bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embedded Spheroids as Models of the Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Tevis Kristie M. , Colson Yolonda L. , Grinstaff Mark W. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo more accurately study the complex mechanisms behind cancer invasion, progression, and response to treatment, researchers require models that replicate both the multicellular nature and 3D stromal environment present in an in vivo tumor. Multicellular aggregates (i.e., spheroids) embedded in an extracellular matrix mimic are a prevalent model. Recently, quantitative metrics that fully utilize the capability of spheroids are described along with conventional experiments, such as invasion into a matrix, to provide additional details and insights into the underlying cancer biology. The article begins with a discussion of the salient features of the tumor microenvironment, introduces the early work on non‐embedded spheroids as tumor models, and then concentrates on the successes achieved with the study of embedded spheroids. Examples of studies include cell movement, drug response, tumor cellular heterogeneity, stromal effects, and cancer progression. Additionally, new methodologies and those borrowed from other research fields (e.g., vascularization and tissue engineering) are highlighted that expand the capability of spheroids to aid future users in designing their cancer‐related experiments. The convergence of spheroid research among the various fields catalyzes new applications and leads to a natural synergy. Finally, the article concludes with a reflection and future perspectives for cancer spheroid research.
Intermolecular Tandem Addition/Esterification Reaction of Alkenes with Malonates Leading to γ‐Lactones Mediated by Molecular Iodine under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Maejima Saki , Yamaguchi Eiji , Itoh Akichika 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe iodine‐mediated intermolecular C−C bond‐forming/esterification reaction of various alkenes including α‐olefins with malonates under irradiation using a compact fluorescent lamp has been developed to synthesize γ‐lactones in moderate to excellent yields. The method developed in this research shows broad substrate scope and moderate diastereoselectivity and constructs valuable polyfunctionalized γ‐lactones. Furthermore, the developed methodology was comprehensively studied by performing several control experiments, radical trapping, and radical clock experiments. These experiments showed that sequential iodination by an iodine radical is triggered for the following C−C bond‐forming reaction.γmagnified image
Synergistic effects of polymer and bentonite clay on rheology and thermal stability of foam fluid developed for hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Verma Amit , Chauhan Geetanjali , Ojha Keka 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDemand for foam fracturing fluids is ever‐increasing because of its nondamaging characteristics, less water requirement, combined with efficient proppant carrying capacity. The present study reported the synergistic effects of bentonite clay and polymer (guar) on rheology and stability of the foam prepared with surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate). Bentonite clay, which is never considered so far for improving quality of foam fracturing fluid, was found to provide improved foam rheology at reduced polymer concentration. Static and dynamic rheology with microscopic study showed the improvement of apparent viscosity, viscoelasticity, thermal stability, and morphology of foam on addition of bentonite clay. Addition of bentonite reduced the doses of polymer with similar proppant suspension capacity, which could be preferred over conventional gelled foam to reduce formation damage incurred by insoluble guar in the very low permeability unconventional reservoirs like shale gas, coal bed methane, or water‐sensitive formations. © 2017 Curtin University and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The discussion of t(1;17)(p11;q21) translocation in acute promyelocytic leukemia patient on molecular remission
Authors: Jia Yannan , Li Chengwen , Zhao Jiawei , Song Yang , Wang Juan , Mi Yingchang 
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical MessageSome chromosomal aberrations emerging in the course of treatment are probably not related to disease progression, but attribute to the germline alteration. Therefore, the dynamic genetic tests should be performed during the whole treatment process, which is significantly essential for efficacy evaluation and treatment decision‐ making.
Esterification of Palm Fatty Acid Distillate Using a Sulfonated Mesoporous CuO‐ZnO Mixed Metal Oxide Catalyst
Authors: Soltani Soroush , Rashid Umer , Nehdi Imededdine Arbi , Al-Resayes Saud Ibrahim 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA nanocrystalline mesoporous CuO‐ZnO hollow sphere was successfully fabricated by the hydrothermal method. The nanocomposite was formed in the presence of polyethylene glycol as a dispersant and D‐glucose as a template. The mesoporous CuO‐ZnO catalyst was further functionalized with benzenesulfonic acid to catalyze the esterification of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD). The physicochemical, textural, structural, and thermal properties of the mesoporous CuO‐ZnO mixed‐oxide catalysts were evaluated. The modified mesoporous catalyst possessed unique textural properties. With a Cu/Zn atomic ratio of 1.0 the best catalytic activity through PFAD esterification was achieved. The optimum reaction conditions in terms of methanol/PFAD molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time were determined.
Hierarchical ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 Nanoarchitectures for Efficient Noble‐Metal‐Free Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light
Authors: Zeng Deqian , Xiao Lang , Ong Wee‐Jun , Wu Pengyuan , Zheng Hongfei , Chen Yuanzhi , Peng Dong‐Liang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA highly efficient visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst is urgently necessary for photocatalytic hydrogen generation through water splitting. Herein, ZnIn2S4 hierarchical architectures assembled as ultrathin nanosheets were synthesized by a facile one‐pot polyol approach. Subsequently, the two‐dimensional‐network‐like MoSe2 was successfully hybridized with ZnIn2S4 by taking advantage of their analogous intrinsic layered morphologies. The noble‐metal‐free ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 heterostructures show enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution compared to pure ZnIn2S4. It is noteworthy that the optimum nanocomposite of ZnIn2S4/2 % MoSe2 photocatalyst displays a high H2 generation rate of 2228 μmol g−1 h−1 and an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 21.39 % at 420 nm. This study presents an unprecedented ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 metal‐sulfide–metal‐selenide hybrid system for H2 evolution. Importantly, the present efficient hybridization strategy reveals the potential of hierarchical nanoarchitectures for a multitude of energy storage and solar energy conversion applications.
Kinetic and metabolic profiles of synthetic cannabinoids NNEI and MN‐18
Authors: Kevin Richard C. , Lefever Timothy W. , Snyder Rodney W. , Patel Purvi R. , Gamage Thomas F. , Fennell Timothy R. , Wiley Jenny L. , McGregor Iain S. , Thomas Brian F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn 2014 and 2015, synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists NNEI (N‐1‐naphthalenyl‐1‐pentyl‐1H‐indole‐3‐carboxamide) and MN‐18 (N‐1‐naphthalenyl‐1‐pentyl‐1H‐indazole‐3‐carboxamide) were detected in recreationally used and abused products in multiple countries, and were implicated in episodes of poisoning and toxicity. Despite this, the pharmacokinetic profiles of NNEI and MN‐18 have not been characterized. In the present study NNEI and MN‐18 were incubated in rat and human liver microsomes and hepatocytes, to estimate kinetic parameters and to identify potential metabolic pathways, respectively. These parameters and pathways were then examined in vivo, via analysis of blood and urine samples from catheterized male rats following intraperitoneal (3 mg/kg) administration of NNEI and MN‐18. Both NNEI and MN‐18 were rapidly cleared by rat and human liver microsomes, and underwent a range of oxidative transformations during incubation with rat and human hepatocytes. Several unique metabolites were identified for the forensic identification of NNEI and MN‐18 intake. Interestingly, NNEI underwent a greater number of biotransformations (20 NNEI metabolites versus 10 MN‐18 metabolites), yet parent MN‐18 was eliminated at a faster rate than NNEI in vivo. Additionally, in vivo elimination was more rapid than in vitro estimates. These data highlight that even closely related synthetic cannabinoids can possess markedly distinct pharmacokinetic profiles, which can vary substantially between in vitro and in vivo models.
Does spatial variation in predation pressure modulate selection for aposematism?
Authors: Aluthwattha S. Tharanga , Harrison Rhett D. , Ranawana Kithsiri B. , Xu Cheng , Lai Ren , Chen Jin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIt is widely believed that aposematic signals should be conspicuous, but in nature, they vary from highly conspicuous to near cryptic. Current theory, including the honest signal or trade‐off hypotheses of the toxicity–conspicuousness relationship, cannot explain why adequately toxic species vary substantially in their conspicuousness. Through a study of similarly toxic Danainae (Nymphalidae) butterflies and their mimics that vary remarkably in their conspicuousness, we show that the benefits of conspicuousness vary along a gradient of predation pressure. Highly conspicuous butterflies experienced lower avian attack rates when background predation pressure was low, but attack rates increased rapidly as background predation pressure increased. Conversely, the least conspicuous butterflies experienced higher attack rates at low predation pressures, but at high predation pressures, they appeared to benefit from crypsis. Attack rates of intermediately conspicuous butterflies remained moderate and constant along the predation pressure gradient. Mimics had a similar pattern but higher attack rates than their models and mimics tended to imitate the signal of less attacked model species along the predation pressure gradient. Predation pressure modulated signal fitness provides a possible mechanism for the maintenance of variation in conspicuousness of aposematic signals, as well as the initial survival of conspicuous signals in cryptic populations in the process of aposematic signal evolution, and an alternative explanation for the evolutionary gain and loss of mimicry.
Dynamic optimization of stimulation frequency to reduce isometric muscle fatigue using a modified Hill‐Huxley model
Authors: Doll Brian D. , Kirsch Nicholas A. , Bao Xuefeng , Dicianno Brad E. , Sharma Nitin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionOptimal frequency modulation during functional electrical stimulation (FES) may minimize or delay the onset of FES‐induced muscle fatigue.MethodsAn offline dynamic optimization method, constrained to a modified Hill‐Huxley model, was used to determine the minimum number of pulses that would maintain a constant desired isometric contraction force.ResultsSix able‐bodied participants were recruited for the experiments, and their quadriceps muscles were stimulated while they sat on a leg extension machine. The force–time (F–T) integrals and peak forces after the pulse train was delivered were found to be statistically significantly greater than the force–time integrals and peak forces obtained after a constant frequency train was delivered.DiscussionExperimental results indicated that the optimized pulse trains induced lower levels of muscle fatigue compared with constant frequency pulse trains. This could have a potential advantage over current FES methods that often choose a constant frequency stimulation train. Muscle Nerve 57: 634–641, 2018
History of parvovirus B19 infection is associated with silent cerebral infarcts
Authors: Ogunsile Foluso J. , Currie Kelli L. , Rodeghier Mark , Kassim Adetola , DeBaun Michael R. , Sharma Deva 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe relationship between silent cerebral infarcts (SCIs) and history of parvovirus B19 (B19V) has not been systematically evaluated. As an ancillary study from the Silent Cerebral Infarct Trial (SIT) (NCT00072761), we tested the hypothesis that a history of B19V infection is associated with an increased prevalence of SCIs in children with sickle cell anemia.ProcedureWe used a retrospective cross‐sectional cohort study design; each participant underwent a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and medical record review for prior B19V infection (n = 958).ResultsSCI was present in 30% (287 of 958) of participants and 17% (165 of 958) had a history of B19V infection. Based on prior evidence that low baseline hemoglobin (Hgb) levels are associated with increased odds of SCI, Hgb levels were divided into tertiles (<7.6 g/dl, ≥7.6–≤8.5 g/dl, ≥8.6 g/dl) and multivariable analysis was used to determine the relationship between the joint effect of prior B19V infection, Hgb levels, and SCI. Prior B19V infection and the lowest Hgb tertile were associated with increased risk of SCI (odds ratio [OR] 2.12; 95% CI, 1.17–3.84; P = 0.013); no prior B19V infection and the highest Hgb tertile were associated with a decreased risk (OR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.38–0.84; P = 0.004).ConclusionsEfforts to decrease the incidence of B19V infection, such as the development of a B19V vaccine, may decrease SCI prevalence.
Predicting the helix‐helix interactions from correlated residue mutations
Authors: Xiong Dapeng , Mao Wenzhi , Gong Haipeng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHelix‐helix interactions are crucial in the structure assembly, stability and function of helix‐rich proteins including many membrane proteins. In spite of remarkable progresses over the past decades, the accuracy of predicting protein structures from their amino acid sequences is still far from satisfaction. In this work, we focused on a simpler problem, the prediction of helix‐helix interactions, the results of which could facilitate practical protein structure prediction by constraining the sampling space. Specifically, we started from the noisy 2D residue contact maps derived from correlated residue mutations, and utilized ridge detection to identify the characteristic residue contact patterns for helix‐helix interactions. The ridge information as well as a few additional features were then fed into a machine learning model HHConPred to predict interactions between helix pairs. In an independent test, our method achieved an F‐measure of ∼60% for predicting helix‐helix interactions. Moreover, although the model was trained mainly using soluble proteins, it could be extended to membrane proteins with at least comparable performance relatively to previous approaches that were generated purely using membrane proteins. All data and source codes are available at http://166.111.152.91/Downloads.html or https://github.com/dpxiong/HHConPred.
Assessment of model accuracy estimations in CASP12
Authors: Kryshtafovych Andriy , Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Fidelis Krzysztof , Schwede Torsten , Tramontano Anna 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe record high 42 model accuracy estimation methods were tested in CASP12. The paper presents results of the assessment of these methods in the whole‐model and per‐residue accuracy modes. Scores from four different model evaluation packages were used as the “ground truth” for assessing accuracy of methods' estimates. They include a rigid‐body score—GDT_TS, and three local‐structure based scores—LDDT, CAD and SphereGrinder. The ability of methods to identify best models from among several available, predict model's absolute accuracy score, distinguish between good and bad models, predict accuracy of the coordinate error self‐estimates, and discriminate between reliable and unreliable regions in the models was assessed. Single‐model methods advanced to the point where they are better than clustering methods in picking the best models from decoy sets. On the other hand, consensus methods, taking advantage of the availability of large number of models for the same target protein, are still better in distinguishing between good and bad models and predicting local accuracy of models. The best accuracy estimation methods were shown to perform better with respect to the frozen in time reference clustering method and the results of the best method in the corresponding class of methods from the previous CASP. Top performing single‐model methods were shown to do better than all but three CASP12 tertiary structure predictors when evaluated as model selectors.
Temporal and spatial distribution of insecticide‐resistance mutations in the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on primary and secondary host plants in central Chile
Authors: Rubio‐Meléndez María E , Sepúlveda Daniela A , Ramírez Claudio C 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aphid Myzus persicae develops insensitivity to almost all classes of insecticides through target site mutations. The aim of this study was to assess the temporal and spatial distribution of resistant aphids that grow on peach trees and weeds, and establish the role of the secondary hosts as a reservoir of resistant genotypes.RESULTSThe frequency of genotypes (RR, RS, and SS) was affected by the host plant, mainly for knock‐down resistance (kdr) and modified acetylcholinesterase (MACE) mutations (P < 0.05). A higher frequency of RS and RR was observed in aphids found on peach trees than on weeds. The frequency of the R allele was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than expected in autumn and on weeds for the kdr and MACE mutations, while the frequency of the S allele was high in all seasons for all insecticide‐resistance mutations (P < 0.01). The most abundant multilocus genotype was characterized as being RS for the kdr mutation and SS for both super‐kdr and MACE.CONCLUSIONThis study provides farm‐scale evidence that weeds are not an important reservoir of the R allele, but they are for the S allele. Hence, the presence of heterozygous genotypes on peach trees is most likely attributable to weeds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Cell‐free fetal DNA analysis in maternal plasma as screening test for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in twin pregnancy
Authors: Le Conte G. , Letourneau A. , Jani J. , Kleinfinger P. , Lohmann L. , Costa J.‐M. , Benachi A. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate in twin pregnancy the utility of non‐invasive prenatal testing using circulating cell‐free fetal DNA (cfDNA) in screening for the three main autosomal fetal trisomies.MethodscfDNA testing was offered to 492 patients with a twin pregnancy without ultrasound anomaly as a first‐line screening test or after routine serum screening. Data were collected prospectively and a retrospective analysis was performed. cfDNA analysis was performed by massively parallel sequencing. The fetal‐fraction threshold used for test evaluation was 8%. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the effect on the test failure rate of maternal and pregnancy characteristics, and the performance of the test was also reported.ResultscfDNA analysis was performed as a first‐line test (after the first‐trimester scan) in 377 patients and following serum screening in 115. Of the 420 pregnancies for which outcome was available and cfDNA screening was assessed, 78.7% were dichorionic–diamniotic. The test failed on the first attempt in 12 (2.9%) pregnancies, and regression analysis demonstrated that only maternal weight was a significant independent predictor of test failure. A result was subsequently achieved in the 10 cases for which a second sample was obtained. cfDNA analysis identified all three cases of trisomy 21 and the only case of trisomy 18. For trisomy 21, the specificity was 99.8% (95% CI, 98.7–100.0%). When considering pregnancies according to whether they were conceived spontaneously or after assisted reproductive technology, there were no significant differences in terms of maternal weight or no‐result rate for cfDNA screening between these two groups.ConclusionsIn twin pregnancy without fetal ultrasound abnormality, cfDNA screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13 had a high success rate and good performance. Therefore, in routine practice, cfDNA analysis could be considered as a first‐ or second‐line screening test. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal major cardiac defects and placental dysfunction at 11–13 weeks' gestation
Authors: Fantasia I. , Kasapoglu D. , Kasapoglu T. , Syngelaki A. , Akolekar R. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between fetal major cardiac defects and markers of placental perfusion and function.MethodsThis was a prospective screening study in singleton pregnancies at 11–13 weeks' gestation. Uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) were measured and the values were converted into multiples of the normal median (MoM). Median MoM values in fetuses with isolated major cardiac defects were compared with those in fetuses without major defects.ResultsThe 50 094 singleton pregnancies fulfilling the entry criteria included 49 898 pregnancies with normal cardiac anatomy and 196 (0.39%) with major congenital cardiac defects: 73 (37.2%) with conotruncal defects, 63 (32.1%) with left ventricular outflow tract defects and 60 (30.6%) with valvular defects. In the group with cardiac defects, compared with controls, there was lower median PAPP‐A MoM (0.81 vs 1.00, P < 0.0001) and PlGF MoM (0.78 vs 1.00, P < 0.0001) but no significant difference in UtA‐PI MoM (1.01 vs 1.00, P = 0.162).ConclusionIn pregnancies with isolated fetal major cardiac defects, there is evidence of placental dysfunction in the absence of impaired placental perfusion. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
mTOR co-targeting strategies for head and neck cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Valera Juan Callejas , Zhao Xuefeng , Chen Qianming , Silvio Gutkind J. 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. There is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat HNSCC. Recent deep sequencing of the HNSCC genomic landscape revealed a multiplicity and diversity of genetic alterations in this malignancy. Although a large variety of specific molecules were found altered in each individual tumor, they all participate in only a handful of driver signaling pathways. Among them, the PI3K/mTOR pathway is the most frequently activated, which plays a central role in cancer initiation and progression. In turn, targeting of mTOR may represent a precision therapeutic approach for HNSCC. Indeed, mTOR inhibition exerts potent anti-tumor activity in HNSCC experimental systems, and mTOR targeting clinical trials show encouraging results. However, advanced HNSCC patients may exhibit unpredictable drug resistance, and the analysis of its molecular basis suggests that co-targeting strategies may provide a more effective option. In addition, although counterintuitive, emerging evidence suggests that mTOR inhibition may enhance the anti-tumor immune response. These new findings raise the possibility that the combination of mTOR inhibitors and immune oncology agents may provide novel precision therapeutic options for HNSCC.