bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Raman and polarization sensitive holographic imaging for a multimodal label-free assessment of human sperm function
Authors: De Angelis Annalisa , Ferrara Maria Antonietta , Coppola Gianfranco , Di Matteo Loredana , Siani Laura , Dale Brian , Coppola Giuseppe , De Luca Anna Chiara 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRaman microspectroscopy (RM) and polarization sensitive digital holographic imaging (PSDHI) are valuable analytical tools in biological and medical research, allowing the detection of both biochemical and morphological variations of the sample without labels or long sample preparation. Here, using this multi-modal approach we analyze in vitro human sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction induced by heparin. The multimodal microscopy provides morphofunctional information that can assess the sperms ability to respond to capacitation stimuli (sperm function). More precisely, the birefringence analysis in sperm cells can be used as an indicator of its structural normality. Indeed, digital holography applied for polarization imaging allows for revelation of the polarization state of the sample, showing a total birefringence of the sperm head in non-reacted spermatozoa, and a birefringence localized in the post-acrosomal region in reacted spermatozoa. Additionally, RM allows the detection and spectroscopic characterization of protein/lipid delocalization in the plasma and acrosomal membranes that can be used as valuable Raman biomarkers of sperm function. Interestingly, these spectral variations can be correlated with different time phases of the cell capacitation response. Although further experimentation is required, the proposed multimodal approach could represent a potential label-free diagnostic tool for use in reproductive medicine and the diagnosis of infertility.
Anti-HIV-1 integrase potency of methylgallate from Alchornea cordifolia using in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Siwe-Noundou Xavier , Musyoka Thommas M. , Moses Vuyani , Ndinteh Derek T. , Mnkandhla Dumisani , Hoppe Heinrich , Tastan Bishop Özlem , Krause Rui W. M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAccording to the 2018 report of the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), remains a significant public health problem. The non-existence of a cure or effective vaccine for the disease and the associated emergence of resistant viral strains imply an urgent need for the discovery of novel anti-HIV drug candidates. The current study aimed to identify potential anti-retroviral compounds fromAlchornea cordifolia. Bioactive compounds were identified using several chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques and subsequently evaluated for cytotoxicity and anti-HIV properties. Molecular modelling studies against HIV-1 integrase (HIV-1 IN) were performed to decipher the mode of action of methylgallate, the most potent compound (IC50 = 3.7 nM) and its analogues from ZINC database. Cytotoxicity assays showed that neither the isolated compounds nor the crude methanolic extract displayed cytotoxicity effects on the HeLa cell line. A strong correlation between thein vitroandin silicoresults was observed and important HIV-1 IN residues interacting with the different compounds were identified. These current results indicate that methylgallate is the main anti-HIV-1 compound inA. cordifoliastem bark, and could be a potential platform for the development of new HIV-1 IN inhibitors.
Estimation of Soil Erosion to Define the Slope Length of Newly Reconstructed Gentle-Slope Lands in Hilly Mountainous Regions
Authors: Han Zhen , Zhong Shouqin , Ni Jiupai , Shi Zhonglin , Wei Chaofu 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFarming plot construction engineering in hilly areas plays an important role in the mechanization, large-scale production and industrialization of agriculture. The method is undertaken to improve water and soil conservation, enhance soil fertility and extend machinery agriculture. However, the positive effects of engineering require years to mature. The properties of newly reconstructed soil are not sufficient, i.e., with poor structure and low water holding capacity, resulting in deterioration of its physical properties and erosion. To date, most studies on plot characteristics and soil properties in farming plot construction engineering have neglected the influence of soil erosion. This paper addresses soil erosion characteristics at sites to define the appropriate slope length for newly reconstructed gentle-slope lands. Six field plots with a 10° slope gradient and different lengths (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 m) were established under natural rainfall and simulated overland flow conditions. The soil detachment rate, runoff shear stress and stream power exhibited the same trends as runoff and soil loss. The soil erosion characteristics varied at sites with different slope lengths, and the degree of soil erosion reached its minimum on gentle-slope land sites of 30 or 40 m. Therefore, 30–40 m slope lengths may be the recommended range to control soil loss from newly reconstructed gentle-slope lands. The conclusions of this study provide theoretical guidance for farming plot construction engineering, which can promote the sustainable development of cultivated land resources in hilly mountainous regions.
Synthesis of Ag/NiO Honeycomb Structured Nanoarrays as the Electrode Material for High Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor Devices
Authors: Nagamuthu Sadayappan , Ryu Kwang-Sun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMetallic silver nickel oxide honeycomb nanoarrays were synthesized via a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal route. The crystal structure of the Ag/NiO nanoarrays was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the valance state of the nickel, oxygen, and metallic silver. The morphological studies and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed the honeycomb structured nanoarrays and the elemental distribution of the prepared sample, respectively. The three-electrode measurements showed that the Ag/NiO nanoarray is a suitable electrode material for supercapacitor applications, which delivers the maximum specific capacity of 824 C g−1 at a specific current of 2.5 A g−1. An Ag/NiO positive electrode-based asymmetric device was fabricated and tested. The asymmetric device yielded a high specific cell capacity of 204 C g−1 at a specific current of 2.5 A g−1 as well as a maximum energy density of 63.75 W h kg−1 at a power density of 2812.5 W kg−1. These results are comparable to those of (NiMH) metal hydride batteries.
CRISPR/Cas9 – An evolving biological tool kit for cancer biology and oncology
Authors: Tian Xueli , Gu Tingxuan , Patel Satyananda , Bode Ann M. , Lee Mee-Hyun , Dong Zigang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe development of genetic engineering in the 1970s marked a new frontier in genome-editing technology. Gene-editing technologies have provided a plethora of benefits to the life sciences. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/ Cas9) system is a versatile technology that provides the ability to add or remove DNA in the genome in a sequence-specific manner. Serious efforts are underway to improve the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 targeting and thus reduce off-target effects. Currently, various applications of CRISPR/Cas9 are used in cancer biology and oncology to perform robust site-specific gene editing, thereby becoming more useful for biological and clinical applications. Many variants and applications of CRISPR/Cas9 are being rapidly developed. Experimental approaches that are based on CRISPR technology have created a very promising tool that is inexpensive and simple for developing effective cancer therapeutics. This review discusses diverse applications of CRISPR-based gene-editing tools in oncology and potential future cancer therapies.
Response to the letter regarding the hypothesis paper “Much ado about N…atrium: modelling tissue sodium as a highly sensitive marker of subclinical and localised oedema”
Authors: Rossitto Giacomo , Touyz Rhian M. , Petrie Mark C. , Delles Christian 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This short article provides a comment on the recent letter by G. Bhave regarding our hypothesis paper [Clinical Science (2018) 132, 2609–2613].
Revisiting the cosmic-ray induced Venusian ionization with the Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator (AtRIS)
Authors: Herbst Konstantin , Banjac Saša , Nordheim Tom A. 
Published: March 2019

Context.Cosmic ray bombardment represents a major source of ionization in planetary atmospheres. The higher the energy of the primary cosmic ray particles, the deeper they can penetrate into the atmosphere. In addition, incident high energy cosmic ray particles induce extensive secondary particle cascades (“air showers”) that can contain up to several billion secondary particles per incoming primary particle. To quantify cosmic ray-induced effects on planetary atmospheres it is therefore important to accurately model the entire secondary particle cascade. This is particularly important in thick planetary atmospheres where the secondary particle cascades can develop extensively before being absorbed by the surface.Aims.Inside the Venusian atmosphere, cosmic rays are the dominant driver for the ionization below an altitude of ~100 km. In this work we revisit the numerical modeling of the galactic and solar cosmic-ray induced atmospheric ionization for cosmic ray ions from Hydrogen (Z= 1) to Nickel (Z= 28) and investigate the influence of strong solar energetic particle events inside the Venusian atmosphere.Methods.The Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator (AtRIS), a newly developed simulation code to model the interaction of the near-(exo)planet particle and radiation field with the (exo)planetary atmosphere, was used to revisit the modeling of the altitude-dependent Venusian atmospheric ionization. Thereby, spherical geometry, the newest version of Geant4 (10.5) as well as the newest Geant4-based hadronic and electromagnetic interaction models were utilized.Results.Based on our new model approach we show that previous studies may have underestimated the galactic cosmic ray-induced atmospheric ion pair production by, amongst others, underestimating the influence of galactic cosmic ray protons above 1 TeV/nuc. Furthermore, we study the influence of 71 exceptionally strong solar particle events that were measured as Ground Level Enhancements at the Earth’s surface, and show a detailed analysis of the impact of such strong events on the Venusian ionization.
Verbreitung und Ätiologie von kraniomandibulären Dysfunktionen (CMD) im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Hirsch Christian 
Published: March 2019

ZusammenfassungKinder und Jugendliche sind in der zahnärztlichen Sprechstunde als CMD‑Patienten kaum anzutreffen, obwohl die Symptome bereits in diesem Alter weitverbreitet sind. Das Erstauftreten von CMD besonders bei Mädchen während der Pubertät sowie die höhere Prävalenz bei Frauen während des Reproduktionsalters lassen die hormonellen Umstellungen während der Pubertät als ätiopathogenetisch bedeutsam erscheinen. Die Mechanismen sind noch nicht klar, es scheint aber ein Mangel an frei verfügbaren Sexualhormonen während der Pubertät ausschlaggebend zu sein. Hierbei könnte es sich um ein grundlegendes Muster für viele unklare Schmerzsymptome handeln, da damit klinische Beobachtungen erklärt werden können: der typische Alters- und Geschlechtsverlauf von CMD, die psychosoziale Charakteristik von CMD-Schmerzpatienten sowie die hohe Koinzidenz der verschiedenen Schmerzarten. Dagegen spielen morphologische Faktoren und deren Veränderungen, z. B. infolge kieferorthopädischer Behandlungen, in der Ätiologie von CMD während des Jugendalters kaum eine Rolle. Darüber hinaus gibt es Erkenntnisse über genetische Ursachen der CMD, ein Bereich, der ebenfalls Gegenstand aktueller Forschungen ist.
Pharmacokinetic Profile of Curcumin and Nanocurcumin in Plasma, Ovary, and Other Tissues
Authors: Arozal Wawaimuli , Ramadanty Wenny Trias , Louisa Melva , Satyana Regina Puspa Utami , Hartono Gaviota , Fatrin Serlie , Purbadi Sigit , Estuningtyas Ari , Instiaty Instiaty 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Background Curcumin is a natural diphenolic compound that is currently being investigated for various cancers, including ovarian cancer. Clinical application of curcumin has been limited due to its low solubility and bioavailability and rapid metabolism and degradation at physiological pH. Particle size is one factor that can affect the absorption process, which thus increases compound solubility and transport across the membrane. This study was conducted to determine the effects of modifying the particle size of curcumin on its pharmacokinetic parameters in blood and other organs.
Methods Female Sprague Dawley rats were administered a single oral dose of 500 mg/kg curcumin or nanocurcumin. Blood samples were collected at 10, 15, 30, 45, 75, and 120 min, and ovaries, livers, kidneys, and colons were collected at 180 min. The levels of curcumin in plasma and organs were determined using UPLC-MS/MS, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated.
Results Curcumin levels were detectable and measurable in plasma and organs of rats that were administered curcumin or nanocurcumin. Overall, no statistically significant differences were found in pharmacokinetic parameters between curcumin and nanocurcumin groups in both plasma and organs, except for ovaries. The curcumin levels in plasma, liver, kidney, and colon in the curcumin group were higher than those in the nanocurcumin group. However, curcumin concentrations in ovaries in the nanocurcumin group were 3.6 times higher than those in the curcumin group.
Conclusion Particle size reduction of curcumin did not increase the concentration of curcumin in the plasma but increased its distribution in the ovaries.
Biocatalytic Synthesis of α-Amino Ketones
Authors: Chun Stephanie W. , Narayan Alison R. H. 
Published: March 2019

Stereospecific generation of α-amino ketones from common α-amino acids is difficult to achieve, often employing superstoichiometric alkylating reagents and requiring multiple protecting group manipulations. In contrast, the α-oxoamine synthase protein family performs this transformation stereospecifically in a single step without the need for protecting groups. Herein, we detail the characterization of the 8-amino-7-oxononanoate synthase (AONS) domain of the four-domain polyketide-like synthase SxtA, which natively mediates the formation of the ethyl ketone derivative of arginine. The function of each of the four domains is elucidated, leading to a revised proposal for the initiation of saxitoxin biosynthesis, a potent neurotoxin. We also demonstrate the synthetic potential of SxtA AONS, which is applied to the synthesis of a panel of novel α-amino ketones.1	Introduction2	Native SxtA Module Activity3	New Reactions with SxtA AONS4	Conclusions and Outlook
Halotrimethylsilane-Nitrite/Nitrate Salts: Efficient and Versatile Reagent System for Diverse Organic Synthetic Transformations
Authors: Mathew Thomas , Gurung Laxman , Roshandel Sahar , Munoz Socrates , Prakash G. 
Published: March 2019

The reagent system comprised of halotrimethylsilane and nitrite or nitrate salts has now been successfully used as an efficient system for a series of versatile synthetic transformations. In recent years, the significance and efficacy of this system for reactions such as nitration of aromatics and olefins, oxidation of thiols to sulfonyl chlorides, ipso-nitrosation/nitration of arylboronic acids, ipso-nitration of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids to nitro olefins, etc. have been disclosed. Though the reagent system has not been exploited to its full potential, the reported reactions reveal its advantages as a very safe and convenient system that works under mild conditions. This brief Account reveals various synthetic applications of halotrimethylsilane-nitrite/nitrate salts in organic synthesis hitherto reported.1	Introduction2	Reactions Using a Halotrimethylsilane-Nitrate Salt System2.1	Nitration of Olefins and Aromatics2.2	One-Pot Preparation of gem-Chloronitroso, gem-Chloronitro, and vic-Dichloro Compounds2.3	One-Step Conversion of Anilines into Haloarenes2.4	Deoximation of Aldoximes to Aldehydes and Ketoximes to ­Ketones2.5	One-Pot Synthesis of Cyclic/Noncyclic α-Nitroketones from ­Cyclic/Noncyclic Olefins2.6	ipso-Nitration of Arylboronic Acids2.7
ipso-Nitrosation of Arylboronic Acids2.8	Oxidation of Sulfides and Sulfoxides to Sulfones2.9	Oxidative Chlorination of Thiols and Disulfides to Sulfonyl ­Chlorides2.10

α-Halogenation of Carbonyl Compounds2.11	Decarboxylative ipso-Nitration and Dibromination of Cinnamic Acid3	Conclusion
Indications for General versus Local Anesthesia during Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Mracek Jan , Kletecka Jakub , Mork Jan , Stepanek David , Dostal Jiri , Mrackova Jolana , Priban Vladimir 
Published: March 2019

Background and Study Aims Both general anesthesia (GA) and local anesthesia (LA) are used in our department for carotid endarterectomy. The decision of which anesthetic technique to use during surgery is made on an individual basis. The aim of our study was to analyze the reasons for using GA or LA.
Material and Methods The reasons that led to the selection of either GA or LA were analyzed retrospectively in a group of 409 patients.
Results GA was used in 304 patients (74%) and LA in 105 patients (26%). The reasons for a preference for GA were clopidogrel use (88 patients), patient preference (80), increased risk of shunt insertion (43), unfavorable anatomical conditions (41), surgeon preference (21), simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and cardiac surgery (18), emergent carotid endarterectomy (12), and sleep apnea syndrome (1). The reasons for selecting LA were internal comorbidities (46 patients), patient preference (39), unavailability of intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring (15), and pacemaker (5).
Conclusion GA is the dominant choice for carotid endarterectomy in our department because of its prevailing benefits and its preference among neurosurgeons and patients. However, in some subgroups of patients, LA is preferable. An optimal approach is therefore an individual indication for both anesthesia techniques.
Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Rupture with Acute Portal Vein Occlusion Treated with Coronary Stent Graft and Trans-splenic Portal Vein Stenting
Authors: Allison Stephen , Jeyakumar Arthie , Johnson Guy , Kogut Matthew 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDelayed massive hemorrhage following pancreaticoduodenectomy is a potentially fatal condition. These patients are often not surgical candidates, and endovascular therapy is the primary option of treatment, usually trans-arterial embolization. However, the bleeding vessel can occasionally be treated with a stent graft rather than embolization. This decreases the risk of hepatic necrosis by preserving hepatic arterial blood flow, particularly in patients with compromised portal veins. The authors present a brief case report of delayed pseudoaneurysm rupture from a replaced proper hepatic artery after pancreaticoduodenectomy with resultant portal vein occlusion, caused by hematoma mass effect. The hepatic artery was treated with a coronary stent. During the same session, trans-splenic portal vein stenting was done.
Carpal Translocation Following Dorsal Bridge Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Azad Ali , Intravia Jessica M. , Hill J. Ryan , Leland Hyuma , Vakhshori Venus , Stevanovic Milan , Ghiassi Alidad 
Published: March 2019

Background Dorsal bridge plate fixation is an effective technique for stabilization of highly comminuted, complex distal radius fractures. However, it is unknown whether fixation to the second or third metacarpal is optimal. Given dorsal bridge plating spans the radiocarpal joint, it is unclear if the dorsal spanning plate affects carpal position. This study investigates differences in carpal translocation resulting from bridge plate distal fixation to either the second or third metacarpal.
Methods Ten paired cadaveric upper extremities without evidence of gross deformity or prior surgery distal to the elbow were evaluated with three-view wrist fluoroscopic images for baseline radiographic measurements. An unstable distal radius fracture model was created via a volar approach using a 1-cm osteotomy. Following fracture creation, a dorsal bridge plate was applied with random to the second metacarpal on one limb, and the third metacarpal on the contralateral limb. Laterality for distal fixation was chosen randomly. Fluoroscopic images were repeated and radial inclination, radial height, radiocarpal angle, volar tilt, ulnar variance, radiolunate angle, radioscaphoid angle, radial rotation index, and carpal translocation were measured.
Results Radial inclination, radial height, radiocarpal angle, volar tilt, ulnar variance, radiolunate angle, and radioscaphoid angle were not statistically different before and after fixation, or when comparing the second or third metacarpal fixation. Additionally, there was no difference in Taleisnik's ulnar translocation index, Chamay's ulnar translation index, or McMurtry's carpal translation index based on which metacarpal was used for distal fixation.
Conclusions Dorsal bridge plate fixation of distal radius fractures restores preoperative physiologic measures of the radius, ulna, and carpus. Carpal translocation was similar when comparing distal fixation to the second or third metacarpal in distal radius fractures stabilized with a bridge plate.
Level of Evidence This is a Level V, therapeutic study.
Multiscale seasonal factors drive the size of winter monarch colonies
Authors: Saunders Sarah P. , Ries Leslie , Neupane Naresh , Ramírez M. Isabel , García-Serrano Eligio , Rendón-Salinas Eduardo , Zipkin Elise F. 
Published: March 2019

Significance
We address a debate that has spurred scientific and public discourse: whether conditions during autumn migration are contributing to the decline of the eastern monarch butterfly population. Using a multiscale modeling approach, we reveal that continental-scale landscape greenness during migration (proxy for nectar availability) and the amount of forest cover at winter sites significantly influence arrival colony sizes. We also demonstrate a significant demographic connection between summer and winter population sizes. Our results suggest that environmental factors during—and at the culmination of—autumn migration, combined with summer population size, explain a substantial portion of temporal variation in monarch population dynamics during a time frame after which other major putative sources of mortality (host plant and winter habitat loss) have lessened considerably.
Evidence that prenatal testosterone transfer from male twins reduces the fertility and socioeconomic success of their female co-twins
Authors: Bütikofer Aline , Figlio David N. , Karbownik Krzysztof , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Salvanes Kjell G. 
Published: March 2019

Significance
In litter-bearing species, females exposed to prenatal testosterone from male littermates exhibit altered traits. In humans, rising twinning rates may be exposing a growing subset of females to similar effects. Data on all twin births in Norway between 1967 and 1978 show that females exposed in utero to a male co-twin have a decreased probability of graduating from high school (15.2%), completing college (3.9%), and being married (11.7%), and have lower fertility (5.8%) and life-cycle earnings (8.6%). These relationships remain unchanged among females whose male co-twin died soon after birth, implicating prenatal testosterone exposure rather than being raised with a male sibling. These findings support the hypothesis that being exposed to a male co-twin in utero can have lasting effects on females.