bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using the Belbin method and models for predicting the academic performance of engineering students
Authors: Gutiérrez Luis , Flores Víctor , Keith Brian , Quelopana Aldo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis paper describes the process of generating a predictive model of students’ academic performance in different engineering subjects at Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN). It aims to analyze the importance of variables influencing the final average grade of the UCN students in projects related to different subjects, focusing on the dimensions resulting from the Belbin test. The main objective of this work is to provide evidence of the real impact of the Belbin test outcomes on the final performance of a team of students, using as a metric of variable importance the one provided by a Random Forest model, supplied by the scikit‐learn library. As a result, the final classifier presented an accuracy of 80%, and one of the most influential variables according to this model was Covered Roles 2, which represents the number of roles covered in each group. Future research lines are proposed to validate these outcomes, mostly concerned with the acquisition of more data across several future semesters.
RETRACTED: The role and molecular mechanism of Trop2 induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition through mediated β‐catenin in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Wei , Jia Lizhou , kuai Xingwang , Tang Qi , Huang Xiaochen , Yang Tingting , Qiu Zhenning , Zhu Jin , Huang Jianfei , Huang Wenbin , Feng Zhenqing 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe present study elucidates the potential role of Trop2 in tumor invasion and the promotion of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) when binding β‐catenin in GC. The role of Trop2 in promoting EMT in GC cells was examined by a variety of experimental assays. Moreover, the underlying molecular mechanism of Trop2 in promoting EMT was studied by in vivo and in vitro assays. The Trop2 expression in relation to tumor metastasis status was detected by IHC in 248 cases of GC tissues and 86 cases of matched adjacent tissues. Trop2 promoted the metastasis and induces EMT in GC. Meanwhile, the elevated protein levels of Trop2 and mesenchymal markers were also found in the TGF‐β1‐induced EMT model in GC cells. Importantly, Trop2 physically bound and activated β‐catenin to promote EMT; moreover, Trop2 increased the accumulation of β‐catenin in the nucleus to accelerate metastasis in GC cells. Inhibition of Trop2 expression in GC cells prevented the migration and invasion of GC cells in vivo. Trop2+/vimentin+ expression was higher in GC tissues than that in matched adjacent tissues, and Trop2+/vimentin+ expression in GC was associated with the differentiation, TNM stage, and distant metastases. These sets of data reveal a novel regulatory network of Trop2 in EMT and GC metastasis, suggesting Trop2 as a useful marker for inducing EMT and metastasis of GC, which may help to lead a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the GC.
Valorization of the Green Waste from Two Varieties of Fennel and Carrot Cultivated in Tunisia by Identification of the Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activities of Their Essentials Oils
Authors: Chiboub Wiem , Sassi Ahlem Ben , Amina Cheikh M'hamed , Souilem Fedia , El Ayeb Asma , Djlassi Brahim , Ascrizzi Roberta , Flamini Guido , Harzallah‐Skhiri Fethia 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from the green tops ofDaucus carotaL. subsp.sativus(Hoffm.)Arcang.plants producing yellow roots (DcsYR) and those producing orange roots (DcsOR) and from two varieties ofFoeniculum vulgaresubsp.vulgarecultivated in Tunisia. Analyses revealed that the EOs from the twoD. carotavarieties were rich in constituents belonging to sesquiterpenes. Phenylpropanoids and non‐terpene derivatives were the most abundant classes of compounds in the EOs from the two varieties ofF. vulgare, of which compositions were predominated by (E)‐anethole andp‐acetonylanisole. All the tested EOs were significantly more effective against Gram‐negative bacteria, and that obtained from var.azoricumwas more active against the yeastCandida albicansthan the reference drug. The EOs obtained from these by‐products showed indeed interesting potential to be promoted as natural antimicrobials in food preservation systems, as well as the possibility to be used in flavor industries.
Hemithioindigos for Cellular Photopharmacology: Desymmetrised Molecular Switch Scaffolds Enabling Design Control over the Isomer‐Dependency of Potent Antimitotic Bioactivity
Authors: Sailer Alexander , Ermer Franziska , Kraus Yvonne , Lutter Ferdinand H. , Donau Carsten , Bremerich Maximilian , Ahlfeld Julia , Thorn‐Seshold Oliver 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDruglike small molecules with photoswitchable bioactivity—photopharmaceuticals—allow biologists to perform studies with exquisitely precise and reversible, spatial and temporal control over critical biological systems inaccessible to genetic manipulation. The photoresponsive pharmacophores disclosed have been almost exclusively azobenzenes, which has limited the structural and substituent scope of photopharmacology. More detrimentally, for azobenzene reagents, it is not researchers’ needs for adapted experimental tools, but rather protein binding site sterics, that typically force whether the trans (dark) or cis (lit) isomer is the more bioactive. We now present the rational design of HOTubs, the first hemithioindigo‐based pharmacophores enabling photoswitchable control over endogenous biological activity in cellulo. HOTubs optically control microtubule depolymerisation and cell death in unmodified mammalian cells. Notably, we show how the asymmetry of hemithioindigos allows a priori design of either Z‐ or E‐ (dark‐ or lit)‐toxic antimitotics, whereas the corresponding azobenzenes are exclusively lit‐toxic. We thus demonstrate that hemithioindigos enable an important expansion of the substituent and design scope of photopharmacological interventions for biological systems.
The Hippo–YAP pathway regulates the proliferation of alveolar epithelial progenitors after acute lung injury
Authors: Hu Chen , Sun Jianhui , Du Juan , Wen Dalin , Lu Hongxiang , Zhang Huacai , Xue Yuqi , Zhang Anqiang , Yang Ce , Zeng Ling , Jiang Jianxin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRegeneration of pulmonary epithelial cells plays an important role in the recovery of acute lung injury (ALI), which is defined by pulmonary epithelial cell death. However, the mechanism of the regenerative capacity of alveolar epithelial cells is unknown. Using a lung injury mouse model induced by hemorrhagic shock and lipopolysaccharide, a protein mass spectrometry‐based high‐throughput screening and linage tracing technology to mark alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AEC2s), we analyzed the mechanism of alveolar epithelial cells proliferation. We demonstrated that the expression of Hippo‐yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) key proteins were highly consistent with the regularity of the proliferation of alveolar epithelial type 2 cells after ALI. Furthermore, the results showed that YAP1+ cells in lung tissue after ALI were mainly Sftpc lineage‐labeled AEC2s. An in vitro proliferation assay of AEC2s demonstrated that AEC2 proliferation was significantly inhibited by both YAP1 small interfering RNA and Hippo inhibitor. These findings revealed that YAP functioned as a key regulator to promote AEC2s proliferation, with the Hippo signaling pathway playing a pivotal role in this process.
GEN‐27 exhibits anti‐inflammatory effects by suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Hu Miao , Li Xiangping , Zhang Junli , Yuan Zengyan , Fu Yuping , Ma Xiaojuan , Ren Nannan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractProlonged inflammation and deregulated cytokine production are associated with diversified inflammatory diseases. Genistein (GEN), the active and predominant isoflavonoid in dietary soybean, possesses anti‐inflammatory activity. Our study aimed to assess the anti‐inflammatory effects of GEN‐27, a derivative of GEN, as well as explore the potential molecular mechanisms using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 cells. In our study, we demonstrated that GEN‐27 administration (1, 5, or 10 μM) dose‐dependently inhibited nitrite and nitric oxide (NO) levels in LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Also, GEN‐27 suppressed the release of LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, and IL‐18. Moreover, GEN‐27 attenuated LPS‐induced inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expressions at messenger RNA and protein levels, and reversed the promoter activity of iNOS in RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistically, GEN‐27 abated LPS‐induced reactive oxygen species production, as well as mitigated LPS‐induced increase of caspase 1 activity and the protein levels of NOD‐like receptor 3 (NLRP3), anti‐apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein‐containing a CRAD (ASC), and caspase 1 in RAW264.7 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, GEN‐27 dose‐dependently weakened adenosine triphosphate‐induced NLRP3 and IL‐1β in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, GEN‐27 treatment significantly suppressed LPS‐induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 and alleviated LPS‐induced increase of transcriptional activity of NF‐κB in RAW264.7 cells. In summary, these results revealed that GEN‐27 exhibited anti‐inflammatory effects by suppressing the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF‐κB pathway, suggesting that GEN‐27 may be served as a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and therapy of inflammatory‐associated diseases.
N‐doped Carbon‐coated Metal Sulfides/Phosphides Derived from Protic Salts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Jiang Jiusheng , Chen Jianping , Jiang Pingping , Leng Yan , Jin Wei 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTransition metal sulfides (TMSs) and transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have emerged as highly active catalysts for electrochemical applications. However, the present preparation methods for TMSs and TMPs are always complex and tedious. Herein, we developed a facile and effective strategy for synthesis of nitrogen (N)‐doped carbon‐coated TMSs or TMPs, which was realized by ball milling protic salts (p‐phenylenediamine bisulfate or p‐phenylenediamine biphosphate) and metal salts, followed by pyrolysis. A serious of TMSs and TMPs with well crystalline structures were obtained and witnessed by XRD analysis. Further electrocatalysis performance study in oxygen evolution reaction demonstrates that Ni‐modified MoS2/NC catalyst exhibited excellent activity, showing an overpotential of 261 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slop of 53 mV dec−1. The satisfactory performance of Ni−MoS2/NC might be derived from the synergistic effect between Ni and MoS2 that led to enhanced charge transport capability and more efficient kinetics. This work not only provides a simple and general pathway to TMSs and TMPs‐based materials, but also enables excellent OER performance to be achieved.
Recent Advances in the Use of Black TiO2 for Production of Hydrogen and Other Solar Fuels
Authors: Chatzitakis Athanasios , Sartori Sabrina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBlack TiO2 has emerged as one of the most promising photocatalysts recently discovered. The reason behind its catalytic activity is considered to be due to the presence of defects and Ti3+ species at the surface of black TiO2 nanostructures, which are crucial for its diverse applications. Moreover, disordered/crystalline surface layers and bulk regions have been identified and appear to influence the intrinsic properties of the material. Here, we present the latest studies on the use of black TiO2 for metal free hydrogen production, as well as for CO2 photoreduction and N2 photofixation. After highlighting the structure/property relations, we conclude with some critical questions and suggest further topics of research in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms of light absorption in black TiO2, especially towards solar fuels production.
Inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth by a novel 1,4‐naphthoquinone derivative
Authors: Murota Hiroko , Shinya Tomohiro , Nishiuchi Arisa , Sakanaka Mariko , Toda Ken‐ichi , Ogata Tokutaro , Hayama Noboru , Kimachi Tetsutaro , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Hit, Lead & Candidate Discovery

Antiangiogenesis therapy is a promising way for treatment of solid cancers, and many angiogenesis inhibitors that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its receptors have been developed. We explored novel antiangiogenic compounds other than anti‐VEGF drugs by screening our synthetic compound library and found that 6‐thiophen‐3‐yl‐2‐methoxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone (6‐TMNQ) had potential as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. This paper describes the effects of 6‐TMNQ on angiogenesis and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. 6‐TMNQ inhibited serum‐, VEGF‐, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)‐stimulated proliferation of endothelial cells in a concentration‐dependent manner, but had no effect on the proliferation of fibroblasts. VEGF‐induced activation of VEGF receptor‐2 in endothelial cells was not affected by the compound. 6‐TMNQ markedly abrogated both migration and tube formation of endothelial cells. Orally administered 6‐TMNQ inhibited angiogenesis in response to VEGF or bFGF in mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, when tumor‐bearing mice were treated with 6‐TMNQ, increase in tumor size was significantly prevented due to inhibition of angiogenesis in the tumor tissues. These results demonstrate that 6‐TMNQ is an orally available compound that selectively inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and migration, and abrogates angiogenesis, resulting in the prevention of tumor growth. The mechanism of 6‐TMNQ action is different from that of conventional anti‐VEGF drugs.
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: A diagnosis at the intersection of feeding and eating disorders necessitating subtype differentiation
Authors: Sharp William G. , Stubbs Kathryn H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAvoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a diagnosis that sits squarely at the cross roads of feeding disorders and eating disorders. It is historically tied to feeding disorders as a replacement of the DSM‐IV diagnosis of feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood. The revision process, however, extended the diagnostic umbrella by removing its predecessor's weight loss requirement and age of onset restriction (i.e., 6 years). Implications of this extension include capturing an older cohort of patients with ARFID accessing care at eating disorders clinics, as well as providing a diagnostic home to previously orphaned pediatric subgroups with feeding disorders that lacked a diagnostic home prior to DSM‐5. While recognizing notable strengths of this now 5‐year‐old diagnostic entity, ARFID is largely recognized as a very heterogeneous condition that lacks specificity to best guide clinical and research activities. The current commentary discusses the implications of ARFID as a replacement and extension of the DSM‐IV diagnosis of feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood and provides the rationale and guidance for developing a subtype taxonomy.
Nitrate or ammonium: Influences of nitrogen source on the physiology of a green alga
Authors: Lachmann Sabrina C. , Mettler‐Altmann Tabea , Wacker Alexander , Spijkerman Elly 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn freshwaters, algal species are exposed to different inorganic nitrogen (Ni) sources whose incorporation varies in biochemical energy demand. We hypothesized that due to the lesser energy requirement of ammonium ()‐use, in contrast to nitrate ()‐use, more energy remains for other metabolic processes, especially under CO2‐ and phosphorus (Pi) limiting conditions. Therefore, we tested differences in cell characteristics of the green alga Chlamydomonas acidophila grown on or under covariation of CO2 and Pi‐supply in order to determine limitations, in a full‐factorial design. As expected, results revealed higher carbon fixation rates for ‐grown cells compared to growth with under low CO2 conditions. ‐grown cells accumulated more of the nine analyzed amino acids, especially under Pi‐limited conditions, compared to cells provided with . This is probably due to a slower protein synthesis in cells provided with . In contrast to our expectations, compared to ‐grown cells ‐grown cells had higher photosynthetic efficiency under Pi‐limitation. In conclusion, growth on the Ni‐source did not result in a clearly enhanced Ci‐assimilation, as it was highly dependent on Pi and CO2 conditions (replete or limited). Results are potentially connected to the fact that C. acidophila is able to use only CO2 as its inorganic carbon (Ci) source.
Preliminary experience with the multisensor HeartLogic algorithm for heart failure monitoring: a retrospective case series report
Authors: Capucci Alessandro , Santini Luca , Favale Stefano , Pecora Domenico , Petracci Barbara , Calò Leonardo , Molon Giulio , Cipolletta Laura , Bianchi Valter , Schirripa Valentina , Santobuono Vincenzo E. , La Greca Carmelo , Campari Monica , Valsecchi Sergio , Ammirati Fabrizio , D'Onofrio Antonio 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimsIn the Multisensor Chronic Evaluation in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients study, a novel algorithm for heart failure (HF) monitoring was implemented. The HeartLogic (Boston Scientific) index combines data from multiple implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)‐based sensors and has proved to be a sensitive and timely predictor of impending HF decompensation. The remote monitoring of HF patients by means of HeartLogic has never been described in clinical practice. We report post‐implantation data collected from sensors, the combined index, and their association with clinical events during follow‐up in a group of patients who received a HeartLogic‐enabled device in clinical practice.Methods and resultsPatients with ICD and cardiac resynchronization therapy ICD were remotely monitored. In December 2017, the HeartLogic feature was activated on the remote monitoring platform, and multiple ICD‐based sensor data collected since device implantation were made available: HeartLogic index, heart rate, heart sounds, thoracic impedance, respiration, and activity. Their association with clinical events was retrospectively analysed. Data from 58 patients were analysed. During a mean follow‐up of 5 ± 3 months, the HeartLogic index crossed the threshold value (set by default to 16) 24 times (over 24 person‐years, 0.99 alerts/patient‐year) in 16 patients. HeartLogic alerts preceded five HF hospitalizations and five unplanned in‐office visits for HF. Symptoms or signs of HF were also reported at the time of five scheduled visits. The median early warning time and the time spent in alert were longer in the case of hospitalizations than in the case of minor events of clinical deterioration of HF. HeartLogic contributing sensors detected changes in heart sound amplitude (increased third sound and decreased first sound) in all cases of alerts. Patients with HeartLogic alerts during the observation period had higher New York Heart Association class (P = 0.025) and lower ejection fraction (P = 0.016) at the time of activation.ConclusionsOur retrospective analysis indicates that the HeartLogic algorithm might be useful to detect gradual worsening of HF and to stratify risk of HF decompensation.
Heart failure prognosis over time: how the prognostic role of oxygen consumption and ventilatory efficiency during exercise has changed in the last 20 years
Authors: Paolillo Stefania , Veglia Fabrizio , Salvioni Elisabetta , Corrà Ugo , Piepoli Massimo , Lagioia Rocco , Limongelli Giuseppe , Sinagra Gianfranco , Cattadori Gaia , Scardovi Angela B. , Metra Marco , Senni Michele , Bonomi Alice , Scrutinio Domenico , Raimondo Rosa , Emdin Michele , Magrì Damiano , Parati Gianfranco , Re Federica , Cicoira Mariantonietta , Minà Chiara , Correale Michele , Frigerio Maria , Bussotti Maurizio , Battaia Elisa , Guazzi Marco , Badagliacca Roberto , Di Lenarda Andrea , Maggioni Aldo , Passino Claudio , Sciomer Susanna , Pacileo Giuseppe , Mapelli Massimo , Vignati Carlo , Clemenza Francesco , Binno Simone , Lombardi Carlo , Filardi Pasquale Perrone , Agostoni Piergiuseppe ,   on behalf of the MECKI Score Research Group (see Appendix)
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimsExercise‐derived parameters, specifically peak exercise oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide relationship slope (VE/VCO2 slope), have a pivotal prognostic value in heart failure (HF). It is unknown how the prognostic threshold of peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope has changed over the last 20 years in parallel with HF prognosis improvement.Methods and resultsData from 6083 HF patients (81% male, age 61 ± 13 years), enrolled in the MECKI score database between 1993 and 2015, were retrospectively analysed. By enrolment year, four groups were generated: group 1 1993–2000 (n = 440), group 2 2001–2005 (n = 1288), group 3 2006–2010 (n = 2368), and group 4 2011–2015 (n = 1987). We compared the 10‐year survival of groups and analysed how the overall risk (cardiovascular death, urgent heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device implantation) changed over time according to peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope and to major clinical and therapeutic variables. At 10 years, a progressively higher survival from group 1 to group 3 was observed, with no further improvement afterwards. A 20% risk for peak VO2 15 mL/min/kg (95% confidence interval 16–13), 9 (11–8), 4 (4–2) and 5 (7–4) was observed in group 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, while the VE/VCO2 slope value for a 20% risk was 32 (37–29), 47 (51–43), 59 (64–55), and 57 (63–52), respectively.ConclusionsHeart failure prognosis improved over time up to 2010 in a HF population followed by experienced centres. The peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope cut‐offs identifying a definite risk progressively decreased and increased over time, respectively. The prognostic threshold of peak VO2 and VE/VCO2 slope must be updated whenever HF prognosis improves.