bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoscopic and Macro-Porous Carbon Nano-foam Electrodes with Improved Mass Transport for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Mustafa Ibrahim , Susantyoko Rahmat , Wu Chieh-Han , Ahmed Fatima , Hashaikeh Raed , Almarzooqi Faisal , Almheiri Saif 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlthough free-standing sheets of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) can provide interesting electrochemical and physical properties as electrodes for redox flow batteries, the full potential of this class of materials has not been accessible as of yet. The conventional fabrication methods produce sheets with micro-porous and meso-porous structures, which significantly resist mass transport of the electrolyte during high-current flow-cell operation. Herein, we developed a method to fabricate high performance macro-porous carbon nano-foam free standing sheets (Puffy Fibers, PF), by implementing a freeze-drying step into our low cost and scalable surface-engineered tape-casting (SETC) fabrication method, and we show the improvement in the performance attained as compared with a MWCNT sheet lacking any macro pores (Tape-cast, TC). We attribute the higher performance attained by our in-lab fabricated PF papers to the presence of macro pores which provided channels that acted as pathways for electrolytic transport within the bulk of the electrode. Moreover, we propose an electrolytic transport mechanism to relate ion diffusivity to different pore sizes to explain the different modes of charge transfer in the negative and the positive electrolytes. Overall, the PF papers had a high wettability, high porosity, and a large surface area, resulting in improved electrochemical and flow-cell performances.
Sarcopenia for predicting falls and hospitalization in community-dwelling older adults: EWGSOP versus EWGSOP2
Authors: Yang Ming , Liu Ying , Zuo Yun , Tang Huairong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) recently published an updated version (EWGSOP2). We aimed to compare the predictive values of EWGSOP-defined and EWGSOP2-defined sarcopenia for the incidence of falls and hospitalization in older adults. We defined sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP and the EWGSOP2. We further modified the cut-off points of the EWGSOP and EWGSOP2 according to the lowest quintile values of the gender-specific distribution of our study population, named “modified EWGSOP” and “modified EWGSOP2”, respectively. We included 384 participants. During the follow-up, 98 participants (26.5%) and 51 participants (13.8%) had at least one fall or hospitalization, respectively. EWGSOP2-defined sarcopenia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–1.84) and modified EWGSOP2-defined sarcopenia (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.23–3.55) were significantly associated with an increased incidence of falls, respectively. EWGSOP-defined sarcopenia and modified EWGSOP-defined sarcopenia also have a trend to be associated with the incidence of falls, but the results were not statistically significant. Only modified EWGSOP2-defined sarcopenia (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.01–4.27) was significantly related to an increased incidence of hospitalization. In conclusion, EWGSOP2-defined sarcopenia performed more sensitive than EWGSOP-defined sarcopenia for predicting the incidence of falls or hospitalization, especially when using the modified cutoffs.
Evaluation of reference genes for gene expression analysis by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in three stingless bee species (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)
Authors: Freitas Flávia C. P. , Depintor Thiago S. , Agostini Lucas T. , Luna-Lucena Danielle , Nunes Francis M. F. , Bitondi Márcia M. G. , Simões Zilá L. P. , Lourenço Anete P. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractStingless bees are generalist pollinators distributed through the pantropical region. There is growing evidence that their wild populations are experiencing substantial decline in response to habitat degradation and pesticides. Policies for conservation of endangered species will benefit from studies focusing on genetic and molecular aspects of their development and behavior. The most common method for looking at gene expression is real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction preceded by reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) of the mRNA of interest. This method requires the identification of reliable reference genes to correctly estimate fluctuations in transcript levels. To contribute to molecular studies on stingless bees, we used Frieseomelitta varia, Melipona quadrifasciata, and Scaptotrigona bipunctata species to test the expression stability of eight reference genes (act, ef1-α, gapdh, rpl32, rps5, rps18, tbp, and tbp-af) in RT-qPCR procedures in five physiological and experimental conditions (development, sex, tissues, bacteria injection, and pesticide exposure). In general, the rpl32, rps5 and rps18 ribosomal protein genes and tpb-af gene showed the highest stability, thus being identified as suitable reference genes for the three stingless bee species and defined conditions. Our results also emphasized the need to evaluate the stability of candidate genes for any designed experimental condition and stingless bee species.
Cooperative update of beliefs and state-transition functions in human reinforcement learning
Authors: Higashi Hiroshi , Minami Tetsuto , Nakauchi Shigeki 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIt is widely known that reinforcement learning systems in the brain contribute to learning via interactions with the environment. These systems are capable of solving multidimensional problems, in which some dimensions are relevant to a reward, while others are not. To solve these problems, computational models use Bayesian learning, a strategy supported by behavioral and neural evidence in human. Bayesian learning takes into account beliefs, which represent a learner’s confidence in a particular dimension being relevant to the reward. Beliefs are given as a posterior probability of the state-transition (reward) function that maps the optimal actions to the states in each dimension. However, when it comes to implementing this learning strategy, the order in which beliefs and state-transition functions update remains unclear. The present study investigates this update order using a trial-by-trial analysis of human behavior and electroencephalography signals during a task in which learners have to identify the reward-relevant dimension. Our behavioral and neural results reveal a cooperative update—within 300 ms after the outcome feedback, the state-transition functions are updated, followed by the beliefs for each dimension.
A Plant Growth-Promoting Microbial Soil Amendment Dynamically Alters the Strawberry Root Bacterial Microbiome
Authors: Deng Siwen , Wipf Heidi M.-L. , Pierroz Grady , Raab Ted K. , Khanna Rajnish , Coleman-Derr Devin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDespite growing interest in utilizing microbial-based methods for improving crop growth, much work still remains in elucidating how beneficial plant-microbe associations are established, and what role soil amendments play in shaping these interactions. Here, we describe a set of experiments that test the effect of a commercially available soil amendment, VESTA, on the soil and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassaMonterey) root bacterial microbiome. The bacterial communities of the soil, rhizosphere, and root from amendment-treated and untreated fields were profiled at four time points across the strawberry growing season using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. In all sample types, bacterial community composition and relative abundance were significantly altered with amendment application. Importantly, time point effects on composition are more pronounced in the root and rhizosphere, suggesting an interaction between plant development and treatment effect. Surprisingly, there was slight overlap between the taxa within the amendment and those enriched in plant and soil following treatment, suggesting that VESTA may act to rewire existing networks of organisms through an, as of yet, uncharacterized mechanism. These findings demonstrate that a commercial microbial soil amendment can impact the bacterial community structure of both roots and the surrounding environment.
Fault-controlled deep hydrothermal flow in a back-arc tectonic setting, SE Tyrrhenian Sea
Authors: Loreto Maria Filomena , Düşünür-Doğan Doğa , Üner Serkan , İşcan-Alp Yeliz , Ocakoğlu Neslihan , Cocchi Luca , Muccini Filippo , Giordano Patrizia , Ligi Marco 
Published: November 2019

AbstractUnderstanding magmatic systems and deep hydrothermal circulation beneath arc-volcanoes provides insights into deep processes associated with slab-subduction and mantle-wedge partial melting. Here we analyze hydrothermal flow below a structural high (Capo Vaticano Ridge, CVR) located offshore Capo Vaticano (western Calabria) and affected by magmatic intrusions generated from above the Ionian subducting-slab. In order to explain observations, we combine geophysical and numerical modelling results. Fluid-flow modelling shows that temperature distribution and geothermal gradient are controlled mainly by hydrothermal circulation, in turn affected by heat source, fault pattern, rock permeability, basement topography and sediment thickness. Two main faults, shaping the structural high and fracturing intensely the continental crust, enable deep hydrothermal circulation and shallow fluid discharge. Distribution of seismicity at depth supports the hypothesis of a slab below Capo Vaticano, deep enough to enable mantle-wedge partial melting above the subduction zone. Melt migration at shallow levels forms the magmatic intrusions inferred by magnetic anomalies and by δ3He enrichment in the discharged fluids at the CVR summit. Our results add new insights on the southern Tyrrhenian Sea arc-related magmatism and on the Calabrian inner-arc tectonic setting dissected by seismogenic faults able to trigger high-destructive earthquakes.
Selective synthesis of substituted amino-quinoline derivatives by C-H activation and fluorescence evaluation of their lipophilicity-responsive properties
Authors: Fuchi Yasufumi , Sakuma Masaomi , Ohyama Kohei , Hagihara Ryusuke , Kohno Minaki , Hamada Koichi , Mizutani Akihiro , Karasawa Satoru 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPush-pull type fluorescent amino-quinoline derivatives (TFMAQ) bearing phenyl aromatic groups in the 8-position (TFMAQ-8Ar series) were synthesized via palladium-catalyzed C-H activation reaction in short steps. The N-arylation or C-H activation reactions were selectively controlled with high yield by combinations of palladium and phosphine ligands. The TFMAQ-8Ar analogues exhibited fluorescent solvatochromism in non-polar and polar solvents. In non-polar solvent, the absolute fluorescence quantum yield was high, wheareas the fluorescence was almost quenched in polar solvent. The TFMAQ-8Ar derivatives also showed high fluorescence emission at solid state owing to the planar structure between the quinoline ring and phenyl ring at the 7-amino group, as demonstrated by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The fluorescence imaging of 3T3-L1 cell using TFMAQ-8Ar derivatives was performed by confocal laser microscopy. Strong and specific emissions at lipid droplets were observed owing to the accumulation of TFMAQ-8Ar derivatives. Therefore, we propose that the TFMAQ-8Ar derivatives should become a versatile fluorescence probe for the live imaging of lipid droplets.
Intrinsic energy spread and bunch length growth in plasma-based accelerators due to betatron motion
Authors: Ferran Pousa Angel , Martinez de la Ossa Alberto , Assmann Ralph W. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPlasma-based accelerators (PBAs), having demonstrated the production of GeV electron beams in only centimetre scales, offer a path towards a new generation of highly compact and cost-effective particle accelerators. However, achieving the required beam quality, particularly on the energy spread for applications such as free-electron lasers, remains a challenge. Here we investigate fundamental sources of energy spread and bunch length in PBAs which arise from the betatron motion of beam electrons. We present an analytical theory, validated against particle-in-cell simulations, which accurately describes these phenomena. Significant impact on the beam quality is predicted for certain configurations, explaining previously observed limitations on the achievable bunch length and energy spread. Guidelines for mitigating these contributions towards high-quality beams are deduced.
Cromolyn sodium delays disease onset and is neuroprotective in the SOD1G93A Mouse Model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Granucci Eric J. , Griciuc Ana , Mueller Kaly A. , Mills Alexandra N. , Le Hoang , Dios Amanda M. , McGinty Danielle , Pereira Joao , Elmaleh David , Berry James D. , Paganoni Sabrina , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Sadri-Vakili Ghazaleh 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammatory processes are implicated in the initiation and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous reports have demonstrated an increase in microgliosis and astrogliosis in the lumbar spinal cord of SOD1G93Atransgenic mice before the onset of symptoms, a neuroinflammatory response which correlated with disease progression. Importantly, early stage homeostatic microglia enhanced motor neuron survival, while pro-inflammatory microglia were toxic to motor neurons in the SOD1G93Amice. Recent studies from our group have demonstrated that cromolyn sodium, an FDA approved compound, exerts neuroprotective effects in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease by altering microglial cell activation. Here, we tested the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of cromolyn sodium in the SOD1G93Amouse model of ALS. Our results indicate that cromolyn sodium treatment significantly delayed the onset of neurological symptoms, and improved deficits in PaGE performance in both male and female mice, however, there was only an effect on survival in female mice. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in motor neuron survival in the lumbar spinal cord as well as a significant decrease in the denervation of the neuromuscular junction of the tibialis anterior muscle in cromolyn treated transgenic SOD1G93Amice. Lastly, cromolyn treatment decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the lumbar spinal cord and plasma and decreased mast cell degranulation in the tibialis anterior muscle of transgenic SOD1G93Amice. Together, these findings suggest that cromolyn sodium provides neuroprotection in the SOD1G93Amice by decreasing the inflammatory response.
Pre-diagnosing and managing patients with GM1 gangliosidosis and related disorders by the evaluation of GM1 ganglioside content
Authors: Tonin Rodolfo , Caciotti Anna , Procopio Elena , Fischetto Rita , Deodato Federica , Mancardi Maria Margherita , Di Rocco Maja , Ardissone Anna , Salviati Alessandro , Marangi Antonio , Strisciuglio Pietro , Mangone Giusi , Casini Arianna , Ricci Silvia , Fiumara Agata , Parini Rossella , Pavone Francesco Saverio , Guerrini Renzo , Calamai Martino , Morrone Amelia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractGM1 ganglioside, a monosialic glycosphingolipid and a crucial component of plasma membranes, accumulates in lysosomal storage disorders, primarily in GM1 gangliosidosis. The development of biomarkers for simplifying diagnosis, monitoring disease progression and evaluating drug therapies is an important objective in research into neurodegenerative lysosomal disorders. With this in mind, we established fluorescent imaging and flow-cytometric methods to track changes in GM1 ganglioside levels in patients with GM1 gangliosidosis and in control cells. We also evaluated GM1 ganglioside content in patients’ cells treated with the commercially available Miglustat, a substrate inhibitor potentially suitable for the treatment of late-onset GM1 gangliosidosis. The flow-cytometric method proved to be sensitive, unbiased, and rapid in determining variations in GM1 ganglioside content in human lymphocytes derived from small amounts of fresh blood. We detected a strong correlation between GM1 ganglioside content and the clinical severity of GM1 gangliosidosis. We confirm the ability of Miglustat to act as a substrate reduction agent in the patients’ treated cells. As well as being suitable for diagnosing and managing patients with GM1 gangliosidosis this method could be useful in the diagnosis and management of other lysosomal diseases, such as galactosialidosis, Type C Niemann-Pick, and any other disease with pathologic variations of GM1 ganglioside.
Characterizing renal involvement in Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome in a zebrafish model
Authors: Schenk H. , Müller-Deile J. , Schroder P. , Bolaños-Palmieri P. , Beverly-Staggs L. , White R. , Bräsen J. H. , Haller H. , Schiffer M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the genes coding for various HPS proteins. HPS proteins are part of multi-subunit complexes involved in the biogenesis of organelles from the lysosomal-endosomal-system. In humans, this syndrome is characterized by the presence of albinism, platelet dysfunction and pulmonary fibrosis. The renal component to the disease remains unstudied and untreated in patients with HPS. Here we demonstrate that in humans, HPS proteins have a high renal expression with active transcription of HPS1, 3, 4 and 5 in human podocyte cell culture, suggesting that impaired function of HPS proteins could directly impact renal function. Therefore, we developed a zebrafish model to study the renal involvement of HPS proteins in proteinuric kidney disease. Remarkably, knockdown of HPS genes in zebrafish causes glomerular injury with edema, proteinuria and structural changes of the glomerular filtration barrier. Moreover, reduced expression of HPS proteins in zebrafish recapitulates other important disease hallmarks, like hypopigmentation and accumulation of intracellular debris characteristic of lysosomal disorders. In conclusion, we present a valid zebrafish model that highlights the previously underestimated relevance of renal disease in HPS. This draws attention to the therapeutic options available to manage this component of the syndrome.
The balance between NRF2/GSH antioxidant mediated pathway and DNA repair modulates cisplatin resistance in lung cancer cells
Authors: Silva Matheus Molina , Rocha Clarissa Ribeiro Reily , Kinker Gabriela Sarti , Pelegrini Alessandra Luiza , Menck Carlos Frederico Martins 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLung cancer patients face a dismal prognosis mainly due to the low efficacy of current available treatments. Cisplatin is the first-line chemotherapy treatment for those patients, however, resistance to this drug is a common and yet not fully understood phenomenon. Aiming to shed new light into this puzzle, we used established normal and malignant lung cell lines displaying different sensitivity towards cisplatin treatment. We observed a negative correlation between cell viability and DNA damage induction upon cisplatin treatment. Interestingly, drug sensitivity in those cell lines was not due to either difference on DNA repair capacity, or in the amount of membrane ion channel commonly used for cisplatin uptake. Also, we noted that glutathione intracellular levels, and expression and activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) were determinant for cisplatin cytotoxicity. Remarkably, analysis of gene expression in non-small cell lung cancer patients of the TCGA data bank revealed that there is a significant lower overall survival rate in the subset of patients bearing tumors with unbalanced levels of NRF2/KEAP1 and, as consequence, increased expression of NRF2 target genes. Thus, the results indicate that NRF2 and glutathione levels figure as important cisplatin resistance biomarkers in lung cancer.
Unraveling the selective antibacterial activity and chemical composition of citrus essential oils
Authors: Ambrosio Carmen M. S. , Ikeda Natália Y. , Miano Alberto C. , Saldaña Erick , Moreno Andrea M. , Stashenko Elena , Contreras-Castillo Carmen J. , Da Gloria Eduardo M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPost-weaning diarrhea (PWD) is an often disease affecting piglets. It is caused mainly by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) colonization in pig gut. Antibiotics has been used to prevent, combat and control PWD and its negative impact on the productivity of pig breeding sector. Nonetheless, antibiotics due to their wide antibacterial spectrum also can reach beneficial gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus. Lately, essential oils (EOs) have emerged as a potential alternative to using antibiotics in animal breeding because of their effect on bacterial growth. Commonly, citrus EOs are by-products of food industry and the availability of these EOs in the worldwide market is huge. Thus, six commercials citrus EOs were evaluated on ETEC strains, as model of pathogenic bacteria, and on Lactobacillus species, as models of beneficial bacteria. In overall, citrus EOs exhibited a selective antibacterial activity with higher effect on pathogenic bacteria (ETECs) than beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). Brazilian orange terpenes (BOT) oil presented the highest selective performance and caused higher disturbances on the normal growth kinetic of ETEC than on Lactobacillus rhamnosus. The action was dose-dependent on the maximal culture density (A) and the lag phase duration (λ) of the ETEC. The highest sub-inhibitory concentration (0.925 mg/mL) extended the λ duration to ETEC eight times (14.6 h) and reduced A in 55.9%. For L. rhamnosus, the λ duration was only extended 1.6 times. Despite the fact that limonene was detected as the major compound, the selective antibacterial activity of the citrus EOs could not be exclusively attributed to limonene since the presence of minor compounds could be implicated in conferring this feature.
Changes in C-reactive protein, neopterin and lactoferrin differ after conservative and surgical weight loss in individuals with morbid obesity
Authors: Aasbrenn Martin , Farup Per G. , Videm Vibeke 
Published: November 2019

AbstractC-reactive protein, neopterin and lactoferrin are biomarkers of atherosclerotic disease. We aimed to assess changes in these biomarkers after conservative and surgical weight loss interventions in individuals with morbid obesity, to evaluate associations between biomarker changes and changes in body mass index and HbA1c, and to study associations between changes in the biomarkers. C-reactive protein, neopterin and lactoferrin were measured before and after conservative weight loss intervention and bariatric surgery. Data were analysed with mixed models. 137 individuals (mean age 43 years) were included. Body mass index decreased from 42.1 kg/m2 to 38.9 kg/m2 after the conservative intervention, and further to 30.5 kg/m2 after bariatric surgery. All biomarkers decreased after the conservative weight loss intervention. C-reactive protein and lactoferrin continued to decrease following bariatric surgery whereas neopterin remained stable. After adjustments for change in body mass index and HbA1c, all biomarkers decreased significantly after the conservative weight loss intervention, whereas none changed after bariatric surgery. There were no consistent correlations between changes in C-reactive protein, neopterin and lactoferrin. In conclusion, biomarkers of atherosclerosis decreased after weight loss interventions but had different trajectories. Neopterin, a marker related to atherosclerotic plaque stability, decreased after conservative weight loss but not following bariatric surgery.