bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐Term Stimulatory Warming Effect on Soil Heterotrophic Respiration in a Cool‐Temperate Broad‐Leaved Deciduous Forest in Northern Japan
Authors: Teramoto Munemasa , Liang Naishen , Ishida Sachinobu , Zeng Jiye 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo evaluate the long‐term response of soil organic carbon decomposition to global warming in Asian monsoon forests, we established a multichannel automated chamber system combined with infrared carbon‐filament heat lamps in a 70‐year‐old cool‐temperate broad‐leaved deciduous forest in northern Japan in September 2011. We designed control plots to measure total soil respiration (Rs), root exclusion (trenched) plots to measure heterotrophic respiration (Rh), and warmed trenched plots to measure Rh under warmed conditions (+2.5°C soil temperature at 5 cm depth, Rhw). Annual effluxes ranged from 12.02 to 14.15 tC ha−1 in Rs, 7.78 to 11.49 tC ha−1 in Rh, and 8.76 to 15.25 tC ha−1 in Rhw over five years (2012–2016). During the summer season (between July and September), the daily warming effect was negatively related to soil temperature. In comparison, the relationship between soil moisture and the daily warming effect varied in each year depending on soil moisture levels. The annual warming effect exhibited large interannual variation, ranging from 6.2 to 17.7% °C−1; however, the five year average (10.9% °C−1) was close to the estimated value (10.2% °C−1) based on the annual Q10 of Rh (2.66). Interannual variation was positively related to the number of rainy days (p = 0.013). Our results indicate that existing global terrestrial models underestimate the strength of the feedback of Rh to global warming in Asian monsoon forests, because most global terrestrial models used relatively low Q10 values (usually below 2.0).
Illustrated instructions for mechanical quality assurance of a medical linear accelerator
Authors: Court Laurence , Wang He , Aten David , Brown Derek , MacGregor Hannelie , du Toit Monique , Chi Melinda , Gao Song , Yock Adam , Aristophanous Michalis , Balter Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and test a set of illustrated instructions for effective training for mechanical quality assurance (QA) of medical linear accelerators (linac).MethodsIllustrated instructions were created for mechanical QA and underwent several steps of review, testing, and refinement. Eleven testers with no recent QA experience were then recruited from our radiotherapy department (one student, two computational scientists, and eight dosimetrists). This group was selected because they have experience of radiation therapy but no preconceived ideas about how to do QA. The following parameters were progressively decalibrated on a Varian C‐series linac: Group A = gantry angle, ceiling laser position, X1 jaw position, couch longitudinal position, physical graticule position (five testers); Group B = Group A + wall laser position, couch lateral and vertical position, collimator angle (three testers); Group C = Group B + couch angle, wall laser angle, and optical distance indicator (three testers). Testers were taught how to use the linac and then used the instructions to try to identify these errors. An experienced physicist observed each session, giving support on machine operation as necessary.ResultsTesters were able to follow the instructions. They determined gantry, collimator, and couch angle errors within 0.4°, 0.3°, and 0.9° of the actual changed values, respectively. Laser positions were determined within 1 mm and jaw positions within 2 mm. Couch position errors were determined within 2 mm and 3 mm for lateral/longitudinal and vertical errors, respectively. Accessory‐positioning errors were determined within 1 mm. Optical distance indicator errors were determined within 2 mm when comparing with distance sticks and 6 mm when using blocks, indicating that distance sticks should be the preferred approach for inexperienced staff.ConclusionsInexperienced users were able to follow these instructions and catch errors within the criteria suggested by AAPM TG‐142 for linacs used for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. These instructions are, therefore, suitable for QA training.
Normal tissue doses from MV image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) using orthogonal MV and MV‐CBCT
Authors: Li Yuting , Netherton Tucker , Nitsch Paige L. , Balter Peter A. , Gao Song , Klopp Ann H. , Court Laurence E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to measure and compare the mega‐voltage imaging dose from the Halcyon medical linear accelerator (Varian Medical Systems) with measured imaging doses with the dose calculated by Eclipse treatment planning system.MethodsAn anthropomorphic thorax phantom was imaged using all imaging techniques available with the Halcyon linac — MV cone‐beam computed tomography (MV‐CBCT) and orthogonal anterior‐posterior/lateral pairs (MV‐MV), both with high‐quality and low‐dose modes. In total, 54 imaging technique, isocenter position, and field size combinations were evaluated. The imaging doses delivered to 11 points in the phantom (in‐target and extra‐target) were measured using an ion chamber, and compared with the imaging doses calculated using Eclipse.ResultsFor high‐quality MV‐MV mode, the mean extra‐target doses delivered to the heart, left lung, right lung and spine were 1.18, 1.64, 0.80, and 1.11 cGy per fraction, respectively. The corresponding mean in‐target doses were 3.36, 3.72, 2.61, and 2.69 cGy per fraction, respectively. For MV‐MV technique, the extra‐target imaging dose had greater variation and dependency on imaging field size than did the in‐target dose. Compared to MV‐MV technique, the imaging dose from MV‐CBCT was less sensitive to the location of the organ relative to the treatment field. For high‐quality MV‐CBCT mode, the mean imaging doses to the heart, left lung, right lung, and spine were 8.45, 7.16, 7.19, and 6.51 cGy per fraction, respectively. For both MV‐MV and MV‐CBCT techniques, the low‐dose mode resulted in an imaging dose about half of that in high‐quality mode.ConclusionThe in‐target doses due to MV imaging using the Halcyon ranged from 0.59 to 9.75 cGy, depending on the choice of imaging technique. Extra‐target doses from MV‐MV technique ranged from 0 to 2.54 cGy. The MV imaging dose was accurately calculated by Eclipse, with maximum differences less than 0.5% of a typical treatment dose (assuming a 60 Gy prescription). Therefore, the cumulative imaging and treatment plan dose distribution can be expected to accurately reflect the actual dose.
Black‐Phosphorus‐Incorporated Hydrogel as a Sprayable and Biodegradable Photothermal Platform for Postsurgical Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Shao Jundong , Ruan Changshun , Xie Hanhan , Li Zhibin , Wang Huaiyu , Chu Paul K. , Yu Xue‐Feng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPhotothermal therapy (PTT) is a fledgling therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment with minimal invasiveness but clinical adoption has been stifled by concerns such as insufficient biodegradability of the PTT agents and lack of an efficient delivery system. Here, black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets are incorporated with a thermosensitive hydrogel [poly(d,l‐lactide)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(d,l‐lactide) (PDLLA‐PEG‐PDLLA: PLEL)] to produce a new PTT system for postoperative treatment of cancer. The BP@PLEL hydrogel exhibits excellent near infrared (NIR) photothermal performance and a rapid NIR‐induced sol–gel transition as well as good biodegradability and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Based on these merits, an in vivo PTT postoperative treatment strategy is established. Under NIR irradiation, the sprayed BP@PLEL hydrogel enables rapid gelation forming a gelled membrane on wounds and offers high PTT efficacy to eliminate residual tumor tissues after tumor removal surgery. Furthermore, the good photothermal antibacterial performance prevents infection and this efficient and biodegradable PTT system is very promising in postoperative treatment of cancer.
Low‐Temperature Combustion Synthesis of a Spinel NiCo2O4 Hole Transport Layer for Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Papadas Ioannis T. , Ioakeimidis Apostolos , Armatas Gerasimos S. , Choulis Stelios A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of low‐temperature solution‐processable monodispersed nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) via a combustion synthesis is reported using tartaric acid as fuel and the performance as a hole transport layer (HTL) for perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) is demonstrated. NiCo2O4 is a p‐type semiconductor consisting of environmentally friendly, abundant elements and higher conductivity compared to NiO. It is shown that the combustion synthesis of spinel NiCo2O4 using tartaric acid as fuel can be used to control the NPs size and provide smooth, compact, and homogeneous functional HTLs processed by blade coating. Study of PVSCs with different NiCo2O4 thickness as HTL reveals a difference on hole extraction efficiency, and for 15 nm, optimized thickness enhanced hole carrier collection is achieved. As a result, p‐i‐n structure of PVSCs with 15 nm NiCo2O4 HTLs shows reliable performance and power conversion efficiency values in the range of 15.5% with negligible hysteresis.
Residual level of dimethachlon in rice‐paddy field system and cooked rice determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector
Authors: Sun Caiyuan , Zeng Lingrong , Xu Jin , Zhong Lei , Han Xinwen , Chen Lingzhu , Zhang Yuping , Hu Deyu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn this study, a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method coupled with gas chromatography with electron capture detection was established to determine dimethachlon residues in paddy soil, rice husk, rice straw, brown rice and cooked rice. The limits of quantification of dimethachlon were 0.01 mg/kg for paddy soil, brown rice and cooked rice and 0.02 mg/kg for rice straw and rice husk. The mean recoveries were in the range 78.59–104.7% with relative standard deviation values of <10% for dimethachlon in the five matrices. For field experiments, the final residues of dimethachlon in paddy soil were < 0.05 mg/kg and were < 1.21 mg/kg in rice straw from six sites. The final residues of dimethachlon in the brown rice at 21, 28 and 35 days after spraying from six sites were 0.08–7.58 mg/kg, and 0.16–30.1 mg/kg in rice husk. Our six test sites covered the main rice–producing areas of China. The routine rice cooking process of a Chinese family could apparently increase the removal of dimethachlon in rice compared with brown rice, and the reduction ratios were > 96%.
Enantioseparation and determination of dufulin enantiomers in cucumber and soil by chiral liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Haizhen , Huang Min , Yu Weiwei , Zhang A'wei , Zhang Kankan , Hu Deyu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA simple and rapid method for enantioselective determination of dufulin in cucumber and soil was developed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The enantiomers were separated on a Superchiral S‐OD chiral cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) column at 20°C, with a mixture of acetonitrile and water (0.1% formic acid; 52:48, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.65 mL/min. The pretreatment conditions were optimized using an orthogonal test, and the optimized method showed good linearity and sensitivity. The limits of detection and limits of quantification of two dufulin enantiomers were 0.006 and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. The average recoveries of S‐enantiomer and R‐enantiomer in cucumber and soil were 80.61–99.83% and 80.97–102.96%, respectively, with relative standard deviations of 1.30–9.72%. The method was successfully applied to determine dufulin in real cucumber and soil samples. The results demonstrate that the method could facilitate further research on the differences between individual dufulin enantiomers with respect to metabolites and environmental fate and finally help reveal the complex interactions that exist between dufulin, humans and the environment.
Simultaneous determination of three flavonoids and one coumarin by LC–MS/MS: Application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and arthritic rats after oral administration of Daphne genkwa extract
Authors: Zhou Luyi , Li Jing , Yan Chong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for investigating the pharmacokinetics of umbelliferone, apigenin, genkwanin and hydroxygenkwanin after oral administration of Daphne genkwa extract. Plasma samples were treated by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Analytes were detected by triple‐quadrupole MS/MS with an ESI source in negative selection reaction monitoring mode. The transitions of m/z 161 → 133 for umbelliferone, m/z 269 → 117 for apigenin, m/z 283 → 268 for genkwanin and m/z 299 → 284 for hydroxygenkwanin were confirmed for quantification. Chromatographic separation was conducted using an Eclipse XDB‐C18 column, and the applied isocratic elution program allowed for simultaneous determination of the four analytes for a total run time of 2.5 min. The linearity was validated over the plasma concentration ranges of 1.421–1421 ng/mL for umbelliferone, 0.845–845 ng/mL for apigenin, 1.025–1025 ng/mL for genkwanin and 0.845–845 ng/mL for hydroxygenkwanin. The extraction recovery rate was >82.7% for each analyte. No apparent matrix effect was observed during the bioanalysis. After full validation, the proposed method was successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetics of these analytes between normal and arthritic rats.
Yeast membrane lipid imbalance leads to trafficking defects toward the Golgi
Authors: Woodman Sara , Trousdale Christopher , Conover Justin , Kim Kyoungtae 
Published: March 2018

AbstractProtein recycling is an essential cellular process involving endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, and exocytosis. In mammalian systems membrane lipids, including cholesterol, sphingolipids, and phospholipids, play a pivotal role in protein recycling. To address this role in budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we utilized GFP‐Snc1, a v‐SNARE protein serving as a fluorescent marker for faithfully reporting the recycling pathway. Here we demonstrate results that display moderate to significant GFP‐Snc1 recycling defects upon overexpression or inactivation of phospholipid, ergosterol, and sphingolipid biosynthesis enzymes, indicating that the homeostasis of membrane lipid levels is prerequisite for proper protein recycling. By using a truncated version of GFP‐Snc1 that cannot be recycled from the plasma membrane, we determined that abnormalities in Snc1 localization in membrane lipid overexpression or underexpression mutants are not due to defects in the synthetic/secretory pathway, but rather in the intracellular trafficking pathway. We found that membrane lipid imbalance resulted in an accumulation of the late endosome marker Vps10‐GFP, indicating trafficking from the endosomes to the Golgi may be being hindered, preventing recycling to the plasma membrane. To elucidate the possible mechanism for this trafficking hindrance, we stained the actin cytoskeleton, then quantified the percentage of cells with visible actin cables. Compared to wild‐type cells, membrane lipid mutant cells exhibited lower levels of actin cables, indicating the actin cytoskeleton is disrupted upon membrane lipid imbalance. Taken together, our results show that impairment of proper recycling may be due to disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, which causes trafficking hindrance between the endosomes and Golgi.
Icariin attenuates titanium particle‐induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization via miR‐21‐5p
Authors: Lian Feng , Zhao Chengbin , Qu Jing , Lian Yongyun , Cui Yong , Shan Liang , Yan Jinglong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInhibition of bone regeneration by wear debris is the main cause of peri‐prosthetic osteolysis. Here, we investigated the effect of icariin on cell proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization of osteoblasts in an in vitro model of titanium (Ti) particle‐induced osteolysis. In the present study, MC3T3‐E1 cells were pretreated with 10−8 M icariin for 4 h and then incubated with Ti particles (0.1 mg/mL). The results showed that Ti particles inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis of MC3T3‐E1 cells, whereas icariin pretreatment blocked the effect of Ti particles. In addition, we found that icariin stimulation alone increased ALP activity, accelerated matrix mineralization and upregulated the levels of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteocalcin (OCN) and miR‐21‐5p; whereas, Ti particles alone exerted the opposite effects. Icariin partly reversed the effect of Ti particles on cell differentiation and mineralization. Twenty hours after transfection with antagomiR‐21‐5p or antagomiR‐NC, the cells were pretreated with icariin for 4 h and then incubated with Ti particles. Further studies showed that partial knockdown of miR‐21‐5p abolished the promotion effect of icariin on osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization in Ti particle‐stimulated MC3T3‐E1 cells. In conclusion, miR‐21‐5p may be a potential pro‐osteogenesis regulator and icariin may protect against Ti particle‐induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation and mineralization through upregulation of miR‐21‐5p.
Biological effects of trans fatty acids and their possible roles in the lipid rafts in apoptosis regulation
Authors: Qiu Bin , Wang Qing , Liu Wei , Xu Tong‐Cheng , Liu Li‐Na , Zong Ai‐Zhen , Jia Min , Li Jing , Du Fang‐Ling 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA large number of recent studies are focused on evaluating the mechanism of action of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on the progression of apoptosis. A strong positive association has been reported between TFA and coronary heart disease (CHD), obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and so on. The present study reviewed the biological effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) and their possible roles in lipid rafts in regulating apoptosis. The following aspects of TFA were included: the research about TFA and diseases affecting serum lipid levels, inducing system inflammation and immune response, and the correlation between TFA and apoptosis. The primary purpose of the review article was to comprehensively evaluate the potential correlation between lipid rafts and apoptosis induced by different structures of TFA and provide some new research progress and future directions about it.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Abbas Ashraf , Sawlani Vijay , Hosseini Akram A. 
Published: March 2018

Key Clinical MessageSubarachnoid hemorrhage as a presentation of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare but recognized phenomenon. A high index of suspicion among clinicians and an awareness of subtle CT features can avoid delayed diagnosis of underlying CVST [Eur J Neurol., 17, 2010, 1249]. Prompt but careful anticoagulation can prevent significant associated morbidity and mortality.
Bilaterally enlarged adrenal glands without obvious cause: need for a multidisciplinary diagnostic work‐up
Authors: Drenthen Linda C. A. , Roerink Sean H. P. P. , Mattijssen Vera , de Boer Hans 
Published: March 2018

Key clinical messageBilateral enlarged adrenal glands are rare, and as diagnostic delay may have serious consequences for the patient, we recommend a multidisciplinary approach of specialists in the field of endocrinology, oncology, radiology, and clinical chemistry prior to the start of the diagnostic work‐up.
Vascularization of colorectal carcinoma liver metastasis: insight into stratification of patients for anti‐angiogenic therapies
Authors: Lazaris Anthoula , Amri Abdellatif , Petrillo Stephanie K , Zoroquiain Paublo , Ibrahim Nisreen , Salman Ayat , Gao Zu‐Hua , Vermeulen Peter B , Metrakos Peter 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCurrent treatment for metastatic disease targets angiogenesis. With the increasing data demonstrating that cancer cells do not entirely rely on angiogenesis but hijack the existing vasculature through mechanisms such as co‐option of existing blood vessels, identification of targets has become of utmost importance. Our study looks at the vasculature of chemonaïve and treated colorectal carcinoma liver metastases (CRCLMs) to obtain a basic understanding of the microvessel density, type of vasculature (mature versus immature), and correlation with histopathological growth patterns that demonstrate unique patterns of angiogenesis. We performed immunohistochemistry on chemonaïve sections of desmoplastic histopathological growth pattern (DHGP) and replacement histopathological growth patterns (RHGP) lesions with CD31 [endothelial cell (EC) marker] and CD34/Ki67 double staining, which denotes proliferating ECs. The CD31 stains demonstrated a lower microvascular CD31 +ve capillary density in the DHGP versus RHGP lesions; and integrating both immunostains with CD34/Ki67 staining on serial sections revealed proliferating vessels in DHGP lesions and co‐option of mature existing blood vessels in RHGP lesions. Interestingly, upon treatment with chemotherapy and bevacizumab, the RHGP lesions showed no necrosis whereas the DHGP lesions had almost 100% necrosis of the cancer cells and in most cases there was a single layer of viable cancer cells, just under or within the desmoplastic ring. The survival of these cells may be directly related to spatial location and possibly a different microenvironment, which may involve adhesion to different extracellular matrix components and/or different oxygen/nutrient availability. This remains to be elucidated. We provide evidence that DHGP CRCLMs obtain their blood supply via sprouting angiogenesis whereas RHGP lesions obtain their blood supply via co‐option of existing vasculature. Furthermore current treatment regimens do not affect RHGP lesions and although they kill the majority of the cancer cells in DHGP lesions, there are cells surviving within or adjacent to the desmoplastic ring which could potentially give rise to a growing lesion.
A regulated multiscale closed‐loop cardiovascular model, with applications to hemorrhage and hypertension
Authors: Canuto Daniel , Chong Kwitae , Bowles Cayley , Dutson Erik P. , Eldredge Jeff D. , Benharash Peyman 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA computational tool is developed for simulating the dynamic response of the human cardiovascular system to various stressors and injuries. The tool couples 0‐dimensional models of the heart, pulmonary vasculature, and peripheral vasculature to 1‐dimensional models of the major systemic arteries. To simulate autonomic response, this multiscale circulatory model is integrated with a feedback model of the baroreflex, allowing control of heart rate, cardiac contractility, and peripheral impedance. The performance of the tool is demonstrated in 2 scenarios: neurogenic hypertension by sustained stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and an acute 10% hemorrhage from the left femoral artery.