bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cells enhance autophagy of human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Zhu Yun , Wang Qian , Tang Xiaojun , Yao Genhong , Sun Lingyun 
Published: July 2018

Dysfunctional autophagy in intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (IBECs) is the main mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of bile duct lesions in primary biliary cholangitis. Autophagy may be a key pathogenesis for aetiology of primary biliary cholangitis. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses were used for the evaluation of autophagy in human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (HiBECs) at various time points. Glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) induced autophagy in HiBECs; the ratio of microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3‐II/microtubule‐associated protein light chain 3‐I (LC3‐II/LC3‐I) expression markedly increased at 48 hours, and then declined. However, compared with cells treated with GCDC alone, the expression of LC3‐II increased and the clearance of autophagosome enhanced in GCDC‐treated cells cocultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Furthermore, the level of phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) decreased in HiBECs cocultured with MSCs relative to those cultured without MSCs. Following STAT3 silencing, decreased expression of phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α was consistently observed. The present data suggest that mesenchymal stem cells may enhance autophagic flux of HiBECs through the inhibition of STAT3 activity.Significance paragraphThe present findings constitute the first report that human umbilical cord‐derived MSCs enhance autophagic flux in HiBECs through a STAT3‐dependent way:MSCs enhance the autophagic flux by increasing the formation of autophagosome and autolysosome in GCDC‐treated HiBECs.MSCs decrease the STAT3 activity and the expression of eIF2α in GCDC‐treated HiBECs; in addition, MSCs increase the expression of PKR.With STAT3 silencing, MSCs enhance neither the levels of LC3II nor the expression of PKR in GCDC‐treated HiBECs.
Biosynthetic Gene Cluster of a d‐Tryptophan‐Containing Lasso Peptide, MS‐271
Authors: Feng Zhi , Ogasawara Yasushi , Nomura Satoshi , Dairi Tohru 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMS‐271, produced by Streptomyces sp. M‐271, is a lasso peptide natural product comprising 21 amino acid residues with a d‐tryptophan at its C terminus. Because lasso peptides are ribosomal peptides, the biosynthesis of MS‐271, especially the mechanism of d‐Trp introduction, is of great interest. The MS‐271 biosynthetic gene cluster was identified by draft genome sequencing of the MS‐271 producer, and it was revealed that the precursor peptide contains all 21 amino acid residues including the C‐terminal tryptophan. This suggested that the d‐Trp residue is introduced by epimerization. Genes for modification enzymes such as a macrolactam synthetase (mslC), precursor peptide recognition element (mslB1), cysteine protease (mslB2), disulfide oxidoreductases (mslE, mslF), and a protein of unknown function (mslH) were found in the flanking region of the precursor peptide gene. Although obvious epimerase genes were absent in the cluster, heterologous expression of the putative MS‐271 cluster in Streptomyces lividans showed that it contains all the necessary genes for MS‐271 production including a gene for a new peptide epimerase. Furthermore, a gene‐deletion experiment indicated that MslB1, ‐B2, ‐C and ‐H were indispensable for MS‐271 production and that some interactions of the biosynthetic enzymes were essential for the biosynthesis of MS‐271.
Rational Synthesis of a Highly Porous PANI‐CNTs‐PVC Film for High Performance Flexible Supercapacitor
Authors: Faraji Masoud , Mohammadzadeh Aydisheh Hossein 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA facile and low‐cost strategy has been developed to prepare a highly porous polyaniline/carbon nanotube/polyvinyl chloride film (PANI‐CNTs‐PVC) as an electrode for flexible supercapacitors with the improved performance. The flexible porous film was fabricated via introducing Zn nanopowder into the composition of PANI‐CNTs‐PVC film and then leaching of Zn from the obtained film in an acidic solution. A maximum areal capacitance of 298 mF cm−2 with 86.5 % retention after 5000 cycles at a current density of 0.6 mA cm−2 is achieved for the porous flexible PANI‐CNTs‐PVC film. The capacity is considerably larger than that of the non‐porous flexible PANI‐CNTs‐PVC film prepared without Zn introduction process (90 mF cm−2 with 87 % retention after 5000 cycles). The excellent electrochemical performance of the porous PANI‐CNTs‐PVC film compared to non‐porous PANI‐CNTs‐PVC film is due to the porous 3D network structure and its high hydrophilic property which help to transport electrolyte to the inner region of the composite and facilitate the charge‐transfer between the film and electrolyte. Furthermore, an all‐solid‐state symmetric supercapacitor fabricated from two porous flexible PANI‐CNTs‐PVC films with solid‐state PVA/H2SO4 gel as electrolyte displayed superior flexibility and high electrochemical activity.
Carboxylic acid Functionalized Cage‐Type Mesoporous Silica FDU‐12 as Support for Controlled Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles and Their Catalytic Applications
Authors: Deka Juti Rani , Budi Canggih Setya , Lin Chien‐Hua , Saikia Diganta , Yang Yung‐Chin , Kao Hsien‐Ming 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCarboxylic acid functionalized 3D cage‐type mesoporous silica FDU‐12 with high surface area and pore volume was synthesized by a one‐pot co‐condensation method and used as support to synthesize Pt nanoparticles (NPs). The uniformly distributed COOH groups in the cage can control the growth of Pt NPs with high dispersion (Pt@CF‐12). Pt@CF‐12 was used as catalyst for the hydrolysis of ammonia borane to generate H2 and for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol. The catalyst exhibits higher catalytic activity (H2 generation rate of 17.8 L
min−1
) and lower activation energy of 30.67 kJ mol−1 compared with other Pt‐based silica catalysts due to the small size of the Pt NPs (3.5 nm) and cage‐type porous structure of the support, which allowed easy diffusion of reactants. Pt@CF‐12 has excellent durability, since the support prevented NP aggregation and leaching of NPs during catalysis. Pt@CF‐12 can convert 93 % of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol within 10 min.
Adsorption and Quantification of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) by using Hybrid Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: de las Nieves Piña María , Rodríguez Paulina , Gutiérrez María Susana , Quiñonero David , Morey Jeroni , Frontera Antonio 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe ability of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles decorated with perylene bisimides to adsorb aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is reported. We have used DFT‐D3 calculations to anticipate the strong ability of the electron‐poor perylene bisimide to form noncovalent complexes with electron‐rich aromatic rings belonging to the VOC family. Subsequently, we synthesized a hybrid magnetic nanomaterial based on bisimide perylene dopamine and iron oxide nanoparticles. This material was used to fill a sorbent tube to study its ability to adsorb aromatic VOCs. We connected two tubes in series filled with the hybrid nanoparticles. The analysis of the front and back tubes was performed by thermal desorption (TD) coupled with capillary gas chromatography (GC)/flame ionization detector (FID). Adsorption values (defined as %VOCs found in the back tube) were determined for a series of aromatic VOCs and compared with the DFT binding energies. The tubes can be desorbed and reutilized more than 200 times without losing their properties.
Corrosion‐Resistant Microprocess Apparatuses by Means of CVD Coating with Tantalum
Authors: Gietzelt Thomas , Kraut Manfred , Messerschmidt Florian , Fürbeth Wolfram , Dittmeyer Roland 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDie Wandstärken mikroverfahrenstechnischer Apparate sind mit denen konventioneller Rührkessel in der chemischen Industrie nicht vergleichbar. Bereits Chargenunterschiede innerhalb der technischen Spezifikationen für übliche korrosionsbeständige Werkstoffe können zu signifikanten Abweichungen der Abtragsraten führen und die Lebensdauer signifikant begrenzen. Um Korrosionserscheinungen möglichst vollständig auszuschließen, eignet sich Tantal aufgrund seiner hervorragenden Beständigkeit sehr gut. Es wird gezeigt, dass für Mikroapparate typische Kanalquerschnitte bei großer Länge mittels einer CVD‐Beschichtung völlig defektfrei und homogen mit Tantal beschichtet werden können. Dauertests in 70 %iger Schwefelsäure ergaben keinerlei Masseverlust oder Abtrag.
Putting the life in lifestyle: Lifestyle choices after a diagnosis of cancer predicts overall survival
Authors: Krane Andrew , Terhorst Lauren , Bovbjerg Dana H. , Scheier Michael F. , Kucinski Barbara , Geller David A. , Marsh Wallis , Tsung Allan , Steel Jennifer L. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine predictors of health behaviors over time and the link between health behaviors and survival after a diagnosis of advanced cancer.MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of advanced cancer were administered a battery of questionnaires measuring optimism, depressive symptoms, physical activity, intake of fruits and vegetables, and alcohol and tobacco use over an 18‐month period. Analyses included generalized linear mixed models and Cox regression survival analyses.ResultsOf the 334 patients enrolled in the study, the mean age at cancer diagnosis was 62 years; the majority were male (62.3%) and white (91%). Twenty percent of the patients reported using alcohol, 19% reported using tobacco, 19% reported eating fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and 28% reported physical inactivity after the diagnosis of advanced cancer. Clinical levels of depressive symptoms were associated with lower intake of fruits and vegetables (t = 2.67, P = .007) and physical inactivity (t = 2.11, P = .035). Dispositional optimism was positively associated with physical activity (t = –2.16, P = .031) and a lower frequency of tobacco use (Z = –2.42, P = .015). Multivariate analyses revealed that after adjusting for demographic variables (age and sex), depressive symptoms, and disease‐specific factors (diagnosis, tumor size, cirrhosis, vascular invasion, and number of lesions), alcohol use (χ2 = 4.1186, P = .042) and physical inactivity (χ2 = 5.6050, P = .018) were linked to an poorer survival.ConclusionsGreater dissemination and implementation of effective interventions to reduce alcohol use and increase physical activity in cancer patients are recommended.
Predictive factors of survival in a surgical series of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression and complete external validation of 8 multivariate models of survival in a prospective North American multicenter study
Authors: Nater Anick , Tetreault Lindsay A. , Kopjar Branko , Arnold Paul M. , Dekutoski Mark B. , Finkelstein Joel A. , Fisher Charles G. , France John C. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Rhines Laurence D. , Rose Peter S. , Sahgal Arjun , Schuster James M. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Fehlings Michael G. 
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUNDThis study was designed to identify preoperative predictors of survival in surgically treated patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC), to examine how these predictors are related to 8 prognostic models, and to perform the first full external validation of these models in accordance with the Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement.METHODSOne hundred forty‐two surgically treated patients with MESCC were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter North American cohort study and were followed for 12 months or until death. Cox regression was used. Noncollinear predictors with < 10% missing data, with ≥ 10 events per stratum, and with P < .05 in a univariate analysis were tested through a backward stepwise selection. For the original and revised Tokuhashi prognostic scoring systems (PSSs), Tomita PSS, modified Bauer PSS, van der Linden PSS, Bartels model, Oswestry Spinal Risk Index, and Bollen PSS, this study examined calibration graphically, discrimination with Harrell c‐statistics, and survival stratified by risk groups with the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test.RESULTSThe following were significant in the univariate analysis: type of primary tumor, sex, organ metastasis, body mass index, preoperative radiotherapy to MESCC, physical component (PC) of the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF‐36v2), and EuroQol 5‐Dimension (EQ‐5D) Questionnaire. Breast, prostate and thyroid primary tumor (HR: 2.9; P =.0005), presence of organ metastasis (hazard ratio (HR): 2.0; P = .005) and SF‐36v2 PC (HR: 0.95; P < .0001) were associated with survival in multivariable analysis. Predicted prognoses poorly matched observed values on calibration plots; Bartels model calibration slope was 0.45. Bollen PSS (0.61; 95% CI: 0.58‐0.64) and Bartels model (0.68; 95% CI: 0.65‐0.71) had the lowest and highest c‐statistics, respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe primary tumor type (breast, prostate, or thyroid), an absence of organ metastasis, and a lower degree of physical disability are preoperative predictors of longer survival for surgical MESCC patients. These results are in keeping with current models. This full external validation of 8 prognostic PSSs or model of survival in surgical MESCC patients has revealed that calibration is poor, especially for long‐term survivors, whereas discrimination is possibly helpful.
Using XCAVATOR and EXCAVATOR2 to Identify CNVs from WGS, WES, and TS Data
Authors: D'Aurizio Romina , Semeraro Roberto , Magi Alberto 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCopy Number Variants (CNVs) are structural rearrangements contributing to phenotypic variation but also associated with many disease states. In recent years, the identification of CNVs from high‐throughput sequencing experiments has become a common practice for both research and clinical purposes. Several computational methods have been developed so far. In this unit, we describe and give instructions on how to run two read count–based tools, XCAVATOR and EXCAVATOR2, which are tailored for the detection of both germline and somatic CNVs from different sequencing experiments (whole‐genome, whole‐exome, and targeted) in various disease contexts and population genetic studies. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Frontline Science: Targeted expression of a dominant-negative high mobility group A1 transgene improves outcome in sepsis
Authors: Baron Rebecca M , Kwon Min-Young , Castano Ana P , Ghanta Sailaja , Riascos-Bernal Dario F , Lopez-Guzman Silvia , Macias Alvaro Andres , Ith Bonna , Schissel Scott L , Lederer James A , Reeves Raymond , Yet Shaw-Fang , Layne Matthew D , Liu Xiaoli , Perrella Mark A 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
High mobility group (HMG) proteins are a family of architectural transcription factors, with HMGA1 playing a role in the regulation of genes involved in promoting systemic inflammatory responses. We speculated that blocking HMGA1-mediated pathways might improve outcomes from sepsis. To investigate HMGA1 further, we developed genetically modified mice expressing a dominant negative (dn) form of HMGA1 targeted to the vasculature. In dnHMGA1 transgenic (Tg) mice, endogenous HMGA1 is present, but its function is decreased due to the mutant transgene. These mice allowed us to specifically study the importance of HMGA1 not only during a purely pro-inflammatory insult of endotoxemia, but also during microbial sepsis induced by implantation of a bacterial-laden fibrin clot into the peritoneum. We found that the dnHMGA1 transgene was only present in Tg and not wild-type (WT) littermate mice, and the mutant transgene was able to interact with transcription factors (such as NF-κB), but was not able to bind DNA. Tg mice exhibited a blunted hypotensive response to endotoxemia, and less mortality in microbial sepsis. Moreover, Tg mice had a reduced inflammatory response during sepsis, with decreased macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into tissues, which was associated with reduced expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-2. Collectively, these data suggest that targeted expression of a dnHMGA1 transgene is able to improve outcomes in models of endotoxin exposure and microbial sepsis, in part by modulating the immune response and suggest a novel modifiable pathway to target therapeutics in sepsis.
High mobility group A1 is a modifiable pathway for therapeutics in sepsis, using a dominant negative approach to regulate the immune response.
Rapid analysis of ricin using hot acid digestion and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Dapeng , Bryden Wayne A. , Fenselau Catherine 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRicin is a protein toxin of considerable interest in forensics. A novel strategy is reported here for rapid detection of ricin based on microwave‐assisted hot acid digestion and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Ricin samples are subjected to aspartate‐selective hydrolysis, and biomarker peptide products are characterized by mass spectrometry. Spectra are obtained using post source decay and searched against a protein database. Several advantages are offered by chemical hydrolysis, relative to enzymatic hydrolysis, notably speed, robustness, and the production of heavier biomarkers. Agglutinin contamination is reliably recognized, as is the disulfide bond strongly characteristic of ricin.
UHPLC‐ESI‐QqTOF‐MS/MS characterization of minor chlorogenic acids in roasted Coffea arabica from different geographical origin
Authors: De Rosso Mirko , Colomban Silvia , Flamini Riccardo , Navarini Luciano 
Published: July 2018

AbstractChlorogenic acids are relevant coffee quality markers, taste, and aroma precursors as well as important bioactive compounds. A number of mono‐acyl, di‐acyl, and tri‐acyl quinic acid isomers were found in green coffee beans, being mono‐caffeoyl, mono‐feruloyl, mono‐p‐coumaroyl, and di‐caffeoylquinic acid isomers considered as quantitatively major compounds. Roasting process increases the chemical complexity of coffee by inducing the formation of a number of lactones (quinides), shikimates, and other chlorogenic acids derivatives. So far, little attention has been paid in characterizing minor chlorogenic acids and derivatives in roasted Coffea arabica, also known as Arabica. In the present work, roasted C. arabica samples from different geographical origins (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and India) were characterized by UHPLC‐ESI‐QqTOF‐MS/MS. Several minor chlorogenic acid isomers were identified. In particular, HR‐MS/MS provided putative identification of four dimethoxycinnamoyl‐quinic acid derivatives, such as 4‐dimethoxycinnamoylquinic acid, 4‐dimethoxycinnamoyl‐3‐caffeoylquinic acid, 3‐dimethoxycinnamoyl‐4‐feruloylquinic acid, 4‐dimethoxycinnamoyl‐5‐feruloylquinic acid, and two caffeoyl, feruloyl quinic acid derivatives (3‐caffeoyl‐4‐feruloylquinic acid and 3‐feruloyl‐4‐caffeoylquinic acid). To our knowledge, these compounds were found in roasted Arabica coffee for the first time, and their presence is independent on the different geographical origins examined.
Salmon poisoning disease in grizzly bears with population recovery implications
Authors: Robbins Charles T. , Woodford Nina L. , Goolsby Clyde Gaylynn , Minor Cody , Nelson O. Lynne , Brewer Melissa M. , Khalife Patrick H. , Hawley Jennifer R. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTWildlife restoration programs depend on having animals that have evolved to handle the constraints, including disease, posed by the new environment. Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) once thrived while feeding on salmon (Onchorhynchus spp.) and other foods in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, USA. Unlike Canadian and Alaskan salmon, salmon in lower latitudes often carry an encysted fluke (Nanophyetus salmincola) containing an endosymbiont (Neorickettsia spp.) that can produce a deadly disease in ursids and canids called salmon poisoning disease (SPD). Current recovery plans for grizzly bears in the North Cascades of Washington and the mountains of central Idaho, where infected salmon currently occur, call for using bears from several interior populations. We hypothesized that such bears with no history of salmon consumption will be sensitive to SPD. To test that idea, we fed a limited amount of fresh Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) harvested from rivers draining the east and west sides of the Cascades to 11 captive grizzly bears in which both parents were from populations with no history of SPD. We detected N. salmincola ova in the feces, and 8 bears exhibited typical SPD symptoms, which included decreased or no appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. We identified N. helminthoeca and Stellantchasmus falcatus (SF) agent (Neorickettsia sp.) in the salmon, but only SF agent occurred in the sick bears. Stellantchasmus falcatus agent is a relatively new arrival in the Pacific Northwest. Because of the severity of the disease and the potential for mortality without treatment, additional studies should be conducted to determine the distribution and prevalence of SF agent in salmon and kokanee (O. nerka) in the recovery area, develop a serum antibody test that could be used to determine exposure of bears to SF agent, and use that test to determine if grizzly bears or American black bears (U. americanus) currently living in the Pacific Northwest have been infected and recovered. If either of the latter have occurred, SPD may not prevent the successful restoration of grizzly bears where SF agent‐infected salmon will be consumed. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Reactive Self‐Assembly and Specific Cellular Delivery of NCO‐sP(EO‐stat‐PO)‐Derived Nanogels
Authors: Hildebrandt Haika , Paloheimo Outi , Mäntylä Elina , Willman Sami , Hakanen Satu , Albrecht Krystyna , Groll Jürgen , Möller Martin , Vihinen‐Ranta Maija 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study presents the reactive self‐assembly of isocyanate functional and amphiphilic six‐arm, star‐shaped polyether prepolymers in water into nanogels. Intrinsic molecular amphiphilicity, mainly driven by the isophorone moiety at the distal endings of the star‐shaped molecules, allows for the preparation of spherical particles with an adjustable size of 100–200 nm by self‐assembly and subsequent covalent cross‐linking without the need for organic solvents or surfactants. Covalent attachment of a fluorescence dye and either the cell‐penetrating TAT peptide or a random control peptide sequence shows that only TAT‐labeled nanogels are internalized by HeLa cells. The nanogels thus specifically enter the cells and accumulate in the perinuclear area in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner.