bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Efficient Hydrogen Production Using a Reformed Electrolysis System Driven by a Single Perovskite Solar Cell
Authors: Xiao Xin , Liu Shuangshuang , Huang Dekang , Lv Xiaowei , Li Man , Jiang Xingxing , Tao Leiming , Yu Zehui , Shao Yong , Wang Mingkui , Shen Yan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractEfficient hydrogen production by a photovoltaic‐electrolysis cell (PV–EC) system requires a low electrolyzer overpotential and a high coupling efficiency between both the components. Herein, Ni5P4 is proposed as a cost‐effective bifunctional electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution and hydrazine oxidation in a reformed electrolyzer. Experiments indicate that the electrolytic overpotential could be significantly reduced by replacing the oxygen evolution reaction with the hydrazine oxidation reaction at the anode. Furthermore, a scenario for hydrogen production is demonstrated by utilizing a stable and low‐cost perovskite solar cell (PSC) with a carbon back electrode to drive a reformed electrolyzer. Importantly, a single PSC can drive three reformed electrolyzers in series for hydrogen production by carefully matching the operating point of the electrolyzer with the maximum power point of the photovoltaic device, thereby, yielding a H2 evolution rate of 1.77 mg h−1 for the whole PV–EC system. This can be a potential starting point for hydrogen production using a single PSC‐driven electrolysis system.
Eating pathology and associations with long‐term changes in weight and quality of life in the longitudinal assessment of bariatric surgery study
Authors: Devlin Michael J. , King Wendy C. , Kalarchian Melissa A. , Hinerman Amanda , Marcus Marsha D. , Yanovski Susan Z. , Mitchell James E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines the course of eating pathology and its associations with change in weight and health‐related quality of life following bariatric surgery.MethodParticipants (N = 184) completed the eating disorder examination‐bariatric surgery version (EDE‐BSV) and the medical outcomes study 36‐Item short form health survey (SF‐36) prior to and annually following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) for up to 7 years.ResultsThe prevalence of ≥ weekly loss of control (LOC) eating, picking/nibbling, and cravings declined post‐RYGB and remained lower through 7 years (LOC: 5.4% at Year‐7 vs. 16.2% pre‐RYGB, p = .03; picking/nibbling: 7.0% vs. 32.4%, p < .001; and cravings: 19.4% vs. 33.6%, p = .02). The prevalence of picking/nibbling was significantly lower 7 years following LAGB vs. pre‐LAGB (29.4% vs 45.8%, p = .049), while cravings (p = .13) and LOC eating (p = .95) were not. EDE‐BSV global score and ratings of hunger and enjoyment of eating were lower 7 years following both RYGB and LAGB versus pre‐surgery (p's for all <.05). LOC eating following RYGB was associated with less long‐term weight loss from surgery (p < .01) and greater weight regain from weight nadir (p < .001). Higher post‐surgery EDE‐BSV global score was associated with less weight loss/greater regain (both p < .001) and worsening/less improvement from surgery in the SF‐36 mental component summary scores (p < .01).DiscussionInitial improvements in eating pathology following RYGB and LAGB were sustained across 7 years of follow‐up. Individuals with eating pathology post‐RYGB, reflected by LOC eating and/or higher EDE‐BSV global score, may be at risk for suboptimal long‐term outcomes.
Effects of sacubitril/valsartan on neprilysin targets and the metabolism of natriuretic peptides in chronic heart failure: a mechanistic clinical study
Authors: Nougué Hélène , Pezel Théo , Picard François , Sadoune Malha , Arrigo Mattia , Beauvais Florence , Launay Jean‐Marie , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Vodovar Nicolas , Logeart Damien 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed at evaluating the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on neprilysin (NEP), and the metabolism of natriuretic peptides in heart failure (HF) and providing additional mechanistic information on the mode of action of the drug.Methods and resultsWe enrolled 73 chronic HF patients who were switched from angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker to sacubitril/valsartan. In addition to clinical and echocardiographic assessment, plasma biomarkers were measured at baseline, day 30 and day 90 after initiation of treatment. Sacubitril/valsartan led to decrease in New York Heart Association class and improvement of echocardiographic parameters, as well as a dose‐dependent decrease in soluble NEP (sNEP) activity, while sNEP concentration remained unchanged. Neprilysin inhibition translated into an increase in its substrates such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), substance P, and glucagon‐like peptide 1, the latter translating into a decrease in fructosamine. Cardiac troponin and soluble ST2 levels, biomarkers of HF severity unrelated to NEP metabolism also decreased. While there was a ∼4‐fold increase in ANP, we observed no change in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and plasma BNP activity, and a mild decrease in N‐terminal proBNP (NT‐proBNP) concentrations. Finally, we found a progressive increase in the relationship between BNP and NT‐proBNP, which strongly correlated with an increase in T71 proBNP glycosylation (R2 = 0.94).ConclusionSacubitril/valsartan rapidly and strongly reduced sNEP activity, leading to an increase in levels of NEP substrates. These data suggest a pleiotropic favourable impact of sacubitril/valsartan on the metabolism of HF patients with ANP rather than BNP as major effectors amongst natriuretic peptides.
Utility of first positron emission tomography‐computed tomography scan as a prognostic tool following treatment of sinonasal and skull base malignancies
Authors: Abu‐Ghanem Sara , Yafit Daniel , Ghanayem Mohamad , Abergel Avraham , Yehuda Moshe , Fliss Dan M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe prognostic value of the first posttreatment whole body integrated positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning in patients with sinonasal/skull base malignancies is undetermined.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of all patients that underwent surgery for sinonasal/skull base malignancies in 2000‐2015. The results of the pretreatment and posttreatment PET/CT findings and the clinical course were retrieved.ResultsThirty‐eight patients (average age 60.6 years, 20 males) were included. Sensitivity and specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the first PET/CT scan for predicting persistent/recurrent disease were 85.7%, 87.5%, 80%, and 91.3%, respectively. Overall 5‐year survival was significantly lower in the first posttreatment PET/CT‐positive group (35%) compared to the PET/CT‐negative group (93%) (P = .0008).ConclusionPosttreatment PET/CT findings are highly prognostic in patients with sinonasal/skull base malignancies. Negative findings on the first posttreatment PET/CT scan predict a significantly better overall survival.
Second infield re‐irradiation with a resulting cumulative equivalent dose (EQD2max) of >180 Gy for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer
Authors: von der Grün Jens , Köhn Janett , Loutfi‐Krauss Britta , Blanck Oliver , Rödel Claus , Balermpas Panagiotis 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundFor locally recurrent head and neck cancer, re‐irradiation with modern techniques like stereotactic body radiotherapy is a promising, possibly curative alternative to palliative systemic therapy.MethodsWe report on 1 patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and 1 patient with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Both patients received full dose primary treatment (>66 Gy, EQD2), full dose re‐irradiation (>50 Gy, EQD2), and a second course of re‐irradiation via robotic radiosurgery (CyberKnife) for a second local recurrence.ResultsBoth treatments resulted in adequate tumor response. No grade III‐IV acute or late toxicities occurred. Follow‐up at 6 months after third irradiation showed partial remission for the patient with NPC. In the second case (SCC), no toxicities occurred and the tumor was in remission 18 months after last treatment.ConclusionThese cases show that a second course of re‐irradiation utilizing modern techniques like robotic radiosurgery might be feasible for carefully selected patients with head and neck cancer.
Abortion by telemedicine in the European Union
Authors: Hervey Tamara , Sheldon Sally 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper analyses an important set of legal issues raised by the telemedical provision of abortion pills. Focusing on the case of European Union (EU) law, it suggests that a properly accredited doctor seeking to treat a patient with abortion pills is entitled, in principle, to rely on EU rules of free movement to protect their access to patients in other member states, and women facing unwanted pregnancies likewise have legal rights to access the services thus offered. EU countries seeking to claim an exception to those rules on the basis of public health or the protection of a fundamental public policy interest (here, the protection of fetal life) will face significant barriers.
miR‐202 modulates the progression of neuropathic pain through targeting RAP1A
Authors: Fang Baojun , Wei Limin , Dong Kejun , Niu Xiaohui , Sui Xiuhui , Zhang Hongquan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractNeuropathic pain is a somatosensory disorder which is caused by disease or nerve injury that affects the nervous system. microRNAs (miRNAs) are proved to play crucial roles in the development of neuropathic pain. However, the role of miR‐202 in neuropathic pain is still unknown. Sprague‐Dawley rats were used for constructing the neuropathic pain model. The expression of miR‐202 was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Potential target gene for miR‐202 was measured using bioinformatics methods and Western blot analysis. In this study, we used rats to establish a neuropathic pain model and measured the effect of miR‐202 in neuropathic pain. We demonstrated that miR‐202 expression was downregulated in the spinal dorsal horn of bilateral sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (bCCI) rat. However, miR‐202 expression was not changed in the dorsal root ganglion, hippocampus, and anterior cingulated cortex of bCCI rat. We identified that RAP1A was a direct target gene of miR‐202 in the PC12 cell. RAP1A expression was upregulated in the spinal dorsal horn of bCCI rat. Overexpression of miR‐202 could improve the pain threshold for bCCI rats in both hindpaws, indicating that miR‐202 overexpression could lighten the pain threshold for model rats. Moreover, RAP1A overexpression increased the pain threshold effect of miR‐202 overexpression treated bCCI rats, indicating that miR‐202 could lighten the pain threshold through inhibiting RAP1A expression. These data suggested that miR‐202 acted pivotal roles in the development of neuropathic pain partly through targeting RAP1A gene.
Mitochondrial DNA plays an important role in lung injury induced by sepsis
Authors: Zeng Zhenguo , Li Dan , Liu Fen , Zhou Chaoqi , Shao Qiang , Ding Chengzhi , Qing Cheng , Wang Xuzhen , Hu Zhiguo , Qian Kejian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe effects and mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the development of sepsis‐induced lung injury is not well understood. In our present study, we studied the mtDNA effects in sepsis‐induced lung injury model, in vitro and in vivo. Compared with the Normal group, the lung histopathological score, the number of positive apoptosis cell, wet/dry (W/D) ratio and TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 concentrations of lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and mtDNA groups were significantly increased (P < 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, the lung histopathological score, positive W/D ratio, number of apoptosis cell and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 concentrations of LPS + mtDNA and small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐NC + LPS + mtDNA groups were significantly upregulated compared with those of LPS group (P < 0.05, respectively). However, the lung histopathological score, the number of positive apoptosis cell, W/D ratio and TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 concentrations were significantly improved within the toll‐like receptor (TLR9)siRNA + LPS + mtDNA group compared with the LPS group (P < 0.01, respectively). The TLR9, MyD88, and NF‐κB proteins or gene expressions of the LPS group and mtDNA group were significantly upregulated compared with those of Normal group by Western blot analysis or immunohistochemistry assay (P < 0.01, respectively), and the TLR9, MyD88, and NF‐κB proteins or gene expressions of LPS + mtDNA and siRNA‐NC + LPS + mtDNA groups were significantly enhanced compared with those of LPS group (P < 0.05, respectively). However, the TLR9, MyD88, and NF‐κB proteins or gene expressions of TLR9siRNA + LPS + mtDNA group were significantly suppressed compared with those of the LPS group (P < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, mtDNA could provoke lung injury induced by sepsis via regulation of TLR9/MyD88/NF‐κB pathway in vitro and in vivo.
MicroRNA‐590‐3P suppresses cell survival and triggers breast cancer cell apoptosis via targeting sirtuin‐1 and deacetylation of p53
Authors: Abdolvahabi Zohreh , Nourbakhsh Mitra , Hosseinkhani Saman , Hesari Zahra , Alipour Mohsen , Jafarzadeh Meisam , Ghorbanhosseini Seyedeh Sara , Seiri Parvaneh , Yousefi Zeynab , yarahmadi Sahar , Golpour Pegah 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDownregulation of microRNA‐590‐3p (miR‐590‐3p) is a frequently occurring, nonphysiological event which is observed in several human cancers, especially breast cancer. However, the significance of miR‐590‐3p still remain unclear in the progression of this disease. This study explored the role of miR‐590‐3p in apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Gene expression of miR‐590‐3p, Sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1), Bcl‐2 associated X protein (BAX), and p21 was evaluated with real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and SIRT1 protein expression was assessed by Western blot analysis in breast cancer cell lines. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to evaluate targeting of SIRT1 messenger RNA (mRNA) by miR‐590‐3p. Cells were transfected with miR‐590‐3p mimic and inhibitor and their effects on the expression and activity of SIRT1 were evaluated. The effects of miR‐590‐3p upregulation on the acetylation of p53 as well as cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by Western blot analysis, WST‐1 assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. miR‐590‐3p expression was considerably downregulated in breast cancer cells which was accompanied by upregulation of SIRT1 expression. SIRT1 was recognized as a direct target for miR‐590‐3p in breast cancer cells and its protein expression and activity was dramatically inhibited by the miR‐590‐3p. In addition, there was an increase in p53 and its acetylated form that ultimately led to upregulation of BAX and p21 expression, suppression of cell survival, and considerable induction of apoptosis in breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that miR‐590‐3p exerts tumor‐suppressing effects through targeting SIRT1 in breast cancer cells, which makes it a potential therapeutic target for developing more efficient treatments for breast cancer.
The Popularity and Intensity of Engineering Undergraduate Out‐of‐Class Activities
Authors: Simmons Denise R. , Van Mullekom Jennifer , Ohland Matthew W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough researchers have documented the outcomes of various out‐of‐class activities for undergraduate students, less attention has been given to student perspectives on activity category and activity levels, particularly when considering demographics such as gender and race/ethnicity.Purpose/HypothesisThis study aims to create a more nuanced profile of engineering undergraduate engagement in out‐of‐class activities disaggregated by gender, race/ethnicity, and level of activity. As an exploratory study, its goal is to identify patterns that can be explored in the future.Design/MethodA purposive sample of 649 engineering students from three institutions provided complete survey responses that were quantitatively analyzed using frequency tables, diverging bar charts, and calculated odds ratios. This study included an intentional focus on gender and racial/ethnic differences.ResultsJob and Sports were most commonly identified as the top out‐of‐class activity for engineering students. Select pre‐professional activities and activities related to the humanities, arts, environment, and civic life were identified less frequently as top activities. Significant differences in choice of top activity and level of activity were found when comparing students by gender and race/ethnicity.ConclusionA better understanding of engineering student engagement in out‐of‐class activities helps guide actions of program administrators and educators and the direction of future research exploring out‐of‐class engagement. Such opportunities can be shaped to improve engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Responsible tourism in Bangkok, Thailand: Resident perceptions of Chinese tourist behaviour
Authors: Gong Jian , Detchkhajornjaroensri Pornpen , Knight David W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study uses mixed methods to assess resident views of Chinese tourist behaviour in the world's, and China's, most travelled to destination: Bangkok, Thailand. Analysis of 10 semistructured interviews informed the creation of a responsible tourism framework and subsequent survey administered to residents at three scenic spots in the city. Multiple linear regression tested three responsible tourism indices in predicting whether residents considered Chinese tourist behaviour to be responsible overall. Findings highlight environmentally ethical behaviour as a key component of responsible tourist action, providing theoretical insights into what comprises responsible tourism and presenting implications for behaviour‐based analyses of destination sustainability.
Dietary Prevention of Colitis by Aronia Berry is Mediated Through Increased Th17 and Treg
Authors: Pei Ruisong , Martin Derek A. , Valdez Jonathan C. , Liu Jiyuan , Kerby Robert L. , Rey Federico E. , Smyth Joan A. , Liu Zhenhua , Bolling Bradley W. 
Published: December 2018

ScopeIncreased fruit consumption is associated with reduced risk of colitis. It has been investigated whether the anti‐colitic effects of the polyphenol‐rich aronia berry (Aronia mitschurinii ‘Viking’) are mediated through Th17 and Treg.Methods and resultsColitis is induced in recombinase activating gene‐1 deficient mice injected with syngeneic CD4+CD62L+ naïve T cells. Mice consume either 4.5% w/w aronia‐berry‐supplemented or a control diet concurrent with T cell transfer. The extent of colitis and immunocyte populations are evaluated at weeks 3 to 7 after transfer. Aronia consumption prevents colitic wasting and reduces colon weight/length ratios relative to the control diet at weeks 5 and 7. Compared to the control diet, aronia feeding increases Treg in mesenteric lymph node at all colitis stages. Treg and regulatory Th17 subpopulations (IL‐17A+IL‐10+ and IL‐17A+IL‐22+) are increased in lamina propria and spleen at week 5 in aronia‐fed mice. Aronia feeding also decreases total CD4+ cells but increases colonic Tregs. The ability of aronia to modulate colonic cytokines is associated with functional T cell IL‐10 and increased diversity of microbiota.ConclusionsAronia berry consumption inhibits adoptive transfer colitis by increasing Treg and regulatory Th17 cells. Dietary modulation of T cells is dynamic and precedes colitic wasting.
The scaled boundary finite element method for computational homogenization of heterogeneous media
Authors: Talebi Hossein , Silani Mohammad , Klusemann Benjamin 
Published: December 2018

SummaryMaterials exhibit macroscopic properties that are dependent on the underlying components at lower scales. Computational homogenization using the finite element method (FEM) is often used to determine the effective mechanical properties based on the microstructure. However, the use of FEM might suffer from several difficulties such as mesh generation, application of periodic boundary conditions or computations in presence of material interfaces, and further discontinuities. In this paper, we present an alternative approach for computational homogenization of heterogeneous structures based on the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). Based on quadtrees, we are applying a simple meshing strategy to create polygonal elements for arbitrary complex microstructures by using a relatively small number of elements. We show on selected numerical examples that the proposed computational homogenization technique represents a suitable alternative to classical FEM approaches capable of avoiding some of the mentioned difficulties while accurately and effectively calculating the macroscopic mechanical properties. An example of a two‐scale semiconcurrent coupling between FEM and SBFEM is presented, illustrating the complementarity of both approaches.
Advanced paternal age, infertility, and reproductive risks: A review of the literature
Authors: Brandt Justin S. , Cruz Ithier Mayra A. , Rosen Todd , Ashkinadze Elena 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAdvanced paternal age (APA) is associated with infertility and other reproductive risks. Studies looking at APA and outcomes have used different paternal age cut‐offs, which has complicated systematic evaluations of reproductive risk associated with paternal aging. This review of the literature suggests that the impact of paternal aging on adverse reproductive outcomes is small, but significant. Studies suggest the incidence of paternal age effect disorders attributed to de novo autosomal dominant mutations is less than 0.5%. Other risks associated with APA include infertility, miscarriage, birth defects, poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, and childhood cancer. Although the increasing prevalence of APA has mirrored the rise in maternal age, this topic has not received similar attention. In this review, we summarize the available literature on the reproductive risks associated with APA to provide a framework for comprehensive genetic counseling and evidence‐based management of APA pregnancies.
Proteins Regulating Microvesicle Biogenesis and Multidrug Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Taylor Jack , Bebawy Mary 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMicrovesicles (MV) are emerging as important mediators of intercellular communication. While MVs are important signaling vectors for many physiological processes, they are also implicated in cancer pathology and progression. Cellular activation is perhaps the most widely reported initiator of MV biogenesis, however, the precise mechanism remains undefined. Uncovering the proteins involved in regulating MV biogenesis is of interest given their role in the dissemination of deleterious cancer traits. MVs shed from drug‐resistant cancer cells transfer multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins to drug‐sensitive cells and confer the MDR phenotype in a matter of hours. MDR is attributed to the overexpression of ABC transporters, primarily P‐glycoprotein and MRP1. Their expression and functionality is dependent on a number of proteins. In particular, FERM domain proteins have been implicated in supporting the functionality of efflux transporters in drug‐resistant cells and in recipient cells during intercellular transfer by vesicles. Herein, the most recent research on the proteins involved in MV biogenesis and in the dissemination of MV‐mediated MDR are discussed. Attention is drawn to unanswered questions in the literature that may prove to be of benefit in ongoing efforts to improve clinical response to chemotherapy and circumventing MDR.