bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polycrystalline and Single‐Crystal Cu Electrodes: Influence of Experimental Conditions on the Electrochemical Properties in Alkaline Media
Authors: Engstfeld Albert K. , Maagaard Thomas , Horch Sebastian , Chorkendorff Ib , Stephens Ifan E. L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSingle and polycrystalline Cu electrodes serve as model systems for the study of the electroreduction of CO2, CO and nitrate, or for corrosion studies; even so, there are very few reports combining electrochemical measurements with structural characterization. Herein both the electrochemical properties of polycrystalline Cu and single crystal Cu(1 0 0) electrodes in alkaline solutions (0.1 m KOH and 0.1 m NaOH) are investigated. It is demonstrated that the pre‐treatment of the electrodes plays a crucial role in determining their electrochemical properties. Scanning tunneling microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry are performed on Cu(1 0 0) electrodes prepared under UHV conditions; it is shown that the electrochemical properties of these atomically well‐defined electrodes are distinct from electrodes prepared by other methods. Also highlighted is the significant role of residual oxygen and electrolyte convection in influencing the electrochemical properties.
Rapid aggregative and reproductive responses of weevils to masting of North American oaks counteract predator satiation
Authors: Bogdziewicz Michał , Marino Shealyn , Bonal Raul , Zwolak Rafał , Steele Michael A. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe predator satiation hypothesis posits that masting helps plants escape seed predation through starvation of predators in lean years, followed by satiation of predators in mast years. Importantly, successful satiation requires sufficiently delayed bottom‐up effects of seed availability on seed consumers. However, some seed consumers may be capable of quick aggregative and reproductive responses to masting, which may jeopardize positive density dependence of seed survival. We used a 17‐yr data set on seed production and insect (Curculio weevils) infestation of three North American oaks species (northern red Quercus rubra, white Q. alba, and chestnut oak Q. montana) to test predictions of the predation satiation hypothesis. Furthermore, we tested for the unlagged numerical response of Curculio to acorn production. We found that masting results in a bottom‐up effect on the insect population; both through increased reproductive output and aggregation at seed‐rich trees. Consequently, mast seeding in two out of three studied oaks (white and chestnut oak) did not help to escape insect seed predation, whereas, in the red oak, the escape depended on the synchronization of mast crops within the population. Bottom‐up effects of masting on seed consumer populations are assumed to be delayed, and therefore to have negligible effects on seed survival in mast years. Our research suggests that insect populations may be able to mount rapid reproductive and aggregative responses when seed availability increases, possibly hindering satiation effects of masting. Many insect species are able to quickly benefit from pulsed resources, making mechanisms described here potentially relevant in many other systems.
NLRP2 negatively regulates antiviral immunity by interacting with TBK1
Authors: Yang Yanqing , Lang Xueting , Sun Song , Gao Chun , Hu Jianguo , Ding Shuqin , Li Jing , Li Yuyun , Wang Fengchao , Gong Tao 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptors (NLRs) are intracellular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that regulate a variety of inflammatory and host defense responses. Unlike the well‐established NLRs, the roles of NLRP2 are controversial and poorly defined. Here, we report that NLRP2 acts as a negative regulator of TANK‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1)‐mediated type I interferon (IFN) signaling. Mechanistically, NLRP2 interacted directly with TBK1, and this binding disrupted the interaction of TBK1 and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), which interfered with TBK1‐induced IRF3 phosphorylation. IFNs induce a series of proteins that have well‐known antiviral or immune‐regulatory functions, and tight control of the IFN signaling cascade is critical for limiting tissue damage and preventing autoimmunity. Our studies indicate that the NLRP2‐TBK1 axis may serve as an additional signaling cascade to maintain immune homeostasis in response to viral infection.
Airway epithelial TSLP production of TLR2 drives type 2 immunity in allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Lv Jiajia , Yu Qianying , Lv Jie , Di Caixia , Lin Xiaoliang , Su Wen , Wu Min , Xia Zhenwei 
Published: September 2018

AbstractEpithelial cells (ECs)‐derived cytokines are induced by different stimuli through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to mount a type‐2‐cell‐mediated immune response; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly characterized. Here, we demonstrated asthmatic features in both primary bronchial epithelial cells (pBECs) and mouse model using several allergens including ovalbumin (OVA), house dust mite (HDM), or Alternaria alternata. We found that toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) was highly induced in ECs but not dendritic cells (DCs) by various allergens, leading to recruitment of circulating basophils into the lung via C‐C chemokine ligand‐2 (CCL2). TLR2 expression increased thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) production through the NF‐κB and JNK signaling pathways to extend the survival of recruited basophils and resident DCs in the lung, predisposing a type‐2‐cell‐mediated airway inflammation. Conversely, TLR2 deficiency impaired secretion of TSLP and CCL2, decreased infiltration of lung basophils, and increased resistance to Th2 response. Blocking TSLP also phenocopied these phenomena. Our findings reveal a pro‐inflammatory role of airway ECs through a TLR2‐dependent TSLP production, which may have implication for treating allergic asthma.
A Voltammetric Sensor Based on MgFe2O4 Decorated on Reduced Graphene Oxide‐modified Electrode for Sensitive and Simultaneous Determination of Catechol and Hydroquinone
Authors: Ognjanović Miloš , Stanković Dalibor M. , Fabián Martin , Vukadinović Aleksandar , Prijović Željko , Dojčinović Biljana , Antić Bratislav 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this work facile one step synthesis of magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4) nanoparticles decorated on reduced graphene oxide (MgFe@RGO) using a microwave assisted hydrothermal procedure is reported. The synthesized material was characterized with help of several techniques and applied for the modification of glassy carbon electrode. Such prepared electrode was utilized for successive simultaneous detection of structurally similar compounds, 1,2‐ and 1,4‐dihydroxibenzenes (catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ)), using differential pulse voltammetry technique. It was found that oxidation current increases linearly with the concentrations of both investigated compounds. Detection limits for both species are ≤0.31 μM. The best analytical response in the presence of both CC and HQ, taking into account peak shape and peak current, was obtained at pH 5.6 utilizing acetate buffer solution. The often‐presented species in the surface waters as well as gallic acid and caffeine do not interfere with determination of CC and HQ, while ascorbic acid shows high interference. The method is successfully applied for detection of catechol and hydroquinone in real samples analyses.
Voltammetric Assessment of Ions Transfer at Ionophore‐Graphene Based Polymeric Membranes
Authors: Izadyar Anahita , Hershberger John C. , Rogers Robert 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe report for the first time a study on ionophore‐graphene based polymeric membranes to develop better sensing performance in sensitivity and selectivity. This sensing is based on ion‐transfer stripping voltammetry (ITSV) at interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES) technique which will lead to an electrochemical phenomenon to create highly sensitive sensors. We have integrated nanotechnology through electrochemistry and sensor techniques as part of an important environmental monitoring strategy to evaluate lead and dihydrogen phosphate ion.
Innovation for hepatotoxicity in vitro research models: A review
Authors: Han Weijia , Wu Qiao , Zhang Xiaohui , Duan Zhongping 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMany categories of drugs can induce hepatotoxicity, so improving the prediction of toxic drugs is important. In vitro models using human hepatocytes are more accurate than in vivo animal models. Good in vitro models require an abundance of metabolic enzyme activities and normal cellular polarity. However, none of the in vitro models can completely simulate hepatocytes in the human body. There are two ways to overcome this limitation: enhancing the metabolic function of hepatocytes and changing the cultural environment. In this review, we summarize the current state of research, including the main characteristics of in vitro models and their limitations, as well as improved technology and developmental prospects. We hope that this review provides some new ideas for hepatotoxicity research.
Influence of liquid pore precursors on morphology and mechanical properties of 3D scaffolds obtained by dry inversion phase method
Authors: Kruk Aleksandra , Gadomska‐Gajadhur Agnieszka , Rykaczewska Izabela , Dulnik Judyta , Ruśkowski Paweł , Synoradzki Ludwik 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTPolyester 3D scaffolds were obtained by dry inversion phase method. The influence of a polymer and liquid pore precursor type on the 3D scaffolds morphology, porosity and mechanical properties was tested. Polymers and precursors forming a porous structure were identified. It was found that 3D scaffolds having the most preferable structure for cell cultures were obtained from polylactide with the addition of n‐butanol as the liquid pore precursor. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1079–1087, 2019.
Estimating Renal Function in Drug Development: Time to Take the Fork in the Road
Authors: Crass Ryan L. , Pai Manjunath P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRenal function is the most commonly applied patient‐specific quantitative variable used to determine drug doses. Measurement of renal function is not practical in most clinical settings; therefore, clinicians often rely on estimates when making dosing decisions. Similarly, renal function estimates are used to assign subjects in phase 1 pharmacokinetic studies, which inform dosing in late‐phase clinical trials and ultimately the product label. The Cockcroft‐Gault estimate of creatinine clearance has been the standard renal function metric; however, this paradigm is shifting toward the Modification of Diet in Renal Diseases (MDRD) estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The proportion of approved new drug labels with dosing recommendations based on the MDRD equation was 16.7% in 2015, 70.0% in 2016, and 46.7% in 2017. Disharmonious recommendations from the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency will continue to increase this heterogeneity in the assessment of renal function in drug development and negatively impact industry, health systems, and clinicians. In this review, we discuss the current regulatory guidance for the conduct of renal impairment pharmacokinetic studies and review the implications of this guidance across the medication use system with 3 recently approved antibiotics: ceftazidime/avibactam, delafloxacin, and meropenem/vaborbactam. Finally, we suggest measuring GFR in phase 1 studies and employing the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation to integrate data across clinical trials. This will help to harmonize CKD staging, population pharmacokinetic analyses, and dosing by estimated renal function.
Pseudocnidae of archinemerteans (Nemertea, Palaeonemertea) and their implications for nemertean systematics
Authors: Magarlamov Timur Yu , Chernyshev Alexey V. , Turbeville James M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe structure of pseudocnidae of 16 species of Palaeonemertea clade Archinemertea (= Cephalotrichida s.l.) was investigated with confocal laser, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All species of the genus Cephalothrix possess two kinds of pseudocnidae, large and small. Only one type of pseudocnida is present in Balionemertes and Cephalotrichella. TEM revealed variation in the ultrastructure of large and small pseudocnidae of four species of Cephalothrix. Pseudocnidae of Balionemertes, Cephalotrichella, and Cephalothrix differ in substructure: in Balionemertes and Cephalotrichella the medulla is located in the basal half of the pseudocnidae with а precore layer situated in the apical half, whereas in Cephalothrix spp. and other palaeonemerteans the medulla surrounds a precore layer. Our results confirm the division of archinemerteans into Cephalotrichidae (with genus Cephalothrix) and Cephalotrichellidae (with genera Cephalotrichella and Balionemertes). The synapomorphy of Cephalotrichidae is pseudocnida dimorphism and the synapomorphies of Cephalotrichellidae are the position of the pseudocnidae on epithelial ridges and the distinct organization of pseudocnida layers, specifically the relative position of the medulla and precore layers. The pseudocnida lateral process, one or more of which is present in most species observed, is a probable synapomorphy of the clade Archinemertea. This is the first application of pseudocnida features to distinguish super‐generic nemertean taxa and the results suggest that pseudocnidae provide a useful source of characters for nemertean systematics.
Raman spectroscopy study of reduced strontium barium niobate (SBN61) and hints of supergrowth or intergrowth structures
Authors: Primrose Michael Shoji , Toulouse Jean , Bock Jonathan , Randall Clive 
Published: September 2018

AbstractReduced strontium barium niobate, SrxBa1 − xNb2O6 (SBN), is a potential candidate for oxide thermoelectrics. In order to understand the effects of oxygen reduction on the structure and properties of SBN, room temperature Raman spectra of reduced and unreduced crystals with composition x  =  0.61 (SBN61) have been measured, fitted, and compared, for incident light polarized successively along the crystallographic a‐ and c‐axes. Unexpectedly, the low wavenumber spectra (<200 cm−1) of reduced SBN are found to display much better resolved and intense peaks than those of unreduced SBN, suggestive of a more ordered and compact lattice arrangement in reduced SBN. Shape changes of certain peaks and the disappearance or appearance of other peaks (30 cm−1/1000 cm−1) are also observed as a result of reduction. Comparison of the experimental spectra and fits of the unreduced and reduced crystals are suggestive of a redistribution of the remaining oxygen anions, structural rearrangements, and the development of supergrowth or intergrowth structures in reduced SBN. The reduced spectra are found to be very similar to the published spectra of other complex oxides such as the H‐form of niobium oxide, H‐Nb2O5, or TiNb2O7, which are made up of a regular layered arrangement of blocks of corner‐sharing and edge‐sharing oxygen octahedra. These structural changes may play an important role in the enhanced electrical conductivity of reduced SBN perpendicular to the layers.
Inter‐rater agreement in the diagnosis of adenomyosis by 2‐ and 3‐dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography
Authors: Rasmussen Christina K. , Hansen Estrid S. , Dueholm Margit 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo assess the inter‐rater agreement of 2‐dimensional (2D) and 3‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) in the diagnosis of adenomyosis.MethodsThis prospective study included premenopausal women (n = 96) with heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, or both who were scheduled for hysterectomy or transcervical resection of the endometrium. All women underwent real‐time 2D TVUS and subsequently offline 3D TVUS, which was blinded to 2D TVUS, by a single expert rater and a single nonexpert rater for the diagnosis of adenomyosis based on standardized pattern recognition and junctional zone measurements. Three‐dimensional TVUS was done on a computer with 3D volumes recorded during 2D TVUS by both raters. The expert rater reported the image quality of all 3D volumes (n = 192). Inter‐rater agreement (Cohen's κ) was assessed for both techniques, and the improvement over time was assessed for 2D TVUS.ResultsDiagnosis of adenomyosis showed good (κ = 0.69) and poor (κ = 0.21) inter‐rater agreement with 2D and 3D TVUS, respectively (P < .05). The agreement with 2D TVUS improved over time. The agreement with 3D TVUS was slightly better for expert‐recorded 3D volumes (κ = 0.40), which also had better image quality (P < .05). The most reproducible 2D and 3D features were anechoic lacunae (κ = 0.52) and junctional zone irregularity (κ = 0.27), respectively.ConclusionsStandardized pattern recognition during real‐time 2D TVUS may result in good agreement between expert and nonexpert raters for the diagnosis of adenomyosis. Offline 3D TVUS is less reproducible, and junctional zone measurements do not improve the inter‐rater agreement. The low inter‐rater agreement may be related to a lack of experience and low image quality of nonexpert‐recorded 3D volumes.
Micellar‐accelerated hydrolysis of organophosphate and thiophosphates by pyridine oximate
Authors: Kandpal Neha , Dewangan Hitesh K. , Nagwanshi Rekha , Ghosh Kallol K. , Satnami Manmohan L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRate constants for the hydrolysis reaction of phosphate (paraoxon) and thiophosphate (parathion, fenitrothion) esters by oximate (pyridinealdoxime 2‐PyOx− and 4‐PyOx−) and its functionalized pyridinium surfactants 4‐(hydroxyimino) methyl)‐1‐alkylpyridinium bromide ions (alkyl = CnH2n+1, n = 10, 12, 14, 16) have been measured kinetically at pH 9.5 and 27°C in micellar media of cationic surfactants cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). Acid dissociation constant, pKa, of oximes has also been determined by spectrophotometric, kinetic, and potentiometric methods. The rate acceleration effects of cationic micelles have been explored. Cationic micelles of the pyridinium head group (CPB) showed a large catalytic effect than the ammonium head group (CTAB). The effects of pH, oximate concentration, and surfactants have been discussed.
Rare genetic variation in mitochondrial pathways influences the risk for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gaare Johannes J. , Nido Gonzalo S. , Sztromwasser Paweł , Knappskog Per M. , Dahl Olav , Lund‐Johansen Morten , Maple‐Grødem Jodi , Alves Guido , Tysnes Ole‐Bjørn , Johansson Stefan , Haugarvoll Kristoffer , Tzoulis Charalampos 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTBackground: Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in PD, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unresolved. We hypothesized that the disruption of mitochondrial function in PD is primed by rare, protein‐altering variation in nuclear genes controlling mitochondrial structure and function.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether genetic variation in genes associated with mitochondrial function influences the risk of idiopathic PD.Methods: We employed whole‐exome sequencing data from 2 independent cohorts of clinically validated idiopathic PD and controls, the Norwegian ParkWest cohort (n = 411) and the North American Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (n = 640). We applied burden‐based and variance‐based collapsing methods to assess the enrichment of rare, nonsynonymous, and damaging genetic variants on genes, exome‐wide, and on a comprehensive set of mitochondrial pathways, defined as groups of genes controlling specific mitochondrial functions.Results: Using the sequence kernel association test, we detected a significant polygenic enrichment of rare, nonsynonymous variants in the gene‐set encoding the pathway of mitochondrial DNA maintenance. Notably, this was the strongest association in both cohorts and survived multiple testing correction (ParkWest P = 6.3 × 10−3, Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative P = 6.9 × 10−5, metaanalysis P = 3.2 × 10−6).Conclusions: Our results show that the enrichment of rare inherited variation in the pathway controlling mitochondrial DNA replication and repair influences the risk of PD. We propose that this polygenic enrichment contributes to the impairment of mitochondrial DNA homeostasis, thought to be a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of PD, and explains part of the disorder's “missing heritability.” © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Predicting venous congestion before DIEP breast reconstruction by identifying atypical venous connections on preoperative CTA imaging
Authors: Davis Christopher R. , Jones Lyn , Tillett Rachel L. , Richards Helen , Wilson Sherif M. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundVenous congestion is the principle cause of flap failure after microsurgical breast reconstruction. We aim to correlate preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings with postoperative venous congestion to predict patients at risk of congestion.MethodsAll patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction between August 2009 and August 2013 underwent preoperative CTA and prospectively entered the study. Patients with postoperative venous congestion were matched with a similar cohort of complication‐free patients. Preoperative CTAs were randomized and re‐interpreted by a radiologist, blinded to the subsequent clinical outcome. Inter‐group comparisons were performed.ResultsTwo hundred and forty DIEP flaps were performed in 202 patients over the 4‐year study. Venous congestion affected 15 flaps (6.3%). Preoperative CTA showed significantly more atypical venous connections between deep and superficial systems in congested flaps compared to controls (66.7% vs. 8%; P < .0001), with a positive predictive value of 83%. Atypical connections were narrow, tortuous, or incomplete. Patients with congestion‐free flaps had more normal connections (80% vs. 26.7%; P < .001) and more cranial perforators (P = .02). Similar CTA findings between groups included perforator size and lateral position, superficial inferior epigastric vein size, crossing of midline, and absent connections (P > .05).ConclusionsPreoperative CTA identifies atypical venous connections between deep and superficial systems that increase the risk of postoperative DIEP congestion five‐fold. Identifying atypical venous connections maximizes the chances of flap survival and minimizes complications for patients considering DIEP breast reconstruction.