bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sorbent Film-Coated Passive Samplers for Explosives Vapour Detection Part B: Deployment in Semi-Operational Environments and Alternative Applications
Authors: McEneff Gillian L. , Richardson Alexandra , Webb Tony , Wood Dan , Murphy Bronagh , Irlam Rachel , Mills Jim , Green David , Barron Leon P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe application of new sorbent-film coated passive samplers for capture of bulk commercial and military explosives vapours in operationally relevant spaces such as luggage, rooms, vehicles and shipping containers is presented. Samplers were easily integrated with in-service detection technologies with little/no sample preparation required. Ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN) was detected within 4 h in a container holding a suitcase packed with 0.2 kg Perunit 28E. Within a 22,000 dm3 room, 1 kg of concealed Seguridad was detected within 24 h and in an adjoining room within 7 days. Exposed samplers also successfully captured components of 1 kg TNT after 72 h and 1 kg concealed Perunit 28E after 6 h in both a furnished room and a large, partially filled shipping container. For the latter, samplers captured detectable residues outside the container after 24 h and were stable during wet weather for 72 h. A one-week trial at three operationally relevant venues including a university, a theatre and a government building revealed a nuisance positive rate of <1.4% (n = 72). Finally, two alternative applications are presented for extraction of liquid samples and use a particulate contact swab showing flexibility for a range of different search activities.
Chasing genetic structure in coralligenous reef invertebrates: patterns, criticalities and conservation issues
Authors: Costantini Federica , Ferrario Filippo , Abbiati Marco 
Published: April 2018

AbstractConservation of coastal habitats is a global issue, yet biogenic reefs in temperate regions have received very little attention. They have a broad geographic distribution and are a key habitat in marine ecosystems impacted by human activities. In the Mediterranean Sea coralligenous reefs are biodiversity hot spots and are classified as sensitive habitats deserving conservation. Genetic diversity and structure influence demographic, ecological and evolutionary processes in populations and play a crucial role in conservation strategies. Nevertheless, a comprehensive view of population genetic structure of coralligenous species is lacking. Here, we reviewed the literature on the genetic structure of sessile and sedentary invertebrates of the Mediterranean coralligenous reefs. Linear regression models and meta-analytic approaches are used to assess the contributions of genetic markers, phylum, pelagic larval duration (PLD) and geographical distance to the population genetic structure. Our quantitative approach highlight that 1) most species show a significant genetic structure, 2) structuring differs between phyla, and 3) PLD does not appear to be a major driver of the structuring. We discuss the implication of these finding for the management and conservation, suggesting research areas that deserve attention, and providing recommendations for broad assessment and monitoring of genetic diversity in biogenic reefs species.
Use of statins and the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chu Che-Sheng , Tseng Ping-Tao , Stubbs Brendon , Chen Tien-Yu , Tang Chia-Hung , Li Dian-Jeng , Yang Wei-Cheng , Chen Yen-Wen , Wu Ching-Kuan , Veronese Nicola , Carvalho Andre F. , Fernandes Brisa S. , Herrmann Nathan , Lin Pao-Yen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate whether the use of statins could be associated with the risk of all-caused dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Major electronic databases were searched until December 27th, 2017 for studies investigating use of statins and incident cognitive decline in adults. Random-effects meta-analyses calculating relative risks (RRs) were conducted to synthesize effect sizes of individual studies. Twenty-five studies met eligibility criteria. Use of statins was significantly associated with a reduced risk of all-caused dementia (k = 16 studies, adjusted RR (aRR) = 0.849, 95% CI = 0.787–0.916, p = 0.000), AD (k = 14, aRR = 0.719, 95% CI = 0.576–0.899, p = 0.004), and MCI (k = 6, aRR = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.556–0.976, p = 0.033), but no meaningful effects on incident VaD (k = 3, aRR = 1.012, 95% CI = 0.620–1.652, p = 0.961). Subgroup analysis suggested that hydrophilic statins were associated with reduced risk of all-caused dementia (aRR = 0.877; CI = 0.818–0.940; p = 0.000) and possibly lower AD risk (aRR = 0.619; CI = 0.383–1.000; p = 0.050). Lipophilic statins were associated with reduced risk of AD (aRR = 0.639; CI = 0.449–0.908; p = 0.013) but not all-caused dementia (aRR = 0.738; CI = 0.475–1.146; p = 0.176). In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that the use of statins may reduce the risk of all-type dementia, AD, and MCI, but not of incident VaD.
Sirtuin 7 Deficiency Ameliorates Cisplatin-induced Acute Kidney Injury Through Regulation of the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Miyasato Yoshikazu , Yoshizawa Tatsuya , Sato Yoshifumi , Nakagawa Terumasa , Miyasato Yuko , Kakizoe Yutaka , Kuwabara Takashige , Adachi Masataka , Ianni Alessandro , Braun Thomas , Komohara Yoshihiro , Mukoyama Masashi , Yamagata Kazuya 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) has been recognized as one of cisplatin’s serious side effects, limiting its use in cancer therapy. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and SIRT3 play protective roles against cisplatin-induced kidney injury. However, the role of SIRT7 in cisplatin-induced kidney injury is not yet known. In this study, we found that Sirt7 knockout (KO) mice were resistant to cisplatin-induced AKI. Furthermore, our studies identified that loss of SIRT7 decreases the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by regulating the nuclear expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B. It has been reported that cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is mediated by TNF-α. Our results indicate that SIRT7 plays an important role in cisplatin-induced AKI and suggest the possibility of SIRT7 as a novel therapeutic target for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Cas Adaptor Proteins Coordinate Sensory Axon Fasciculation
Authors: Vahedi-Hunter Tyler A. , Estep Jason A. , Rosette Kylee A. , Rutlin Michael L. , Wright Kevin M. , Riccomagno Martin M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDevelopment of complex neural circuits like the peripheral somatosensory system requires intricate mechanisms to ensure axons make proper connections. While much is known about ligand-receptor pairs required for dorsal root ganglion (DRG) axon guidance, very little is known about the cytoplasmic effectors that mediate cellular responses triggered by these guidance cues. Here we show that members of the Cas family of cytoplasmic signaling adaptors are highly phosphorylated in central projections of the DRG as they enter the spinal cord. Furthermore, we provide genetic evidence that Cas proteins regulate fasciculation of DRG sensory projections. These data establish an evolutionarily conserved requirement for Cas adaptor proteins during peripheral nervous system axon pathfinding. They also provide insight into the interplay between axonal fasciculation and adhesion to the substrate.
Isolation and characterization of a multifunctional flavonoid glycosyltransferase from Ornithogalum caudatum with glycosidase activity
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Yin Sen , Liu Ming , Kong Jian-Qiang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGlycosyltransferases (GTs) are bidirectional biocatalysts catalyzing the glycosylation of diverse molecules. However, the extensive applications of GTs in glycosides formation are limited due to their requirements of expensive nucleotide diphosphate (NDP)-sugars or NDP as the substrates. Here, in an effort to characterize flexible GTs for glycodiversification of natural products, we isolated a cDNA, designated as OcUGT1 from Ornithogalum caudatum, which encoded a flavonoid GT that was able to catalyze the trans-glycosylation reactions, allowing the formation of glycosides without the additions of NDP-sugars or NDP. In addition, OcUGT1 was observed to exhibit additional five types of functions, including classical sugar transfer reaction and three reversible reactions namely NDP-sugar synthesis, sugars exchange and aglycons exchange reactions, as well as enzymatic hydrolysis reaction, suggesting OcUGT1 displays both glycosyltransferase and glycosidase activities. Expression profiles revealed that the expression of OcUGT1 was development-dependent and affected by environmental factors. The unusual multifunctionality of OcUGT1 broadens the applicability of OcUGT1, thereby generating diverse carbohydrate-containing structures.
Prospective Comparison of QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB Assays for Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis
Authors: Du Fengjiao , Xie Li , Zhang Yonghong , Gao Fei , Zhang Huibin , Chen Wei , Sun Bingqi , Sha Wei , Fang Yong , Jia Hongyan , Xing Aiying , Du Boping , Zheng Li , Gao Mengqiu , Zhang Zongde 
Published: April 2018

AbstractT-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) tests, as two commercial blood assays for diagnosing active tuberculosis (ATB), are not yet fully validated. Especially, there are no reports on comparing the efficacy between the two tests in the same population in China. A multicenter, prospective comparison study was undertaken at four hospitals specializing in pulmonary diseases. A total of 746 suspected pulmonary TB were enrolled and categorized, including 185 confirmed TB, 298 probable TB and 263 non-TB. Of 32 patients with indeterminate test results (ITRs), age and underlying disease were associated with the rate of ITRs. Furthermore, the rate of ITRs determined by T-SPOT.TB was lower than QFT-GIT (0.4% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01). When excluding ITRs, the sensitivities of T-SPOT.TB and QFT-GIT were 85.2% and 84.8%, and specificities of 63.4% and 60.5%, respectively in the diagnosis of ATB. The two assays have an overall agreement of 92.3%, but exhibited a poor linear correlation (r2 = 0.086) between the levels of interferon-γ release detected by the different assays. Although having some heterogeneity in detecting interferon-γ release, both the QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB demonstrated high concordance in diagnosing ATB. However, neither of them showed suitability in the definitive diagnosis of the disease.
Hybrid cluster precursors of the LaZrO insulator for transistors: lowering the processing temperature
Authors: Zhu Peixin , Li Jinwang , Tue Phan Trong , Inoue Satoshi , Shimoda Tatsuya 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSolution processing of ternary and multinary amorphous metal oxide insulators at processing temperatures below 250 °C remains challenging. Here, we report that the synthesis of a hybrid cluster structure, where the metal oxide core is coordinated by ligands and the different metal elements are incorporated into one core, is an effective strategy for the low-temperature processing of the ternary LaZrO insulator. Solvothermal treatment at 160–180 °C facilitated the development of a cluster structure. From the cluster precursor, high-performance insulating LaZrO films were obtained at 200 °C under the irradiation of ultraviolet light. The analysis data indicate that the solvothermal treatment led to structural unification of the metal oxide network and facilitated stabilization of the residual organic ingredients in UV annealing, which both contributed to the improved insulating properties of LaZrO. Together with a solution-processed channel, we have been able to fabricate LaZrO-based transistors at 200 °C. Though the channel material has not been optimized, the transistor have showed a low gate leakage current around 10 pA at an operating voltage of 15 V, an on/off ratio of near 106, a field-effect saturation mobility of 0.37 cm2 V−1 s−1, a subthreshold swing factor of 0.61 V decade−1.
Validation of ultrasound bioimaging to predict worm burden and treatment efficacy in preclinical filariasis drug screening models
Authors: Marriott Amy E. , Sjoberg Hanna , Tyrer Hayley , Gamble Joanne , Murphy Emma , Archer John , Steven Andrew , Taylor Mark J. , Turner Joseph D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFilariasis is a global health problem targeted for elimination. Curative drugs (macrofilaricides) are required to accelerate elimination. Candidate macrofilaricides require testing in preclinical models of filariasis. The incidence of infection failures and high intra-group variation means that large group sizes are required for drug testing. Further, a lack of accurate, quantitative adult biomarkers results in protracted timeframes or multiple groups for endpoint analyses. Here we evaluate intra-vital ultrasonography (USG) to identify B. malayi in the peritonea of gerbils and CB.17 SCID mice and assess prognostic value in determining drug efficacy. USG operators, blinded to infection status, could detect intra-peritoneal filarial dance sign (ipFDS) with 100% specificity and sensitivity, when >5 B. malayi worms were present in SCID mice. USG ipFDS was predictive of macrofilaricidal activity in randomized, blinded studies comparing flubendazole, albendazole and vehicle-treated SCID mice. Semi-quantification of ipFDS could predict worm burden >10 with 87–100% accuracy in SCID mice or gerbils. We estimate that pre-assessment of worm burden by USG could reduce intra-group variation, obviate the need for surgical implantations in gerbils, and reduce total SCID mouse use by 40%. Thus, implementation of USG may reduce animal use, refine endpoints and negate invasive techniques for assessing anti-filarial drug efficacy.
Drought and plant neighbourhood interactively determine herbivore consumption and performance
Authors: Castagneyrol Bastien , Moreira Xoaquín , Jactel Hervé 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBoth plant neighbourhood composition and drought have well-known independent effects on insect herbivore performance, but their interactive effects remain elusive. In this study we performed a laboratory experiment to investigate the independent and combined effects of plant neighbourhood composition and drought on the performance of Gypsy moth larvae (Lymantria dispar) feeding on silver birch (Betula pendula) leaves. For this, we collected leaf samples from birch trees growing in a field experiment where we manipulated both host-tree species diversity (three levels: birch monocultures, two-species mixtures associating birch with the pedunculate oakQuercus roburor maritime pinePinus pinaster, and three-species mixture with pedunculate oak, the maritime pine and birch) and water availability (two levels: irrigated vs. non-irrigated). In most cases, plant neighbourhood composition and irrigation treatments independently and interactively affected herbivore performance traits, especially those related to growth and food (i.e. birch leaves) processing. By addressing the interactive effects of tree species diversity and drought on insect herbivory from the herbivore’s point of view, our study builds toward a better understanding of the multiple ecological drivers of plant-insect interactions.
Mutation status and prognostic values of KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA in 353 Chinese colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Guo Fang , Gong Hai , Zhao Huanhuan , Chen Jing , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Lihua , Shi Xin , Zhang Aifeng , Jin Hui , Zhang Jianqiong , He Youji 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMutations in KRAS exon 2, BRAF and PIK3CA are commonly present in colorectal cancer (CRC) worldwide, but few data about RAS mutations outside KRAS exon 2 are available for Chinese CRCs. We, therefore, determined the mutation frequencies and prognostic values of KRAS exon 2, 3 and 4, NRAS exon 2 and 3, PIK3CA exon 9 and 20, and BRAF exon 15 by PCR and direct sequencing in 353 CRC patients from two Chinese clinical centers. KRAS exon 2, BRAF, PIK3CA mutations were identified in 42.2%, 4.5%, 12.3% of the cases, respectively. We found “rare mutations” in RAS genes in nearly 14% of CRCs-i.e., in almost a quarter (24.0%) of KRAS exon 2 wild type CRCs, including 2.3% in KRAS exon 3, 8.2% in KRAS exon 4 and 3.4% in NRAS. Stage I-III patients with PIK3CA or NRAS mutations developed more distant metastases (3-year risk in PIK3CA mutated and wild type patients: 23.3% vs 11.5%, P = 0.03; multivariate Hazard ratio (HR) = 3.129, P = 0.003; 3-year risk in NRAS mutated and wild type patients: 40.0% vs 12.2%, P = 0.012; multivariate HR = 5.152, P = 0.003). Our data emphasizes the importance of these novel molecular features in CRCs.
Cardiac eccentric remodeling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pascale Valeria , Finelli Rosa , Giannotti Rocco , Coscioni Enrico , Izzo Raffaele , Rozza Francesco , Caputo Dario , Moscato Paolo , Iaccarino Guido , Ciccarelli Michele 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIt is known that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a higher risk of coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death. Abnormalities in cardiac geometry appear to be involved in the setting of the cardiovascular risk, but it has never been specifically investigated in RA. We enrolled 44 patients with RA compared to 131 subjects without RA (normal, N): The RA aged between 18 and 70 years (mean 48.3 ± 2.1), 25 females, BMI 27.6 ± 0.9; N, of equal age (48.6 ± 1.2, n.s.), included 80 females (BMI 26.7 ± 0.2, ns). Cardiac Ultrasounds showed an increase of the diameter of the left ventricle but not in the septum with reduction of relative wall thickness (RWT) in the RA population compared to N. Relative wall thickness inversely correlates with biochemical parameters of inflammatory response (gamma globulin, p < 0.03; F = 5,660) and anti citrullinated peptides antibody (anti-CCP Ab) (p < 0.02; F = 7,1620) We conclude that unfavorable cardiac remodeling can increase cardiovascular risk in patients with RA.
Inhibition of the NLRP3-inflammasome as a potential approach for neuroprotection after stroke
Authors: Ismael Saifudeen , Zhao Liang , Nasoohi Sanaz , Ishrat Tauheed 
Published: April 2018

AbstractActivation of the NOD-like receptor protein (NLRP3)-inflammasome has been postulated to mediate inflammatory responses to brain damage during ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We therefore hypothesized that MCC950, a selective NLRP3-inflammasome inhibitor provides protection in mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by 60 min tMCAO followed by intraperitoneal administration of MCC950 (50 mg/kg) or saline at 1 h and 3 h post-occlusion. After 24 h of I/R, mice were tested for neurological outcome and were sacrificed for the analysis of infarct size and estimating NLRP3-inflammasome and apoptotic markers as well. Spectrophotometric method was used to determine hemoglobin (Hb) content as a marker of intracerebral hemorrhage. MCC950-treated mice showed a substantial reduction in infarction, edema and Hb content compared to saline controls in parallel with improved neurological deficits. MCC950 reduced expression of NLRP3-inflammasome cleavage products Caspase-1 and interlukin-1β (IL-1β) in penumbral region. These protective effects of MCC950 were associated with decreased TNF-α levels as well as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and Caspase-3 cleavage and paralleled less phosphrylated NFκBp65 and IκBα levels. Taken together, these data indicate that inhibition of NLRP3-inflammasome with MCC950 has therapeutic potential in ischemic stroke models. Further investigations into the therapeutic efficacy and protocols are needed to confirm whether MCC950 treatment could be a promising candidate for clinical trials.
New positive feedback mechanism between boundary layer meteorology and secondary aerosol formation during severe haze events
Authors: Liu Quan , Jia Xingcan , Quan Jiannong , Li Jiayun , Li Xia , Wu Yongxue , Chen Dan , Wang Zifa , Liu Yangang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSevere haze events during which particulate matter (PM) increases quickly from tens to hundreds of microgram per cubic meter in 1–2 days frequently occur in China. Although it has been known that PM is influenced by complex interplays among emissions, meteorology, and physical and chemical processes, specific mechanisms remain elusive. Here, a new positive feedback mechanism between planetary boundary layer (PBL), relative humidity (RH), and secondary PM (SPM) formation is proposed based on a comprehensive field experiment and model simulation. The decreased PBL associated with increased PM increases RH by weakening the vertical transport of water vapor; the increased RH in turn enhances the SPM formation through heterogeneous aqueous reactions, which further enhances PM, weakens solar radiation, and decreases PBL height. This positive feedback, together with the PM-Radiation-PBL feedback, constitutes a key mechanism that links PM, radiation, PBL properties (e.g. PBL height and RH), and SPM formation, This mechanism is self-amplifying, leading to faster PM production, accumulation, and more severe haze pollution.
Angular flux creep contributions in YBa2Cu3O7−δ nanocomposites from electrical transport measurements
Authors: Vallès F. , Palau A. , Rouco V. , Mundet B. , Obradors X. , Puig T. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe shape of the electric-field—current-density (E-J) curve is determined by flux pinning and also by dynamics of vortices. Here, we propose a novel methodology to study the normalized flux creep rate S in YBa2Cu3O7−δ measured from E-J curves obtained by electrical transport measurements that provides a fast and versatile way to foresee the flux magnetic relaxation in films and disentangle angular flux creep contributions by the scaling of the isotropic contribution of S. After a detailed comparison of various pristine and nanocomposite films with differentiated nanostructures, we focus on the roles that intrinsic pinning and stacking faults (YBa2Cu4O8-intergrowths) play when the magnetic field is applied parallel to the superconducting CuO2 planes. This study reveals that the emerging intergrowths provide advanced pinning properties that additionally reduce the thermal activated flux magnetic relaxation. For this purpose, creep analysis becomes a very appropriate tool to elucidate the dominance of the different pinning sites at different regions of the magnetic-field—temperature diagram.
Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons Power Divider with large Isolation
Authors: Zhou Shiyan , Lin Jing-Yu , Wong Sai-Wai , Deng Fei , Zhu Lei , Yang Yang , He Yejun , Tu Zhi-Hong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPeriodic corrugated metal structure is designed to support and propagate spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) wave in the microwave frequencies. In this paper, firstly a plasmonic waveguide consisting of oval-ring shaped cells is proposed with the performance of high transmission efficiency in a wide frequency range. The coplanar waveguides (CPWs) with 50 Ω impedance are adopted to feed the energies or extract signals at both ends of the plasmonic waveguide. Then a well-isolated power divider is constructed based on the SSPPs waveguides aiming to equally split the energy of the SSPPs wave into two equal parts. The stepped-impedances are co-designed with the three input/output ports of the power divider to achieve the impedance-matching between the SSPPs waveguides and the coplanar waveguides. Besides, a single resistor is placed in the middle of two symmetrical half oval-rings to realize the isolation between the two output ports over the spectrum of 4.5–7.5 GHz. Finally, both plasmonic waveguide and the power divider are fabricated and tested to verify the predicted characteristics.