bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐373 inhibits autophagy and further promotes apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells by targeting ULK1
Authors: Lv Pin , Luo Yi‐Fan , Zhou Wen‐Yi , Liu Ben , Zhou Zheng , Shi Yong‐Zhong , Huang Ren , Peng Chuang , He Zi‐Li , Wang Jun , Zhang Hong‐Hui , Nie Sheng‐Dan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from intrahepatic bile ducts. Surgical therapy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are taken to treat this disease, but it is prone to recurrence and metastasis, with poor prognosis. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore new targets and molecular mechanisms for the development of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Clinical cholangiocarcinoma tissues from patients and four human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines were analyzed for microRNA‐373 (miR‐373) expression. For investigating whether miR‐373 directly modulated unc‐51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1), dual‐luciferase reporter assay was performed. In addition, CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, western blot, and immunofluorescence were applied to evaluate the proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy of cholangiocytic hepatocellular carcinoma cells. miR‐373 downregulation was observed in clinical tissues and cell lines of cholangiocarcinoma. Overexpression of miR‐373 reduced proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and raised expression levels of pro‐apoptosis proteins including BCL2 associated X (Bax), Caspase‐3, and Caspase‐9. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐373 downregulated expression levels of microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3 (LC3)‐II, Beclin‐1, and promoted P62 expression on mRNA and protein levels. After miR‐373 knockdown, all indexes of apoptosis and autophagy mentioned above were reversed. Luciferase activity was decreased after cotransfection of miR‐373 mimic and wild‐type ULK1 vector. Also, miR‐373 overexpression inhibited ULK1 expression. Importantly, overexpression of miR‐373 weakened expressions of ULK1, LC3, Beclin‐1, and Bcl‐2, and enhanced expressions of P62, Bax, Caspase‐3, and Caspase‐9. miR‐373 mimic treatment and subsequent ULK1 overexpression, induced reverse regulation in expressions of these proteins, compared with overexpression of miR‐373 only. miR‐373 targeted ULK1 to initiate inhibition of autophagy and subsequent promotion of apoptosis in cholangiocarcinoma cells.
Facile Preparation of a Fluorine‐Free, Robust, Superhydrophobic Coating through Dip Coating Combined with Non‐Solvent Induced Phase Separation (Dip‐Coating‐NIPS) Method
Authors: Zhu Yuwei , Pei Lei , Ambreen Jaweria , He Chuanxin , Ngai To 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSuperhydrophobic surfaces based on non‐fluorinated materials and facile fabrication techniques are of great practical value with respect to environmental friendliness and industrial applications. In this work, a fluorine‐free, superhydrophobic coating with hierarchical surface structure and low surface energy is successfully fabricated on various substrates through a recently developed dip coating combined with non‐solvent induced phase separation (dip‐coating‐NIPS) method. A bio‐based polymer, poly(l‐lactic acid), and commercially available hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles, are used. The fabricated coating exhibits superhydrophobicity, with a static water contact angle (WCA) of 155.7° ± 1.4° and contact angle hysteresis (θHys) of 5.2° ± 0.4°. The results from stability tests demonstrate excellent mechanical durability and chemical stability of the superhydrophobic coating. Finally, the fabricated coating is successfully applied in water–oil separation with superior efficiency. This simple, cost‐effective, and time‐efficient method may provide an effective way for the design of nonfluorine‐based environmentally friendly membranes for separation applications.
Synthesis and Characterization of CNT Composites for Laser‐Generated Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Oser Patrick , Düttmann Oliver , Schmid Fabian , Schulte‐Spechtel Levin , Große Christian U. , Wu Datong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the last few years, extensive progress in ultrasonic wave generation by using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in combination with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), functional composites, has been achieved. Due to high optical absorption of MWCNTs as perfect absorbers for laser beams and the high thermal expansion coefficient of PDMS, a compact transducer for ultrasonic wave generation at higher frequency can be realized. This study reports a novel method to synthesize MWCNT–PDMS composites deposited on a glass substrate by spray coating, which is done in a short time of 2 h. The layers (0.9–32.2 µm) show low optical transmission properties of 13.9–0.0% at a wavelength of 1047 nm. Apart from using a 1% Triton‐X‐100 stock solution and then diluted to a 0.1% relatively nonhazardous solution, no toxic chemicals are used. The Triton‐X‐100 solution is not hazardous for lab handling and is a commonly used lab detergent for the treatment of biological cells. The achieved sound pressure level is 3.4 MPa with a frequency bandwidth of 9.7 MHz. These results show the potential for a fast and nontoxic production of laser‐generated ultrasonic transducers, which can be used well in the field of nondestructive material testing of layered materials or in medicine with an appropriate frequency range.
Plasma‐based microRNA signatures in early diagnosis of breast cancer
Authors: Li Xu , Zou Wenjing , Wang Yuzhen , Liao Zijun , Li Lina , Zhai Yang , Zhang Lingxiao , Gu Shanzhi , Zhao Xinhan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer (BC). The purpose of the present study was to identify plasma miRNAs enabling early diagnosis of BC.Materials and MethodsExpression levels of seven plasma miRNAs (miR‐23a‐3p, miR‐29b‐2‐5p, miR‐130a‐5p, miR‐144‐3p, miR‐148a‐3p, miR‐152‐3p, and miR‐182‐5p) in 106 patients with newly diagnosed BC and 96 healthy participants were analyzed by qRT‐PCR. We also evaluated the relationship between the expression levels of these miRNAs and clinicopathological features of patients with BC.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, we found that miR‐23a‐3p (p = .025), miR‐130a‐5p (p = .006), miR‐144‐3p (p = .040), miR‐148a‐3p (p = .023), and miR‐152‐3p (p = .019) were downregulated in the plasma of patients with BC. MiR‐130a‐5p, miR‐144‐3p, and miR‐152‐3p were downexpressed in BC tissues as well as plasma. The expression of the miR‐23a‐3p, miR‐144‐3p, and miR‐152‐3p was related to ER positive and PR positive. Besides, miR‐23a‐3p, miR‐144‐3p, and miR‐152‐3p did show the significant difference in the staging compromised to the control, especially in stage I‐II. Moreover, we also found that miR‐144‐3p and miR‐148a‐3p were associated with lymph node invasion.ConclusionsThe expression levels of the miR‐23a‐3p, miR‐130a‐5p, miR‐144‐3p, miR‐148a‐3p, and miR‐152‐3p were lower in patients with BC compared to healthy controls and were associated with ex hormone receptor, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis, indicating the diagnostic potential of these miRNAs in BC.
Motion‐corrected and high‐resolution anatomically assisted (MOCHA) reconstruction of arterial spin labeling MRI
Authors: Mehranian Abolfazl , McGinnity Colm J. , Neji Radhouene , Prieto Claudia , Hammers Alexander , De Vita Enrico , Reader Andrew J. 
Published: March 2020

PurposeA model‐based reconstruction framework is proposed for motion‐corrected and high‐resolution anatomically assisted (MOCHA) reconstruction of arterial spin labeling (ASL) data. In this framework, all low‐resolution ASL control‐label pairs are used to reconstruct a single high‐resolution cerebral blood flow (CBF) map, corrected for rigid‐motion, point‐spread‐function blurring and partial volume effect.MethodsSix volunteers were recruited for CBF imaging using pseudo‐continuous ASL labeling, two‐shot 3D gradient and spin‐echo sequences and high‐resolution T1‐weighted MRI. For 2 volunteers, high‐resolution scans with double and triple resolution in the partition direction were additionally collected. Simulations were designed for evaluations against a high‐resolution ground‐truth CBF map, including a simulated hyperperfused lesion and hyperperfusion/hypoperfusion abnormalities. The MOCHA technique was compared with standard reconstruction and a 3D linear regression partial‐volume effect correction method and was further evaluated for acquisitions with reduced control‐label pairs and k‐space undersampling.ResultsThe MOCHA reconstructions of low‐resolution ASL data showed enhanced image quality, particularly in the partition direction. In simulations, both MOCHA and 3D linear regression provided more accurate CBF maps than the standard reconstruction; however, MOCHA resulted in the lowest errors and well delineated the abnormalities. The MOCHA reconstruction of standard‐resolution in vivo data showed good agreement with higher‐resolution scans requiring 4‐times and 9‐times longer acquisitions. The MOCHA reconstruction was found to be robust for 4‐times‐accelerated ASL acquisitions, achieved by reduced control‐label pairs or k‐space undersampling.ConclusionThe MOCHA reconstruction reduces partial‐volume effect by direct reconstruction of CBF maps in the high‐resolution space of the corresponding anatomical image, incorporating motion correction and point spread function modeling. Following further evaluation, MOCHA should promote the clinical application of ASL.
Retropubic vs transobturator Argus adjustable male sling: Results from a multicenter study
Authors: Loertzer Hagen , Huesch Tanja , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , Anding Ralf , Rose Armin , Brehmer Bernhard , Naumann Carsten Maik , Queissert Fabian , Nyarangi‐Dix Joanne , Homberg Roland , Grabbert Markus , Hofmann Torben , Pottek Tobias , Hübner Wilhelm , Haferkamp Axel , Bauer Ricarda Michaela , Kretschmer Alexander 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAimsTo comparatively analyse outcomes after ARGUS classic and ArgusT adjustable male sling implantation in a real‐world setting.MethodsInclusion criteria encompassed: non‐neurogenic, moderate‐to‐severe stress urinary incontinence (≥2 pads), implantation of an ARGUS classic or ArgusT male sling between 2010 and 2012 in a high‐volume center (>150 previous implantations). Functional outcomes were assessed using daily pad usage, 24‐hour pad testing, and International Consultation on Incontinence (ICIQ‐SF) questionnaires. Continence was defined as zero pads per 24 hours. Complications were graded using Clavien‐Dindo scale. For multivariate analysis, binary logistic regression models were used (P < .05).ResultsA total of 106 patients (n = 74 [ARGUS classic], n = 32 [ArgusT]) from four centers were eligible. Median follow‐up was 44.0 months (24‐64). Patient cohorts were well‐balanced. We observed a statistical trend in favor of ARGUS classic regarding postoperative urine loss based on standardized 24‐hour pad test (71 ± 162 g [ARGUS classic] vs 160 ± 180 g [ArgusT]); P = .066]. Dry rates were 33.3% (ARGUS classic) and 11.8% (ArgusT, P = .114). In multivariable analysis, ArgusT male sling could not be confirmed as an independent predictor of decreased success (OR, 0.587; 95% CI; 0.166‐2.076, P = .408). There were no Clavien IV and V complications. Inguinal pain was significantly higher after ArgusT implantation (P = .033). Explantation rates were higher for ArgusT compared to ARGUS classic (14.0 vs 23.3%; P = .371). Longer device survival for the ARGUS classic male sling was observed in Kaplan‐Meier analysis (P = .198).ConclusionsIn the largest comparative analysis of ARGUS classic and ArgusT male sling with the longest follow‐up to date, we observed low continence rates with superior functional outcomes and decreased explantation rates after ARGUS classic implantation.
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on nocturia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Vrooman Olaf P. J. , van Balken Michael R. , van Koeveringe Gommert A. , van Kerrebroeck Philip V. A. , Driessen Lizzy E. M. J. , Schouten Leo J. , Rahnama'i Mohammad S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe prevalence of nocturia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) who received continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) treatment was studied as well as the effect of CPAP treatment on nocturia.MethodsAll patients that were referred to the pulmonology department of a large teaching hospital in the Netherlands and received a CPAP mask for OSAS were interviewed and invited to take part in the study (N = 274). After informed consent, all patients were asked about the number of nocturia episodes before and after CPAP.ResultsIn this prospective analysis, 274 patients (190 male and 84 female) were included. The mean age was 60.3 years (SE = 0.7). Sixty‐four patients (23.4%) reported no nocturia episodes before CPAP and 210 patients (76.4%) reported ≥1 nocturia episode(s). Treatment of OSAS with CPAP reduced nocturia with one or more episodes per night in 42.3% of the patients. Clinically relevant nocturia (≥2 voids per night) was reduced from 73.0% to 51.5%. There were no statistically significant gender differences.ConclusionThe prevalence of nocturia in patients diagnosed with OSAS is 75.8% in both sexes. After treatment with CPAP, almost half of patients experienced a decrease in the nocturia frequency of one or more voids. Clinically relevant nocturia was reduced with one‐third after CPAP. CPAP not only reduced the number of voids during the night but also improved the associated quality of life.
Bevacizumab for NF2‐associated vestibular schwannomas of childhood and adolescence
Authors: Renzi Samuele , Michaeli Orli , Salvador Hector , Alderete Daniel , Ponce Nicolas Fernandez , Zapotocky Michal , Hansford Jordan R. , Malalasekera Vajiranee S. , Toledano Helen , Maguire Bryan , Bouffet Eric , Ramaswamy Vijay , Baroni Lorena V. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSeventeen children at six institutions with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)‐related vestibular schwannomas received bevacizumab. Eight of the 13 patients with initial hearing loss (61%) showed objective hearing improvement within six months of treatment. No patients showed hearing deterioration during therapy; however, only two patients showed objective radiological response. Seven of eight patients had tumor progression or worsening hearing loss upon cessation of treatment. Bevacizumab was well tolerated with no patients discontinuing therapy. Bevacizumab appears to postpone hearing loss in childhood NF2‐associated vestibular schwannomas, but responses are not durable, suggesting that either longer maintenance therapy or new strategies are required.
Complex formation of anti‐VEGF‐C with VEGF‐C released during blood coagulation resulted in an artifact in its serum pharmacokinetics
Authors: Bumbaca Yadav Daniela , Reyes Arthur E. , Gupta Priyanka , Vernes Jean‐Michel , Meng Y. Gloria , Schweiger Michelle G. , Stainton Shannon L. , Fuh Germaine , Fielder Paul J. , Kamath Amrita V. , Shen Ben‐Quan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA phage‐derived human monoclonal antibody against VEGF‐C was developed as a potential anti‐tumor therapeutic and exhibited fast clearance in preclinical species, with notably faster clearance in serum than in plasma. The purpose of this work was to understand the factors contributing to its fast clearance. In vitro incubations in animal and human blood, plasma, and serum were conducted with radiolabeled anti‐VEGF‐C to determine potential protein and cell‐based interactions with the antibody as well as any matrix‐dependent recovery dependent upon the matrix. A tissue distribution study was conducted in mice with and without heparin infusion in order to identify a tissue sink and determine whether heparin could affect antibody recovery from serum and/or plasma. Incubation of radiolabeled anti‐VEGF‐C in human and animal blood, plasma, or serum revealed that the antibody formed a complex with an endogenous protein, likely VEGF‐C. This complex was trapped within the blood clot during serum preparation from blood, but not within the blood cell pellet during plasma preparation. Low level heparin infusion in mice slowed down clot formation during serum preparation and allowed for better recovery of the radiolabeled antibody in serum. No tissue sink was found in mice. Thus, during this characterization, we determined that the blood sampling matrix greatly impacted the amount of antibody recovered in the samples, therefore, altering its derived pharmacokinetic parameters. Target biology should be considered when selecting appropriate sampling matrices for PK analysis.
Environmental typology of rivers from the Brazilian semiarid as a first step for the application of the index of biotic integrity: The case of the Chapada Diamantina
Authors: Santos Alexandre C. A. , Caiola Nuno 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDefining environmental river types is an essential step in the development of accurate fish‐based methods (IBI, Index of Biotic Integrity) to assess the environmental quality of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the environmental typology of the rivers and streams in the region of Chapada Diamantina was developed. Thirty‐five sampling sites representative of the upper Paraguaçu River and its main tributaries were characterized to characterize the fish assemblages and abiotic environmental descriptors. A cluster analysis based on fish species CPUE was performed to define a first biological typology. Then, a discriminant analysis model was developed to select the environmental descriptors that explained the fish‐based river types. The model selected 11 environmental variables and classified 91% of the cases. The river typology defined in this study will be used for the development of an IBI to assess the ecological status of the Chapada Diamantina rivers. It is expected that both the typology developed here and the future IBI will provide important and useful tools to develop and apply nature conservation‐oriented management schemes in the Chapada Diamantina aquatic ecosystems.
Load‐path modeling of pier diaphragms under vertical shear in concrete box‐girder bridges
Authors: He Zhi‐Qi , Xu Tian , Liu Zhao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPier diaphragms are usually adopted in concrete box girder bridges to transmit shear forces from the webs to the bearings. The pier diaphragm under vertical shear acts as a side‐shearing loaded deep beam that is rarely studied in the literature. Through the load‐path modeling, this paper provides an analytical method for the design of pier diaphragms under vertical shear in concrete box‐girder bridges. Explicit equations are derived for the direct calculation of transverse tension forces in the pier diaphragms, which are critical for the determination of the amount of transverse reinforcement. Further comparative studies in this paper show that: (a) the side‐shearing loaded deep beam differs greatly with the top‐loaded beam in the aspect of elastic internal force distribution when the span‐to‐depth ratio of the diaphragm section is less than 1; (b) the proposed quantitative strut‐and‐tie models agree well with the elastic internal force distribution in the pier diaphragms with various configurations; and (c) the commonly used “direct‐strut model” is acceptable for the design of pier diaphragms with span‐to‐depth ratios greater than 1.5, while it would greatly underestimate the top tension force when the span‐to‐depth ratio is less than 1 (referred to as the “ultra‐deep member”).
Actions for sociopolitical consciousness in a high school science class: A case study of ninth grade class with predominantly indigenous students
Authors: Upadhyay Bhaskar , Atwood Erin , Tharu Baliram 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis case study explores how a group of Grade 9 students engaged in sociopolitical discourses and actions in a science class in a mostly indigenous student school in Nepal. The study used sociopolitical consciousness (SPC) as a framework to document and understand indigenous students’ SPC‐oriented science interactions and subsequent social change actions. We used ethnographic methods of data collection over 6 months. The study focused on the actions of 4 girls and 2 boys belonging to the indigenous Tharu group. Data were analyzed using iterative qualitative methods. The study findings show that students are capable of engaging in critical thinking, critical reflecting, and taking actions for social change. Additionally, students are competent to link their experiences with social, structural, and political discrimination to the relevant science content they learn. The study presents four thematic findings related to SPC and science teaching and learning: Fostering social justice awareness in science class, fostering structural understanding of inequities in sickle cell disease, fostering sociopolitical actions for sickle cell disease, and the teacher's activist pedagogy for SPC in science learning. Implications of the study are that culturally relevant pedagogy helps indigenous students to become sociopolitically more aware of the links between science and social change. Adding aspects of critical pedagogies in science teaching could encourage students to become more sociopolitically reflective about science learning.
Non-planar data of $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 SYM
Authors: Fleury Thiago , Pereira Raul 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The four-point function of length-two half-BPS operators in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM receives non-planar corrections starting at four loops. Previous work relied on the analysis of symmetries and logarithmic divergences to fix the integrand up to four constants. In this work, we compute those undetermined coefficients and fix the integrand completely by using the reformulation of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM in twistor space. The final integrand can be written as a combination of finite conformal integrals and we have used the method of asymptotic expansions to extract non-planar anomalous dimensions and structure constants for twist- two operators up to spin eight. Some of the results were already known in the literature and we have found agreement with them.
Supersymmetric mixed boundary conditions in AdS2 and DCFT1 marginal deformations
Authors: Correa Diego H. , Giraldo-Rivera Victor I. , Silva Guillermo A. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
We consider different supersymmetric mixed boundary conditions for scalar and fermionic fields in AdS2, searching for the dual description of a family of interpolating Wilson Loops in ABJM theory. The family, which interpolates between the bosonic 1/6 BPS loop and the 1/2 BPS loop, can be thought of as an exact marginal deformation in a defect CFT1. Confronting this property against holographic correlators and vacuum energy corrections singles out a particular boundary condition which we propose as dual to the interpolating family of Wilson loops.
Complexity of mixed states in QFT and holography
Authors: Caceres Elena , Chapman Shira , Couch Josiah D. , Hernandez Juan P. , Myers Robert C. , Ruan Shan-Ming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
We study the complexity of Gaussian mixed states in a free scalar field theory using the ‘purification complexity’. The latter is defined as the lowest value of the circuit complexity, optimized over all possible purifications of a given mixed state. We argue that the optimal purifications only contain the essential number of ancillary degrees of freedom necessary in order to purify the mixed state. We also introduce the concept of ‘mode-by- mode purifications’ where each mode in the mixed state is purified separately and examine the extent to which such purifications are optimal. We explore the purification complexity for thermal states of a free scalar QFT in any number of dimensions, and for subregions of the vacuum state in two dimensions. We compare our results to those found using the various holographic proposals for the complexity of subregions. We find a number of qualitative similarities between the two in terms of the structure of divergences and the presence of a volume law. We also examine the ‘mutual complexity’ in the various cases studied in this paper.