bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced development of mouse single blastomeres into blastocysts via the simultaneous inhibition of TGF‐β and ERK pathways in microdroplet culture
Authors: Yekani Farshid , Azarnia Mahnaz , Esfandiari Fereshteh , Hassani Seyedeh‐Nafiseh , Baharvand Hossein 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOptimization of an in vitro culture that supports blastocyst (BL) development from single blastomeres (SBs) is essential to generate additional embryos for farm animals and humans and unravel the mechanisms that underlie totipotency. In this study, we have examined BL development from SBs that were derived from 2‐cell and 4‐cell mouse embryos in different media. Moreover, BLs were assessed for inner cell mass (ICM) by staining with Oct4. We found that BL development was improved in a lower volume of medium (1 µL) compared with a higher volume (5 µL). Furthermore, the supplementation of medium with the inhibitors of ERK1/2 and TGFβ (R2i) signaling pathways in 1 µL droplets of T6 medium improved BL development. The co‐culture of SBs with intact embryos in the presence of R2i showed more BL development and ICM to trophectoderm cell number ratio in comparison with SB culture and SB group culture. We also observed reduced total cell number, ICM, and trophectoderm cell numbers in all of the SB culture conditions versus intact embryo development. These findings might facilitate the successful generation of additional embryos for biomedical applications and elucidate the mechanisms that underlie totipotency.
Immunophenotypes and clinical features of lymphocytes in the labial gland of primary Sjogren's syndrome patients
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Zhang Na , Zhang Yujie , Shao Zonghong , Gong Lu , Wei Wei 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate consistency of lymphocyte immunophenotype between labial gland and peripheral blood in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).MethodsSeventy‐one pSS patients and 35 patients with maxillofacial trauma were included in the study. Based on the ratio of CD20 to CD3 in labial gland from 71 pSS patients, they were divided into the high and (n = 48) and low CD20 expression group (n = 23). Lymphocyte immunophenotypes in labial glands, course of disease, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein, immunoglobulin, and complement levels were analyzed.ResultsIn the labial gland, the levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, and C3c were higher, but C1q was lower in the pSS group than in the control group (all P < .05). CD20 was detected in labial gland samples of all pSS patients, in which CD3 was positive in 66 (93.0%) patients, and negative in 5 (7.0%). The plasma levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, and CRP, and ESR were higher, but serum C4 level was lower in pSS patients than in the control group (all P < .01). Serum IgG level, ESR, and labial gland CD20 were higher in the high CD20 expression group than the low expression group (all P < .05).ConclusionPrimary Sjogren's syndrome patients had a higher expression of CD20 positive infiltrating lymphocytes of the labial gland, accompanied with the changes of immunoglobulins, and complements in both the labial gland and peripheral blood.
Establishment of an in vitro organoid model of dermal papilla of human hair follicle
Authors: Gupta Abhishak C. , Chawla Shikha , Hegde Ashok , Singh Divya , Bandyopadhyay Balaji , Lakshmanan Chandrasekharan C. , Kalsi Gurpreet , Ghosh Sourabh 
Published: June 2018

Human hair dermal papilla (DP) cells are specialized mesenchymal cells that play a pivotal role in hair regeneration and hair cycle activation. The current study aimed to first develop three‐dimensional (3D) DP spheroids (DPS) with or without a silk–gelatin (SG) microenvironment, which showed enhanced DP‐specific gene expression, resulting in enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) production compared with a monolayer culture. We tested the feasibility of using this DPS model for drug screening by using minoxidil, which is a standard drug for androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil‐treated DPS showed enhanced expression of growth factors and ECM proteins. Further, an attempt has been made to establish an in vitro 3D organoid model consisting of DPS encapsulated by SG hydrogel and hair follicle (HF) keratinocytes and stem cells. This HF organoid model showed the importance of structural features, cell–cell interaction, and hypoxia akin to in vivo HF. The study helped to elucidate the molecular mechanisms to stimulate cell proliferation, cell viability, and elevated expression of HF markers as well as epithelial–mesenchymal crosstalks, demonstrating high relevance to human HF biology. This simple in vitro DP organoid model system has the potential to provide significant insights into the underlying mechanisms of HF morphogenesis, distinct molecular signals relevant to different stages of the hair cycle, and hence can be used for controlled evaluation of the efficacy of new drug molecules.
Development of an extraction method for the quantification of lignans in espresso coffee by using HPLC‐MS/MS triple quadrupole
Authors: Angeloni Simone , Navarini Luciano , Sagratini Gianni , Torregiani Elisabetta , Vittori Sauro , Caprioli Giovanni 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLignans are polyphenolic compounds that are considered phytoestrogens for their plant origins, and they possess different biological activities. Three different extraction methods, ie, “dilute and shoot”, acidic hydrolysis, and enzymatic digestion, have been compared for extracting lignans (secoisolariciresinol (SECO), matairesinol (MAT), and lariciresinol (LARI)) from espresso coffee (EC) by using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The best recovery values (SECO: 97%, LARI: 98%, and MAT: 93%) were obtained by using enzymatic hydrolysis with Clara‐Diastase at 10% (w/v), keeping the sample at 37°C for 3 hours. For this reason, this method has been chosen and then applied to quantify lignans in 9 different EC samples from 5 different geographical origins (Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, and India). Secoisolariciresinol and LARI were found in all EC samples from 27.9 to 52.0 μg L−1 and from 5.3 to 27.8 μg L−1 respectively, contrary to MAT that it was not possible to detect it in each type of coffee. This method confirms the high specificity and sensitivity of MS/MS system for detecting bioactives in complex matrix such as coffee.
Reduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms from implant materials in a diffusion dominated environment
Authors: Moley James P. , McGrath Mary S. , Granger Jeffrey F. , Stoodley Paul , Dusane Devendra H. 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTAntibiotic‐loaded calcium sulfate beads (CS‐B) are used to treat biofilm‐related periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). A previous study has shown that such beads are effective in reducing lawns biofilms grown on agar plates; however, the ability of CS‐B to eradicate biofilms grown on solid orthopedic material surfaces has not been investigated. We grew biofilms of bioluminescent strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Xen41 and a USA300 MRSA Staphylococcus aureus SAP231 on ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (PE), hydroxyapatite (HA), and 316L stainless steel (SS) coupons for three days under static growth conditions, with daily nutrient exchange. The coupons were rinsed with sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) to remove planktonic bacteria and placed in a petri dish, surrounded by four either antibiotic vancomycin and tobramycin loaded (CS‐BV+T) or unloaded beads (CS‐BU). A thin layer of agar was overlaid to simulate a periprosthetic infection where an implant abuts soft tissue and then incubated for 72 h. The amount of biofilm was measured by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) for activity and viable cell count (CFUs). Coupons exposed to CS‐BV+T showed a significant reduction in the amount of biofilm within 24 h, regardless of the bacterial strain or material type. The coupons exposed to control CS‐BU had no effect on bacteria over 72 h. Statement of Clinical Significance: Antibiotic‐loaded calcium sulfate beads (CS‐B) were effective in significantly reducing mature biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus from orthopedic relevant surfaces in our in vitro agar model. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3081–3085, 2018.
Characterization of Klason lignin samples isolated from beech and aspen using microbore column size‐exclusion chromatography
Authors: Beňo Erik , Góra Róbert , Hutta Milan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe present study is focused on the separation and characterization of lignin samples isolated by Klason method from European beech (Fagus sylvatica) broadleaf hardwood and European aspen (Populus tremula) broadleaf softwood by size‐exclusion chromatography. The separation was carried out using dimethylformamide as major component of the mobile phase and a 3 mm id microbore column packed with hydroxyethyl methacrylate gel, calibrated with polystyrene standards. The influence of mobile phase composition and sample solvent composition on the chromatographic behavior and molar mass distributions was investigated.
Impact of Self‐Blame on Cognitive Processing Therapy: A Comparison of Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Stayton Laura E. , Dickstein Benjamin D. , Chard Kathleen M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractResearch suggests that cognitive processing therapy (CPT) may be a particularly well‐suited intervention for trauma survivors who endorse self‐blame; however, no study has examined the impact of self‐blame on response to CPT. Accordingly, the current study compared response to CPT between two groups of veterans seeking residential treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In one group, participants endorsed low self‐blame at pretreatment (n = 133) and in the other group, participants endorsed high self‐blame (n = 133). Results from multilevel modeling analysis suggest that both groups experienced significant reductions in PTSD symptoms as measured by the PTSD Checklist, B = −1.58, SE = 0.11; 95% CI [−1.78, −1.37]; t(1654) = −14.97, p < .001. After controlling for pretreatment symptom severity and additional covariates, there was no difference in treatment response between the low‐ and high‐self‐blame groups, Time × Self‐blame interaction: B = 0.18, SE = 0.12; 95% CI = [−0.06, 0.42]; t(1646) = 1.49, p = .138. This suggests that CPT is an effective treatment for individuals exposed to trauma, regardless of level of self‐blame.
Highly Fluorescent Merocyanine and Cyanine PMMA Copolymers
Authors: Pasch Peter , Papadopoulos Julian , Goralczyk Andreas , Hofer Marc L. , Tabatabai Monir , Müller Thomas J. J. , Hartmann Laura 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPolymerizable merocyanine and cyanine dye monomers are synthesized and applied in a statistical copolymerization with methylmethacrylate, giving a series of highly fluorescent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) copolymers. Photophysical properties of yellow to red merocyanine‐ and of pink to dark purple cyanine‐containing copolymers are studied by fluorescence spectroscopy in solid state as well as in different solvents. The highest quantum yield measured in the solid state is observed for copolymers with the lowest dye content: 16% for merocyanine‐based and 13% for cyanine‐based copolymers, respectively. Fluorescence properties in solution show positive solvatochromism for both merocyanine monomer and copolymer. Copolymer, in comparison to monomer, is hypsochromically shifted to lower wavelengths which point toward H‐aggregation of the chromophores in the copolymer matrix.
Facile Synthesis and Photoactivity of Merocyanine‐Photoacid Polymers
Authors: Khalil Thaaer , Alharbi Arwa , Baum Clayton , Liao Yi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn recent years, merocyanine photoacids have been utilized to control various chemical processes using visible light and have found applications in materials, energy, and biomedical areas. Molecular merocyanine photoacids are commonly used in the previous works. Covalently linking the photoacids to polymers improves their compatibility with different media, avoids leakage problems, and allows a localized proton concentration to be produced. However, the phenolic and indolinium moieties of the photoacids make them difficult to be polymerized with common methods. In this work, the monomer of a merocyanine photoacid is converted to a spiropyran in situ by adding trimethylamine to a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution of the monomer. Free radical polymerization yields the polymers of the spiropyran, which is acidified to regenerate the photoacid. The photoacid polymers prepared show good solubility, photoacidity, and reversibility. Irradiating a thin film of a photoacid polymer doped with methyl orange through a mask copies the pattern of the mask to the film. The pattern can be erased by heating the film at 80 °C for 10 min, and a new pattern is created by irradiation through a different mask.
Heterocyclic Analogs of Sulforaphane Trigger DNA Damage and Impede DNA Repair in Colon Cancer Cells: Interplay of HATs and HDACs
Authors: Okonkwo Adaobi , Mitra Joy , Johnson Gavin S. , Li Li , Dashwood Wan Mohaiza , Hegde Muralidhar L. , Yue Chen , Dashwood Roderick H. , Rajendran Praveen 
Published: June 2018

ScopeDNA repair inhibitors have broad clinical applications in tumor types with DNA repair defects, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Structural analogs of the anticancer agent sulforaphane (SFN) were investigated as modifiers of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity, and for effects on DNA damage/repair pertinent to human CRC.Methods and resultsIn the polyposis in rat colon (Pirc) model, single oral administration of SFN and structurally related long‐chain isothiocyanates (ITCs) decreased histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) expression and increased pH2AX levels markedly in adenomatous colon polyps, extending prior observations on HDAC3 inhibition/turnover in cell‐based assays. Colon cancer cells at a high initial plating density had diminished cytotoxicity from SFN, whereas novel tetrazole‐containing heterocyclic analogs of SFN retained their efficacy. The potent SFN analogs triggered DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and loss of a key DNA repair regulator, C‐terminal binding protein (CtBP) interacting protein (CtIP). These SFN analogs also altered HAT/HDAC activities and histone acetylation status, lowered the expression of HDAC3, P300/CBP‐associated factor (PCAF) and lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A/GCN5), and attenuated homologous recombination (HR)/non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair activities in colon cancer cells.ConclusionNovel tetrazole‐containing heterocyclic analogs of SFN provide a new avenue for chemosensitization in colon cancer cells via modulation of HAT/HDAC activities and associated DNA damage/repair signaling pathways.
Optimal motion planning in rapid‐fire combat situations with attacker uncertainty
Authors: Walton Claire , Lambrianides Panos , Kaminer Isaac , Royset Johannes , Gong Qi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis article provides a modeling framework for quantifying cost and optimizing motion plans in combat situations with rapid weapon fire, multiple agents, and attacker uncertainty characterized by uncertain parameters. Recent developments in numerical optimal control enable the efficient computation of numerical solutions for optimization problems with multiple agents, nonlinear dynamics, and a broad class of objectives. This facilitates the application of more realistic, equipment‐based combat models, which track both more realistic models, which track both agent motion and dynamic equipment capabilities. We present such a framework, along with a described algorithm for finding numerical solutions, and a numerical example.
Hydrogen Bonding Regulates the Rigidity of Liposome‐Encapsulated Chlorin Photosensitizers
Authors: Vetta Martina De , González Leticia , Nogueira Juan J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLiposomal formulations facilitate the administration of hydrophobic drugs, avoiding precipitation and aggregation phenomena when injected in polar solvents. The integration of the photosensitizer into the liposome may alter the fluidity of the system and, thus, modify the delivery process of the drug. Such a change has been observed for the liposomal formulation of Temoporfin, which is one of the most potent chlorin photosensitizers employed in photodynamic therapy. Here, all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to identify the nature of the intermolecular interactions that might be responsible of the different lipids freedom of motion when the drug is introduced in the bilayer. It is found that Temoporfin participates as a hydrogen donor in strong hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the polar groups of the phospholipids. The theoretical analysis suggests that the rigidity of drug/liposome complexes can be modulated by considering the different hydrogen‐bond ability of the photosensitizer and the carrier material.
Partial Substitution of Potassium with Sodium in the K2Ti2(PO4)3 Langbeinite‐Type Framework: Synthesis and Crystalline Structure of K1.75Na0.25Ti2(PO4)3
Authors: Zatovsky Igor V. , Strutynska Nataliia Yu. , Hizhnyi Yuriy A. , Nedilko Sergiy G. , Slobodyanik Nickolai S. , Klyui Nickolai. I. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe interaction of TiN with Na2O–K2O–P2O5 melts was investigated at (Na+K)/P molar ratios of 0.9, 1.0, and 1.2 and at Na/K molar ratios of 1.0 and 2.0. Interactions in the system led to the loss of nitrogen and the partial loss of phosphorus and resulted in the formation of KTiP2O7 and langbeinite‐type K2−xNaxTi2(PO4)3 (x=0.22–0.26) solid solutions over the temperature range of 1173 to 1053 K. The phase compositions of the obtained samples were determined by using X‐ray diffraction (including Rietveld refinement), scanning electron microscopy (using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and element mapping), FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis. K1.75Na0.25Ti2(PO4)3 was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction [P213 space group, a=9.851(5) Å]. The 3D framework is built up by TiO6 octahedra and PO4 tetrahedra sharing all the oxygen vertices with the formation of cavities occupied by K(Na) cations. Only one of the two crystallographically inequivalent potassium sites is partially substituted by sodium, and this was confirmed by calculating the bond‐valence sum. The thermodynamic stability of K1.75Na0.25Ti2(PO4)3 crystals and the preferable occupation sites of NaK cationic substitutions were investigated by DFT‐based electronic structure calculations performed by the plane‐wave pseudopotential method.
A Multiple Stimuli‐Sensitive Low‐Molecular‐Weight Gel with an Aggregate‐Induced Emission Effect for Sol–Gel Transition Detection
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Qihong , Hu Yalong , Liu Miaochang , Huang Xiaobo , Gao Wenxia , Wu Huayue 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA low‐molecular‐weight gel (LMWG) with a hydrazone moiety and an aggregate‐induced emission (AIE) unit was fabricated; the self‐assembly and disassembly of the LMWG under different stimuli conditions were studied. The LMWG exhibited multiple stimuli sensitivity with temperature, light, ions, and ionic strength. The hydrazone was integrated into the gelator to act as ion sensing sites and hydrogen bond donor groups to fulfil the task of ion recognition of Ni2+, BH4−, and OH−, as well as ion‐controlled reversible sol–gel recovery by adding H+ for deprotonation; it also broke under UV irradiation to evoke light‐sensitivity. In addition, the sol–gel transition of the gel was detected by the AIE effect. The research provided an effective strategy in fabricating multiple stimuli‐sensitive LMWGs for potential biomedical applications.
The Effect of Polymer Structures on Complete Degradation: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Zhu Yu , Zhang Depeng , Zhang Zhanwen , Wang Zhigang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe widespread application of hydrocarbon polymer materials has spurred an increasing interest in the study of their dissociation mechanism, which is related to key issues such as environmental protection. In this work, the last‐step dissociation characteristics of carbon chain polymers were investigated. By using density functional theory, we considered all possible structures, including three typical normal linkage polymers and four typical abnormal linkage ones. In these structures, it can be found that the energy barrier required for the complete degradation of chain‐end saturated and unsaturated polymers are in the range of 3.42 to 4.78 eV and 0.35 to 1.31 eV, respectively. It shows that the unsaturated polymer is easier to degrade. Interestingly, as for three linkages of the polymer, the calculated results further suggest that the energy barrier of head‐to‐head, head‐to‐tail, and tail‐to‐tail linkages of the polymer dissociating to produce the monomer increase, no matter if the chain‐end is saturated or not. Therefore, we form a regular understanding of how to achieve the complete degradation of the polymer. In addition, analyses of the bond characteristics and electronic structures agree with the results of the energy barrier measurements. Meanwhile, the spin population analysis presents an obvious net spin transfer process in depolymerization reactions. We hope that the current results can provide a basic insight into polymer degradation.
Uranium(VI) Complexes with a Calix[4]arene‐Based 8‐Hydroxyquinoline Ligand: Thermodynamic and Structural Characterization Based on Calorimetry, Spectroscopy, and Liquid–Liquid Extraction
Authors: Bauer Anne , Jäschke Astrid , Schöne Sebastian , Barthen Robert , März Juliane , Schmeide Katja , Patzschke Michael , Kersting Berthold , Fahmy Karim , Oertel Jana , Brendler Vinzenz , Stumpf Thorsten 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe environmental aspects of ore processing and waste treatment call for an optimization of applied technologies. There, understanding of the structure and complexation mechanism on a molecular scale is indispensable. Here, the complexation of UVI with a calix[4]arene‐based 8‐hydroxyquinoline ligand was investigated by applying a wide range of complementary methods. In solution, the formation of two complex species was proven with stability constants of log ß1:1=5.94±0.02 and log ß2:1=6.33±0.01, respectively. The formation of the 1:1 complex was found to be enthalpy driven [ΔH1:1=(−71.5±10.0) kJ mol−1; TΔS1:1=(−37.57±10.0) kJ mol−1], whereas the second complexation step was found to be endothermic and entropy driven [ΔH2:1=(32.8±4.0) kJ mol−1; TΔS2:1=(68.97±4.0) kJ mol−1]. Moreover, the molecular structure of [UO2(H6L)(NO3)](NO3) (1) was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Concluding, radiotoxic UVI was separated from a EuIII‐containing solution by the calix[4]arene‐based ligand in solvent extractions.
Novel back contact reflector for high efficiency and double‐graded Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells
Authors: Bissig Benjamin , Carron Romain , Greuter Lukas , Nishiwaki Shiro , Avancini Enrico , Andres Christian , Feurer Thomas , Buecheler Stephan , Tiwari Ayodhya N. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFor highest efficiency Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin‐film solar cells, the V‐shaped bandgap grading can result in residual transmission through the absorber layer and parasitic absorbance in the Mo back contact. To improve the back contact reflectance, absorbers were grown in a multistage process on Mo/Al/InZnO substrates. Additionally, ultrathin layers of Mo and MoSeX were introduced at the InZnO‐absorber interface. Effects of the different back contacts on device performance, absorber morphology, and composition are characterized and discussed. Finally, a numerical model is proposed to understand the experimentally observed increase in device current density of 0.3 to 0.8 mAcm−2.