bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐apoptosis endothelial cell‐secreted microRNA‐195‐5p promotes pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Yao Jun , Li Yinchuan , Xue Ying , Zou Yinghua , Shu Zhuoling , Jiao Zhihua
Published: September 2017

In the pathological mechanism of pulmonary arterial hypertension, the role of apoptosis‐resistant pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PVECs/AR) has been emphasized on the pulmonary vascular remodeling. In the present study, we investigated whether PVECs/AR can promote the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and to study the role of miR‐195‐5p in the crosstalk between these two types of cells. We confirmed that PVECs/AR can promote the proliferation and migration of PASMCs in a co‐culture system of AR/PVECs and PASMCs. Additionally, after exposure to hypoxia for 12 or 24 h, AR/PVECs had a higher mature miR‐195‐5p level than PVECs (P < 0.05, 12 and 24 h). Luciferase reporter assays were used to validate indications of the existence of an HRE in the miR‐195‐5p promoter. Knocking down Smad7 can reverse the inhibition of Lv‐S195 on TGF‐β1‐induced PASMCs remodeling. TGF‐β1 promoted cell growth in PASMCs, and the supernatant of PVECs/AP infected with Lv‐S195 inhibited TGF‐β1 enhanced proliferation in PASMCs, which was also blocked by Lv‐shRNA‐Smad7. The result of this experiment confirmed the specificity of the HIF‐1a/miR‐195/Smad7 pathway. Our data indicate the possible function of PVECs/AR in the process of pulmonary vascular remodeling. MiRNA‐195‐5p played a role as an interacting paracrine factor between PVECs/AR and PASMC, which seemed to function through the HIF‐1a/miRNA‐195‐5p/Smad7 pathway.
Automated and efficient quantum chemical determination and energetic ranking of molecular protonation sites
Authors: Pracht Philipp , Bauer Christoph Alexander , Grimme Stefan
Published: September 2017

We present an automated quantum chemical protocol for the determination of preferred protonation sites in organic and organometallic molecules containing up to a few hundred atoms. It is based on the Foster–Boys orbital localization method, whereby we automatically identify lone pairs and π orbitals as possible protonation sites. The method becomes efficient in conjunction with the robust and fast GFN‐xTB semiempirical method proposed recently (Grimme et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2017, 13, 1989). The protonated isomers that are found within a few seconds to minutes of computational wall‐time on a standard desktop computer are then energetically refined using density functional theory (DFT), where we use a high‐level double‐hybrid reference method to benchmark GFN‐xTB and low‐cost DFT approaches. The proposed DFT/GFN‐xTB/LMO composite protocol is generally applicable to almost arbitrary molecules including transition metal complexes. Importantly it is found that even in electronically complicated cases, the GFN‐xTB optimized protomer structures are reasonable and can safely be used in single‐point DFT calculations. Corrections from energy to free energy mostly have a small effect on computed protomer populations. The resulting protomer equilibrium is valuable, for example, in the context of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry where it may help identify the ionized species and assist the interpretation of the experiment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temperature‐shuffled parallel cascade selection molecular dynamics accelerates the structural transitions of proteins
Authors: Harada Ryuhei , Shigeta Yasuteru
Published: September 2017

Parallel cascade selection molecular dynamics (PaCS‐MD) is an enhanced conformational sampling method for searching structural transition pathways from a given reactant to a product. Recently, a temperature‐aided PaCS‐MD (Vinod et al., Eur. Biophys. J. 2016, 45, 463) has been proposed as its extension, in which the temperatures were introduced as additional parameters in conformational resampling, whereas the temperature is fixed in the original PaCS‐MD. In the present study, temperature‐shuffled PaCS‐MD is proposed as a further extension of temperature‐aided PaCS‐MD in which the temperatures are shuffled among different replicas at the beginning of each cycle of conformational resampling. To evaluate their conformational sampling efficiencies, the original, temperature‐aided, and temperature‐shuffled PaCS‐MD were applied to a protein‐folding process of Trp‐cage, and their minimum computational costs to identify the native state were addressed. Through the evaluation, it was confirmed that temperature‐shuffled PaCS‐MD remarkably accelerated the protein‐folding process of Trp‐cage compared with the other methods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cover Image, Volume 92, Issue 10
Authors: Sierra Estefanía , Miranda‐Molina Alfonso , Castillo Edmundo , Hu Hailin , Ayala Marcela
Published: September 2017

The cover image, by Estefanía Sierra et al., is based on the Research Article Chemoenzymatic synthesis of poly(phenylene disulfides) with insulating properties and resistant to high temperatures, DOI: 10.1002/jctb.5290.

image
Site‐specific accumulation and dynamic change of flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium
Authors: Chen Cui‐Hua , Xu Hu , Liu Xun‐Hong , Zou Li‐Si , Wang Mei , Liu Zi‐Xiu , Fu Xing‐Sheng , Zhao Hui , Yan Ying
Published: September 2017

Site‐specific accumulation of flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium was determined by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) and the localization of catechins also was observed via vanillin‐HCl staining under the conventional optical microscope. The contents of five flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium from different harvest times and growth parts were measured using HPLC method. LSCM observation showed that flavonoids are accumulated in cuticle of epidermal cells and vessel walls, especially in protoplasts and nucleolus of the collenchyma cells and the epidermal cells. Catechins are localized in the palisade parenchyma cells and vessel walls, particularly in the laticifers found in the phloem. On the basis of the difference of the maximal emission wavelength between quercetin and kaempferol derivatives which have fluorescence behavior by appropriate treatment, kaempferol and its derivatives are localized exclusively in the cuticle. Results showed that the content of astragalin in Apocyni Veneti Folium from different parts revealed the decreasing trend, while hyperin and isoquercitrin were higher in June and July analyzed by HPLC. In summary, the site‐specific accumulation of flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium can be determined by LSCM and vanillin‐HCl staining. The contents of flavonoids in Apocyni Veneti Folium are correlated with harvest times and growth parts.
Oriented diameter of graphs with given maximum degree
Authors: Dankelmann Peter , Guo Yubao , Surmacs Michel
Published: September 2017

In this article, we show that every bridgeless graph G of order n and maximum degree Δ has an orientation of diameter at most . We then use this result and the definition , for every subgraph H of G, to give better bounds in the case that G contains certain clusters of high‐degree vertices, namely: For every edge e, G has an orientation of diameter at most , if e is on a triangle and at most , otherwise. Furthermore, for every bridgeless subgraph H of G, there is such an orientation of diameter at most . Finally, if G is bipartite, then we show the existence of an orientation of diameter at most , for every partite set A of G and . This particularly implies that balanced bipartite graphs have an orientation of diameter at most . For each bound, we give a polynomial‐time algorithm to construct a corresponding orientation and an infinite family of graphs for which the bound is sharp.
Indirect MRI of 17o‐labeled water using steady‐state sequences: Signal simulation and preclinical experiment
Authors: Kudo Kohsuke , Harada Taisuke , Kameda Hiroyuki , Uwano Ikuko , Yamashita Fumio , Higuchi Satomi , Yoshioka Kunihiro , Sasaki Makoto
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Few studies have been reported for T2‐weighted indirect 17O imaging.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the feasibility of steady‐state sequences for indirect 17O brain imaging.

STUDY TYPE

Signal simulation, phantom measurements, and prospective animal experiments were performed in accordance with the institutional guidelines for animal experiments.

POPULATION/SUBJECTS/PHANTOM/SPECIMEN/ANIMAL MODEL

Signal simulations of balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) were performed for concentrations of 17O ranging from 0.037–1.600%. Phantom measurements with concentrations of 17O water ranging from 0.037–1.566% were also conducted. Six healthy beagle dogs were scanned with intravenous administration of 20% 17O‐labeled water (1 mL/kg).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

Dynamic 3D‐bSSFP scans were performed at 3T MRI. 17O‐labeled water was injected 60 seconds after the scan start, and the total scan duration was 5 minutes.

ASSESSMENT

Based on the result of signal simulation and phantom measurement, signal changes in the beagle dogs were measured and converted into 17O concentrations.

STATISTICAL TESTS

The 17O concentrations were averaged for every 15 seconds, and compared to the baseline (30–45 sec) with Dunnett's multiple comparison tests.

RESULTS

Signal simulation revealed that the relationships between 17O concentration and the natural logarithm of relative signals were linear. The intraclass correlation coefficient between relative signals in phantom measurement and signal simulations was 0.974. In the animal experiments, significant increases in 17O concentration (P < 0.05) were observed 60 seconds after the injection of 17O. At the end of scanning, mean respective 17O concentrations of 0.084 ± 0.026%, 0.117 ± 0.038, 0.082 ± 0.037%, and 0.049 ± 0.004% were noted for the cerebral cortex, cerebellar cortex, cerebral white matter, and ventricle.

DATA CONCLUSION

Dynamic steady‐state sequences were feasible for indirect 17O imaging, and absolute quantification was possible. This method can be applied for the measurement of permeability and blood flow in the brain, and for kinetic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1373–1379.
Sex differences in the glutamate signaling pathway in juvenile rats
Authors: Al‐Suwailem Etidal , Abdi Saba , El‐Ansary Afaf
Published: September 2017

Females have been found to be at lower risk for the development of neurodevelopmental disorders than males. The greater neuroprotection in females is mostly due to female sex hormones. Estrogen is hypothesized to provide neuroprotection by suppressing the neuro‐excitotoxicity induced by glutamate (Glu). This study was conducted to understand the effect of sex in modulating Glu signaling in juvenile rats. Brain tissue homogenate of 15 Wistar albino rats (9 males, 6 females) weighing 60 to 80 g and aged approximately 28 days was used. Biochemical parameters related to Glu signaling, such as the absolute and relative concentrations of Glu, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamine, as well as glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutaminase (GLN), and glutamate decarboxylase‐67 (GAD‐67), were measured by ELISA. The data obtained demonstrated that compared with the levels in males, female rats exhibited significantly lower levels of Glu (p = .001) and GLN/GS (p = .021). The Glu/GABA and Glu/GLT1 ratios as well as the levels of GAD‐67 were also lower in female rats, although the difference was not significant. The GLN/GAD‐67 ratio (p = .027) and levels of GS (p = .019) were significantly higher in female rats than in males. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the role of GLN/GS, together with the much higher affinity of GLT1 to Glu, in avoiding excitotoxicity in females. In conclusion, there was a significant difference in Glu signaling between female and male rats. The females exhibited a lower susceptibility to develop Glu‐induced excitotoxicity, an etiological mechanism for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders.
High early post‐operative complication rate after elective aseptic orthopedic implant removal of upper and lower limb
Authors: Suda Arnold J. , Heilgeist Eva , Tinelli Marco , Bischel Oliver E.
Published: September 2017

The necessity of orthopedic implant removal is under intense discussion and even if it is performed as an elective procedure, the risk of complications is present. Aim of the study was to identify parameters responsible for an increased risk of early post‐operative complications after elective aseptic orthopedic implant removal. We reviewed 1,545 cases of aseptic and elective orthopedic implant removal between 2009 and 2011. The patient́s demographic data, time and duration of operation, patient́s comorbidities, and presence of complications in the first 4 weeks after implant removal were evaluated. Patients with signs of infection at the time of the surgical procedure were excluded from this study. 579 women and 966 men who underwent elective aseptic orthopedic implant removal were identified. Mean age at implant removal was 42 years and mean duration of the surgical procedure was 37 min. In this cohort, 70 patients (4.5%) underwent elective aseptic implant removal after 6pm. 52 patients (3.37%) operated on during daytime suffered from complications post‐operatively and five patients (0.3%) who were operated on during the night experienced complications. The parameters age, sex, BMI, and surgeon showed no statistically significant differences for the risk of post‐operative complications. Patients’ comorbidities such as diabetes seem to have influence but were not statistically significant either. Patients with revision surgery since their first operation, nocturnal surgery and longer duration of the procedure showed a statistically significant higher risk for complications, especially in the lower leg. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1035–1039, 2018.
Mechanically stimulated biomarkers signal cartilage changes over 5 years consistent with disease progression in medial knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Chu Constance R. , Sheth Shikha , Erhart‐Hledik Jennifer C. , Do Bao , Titchenal Matthew R. , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: September 2017

Using serum biomarkers to assess osteoarthritis (OA) disease state and risks of progression remain challenging. This study tested the hypothesis that changes to serum biomarkers in response to a mechanical stimulus in patients with medial knee OA signal cartilage thickness changes 5 years later. Specifically, serum concentrations of a collagen degradation marker (C1,2C) and a chondroitin sulfate synthesis marker (CS846) were measured 0.5 and 5.5 hours after a 30‐min walk in 16 patients. Regional cartilage thickness changes measured from magnetic resonance images obtained at study entry and at 5‐year follow‐up were tested for correlations with baseline biomarker changes after mechanical stimulus, and for differences between groups stratified based on whether biomarker levels increased or decreased. Results showed that an increase in the degradation biomarker C1,2C correlated with cartilage thinning of the lateral tibia (R = −0.63, p = 0.009), whereas an increase in the synthesis marker CS846 correlated with cartilage thickening of the lateral femur (R = 0.76, p = 0.001). Changes in C1,2C and CS846 were correlated (R2 = 0.28, p = 0.037). Subjects with increased C1,2C had greater (p = 0.05) medial tibial cartilage thinning than those with decreased C1,2C. In conclusion, the mechanical stimulus appeared to metabolically link the biomarker responses where biomarker increases signaled more active OA disease states. The findings of medial cartilage thinning for patients with increases in the degradation marker and correlation of cartilage thickening in the less involved lateral femur with increases in the synthetic marker were consistent with progression of medial compartment OA. Thus, the mechanical stimulus facilitated assessing OA disease states using serum biomarkers. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:891–897, 2018.
A comparative study of quality and safety of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) fillets during cold storage, as affected by different thawing methods of pre‐rigor frozen headed and gutted fish
Authors: Roiha Irja Sunde , Jónsson Ásbjörn , Backi Christoph Josef , Lunestad Bjørn Tore , Karlsdóttir Magnea G
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The catch of marine whitefish is typically seasonal, whereas the land‐based processing industry has a need for all‐year stable supply of raw materials. This challenge can be met by applying fish frozen at sea. When using frozen fish, the methods employed for thawing may influence the safety and quality of the final product. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of novel thawing strategies in order to provide an all‐year supply of high‐quality and safe cod products.

RESULTS

Comparative investigations of quality and safety factors after thawing in water, with and without air circulation, and contact thawing were performed. The parameters included water‐holding capacity, thawing loss, drip loss, cooking yield, sensory evaluation and microbiological analyses (including total volatile bases nitrogen). Water thawing with air circulation provided faster thawing than water thawing without air circulation and contact thawing. For all three methods, the quality of the thawed fish was acceptable and the shelf life of the fillets during chilled storage was between 10 and 14 days post‐filleting.

CONCLUSION

The results show that controlled freezing of cod, followed by appropriate thawing, may provide the processing industry with an all‐year delivery of raw materials, without compromising quality and safety of the final product. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Virgin coconut oil reverses hepatic steatosis by restoring redox homeostasis and lipid metabolism in male Wistar rats
Authors: Narayanankutty Arunaksharan , Palliyil Devika Mukundan , Kuruvilla Kezia , Raghavamenon Achuthan C
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Hepatosteatosis, a form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is being increasingly recognized as a major health burden worldwide. Insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and imbalances in adipokine/cytokine interplay are reported to be involved in the onset and progression of this disease. Use of dietary nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment of NAFLD is emerging. Virgin coconut oil (VCO), a fermented product of fresh coconut kernel, has been shown to impede the development of hepatosteatosis in rats. This study analyzes the potential of VCO to reverse the already developed hepatosteatosis condition.

RESULTS

Hyperglycemia, reduced glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic macrovesicles in high‐fructose‐diet‐fed rats (4 weeks) confirmed the development of hepatosteatosis. Natural reversion in these parameters was observed upon shifting to normal diet in untreated control animals. Administration of VCO, however, increased this natural reversion by improving high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level (53.5%) and reducing hepatic and serum triacylglycerols (78.0 and 51.7%). Increased hepatic glutathione level (P < 0.01), antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05) and reduced lipid peroxidation were also noticed in these animals. These observations were in concordance with reduced liver enzyme activities (P < 0.01) and restoration of altered hepatic architecture.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that VCO can be used as a nutraceutical against hepatosteatosis. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Physicochemical characterization of actomyosin–paramyosin from giant squid mantle (Dosidicus gigas)
Authors: Tolano‐Villaverde Ivan J , Ocaño‐Higuera Victor , Ezquerra‐Brauer Josafat , Santos‐Sauceda Irela , Santacruz‐Ortega Hisila , Cárdenas‐López José L , Rodríguez‐Olibarria Guillermo , Márquez‐Ríos Enrique
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

The giant squid (Dosidicus gigas) has been proposed as raw material to obtain myofibrillar protein concentrates. However, it has been observed that colloidal systems formed from squid proteins have limited stability. Therefore, the isolation and characterization of the actomyosin–paramyosin isolated (API) complex were performed, because they are the main proteins to which functionality has been attributed.

RESULTS

Densitogram analysis revealed 45% of actin, 38% of myosin and 17% of paramyosin. The amino acid profile indicates a higher proportion of acidic amino acids, which gives a higher negative charge; this was supported by the zeta potential. Total sulfhydryl (TSH) content was lower compared with proteins of other aquatic species.

CONCLUSION

The higher percentage of actin in relation to myosin, the presence of paramyosin, as well as the low content of sulfhydryl groups, could comprise the main causes of the low technological functional property of proteins from D. gigas mantle. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
SKUP3: 6 and 24 months follow‐up of changes in respiration and sleepiness after modified UPPP
Authors: Browaldh Nanna , Bring Johan , Friberg Danielle
Published: September 2017

Objective

Our previous randomized controlled trial of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) showed that modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), including tonsillectomy, significantly improved nocturnal respiration, daytime sleepiness, and quality of life in the intervention group compared to controls who had delayed surgery after 6 months. This is the continuous report with the 6‐ and 24‐month postoperative results.

Study Design

Single‐center prospective cohort study.

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15, body mass index (BMI) < 36, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) ≥ 8, and Friedman stage I or II underwent UPPP after failing nonsurgical treatment. The results from polysomnography and ESS at 6 and 24 months were compared to baseline.

Results

Eight percent and 20% dropped out from the 6‐ and 24‐month follow‐ups, respectively. The AHI value decreased significantly from mean (standard deviation) 52.9 (20.5) at baseline to 23.6 (20.2) after 6 months, and to 24.1 (20.9) after 24 months (P < 0.001). Patients with tonsil size 2, and 3 to 4, had significant reductions in the AHI after both follow‐ups. The median ESS score decreased significantly from 13 (range 8–21) to 6.5 (1–18) after 6 months, and to 5 (2–17) after 24 months (P < 0.001). The BMI remained unchanged. There were significant modest correlations for the reductions in AHI and ESS after 24 months.

Conclusion

Modified UPPP was effective in improving nocturnal respiration and daytime sleepiness in OSAS patients at both 6‐ and 24‐month follow‐up. Patients with tonsil size 2, and 3 to 4, benefitted similarly from surgery with improved respiration.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 128:1238–1244, 2018
Some observations on the current state of book reviewing in the social sciences
Authors: Hartley James
Published: September 2017

Key points

The number of printed book reviews in the social sciences is currently declining.

The number of online book reviews is currently increasing.

There are ways of measuring the impact of book reviews so that they can be included in research assessment exercises.
Relative impacts of light, temperature, and reactive oxygen on thaumarchaeal ammonia oxidation in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Horak Rachel E. A. , Qin Wei , Bertagnolli Anthony D. , Nelson Alexa , Heal Katherine R. , Han Hantten , Heller Maija , Schauer Andrew J. , Jeffrey Wade H. , Armbrust E. Virginia , Moffett James W. , Ingalls Anitra E. , Stahl David A. , Devol Allan H.
Published: September 2017

Thaumarchaeota are implicated as the major ammonia oxidizers in the ocean. However, the influence of various abiotic factors in determining their distribution and activity in the upper ocean remain largely unclear. Here, we examined the influence of light, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and temperature on ammonia oxidation rates for communities dominated by Thaumarchaeota at the nitrite maximum across two North Pacific transects. In situ ammonia oxidation was almost exclusively driven by Thaumarchaeota, as inferred from ammonia monooxygenase subunit A (amoA) genes, amoA transcripts, and inhibitor studies. A major shift in population structure near the eastern North Pacific Subtropical Front was revealed by sequence variation of amoA genes, showing different Thaumarchaeota community structure in oligotrophic gyre and temperate regions. While the most dominant OTUs were closely related, we found significant differences in physiological responses to light and temperature of incubation. At four stations in different biogeochemical regimes, the impact of sunlight intensity and temperature on activity was evaluated using 15 ‐spiked whole seawater collected from the nitrite maximum and incubated at different depths on a free floating in situ array. Ammonia oxidation was usually completely inhibited by PAR at the surface and 21–45% inhibited at 1% surface PAR, whereas a temperature effect on ammonia oxidation was observed at only two of four stations. While inhibition due to H2O2 cannot be ruled out in surface waters, our findings show that below the mixed layer, photoinhibition, and not H2O2 toxicity, had a greater influence on ammonia oxidation.
Real‐time monitoring of the degradation of metallic and organic coatings using electrical resistance sensors
Authors: Diler E. , Lédan F. , LeBozec N. , Thierry D.
Published: September 2017

The development of new metallic coatings to protect steel, as well as the optimization of maintenance operations on site requires obtaining relevant corrosion data as function of the exposure conditions. In atmospheric and aggressive environments such as under accelerated corrosion tests or in coastal zones, electrical resistance (ER) sensors have demonstrated their ability to provide relevant real‐time corrosion data. Among the sensors commercially available, only single material such as steel, zinc, copper are proposed. However, even if this allows obtaining interesting corrosion data for such reference materials, these data are not representative of industrial systems, such as galvanized steel. Indeed, zinc‐based coatings can contain different alloying elements, e.g., aluminum and magnesium, which impact drastically their resistance to corrosion. In addition, with single material sensors, the influence of the galvanic coupling between the coating and the substrate, in the presence of a defect or a cut edge is not considered. In this study, hot dip galvanized, electrogalvanized, and painted steel ER sensors are exposed in accelerated corrosion tests. The results show that this method is very promising to (i) detect the red rust apparition; (ii) assess the corrosion resistance of industrial zinc and organic coatings; and (iii) obtain relevant data in real‐time along the exposure time.
Controllable Microfluidic Fabrication of Microstructured Materials from Nonspherical Particles to Helices
Authors: Wang Wei , He Xiao‐Heng , Zhang Mao‐Jie , Tang Meng‐Jiao , Xie Rui , Ju Xiao‐Jie , Liu Zhuang , Chu Liang‐Yin
Published: September 2017

This work reports on a facile and flexible strategy based on the deformation of encapsulated droplets in fiber‐like polymeric matrices for template synthesis of controllable microstructured materials from nonspherical microparticles to complex 3D helices. Monodisperse droplets generated from microfluidics are encapsulated into crosslinked polymeric networks via an interfacial crosslinking reaction in microchannel to in situ produce the droplet‐containing, fiber‐like matrices. By stretching and twining the dried fiber‐like matrices, the encapsulated droplets can be flexibly engineered into versatile shapes for template synthesis of controllable nonspherical microparticles and helices. Moreover, magnetic helices can be fabricated by simply dispersing magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the droplets to achieve rotational and translational motion under a rotated magnetic field. This work provides a simple and versatile strategy for the template synthesis of advanced functional microstructured materials with flexible shapes.
Breakthroughs in modern cancer therapy and elusive cardiotoxicity: Critical research‐practice gaps, challenges, and insights
Authors: Zheng Ping‐Pin , Li Jin , Kros Johan M
Published: September 2017

To date, five cancer treatment modalities have been defined. The three traditional modalities of cancer treatment are surgery, radiotherapy, and conventional chemotherapy, and the two modern modalities include molecularly targeted therapy (the fourth modality) and immunotherapy (the fifth modality). The cardiotoxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy is well known. Similar adverse cardiac events are resurging with the fourth modality. Aside from the conventional and newer targeted agents, even the most newly developed, immune‐based therapeutic modalities of anticancer treatment (the fifth modality), e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy, have unfortunately led to potentially lethal cardiotoxicity in patients. Cardiac complications represent unresolved and potentially life‐threatening conditions in cancer survivors, while effective clinical management remains quite challenging. As a consequence, morbidity and mortality related to cardiac complications now threaten to offset some favorable benefits of modern cancer treatments in cancer‐related survival, regardless of the oncologic prognosis. This review focuses on identifying critical research‐practice gaps, addressing real‐world challenges and pinpointing real‐time insights in general terms under the context of clinical cardiotoxicity induced by the fourth and fifth modalities of cancer treatment. The information ranges from basic science to clinical management in the field of cardio‐oncology and crosses the interface between oncology and onco‐pharmacology. The complexity of the ongoing clinical problem is addressed at different levels. A better understanding of these research‐practice gaps may advance research initiatives on the development of mechanism‐based diagnoses and treatments for the effective clinical management of cardiotoxicity.
Effects of pulse duration on muscle fatigue during electrical stimulation inducing moderate‐level contraction
Authors: Jeon Woohyoung , Griffin Lisa
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used to prevent muscle atrophy. However, the effect of pulse duration modulation for reducing muscle fatigue and pain is unknown. Methods: Two 2‐minute stimulation protocols were applied to the knee extensors of 10 healthy individuals. In 1 session, a long pulse duration (1,000 μs) and a low current amplitude (LL), set to evoke 25% maximal voluntary contraction at 30 Hz, were applied. The other session was identical except that a short pulse duration (200 μs) and a high current amplitude (SH) were used. Results: Muscle fatigue was lower for LL than for SH (P < 0.01). Force recovery rate was higher for LL than for SH (P < 0.05). Pain scores were also lower for LL than for SH (P < 0.05). Discussion: The use of 1‐ms pulse durations reduces fatigue and pain during NMES for moderate‐level contractions compared with 200‐μs durations. Muscle Nerve 57: 642–649, 2018
Genomic profiles of lung cancer associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hwang Ji An , Kim Deokhoon , Chun Sung‐Min , Bae SooHyun , Song Joon Seon , Kim Mi Young , Koo Hyun Jung , Song Jin Woo , Kim Woo Sung , Lee Jae Cheol , Kim Hyeong Ryul , Choi Chang‐Min , Jang Se Jin
Published: September 2017

Little is known about the pathogenesis or molecular profiles of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis‐associated lung cancer (IPF‐LC). This study was performed to investigate the genomic profiles of IPF‐LC and to explore the possibility of defining potential therapeutic targets in IPF‐LC. We assessed genomic profiles of IPF‐LC by using targeted exome sequencing (OncoPanel version 2) in 35 matched tumour/normal pairs surgically resected between 2004 and 2014. Germline and somatic variant calling was performed with GATK HaplotypeCaller and MuTect with GATK SomaticIndelocator, respectively. Copy number analysis was conducted with CNVkit, with focal events determined by Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer 2.0, and pathway analysis (KEGG) with DAVID. Germline mutations in TERT (rs2736100, n = 33) and CDKN1A (rs2395655, n = 27) associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis risk were detected in most samples. A total of 410 somatic mutations were identified, with an average of 11.7 per tumour, including 69 synonymous, 177 missense, 17 nonsense, 1 nonstop and 11 splice‐site mutations, and 135 small coding indels. Spectra of the somatic mutations revealed predominant C > T transitions despite an extensive smoking history in most patients, suggesting a potential association between APOBEC‐related mutagenesis and the development of IPF‐LC. TP53 (22/35, 62.9%) and BRAF (6/35, 17.1%) were found to be significantly mutated in IPF‐LC. Recurrent focal amplifications in three chromosomal loci (3q26.33, 7q31.2, and 12q14.3) and 9p21.3 deletion were identified, and genes associated with the JAK–STAT signalling pathway were significantly amplified in IPF‐LC (P = 0.012). This study demonstrates that IPF‐LC is genetically characterized by the presence of somatic mutations reflecting a variety of environmental exposures on the background of specific germline mutations, and is associated with potentially targetable alterations such as BRAF mutations. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chain scission extent of polystyrene in different shear flow fields
Authors: Chen Zhanchun , Zhang Shuai , Li Feng , Wu Fei , Yao Tao
Published: September 2017

A mechanochemical reactor providing strong shear‐force has been developed in order to graft the polar groups onto the polymers. The extent of polymers' chain scission is a key factor in grafting process. In order to evaluate the scission extent, the shearing experiments were carried out for GPPS152P, which were produced by SECCO Petrochemical Company, Shanghai, China, at different revolving speeds, and temperatures. The decrease in molecular weight of GPPS152P was evaluated through gel permeation chromatography method and was estimated to be 13.8%. Additionally, the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of this sample became narrower. The chain scission theory and the shear rate, simulated through POLYFLOW software, were simultaneously employed to conduct quantitative analysis of molten PS' chain scission process. According to this method, the decrease in molecular weight was estimated to be 12.88%. Therefore, this method can be taken as a guideline for estimating molecular weight and MWD of products in manufacturing industry. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:913–919, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cover Image, Volume 66, Issue 10
Authors: Bregadiolli Bruna A , Ramanitra Hasina H , Ferreira Rodrigo Marques , Corcoles Laura , Gomes Milton S , Kang Lauren , Combe Craig MS , Silva Hugo Santos , Lavarda Francisco C , Bégué Didier , Dagron‐Lartigau Christine , Rocco Maria Luiza M , Luscombe Christine K , Olivati Clarissa A , Graeff Carlos FO , Hiorns Roger C
Published: September 2017

The cover image, by Bruna A. Bregadiolli et al., is based on the Research Article Towards the synthesis of poly(azafulleroid)s: main chain fullerene oligomers for organic photovoltaic devices, DOI: 10.1002/pi.5419.

image
Prescribing quality improvement: reducing high‐dose antipsychotic use
Authors: Prajapati Asta R , Johnston Esther , Ugochukwu Uju , Solomka Bohdan
Published: September 2017

Evidence of efficacy for high‐dose antipsychotic therapy (HDAT) and antipsychotic combinations (AC) is lacking, while evidence of harm is compelling. Significantly higher proportions of Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) patients were being prescribed HDAT and AC compared with the national averages. Here, the authors describe a quality improvement program to rationalise and reduce HDAT and AC prescribing in NSFT, to bring it in line with, or below, the national average. The initiative demonstrates that prescribing culture can be improved through a sustained multi‐professional team approach involving education and training, a targeted campaign, a proactive clinical pharmacy team and pharmacists' support.
Improving the referral process from primary care to an AMHT
Authors: Dehghan Aaron , Nowar Maan Abu , Molodynski Andrew
Published: September 2017

There is established evidence that discrepancy rates in referral thresholds from GPs to secondary care services as high as 10‐fold exist between individual GPs. Andrew Molodynski et al looked systematically at the amount and quality of referrals to the secondary care team in order to identify any issues and develop support for referrers to make the process as smooth as possible.
Delayed‐onset post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms in dementia
Authors: Martinez-Clavera Clara , James Sarah , Bowditch Eva , Kuruvilla Tarun
Published: September 2017

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with working‐age adults and remains largely unrecognised in the elderly. In this review, Clara Martinez‐Clavera et al consider three examples of delayed‐onset PTSD and its frequent association, or misdiagnosis, as one of the numerous manifestations of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Finally, recommendations for pharmacological and psychological interventions are suggested.
Generation of energetic electrons in pulsed microwave plasmas
Authors: Lee Min Uk , Lee Jae Koo , Yun Gunsu S.
Published: September 2017

Pulsed microwave driven microplasma at atmospheric pressure is proposed as an efficient source of energetic electrons for low‐temperature biomedical applications. Energetic electrons are required to break the covalent bonds of nitrogen, oxygen, and water molecules in humid air and produce reactive species. Particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations demonstrate that the energetic electrons with energy greater than 10 eV (capable of breaking the bond of nitrogen molecules) can be produced much more efficiently in pulsed microwave helium plasmas than in pulsed DC or continuous microwave plasmas. In particular, fast heating and cooling of electrons are observed at the rising edge and the falling edge of the pulse, respectively. This phenomenon is consistent with the fluid analysis showing the electrons’ energy gain via collective motion and collisional loss to the neutral particles.
Epitaxial CuGaSe2 Thin Films − Removal of Cu2−xSe Secondary Phase From Film Surface
Authors: Popp Andreas , Pettenkofer Christian
Published: September 2017

Cu‐rich CuGaSe2 (CGS) thin layers were prepared on GaAs (100) and stepped GaAs (111)A substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The presence of a Cu/Cu2−xSe binary phase was observed and verified by XPS/UPS. By annealing the CGS samples subsequently at 600 °C growth temperature for 10 min, the secondary phase was removed while the Cu/Ga ratio decreased to a near stoichiometric value. Thus, the annealing step causes a reformation of the surface and surface structure, which could also be observed by LEED. Thereby the prior (4 × 2) reconstruction of the zinc blende order for the CGS [001] direction becomes sharper and more pronounced after the annealing step. For the [112] direction a (1 × 1) chalcopyrite reconstruction prior to the annealing step was changed into a clear (3 × 1) reconstruction after annealing the sample.
Surface‐Engineering of Red Blood Cells as Artificial Antigen Presenting Cells Promising for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Sun Xiaoqi , Han Xiao , Xu Ligeng , Gao Min , Xu Jun , Yang Rong , Liu Zhuang
Published: September 2017

The development of artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) to mimic the functions of APCs such as dendritic cells (DCs) to stimulate T cells and induce antitumor immune responses has attracted substantial interests in cancer immunotherapy. In this work, a unique red blood cell (RBC)‐based aAPC system is designed by engineering antigen peptide‐loaded major histocompatibility complex‐I and CD28 activation antibody on RBC surface, which are further tethered with interleukin‐2 (IL2) as a proliferation and differentiation signal. Such RBC‐based aAPC‐IL2 (R‐aAPC‐IL2) can not only provide a flexible cell surface with appropriate biophysical parameters, but also mimic the cytokine paracrine delivery. Similar to the functions of matured DCs, the R‐aAPC‐IL2 cells can facilitate the proliferation of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells and increase the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. As a proof‐of‐concept, we treated splenocytes from C57 mice with R‐aAPC‐IL2 and discovered those splenocytes induced significant cancer‐cell‐specific lysis, implying that the R‐aAPC‐IL2 were able to re‐educate T cells and induce adoptive immune response. This work thus presents a novel RBC‐based aAPC system which can mimic the functions of antigen presenting DCs to activate T cells, promising for applications in adoptive T cell transfer or even in direct activation of circulating T cells for cancer immunotherapy.
Cobalt Phosphide Coupled with Heteroatom‐Doped Nanocarbon Hybrid Electroctalysts for Efficient, Long‐Life Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Ahn Sung Hoon , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: September 2017

Metal phosphides and heteroatom‐doped carbons have been regarded as promising candidates as bifunctional catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, both have suffered from stability issues during repeated ORR and OER operations in zinc–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, this study reports a versatile cobalt‐based hybrid catalyst with a 1D structure by integrating the metal‐organic framework‐derived conversion approach and an in situ crosslinking method. Among them, the 1D hybrid catalyst composed of ultrasmall cobalt phosphide nanoparticles supported by nitrogen‐, sulfur‐, phosphorus‐doped carbon matrix shows remarkable bifunctional activity close to that of the benchmark precious‐metal catalysts along with an excellent durability in the full potential range covering both the OER and ORR. The overall overpotential of the rechargeable ZABs can be greatly reduced with this bifunctional hybrid catalyst as an air‐electrode, and the cycling stability outperforms the commercial Pt/C catalyst. It is revealed that the cobalt phosphide nanoparticles are in situ converted to cobalt oxide under the accelerated conditions during OER (and/or ORR) of the ZABs and reduces the anodic current applied to the carbon. This contributes to the stability of the carbon material and in maintaining the high initial catalytic properties of the hybrid catalyst.
Restraining the Band Fluctuation of CBD‐Zn(O,S) Layer: Modifying the Hetero‐Junction Interface for High Performance Cu2ZnSnSe4 Solar Cells With Cd‐Free Buffer Layer
Authors: Li Jianjun , Liu Xiaoru , Liu Wei , Wu Li , Ge Binghui , Lin Shuping , Gao Shoushuai , Zhou Zhiqiang , Liu Fangfang , Sun Yun , Ao Jianping , Zhu Hongbing , Mai Yaohua , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2017

Zn(O,S) film is a promising low‐cost and environment‐friendly Cd‐free buffer layer for chalcopyrite and kesterite thin film solar cells. However, the devices with Zn(O,S) buffer layer usually suffer from poor interface performance, resulting in a much lower efficiency, especially for kesterite solar cells. Here, the band fluctuation caused by ZnO secondary phase in Zn(O,S) layer is identified as the main reason deteriorating the device performance. By a concentrated ammonium etching and subsequent soft annealing treatment, the detrimental ZnO and Zn(OH)2 secondary phases are eliminated from the Zn(O,S) layer and the hetero‐junction performance is improved significantly. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency of the Zn(O,S)/CZTSe solar cells was improved from 1.17% to a favorable value of 7.2%. Temperature dependent J–V properties reveal a defect level assisted charge carrier transport mechanism across the Zn(O,S)/CZTSe interface. These encouraging results imply that Zn(O,S) buffer layer is a promising substitution for toxic CdS in future manufacturing of high performance thin film solar cells.
Quantification of Sheet Resistance in Boron‐Diffused Silicon Using Micro‐Photoluminescence Spectroscopy at Room Temperature
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Johnston Steve , Paduthol Appu , Harvey Steven P. , Phang Sieu Pheng , Samundsett Christian , Sun Chang , Yan Di , Trupke Thorsten , Al‐Jassim Mowafak M. , Macdonald Daniel
Published: September 2017

A micro‐photoluminescence‐based technique is presented, to quantify and map sheet resistances of boron‐diffused layers in silicon solar cell precursors with micron‐scale spatial resolution at room temperature. The technique utilizes bandgap narrowing effects in the heavily‐doped layers, yielding a broader photoluminescence spectrum at the long‐wavelength side compared to the spectrum emitted from lightly doped silicon. By choosing an appropriate spectral range as a metric to assess the doping density, the impacts of photon reabsorption on the analysis can be avoided; thus, an accurate characterization of the sheet resistance can be made. This metric is demonstrated to be better representative of the sheet resistance than the surface doping density or the total dopant concentration of the diffused layer. The technique is applied to quantify sheet resistances of 12‐μm‐wide diffused fingers in interdigitated back‐contact solar cell precursors and large diffused areas. The results are confirmed by both 4‐point probe and time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry measurements. Finally, the practical limitations associated with extending the proposed technique into an imaging mode are presented and explained.
Children's Reading in Low‐Income Countries
Authors: Wagner Daniel A.
Published: September 2017

Children around the world, especially in low‐income countries, lack equal opportunities to develop the early skills on which school‐based learning takes place. Indeed, global data show that there are hundreds of millions of children with very low reading scores, even after many of them have gone to school for two or more years. Current research has accelerated in the area of early grade reading, as well as in language of instruction. Multiple studies and interventions have suggested innovative directions to support children's reading among the most marginalized groups. The 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, along with other global initiatives, are poised to make a major positive difference for such children in the coming years. A renewed focus on early reading worldwide and among the poor is part of what has been called the “learning as development” agenda.
Supporting Young Writers With Award‐Winning Books
Authors: MacKay Kathryn Lake , Ricks Paul H. , Young Terrell A.
Published: September 2017

This article presents a way to use award‐winning books as mentor texts for very young writers. Books were selected as mentor texts from the winners of the Australian Early Childhood Children's Book of the Year Award and the American Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. The authors explain the value of using award‐winning texts in the classroom and describe the respective processes by which the award‐winning books are chosen. Sections of exemplary texts are highlighted to demonstrate how they can be used to show young writers examples of circular text structure, descriptive language, print manipulation, punctuation, and dialogue.