bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physico‐chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of PLA‐nHA nanocomposites: Effect of glass fiber reinforcement
Authors: Zheng Yitao , Fu Gu , Wang Bin , Pang Chengheng , Hall Philip , Sharmin Nusrat 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, tri‐layered composites were prepared by reinforcing poly‐lactic acid (PLA) nano‐hydroxyapatite (n‐HA) (1 and 5 wt%) and 20 mol% continuous phosphate glass fibers (PGF). Initially, the effect of addition of 1 and 5% n‐HA on the structural, thermal, mechanical, and thermo‐mechanical properties of 100% PLA was investigated. With 5 wt% n‐HA addition the tensile modulus (TM), flexural modulus (FM), tensile strength (TS), and flexural strength (FS) of 100% PLA was improve by 14.9, 47.4, 6, and 32.9%, respectively. Whereas, the un‐notched impact strength of the nanocomposites suffer 2% deterioration. However, T
g decreased by 0.3°C and T
c increased by 10°C as 5 wt% n‐HA was added to 100% PLA. Afterwards, the 5% n‐HA/PLA composite were reinforced with 20 mol% continuous PGF and the TM, FM, TS, and FS of the tri‐layered composites were 162.6, 412.5, 28.4, and 157.4% higher as compared to 100%PLA. Furthermore, the storage modulus of the 1% n‐HA‐filled composites was 500 MPa lower than 100%PLA, while 5 wt% n‐HA‐filled composites showed similar storage modulus as 100% PLA. 5 wt% n‐HA‐filled composite showed the highest peak of loss modulus which may be attribute to the chain segment of PLA matrix after the incorporation of HA. Thus, n‐HA and PGF reinforcement resulted in improved mechanical properties of the composites and have great potential as biodegradable bone fixation device with enhanced load‐bearing ability.
Endothelial–Stromal Communication in Murine and Human Corneas
Authors: Jeang Lauren , Cha Byeong J. , Birk David E. , Espana Edgar M. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study is to identify and characterize interactions of corneal endothelial cells with the posterior stroma. Corneal endothelial–stromal interactions were examined in developing postnatal day 3 (P3) and mature postnatal day 30 (P30) C57BL/6 mice and adult human corneas. Flat mounts and cross‐sections were studied using immunofluorescence microscopy. F‐actin was labeled with phalloidin to evaluate cell processes traversing Descemet's membrane (DM). Dynamic cell–cell communication was evaluated with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) using calcein acetoxymethyl dye. Endothelial–stromal interactions were observed across the whole cornea transversing DM during early postnatal development (P3), while these interactions became restricted to the periphery in the mature murine cornea (P30). In adult human corneas, endothelial extensions through the DM were observed in the peripheral cornea. The pattern of FRAP in both mature mice and human central corneas demonstrated endothelial–endothelial cell communication. In contrast, in the human cornea 2, distinct patterns were observed consistent with endothelial–endothelial and stromal–endothelial communication. Endothelial–stromal interactions were observed in the entire cornea during early postnatal mouse corneas. This evidence of endothelial–posterior stromal contact contradicts the hypothesis that corneal endothelial cells are isolated from the stroma by the DM and provides direct data to support endothelial–stromal comunication that may directly influence posterior corneal structure and function. Anat Rec, 2020. © 2020 American Association for Anatomy
Variational problem containing psi‐RL complex‐order fractional derivatives
Authors: Zhao Jiangbo , Qin Shuo , Wang Junzheng , Liu Shumao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe main purpose of this paper is to solve the variational problem containing real‐ and complex‐order fractional derivatives. We define a new version of the complex‐order derivative based on the ψ‐Riemann‐Liouville fractional derivative, and get the Euler–Lagrange equation for the variational problem. By introducing the approximated expansion formula of the complex‐order fractional derivative to the variational problem, we derive the corresponding approximated Euler–Lagrange equation. It is proved that the approximated Euler–Lagrange equation converges to the original one in the weak sense. At the same time, the minimal value of the approximated action integral tends to the minimal value of the original one. We also conduct a stress relaxation experiment and discuss the feasibility of the complex‐order derivative in real problem modeling.
Lower tumorigenesis without life extension in rats receiving lifelong deep ocean minerals
Authors: Saovieng Suchada , Wu Jinfu , Jean Wei‐Horng , Huang Chih‐Yang , Higgins Matthew F. , Alkhatib Ahmad , Korivi Mallikarjuna , Chen Chiao‐Nan , Kuo Chia‐Hua 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNaturally occurring tumor in animals receiving high minerals from deep oceans (DOM: hardness 600 mg/L) from 6 months of age until natural death was firstly assessed in 200 Sprague Dawley rats, randomized into four groups: Control (C), DOM (D), Fructose (F), and Fructose + DOM (FD). Fructose drink contained 11% fructose. Tumor incidence (necropsy at death) in the D group was ~40% lower than that in the C group (P < .05), together with lower body mass gain and greater locomotive activity during their initial 18 months (P < .05) but not during later life. X‐ray image analysis on abnormal solid tissue among survivors at 18 and 24 months of age confirms a similar trend, exhibiting ~50% and ~65% lower tumor incidence than the C and F groups, respectively. Reduced‐to‐oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG) declined with age for the first three quarters of life on all groups (P < .05), followed by a resurgence during end‐life among survivors at 24 months. This resurgence is markedly associated with lower tumor expansion but unrelated with DOM supplementation. Our results demonstrate valuable application of minerals and trace elements from deep oceans, as a vastly available natural source, on tumor suppression during normal aging.
Balkans’ Asteraceae Species as a Source of Biologically Active Compounds for the Pharmaceutical and Food Industry
Authors: Kostić Aleksandar Ž. , Janaćković Peđa , Kolašinac Stefan M. , Dajić Stevanović Zora P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHerbal drugs are a useful source of different bioactive compounds. Asteraceae species, as the most widespread vascular plants, can be used both as food and as medicine due to the great diversity of recorded chemical components – different phenolic compounds, terpenes, carotenoids, vitamins, alkaloids, etc. The Balkan Peninsula is characterized by great diversity of plants from Asteraceae family, including presence of rare and endemic species. In this review, results of the survey of chemical composition and biological activity, mainly focusing on antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer effects of selected Balkans’ Asteraceae species were provided. In addition, information on edible plants from Asteraceae family is presented, due to growing interest for the so‐called ‘healthy diet’ and possible application of Balkans’ Asteraceae species as food of high nutritional value or as a source of functional food ingredients.
A calcified chronic total occlusion preclinical model
Authors: Osherov Azriel B. , Qiang Beiping , Butany Jagdish , Wright Graham A. , Strauss Bradley H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo create an experimental chronic total occlusion (CTO) model with calcification by dietary modification (cholesterol, calcium carbonate, vitamin D) and local injection of pro‐calcification factors (dipotassium phosphate, calcium chloride, and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 [BMP‐2]).BackgroundPercutaneous revascularization of CTOs frequently fails in heavily calcified occlusions. Development of novel approaches requires a reproducible preclinical model of calcified CTO.MethodsCTOs were created in 18 femoral arteries of 9 New Zealand White rabbits using the thrombin injection model. Dietary interventions included a high cholesterol diet (0.5% or 0.25%), calcium carbonate (150 mg × 3–5 days/week), and vitamin D (50,000 U × 3–5 days/week). In selected animals, BMP‐2 (1–4 μg), dipotassium phosphate, and calcium chloride were injected locally at the time of CTO creation. Animals were sacrificed at 2 weeks (n = 4 arteries), 6 weeks (n = 4 arteries), and 10–12 weeks (n = 14 arteries).ResultsCTOs showed evidence of chronic lipid feeding (foam cells) and chronic inflammation (intimal/medial fibrosis and microvessels, inflammatory cells, internal elastic lamina disruption). In calcium/vitamin D supplemented rabbits, mineralization (calcification and/or ossification) was evident as early as 2 weeks post CTO creation, and in 78% of the overall arteries. Mineralization changes were not present in the absence of calcium/vitamin D dietary supplements. Mineralization occurred in 85% of BMP‐treated arteries and 60% of arteries without BMP.ConclusionsComplex mineralization occurs in preclinical CTO models with dietary supplementation of cholesterol with vitamin D and calcium.
Magnetic Phase Transitions in a Ni4O4‐Cubane‐Based Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Arif , Ng Maggie Chai Cin , van Leusen Jan , Kögerler Paul , Stride John Arron 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAn unprecedented spin cluster‐based network architecture {[NiII2(pdaa)(OH)2(H2O)]n (H2pdaa=1,4‐phenylene diacetic acid)}, comprising 1D linear chains of NiII ions crosslinked via Ni4O4 cubanes, forms under hydrothermal conditions; this 3D coordination network exhibits magnetic ordering at 23.9 K as well as a second magnetic ordering process at 2.8 K likely associated with a structural phase transition.
Semihydrogenation of Alkynes Catalyzed by a Pyridone Borane Complex: Frustrated Lewis Pair Reactivity and Boron–Ligand Cooperation in Concert
Authors: Wech Felix , Hasenbeck Max , Gellrich Urs 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe metal‐free cis selective hydrogenation of alkynes catalyzed by a boroxypyridine is reported. A variety of internal alkynes are hydrogenated at 80 °C under 5 bar H2 with good yields and stereoselectivity. Furthermore, the catalyst described herein enables the first metal‐free semihydrogenation of terminal alkynes. Mechanistic investigations, substantiated by DFT computations, reveal that the mode of action by which the boroxypyridine activates H2 is reminiscent of the reactivity of an intramolecular frustrated Lewis pair. However, it is the change in the coordination mode of the boroxypyridine upon H2 activation that allows the dissociation of the formed pyridone borane complex and subsequent hydroboration of an alkyne. This change in the coordination mode upon bond activation is described by the term boron‐ligand cooperation.
Sublimation Properties of α,ω‐Diamines Revisited from First‐Principles Calculations
Authors: Červinka Ctirad , Štejfa Vojtěch 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSublimation enthalpies of alkane‐α,ω‐diamines exhibit an odd‐even pattern within their homologous series. First‐principles calculations coupled with the quasi‐harmonic approximation for crystals and with the conformation mixing model for the ideal gas are used to explain this phenomenon from the theoretical point of view. Crystals of the odd and even alkane‐α,ω‐diamines distinctly differ in their packing motifs. However, first‐principles calculations indicate that it is a delicate interplay of the cohesive forces, phonons, molecular vibrations and conformational equilibrium which governs the odd‐even pattern of the sublimation enthalpies within the homologous series. High molecular flexibility of the alkane‐α,ω‐diamines predetermines higher sensitivity of the computational model to the quality of the optimized geometries and relative conformational energies. Performance of high‐throughput computational methods, such as the density functional tight binding (DFTB, GFN2‐xTB) and the explicitly correlated dispersion‐corrected Møller‐Plesset perturbative method (MP2C‐F12), are benchmarked against the consistent state‐of‐the‐art calculations of conformational energies and interaction energies, respectively.
Biomarkers and Precision Therapy for Primary Immunodeficiencies: An In Vitro Study Based on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From Patients
Authors: Genova Elena , Cavion Federica , Lucafò Marianna , Pelin Marco , Lanzi Gaetana , Masneri Stefania , Ferraro Rosalba Monica , Fazzi Elisa Maria , Orcesi Simona , Decorti Giuliana , Tommasini Alberto , Giliani Silvia , Stocco Gabriele 
Published: April 2020

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) and Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS) are inherited disorders of immunity with prevalent neurological phenotype. Available treatments are only partially effective, and the prognosis is poor. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are obtained by reprogramming patient somatic cells, preserving the donor individual genetic heritage and creating patient‐specific disease models, useful to investigate pathogenesis and drug effects and to develop precision therapies. The aim is to investigate the cytotoxicity of a panel of immunomodulators using iPSCs of patients with AT or different forms of AGS (AGS1, AGS2, and AGS7). iPSCs were obtained by reprogramming AT and AGS patients’ cells and, as a control, the BJ normal human fibroblast line, using Sendai virus. Cytotoxic effects of two drugs proposed to treat respectively AT and AGS (dexamethasone and mepacrine) were tested by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay after 72 hours' exposure. Data were obtained also for other immunomodulatory drugs (thioguanine, mercaptopurine, thalidomide, and lenalidomide). Relative expression of genes involved in the tested drug pathways was analyzed. AGS7‐derived iPSCs displayed altered viability when treated with a low dose of mepacrine and higher expression of cyclic guanosine monophosphate–adenosine monophosphate synthase, which is the main target for mepacrine action. AGS7‐derived iPSCs were also more sensitive to thioguanine, while AGS2 and AT iPSCs were less sensitive to this medication than the BJ‐iPSC. All iPSCs were equally sensitive to mercaptopurine and resistant to dexamethasone, thalidomide, and lenalidomide. This work establishes an innovative in vitro model that is useful to investigate the mechanisms of drugs potentially effective in AT and AGS.
On the MMSE‐based multiuser millimeter wave MIMO hybrid precoding design
Authors: M. Elmagzoub Hisham 
Published: April 2020

SummaryA hybrid MMSE‐based precoder and combiner design with low complexity is studied in this paper for both the downlink and uplink multiuser millimeter wave MIMO systems. At first, according to the underlying channel knowledge, the phases of the RF precoder and combiner are manipulated by using the MMSE criterion. On the basis of the MMSE‐based analog precoder design, the MMSE‐based digital baseband precoder can be readily derived. Thus, this method combines the advantage of using the MMSE precoding and phase extraction technique to obtain a reasonable solution. The proposed hybrid precoding design will be examined in both the uplink and downlink multiuser MIMO systems. Numerical results are presented to show that the proposed MMSE‐based hybrid precoding design is capable of attaining superior performance in terms of both the spectral efficiency and energy efficiency over the existing designs. Moreover, we will show that the MMSE‐based design can be readily extended to the multiuser millimeter wave MISO systems when only statistical channel state information is available.
Six1 is required for signaling center formation and labial‐lingual asymmetry in developing lower incisors
Authors: Takahashi Masanori , Ikeda Keiko , Ohmuraya Masaki , Nakagawa Yoshiko , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi , Kawakami Kiyoshi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe structure of the mouse incisor is characterized by its asymmetric accumulation of enamel matrix proteins on the labial side. The asymmetric structure originates from the patterning of the epithelial incisor placode through the interaction with dental mesenchymal cells. However, the molecular basis for the asymmetric patterning of the incisor germ is largely unknown.ResultsA homeobox transcription factor SIX1 was shown to be produced in the mandibular mesenchyme, and its localization patterns changed dynamically during lower incisor development. Six1−/− mice exhibited smaller lower incisor primordia than wild‐type mice. Furthermore, Six1−/− mice showed enamel matrix production on both the lingual and labial sides and disturbed odontoblast maturation. In the earlier stages of development, the formation of signaling centers, the initiation knot and the enamel knot, which are essential for the morphogenesis of tooth germs, were impaired in Six1−/− embryos. Notably, Wnt signaling activity, which shows an anterior‐posterior gradient, and the expression patterns of genes involved in incisor formation were altered in the mesenchyme in Six1−/− embryos.ConclusionOur results indicate that Six1 is required for signaling center formation in lower incisor germs and the labial‐lingual asymmetry of the lower incisors by regulating the anterior‐posterior patterning of the mandibular mesenchyme.
Genetic evidence for the mating system and reproductive success of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii)
Authors: Wang Xi , Liu Su , Yang Yuqing , Wu Lina , Huang Wenhua , Wu Renxie , Li Guangli , Zhang Haifa , Meng Zining 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the mating system and reproductive success of a species provides evidence for sexual selection. We examined the mating system and the reproductive success of captive adult black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii), using parentage assignment based on two microsatellites multiplex PCR systems, with 91.5% accuracy in a mixed family (29 sires, 25 dams, and 200 offspring). Based on the parentage result, we found that 93.1% of males and 100% of females participated in reproduction. A total of 79% of males and 92% of females mated with multiple partners (only 1 sire and 1 dam were monogamous), indicating that polygynandry best described the genetic mating system of black sea bream. For males, maximizing the reproductive success by multiple mating was accorded with the sexual selection theory while the material benefits hypothesis may contribute to explain the multiple mating for females. For both sexes, there was a significant correlation between mating success and reproductive success and the variance in reproductive success of males was higher than females. Variation in mating success is the greatest determinant to variation in reproductive success when the relationship is strongly positive. The opportunity for sexual selection of males was twice that of females, as well as the higher slope of the Bateman curve in males suggested that the intensity of intrasexual selection of males was higher than females. Thus, male–male competition would lead to the greater variation of mating success for males, which caused greater variation in reproductive success in males. The effective population number of breeders (Nb) was 33, and the Nb/N ratio was 0.61, slightly higher than the general ratio in polygynandrous fish populations which possibly because most individuals mated and had offspring with a low variance. The relatively high Nb contributes to the maintenance of genetic diversity in farmed black sea bream populations.
A network analysis to identify pathophysiological pathways distinguishing ischaemic from non‐ischaemic heart failure
Authors: Sama Iziah E. , Woolley Rebecca J. , Nauta Jan F. , Romaine Simon P.R. , Tromp Jasper , ter Maaten Jozine M. , van der Meer Peter , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Samani Nilesh J. , Ng Leong L. , Metra Marco , Dickstein Kenneth , Anker Stefan D. , Zannad Faiez , Lang Chim C. , Cleland John G.F. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Hillege Hans L. , Voors Adriaan A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) is frequently caused by an ischaemic event (e.g. myocardial infarction) but might also be caused by a primary disease of the myocardium (cardiomyopathy). In order to identify targeted therapies specific for either ischaemic or non‐ischaemic HF, it is important to better understand differences in underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods and resultsWe performed a biological physical protein–protein interaction network analysis to identify pathophysiological pathways distinguishing ischaemic from non‐ischaemic HF. First, differentially expressed plasma protein biomarkers were identified in 1160 patients enrolled in the BIOSTAT‐CHF study, 715 of whom had ischaemic HF and 445 had non‐ischaemic HF. Second, we constructed an enriched physical protein–protein interaction network, followed by a pathway over‐representation analysis. Finally, we identified key network proteins. Data were validated in an independent HF cohort comprised of 765 ischaemic and 100 non‐ischaemic HF patients. We found 21/92 proteins to be up‐regulated and 2/92 down‐regulated in ischaemic relative to non‐ischaemic HF patients. An enriched network of 18 proteins that were specific for ischaemic heart disease yielded six pathways, which are related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction superoxide production, coagulation, and atherosclerosis. We identified five key network proteins: acid phosphatase 5, epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1, plasminogen activator urokinase receptor, and secreted phosphoprotein 1. Similar results were observed in the independent validation cohort.ConclusionsPathophysiological pathways distinguishing patients with ischaemic HF from those with non‐ischaemic HF were related to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction superoxide production, coagulation, and atherosclerosis. The five key pathway proteins identified are potential treatment targets specifically for patients with ischaemic
HF.
The electrocardiogram in the diagnosis and management of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Finocchiaro Gherardo , Merlo Marco , Sheikh Nabeel , De Angelis Giulia , Papadakis Michael , Olivotto Iacopo , Rapezzi Claudio , Carr‐White Gerald , Sharma Sanjay , Mestroni Luisa , Sinagra Gianfranco 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe term dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) defines a heterogeneous group of cardiac disorders, which are characterized by left ventricular or biventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction in the absence of abnormal loading conditions or coronary artery disease sufficient to cause global systolic impairment. In approximately one third of cases, DCM is familial with a genetic pathogenesis and various patterns of inheritance. Although the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been considered traditionally non‐specific in DCM, the recently acquired knowledge of the genotype–phenotype correlations provides novel opportunities to identify patterns and abnormalities that may point toward specific DCM subtypes. A learned ECG interpretation in combination with an appropriate use of other ECG‐based techniques including ambulatory ECG monitoring, exercise tolerance test and imaging modalities, such as echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, may allow the early identification of specific genetic or acquired forms of DCM. Furthermore, ECG abnormalities may reflect the severity of the disease and provide a useful tool in risk stratification and management. In the present review, we discuss the current role of the ECG in the diagnosis and management of DCM. We describe various clinical settings where the appropriate use and interpretation of the ECG can provide invaluable clues, contributing to the important role of this basic tool as cardiovascular medicine evolves.