bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality evaluation of six bioactive constituents in goji berry based on capillary electrophoresis field amplified sample stacking
Authors: Wang Wei‐Feng , Yang Jun‐Li , Shi Yan‐Ping 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGoji berry, fruits of the plant Lycium barbarum L., has long been used as traditional medicine and functional food in China. In this work, a simple and easy‐operation on‐line concentration capillary electrophoresis (CE) for detection flavonoids in goji berry was developed by coupling of field amplified sample stacking (FASS) with an electroosmotic (EOF) pump driving water removal process. Due to the EOF pump and electrokinetic injection showing different influence on the concentration, the analytes injection condition should be systemically studied. Thereafter, the verification of the analytes injection conditions was achieved using response surface experimental design. Under the optimum conditions, 86–271 folds sensitivity enhancement upon normal capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE, 50 mbar × 5 s) were achieved for six flavonoids, and the detection limits ranged from 0.35 to 1.82 ng/mL; the LOQ ranged from 1.20 to 6.01 ng/mL. Eventually, the proposed method was applied to detect flavonoids in 30 goji berry samples from different habitats of China; and the results indicated that the flavonoids were rich in the eluent of 30–60% methanol, which provided a reference for extraction of goji berry flavonoids.
Subliminal encoding and flexible retrieval of objects in scenes
Authors: Wuethrich Sergej , Hannula Deborah E. , Mast Fred W. , Henke Katharina 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOur episodic memory stores what happened when and where in life. Episodic memory requires the rapid formation and flexible retrieval of where things are located in space. Consciousness of the encoding scene is considered crucial for episodic memory formation. Here, we question the necessity of consciousness and hypothesize that humans can form unconscious episodic memories. Participants were presented with subliminal scenes, that is, scenes invisible to the conscious mind. The scenes displayed objects at certain locations for participants to form unconscious object‐in‐space memories. Later, the same scenes were presented supraliminally, that is, visibly, for retrieval testing. Scenes were presented absent the objects and rotated by 90°–270° in perspective to assess the representational flexibility of unconsciously formed memories. During the test phase, participants performed a forced‐choice task that required them to place an object in one of two highlighted scene locations and their eye movements were recorded. Evaluation of the eye tracking data revealed that participants remembered object locations unconsciously, irrespective of changes in viewing perspective. This effect of gaze was related to correct placements of objects in scenes, and an intuitive decision style was necessary for unconscious memories to influence intentional behavior to a significant degree. We conclude that conscious perception is not mandatory for spatial episodic memory formation.
pH and organic matter impact on the indices of soil metal load assessment under wastewater and biosolid reuse
Authors: Kalavrouziotis Ioannis K , Koukoulakis Prodromos H , Papaioannou Dimitrios , Mehra Aradhana 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDExperimental data were used to study the impact of pH and organic matter on soil pollution indices, with the view to express them as a function of the above two variables.RESULTSData were from an experiment performed in a greenhouse using 12 wastewater and sludge treatment combinations in four replications, using Lactuca sative var Longifolia as a test plant. The experimental data were analyzed by means of linear multiple regression analysis, and the equations found were considered as revised forms for the calculation of pollution indices, which could be used as a tool for the assessment of the level of soil pollution by heavy metals.CONCLUSIONTentative critical levels of the pollution indices were established on the basis of the reference revised Index PLIn. However, additional work is necessary, such as calibration of the revised indices on the basis of percentage crop yield loss, towards a more accurate assessment of the heavy metal soil pollution levels. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Insights into optic pathway glioma vision loss from mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Freret Morgan E. , Gutmann David H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common cancer predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. The NF1‐encoded protein (neurofibromin) is an inhibitor of the oncoprotein RAS and controls cell growth and survival. Individuals with NF1 are prone to developing low‐grade tumors of the optic nerves, chiasm, tracts, and radiations, termed optic pathway gliomas (OPGs), which can cause vision loss. A paucity of surgical tumor specimens and of patient‐derived xenografts for investigative studies has limited our understanding of human NF1‐associated OPG (NF1‐OPG). However, mice genetically engineered to harbor Nf1 gene mutations develop optic gliomas that share many features of their human counterparts. These genetically engineered mouse (GEM) strains have provided important insights into the cellular and molecular determinants that underlie mouse Nf1 optic glioma development, maintenance, and associated vision loss, with relevance by extension to human NF1‐OPG disease. Herein, we review our current understanding of NF1‐OPG pathobiology and describe the mechanisms responsible for tumor initiation, growth, and associated vision loss in Nf1 GEM models. We also discuss how Nf1 GEM and other preclinical models can be deployed to identify and evaluate molecularly targeted therapies for OPG, particularly as they pertain to future strategies aimed at preventing or improving tumor‐associated vision loss in children with NF1.
Atrial tachycardia related to local abnormal atrial activity
Authors: Matsunaga‐Lee Yasuharu , Matsumoto Sen , Masunaga Nobutaka , Takano Yuzuru 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA 42‐year‐old woman without a history of catheter ablation or cardiac surgery was referred to our institution for a paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (AT). Programed stimulation could not induce any AT. The AT spontaneously initiated during a continuous isoproterenol infusion. The earliest activation during the AT was recorded at the cavo‐tricuspid isthmus, and local abnormal atrial activity (LAATA) was recorded during sinus rhythm at that same site. When rapid atrial activity was recorded at the cavo‐tricuspid isthmus where the LAATA was recorded, an AT was induced. Radiofrequency ablation was performed over the entire area where the LAATA was recorded during sinus rhythm, rendering the AT non‐inducible.
Biochemical composition and antioxidant activity affected by spraying potassium sulfate in black grape (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Rasha)
Authors: Zareei Elnaz , Javadi Taimoor , Aryal Rishi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe physiological and metabolic processes involved with grapevine growth and production are influenced by key macro‐ and micronutrients. Potassium is an essential plant nutrient that affects growth and fruit quality. In this study, the impact of foliar spraying of potassium sulfate (K2SO4) on qualitative characteristics of grape berries was evaluated in the cultivar ‘Rasha’, a commonly cultivated cultivar in Kurdistan province of Iran. Leaves of the fully grown vines were sprayed with each of the 1.5 and 3 g L−1 K2SO4 solutions once (1 month after petal senescence) and twice (15 days after first spraying). The control plants were sprayed with distilled water. Various biochemical contents and enzyme activities on the ripe berries were analyzed.RESULTSSignificant increases in anthocyanin, total protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed in the berries treated twice with 3 g L−1 K2SO4. Concentrations of total carbohydrate, phenol, and antioxidant activity in berries sprayed with K2SO4 were higher than in the controls. We observed a strong correlation between antioxidant activity and different phenolic compounds.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that K2SO4 treatment influences biosynthesis of phenolic compounds and antioxidant enzymes. Thus, treatment by K2SO4 could improve nutritional and qualitative attributes of grape. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Divergent responses of ecosystem respiration components to livestock exclusion on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Ji , Luo Yiqi , Xia Jianyang , Zhou Xuhui , Niu Shuli , Shelton Shelby , Guo Wei , Liu Suixin , Dai Wenting , Cao Junji 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGrazing exclusion (GE) is an effective method for protecting degraded grasslands, and it can profoundly affect ecosystem carbon (C) cycles. Ecosystem respiration (ER), which includes both autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration (HR), accounts for the largest land‐to‐atmosphere C fluxes. How ER responds to GE is still unclear, however, and to investigate this, a controlled GE experiment was conducted at a meadow grassland near Qinghai Lake, China. Animal exclusion enhanced ER and aboveground plant respiration (Ragb) by 10.5% and 40.1%, respectively, but it suppressed soil respiration by 12.4% and HR by 17.6%. Positive responses of ER and Ragb were linked to increased aboveground biomass, particularly graminoids biomass. Negative responses of soil respiration and HR were associated with GE‐induced changes in microbial biomass C and nitrogen. These results show that grassland responded in complex ways to GE and that ER and its components were regulated by both abiotic and biotic factors. Moreover, the divergent responses of respiration components have important implications for models of terrestrial C cycles and climate under enhanced human activities and changes in land use.
Targeted Therapies for Parkinson's Disease: From Genetics to the Clinic
Authors: Sardi S. Pablo , Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Brundin Patrik 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe greatest unmet medical need in Parkinson's disease (PD) is treatments that slow the relentless progression of symptoms. The discovery of genetic variants causing and/or increasing the risk for PD has provided the field with a new arsenal of potential therapies ready to be tested in clinical trials. We highlight 3 of the genetic discoveries (α‐synuclein, glucocerebrosidase, and leucine‐rich repeat kinase) that have prompted new therapeutic approaches now entering the clinical stages. We are at an exciting juncture in the journey to developing disease‐modifying treatments based on knowledge of PD genetics and pathology. This review focuses on therapeutic paradigms that are under clinical development and highlights a wide range of key outstanding questions in PD. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Technical Note: A feasibility study of using the flat panel detector on linac for the kV x‐ray generator test
Authors: Cai Bin , Dolly Steven , Kamal Gregory , Yaddanapudi Sridhar , Sun Baozhou , Goddu S. Murty , Mutic Sasa , Li Hua 
Published: April 2018

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility of using kV flat panel detector on linac for consistency evaluations of kV x‐ray generator performance.MethodsAn in‐house designed aluminum (Al) array phantom with six 9 × 9 cm2 square regions having various thickness was proposed and used in this study. Through XML script‐driven image acquisition, kV images with various acquisition settings were obtained using the kV flat panel detector. Utilizing pre‐established baseline curves, the consistency of x‐ray tube output characteristics, including tube voltage accuracy, exposure accuracy and exposure linearity was assessed through image quality assessment metrics including ROI mean intensity, ROI standard deviation (SD), and noise power spectrums (NPS). The robustness of this method was tested on two linacs for a 3‐month period.ResultsWith the proposed method, tube voltage accuracy can be verified through conscience check with a 2% tolerance and 2 kVp intervals for forty different kVp settings. The exposure accuracy can be tested with a 4% consistency tolerance for three mAs settings over forty kVp settings. The exposure linearity tested with 3 mAs settings achieved a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.1.ConclusionWe proposed a novel approach that uses the kV flat panel detector available on linac for x‐ray generator test. This approach eliminates the inefficiencies and variability associated with using third‐party QA detectors while enabling an automated process.
Properties of bismaleimide resin modified with polyrotaxane as a stress relaxation material
Authors: Ohtsuka Keiko , Zhao Changming 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this study, 4,4′‐diphenylmethane bismaleimide (BMI)/2,2′‐diallylbisphenol A (DABPA) resin was modified with polyrotaxane (PR) as a stress relaxation material. Based on a dynamic mechanical analysis and various properties of the cured resin, the influence of the motion of PR on the cured properties of BMI/DABPA/PR alloy is discussed. The cyclic molecule α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) that is threaded onto the PR axis contains a methacryl group in its side chain that reacts with the allyl group of BMI/DABPA resin. The methacryl group of PR reacted with the allyl group of BMI/DABPA matrix resin to form a transparent and dense network structure, so that the glass transition temperature was increased with increasing PR concentration. In addition, the toughness, impact resistance and adhesiveness of BMI/DABPA resin were improved by modification with PR. These results indicate that the poly(ethylene glycol) chain, which is the axial polymer of the PR, moves in the space formed by the cavities of the threaded α‐CD and the surrounding BMI/DABPA resin matrix in the glassy state, thereby relaxing the internal stress applied to BMI/DABPA/PR resin. The range of applications of BMI/DABPA resin modified with PR may expand into fields requiring high heat resistance in addition to excellent toughness and adhesiveness. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐sustained actuation from heat dissipation in liquid crystal polymer networks
Authors: Vantomme Ghislaine , Gelebart Anne Helene , Broer Dirk Jan , Meijer E. W. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTLiquid crystal polymer networks (LCNs) lead the research geared toward macroscopic motion of materials. These actuators are molecularly programed to adapt their shape in response to external stimuli. Non‐photo‐responsive thin films of LCNs covered with heat absorbers (e.g., graphene or ink) are shown to continuously oscillate when exposed to light. The motion is governed by the heat dissipated at the film surface and the anisotropic thermal deformation of the network. The influence of the LC molecular alignment, the film thickness, and the LC matrix on the macroscopic motion is analyzed to probe the limits of the system. The insights gained from these experiments provide not only guidelines to create actuators by photo‐thermal or pure photo‐effects but also a simple method to generate mechanical oscillators for soft robotics and automated systems. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1331–1336
Specific properties of in situ ruthenium‐catalyzed polyamide 12/polydimethylsiloxane compatibilized blend
Authors: Li Jing P. , Cassagnau Philippe , Espuche Eliane , Alcouffe Pierre , Bounor‐Legaré Véronique 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe main objective of this work focused on the chemical modification of polyamide 12 (PA12) properties through the reaction with a hydride‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS‐SiH). The investigated PA12/PDMS‐SiH blend was compatibilized by ruthenium derivative catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction in molten state. This original route enhanced interfacial adhesion and avoid PDMS‐SiH leaching phenomenon between the two immiscible phases. More specifically, the size of PDMS‐SiH domains in the blend decreased from around 4 μm to 800 nm and from 30 to 1 μm after compatibilization with 10 and 20 wt % PDMS‐SiH, respectively. For the best compatibilized PA12/PDMS‐SiH blend, the introduction of PDMS lowered the surface free energy and the PA12‐based blend turned from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behavior, as evidenced by the water contact angle measurements. Gas permeability and CO2/H2 and CO2/He gas selectivity were also improved with the increase in PDMS content. Besides, the mechanical properties were enhanced with 13% increase in Young's modulus after in situ compatibilization with 15 wt % PDMS‐SiH. Thermal stability was also improved after compatibilization as the initial degradation temperature of reactive blends obviously increased compared with nonreactive ones. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 978–988
Structural interaction and gas barrier properties of ethylene‐vinyl alcohol/tin phosphate glass composites
Authors: Lee Sangjin , Tyler Rakim , Maia Joao , Schiraldi David A. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThe strength of interaction between tin phosphate glass (PGlass) filler droplets and an ethylene‐vinyl alcohol (EVOH) matrix were investigated by image, thermal, and rheological analysis. 10% PGlass droplets in EVOH were smaller than those previously observed in maleated polypropylene. Analysis using the Fox equation showed that EVOH/97 °C Tg PGlass composites are not miscible systems. Dynamic shear and extensional rheology data of those composites exhibited a weak physical network, with relaxation times longer than that of pure EVOH at all strain rates. The tensile properties of the EVOH/10 vol % PGlass composite showed it to be more ductile and flexible than a typical polymer/inorganic filler system, supporting interaction between PGlass and EVOH sufficient to interrupt polymer–polymer hydrogen bonding. While undrawn EVOH/PGlass composite films showed increased oxygen gas permeability when compared to undrawn neat EVOH film, the drawn composite films exhibited oxygen permeability 6–7 times lower than that of neat EVOH, attributed to the presence of high aspect ratio PGlass particles after orientation. The concept of hydrogen bonding between polymer and PGlass can likely be applied to other polymers such as polyamides which possess numerous hydrogen bonding sites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 989–998
Ultrafast study of inter‐ and intrachain energy transfer in a core–polymer
Authors: Bolis Serena , Pasini Mariacecilia , Virgili Tersilla 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTInterchain interactions can play a positive role in reaching amplified spontaneous emission in an interesting core–polymer system where the donor (side chains) and the acceptor (core) are chemically linked together. Different degree of interchain interactions modifies the photophysical characteristics of the polymer. By means of transient absorption spectroscopy we show that the stimulated emission from the core decreases passing from solid state to concentrated solution and it is almost absent in the diluted solution. The conformational rearrangements of the core–polymer chain in solution limits the efficiency of the intrachain Förster energy transfer mechanism. The free chain rotations decrease the exciton hopping along the conjugated chains, the ratio between donor and acceptor moieties in the polymer, and change the relative orientation of the transition dipoles of the donor and acceptor causing a strong decrease of energy transfer efficiency and subsequently of the gain. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 965–969
Rtt109‐dependent histone H3 K56 acetylation and gene activity are essential for the biological control potential of Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Cai Qing , Wang Juan‐Juan , Shao Wei , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDRtt109 is a histone acetyltransferase that catalyzes histone H3K56 acetylation required for genomic stability, DNA damage repair and virulence‐related gene activity in yeast‐like human pathogens but remains functionally unknown in fungal insect pathogens. This study seeks to elucidate the catalytic activity of a Rtt109 orthologue and its possible role in sustaining the biological control potential of Beauveria bassiana, a fungal entomopathogen.RESULTSDeletion of rtt109 in B. bassiana abolished histone H3K56 acetylation and triggered histone H2A‐S129 phosphorylation. Consequently, the deletion mutant showed increased sensitivity to the stresses of DNA damage, oxidation, cell wall perturbation, high osmolarity and heat shock during colony growth, severe conidiation defects under normal culture conditions, reduced conidial hydrophobicity, decreased conidial UV‐B resistance, and attenuated virulence through normal cuticle infection. These phenotypic changes correlated well with reduced transcript levels of many genes that encode the families of H2A‐S129 dephosphorylation‐related protein phosphatases, DNA damage‐repairing factors, antioxidant enzymes, heat‐shock proteins, key developmental activators, hydrophobins and cuticle‐degrading Pr1 proteases respectively.CONCLUSIONRtt109 can acetylate H3K56 and dephosphorylate H2A‐S129 in direct and indirect ways respectively, and hence has an essential role in sustaining the genomic stability and global gene activity required for conidiation capacity, environmental fitness and pest control potential in B. bassiana. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonism significantly attenuates stress‐induced immobility in a rat model of post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Rice Onarae V. , Ashby Charles R. , Dixon Clark , Laurenzo William , Hayden Jason , Song Rui , Li Jin , Tiwari Amit K. , Gardner Eliot L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPost‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric syndrome that occurs in individuals exposed to extremely threatening or traumatic events. In both animals and humans, dopamine (DA) function appears to be dysregulated in brain areas involved in the conditioned fear response(s) that underlie PTSD. In this study, we determined the effect of the selective DA D3 receptor antagonists YQA14A (6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg i.p.) and SB‐277011A (6 mg/kg i.p.) on tone‐induced fear (assessed by measuring freeze time) in a modified version of the single‐prolonged stress (SPS) model of PTSD in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Rats pretreated with vehicle and then subjected to restraint stress, forced swim and random foot shock (SPS) in the presence of a distinctive tone, displayed a significantly increased tone‐induced contextual freeze time and fecal pellet mass following re‐exposure to the tone. Rats pretreated with a single i.p. injection of 6.25 or 12.5 mg/kg of YQA14 or 6 mg/kg of SB‐277011A showed significantly attenuated contextual freeze time in the presence of the tone when tested 14 days after exposure to SPS. Overall, our results indicate that selectively antagonizing DA D3 receptors significantly decreases freezing time caused by an environment previously associated with stress. If our findings can be extrapolated to humans with PTSD, they suggest that DA D3 receptors may play a role in the pathophysiology of PTSD, and may have therapeutic utility for the clinical management of PTSD.