bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retracted: 9za plays cytotoxic and proapoptotic roles and induces cytoprotective autophagy through the PDK1/Akt/mTOR axis in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Rangru , Chen Zhuo , Yi Xinan , Huang Fengying , Hu Gaoyun , Liu Danqi , Li Xi , Zhou Honghao , Liu Zhaoqian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNon‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive subtype of pulmonary carcinomas with high mortality. However, chemotherapy drug resistance and high recurrence rates hinder the curative effect of platinum‐based first‐line chemotherapy, which makes it urgent to develop new antitumor drugs for NSCLC. 9za, a new candidate drug synthesized by our research group, has been verified with potent antilung cancer activity in preliminary experiments. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of 9za remains largely vague. This work revealed that 9za could play important cytotoxic and proapoptotic roles in NSCLC cells. Moreover, 9za could induce autophagy and promote autophagy flux. Interestingly, the cytotoxic and proapoptotic roles were significantly dependent on 9za‐induced cytoprotective autophagy. That is, the coadministration of 9za with an autophagy inhibitor such as chloroquine or 3‐methyladenine exhibited increased cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects compared with 9za treatment alone. In addition, 9za exposure suppressed the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian targets of rapamycin (mTOR), p70 S6 kinase, and 4E binding protein 1 by a dose‐dependent way, manifesting that the Akt/mTOR axis was implicated in 9za‐induced autophagy. In addition, the overexpression of PDK1 resulted in increased phosphorylation of PDK1 and Akt and blocking of 9za‐mediated autophagy. These data showed that the PDK1/Akt/mTOR pathway was involved in 9za‐induced autophagy. Hence, this work provides a theoretical basis for exploiting 9za as a new antilung cancer candidate drug and hints that the combination of 9za with an autophagy inhibitor is a feasible alternative approach for the therapy of NSCLC.
N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 controls astrocyte morphology via Rho‐GTPase signaling
Authors: Zhang Zengli , Ma Zhi , Zou Wangyuan , Zhang Lixia , Li Yan , Zhang Jian , Liu Min , Hou Wugang , Ma Yulong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAstrocyte undergoes morphology changes that are closely associated with the signaling communications at synapses. N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is specifically expressed in astrocytes and is associated with several important astrocyte functions, but its potential role(s) relating to astrocyte morphological changes remain unknown. Here, primary astrocytes were prepared from neonatal Ndrg2+/+ and Ndrg2−/− pups, and the drug Y27632 was used to induce stellation. We then used a variety of methods to measure the levels of NDRG2, α‐Actinin4, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the activity of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 in Y27632‐treated astrocytes as well as in Ndrg2+/+, Ndrg2−/−, or Ndrg2−/− + lentivirus (restore NDRG2 expression) astrocytes. We also conducted live‐imaging and proteomics studies of the cultured astrocytes. We found that induction of astrocytes stellation (characterized by cytoplasmic retraction and process outgrowth) resulted in increased NDRG2 protein expression and Rac1 activity and in reduced α‐Actinin4 protein expression and RhoA activity. Ndrg2 deletion induced astrocyte flattening, whereas the restoration of NDRG2 expression induced stellation. Ndrg2 deletion also significantly increased α‐Actinin4 protein expression and RhoA activity yet reduced GFAP protein expression and Rac1 activity, and these trends were reversed by restoration of NDRG2 expression. Collectively, our results showed that Ndrg2 deletion promoted cell proliferation, interrupted stellation capability, and extensively altered the protein expression profiles of proteins that function in Rho‐GTPase signaling. These findings suggest that NDRG2 functions to regulate astrocytes morphology via altering the accumulation of the Rho‐GTPase signaling pathway components, thereby supporting that NDRG2 should be understood as a regulator of synaptic plasticity and thus neuronal communications.
Seasonal changes in the song control nuclei of the Rufous‐bellied Thrush, Turdus rufiventris (Oscine, Passeriformes, and Turdidae)
Authors: Lorena Jamily , Olson Christopher R. , Fontana Carla S. , Mello Claudio V. , Schneider Maria Paula C. , Schneider Patricia N. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn vocal learning birds, memorization and song production rely on a set of telencephalic nuclei referred to as the song control system. Seasonal changes in song production are correlated with changes in the volume of the song control nuclei and are influenced by photoperiodic conditions and hormonal cues. The seasonal volume changes in the avian brain that controls singing are thought to involve regulation of neuronal replacement, which is a striking example of neuronal plasticity. The Rufous‐bellied Thrush (Turdus rufiventris) is a seasonally breeding bird that actively sings during the spring and summer (breeding season) and is relatively silent in the fall, yet possible mechanisms behind the periodic changes in song production remain unknown. Here, we have examined two song control nuclei: High vocal center (HVC) and robust nucleus of arcopallium (RA) in fall males, spring males, and fall females of Rufous‐bellied Thrush. The cytoarchitectonic organization was analyzed and quantified from Nissl‐stained sections, and gene expression of song nuclei markers was examined by in situ hybridization during breeding and nonbreeding seasons. We observed a reduction in HVC volume and reductions in parvalbumin, and RGS4 expression in HVC and RA in males during the nonbreeding season. These findings provide evidence of seasonal changes in the song system of a representative tropical‐breeding Turdidae species that does not maintain territories or mate bonding, setting the histological and molecular groundwork for future studies aimed at better understanding of song nuclei changes in seasonally breeding songbirds.
On quasi‐infinitely divisible distributions with a point mass
Authors: Berger David 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAn infinitely divisible distribution on is a probability measure μ such that the characteristic function has a Lévy–Khintchine representation with characteristic triplet , where ν is a Lévy measure, and . A natural extension of such distributions are quasi‐infinitely distributions. Instead of a Lévy measure, we assume that ν is a “signed Lévy measure”, for further information on the definition see [10]. We show that a distribution with and , where is the absolutely continuous part, is quasi‐infinitely divisible if and only if for every . We apply this to show that certain variance mixtures of mean zero normal distributions are quasi‐infinitely divisible distributions, and we give an example of a quasi‐infinitely divisible distribution that is not continuous but has infinite quasi‐Lévy measure. Furthermore, it is shown that replacing the signed Lévy measure by a seemingly more general complex Lévy measure does not lead to new distributions. Last but not least it is proven that the class of quasi‐infinitely divisible distributions is not open, but path‐connected in the space of probability measures with the Prokhorov metric.
Impact of noise reduction schemes on quantitative accuracy of CT numbers
Authors: Cruz‐Bastida Juan P. , Zhang Ran , Gomez‐Cardona Daniel , Hayes John , Li Ke , Chen Guang‐Hong 
Published: April 2019

PurposeIn previous works, it has been demonstrated that for filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction‐based computed tomography (CT) images, the measured CT numbers are biased and the bias level decreases with increasing radiation dose. Low‐dose scans typically include noise reduction schemes to reduce noise level. The purpose of this work was to investigate the potential impact of different noise reduction schemes on the CT number bias.MethodsThree different filtration methods: Gaussian, adaptive trimmed mean (ATM), and anisotropic diffusion (AD) were implemented to reduce noise. All filters were independently applied in three different domains: raw counts, log‐processed sinogram, or reconstructed image domain. A quality assurance phantom was scanned on a benchtop CT cone beam CT system, at dose levels ranging from 0.6 to 4.0 mGy. The conventional FBP reconstructions were performed to reconstruct CT images for the study of CT number biases. The CT number bias of different material inserts in the phantom was then measured. To further study the overall impact of CT number bias together with the potential consequences of noise reduction schemes on both the spatial resolution and noise characteristics, the task‐based detectability of a high‐contrast and high spatial resolution imaging task was used as an example to assess the performance of each noise reduction scheme. To qualitatively assess the impact of these noise reduction schemes on image, an anthropomorphic head phantom was also scanned on the benchtop CT system and processed with the above noise reduction schemes to generate images for demonstration.ResultsOur results demonstrated the following major findings: (a) CT number bias can be significantly reduced when the noise reduction schemes are implemented in the raw counts domain; CT number bias cannot be reduced when these noise reduction schemes are implemented either in the reconstructed image domain or in the log‐processed sinogram domain. (b) The extent of CT number bias reduction is dependent on both the material composition and noise reduction parameters. (c) The overall impact of the noise reduction schemes can be studied using the task‐based detectability analysis framework and this framework can be used to select the appropriate parameters in each noise reduction scheme to optimize the performance for a given imaging task.ConclusionsNoise reduction schemes can be used to considerably reduce CT number bias when they are implemented in the raw counts domain; however, their application cannot be arbitrarily extended to either the log‐processed sinogram data domain or image domain. Trade‐offs between bias reduction and overall image quality must be studied for an optimal performance of a given imaging task.
Motor function performance in individuals with RYR1‐related myopathies
Authors: Witherspoon Jessica W. , Vuillerot Carole , Vasavada Ruhi P. , Waite Melissa R. , Shelton Monique , Chrismer Irene C. , Jain Minal S. , Meilleur Katherine G. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe objective of this study was to obtain a 6‐month natural history of motor function performance in individuals with RYR1‐ related myopathy (RYR1‐RM) by using the Motor Function Measure‐32 (MFM‐32) and graded functional tests (GFT) while facilitating preparation for interventional trials.MethodsIn total, 34 participants completed the MFM‐32 and GFTs at baseline and 6‐month visits.ResultsMotor deficits according to MFM‐32 were primarily observed in the standing and transfers domain (D1; mean 71%). Among the GFTs, participants required the most time to ascend/descend stairs (>7.5 s). Functional movement, determined by GFT grades, was strongly correlated with MFM‐32 (D1; r ≥ 0.770, P < 0.001). Motor Function Measure‐32 and GFT scores did not reflect any change in performance between baseline and 6‐month visits.DiscussionThe MFM‐32 and GFTs detected motor impairment in RYR1‐RM, which remained stable over 6 months. Thus, these measures may be suitable for assessing change in motor function in response to therapeutic intervention. Muscle Nerve 60: 80–87, 2019
Evaluation of Portable Water Filtration Systems to Reduce the Transport Risk of Zebra Mussels and Asian Clams during Fish Spawning and Trap-and-Transfer Operations
Authors: Schall Benjamin J 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Invasive species represent a substantial threat to aquatic systems, and aquaculture operations provide a vector for their transportation between waters. Moving large volumes of water during fish spawning or trap-and-transfer operations increases the risk of transporting invasive bivalve larvae, particularly from sources experiencing nondetection error. This study evaluated the effectiveness of two portable filter systems at reducing or eliminating zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and Asian clam Corbicula fluminea veligers from an infested water source. A small setup was assessed at intervals to 1,420 L using combinations of 20- and 5-μm filters arranged in tandem, whereas a large setup was tested at intervals to 7,041 L with combinations of 30- and 5-μm tandem filters operating at two pressure ranges. Zero veligers were observed in 36 small-setup filtered water samples. Four zebra mussel veligers and zero Asian clam veligers were observed in 60 large-setup samples. Total zebra mussel and Asian clam counts from 31 unfiltered control samples were 27,846 and 1,095, respectively. Overall, both filter systems were highly effective at removing zebra mussel and Asian clam veligers and represent simple, cost-effective safeguards against nondetection error of aquatic invasive species in waters used for aquaculture practices.
Metabolic Determinants of Weight Gain in Humans
Authors: Piaggi Paolo 
Published: April 2019

One of the fundamental challenges in obesity research is to identify subjects prone to weight gain so that obesity and its comorbidities can be promptly prevented or treated. The principles of thermodynamics as applied to human body energetics demonstrate that susceptibility to weight gain varies among individuals as a result of interindividual differences in energy expenditure and energy intake, two factors that counterbalance one another and determine daily energy balance and, ultimately, body weight change. This review focuses on the variability among individuals in human metabolism that determines weight change. Conflicting results have been reported about the role of interindividual differences in energy metabolism during energy balance in relation to future weight change. However, recent studies have shown that metabolic responses to acute, short‐term dietary interventions that create energy imbalance, such as low‐protein overfeeding or fasting for 24 hours, may reveal the underlying metabolic phenotype that determines the degree of resistance to diet‐induced weight loss or the propensity to spontaneous weight gain over time. Metabolically “thrifty” individuals, characterized by a predilection for saving energy in settings of undernutrition and dietary protein restriction, display a minimal increase in plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 concentrations in response to a low‐protein overfeeding diet and tend to gain more weight over time compared with metabolically “spendthrift” individuals. Similarly, interindividual variability in the causal relationship between energy expenditure and energy intake (“energy sensing”) and in the metabolic response to cold exposure (e.g., brown adipose tissue activation) seems, to some extent, to be indicative of individual propensity to weight gain. Thus, an increased understanding and the clinical characterization of phenotypic differences in energy metabolism among individuals (metabolic profile) may lead to new strategies to prevent weight gain or improve weight‐loss interventions by targeted therapies on the basis of metabolic phenotype and susceptibility to obesity in individual persons.
Physiological Predictors of Weight Regain at 1‐Year Follow‐Up in Weight‐Reduced Adults with Obesity
Authors: Nymo Siren , Coutinho Silvia R. , Rehfeld Jens F. , Truby Helen , Kulseng Bård , Martins Catia 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess whether changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR), exercise‐induced energy expenditure (EIEE), and appetite following weight loss (WL) are associated with weight regain at 1 year.MethodsThirty‐six adults with obesity underwent 8 weeks of a very‐low‐energy diet, followed by 4 weeks of refeeding and a 1‐year maintenance program. RMR, EIEE, appetite ratings, and active ghrelin, peptide YY, glucagon‐like peptide‐1, cholecystokinin, and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline, week 13, and 1 year.ResultsA 17% WL (−20 ± 5 kg [mean ± SD]; range: −11.7 to −32.2 kg; P < 0.001) was achieved at week 13. After 1 year, weight regain was 2.5 ± 9.0 kg (not significant), ranging from −18.2 to 22.5 kg. Both fat mass and fat‐free mass were reduced at week 13 (−17.9 ± 4.8 and −2.9 ± 2.7 kg, respectively; P < 0.001), while only loss of fat mass was sustained at 1 year. WL was associated with reduced RMR, EIEE, and fasting/postprandial insulin (all P < 0.001), as well as increased fasting hunger (P < 0.01) and fasting/postprandial active ghrelin (P < 0.001). There were no significant correlations between changes in RMR, EIEE, or appetite with WL and weight regain at 1 year.ConclusionsNo clear evidence emerged that changes in RMR, EIEE, or appetite following WL can predict weight regain at 1 year, but larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Wheezing independently predicts viral infection in children with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Nascimento‐Carvalho Amanda C. , Ruuskanen Olli , Nascimento‐Carvalho Cristiana M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo assess whether there was a difference in the frequency of symptoms and signs among children with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) with viral or bacterial infection.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted in Salvador, Brazil. Children less than 5‐years‐old hospitalized with CAP were recruited. Viral or only bacterial infection was diagnosed by an investigation of 11 viruses and 8 bacteria. Bacterial infection was diagnosed by blood culture, detection of pneumococcal DNA in acute buffy coat, and serological tests. Viral infection was diagnosed by detection of respiratory virus in nasopharyngeal aspirate and serological tests. Viral infection comprised only viral or mixed viral‐bacterial infection subgroups.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐eight patients had a probable etiology established as only viral (51.6%), mixed viral‐bacterial (30.9%), and only bacterial infection (17.5%). Asthma was registered for 21.4%. Report of wheezing (47.4% vs 21.2%; P = 0.006), rhonchi (38.0% vs 15.2%;
P = 0.01), and wheezing detected on physical examination (51.0% vs 9.1%;
P < 0.001) were the differences found. Among children with asthma, detected wheezing was the only different finding when children with viral infection were compared with those with only bacterial infection (75.0% vs 0%;
P = 0.008). By multivariable analysis, viral infection (AdjOR [95% CI]: 9.6; 95%CI: 2.7‐34.0), asthma (AdjOR [95% CI]: 4.6; 95%CI: 1.9‐11.0), and age (AdjOR [95% CI]: 0.95; 95%CI: 0.92‐0.97) were independently associated with wheezing on physical examination. The positive predictive value of detected wheezing for viral infection was 96.3% (95% CI: 90.4‐99.1%).ConclusionWheezing detected on physical examination is an independent predictor of viral infection.
Lung clearance index for early detection of pulmonary complications after allo‐HSCT in children
Authors: Uhlving Hilde H. , Skov Linnea , Buchvald Frederik , Heilmann Carsten , Grell Kathrine , Ifversen Marianne , Green Kent , Müller Klaus , Nielsen Kim G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary chronic graft‐vs‐host disease (cGvHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is characterized by impairment of the small airways. Assessment of lung clearance index (LCI) gained from multiple breath washout (MBW) is more sensitive than spirometry in detection of small airways disease. The aim of this study was to describe the development of LCI during the first year after pediatric HSCT and how LCI relates to other pulmonary function parameters and cGvHD.MethodsThis prospective, longitudinal study included 28 pediatric HSCT‐recipients. Spirometry, Sulfur hexafluoride MBW and diffusion capacity of the lungs were performed before and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after HSCT. Respiratory symptoms and signs of cGvHD were recorded at each visit.ResultsBefore HSCT, 47.8% had abnormal LCI and 12.5% had abnormal forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Patients with persisting respiratory symptoms 12 months post‐HSCT had higher median LCI (factor 5.7, P = 0.0018) and lower FEV1 z‐scores (−1.5, P = 0.033) post‐HSCT compared to patients free of respiratory symptoms. Overall, post‐HSCT LCI values were 3.49 times higher and FEV1 was 2.31 z‐scores lower in eight patients with cGvHD in any organ system compared with patients without cGvHD (P = 0.0089 and P < 0.0001). LCI values during the first 3 months were not predictive of pulmonary cGvHD.ConclusionLCI is a sensitive marker for cGvHD and high LCI values were associated with persisting respiratory symptoms after 1 year. Further evaluation of MBW in early detection of HSCT‐related pulmonary complications require larger patient cohorts and closer follow‐up during the first months after HSCT.
Ninth‐grade students' perceptions of the factors that led them to major in high school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines
Authors: Caspi Avner , Gorsky Paul , Nitzani‐Hendel Rakefet , Zacharia Zacharias , Rosenfeld Sherman , Berman Shmuel , Shildhouse Bruria 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOn completing middle‐school (ninth grade), Israeli students must choose which discipline(s) to major in upon entering high school. This study, grounded in Expectancy‐Value Theory (EVT), identified and modeled the factors that contributed to students' academic choices from their own subjective perspectives. We collected qualitative and quantitative data from ninth graders in two urban middle‐schools (n=295) at the school year's end. We found that (a) most students cited interest and utility value as their main motivations for choosing a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) major, expectancies were mentioned less; (b) students who chose a STEM major had statistically significant higher scores for EVT's key predictor variables (personal attributes, “subjective task value,” “expectation of success,” perceived effects of environmental factors) than their counterparts who majored in non‐STEM disciplines; (c) the positive perceptions of their peers' interest and ability in science contributed significantly to students' choice to major in STEM disciplines; and (d) no significant gender differences re academic choice were found. One highly unexpected finding emerged: Participation in advanced science programs for highly qualified students (“ability grouping with curriculum differentiation”) was by far the most significant factor in the choice to major in STEM disciplines. This finding has major implications for science education policy and practice.
Convenient Synthesis of Acyclic Amidines via Copper‐Catalyzed C(sp3)‐H Amidination
Authors: He Wei , Wu Yao , Xie Dianke , Chen Yun , Sheng Wenbing , Liu Yuan , Xu Guiming , Xiao Jiang , Liu Qiang , Guo Cancheng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA convenient synthetic approach for the synthesis of α‐oxo‐acetamidines via copper‐catalyzed C(sp3)‐H amidination has been developed. This approach allows the direct amidination of three C(sp3)‐H bonds without cyclization.Methyl ketones and primary and secondary amines are tolerant and afford the corresponding products in moderate to good yields. Furthermore, this protocol is also applicable to the synthesis of unsymmetrical α‐oxo‐acetamidines via one‐pot, multicomponent reactions (MCRs).