bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycerol‐Monolaurate‐Mediated Attenuation of Metabolic Syndrome is Associated with the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat‐Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Zhao Minjie , Cai Haiying , Jiang Zengliang , Li Yang , Zhong Hao , Zhang Hui , Feng Fengqin 
Published: July 2019

ScopeThe gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of diet‐induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. Glycerol monolaurate (GML), a widely consumed food emulsifier, is reported to promote metabolic disorder and gut microbiota dysbiosis in low‐dose supplementation upon low‐fat‐diet feeding. However, little is known about whether GML produce the same effects in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).Methods and resultsC57BL/6 mice are fed a HFD with or without GML supplementation (150, 300, and 450 mg kg−1) for 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that higher GML treatment (450 mg kg−1) ameliorates HFD‐induced metabolic disorders, supported by prevented visceral fat deposition, improved hyperlipidemia, modulated hepatic lipid metabolism, and reduced serum proinflammatory cytokine, TNF‐α. Additionally, all doses of GML attenuated circulating lipopolysaccharide load and insulin resistance. Notably, GML ameliorates HFD‐induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, with increases inBacteroides uniformis, Akkermansia,Bifidobacterium, andLactobacillusand decreases inEscherichia coli,Lactococcus,and Flexispira. Spearman's correlation analysis indicates that these enriched specific genera are significantly associated with the metabolic improvements of GML.ConclusionThe findings identify the links between gut microbiota and GML‐induced metabolic improvements, suggesting that the attenuation of HFD‐induced metabolic disorders by higher GML supplementation may occur through targeting gut microbiota.
Functional role of GKAP1 in the regulation of male germ cell spontaneous apoptosis and sperm number
Authors: Wang Hanshu , Wang Guishuan , Dai Yubing , Li Zhenhua , Zhu Yu , Sun Fei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractG kinase‐anchoring protein 1 (GKAP1) is a G kinase‐associated protein that is conserved in many eutherians and is mainly expressed in the testis, especially in spermatocytes and round spermatids. The function of GKAP1 in the testis is largely unknown. Here, we revealed that deletion of GKAP1 led to an increase in sperm production with swollen epididymis, and germ cell apoptosis was found to decrease in GKAP1 knock‐out mice. Further investigations showed that a deficiency of GKAP1 could partly change the cellular location of cGK‐Iα and increase the amount of active cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) in the nucleus. Therefore, the expression of a particular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) was upregulated because of the activation of CREB, and this increase in IAPs was associated with a decrease in the level of activated caspase‐3. These results suggest that a deficiency of GKAP1 in mouse testis could increase sperm production through a reduction of the spontaneous apoptosis of germ cells in the testis, possibly because of a change in the activity of the cGK‐Iα pathway.
Scattering matrix imaging pulse design for real‐time respiration and cardiac motion monitoring
Authors: Jaeschke Sven H. F. , Robson Matthew D. , Hess Aaron T. 
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe scattering matrix (S‐matrix) of a parallel transmit (pTx) coil is sensitive to physiological motion but requires additional monitoring RF pulses to be measured. In this work, we present and evaluate pTx RF pulse designs that simultaneously excite for imaging and measure the S‐matrix to generate real‐time motion signals without prolonging the image sequence.Theory and MethodsThree pTx waveforms for measuring the S‐matrix were identified and superimposed onto the imaging excitation RF pulses: (1) time division multiplexing, (2) frequency division multiplexing, and (3) code division multiplexing. These 3 methods were evaluated in healthy volunteers for scattering sensitivity and image artefacts. The S‐matrix and real‐time motion signals were calculated on the image calculation environment of the MR scanner. Prospective cardiac triggers were identified in early systole as a high rate of change of the cardiac motion signal. Monitoring accuracy was compared against electrocardiogram or the imaged diaphragm position.ResultsAll 3 monitoring approaches measure the S‐matrix during image excitation with quality correlated to input power. No image artefacts were observed for frequency multiplexing, and low energy artefacts were observed in the other methods. The accuracy of the achieved prospective cardiac gating was 15 ± 16 ms for breath hold and 24 ± 17 ms during free breathing. The diaphragm position prediction accuracy was 1.3 ± 0.9 mm. In all volunteers, good quality cine images were acquired for breath hold scans and dual gated CINEs were demonstrated.ConclusionThe S‐matrix can be measured during image excitation to generate real‐time cardiac and respiratory motion signals for prospective gating. No artefacts are introduced when frequency division multiplexing is used.
Characterizing complication risk from multisite, intermittent transfusions for the treatment of sickle cell disease
Authors: Tang Amy , Branscomb Jane , Zhou Mei , Snyder Angela , Eckman James 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBlood transfusions are indicated for some acute complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). To characterize the SCD population at increased risk of transfusion‐associated complications, Georgia hospital discharge data were used to estimate the frequency of intermittent transfusions and the proportion of patients receiving them at multiple institutions. Ten years of data (2007‐2016) showed almost 19% of patients with SCD (1585/8529) received transfusions at more than one hospital. The likelihood of multisite transfusions increased from ages 18 through 40 and with the number of transfusions received. The results support the need to track and share transfusion histories in order to reduce complication risks.
Sorely visible: plants, roots, and national identity
Authors: Aloi Giovanni 
Published: July 2019

Societal Impact StatementHistorical and visual culture research methods can be used to identify the complex symbolism assigned to plants in public urban spaces. This symbolism can divide opinion and generate heated debate on what is considered to be native, other, and culturally and aesthetically appropriate. This article is a contribution to the emerging field of critical plant studies, examining events in Italy when exotic plants were installed in a public square. The work encompasses elements of environmental, anthropological, architectural, and art historical studies, to reveal important aspects of our relationship with plants, other people, and our past and future histories.
Summary
The last few years have been characterized by dramatic sociocultural events: from Brexit to Trump's election in the USA; the unthinkable has manifested itself as the index of insidious and undervalued ideological networks. Despite the bleak outlook, the deep sense of moral loss, and ethical disorientation, these events could function as an opportunity to productively think beyond the fictitious righteousness of postmodern politics. In the middle of a cold night, in February 2017, Starbucks Coffee Co., in collaboration with Italian architect Marco Bay, installed a grove of palm and banana trees opposite Milan's much‐loved gothic cathedral. Public opinion instantly split. Milan's rude awakening revealed a tale of two cities: on one side were those who lauded the initiative and on the opposite were those who condemned the trees’ exotic origin as unrepresentative of true Italianicity. Against the backdrop of strained relationships between Italy and the European Union, due to the handling of North‐African and Middle‐Eastern diasporas, palms and bananas have found themselves at the center of an unexpectedly acrimonious public discussion. This article considers the role played by plant‐politics and architectural aesthetics in constructing national identity and otherness while tapping into all important and often concealed aspects of contemporary society's collective unconscious.
Dissipation of fomesafen in fumigated, anaerobic soil disinfestation‐treated, and organic‐amended soil in Florida tomato production systems
Authors: Li Zhuona , Di Gioia Francesco , Hwang Jeong‐In , Hong Jason , Ozores‐Hampton Monica , Zhao Xin , Pisani Cristina , Rosskopf Erin , Wilson Patrick Christopher 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDFumigated, anaerobic soil disinfestation‐treated (ASD), and organic‐amended soil management strategies have been investigated as potential methyl bromide (MBr) alternatives for controlling diseases, nematodes, and weeds in soil. Nutsedge and broadleaf weed control using fomesafen has been reported to be comparable to MBr in normal cropping systems. There is no information on the fate of fomesafen used in combination with alternative practices. In this study, the fate of fomesafen in these alternative systems was measured by liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS–MS) following extraction using a modified Quick Easy Cheap Effective Safe (QuEChERS) method.RESULTSThe reported half‐life (DT50) values for fomesafen in the top 15 cm of soil were from 62.9 to 107.3 days. The DT50 values in organic‐amended soil were higher than in ASD‐treated soil in the top 15 cm. For all treatments, reductions in concentrations were positively correlated with lower redox potentials and organic matter content. Some leaching of fomesafen into the 16–30 cm zone was observed in all treatments.CONCLUSIONSThe DT50 values in this study were generally higher than those reported in previous studies performed at different locations. Due to increased losses of the herbicide and subsequent reduction in weed control, fomesafen is likely not to be suitable for effective weed control in systems using ASD techniques employing composted poultry litter and molasses. Integration of fomesafen using composted yard waste 1 (CYW1) and Soil Symphony Amendment (SSA) may result in acceptable weed control. Given that the soil was very sandy and the pH was higher than the pKa, fomesafen might leach deeper than 30 cm, particularly with the use of chemical soil fumigants (CSFs). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Women living alone in later life: A multicountry comparative analysis
Authors: Requena Miguel , Reher David , Padyab Mojgan , Sandström Glenn 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper compares the determinants of living alone among elderly women in six countries (Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, Brazil, Spain, and Sweden) with very different family systems, policy contexts, levels of development, and socio‐economic characteristics. Different factors behind the residential choices of elderly women are estimated by means of logistic regression. Decomposition models are used to assess the extent to which observed differences between countries correspond to specific population compositions or to other factors. Although the importance of all independent variables for living alone is shown to be strong and statistically significant, persistent intercountry disparities in behaviour linked to levels of familism and development remain. Population composition explains only a small part of the observed differences in living alone. Economic development provides an important underlying explanation for the incidence of living alone among women, but many specific differences can also be explained by societal characteristics such as family systems and available policy options.
Quercetin reduces TNF‐α‐induced mesangial cell proliferation and inhibits PTX3 production: Involvement of NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Yue , Yu Chen , Ji Kai , Wang Xuekai , Li Xin , Xie Hua , Wang Yuqing , Huang Yuting , Qi Dong , Fan Huaying 
Published: July 2019

Lupus nephritis (LN) is an autoimmune disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. Excessive proliferation of mesangial cells is one of the most serious pathological manifestations of LN. In addition, the expression of PTX3 is elevated in the serum of patients with LN. Quercetin has good anti‐inflammatory effects and immunomodulatory activities. In this study, the result of MTT indicated that quercetin treatment alleviated the excessive proliferation of mesangial cells. ELISA and immunofluorescence experiments showed that quercetin treatment inhibited the expression of PTX3. Three doses of quercetin (20, 40, and 80 μM) were selected for the experiment. It is noteworthy that the efficacy of quercetin at 80 μM was significantly better than that of other dose groups. And the effect in inhibiting PTX3 expression was comparable with that of the PDTC (80 μM) positive control. Western blot and qRT‐PCR analysis revealed that quercetin treatment reduced the expression of nuclear factor‐κB p65 and IKKβ, increased the expression of IκBα, and inhibited the expression of PTX3. In conclusion, through inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway, quercetin treatment could reduce the expression of PTX3 and inhibit the excessive proliferation of mesangial cells, suggesting that quercetin is a potential therapeutic drug for LN.
Model reference resilient control for the helicopter with time‐varying disturbance
Authors: Chen Mou , Li Yankai 
Published: July 2019

SummaryIn this paper, the problem of model reference resilient control is investigated for the helicopter system with the time‐varying disturbance and unmeasurable states. Firstly, a disturbance observer and a state observer are built to estimate the time‐varying disturbance and unmeasurable states. Then, combining the methods of model reference control and disturbance observer–based control, the state feedback robust resilient control scheme and the dynamic output feedback robust resilient control method are proposed, respectively. Under the two developed robust resilient control schemes, sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee that the helicopter system asymptotically tracks the reference model with H∞ performance. Finally, simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the model reference resilient control method.
MINLP‐based hybrid strategy for operating mode selection of TES‐backed‐up refrigeration systems
Authors: Bejarano Guillermo , Rodríguez David , Lemos João M. , Vargas Manuel , Ortega Manuel G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis brief deals with the satisfaction of the daily cooling demand by a hybrid system that consists of a vapor‐compression refrigeration cycle and a thermal energy storage (TES) unit, based on phase change materials. The addition of the TES tank to the original refrigeration plant allows to schedule the cooling production regardless of the instantaneous demand, given that the TES tank can store cold energy and release it whenever deemed appropriate. The scheduling problem is posed as an optimization problem based on mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) since it includes both discrete and continuous variables. The latter corresponds to the references on the main cooling powers involved in the problem (cooling production at the evaporator and TES charging/discharging), whereas the discrete variables define the operating mode scheduling. Therefore, in addition to the hybrid features of the physical plant, a hybrid optimal control strategy is also proposed. A receding horizon approach is applied, similar to model predictive control (MPC) strategies, while economic criteria are imposed in the objective function, as well as feasibility issues. The TES state estimation is also addressed since its instantaneous charge ratio is not measurable. The proposed strategy is applied in simulation to a challenging cooling demand profile, and the main advantages of the MINLP‐based strategy over a nonlinear MPC‐based scheduling strategy previously developed are highlighted, regarding operating cost, ease of tuning, and ability to adapt to cooling demand variations.
Direct Nucleus‐Targeted Drug Delivery Using Cascade pHe/Photo Dual‐Sensitive Polymeric Nanocarrier for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Cao Ziyang , Li Dongdong , Wang Junxia , Xiong Menghua , Yang Xianzhu 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe cell nucleus‐targeted delivery of therapeutic agents plays a critical role in cancer therapy, since the biological target of many anticancer therapeutics is the cell nucleus. However, multiple physiological barriers limit the delivery efficiency of free drugs, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. Herein, thioketal crosslinked polyphosphoester‐based nanoparticles with a tumor acidity (pHe)‐sensitive transactivator of transcription (TAT) peptide (DA‐masked TAT‐decorating reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive Ce6/DOX‐loaded hyperbranched nanoparticles (DTRCD)) are explored for cascade nucleus‐targeted drug delivery. Following administration, DTRCD experiences prolonged circulation by masking the targeting effect of its TAT peptide and then achieves enhanced tumor cell uptake and improved translocation into the perinuclear region by reactivating the TAT targeting capability in tumor tissue. Subsequently, ROS generated by DTRCD under 660 nm laser not only disrupts the nuclear membrane to allow entry into the nuclei but also triggers intracellular release of the payload in the nuclei. As evidenced by in vivo experiments, such pHe/photo dual‐sensitive polymeric nanocarriers offer remarkable therapeutic effects, efficiently suppressing tumor growth. This multistage cascade nucleus‐targeted drug delivery concept provides new avenues to develop nucleus‐targeted drug delivery systems.
Natural Cellulose Derived Nanocomposites as Anodic Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Zehao , Li Shun , Huang Jianguo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBio‐inspired synthetic method provides an effective shortcut to fabricate functional nanostructured materials with specific morphologies and designed functionalities. Natural cellulose substances (e. g., commercial laboratory cellulose filter paper) possesses unique three‐dimensionally cross‐linked porous structures and abundant functional groups for the functional modification on the surfaces. The deposition of metal oxide gel film on the surfaces of the cellulose nanofibers is facilely to be achieved through the surface sol‐gel process, resulting in metal oxide replicas of the initial cellulose substance or metal‐oxide/carbon nanocomposites. Moreover, the as‐deposited metal oxide gel films coated on the cellulose fiber surfaces provide ideal platforms for the further formation of specific functional assemblies, and eventually to the corresponding nanocomposite materials. Based on this methodology, various nanostructured composites were prepared and employed as anodic materials for lithium‐ion batteries, including metal‐oxides‐based (such as SnO2, TiO2, MoO3, FexOy, and SiO2) and Si‐based composites, as summarized in this personal account. Benefiting from the unique hierarchically porous network structures and the synergistic effects among the composite components of the anodic materials, the transfer of electrons/ions is accelerated and the structural stability of the electrode is enhanced, leading to the improved lithium storage performances and promoted cycling stability.
Investigation of inflammation inducing substances in PM2.5 particles by an elimination method using thermal decomposition
Authors: He Miao , Ichinose Takamichi , Ito Tomohiro , Toriba Akira , Yoshida Seiichi , Kaori Sadakane , Nishikawa Masataka , Sun Guifan , Shibamoto Takayuki 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe substances associated with PM2.5‐induced inflammatory response were investigated using an elimination method. PM2.5 were heated at temperatures of 120, 250, and 360°C. The results demonstrated microbial substances such as LPS and b‐glucan, and chemicals including BaP, 1,2‐NQ, and 9,10‐PQ were reduced drastically in PM2.5 heated at 120°C. On the other hand, DBA, 7,12‐BAQ, and BaP‐1,6‐Q were not noticeably reduced. Most of these substances had disappeared in PM2.5 heated at 250°C and 360°C. Metals (eg, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni) in PM2.5 exhibited a slight thermo‐dependent increase. RAW264.7 macrophages with or without NAC were exposed to unheated PM2.5, oxidative stress‐related and unrelated inflammatory responses were induced. PM2.5‐induced lung inflammation in mice is caused mainly by thermo‐sensitive substances (LPS, b‐glucan, BaP, 1,2‐NQ, 9,10‐PQ, etc.). Also, a slight involvement of thermo‐resistant substances (DBA, 7,12‐BAQ, BaP‐1,6‐Q, etc.) and transition metals was observed. The thermal decomposition method could assist to evaluate the PM2.5‐induded lung inflammation.
Insects as vectors of DNA in a forensic context
Authors: Durdle Annalisa 
Published: July 2019

AbstractInsects have historically been used in criminal investigations to provide information in relation to postmortem intervals (PMIs) but the field of forensic entomology is expanding. It is now recognized that insects can act as vectors of human and mammalian DNA through the consumption of biological material, with extraneous DNA able to be extracted and genotyped from all stages of the life cycle, and insect feces and regurgitant (artifacts). To date, DNA recovered from insects have been used to inform investigations into neglect and homicide, link body parts, and to identify victims of crime. It may also potentially be used to identify assailants, confirm the food source of insects to determine their relevance in PMI calculations, determine if a crime has occurred, identify scenes of crimes, and link people to locations and other individuals. However, insects which have consumed biological material may also transfer DNA by traveling to new areas, or depositing it via their artifacts, either within crime scenes or laboratories, or at locations distant to the food source. This could contaminate forensic evidence, confound investigations, and/or falsely incriminate or exclude an individual. Therefore, it is important that there is increased awareness into both the utility of insects as vectors of forensically relevant DNA, and the potential for contamination.This article is categorized under:Forensic Biology > Forensic DNA TechnologiesForensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene ExaminationForensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological EvidenceForensic Biology > Body Fluid Identification
Boundary element method analysis for mode III linear fracture mechanics in anisotropic and nonhomogeneous media
Authors: Simionato Fernando , Daros C. H. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe present here a Boundary Element Method implementation for anti‐plane fracture mechanics in nonhomogeneous and anisotropic media. The results are obtained using two different formulations based on displacement and traction Boundary Integral Equations (BIEs). The crack tips are discretized with special quarter‐point boundary elements. The main crack configurations are studied to determine the stress intensity factors (SIFs). Results for homogeneous and isotropic/anisotropic cases are compared with available solutions in the literature, showing good results. For the case of exponential nonhomogeneity, numerical results are obtained for moderately stiffer media and for softer media.
On the behavior of solutions of the nonstationary Stokes system near the vertex of a cone
Authors: Kozlov Vladimir , Rossmann Jürgen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe paper deals with the Dirichlet problem for the nonstationary Stokes system in a threedimensional cone. The authors study the asymptotics of the solutions near the vertex of the cone. They show that the solutions are sums of singular functions and a regular remainder, where the singular functions depend on the eigenvalues of a certain operator pencil.