bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Airway function in infancy is linked to airflow measurements and respiratory symptoms from childhood into adulthood
Authors: Owens Louisa , Laing Ingrid A. , Zhang Guicheng , Turner Steve , Le Souëf Peter N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionIncreasing evidence suggests that poor lung function in adulthood is determined very early in life. Our study aims were: (1) identify factors associated with early infant lung function; (2) quantify the link between early infant lung function and early adult lung function; and (3) identify environmental and inherited factors which predict lung function throughout the post‐natal growth period.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, 253 individuals were recruited antenatally. Lung function and allergy testing occurred at 1, 6, 12 months, 6, 11, 18, and 24 years of age. The relationship between lung function at 1 month (V'maxFRC) and spirometry variables at each follow‐up was evaluated. Early life predictors of spirometry were assessed longitudinally using linear mixed models.ResultsV'maxFRC correlated positively with FEF25‐75% at every assessment from 6 to 24 years and FEV1/FVC at 11 and 24 years and inversely with airway responsiveness at 6 and 18 years. Maternal asthma and smoking in pregnancy were associated with lower FEV1 from 6 to 24 years (−99 mL, P = 0.03; −77 mL, P = 0.045 respectively). Lower V'maxFRC at 1 month was associated with asthma and wheeze through to 24 years.ConclusionLung airflow measurements track from birth into early adulthood, suggesting a permanent and stable airway framework is laid down in the antenatal period. Lower infant airway function is associated with respiratory symptoms into adulthood, indicating the link is clinically important. Antenatal and early life exposures must be addressed in order to maximize airway growth and reduce lifelong respiratory compromise.
Inhibitory and inductive effects of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids (CSBTA) on cytochrome P450s in rats
Authors: Yu Jiaojiao , Liu Qiuyan , Lu Xiaoyu , Li Xiaonan , Li Ning , Liu Baolin , Huang Fang , Qiu Zhixia 
Published: May 2018

Corydalis saxicola Bunting, a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine in south China, has been widely used for the treatment of various hepatic diseases. Its active ingredients are Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids (CSBTA), which primarily include dehydrocavidine, palmatine, and berberine. These representative alkaloids could be metabolized by hepatic CYP450s. Hence, it is necessary to investigate the potential influences of CSBTA on CYP450s to explore the possibility of herb–drug interactions. In present study, in vitro inhibition and in vivo induction studies were performed to evaluate the potential effects of CSBTA extract on CYP450s in rats. Inhibition assay illustrated that CSBTA exerted inhibitory effects on CYP1A2 (IC50, 38.08 μg/ml; Ki, 14.3 μg/ml), CYP2D1 (IC50, 20.89 μg/ml; Ki, 9.34 μg/ml), CYP2C6/11 (IC50 for diclofenac and S‐mephenytoin, 56.98 and 31.59 μg/ml; Ki, 39.0 and 23.8 μg/ml), and CYP2B1 (IC50, 48.49 μg/ml; Ki, 36.3 μg/ml) in a noncompetitive manner. Induction study showed CSBTA had obvious inhibitory rather than inductive effects on CYP1A2 and CYP2C6/11. Interestingly, neither inhibition nor induction on CYP3A was observed for CSBTA. In conclusion, CSBTA–drug interactions might occur through CYP450s inhibition, particularly CYP1A and CYP2D. Further studies are still needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of inhibition.
Targeting lateral connectivity and morphodynamics in a large river‐floodplain system: The upper Rhine River
Authors: Díaz‐Redondo M. , Egger G. , Marchamalo M. , Damm C. , de Oliveira R.P. , Schmitt L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAs a consequence of historical damming and channelization, most large rivers are disconnected from their floodplains, which therefore endure severe deficits in fluvial dynamics. Regaining some degree of lateral connectivity can lead to improved geomorphological and biological interactions. Yet, it is necessary to take into account limitations posed by current uses and legislation. This study presents a methodological approach to the selection of a realistic restoration target for a heavily modified large river segment, the free‐flowing Upper Rhine River downstream of Iffezheim dam (France–Germany border), based on the analysis of the existing biogeomorphic deficits, constraints set by human uses, and previous restoration experiences. To achieve the selected restoration target, proposed scenarios include embankment removal, bank lowerings, and side channel widenings with the aim of increasing lateral hydrological connectivity and promoting morphodynamics (bank erosion in lateral channels) that allow for the renewal of floodplain habitats. Results from 2‐D hydraulic simulations allow for a sensitivity analysis, comparing the current situation with the proposed scenarios, through parameters such as shore length of side channels actively connected at both ends to the main channel (eupotamon), and shear stress as a proxy for initiation of gravel erosion. Outcomes indicate that the two proposed restoration scenarios would succeed in reconnecting side channels and in increasing areas prone to substrate erosion, while maintaining flood protection and the heaviest navigation use among European rivers. The presented approach aids in the assessment of potential large river restoration scenarios and, thus, in the discussion of water management strategies.
Microfluidics for Cancer Nanomedicine: From Fabrication to Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhu Yifeng , Shen Youqing 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSelf‐assembled drug delivery systems (sDDSs), made from nanocarriers and drugs, are one of the major types of nanomedicines, many of which are in clinical use, under preclinical investigation, or in clinical trials. One of the hurdles of this type of nanomedicine in real applications is the inherent complexity of their fabrication processes, which generally lack precise control over the sDDS structures and the batch‐to‐batch reproducibility. Furthermore, the classic 2D in vitro cell model, monolayer cell culture, has been used to evaluate sDDSs. However, 2D cell culture cannot adequately replicate in vivo tissue‐level structures and their highly complex dynamic 3D environments, nor can it simulate their functions. Thus, evaluations using 2D cell culture often cannot correctly correlate with sDDS behaviors and effects in humans. Microfluidic technology offers novel solutions to overcome these problems and facilitates studying the structure–performance relationships for sDDS developments. In this Review, recent advances in microfluidics for 1) fabrication of sDDSs with well‐defined physicochemical properties, such as size, shape, rigidity, and drug‐loading efficiency, and 2) fabrication of 3D‐cell cultures as “tissue/organ‐on‐a‐chip” platforms for evaluations of sDDS biological performance are in focus.
Graphene Caging Silicon Particles for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Nie Ping , Le Zaiyuan , Chen Gen , Liu Dan , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Hao Bin , Xu Pengcheng , Li Xinru , Liu Fang , Chang Limin , Zhang Xiaogang , Lu Yunfeng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSilicon holds great promise as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries with higher energy density; its implication, however, is limited by rapid capacity fading. A catalytic growth of graphene cages on composite particles of magnesium oxide and silicon, which are made by magnesiothermic reduction reaction of silica particles, is reported herein. Catalyzed by the magnesium oxide, graphene cages can be conformally grown onto the composite particles, leading to the formation of hollow graphene‐encapsulated Si particles. Such materials exhibit excellent lithium storage properties in terms of high specific capacity, remarkable rate capability (890 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1), and good cycling retention over 200 cycles with consistently high coulombic efficiency at a current density of 1 A g−1. A full battery test using LiCoO2 as the cathode demonstrates a high energy density of 329 Wh kg−1.
Ganoderma‐Like MoS2/NiS2 with Single Platinum Atoms Doping as an Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Catalyst
Authors: Guan Yongxin , Feng Yangyang , Wan Jing , Yang Xiaohui , Fang Ling , Gu Xiao , Liu Ruirui , Huang Zhengyong , Li Jian , Luo Jun , Li Changming , Wang Yu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHerein, a unique ganoderma‐like MoS2/NiS2 hetero‐nanostructure with isolated Pt atoms anchored is reported. This novel ganoderma‐like heterostructure can not only efficiently disperse and confine the few‐layer MoS2 nanosheets to fully expose the edge sites of MoS2, and provide more opportunity to capture the Pt atoms, but also tune the electronic structure to modify the catalytic activity. Because of the favorable dispersibility and exposed large specific surface area, single Pt atoms can be easily anchored on MoS2 nanosheets with ultrahigh loading of 1.8 at% (the highest is 1.3 at% to date). Owing to the ganoderma‐like structure and platinum atoms doping, this catalyst shows Pt‐like catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction with an ultralow overpotential of 34 mV and excellent durability of only 2% increase in overpotential for 72 h under the constant current density of 10 mA cm−2.
Label‐Free Optofluidic Nanobiosensor Enables Real‐Time Analysis of Single‐Cell Cytokine Secretion
Authors: Li Xiaokang , Soler Maria , Szydzik Crispin , Khoshmanesh Khashayar , Schmidt Julien , Coukos George , Mitchell Arnan , Altug Hatice 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSingle‐cell analysis of cytokine secretion is essential to understand the heterogeneity of cellular functionalities and develop novel therapies for multiple diseases. Unraveling the dynamic secretion process at single‐cell resolution reveals the real‐time functional status of individual cells. Fluorescent and colorimetric‐based methodologies require tedious molecular labeling that brings inevitable interferences with cell integrity and compromises the temporal resolution. An innovative label‐free optofluidic nanoplasmonic biosensor is introduced for single‐cell analysis in real time. The nanobiosensor incorporates a novel design of a multifunctional microfluidic system with small volume microchamber and regulation channels for reliable monitoring of cytokine secretion from individual cells for hours. Different interleukin‐2 secretion profiles are detected and distinguished from single lymphoma cells. The sensor configuration combined with optical spectroscopic imaging further allows us to determine the spatial single‐cell secretion fingerprints in real time. This new biosensor system is anticipated to be a powerful tool to characterize single‐cell signaling for basic and clinical research.
Fabrication of Micropatterned Dipeptide Hydrogels by Acoustic Trapping of Stimulus‐Responsive Coacervate Droplets
Authors: Nichols Madeleine K. , Kumar Ravinash Krishna , Bassindale Philip G. , Tian Liangfei , Barnes Adrian C. , Drinkwater Bruce W. , Patil Avinash J. , Mann Stephen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAcoustic standing waves offer an excellent opportunity to trap and spatially manipulate colloidal objects. This noncontact technique is used for the in situ formation and patterning in aqueous solution of 1D or 2D arrays of pH‐responsive coacervate microdroplets comprising poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride and the dipeptide N‐fluorenyl‐9‐methoxy‐carbonyl‐D‐alanine‐D‐alanine. Decreasing the pH of the preformed droplet arrays results in dipeptide nanofilament self‐assembly and subsequent formation of a micropatterned supramolecular hydrogel that can be removed as a self‐supporting monolith. Guest molecules such as molecular dyes, proteins, and oligonucleotides are sequestered specifically within the coacervate droplets during acoustic processing to produce micropatterned hydrogels containing spatially organized functional components. Using this strategy, the site‐specific isolation of multiple enzymes to drive a catalytic cascade within the micropatterned hydrogel films is exploited.
Charge‐Storage Aromatic Amino Compounds for Nonvolatile Organic Transistor Memory Devices
Authors: Zheng Chaoyue , Tong Tong , Hu Yueming , Gu Yuming , Wu Huarui , Wu Dequn , Meng Hong , Yi Mingdong , Ma Jing , Gao Deqing , Huang Wei 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHere, charge‐storage nonvolatile organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) memory devices based on interfacial self‐assembled molecules are proposed. The functional molecules contain various aromatic amino moieties (N‐phenyl‐N‐pyridyl amino‐ (PyPN), N‐phenyl amino‐ (PN), and N,N‐diphenyl amino‐ (DPN)) which are linked by a propyl chain to a triethoxysilyl anchor group and act as the interface modifiers and the charge‐storage elements. The PyPN‐containing pentacene‐based memory device (denoted as PyPN device) presents the memory window of 48.43 V, while PN and DPN devices show the memory windows of 24.88 and 8.34 V, respectively. The memory characteristic of the PyPN device can remain stable along with 150 continuous write‐read‐erase‐read cycles. The morphology analysis confirms that three interfacial layers show aggregation due to the N atomic self‐catalysis and hydrogen bonding effects. The large aggregate‐covered PyPN layer has the full contact area with the pentacene molecules, leading to the high memory performance. In addition, the energy level matching between PyPN molecules and pentacene creates the smallest tunneling barrier and facilitates the injection of the hole carriers from pentacene to the PyPN layer. The experimental memory characteristics are well in agreement with the computational calculation.
NiSe‐Ni0.85Se Heterostructure Nanoflake Arrays on Carbon Paper as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Chen Yajie , Ren Zhiyu , Fu Huiying , Zhang Xin , Tian Guohui , Fu Honggang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFabricating cost‐effective, bifunctional electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in basic media is critical for renewable energy generation. Here, NiSe/CP, Ni0.85Se/CP, and NiSe‐Ni0.85Se/CP heterostructure catalysts with different phase constitutions are successfully prepared through in situ selenylation of a NiO nanoflake array oriented on carbon paper (CP) by tuning the original Ni/Se molar ratio of the raw materials. The relationship between the crystal phase component and electrocatalytic activity is systematically studied. Benefiting from the synergetic effect of the intrinsic metallic state, facile charge transport, abundant catalytic active sites, and multiple electrolyte transmission paths, the optimized NiSe‐Ni0.85Se/CP exhibits a remarkably higher catalytic activity for both the HER and OER than single‐phase NiSe/CP and Ni0.85Se/CP. A current density of 10 mA cm−2 at 1.62 V and a high stability can be obtained by using NiSe‐Ni0.85Se/CP as both the cathode and anode for overall water splitting under alkaline conditions. Density functional theory calculations confirm that H and OH− can be more easily adsorbed on NiSe‐Ni0.85Se than on NiSe and Ni0.85Se. This study paves the way for enhancing the overall water splitting performance of nickel selenides by fabricating heterophase junctions using nickel selenides with different phases.
Ranking of elements in system reliability modeling: The least influence method
Authors: Rothstein Alexander , Dreyfuss Michael 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a new method of elements ranking in system reliability design using the theory of fuzzy relations. The problem is formulated as an automatic classification based on the transitive closure of the fuzzy similarity relations. This allows splitting the set of system elements into disjoint classes, which are similar in importance. To define the fuzzy relations of similarity we present the parameters of each element as a vector of influences. To measure the similarity of elements, we use the distance between the two vectors and for the degree of influence evaluation, we present a special algorithm using the expert knowledge about the least impact of an element and about the comparisons to the other influences using the 9‐point Saaty scale. The proposed method relaxes the assumption about the independence and the binary state (up/down) of elements. The possible fields of application are systems with ill‐defined structures and multifunctional elements such as organizational, ergatic, military, political, and other complex systems.
MA‐XRF study of 15th–17th century icons from the collection of the National Museum in Krakow, Poland
Authors: Walczak Małgorzata , Tarsińska‐Petruk Dominika , Płotek Michał , Goryl Maria , Kruk Mirosław P. 
Published: May 2018

In 2015, the National Museum in Krakow, Poland, started a grant from the National Programme for the Development of Humanities, its goal to investigate an important collection of old Orthodox painting, including more than 50 15th to 17th century icons originating from the territory of the historical Orthodox Diocese of Przemyśl within the borders of the Polish Kingdom.The aim of researching the iconography, provenance, and technology of the artworks was to describe their specific features and destination, in detail, and to characterise their artistic milieu. Many different techniques were used during research, such as X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction, reflectography, radiography, ultraviolet–visible imaging, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy of prepared paint layer cross sections, and dendro‐chronological analysis. This paper focuses on highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of the spatially resolved macro‐XRF scanning (MA‐XRF) technique.Most interesting results concluded from elemental distribution maps obtained through the use of Bruker, M6 Jetstream MA‐XRF scanner include the following: characterisation of the type of gold and silver foil used in the icons; determination of main pigments, including the use of lead tin yellow unusual in iconography; and the noting of an interesting distribution of blue pigments as well as the presence of orpiment. Surprisingly, a considerable amount of zinc with azurite addition was observed in brown layers. The results obtained primarily highlight all the typical features of local Carpathian icon craft.
Reducing external costs of nitrogen pollution by relocation of pig production between regions in the European Union
Authors: van Grinsven Hans J. M. , van Dam Jan D. , Lesschen Jan Peter , Timmers Marloes H. G. , Velthof Gerard L. , Lassaletta Luis 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper tests the hypothesis that relocation of pig production within the EU27 can reduce the external costs of nitrogen (N) pollution. The external cost of pollution by ammonia and nitrate from agriculture in the European Union (EU27) in 2008 was estimated at 61–215 billion € (0.5 to 1.8% of the GDP). Per capita it ranged from more than 1000 € in north-west EU27 to 50 € in Romania. The average contribution of pig production was 15%. Using provincial data (224 NUTS2 regions in EU27), the potential reduction of external N cost by relocation of pig production was estimated at 14 billion € (10% of the total). Regions most eligible for decreasing the pig stock were in western Germany, Flemish region, Denmark, the Netherlands and Bretagne, while Romania is most eligible for increasing pig production. Relocating 20 million pigs (13% of the total EU stock) decreased average external costs per capita from 900 to 785 € in the 13 NUTS2 regions where pigs were removed and increased from 69 to 107 € in 11 regions receiving pigs. A second alternative configuration of pig production was targeted at reducing exceedance of critical N deposition and closing regional nutrient cycles. This configuration relocates pigs within Germany and France, for example from Bretagne to Northern France and from Weser-Ems to Oberbayern. However, total external cost increases due to an increase of health impacts, unless when combined with implementation of best N management practices. Relocation of the pig industry in the EU27 will meet many socio-economic barriers and realisation requires new policy incentives.
Metabolomic and proteomic analysis of d-lactate-producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii under various fermentation conditions
Authors: Liang Shaoxiong , Gao Dacheng , Liu Huanhuan , Wang Cheng , Wen Jianping 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
As an important feedstock monomer for the production of biodegradable stereo-complex poly-lactic acid polymer, d-lactate has attracted much attention. To improve d-lactate production by microorganisms such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii, various fermentation conditions were performed, such as the employment of anaerobic fermentation, the utilization of more suitable neutralizing agents, and exploitation of alternative nitrogen sources. The highest d-lactate titer could reach 133 g/L under the optimally combined fermentation condition, increased by 70.5% compared with the control. To decipher the potential mechanisms of d-lactate overproduction, the time-series response of intracellular metabolism to different fermentation conditions was investigated by GC–MS and LC–MS/MS-based metabolomic analysis. Then the metabolomic datasets were subjected to weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and nine distinct metabolic modules and eight hub metabolites were identified to be specifically associated with d-lactate production. Moreover, a quantitative iTRAQ–LC–MS/MS proteomic approach was employed to further analyze the change of intracellular metabolism under the combined fermentation condition, identifying 97 up-regulated and 42 down-regulated proteins compared with the control. The in-depth analysis elucidated how the key factors exerted influence on d-lactate biosynthesis. The results revealed that glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways, transport of glucose, amino acids and peptides, amino acid metabolism, peptide hydrolysis, synthesis of nucleotides and proteins, and cell division were all strengthened, while ATP consumption for exporting proton, cell damage, metabolic burden caused by stress response, and bypass of pyruvate were decreased under the combined condition. These might be the main reasons for significantly improved d-lactate production. These findings provide the first omics view of cell growth and d-lactate overproduction in L. delbrueckii, which can be a theoretical basis for further improving the production of d-lactate.
Ontogenetic changes in anti‐herbivore defensive traits in leaves of four Mediterranean co‐occurring Quercus species
Authors: Mediavilla Sonia , Babiano Josefa , Martínez‐Ortega Montserrat , Escudero Alfonso 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInvestment in anti‐herbivore defence in tree species has been one of the priority research topics in plant terrestrial ecology during the last decades. However, despite considerable experimental effort, interspecific differences in the ontogenetic trends in the investment in defence are still a matter of debate, as to date experimental evidence is contradictory. In the present work, insect herbivory levels were measured in seedlings and mature trees of four co‐occurring Mediterranean Quercus species with differing leaf life spans, as well as several leaf characteristics that can determine herbivore preference. The measured leaf traits included nitrogen (N), fibre (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin), total phenolic contents, leaf mass per unit area (LMA) and leaf thickness. The leaves of seedlings had a lower LMA and leaf thickness and lower concentrations of N and cellulose, but higher concentrations of lignin and phenols than those of mature trees. However, the loss of leaf area tended to be more severe for seedlings than for mature trees, although the differences were only significant for deciduous species. This constitutes a confirmation of the strong effects of physical traits on herbivore preferences. The greater resource limitations for defensive mechanisms in seedlings with respect to mature trees would explain that at intraspecific level we do observe a compromise between chemical and physical defences. As a result, seedlings rely on chemical rather than on physical defences.