bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An innovative methodology for the non-destructive diagnosis of architectural elements of ancient historical buildings
Authors: Fais Silvana , Casula Giuseppe , Cuccuru Francesco , Ligas Paola , Bianchi Maria Giovanna 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn the following we present a new non-invasive methodology aimed at the diagnosis of stone building materials used in historical buildings and architectural elements. This methodology consists of the integrated sequential application of in situ proximal sensing methodologies such as the 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanner for the 3D modelling of investigated objects together with laboratory and in situ non-invasive multi-techniques acoustic data, preceded by an accurate petrographical study of the investigated stone materials by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The increasing necessity to integrate different types of techniques in the safeguard of the Cultural Heritage is the result of the following two interdependent factors: 1) The diagnostic process on the building stone materials of monuments is increasingly focused on difficult targets in critical situations. In these cases, the diagnosis using only one type of non-invasive technique may not be sufficient to investigate the conservation status of the stone materials of the superficial and inner parts of the studied structures 2) Recent technological and scientific developments in the field of non-invasive diagnostic techniques for different types of materials favors and supports the acquisition, processing and interpretation of huge multidisciplinary datasets.
IMPPAT: A curated database of Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics
Authors: Mohanraj Karthikeyan , Karthikeyan Bagavathy Shanmugam , Vivek-Ananth R. P. , Chand R. P. Bharath , Aparna S. R. , Mangalapandi Pattulingam , Samal Areejit 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPhytochemicals of medicinal plants encompass a diverse chemical space for drug discovery. India is rich with a flora of indigenous medicinal plants that have been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to treat human maladies. A comprehensive online database on the phytochemistry of Indian medicinal plants will enable computational approaches towards natural product based drug discovery. In this direction, we present, IMPPAT, a manually curated database of 1742IndianMedicinalPlants, 9596Phytochemicals,And 1124Therapeutic uses spanning 27074 plant-phytochemical associations and 11514 plant-therapeutic associations. Notably, the curation effort led to a non-redundantin silicolibrary of 9596 phytochemicals with standard chemical identifiers and structure information. Using cheminformatic approaches, we have computed the physicochemical, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) and drug-likeliness properties of the IMPPAT phytochemicals. We show that the stereochemical complexity and shape complexity of IMPPAT phytochemicals differ from libraries of commercial compounds or diversity-oriented synthesis compounds while being similar to other libraries of natural products. Within IMPPAT, we have filtered a subset of 960 potential druggable phytochemicals, of which majority have no significant similarity to existing FDA approved drugs, and thus, rendering them as good candidates for prospective drugs. IMPPAT database is openly accessible at:https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat.
Predicting 131I-avidity of metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer using 18F-FDG PET/CT in postoperative patients with elevated thyroglobulin
Authors: Liu Min , Cheng Lingxiao , Jin Yuchen , Ruan Maomei , Sheng Shiwei , Chen Libo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe quantitative relationship between iodine and glucose metabolism in metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) remains unknown. Aim of the prospective study was to establish the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in predicting 131I-avidity of metastases from DTC before the first radioiodine therapy. A total of 121 postoperative DTC patients with elevated stimulated serum thyroglobulin (ssTg) who underwent 131I adjuvant therapy or therapy after 18F-FDG PET/CT scan were enrolled. The Receiver operating characteristic curve was established to create an optimal cut-off point and evaluate the value of SUVmax for predicting 131I-avidity. In our study, the median SUVmax in 131I-nonavid metastatic target lesions was also significantly higher than that in 131I-avid metastatic target lesions (5.37 vs. 3.30; P = 0.000). At a cut-off value of 4.0 in SUVmax, the area under curve was 0.62 with the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 75.3%, 56.7%, 76.1%, and 54.8%, respectively. These results suggest that 18F-FDG PET/CT may be of great value in identifying metastases in postoperative DTC patients with elevated ssTg before 131I administration, leading to an improved management of disease. 18F-FDG positive metastatic DTC with SUVmax of greater than 4.0 possesses higher probability of non-avidity to radioiodine.
Experimental study and new three-dimensional kinetic modeling of foamy solution-gas drive processes
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Zhang Yanyu , Wang Shilin , Song Zhaoyao , Li Peng , Wang Changfa 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFoamy solution-gas drive processes in heavy oil reservoirs are very complex. The influence of some microscopic factors on this process is not fully understood due to limitations of traditional depletion tests. This study aims to investigate foamy solution-gas drive by experiments and simulations. First, the effects of the pressure depletion rate on critical gas saturation and foamy solution-gas drive processes were investigated by laboratory experiments. Second, a new three-dimensional foamy oil model that captures many important characteristics of foamy solution-gas drive, such as non-equilibrium behavior, gas evolution kinetics, and the effect of viscous forces on gas mobility, was developed. Last, the effects of some important parameters on foamy solution-gas drive were systematically investigated,and a model application was conducted in a typical foamy oil reservoir. The results indicate that the new model is capble of simulating many of the unusual behaviors observed in foamy solution-gas drive on a laboratory and field scales. High oil recoveries were obtained with a high oil viscosity, high depletion rate, long sandpack, and low solution gas-oil ratio. Foamy solution-gas drive processes are sensitive to the depletion rate, length, and critical gas saturation. The oil viscosity, solution GOR and diffusion coefficient are not sensitive factors.
Spin-transfer torque generated in graphene based topological insulator heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Qingtian , Chan K. S. , Li Jingbo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe studied the spin-transfer torque (STT) in graphene based normal-metal/topological-insulator/ferromagnet heterostructures (N/TI/F), which is induced by the helical spin-polarized current in the quantum spin Hall insulator. We found that the STT is comparable in magnitude to the STT in ferromagnetic-normal- ferromagnetic graphene junction, while not requiring additional ferromagnetic layer with fixed magnetization, which makes it advantageous for the manipulation of magnetic devices in spintronics. More interestingly, the STT is very robust in our proposed nanostructure, as it is immune to changes in the geometry due to an asymmetrically notch or the presence of random nanopores in the quantum spin Hall insulator. Our theoretical prediction suggests that graphene based quantum spin Hall insulator could be used for very efficient magnetization manipulation for magnetic materials.
TryTransDB: A web-based resource for transport proteins in Trypanosomatidae
Authors: Sonar Krushna , Kabra Ritika , Singh Shailza 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTryTransDB is a web-based resource that stores transport protein data which can be retrieved using a standalone BLAST tool. We have attempted to create an integrated database that can be a one-stop shop for the researchers working with transport proteins of Trypanosomatidae family. TryTransDB (Trypanosomatidae Transport Protein Database) is a web based comprehensive resource that can fire a BLAST search against most of the transport protein sequences (protein and nucleotide) from Trypanosomatidae family organisms. This web resource further allows to compute a phylogenetic tree by performing multiple sequence alignment (MSA) using CLUSTALW suite embedded in it. Also, cross-linking to other databases helps in gathering more information for a certain transport protein in a single website.
Infanticide in a mammal-eating killer whale population
Authors: Towers Jared R. , Hallé Muriel J. , Symonds Helena K. , Sutton Gary J. , Morton Alexandra B. , Spong Paul , Borrowman James P. , Ford John K. B. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInfanticide can be an extreme result of sexual conflict that drives selection in species in which it occurs. It is a rarely observed behaviour but some evidence for its occurrence in cetaceans exists in three species of dolphin. Here we describe observations of an adult male killer whale (Orcinus orca) and his post-reproductive mother killing a neonate belonging to an unrelated female from the same population in the North Pacific. This is the first account of infanticide reported in killer whales and the only case committed jointly by an adult male and his mother outside of humans. Consistent with findings in other social mammals, we suggest that infanticide is a sexually selected behaviour in killer whales that could provide subsequent mating opportunities for the infanticidal male and thereby provide inclusive fitness benefits for his mother.
Shelf Life Evaluation of Clinical Grade Chondrogenic Induced Aged Adult Stem Cells for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Ude C. C. , Seet W. T. , Sharen Aini S. , Aminuddin B. S. , Ruszymah B. H. I. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe study objectives include, enhancing the proliferations of aged bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and adipose stem cells (ADSCs); and evaluating the shelf lives of clinical grade chondrogenically induced cells from both samples. ADSCs and BMSCs from 56 patients (76 ± 8 yrs) were proliferated using basal medium (FD) and at (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25) ng/ml of basal fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). They were induced to chondrogenic lineage and stored for more than 120 hrs in FD, serum, Dulbecco’s phosphate buffered saline (DPBS) and saline at 4 °C. In FD, cells stagnated and BMSCs’ population doubling time (PDT) was 137 ± 30 hrs, while ADSCs’ was 129.7 ± 40 hrs. bFGF caused PDT’s decrease to 24.5 ± 5.8 hrs in BMSCs and 22.0 ± 6.5 hrs in ADSCs (p = 0.0001). Both cells were positive to stem cell markers before inductions and thereafter, expressed significantly high chondrogenic genes (p = 0.0001). On shelf life, both cells maintained viabilities and counts above 70% in FD and serum after 120 hrs. BMSCs’ viabilities in DPBS fell below 70% after 96 hrs and saline after 72 hrs. ADSCs’ viability fell below 70% in DPBS after 24 hrs and saline within 24 hrs. Concentrations between 20 ng/ml bFGF is ideal for aged adult cells’ proliferation and delivery time of induced BMSCs and ADSCs can be 120 hrs in 4 °C serum.
Synthetic wavelength interferometry of an optical frequency comb for absolute distance measurement
Authors: Wu Guanhao , Liao Lei , Xiong Shilin , Li Guoyuan , Cai Zhijian , Zhu Zebin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe present a synthetic-wavelength based heterodyne interferometer of optical frequency combs with wide consecutive measurement range for absolute distance measurement. The synthetic wavelength is derived from two wavelengths obtained by two band-pass filters. The interferometric phase of the synthetic wavelength is used as a marker for the pulse-to-pulse alignment, which greatly improves the accuracy of traditional peak finding method. The consecutive measurement range is enlarged by using long fiber to increase the path length difference of the reference and measurement arms. The length of the long fiber is stabilized according to the interferometric phase of a CW laser. The experimental results show the present system can realize an accuracy of 75 nm in 350 mm consecutive measurement range.
Quantitative mapping of RNA-mediated nuclear estrogen receptor β interactome in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Giurato Giorgio , Nassa Giovanni , Salvati Annamaria , Alexandrova Elena , Rizzo Francesca , Nyman Tuula A. , Weisz Alessandro , Tarallo Roberta 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe nuclear receptor estrogen receptor 2 (ESR2, ERβ) modulates cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth, exerting an oncosuppressive role in breast cancer (BC). Interaction proteomics by tandem affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry was previously applied in BC cells to identify proteins acting in concert with ERβ to control key cellular functions, including gene transcription, RNA splicing and post-transcriptional mRNA regulation. These studies revealed an involvement of RNA in ERβ interactome assembly and functions. By applying native protein complex purification followed by nano LC-MS/MS before and after in vitro RNA removal, we generated a large dataset of newly identified nuclear ERβ interactors, including a subset associating with the receptor via RNA bridging. These datasets will be useful to investigate further the role of ERβ, nuclear RNAs and the other proteins identified here in BC and other cell types.
Paracetamol metabolism, hepatotoxicity, biomarkers and therapeutic interventions: a perspective
Authors: Athersuch Toby J. , Antoine Daniel J. , Boobis Alan R. , Coen Muireann , Daly Ann K. , Possamai Lucia , Nicholson Jeremy K. , Wilson Ian D. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
After over 60 years of therapeutic use in the UK, paracetamol (acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) remains the subject of considerable research into both its mode of action and toxicity. The pharmacological properties of APAP are the focus of some activity, with the role of the metabolite N-arachidonoylaminophenol (AM404) still a topic of debate. However, that the hepatotoxicity of APAP results from the production of the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI/NABQI) that can deplete glutathione, react with cellular macromolecules, and initiate cell death, is now beyond dispute. The disruption of cellular pathways that results from the production of NAPQI provides a source of potential biomarkers of the severity of the damage. Research in this area has provided new diagnostic markers such as the microRNA miR-122 as well as mechanistic biomarkers associated with apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and tissue regeneration. Additionally, biomarkers of, and systems biology models for, glutathione depletion have been developed. Furthermore, there have been significant advances in determining the role of both the innate immune system and genetic factors that might predispose individuals to APAP-mediated toxicity. This perspective highlights some of the progress in current APAP-related research.
Piezoelectric‐driven self‐assembling micro air vehicle with bionic reciprocating wings
Authors: Zhou Sui , Zhang Weiping , Zou Yang , Ou Bin , Zhang Yuying , Wang Chenyang 
Published: March 2018

A 247 mg weight coin‐size piezoelectric‐driven micro air vehicle (MAV) with four symmetrical distributed bionic flexible wings is presented. The MAV is planar designed and monolithic fabricated via film printed circuit, graphic lasering and lamination process, and is able to be self‐assembled by using shape memory polymer (SMP). The SMP can be heated by the flexible circuit and shrink at a large strain, resulting in the self‐folding of hinges and self‐assembly of MAV from 2D shape into 3D shape. The flexible four‐bar mechanism converts the slight vibration of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) actuator into flexible wings’ reciprocation, thereby generating lift force. The response characteristics and motion behaviour of the MAV are experimentally tested. Results suggest that the prototype can be self‐assembled to the designed position and achieve a 23.5° reciprocating angle at 134 Hz resonance frequency under 280 V driving signals.
Breakdown and Partial discharge characteristics of Mineral oil‐based nanofluids
Authors: Muangpratoom Pichai , Pattanadech Norasage 
Published: March 2018

In this study, the AC breakdown (BD) voltages and partial discharge (PD) activities of mineral‐oil (MO)‐based nanofluids were investigated under controlled conditions. The aim of this research is to improve the dielectric properties of MO by amalgamation with various types of nanoparticles, i.e. semiconducting and dielectric nanoparticles. Two types of nanoparticles, i.e. titanium dioxide and barium titanate with mean diameters of <100 nm were used in the nanofluid samples prepared for the experiments. The AC BD voltages of the nanofluids were investigated according to IEC 60156. In addition, PD characteristics of the MO‐based nanofluids were examined including PD inception voltage (PDIV) characteristics and PD activity with a needle‐plane electrode configuration. The test circuit was set up in accordance with IEC 60270 and the experiment was performed in conformity with IEC 61294 at room temperature. The test results showed that the AC BD voltages of the modified liquids were clearly influenced by the type of nanoparticles added, with the AC BD voltages of the MO with nanoparticles being slightly higher than those of the unmodified MO used for comparison. Furthermore, the nanoparticles also demonstrated a propensity to increase the PDIV of the nanofluids compared with the PDIV of the MO.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Motor Endplates in the Long-Term Denervated Muscle
Authors: Chen Jingming , Li Jing , Nyirenda Themba , Fowkes Mary , Sobotka Stanislaw , Mu Liancai 
Published: March 2018

Background We have demonstrated that the native motor zone (NMZ) within a muscle is an ideal target for performing nerve-muscle-endplate band grafting (NMEG) to restore motor function of a denervated muscle. This study was designed to determine spatiotemporal alterations of the myofibers, motor endplates (MEPs), and axons in the NMZ of long-term denervated muscles for exploring if NMEG-NMZ technique would have the potential for delayed reinnervation.
Methods Sternomastoid (SM) muscles of adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 21) were experimentally denervated and denervation-induced changes in muscle weight, myofiber size, MEPs, and intramuscular nerve axons were evaluated histomorphometrically and immunohistochemically at the end of 3, 6, and 9 months after denervation. The values obtained from the ipsilateral normal side served as control.
Results The denervated SM muscles exhibited a progressive reduction in muscle weight (38%, 31%, and 19% of the control) and fiber diameter (52%, 40%, and 28% of the control) for 3-, 6-, and 9-month denervation, respectively. The denervated MEPs were still detectable even 9 months after denervation. The mean number of the denervated MEPs was 79%, 65%, and 43% of the control in the 3-, 6-, and 9-month denervated SM, respectively. Degenerated axons in the denervated muscles became fragmented.
Conclusions Persistence of MEPs in the long-term denervated SM suggests that some surgeries targeting the MEPs such as NMEG-NMZ technique should be effective for delayed reinnervation. However, more work is needed to develop strategies for preservation of muscle mass and MEPs after denervation.
Development of a Device-Assisted Nerve-Regeneration Procedure in Disruptive Lesions of the Brachial Plexus
Authors: Manunta Maria , Mao Yong , Masala Gerolamo , Careddu Giovanni , Cubeddu Francesca , Evangelisti Maria , Guida Maria , Verardi Caroline , Proietti Claudio , Manunta Andrea , D'Urso Labate Giuseppe , Catapano Gerardo , Polunas Marianne , Louro Pedro , Passino Eraldo , Merolli Antonio 
Published: March 2018

Background We describe the development of a new surgical procedure to be used in the treatment of disruptive brachial plexus (BP) lesions. It is centered on an artificial device designed to assist nerve regeneration by providing a confined and protected environment. Nerve fibers can repair inside the device, while the adverse massive scar-tissue formation is limited to the outside of the device.
Methods Steps in the development of the procedure were (1) definition of the rationale, (2) design of the device, (3) choice of an in vivo translational model, (4)refinement of the surgical procedure, and (5) performance of an in vivo pilot study as a proof of concept. An interdisciplinary team from several laboratories was involved in this work over a period of 6 years.
Results Results showed the absence of significant scar tissue in the regenerate and the presence of myelinated fibers aligned proximodistally between the stumps. This surgical approach can be seen not only as a definitive treatment but also as an early examination and stabilization before some different surgery will be later performed. It may also be used as additional protection for traditional surgery like end-to-end coaptation.
Conclusions We conclude that the availability of a suitable device-assisted early treatment, even if not to be considered definitive, could help in addressing the BP lesions at an earlier stage and this may improve the final outcome. Our evidence justifies further experimentation on this approach.
Genetic Variation, Magnesium Sulfate Exposure, and Adverse Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Following Preterm Birth
Authors: Weiner Steven , Rouse Dwight , Mercer Brian , Reddy Uma , Iams Jay , Wapner Ronald , Sorokin Yoram , Malone Fergal , O'Sullivan Mary , Peaceman Alan , Hankins Gary , Dudley Donald , Caritis Steve , Clark Erin ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network
Published: March 2018

Objective To evaluate the association of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) exposure and candidate gene polymorphisms with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes following preterm birth.
Study Design We performed a nested case–control analysis of a randomized trial of maternal MgSO4 before anticipated preterm birth for the prevention of cerebral palsy (CP). Cases were children who died within 1 year of life or were survivors with abnormal neurodevelopment at age 2 years. Controls were race- and sex-matched survivors with normal neurodevelopment. We analyzed 45 candidate gene polymorphisms in inflammation, coagulation, and vascular regulation pathways and their association with (1) psychomotor delay, (2) mental delay, (3) CP, and (4) combined outcome of death/CP. Logistic regression analyses, conditional on maternal race and child sex, and adjusted for treatment group, gestational age at birth and maternal education, were performed.
Results Four hundred and six subjects, 211 cases and 195 controls, were analyzed. The strongest association was for IL6R (rs 4601580) in which each additional copy of the minor allele was associated with an increased risk of psychomotor delay (adjusted odds ratio 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.7–6.5; p < 0.001).
Conclusion Candidate gene polymorphisms are associated with death and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes following preterm birth. MgSO4 may abrogate this genotype association for some loci.