bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perfusion of the placenta assessed using arterial spin labeling and ferumoxytol dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the rhesus macaque
Authors: Ludwig Kai D. , Fain Sean B. , Nguyen Sydney M. , Golos Thaddeus G. , Reeder Scott B. , Bird Ian M. , Shah Dinesh M. , Wieben Oliver E. , Johnson Kevin M. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeTo investigate the correspondence between arterial spin labeling (ASL) flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) and ferumoxytol DCE MRI for the assessment of placental intervillous perfusion.MethodsTen pregnant macaques in late second trimester were imaged at 3 T using a 2D ASL FAIR, with and without outer‐volume saturation pulses used to control the bolus width, and a 3D ferumoxytol DCE‐MRI acquisition. The ASL tagged/control pairs were averaged, subtracted, and normalized to create perfusion ratio maps. Contrast arrival time and uptake slope were estimated by fitting the DCE data to a sigmoid function. Macaques (N = 4) received interleukin‐1β to induce inflammation and disrupt perfusion.ResultsThe FAIR tag modification with outer‐volume saturation reduced the median ASL ratio percentage compared with conventional FAIR (0.64% ± 1.42% versus 0.71% ± 2.00%; P < .05). Extended ferumoxytol arrival times (34 ± 25 seconds) were observed across the placenta. No significant DCE signal change was measured in fetal tissue (0.6% ± 3.0%; P = .52) or amniotic fluid (1.9% ± 8.8%; P = .59). High ASL ratio was significantly correlated with early arrival time and high uptake slope (P < .05), but ASL signal was not above noise in late‐DCE‐enhancing regions. No significant differences were observed in perfusion measurements between the interleukin‐1β and controls (P > .05).ConclusionThe ASL‐FAIR and ferumoxytol DCE‐MRI methods are feasible to detect early blood delivery to the macaque placenta. Outer volume saturation reduced the high macrovascular ASL signal. Interleukin‐1β exposure did not alter placental intervillous perfusion. An endogenous‐labeling perfusion technique is limited due to extended transit times for flow within the placenta beyond the immediate vicinity of the maternal spiral arteries.
Exploring the Potential Effectiveness of Combining Optimal Nutrition With Electrical Stimulation to Maintain Muscle Health in Critical Illness: A Narrative Review
Authors: Parry Selina M. , Chapple Lee‐anne S. , Mourtzakis Marina 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMuscle wasting occurs rapidly within days of an admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Concomitant muscle weakness and impaired physical functioning can ensue, with lasting effects well after hospital discharge. Early physical rehabilitation is a promising intervention to minimize muscle weakness and physical dysfunction. However, there is an often a delay in commencing active functional exercises (such as sitting on the edge of bed, standing and mobilizing) due to sedation, patient alertness, and impaired ability to cooperate in the initial days of ICU admission. Therefore, there is high interest in being able to intervene early through nonvolitional exercise strategies such as electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).Muscle health characterized as the composite of muscle quantity, as well as functional and metabolic integrity, may be potentially maintained when optimal nutrition therapy is provided in complement with early physical rehabilitation in critically ill patients; however, the type, dosage, and timing of these interventions are unclear.This article explores the potential role of nutrition and EMS in maintaining muscle health in critical illness. Within this article, we will evaluate fundamental concepts of muscle wasting and evaluate the effects of EMS, as well as the effects of nutrition therapy on muscle health and the clinical and functional outcomes in critically ill patients. We will also highlight current research gaps in order to advance the field forward in this important area.
Diet‐Induced Paternal Obesity Impairs Cognitive Function in Offspring by Mediating Epigenetic Modifications in Spermatozoa
Authors: Zhou Yin , Zhu Hong , Wu Hai‐Yan , Jin Lu‐Yang , Chen Bin , Pang Hai‐Yan , Ming Zhen‐Hua , Cheng Yi , Zhou Cheng‐Liang , Guo Meng‐Xi , Huang Yi‐Ting , Yu Dan‐Qing , Sheng Jian‐Zhong , Huang He‐Feng 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effects of diet‐induced paternal obesity on cognitive function in mice offspring.MethodsMale mice (F0) were randomized to receive either a control diet (10 kcal% fat) or a high‐fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% fat) for 10 weeks before being mated with normal females to generate F1 offspring. Male F1 offspring were mated with normal females to generate F2 offspring. Behavioral tests were used to assess cognitive functions in F1 and F2 offspring. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was used to the explore mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance.ResultsHFD‐induced paternal obesity resulted in cognitive impairments in F1 offspring, potentially due, at least in part, to increased methylation of the BDNF gene promoter, which was inherited from F0 spermatozoa. BDNF/tyrosine receptor kinase B signaling was associated with cognitive impairments in HFD‐fed F1 offspring. However, there were no significant changes in F2 offspring.ConclusionsThe findings provide evidence of intergenerational effects of paternal obesity on cognitive function in offspring occurring via epigenetic spermatozoan modifications.
Impact of Food Ingredients (Aspartame, Stevia, Prebiotic Oligofructose) on Fertility and Reproductive Outcomes in Obese Rats
Authors: Cho Nicole A. , Klancic Teja , Nettleton Jodi E. , Paul Heather A. , Reimer Raylene A. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the interaction between obesity, low‐calorie sweeteners, and prebiotic oligofructose on reproductive parameters in rats.MethodsData were derived from two separate studies of female Sprague‐Dawley rats with (1) Lean (n = 24), (2) Obese (n = 27), (3) Obese+Aspartame (n = 14), (4) Obese+Stevia (n = 15), and (5) Obese+Prebiotic (n = 15) groups. Obesity was induced with a high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet prior to pregnancy. In one study, human‐approved doses of aspartame (5‐7 mg/kg/d) and stevia (2‐3 mg/kg/d) in drinking water were examined, and in the second, 10% prebiotics (oligofructose) in the diet was examined. Reproductive parameters, including fertility, pregnancy, and delivery indexes, were analyzed.ResultsObesity significantly reduced pregnancy index in Obese dams (60.7% successful pregnancies) compared with lean (100%). Obesity also reduced the number of pups born alive and pup survival percentage compared with those of Lean dams (P < 0.001). Only 53.3% of rats were able to conceive in the Obese+Stevia group, but if rats did become pregnant, they had 100% pregnancy and delivery index. While prebiotic administration rescued the pregnancy index, it could not remediate pup survival percentage (P = 0.025) in Obese dams.ConclusionsBoth obesity status and dietary ingredients affect the ability to conceive. Future rigorously controlled studies designed to examine reproductive outcomes in depth are needed to confirm these findings.
LGR5 promotes tumorigenicity and invasion of glioblastoma stem‐like cells and is a potential therapeutic target for a subset of glioblastoma patients
Authors: Xie Yuan , Sundström Anders , Maturi Naga P , Tan E‐Jean , Marinescu Voichita D , Jarvius Malin , Tirfing Malin , Jin Chuan , Chen Lei , Essand Magnus , Swartling Fredrik J , Nelander Sven , Jiang Yiwen , Uhrbom Lene 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary malignant brain tumor which lacks efficient treatment and predictive biomarkers. Expression of the epithelial stem cell marker Leucine‐rich repeat‐containing G‐protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) has been described in GBM, but its functional role has not been conclusively elucidated. Here, we have investigated the role of LGR5 in a large repository of patient‐derived GBM stem cell (GSC) cultures. The consequences of LGR5 overexpression or depletion have been analyzed using in vitro and in vivo methods, which showed that, among those with highest LGR5 expression (LGR5high), there were two phenotypically distinct groups: one that was dependent on LGR5 for its malignant properties and another that was unaffected by changes in LGR5 expression. The LGR5‐responding cultures could be identified by their significantly higher self‐renewal capacity as measured by extreme limiting dilution assay (ELDA), and these LGR5high‐ELDAhigh cultures were also significantly more malignant and invasive compared to the LGR5high‐ELDAlow cultures. This showed that LGR5 expression alone would not be a strict marker of LGR5 responsiveness. In a search for additional biomarkers, we identified LPAR4, CCND2, and OLIG2 that were significantly upregulated in LGR5‐responsive GSC cultures, and we found that OLIG2 together with LGR5 were predictive of GSC radiation and drug response. Overall, we show that LGR5 regulates the malignant phenotype in a subset of patient‐derived GSC cultures, which supports its potential as a predictive GBM biomarker. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance bio‐based poly(lactic acid)/natural rubber/epoxidized natural rubber blends: effect of epoxidized natural rubber on microstructure, toughness and static and dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Nematollahi Mahsa , Jalali‐Arani Azam , Modarress Hamid 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAttempts have been made to prepare high‐performance bio‐based blends through blending of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with natural rubber (NR) in the presence of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as a compatibilizer. The prepared samples were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, measuring the tensile properties and impact resistance, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMTA). Morphological studies revealed a matrix‐dispersed morphology for all blends, in which the average droplet size significantly decreased with the use of ENR. The elongation at break and impact strength of the blend containing 3 wt% ENR were 45 and 16 times those of neat PLA, respectively. These values are significantly higher than those previously reported for various simple and dynamically vulcanized rubber‐toughened PLAs. The influence of ENR on compatibility was confirmed by rheological tests, FTIR spectra and DMTA. DMTA also showed a marked increase in elastic modulus for the blend in the presence of 3 wt% ENR. The tensile properties and impact resistance were directly dependent on the ENR content and rubber droplet size. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Porins and Amyloids are Coded by Similar Sequence Motifs
Authors: Villain Etienne , Nikekhin Aleksei A. , Kajava Andrey V. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe relationship between amino acid sequences of the β‐hairpin structures and amyloidogenic β‐arcade‐forming motifs are of special interest because, similar to amyloid fibrils, most of the β‐hairpin repeat (BHR) structures have the so‐called cross‐β arrangement. Moreover, β‐hairpin is considered as a probable intermediate structure in amyloidogenesis. In this work, a bioinformatics sequence analysis of the known BHR structures is performed in search of amylodogenic motifs able to form β‐arcade fibrils. The analysis shows that the occurrence of the predicted β‐arcade motifs in the BHR regions is very different depending on the BHR structural fold, cellular localization, and phylogeny. One of the most striking observations is the high level of sequence similarity between the BHRs of membranous porins and β‐arcade motifs. This sequence similarity provides additional evidence that the structure of the membranous porins and annular amyloid oligomers may bear a resemblance. Moreover, these results explain how some amyloidogenic sequence can fold in either the ring‐like shape oligomers or elongated amyloid fibrils. It has been also found that potentially lethal amyloidogenic β‐arcade motifs are absent in the elongated BHR structures of intracellular eukaryotic proteins. It allows to hypothesize that, in this case, the selective evolutionary pressure acts against aggregation.
Investigation of degradation pathways of poly(semiperfluoroalkyl methacrylate) thin films induced by electron‐beam irradiation
Authors: Jung Seok‐Heon , Chuluunbandi Khajidkhand , Kim Youngtae , Son Jongchan , Oh Hyun‐Taek , Lee Jin Hyun , Lee Jin‐Kyun , Beom‐Hoan O 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIn this article, we report the results of high‐energy electron beam (e‐beam) irradiation of polymer thin films made of poly(semiperfluoroalkyl methacrylate)s (PRFMAs) and propose plausible chemical reactions that may cause their solubility to change in fluorous liquids. It was observed that the polymer films were converted to a more soluble state under low exposure doses of e‐beam, possibly due to main‐chain scission. However, the films became insoluble with higher doses of e‐beam. Three hypotheses were proposed to explain the reduction in solubility, and we used data from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and nanoindentation to eliminate the less probable hypotheses. The results derived from e‐beam‐irradiated thin films of three PRFMAs showed that the radical‐related Norrish Type I and II pathways may not be the main decomposition routes. The data also suggested that sufficient scission reactions of the perfluorooctyl moieties of PRFMAs do not occur by e‐beam. We therefore assumed that the decrease in solubility of the fluorinated polymers results from intermolecular crosslinking reactions between the free radicals and reactive moieties generated on the perfluorooctyl groups by the e‐beam. The unique imaging mechanism of PRFMAs may be developed further to synthesize radiation‐sensitive materials working under e‐beam and extreme ultraviolet (λ = 13.5 nm) lithography conditions for advanced patterning applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2672–2680
PbS Nanoparticles for Ultrashort Pulse Generation in Optical Communication Region
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Xiaohui , Qyyum Abdul , Feng Tianci , Guo Penglai , Jiang Jie , Zheng Hairong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLead sulfide (PbS) has attracted great attention due to its unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties. In particular, the narrow bandgap of PbS (≈0.37 eV) makes it very suitable for the ultrafast application in optical communication or even longer wavelength region. In this work, PbS nanoparticles' (NPs) dispersion without any polymer is utilized as saturable absorber (SA) to generate ultrafast pulse in a fiber ring laser for the first time. The characterization and nonlinear properties of PbS NPs are investigated experimentally. PbS NPs are deposited on a flange to compose a nonlinear device. The nonlinear absorption is measured by a power‐dependent method with a modulation depth of 12.2%. Most importantly, PbS NPs can be applied for the ultrafast photonics applications. A compact mode‐locked fiber laser with 1.01 ps pulse duration, 2.93 nm spectral width, and 3.97 MHz repetition rate at 1533 nm is successfully achieved with long time stability. The output laser is detected with a good stability for more than 1 month without any degradation. This work can demonstrate that the PbS NPs' dispersion is indeed a new and excellent photonics material for SA photonics, photoconductive detection, and optical modulator, etc.
Belonging in Brexit Britain: Central and Eastern European 1.5 generation young people's experiences
Authors: Tyrrell Naomi , Sime Daniela , Kelly Claire , McMellon Christina 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the experiences of young people born in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) who are part of the 1.5 migrant generation living in “Brexit Britain.” We focus on two key themes: (a) young people's feelings of belonging to Britain, their countries of birth and Europe, and the ways in which these have been impacted by the EU Referendum result; (b) young people's future plans, in an intergenerational context, with particular regard to their feelings of belonging and the ruptures of migration and Brexit. Britain's decision to leave the EU caused uncertainty for CEE 1.5 generation young people at a time when many of them were consciously reflecting on their beings, becomings, and belongings. The majority of young people asserted a sense of belonging to Britain whilst simultaneously feeling a sense of “in‐between‐ness.” Many young people wanted to remain living in Britain, at least in the short term, and felt a sense of belonging to Britain. Our focus on the potential intergenerational impact of Brexit suggests that CEE young people and parents may view possibilities for the future differently; we examine some of the key reasons for these differences from the young people's perspectives.
Spatial segregation and migration in the city of Athens: Investigating the evolution of urban socio‐spatial immigrant structures
Authors: Panori Anastasia , Psycharis Yannis , Ballas Dimitris 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMigration has long had an impact on spatial segregation within the metropolitan area of Athens. This process has also been affected by local economic restructuring mechanisms, which, in recent years, have evolved within the context of the 2008 economic crisis. This study attempts to shed light on the evolution of the spatial segregation of immigrants within the metropolitan area of Athens, during a period of a rapid urban transformation, using data from the last two census waves (2001 and 2011). Given that previous evidence indicates both vertical segregation in the immigrant labour market structure and diffused immigrant settlements, the work presented here investigates the ways in which urban migrant structures have evolved through local economic restructuring processes, as well as throughout space. The study presents a set of quantitative urban segregation indicators, covering the aspects of evenness, exposure, concentration, and centralisation. It also captures the most significant occupational changes between different migrant‐status groups (non‐EU and EU immigrants), during a crucial period for Athens. Evidence indicates that there has been an overall raise in immigrant settlement segregation, accompanied by an increased centralisation trend. Moreover, the urban transformation through economic restructuring that took place in Athens, following the general EU trend towards a knowledge‐based economic model, has altered the immigrant labour market structure, leading to vertical segregation patterns, driven by professionalisation.
Migration as an opportunity to register changing partisan loyalty in the United States
Authors: Cho Wendy K. Tam , Gimpel James G. , Hui Iris S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe explore the connection between residential migration choices and political party identification by movers who change their political party registration. We find that an impressive number of migrants choose neighbourhoods that favor their new party of registration. The association between the party change of the migrant and the balance of local partisanship in their new neighborhood cannot be accounted for by a process of neighbourhood socialisation because the move is too recent for socialisation pressures to have operated. It is more likely that the migrant's political transition occurred well before the relocation and shaped the destination search. Relocation offered an opportunity to mark a previously transformed partisan preference on the voter rolls. In this sense, partisan identification is stable, but observing any large subset of migrants may make it appear unhinged, as this group collectively takes its opportunity to officially disclose their change in political party loyalty when they have a chance to relocate and must reregister.
Research Progress in Multielectron Reactions in Polyanionic Materials for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Rui , Liang Ziteng , Gong Zhengliang , Yang Yong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRealizing multielectron reactions in electrodes is crucial for improving the capacity and energy density of batteries. Polyanion‐type compounds are suitable for exploring multielectron reactions due to their robust frameworks and structural diversity. This paper reviews the recent research progress on the study of multielectron reactions in Na‐based polyanion compounds. The versatile polyanions are classified by transition metals (V, Mn, Fe, Ti, Cr, and Co). Both experimental efforts and theoretical calculations are analyzed and summarized, with a special focus on the reversibility, stability, and corresponding structural evolutions during the multielectron reactions. The challenges and opportunities of exploring polyanions with reversible and stable multielectron reactions are also discussed.
New Insights into the Biology of Anadromous Dolly Varden in the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Authors: Brown Randy J. , Courtney Michael B. , Seitz Andrew C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAnadromous Dolly Varden Salvelinus malma in northeastern Alaska migrate to sea during the summer to feed but must overwinter in rivers because the sea under ice becomes too cold for salmonids. Flow ceases in rivers during the winter except for a few perennial springs in which all fish congregate. The Canning River is one of the largest rivers in the area with numerous perennial springs that support Dolly Varden during the winter. It also marks the western boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as it flows across the coastal plain to the Beaufort Sea. We sought to improve our understanding of habitat use, migration timing, survival, and interdrainage exchange of Dolly Varden in the Canning River to improve management efforts to minimize the environmental impacts of potential hydrocarbon resource development in the area. To achieve these objectives, we deployed 210 radio tags in mature Dolly Varden during 2014 and 2015 and then determined their seasonal locations with aerial surveys of the Canning River and other nearby rivers and with a radio receiver located in the lower Canning River. Dolly Varden spawned and overwintered in several areas of the main stem and in perennial springs in the upper reaches of the drainage. Nonspawning fish occupied similar main‐stem habitats during the winter, but did not migrate into upstream reaches. Migration to sea occurred during a brief period in early to mid‐June, while fish returned to the river in small numbers over the next 3 months. The estimated annual survival of nonspawners (0.62) was significantly greater than that for postspawners (0.34). Survival in freshwater during winter was significantly greater than that in marine environments during the summer for both demographic groups. The interdrainage exchange rate was estimated to be 0.37. These data enhance our understanding of annual cycles of Dolly Varden habitat use, migration, and population dynamics.