bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified MoO3 Nanobelts as Electrode Materials with Superior Performances for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Q. , Zhou C. , Yan X. H. , Wang J. J. , Wang D. F. , Yuan X. X. , Cheng X. N. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMoO3, with advantages of abundance, non‐toxicity and multiple oxidation states, has recently been attracted increasing attention in supercapacitors field as a potential electrode material. Here, a novel composite TiO2/MoO3 had been synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra, XPS, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The electrochemical results showed the composite has enhanced electrochemical properties with the maximum specific capacitance of 141 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1, which is higher than pure MoO3 at the same test condition. The improved electrochemical properties could be attributed to the synergetic effect and the formation of Ti−O−Mo bonds between TiO2 nanoparticles and MoO3 nanobelts and the increment of specific surface area. This work would not only promote the study about MoO3‐based electrode materials in supercapacitors, but also extended to other transition metal oxides with similar structures.
Control of PEM Fuel Cell Systems Using Interval Type‐2 Fuzzy PID Approach
Authors: Aliasghary M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this study, an interval type‐2 fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative (IT2FPID) controller is designed to be used in the air flow regulation of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems. The proposed controller is able to handle the effect of external disturbances and fix the oxygen excess ratio at an appropriate set‐point. Three crisp singletons for the output and two interval type‐2 membership functions for the inputs are defined for the suggested controller. Two conventional controllers including type‐1 fuzzy PID (T1FPID) and ordinary proportional–integral–derivative (PID) are also investigated to evaluate the performance and efficiency of this technique. The results of various simulations indicate that the IT2FPID controller has a better performance and transient response compared to the other approaches.
The personal cost of dementia care in Japan: A comparative analysis of residence types
Authors: Nakabe Takayo , Sasaki Noriko , Uematsu Hironori , Kunisawa Susumu , Wimo Anders , Imanaka Yuichi 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveWe aimed to quantify the personal economic burden of dementia care in Japan according to residence type.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted on 3841 caregivers of people with dementia. An opportunity cost approach was used to calculate informal care costs. All costs and the observed/expected (OE) ratio of costs were adjusted using patient sex, age, and care‐needs levels, and compared among the residence types.ResultsThe mean daily informal care time was 8.2 hours, and the mean monthly informal care costs for community‐dwelling people with dementia were US$1559. The OE ratio for informal care costs in community‐dwelling patients was higher than in institutionalized patients.ConclusionThe inclusion of informal care costs reduced the differences in total personal costs among the residence types. The economic burden of informal care should be considered when quantifying dementia care costs.
Application of porcine gastrointestinal organoid units as a potential in vitro tool for drug discovery and development
Authors: Olayanju Adedamola , Jones Lauren , Greco Karin , Goldring Christopher E. , Ansari Tahera 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe gastrointestinal tract (GI) is a crucial part of the body for growth and development and its dysregulation can lead to several diseases with detrimental effects. Most of these diseases lack effective treatment, occurring as a result of inappropriate models to develop safe and potent therapies. Organoids are three‐dimensional self‐organizing and self‐renewing structures that are composed of a cluster of different cells in vitro that resemble their organ of origin in architecture and function. Over recent years, organoids have been increasingly used to study developmental biology, disease progression, i.e., cancer, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and other biological processes. Owing to their complex nature and ability to retain the morphological and molecular patterns of their tissue‐of‐origin, they have great potential as alternative tools/models for drug screening, development and biomarker discovery. Using a species with similar genetic homology to humans as a source of organoids, such as the porcine model may offer huge translational relevance. This review focuses on the culture and establishment of porcine organoid units and their potential use and application as in vitro models to further the science of drug discovery, by overcoming current limitations of established two‐ and three‐dimensional models. It also highlights the translational application of using porcine organoids as a model of different disease contexts.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in the T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis in goat endometrium epithelial cells
Authors: Yi Yanglei , Zhao Fan , Wang Nan , Liu Huan , Yu Lijun , Wang Aihua , Jin Yaping 
Published: June 2018

AbstractT‐2 toxin is one of the trichothecene mycotoxins commonly found in animal feed and agricultural products. Ingestion of T‐2 toxin by animals results in acute and chronic diseases, as well as reproductive failure. This study aimed at investigating the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis in goat endometrium epithelial cells. Flow cytometry and cell viability assay showed that T‐2 toxin significantly induced cell apoptosis, which was accompanied with increased expression of cleaved‐caspase‐3. The altered expression of two ER stress markers CHOP and GRP78 proved that ER stress is involved in the T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis. 4‐phenylbutyrate pretreatment was applied to relieve the ER stress, pretreated endometrium epithelial cells showed a decreased apoptosis level and the expression pattern of CHOP and GRP78 was reversed. The key genes involved in signaling pathways of ER stress‐associated apoptosis were examined, which showed that the IRE1‐JNK and PERK‐ATF4‐CHOP signal transduction pathways are both activated. Moreover, the level of cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10 and tumor necrosis factor‐α decreased in the T‐2 toxin‐treated cells. While the 4‐phenylbutyrate pretreatment elevates the cytokine levels after T‐2 treatment. Collectively, these results suggest that ER stress contributes to the T‐2 toxin‐induced apoptosis and decreased cytokine levels in goat endometrium epithelial cells. This study offers new insight into the molecular mechanisms of T‐2 toxicity on reproductive cells.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐539 promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and osteoclast apoptosis through the AXNA‐dependent Wnt signaling pathway in osteoporotic rats
Authors: Zhu Xiong‐Bai , Lin Wen‐Jun , Lv Chen , Wang Lu , Huang Zheng‐Xiang , Yang Sheng‐Wu , Chen Xin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study aims to explore the effects of miR‐539 on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation and osteoclast apoptosis in a rat model of osteoporosis, and its mechanism involving the regulation of the AXIN1‐mediated wingless‐Int (Wnt) signaling pathway. A rat model of osteoporosis was successfully established by ovariectomy. With osteoblasts and osteoclasts of rats not receiving ovariectomy in the sham group as control, those of osteoporotic rats were treated with miR‐539 inhibitor, miR‐539 mimic, and AXIN1 shRNA. The expression of miR‐53, AXIN1, the Wnt pathway related‐genes, apoptosis related‐genes, and osteogenic markers were measured by RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in osteoblast and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in osteoclasts were determined after cell transfection. Osteoblast and osteoclast viability was assayed by CCK‐8 assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteoclasts were detected by flow cytometry. Lastly, alizarin red S staining was used to detect mineralized nodules of osteoblasts. Firstly, we determined that miR‐539 was down‐regulated in osteoblast and osteoclast of osteoporotic rats and AXIN1 was negatively regulated by miR‐539. Additionally, overexpression of miR‐539 increased the expressions of β‐catenin, LEF1, c‐myc, cyclin D1, RUNX2, BGP, BMP‐2 in osteoblast as well as β‐catenin, RhoA, caspase‐3, and Bcl‐2 in osteoclasts. Finally, overexpression of miR‐539 elevated ALP activity, proliferation, and mineralized nodules in osteoblast and osteoclast apoptosis, with reduced TRAP activity in osteoclasts. Our results demonstrate that miR‐539 promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation as well as osteoclast apoptosis through the AXIN1‐dependent Wnt signaling pathway in osteoporotic rats.
Structural analysis of missense mutations in galactokinase 1 (GALK1) leading to galactosemia type‐2
Authors: P Sneha , Ebrahimi Elaheh Ahmad , Ghazala Sara Ahmed , D Thirumal Kumar , R Siva , Priya Doss C George , Zayed Hatem 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGalactosemia type 2 is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the deficiency of galactokinase (GALK) enzyme due to missense mutations in GALK1 gene, which is associated with various manifestations such as hyper galactosemia and formation of cataracts. GALK enzyme catalyzes the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–dependent phosphorylation of α‐d‐galactose to galactose‐1‐phosphate. We searched 4 different literature databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, and Science Direct) and 3 gene‐variant databases (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, Human Gene Mutation Database, and UniProt) to collect all the reported missense mutations associated with GALK deficiency. Our search strategy yielded 32 missense mutations. We used several computational tools (pathogenicity and stability, biophysical characterization, and physiochemical analyses) to prioritize the most significant mutations for further analyses. On the basis of the pathogenicity and stability predictions, 3 mutations (P28T, A198V, and L139P) were chosen to be tested further for physicochemical characterization, molecular docking, and simulation analyses. Molecular docking analysis revealed a decrease in interaction between the protein and ATP in all the 3 mutations, and molecular dynamic simulations of 50 ns showed a loss of stability and compactness in the mutant proteins. As the next step, comparative physicochemical changes of the native and the mutant proteins were carried out using essential dynamics. Overall, P28T and A198V were predicted to alter the structure and function of GALK protein when compared to the mutant L139P. This study demonstrates the power of computational analysis in variant classification and interpretation and provides a platform for developing targeted therapeutics.
Social networks of unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness
Authors: Groton Danielle B. , Radey Melissa 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study explored strengths, barriers, and role of social networks among unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. Twenty women from two local shelters participated in semistructured, face‐to‐face interviews. A constant comparative analysis revealed 4 themes: support as a coping mechanism, loss of support as a path to homelessness, support as a drain, and support as a way to give. Almost universally, women experienced considerable barriers to housing, including physical health, mental health, substance abuse, or domestic violence. Despite precarious circumstances, women showed optimism, interest, and readiness to move forward and exit homelessness. Most women utilized social networks to cope with their difficult situations. Their networks, however, were limited such that abusive relationships and substance abuse commonly contributed to homelessness and delayed entrance into secure housing. Together with identifying unaccompanied women as a subgroup in the homeless population, targeted interventions can help women capitalize on healthy relationships to promote housing security and well‐being.
The method matters: The effect of handling time on cortisol level and blood parameters in wild cats
Authors: Pavlova Ekaterina V. , Alekseeva Galina S. , Erofeeva Mariya N. , Vasilieva Nina A. , Tchabovsky Andrey V. , Naidenko Sergey V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBlood analysis has recently become a popular tool to assess the welfare of the wild cats. However, the estimates of blood parameters may depend on the sampling method. We have tested (1) if the sampling procedure influences blood parameters and (2) what parameters are the most efficient in assessing the physiological status in wild cat species. We assessed the effect of handling time on red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) counts, the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (N/L ratio), and serum cortisol level within 1 hr after the capture of the animal in six far‐east wild cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura). Also, we analyzed literature data in 17 cat species to assess the effect of place of study, type of immobilization, and handling time on WBC count and N/L ratio. Serum cortisol level varied significantly with the handling time. RBC and WBC counts were strongly affected by the handling time. N/L ratio was very robust and did not depend on the handling time. However, the analysis of literature data has shown that the prolonged handling time (over 1 hr) and the type of immobilization significantly influence the N/L ratio, whereas the WBC count does not depend on any of considered factors. We conclude that while most blood parameters of cats are affected by routine handling time, the N/L ratio does not vary if the samples are collected within 1 hr after the capture of the animal. All other tested parameters should be treated with caution.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Evaluation of the Effects of Low‐Level Laser Therapy With Ultrasound Strain Imaging
Authors: Tezcan Sehnaz , Ulu Ozturk Funda , Uslu Nihal , Nalbant Merve , Umit Yemisci Oya 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of low‐level laser therapy on median nerve stiffness by using strain elastography in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).MethodsThis study included 37 wrists of 34 patients with mild or moderate CTS between January 2016 and August 2016. The control group comprised 17 patients (18 wrists) with CTS who were treated with wrist splinting for 3 weeks. The low‐level laser therapy group included 17 patients (19 wrists) with CTS who were treated with a combination of splinting and low‐level laser therapy, which was applied 5 times per week for 3 weeks. Clinical assessment scales, including the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Score (FSS), were obtained from our database. The cross‐sectional area by ultrasound and strain ratio by elastography were studied. The differences in the strain ratio, cross‐sectional area, SSS, and FSS between pretreatment and posttreatment periods in the groups were compared by the paired‐sample t test. The correlations between changes in the strain ratio and the cross‐sectional area, SSS, and FSS were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsThe control group included 13 women and 4 men, and the therapy group included 14 women and 3 men. In the therapy group, the mean values of the strain ratio, cross‐sectional area, SSS, and FSS decreased significantly after laser therapy (P < .001) in contrast to the control group. No significant correlation was observed between the decreasing degree of the strain ratio and the cross‐sectional area, SSS, and FSS after laser therapy.ConclusionsThe strain ratio and cross‐sectional area of the median nerve decrease after low‐level laser therapy. These changes may be related to the therapeutic effects of low‐level laser therapy, such as nerve regeneration and improvement of the vascular supply.
Juvenile Chinook Salmon Survival When Exposed to Simulated Dam Passage after Being Implanted with a New Microacoustic Transmitter
Authors: Geist David R. , Liss Stephanie A. , Harnish Ryan A. , Deters Katherine A. , Brown Richard S. , Deng Zhiqun Daniel , Martinez Jayson J. , Mueller Robert P. , Stephenson John R. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The current minimum size for tagging Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Columbia River basin with acoustic transmitters is ≥95 mm FL. Using a newly developed cylindrical microacoustic transmitter (AT; weight in air, 0.22 g), our objective was to evaluate the minimum size of Chinook Salmon for tagging. We measured Chinook Salmon survival and the retention of transmitters and viscera after their exposure to rapid decompression (n = 399) or shear forces (n = 308) that simulated dam passage. Fish (69–107 mm FL) were implanted with an AT (AT-only) or an AT and a PIT tag (weight in air = 0.10 g; AT+PIT) through a 3-mm incision with no sutures, or did not receive an incision or tag (untagged control fish). Tag burden averaged 2.9% (range, 1.4–6.2%) in the AT-only group and 4.2% (range, 2.0–7.9%) in the AT+PIT group. Proportional survival and the retention of transmitters and viscera was significantly lower for AT-only (0.70) and AT+PIT (0.54) fish than for untagged fish (0.85) after their exposure to pressure change scenarios. No transmitters were fully expelled, but 9% of AT-only and 22% of AT+PIT salmon had protruding viscera or transmitters. Following shear exposure, the proportional survival and retention of transmitters and viscera was significantly lower for AT-only (0.70) and AT+PIT (0.61) fish than for untagged fish (0.98). Visceral expulsion was attributed to 90% and 93% of mortal injuries in AT-only and AT+PIT fish, respectively. In both tests the tagged fish suffered more mortal injuries and death than did untagged fish over the range of tag burdens tested, and no tag burden threshold below which tagged and untagged fish performed similarly was found. As such, a generalized linear model that included tag burden as a predictor variable provided the best fit to the survival data. Without a significant tag burden threshold, we recommend the minimum size for tagging Chinook Salmon using the transmitters and PIT tags evaluated, applied with a 3-mm incision and no sutures, should remain at 95 mm FL.
Dramatic bone remodeling following larotrectinib administration for bone metastasis in a patient with TRK fusion congenital mesoblastic nephroma
Authors: Halalsheh Hadeel , McCarville Mary Beth , Neel Michael , Reynolds Mark , Cox Michael C. , Pappo Alberto S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMesoblastic nephroma is the most frequent renal tumor in newborns and young infants, and the cellular type is characterized by an ETV6–NTRK fusion, which constitutively activates the tropomyosin‐related kinase (TRK) signaling pathway. Larotrectinib is a highly selective TRK inhibitor with activity in adult and pediatric patients who have TRK fusions. We present a rare case of a patient with mesoblastic nephroma metastatic to bone who had a dramatic response to larotrectinib.
Assessment of hydrologic alteration induced by the Three Gorges Dam in Dongting Lake, China
Authors: Cheng Junxiang , Xu Ligang , Wang Xiaolong , Jiang Jiahu , You Hailin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWater‐level variations are an internal aspect of lake ecosystems that play a key role in structuring aquatic diversity and providing ecosystem services. In this study, the hydrologic alteration of Dongting Lake induced by the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) was assessed using indicators of hydrologic alteration and range of variability approach. The results demonstrate a declining trend in autumn water level (0.52–2.26 m) and 5–35 days' advancement for date of minimum annual water level because of the impound of water by the TGD in early autumn. The spatial patterns in the degree of the indicators of hydrologic alteration were different among the sub‐lake regions. Annual minimum water level and timing of annual extreme water level suffered a high degree of alteration in the eastern part of the lake, whereas autumn water level, date of minimum water level, and number of reversals in the western part of the lake showed a high degree of alteration. The average integrated degree of hydrologic alteration (D0) for Dongting Lake was 50.40%, indicating that the hydrologic regime suffered a moderate alteration. The most ecologically relevant hydrologic indicators are critical for understanding eco‐hydrology. On the basis of principal component analysis, the five selected ecologically relevant hydrologic indicators were 90‐day minimum, date of minimum, high pulse duration, date of maximum, and May water level. Further studies are required to understand the impact of the TGD on water conditions in Dongting Lake, especially related to the response of the aquatic ecosystem.
In‐channel wood‐related hazards at bridges: A review
Authors: De Cicco Pina Nicoletta , Paris Enio , Ruiz‐Villanueva Virginia , Solari Luca , Stoffel Markus 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn‐channel wood is a key component in fluvial ecosystems; however, transport of in‐channel wood during floods can create hazards in urbanized areas. Among the main problems is wood accumulation at bridges, which reduces flow openings, causes blockage and inundation of nearby areas and, eventually, results in structures collapsing. Increasing awareness of the importance of the ecological role of wood in rivers calls for a compromise between the preservation of river ecosystems and management strategies for the prevention of wood‐related hazards. In recent years, knowledge related to in‐channel wood dynamics and hazards has notably increased, and a significant body of valuable information can be found in an extensive number of studies. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the most relevant advances regarding in‐channel wood‐bridge interactions. We review the factors controlling wood accumulation formation and summarize the different approaches used to analyse this process, namely, physical and numerical modelling. Finally, we conclude by highlighting the most important knowledge gaps, addressing particularly underresearched fields and stressing the remaining challenges.
Theoretical Insight into the Kinetics of H‐Abstraction Reaction of CHF2CH2OH with OH Radical, Atmospheric Lifetime and Global Warming Potential
Authors: Baidya Bidisha , Lily Makroni , Chandra Asit K. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe mechanistic, kinetic and thermochemical analysis of the reaction of CHF2CH2OH with OH radical have been carried out at the CCSD(T)/aug‐cc‐pVTZ//M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level. The rate coefficients for all the reaction channels are evaluated using conventional transition state theory with Eckart's tunneling correction over a temperature range of 250–500 K. Our calculated rate coefficients agree reasonably well with those reported from the experiments. Heats of formation of CHF2CH2OH molecule and C•F2CH2OH, CHF2C•HOH and CHF2CH2O• radicals have been reported for the first time. Atmospheric lifetime, Global Warming Potential (GWP) and atmospheric degradation pathway of CHF2CH2OH have also been determined in the present study.
Catalytic and Enantioselective Direct α‐Alkylation of 3‐Aryl and 3‐Alkyl Oxindole Using Quinine‐Derived Urea Catalyst
Authors: Paderes Monissa C. , Siau Woon Yew , Rong Ziqiang , Zhao Yu 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe report herein an enantioselective direct α‐alkylation of various substituted oxindole derivatives using simple alkyl bromide and a bifunctional quinine‐derived urea catalyst. The developed method catalyzes the α‐alkylation of both 3‐aryl and 3‐alkyl substituted oxindole. The alkylated oxindole products, which contain a chiral quaternary stereocenter were afforded in excellent yields (up to 99%) and moderate to good enantioselectivity (up to 83%).