bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐130a‐3p regulated TGF‐β1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition depends on SMAD4 in EC‐1 cells
Authors: Tian Xiaokang , Fei Qian , Du Mingyu , Zhu Hongming , Ye Jinjun , Qian Luxi , Lu Zhiwei , Zhang Wenjun , Wang Yan , Peng Fanyu , Chen Jie , Liu Baoling , Li Qian , He Xia , Yin Li 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMetastasis and invasion are the primary causes of malignant progression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial step of acquisition of "stemness" properties in tumor cells. However, the mechanism of esophageal cancer metastasis remains unclear. This research was designed to explore the role and mechanism of SMAD4 and miR‐130a‐3p in the progression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)‐induced EMT in vivo and in vitro. The expression of miR‐130a‐3p in ESCC cell line and normal esophageal epithelial cell was determined by RT‐qPCR. The protein expression levels of TGF‐β‐induced changes in EMT were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Dual‐luciferase report assays were used to validate the regulation of miR‐130a‐3p‐SMAD4 axis. The effect of miR‐130a‐3p and SMAD4 in TGF‐β‐induced migration, invasion in the ESCC cell line EC‐1 was investigated by wound healing assays and Transwell assays. Here we found that knocked down SMAD4 could partially reverse TGF‐β‐induced migration, invasion, and EMT progression in the ESCC cell line EC‐1. miR‐130a‐3p, which directly targets SMAD4, is down‐regulated in ESCC. miR‐130a‐3p inhibits the migration and invasion of EC‐1 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, miR‐130a‐3p inhibits TGF‐β‐induced EC‐1 cell migration, invasion, and EMT progression in a SMAD4‐dependent way. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying ESCC metastasis. The TGF‐β/miR‐130a‐3p/SMAD4 pathway could be potential targets for clinical treatment of ESCC.
Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus: Comparison between a Chinese cohort and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data
Authors: Xiao Qin , Xiao Haifan , Ouyang Shuyu , Tang Jinming , Zhang Baihua , Wang Hui 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe optimal standard treatment for primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) remains undetermined. In this study, we conducted two areas of research on SCCE. First, we analyzed differences in SCCE characteristics between Chinese and U.S. patients. Second, we evaluated optimal treatment strategies for SCCE in the Chinese cohort.MethodsData from 137 Chinese SCCE patients collected from two cancer centers in China were compared with 385 SCCE patients registered in the U.S. SEER program. Prognostic factors were further analyzed in the Chinese group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline features between the groups.ResultsThere were more Chinese SCCE patients with regional stage disease (41.6%) and surgery was the principal local therapy (78.1%), while 51.7% of U.S. patients was at advanced stages and tended to receive radiotherapy as the main therapy (45.2%). Median overall survival (MST) of Chinese patients was 15.0 months, compared with 8.0 months for U.S. patients (P < 0.001). However, the survival differences between groups disappeared after PSM (MST: 12.5 m vs 9.0 m, P = 0.144). Further analysis found that surgery tended to achieve clinical benefits only for patients with localized disease (T1‐4aN0M0). Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may prolong survival in patients with regional and extensive disease.ConclusionsAlthough there are huge differences in the tumor characteristics and treatment modalities of SCCE between Chinese and U.S. patients, the prognosis of SCCE is equally poor in both. Surgery should be considered for patients with localized disease, while chemoradiotherapy is recommended for patients with regional and extensive disease.
Streets of resilience: Exploring the role of educational outreach projects with street connected young people in Guatemala City
Authors: Stevenson Andrew , Oldfield Jeremy , Ortiz Emily 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe explored resilience amongst street connected young people (SCYP) in Guatemala City in relation to two community‐based educational outreach projects who work with at risk young people. We investigated (a) how these projects adapt and constructed meaningful spaces of safety and protection for SCYP and (b) how their interactions with the families of SCYP impact on well‐being amongst SCYP. We focused on resilience‐building elements and practices, rather than on the dangers of street connectedness. Using ethnographic interviews, participatory photography, and image elicitation, we worked with eight young people and four adult project volunteers. Our research yielded evidence that dwellings, market stalls, and buildings used for religious purposes are being adapted as spaces of aspiration and opportunity to promote resilience. We found evidence of rifts between education projects and parents, and evidence for strategies for repairing these rifts. Our findings highlight the importance of community educational organisations in Guatemala City and have implications for their practice.
Cross‐Isotopic Bioorthogonal Tools as Molecular Twins for Radiotheranostic Applications
Authors: Rosecker Veronika , Denk Christoph , Maurer Melanie , Wilkovitsch Martin , Mairinger Severin , Wanek Thomas , Mikula Hannes 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRadiotheranostics are designed by labeling targeting (bio)molecules with radionuclides for diagnostic or therapeutic application. Because the pharmacokinetics of therapeutic compounds play a pivotal role, chemically closely related imaging agents are used to evaluate the overall feasibility of the therapeutic approach. “Theranostic relatives” that utilize different elements are frequently used in clinical practice. However, variations in pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and target affinity due to different chemical properties of the radioisotopes remain as hurdles to the design of optimized clinical tools. Herein, the design and synthesis of structurally identical compounds, either for diagnostic (18F and a stable metal isotope) or therapeutic application (radiometal and stable 19F), are reported. Such “molecular twins” have been prepared by applying a modular strategy based on click chemistry that enables efficient radiolabeling of compounds containing a metal complex and a tetrazine moiety. This additional bioorthogonal functionality can be used for subsequent radiolabeling of (bio)molecules or pretargeting approaches, which is demonstrated in vitro.
An Anticancer PtIV Prodrug That Acts by Mechanisms Involving DNA Damage and Different Epigenetic Effects
Authors: Kostrhunova Hana , Petruzzella Emanuele , Gibson Dan , Kasparkova Jana , Brabec Viktor 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDual‐ or multi‐action PtIV prodrugs represent a new generation of platinum anticancer drugs. The important property of these PtIV prodrugs is that their antitumor action combines several different mechanisms owing to the presence of biologically active axial ligands. This work describes the synthesis and some biological properties of a “triple‐action” prodrug that releases in cancer cells cisplatin and two different epigenetically acting moieties, octanoate and phenylbutyrate. It is demonstrated, with the aid of modern methods of molecular and cellular biology and pharmacology, that the presence of three different functionalities in a single molecule of the PtIV prodrug results in a selective and high potency in tumor cells including those resistant to cisplatin [the IC50 values in the screened malignant cell lines ranged from as low as 9 nm (HCT‐116) to 74 nm (MDA‐MB‐231)]. It is also demonstrated that cellular activation of the PtIV prodrug results in covalent modification of DNA through the release of the platinum moiety accompanied by inhibition of the activity of histone deacetylases caused by phenylbutyrate and by global hypermethylation of DNA by octanoate. Thus, the PtIV prodrug introduced in this study acts as a true “multi‐action” prodrug, which is over two orders of magnitude more active than clinically used cisplatin, in both 2D monolayer culture and 3D spheroid cancer cells.
A Series of Dibenzofuran‐Based n‐Type Exciplex Host Partners Realizing High‐Efficiency and Stable Deep‐Red Phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Ito Takashi , Sasabe Hisahiro , Nagai Yuji , Watanabe Yuichiro , Onuma Natsuki , Kido Junji 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDeep‐red to near‐infrared (NIR) OLEDs, which yield emission peak wavelengths beyond λ=660 nm, are applicable as unique light sources in plant growth or health monitoring systems. Compared with other visible‐spectrum OLEDs, however, research in the field of deep‐red OLEDs is not as advanced. In this work, three new types of dibenzofuran‐based host materials are developed as n‐type exciplex host partners. Combining these with the deep‐red iridium complex bis(2,3‐diphenylquinoxaline)iridium(dipivaloylmethane) ([(DPQ)2Ir(dpm)]) and N,N′‐di(naphalene‐1‐yl)‐N,N′‐diphenylbenzidine (α‐NPD) as a p‐type exciplex host partner, a highly efficient deep‐red OLED can be realized with a maximum external quantum efficiency (ηext,max) of over 16 % with Comission Internationale de l′Éclairge (CIE) coordinates of (0.71, 0.28). In addition, the effect of the doping concentration and the p/n ratio of the exciplex host on the efficiency and the lifetime of the OLEDs are investigated. Consequently, the optimized device exhibits a ηext,max of over 15 % and a six‐time longer lifetime operating at high brightness of 100 cd m−2 compared with other state‐of‐the‐art deep‐red OLEDs.
Not Your Usual Bioisostere: Solid State Study of 3D Interactions in Cubanes
Authors: Flanagan Keith J. , Bernhard Stefan S. R. , Plunkett Shane , Senge Mathias O. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPrevious studies by Desiraju and co‐workers have implicated the acidic hydrogen atoms of cubane as a support network for hydrogen bonding groups. Herein we report a detailed structural analysis of all currently available 1,4‐disubstituted cubane structures with an emphasis on how the cubane scaffold interacts in its solid‐state environment. In this regard, the interactions between the cubane hydrogen atoms and acids, ester, halogens, ethynyl, nitrogenous groups, and other cubane scaffolds were cataloged. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential of cubane as a substitute for phenyl. This could be achieved by analyzing all contacts that are directed by the cubane hydrogen atoms in the X‐ray crystal structures. As a result, we have established several new cubane interaction profiles, such as the catemer formation seen in esters, the preferences of halogen–hydrogen contacts over direct halogen bonding, and the stabilizing effects caused by the cubane hydrogen atoms interacting with ethynyl groups. These interaction profiles can then be used as a guide for designing cubane bioisosteres of known materials and drugs containing phenyl moieties.
Ice/Salt‐Assisted Synthesis of Ultrathin Two‐Dimensional Micro/Mesoporous Iron and Nitrogen Co‐Doped Carbon as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Li Hanyu , Zhang Zhengping , Iyoda Tomokazu , Dou Meiling , Wang Feng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn ice/salt‐assisted strategy has been developed to achieve the green and efficient synthesis of ultrathin two‐dimensional (2D) micro/mesoporous carbon nanosheets (CNS) with the dominant active moieties of Fe−N4 (Fe‐N‐CNS) as high‐performance electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The strategy involves freeze‐drying a mixture of iron porphyrin and KCl salt using ice as template followed by a confined pyrolysis with KCl as an independent sealed nanoreactor to facilitate the formation of 2D carbon nanosheets, N incorporation, and porosity creation. The well‐defined assembly of ultrathin 2D carbon nanosheets ensures high utilization of D1 and D3 Fe−N4 active sites, and effectively promotes the mass transport of ORR reactants by virtue of the pronounced mesoporous structure. The resulting Fe‐N‐CNS electrocatalyst was shown to exhibit superior ORR activity, better electrochemical durability, and methanol tolerance towards ORR in alkaline electrolyte relative to the commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst.
Inhibitors of Xanthine Oxidase: Scaffold Diversity and Structure‐Based Drug Design
Authors: Luna Giuseppe , Dolzhenko Anton V. , Mancera Ricardo L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractXanthine oxidase (XO) is the enzyme responsible for the catabolism of purines and their conversion into uric acid. XO is thus the target for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. For more than 50 years the only XO inhibitor drug available on the market was the purine analogue allopurinol. In the last decade there has been a resurgence in the search for new inhibitors of XO, as the activity of XO and hyperuricemia have also been associated with a variety of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. In recent years the non‐purine inhibitor febuxostat was approved in Europe and the USA for the treatment of hyperuricemia. This drug was followed by another XO inhibitor called topiroxostat. This review discusses the molecular structures and activities of the multiple classes of inhibitors that have been developed since the discovery of allopurinol, with a brief review of the molecular interactions between inhibitors and XO active site residues for the most important molecules. The challenges ahead for the discovery of new inhibitors of XO with novel chemical structures are discussed.
An Additivity Scheme for Aromaticity: The Heteroatom Case
Authors: Finkelstein Patrick , Gershoni‐Poranne Renana 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS)‐XY‐Scan is a simple and easy tool for the quantitative measurement of the aromaticity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and identification of the existence of local and global ring currents. We recently introduced an additivity scheme that uses the NICS‐XY‐Scans of smaller building blocks to predict the aromatic profiles of larger polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon systems. We now report on an expansion of the methodology to include systems of varying aromatic natures containing the heteroatoms B, N, O, and S. The additivity approach allows for rapid and resource‐efficient generation of NICS‐XY‐Scans of large, complex systems. Moreover, it reveals that the magnetic criterion of aromaticity behaves in an additive manner, and that the ring currents of multi‐ring systems appear to be mostly localized within subunits of up to three rings.
Anchoring CoII Ions into a Thiol‐Laced Metal–Organic Framework for Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Conversion of CO2 into CO
Authors: Liu Dong‐Cheng , Ouyang Ting , Xiao Ran , Liu Wen‐Ju , Zhong Di‐Chang , Xu Zhengtao , Lu Tong‐Bu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUsing solar energy to convert CO2 into valuable fuels or chemicals offers a powerful solution to urgent energy and environmental problems. However, the development of efficient and selective catalysts remains a considerable scientific challenge. To address this, catalytically active CoII centers can be anchored into the porous matrix of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) by utilizing a robust Zr‐based MOF (Zr‐DMBD) functionalized with freestanding thiol groups to enable efficient post‐synthetic metal insertion. The thus‐prepared Zr‐DMBD−Co MOF solids are modified by well‐defined Co–thiolate units and have the capability of photocatalytically converting CO2 into CO with high efficiency and selectivity under visible‐light irradiation in a water‐containing system. The turnover number and CO selectivity reach as high as 97 941 and 98 %, respectively.
Why can't we make research grant allocation systems more consistent? A personal opinion
Authors: Cousens Roger 
Published: February 2019

AbstractUncertainty is expected to enter into our grant allocation processes at many points, not limited to those directly involving assessment by peers. The selection of grants for funding is thus prodigiously low in statistical power and will remain so. The replacement of current systems with some form of lottery, as has been proposed, seriously risks weakening the quality of applications. Opportunities exist for agencies to encourage and reward greater clarity and innovation in research outcomes.
On the design of deterministic dielectrophoresis for continuous separation of circulating tumor cells from peripheral blood cells
Authors: Aghaamoo Mohammad , Aghilinejad Arian , Chen Xiaolin , Xu Jie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDetection and analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have emerged as a promising way to diagnose cancer, study its cellular mechanism, and test or develop potential treatments. However, the rarity of CTCs among peripheral blood cells is a big challenge toward CTC detection. In addition, in cases where there is similar size range between certain types of CTCs (e.g. breast cancer cells) and white blood cells (WBCs), high‐resolution techniques are needed. In the present work, we propose a deterministic dielectrophoresis (DEP) method that combines the concept of deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) and insulator‐based dielectrophoresis (iDEP) techniques that rely on physical markers such as size and dielectric properties to differentiate different type of cells. The proposed deterministic DEP technology takes advantage of frequency‐controlled AC electric field for continuous separation of CTCs from peripheral blood cells. Utilizing numerical modeling, different aspects of coupled DLD‐DEP design such as the required applied voltages, velocities, and geometrical parameters of DLD arrays of microposts are investigated. Regarding the inevitable difference and uncertainty ranges for the reported crossover frequencies of cells, a comprehensive analysis is conducted on applied electric field frequency as design's determinant factor. Deterministic DEP design provides continuous sorting of CTCs from WBCs even with similar size and has the future potential for high throughput and efficiency.
Starches of two water yam (Dioscorea alata) varieties used as congeals in yogurt production
Authors: Tortoe Charles , Akonor Paa T. , Ofori Jemima 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe physicochemical properties of water yam (Dioscorea alata var. Akaba and Matches) starches were determined prior to their use as congeals for yogurt production. The moisture content ranged from 9.34% to 15.8% for A100 (100% Akaba) and M100 (100% Matches), respectively, indicating lower moisture content in the Akaba variety compared to Matches variety. Similar trend was observed for their water activity. The pH ranged from 5.88 to 6.93 indicating low acidity of the water yam starches. The water absorption capacity (WAC) ranged from 4.10 to 4.89 g/g, seemingly restricted reflecting protein–moisture interaction of the starches. Although the swelling power did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) ranging from 10% to 14%, they were quite restrictive as the WAC. The L* values of the starches were predominantly lightness in color, highest for A100 sample. The pasting temperatures of Akaba (A100), Matches (M100), and A50:M50 were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Peak viscosity of the water yam starches was in a range of 509–528 BU. The highest attributes were for taste (6.4), mouthfeel (5.4), flavor (5.4) sourness (4.6) and consistency (5.9), which were obtained from 1.5 % Matches, 0.5 % Akaba + 0.5 % Matches, 1.0 % Akaba + 1.0 % Matches samples. The overall acceptability (5.8) was higher than the control yogurt (4.7), indicating sample 0.5% Akaba + 0.5% Matches as the best‐bet yogurt.
Vitamin A deficiency execrates Lewis lung carcinoma via induction of type 2 innate lymphoid cells and alternatively activates macrophages
Authors: Cui Weiwei , Zhang Wenxin , Yuan Xiaofeng , Liu Shanshan , Li Meng , Niu Junqi , Zhang Peng , Li Dong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundLung carcinoma is still associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality despite the advances in cancer therapy achieved in last decades. Recent studies showed that immune responses played a crucial role in the developments of cancers including lung cancer. Type 1 immune response could promote classical activated macrophages (CAMs) with antitumor properties. On the contrast, type 2 immune response could lead to the polarization of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) which could promote the growth and metastasis of tumor. Our previous research showed that vitamin A deficiency could promote the type 2 immune response but not the type 1 immune response. Whether vitamin A deficiency has detrimental effect for lung carcinoma need further investigate.AimTo investigate the effect of vitamin A deficiency in lung cancer and the potential mechanisms.MethodsMice were fed with normal diet or vitamin A deficiency diet for 2 weeks, and then, Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells dissolved in Matrigel Matrix were planted on the left lower lope of lungs. Mice were sacrificed 28 days after the plantation of tumor cells, the tumor size, cytokine profile in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), numbers of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), and macrophage phenotypes in the lung were measured. The overall survival rate was also monitored throughout the experiments.ResultsVitamin A deficiency diet fed tumor‐bearing mice have lower survival rate (χ2 = 6.862, p < 0.001), larger tumor size (t = 2.651, p < 0.05), more ILC2s (t = 7.680, p < 0.001), and AAMs (t = 6.315, p < 0.001) in the lung tissue; also, type 2 cytokines concentrations in the BALF were higher compared to normal diet fed ones.ConclusionVitamin A deficiency could promote the pathogeneses of lung carcinoma via induction of ILC2s and polarizing AAMs.
Observations on cracking in concrete tunnel segments – An assessment of correlations
Authors: Tellioglu Volkan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFaced with the combined challenge of aging sewer infrastructure and rapid population growth, the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) has embarked on a bold approach to build an enhanced sewer infrastructure with a deep gravity sewer tunnel at the centre. The primary lining of the new 41 km‐long deep sewer tunnel has been completed by tunnel boring machines (TBM). The concrete segmental lining has an internal diameter varying from 4 to 5.5 m internal diameter and is located at depths of 20 to 80 m below the ground surface. This paper discusses the results of observations made on segment cracking experienced at different stages in the installation of concrete lining for the first of three TBM drives in Contract T‐02 of the Abu Dhabi Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Program (STEP). It also attempts to quantify correlations and ranking among various mechanical and geometrical variables of ring installation based on their contribution to segment cracking. The method of assessment used in the case study has been successfully verified on a separate project, which encouraged the author to develop and propose a generalized procedure for investigation to serve as a roadmap in the future projects with segment cracking issues.