bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambient Electrosynthesis of Ammonia on a Core–Shell‐Structured Au@CeO2 Catalyst: Contribution of Oxygen Vacancies in CeO2
Authors: Liu Guoqiang , Cui Zhiqing , Han Miaomiao , Zhang Shengbo , Zhao Cuijiao , Chen Chun , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractElectrosynthesis of NH3 through the N2 reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions is regarded as promising technology to replace the industrial energy‐ and capital‐intensive Haber–Bosch process. Herein, a room‐temperature spontaneous redox approach to fabricate a core–shell‐structured Au@CeO2 composite, with Au nanoparticle sizes below about 10 nm and a loading amount of 3.6 wt %, is reported for the NRR. The results demonstrate that as‐synthesized Au@CeO2 possesses a surface area of 40.7 m2 g−1 and a porous structure. As an electrocatalyst, it exhibits high NRR activity, with an NH3 yield rate of 28.2 μg h−1 cm−2 (10.6 μg h−1 mg−1cat., 293.8 μg h−1 mg−1Au) and a faradaic efficiency of 9.50 % at −0.4 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.01 m H2SO4 electrolyte. The characterization results reveal the presence of rich oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 nanoparticle shell of Au@CeO2; these are favorable for N2 adsorption and activation for the NRR. This has been further verified by theoretical calculations. The abundant oxygen vacancies in the CeO2 nanoparticle shell, combined with the Au nanoparticle core of Au@CeO2, are electrocatalytically active sites for the NRR, and thus, synergistically enhance the conversion of N2 into NH3.
Enhancing the improved Howland circuit
Authors: Maundy Brent J. , Elwakil Ahmed S. , Gift Stephan J. G. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIn this paper, an enhanced version of the improved Howland circuit is proposed. An improvement in output impedance to a maximum factor of two is obtained. The theoretical derivation is presented, including analysis from a two‐port network perspective, and both simulation and experimental results using a general purpose opamp confirm the expected result.
Pharmacological interaction between NSAIDS with clomipramine and risperidone in mice visceral pain
Authors: Vargas Claudio Gonzalez , Miranda Hugo F. , Sierralta Fernando , Noriega Viviana , Prieto Juan Carlos 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) possess as primary action mechanism the inhibition of cyclooxygenases (COX‐1, COX‐2, and COX‐3), thus producing a decreasing prostaglandin synthesis. This study was designed to evaluate whether the antinociception induced by NSAIDs could be modulated by clomipramine or risperidone using a chemical model of inflammatory acute visceral pain, the abdominal acetic acid induced a writhing test in mice. Dose–response curves, intraperitoneal, or intrathecal for the antinociceptive activity displayed by ketoprofen, piroxicam, nimesulide, parecoxib, and paracetamol were analyzed in order to obtain the ED50 of each drug. Pretreatment of mice with either clomipramine or risperidone, increased antinociceptive potency of ketoprofen, piroxicam, nimesulide, parecoxib, and paracetamol, expressed by a decrease in the values of antinociceptive ED50.The results that were obtained are in line with those where the inhibition of COXs provides a justification for most of the pharmacological actions. Nevertheless, several findings suggest other molecular mechanisms, among which may be mentioned, L‐selecting shedding; inhibition of i‐NOS; inhibition of NF‐Kappa B; suppression metaloproteinasas; inhibition of ß2 integrin activation; activation of α2‐adrenoceptor; increase of IL‐1ß; upregulation IL‐6. In conclusion, the data generated in this study demonstrated that risperidone and clomipramine, separately, increase antinociceptive potency of NSAIDs in a chemical model of inflammatory acute visceral tonic pain.
Compensatory and additive helper effects in the cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis)
Authors: van Boheemen Lotte A. , Hammers Martijn , Kingma Sjouke A. , Richardson David S. , Burke Terry , Komdeur Jan , Dugdale Hannah L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn cooperatively breeding species, care provided by helpers may affect the dominant breeders’ investment trade‐offs between current and future reproduction. By negatively compensating for such additional care, breeders can reduce costs of reproduction and improve their own chances of survival. Alternatively, helper care can be additive to that of dominants, increasing the fledging fitness of the current brood. However, the influence helpers have on brood care may be affected by group size and territory quality. Therefore, the impact of helping needs to be disentangled from other factors determining offspring investment before conclusive inferences about the effect of help on additive and compensatory care can be made. We used 20 years of provisioning data to investigate the effect of helping on provisioning rates in the facultative cooperatively breeding Seychelles warbler Acrocephalus sechellensis. Our extensive dataset allowed us to statistically disentangle the effects of helper presence, living in larger groups and different food availability. We show compensatory and additive care (i.e., partial compensation) in response to helper provisioning. Helpers lightened the provisioning load of the dominant male and female and increased total provisioning to nestlings. This was irrespective of group size or territory quality (food availability). Moreover, our results illustrate sex‐specific variation in parental care over the course of the breeding event. We discriminate between temporal variation, group size, and territory quality processes affecting cooperative care and as such, gain further insight into the importance of these factors to the evolutionary maintenance of helping behavior.
Evaluation of ForenSeq™ Signature Prep Kit B on predicting eye and hair coloration as well as biogeographical ancestry by using Universal Analysis Software (UAS) and available web‐tools
Authors: Sharma Vishakha , Jani Krupa , Khosla Pavan , Butler Erin , Siegel Donald , Wurmbach Elisa 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study examined 266 individuals from various populations including African American, East Asian, South Asian, European, and mixed populations to evaluate the ForenSeq™ Signature Prep Kit Primer Mix B. Focus was placed on phenotypic and biogeographical ancestry predictions by Illumina's Universal Analysis Software (UAS). These outcomes were compared to those obtained through web‐tools developed at the Erasmus Medical Center (EMC) and available from the Forensic Resource/Reference on Genetics‐knowledge base (FROG‐kb), as well as to eye color predictions by the 8‐plex system. Due to drop‐outs, predictions for eye and hair color by UAS failed for various samples in each run. By including reads below thresholds, predictions could be obtained for all samples through the web‐tools. Eye and hair color predictions for African Americans, East Asians, and South Asians showed no errors. Difficulties however, were noted in intermediate (neither blue nor brown) eye color predictions. These were mitigated by the 8‐plex system through exclusion of one eye color (e.g. “not brown”). Additionally, notable discrepancies were observed in hair color predictions, where some black/dark‐brown haired individuals were predicted to have blond hair. Overall, ancestry predictions were more accurate by FROG‐kb compared to UAS, which did not predict South Asian ancestry, particularly Indian individuals.
Ethanol‐mediated compaction and cross‐linking enhance mechanical properties and degradation resistance while maintaining cytocompatibility of a nucleus pulposus scaffold
Authors: Walters Joshua D. , Gill Sanjitpal S. , Mercuri Jeremy J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntervertebral disc degeneration is a complex, cell‐mediated process originating in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and is associated with extracellular matrix catabolism leading to disc height loss and impaired spine kinematics. Previously, we developed an acellular bovine NP (ABNP) for NP replacement that emulated human NP matrix composition and supported cell seeding; however, its mechanical properties were lower than those reported for human NP. To address this, we investigated ethanol‐mediated compaction and cross‐linking to enhance the ABNP's dynamic mechanical properties and degradation resistance while maintaining its cytocompatibility. First, volumetric and mechanical effects of compaction only were confirmed by evaluating scaffolds after various immersion times in buffered 28% ethanol. It was found that compaction reached equilibrium at ~30% compaction after 45 min, and dynamic mechanical properties significantly increased 2–6× after 120 min of submersion. This was incorporated into a cross‐linking treatment, through which scaffolds were subjected to 120 min precompaction in buffered 28% ethanol prior to carbodiimide cross‐linking. Their dynamic mechanical properties were evaluated before and after accelerated degradation by ADAMTS‐5 or MMP‐13. Cytocompatibility was determined by seeding stem cells onto scaffolds and evaluating viability through metabolic activity and fluorescent staining. Compacted and cross‐linked scaffolds showed significant increases in DMA properties without detrimentally altering their cytocompatibility, and these mechanical gains were maintained following enzymatic exposure. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B:2488–2499, 2019.
Upregulation of long noncoding RNA SNHG20 promotes cell growth and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via modulating ATM‐JAK‐PD‐L1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Chunrong , Jiang Feng , Su Chuan , Xie Pengfei , Xu Lin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIncreasing evidence have proved that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play significant roles in tumorigenesis and development of various cancers. However, the effect of small nucleolar RNA host gene 20 (SNHG20) on the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains to be discovered. Herein, we aim to find out the function and the possible mechanism of SNHG20 in ESCC progression. In our study, we demonstrate that SNHG20 is markedly upregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. Besides, the level of SNHG20 is closely associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and tumor grade. In addition, SNHG20 level is an independent predictor for clinical outcomes of ESCC patients. Then the gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays reveal that SNHG20 overexpression promotes cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition as well as represses apoptosis, whereas depletion of SNHG20 exhibits opposite effects. Moreover, we uncover that SNHG20 modulates the expression of ataxia telangiectasia–mutated kinase (p‐ATM), p‐JAK1/2, and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) in ESCC cells and ATM upregulation restores the suppressive effect of SNHG20 inhibition on ESCC progression. Therefore, we conclude that SNHG20 serves as a carcinogen in ESCC by promoting growth and metastasis via ATM‐JAK‐PD‐L1 pathway, supplying a possibly effective therapeutic target for ESCC.
Role of physical exercise in the regulation of epigenetic mechanisms in inflammation, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging process
Authors: Ferioli Martina , Zauli Giorgio , Maiorano Patrizia , Milani Daniela , Mirandola Prisco , Neri Luca M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe genetic heritage for decades has been considered to respond only to gene promoters or suppressors, with specific roles for oncogenes or tumor‐suppressor genes. Epigenetics is progressively attracting increasing interest because it has demonstrated the capacity of these regulatory processes to regulate the gene expression without modifying gene sequence. Several factors may influence epigenetics, such as lifestyles including food selection. A role for physical exercise is emerging in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression. In this review, we resume physiological and pathological implications of epigenetic modification induced by the physical activity (PA). Inflammation and cancer mechanisms, immune system, central nervous system, and the aging process receive benefits due to PA through epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, the modulation of epigenetic processes by physical exercise positively influences prevention, development, and the course of inflammatory and cancer diseases, as well as neurodegenerative illnesses. This growing field of studies gives rise to a new role for PA as an option in prevention strategies and to integrate pharmacological therapeutic treatments.
MFGE8 protects against CCl4‐induced liver injury by reducing apoptosis and promoting proliferation of hepatocytes
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Tian , Wang Ke , Lu Meng , Guo Yonghong , Zhang Ye , Chen Zhi‐Nan , Bian Huijie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMilk fat globule‐EGF factor 8 (MFGE8) has been reported to play various roles in acute injury and inflammation response. However, the role of MFGE8 in liver injury is poorly investigated. The present research was designed to clarify the expression and function of MFGE8 in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver injury. Using serum cytokine arrays, we selected a promising cytokine MFGE8 as the candidate in the process of hepatitis‐fibrosis‐hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, based on the elevated expression in both hepatic fibrosis and HCC models. We validated the increased expression of MFGE8 in liver tissues and serum samples of acute and chronic CCl4‐induced mice. Immunohistochemistry staining of mouse liver tissues indicated that elevated MFGE8 expression was mainly derived from the injured hepatocytes. In addition, MFGE8 expression in the supernatant of primary hepatocytes was accumulated with prolongation of culture time, and CCl4 treatment further increased the expression of MFGE8. Moreover, a strong correlation between serum MFGE8 expression and liver transaminase activities suggested that MFGE8 may be a novel candidate in liver injury. Intriguingly, mice pretreated with MFGE8 were protected from CCl4‐induced liver injury through antiapoptosis role in the early stage and proproliferation role in the late stage. MFGE8 reduced apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of IRE1α/ASK1/JNK pathway and promoted proliferation by phosphorylation of ERK and AKT. Moreover, serum MFGE8 expression was increased in hepatitis patients while decreased in liver cirrhosis patients. All the results suggest MFGE8 as a novel marker and promising therapeutic agent of liver injury.
Core Entrustable Professional Activities in Clinical Pharmacology for Entering Residency: Common Problem Drugs and How to Prescribe Them
Authors: Donnenberg Vera S. , Chaikin Philip , Mandic Maja , Meibohm Bernd , van den Anker John , Rhinehart Erin , Nafziger Anne N. , Burris James F. ,   The American College of Clinical Pharmacology
Published: February 2019

AbstractAlthough the medical profession strives for safe prescribing, most medications are unique challenges even when prescribed by an experienced provider. In this article we discuss the pitfalls associated with drug interactions between commonly used antibiotics and anticoagulants, the complexities associated with the administration of novel reversible anticoagulants, the often‐overlooked severe adverse drug reactions from commonly used classes of medications such as corticosteroids, the nuances of managing an acetaminophen overdose, and uncommon yet serious adverse events associated with the use of contraceptive hormone drugs.
Rapid histologic diagnosis using quick fluorescence staining and tissue confocal microscopy
Authors: Kim Hongrae , Lee Sunhye , Kim Hyunjin , Chang Hee Jin , Choi Yongdoo , Yoon Hong Man , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Jung So‐Youn , Kwon Youngmi , Kang Juehyung , Yoo Hongki , Song Incheon , Lee Seungrag , Sohn Dae Kyung 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWith the development of advanced and minimally invasive surgical techniques, and in view of the functional and cosmetic aspects, the need for rapid and accurate diagnosis during surgery is increasing. This study was conducted to develop a tissue diagnosis method using confocal microscopy after simple tissue staining that does not require freezing and slicing. At present, fluorescence staining with confocal microscopy is not generalized for real‐time diagnosis during surgery. In this paper, we propose a fluorescence staining method using Hoechst 33342 and Eosin that does not require tissue freezing and slicing. The proposed method can be used as part of a rapid tissue diagnosis method that is suitable for use in the operating room, although further research is required before it can be applied in clinical practice.
Reactivity of 4‐thiothymidine with Fenton reagent investigated by UV‐visible spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Rizzi Vito , Cosma Pinalysa , Abbattista Ramona , Fini Paola , Agostiano Angela , Cataldi Tommaso R.I. , Losito Ilario 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe reactivity of the sulfur‐containing nucleoside 4‐thio‐(2′‐deoxy)‐thymidine usually abbreviated as 4‐thio‐thymidine, (S4‐TdR) under Fenton conditions, ie, in the presence of H2O2 and catalytic amounts of Fe(II), was investigated by UV‐vis spectroscopy and electrospray ionization single and tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS and MS/MS). S4‐TdR hydroxylated on the S atom was found to be a key reaction intermediate, ultimately leading to (2′‐deoxy)‐thymidine usually abbreviated as thymidine, (TdR) as the main reaction product. This finding was in accordance with the outcome of the reaction between S4‐TdR and H2O2, previously investigated in our laboratory. On the other hand, the additional presence of •OH radicals, induced by the Fe(II)/H2O2 combination, led to the increased generation of another interesting S4‐TdR product, already observed after its reaction with H2O2 alone, ie, the covalent dimer including a SS bridge between two S4‐TdR molecules. More importantly, multihydroxylated derivatives of S4‐TdR and TdR were detected as peculiar products obtained under Fenton conditions. Among them, a product bearing an OH group both on the methyl group linked to the thymine ring and on the C5 atom of the ring was found to prevail. The results obtained during this study, integrated by those found previously in our laboratory, indicate 4‐thiothymidine as a promising molecular probe for the recognition, through a careful characterization of its reaction products, of the prevailing species among reactive oxygen species (ROS) corresponding to singlet‐state oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxylic radical.
Electroquasistatic quasi‐3D finite element simulation of a graded surge arrester
Authors: D'Angelo Laura A. M. , Späck‐Leigsnering Yvonne , De Gersem Herbert 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSurge arresters of station class are equipped with field grading elements that break the rotational symmetry of the arrester body. To avoid a computationally expensive full three‐dimensional (3D) simulation, a quasi‐3D simulation procedure is presented to study graded arresters. The method employs a hybrid discretization combining a two‐dimensional (2D) axisymmetric finite element (FE) method in axial and radial direction with a spectral element method in terms of trigonometric functions in azimuthal direction. Furthermore, the asymmetric boundary conditions associated with the support rods are taken into account by collocation in a saddle‐point system of equations. The method is validated and compared with a standard 3D FE simulation of a test problem. It is, subsequently, applied to study the electric field distribution of a graded station class surge arrester.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions from near the His‐bundle
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Takemoto Masao , Masumoto Akihiro , Kang Honsa , Mito Takahiro , Kumeda Hiroshi , Aoki Ryota , Kinoshita Satoko , Antoku Yoshibumi , Matsuo Atsutoshi , Hida Satoru , Okazaki Teiji , Tayama Kei‐ichiro , Kosuga Ken‐ichi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) and clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in symptomatic patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) from near the His‐bundle (His‐PVCs).MethodsThe patient characteristics, prevalence of complications with any life style related disease (ALSRD) including hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes mellitus, and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD) including coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, renal dysfunction, or cardiomyopathy, clinical status, frequency of PVCs evaluated by 24hour Holter monitoring, echocardiography including the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) parameters, and electrophysiological findings were evaluated in 14 consecutive symptomatic patients with His‐PVCs.ResultsThe prevalence of males, being elderly and/or slightly obese, current and/or history of smoking, ALSRD or CVD related complications, and LVDD probably resulting from ALSRD and/or CVD complications were higher in patients with His‐PVCs. RFCA of His‐PVCs steadily decreased the PVC frequency and improved the systolic function, LV dilation, and clinical status, but not the LVDD. There was a significant relationship between the accordance rate of the QRS polarity between sinus rhythm and His‐PVCs and the distance between the successful ablation site and His‐bundle.ConclusionThe analysis of the QRS duration and accordance rate of the QRS polarity between sinus rhythm and His‐PVCs before the RFCA may help to determine the distance between the origin of the PVCs and His‐bundle. Further, the appropriate ablation catheter may be selected during the RFCA procedure. Finally, RFCA may be one of the most effective, feasible, and safest therapies for symptomatic patients with His‐PVCs.
Assessment of cattle inter‐individual cluster variability: the potential of continuum data from the farm‐to‐fork for ultimate beef tenderness management
Authors: Gagaoua Mohammed , Picard Brigitte , Monteils Valérie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study implemented a holistic approach based on the farm‐to‐fork data at the four levels of the continuum (farm – slaughterhouse – muscle – meat) to study the inter‐individual cluster variability of beef tenderness. For that, 171 young bulls were selected on a large database of 480 animals according to the industrial expectations based on animal and carcass characteristics. The targeted factors were age at slaughter (14; 20 months), carcass weight (370; 470 kg), EUROP conformation (7; 15) and fatness (2.5; 5) scores of the carcasses. Multivariate analyses and unsupervised learning tools were performed.RESULTSPrincipal component analysis combined to agglomerative hierarchical clustering allowed ten clusters to be identified that differed (P < 0.0001) for the four targeted factors. The clusters were further different for variables belonging to each level of the continuum. The results indicated an inter‐individual cluster variability rising in tenderness in link with the continuum data grouped according to industrial expectations. The associations of the whole variables of the continuum with tenderness were very important, but farm‐to‐fork continuum‐levels dependent. The findings showed that the variables contributing most to the inter‐individual cluster variability of tenderness seemed to be more related to the rearing practices, mainly feeding, and their consequences on carcass properties rather than to the muscle characteristics evaluated by enzyme metabolism and connective tissue.CONCLUSIONIt seems that considering the continuum data would allow possible trade‐off managements of tenderness to identify levers at different levels from the farm‐to‐meat. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry