bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knockdown of sal‐like 4 expression by small interfering RNA induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells
Authors: Hesari Amireza , Anoshiravani Ali Arash , Talebi Samaneh , Noruzi Somayye , Mohammadi Rezvan , Salarinia Reza , Zare Reza , Ghasemi Faezeh 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBreast cancer is the most prevalent cancers worldwide and causes a significant amount of deaths annually. Spalt‐like transcription factor 4 is known as a transcription factor, which has an important role in the proliferation of cancerous cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a short‐chain molecule of 20 to 25 nucleotides that protrude on two sides of the 3′, two nucleotides. In this study, using a specific sequence of siRNA against the sequence of this gene, its activity is investigated in the cell line of breast cancer. The breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) were cultured and then, using a specific anti‐sal–like 4 (SALL4) siRNA, their toxic doses were determined. Then, the gene is transfected into the cell. Proliferation and expression of the SALL4 and BCL‐2 gene were measured using the real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. The specific concentration of siRNA IC50 of the SALL4 gene was 40.35 nmole. Gene expression results indicated that the expression of the Bcl‐2 gene in the siRNA group was significantly reduced (
P < 0.05). SiRNA can increase the apoptosis of breast cancer cells by reducing the gene expression of SALL4 gene and Bcl‐2; it can be used as a novel targeted therapy. This strategy, in addition to increasing the specificity of the drug, also reduces the side effects when compared with conventional chemotherapy.
Quantitative proteomics using SILAC‐MS identifies N‐acetylcysteine‐solution‐triggered reversal response of renal cell carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Zhao Cuihong , Chen Jianhua , Ling Yong , Wang Shenghai 
Published: December 2018

AbstractN‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor for glutathione (GSH), causes permeable antioxidation protecting normal cells and disrupting cancer cells. In the present study, we found that a NAC‐based medium can trigger a reversal response of human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). To further investigate the action of a NAC‐based solution in ccRCC cell lines, 786‐O and SN12C were incubated in a serum‐free acid medium (low pH) in the presence of 2 mM NAC for 24 hours or in a serum‐free medium (normal pH) as the control, and then a phenotypic and proteomic analyses were performed. To determine the reversal occurrence, we tested the phenotypic features associated with cancer cells. Under this premise, a systematic and in‐depth analysis of NAC‐solution‐triggered protein alterations was carried out by quantitative proteomics in both cell lines. Among the paramount protein signature, we identified a large number of proteins associated with cancer features were downregulated, but other proteins in the KEGG pathways associated with recovery of the missing tumorigenicity, such as the p53 pathway and repair pathway, were significantly upregulated. Quantification of notable proteins was validated by messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in the ccRCC cell line. Collectively, our data indicate that the NAC‐based solution inhibits human ccRCC cell growth by decreasing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, limiting their migration by limiting cell motility and completely changing their metabolic mode. Thus, NAC‐based solutions could be used for the prevention or treatment of ccRCC.
Extracts of Coleus forskohlii relieves cough and asthma symptoms via modulating inflammation and the extracellular matrix
Authors: Ma Chaozhi , Zou Liyuan , Xia Yu , Tu Yijun , Xue Daquan , Yang Yanfang , Liu Dan , Liu Yanwen , Wu Hezhen , Dan Hanxiong , You Pengtao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAsthma is characterized by airway inflammatory infiltration, which leads to airway remodeling and airway hyperreactivity. Coleus forskohlii (CFK) has been used to treat asthma, however, the mechanism involved is not clear. To explore the antiasthma mechanism of extracts of Coleus forskohlii (ECFK), guinea pigs were administered with a spray of phosphoric acid histamine, and rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) were used to evaluate pathological changes in lung tissue. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine cytokine levels in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to assess the expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), phosphorylation of p65 (p‐p65), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP‐9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1). After ECFK treatment, the asthma incubation period of guinea pigs was significantly prolonged. The H&E results showed that the number of eosinophils in the 12.8 g/kg ECFK group was significantly lower when compared with the control group. Moreover, ELISA results demonstrated that interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐17 in serum and BALF were significantly decreased, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐10 were increased after ECFK treatment. In addition, ECFK treatment resulted in downregulation of ICAM‐1, p‐p65, MMP‐9, and TIMP‐1 in lung tissue after being sensitized by OVA. In conclusion, our findings indicated that ECFK significantly alleviated OVA‐induced inflammatory infiltration and airway remodeling in asthma. This study laid a theoretical foundation for the clinical use of ECFK.
Casticin inhibits growth and enhances ionizing radiation–induced apoptosis through the suppression of STAT3 signaling cascade
Authors: Lee Jong Hyun , Kim Chulwon , Ko Jeong‐Hyeon , Jung Young Yun , Jung Sang Hoon , Kim Eunok , Kong Moonkyoo , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alahmadi Tahani Awad , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCasticin (CTC), one of the major components of Vitex rotundifolia L., has been reported to exert significant beneficial pharmacological activities and can function as an antiprolactin, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, and immunomodulatory agent. This study aimed at investigating whether the proapoptotic effects of CTC may be mediated through the abrogation of signal transducers and activators of transcription‐3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in a variety of human tumor cells. We found that CTC significantly decreased cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner and suppressed cell proliferation in 786‐O, YD‐8, and HN‐9 cells. CTC also induced programmed cell death that was found to be mediated via caspase‐3 activation and induction of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage. Interestingly, CTC repressed both constitutive and interleukin‐6‐induced STAT3 activation in 786‐O and YD‐8 cells but only affected constitutive STAT3 phosphorylation in HN‐9 cells. Moreover, CTC could potentiate ionizing radiation–induced apoptotic effects leading to the downregulation of STAT3 activation and thus may be used in combination with radiation against diverse malignancies.
Comprehensive analysis of presurgical factors predicting psychiatric disorders in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and mesial temporal sclerosis underwent cortico‐amygdalohippocampectomy
Authors: Yang Wei , Chen Chongyi , Wu Bo , Yang Qiaoyu , Tong Dongdong 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of presurgical factors for psychiatric disorders (PD) in refractory temporal lobe epilepsy and mesial temporal sclerosis (TLE‐MTS) patients underwent cortico‐amygdalohippocampectomy (CAH).MethodsA total of 98 refractory TLE‐MTS patients underwent CAH were consecutively enrolled in this cohort study. Several presurgical factors were recorded, such as married status, employment status, highest education, disease duration, family history of epilepsy, and disorganized VEEG background activity.ResultsThere were 17 (17.3%) refractory TLE‐MTS patients occurring PD after CAH, including 8 (8.2%) mood disorders, 7 (7.1%) anxiety disorders, 8 (8.2%) psychoses, and 1 (1.0%) interictal dysphoric disorder. Employed status correlated with low PD occurrence, while disease duration and asymmetric VEEG background activity positively correlated with PD occurrence. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed employed status (P = 0.009) could independently predict lower PD occurrence, while highest education (P = 0.027), disease duration (P = 0.028), seizure frequencies (P = 0.015), and asymmetric VEEG background activity (P = 0.034) could independently predict higher PD occurrence. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed combination of these five factors (area under curve (AUC) = 0.871, 95%CI: 0.783‐0.960) disclosed a great predictive value of PD occurrence. The sensitivity and specificity were 70.6% and 92.6% at the best cutoff point. In addition, the percentage of PD was increased with higher Engel classification (P = 0.003).ConclusionEmployed status, highest education, disease duration, seizure frequencies, and asymmetric VEEG background activity correlate with PD occurrence independently in epileptic patients.
Nanoparticle‐biomolecular corona: A new approach for the early detection of non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Di Domenico Marina , Pozzi Daniela , Palchetti Sara , Digiacomo Luca , Iorio Rosamaria , Astarita Carlo , Fiorelli Alfonso , Pierdiluca Matteo , Santini Mario , Barbarino Marcella , Giordano Antonio , Di Carlo Angelina , Frati Luigi , Mahmoudi Morteza , Caracciolo Giulio 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLung cancer (LC) is the most common type of cancer and the second cause of death worldwide in men and women after cardiovascular diseases. Non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent type of LC occurring in 85% of cases. Developing new methods for early detection of NSCLC could substantially increase the chances of survival and, therefore, is an urgent task for current research. Nowadays, explosion in nanotechnology offers unprecedented opportunities for therapeutics and diagnosis applications. In this context, exploiting the bio‐nano‐interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and biological fluids is an emerging field of research. Upon contact with biofluids, NPs are covered by a biomolecular coating referred to as “biomolecular corona” (BC). In this study, we exploited BC for discriminating between NSCLC patients and healthy volunteers. Blood samples from 10 NSCLC patients and 5 subjects without malignancy were allowed to interact with negatively charged lipid NPs, leading to the formation of a BC at the NP surface. After isolation, BCs were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). We found that the BCs of NSCLC patients was significantly different from that of healthy individuals. Statistical analysis of SDS‐PAGE results allowed discriminating between NSCLC cancer patients and healthy subjects with 80% specificity, 80% sensitivity and a total discriminate correctness rate of 80%. While the results of the present investigation cannot be conclusive due to the small size of the data set, we have shown that exploitation of the BC is a promising approach for the early diagnosis of NSCLC.
Working Memory Load and Automaticity in Relation to Problem Solving in College Engineering Students
Authors: Wang Qian , Ding Yi , Yu Qiong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe overarching goal of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism of solving statics or structural analysis problems by utilizing cognitive load theory to examine task characteristics (i.e., the characteristics of instructional materials) with a focus on working memory load (WML) and automaticity.Purpose/HypothesisAccording to cognitive load theory, humans have limited working memory but relatively unlimited long‐term memory. Thus, we hypothesized that testing conditions with a high level of automaticity would yield better execution outcomes than those with a low level of automaticity (Hypothesis 1). We hypothesized that testing conditions with low demand on WML would be superior to those with a high demand on WML on the measures of execution outcomes (i.e., accuracy and response time; Hypothesis 2). We expected to observe the interaction between automaticity and WML by alternating the difficulty levels of the task characteristics and involving working memory through the primary task (Hypothesis 3).Design/MethodWe utilized a 2 (two levels of WML: four steps versus five steps) × 2 (two levels of automaticity: automatized schemas enforced or not enforced) design. The participants were 31 college engineering students enrolled in a fundamental structural analysis course at a university in the northeastern United States.ResultsFindings indicate that automaticity can explain a large percentage of the variance in participants’ scores and response times; that is, despite the levels of WML, participants scored higher and performed faster under high automaticity conditions than under low automaticity conditions. WML explained a large between‐subject variance in response time, but it accounted for a nonsignificant percentage of the score variance. The interaction effect between automaticity and WML on response time was statistically significant, but the interaction effect on score was not significant.ConclusionOur findings are aligned with cognitive load theory and the idea that humans have limited WML. In addition, our results underscore the importance of automaticity in problem solving, especially when the task demands high WML. It appears that automaticity helps engineering learners bypass the limits of human working memory. The implications of our findings for engineering educators are also discussed.
Assessment of rainfall bias correction techniques for improved hydrological simulation
Authors: Ghimire Uttam , Srinivasan Govindarajalu , Agarwal Anshul 
Published: December 2018

Eight rainfall bias correction techniques were compared over the Chindwin River basin in Myanmar to improve hydrological simulation at multiple timescales using two approaches, viz. monthly and annual. The techniques included linear scaling, parametric quantile mapping using linear, scale, power and exponential assymptotic transfer functions and nonparametric quantile mapping using empirical, robust regression and smoothing splines interpolation methods. Three global climate models (GCMs), wet, near‐normal and dry in nature to estimate mean rainfall at the country and the basin scales were selected from a set of 13 GCMs. The rainfall bias correction factors for each GCM were generated from the control period 1981–1999 and verified over 2000–2005.Application of bias correction techniques resulted in reduction of biases and improved the flow simulations. These techniques showed better performance statistics in simulating daily, monthly and seasonal flows under the monthly approach, where correction factors were generated and applied separately for different months. The inconsistencies in magnitude and seasonality of flows were addressed under the monthly approach while only the biases related to magnitude were corrected under the annual approach. Linear scaling followed by parametric (linear and power transformation) and nonparametric empirical quantile mapping methods yielded a very good hydrological performance at all temporal scales when applied under the monthly approach. Parametric quantile mapping with scaling function yielded least efficiency under the annual approach for all temporal scales. These results are expected to be valid for other river basins in the region showing similar strong rainfall seasonality.
Quantitative analysis of stibnite content in raw ore by Raman spectroscopy and chemometric tools
Authors: Cai Yaoyi , Yang Chunhua , Xu Degang , Gui Weihua 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a non‐destructive and fast methodology to quantify the stibnite content in raw ore samples using Raman spectroscopy. A total of 120 raw ore reference samples were obtained from a froth flotation process, and multipoint collection and averaging were used to obtain Raman spectra from the raw ore samples. Our aim was to create the best multivariate calibration model for the quantitative analysis of stibnite contents in the raw ore samples. Several strategies were evaluated to generate a robust model; these strategies included preprocessing methods (de‐nosing, baseline correction, and vector normalization), selecting the key wavenumbers for the quantitative analysis of stibnite, and building a multivariate calibration model. Synergy interval partial least squares (PLS), backward interval PLS, stability competitive adaptive reweighted sampling, and PLS with a genetic algorithm (GA) were investigated to build the linear multivariable models, whereas artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR) preceded by GAs (GA‐ANN and GA‐SVR) were implemented to build the non‐linear multivariable models. Experimental results showed that the best multivariable calibration model for stibnite was obtained by a combination of an ANN and GA (GA‐ANN). In contrast to the PLS model based on the full spectrum, the root mean square error of calibration and root mean square error of prediction of the GA‐ANN method for the calibration and validation sets were reduced to 0.2038 from 0.3552 and to 0.2196 from 0.3927, respectively, and the squares of the correlation coefficients of the calibration and validation sets were increased to 0.9369 from 0.8053 and 0.9219 from 0.7561, respectively. The above results indicate that the multivariable calibration model for stibnite is stable. Furthermore, this method could be used in the froth flotation process to precisely determine the stibnite content in raw ore samples.
Lack of Sphenoid Pneumatization Does Not Affect Endoscopic Endonasal Pediatric Skull Base Surgery Outcomes
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Kaufman Adam C. , Lerner David , Kohanski Michael A. , Tong Charles C. L. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Parasher Arjun K. , Lee John Y. K. , Storm Phillip B. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. 
Published: December 2018

Objectives/HypothesisCurrently, due to the rarity of pathology, there are limited data surrounding outcomes of pediatric skull base surgery. Traditionally, surgeons have proceeded with caution when electing endonasal endoscopic transsellar/transplanum approaches to the skull base in pediatric patients due to poor sphenoid pneumatization. In this study, we review outcomes of endoscopic pediatric skull base surgery based on sphenoid pneumatization patterns.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA review of all cases of pediatric (age < 18 years) craniopharyngioma managed via an endoscopic endonasal approach at a tertiary academic medical center.ResultsA total of 27 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 8 years. Nineteen (70%) patients were male. Presellar, sellar/postsellar, and conchal sphenoid pneumatizations were found in 6, 11, and 10 patients, respectively. There was no significant association between sphenoid pneumatization pattern and extent of resection (gross vs. subtotal, P = .414), postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (P = .450), intraoperative estimated blood loss (P = .098), total operative time (P = .540), and length of stay (P = .336). On multivariate analysis, after accounting for age, sex, preoperative cranial nerve involvement, and cavernous sinus invasion, there remained no significant association between sphenoid pneumatization pattern and extent of resection (P = .999) and postoperative CSF leak (P = .959).ConclusionsSphenoid pneumatization pattern does not appear to affect outcomes in endoscopic skull base surgery in the pediatric population. Importantly, lack of sphenoid pneumatization does not impede gross total resection or increase complications. Thorough knowledge of the anatomy during the endoscopic approach is critical to optimize outcomes.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:832–836, 2019
Error propagation during inverse modeling leads to spurious correlations and misinterpretation of lake metabolism
Authors: Honti Mark , Istvánovics Vera 
Published: December 2018

AbstractInverse modeling is a common practice to decompose observed processes into constituents that are unobservable or difficult to measure. To achieve this goal, a mechanistic model is calibrated to fit the observations and thereby the model produces a coherent set of constituent estimates. A disadvantage of this procedure is that any disagreement between the model assumptions and reality potentially introduces bias and other statistical artifacts into the constituents and their relations. Lake metabolism is recently most often followed by high‐frequency measurements of dissolved oxygen, and inverse modeling with simple conceptual models is used to couple oxygen dynamics to ecosystem‐wide aggregated metabolic rates, such as net ecosystem production (NEP). These models rely on estimates of gas exchange and community respiration. Using a model of a simple ecosystem and field data, we demonstrate that typical relations between modeled metabolic rates frequently do not follow patterns expected from synthetic ecosystems and that estimation errors strongly influence calculations by producing strong, spurious correlations. Correlation artifacts can be expected during inverse modeling, whenever observed time series are decomposed into poorly known or unmeasured processes that can compensate for the effect of each other.
One‐step 3D‐printing process for microwave patch antenna via conductive and dielectric filaments
Authors: Hasni Umar , Green Ryan , Filippas Afroditi V. , Topsakal Erdem 
Published: December 2018

Abstract3D printing is becoming increasingly popular due to its convenience, ease of use, and low cost. Companies such as Ford, General Electric Aviation, and many others are using 3D printing for rapid prototyping before investing time and money in volume manufacturing. However, development in 3D‐printed microwave antennas has remained limited. In this study, a parametric analysis of solely (one step process) 3D‐printed 5.8 GHz patch antennas using commercially available conductive and dielectric materials is presented. Effects of tool path and layer resolution on the substrate material's complex permittivity and radiative material's conductivity are explored. These antennas will utilize commercially available conductive PLA filament (Black Magic) based on graphene as the material for the radiating elements and ground plane. Dielectric PLA will be used in place of the substrate.
Parasitic circular patch antenna with continuously tunable linear polarization using liquid metal alloy
Authors: Xu Chang , Wang Yi , Wu Jianhua , Wang Zhengpeng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article presents a center‐feed parasitic circular patch antenna with continuously tuning linear polarization performance. Eutectic gallium‐indium liquid metal alloy is employed to tune the angle of linear polarization continuously. The antenna is feed at the center of a circular patch with a ring slot. The rotational symmetry of the antenna helps maintain the impedance and radiation pattern at different polarization angles. The liquid metal is contained in a 1 × 1 mm channel etched in a polymethyl methacrylate cylinder. The polarization angle is tuned by controlling the location of a short bar of EGaln. The center resonant frequency of the demonstrated antenna is 5.19 GHz with a −10 dB impedance bandwidth of 0.24 GHz.