bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nostoc sphaeroids Kütz ameliorates hyperlipidemia and maintains the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota composition of high‐fat diet mice
Authors: Wei Fenfen , Liu Yinlu , Bi Cuicui , Chen Sheng , Wang Yulan , Zhang Bo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHyperlipidemia is associated with chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Nostoc sphaeroids Kütz (NO) on diet‐induced hyperlipidemia in mice. Experimental animals received a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, then an HFD supplemented with 2.5% or 7.5% NO for 6 weeks. HFD‐fed mice exhibited a significant increase in serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipid cholesterol, and a decrease in high‐density lipid cholesterol. NO supplementation was associated with significantly lower dyslipidemia, decreased intestinal inflammation, and inhibition of toll‐like receptor 4 gene repression in HFD‐fed mice. Results suggest that NO treatment protected the integrity of the intestinal barrier. NO treatment was also associated with significant changes in the intestinal microbiota induced by HFD and an increase in the Firmicutes‐to‐Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, NO treatment was also inversely correlated with mice obesity and hyperlipidemia NO and was associated with no significant in fecal short‐chain fatty acids. In conclusion, NO significantly ameliorated hyperlipidemia induced by a HFD in mice, potentially via a decrease intestinal inflammation, increase in intestinal barrier integrity, and amelioration in the gut microbiota.
Changes in the physicochemical components, polyphenol profile, and flavor of persimmon wine during spontaneous and inoculated fermentation
Authors: Lu Yao , Liu Yaqiong , Lv Jiawei , Ma Yanli , Guan Xiaolei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractChanges in the oenological parameters, total phenols, total flavonoids, and individual phenols of persimmon during spontaneous and inoculated fermentation were investigated. The volatile compounds and sensory character of the persimmon wine were compared and evaluated simultaneously. Results show that at the end of fermentation, spontaneous persimmon wine (SPW) has higher contents of total flavonoids, total phenols yet lower concentrations of alcohol and volatile compounds than inoculated persimmon wine (IPW). Catechin, salicylic acid, quercetin, and vanillic acid were the main phenolic compounds in both types of persimmon wine. There are six volatile components in the IPW with an OAV greater than 1, which are isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, methyl octanoate, ethyl octanoate, phenethyl acetate, and 2, 4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol, and these compounds contribute to the IPW with brandy and fruity sensory properties, while only three volatile components in SPW have OAV greater than 1, which are isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, and ethyl octanoate. Spontaneous fermentation increased the proportion of esters and alcohols in the overall volatile compounds. During sensory evaluation, IPW was characterized by “brandy,” “bitterness,” and low “sweetness,” and SPW has a high score of “sweetness,” “balance,” desirable “color,” and “body.”
Numerical study of reservoir permeability effects on gravity changes associated with CO2 geological storage: implications for gravimetric monitoring feasibility
Authors: Goto Hiroki , Ishido Tsuneo , Sorai Masao 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGravimetric methods are used for monitoring the migration of CO2 stored in the reservoir. Reservoir permeability is crucial for injectivity and potentially important for gravity changes associated with CO2 storage. Nevertheless, its effects on gravity changes have not been investigated systematically. After conducting numerical simulations of CO2 injection and storage using models with varying permeability conditions (50–1000 mD), we calculated surface gravity changes. Results show that two mechanisms affect gravity decrease, related to differences in CO2 density and in CO2 spatial patterns. Under low‐permeability conditions, gravity decrease is minimal during injection because of increases in pressure and the resulting relative high density of CO2. Gravity decrease is enhanced after injection ceases because of the pressure release and resulting CO2 expansion. These effects are strong at shallow depths, at which CO2 is near the critical point and highly compressible. Under higher permeability conditions, rapid spreading of the CO2 plume causes smaller gravity reduction rate after some decades of injection. After injection ceases, upward CO2 migration because of buoyancy and plume spreading increase gravity above the injection zone. The time required for gravity change detection depends on permeability. Detection during injection can be made earlier under higher permeability conditions and under lower permeability conditions after injection ceases. These points suggest that permeability affects the feasibility of gravimetric methods. Moreover, designing monitoring programs based on permeability and depth conditions is necessary for successful monitoring. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitrate removal and young stream water fractions at the catchment scale
Authors: Benettin Paolo , Fovet Ophélie , Li Li 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDespite extensive research on nitrate export and removal, nutrient contamination remains a major threat to water bodies worldwide. At the local scale, nitrate removal is governed by biogeochemical conditions that vary in space and time, making integration to entire landscapes critical. Water transit times have often been used to describe solute transport, but the relation between water age and nitrate removal at the catchment scale is still poorly understood. We test the hypothesis that nitrate removal peaks when the fraction of young water in discharge is at its minimum, because nitrate removal occurs mostly under dry conditions where deeper, older groundwater dominates streamflow. We tested this hypothesis by exploring a detailed water quality record from the Kervidy–Naizin catchment (FR) and comparing the dynamics of nitrate to those of a conservative solute (chloride). We find that estimates of nitrate removal are consistent with previous estimates at the site and they show a good (inverse) correlation with the fraction of streamflow that is younger than 2.5 months. However, this young water fraction cannot be used to predict nitrate removal in the winter–spring period, when no removal is observed regardless of streamflow age. While this leads us to reject our hypothesis during the winter period, it also suggests that water age distributions and their correlation with nitrate removal can possibly reveal distinct sources of stream water at different hydrologic regimes and relevant biogeochemical reactions.
Infertility and ovarian cancer risk: Evidence from nine prospective cohort studies
Authors: Jiang Yu‐Ting , Gong Ting‐Ting , Zhang Jia‐Yu , Li Xiu‐Qin , Gao Song , Zhao Yu‐Hong , Wu Qi‐Jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEpidemiological studies have investigated the relationship between infertility and the risk of ovarian cancer (OC); however, the results have been inconsistent. We therefore conducted the first meta‐analysis to update and quantify the aforementioned association based on prospective cohort studies. Studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases up to January 8, 2020. We extracted data from the studies and performed quality assessments. Summary relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Publication bias, and subgroup, meta‐regression and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. Nine prospective cohort studies with a total of 10 383 OC cases and 6 278 830 participants were included in the present study. The summary RR of the association between infertility and the risk of OC was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.35‐1.69), with low heterogeneity. Positive associations were observed in most subgroup analyses stratified by predefined factors, including region, duration of follow‐up, study quality, causes of infertility, invasiveness of OC, infertility treatment status and adjustment of potential confounding parameters. No significant publication bias was detected. Our findings suggest that infertility in women were associated with an increased risk of OC.
AI4SE and SE4AI: A Research Roadmap
Authors: McDermott Tom , DeLaurentis Dan , Beling Peter , Blackburn Mark , Bone Mary 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTIn 2019, the Research Council of the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), a US Defense Department sponsored University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), developed a roadmap structuring and guiding artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy research. This paper presents that roadmap and key underlying Digital Engineering transformation aspects both enabling traditional systems engineering practice automation (AI4SE), and encourage new systems engineering practices supporting a new wave of automated, adaptive, and learning systems (SE4AI).
Test and Evaluation for Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Freeman Laura 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTIncorporating artificial intelligence (AI) leveraging statistical machine learning (ML) into complex systems poses numerous challenges to traditional test and evaluation (T&E) methods. As AI handles varying decision levels, the underlying ML needs confidence to ensure testable, repeatable, and auditable decisions. Additionally, we need to understand failure modes and failure mitigation techniques. We need AI assurance–certifying ML and/or AI algorithms function as intended and are vulnerability free, either intentionally or unintentionally designed or inserted as data/algorithm parts. T&E provides a process for AI assurance. This article highlights existing test and evaluation methods, the key challenges embedded‐AI exacerbates, and themes based for how T&E will evolve to provide AI system assurance.
Direct and indirect effects of continuous treatments based on generalized propensity score weighting
Authors: Huber Martin , Hsu Yu‐Chin , Lee Ying‐Ying , Lettry Layal 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThis paper proposes semi‐ and nonparametric methods for disentangling the total causal effect of a continuous treatment on an outcome variable into its natural direct effect and the indirect effect that operates through one or several intermediate variables called mediators jointly. Our approach is based on weighting observations by the inverse of two versions of the generalized propensity score (GPS), namely the conditional density of treatment either given observed covariates or given covariates and the mediator. Our effect estimators are shown to be asymptotically normal when the GPS is estimated by either a parametric or a nonparametric kernel‐based method. We also provide a simulation study and an empirical illustration based on the Job Corps experimental study.
Family planning in a life‐cycle model with income risk
Authors: Ejrnæs Mette , Jørgensen Thomas H. 
Published: April 2020

SummarySeveral US states have recently restricted the access to abortions. We study fertility intentions and how family planning and abortions are used as mechanisms to control fertility among couples facing income risk. We formulate and estimate a life‐cycle consumption‐saving model with uninsurable income risk and imperfect contraceptive control that matches fertility behavior in the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) well. We use the estimated model to investigate how family planning and abortions are used to control fertility in our model. Our simulations suggest that income risk affects family planning and that abortion is used to control fertility due to the presence of income risk. This indicates that the availability of abortions might play a role as an insurance mechanism.
Missed opportunities to prevent HIV infections among pre‐exposure prophylaxis users: a population‐based mixed methods study, San Francisco, United States
Authors: Spinelli Matthew A , Laborde Nicole , Kinley Patrick , Whitacre Ryan , Scott Hyman M , Walker Nicole , Liu Albert Y , Gandhi Monica , Buchbinder Susan P 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionPre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective, although PrEP adherence and persistence has been variable during real world implementation. Little is known about missed opportunities to enhance PrEP adherence among individuals who later HIV seroconverted after using PrEP. The goal of this analysis was to identify all HIV infections among individuals who had accessed PrEP in an integrated health system in San Francisco, and to identify potentially intervenable factors that could have prevented HIV infection through in‐depth interviews with people who HIV seroconverted after using PrEP.MethodsWe identified individuals who initiated PrEP in an integrated safety‐net public health system and performed in‐depth chart review to determine person‐time on and after stopping PrEP over six years. We identified all PrEP seroconversions using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System and then calculated HIV incidence while using PrEP and during gaps in use. We then performed in‐depth interviews with those who seroconverted.ResultsOverall, 986 initiated PrEP across the San Francisco Department of Public Health from July 2012 to November 2018. Data were gathered from 895 person‐years on PrEP and 953 after stopping PrEP. The HIV incidence was 7.5‐fold higher after stopping PrEP compared to while on PrEP (95% CI 1 to 336). Of the eight individuals who HIV seroconverted; only one was taking PrEP at the time of seroconversion but was using on‐demand PrEP inconsistently. All eight agreed to qualitative interviews. Major barriers to PrEP persistence included substance use, mental health and housing loss; difficulty accessing PrEP due to cost, insurance, and the cost and time of medical visits; difficulty weighing PrEP’s benefit versus self‐perceived risk; and entering a primary partnership. The individual who developed HIV using on‐demand PrEP reported confusion about the dosing regimen and which sexual encounters required accompanying PrEP dosing.ConclusionsHIV incidence during gaps in PrEP use was nearly eight‐fold higher than while on PrEP in this large cohort in San Francisco. Many individuals who stop PrEP remain at risk of HIV, and participants reported that proactive outreach could potentially have prevented HIV infections. Individuals using non‐daily PrEP may require additional education and support in the United States.
Ex vivo IL-15 replenishment augments bone marrow precursor cell-mediated adaptive immunity via PI3K-Akt pathway
Authors: Zhang Li Xiao , Chen Rui Ling , Liao Xiao Yan , You Xiang , Gao Feng Guang 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that PI3K-Akt activity contributes to the superior immune function of IL-15-administrated bone marrow precursor cells (BMPC). Our previous studies revealed that PI3K-Akt play vital role in dendritic cells (DCs) cross-presentation and DC-based CTL priming. Despite the fact that IL-15 serves multiple functions in its therapeutic potential for the induction and maintenance of T cell response, the exact role of PI3K-Akt in IL-15 increased adaptive immunity is still poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that ex vivo IL-15 administration increased BMPC capability of antigen uptake and the expression of costimulatory molecules (such as CD80 and 4-1BB(CD137) ligand [4-1BBL]) and MHC class I molecule via PI3K-Akt pathway. Importantly, PI3K-Akt activity was not only necessary for IL-15 augmented BMPC cross-presentation and CTL priming, but also facilitated IL-15 increased therapeutic potential of the cytolytic capacity and maintenance of BMPC-activated T cells. Thus, these data suggested that PI3K-Akt activity contribute to the superior immune function of IL-15-administrated BMPC and thereby might be therapeutic potential for adaptive immunity.
Ex-vivo drug testing predicts chemosensitivity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Lin Lihui , Tong Yin , Straube Jasmin , Zhao Jinyan , Gao Yanting , Bai Ping , Li Jia , Wang Juan , Wang Hongling , Wang Xiaorui , Huang Sheng , Xu Wen , Song Xianmin , Li Li 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The majority of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients will respond to standard chemotherapy, however, resistance is a prevalent problem contributing to incomplete responses, refractory disease, and ultimately patient death. Therefore, choosing more sensitive and effective chemotherapy regimens is of key clinical importance. In order to explore this issue, we investigated and optimized PharmaFlow, an automated flow cytometry method for evaluating the sensitivity of leukemia cells to multiple chemotherapeutic drugs ex vivo. We examined bone marrow samples from 38 Chinese AML patients and incubated them for 48 or 72 h with a panel of 7 single drugs and 6 combinations with cytarabine at different concentrations. Leukemic cell depletion was assessed by PharmaFlow and drug response parameter, called PharmaFlow score, was estimated using population pharmacodynamic models. We identified that most chemotherapeutic drugs and combinations could effectively eliminate pathological cells ex vivo. Estimated drug activities strongly correlated with the patients’ duration to achieve clinical remission and PharmaFlow chemosensitivity measured ex vivo was highly predictive of the clinical outcome after chemotherapy. Applying a classification model, we determined a PharmaFlow score of 89.4 as the threshold to predict response to chemotherapy. Using this threshold, we found that in 84.2% of cases patient's cell response ex vivo predicted the observed clinical response and performed similarly or better than prognostic subgroups determined by cytogenetic characteristics. PharmaFlow has the potential to predict chemosensitivity for de novo, secondary and relapsed AML patients prior to treatment and may guide clinicians to tailor treatments and improve patient outcome.
Elastic fibers in orthopedics: Form and function in tendons and ligaments, clinical implications, and future directions
Authors: Hill Jeffrey Ryan , Eekhoff Jeremy D. , Brophy Robert H. , Lake Spencer P. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractElastic fibers are an essential component of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues. The focus of both clinical management and scientific investigation of elastic fiber disorders has centered on the cardiovascular manifestations due to their significant impact on morbidity and mortality. As such, the current understanding of the orthopedic conditions experienced by these patients is limited. The musculoskeletal implications of more subtle elastic fiber abnormalities, whether due to allelic variants or age‐related tissue degeneration, are also not well understood. Recent advances have begun to uncover the effects of elastic fiber deficiency on tendon and ligament biomechanics; future research must further elucidate mechanisms governing the role of elastic fibers in these tissues. The identification of population‐based genetic variations in elastic fibers will also be essential. Minoxidil administration, modulation of protein expression with micro‐RNA molecules, and direct injection of recombinant elastic fiber precursors have demonstrated promise for therapeutic intervention, but further work is required prior to consideration for orthopedic clinical application. This review provides an overview of the role of elastic fibers in musculoskeletal tissue, summarizes current knowledge of the orthopedic manifestations of elastic fiber abnormalities, and identifies opportunities for future investigation and clinical application.
Intralipid Increases Nitric Oxide Release from Human Endothelial Cells During Oxidative Stress
Authors: Weihrauch Dorothee , Shumpert Stephen D. , Larson Michael E. , McVey Natalie , Krolikowski John G. , Bamkole Omoshalewa , Riess Matthias L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundIntralipid (ILP), a lipid emulsion, protects organs against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. We hypothesized that ILP activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increases NO release from endothelial cells (ECs) through a fatty‐acid translocase cluster of differentiation (CD36) mediated endocytotic mechanism, acting as a potentially protective paracrine signal during oxidative stress.MethodsHuman umbilical‐vein ECs were exposed to 1% ILP for 2 hours followed by oxidative stress with 0.2‐mM hydrogen peroxide for 2 hours. Western blots were conducted with anti‐CD36, dynamin‐2, src‐kinase‐1, eNOS, and phospho‐eNOS; equal protein loading was confirmed with β‐actin. CD36 immunoprecipitation was probed for caveolin‐1 to determine if CD36 and caveolin‐1 were complexed on the cell membrane. NO was measured by fluorescence of ECs.ResultsILP caused a 227% increase in CD36 expression vs controls. Immunoprecipitation indicated a CD36/caveolin‐1 complex on ECs’ membrane with exposure to ILP. Dynamin‐2 increased 52% and src‐kinase‐1 340% after ILP treatment vs control cells. eNOS phosphorylation was confirmed by a 63% increase in the phospho‐eNOS/eNOS ratio in ILP‐treated cells, and NO fluorescence increased 102%.ConclusionILP enters ECs via endocytosis by a CD36/caveolin‐1 cell membrane receptor complex, which in turn is pulled into the cell by dynamin‐2 activity. Upregulation of src‐kinase‐1 and eNOS phosphorylation suggest downstream mediators. Subsequent NO release from ECs serve as a paracrine signal to neighboring cells for protection against IR injury. Student t‐test was utilized for single comparisons and analysis of variance with Bonferroni‐Dunn post hoc modification for multiple comparisons; P < .05 was considered statistically significant.
Effect of bonding temperature on microstructure and intermetallic compound formation of diffusion bonded magnesium/aluminum joints
Authors: Mofid M.A. , Loryaei E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe diffusion bonding of two dissimilar alloys Aluminum 5083 and Magnesium AZ31 was carried out at 420 °C, 430 °C,440 °C and 450 °C for bonding time of 60 min. In order to characterize the microstructure evolution in the joint zone, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction were applied. The results show that joint formation is attributed to the solid‐state diffusion of magnesium and aluminum into Aluminum 5083 and Magnesium AZ31 alloys followed by eutectic formation and constitutional liquation along the interface. At bonding temperature of 430 °C diffusion induced grain coarsening was observed at the interface. With increase in bonding temperature, the atomic diffusivity increases, results in easier and speeder chemical bonding. In bonding temperature of 440 °C the weld had an irregular shaped region in the weld center, having a different microstructure from the two base materials. The irregular shaped region contained a large volume of intermetallic compound Al12Mg17 and showed significantly higher hardness in the weld center. The present study suggests that constitutional liquation resulted in the intermetallic compound Al12Mg17 in the weld center.