bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fluorescence toolbox: A review of investigation of electrophoretic separations, process, and interfaces
Authors: Thompson S. , Pappas Dimitri 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis review focuses on fluorescence spectroscopy techniques for the investigation of electrophoretic separations. Fluorescence has been used as a sensitive detector for capillary, gel, and microchip electrophoresis for decades. However, advanced fluorescence methods can be used to study transport, interfacial phenomena, intermolecular and affinity interactions, and other processes that occur during separation. This so‐called spectroscopic toolkit can be implemented to understand fundamental behavior in electrophoresis and electrokinetic chromatography. Techniques such as fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and fluorescence anisotropy are discussed in relation to electrophoretic separations. Newer methods such as super‐resolution microscope are also introduced.
Hydro‐geomorphic behavior of contrasting tropical landscapes and critical zone response to changing climate
Authors: Dialynas Yannis G. , Bras Rafael L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe potentially important influence of climate change on landscape evolution and on critical zone processes is not sufficiently understood. The relative contribution of hydro‐climatic factors on hillslope erosion rates may significantly vary with topography at the watershed scale. The objective of this study is to quantify the hydro‐geomorphic behavior of two contrasting landscapes in response to different climate change scenarios in the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory, a site of particular geomorphological interest, in terms of hillslope erosion and rainfall‐triggered landslides. We investigate the extent to which hillslope erosion and landslide occurrence remain relatively invariant with future hydro‐climatic perturbations. The adjacent Mameyes and Icacos watersheds are studied, which are underlain by contrasting lithologies. A high resolution coupled hydro‐geomorphic model based on tRIBS (Triangulated Irregular Network‐based Real‐time Integrated Basin Simulator) is used. Observations of landslide activity and hillslope erosion are used to evaluate the model performance. The process‐based model quantifies feedbacks among different hydrologic processes, landslide occurrence, and topsoil erosion and deposition. Simulations suggest that the propensity for landslide occurrence in the Luquillo Mountains is controlled by tropical storms, subsurface water flow, and by non‐climatic factors, and is expected to remain significant through 2099. The Icacos watershed, which is underlain by quartz diorite, is dominated by relatively large landslides. The relative frequency of smaller landslides is higher at the Mameyes watershed, which is underlain by volcaniclastic rock. While projections of precipitation decrease at the study site may lead to moderate decline in hillslope erosion rates, the simulated erosional potential of the two diverse landscapes likely remains significant. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for gum‐producing Lactic acid bacteria in Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and raphia palm (Raphia regalis) sap from South‐West Nigeria
Authors: Adamu‐Governor Oniovosa Leonard , Shittu Taofik A. , Afolabi Oluwatoyin Rebecca , Uzochukwu Sylvia Veronica Ajagugha 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLactic acid bacteria have wide applications in food processing. Lactic acid bacteria produced exopolysaccharides (EPS) which could be used as possible replacer for commercial stabilizer and thickeners produced by nonfood grade bacteria. Seventy‐two samples of Oil and Raphia palm sap were collected in eighteen locations across South‐Western Nigeria and screened for exopolysaccharide production in 6% sucrose agar using streaked plate method. Four hundred EPS‐producing bacteria (EPB) isolated were clustered based on morphological characteristics into two broad groups and preliminary screened for EPS‐producing capacity. Twenty representative of EPB were selected from the broad groups for tentative identification by API 50CHL and 10 high yielding EPB were selected for large‐scale EPS production. Each strain was inoculated into 6% sucrose broth with 3% (v/v) preculture grown overnight in a 1.5 ml flask and incubated at 37°C for 72 hr. The EPSs were purified and freeze‐dried prior to quantification of yields. EPS‐producing bacteria were identified as Leuconostoc lactis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. lactis, L. delbrueckii ssp. delbrueckii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides ssp. mesenteroides/dextranicum. EPS yield ranged from 132–810.75 mg/L and EPS‐producing potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains ranged; 36% (132–245 mg/L), 36% (250–460 mg/L), and 28% (461–820 mg/L). L. plantarum had the highest EPS yield of 810.75 mg/L whereas L. crispatus had the least yield 242.5 mg/L. These results suggest that majority of LAB in palm wine saps are gum‐producing bacteria. Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus were the most abundant LAB found in this study while L. plantarum could have applications as potential starter cultures for the production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) at industrial level.
Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activity of Palestinian honey samples
Authors: Imtara Hamada , Elamine Youssef , Lyoussi Badiâa 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPhysicochemical characteristics, main minerals, and antioxidant activity were determined for Palestinian honey samples belonging to different floral and geographical origins. The features of the analyzed samples were within the established international standards for honey quality control. One clear exception was the hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) of the Ziziphus sample purchased from the Jericho region, which is the lowest city in the word characterized by a hot desert climate. The observed HMF value was 81.86 ± 2.64 mg/kg being two folds the maximum allowed in honey samples (40 mg/kg). As a second objective of the present work, the parameters were divided into two groups with different discriminatory power. The assessed physicochemical parameters, and the antioxidant activities, specific to the botanical origin discrimination, were used to run the first PCA. A strong correlation could be seen between the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activities despite the geographical origin of the samples. Thyme and Ziziphus samples were the best samples, while citrus sample presented the lowest activity. Regarding the geographical discrimination, Ash and mineral contents in addition to the electrical conductivity were used. The output PCA conserved high represent ability of the data in the two‐first components being 82.72% and 9.60%. A little discrimination between the samples produced in the north and those produced in the south of the country, but it was not perfect. The intervention of the botanical variability could be the reason.
CCL17 exerts a neuroimmune modulatory function and is expressed in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Fülle Lorenz , Offermann Nina , Hansen Jan Niklas , Breithausen Björn , Erazo Anna Belen , Schanz Oliver , Radau Luca , Gondorf Fabian , Knöpper Konrad , Alferink Judith , Abdullah Zeinab , Neumann Harald , Weighardt Heike , Henneberger Christian , Halle Annett , Förster Irmgard 
Published: September 2018

AbstractChemokines are important signaling molecules in the immune and nervous system. Using a fluorescence reporter mouse model, we demonstrate that the chemokine CCL17, a ligand of the chemokine receptor CCR4, is produced in the murine brain, particularly in a subset of hippocampal CA1 neurons. We found that basal expression of Ccl17 in hippocampal neurons was strongly enhanced by peripheral challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS‐mediated induction of Ccl17 in the hippocampus was dependent on local tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, whereas upregulation of Ccl22 required granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). CCL17 deficiency resulted in a diminished microglia density under homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Further, microglia from naïve Ccl17‐deficient mice possessed a reduced cellular volume and a more polarized process tree as assessed by computer‐assisted imaging analysis. Regarding the overall branching, cell surface area, and total tree length, the morphology of microglia from naïve Ccl17‐deficient mice resembled that of microglia from wild‐type mice after LPS stimulation. In line, electrophysiological recordings indicated that CCL17 downmodulates basal synaptic transmission at CA3–CA1 Schaffer collaterals in acute slices from naïve but not LPS‐treated animals. Taken together, our data identify CCL17 as a homeostatic and inducible neuromodulatory chemokine affecting the presence and morphology of microglia and synaptic transmission in the hippocampus.
Alkali endohedrals of C24(BN)12 heterofullerenes: A DFT aqueous phase study
Authors: Karachi Nima , Boshra Asadollah 
Published: September 2018

AbstractResults achieved by density functional theory have been reported in terms of the energetic, electronic, vibrational frequencies, and thermochemical functions related to alkali metal endohedral derivatives of C24(BN)12 heterofullerenes in gas and aqueous phases. The endohedral heterofullerene cations are regarded as highly polar structures in both gas and aqueous phases. They indicate thermochemically approved solvation in the aqueous phase. The inclusion reactions are exothermic and spontaneous in the aqueous solution except for K+ cation. The calculated standard reduction potentials of alkali cation endohedral derivatives suggest them as potent oxidizing agents.
Determinants of patient participation for safer care: A qualitative study of physicians' experiences and perceptions
Authors: Schildmeijer Kristina , Nilsen Per , Ericsson Carin , Broström Anders , Skagerström Janna 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveThere is a paucity of research on physicians' perspectives on involving patients to achieve safer care. This study aims to explore determinants of patient participation for safer care, according to physicians in Swedish health care.MethodsWe used a deductive descriptive design, applying qualitative content analysis based on the Capability‐Opportunity‐Motivation‐Behaviour framework. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 physicians in different types of health care units, to achieve a heterogeneous sample. The main outcome measure was barriers and facilitators to patient participation of potential relevance for patient safety.ResultsAnalysis of the data yielded 14 determinants (ie, subcategories) functioning as barriers and/or facilitators to patient participation of potential relevance for patient safety. These determinants were mapped to five categories: physicians' capability to involve patients in their care; patients' capability to become involved in their care, as perceived by the physicians; physicians' opportunity to achieve patient participation in their care; physicians' motivation to involve patients in their care; and patients' motivation to become involved in their care, as perceived by the physicians.ConclusionThere are many barriers to patient participation to achieve safer care. There are also facilitators, but these tend to depend on initiatives of individual physicians and patients, because organizational‐level support may be lacking. Many of the determinants are interdependent, with physicians' perceived time constraints influencing other barriers.
Aiming for Authenticity: Successes and Struggles of an Attempt to Increase Authenticity in Writing
Authors: Behizadeh Nadia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe author analyzed an attempt to increase authenticity of writing in a middle school English language arts classroom. Drawing on a grounded theory of authenticity developed based on stated needs of a diverse group of students, the author and classroom teacher designed curriculum that sought to help students choose a valued topic, emphasize meaning making while developing writing skills and strategies, and have an impact on an audience. Students were also provided with opportunities to share in‐process and final work with others. Curricular attempts to enact these proposed factors of authentic writing in a personal narrative project are detailed, along with successes and struggles with implementing each factor. Findings highlight the importance of students writing for an actual, intended audience instead of an imagined one. Additionally, the author discusses how social justice education may provide a unifying curricular framework that strengthens students’ sense of audience and purpose.
Bioactive composites based on double network approach with tailored mechanical, physico‐chemical, and biological features
Authors: D'Amora Ugo , Ronca Alfredo , Raucci Maria Grazia , Lin Hai , Soriente Alessandra , Fan Yujiang , Zhang Xingdong , Ambrosio Luigi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHyaluronic acid (HA)‐based hydrogels are one of the most promising naturally derived biomaterials for tissue engineering applications, as they can play an important role in many key cellular processes. In this study, HA was chemically functionalized with photo‐cross‐linkable motifs by reacting with methacrylic anhydride (MA) to obtain methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA). A range of MA/HA molar ratios was used to obtain different degrees of substitution (DS) ranging from 3.5% to 74.5%, as showed by nuclear magnetic resonance and attenuated total reflection spectroscopy. By fine tuning the DS, the chemical reaction parameters, and the polymer concentration, it was demonstrated the possibility to tailor their mechanical features. Double network (DN) hydrogels were prepared through the synergic use of MeHA and polyethylene glycole diacrylate (PEGDA). To improve the biological properties of DN hydrogels, bioactive solid signals such as hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp) prepared by sol–gel approach were used in combination with DN hydrogels to obtain an advanced composite material with dual function in terms of mechanical and biological support for soft/hard tissue formation. The results highlighted that composite‐DN hydrogels showed a 10‐time increase of the storage modulus, if compared to neat MeHA, and an early alkaline phosphatase expression from human mesenchymal stem cells in basal medium. This work can be considered a first systematic approach for the designing of photo‐cross‐linkable hydrogels, based on a combination of natural/synthetic polymers and HAp, that could be applied in three‐dimensional additive manufacturing techniques such as stereolithography. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3079–3089, 2018.
A 3D in vitro model of the dermoepidermal junction amenable to mechanical testing
Authors: Jung Jangwook P. , Lin Wei‐Han , Riddle Megan J. , Tolar Jakub , Ogle Brenda M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecessive dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is caused by mutations in collagen‐type VII gene critical for the dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) formation. Neither tissues of animal models nor currently available in vitro models are amenable to the quantitative assessment of mechanical adhesion between dermal and epidermal layers. Here, we created a 3D in vitro DEJ model using extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of the DEJ anchored to a poly(ethylene glycol)‐based slab (termed ECM composites) and seeded with human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts of healthy individuals were well maintained in the ECM composite and showed the expression of collagen type VII over a 2‐week period. The ECM composites with healthy keratinocytes and fibroblasts exhibited yield stress associated with the separation of the model DEJ at 0.268 ± 0.057 kPa. When we benchmarked this measure of adhesive strength with that of the model DEJ fabricated with cells of individuals with RDEB, the yield stress was significantly lower (0.153 ± 0.064 kPa) consistent with our current mechanistic understanding of RDEB. In summary, a 3D in vitro model DEJ was developed for quantification of mechanical adhesion between epidermal‐ and dermal‐mimicking layers, which can be utilized for assessment of mechanical adhesion of the model DEJ applicable for Epidermolysis Bullosa‐associated therapeutics. © 2018 The Authors. Journal Of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published By Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3231–3238, 2018.
Retracted: Effects of RNA interference–mediated E‐selectin gene silencing on cell adhesion molecule expression and cell‐cell adhesion in vascular endothelial cells in mice with immunologic contact urticaria
Authors: Meng Zu‐Dong , Wang Xiao‐Lan , Du Tian‐Ping , Wang Yu , Qin Gui‐Fang , Zhao Hong‐Bo , Chen Yu‐Jie , Tian Bo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractContact urticaria is recognized as the wheal and flare reaction at a site from direct contact with a chemical or protein agent. Ongoing studies have proposed that gene silencing may have a promising future in finding optimal treatment of a variety of disease; hence, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of RNA interference–mediated E‐selectin (
SELE) gene silencing on cell adhesion molecule expression and on cell‐cell adhesion in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in a mouse model of immunologic contact urticaria (ICU). Following the successful establishment of mouse models of ICU induced by antidinitrophenol immunoglobulin E (IgE) combining 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene challenge, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the levels of IgE, interleukin 4 (IL‐4), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and histamine as well as the positive expression rate of SELE, respectively. The siRNA‐
SELE vector was constructed and transfection efficiency was estimated prior to performing quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay to determine the relative expression of SELE, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), L‐selectin (CD62L), and the alpha chain of leukocyte function–associated antigen‐1 (CD11a). Adhesion assay was then performed to assess the cell adhesion ability in VECs. Elevated levels of IgE, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, and histamine and increased positive expression rate of SELE were indicative of successful establishment of mouse models of ICU. Furthermore, the relative expression levels of SELE, ECP, ICAM‐1, CD62L, and CD11a were highest in the OE‐
SELE group. Besides, cell adhesion ability of VECs was notably promoted. Collectively, the current study define the potential role of
SELE silencing as an inhibitor to ICU development by inhibiting cell adhesion ability of VECs.
Expression of exosomal microRNAs during chondrogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sun Hao , Hu Shu , Zhang Ziji , Lun Jiayong , Liao Weiming , Zhang Zhiqi 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to compare the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes derived from human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) with and without chondrogenic induction. Exosomes derived from hBMSCs were isolated and identified. Microarray analysis was performed to compare miRNA expression between exosomes derived from hBMSCs with and without chondrogenic induction, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to verify the differentially expressed miRNAs. hBMSCs were transfected with miRNA mimic to extract miRNA‐overexpressed exosomes. The results showed that most exosomes exhibited a cup‐shaped or round‐shaped morphology with a diameter of approximately 50‐200 nm and expressed CD9 and CD63. We detected 141 miRNAs that were differentially expressed with and without chondrogenic induction by over a twofold change, including 35 upregulated miRNAs, such as miR‐1246, miR‐1290, miR‐193a‐5p, miR‐320c, and miR‐92a, and 106 downregulated miRNAs, such as miR‐377‐3p and miR‐6891‐5p. qRT‐PCR analysis validated these results. Exosomes derived from hBMSCs overexpressing miR‐320c were more efficient than normal exosomes derived from control hBMSCs at promoting osteoarthritis chondrocyte proliferation, down‐regulated matrix metallopeptidase 13 and up‐regulated (sex determining region Y)‐box 9 expression during hBMSC chondrogenic differentiation. In conclusion, we identified a group of upregulated miRNAs in exosomes derived from hBMSCs with chondrogenic induction that may play an important role in mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes in cartilage regeneration and, ultimately, the treatment of arthritis. We demonstrated the potential of these modified exosomes in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Silencing of microRNA‐375 affects immune function in mice with liver failure by upregulating astrocyte elevated gene‐1 through reducing apoptosis of Kupffer cells
Authors: Ke Qing‐Hong , Chen Hai‐Yong , He Zeng‐Lei , Lv Zhen , Xu Xiao‐Feng , Qian Yi‐Gang , Zheng Shu‐Sen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study aims to investigate how microRNA‐375 (miR‐375) improves immune function by regulating liver macrophages (Kupffer cells) in mice with liver failure. Forty mice were divided into ConA‐1h, ConA‐3h, ConA‐6h, and control groups, with 10 mice in each group. Mice models of liver failure were established by injecting concanavalin A (ConA) solution via the tail veins of mice, and then primary Kupffer cells were isolated and cultured. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to examine the expressions of miR‐375, astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and IL‐1β in Kupffer cells of mice with liver failure as well as after silencing of miR‐375. Flow cytometry was used to determine cell apoptosis. During the liver failure process, miR‐375, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β expressions were increased over time, while AEG‐1 expression decreased over time in the control, ConA‐1h, ConA‐3h, and ConA‐6h groups. Opposite alternations were observed after silencing of miR‐375. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay showed that AEG‐1 was a target gene of miR‐375. Flow cytometry determination showed that the ratio of apoptotic Kupffer cells decreased after silencing of miR‐375. Overexpression of AEG‐1 could rescue the suppression of IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β expressions in Kupffer cells after the short‐term induction of ConA and further inhibit cell apoptosis. Our study provides evidence that miR‐375 could regulate Kupffer cells to improve immune function in mice with liver failure.
Functional characterization of the Sox2, c‐Myc, and Oct4 promoters
Authors: Chen Hao , Jin Kai , Song Jiuzhou , Zuo Qisheng , Yang Huilin , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo better understand the mechanisms in transcriptional regulation, we analyzed the promoters of the reprogramming key genes Sox2,
c‐Myc, and
Oct4. Here, we cloned different 5′ deletions of the goat
Sox2,
c‐Myc, and
Oct4 promoters, and evaluated their functions by green fluorescent protein reporter system and dual‐luciferase reporter system. Site‐directed mugagenesis and epigenetic modifiers were used to explore the influence of transcription binding sites and epigenetic status on the promoters. The results suggested that the basal promoters were located in the − 109 to 49, − 147 to 1, and − 96 to 30 bp regions of the
Sox2,
c‐Myc, and
Oct4 promoters. The transcription factors that identified to influence the
Sox2,
c‐Myc, and
Oct4 promoter activities were Elf‐1 and activating protein 2 (AP‐2), C/EBP and Sp1, and Mzf1 and Sp1, respectively. The epigenetic alternation of the
Sox2,
c‐Myc, and
Oct4 promoters by 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine or/and trichostatin A significantly increased the promoter activities. In conclusion, the result determined the core promoter areas of the
Sox2,
c‐Myc, and
Oct4 genes, and identified the transcription factors that influence their promoter activities. We also verified that the
Sox2,
c‐Myc, and
Oct4 promoters were hypermethylated and hypoacetylated.