bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐powered Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Gallic Acid Exploiting a CdSe/ZnS Core‐shell Quantum Dot Sensitized TiO2 as Photoanode
Authors: dos Santos Greicy Kelly Cerqueira , da Silva Fernanda Gabrielle Soares , Yotsumoto Neto Sakae , dos Santos Wallans Torres Pio , de Cássia Silva Luz Rita , Damos Flávio Santos 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHerein is described the development of a self‐powered sensor for gallic acid (GA) determination exploiting CdSe/ZnS quantum dot sensitized TiO2 nanoparticles (CdSe/ZnS/TiO2/FTO) as photoanode and an all copper oxide photocathode (CuO/Cu2O/FTO) to reduce water. A two‐chamber self‐powered photoelectrochemical cell was employed in order to maintain separated the photoelectrodes. The self‐powered photoelectrochemical cell is based on water reduction in the cathodic chamber while gallic acid acts as a hole scavenger in the anodic chamber to generate the necessary cell output to drive GA oxidation in the anodic compartment. Electrochemical impedance measurements were performed to evaluate the electronic characteristics of CdSe/ZnS/TiO2/FTO photoanode and CuO/Cu2O/FTO photocathode in terms of flat band potential, carrier density, and nature of semiconductor. Under optimized conditions, the self‐powered photoelectrochemical cell presented a wide linear response range for GA from 1 μmol L−1 up to 200 μmol L−1.
Expanding the Distributed Generation Concept: Toward Decentralized Energy and Water Supply
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Pecoraino Mario , Meneguzzo Francesco , Pagliaro Mario 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRainwater harvesting decentralizes the water supply in full analogy to what building‐integrated photovoltaics and solar thermal do for electricity and heat. In this new decentralized generation scenario, the built environment is used to collect both sunlight photons and water molecules with significant economic and environmental benefits. Referring to recent progress and to real‐life findings from around the world, this work provides an answer to several relevant questions of direct interest to policy makers and early adopters of broadened distributed generation. The conclusions offer guidelines for developing a successful distributed generation strategy at the regional level by unifying solar energy and water management policies.
The microRNA‐1908 up‐regulation in the peripheral blood cells impairs amyloid clearance by targeting ApoE
Authors: Wang Z. , Qin W. , Wei C.B. , Tang Y. , Zhao L.N. , Jin H.M. , Li Y. , Wang Q. , Luan X.Q. , He J.C. , Jia J. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectiveTo give a new insight into the mechanism of ApoE dysregulation and microRNA‐1908 in Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsPlasma ApoE levels were measured in 20 AD patients and 20 healthy controls. THP‐1 was maintained in RPMI1640 with 10% fetal bovine serum. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect 13‐microRNA and ApoE mRNA in cultured cell lines. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure human ApoE in the plasma or culture medium of cell lines and also used to quantify the human Aβ42 in the culture medium of cell lines.ResultsWe found plasma ApoE level reduced in AD patients (2.28 vs 3.78 μg/mL, P < .001), and microRNA‐1908 was up‐regulated in AD patients and was negatively associated with plasma ApoE (r = −0.32, P = .012). In human macrophage cell line THP‐1 and astrocytoma cell line U87, microRNA‐1908 could inhibit the mRNA and protein levels of ApoE by targeting its 3′untranslated region. Consistently, microRNA‐1908 inhibits the ApoE‐mediated Aβ clearance.ConclusionsOur study provides new insight into the mechanism of ApoE dysregulation in AD patients, and microRNA‐1908 might be a therapeutic target for AD treatment.
Intra‐ and interobserver agreement for fetal cerebral measurements in 3D‐ultrasonography
Authors: Albers Maria E. W. A. , Buisman Erato T. I. A. , Kahn René S. , Franx Arie , Onland‐Moret N. Charlotte , de Heus Roel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate intra‐ and interobserver agreement for measurement of intracranial, cerebellar, and thalamic volume with the Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) technique in three‐dimensional ultrasound images, in comparison to two‐dimensional measurements of these brain structures. Three‐dimensional ultrasound images of the brains of 80 fetuses at 20–24 weeks’ gestational age were obtained from YOUth, a Dutch prospective cohort study. Two observers performed offline measurement of the occipitofrontal diameter, intracranial volume, transcerebellar diameter, cerebellar volume, and thalamic width, area, and volume, independently. VOCAL was used for calculation of the volumes. The two‐way random, single measures intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for analysis of agreement and Bland–Altman plots were configured. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement was almost perfect for occipitofrontal diameter (intra ICC 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.92; inter ICC 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.94), intracranial volume (intra ICC 0.96, 95% CI 0.91–0.98; inter ICC 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.98) and transcerebellar diameter (intra ICC 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.94; inter ICC 0.86, 95% CI 0.78–0.910). For cerebellar volume, the intraobserver agreement was almost perfect (0.85, 95% CI 0.76–0.90), whereas the interobserver agreement was substantial (0.75, 95% CI 0.44–0.88). Agreement was only moderate for thalamic measurements. Bland–Altman plots for the volume measurements are normally distributed with acceptable mean differences and 95% limits of agreement. The intra‐ and interobserver agreement of the measurement of intracranial and cerebellar volume with VOCAL was almost perfect. These measurements are therefore reliable, and can be used to investigate fetal brain development. Thalamic measurements are not reliable enough.
Time‐varying synchronous cell ensembles during consummatory periods correlate with variable numbers of place cell spikes
Authors: Yagi Saichiro , Igata Hideyoshi , Shikano Yu , Aoki Yuki , Sasaki Takuya , Ikegaya Yuji 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSpike rates of a hippocampal place cell are not constant and vary even when an animal visits an identical place field with nearly identical behavior. As one potential neurophysiological source underlying place cell spiking variability, we focused on the temporally fluctuating activity states of neuronal ensembles. Spike patterns of hippocampal neurons were recorded from rats performing a linear track task. Within a single consummatory period, similar sets of neurons were more frequently recruited in synchronous firing events, whereas different synchronized firing patterns of neuronal populations tended to be identified in different consummatory periods. A linear regression analysis indicated that the time‐varying activation patterns of neuronal populations during consummatory periods are correlated with the spike rates of a place cell within its place field during running. These findings suggest that place cell in‐field spiking is not only triggered by static inputs that represent external environments but also strongly depends on the time‐varying internal states of neuronal populations.
Streambed restoration to remove fine sediment alters reach‐scale transient storage in a low‐gradient fifth‐order river, Indiana, USA
Authors: Ward Adam S. , Morgan Joseph A. , White Jeffrey R. , Royer Todd V. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHyporheic restoration is of increasing interest given the role of hyporheic zones in supporting ecosystem services and functions. Given the prevalence of sediment pollution to waterways, an emerging restoration technique involves the removal of sediment from the interstices of gravel‐bed streams. Here, we document streambed sediment removal following a large, accidental release of fine sediment into a gravel‐bed river. We use this as a natural experiment to assess the impact of fine sediment removal on reach‐scale measures of transient storage and to document the responses of reaches with contrasting morphology (restored vs. unrestored) to changing discharge one‐field season. We conducted a series of conservative solute tracer experiments in each reach, interpreting both summary statistics for the recovered in‐stream solute tracer time series. Additionally, we applied the transient storage model to interpret the results via model parameters, including a Monte Carlo analysis to measure parameter identifiability and sensitivity in each experiment. Despite the restoration effort resulting in an open matrix gravel bed in the restored reach, we did not find the significant differences in most time series metrics describing reach‐scale transport and transient storage. We hypothesize that this is due to enhanced vertical exchange with the gravel bed in the restored reach replacing lateral exchange with macrophyte beds in the unrestored reach, developing a conceptual model to explain our findings. Consequently, we found that the impact of reach‐scale removal of fine sediment is not measureable using reach‐scale solute tracer studies. We offer recommendations for future studies seeking to measure the impacts of stream restoration at the reach scale.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION SYSTEMS MODELING LANGUAGE (SysML® v2)
Authors: Friedenthal Sanford 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThis article provides an overview of the requirements for the next generation Systems Modeling Language (SysMLR v2). The requirements are specified in the SysML v2 Request for Proposal (RFP) that was issued in December 2017 by the Object Management Group (OMGR). The issuance of the RFP culminates a one‐and‐a‐half‐year effort by the SysML v2 RFP Working Group to develop the requirements for SysML v2 that will improve support for model‐based systems engineering (MBSE). In particular, the requirements are intended to enhance the precision, expressiveness, and usability of SysML v2 relative to SysML v1. A complementary RFP entitled, “The SysML v2 API and Services RFP” is also being developed to enable interoperability between SysML modeling tools and other model‐based engineering tools.
Effect of resveratrol on doxorubicin resistance in breast neoplasm cells by modulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Ju‐Min , Bai Jun‐Yun , Yang Kun‐Xian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the study, we probed into the effect of Resveratrol (RES) on Doxorubicin (DOX)‐resistant breast neoplasm cell line MCF‐7/DOX as well as the mechanism of RES underlying the DOX‐resistant breast cancer. CCK‐8 assay was utilized to assess the survival rates and sensitivity of breast neoplasm cell lines MCF‐7 or MDA‐MB‐231 to DOX and RES. DOX‐resistant MCF‐7 cell line was successfully cultivated with DOX dose increasing and was named MCF‐7/DOX. Afterwards, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to measure the migration and invasion capabilities of MCF‐7/DOX cells, while cell propagation and apoptosis were determined by colony formation assay and flow cytometry analysis. Both western blotting and immunohistochemistry were conducted to examine the expression of proteins involved in PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Nude mice xenograft model was constructed to further verify the effects of DOX and RES on breast neoplasm in vivo. RES restored DOX sensitivity in MCF‐7/DOX cells, inhibiting biological functions of MCF‐7/DOX cells and promoting cell apoptosis in vitro and impeding tumor growth in vivo. It was revealed by the mechanistic studies that MCF‐7/DOX cells could regain the drug sensibility with RES treatment through inactivating the PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. RES could reverse DOX resistance in breast neoplasm cells and inhibited DOX‐resistant breast cancer cell propagation and metastasis and facilitated cell apoptosis by modulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):491–500, 2018
L‐rhamnose induces browning in 3T3‐L1 white adipocytes and activates HIB1B brown adipocytes
Authors: Choi Minji , Mukherjee Sulagna , Kang Nam Hyeon , Barkat Jameel Lone , Parray Hilal Ahmad , Yun Jong Won 
Published: April 2018

AbstractInduction of the brown adipocyte‐like phenotype in white adipocytes (browning) is considered as a novel strategy to fight obesity due to the ability of brown adipocytes to increase energy expenditure. Here, we report that L‐rhamnose induced browning by elevating expression levels of beige‐specific marker genes, including Cd137, Cited1, Tbx1, Prdm16, Tmem26, and Ucp1, in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Moreover, L‐rhamnose markedly elevated expression levels of proteins involved in thermogenesis both in 3T3‐L1 white and HIB1B brown adipocytes. L‐rhamnose treatment in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes also significantly elevated protein levels of p‐HSL, p‐AMPK, ACOX, and CPT1 as well as reduced levels of ACC, FAS, C/EBPα, and PPARγ, suggesting its possible role in enhancement of lipolysis and lipid catabolism as well as reduced adipogenesis and lipogenesis, respectively. The quick technique of efficient molecular docking provided insight into the strong binding of L‐rhamnose to the fat‐digesting glycine residue of β3‐adrenergic receptor (AR), indicating strong involvement of L‐rhamnose in fat metabolism. Further examination of the molecular mechanism of L‐rhamnose revealed that it induced browning of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes via coordination of multiple signaling pathways through β3‐AR, SIRT1, PKA, and p‐38. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that L‐rhamnose plays multiple modulatory roles in the induction of white fat browning, activation of brown adipocytes, as well as promotion of lipid metabolism, thereby demonstrating its therapeutic potential for treatment of obesity. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):563–573, 2018
Tissue reaction after subcutaneous implants of a new material composed of ethylene‐vinyl acetate and starch for future use as a biomaterial
Authors: Froes Brenda , Holgado Leandro A. , Simões Rebeca D. , Velasco Nieto Daniel , Angel Rodriguez Perez Miguel , Kinoshita Angela 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the tissue reaction of ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) in 4 different compositions and processing: EVA foamed at high pressure with ultrasound (EVACU); EVA with 15% starch foamed at high pressure with ultrasound (EVAMCU); EVA with 15% starch foamed at high pressure without ultrasound and EVA foamed at high pressure without ultrasound as future use as a porous scaffold. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the influence of starch, reducing the diameter of pores. The number of open pores was also reduced with the addition of starch. The ultrasound applied during the manufacturing of composites does not affect these characteristics. Eighteen rats were used to test the tissue reaction of materials and PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), proven biocompatible material. After 7, 15, and 60 days of surgery, the materials were removed and processed for microscopic evaluation and counting of the inflammatory infiltrate. The data shows inflammatory reaction similar to PTFE. However, in the quantitative analysis at 60 days, the EVACU and EVAMCU showed less quantity of mononuclear cells (p < 0.05). Thus, the results suggest that the use of ultrasound in the production method (EVA) seems to have improved cell behavior regarding the reduction of infiltration over the period, with tissue response equivalent to the PTFE. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 400–407, 2019.
Fracture Healing in Two Adult Patients With Hypophosphatasia After Asfotase Alfa Therapy
Authors: Klidaras Philostratos , Severt Jacqueline , Aggers Deborah , Payne Jason , Miller Paul D , Ing Steven W 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTInfants and children with hypophosphatasia (HPP) treated with asfotase alfa show improvement in bone mineralization and motor function, but it is unclear whether the medication can affect fracture healing in adult HPP patients. We present the course of fracture healing in two adults with HPP on enzyme replacement. Case 1 is a 41‐year‐old female with infantile‐onset HPP who was wheelchair‐bound due to a nonhealing tibial fragility fracture sustained 3 years before and also had nonhealing femoral pseudofracture sustained 17 years before starting asfotase alfa therapy in December 2015. One month after medication initiation, she underwent elective osteotomy of tibia and fibula with intramedullary nail fixation. After 3 months of enzyme replacement, she was full weight‐bearing and radiographs demonstrated callus formation at osteotomy sites, and at 11 months of therapy, radiographs showed union of the osteotomies. By 11 months of asfotase alfa therapy, there was near resolution of the femoral pseudofracture without interval surgery at this site. Case 2 is a 61‐year‐old male who showed nonunion of a fragility fracture of the right femur 8 years prior, intramedullary nail fixation 6 years prior, and stress fracture of the left femoral diaphysis sustained 1 year before starting asfotase alfa in October 2015. A trial of teriparatide was unsuccessful in healing of these fractures. On asfotase alfa, radiographs revealed interval healing of the left femur fracture after 12 months and complete healing of the right femur fracture and near resolution of the left femur fracture after 16 months of medical therapy. These two adult patients with HPP showed significant clinical and radiographic improvements in a total of four recalcitrant fractures on enzyme replacement therapy with asfotase alfa. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ablation of Dnmt3b in chondrocytes suppresses cell maturation during embryonic development
Authors: Xu Taotao , Wang Cuicui , Shen Jie , Tong Peijian , O'Keefe Regis 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDNA methylation is a major mode of epigenetic regulation in the mammalian genome and is essential for embryonic development. The three catalytic DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts), Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b, catalyze the methylation of cytosine. Dnmt3b is highly expressed in chondrocytes and global knockout of Dnmt3b led to skeletal deformations and embryonic lethality, suggesting an essential role of Dnmt3b in endochondral bone formation. To further define the role of Dnmt3b in skeletal development, Dnmt3b was deleted in Col2 positive chondrocyte lineage cells. Both axial and appendicular skeletal size were reduced and bone mineralization was delayed in Col2Cre+;Dnmt3bf/f (Dnmt3bCol2) mice at E14.5 and E18.5. While Alcian Blue Hematoxylin/Orange G (ABH/OG) staining showed normal chondrocyte columns in control growth plates, the length of hypertrophic chondrocyte zone and type X collagen expression were decreased in E18.5 growth plates from Dnmt3bCol2 mice. TUNEL and PCNA staining demonstrated that the delay in chondrocyte maturation observed in the Dnmt3bCol2 growth plates was not secondary to altered chondrocyte apoptosis or proliferation. Complementary in vitro experiments were performed on primary sternal chondrocytes isolated from control and Dnmt3bCol2 mice. Gene expression studies confirmed delayed terminal maturation as Mmp13 and Col10a1 expression was down‐regulated in Dnmt3bCol2 chondrocytes. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red staining confirmed that Dnmt3b deletion in chondrocytes delays in vitro chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation and matrix mineralization. Mechanistically, Dnmt3b gene deletion resulted in decreased BMP signaling through reduction of Smad1 phosphorylation. These findings show that epigenetic factor, Dnmt3b is necessary for normal chondrocyte hypertrophic maturation and limb development.
Calcifications in prostate cancer: An active phenomenon mediated by epithelial cells with osteoblast‐phenotype
Authors: Scimeca Manuel , Bonfiglio Rita , Varone Fabiana , Ciuffa Sara , Mauriello Alessandro , Bonanno Elena 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe main aim of this study was to investigate putative correlation between the formation of prostate calcifications and the presence of cancer cells showing the ultrastructural and morphological aspects of osteoblasts. To this end, 40 prostate biopsies of prostate cancer were enrolled and investigated from histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural point of view. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to propose a new cell type related to the ectopic calcifications in prostate tissue, the prostate osteoblast‐like cells (POLCs). Although our data require further investigations about the molecular mechanisms of both POLCs Cells generation and calcification formation, this study can open new and interesting prospective in the management of prostate cancer patients. In fact, if our data will be validated in large‐cohort studies, the presence of POLCs Cells and/or prostate calcifications could become a poor negative prognostic marker for cancer occurrence due to the correlation between the presence of POLCs Cells and epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenomenon.
Undiagnosed HIV infections among gay and bisexual men increasingly contribute to new infections in Australia
Authors: Gray Richard T , Wilson David P , Guy Rebecca J , Stoové Mark , Hellard Margaret E , Prestage Garrett P , Lea Toby , de Wit John , Holt Martin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionWe determined the contribution of undiagnosed HIV to new infections among gay and bisexual men (GBM) over a 12‐year period in Australia where there has been increasing focus on improving testing and HIV treatment coverage.MethodsWe generated annual estimates for each step of the HIV cascade and the number of new HIV infections for GBM in Australia over 2004 to 2015 using relevant national data. Using Bayesian melding we then fitted a quantitative model to the cascade and incidence estimates to infer relative transmission coefficients associated with being undiagnosed, diagnosed and not on ART, on ART with unsuppressed virus, or on ART with suppressed virus.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2015, we estimated the percentage of GBM with HIV in Australia who were unaware of their status to have decreased from 14.5% to 7.5%. During the same period, there was a substantial increase in the number and proportion of GBM living with HIV on treatment and with suppressed virus, with the number of virally suppressed GBM increasing from around 3900 (30.2% of all GBM living with HIV) in 2004 to around 14,000 (73.7% of all GBM living with HIV) in 2015. Despite the increase in viral suppression, the annual number of new infections rose from around 660 to around 760 over this period. Our results have a wide range due to the uncertainty in the cascade estimates and transmission coefficients. Nevertheless, undiagnosed GBM increasingly appear to contribute to new infections. The proportion of new infections attributable to undiagnosed GBM almost doubled from 33% in 2004 to 59% in 2015. Only a small proportion (<7%) originated from GBM with suppressed virus.DiscussionOur study suggests that an increase in HIV treatment coverage in Australia has reduced the overall risk of HIV transmission from people living with HIV. However, the proportion of infections and the rate of transmission from undiagnosed GBM has increased substantially. These findings highlight the importance of HIV testing and intensified prevention for Australian GBM at high risk of HIV.