bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Core versus cuttings samples for geochemical and petrophysical analysis of unconventional reservoir rocks
Authors: Sanei Hamed , Ardakani Omid H. , Akai Takashi , Akihisa Kunio , Jiang Chunqing , Wood James M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCore samples from petroleum wells are costly to obtain, hence drill cuttings are commonly used as an alternative source of rock measurements for reservoir, basin modelling, and sedimentology studies. However, serious issues such as contamination from drilling mud, geological representativeness, and physical alteration can cast uncertainty on the results of studies based on cuttings samples. This paper provides a unique comparative study of core and cuttings samples obtained from both vertical and horizontal sections of a petroleum well drilled in the Canadian Montney tight gas siltstone reservoir to investigate the suitability of cuttings for a wide range of geochemical and petrophysical analyses. The results show that, on average, the bulk quantity of kerogen or solid bitumen measured in cuttings is comparable to that of the core samples. However, total organic carbon (TOC) measurements are influenced by oil-based drilling mud (OBM) contamination. Solvent-cleaning of cuttings has been shown to effectively remove OBM contamination in light, medium, and heavy range hydrocarbons and to produce similar kerogen/solid bitumen measurements to that of core samples. Similarly, pyrolysis methods provide an alternative to the solvent-cleaning procedure for analysis of kerogen/solid bitumen in as-received cuttings. Microscopic study substantiates the presence of significant contamination by OBM and caved organic and inorganic matter in the cuttings, which potentially influence the bulk geochemistry of the samples. Furthermore, minerals in the cuttings display induced micro-fractures due to physical impacts of the drilling process. These drilling-induced micro-fractures affect petrophysical properties by artificially enhancing the measured porosity and permeability.
The multidrug resistance can be reversed for the decrease of P-gp and LRP by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal pathway in nasopharynx carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhu Mingyi , Feng Yun , Tang Qianli , Xu Meng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Aim: To investigate the relationship between PI3K/Akt/NF-κB cellular signal pathway and the expression of P-gp and LRP in multidrug resistance (MDR) cell of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Method: The PI3K, p-Akt and NF-κB/p65 as the activity of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB were detected by Western blot. The expressions of LRP and P-gp were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR.
Result: The RIs of CNE/DDP group to DDP, 5-Fu, VCR, ADR and PTX were 35.04, 18.14, 24.13, 12.00 and 10.18, respectively. The RIs of LY-294002 group were 11.77, 5.83, 3.07, 3.86 and 3.34, and PDTC group were 11.08, 6.55, 7.66, 2.18 and 4.05. The expressions of PI3K, p-Akt and NF-κBp65, LRP and P-gp were increased and mRNA of LRP and P-gp were up-regulated in CNE/DDP. The expression of p-Akt in LY-294002 group was down-regulated. The expression of NF-κB p65 in PDTC group was decreased. The mRNA of LRP and P-gp in LY-294002 group and PDTC group were decreased.
Conclusion: MDR of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell can be regulated by activating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal pathway and then increase the expression of P-gp and LRP. The MDR of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell can be reversed by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signal pathway.
Exosomes derived from circRNA Rtn4-modified BMSCs attenuate TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in murine MC3T3-E1 cells by sponging miR-146a
Authors: Cao Guijun , Meng Xianqing , Han Xiaodong , Li Jinhua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Osteoporosis is the most common and complex skeletal disorder worldwide. Exosomes secreted by bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) are considered as an ideal seed source for bone tissue regeneration. However, the role of exosomes secreted by BMSCs (BMSCs-Exos) in osteoporosis and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-146a and circular RNA (circRNA) Rtn4 (circ-Rtn4) was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and their protein expression was determined by Western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect caspase-3 activity. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2yl-)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was exploited for target validation. Results showed that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) dose-dependently increased miR-146a expression, inhibited cell viability, and promoted cell apoptosis, as indicated by increased caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) expression as well as caspase-3 activity. However, miR-146a silencing or co-culture with BMSCs-Exos blocked these effects. Moreover, co-culture with exosomes-derived from circ-Rtn4-modified BMSCs (Rtn4-Exos) attenuated TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells, as evidenced by the decrease in caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax protein expression and caspase-3 activity. In addition, miR-146a was identified as a target of circ-Rtn4, and Rtn4-Exos exerted their function in TNF-α-treated MC3T3-E1 cells by sponging miR-146a. Hence, our findings suggested that Rtn4-Exos attenuated TNF-α-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in murine MC3T3-E1 cells by sponging miR-146a, suggesting that Rtn4-Exos may serve as novel candidates for treating osteoporosis.
CD37 high expression as a potential biomarker and association with poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Qi , Han Qi , Zi Jie , Song Chunhua , Ge Zheng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground: CD37, a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamilies (TM4SF), has been proved to be abnormally expressed in a range of malignancies. Herein, we investigate the effects of CD37 expression and analyze its clinical outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients.Methods: The RNA-seq and clinical data of AML patients were obtained from cBioPortal database. CD37 correlated genes, the expression prolife and survival curve of eight key genes were acquired from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and UALCAN. Pathway enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed based on metascape databases.Results: Our results showed that CD37 mRNA expression level was significantly up-regulated in patients with AML compared with healthy persons. Patients with high CD37 expression had shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Pathway analysis data showed that CD37 is involved in DNA replication, RNA transport, Salmonella infection, ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis, cell cycle phase transition and so on. Furthermore, we found eight genes correlated with CD37 are all highly expressed in AML patients, and high expression is associated with poor prognosis.Conclusion: Our study described systematical expression profiles and the prognostic values of CD37 in AML; our data suggested CD37 might be novel therapeutic target and promising prognostic biomarker in the patients.
Increased MUC1 plus a larger quantity and complex size for MUC5AC in the peripheral airway lumen of long-term tobacco smokers
Authors: Padra Médea , Andersson Anders , Levänen Bettina , Premaratne Pushpa , Asgeirsdottir Helga , Tengvall Sara , Christenson Karin , Stockfelt Marit , Bozinovski Steven , Yoshihara Shigemi , Lantz Ann-Sofie , Palmberg Lena , Dahlén Barbro , Larsson Kjell , Qvarfordt Ingemar , Lindén Sara K. , Lindén Anders 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
There is little information on mucins versus potential regulatory factors in the peripheral airway lumen of long-term smokers with (LTS+) and without (LTS−) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We explored these matters in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from two study materials, both including LTS+ and LTS− with a very similar historic exposure to tobacco smoke, and healthy non-smokers (HNSs; n=4–20/group). Utilizing slot blot and immunodetection of processed (filtered and centrifuged), as well as unprocessed BAL samples from one of the materials, we compared the quantity and fraction of large complexes of mucins. All LTS displayed an enhanced (median) level of MUC5AC compared with HNS. LTS− displayed a higher level of large MUC5AC complexes than HNS while LTS+ displayed a similar trend. In all LTS, total MUC5AC correlated with blood leukocytes, BAL neutrophil elastase and net gelatinase activity. Large mucin complexes accounted for most MUC5B, without clear group differences. In all LTS, total MUC5B correlated with total MUC5AC and local bacteria. In the same groups, large MUC5B complexes correlated with serum cotinine. MUC1 was increased and correlated with BAL leukocytes in all LTS whereas MUC2 was very low and without clear group differences. Thus, the main part of MUC5AC and MUC5B is present as large complexes in the peripheral airway lumen and historic as well as current exposure to tobacco smoke emerge as potential regulatory factors, regardless of COPD per se. Bacteria, leukocytes and proteinases also constitute potential regulatory factors, of interest for future therapeutic strategies.
Homocysteine induces melanocytes apoptosis via PERK–eIF2α–CHOP pathway in vitiligo
Authors: Chen Jiaxi , Zhuang Tongtian , Chen Jianru , Tian Yangzi , Yi Xiuli , Ni Qingrong , Zhang Weigang , Song Pu , Jian Zhe , Liu Ling , Cui Tingting , Li Kai , Gao Tianwen , Li Chunying , Li Shuli 
Published: May 2020

AbstractVitiligo is a depigmentation disorder that develops as a result of the progressive disappearance of epidermal melanocytes. The elevated level of amino acid metabolite homocysteine (Hcy) has been identified as circulating marker of oxidative stress and known as a risk factor for vitiligo. However, the mechanism underlying Hcy-regulated melanocytic destruction is currently unknown. The present study aims to elucidate the effect of Hcy on melanocytic destruction and its involvement in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Our results showed that Hcy level was significantly elevated in the serum of progressive vitiligo patients. Notably, Hcy induced cell apoptosis in melanocytes via activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)–eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)–C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) pathway. More importantly, folic acid, functioning in the transformation of Hcy, could lower the intracellular Hcy level and further reverse the apoptotic effect of Hcy on melanocytes. Additionally, Hcy disrupted melanogenesis whereas folic acid supplementation could reverse the melanogenesis defect induced by Hcy in melanocytes. Taken together, Hcy is highly increased in vitiligo patients at progressive stage, and our in vitro studies revealed that folic acid could protect melanocytes from Hcy-induced apoptosis and melanin synthesis inhibition, indicating folic acid as a potential benefit agent for patients with progressive vitiligo.
Blood Plasma Hormone–Level Influence on Vocal Function
Authors: Plexico Laura W. , Sandage Mary J. , Kluess Heidi A. , Franco-Watkins Ana M. , Neidert Leslie E. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This preliminary study examined the influence of menstrual cycle phase and hormone levels on acoustic measurements of vocal function in reproductive and postmenopausal females. Mean fundamental frequency (f0), speaking fundamental frequency (Sf0), and cepstral peak prominence (CPP) were evaluated. It was hypothesized that Sf0 and CPP would be lower during the luteal and ischemic phases of the menstrual cycle. Group differences with lower values in postmenopausal females and greater variability in the reproductive females were also hypothesized.

Method
A mixed factorial analysis of variance was used to examine differences between reproductive and postmenopausal females and the four phases of the menstrual cycle. Separate analyses of variances were implemented for each of the dependent measures. Twenty-eight female participants (15 reproductive cycling, 13 postmenopausal) completed the study. Participants were recorded reading the Rainbow Passage and sustaining the vowel /a/. Mean vocal f0, Sf0, and CPP were determined from the acoustic samples. Blood assays were used to determine estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and neuropeptide Y levels at four data collection time points.

Results
Group differences in hormone levels and Sf0 values were established with the postmenopausal group having significantly lower hormone levels and significantly lower Sf0 than the reproductive cycling group across the phases. Analysis of the reproductive group by hormone levels and cycle phase revealed no significant differences for CPP or Sf0 across phases. Higher estrogen was identified in the ovulation phase, and higher progesterone was identified in the luteal phase.

Conclusions
Significant differences in hormone levels and Sf0 were identified between groups. Within the reproductive cycling group, the lack of significant difference in acoustic measures relative to hormone levels indicated that the measures taken may not have been sensitive enough to identify hormonally mediated vocal function changes. The participant selection may have biased the findings in that health conditions and medications that are known to influence voice function were used as exclusion criteria.
Asymmetry and Positioning of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle in Children With Repaired Cleft Palate
Authors: Kotlarek Katelyn J. , Pelland Catherine M. , Blemker Silvia S. , Jaskolka Michael S. , Fang Xiangming , Perry Jamie L. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in velopharyngeal dimensions as well as levator veli palatini (levator) muscle morphology, positioning, and symmetry of children with repaired cleft palate with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), children with repaired cleft palate with complete velopharyngeal closure, and children with noncleft anatomy.

Method
Fifteen children ranging in age from 4 to 8 years were recruited for this study. Ten of the participants had a history of repaired cleft palate, half with documented VPI and the other half with velopharyngeal closure. Five participants with noncleft anatomy were matched for age from a normative database. The magnetic resonance imaging protocol, processing methods, and analysis are consistent with that used in previous literature.

Results

Regarding velopharyngeal dimensions, median values were statistically significantly different between groups for sagittal angle (
p
= .031) and effective velopharyngeal ratio (
p
= .013). With respect to the levator muscle, median values were statistically significant for average extravelar length (
p
= .018), thickness at midline (
p
= .021), and thickness between the left and right muscle bundles at the point of insertion into the velum (
p
= .037). Remaining measures were not statistically significant.

Conclusions
The levator muscle is significantly different among these three groups with respect to thickness at midline, extravelar length, and symmetry at the point of insertion into the velum. Sagittal angle and effective velopharyngeal ratio are also significantly different. Participants with repaired cleft palate and VPI displayed the greatest degree of asymmetry. Future research should control for surgical procedure type to determine the impact of surgery on the levator muscle and surrounding velopharyngeal anatomy.
Predicting Expressive Language From Early Vocalizations in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Which Vocal Measure Is Best?
Authors: McDaniel Jena , Yoder Paul , Estes Annette , Rogers Sally J. 
Published: May 2020

Purpose
This study was designed to test the incremental validity of more expensive vocal development variables relative to less expensive variables for predicting later expressive language in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We devote particular attention to the added value of coding the quality of vocalizations over the quantity of vocalizations because coding quality adds expense to the coding process. We are also interested in the added value of more costly human-coded vocal variables relative to those generated through automated analyses.

Method
Eighty-seven children with ASD aged 13–30 months at study initiation participated. For quantity of vocalizations, we derived one variable from human coding of brief communication samples and one from an automated process for daylong naturalistic audio samples. For quality of vocalizations, we derived four human-coded variables and one automated variable. A composite expressive language measure was derived at study entry, and 6 and 12 months later. The 12 months–centered intercept of a simple linear growth trajectory was used to quantify later expressive language.

Results
When statistically controlling for human-coded or automated quantity of vocalization variables, human-coded quality of vocalization variables exhibited incremental validity for predicting later expressive language skills. Human-coded vocal variables also predicted later expressive language skills when controlling for the analogous automated vocal variables.

Conclusion
In sum, these findings support devoting resources to human coding of the quality of vocalizations from communication samples to predict later expressive language skills in young children with ASD despite the greater costs of deriving these variables.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12276458
Variability of transit light curves ofKeplerobjects of interest
Authors: Arkhypov O. V. , Khodachenko M. L. , Hanslmeier A. 
Published: May 2020

Context.Hitherto, the study of exoplanetary transit timing and duration variability has supposed transit light curves (TLCs) to be symmetric, suggesting a priori a spherical shape for the transiting object, for example, an exoplanet. As a result, the independent positions of transit borders are unknown. However, the borders of TLCs are most sensitive to the presence of exo-rings and/or dust formations of great interest.Aims.For the first time we check for a timing variability of independently treated borders of transits of different types of exoplanets.Methods.Using quadratic approximation for the start-, end-, and minimum parts of the long-cadence TLCs from theKeplermission archive after their whitening and phase folding, we find the corresponding transit border timings: Δts, Δte, respectively, and the TLC minimum time Δtm. These parameters were found separately for each folded TLC constructed in the consequent non-overlapping time-windows with the respective medium timetw. Temporal and cross-correlation analysis of the obtained series of Δts(tw), Δte(tw), and Δtm(tw) were applied for the detection and diagnostics of variability of transit borders and TLC asymmetry.Results.Among the considered TLCs of 98Keplerobjects of interest (KOIs), 15 confirmed giant exoplanets and 5 objects with still debatable status (probably non-planets) show variations in their transit timing parameters at timescales from ≈400 to ≳1500 days. These variations are especially well manifested as an anti-correlation between Δtsand Δte, indicating variability in the dimensions of transiting shadows, especially along their trajectories. There are also objects with well pronounced oscillations of transit border timing and asymmetry.Conclusions.The discovered variability of transit timing is important as an indicator of large-scale non-stationary processes in the atmospheres of KOIs, as well as dust and aerosol generation in their upper layers and in their close vicinity. These findings highlight the need for a dedicated and detailed study.
Expanding bubbles in Orion A: [C II] observations of M 42, M 43, and NGC 1977
Authors: Pabst C. H. M. , Goicoechea J. R. , Teyssier D. , Berné O. , Higgins R. D. , Chambers E. T. , Kabanovic S. , Güsten R. , Stutzki J. , Tielens A. G. G. M. 
Published: May 2020

Context. The Orion Molecular Cloud is the nearest massive-star forming region. Massive stars have profound effects on their environment due to their strong radiation fields and stellar winds. Stellar feedback is one of the most crucial cosmological parameters that determine the properties and evolution of the interstellar medium in galaxies.
Aims. We aim to understand the role that feedback by stellar winds and radiation play in the evolution of the interstellar medium. Velocity-resolved observations of the [C II] 158 μm fine-structure line allow us to study the kinematics of UV-illuminated gas. Here, we present a square-degree-sized map of [C II] emission from the Orion Nebula complex at a spatial resolution of 16′′ and high spectral resolution of 0.2 km s−1, covering the entire Orion Nebula (M 42) plus M 43 and the nebulae NGC 1973, 1975, and 1977 to the north. We compare the stellar characteristics of these three regions with the kinematics of the expanding bubbles surrounding them.
Methods. We use [C II] 158 μm line observations over an area of 1.2 deg2 in the Orion Nebula complex obtained by the upGREAT instrument onboard SOFIA.
Results. The bubble blown by the O7V star θ1 Ori C in the Orion Nebula expands rapidly, at 13 km s−1. Simple analytical models reproduce the characteristics of the hot interior gas and the neutral shell of this wind-blown bubble and give us an estimate of the expansion time of 0.2 Myr. M 43 with the B0.5V star NU Ori also exhibits an expanding bubble structure, with an expansion velocity of 6 km s−1. Comparison with analytical models for the pressure-driven expansion of H II regions gives an age estimate of 0.02 Myr. The bubble surrounding NGC 1973, 1975, and 1977 with the central B1V star 42 Orionis expands at 1.5 km s−1, likely due to the over-pressurized ionized gas as in the case of M 43. We derive an age of 0.4 Myr for this structure.
Conclusions. We conclude that the bubble of the Orion Nebula is driven by the mechanical energy input by the strong stellar wind from θ1 Ori C, while the bubbles associated with M 43 and NGC 1977 are caused by the thermal expansion of the gas ionized by their central later-type massive stars.
Association of VEGF Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to
Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xiaorong , Liu Juping , Yang Qianhui , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xiaomin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe associations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene
polymorphisms and risk of type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR) –
proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and nonproliferative diabetic
retinopathy (NPDR) – remain unclear. A systematic search and
meta-analysis using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI)
was performed to evaluate the association. Our study concluded 26 studies
containing 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In Asian populations,
rs3025039 polymorphism was associated with DR risk, while in overall populations
and Caucasians, the DR risk was increased by association with rs2010963. There
was a significant association between rs25648 and rs833061 and DR risk in
Caucasians. DR risks were found to be significantly associated between
rs3025021, rs13207351, and rs2146323 in either overall populations, Caucasians
or Asians. Besides, in overall and Asian populations, rs699947 and rs3025039
were associated with PDR risk. rs1570360, rs3025039, and rs833061 played a key
role in PDR etiology in Caucasians. rs2010963 was associated with increased risk
of PDR in overall populations. A significant association between rs699947,
rs3025039, and rs833061 and NPDR risk in overall populations and Asians was
found. A significant association was observed between rs2010963 and increased
NPDR risk in overall and Caucasian populations. This study provides a new
insight into the parthenogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Targeting VEGF SNPs
may be a potential of therapeutic approach for the treatment of DR, PDR, and
NPDR.