bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive predictive principal components for modeling multivariate air pollution
Authors: Bose Maitreyee , Larson Timothy , Szpiro Adam A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAir pollution monitoring locations are distributed across the United States; however, prediction of measured pollutant concentrations at new locations is often of interest for various purposes, for example, for pollution–health association studies. For a pollution measure like PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) comprised of multiple chemical components, the predictive principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm derives a low‐dimensional representation of component profiles. Geographic covariates and spatial splines help determine the principal component (PC) loadings of the pollution data to give improved prediction accuracy of the PC scores. While predictive PCA can accommodate pollution data of arbitrary dimension, it is currently limited to a small number of preselected geographic covariates. We propose an adaptive predictive PCA algorithm, which automatically identifies a combination of covariates that is most informative in choosing the PC directions in the pollutant space. We show, by means of simulation and empirical studies, that adaptive predictive PCA improves the accuracy of multicomponent pollutant concentration predictions at unmonitored locations.
Avoidance response by shrimps to a copper gradient: Does high population density prevent avoidance of contamination?
Authors: Araújo Cristiano V.M. , Pereira Karyna C. , Blasco Julián 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Bioassays using the nonforced exposure approach have been shown to be a relevant tool that might complement the traditional ecotoxicological risk assessment. Because the nonforced exposure approach is based on spatial displacement of organisms and the consequent habitat selection processes, the population density might play an important role in the decision to avoid or prefer an ecosystem. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess if the avoidance response to contamination, measured in a nonforced exposure system, is density-dependent and how determinant contamination could be for the habitat-selection process in comparison with the population density. The freshwater shrimp Atyaephyra desmarestii was exposed to a copper gradient in a nonforced exposure system formed by 7 interconnected compartments (total volume 600 mL), which contained different copper concentrations. The density treatments used were 3, 5, and 10 organisms per compartment, corresponding to 0.5, 0.8, and 1.7 organisms per 100 mL, respectively. Clearly, the avoidance response to copper was more intense in the population with the lower density: the highest population density showed the lowest avoidance. The concentrations that triggered an avoidance of 50% of the population were 47, 134, and 163 μg L−1. In summary, it was observed that shrimps were able to detect and avoid potentially toxic copper concentrations but that the avoidance response was affected by population density. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:3095–3101. © 2018 SETAC
Target site model: Application of the polyparameter target lipid model to predict aquatic organism acute toxicity for various modes of action
Authors: Boone Kathleen S. , Di Toro Dominic M. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

A database of 2049 chemicals with 47 associated modes of action (MoA) was compiled from the literature. The database includes alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, inorganic, and polar compounds. Brief descriptions of some critical MoA classification groups are provided. The MoA from the 14 sources were assigned using a variety of reliable experimental and modeling techniques. Toxicity information, chemical parameters, and solubility limits were combined with the MoA label information to create the data set used for model development. The model database was used to generate linear free energy relationships for each specific MoA using multilinear regression analysis. The model uses chemical-specific Abraham solute parameters estimated from AbSolv to determine MoA-specific solvent parameters. With this procedure, critical target site concentrations are determined for each genus. Statistical analysis showed a wide range in values of the solvent parameters for the significant MoA. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:222–239. © 2018 SETAC
Clonal evolution through genetic bottlenecks and telomere attrition: Potential threats to in vitro data reproducibility
Authors: Gisselsson David , Lichtenzstejn Daniel , Kachko Polina , Karlsson Jenny , Manor Esther , Mai Sabine 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTissue cultures of immortalized human cells, also known as established cell lines, are broadly accessible and cost‐efficient tools for biomedical research. We here review potential genetic sources of systematic error in cell line experiments due to clonal evolution in vitro. In particular, the authors highlight alterations in telomere function over prolonged culture and population bottlenecks, respectively, as two commonly overlooked phenomena that can result in significant alterations in cell line genotypes over just one or a few passages in vitro. These alterations may include changes in mutation status of oncogenes and large scale chromosomal imbalances. We introduce a simple list of factors to be avoided in order to reduce the risk of data misinterpretation due to clonal evolution, including unacknowledged in vitro selection pressures, prolonged culture per se, harsh population size reductions, experiments at early phases after establishment, and the employment of cell lines not sufficiently analyzed by high resolution genetic techniques.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms among older adults living in two countries in Central Africa (EPIDEMCA study)
Authors: Yoro‐Zohoun Inès , Nubukpo Philippe , Houinato Dismand , Mbelesso Pascal , Ndamba‐Bandzouzi Bébène , Clément Jean‐Pierre , Dartigues Jean‐Francois , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Guerchet Maëlenn ,   for the EPIDEMCA Group
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesOur study aimed at estimating the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms and investigating associated factors among older adults living in two countries in Central Africa (Central African Republic [CAR] and Republic of Congo [ROC]).MethodsThe EPIDEMCA multicentre population‐based study was carried out in rural and urban areas of CAR and ROC between 2011 and 2012 among people aged 65 and over. After cognitive screening using the Community Screening Interview for Dementia, participants with low performances underwent neurological examination including the brief version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in this population.ResultsNPI‐Q data were available for 532 participants. Overall, 333 elderly people (63.7%) reported at least one neuropsychiatric symptom. The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms was 89.9% (95% CI, 84.6‐95.1) in participants with dementia, 73.4% (95% CI, 65.1‐81.7) in participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 48.7% (95% CI, 42.9‐54.6) in participants with no MCI nor dementia after neurological examination (P < 0.0001). The most common symptoms were depression, anxiety, and irritability. Participants living in Gamboma, with normal hearing and with friends in the community, were less likely to present neuropsychiatric symptoms. Physical disability, difficulties in eating, female sex, and dementia were significantly associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms.ConclusionNeuropsychiatric symptoms are common among older people with neurocognitive disorders in CAR and ROC. Our results confirm those from previous studies in Nigeria and Tanzania. Nevertheless, knowledge of these symptoms remains limited in sub‐Saharan Africa, hampering their appropriate management.
Are π–π Interactions in Ionic Liquids Related to Conductivities?
Authors: Fei Zhaofu , Huang Zhangjun , Tirani Farzaneh Fadaei , Scopelliti Rosario , Dyson Paul J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA series of functionalised imidazolium halide salts with substituents able to form π‐bonds have been prepared and characterised. Subsequent reaction of these imidazolium halides with Ag[C(CN)3] affords imidazolium‐based ionic liquids (ILs), some of which are characterised by extensive π–π interactions between the cation and [C(CN)3] anion. The conductivities of the room temperature ILs with the [C(CN)3] anion were determined and the IL with an alkene functionality exhibits the highest conductivity, exceeding that of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, a commonly used IL electrolyte. No clear correlations between the extent of π–π interactions and the conductivities were observed.
Soil water content and temporal stability in an arid area with natural and planted grasslands
Authors: Huang Ze , Miao Hai‐Tao , Liu Yu , Tian Fu‐Ping , He Honghua , Shen Weibo , López‐Vicente Manuel , Wu Gao‐Lin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSoil water content (SWC) is a key factor for successful vegetation restoration in arid and semiarid regions, and vegetation has significant influences on the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of SWC. The aim of this study was to investigate the temporal stability of SWC under different restored grasslands in an arid hilly area of Central China. SWC was measured in the 0‐ to 300‐cm soil profile in the natural grassland (Stipa capillata) and three typical planted grasslands (Medicago sativa, Agropyron cristatum, and Caragana korshinskii) over two growing seasons (from June to October 2015 and 2016) under natural rainfall conditions. The results showed that the mean SWC in the natural grassland was approximately 30% higher than those in the planted grasslands. The SWC consumption of the planted legume grasslands in the deepest soil layers (below 200 cm) was higher than that of the natural grassland, owing to the deep root system of the legumes. Both natural and planted grasslands had low SWC temporal stability in the top soil layers (0–50 cm), whereas more stable conditions were gradually observed with increasing the soil depth. The mean value of the mean relative differences of SWC in natural grassland (ca. 15%) was lower than that in the planted grasslands (A. cristatum grasslands) and much lower than that in the scrubland, highlighting the stronger temporal stability of SWC in the natural grassland. In conclusion, natural grassland could maintain higher and stable SWC and is recommended to be used for achieving sustainable vegetation restoration in arid and semiarid regions.
Bootstrap inference for impulse response functions in factor‐augmented vector autoregressions
Authors: Yamamoto Yohei 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIn this study, we consider residual‐based bootstrap methods to construct the confidence interval for structural impulse response functions in factor‐augmented vector autoregressions. In particular, we compare the bootstrap with factor estimation (Procedure A) with the bootstrap without factor estimation (Procedure B). Both procedures are asymptotically valid under the condition
, where N and T are the cross‐sectional dimension and the time dimension, respectively. However, Procedure A is also valid even when
with 0 ≤ c < ∞ because it accounts for the effect of the factor estimation errors on the impulse response function estimator. Our simulation results suggest that Procedure A achieves more accurate coverage rates than those of Procedure B, especially when N is much smaller than T. In the monetary policy analysis of Bernanke et al. (Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2005, 120(1), 387–422), the proposed methods can produce statistically different results.
Tyramine‐conjugated alginate hydrogels as a platform for bioactive scaffolds
Authors: Schulz André , Gepp Michael M. , Stracke Frank , von Briesen Hagen , Neubauer Julia C. , Zimmermann Heiko 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAlginate‐based hydrogels represent promising microenvironments for cell culture and tissue engineering, as their mechanical and porous characteristics are adjustable toward in vivo conditions. However, alginate scaffolds are bioinert and thus inhibit cellular interactions. To overcome this disadvantage, bioactive alginate surfaces were produced by conjugating tyramine molecules to high‐molecular‐weight alginates using the carbodiimide chemistry. Structural elucidation using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and contact angle measurements revealed a surface chemistry and wettability of tyramine‐alginate hydrogels similar to standard cell culture treated polystyrene. In contrast to stiff cell culture plastic, tyramine‐alginate scaffolds were found to be soft (60–80 kPa), meeting the elastic moduli of human tissues such as liver and heart. We further demonstrated an enhanced protein adsorption with increasing tyramine conjugation, stable for several weeks. Cell culture studies with human mesenchymal stem cells and human pluripotent stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes qualified tyramine‐alginate hydrogels as bioactive platforms enabling cell adhesion and contraction on (structured) 2‐D layer and spherical matrices. Due to the alginate functionalization with tyramines, stable cell–matrix interactions were observed beneficial for an implementation in biology, biotechnology, and medicine toward efficient cell culture and tissue substitutes. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 114–121, 2019.
Electrosprayed genipin cross‐linked alginate–chitosan microcarriers for ex vivo expansion of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Chui Chih‐Yao , Odeleye Akinlolu , Nguyen Linh , Kasoju Naresh , Soliman Erfan , Ye Hua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are potential therapeutic candidates, owing to their ability to differentiate into several cell types. However, the gap between availability and demand of MSCs requires alternative expansion methods from 2D culture flasks. Microcarriers are a promising approach for MSC expansion due to their high surface area‐to‐volume ratio. However, current commercial microcarriers do not provide the highest cell yield due to low cell attachment efficiencies and difficulty in cell detachment. This study developed a hydrogel‐based microcarrier from genipin cross‐linked alginate–chitosan beads. Alginate beads were produced by electrospraying before being coated with chitosan and cross‐linked in genipin. The degree of cross‐linking was determined through fluorescence reading of the genipin‐chitosan conjugates. MSCs cultured on these microcarriers had a 26% higher cell attachment and twice the proliferation rate compared to the commercial microcarrier Cytodex 1. Cells easily detached from the hydrogel beads and did not require extended incubation periods or intense agitation during cell harvest. There was no significant difference in gene expression between the two microcarriers for the positive MSC surface markers CD‐90, CD‐105, and CD‐73 as well as showing either low or no signal for negative MSC surface markers CD‐45 and CD‐34. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 122–133, 2019.
Ewing‐like sarcoma: An emerging family of round cell sarcomas
Authors: Renzi Samuele , Anderson Nathaniel D. , Light Nicholas , Gupta Abha 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEwing‐like sarcomas are an emerging subgroup of small round blue cell sarcomas that share various degrees of morphological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and clinical similarity with Ewing sarcoma. Despite these similarities, Ewing‐like sarcomas lack the pathognomonic molecular hallmark of Ewing sarcoma: A translocation between a gene of the RNA‐binding TET family (EWSR1 or
FUS) with a gene of the ETS‐transcription family (
FLI1,
ERG,
ETV1,
ETV4, or
FEV). Recently, increased use of modern molecular methods based on next‐generation sequencing have enabled the identification of distinct subgroups within this previously uncharacterized group of Ewing‐like sarcomas based on the discovery of novel molecular driving events. The focus of this review is to provide an update on the main subcategories of Ewing‐like sarcomas discovered to date:
CIC‐rearranged sarcomas,
BCOR‐rearranged sarcomas, sarcomas with a rearrangement between
EWSR1 and a non‐ETS family gene, and the substantial fraction of tumors which remain uncharacterized by molecular methods. There is increasing evidence that these tumors represent stand‐alone entities with unique characteristics rather than simply a subgroup of Ewing sarcoma; thus, the question of the best therapeutic approach for these often aggressive sarcomas remains of primary importance. Ultimately, large collaborative efforts will be necessary to better determine the characteristics of this rare, heterogeneous family of tumors.
IL1R1 and IL1R2 polymorphisms were associated with tuberculosis risk: A pilot study
Authors: Ren Guoxia , Dong Qi , Huyan Baojuan , Jin Pu , Chen Mingwei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin (IL)‐1 has been reported to be involved in the development of tuberculosis (TB). IL1R1 and IL1R2 encode a cytokine receptor that belongs to the IL‐1 receptor family. However, few studies have reported on the polymorphisms of IL1R1 and IL1R2 in TB patients.MethodsWe investigated nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL1R1 and IL1R2 in 300 TB patients and 300 controls, aiming to evaluate their association with TB risk. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using unconditional logistic regression after adjusting for age and gender.ResultsOn comparing the allele frequencies of candidate SNPs, we found that the minor allele ‘A’ of rs4851527 in IL1R2 was associated with a decreased risk of TB, whereas the minor alleles of rs10490571, rs956730 and rs3917225 in IL1R1 were associated with an increased risk of TB (p < 0.05). In the genetic model analysis, we found that the allele ‘A’ of rs4851527 was correlated with a decreased risk of TB in a log‐additive model, whereas the minor alleles of rs719250, rs3218977, rs10490571, rs956730 and rs3917225 were correlated with an increased risk of TB in dominant and log‐additive models (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found three haplotypes that were associated with an increased risk of TB: TGCT and TGTT haplotypes constructed by rs11674595, rs4851527, rs719250 and rs3218896, as well as GA haplotype constructed by rs3218977 and rs2072472 (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOur data shed new light on the association between genetic polymorphisms of IL1R1 and IL1R2 and TB susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.
Thiazolidine‐4‐ones from Thiocarbohydrazides
Authors: Hassan Alaa A. , Makhlouf Maysa M. 
Published: September 2018

Several methods for the preparation of thiazolidin‐4‐ones from thiocarbohydrazides over the last 15 years are highlighted. Thiosemicarbazides, thiocarbohydrazides, thioamides, and hydrazinecarbothioamides as well as thioureas were used to obtain different substituted thiazolidinones under reaction conditions. Thiazolidinones can be synthesized either by a one‐pot three‐component condensation or a two‐step process. Also, the mechanism of formation, regioselectivity issues, and biological activities of different thiazolidinones were discussed.
Understanding early TLR signaling through the Myddosome
Authors: Balka Katherine R , De Nardo Dominic 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
TLRs are expressed on the plasma and endosomal membranes of innate immune cells acting as sensors of foreign and inherent danger signals that threaten the host. Upon activation, TLRs facilitate the assembly of large intracellular oligomeric signaling complexes, termed Myddosomes, which initiate key signal transduction pathways to elicit critical inflammatory immune responses. The formation of the Myddosome is integral for TLR signaling; however, the molecular mechanisms controlling its formation, disassembly, and the subsequent proximal signaling events remain to be clearly defined. In this review, we present a brief overview of TLR signal transduction pathways, summarize the current understanding of the Myddosome and the proteins that comprise its structure, including MyD88 and members of the IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family. Finally, we will discuss recent advances and open questions regarding early TLR signaling in the context of the Myddosome complex.
Review on our understanding of early TLR signaling with a focus on the Myddosome complex.
Augmenting MRI Safety Screening Processes: Reliable Identification of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices by a Ferromagnetic Detector System
Authors: Watson Robert E. , Walsh Suson M. , Felmlee Joel P. , Friedman Paul A. , Keene Mark N. 
Published: September 2018

Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy Stage: 5 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:e297–e299.
Different response of human chondrocytes from healthy looking areas and damaged regions to IL1β stimulation under different oxygen tension
Authors: Huang Xiaobin , Zhong Leilei , Hendriks Jan , Post Janine N. , Karperien Marcel 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTDue to its avascular nature, articular cartilage is relatively hypoxic. The aim of this study was to elucidate the functional changes of macroscopically healthy looking areas chondrocytes (MHC) and macroscopically damaged regions chondrocytes (MDC) at a cellular level in response to the inflammatory cytokine IL1β under different oxygen tension levels. In this study, two‐dimensional (2‐D) expanded MHC and MDC were redifferentiated in 3‐D pellet cultures in chondrogenic differentiation medium, supplemented with or without IL1β at conventional culture (normoxia) or 2.5% O2 (hypoxia) for 3 weeks. qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA were used to detect the expression of anabolic and catabolic gene expression. Alcian blue/Safranin O staining and GAG assay were used to measure cartilage matrix production. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by EdU staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. The results showed that hypoxia enhanced matrix production in both MHC and MDC and this effect was stronger on MDC. Under normoxia, MHC showed higher expression of cartilage markers and lower catabolic genes expression than MDC. Interestingly, hypoxia diminished the difference between MHC and MDC. IL1β potently induced MMPs expression regardless of cell population and oxygen tension. The fold induction of these MMPs in hypoxia was however much higher than in normoxia. In addition, hypoxia promoted the expression of HIF1α and HIF2α in MHC, while it only enhanced HIF1α expression but decreased the HIF2α expression in MDC. We concluded that hypoxia stimulated the redifferentiation of cultured chondrocytes, particularly in MDC derived from macroscopically diseased cartilage. Oxygen tension may profoundly and differentially influence inflammation‐associated cartilage injury and diseases by regulating the expression of HIF1α and HIF2α. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 9999:XX–XX, 2018.