bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Porous Pd3Pt Half‐Shells with Rich “Active Sites” as Efficient Catalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Hu Xuejiao , Fu Gengtao , Xu Lin , Lee Jong‐Min , Tang Yawen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractExploring highly efficient electrocatalysts is greatly important for the widespread uptake of the fuel cells. However, many newly generated nanocrystals with attractive nanostructures often have extremely limited surface area or large particle‐size, which leads them to display limited electrocatalytic performance. Herein, a novel anode catalyst of hollow and porous Pd3Pt half‐shells with rich “active sites” is synthesized by using urea as a guiding surfactant. It is identified that the formation of Pd3Pt half‐shells involves the combination of bubble guiding, in situ deposition of particles and bubble burst. The obtained Pd3Pt half‐shells demonstrate a rich edge area with abundant exposed active sites and surface defects, indicating great potential for the electrocatalysis. When used as an electrocatalyst, the Pd3Pt half‐shells exhibit remarkably improved electrocatalytic performance for formic acid oxidation (FAO), where it promotes the dehydrogenation process of FAO by suppressing the formation of poisonous species COads via the electronic effect and ensemble effect.
Formal derivation and existence result of an approximate model on dislocation densities
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan , Rizik Vivian , Salloum Zaynab 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this work, we are interested in a mathematical problem arising from the dynamics of dislocation densities in crystals. The model, originally developed by Groma, Czikor, and Zaiser in [], is a coupled singular parabolic system that describes the motion of dislocations in a bounded crystal, taking into account the short‐range interactions and the effect of exterior stresses. We show the derivation and the short time existence and uniqueness of a regular solution in a Hölder space using a fixed point argument and a particular comparison principle.
Early Consequences of Pectus Excavatum Surgery on Self‐Esteem and General Quality of Life
Authors: Zuidema W. P. , Oosterhuis J. W. A. , Zijp G. W. , van der Heide S. M. , van der Steeg A. F. W. , van Heurn L. W. E. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundAn early observation after chest wall correction is direct inspection from the PE patient of their “new” thorax. Changes in self‐perception may give raise to other psychological adaptations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early changes in the fields of self‐esteem, body image and QoL.MethodsProspective observational longitudinal multicenter cohort study. Self‐esteem, emotional limitations and general health were assessed using the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) in patients under 18 and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire‐bref (WHOQOL‐bref) was used for body image, psychological domain and overall QoL in patients over 16 years of age. Measurements were taken before surgery (T1) and 6 weeks (T2), and 6 months thereafter (T3).ResultsScores on post‐operative self‐esteem were significantly higher compared with scores pre‐operatively (p < 0.007). Also body image, psychological domain and emotional limitations showed significant improvement, respectively p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.016. Significant improvement in the first three components was mainly achieved in the first 6 weeks post‐operative. In emotional limitation, however, the largest change was between 6 weeks and 6 months. Overall quality of life in the WHOQOL‐bref and general health domain in the CHQ showed no significant improvement in relation to the pre‐operative scores.ConclusionPost‐operative PE patients after Nuss procedure showed an improved body image, increased self‐esteem and increased psychological resilience in the first 6 months, with the most marked change in the first 6 weeks. Also emotional limitations changed significantly over time. The changes were not large enough to influence general QoL or general health significantly.
Cerebrospinal fluid and serum MHPG improve Alzheimer's disease versus dementia with Lewy bodies differential diagnosis
Authors: Janssens Jana , Vermeiren Yannick , Fransen Erik , Aerts Tony , Van Dam Debby , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , De Deyn Peter P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionGiven the challenges concerning the differential diagnosis of dementia, we investigated the possible added value of monoaminergic compounds to the standard cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers. Particularly, regarding the AD versus dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) comparison, monoamines or their metabolites might have added discriminative value as there is a more severe neuropathological burden in the locus coeruleus of DLB patients, the principal site of noradrenaline synthesis.MethodsWe applied enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze CSF amyloid β peptide of 42 amino acids, total tau, and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181, in patients with AD, frontotemporal dementia, DLB/Parkinson's disease dementia, and controls. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was implemented to study monoamine and metabolite levels in CSF and serum. Stepwise forward conditional logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these newly fitted models containing the most discriminative indicators of disease status.ResultsMost significant differences in CSF and serum were confined to the noradrenergic system. More specifically, CSF 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels were higher, whereas serum MHPG levels were lower, in DLB patients compared with all other groups. Addition of CSF and serum MHPG levels to the CSF AD biomarker panel significantly increased diagnostic accuracy between DLB/Parkinson's disease dementia and AD. Interestingly, a model only including CSF and serum MHPG without the classic AD biomarker panel reached similar area under the curve values.DiscussionWe hypothesize that varying degrees of neuronal loss in the locus coeruleus of DLB/Parkinson's disease dementia versus AD patients result in differentially altered MHPG levels, making this metabolite a valuable biomarker.
Coercion and Volition in Law and Philosophy
Authors: Pundik Amit 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper discusses cases in which defendants were coerced to do something they wanted to do anyway. Through these cases a stark divergence between the legal and philosophical discussion of alternative possibilities is highlighted. The paper seeks to vindicate the legal approach to coercion and volition by showing that the legal approach could be accounted for with an epistemic version of the Principle of Alternative Possibilities, a version which is also immune to Frankfurt-type examples.
LEFT-ORDERABLE COMPUTABLE GROUPS
Authors: HARRISON-TRAINOR MATTHEW 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDowney and Kurtz asked whether every orderable computable group is classically isomorphic to a group with a computable ordering. By an order on a group, one might mean either a left-order or a bi-order. We answer their question for left-orderable groups by showing that there is a computable left-orderable group which is not classically isomorphic to a computable group with a computable left-order. The case of bi-orderable groups is left open.
Inside the Enclosed Farm: Farmers, Shepherds, and the Introduction of New Technology in Cape Wool Farming, 1865–1950
Authors: Lilja Fredrik 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article considers the transformation of labour relations in wool farming in the Cape Colony/Province between 1865 and 1950. It focuses specifically on shepherds and how their relationship with farmers changed as a result of the requirement to improve production through the implementation of fenced camps in the late nineteenth century. It was expected that this innovation would reduce the demand among farmers for shepherds. This article shows, however, that the demand for shepherds continued due to the existence of jackals and the lack of sufficient water in the dry Karoo. It was not until the 1910s that, on the most progressive farms, the demand for shepherds was markedly reduced. But the shepherds were replaced by camp walkers – people who managed fences rather than sheep. Among farmers who had not invested in fencing and water supplies, the demand for shepherding continued, and, to compete, those farmers hired younger shepherds.
COMPLETED FERTILITY DURING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: AN EXAMPLE FROM SIX SETTLEMENTS IN NORTHERN GREECE
Authors: Zafeiris Konstantinos N. , Kaklamani Stamatina 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThis study aimed to delineate temporal trends and differentials of completed fertility and their relationship with some characteristics of the marriage system in specific anthropological populations of northern Greece. The analysis was based on the life history of quinquennial and decennial birth cohorts of married women born in the 20thcentury who reproduced solely within the settlements studied. The variables studied were: children ever born, mean age of mother at first marriage, mean age of mother at first child (live birth), mean age of mother at last child and reproductive span. The results indicated that there were significant differences in the demographic characteristics of marriage and that there was an ongoing fertility transition in the 20th century in the populations studied. The mechanism of fertility decline was connected with the gradual reduction of the mean age of the mother at last child, the parallel decrease in the mean age at childbearing and a shortening of the reproductive span. Fertility levels at all times maintained a dynamic character imposed by local cultural, economic and social structures, which, in turn, were part of broader national and international structures, in all the populations studied. A strong trend of convergence of fertility levels was observed among the populations studied.
WHY SHOULD WE TEAM REASON?
Authors: Browne Katharine 
Published: February 2018

Abstract:Team reasoning is thought to be descriptively and normatively superior to the classical individualistic theory of rational choice primarily because it can recommend coordination on Hi in the Hi-Lo game and cooperation in Prisoner's Dilemma-type situations. However, left unanswered is whether it is rational for individuals to become team members, leaving a gap between reasons for individuals and reasons for team members. In what follows, I take up Susan Hurley's attempt to show that it is rational for an individual to become a team member. I argue that her account fails to show that becoming a team member is necessary to gain the advantages of coordination in Hi-Lo games or cooperation in Prisoner's Dilemma-type situations, and that individuals will often fare better reasoning as individual agents than as members of a team. I argue further that there is a more general problem for team reasoning, specifically that the conditions needed to make it rational for a team member to employ team reasoning make becoming a team member unnecessary.
Retinal progenitor cells release extracellular vesicles containing developmental transcription factors, microRNA and membrane proteins
Authors: Zhou Jing , Benito-Martin Alberto , Mighty Jason , Chang Lynne , Ghoroghi Shima , Wu Hao , Wong Madeline , Guariglia Sara , Baranov Petr , Young Michael , Gharbaran Rajendra , Emerson Mark , Mark Milica Tesic , Molina Henrik , Canto-Soler M. Valeria , Selgas Hector Peinado , Redenti Stephen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA range of cell types, including embryonic stem cells, neurons and astrocytes have been shown to release extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing molecular cargo. Across cell types, EVs facilitate transfer of mRNA, microRNA and proteins between cells. Here we describe the release kinetics and content of EVs from mouse retinal progenitor cells (mRPCs). Interestingly, mRPC derived EVs contain mRNA, miRNA and proteins associated with multipotency and retinal development. Transcripts enclosed in mRPC EVs, include the transcription factors Pax6, Hes1, and Sox2, a mitotic chromosome stabilizer Ki67, and the neural intermediate filaments Nestin and GFAP. Proteomic analysis of EV content revealed retinogenic growth factors and morphogen proteins. mRPC EVs were shown to transfer GFP mRNA between cell populations. Finally, analysis of EV mediated functional cargo delivery, using the Cre-loxP recombination system, revealed transfer and uptake of Cre+ EVs, which were then internalized by target mRPCs activating responder loxP GFP expression. In summary, the data supports a paradigm of EV genetic material encapsulation and transfer within RPC populations. RPC EV transfer may influence recipient RPC transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, representing a novel mechanism of differentiation and fate determination during retinal development.
DYRK1A inhibition and cognitive rescue in a Down syndrome mouse model are induced by new fluoro-DANDY derivatives
Authors: Neumann Fernanda , Gourdain Stéphanie , Albac Christelle , Dekker Alain D. , Bui Linh Chi , Dairou Julien , Schmitz-Afonso Isabelle , Hue Nathalie , Rodrigues-Lima Fernando , Delabar Jean M. , Potier Marie-Claude , Le Caër Jean-Pierre , Touboul David , Delatour Benoît , Cariou Kevin , Dodd Robert H. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInhibition of DYRK1A kinase, produced by chromosome 21 and consequently overproduced in trisomy 21 subjects, has been suggested as a therapeutic approach to treating the cognitive deficiencies observed in Down syndrome (DS). We now report the synthesis and potent DYRK1A inhibitory activities of fluoro derivatives of 3,5-di(polyhydroxyaryl)-7-azaindoles (F-DANDYs). One of these compounds (3-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine, 5a) was selected for in vivo studies of cognitive rescuing effects in a standard mouse model of DS (Ts65Dn line). Using the Morris water maze task, Ts65Dn mice treated i.p. with 20 mg/kg of 5a performed significantly better than Ts65Dn mice treated with placebo, confirming the promnesiant effect of 5a in the trisomic mice. Overall, these results demonstrate for the first time that selective and competitive inhibition of DYRK1A kinase by the F-DANDY derivative 5a may provide a viable treatment strategy for combating the memory and learning deficiencies encountered in DS.
IL-23 and IL-27 Levels in Serum are Associated with the Process and the Recovery of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Authors: Peng Jing , Zhang Hui , Liu Peidong , Chen Min , Xue Bing , Wang Rui , Shou Jifei , Qian Juanfeng , Zhao Zhikang , Xing Yanmeng , Liu Hongbo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIL-23 and IL-27 are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, changes in these cytokines during the dynamic pathological and recovery processes of GBS are not well described. In the present study, plasma was collected from 83 patients with various stages of GBS, 70 patients with central nervous system demyelinating diseases,70 patients with other neurological diseases (OND) and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Serum levels of IL-23, IL-27, and Campylobacter jejuni (CJ) IgM were assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We found that serum IL-23 levels of patients during the acute phase of GBS were significantly higher followed by a decreasing trend during the recovery phase of the disease. Serum IL-27 levels significantly increased during the acute phase of GBS, and gradually increased during the recovery phase. Interestingly, both the severity and subtype of GBS were closely associated with the two cytokines. IL-23 levels were positively correlated with IL-27 levels, prognosis, and other clinical parameters. Our findings confirm that IL-23 may show pro-inflammatory effects, especially at the early stage of GBS. IL-27 appears to have a dual role in GBS, with initial pro-inflammatory effects, followed by anti-inflammatory properties during recovery.
A large-scale RNA interference screen identifies genes that regulate autophagy at different stages
Authors: Guo Sujuan , Pridham Kevin J. , Virbasius Ching-Man , He Bin , Zhang Liqing , Varmark Hanne , Green Michael R. , Sheng Zhi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDysregulated autophagy is central to the pathogenesis and therapeutic development of cancer. However, how autophagy is regulated in cancer is not well understood and genes that modulate cancer autophagy are not fully defined. To gain more insights into autophagy regulation in cancer, we performed a large-scale RNA interference screen in K562 human chronic myeloid leukemia cells using monodansylcadaverine staining, an autophagy-detecting approach equivalent to immunoblotting of the autophagy marker LC3B or fluorescence microscopy of GFP-LC3B. By coupling monodansylcadaverine staining with fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we successfully isolated autophagic K562 cells where we identified 336 short hairpin RNAs. After candidate validation using Cyto-ID fluorescence spectrophotometry, LC3B immunoblotting, and quantitative RT-PCR, 82 genes were identified as autophagy-regulating genes. 20 genes have been reported previously and the remaining 62 candidates are novel autophagy mediators. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that most candidate genes were involved in molecular pathways regulating autophagy, rather than directly participating in the autophagy process. Further autophagy flux assays revealed that 57 autophagy-regulating genes suppressed autophagy initiation, whereas 21 candidates promoted autophagy maturation. Our RNA interference screen identified genes that regulate autophagy at different stages, which helps decode autophagy regulation in cancer and offers novel avenues to develop autophagy-related therapies for cancer.
Mathematical modeling of the impact of cytokine response of acute myeloid leukemia cells on patient prognosis
Authors: Stiehl Thomas , Ho Anthony D. , Marciniak-Czochra Anna 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease. One reason for the heterogeneity may originate from inter-individual differences in the responses of leukemic cells to endogenous cytokines. On the basis of mathematical modeling, computer simulations and patient data, we have provided evidence that cytokine-independent leukemic cell proliferation may be linked to early relapses and poor overall survival. Depending whether the model of cytokine-dependent or cytokine-independent leukemic cell proliferation fits to the clinical data, patients can be assigned to two groups that differ significantly with respect to overall survival. The modeling approach further enables us to identify parameter constellations that can explain unexpected responses of some patients to external cytokines such as blast crisis or remission without chemotherapy.
The promotion function of Berberine for osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells via ERK-FOS pathway mediated by EGFR
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhao Xiaodan , Pei Dandan , Sun Guo , Li Ye , Zhu Chunhui , Qiang Cui , Sun Junyi , Shi Jianfeng , Dong Yan , Gou Jianzhong , Wang Sicen , Li Ang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCoptidis Rhizoma binds to the membrane receptors on hPDLSC/CMC, and the active ingredient Berberine (BER) that can be extracted from it may promote the proliferation and osteogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSC). The membrane receptor that binds with BER on the cell surface of hPDLSC, the mechanism of direct interaction between BER and hPDLSC, and the related signal pathway are not yet clear. In this research, EGFR was screened as the affinity membrane receptor between BER and hPDLSC, through retention on CMC, competition with BER and by using a molecular docking simulation score. At the same time, the MAPK PCR Array was selected to screen the target genes that changed when hPDLSC was simulated by BER. In conclusion, BER may bind to EGFR on the cell membrane of hPDLSC so the intracellular ERK signalling pathways activate, and nuclear-related genes of FOS change, resulting in the effect of osteogenesis on PDLSC.
The utility of a network–based clustering method for dimension reduction of imaging and non-imaging biomarkers predictive of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yoshida Hisako , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Yamashita Fumio , Tsuruya Kazuhiko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWhile the identification of biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is critical, emphasis must also be placed on defining the relationship between these and other indicators. To this end, we propose a network-based radial basis function-sparse partial least squares (RBF-sPLS) approach to analyze structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data of the brain. This intermediate phenotype for AD represents a more objective approach for exploring biomarkers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The proposed method has two unique features for effective biomarker selection. The first is that applying RBF to sMRI data can reduce the dimensions without excluding information. The second is that the network analysis considers the relationship among the biomarkers, while applied to non-imaging data. As a result, the output can be interpreted as clusters of related biomarkers. In addition, it is possible to estimate the parameters between the sMRI data and biomarkers while simultaneously selecting the related brain regions and biomarkers. When applied to real data, this technique identified not only the hippocampus and traditional biomarkers, such as amyloid beta, as predictive of AD, but also numerous other regions and biomarkers.
Recombinant IFN-γ from the bank vole Myodes glareolus: a novel tool for research on rodent reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens
Authors: Torelli Francesca , Zander Steffen , Ellerbrok Heinz , Kochs Georg , Ulrich Rainer G. , Klotz Christian , Seeber Frank 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRodent species like Myodes glareolus and Microtus spp. are natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens causing human diseases and are gaining increasing interest in the field of eco-immunology as candidate animal models. Despite their importance the lack of immunological reagents has hampered research in these animal species. Here we report the recombinant production and functional characterization of IFN-γ, a central mediator of host’s innate and adaptive immune responses, from the bank vole M. glareolus. Soluble dimeric recMgIFN-γ was purified in high yield from Escherichia coli. Its activity on M. glareolus and Microtus arvalis kidney cell lines was assessed by immunofluorescent detection of nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT1. RecMgIFN-γ also induced expression of an IFN-γ-regulated innate immunity gene. Inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus replication in vole cells upon recMgIFN-γ treatment provided further evidence of its biological activity. Finally, we established a recMgIFN-γ-responsive bank vole reporter cell line that allows the sensitive titration of the cytokine activity via a bioluminescence reporter assay. Taken together, we report valuable tools for future investigations on the immune response against zoonotic pathogens in their natural animal hosts, which might foster the development of novel animal models.