bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymosin β4 suppresses CCl4‐induced murine hepatic fibrosis by down‐regulating transforming growth factor β receptor‐II
Authors: Li Hanchao , Li Qian , Zhang Xueting , Zheng Xiaoyan , Zhang Qiannan , Hao Zhiming 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to clarify the effects of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) on CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and to further explore the underlying mechanisms.MethodsExpression of Tβ4 in fibrotic liver tissues was assessed by a quantitative real time‐reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The effects of intraperitoneal adeno‐associated virus‐Tβ4 (AAV‐Tβ4) on CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrosis were observed by the evaluation of collagen deposition, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and pro‐fibrotic cytokine expression. In vitro tests with HSCs and hepatocytes were performed to confirm the effects of Tβ4.ResultsThe expression of Tβ4 was down‐regulated in fibrotic mouse livers but was rapidly up‐regulated by CCl4‐induced acute injury. AAV‐Tβ4 pre‐treatment significantly attenuated liver injury, collagen deposition, HSC activation and pro‐fibrotic cytokine over‐expression, such as transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), platelet‐derived growth factor B (PDGF‐B), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) in CCl4‐intoxicated mouse livers. In vitro experiments showed that Tβ4 suppressed HSC proliferation, blunted TGF‐β1‐induced HSC activation and reduced TGF‐β1‐induced TGF‐β1, PDGF‐B, CTGF and PAI‐1 expression in both HSCs and hepatocytes. Ectopic Tβ4 ameliorated the over‐expression of TGF‐β receptor‐II (TGF‐βRII) in the fibrotic mouse livers. Exogenous Tβ4 down‐regulated TGF‐βRII expression, whereas neutralizing endogenous extracellular Tβ4 with a specific antibody up‐regulated TGF‐βRII expression in cultured HSCs and hepatocytes.ConclusionsTβ4 possesses anti‐fibrotic activity in the liver, which is attributable, at least partly, to down‐regulating TGF‐βRII and thereby blunting TGF‐β1‐mediated fibrogenetic signaling in both HSCs and hepatocytes.
Community mobilization to modify harmful gender norms and reduce HIV risk: results from a community cluster randomized trial in South Africa
Authors: Pettifor Audrey , Lippman Sheri A , Gottert Ann , Suchindran Chirayath M , Selin Amanda , Peacock Dean , Maman Suzanne , Rebombo Dumisani , Twine Rhian , Gómez‐Olivé Francesc Xavier , Tollman Stephen , Kahn Kathleen , MacPhail Catherine 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionCommunity mobilization (CM) is increasingly recognized as critical to generating changes in social norms and behaviours needed to achieve reductions in HIV. We conducted a CM intervention to modify negative gender norms, particularly among men, in order to reduce associated HIV risk.MethodsTwenty two villages in the Agincourt Health and Socio‐Demographic Surveillance Site in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa were randomized to either a theory‐based, gender transformative, CM intervention or no intervention. Two cross‐sectional, population‐based surveys were conducted in 2012 (pre‐intervention, n = 600 women; n = 581 men) and 2014 (post‐intervention, n = 600 women; n = 575 men) among adults ages 18 to 35 years. We used an intent‐to‐treat (ITT) approach using survey regression cluster‐adjusted standard errors to determine the intervention effect by trial arm on gender norms, measured using the Gender Equitable Mens Scale (GEMS), and secondary behavioural outcomes.ResultsAmong men, there was a significant 2.7 point increase (Beta Coefficient 95% CI: 0.62, 4.78, p = 0.01) in GEMS between those in intervention compared to control communities. We did not observe a significant difference in GEMS scores for women by trial arm. Among men and women in intervention communities, we did not observe significant differences in perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV), condom use at last sex or hazardous drinking compared to control communities. The number of sex partners in the past 12 months (AOR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.77) were significantly lower in women in intervention communities compared to control communities and IPV victimization was lower among women in intervention communities, but the reduction was not statistically significant (AOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.16).ConclusionCommunity mobilization can reduce negative gender norms among men and has the potential to create environments that are more supportive of preventing IPV and reducing HIV risk behaviour. Nevertheless, we did not observe that changes in attitudes towards gender norms resulted in desired changes in risk behaviours suggesting that more time may be necessary to change behaviour or that the intervention may need to address behaviours more directly.Clinical Trials numberClinicalTrials.gov NCT02129530.
Maternal priorities for preventive therapy among HIV‐positive pregnant women before and after delivery in South Africa: a best–worst scaling survey
Authors: Kim Hae‐Young , Dowdy David W , Martinson Neil A , E Golub Jonathan , Bridges John F P , Hanrahan Colleen F 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionPregnant women newly diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy are often lost to follow up and their adherence rates drop after delivery. We quantified changes in priorities related to isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women living with HIV.MethodsWe enrolled pregnant women recently diagnosed with HIV from 14 primary health clinics during pregnancy and followed them after delivery in Matlosana, South Africa. Best–worst scaling (BWS) was used to determine the women's priorities out of 11 attributes related to preventive therapy in the ante‐ versus postpartum periods. Aggregate BWS scores were calculated based on the frequency with which participants selected each attribute as the best or worst among five options (across multiple choice sets). Individual BWS scores were also calculated and rescaled from 0 (always selected as worst) to 10 (always selected as best), and changes in BWS scores in the ante‐ versus postpartum periods were compared, using a paired t‐test. Factors associated with the changes in BWS scores were examined in multiple linear regressions. Spearman's rho was used to compare the ranking of attributes.ResultsOut of a total of 204 participants, 154 (75.5%) completed the survey in the postpartum at the median 15 (IQR: 11 to 27) weeks after delivery. Trust in healthcare providers was most highly prioritized both in the ante‐ (individual BWS Score = 7.34, SE = 0.13) and postpartum periods (BWS = 7.21 ± 0.11), followed by living a long life (BWS = 6.77 ± 0.09 in the ante‐ vs. BWS = 6.86 ± 0.10 in the postpartum). Prevention for infants’ health was more prioritized in the post‐ (BWS = 6.54 ± 0.09) versus antepartum periods (BWS = 6.11 ± 0.10) (p = 0.05). This change was associated with IPT initiation at enrolment (regression coefficient = 0.78 ± 0.33, p = 0.001). Difficulty in daily pill‐uptake was significantly more prioritized in the postpartum (BWS = 5.03 ± 0.11) than in the antepartum (BWS = 4.43 ± 0.10) (p < 0.01). Transportation cost and worry about side effects of pills were least prioritized. Overall ranking of attributes was similar in both time periods (spearman's rho = 0.90).ConclusionsComprehensive interventions to build trust in healthcare providers and support adherence may increase uptake of preventive therapy. Counselling needs to emphasize medication benefits for both maternal and infant health among HIV‐positive pregnant women.
3D printing in medical imaging and healthcare services
Authors: Abdullah Kamarul A. , Reed Warren 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) printing technology has demonstrated a huge potential for the future of medicine. Since its introduction, it has been used in various areas, for example building anatomical models, personalising medical devices and implants, aiding in precision medical interventions and the latest development, 3D bioprinting. This commentary is provided to outline the current use of 3D printing in medical imaging and its future directions for advancing the healthcare services.
Capturing the dynamics of leader–follower interactions: Stalemates and future theoretical progress
Authors: Hofmans Joeri , Dóci Edina , Solinger Omar N. , Choi Woohee , Judge Timothy A. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDespite being based on the premise of a dynamic interpersonal process, studies on leader–member exchange theory often fail to acknowledge its dyadic and dynamic nature. We discuss how the interpersonal affect dynamics literature—and particularly its focus on the emergence of relationship patterns—may advance research on leader–follower interactions.
Dietary inclusion of mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) stem waste on growth performance and immune responses in growing layer hens
Authors: Mahfuz Shad , Song Hui , Miao Yue , Liu Zhongjun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMedicinal mushrooms contain biologically active substances that can be used as an immune‐modulating agent in poultry. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Flammulina velutipes mushroom waste (FVW) on performance, immune response and serum immunity in growing layer hens.RESULTSNo significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed with respect to average daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the experimental groups during the entire study period (1–70 days). Antibody titers against Newcastle disease and infectious bronchitis were higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW fed groups than in the control and antibiotic groups. On day 28, serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG were higher (P < 0.05) in the 6% FVW group than in the control and antibiotic fed groups. On day 70, serum IgA was higher (P < 0.05) in FVW fed groups than in the control group; IgG was higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW groups than in the control and antibiotic groups. However, IgM was higher (P < 0.05) in both the 4% and 6% FVW groups than in the control and antibiotic groups for both experimental periods. Serum cytokine interleukin (IL)‐2 and tumor necrosis factor‐α concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both the 4% and 6% FVW grousp than in the control and antibiotic groups; IL‐4 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the FVW groups than in the control group; and IL‐6 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the 6% FVW group than in the control and antibiotic groups.CONCLUSIONFVW at the 6% level can be used as a potential phytogenic feed stuff in growing layer hen rations with respect to improving the immune response without affecting normal weight gain. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Estimation of functional components of Chinese cabbage leaves grown in a plant factory using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Ngo Viet‐Duc , Jang Bo‐Eun , Park Sang‐Un , Kim Sun‐Ju , Kim Yong‐Joo , Chung Sun‐Ok 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn recent years, protected crop production using plant factories to produce high‐value crops with greater functional components has become more popular in many countries. The quantification of the components, however, is mainly conducted by laboratory analyses, which are both time‐ and labor‐consuming. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of a non‐destructive diffuse reflectance spectroscopy technique for estimating functional components (i.e. glucosinolates, amino acids, sugars and carotenoids) in the leaves of Chinese cabbage grown in a plant factory.RESULTSFrom the overall analysis, better estimations were obtained using the partial least square regression procedure. The important wavelengths for each functional component were identified mainly in the ultraviolet‐visible regions. Identified wavelengths were 317, 390, 888 and 940 nm for sugars; 520 and 960 nm for amino acids; 385, 860 and 945 nm for glucosinolates; and 454, 472 and 530 nm for carotenoids.CONCLUSIONOptical reflectance spectroscopy shows potential as a tool for the estimation of functional components in the leaves of Chinese cabbage. The results of the present study provide useful information for the design and application of sensors with respect to on‐site quantification of the functional components. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
On‐Chip Detection of Orbital Angular Momentum Beam by Plasmonic Nanogratings
Authors: Chen Ji , Chen Xi , Li Tao , Zhu Shining 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThanks to the unlimited orthogonal states, the orbital angular momentum (OAM) light is widely accepted as a promising carrier for high information multiplexing in optical communications, in which the OAM detection is an important issue. To keep up with the ever‐growing demand for compact integration, here, a plasmonic grating is employed to spatially couple the OAM modes into two separated propagating surface plasmon polariton (SPP) beams with different splitting angles. These splitting angles are found to strongly rely on the topological charges of the incident beams and are insensitive to the specific location of the OAM beam illumination, which provides an intuitive detection of the OAM modes without particular alignment. Besides, a further unidirectional SPP launching from the OAM beam is also achieved by a particular composite grating. With such composite grating, both the topological charge value and sign of OAM beam in a single measurement can be detected. Our results provide a convenient method for alignment‐free OAM detection by a compact device, and would inspire more multiplexing applications in nanophotonics.
Musielak–Orlicz–Bochner function spaces which are uniformly noncreasy
Authors: Shang Shaoqiang , Cui Yunan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the criteria for uniform noncreasiness of Musielak–Orlicz–Bochner function spaces are given. Moreover authors also prove that the space (resp ) is uniformly noncreasy if and only if the space (resp ) is uniformly convex or uniformly smooth. As a corollary, the criteria for uniform noncreasiness of Musielak–Orlicz function spaces are given.
Predictive Models for HOMO and LUMO Energies of N‐Donor Heterocycles as Ligands for Lanthanides Separation
Authors: Solov'ev Vitaly P. , Ustynyuk Yuri A. , Zhokhova Nelly I. , Karpov Kirill V. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractQuantum chemical calculations combined with QSPR methodology reveal challenging perspectives for the solution of a number of fundamental and applied problems. In this work, we performed the PM7 and DFT calculations and QSPR modeling of HOMO and LUMO energies for polydentate N‐heterocyclic ligands promising for the extraction separation of lanthanides because these values are related to the ligands selectivity in the respect to the target cations. Data for QSPR modeling comprised the PM7 calculated HOMO and LUMO energies of N‐donor heterocycles, including several types of both known and virtual undescribed polydentate ligands. Ensemble modeling included various molecular fragments as descriptors and different variable selection techniques to build consensus models (CMs) on a training set of 388 ligands using external cross‐validation. CMs were then verified to make predictions for two external test sets: 45 ligands (T1) that were similar to the ligands of the training set, and 1546 structures (T2), which were substantially different from the ligands of the training set. The consensus models predict well in 5‐fold cross‐validation (RMSEHOMO=0.097 eV, RMSELUMO=0.064 eV), and on the external test sets (T1: RMSEHOMO=0.26 eV, RMSELUMO=0.24 eV; T2: RMSEHOMO=0.26 eV, RMSELUMO=0.17 eV). An analysis of the results reveals that substituents in heteroaromatic rings of the ligands and at the amide nitrogens can deeply influence their metal binding properties.
Domain‐based distributed identifier‐locator mapping management in Internet‐of‐Things networks
Authors: Choi Nak‐Jung , Gohar Moneeb , Koh Seok‐Joo 
Published: July 2018

SummaryRecently, a lot of studies on identifier‐locator mapping management for mobility control have been proposed. However, these studies did not consider the Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) environment. Thus, from the viewpoint of identifier‐locator mapping management for IoT devices, the existing schemes are still subject to scalability problems and performance degradation. In this paper, we propose a domain‐based identifier‐locator mapping management for IoT devices in a distributed manner, in which an identifier of IoT device represents the domain to which it belongs. Each domain gateway maintains the mapping information of identifiers and locators based on the domain information contained in the identifier. From the numerical analysis and testbed experimentation, we see that the proposed domain‐based distributed identifier‐locator mapping management scheme provides better performance than the existing schemes in terms of total delay, including registration delay and data delivery delay.
Stochastic network interdiction with incomplete preference
Authors: Pay Babak Saleck , Merrick Jason R. W. , Song Yongjia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWe study a class of stochastic network interdiction problems where the defender has incomplete (ambiguous) preferences. Specifically, we focus on the shortest path network interdiction modeled as a Stackelberg game, where the defender (leader) makes an interdiction decision first, and then the attacker (follower) selects a shortest path after the observation of random arc costs and interdiction effects in the network. We assume that the defender's risk preferences over exogenously given probabilities can be summarized by the expected utility theory. Although the exact form of the utility function is ambiguous to the defender, we assume that a set of pairwise gamble comparisons made by the defender is available, which can be used to restrict the shape of the utility function. We present two approaches to tackle this problem. The first approach conducts utility estimation and optimization separately, by first finding the best fit for a piecewise linear concave utility function according to the available data, and then optimizing the expected utility. The second approach integrates utility estimation and optimization, by modeling the utility ambiguity under a robust optimization framework following Armbruster and Delage [B. Armbruster and E. Delage, Manag. Sci., 61 (2015), 111‐128] and Hu and Mehrotra [J. Hu and S. Mehrotra, IIE Trans., 47 (2015), 358‐372]. We conduct extensive computational experiments to evaluate the performances of these approaches.
Synthesis and application of a dual functional P/N/S‐containing microsphere with enhanced flame retardancy and mechanical strength on EP resin
Authors: Guo Xiaodong , Wang Xin , Liu Xiongrui , Zheng Yanyang , Xu Jianzhong , Ma Haiyun 
Published: July 2018

A phosphazene derivative flame retardant with a highly cross‐linked microsphere structure, named poly(cyclotriphosphazene‐c‐sulfonyldiphenol) (PCPS) microspheres, were synthesized by 1‐pot reaction and then applied on flame retarded epoxy (EP) resin. The microstructure and chemical composition of PCPS microspheres were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and element mapping. The thermal stability of PCPS microspheres and PCPS/EP composites was explored through thermogravimetric analysis. Thermogravimetric data showed that the PCPS microspheres have excellent thermal stability, and the char yield is about 43% at the end of 800°C. The incorporation of PCPS microspheres significantly increased the char yield of PCPS/EP composites. The flammability was investigated by limited oxygen index tests and cone calorimeter. The limited oxygen index value of PCPS/EP composite was increased to 29.8 from 26.6 when 3 wt% of PCPS microspheres was added. Compared with neat EP, the flame retardancy was greatly improved. The peak heat release rate and smoke production rate of PCPS/EP composites were reduced by 45.0% and 43.6%, respectively. The mechanical properties including tensile strength and modulus were both improved due to the enhancement of PCPS microspheres. The PCPS microspheres act as a dual function for improving both the flame resistance and mechanical strength of PCPS/EP system.
Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) regulates non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)–fibrosis progression by determining hepatic glucose/fatty acid preference under high‐fat diet conditions
Authors: Liu Jia , Jiang Shan , Zhao Yue , Sun Qian , Zhang Jingzi , Shen Di , Wu Jing , Shen Ning , Fu Xiao , Sun Xitai , Yu Decai , Chen Jun , He Jian , Shi Tingting , Ding Yitao , Fang Lei , Xue Bin , Li Chaojun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPatients with obesity have a high prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and, in parallel, increased susceptibility to fibrosis/cirrhosis/hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we report that a high‐fat diet (HFD) can augment glycolysis and then accelerate NAFLD–fibrosis progression by downregulating the expression of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS), which is a critical enzyme in the mevalonate pathway. Long‐term HFD overloading decreases GGPPS expression in mice, which shifts the fuel preference from fatty acids towards glucose. Liver‐specific Ggpps deficiency drives the Warburg effect by impairing mitochondrial function, and then induces hepatic inflammation, thus exacerbating fibrosis. Ggpps deficiency also enhances the hyperfarnesylation of liver kinase B1, and promotes metabolic reprogramming by regulating 5′‐AMP‐activated protein kinase activity. Clinical data further imply that GGPPS expression can predict the stage of NAFLD and recurrence of NAFLD‐associated HCC. We conclude that the level of GGPPS is a susceptibility factor for NAFLD–fibrosis progression, and requires more stringent surveillance to ensure early prediction and precision of treatment of NAFLD‐related HCC. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
School reentry services for students with chronic health conditions: An examination of regional practices
Authors: Schilling Ethan J. , Getch Yvette Q. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractStudents experiencing chronic health difficulties represent a growing population in public schools. Given the unique challenges faced by these students including increased absences, resulting academic, and social/emotional/behavioral deficits, it is vital that schools are prepared to adequately meet their needs. One of the sometimes daunting tasks faced by these students and their families is the school reentry process, which occurs when the child returns to school following an extended period of time away. The purpose of the current study was to identify and evaluate the extent to which these services are currently being provided within school districts across a large Southeastern state. Results demonstrated that, although schools reported proficiency in the provision of formal school services, adherence to other best practices in school reentry, namely establishing multidisciplinary school reentry teams led by an appointed liaison, developing school reentry protocols and subsequent individualized reentry plans, sharing information with the student's peers, and formally assessing the student prior to or upon reentry, was lacking. Implications for schools and areas for future research are also discussed.