bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 deficiency suppresses osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in mice
Authors: Takafuji Yoshimasa , Tatsumi Kohei , Ishida Masayoshi , Kawao Naoyuki , Okada Kiyotaka , Matsuo Osamu , Kaji Hiroshi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPlasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is known as an inhibitor of fibrinolytic system. Previous studies suggest that PAI‐1 is involved in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy, diabetes, and glucocorticoid excess in mice. However, the roles of PAI‐1 in early‐stage osteogenic differentiation have remained unknown. In the current study, we investigated the roles of PAI‐1 in osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using wild‐type (WT) and PAI‐1‐deficient (PAI‐1 KO) mice. PAI‐1 mRNA levels were increased with time during osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs or mesenchymal ST‐2 cells. However, the increased PAI‐1 levels declined at the mineralization phase in the experiment using MC3T3‐E1 cells. PAI‐1 deficiency significantly blunted the expression of osteogenic gene, such as osterix and alkaline phosphatase enhanced by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2 in bone marrow‐derived MSCs (BM‐MSCs), adipose‐tissue‐derived MSCs (AD‐MSCs), and bone marrow stromal cells of mice. Moreover, a reduction in endogenous PAI‐1 levels by small interfering RNA significantly suppressed the expression of osteogenic gene in ST‐2 cells. Plasmin did not affect osteoblastic differentiation of AD‐MSCs induced by BMP‐2 with or without PAI‐1 deficiency. PAI‐1 deficiency and a reduction in endogenous PAI‐1 levels did not affect the phosphorylations of receptor‐specific Smads by BMP‐2 and transforming growth factor‐β in AD‐MSCs and ST‐2 cells, respectively. In conclusion, we first showed that PAI‐1 is crucial for the differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts in mice.
G Protein α Subunit 14 Mediates Fibroblast Growth Factor 2‐Induced Cellular Responses in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zou Qing‐yun , Zhao Ying‐jie , Zhou Chi , Liu Ai‐xia , Zhong Xin‐qi , Yan Qin , Li Yan , Yi Fu‐xian , Bird Ian M. , Zheng Jing 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDuring pregnancy, a tremendous increase in fetoplacental angiogenesis is associated with elevated blood flow. Aberrant fetoplacental vascular function may lead to pregnancy complications including pre‐eclampsia. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are crucial regulators of fetoplacental endothelial function. G protein α subunit 14 (GNA14), a member of Gαq/11 subfamily is involved in mediating hypertensive diseases and tumor vascularization. However, little is known about roles of GNA14 in mediating the FGF2‐ and VEGFA‐induced fetoplacental endothelial function. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured under physiological chronic low oxygen (3% O2) as a cell model, we show that transfecting cells with adenovirus carrying GNA14 complementary DNA (cDNA; Ad‐GNA14) increases (p < 0.05) protein expression of GNA14. GNA14 overexpression blocks (p < 0.05) FGF2‐stimulated endothelial migration, whereas it enhances (p < 0.05) endothelial monolayer integrity (maximum increase of ~35% over the control at 24 hr) in response to FGF2. In contrast, GNA14 overexpression does not significantly alter VEGFA‐stimulated cell migration, VEGFA‐weakened cell monolayer integrity, and intracellular Ca++ mobilization in response to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), FGF2, and VEGFA. GNA14 overexpression does not alter either FGF2‐ or VEGFA‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. However, GNA14 overexpression time‐dependently elevates (p < 0.05) phosphorylation of phospholipase C‐β3 (PLCβ3) at S1105 in response to FGF2, but not VEGFA. These data suggest that GNA14 distinctively mediates fetoplacental endothelial cell migration and permeability in response to FGF2 and VEGFA, possibly in part by altering activation of PLCβ3 under physiological chronic low oxygen.
Effect of manufacturing temperature and storage duration on stability of chemically defined media measured with LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Krattenmacher Florian , Heermann Tamara , Calvet Amandine , Krawczyk Bartlomiej , Noll Thomas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDChemically defined media (CDM) are used routinely in industrial settings for the production of biopharmaceuticals from mammalian cells, so attention has shifted to understanding their chemical behavior and impact on process robustness. In this context, one particular problem is the risk of cross reactivity and instability in complex mixtures of chemicals at high concentrations.RESULTSIn order to characterize potentially unstable medium compounds in feed media, we developed and validated a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method to simultaneously quantify the majority of medium compounds. We used this application advantage to provide the following insights into molecular processes occurring in CDM prepared at different temperatures and during storage: Concentration profiles of critical compounds in CDM are independent of preparation temperature and storage material but show significant alterations over time. In particular l‐cysteine, l‐proline, vitamin B6, thiamine and cyanocobalamin were found to be rather unstable. Using mixed mode chromatography allows expansion of the method to cover additional analytes of interest, as demonstrated by inclusion of seven additional CDM reaction products.CONCLUSIONThe successful development of a new LC‐MS/MS method allowed us to show the impact of storage duration on the stability of CDM compounds. Furthermore, the results suggest that essential parameters for medium preparation (e.g. temperature) and storage upscaling (e.g. vessel material) are not impacting upon the chemical composition of CDM. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A novel allele of the goldfish chdB gene: Functional evaluation and evolutionary considerations
Authors: Abe Gembu , Li Ing‐Jia , Lee Shu‐Hua , Ota Kinya G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe twin tail of ornamental goldfish is known to be caused by a nonsense mutation in one chordin paralogue gene. Our previous molecular studies in goldfish revealed that the ancestral
chordin gene was duplicated, creating the
chdA and
chdB genes, and the subsequent introduction of a stop codon allele in the
chdA gene (
chdA
E127X) caused the twin‐tail morphology. The
chdA
E127X allele was positively selected by breeders, and the allele was genetically fixed in the ornamental twin‐tail goldfish population. However, little is known about the evolutionary history of the
chdB paralogue, begging the question: are there the functionally distinct alleles at the
chdB locus, and if so, how did they evolve? To address these questions, we conducted molecular sequencing of the
chdB gene from five different goldfish strains and discovered two alleles at the
chdB gene locus; the two alleles are designated
chdB
1 and
chdB
2. The
chdB
1 allele is the major allele and was found in all investigated goldfish strains, whereas the
chdB
2 allele is minor, having only been found in one twin‐tail strain. Genetic analyses further suggested that these two alleles are functionally different with regard to survivability (
chdB
1 >
chdB
2). These results led us to presume that in contrast to the
chdA locus, the
chdB locus has tended to be eliminated from the population. We also discuss how the
chdB
2 allele was retained in the goldfish population, despite its disadvantageous function. This study provides empirical evidence of the long‐term retention of a disadvantageous allele under domesticated conditions.
Periodontitis as another comorbidity associated with psoriasis: A case‐control study
Authors: Mendes Victor Silva , Cota Luís Otávio Miranda , Costa Amanda Almeida , Oliveira Alcione Maria Soares Dutra , Costa Fernando Oliveira 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe association between periodontitis and immuno‐mediated inflammatory diseases has been widely studied and recognized each more over the past few years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between psoriasis and periodontitis, as well as the influence of risk variables in this association.MethodsThis case‐control study included 756 individuals, 397 with psoriasis, and 359 controls. A full‐mouth periodontal examination was performed, recording therefore plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing. The influence of risk variables was tested by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsA high prevalence of periodontitis was observed among cases (46.1%) when compared to controls (33.1%). Individuals with psoriasis presented a 1.72 higher chance of having periodontitis than controls (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.28–2.32; p < 0.001) in the univariate analysis, but with no significance in the multivariate model. The prevalence of periodontitis increased significantly according to the severity of psoriasis [mild form (44.4%); moderate (46.3%); and advanced (47.1%)] when compared to the control group (33.1%). The final multivariate logistic model showed that the number of teeth (OR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.14; p = 0.018), smoking (OR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.19–3.07; p = 0.008), and body mass index (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.11–1.16; p < 0.001) remained significantly associated with the occurrence of periodontitis.ConclusionsThe prevalence of periodontitis was higher in individuals with psoriasis than in controls. Severity of psoriasis also presented a strong relationship with all periodontal clinical parameters.
Surface Charge Reversible Polymeric Micelle‐Laden Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and 3D Cell Culture
Authors: Wang Kang , Zhang Yuchen , Jiang Sirui , Wu Dengjin , Dai Yu , Zhang Xiaojin , Xia Fan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHydrogels have significant advantages in the local treatment of diseases. However, improving the solubility of hydrophobic drugs and enhancing cell targeting of drug delivery remain significant challenges in the application of such hydrogels. Surface charge reversible polymeric micelle‐laden hydrogels are developed for drug delivery and 3D cell culture. Borax is added into the system to form borate with hydroxyl groups of alginate for rapid gelation. Decreasing pH surrounding the hydrogels facilitates the degradation of the hydrogels and charge reversal of polymeric micelles. The negative‐to‐positive charge reversal endows polymeric micelles with cell targeting and enhanced cell uptake of polymeric micelles. A potential and effective in situ drug delivery system for the local treatment of diseases is provided.
Ultra‐Fast Microwave Assisted Self‐Healing of Covalent Adaptive Polyurethane Networks with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Solouki Bonab Vahab , Karimkhani Vahid , Manas‐Zloczower Ica 
Published: November 2018

AbstractVitrimers are a class of covalent adaptive networks which, unlike other covalent networks, can be thermally reprocessed, recycled, and are self‐healing. In this research, a polyurethane vitrimer network is prepared using 1,4‐phenylene diisocyanate and excess amount of polycaprolactone polyol. The dynamic nature of this network is provided by a dual effect of dynamic transesterification reactions as well as dynamic transcarbamoylation reactions. This vitrimer can be reshaped, be recycled, and heal potential defects at high enough temperatures. A fast healing strategy is developed by the addition of small amounts (0.05 wt%) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which enables the use of microwave radiation for an efficient fast healing process. Using this strategy the healing time decreases more than 30 times compared to using a conventional oven. CNTs also enhance the vitrimer mechanical properties and compensate for the mechanical property loss of the dynamic PU network in comparison to the permanent PU network.
Wire Melt Electrospinning of Thin Polymeric Fibers via Strong Electrostatic Field Gradients
Authors: Morikawa Kai , Vashisth Aniruddh , Grimme Christian J. , Green Micah J. , Naraghi Mohammad 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHere, a novel melt electrospinning method to produce few‐micron and nanometer thick fibers is presented, in which a polymer‐coated wire with a sharp tip is used as the polymer source. The polymer coating is melted via Joule heating of the source wire and extracted toward the target via electrostatic forces. The high viscosity and low charge density of polymer melts lower their stretchability in melt. The method relies on confining the Taylor cone and reducing initial jet diameter via concentrated electrostatic fields as a means to reduce the diameter of fibers. As a result, the initial jet diameter and the final fiber diameter are reduced by an order of magnitude of three to ten times, respectively, using wire melt electrospinning compared to syringe‐ and edge‐based electrospinning. The fiber diameter melt electrospun via this novel method is 1.0 ± 0.9 µm, considerably thinner than conventional melt electrospinning techniques. The generation of thin fibers are explained in terms of the electrostatic field around the wire tip, as obtained from finite element analysis (FEA), which controls the size and shape of the melt electrospun jet.
Pimavanserin for Parkinson's Disease psychosis: Effects stratified by baseline cognition and use of cognitive‐enhancing medications
Authors: Espay Alberto J. , Guskey Michael T. , Norton James C. , Coate Bruce , Vizcarra Joaquin A. , Ballard Clive , Factor Stewart A. , Friedman Joseph H. , Lang Anthony E. , Larsen Niccole J. , Andersson Candace , Fredericks Doral , Weintraub Daniel 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT
Background: PD psychosis is often associated with cognitive impairment, including dementia, and involves dopaminergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic mechanisms.
Objective: To evaluate the differential effect of the antipsychotic pimavanserin, a selective serotonin 2A receptor inverse agonist, in PD psychosis patients with versus without cognitive impairment and in those receiving versus not receiving cognitive‐enhancing medications.
Methods: Data from the pivotal randomized clinical trial of pimavanserin for PD psychosis were stratified by (1) screening MMSE score as cognitively impaired (21‐24) versus unimpaired (≥25) and (2) concomitant use versus nonuse of cognitive‐enhancing medications. The primary outcome measure was change in the PD‐adapted Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms.
Results: Mean (pimavanserin vs. placebo) change from baseline was larger in the cognitively impaired (n = 50; –6.62 vs. –0.91; P = 0.002) versus the cognitively unimpaired (n = 135; –5.50 vs. –3.23; p = 0.046) group. The comparable change was –6.04 versus –2.18 (P = 0.012) and –5.66 versus –3.15 (P = 0.041) in patients treated (n = 69) and not treated (n = 116) with concomitant cognitive‐enhancing medication. Pimavanserin was similarly tolerated across all cognitive groups with no additional safety concerns identified. Overall adverse event rates were comparable across the concomitant cognitive‐enhancing medication groups; however, rates of serious adverse events and discontinuations attributed to adverse events were increased in patients taking cholinesterase inhibitors.
Conclusions: The antipsychotic effect of pimavanserin is robust in PD patients with cognitive impairment and may be enhanced by concomitant cognitive‐enhancing medication use. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings. © 2018 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Robustness of the projection method for an asymmetrically deformed planar antenna array
Authors: Rigobello Francesco , Mansutti Giulia , Asif Sajid , Khan Muhammad S. , Capobianco Antonio D. , Galtarossa Andrea 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAntenna arrays capable of adapting to surfaces that change shape in time are strongly required in modern wireless communication systems. The projection method is a cost‐effective pattern recovery technique that allows to correct the radiation pattern of the deformed array by just applying a phase compensation to the input signal of each array element. However, the implementation of this methodology can face some limitation that this letter is going to investigate. First, a study on the main lobe gain of the retrieved pattern will highlight the limit on the deformation that can be impressed to the surface. Later, an analysis on the phase approximation that can be tolerated by the method will be illustrated. In fact, the phase resolution required for the instruments (ie, the phase shifters) to be used in a practical setup, can impact considerably on the overall cost. For these purposes, a numerical analysis in CST Microwave Studio is initially performed on a 4 × 4 antenna array. Finally, a prototype was fabricated and measured in an anechoic chamber.
Higher isolation dual‐frequency distinct coupled antennas based on integrated filtering structures
Authors: Li Jiaxu , Zhai Huiqing , Shi Junhao , Liu Longhua , Nie Zhenghang , Hu Diwei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis letter proposes a new higher isolation dual‐frequency distinct coupled monopole antenna system by using integrated low‐pass and high‐pass filtering structures. The isolation of the dual‐frequency distinct antennas at 2.4 GHz and 3.6 GHz can be successfully improved by 24 dB under the stable radiation performances. The measurement results are consistent with the simulation results of the fabricated prototype, which verifies the feasibility of this method. The present compact higher isolation frequency distinct antennas could be chosen as a new candidate for integrated multiband anti‐interference terminal systems.
Antenna with a reactive impedance substrate for mine rescue applications
Authors: Roestorff Martin , Odendaal Johann W. , Joubert Johan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTwo electrically small, reactive impedance surface (RIS) backed, antennas are presented that can be used by rescue workers to locate miners in emergency situations in underground mines. One antenna was designed for optimum impedance bandwidth and the other for compact size, with at least 5% impedance bandwidth. At 433 MHz both antennas have maximum gain values above 5 dBi, and both antennas radiate on average at least 10 dB more power in the front hemisphere than in the rear hemisphere, to reduce interaction with the wearer and aid in locating the missing miners. The first antenna, a planar monopole antenna with RIS backplane had a −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of 25.1%, and a form factor of 0.4 λ0 by 0.4 λ0 by 0.069 λ0. The second antenna, a loaded planar monopole antenna with RIS backplane had a −10 dB reflection coefficient bandwidth of 5.3%, and a form factor of 0.346 λ0 by 0. 346 λ0 by 0.107 λ0. Measured and simulated results for the two antennas are presented.
A novel and individualized robust optimization method using normalized dose interval volume constraints (NDIVC) for intensity‐modulated proton radiotherapy
Authors: Shan Jie , Sio Terence T. , Liu Chenbin , Schild Steven E. , Bues Martin , Liu Wei 
Published: November 2018

PurposeIntensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is known to be sensitive to patient setup and range uncertainty issues. Multiple robust optimization methods have been developed to mitigate the impact of these uncertainties. Here, we propose a new robust optimization method, which provides an alternative way of robust optimization in IMPT, and is clinically practical, which will enable users to control the balance between nominal plan quality and plan robustness in a user‐defined fashion.MethodWe calculated nine individual dose distributions which corresponded to one nominal and eight extreme scenarios caused by patient setup and proton beam's range uncertainties. For each voxel, the normalized dose interval (NDI) is defined as the full dose range variation divided by the maximum dose in all uncertainty scenarios (NDI = [max – min dose]/max dose), which was then used to calculate the normalized dose interval volume histogram (NDIVH) curves. The areas under the NDIVH curves were used to quantify plan robustness. A normalized dose interval volume constraint (NDIVC) applied to the target was incorporated to specify the desired robustness which was user‐defined. Users could then explore the trade‐off between nominal plan quality and plan robustness by adjusting the position of the NDIVCs on the NDIVH curves freely. We benchmarked our method using one lung, five head and neck (H&N), and three prostate cases by comparing our results to those derived using the voxel‐wise worst‐case robust optimization.ResultsUsing the benchmark cases, our new method achieved quality IMPT plans comparable to those derived from the voxel‐wise worst‐case robust optimization for both nominal plan quality and plan robustness in general; even more conformal and more homogeneous target dose distributions in some cases, if proper NDIVCs were applied. The AUC under NDIVH, as a precise quantitative index of plan robustness, was consistent with DVH bandwidths. Additionally, we demonstrated the feasibility of adjusting the position of NDIVCs in the NDIVH curves which allowed users to explore the trade‐off between nominal plan quality and plan robustness.ConclusionsThe NDIVH‐based robust optimization method provided a novel and individualized way of robust optimization in IMPT, and enables users to adjust the balance between nominal plan quality and plan robustness in a user‐defined fashion. This method is applicable for continued improvement and developing the next generation of IMPT planning algorithms in the future.
Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI can image the metabolic shift in cardiac metabolism between the fasted and fed state in a porcine model
Authors: Tougaard Rasmus Stilling , Szocska Hansen Esben Søvsø , Laustsen Christoffer , Nørlinger Thomas Stokholm , Mikkelsen Emmeli , Lindhardt Jakob , Nielsen Per Mose , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Schroeder Marie , Bøtker Hans Erik , Kim Won Yong , Wiggers Henrik , Stødkilde‐Jørgensen Hans 
Published: November 2018

PurposeOwing to its noninvasive nature, hyperpolarized MRI may improve delineation of myocardial metabolic derangement in heart disease. However, consistency may depend on the changeable nature of cardiac metabolism in relation to whole‐body metabolic state. This study investigates the impact of feeding status on cardiac hyperpolarized MRI in a large animal model resembling human physiology.MethodsThirteen 30‐kg pigs were subjected to an overnight fast, and 5 pigs were fed a carbohydrate‐rich meal on the morning of the experiments. Vital parameters and blood samples were registered. All pigs were then scanned by hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate cardiac MRI, and results were compared between the 2 groups and correlated with circulating substrates and hormones.ResultsThe fed group had higher blood glucose concentration and mean arterial pressure than the fasted group. Plasma concentrations of free fatty acids (FFAs) were decreased in the fed group, whereas plasma insulin concentrations were similar between groups. Hyperpolarized MRI showed that fed animals had increased lactate/pyruvate, alanine/pyruvate, and bicarbonate/pyruvate ratios. Metabolic ratios correlated negatively with FFA levels.ConclusionHyperpolarized MR can identify the effects of different metabolic states on cardiac metabolism in a large animal model. Unlike previous rodent studies, all metabolic derivatives of pyruvate increased in the myocardium of fed pigs. Carbohydrate‐rich feeding seems to be a feasible model for standardized, large animal hyperpolarized MRI studies of myocardial carbohydrate metabolism.