bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of ARID4A and ARID4B promote tumor progression and directly regulated by microRNA‐30d in patient with prostate cancer
Authors: Liang Ying‐Ke , Han Zhao‐Dong , Lu Jian‐Ming , Liu Ze‐Zhen , Zhuo Yang‐Jia , Zhu Xue‐Jin , Chen Jun‐Xu , Ye Jian‐Heng , Liang Yu‐Xiang , He Hui‐Chan , Zhong Wei‐De
Published: May 2018

AT‐rich interaction domain 4A (ARID4A) and AT‐rich interaction domain 4B (ARID4B), which are both the AT‐rich interaction domain (ARID) family, have been reported to be oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in various human malignances, but there is no involvement about their functions in prostate cancer (PCa). Our previous study has reported that microRNA‐30d (miR‐30d) expression can predicted poor clinical prognosis in PCa, however, the underlying mechanisms of miR‐30d have not been fully described. The aim of our study is to investigate the expression relevance between miR‐30d and ARID4A or ARID4B, and examine the clinical significance and biological function of ARID4A and AIRD4B in PCa. In this study, both ARID4A and ARID4B were identified as the target genes of miR‐30d. In addition, the mRNA expression of miR‐30d in PCa tissues were significantly negative correlated with ARID4A (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.313, P = 0.001) and ARID4B (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.349, P < 0.001), while there was a positive correlation between ARID4A and ARID4B (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.865, P < 0.001). Moreover, both ARID4A and ARID4B were significantly downregulated in PCa tissues with high Gleason scores (P = 0.005, P = 0.033), PSA failure (P = 0.012, P = 0.05) and short biochemical recurrent‐free survival (P = 0.033, P = 0.031). Furthermore, the knockout expression of ARID4A and ARID4B promoted PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. In conclusion, our results indicated that ARID4A and ARID4B may serve as tumor suppressor in PCa progression, suggesting that they might be the potential therapeutic targets in prostate cancer.
β‐adrenergic receptors and cardiac progenitor cell biology: What is the real connection?
Authors: Pagano Francesca , Frati Giacomo , Chimenti Isotta
Published: May 2018

Resident cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) isolated from small animal models may not always be representative of their human counterparts, especially when significant differences in isolation protocols are considered. Nonetheless, multiple evidences support an important role of β‐adrenergic signaling in human CPC survival and commitment, which will need appropriate consideration for future developments of human CPCs as regenerative medicine tools.
Scutellaria baicalensis targets the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and enhances cisplatin efficacy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Hussain Imran , Waheed Sana , Ahmad Kashif A. , Pirog John E. , Syed Viqar
Published: May 2018

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF‐1α) is aberrantly upregulated in tumors and implicated in angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, developing treatments that target HIF‐1α may be a viable therapeutic approach. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is used for the treatment of cancer but the anti‐cancer mechanisms are not known. We examined the effects of SB on HIF‐1α expression in ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines grown under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. SB treatment attenuated HIF‐1α expression in cancer cell lines. Treatment of cells with cycloheximide (CHX) reduced HIF‐1α levels similar to cells treated with SB. Furthermore, SB‐induced HIF‐1α inhibition was abrogated by the proteasomal inhibitor MG132 and a lysosome inhibitor, chloroquine. Activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK seen in OC cells was reduced with SB. Pretreatment of cells with LY294002 (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor) and PD98059 (mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor) reduced HIF‐1α expression comparable to SB‐treated cells. SB potentiated the anti‐growth effects of cisplatin on OC cells by attenuating the expression of HIF‐1α, ABCG1, and ABCG2. Taken together, the findings suggest that targeting HIF‐1α with SB could be an effective treatment strategy for cancer and SB can improve the sensitivity of cancer cells to cisplatin, which is a major challenge in therapy for ovarian tumors.
Clinical value of jointly detection pleural fluid Midkine, pleural fluid adenosine deaminase, and pleural fluid carbohydrate antigen 125 in the identification of nonsmall cell lung cancer‐associated malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Junjun , Zheng Xiaoyong , Hu Lijuan , Chen Jie , Jiang Feng , Wang Yumin
Published: May 2018

Background

Midkine (MK) level has been shown to be elevated in serum of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the diagnostic value of MK in pleural effusion in NSCLC has not been well validated and established.

Methods

Samples of NSCLC‐associated malignant pleural effusions (MPE) and benign effusions (BPE) were collected. The pleural fluid MK (pMK), pleural fluid adenosine deaminase (pADA), pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH), pleural fluid glucose (pGLU), pleural fluid ferritin (pFER), pleural fluid CA199 (pCA199), pleural fluid CA125 (pCA125), pleural effusion white cell count (pWBC), and pleural effusion red cell count (pRBC) were analyzed, and the clinical data of each group were collected for statistical analysis.

Result

The level of pMK, pCA125, pMK + pCA125, and pMK + pCA125 + pADA in the MPE was significantly higher than the BPE group (P = .003, .000, .000, .000). The pADA level in the BPE was significantly higher than the MPE group (P = .003). It showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) (0.816) of jointly detection pMK, pCA125, and pADA was significantly higher than other markers for the diagnosis of MPE. Therefore, joint detection of pMK + pCA125 + pADA suggested that the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC was 82.54%, 74.19% at the cutoff 0.47 and diagnostic performance was higher than others.

Conclusion

Joint detection of pMK + pCA125 + pADA can be used as a good indicator for the identification of MPE of NSCLC.
NEAT1 upregulates TGF‐β1 to induce hepatocellular carcinoma progression by sponging hsa‐mir‐139‐5p
Authors: Tu Jianfei , Zhao Zhongwei , Xu Min , Lu Xiaojie , Chang Liu , Ji Jiansong
Published: May 2018

Increasing evidence has shown that the lncRNA Nuclear Enriched Abundant Transcript 1 (NEAT1) play important roles in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in various tumors. In our current study, we concentrated on the biological mechanisms of NEAT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. It was found that NEAT1 was significantly increased in human HCC cell lines including Hep3B, LM3, MHCC97L, SK‐hep1, and HepG2 cells compared to the normal human liver cell line LO2. Meanwhile, we observed that hsa‐miR‐139‐5p was greatly decreased in HCC cells, which suggested a negative correlation between NEAT1 and hsa‐mir‐139‐5p. In addition, NEAT1 downregulation can restrain HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion. Consistently, overexpression of hsa‐mir‐139‐5p exerted a similar phenomenon. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay, and RNA pull‐down assay confirmed that NEAT1 can function as a ceRNA by sponging hsa‐mir‐139‐5p. In addition, TGF‐β1 was identified as a downstream target of hsa‐mir‐139‐5p and hsa‐mir‐139‐5p overexpression was able to suppress TGF‐β1 levels. Furthermore, it was indicated that TGF‐β1 inhibition can inhibit HCC cell growth, migration, and invasion ability. Taken these together, we speculated that NEAT1 can modulate TGF‐β1 expression by sponging hsa‐mir‐139‐5p in HCC. These data indicates that targeting the NEAT1/hsa‐mir‐139‐5p/TGF‐β1 axis could be a new strategy for HCC.
Spheroids from adipose‐derived stem cells exhibit an miRNA profile of highly undifferentiated cells
Authors: Di Stefano A. Barbara , Grisafi Federica , Castiglia Marta , Perez Alessandro , Montesano Luigi , Gulino Alessandro , Toia Francesca , Fanale Daniele , Russo Antonio , Moschella Francesco , Leto Barone Angelo A. , Cordova Adriana
Published: May 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) cell cultures have been extensively used to investigate stem cell biology, but new insights show that the 2D model may not properly represent the potential of the tissue of origin. Conversely, three‐dimensional cultures exhibit protein expression patterns and intercellular junctions that are more representative of their in vivo condition. Multiclonal cells that grow in suspension are defined as “spheroids,” and we have previously demonstrated that spheroids from adipose‐derived stem cells (S‐ASCs) displayed enhanced regenerative capability. With the current study, we further characterized S‐ASCs to further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying their stemness properties. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in many cellular mechanisms, including stemness maintenance and proliferation, and adipose stem cell differentiation. Most studies have been conducted to identify a specific miRNA profile on adherent adipose stem cells, although little is still known about S‐ASCs. In this study, we investigate for the first time the miRNA expression pattern in S‐ASCs compared to that of ASCs, demonstrating that cell lines cultured in suspension show a typical miRNA expression profile that is closer to the one reported in induced pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, we have analyzed miRNAs that are specifically involved in two distinct moments of each differentiation, namely early and late stages of osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages during long‐term in vitro culture. The data reported in the current study suggest that S‐ASCs have superior stemness features than the ASCs and they represent the true upstream stem cell fraction present in adipose tissue, relegating their adherent counterparts.
TANK‐binding kinase 1 and Janus kinase 2 play important roles in the regulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1 expression after toll‐like receptor 4 activation
Authors: Kim Eunji , Yoon Ju Y. , Lee Jongsung , Jeong Deok , Park Jae G. , Hong Yo H. , Kim Ji H. , Aravinthan Adithan , Kim Jong‐Hoon , Cho Jae Y.
Published: May 2018

Inflammation is a response that protects the body from pathogens. Through several inflammatory signaling pathways mediated by various families of transcription factors, such as nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), activator protein‐1 (AP‐1), interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are induced and inflammatory responses are boosted. Simultaneously, inhibitory systems are activated and provide negative feedback. A typical mechanism by which this process occurs is that inflammatory signaling molecules upregulate mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1 (MKP1) expression. Here, we investigated how kinases regulate MKP1 expression in lipopolysaccharide‐triggered cascades. We found that p38 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors decreased MKP1 expression. Using specific inhibitors, gene knockouts, and gene knockdowns, we also found that tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor family member‐associated nuclear factor κB activator (TANK)‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) are involved in the induction of MKP1 expression. By analyzing JAK2‐induced activation of STATs, STAT3‐specific inhibitors, promoter binding sites, and STAT3−/− cells, we found that STAT3 is directly linked to TBK1‐mediated and JAK2‐mediated induction of MKP1 expression. Our data suggest that MKP1 expression can be differentially regulated by p38, JNK, and the TBK1–JAK2–STAT3 pathway after activation of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4). These data also imply crosstalk between the AP‐1 pathway and the IRF3 and STAT3 pathways.
The promise of stem cell markers in the diagnosis and therapy of epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mohajertehran Farnaz , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Zare Reza , Mohtasham Nooshin
Published: May 2018

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer. Epithelial dysplasia is often initiated in the cells and cell nuclei adjacent to the epithelial cell membrane. Reduced cell–cell adhesions enable cancer cells to detach from the tumor and disseminate to other organs. The mutations in epithelial dysplasia markers such as E‐cadherin and epithelial cell adhesion molecules (CD326) can lead to proliferation, growth and survival of the tumor cells and persistence of numerous malignancies that play a key role in epithelial dysplasia of OSCC. Accordingly, these genes can be considered prognostic markers or potential therapeutic targets for the tailored management of patients with OSCC. The gene expression profile of OSCC stem cells indicates a differential pattern that facilitates establishing a cell signature. Owing to the highly tumorigenic behavior of cancer stem cells and the role of these cells in tumor differentiation, treatment resistance, relapse, and metastasis, we reviewed the role of stem cell markers in epithelial dysplasia and OSCC.
Umbelliprenin shows antitumor, antiangiogenesis, antimetastatic, anti‐inflammatory, and immunostimulatory activities in 4T1 tumor‐bearing Balb/c mice
Authors: Rashidi Mohsen , Khalilnezhad Ahad , Amani Davar , Jamshidi Hamidreza , Muhammadnejad Ahad , Bazi Ali , Ziai Seyed Ali
Published: May 2018

Umbelliprenin (UMB) has shown various pharmacological properties in vitro. We investigated the antineoplastic and immunostimulatory effects of UMB in 4T1 mammary‐tumor‐bearing mice. Two‐hundred microliter of UMB (12.5 mg/ml) was intraperitoneally administrated to healthy and tumor‐bearing female Balb/c mice for a period of 18 days. Data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism 5 software for Windows (version 5, La Jolla, CA). UMB caused a significant decrease in tumor size (P < 0.01). Serum interferon gamma (IFNγ) was augmented in both healthy and tumor‐bearing animals (P < 0.01), and IL‐4 declined in healthy animals (P < 0.01) treated with UMB. Expressions of Ki‐67, VEGF, CD31, MMP2, MMP9, VCAM1, and NF‐κB were significantly decreased in tumors from UMB‐treated animals (P < 0.001), whereas E‐Cadherin and TNFR1 expressions were markedly increased (P < 0.001). The rates of liver and lung metastases in UMB‐administrated animals were smaller compared to the control. UMB can potently inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and inflammation and potentiate an antitumor immune response in vivo. However, further investigations are required to evaluate the UMB mechanisms of action in cancerous cells.
Survival benefit of conversion surgery for patients with initially unresectable pancreatic cancer who responded favorably to nonsurgical treatment
Authors: Asano Toshimichi , Hirano Satoshi , Nakamura Toru , Okamura Keisuke , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Noji Takehiro , Nakanishi Yoshitsugu , Tanaka Kimitaka , Shichinohe Toshiaki
Published: May 2018

Background

Conversion surgery (CS) is expected as a new therapeutic strategy for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer (UR‐PC). We analyzed outcomes of CS for patients with UR‐PC and evaluated the survival benefit of CS.

Methods

Thirty‐four patients diagnosed with UR‐PC according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline underwent CS in our hospital. Resectability was considered by multimodal images in patients who underwent nonsurgical treatment (NST) for more than 6 months. CS was performed only in patients who were judged to be able to undergo R0 resection.

Results

Twenty‐six patients had locally advanced PC, and eight had distant metastases. The median duration of NST was 9 (range 5–44) months. R0 resection was achieved in 30 patients (88.2%). Six patients (17.6%) showed Evans grade ≥III. Three‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates from initial treatment were 74% and 56.9%, respectively, with median survival time (MST) of 5.3 years. The actual 5‐year OS rate in 19 patients was 47.4% with an MST of 4.0 years. Patients with Evans grade ≥III had a better prognosis than those with Evans grade <III (P = 0.0092, log‐rank test).

Conclusions

Conversion surgery might have survival benefits to patients with UR‐PC who responded favorably to NST.
TiO2‐Nanoparticles Catalyzed Synthesis of New Trifluoromethyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles and Trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles
Authors: Darehkordi Ali , Ramezani Mahin , Rahmani Fariba
Published: May 2018

Synthesis of a new series of trifluoromethyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles and trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles have been described by utilizing the reactions between amidoximes and trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides. Trifluoromethyl‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles have been synthesized under mild conditions such as Na2CO3, THF‐H2O, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles as catalyst in good to excellent yields. Also, trifluoromethyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazoles have been synthesized directly from reaction of amidoximes and trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides in a one‐pot manner in present of NaH, THF, and titanium dioxide nanoparticle as catalyst.
Emergence of uncommon HIV‐1 non‐B subtypes and circulating recombinant forms and trends in transmission of antiretroviral drug resistance in patients with primary infection during the 2013‐2015 period in Marseille, Southeastern France
Authors: Tamalet Catherine , Tissot‐Dupont Hervé , Motte Anne , Tourrès Christian , Dhiver Catherine , Ravaux Isabelle , Poizot‐Martin Isabelle , Dieng Thérèse , Tomei Christelle , Bregigeon Sylvie , Zaegel‐Faucher Olivia , Laroche Hélène , Aherfi Sarah , Mokhtari Saadia , Chaudet Hervé , Ménard Amelie , Brouqui Philippe , Stein Andreas , Colson Philippe
Published: May 2018

Primary HIV‐1 infections (PHI) with non‐B subtypes are increasing in developed countries while transmission of HIV‐1 harboring antiretroviral resistance‐associated mutations (RAMs) remains a concern. This study assessed non‐B HIV‐1 subtypes and RAMs prevalence among patients with PHI in university hospitals of Marseille, Southeastern France, in 2005‐2015 (11 years). HIV‐1 sequences were obtained by in‐house protocols from 115 patients with PHI, including 38 for the 2013‐2015 period. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis of the reverse transcriptase region, non‐B subtypes were identified in 31% of these patients. They included 3 different subtypes (3A, 1C, 4F), 23 circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) (CRF02_AG, best BLAST hits being CRF 36_cpx and CRF30 in 7 and 1 cases, respectively), and 5 unclassified sequences (U). Non‐B subtypes proportion increased significantly, particularly in 2011‐2013 vs in 2005‐2010 (P = .03). CRF02_AG viruses largely predominated in 2005‐2013 whereas atypical strains more difficult to classify and undetermined recombinants emerged recently (2014‐2015). The prevalence of protease, nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase, and first‐generation nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors–associated RAMs were 1.7% (World Health Organization [WHO] list, 2009/2.6% International AIDS Society [IAS] list, 2017), 5.2%/4.3%, and 5.2%/5.2%, respectively. Etravirine/rilpivirine‐associated RAM (IAS) prevalence was 4.3%. Men who have sex with men (MSM) were more frequently infected with drug‐resistant viruses than other patients (26% vs 7%; P = .011). The recent increase of these rare HIV‐1 strains and the spread of drug‐resistant HIV‐1 among MSM in Southeastern France might be considered when implementing prevention strategies and starting therapies.
Numerical and experimental analyses of the deterioration in magnetic flux density distribution on perforated transformer core steels
Authors: Gunes Taylan
Published: May 2018

The holes in transformer core sheets are necessary for tailoring transformer‐core designs even though they cause more or less deterioration in the magnetic properties. With using spark erosion, specimens were pierced as a circle shape at certain locations and diameters to compare their effects to the magnetic properties by means of hysteresis curves, Magneto‐optical Kerr imaging, and finite element method. It was found that piercing the middles and corners of sheets at regular intervals dropped the sheets' relative permeabilities to ranges of 28% to 70%. Additionally, significant increments in power losses, from 0.8 to 2.54 W/kg at 50 Hz, depending on increases in hole diameters, were noted. These effects did not occur in a non‐pierced sample. Furthermore, considering all possible scenarios based on hole diameters and locations, laminated transformer‐core sheets were simulated to study distributions of flux lines, flux densities, and magnetic forces using 2‐dimensional static magnetic analyses. Holes in the sheets and the holes' proximities to each other were noted using magneto‐optical Kerr microscopies. Kerr images and diagrams of flux propagation from the simulation were individually compared to consider how the sheets flux distributions were influenced by varying the physical properties of the holes. The cases' effects on basic transformer cores were also investigated using 2‐dimensional static analyses.
Periprosthetic bacterial biofilm and quorum sensing
Authors: Mooney Jake A. , Pridgen Eric M. , Manasherob Robert , Suh Gina , Blackwell Helen E. , Barron Annelise E. , Bollyky Paul L. , Goodman Stuart B. , Amanatullah Derek F.
Published: May 2018

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a common complication after total joint arthroplasty leading to severe morbidity and mortality. With an aging population and increasing prevalence of total joint replacement procedures, the burden of PJI will be felt not only by individual patients, but in increased healthcare costs. Current treatment of PJI is inadequate resulting in incredibly high failure rates. This is believed to be largely mediated by the presence of bacterial biofilms. These polymicrobial bacterial colonies form within secreted extracellular matrices, adhering to the implant surface and local tissue. The biofilm architecture is believed to play a complex and critical role in a variety of bacterial processes including nutrient supplementation, metabolism, waste management, and antibiotic and immune resistance. The establishment of these biofilms relies heavily on the quorum sensing communication systems utilized by bacteria. Early stage research into disrupting bacterial communication by targeting quorum sensing show promise for future clinical applications. However, prevention of the biofilm formation via early forced induction of the biofilm forming process remains yet unexplored. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2331–2339, 2018.
C‐reactive protein: An independent predictor for dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma
Authors: Nemecek Elena , Funovics Philipp Theodor , Hobusch Gerhard Martin , Lang Susanna , Willegger Madeleine , Sevelda Florian , Brodowicz Thomas , Stihsen Christoph , Windhager Reinhard , Panotopoulos Joannis
Published: May 2018

Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a rare primary bone malignancy with a very poor prognosis. The aim of the study was to identify pretreatment serum markers as prognostic factors for the overall survival (OS) of patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients with histologically confirmed dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma treated at our department from 1977 to 2015. Kaplan‐Meier estimation, uni‐ and multivariable Cox proportional hazard model were performed to evaluate the association between serum markers such as the C‐reactive protein and OS. In univariable analysis, CRP was strongly associated with OS (HR 1.35; 95%CI 1.13–1.61; p = 0.001). This association prevailed after adjustment for AJCC tumor stage (HR 1.31; 95%CI 1.02–1.57; p = 0.031) in multivariable analysis. In conclusion, our data gave evidence that baseline CRP is an independent predictor for OS in patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. CRP could be exploited for the clinical prediction of this disease in the future. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:2797–2801, 2018.
Can we conserve trans‐resveratrol content and antioxidant activity during industrial production of chocolate?
Authors: Salvador Izabela , Massarioli Adna P , Silva Anna PS , Malaguetta Heloísa , Melo Priscilla S , Alencar Severino M
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Cocoa exhibits high content of phenolic compounds, among which trans‐resveratrol stands out, associated with several bioactive activities such as antioxidant properties. Chocolate contains reduced amounts of these bioactive compounds due to losses during the production process. Therefore, this study aimed to assess changes in total phenolic content, and specifically trans‐resveratrol, as well as changes in the antioxidant activity of cocoa and its products during industrial production of chocolate.

RESULTS

A total of ten different cocoa products were analyzed. The processes of fermentation and roasting caused significant loss of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The high temperature of roasting had a major influence on this loss (71% for total phenolic compounds and 53–77% for antioxidant activity), except for trans‐resveratrol. The trans‐resveratrol content formed after fermentation (9.8 μg kg−1) showed little variation during the processes, and it was detected in higher concentrations both in natural (11.4 μg kg−1) and in alkalized cocoa powder (13.5 μg kg−1). Alkalization of cocoa products led to loss of capacity of deactivating superoxide radical.

CONCLUSION

These findings contribute to the optimization of the production process of chocolate and other food products containing cocoa and its derivatives, aiming to better preserve their bioactive compounds. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of Triebel–Lizorkin type spaces with variable exponents via maximal functions, local means and non‐smooth atomic decompositions
Authors: Gonçalves Helena F. , Moura Susana D.
Published: May 2018

In this paper we study the maximal function and local means characterizations and the non‐smooth atomic decomposition of the Triebel–Lizorkin type spaces with variable exponents . These spaces were recently introduced by Yang et al. and cover the Triebel–Lizorkin spaces with variable exponents as well as the classical Triebel–Lizorkin spaces , even the case when . Moreover, covered by this scale are also the Triebel–Lizorkin‐type spaces with constant exponents which, in turn cover the Triebel–Lizorkin–Morrey spaces. As an application we obtain a pointwise multiplier assertion for those spaces.
Aquaporin‐2 plays an important role in water transportation through the bladder wall in rats
Authors: Morizawa Yosuke , Torimoto Kazumasa , Hori Shunta , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Hirayama Akihide , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: May 2018

Aim

We investigated the role of the bladder wall in permeating water, focusing on aquaporins.

Methods

Female Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 300 g were used to investigate the role of the bladder wall in saline permeation. Changes in intravesical fluid volume and sodium concentration were measured in the desmopressin acetate hydrate‐loaded and control groups 3 h after administration. Bladders were resected to measure aquaporin‐1, 2, and 3 gene expression using qRT‐PCR. Additionally, the change of aquaporin‐2 expression was measured using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry in intravesical aquaporin‐2 siRNA‐treated and control groups.

Results

Although the intravesical fluid volume and sodium concentration significantly decreased from 0 to 3 h (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 0.83 ± 0.08 mL, 157.80 ± 1.30 vs 146.8 ± 1.92 mEq/mL, P < 0.01, respectively in the control group), administration of desmopressin did not affect the extent of volume change. Aquaporin‐2 expression was significantly higher in the 3‐h distended bladders than in the empty bladder. Aquaporin‐2 siRNA treatment suppressed aquaporin‐2 expression and the change of intravesical fluid volume from 0 to 3 h (1.00 ± 0.00 and 0.99 ± 0.02 mL), which was related to the suppression of sodium concentration change in comparison with control siRNA treatment (149.6 ± 2.4 vs 143.6 ± 3.67 mEq/mL, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The rat urinary bladder absorbs water and salts under the full‐filled condition. Aquaporin‐2 plays an important role in the transport of water, accompanied by sodium concentration change. We demonstrated a part of the bladder absorption mechanism, which may lead to development of a new method for regulating bladder storage function.
Impact of Early‐Life Weight Status on Cognitive Abilities in Children
Authors: Li Nan , Yolton Kimberly , Lanphear Bruce P. , Chen Aimin , Kalkwarf Heidi J. , Braun Joseph M.
Published: May 2018

Objective

Whether obesity is associated with childhood cognition is unknown. Given the sensitivity of the developing brain to environmental factors, this study examined whether early‐life weight status was associated with children's cognition.

Methods

Using data from mother–child pairs enrolled in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study (2003–2006), children's early‐life weight status was assessed using weight‐for‐length/height standard deviation (SD) scores. A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to assess cognition, executive function, and visual‐spatial abilities at ages 5 and 8 years. Using linear mixed models, associations between early‐life weight status and cognition were estimated.

Results

Among 233 children, 167 were lean (≤1 SD) and 48 were nonlean (>1 SD). After covariate adjustment, the results suggest that full‐scale intelligence quotient scores decreased with a 1‐unit increase in weight‐for‐height SD score (β = –1.4, 95% CI: –3.0 to 0.1). For individual component scores, with a 1‐unit increase in weight‐for‐height SD score, perceptual reasoning (β = –1.7, 95% CI: –3.3 to 0.0) and working memory (β: –2.4, CI: –4.4 to –0.4) scores decreased. Weight status was generally not associated with other cognition measures.

Conclusions

Within this cohort of typically developing children, early‐life weight status was inversely associated with children's perceptual reasoning and working memory scores and possibly with full‐scale intelligent quotient scores.
The Effect of Nonlinearity on Determined Parameters of Gun Propellant Burn Rate Models: The Ballistic Compensation Effect
Authors: Wurster Sebastian
Published: May 2018

The pressure dependent linear burning velocity of gun propellants is described by burn rate models, e. g. Vieille's law with prefactor β and pressure exponent α. To determine the burn rate parameters closed vessel experiments are conducted, the resulting p(t) curves are analysed and α and β are determined by a curve fitting procedure. It is shown that due to the nonlinearity of the pressure dependence in Vieille's law the objective function exhibits a topography which leads to an almost linear correlation between determined burn rate parameters α and β. This is mathematically equivalent to the so called kinetic compensation effect known from thermal analysis. Therefore this linear correlation is called the ballistic compensation effect by the author. If this effect is taken into account different burn rate measurements that are seemingly non compatible can be unified.
Molecular and physiological characterization of six‐way resistance in an Amaranthus tuberculatus var. rudis biotype from Missouri
Authors: Shergill Lovreet S , Bish Mandy D , Jugulam Mithila , Bradley Kevin W
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Previous research reported the first case of six‐way herbicide resistance in a common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus var. rudis) biotype from Missouri, USA designated MO‐Ren. This study investigated the mechanisms of multiple‐resistance in the MO‐Ren biotype to herbicides from six site‐of‐action (SOA) groups, i.e. synthetic auxins, 5‐enolypyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS)‐, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)‐, acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐, photosystem II (PSII)‐, and 4‐hydroxyphenyl‐pyruvate‐dioxygenase (HPPD)‐inhibitors.

RESULTS

Genomic DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of known mutations associated with ALS‐ or PPO‐inhibiting herbicide resistance: the Trp‐574‐Leu amino acid substitution in the ALS enzyme and the codon deletion corresponding to the ΔG210 in the PPX2 enzyme. No target‐site point mutations associated with resistance to PSII‐ and EPSPS‐inhibitors were detected. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) indicated that MO‐Ren plants contained five‐fold more copies of the EPSPS gene than susceptible plants. Malathion in combination with 2,4‐D (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), mesotrione, and chlorimuron POST enhanced the activity of these herbicides indicating that metabolism due to cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activity was involved in herbicide resistance. 4‐Chloro‐7‐nitrobenzofurazan (NBD‐Cl), a glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST)‐inhibitor, in combination with atrazine did not reduce the biomass accumulation. Reduced absorption or translocation of 2,4‐D did not contribute to resistance. However, the resistant biotype metabolized 2,4‐D, seven‐ to nine‐fold faster than the susceptible.

CONCLUSION

Target‐site point mutations, gene amplification, and elevated rates of metabolism contribute to six‐way resistance in the MO‐Ren biotype, suggesting both target site and non‐target site mechanisms contribute to multiple herbicide resistance in this Amaranthus tuberculatus biotype. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of Fused Regioselectivity in the Intramolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Cyclic Nitrones
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar , Adjieufack Abel I. , Ndassa Ibrahim M. , Nouhou Cyrille N. , Mbadcam Joseph K.
Published: May 2018

The intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition (IM32CA) reactions of cyclic nitrones Z‐7 and E‐7 have been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory at the MPWB1K/6‐311G(d) computational level. For these IM32CA reactions, which take place through a one–step mechanism, two regioisomeric reaction paths associated with the formation of the 6,6,5‐ring fused and 6,5,5‐ring bridged isoxazolidines have been considered. Analysis of the relative Gibbs free energies indicates that under thermodynamic control, these IM32CA reactions are completely regioselective, stereoselective and stereospecific, cyclic nitrones Z‐7 and E‐7 yielding the fused isoxazolidines 8 and 9, respectively, as the only product, in complete agreement with the experimental outcomes. The low electrophilic character of nitrones Z‐7 and E‐7 together with the strain caused by the chain along these intramolecular processes are responsible for the high activation energies found in these IM32CA reactions. An ELF topological analysis of the asynchronous TSs associated with the IM32CA reaction of cyclic nitrone Z‐7 indicates that along the more favourable fused reaction path, the IM32CA reaction begins with the formation of the C−O single bond involving the most nucleophilic and electrophilic centers of the molecule.
Fabrication of a Disordered Mesoporous ZnO Matrix Modified by CuO Film as High‐Performance NOx Sensor
Authors: Liu Ning , Li Tian‐tian , Yu Hui , Xia Long
Published: May 2018

Herein, the ZnO matrix with disordered mesoporous (disordered mesoporous ZnO, DM‐ZnO) was prepared by sol‐gel template method. For the first time, a layer Cu thin film was coated on the surface of the DM‐ZnO matrix to increase the conductivity of matrix by chemical deposition method (CDM), an electro‐deposition method (EDM) was creatively used to thicken the Cu thin film, a layer CuO thin film was coated on the surface of the DM‐ZnO matrix by the high temperature calcination method, and an n‐p heterojunction disordered mesoporous CuO/ZnO composite (CZC) was fabricated. The morphology, structure and gas sensing performance toward NOx of the CZC sample were characterized. The CZC sample showed the flower‐like structures which were composed of petaloid particles, and the particles length was about 450 nm, the width was about 150 nm, and the disordered mesoporous distributed on the surface of the particles, the pore size was about 2.1 nm. Many sensors at high temperatures have been reported in the literature, however, sensors at high temperature had much drawbacks. The CZC sample showed the much higher gas response property to NOx at room temperature, whose response to 100 ppm NOx gas reached to 11.73, the response time was only 11.5 s, and the detection limit was only 0.5 ppm. And the prepared material had an expansive application prospect in toxic gas detection field.
Quantitative Improvements and Insights into CALB‐Catalyzed Resolution of trans‐ and cis‐2‐Phenylcyclopropyl Azolides
Authors: Yeh Yan‐Ru , Tzeng Yi‐Jia , Tsai Shau‐Wei
Published: May 2018

With trans‐2‐phenylcyclopropyl azolides as the model substrate for hydrolytic or alcoholic resolution in methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) via Novozym 435 as an immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), quantitative improvements of the enzyme activity and enantioselectivity were reported. At the best reaction conditions of 35oC, leading to k2RRKmRR−1=5.185 L/h⋅g and Etrans=97.2, for hydrolysis of trans‐2‐phenylcyclopropyl 1,2,4‐azolide (trans‐2‐PCPT), (1R,2R)‐2‐PCPCA of high optical purity was obtained. Insights into CALB performance via kinetic and thermodynamic analysis for trans‐ and cis‐2‐phenylcyclopropyl 1,2,4‐triazolide (cis‐2‐PCPT) were furthermore addressed, showing the prospect of present kinetic resolution process for synthesizing other optically pure 2‐arylcyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acids.
Synthesis of 4‐Substituted Pyrrolo[2, 3‐c]quinolines via Microwave‐Assisted C‐N Bond Formation
Authors: Penjarla Thirupathi Reddy , Kundarapu Maheshwar , Baquer Syed Mohd. , Bhattacharya Anupam
Published: May 2018

A metal‐free approach for the synthesis of 4‐substituted pyrolo[2, 3‐c]quinoline is reported in this paper. Synthesis of the target molecule started from easily available quinoline and was carried out in five steps. The fused pyrrolo‐quinoline unit was assembled using Bartoli indolization and the crucial final step involving microwave assisted C−N bond formation was carried out by reaction of 4‐chloro‐3H‐pyrrolo[2, 3‐c]quinolines and diverse aliphatic amines, in the presence of N, N’‐diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA). Final molecules were obtained in good yields even in the presence of additional bromine functionality on the quinolines, thus demonstrating the selectivity of the developed coupling procedure and possibility of increasing the product diversity.
Multi‐Objective Fuzzy‐Optimization Control Strategy of Rotor Converter for Doubly‐Fed Induction Generators under Grid Voltage Unbalance
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Ma Haomiao
Published: May 2018

Under unbalanced grid voltages, the output active power, reactive power, and current in the stator of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) exhibit harmonic frequency fluctuations and distortion. Conventional control strategies to eliminate these effects only focus on one control objective at a time. This paper proposes a genetic algorithm‐based multi‐objective coordinated control strategy to eliminate multiple undesired effects in DFIGs under unbalanced power supply conditions. In order to enhance its low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) capability and effectively reduce the impact of the grid current on the power grid, this strategy first introduces adjustment coefficients when calculating the directive current of the rotor, and constructs a unified analytic expression for multiple control objectives. Next, the multi‐objective optimization model is constructed using the minimization of the fluctuations in active and reactive powers as the control objective and the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the stator current as the constraint condition. Finally, the adjustment coefficients are optimized using the multi‐objective genetic algorithm. From the perspective of the overall requirements of generators under a voltage unbalance fault condition, the optimized adjustment coefficients aim to limit the THD of the stator current within an acceptable safety range while simultaneously minimizing the fluctuations in the active and reactive powers. The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control strategy are proven by both simulation and experimental results. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transnational Patients: Practical and Ethical Implications for Medical Practices and Health Promotions Policy
Authors: Zeldes Nina , Dilger Hansjörg , FitzGerald Kevin , Kohls Niko , Moore Eileen , Nöfer Eberhard , Giordano James
Published: May 2018

Health care is becoming increasingly transnational and a shift to more promotive and preventative approaches forms an integral part of addressing challenges to global health and health disparities. Community and public engagement programs are particularly well suited to successfully developing care that is resonant and meaningful in transnational contexts. Yet many existing programs do not take into account the diverse perspectives of the heterogeneous group of transnational patients, and guidelines that address their specific needs are still scarce. At the same time, little has been done to build a framework to share successful local programs with a broader community. We thus propose a global database of best practices and guidelines for transnational health‐care promotions to improve health care and well‐being across diverse communities, consisting of a three‐step assessment in order to successfully design locally adapted programs that are accepted by target populations and successfully engage transnational patients and their health‐care providers.
Context Monitoring for Improved System Performance and QoE
Authors: Metzger Florian , Hoßfeld Tobias , Skorin-Kapov Lea , Haddad Yoram , Liotou Eirini , Pocta Peter , Melvin Hugh , Siris Vasilios A. , Zgank Andrej , Jarschel Michael
Published: May 2018

Whereas some application domains show a certain consensus on the role of system factors, human factors, and context factors, QoE management of multimedia systems and services is still faced with the challenge of identifying the key QoE influence factors. In this chapter, we focus on the potential of enhancing QoE management mechanisms by exploiting valuable context information.

To get a good grip on the basics we first discuss a general framework for context monitoring and define context information, including technical, usage, social, economic, temporal, and physical factors. We then iterate the opportunities and challenges in involving context in QoE monitoring solutions, as context may be, e.g., hard to ascertain or very situational.

The benefits of including context in QoE monitoring and management are demonstrated through use cases involving video flash crowds as well as online and cloud gaming.

Finally, we discuss potential technical realizations of context-aware QoE monitoring and management derived based on the SDN paradigm.
Integrating SDN and NFV with QoS-Aware Service Composition
Authors: Cardellini Valeria , Galinac Grbac Tihana , Kassler Andreas , Kathiravelu Pradeeban , Lo Presti Francesco , Marotta Antonio , Nardelli Matteo , Veiga Luís
Published: May 2018

Traditional networks are transformed to enable full integration of heterogeneous hardware and software functions, that are configured at runtime, with minimal time to market, and are provided to their end users on “as a service” principle. Therefore, a countless number of possibilities for further innovation and exploitation opens up. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) are two key enablers for such a new flexible, scalable, and service-oriented network architecture. This chapter provides an overview of QoS-aware strategies that can be used over the levels of the network abstraction aiming to fully exploit the new network opportunities. Specifically, we present three use cases of integrating SDN and NFV with QoS-aware service composition, ranging from the energy efficient placement of virtual network functions inside modern data centers, to the deployment of data stream processing applications using SDN to control the network paths, to exploiting SDN for context-aware service compositions.
Type-B formal higher spin gravity
Authors: Grigoriev Maxim , Skvortsov Evgeny
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We propose non-linear equations for the formal Type-B Higher Spin Gravity that is dual to the free fermion or to the Gross-Neveu model, depending on the boundary conditions. The equations are directly obtained from the first principles: the gauge invariance of the CFT partition function on an arbitrary background for single-trace operators. We also get equations describing propagation of certain mixed-symmetry fields over higher spin flat backgrounds.
On the power divergence in quasi gluon distribution function
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Shuai
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Recent perturbative calculation of quasi gluon distribution function at one-loop level shows the existence of extra linear ultraviolet divergences in the cut-off scheme. We employ the auxiliary field approach, and study the renormalization of gluon operators. The non-local gluon operator can mix with new operators under renormalization, and the linear divergences in quasi distribution function can be into the newly introduced operators. After including the mixing, we find the improved quasi gluon distribution functions contain only logarithmic divergences, and thus can be used to extract the gluon distribution in large momentum effective theory.
Vector profile and gauge invariant observables of string field theory solutions for constant magnetic field background
Authors: Ishibashi Nobuyuki , Kishimoto Isao , Masuda Toru , Takahashi Tomohiko
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We study profiles and gauge invariant observables of classical solutions corresponding to a constant magnetic field on a torus in open string field theory. We numerically find that the profile is not discontinuous on the torus, although the solution describes topologically nontrivial configurations in the context of low energy effective theory. From the gauge invariant observables, we show that the solution provide correct couplings of closed strings to a D-brane with constant magnetic field.
Giant Congenital Intracranial Immature Teratoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Shahnaz Gazala , Agarwal Krishna , Jain Ashish , Pal Somolika , Gandhi Gauri
Published: May 2018

Congenital intracranial tumour constitute only 0.5–1.5% and are usually associated with poor prognosis. New advancement in imaging may help in early diagnosis. We presented a case of giant fetal intracranial tumour diagnosed antenatally at 28 weeks of gestation in sonography. The magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a large hetrogenous intracranial mass with bilateral ventriculomegaly. Because of the large size of the tumor and associated macrocephaly, the baby was delivered by caessaran section. On delivery, fetal head size was 44.5 cm with wide suture and left facial nerve was involved. Ventriculoeritoneal shunt was inserted on 4th postnatal day, however complete surgical resection of tumour was not performed because of parents refusal. Neonate had rapid increase in head size and expired on postnatal day 16th. The histopathological findings of mass demonstrated a congenital immature teratoma. Neonate expired on 16th postnatal day. Antenatal diagnosis of intracranial tumour is possible with advanced imaging modalities, however an early diagnosis before second trimester is difficult. Prognosis is generally poor and depends on size of tumour, histology and timely intervention.