bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ASB1 differential methylation in ischaemic cardiomyopathy: relationship with left ventricular performance in end‐stage heart failure patients
Authors: Ortega Ana , Tarazón Estefanía , Gil‐Cayuela Carolina , Martínez‐Dolz Luis , Lago Francisca , González‐Juanatey José Ramón , Sandoval Juan , Portolés Manuel , Roselló‐Lletí Esther , Rivera Miguel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimsIschaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) leads to impaired contraction and ventricular dysfunction, causing high rates of morbidity and mortality. Epigenomics allows the identification of epigenetic signatures in human diseases. We analyse the differential epigenetic patterns of the ASB gene family in ICM patients and relate these alterations to their haemodynamic and functional status.Methods and resultsEpigenomic analysis was carried out using 16 left ventricular (LV) tissue samples, eight from ICM patients undergoing heart transplantation and eight from control (CNT) subjects without cardiac disease. We increased the sample size up to 13 ICM and 10 CNT for RNA sequencing and to 14 ICM for pyrosequencing analyses. We found a hypermethylated profile (cg11189868) in the ASB1 gene that showed a differential methylation of 0.26Δβ (P = 0.016). This result was validated by a pyrosequencing technique (0.23Δβ, P = 0.048). Notably, the methylation pattern was strongly related to LV ejection fraction (r = −0.849, P = 0.008), stroke volume (r = −0.929, P = 0.001), and end‐systolic and diastolic LV diameters (r = −0.743, P = 0.035 for both). ASB1 showed a down‐regulation in messenger RNA levels (−1.2‐fold, P = 0.039).ConclusionsOur findings link a specific ASB1 methylation pattern to LV structure and performance in end‐stage ICM, opening new therapeutic opportunities and providing new insights regarding which is the functionally relevant genome in the ischaemic failing myocardium.
Mesoporous Bimetallic PtPd Nanoflowers as a Platform to Enhance Electrocatalytic Activity of Acetylcholinesterase for Organophosphate Pesticide Detection
Authors: Ma Li , Zhou Liya , He Ying , Wang Lihui , Huang Zhihong , Jiang Yanjun , Gao Jing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMesoporous bimetallic PtPd nanoflowers (MPtPdN) were synthesized by a surfactant‐directing method. The MPtPdN was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The use of MPtPdN as a platform for the indirect electrochemical detection of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) via enzymatic inhibition pathway was demonstrated. Due to the nanostructure of MPtPdN and the synergy effect of the noble metal nanoparticles, a novel and sensitive acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor for OPs detections based on MPtPdN and enzyme inhibition was prepared. The inhibition of omethoate exhibited a linear relationship from 4.7×10−11 to 4.7×10−8 M with a detection limit of 1.7×10−12 M (S/N=3). The proposed AChE biosensor was reliable and can be used to measure the concentration of omethoate in different spiked samples with high accuracy and satisfactory recovery. The preparation of biosensors based on the MPtPdN can be further extended to construct many other important enzyme biosensors.
Organic‐inorganic‐hybrid‐enhancement Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Cu (II) in River Water
Authors: Wu Ju , Chen Xin , Wang Qishai , Bian Yuting , Zhang Kai , Sheng Zhong , Jin Juncheng , Yang Mei , Dai Panpan , Fu Xucheng , Chang Wengui , Xie Chenggen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA dual strategy that the L‐cysteine self‐assembling on three‐dimensional network of organic‐hybrid‐materials realized by successive interaction of Au−S bond is employed to construct as the amplified electrochemical sensor for determination Cu (II). Specifically, the sensor combined a rigid three‐dimension inorganic net which provides a higher interfacial area as well as faster adsorption of ions. Accordingly, surface and interfacial‐dominated electro‐catalysis reactivity is used as an ideal test‐bed to verify the reliability of electrochemical sensor that reveal enhancement sensitiveness and selectivity, low detection limit, and stability over a long period of time. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) were used to calculating the all complexes energies at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level associated with the polarized continuum model (PCM). The result of calculation indicates that the binding strength of Cu (II), Cd (II), As (III), Hg (II) with L‐cysteine are decrease successively, and this is in well agreement with experimental results. This work not only achieves an unprecedented understanding to L‐cysteine/Au/TiO2/GCE sensor but also provides a new perspective for application in detection of Cu (II) in real river waters.
Thermoelectrochemistry of Paracetamol – Studied at Directly Heated Micro‐wire and Rotating Disk Electrodes
Authors: Mathivanan Johnsi , Chang Zhihua , Galagedera Sarasi K. K. , Flechsig Gerd‐Uwe 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe compare the thermoelectrochemical behavior of paracetamol (acetaminophen) at both directly heated gold micro‐wire electrodes (1–115 °C) and rotating disk electrodes (100–8000 rpm). Koutecky‐Levich plots were recorded at various temperatures between 23 and 60 °C. The calculated Ik values (representing reaction rate at infinite mass transport) were plotted as Arrhenius‐type graphs, and the obtained energy values of 20–30 kJ/mol depended on the potential chosen for the corresponding Koutecky‐Levich plots. This led to the conclusion that these energy values are not activation energies, but rather an energy difference due to overvoltage as described in the Butler‐Volmer equation. Accordingly, Koutecky‐Levich plots recorded at various temperatures allowed to determine the Butler‐Volmer kinetics including transfer coefficients even at low concentrations. Arrhenius plots obtained at heated micro‐wire electrodes revealed two linear regions corresponding to diffusion control with 16 kJ/mol at high temperature and 20–30 kJ/mol at very low temperature. The latter activation energy values were found in a very narrow temperature range and probably belong to a transition region towards a kinetic activation energy.
Adsorption of Zn2+ from aqueous solutions by si‐substituted carbonated hydroxylapatite: Equilibrium, kinetics, and mechanisms
Authors: Zeng Rongying , Tang Wenqing , Liu Xing , Ding Chunxia , Gong Daoxin 
Published: April 2018

A kind of low‐cost silicon‐substituted carbonate hydroxyapatite (Si‐CHAP) powder was successfully fabricated by using eggshell powder, H3PO4, Ca(OH)2, Na2SiO3, and Na2CO3 under sonochemistry coprecipitation condition. Si‐CHAP could serve as an ideal adsorbent to remove zinc ion (Zn2+) from aqueous solution. Under the optimized conditions, the removal efficiency of Zn2+ in solution by Si‐CHAP could reach to 96.2%. The adsorption mechanism was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Notably, the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order model, and the saturation adsorption capacities were calculated to be 102.0, 103.1, and 105.3 mg g−1 at 293, 303, and 313 K, respectively. Thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption of Zn2+ by Si‐CHAP is endothermic. Mechanism studies revealed that the dominate mechanism was chemical adsorption. These results showed that Si‐CHAP is an effective adsorbent for the removal of Zn2+ from aqueous solution, and thus providing a good method to treat Zn2+ in the waste water. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Studies on intumescent flame retardant polypropylene composites based on biodegradable wheat straw
Authors: Nie Shibin , Wu Wei , Pan Yetang , Dong Xiang , Li Benxia , Wang De‐yi 
Published: April 2018

SummaryWheat straw (WS) has numerous advantages compared with traditional bioadditives such as starch and lignin. So in this work, based on WS and silica microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate, flame retardant polypropylene/wheat straw (WSP) composites were prepared by melted blend method. Flame retardant and thermal properties of WSP composites have been investigated. The results of cone calorimeter show that peaks of heat release rate and total heat release of the flame retardant WSP composite decrease substantially compared with those of pure polypropylene. The peak of heat release rate value of the flame retardant WSP composite decreases from 1290.5 to 247.9 kW/m2, and the total heat release value decreases from 119.4 to 46.3 MJ/m2. Meanwhile, thermal degradation and gas products of the flame retardant WSP composite were monitored by thermogravimetric analysis and thermogravimetric analysis‐infrared spectrometry. The result of thermal analysis shows that the flame retardant WSP composite has a high thermal stability and has a 30.0 wt% residual char at 600°C. From this work, we hope to provide a method to prepare flame retardant polymer composites with a biodegradable natural material‐WS.
When are emerging market multinationals more risk taking?
Authors: Luo Yadong , Bu Juan 
Published: April 2018

Research Summary: This study examines the endogenous conditions under which emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) are more risk taking in entering and competing abroad. We argue that strategic asset‐seeking intent, financial abundance, and inward internationalization enable EMNEs to better manage uncertainty and capture benefits, resulting in greater levels of risk‐taking behaviors in foreign entry mode and global dispersion. We offer a process framework showing that the effects of endogenous forces on risk‐taking behaviors take place via a partial mediating role of risk‐taking propensity (entrepreneurial attitude toward risk). Our analysis of Chinese MNEs provides strong evidence validating these arguments. We discuss implications of our findings, intending to invigorate scholarly interests in risk management in a new era of globalization and stimulate understanding of EMNEs' strategic behaviors.Managerial Summary: Many EMNEs are risk taking and radical in undertaking outbound foreign direct investment (OFDI). Yet, it is misleading to assume that all EMNEs have high risk‐taking propensity or that all risk‐taking EMNEs are necessarily equally radical in all their international business (IB) activities. We seek to understand which firm‐specific forces importantly affect these firms' risk‐taking behaviors. Our analyses based upon Chines MNEs reveal that firms with greater levels of strategic asset‐seeking intent, financial abundance, and inward internationalization present significantly higher risk‐taking propensity and risk‐taking acts, including risky entry modes such as acquisitions and aggressive geographic dispersion.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in a flexible office‐based workplace: Employee perceptions and priorities for change
Authors: Olsen Heidi M. , Brown Wendy J. , Kolbe‐Alexander Tracy , Burton Nicola W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIssue addressedMany Australian employees now regularly work from home in some capacity. This new way of working has not been widely studied in relation to the potential implications for employees’ health‐related behaviour or workplace health promotion. The aim of this study was to explore office‐based employees’ perceptions of the impact of flexible work on physical activity and sedentary behaviour; and preferences for associated interventions.MethodsThree focus groups were conducted with office‐based employees (n = 28) 6 months after the introduction of a flexible work policy. A semi‐structured interview format with open‐ended questions was used with summary statements to check understanding. Sessions were audiotaped, and dominant themes were identified. Findings on intervention preferences were interpreted using a social cognitive framework. An overview of results was provided to a group of managers (n = 9) for comment.ResultsEmployees reported that physical activity was not impacted, but sedentary behaviour had increased, with flexible work. Intervention preferences focussed on occupational sedentary behaviour, self‐regulation, prompts and social connections, and not the physical work environment. Managers agreed with employees’ preferences and also wanted interventions to be sustainable.ConclusionSelf‐directed interventions with social components and targeting occupational sedentary behaviour were more acceptable than physical activity interventions in this flexible workplace.So what?Health promotion for workplaces with flexible work practices may benefit from prioritising strategies that promote self‐regulation and social connections rather than being linked to the physical worksite.
Ameliorative effect of nanoencapsulated flavonoid against chlorpyrifos‐induced hepatic oxidative damage and immunotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Suke Sanvidhan G , Sherekar Prasad , Kahale Vivek , Patil Shaktipal , Mundhada Dharmendra , Nanoti Vivek M 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe theme of the present work is to evaluate the protective effect of nanoencapsulated quercetin (NEQ) against chlorpyrifos (CPF)‐induced hepatic damage and immune alterations in animals. Nanoparticles (NP) drug encapsulation was prepared. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. Two groups served as control and CPF (13.5 mg/kg) treatment for 28 days. Other three groups were free quercetin (QC), NP and NEQ treated with 3 mg/kg respectively for 15 days; whereas remaining three groups received treatment of CPF and QC, NP, NEQ, respectively, for 15 days. The results show that significantly altered oxidative stress in the liver tissue and liver enzyme parameters in blood and immune responses in CPF‐treated rats compared to controls. Administration of NEQ attenuated biochemical and immunological parameters. The liver histopathological analysis confirmed pathological improvement. Hence, use of NEQ appeared to be beneficial to a great extent in attenuating and restoring hepatic oxidative damage and immune alteration sustained by pesticide exposure.
Benzyl isothiocyanate attenuates the hydrogen peroxide‐induced interleukin‐13 expression through glutathione S‐transferase P induction in T lymphocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Tang Yue , Naito Sho , Abe‐Kanoh Naomi , Ogawa Seiji , Yamaguchi Shu , Zhu Beiwei , Murata Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe investigated the effect of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) on the hydrogen peroxide‐induced gene expression of a T‐helper‐2 cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐13, in T lymphocytic leukemia Jurkat cells. The 24‐h pretreatment of BITC significantly inhibited the IL‐13 expression enhanced by hydrogen peroxide. Although the BITC pretreatment did not change the enhanced level of the phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), it significantly inhibited the nuclear translocation of c‐Jun induced by hydrogen peroxide. BITC also increased the protein expression of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) isozymes, GSTP1/2, as well as the total GST activity. A GSTP1/2‐specific inhibitor, 6‐(7‐nitro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazol‐4‐ylthio)hexanol (NBDHEX), significantly counteracted the inhibitory effect of BITC on the hydrogen peroxide‐enhanced IL‐13 upregulation as well as the c‐Jun nuclear translocation. Taken together, these results suggested that BITC inhibits the oxidative stress‐mediated IL‐13 mRNA expression, possibly through interference of the c‐Jun phosphorylation by GSTP.
Adsorption/desorption characteristics, separation and purification of phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid from fermentation extract by macroporous adsorbing resins
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Yue Sheng‐Jie , Hu Hong‐Bo , Wang Wei , Zhang Xue‐Hong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPseudomonas chlororaphisGP72 is a biocontrol strain with great capacity to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites including phenazine derivatives. Phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid (PCA) is an environmentally friendly antibiotic with broad‐spectrum biological and pharmaceutical activities. Many studies have been focused on engineering high‐yielding strains and optimizing fermentation bioprocesses to enhance PCA biosynthesis. However, the separation and purification of PCA in biotechnological production remain to be addressed. In this context, the present work intended to develop a simple and proficient technique for the separation and purification of PCA from the fermentation broth of engineeredP. chlororaphisGP72AN.RESULTSFive macroporous adsorbents with different physicochemical characteristics were screened to present their PCA separation potential. Among them, HP‐20 resin was found highly suitable based on its promising adsorption and desorption performance in a static batch process. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms deciphered the solute binding affinity towards HP‐20 adsorbent at varying temperatures, and the experimental data fitted best to the Langmuir isotherm model. The column‐assisted dynamic adsorption–desorption trials were executed to optimize the functional parameters for PCA separation. Under standardized separating conditions, the average adsorption capacity and desorption ratio of PCA were 24.4 ± 1.5 mg g−1dry resin and 86.5 ± 1.3%, respectively. After treatment with HP‐20 resin, PCA contents in the product were considerably increased with a recovery yield of 78.4 ± 2.4%.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, the method proposed herein achieved effective separation and purification of PCA by applying HP‐20 resin. The results obtained also suggest an encouraging basis for scale‐up preparation of PCA and other high‐value phenazine compounds of industrial interests. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The Chan Hol cave near Tulum (Quintana Roo, Mexico): evidence for long‐lasting human presence during the early to middle Holocene
Authors: Hering Fabio , Stinnesbeck Wolfgang , Folmeister Jens , Frey Eberhard , Stinnesbeck Sarah , Avilés Jerónimo , Aceves Núñez Eugenio , González Arturo , Terrazas Mata Alejandro , Benavente Martha Elena , Rojas Carmen , Velázquez Morlet Adriana , Frank Norbert , Zell Patrick , Becker Julia 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTNumerous charcoal accumulations discovered in the submerged Chan Hol cave near Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, have been 14C‐dated revealing ages between 8110 ± 28 14C a BP (9122–8999 cal a BP) and 7177 ± 27 14C a BP (8027–7951 cal a BP). These charcoal concentrations, interpreted here as ancient illumination sites, provide strong evidence that the Chan Hol cave was dry and accessible during that time interval. Humans used the cave for at least 1200 years during the early and middle Holocene, before access was successively interrupted by global sea level rise and flooding of the cave system. Our data thus narrow the gap between an early settlement in the Tulum area reaching from the late Pleistocene (∼13 000 a) to middle Holocene (e.g. 7177 14C a BP), and the Maya Formative period at approximately 3000 a bp. Yet, no evidence has been presented to date for human settlement during the ∼4000‐year interval between 7000 and 3000 a. This is remarkable as settlement in other areas of south‐eastern Mexico (e.g. Chiapas, Tabasco) and in Guatemala was apparently continuous.
Co‐culture of adipose‐derived stem cells and chondrocytes on three‐dimensionally printed bioscaffolds for craniofacial cartilage engineering
Authors: Morrison Robert J. , Nasser Hassan B. , Kashlan Khaled N. , Zopf David A. , Milner Derek J. , Flanangan Colleen L. , Wheeler Matthew B. , Green Glenn E. , Hollister Scott J. 
Published: April 2018

Objectives/HypothesisReconstruction of craniofacial cartilagenous defects are among the most challenging surgical procedures in facial plastic surgery. Bioengineered craniofacial cartilage holds immense potential to surpass current reconstructive options, but limitations to clinical translation exist. We endeavored to determine the viability of utilizing adipose‐derived stem cell‐chondrocyte co‐culture and three‐dimensional (3D) printing to produce 3D bioscaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. We describe a feasibility study revealing a novel approach for cartilage tissue engineering with in vitro and in vivo animal data.MethodsPorcine adipose‐derived stem cells and chondrocytes were isolated and co‐seeded at 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, and 0:1 experimental ratios in a hyaluronic acid/collagen hydrogel in the pores of 3D‐printed polycaprolactone scaffolds to form 3D bioscaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. Bioscaffolds were cultured in vitro without growth factors for 4 weeks and then implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of athymic rats for an additional 4 weeks before sacrifice. Bioscaffolds were subjected to histologic, immunohistochemical, and biochemical analysis.ResultsSuccessful production of cartilage was achieved using a co‐culture model of adipose‐derived stem cells and chondrocytes without the use of exogenous growth factors. Histology demonstrated cartilage growth for all experimental ratios at the post–in vivo time point confirmed with type II collagen immunohistochemistry. There was no difference in sulfated‐glycosaminoglycan production between experimental groups.ConclusionTissue‐engineered cartilage was successfully produced on 3D‐printed bioresorbable scaffolds using an adipose‐derived stem cell and chondrocyte co‐culture technique. This potentiates co‐culture as a solution for several key barriers to a clinically translatable cartilage tissue engineering process.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 128:E251–E257, 2018
Treatment of chronic neurogenic cough with in‐office superior laryngeal nerve block
Authors: Simpson C. Blake , Tibbetts Kathleen M. , Loochtan Michael J. , Dominguez Laura M. 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesNeurogenic cough is believed to result from a sensory neuropathy involving the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN). We present our outcomes for the treatment of neurogenic cough with localized blockade of the internal branch of the SLN.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients who underwent in‐office percutaneous SLN block for treatment of neurogenic cough between 2015 and 2017 was conducted. Patient demographics, indications for injection, and response to treatment were recorded and analyzed. Cough severity index (CSI) scores before and after treatment were compared.ResultsTwenty‐three patients underwent percutaneous blockade of the internal branch of the SLN in the clinic setting, and five patients were excluded for incomplete records. The indication was neurogenic cough as a diagnosis of exclusion. The injectable substance used was a 1:1 mixture of a long‐acting particulate corticosteroid and a local anesthetic. Unilateral injections were performed in 13 patients, and five patients underwent bilateral injections. Of the unilateral injections, 10 were left‐sided. Patients underwent an average of 2.4 SLN block procedures (range 1–7). Mean follow‐up time postinjection was 85.4 days (7–450 days). Cough severity index scores decreased significantly from an average of 26.8 pretreatment to 14.6 posttreatment (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe SLN block is an effective treatment for neurogenic cough, with average CSI scores significantly improved following injection. Further study is necessary to determine the characteristics of patients' responses to treatment, long‐term outcomes, and efficacy of the procedure when compared to placebo and other accepted treatments for neurogenic cough.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 1898–1903, 2018