bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The experimental study of microwave heating on the microstructure of oil shale samples
Authors: Zhu Jingyi , Yang Zhaozhong , Li Xiaogang , Qi Shuangyu , Fang Quantang , Ding Yi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe microstructure of oil shale plays a vital role in the seepage and production of shale oil and gas and can be modified by microwave irradiation. In this study, the experimental work aims to visualize and analyze the microstructure of oil shale under microwave heating with different heating parameters by traditional two‐dimensional (optical microscope and scanning electron microscope) and advanced three‐dimensional (micro‐CT) methods. Volumetric reconstructions of oil shale before and after microwave heating were completed to directly visualize the pore structure and fracture network of the samples. The similarities and differences between microwave heating and conventional heating were also investigated. Finally, based on the three‐dimensional CT data, the porosity and the degree of anisotropy of the samples were calculated. Traditional two‐dimensional imaging methods showed that microwave heating led to more pores and fractures due to the differential thermal stress caused by rapid heating, which differed from conventional heating. Porosity calculations based on the CT image data indicated that a long heating time and a high output power could lead to a large porosity value. Oil shale obtained by drilling horizontally into the bedding plane showed the largest porosity and lowest heterogeneity of pore distribution after heating and had a different fracture morphology. The results from this study are important for the exploitation of oil shale using microwave heating, and the application of these analytical techniques is useful for the evaluation of the flow behavior of transformation products.
Characteristics of Devonian extensional magmatic activity in the Jiefangyingzi area, northern margin of the North China Plate
Authors: Wang Xing‐An , Liu Zheng‐Hong , Li Shi‐Chao , Jiang Xiao‐Jun 
Published: March 2019

This paper presents geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data relating to Devonian magmatic activity in the Jiefangyingzi area, northern margin of the North China Plate (NCP). LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb dating indicates that the Erfendi granites formed in the Middle Devonian and yield a concordant weighted mean age of 384.7 ± 2.5 Ma. The zircons have negative εHf(t) values ranging from −5.8 to −31.3 and two‐stage Hf‐model ages of TDM2 = 1,735–3,217 Ma.206Pb/238U ages of zircon grains from a quartz–schist sample in the Shaiwusu Formation vary from 410 to 322 Ma, with a peak at 380 Ma, indicating that magmatic activity peaked during the Late Devonian. The Erfendi granites are silica‐ and alkali‐rich and calcium‐ and magnesium‐poor. The Erfendi granites belong to peraluminous rocks and have clear negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.49–0.84); P, Ti, and Nb depletions; Nd, Zr, and U enrichments; and high Ga/Al ratios, similar to aluminous A‐type granites. This suggests the Erfendi granites were generated by partial melting of lower crustal rocks. Geochemically, the Erfendi granites are A2‐type granites, reflecting a post‐collision tectonic setting. The southward subduction of the Palaeo‐Asian Oceanic Plate during the Early Palaeozoic formed Bainaimiao volcanic arc at the northern NCP and Deyanqimiao island arc. The collision between the Deyanqimiao island arc and the Bainaimiao volcanic arc was recorded by the Xibiehe molasse deposition and the Badangshan volcanic rocks at the northern margin of the NCP during the Late Silurian to Early Devonian. As a consequence, the Jiefangyingzi area experienced intense post‐collision extensional magmatism during the Middle Devonian, which generated massive A2‐type granites at the northern margin of the NCP. This collision was also recorded by the back‐arc deposition of the Late Carboniferous Shaiwusu Formation.
In vitro and in silico hormonal activity studies of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate, a di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate substitute used in medical devices, and its metabolites
Authors: Kambia Nicolas K. , Séverin Isabelle , Farce Amaury , Moreau Emmanuel , Dahbi Laurence , Duval Claire , Dine Thierry , Sautou Valérie , Chagnon Marie‐Christine 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPlasticizers added to polyvinylchloride used in medical devices can be released into patients’ biological fluids. The substitution of di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) by alternative plasticizers is essential but their safety must be demonstrated. DEHP, di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)terephthalate (DEHT) and their metabolites were investigated using level 2 Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development bioassays to screen for in vitro hormonal changes. Differences between the DEHP and DEHT metabolites were observed. Albeit weak, the hormonal activities of DEHT‐derived metabolites, e.g., 5‐OH metabolite of mono‐(ethylhexyl)terephthalate (5‐OH‐MEHT), were detected and the results of docking experiments performed on estrogen receptor alpha and androgen receptor agreed with the biological results. A co‐stimulation of human estrogen receptor alpha and human androgen receptor was also observed. With regard to steroidogenesis, a 16‐fold increase in estrogen synthesis was measured with 5‐OH‐MEHT. Therefore, even if DEHT remains an interesting alternative to DEHP because of its low migration from medical devices, it seems important to verify that multi‐exposed patients in neonatal intensive care units do not have urinary levels of oxidized metabolites, in particular 5‐OH‐MEHT, suggesting a potential endocrine‐disrupting effect.
Effect of perfluorooctanesulfonate exposure on steroid hormone levels and steroidogenic enzyme activities in juvenile Silurana tropicalis
Authors: Fort Douglas J. , Mathis Michael B. , Fort Chelsea E. , Fort Hayley M. , Fort Troy D. , Guiney Patrick D. , Weeks John A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe impact of the perfluoro‐chemical, perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), on gonadal steroidogenesis during sexual differentiation in Silurana tropicalis was examined because of its ubiquity in the environment, bioaccumulative nature and potential to disturb endocrine activity. A partial life cycle study exposing S. tropicalis to varying concentrations of PFOS 0.06, 0.13, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 mg PFOS/L [nominal]) was conducted. Gonad and plasma samples were collected from juvenile control specimens and organisms exposed to PFOS from early embryo through 150 days post‐metamorphosis. Gonad CYP17, aromatase and 5α‐reductase activities were measured. Plasma estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and gonadal testosterone were measured in both males and females. Increased plasma DHT and gonadal testosterone were found in PFOS‐treated juvenile male S. tropicalis compared to controls. Decreased plasma estradiol, but not testosterone, was detected in PFOS‐treated female S. tropicalis compared to controls. Plasma DHT was not detected and an increase in gonadal testosterone was detected in PFOS‐treated female frogs. Female S. tropicalis exposed to PFOS exhibited a concentration‐related decrease in the mean aromatase activity, but not 5α‐reductase. PFOS exposure in male frogs induced a concentration‐related increase in 5α‐reductase activity, but did not alter aromatase activity compared to control frogs. A concentration‐related increase in CYP 17,20‐lyase activity, but not 17‐hydroxylase activity, was found in both female and male S. tropicalis exposed to PFOS.
3D printed polymer–mineral composite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering: Fabrication and characterization
Authors: Babilotte Joanna , Guduric Vera , Le Nihouannen Damien , Naveau Adrien , Fricain Jean‐Christophe , Catros Sylvain 
Published: March 2019

AbstractApplications in additive manufacturing technologies for bone tissue engineering applications requires the development of new biomaterials formulations. Different three‐dimensional (3D) printing technologies can be used and polymers are commonly employed to fabricate 3D printed bone scaffolds. However, these materials used alone do not possess an effective osteopromotive potential for bone regeneration. A growing number of studies report the combination of polymers with minerals in order to improve their bioactivity. This review exposes the state‐of‐the‐art of existing 3D printed composite biomaterials combining polymers and minerals for bone tissue engineering. Characterization techniques to assess scaffold properties are also discussed. Several parameters must be considered to fabricate a 3D printed material for bone repair (3D printing method, type of polymer/mineral combination and ratio) because all of them affect final properties of the material. Each polymer and mineral has its own advantages and drawbacks and numerous composites are described in the literature. Each component of these composite materials brings specific properties and their combination can improve the biological integration of the 3D printed scaffold. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B:2579–2595, 2019.
Downregulation of miR‐1224 protects against oxidative stress‐induced acute liver injury by regulating hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Cheng Wenting , Liu Guo‐pan , Kong Dehua , Huang Wei , Sun Ying , Zhao Danmei 
Published: March 2019

Abstract:ObjectiveTo study the effect of microRNA‐1224 (miR‐1224) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O
2)‐induced oxidative stress injury in hepatocytes, and explore its underlying mechanism.MethodsL02 cells were treated with H2O
2 (100 mmol/L) to establish the model of an oxidative stress injury in hepatocytes. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of miR‐1224 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in L02 cells. L02 cells were transfected with anti‐miR‐con (H
2O
2 + anti‐miR‐con group), anti‐miR‐1224 (H
2O
2 + anti‐miR‐1224 group), pcDNA3.1 (H
2O
2 + ctrl group), pcDNA3.1‐HGF (H
2O
2 + HGF group), si‐HGF and anti‐miR‐1224 (H
2O
2 + anti‐miR‐1224 + HGF group), si‐NC and anti‐miR‐1224 (H
2O
2 + anti‐miR‐1224 + ctrl group) by liposome method. Cells without any treatment were regarded as a negative control (NC) group. The protein expression of HGF in each group cells was detected by Western blot analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis of each group were detected by 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay or flow cytometry, respectively. The interaction between miR‐1224 and HGF was measured by dual luciferase reporter gene assay.ResultsThe expression of miR‐1224 was enhanced in H2O
2‐treated L02 cells and its knockdown alleviated H
2O
2‐induced suppression of viability and promotion of apoptosis. HGF is a target of miR‐1224 and its overexpression abated H
2O
2‐induced injury in hepatocytes. Moreover, silencing of HGF rescued the effect of downregulation of miR‐1224 on cell viability and apoptosis in H
2O
2‐treated L02 cell.ConclusionDownregulation of miR‐1224 could attenuate oxidative stress‐induced inhibition of viability and increase of apoptosis in hepatocytes by targeting HGF, which may provide a target for potential therapy of acute liver injury.
Novel colchicine derivatives enhance graft survival after transplantation via suppression of T‐cell differentiation and activity
Authors: Choi Monica‐Y , Wee Yu‐Mee , Kim Yang‐Hee , Shin Sung , Yoo Sung‐Eun , Han Duck‐Jong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractImmunosuppressants are crucial in organ transplantation but their side effects are a trade‐off for long‐term use. Colchicine has been shown to be effective in various diseases, albeit with many side effects. To enhance the immunosuppressive effects of colchicine, in addition to minimizing its side effects, we attempted to synthesize new colchicine derivatives (KR compounds). In rat cardiac and pancreatic islet allograft, long‐term graft survival was identified in KR compound‐treated groups. The use of cyclosporine A (CsA) or colchicine inhibited the CD3+ and CD4+ T‐cell proliferation, whereas KR compounds inhibited the CD8+ T cells as well as CD4+ T cells. KR compounds reduced the apoptosis, interleukin‐2 receptor expression, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation more than CsA. These results indicate that KR compounds have a potential therapeutic value as novel agents for prevention of graft deterioration by allograft of rejection.
Extracellular vesicles in bone and tooth: A state‐of‐art paradigm in skeletal regeneration
Authors: Jin Ying , Long Dan , Li Juan , Yu Ruichao , Song Yueming , Fang Jie , Yang Xi , Zhou Shu , Huang Shishu , Zhao Zhihe 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBone and tooth, fundamental parts of the craniofacial skeleton, are anatomically and developmentally interconnected structures. Notably, pathological processes in these tissues underwent together and progressed in multilevels. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell‐released small organelles and transfer proteins and genetic information into cells and tissues. Although EVs have been identified in bone and tooth, particularly EVs have been identified in the bone formation and resorption, the concrete roles of EVs in bone and tooth development and diseases remain elusive. As such, we review the recent progress of EVs in bone and tooth to highlight the novel findings of EVs in cellular communication, tissue homeostasis, and interventions. This will enhance our comprehension on the skeletal biology and shed new light on the modulation of skeletal disorders and the potential of genetic treatment.
The impact of curcumin and its modified formulations on Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Farkhondeh Tahereh , Samarghandian Saeed , Pourbagher‐Shahri Ali Mohammad , Sedaghat Mahshid 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a major health problem worldwide, with no effective treatment approach. Curcumin is the main ingredient of turmeric traditionally used in Asian medicine. Several experimental studies have indicated the protective effect of curcumin and its novel formulations in AD. Curcumin has antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and neurotrophic activities, proposing a strong potential to prevent neurodegenerative diseases. However, there are no sufficient clinical trials to confirm curcumin use in AD patients. Low bioavailability following oral administration of curcumin limits its usage in human. The present study was designed to gather the effects of curcumin and its modified formulations in human and experimental models of AD.
Genome‐wide analysis reveals miR‐3184‐5p and miR‐181c‐3p as a critical regulator for adipocytes‐associated breast cancer
Authors: Rajarajan Dheeran , Selvarajan Sweetha , Charan Raja Mamilla R. , Kar Mahapatra Santanu , Kasiappan Ravi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObesity is considered as an independent risk factor for breast cancer (BCa) and plays a major role in the breast tumor microenvironment. The etiology and mechanisms by which obesity contributes to BCa development is not yet understood. Herein, we show that in vitro coculture of BCa cells with mature adipocytes (MA‐BCa) increased proliferation, migration, and invasive phenotype of BCa cells. MA‐BCa coculture led to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. To identify microRNAs (miRNAs) in BCa cells that are modulated by the presence of adipocytes, we used small RNA sequencing analysis. Sequencing data revealed that 98 miRNAs were differentially expressed in MA‐BCa. Among them, miR‐3184‐5p and miR‐181c‐3p were found to be the most upregulated and downregulated miRNAs, and direct targets are FOXP4 and
PPARα, respectively. In vitro functional assays using a combination of miR‐3184‐5p inhibitor and miR‐181c‐3p mimic synergistically decreased adipocytes‐induced cell proliferation and invasive capacity of BCa cells. Gene Set Enrichment analysis indicated that transcription factors were highly enriched followed by protein kinases, oncogene, and protein regulators in MA‐BCa. GeneGo Metacore pathway analysis uncovered “NOTCH‐induced EMT pathway” was found to be the most abundant in MA‐BCa. Consistently, epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐associated markers were also increased in MA‐BCa. The disease enrichment analysis of the predict target genes revealed that diabetes mellitus was significantly affected disease in MA‐BCa. Taken together, our data suggest that miRNA‐based regulatory mechanism associated with deregulation of pathways and biological functions orchestrated by adipocytes‐secreted factors might drive the BCa progression and metastasis in obese patients.
Composite membranes of graphene oxide for CO2/CH4 separation
Authors: Norahim Nadia , Faungnawakij Kajornsak , Quitain Armando T , Klaysom Chalida 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDBiogas is an alternative renewable energy produced by anaerobic digestion of various organic wastes mainly from agriculture, households and biomass and food industries. Typically, raw biogas consists of 50–70% methane (CH4), 30–50% carbon dioxide (CO2), and small amounts of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and water vapour. Purifying biogas by removing CO2 and other trace impurities is required in order to achieve higher calorific value, safe operation and to meet fuel standards. As CO2 is the second largest component of biogas, this study focused on its removal from CH4.RESULTSComposite membranes of blended PEG 400/Pebax 1657 polymer and graphene oxide (GO) were developed for CO2/CH4 gas separation. The effects of GO loading and PEG 400 addition on CO2/CH4 separation performance were investigated. Optimal loadings of 0.25 wt% GO and 50 wt% PEG 400 obtained the best membrane performance with 12.4 GPU of CO2 permeance and 14 of CO2/CH4 separation factor.CONCLUSIONIncorporating GO to the polymer membrane enhanced CO2/CH4 separation, whereas PEG 400 addition increased CO2 permeance. The advantages from each component led to an enhancement of CO2 permeance and CO2/CH4 separation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Intraspecific developmental variation in the life cycle of the Andean Treefrog (Boana riojana): A temporal analysis
Authors: Goldberg Javier , Quinzio Silvia Inés , Cruz Julio César , Fabrezi Marissa 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntraspecific variation during the anuran larval period has been analyzed mainly in relation to the timing of metamorphosis and body size at metamorphosis. However, other traits may vary as well. We examined two developmental series of Boana riojana from the same population in two consecutive years and describe intraspecific variation in larvae of this species. We discuss how variation, if present, may influence its life cycle. We found that both larval series differed in the larval period length, one twice as long as the other. This variation primarily depended on when breeding occurred, metamorphosis was achieved during late spring in both generations and at similar sizes, and only the rate of larval development during premetamorphosis varied extensively between years. This is consistent with thyroid gland activity because when it became active the developmental trajectory became more canalized. No variation of staging sequence occurred in relation to the different durations of the larval period. However, in the long‐lasting series we found two different morphs. Also, integument, thyroid gland, skeleton, and testis differentiation events occurred at the same developing stages. In contrast, ovarian differentiation proceeded at the same absolute age in both series. Sexual dimorphism becomes evident within the year after metamorphosis. The intraspecific heterochrony that we describe for the larval development of B. riojana does not lead to phenotypic variation at the end of metamorphosis. We discuss the importance of analyzing growth and development independently. Each proceeds differently in time, but with an interdependence at some point, because size and shape do not vary at the end of metamorphosis.
Relating neuromuscular control to functional anatomy of limb muscles in extant archosaurs
Authors: Cuff Andrew R. , Daley Monica A. , Michel Krijn B. , Allen Vivian R. , Lamas Luis Pardon , Adami Chiara , Monticelli Paolo , Pelligand Ludo , Hutchinson John R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractElectromyography (EMG) is used to understand muscle activity patterns in animals. Understanding how much variation exists in muscle activity patterns in homologous muscles across animal clades during similar behaviours is important for evaluating the evolution of muscle functions and neuromuscular control. We compared muscle activity across a range of archosaurian species and appendicular muscles, including how these EMG patterns varied across ontogeny and phylogeny, to reconstruct the evolutionary history of archosaurian muscle activation during locomotion. EMG electrodes were implanted into the muscles of turkeys, pheasants, quail, guineafowl, emus (three age classes), tinamous and juvenile Nile crocodiles across 13 different appendicular muscles. Subjects walked and ran at a range of speeds both overground and on treadmills during EMG recordings. Anatomically similar muscles such as the lateral gastrocnemius exhibited similar EMG patterns at similar relative speeds across all birds. In the crocodiles, the EMG signals closely matched previously published data for alligators. The timing of lateral gastrocnemius activation was relatively later within a stride cycle for crocodiles compared to birds. This difference may relate to the coordinated knee extension and ankle plantarflexion timing across the swing‐stance transition in Crocodylia, unlike in birds where there is knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion across swing‐stance. No significant effects were found across the species for ontogeny, or between treadmill and overground locomotion. Our findings strengthen the inference that some muscle EMG patterns remained conservative throughout Archosauria: for example, digital flexors retained similar stance phase activity and M. pectoralis remained an ‘anti‐gravity’ muscle. However, some avian hindlimb muscles evolved divergent activations in tandem with functional changes such as bipedalism and more crouched postures, especially M. iliotrochantericus caudalis switching from swing to stance phase activity and M. iliofibularis adding a novel stance phase burst of activity.
Influence of the amino acid composition on the ionization efficiencies of small peptides
Authors: Liigand Piia , Kaupmees Karl , Kruve Anneli 
Published: March 2019

AbstractElectrospray ionization is widely used to generate gas phase ions from a variety of molecules ranging from small ions to large proteins, while the ionization mechanism is claimed to depend on the size of the molecule. For small molecules, the ionization efficiency, the amount of gas phase ions produced in the electrospray process, depends on the properties of the compound. Here, we show that the amino acid composition also influences the ionization efficiency of the oligopeptide. Additionally, we show that the ionization efficiencies of oligopeptides consisting of more than five amino acid residues are very similar to one another, and assuming equal ionization efficiencies is feasible. Therefore, accurate ionization efficiency predictions are needed mainly for small oligopeptides. For these oligopeptides, the amino acid composition can be used to estimate the ionization efficiency in an easy to use manner.
180 to 240 GHz broadband, EM‐based power amplifier using 0.5‐μm InP DHBT technology
Authors: Li Yukun , Zhang Yong , Li Xiao , Chen Yapei , Cheng Wei , Sun Yan , Lu Haiyan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper reports a power amplifier (PA) terahertz monolithic integrated circuit (TMIC) from 180 to 240 GHz. This amplifier is fabricated from a 0.5‐μm indium phosphide double heterojunction bipolar transistor (InP DHBT) technology, jointly with a thin‐film microstrip wiring environment. Furthermore, an electromagnetic (EM) simulation method is proposed for the parameter extraction of InP DHBTs and amplifier design. This five‐stage amplifier has >6.1 dB S21 gain from 180 to 240 GHz, peaks 10.4 dB S21 gain at 210 GHz. At 213 GHz operation, the saturated output power is 5.8 dBm with 7.3 dB large‐signal gain, and this amplifier occupies 2.52 mm2 including pads.