bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved error performance for generalised spatial modulation with enhanced spectral efficiency
Authors: Pillay Reggie , Pillay Narushan , Xu Hongjun 
Published: October 2019

SummaryThe existing analytical average bit error rate (ABER) expression of conventional generalised spatial modulation (CGSM) does not agree well with the Monte Carlo simulation results in the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) region. Hence, the first contribution of this paper is to derive a new and easy way to evaluate analytical ABER expression that improves the validation of the simulation results at low SNRs. Secondly, a novel system termed CGSM with enhanced spectral efficiency (CGSM‐ESE) is presented. This system is realised by applying a rotation angle to one of the two active transmit antennas. As a result, the overall spectral efficiency is increased by 1 bit/s/Hz when compared with the equivalent CGSM system. In order to validate the simulation results of CGSM‐ESE, the third contribution is to derive an analytical ABER expression. Finally, to improve the ABER performance of CGSM‐ESE, three link adaptation algorithms are developed. By assuming full knowledge of the channel at the receiver, the proposed algorithms select a subset of channel gain vector (CGV) pairs based on the Euclidean distance between all CGV pairs, CGV splitting, CGV amplitudes, or a combination of these.
An enhanced secure delegation‐based anonymous authentication protocol for PCSs
Authors: Gope Prosanta , Ghayvat Hemant , Cheng Yongqiang , Kabir Sohag 
Published: October 2019

SummaryRapid development of wireless networks brings about many security problems in portable communication systems (PCSs), which can provide mobile users with an opportunity to enjoy global roaming services. In this regard, designing a secure user authentication scheme, especially for recognizing legal roaming users, is indeed a challenging task. It is noticed that there is no delegation‐based protocol for PCSs, which can guarantee anonymity, untraceability, perfect forward secrecy, and resistance of denial‐of‐service (DoS) attack. Therefore, in this article, we put forward a novel delegation‐based anonymous and untraceable authentication protocol, which can guarantee to resolve all the abovementioned security issues and hence offer a solution for secure communications for PCSs.
Distribution and connectivity of protected areas in the Americas facilitates transboundary conservation
Authors: Thornton Daniel , Branch Lyn , Murray Dennis 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLarge‐scale anthropogenic changes to landscapes will cause species to move and shift their ranges against a backdrop of international political boundaries. Transboundary conservation efforts are therefore key to preserving intact and connected landscapes, particularly if such efforts can be implemented within the framework of protected area networks that provide for resiliency and persistence in the face of threats such as climate change. We studied the distribution, connectivity, and integrity of protected areas in regions near international borders within the Americas. We found that there is a greater proportion of land protected near vs. far from borders, with this effect extending approximately 125 km from the border. This trend was most pronounced when considering multiuse categories of protected areas in the analysis. We also found that there is greater connectivity of protected areas in border regions than more internally within countries, and relatively low rates of habitat loss within border‐situated and internal protected areas. Our results indicate that protected area networks are larger and more connected if considered in a transboundary context and that efforts to conserve species and mitigate effects of long‐term stressors like climate change will be most successful when planning includes neighboring countries. Despite a relative lack of attention to transboundary conservation in the Americas, our results suggest substantial opportunities for linking landscapes via a focus on international border regions and coordination across borders in protected areas management.
Fish Performance Indicators Adjacent to Oil Sands Activity: Response in Performance Indicators of Slimy Sculpin in the Steepbank River, Alberta, Adjacent to Oil Sands Mining Activity
Authors: Tetreault Gerald R. , Bennett Charles J. , Clark Thomas W. , Keith Heather , Parrott Joanne L. , McMaster Mark E. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Since 2009, the Canadian and Alberta governments have been developing monitoring plans for surface water quality and quantity of the lower Athabasca River and its tributaries (2010–2013). The objectives of the present study to the fish monitoring program were to 1) assess the current status of fish in a tributary of the lower Athabasca River, 2) identify existing differences between upstream reference and within the oil sands deposit exposure sites, and 3) identify trends/changes in fish performance indicators relative to historical studies. The present study examines the fish performance indicators in slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus) in the Steepbank River, Alberta, in terms of growth, gonad size, condition, and hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity as an indicator of exposure to oil-sands-related compounds. The sampling program followed historical sampling methods (1999–2000) to provide comparable data over time with an additional upstream site (n = 2) added as development progressed. Consistent changes were documented in sculpin collected from downstream sections of the Steepbank River within the oil sands deposit (n = 2) in 2010 through 2013. Sculpin demonstrated increased liver size with corresponding induction of EROD activity consistent with historical data and reductions in energy investment relative to reproductive development and gonadal steroid production capacity. There was no consistent evidence of changes in fish performance indicators with increased surface mining development, particularly adjacent to the Steepbank River Mid site. Although physical development in the Steepbank watershed has increased over the last 15 yr, these results are consistent with historical data suggesting that the magnitude of the response in the aquatic environment adjacent to the development has not changed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:396–409. © 2019 SETAC
Modulation on tetrodotoxin‐resistant sodium current of loureirin B in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons via cyclic AMP–dependent protein kinase A
Authors: Cheng Song , Rong Yi , Ma Minjie , Lin Xianguang , Liu Xiangming , Li Chenhong , Yang Xiaofei , Chen Su 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTo search the modulation mechanism of loureirin B, a flavonoid is extracted from Dracaena cochinchinensis, on tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐R) sodium channel in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats. Experiments were carried out based on patch‐clamp technique and molecular biological methods. We observed the time‐dependent inhibition of loureirin B on TTX‐R sodium currents in DRG neurons and found that neither occupancy theory nor rate theory could well explain the time‐dependent inhibitory effect of loureirin B on TTX‐R sodium currents. It suggested that a second messenger‐mediated signaling pathway may be involved in the modulation mechanism. So the cyclin AMP (cAMP) level of the DRG neurons before and after incubation with loureirin B was tested by ELISA Kit. Results showed that loureirin B could increase the cAMP level and the increased cAMP was caused by the enhancement of adenylate cyclase (AC) induced by loureirin B. Immunolabelling experiments further confirmed that loureirin B can promote the production of PKA in DRG neurons. In the presence of the PKA inhibitor H‐89, the inhibitory effect of loureirin B on TTX‐R sodium currents was reversed. Forskolin, a tool in biochemistry to raise the levels of cAMP, also could reduce TTX‐R sodium currents similar to that of loureirin B. These studies demonstrated that loureirin B can modulate the TTX‐R sodium channel in DRG neurons via an AC/cAMP/PKA pathway involving the activation of AC and PKA, which also can be used to explain the other pharmacological effects of loureirin B.
3‐(3‐Methoxyphenyl)‐6‐(3‐amino‐4‐methoxyphenyl)‐7H‐[1,2,4] triazolo [3,4‐b][1,3,4] thiadiazine, a novel tubulin inhibitor, evokes G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in SGC‐7901 and HeLa cells
Authors: Liu Zi , Lang Binyue , Gao Minghuan , Chang Xing , Guan Qi , Xu Qile , Wu Di , Li Zengqiang , Zuo Daiying , Zhang Weige , Wu Yingliang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGastric cancer and cervical cancer are two major malignant tumors that threaten human health. The novel chemotherapeutic drugs are needed urgently to treat gastric cancer and cervical cancer with high anticancer activity and metabolic stability. Previously we have reported the synthesis, characterization and identification of a novel combretastatin A‐4 analog, 3‐(3‐methoxyphenyl)‐6‐(3‐amino‐4‐ methoxyphenyl) ‐7H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4] thiadiazine (XSD‐7). In this study, we sought to investigate its anticancer mechanisms in a human gastric cancer cell line (SGC‐7901 cells) and human cervical carcinoma cell line (HeLa cells). The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that XSD‐7 induced cytotoxicity in SGC‐7901 and HeLa cells with inhibitory concentration 50 values of 0.11 ± 0.03 and 0.12 ± 0.05 µM, respectively. Immunofluorescence studies proved that XSD‐7 inhibited microtubule polymerization during cell division in SGC‐7901 and HeLa cells. Then, these cells were arrested at G2/M cell cycle and subsequently progressed into apoptosis. In further study, mitochondrial membrane potential analysis and Western blot analysis demonstrated that XSD‐7 treatment‐induced SGC‐7901 cell apoptosis via both the mitochondria‐mediated pathway and the death receptor‐mediated pathway. In contrast, XSD‐7 induced apoptosis in HeLa cells mainly via the mitochondria‐mediated pathway. Hence, our data indicate that XSD‐7 exerted antiproliferative activity by disrupting microtubule dynamics, leading to cell cycle arrest, and eventually inducing cell apoptosis. XSD‐7 with novel structure has the potential to be developed for therapeutic treatment of gastric cancer and cervical cancer.
Circular RNA LARP4 correlates with decreased Enneking stage, better histological response, and prolonged survival profiles, and it elevates chemosensitivity to cisplatin and doxorubicin via sponging microRNA‐424 in osteosarcoma
Authors: Hu Yuhang , Gu Jiaao , Shen Hongtao , Shao Tuo , Li Song , Wang Wei , Yu Zhange 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the association of circular RNA La‐related RNA‐binding protein 4 (circ‐LARP4) with clinical features and prognosis in osteosarcoma patients, and further explore its effect on chemosensitivity in osteosarcoma cells.MethodsSeventy‐two osteosarcoma patients with Enneking stage IIA‐IIB who underwent resection were consecutively enrolled, and then, tumor tissues and non‐tumor tissues were obtained. Circ‐LARP4 in tumor tissue/non‐tumor tissue was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. After circ‐LARP4 overexpression and negative control overexpression plasmid transfection, relative cell viability (%) was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit‐8 in MG63 cells treated by different concentrations of cisplatin, methotrexate, and doxorubicin, and IC50 was calculated.ResultsCirc‐LARP4 was downregulated in tumor tissue compared with non‐tumor tissue and had a good value in distinguishing tumor tissue from non‐tumor tissue with an area under curve of 0.829 (95% CI: 0.762‐0.859). Meanwhile, tumor circ‐LARP4 was negatively correlated with the Enneking stage. After resection, circ‐LARP4 high expression patients showed an increased tumor cell necrosis rate to adjuvant chemotherapy compared to circ‐LARP4 low expression patients, and circ‐LARP4 high expression correlated with prolonged disease‐free survival and overall survival. In vitro experiments revealed that circ‐LARP4 overexpression elevated the chemosensitivity of MG63 cells to cisplatin and doxorubicin but not methotrexate, with decreased cisplatin IC50 and doxorubicin IC50 concentrations than negative control. Besides, miR‐424 overexpression attenuated the chemosensitivity in circ‐LARP4 overexpression‐treated MG63 cells.ConclusionCirc‐LARP4 high expression correlates with decreased Enneking stage and prolonged survival profiles, and it elevates chemosensitivity to cisplatin and doxorubicin via sponging miR‐424 in osteosarcoma.
Retracted: K‐Ras‐PI3K regulates H3K56ac through PCAF to elevate the occurrence and growth of liver cancer
Authors: Gao Xianrui , Cheng Zhaoling , Yuan Haifeng , Zhao Haiwang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractH3 modification is related to a wide range of tumors, including liver cancer. The Ras passageway is actuated in human diseases. Thus, we investigated the roles of Ras in liver cancer cells via acetylation of H3K56. Ras‐carrying G12V and Y40C site mutation was transfected into liver cancer cell lines SNU‐475 and SK‐Hep‐1. Acetylation of H3K56 and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), P300/CBP‐associated factor (PCAF) and Mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) was tested via western blot. Cell activity, colonies, and migration were tested via Cell Counting Kit‐8, soft‐agar colony formation, and Transwell experiment, respectively. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and PCAF were tested via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Chromatin immunoprecipitation was employed to test the relationship between Ras and downstream elements. Flow cytometry was employed to test cell cycle series. We found that RasG12V/Y40C transfection reduced the acetylation of H3K56 and activated phosphorylation of protein kinase B. H3K56Q (H3K56ac overexpression) suppressed cell activity, colonies, and migration. H3K56ac changed Ras downstream factors expression. RasG12V/Y40C bound to Ras‐PI3K downstream elements' promoters. SIRT6 silencing raised H3K56ac and suppressed cell activity, migration and S phage cell percentage. SIRT6 silence transformed expression of downstream elements. PCAF and H3K56ac demonstrated the close current while MDM2 was conversed. In summary, the Ras‐PI3K passageway promoted cell growth and metastasis via decreasing H3K56ac, in which MDM2‐mediated PCAF was involved.
MicroRNAs facilitate skeletal muscle maintenance and metabolic suppression in hibernating brown bears
Authors: Luu Bryan E. , Lefai Etienne , Giroud Sylvain , Swenson Jon E. , Chazarin Blandine , Gauquelin‐Koch Guillemette , Arnemo Jon M. , Evans Alina L. , Bertile Fabrice , Storey Kenneth B. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHibernating brown bears, Ursus arctos, undergo extended periods of inactivity and yet these large hibernators are resilient to muscle disuse atrophy. Physiological characteristics associated with atrophy resistance in bear muscle have been examined (e.g., muscle mechanics, neural activity) but roles for molecular signaling/regulatory mechanisms in the resistance to muscle wasting in bears still require investigation. Using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR), the present study characterized the responses of 36 microRNAs linked with development, metabolism, and regeneration of skeletal muscle, in the vastus lateralis of brown bears comparing winter hibernating and summer active animals. Relative levels of mRNA of selected genes (mef2a, pax7, id2, prkaa1, and mstn) implicated upstream and downstream of the microRNAs were examined. Results indicated that hibernation elicited a myogenic microRNA, or “myomiR”, response via MEF2A‐mediated signaling. Upregulation of MEF2A‐controlled miR‐1 and miR‐206 and respective downregulation of pax7 and id2 mRNA are suggestive of responses that promote skeletal muscle maintenance. Increased levels of metabolic microRNAs, such as miR‐27, miR‐29, and miR‐33, may facilitate metabolic suppression during hibernation via mechanisms that decrease glucose uptake and fatty acid oxidation. This study identified myomiR‐mediated mechanisms for the promotion of muscle regeneration, suppression of ubiquitin ligases, and resistance to muscle atrophy during hibernation mediated by observed increases in miR‐206, miR‐221, miR‐31, miR‐23a, and miR‐29b. This was further supported by the downregulation of myomiRs associated with a muscle injury and inflammation (miR‐199a and miR‐223) during hibernation. The present study provides evidence of myomiR‐mediated signaling pathways that are activated during hibernation to maintain skeletal muscle functionality in brown bears.
Single peptides and combination modalities for triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Razazan Atefeh , Behravan Javad 
Published: October 2019

AbstractUnlike other types of breast cancers (BCs), no specific therapeutic targets have been established for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Therefore, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the only available adjuvant therapeutic choices for TNBC. New emerging reports show that TNBC is associated with higher numbers of intratumoral tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. This is indicative of host anti‐TNBC immune surveillance and suggesting that immunotherapy can be considered as a therapeutic approach for TNBC management. Recent progress in molecular mechanisms of tumor‐immune system interaction and cancer vaccine development studies, fast discoveries and FDA approvals of immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T‐cells, and oncolytic virotherapy have significantly attracted attention and research directions toward the immunotherapeutic approach to TNBC. Here in this review different aspects of TNBC immunotherapies including the host immune system‐tumor interactions, the tumor microenvironment, the relevant molecular targets for immunotherapy, and clinical trials in the field are discussed.
IL‐17 alters the mesenchymal stem cell niche towards osteogenesis in cooperation with osteocytes
Authors: Liao Chongshan , Zhang Chengfei , Jin Lijian , Yang Yanqi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBone remodeling is a strictly regulated dynamic process that cycles between bone formation and resorption, and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) critically orchestrates the activation and differentiation of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) within their native environment receive biochemical stimuli from surrounding cells that influences their differentiation into bone precursors, while the roles of osteocytes in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs remain unclear. This study investigated the specific roles of IL‐17 signaling cascades and osteocyte‐specific pathways in the osteogenesis of MSCs. Using a transwell coculture (CC) system, we explored the effects of osteocytes and osteoblasts on the osteogenesis of MSCs with and without IL‐17 supplementation. A polycaprolactone (PCL) three‐dimensional (3D) culture model was used to evaluate their osteogenic potential in the presence of osteocytes and IL‐17. Notably, IL‐17 induced osteogenesis in MSCs, which could be attenuated by blocking IL‐17 receptor A. The osteogenic differentiation of MSCs promoted by IL‐17 was further enhanced by CC with osteocytes. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐1β played an important role in IL‐17‐dependent differentiation, via the phosphorylation of AKT, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathways in the MSC niche. The present study confirms a synergistic effect of osteocytes and IL‐17 in the production of biochemical signals to stimulate the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, which could be further promoted in the PCL 3D‐scaffold. These findings provide important insight into the mechanisms of MSCs activation and osteogenic differentiation within the native stem cell niche, and suggest a possible role of IL‐17 in bone tissue engineering.
Serum HBV pregenomic RNA is correlated with Th1/Th2 immunity in treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Gu Yurong , Chen Lubiao , Lian Yifan , Gu Lin , Chen Yaqiong , Bi Yanhua , Huang Zexuan , Huang Yanlin , Hu Bo , Huang Yuehua 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackground and AimHepatitis B virus (HBV) load and antigens are related to the innate and adaptive immunity of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. As a new HBV biomarker, the role of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) in host immunity is not known. This study aimed to identify the relationship between serum HBV pgRNA and host immunity in CHB patients.MethodsTwo hundred twenty‐five treatment‐naïve CHB patients were enrolled. Serum cytokines were measured by cytokine antibody array (Luminex multiplex platform). Th1 (T‐helper cell, Th) and Th2 cells were tested by flow cytometry. Serum HBV pgRNA was detected by a reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.ResultsSerum HBV pgRNA was significantly different among patients in different disease phases and significantly associated with both HBV antigens and antibodies. Serum HBV pgRNA was positively correlated with the HBsAg level (P < .001) and the presence of HBeAg (P < .001). Patients with higher HBcAb levels showed lower serum HBV pgRNA levels (P = .003). Notably, HBsAb positivity was associated with higher levels of serum HBV pgRNA in HBeAg(−) patients (P = .049). Serum HBV pgRNA was positively associated with ALT level, Th2 cell frequency, and related cytokine sCD30 (P < .001, P < .001, and P = .003, respectively), but negatively associated with Th1‐related cytokine interleukin (IL)‐12P70 and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) (P = .017 and P < .001, respectively).ConclusionOur study confirmed the relationship between serum HBV pgRNA and host immunity. The results demonstrated that serum HBV pgRNA is positively correlated with Th2 immunity but negatively correlated with Th1 immunity, indicating that it might have a relationship with HBV antigen conversion and CTL immunodeficiency in CHB patients.
Theoretical design, preparation, and evaluation of Ginkgolide B molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Li Honghong , Zhang Wencheng , Wu Zeyu , Huang Xusheng , Hui Ailing , He Yiwen , Wang Haiyan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGinkgolide B is in great demand worldwide on account of its extensive and excellent pharmacological effects, however, it is difficult to separate and purify ginkgolide B. In this study, ginkgolide B molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared by combining software simulation and molecular imprinting technique, and its characterization and adsorption performed evaluation were performed to understand the adsorption behavior of the polymers. The adsorption equilibrium concentration of molecularly imprinted polymers was 0.70 mg/mL, and the adsorption equilibrium time was 4 h. Meanwhile, the adsorption isotherm of the polymers for ginkgolide B fitted well with the Langmuir model, and the adsorption kinetics was in line with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. In contrast, the adsorption capacity of molecularly imprinted polymers on ginkgolide B was higher than that of non‐molecular imprinted polymers, with better selectivity and better adsorption after repeated use for six times. The application experiments showed that molecular imprinted polymers have a good adsorption effect in low purity samples. Therefore, the polymers reported herein can be expected to apply in the adsorption and separation of ginkgolide B samples.