wang Shaohua , Li Ping , Zheng Changli , Zhou Xiao , Tao Yongguang , Chen Xiang , Sun Lichun , Wang Aijun , Cao Ke , Tang Shijie , Zhou Jianda
Published: February 2019

There is emerging evidence of bioactive material transport by exosomes in melanoma. However, the functions of exosome content underlying such cancer progression remain largely unknown. We aimed at determining whether exosome secretion contributes to cellular microRNA‐494 (miR‐494) loss and investigated the roles of miR‐494 in melanoma progression. The exosomes from blood serum and cell culture conditioned media were separated by ultracentrifugation. A short hairpin RNA was used to silence rab27a for inhibiting exosome release. To address the functional role of exosomal miR‐494, we assessed cell proliferation, migration, invasion capabilities, and cell apoptosis. Finally, subcutaneous xenograft and lung‐metastasis models were constructed to determine the effect of exosomal miR‐494 in vivo. Based on long noncoding RNA microarray analysis of melanocyte and melanoma‐derived exosomes from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we discovered that miR‐494 was enriched in melanoma‐derived exosomes. And miR‐494 was increased in exosomes secreted from melanoma patients’ serum and A375 cells. Rab27a depletion reduced exosome secretion and rescued the abundance of cellular miR‐494. Functional studies revealed that knockdown of rab27a and subsequent accumulation of miR‐494 significantly suppressed the malignant phenotypes of melanoma cells via inducing cell apoptosis. Nude mice experiments confirmed that tumor growth and metastasis were suppressed by increasing miR‐494 accumulation after rab27a depletion. In conclusion, blocking transferred exosome‐shuttled miR‐494 is a potential therapeutic option for melanoma.