bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AMPK‐mTOR‐ULK1 axis activation‐dependent autophagy promotes hydroxycamptothecin‐induced apoptosis in human bladder cancer cells
Authors: Wang Feifan , Cao Min , Fan Mengjing , Wu Hongshen , Huang Wei , Zhang Yan , Hu Zhenghui , Jin Xiaodong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract10‐hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), a natural plant extract, exerts anticancer capacity. HCPT has been reported to induce apoptosis and autophagy in human cancer cells. The interaction between autophagy and apoptosis induced by HCPT and the molecular mechanism in bladder cancer cells were investigated in this study. Our results confirmed that HCPT suppressed cell viability and migration and caused cell‐cycle arrest in T24 and 5637. Then, we used Z‐VAD(OMe)‐FMK to clarify that apoptosis induced by HCPT was mediated by caspase. Moreover, HCPT boosted autophagy through activating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway. Blocking autophagy by 3‐methyladenine, the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor dorsomorphin and siATG7 reversed HCPT‐induced cytotoxicity. Conversely, rapamycin and the AMPK activator AICAR enhanced growth inhibition and cell apoptosis, suggesting that autophagy played a proapoptosis role. Taken together, our findings showed that HCPT‐induced autophagy mediated by the AMPK pathway in T24 and 5637 cell lines, which reinforced the apoptosis, indicating that HCPT together with autophagy activator would be a novel strategy for clinical treatment in bladder cancer.
miR‐298 plays a pivotal role in colon cancer invasiveness by targeting PTEN
Authors: Arabsorkhi Zahra , Gharib Ehsan , Yaghmoorian Khojini Javad , Farhadieh Mohammad‐Erfan , Nazemalhosseini‐Mojarad Ehsan , Zali Mohammad Reza 
Published: October 2019

AbstractEvidence indicate that the miR‐298 dysregulation might associate with colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Herein, we evaluated the effect of miR‐298 dysregulation on colon cancer invasiveness. First, metabolic activity, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and invasion of miR‐298 overexpressed/knocked out colon cancer cells were examined and combined with their transcriptome analysis data for better visualization of miR‐298 intracellular signaling networks. Interaction between miR‐298 and its target was evaluated with luciferase assay and validated using western blot analysis. The proportion of abnormal miR‐298 level was investigated in tumor samples, matched normal adjacent tissues, and plasmas of 100 CRC patients, and also compared with 100 normal plasma samples. The Mann–Whitney U test was performed to assess miR‐298 differences among the studied groups, and the correlation between miR‐298 and the risk of CRC was shown by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The data indicate that miR‐298 overexpression promoted proliferation and metastasis in CRC cells via targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog. Comparative analysis of CRC tumors, normal adjacent tissues, and plasmas indicated a significant miR‐298 upregulation in tumors and plasmas (1.72‐fold and 1.65‐fold, respectively; p < .001). Also, the aberrant level of miR‐298 contributed with CRC tumor differentiation, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (p < .001), and independently associated with poor survival of CRC patients (p < .029; hazard ratio: 1.292; 95% confidence interval: 0.339–2.184). Collectively, these data showed that abnormal level of miR‐298 correlated with cancer development and through that lowered the overall survival rate of CRC patients. Therefore, miR‐298 could be considered as a therapeutic target for CRC.
One‐step synthesis of a WO3‐CuS nanosheet heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic performance for methylene blue degradation and Cr(VI) reduction
Authors: Liu Yating , Li Ming , Zhang Qingyan , Qin Picai , Wang Xiandong , He Guannan , Li Ling 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe photocatalytic activity of a pristine semiconductor is unsatisfactory due to the rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. Constructing composite photocatalysts has proven to be an effective method to suppress electron–hole recombination. The composites composed of two materials usually are synthesized through a two‐step process. However, in this work, a simple one‐step solvothermal method employing an homogeneous reaction system was adopted to synthesize a tungsten trioxide (WO3)‐copper sulfide (CuS) nanosheet heterojunction with enhanced photocatalytic properties.RESULTSThe formation of the WO3‐CuS heterojunction was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. The composites showed improved visible light harvesting ability, and enhanced photoelectric and photocatalytic properties compared with pure WO3. The optimized composite displayed a photocurrent almost five‐fold greater than the sum of the photocurrents of WO3 and CuS, and had superior performance for methylene blue (MB) degradation and hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] reduction. The MB degradation and Cr(VI) reduction efficiencies were both improved when they co‐existed in the photocatalytic system. Interferential ions Cl− and NO3− were much less effective in the degradation of MB than in the reduction of Cr(VI).CONCLUSIONSImproved photocatalytic activity was achieved after coupling CuS with WO3, due to the enhanced visible light absorption and efficient electron–hole separation. Photogenerated holes were found to be the dominant reactive species in the MB photodegradation process. A synergistic effect existed between MB degradation and Cr(VI) reduction. Interferential ions Cl− and NO3− had much greater effect on Cr(VI) reduction than MB degradation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel nomogram with microvascular density in the surgical margins can accurately predict the risk for anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Xiao Chanchan , Zhou Meihua , Yang Xihua , Xiao Fangtao , Liu Xiaofei , Guo Yi , Li Xiaojie , Cao Huiqiu , Luo Jihui 
Published: October 2019

AbstractsBackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication after anterior resection. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of microvascular density (MVD) in AL and to develop a nomogram to accurately predict AL.MethodsThis study retrospectively enrolled 477 consecutive patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer from January 2011 to January 2019. Tissue samples of the resection margins were assessed for MVD. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for AL.ResultsThe incidence of clinical AL was 6.7%. MVD in the distal margin was associated with AL (P < .001). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis identified the following variables as independent risk factors for AL: preoperative albumin ≤35 g/L (odds ratio [OR] = 2.511), neoadjuvant treatment (OR = 3.560), location of tumor ≤7 cm (OR = 3.381), blood loss ≥100 mL (OR = 2.717), and MVD in the distal margin ≤20 (OR = 4.265). Then, a nomogram including these predictors was developed. The nomogram showed good discrimination (AUC = 0.816) and calibration (concordance index = 0.816). The decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful.ConclusionsMVD in the distal margin is closely associated with AL. The nomogram can be used for individualized prediction of AL after anterior resection for patients with rectal cancer.
Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: Somewhere between the pancreas and small bowel?
Authors: Gamboa Adriana C. , Liu Yuan , Lee Rachel M. , Zaidi Mohammad Y. , Staley Charles A. , Kooby David A. , Winer Joshua H. , Shah Mihir M. , Russell Maria C. , Cardona Kenneth , Maithel Shishir K. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundWhile sub‐2 cm pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are often observed, small bowel‐NETs undergo resection and lymphadenectomy regardless of size. Aim was to define the natural history of duodenal (D‐NETs), determine the role of resection, and define the factors associated with overall survival (OS) after resection.MethodsNational Cancer Database (2004‐2014) was queried for the patients with nonmetastatic/nonfunctional D‐NETs. Local resection (LR): local excision/polypectomy/excisional biopsy. Anatomic resection (AR): radical surgery. Tumor size was divided into less than 1 cm, 1 to 2 cm, and ≥2 cm. Propensity score weighting was used to create balanced resection and no‐resection cohorts. The primary endpoint was OS.ResultsAmong 5502 patient, the median age was 65 years. The median follow‐up was 49 months. The median tumor size was 0.8 cm. Resection was performed in 72% (n = 3954; LR: 61%, AR: 39%). Lymph node (LN) resection was performed in 26% (43% had metastasis). A total of 74% had negative margins. Resection and no‐resection cohorts were propensity score weighted for age/sex/race/Charlson‐Deyo score/tumor grade (all independently associated with OS on multivariable analysis). Resection was associated with improved median OS compared to no resection in all sizes (<1 cm: median not reached vs 194 months; 1‐2 cm: median not reached vs 56 months; >2 cm: median not reached vs 90 months; all P < .01). Subset analysis of each resection size cohort demonstrated that neither type of resection, LN retrieval, LN positivity, or margin status was associated with OS (all P > .05).ConclusionPatients with nonmetastatic and nonfunctional D‐NETS should be considered for resection regardless of tumor size. Given the lack of prognostic value, the resection type and extent of LN retrieval should be tailored to each patient's clinical picture and safety profile.
Microstrip antenna with high self‐interference cancellation using phase reconfigurable feeding network for in‐band full duplex communication
Authors: Chaudhary Girdhari , Jeong Junhyung , Jeong Yongchae , Ham Woonchul 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article presents a bistatic microstrip circular patch antenna with high self‐interference cancellation (SIC) through phase reconfigurable differential feeding network. The proposed microstrip antenna consists of closely spaced transmitter and receiver patches having orthogonal polarization with respect to each other. To achieve high SIC, the phase reconfigurable of feeding network can assist in tracking the phase offsets of self‐interference signal caused by fabrication error or scattering nearby objects. From the experiment, the proposed antenna provided higher than 75 dB (65 dB) SIC bandwidth for 36 MHz (50 MHz) at the center frequency of 2.50 GHz. The proposed antenna is a good candidate for in‐band full duplex communication system because of its simple design.
In vitro culture of secondary follicles and prematuration of cumulus–oocyte complexes from antral follicles increase the levels of maturation‐related transcripts in bovine oocytes
Authors: Bezerra Francisco Taiã G. , Lima Francisco Edilcarlos O. , Paulino Laís Rayani F. M. , Silva Bianca R. , Silva Anderson W. B. , Souza Ana Liza P. , van den Hurk Robert , Silva José Roberto V. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis study evaluates the levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for eIF4E, PARN, H1FOO, cMOS, GDF9, and CCNB1 in oocytes from secondary and antral follicles at different stages of development. The effects of in vitro culture, in vitro prematuration, and in vitro maturation on the expression of these genes on oocytes were also analyzed. The results showed that mRNA levels for H1FOO, GDF9, and PARN were higher in oocytes from small, medium, and large antral follicles, respectively, than those seen in secondary follicles. Oocytes from small, medium, and large antral follicles had higher levels of CCNB1 than oocytes from secondary follicles. Oocytes from cultured secondary follicles had higher levels of GDF9, CMOS, PARN, eIF4E, CCNB1, and H1FOO than before culture. Prematured oocytes from small antral follicles had higher levels of mRNA for GDF9, PARN, and eIF4E than before culture. In addition, higher levels of cMOS and H1FOO were identified in prematured oocytes from medium antral follicles. In conclusion, follicular growth is associated with an increase in the expression of H1FOO, GDF9, CCNB1, and PARN. The culture of secondary follicles, prematuration, and maturation of oocytes from antral follicles increase the expression of eIF4E, PARN, H1FOO, cMOS, GDF9, and CCNB1.
Novel Conjugated Side Chain Fluorinated Polymers Based on Fluorene for Light‐Emitting and Ternary Flash Memory Devices
Authors: Zhang Qian , Ma Dongge , Wen Dianzhong , Wang Cheng , Bai Xuduo , Wang Shuhong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThree novel conjugated polymers based on 9,9′‐dioctylfluorene unit and isoindolo[2,1‐a]benzimidazol‐11‐one with different fluorine substituents (0, 2 and 4) were synthesized. PLED and resistive memory devices based on these polymers were prepared consequently. PLED based on four‐fluorinated polymer showed the highest maximum brightness of 3192 cd m−2 with almost 5‐fold increase of current efficiency 8‐fold increase of external quantum efficiency compared to that of the other two, and all the PLEDs exhibited good emission stability with no noticeable change of electroluminescence even under high voltage of 10 V. The memory device of doubly‐fluorinated polymer exhibited ternary flash behavior with threshold voltages below −2.5 V, while device of four‐fluorinated polymer possessed ON/OFF current ratio above 104. Impact of fluorine substitutions on the performance of devices were briefly investigated. The results revealed that the improvement of device performance might not scale with the increasing number of fluorine substitutions, and the four‐fluorine‐substituted polymer and doubly‐fluorinated polymer could be encouraging materials for applications of PLED and resistive memory device and worth of further design of other new polymer systems.
Influence of Calcination Conditions on Structural and Solid‐State Kinetic Properties of Iron Oxidic Species Supported on SBA‐15
Authors: Genz Nina Sharmen , Ressler Thorsten 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIron oxidic species supported on silica SBA‐15 were synthesized with various iron loadings using two different FeIII precursors. The effect of varying powder layer thickness during calcination on structural and solid‐state kinetic properties of FexOy/SBA‐15 samples was investigated. Calcination was conducted in thin (0.3 cm) or thick (1.3 cm) powder layer. Structural characterization of resulting FexOy/SBA‐15 samples was performed by nitrogen physisorption, X‐ray diffraction, and DR‐UV/Vis spectroscopy. Thick powder layer during calcination induced an increased species size independent of the precursor. However, a significantly more pronounced influence of calcination mode on species size was observed for the FeIII nitrate precursor compared to the FeIII citrate precursor. Temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) experiments revealed distinct differences in reducibility and reduction mechanism dependent on calcination mode. Thick layer calcination of the samples obtained from FeIII nitrate precursor resulted in more pronounced changes in TPR profiles compared to samples obtained from FeIII citrate precursor. TPR traces were analyzed by model‐dependent Coats‐Redfern method and model‐independent Kissinger method. Differences in solid‐state kinetic properties of FexOy/SBA‐15 samples dependent on powder layer thickness during calcination correlated with differences in iron oxidic species size.
Characterization of a microwave plasma jet (TIAGO) in‐contact with water: Application in degradation of methylene blue dye
Authors: Hamdan Ahmad , Gagnon Clara , Aykul Melisa , Profili Jacopo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPlasma in or in‐contact with liquids is a research field that has great potential in the treatment of wastewater. Today, efforts are focused on finding a plasma source that can efficiently remove persistent pollutants from water. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of a microwave plasma jet, in TIAGO (Torche à Injection Axiale sur Guide d'Ondes) configuration, using methylene blue (MB) as a model organic contaminant. The assessments conducted herein show that MB degradation is promoted at short nozzle–water distance, high gas flow rate, elevated microwave power, and excessive initial water conductivity (up to 10,000 µS/cm). The plasma characteristics, namely composition, electron density, and OH rotational temperature, as well as water acidity and conductivity are also evaluated.
Peppy: A virtual reality environment for exploring the principles of polypeptide structure
Authors: Doak David G. , Denyer Gareth S. , Gerrard Juliet A. , Mackay Joel P. , Allison Jane R. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTA key learning outcome for undergraduate biochemistry classes is a thorough understanding of the principles of protein structure. Traditional approaches to teaching this material, which include two‐dimensional (2D) images on paper, physical molecular modeling kits, and projections of 3D structures into 2D, are unable to fully capture the dynamic 3D nature of proteins. We have built a virtual reality application, Peppy, aimed at facilitating teaching of the principles of protein secondary structure. Rather than attempt to model molecules with the same fidelity to the underlying physical chemistry as existing, research‐oriented molecular modelling approaches, we took the more straightforward approach of harnessing the Unity video game physics engine. Indeed, the simplicity and limitations of our model are strengths in a teaching context, provoking questions and thus deeper understanding. Peppy allows exploration of the relative effects of hydrogen bonding (and electrostatic interactions more generally), backbone φ/ψ angles, basic chemical structure, and steric effects on a polypeptide structure in an accessible format that is novel, dynamic, and fun to use. Apart from describing the implementation and use of Peppy, we discuss the outcomes of deploying Peppy in undergraduate biochemistry courses.
Induced pluripotent stem cells reprogrammed from primary dendritic cells provide an abundant source of immunostimulatory dendritic cells for use in immunotherapy
Authors: Horton Christopher , Davies Timothy J. , Lahiri Priyoshi , Sachamitr Patty , Fairchild Paul J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCell types differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are frequently arrested in their development program, more closely resembling a fetal rather than an adult phenotype, potentially limiting their utility for downstream clinical applications. The fetal phenotype of iPSC-derived dendritic cells (ipDCs) is evidenced by their low expression of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules, impaired secretion of IL-12, and poor responsiveness to conventional maturation stimuli, undermining their use for applications such as immune-oncology. Given that iPSCs display an epigenetic memory of the cell type from which they were originally derived, we investigated the feasibility of reprogramming adult DCs to pluripotency to determine the impact on the phenotype and function of ipDCs differentiated from them. Using murine bone marrow-derived DCs (bmDCs) as proof of principle, we show here that immature DCs are tractable candidates for reprogramming using non-integrating Sendai virus for the delivery of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc transcription factors. Reprogramming efficiency of DCs was lower than mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and highly dependent on their maturation status. Although control iPSCs derived from conventional MEFs yielded DCs that displayed a predictable fetal phenotype and impaired immunostimulatory capacity in vitro and in vivo, DCs differentiated from DC-derived iPSCs exhibited a surface phenotype, immunostimulatory capacity, and responsiveness to maturation stimuli indistinguishable from the source DCs, a phenotype that was retained for 15 passages of the parent iPSCs. Our results suggest that the epigenetic memory of iPSCs may be productively exploited for the generation of potently immunogenic DCs for immunotherapeutic applications.
Advances and challenges in modeling solvated reaction mechanisms for renewable fuels and chemicals
Authors: Basdogan Yasemin , Maldonado Alex M. , Keith John A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe provide a critical overview of progress and challenges in computationally modeling multistep reaction mechanisms relevant for catalysis and electrocatalysis. We first discuss how the chemical and materials space of energetically efficient catalysis can be explored with computational chemistry. Since reactions for renewable energy catalysis can involve acid–base chemistry and/or ions under aqueous conditions, we then summarize how solvation can be modeled with quantum chemistry schemes using implicit, mixed implicit/explicit, and fully explicit solvation modeling. We will discuss the insights (and limitations) of these solvation models primarily through the scope of understanding CO2 reduction reaction mechanisms, but these will also be applicable for future work elucidating other reaction mechanisms of critical importance for human sustainability such as H2O oxidation and N2 reduction.This article is categorized under:
Structure and Mechanism > Reaction Mechanisms and Catalysis
The addition of soil and chitin into Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) diets affect digestibility, faecal scoring, mean retention time and body weight
Authors: Cabana Francis , Tay Claudia 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPangolins (Manis spp.) are myrmecophagous mammals with a wild diet of termites and ants. Diets are not yet readily acceptable by all pangolins and lack soil and chitin compared to their wild diet. This study aimed to assess the usefulness of including soil and chitin in pangolin diets by measuring changes in digestibility, food mean retention time, faecal scoring and body weight changes. Two male and two female Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) from Night Safari (Singapore) were fed their typical gruel‐type diets, with soil and chitin added in various amounts throughout 10 different treatments. Diet intake was calculated daily and faecal boluses were collected for digestibility analysis. Chromium oxide was added to the diet to measure mean retention time four times per animal per treatment. Faecal consistency scores were recorded daily where 1 is firm and 5 is liquid. Every animal was weighed weekly. Adding soil or chitin to the diet had various effects on the apparent digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and fiber with little effects on crude fat or calcium. Soil had a general positive influence on organic matter and fiber digestion. The addition of chitin and soil together had the stronger effects. Only at 25% inclusion of soil did the faecal score begin to improve. The overall maintenance energy requirements for adult M. javanica was 79.28 Kcal/kg BW0.75/day, similar to other myrmecophagous mammals. The usage of soil and chitin in pangolin diets may be helpful in controlling weights while preventing behaviours associated with hunger.