bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Thermodynamic Gas‐Phase Acidity and Basicity of Water by Means of Secondary Interactions
Authors: Montero‐Campillo M. Merced , Alkorta Ibon , Elguero José 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA series of A⋅water, B⋅water complexes (A=acid, B=base) are studied at the G4 level of theory to show that water acidity or basicity can be modulated by non‐covalent interactions. Protic and non‐protic acids interacting with water form hydrogen bonds or other kinds of non‐covalent interactions, respectively, that may dramatically change the acidity of water up to almost 360 kJ ⋅ mol−1 in terms of enthalpy. Similarly, hydrogen bonds responsible for the interaction between typical small nitrogen‐containing Lewis bases and water can enhance the proton affinity of water by almost 300 kJ ⋅ mol−1. Our results reveal that these large enhancements are linearly related with the binding energy of the charged complexes, and are determined by the Lewis acid−base properties of the molecule involved in the interaction, allowing a quite precise modulation of the corresponding acid−base properties of water.
A Compact Head‐Mounted Endoscope for In Vivo Calcium Imaging in Freely Behaving Mice
Authors: Jacob Alexander D. , Ramsaran Adam I. , Mocle Andrew J. , Tran Lina M. , Yan Chen , Frankland Paul W. , Josselyn Sheena A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMiniaturized fluorescence microscopes for imaging calcium transients are a promising tool for investigating the relationship between behavior and population‐level neuronal activity in rodents. However, commercially available miniature microscopes may be costly and, because they are closed source, may not be easily modified based on particular experimental requirements. Here, we describe how to build and use a low‐cost compact head‐mounted endoscope (CHEndoscope) system for in vivo calcium imaging. The CHEndoscope uses an implanted gradient index lens along with the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6 to image calcium transients from hundreds of neurons simultaneously in awake behaving mice. This system is affordable, open source, and flexible, permitting modification depending on the particular experiment. This article describes in detail the assembly, surgical implantation, data collection, and processing of calcium signals using the CHEndoscope system. The aim of this open framework is to provide an accessible set of miniaturized calcium imaging tools for the neuroscience research community. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
New 3D Supramolecular Ag(I) Coordination Polymer Crystal Containing 2‐Quinaldic Acid Radical Biological Ligand: Crystal Structure and Anticancer Activity
Authors: Wang Ren‐Shu , Feng Jing , Lei Yi‐Zhu , Chen Ding‐Mei , Lian Ming‐Lei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA new coordination polymer of {[Ag(Qina)(Bpp)]·(H2O)2}n (Qina = 2‐quinolinecarboxylic‐carboxylate, Bpp = 4,4'‐trimethylenedipyridine) is successfully synthesized and the structure is determined using single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The complex is crystallized in the monoclinic system with P21/c space group: Each atom of Ag(I) is chelated by one Qina group, with each Bpp ligand bridging two Ag(I) atoms to form the 1D polymer chains. Furthermore, the 3D supramolecular architecture is a costructure directed via weak stacking interactions of C–H···π and hydrogen bond. The complex shows competitive binding affinities in calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) interaction by fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, the complexes’ cytotoxic activity is explored for two kinds of cancer cell lines (Hela, MCF‐7), indicating an anticancer activity and cytotoxicity. CCDC: 1553426
Effects of Electrolyte Anions on the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Ethylene and Ethanol on Copper (100) and (111) Surfaces
Authors: Huang Yun , Ong Cheng Wai , Yeo Boon Siang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe CO2 electroreduction reaction has been investigated on Cu(100) and Cu(111) surfaces in 0.1 m aqueous solutions of KClO4, KCl, KBr, and KI electrolyte. The formation of ethylene and ethanol on these surfaces generally increased as the electrolyte anion was changed from ClO4−→Cl−→Br−→I−. For example, on Cu(100) at −1.23 V versus RHE, as the electrolyte anion changed from ClO4− to I−, the faradaic efficiency (FE) of ethylene formation increased from 31 to 50 %, FEethanol increased from 7 to 16 %, and the associated current densities increased five‐ and sevenfold, respectively. A remarkable total FE of up to 74 % for C2 and C3 products was obtained in the presence of KI. Despite surface roughening in the presence of the electrolytes, the Cu(100) electrode still enhanced the formation of C2 compounds better than Cu(111). The favorable reduction of CO2 to C2 products in KI electrolyte was correlated with a higher *CO population on the surface, as shown using linear sweep voltammetry. In situ Raman spectroscopy indicated that the coordination environment of *CO was altered by the used electrolyte anion. Thus, apart from affecting the morphology of the electrode and local pH value, we propose that the anion plays a critical role in enhancing the formation of C2 products by tuning the coordination environment of adsorbed *CO, which gives rise to more efficient C−C coupling.
Partially Etched Ti3AlC2 as a Promising High‐Capacity Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Chen Xifan , Zhu Yuanzhi , Zhu Xiaoquan , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang , Zhang Guoliang , Zhang Fengbao , Fan Xiaobin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMXenes, a family of two‐dimensional transition‐metal carbide and nitride materials, are thought to be promising materials in energy storage because of their high electronic conductivity, hydrophilic surfaces, and low diffusion barriers. MXenes are generally prepared by removing the “A” elements (A=Al, Si, Sn, etc.) from their corresponding MAX phases by using hydrofluoric acid (HF) and other etching agents, although these “A” elements usually have great volumetric and gravimetric capacities. In a study of the etching progress of Ti3AlC2 and evaluation of their anode performance in lithium‐ion batteries, a partially etched sample (0.5 h‐pe Ti3C2Tx) is found to have much higher capacity (160 mAh g−1, 331.6 mAh cm−3 at 1C) when compared with the fully etched Ti3C2Tx (110 mAh g−1, 190.3 mAh cm−3 at 1C). Moreover, a 99 % capacity retention was observed even after 1000 cycles in the 0.5 h‐pe Ti3C2Tx anode. This interesting result can be explained, at least in part, by the alloying of the residual Al during lithiation.
On the problems of using linear models in ecological manipulation experiments: lessons learned from a climate experiment
Authors: Damgaard Christian , Holmstrup Martin , Schmidt Inger Kappel , Beier Claus , Larsen Klaus Steenberg 
Published: June 2018

AbstractManipulation experiments are often used to investigate ecological and environmental causal relationships and to understand and forecast impacts of anthropogenic pressures on ecosystem functioning. Such manipulation experiments often use factorial designs, and the data are analyzed using factorial linear models. Factorial designs build on the fundamental assumption that the treatment factors are independent and orthogonal. This assumption is, however, often violated because of variation within and in particular covariation between the performed experimental manipulations. For example, manipulation of temperature and precipitation in factorial setups has been widely applied in climate experiments, but manipulating soil temperature will likely have a strong impact on soil water content. Such dependency among environmental state variables will violate the assumed orthogonality in a factorial linear model and may lead to erroneous conclusions. Here, we demonstrate the importance of the assumption of orthogonality using simulated ecological responses that act on observed soil state variables from a large climate experiment with an apparent orthogonal design. More specifically, we explore the problematic consequences of analyzing ecological treatments as categorical variables in a linear model. Suitable alternative methods for the statistical analysis of manipulated ecological experiments are suggested. The key recommendation is to use the observed effects of the manipulations on the state variables directly in the analysis instead of the categories of treatments. For example, if soil water content and temperature are manipulated, then it is essential to measure the water content and temperature in the soil of all the manipulated plots.
Multi‐ethnic comparisons of diabetes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: insights from the HF‐ACTION trial and the ASIAN‐HF registry
Authors: Cooper Lauren B. , Yap Jonathan , Tay Wan Ting , Teng Tiew‐Hwa K. , MacDonald Michael , Anand Inder S. , Sharma Abhinav , O'Connor Christopher M. , Kraus William E. , Mentz Robert J. , Lam Carolyn S. ,   on behalf of the HF‐ACTION and ASIAN‐HF Investigators
Published: June 2018

AimTo describe differences in patient characteristics and outcomes by ethnicity in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF, ejection fraction ≤35%) in a multi‐ethnic cohort.Methods and resultsPatient level data from two cohorts (HF‐ACTION and ASIAN‐HF) were combined, and patients grouped by self‐reported ethnicity. DM was defined as the presence of a clinical diagnosis and/or receiving anti‐diabetic therapy. A total of 6214 (1324 whites, 674 blacks, 1297 Chinese, 1510 Indians, 717 Malays, 692 Japanese/Koreans) patients were included. The overall prevalence of DM was 39.5% (n = 2454). The prevalence of DM was lowest in whites (29.3%), followed by Japanese/Koreans (34.1%), blacks (35.9%), Chinese (42.3%), Indians (44.2%), and highest in Malays (51.9%). The correlation between age, sex, body mass index, coronary artery disease, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease and chronic kidney disease with DM differed significantly by ethnicity (P for interaction <0.05). The strongest correlations were seen in Malay women, whites with obesity, Indians with coronary artery disease and hypertension, and blacks with chronic kidney disease. On multivariable analyses, DM was significantly associated with the composite of 1‐year overall mortality/HF hospitalization (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.19–1.57; P < 0.001), with no interaction by ethnicity (P for interaction =0.31).ConclusionsThere is marked heterogeneity in the prevalence and correlates of DM among different ethnic groups with HF worldwide. Subgroups particularly predisposed to DM warrant special attention, since DM increases the combined risk of morbidity and mortality in all ethnicities with HF.
Family physician remuneration schemes and specialist referrals: Quasi‐experimental evidence from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Sarma Sisira , Mehta Nirav , Devlin Rose Anne , Kpelitse Koffi Ahoto , Li Lihua 
Published: June 2018

AbstractUnderstanding how family physicians respond to incentives from remuneration schemes is a central theme in the literature. One understudied aspect is referrals to specialists. Although the theoretical literature has suggested that capitation increases referrals to specialists, the empirical evidence is mixed. We push forward the empirical research on this question by studying family physicians who switched from blended fee‐for‐service to blended capitation in Ontario, Canada. Using several health administrative databases from 2005 to 2013, we rely on inverse probability weighting with fixed‐effects regression models to account for observed and unobserved differences between the switchers and nonswitchers. Switching from blended fee‐for‐service to blended capitation increases referrals to specialists by about 5% to 7% per annum. The cost of specialist referrals is about 7 to 9% higher in the blended capitation model relative to the blended fee‐for‐service. These results are generally robust to a variety of alternative model specifications and matching techniques, suggesting that they are driven partly by the incentive effect of remuneration. Policy makers need to consider the benefits of capitation payment scheme against the unintended consequences of higher referrals to specialists.
Home enteral nutrition: Use of photo‐elicitation to capture patient and caregiver experiences
Authors: Asiedu Gladys B. , Carroll Katherine , Griffin Joan M. , Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundDespite the importance of home enteral nutrition (HEN), there is a lack of understanding within the medical and general community of how HEN impacts the lives of patients and caregivers. Using a theoretical orientation that attends to the materiality of both everyday and medical objects, we explored patients' and family caregivers' everyday experiences of administering feeds during HEN.MethodsUsing the photo‐elicitation interviewing method, patients on HEN and their family caregivers were asked to take up to 10 photographs to portray material items and activities that they considered foundational to HEN. They subsequently narrated their experiences and the participant‐generated photographs in an interview. Participant‐generated photographs (126) and accompanying narratives were analyzed using layered analysis, and results were theorized with attention to both social and material significance of HEN.ResultsPatients and caregivers detailed overcoming misconceptions of HEN, and through their use of photographs, they conveyed their expertise in developing their own HEN feeding systems and practices, that used both the material artifacts provided by the hospital (the tube, syringe, and formula) as well as everyday material items found in the patient's home. More than this, photographs and patient narratives depicted intimate involvement of patients' families in tube feeding. This yielded a more comprehensive understanding of the material and experiential realities of HEN.ConclusionHome enteral nutrition was found to be a shared familial experience, that in addition to requiring medical equipment also incorporated ordinary material artifacts within the social setting of the home and family life. To more accurately convey the material, experiential, and social realities of HEN to future patients, our findings underscore the importance of drawing on both visual and textual forms of patient‐produced information in the development of HEN patient educational materials.
Silver nanoparticles: Electron transfer, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, beneficial and toxicological effects. Mini review
Authors: Flores‐López Lucía Z. , Espinoza‐Gómez Heriberto , Somanathan Ratnasamy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe industry of nanotechnology has had a rapid development in the last decades. In particular, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have unique properties so they can be used in different industrial applications, mainly in areas such as electronics, environment, medicine, biosensors and biotechnology; as well as household and healthcare‐related products, like cosmetics, due to their antimicrobial properties. These beneficial effects are also offset by the higher chemical reactivity of these NPs due to their surface area to volume ratio, leading to the increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. AgNPs, however, have a dark side: they increase the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). With increased human exposure to AgNPs, the risk and safety standards have attracted much attention. This review highlights the beneficial and toxicological effects of AgNPs in terms of cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.
Pathological cyclic strain promotes proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells via the ACTH/ERK/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Tang Xia , Liu Yanyan , Xiao Qian , Yao Qingping , Allen Molly , Wang Yingxiao , Gao Lizhi , Qi Yingxin , Zhang Ping 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAbnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is closely related to hyperplasia in hypertension. Our previous study suggested that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is mechano‐responsive and may regulate VSMC proliferation. However, the molecular mechanism of VSMC abnormal proliferation induced by conditions of high cyclic strain, especially the role of ACTH in this process, is unclear. Our results revealed that ACTH and its specific receptor melanocortin receptor type 2 (MC2R) were highly expressed in hypertensive rat models. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the expression of ACTH and MC2R was up‐regulated when exposed to high cyclic strain in vitro, accompanied by abnormal proliferation of VSMCs. Next, it was proved that ACTH‐dependent cell proliferation was related to the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The study also found that ACTH could promote dimerization and glycosylation of melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP), which had a significant effect on MC2R membrane localization and signal activation. When VSMCs were treated with PD98059, a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) cascade antagonist, it was determined that phosphorylation of STAT3 at Ser727 was dependent on ERK phosphorylation. In summary, these data demonstrated that the abnormal proliferation of VSMCs induced by conditions of high cyclic strain is in part attributed to ACTH and its receptor MC2R. Identifying the mechanism of ACTH‐dependent proliferation of VSMCs may help to provide new therapeutic targets for hypertension.
A novel molecular mechanism of microRNA‐21 inducing pulmonary fibrosis and human pulmonary fibroblast extracellular matrix through transforming growth factor β1–mediated SMADs activation
Authors: Zhou Jun , Xu Qianqian , Zhang Qiudi , Wang Zhigang , Guan Shuhong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPulmonary fibrosis (PF), characterized by the destruction of lung tissue architecture and the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, currently has no satisfactory treatment. The role of microRNA (miR)‐21 in PF has been reported; the current study attempted to investigate a novel molecular mechanism by which miR‐21 exerted its function. Consistent with previous studies, miR‐21 inhibition reduced ECM protein levels in bleomycin (BLM)‐induced mouse model of PF. In human pulmonary fibroblast (IMR‐90), miR‐21 inhibition reduced transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)–induced ECM protein expression. Regarding a novel molecular mechanism, TGFβ1 combined with TGFβ1 receptor 1 (TGFβ1RI) to activate SMAD2/3, promote SMAD4 nucleus transformation, and thus regulate miR‐21 expression and ECM. SMAD3 and SMADs complex could bind to the promoter region of miR‐21 to promote miR‐21 expression. In conclusion, miR‐21 exerts promotive effects on BLM‐induced PF and TGFβ1‐induced ECM in IMR‐90; TGFβ1 combines with TGFβ1RI to activate SMAD2/3, promote SMAD4 nucleus transformation, promote miR‐21 expression, and thus to promote BLM‐induced PF and TGFβ1‐induced ECM in IMR‐90 cells.
Generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells using Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii as tolerogenic probiotics
Authors: Esmaeili Seyed‐Alireza , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Rezaieyazdi Zahra , Sahebari Maryam , Tabasi Nafiseh , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Rastin Maryam 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) concurs with excessive uncontrolled inflammatory immune responses that lead to the loss of immune tolerance. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important and determinant immune cells that regulate immune responses. Tolerogenic DCs with regulatory markers and cytokines could induce regulatory immune cells and responses. Tolerogenic probiotics are capable of producing regulatory DCs from monocytes in in vitro conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the production of DCs in an in vitro condition. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from the healthy and SLE donors. Monocytes were cultured with optimized concentrations of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin 4 (IL‐4) to produce immature DCs (IDCs). An IDC uptake assay was performed, and IDCs of healthy and SLE donors were divided into three subgroups following 48 hours of treatment with GM‐CSF and IL‐4, along with L. delbrueckii, L. rhamnosus, and mixed probiotics for the production of tolerogenic DCs. The surface expression of Human Leukocyte Antigen‐antigen D Related (HLA‐DR), CD86, CD80, CD83, CD1a, and CD14 was analyzed using flow cytometry, and the gene expression levels of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO), IL‐10, and IL‐12 were measured using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We observed significantly reduced expression of costimulatory molecules and other surface markers in the probiotic‐induced mature DCs (MDCs) in both healthy and SLE donor groups in comparison with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced MDCs. In addition, the expression of IDO and IL‐10 increased, whereas IL‐12 decreased significantly in probiotic‐induced MDCs compared with LPS‐induced MDCs. IDCs and especially mature tolerogenic DC of SLE patients highly expressed IDO. The results of the current study suggested that live probiotics could modify properties of DCs to modulatory cells, which might contribute to the induction of tolerance and renovation of immune hemostasis.
Increased plasma prothrombin time is associated with poor prognosis in patients with paraquat poisoning
Authors: Hu Xiao , Guo Renyong , Chen Xing , Chen Yu 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundParaquat can cause severe injury to vascular endothelial cells and lead to coagulation dysfunction when it is taken into the blood by oral ingestion. In this study, we aim to find a routine coagulation index to serve as an indicator of outcome in patients with acute paraquat poisoning.MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2016, 209 patients who attempted suicide by oral ingestion of paraquat were admitted to the emergency room. Routine coagulation indices, including plasma prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (Fbg), thrombin time (TT), and D‐dimer were measured to analyze the trend of changes and their relationship with prognosis.ResultsThe results showed that the PT and APTT values in the ≥30 mL group were significantly greater than those in the <30 mL group (both P < .01). Within 1 week of admission, PT and APTT values gradually decreased, while Fbg levels gradually increased. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that sex, ingestion volume, and PT were independent predictors of mortality within 40 days. The cumulative survival rates differed significantly (P = .001) between patients with PT <12 seconds and PT ≥12 seconds.ConclusionsCoagulation status in patients with PQ poisoning was closely related to prognosis. Routine monitoring of coagulation function, particularly PT in plasma, is helpful for analysis of the condition and prognosis of patients with PQ poisoning.