bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism in ovine ANXA9 gene and the physio‐chemical properties and the fraction of protein in milk
Authors: Pecka‐Kiełb Ewa , Czerniawska‐Piątkowska Ewa , Kowalewska‐Łuczak Inga , Vasil Milan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnnexin A9 (ANXA9) is a specific fatty acid transport protein. The ANXA9 gene is expressed in various tissues, including secretory tissue and the mammary glands. The association between the three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ANXA9 gene and sheep's milk composition was assessed.RESULTSGenotype analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. The ANXA9 polymorphisms that were studied had the following major allele frequencies (MAFs): SNP1: allele G 0,66; SNP2: allele G 0,54; SNP3: allele C 0,57. The study found the most favorable profile of protein fractions, namely increased kappa‐casein fractions and a decreased level of whey protein in sheep's milk for the SNP1 and SNP3 polymorphisms. Sheep with the SNP1 GA genotype had the highest (P < 0.05) content of fat and dry matter in milk. AXNA9 gene polymorphism did not influence the levels of protein, lactose, or urea in sheep's milk.CONCLUSIONThe information contained in this study may be useful for determining the impact of the ANXA9 gene on sheep's milk. The ANXA9 SNP1 and SNP3 polymorphism results could be included in breeding programs to select sheep with the genotypes ensuring the highest kappa‐casein levels in milk. However, it is worth conducting further research on ANXA9 and milk composition in larger herds of animals and various breeds of sheep. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Measurement of water absorption capacity in wheat flour by a headspace gas chromatographic technique
Authors: Xie Wei‐Qi , Yu Kong‐Xian , Gong Yi‐Xian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this work is to introduce a new method for quantitatively analyzing water absorption capacity in wheat flour by a headspace gas chromatographic technique. This headspace gas chromatographic technique was based on measuring the water vapor released from a series of wheat flour samples with different contents of water addition. According to the different trends between the vapor and wheat flour phase before and after the water absorption capacity in wheat flour, a turning point (corresponding to water absorption capacity in wheat flour) can be obtained by fitting the data of the water gas chromatography peak area from different wheat flour samples. The data showed that the phase equilibrium in the vial can be achieved in 25 min at desired temperature (35°C). The relative standard deviation of the reaction headspace gas chromatographic technique in water absorption capacity determination was within 3.48%, the relative differences has been determined by comparing the water absorption capacity obtained from this new analytical technique with the data from the reference technique (i.e., the filtration method), which are less than 8.92%. The new headspace gas chromatographic method is automated, accurate and be a reliable tool for quantifying water absorption capacity in wheat flour in both laboratory research and mill applications.
Preparing the key metabolite of Z‐ligustilide in vivo by a specific electrochemical reaction
Authors: Duan Feipeng , Xu Wenjuan , Liu Jie , Jia Zhixin , Chen Kuikui , Chen Yijun , Wang Mingxia , Ma Kaiyue , Dong Jiaojiao , Chen Lianming , Xiao Hongbin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe key in vivo metabolites of a drug play an important role in its efficacy and toxicity. However, due to the low content and instability of these metabolites, they are hard to obtain through in vivo methods. Electrochemical reactions can be an efficient alternative to biotransformation in vivo for the preparation of metabolites. Accordingly, in this study, the metabolism of Z‐ligustilide was investigated in vitro by electrochemistry coupled online to mass spectrometry. This work showed that five oxidation products of the electrochemical reaction were detected and that two of the oxidation products (senkyunolide I and senkyunolide H) were identified from liver microsomal incubation as well. Furthermore, after intragastric administration of Z‐ligustilide in rats, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide H were detected in the rat plasma and liver, while 6,7‐epoxyligustilide, a key intermediate metabolite of Z‐ligustilide, was difficult to detect in vivo. By contrast, 6,7‐epoxyligustilide was obtained from the electrochemical reaction. In addition, for the first time, 6 mg of 6,7‐epoxyligustilide was prepared from 120 mg of Z‐ligustilide. Therefore, electrochemical reactions represent an efficient laboratory method for preparing key drug metabolites.
Neural Tube Defects in Embryonic Life: Lessons Learned From 340 Early Pregnancy Failures
Authors: Hartge David R. , Gembicki Michael , Rody Achim , Weichert Jan 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of sonographic assessment of the embryonic/fetal neural tube in nonviable pregnancies and to determine the defect incidence.MethodsProspective analysis of transvaginally acquired 3‐dimensional (3D) multiplanar and 3D surface‐rendered volume sets of 340 cases of missed abortion between March 2010 and September 2015 was performed. Data regarding karyotype and postmortem examination as well as demographic features and the outcomes of subsequent pregnancies were evaluated.ResultsIn 223 cases, an embryo/fetus was detected and considered suitable for further evaluation: in 37 of 223 (16.6%) embryos/fetuses, a neural tube defect was present: 27 of 37 cephaloceles, 5 of 37 anencephalies/exencepahlies, 3 of 37 spina bifidas, 1 of 37 caudal regression syndrome, and 1 of 37 iniencephaly. Additional alterations were not observed. In 7 of 37 cases karyotyping was carried out and showed no aneuploidy. Eight subsequent pregnancies had a favorable outcome, with 1 ending in an intrauterine fetal death during the 22nd week of gestation. Maternal folic acid supplementation was provided for all subsequent pregnancies. No neural tube defects occurred.ConclusionsSonographic 3D evaluation of complete neural tube closure in embryonic/fetal demise is technically feasible and can be achieved in embryos with a crown‐rump length greater than 8 mm. In 26 of 37 cases a defective closure site could be allocated to high‐risk areas known for early embryonic demise. Regardless of the etiology of different neural tube defects, high‐dose folic acid prophylaxis must be recommended in all cases. Sonographic evaluation of the neural tube, including 3D surface‐rendered images, should be offered to every woman with a missed abortion because of the impact on subsequent pregnancies.
Adaptations of Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria to Obesity, Exercise, and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Chen Phoebe B. , Yang Jason S. , Park Yeonhwa 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMitochondria intricately modulate their energy production through the control of mitochondrial adaptation (mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion, and/or fission) to meet energy demands. Nutrient overload may result in dysregulated mitochondrial biogenesis, morphology toward mitochondrial fragmentation, and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle. In addition, physical activity and diet components influence mitochondrial function. Exercise may stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and promote mitochondrial fusion/fission in the skeletal muscle. Moreover, some dietary fatty acids, such as n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid, have been identified to positively regulate mitochondrial adaptation in the skeletal muscle. This review discusses the association of mitochondrial impairments and obesity, and presents an overview of various mechanisms of which exercise training and mitochondrial nutrients promote mitochondrial function in the skeletal muscle.
Superfine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Cerebrovasculature Using Self‐Assembled Branched Polyethylene Glycol–Gd Contrast Agent
Authors: Mahara Atsushi , Enmi Jun‐ichiro , Hsu Yu‐I , Kobayashi Naoki , Hirano Yoshiaki , Iida Hidehiro , Yamaoka Tetsuji 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMagnetic resonance angiography is an attractive method for the visualization of the cerebrovasculature, but small‐sized vessels are hard to visualize with the current clinically approved agents. In this study, a polymeric contrast agent for the superfine imaging of the cerebrovasculature is presented. Eight‐arm polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of ≈17 000 Da conjugated with a Gd chelate and fluorescein (F‐8‐arm PEG‐Gd) is used. The relaxivity rate is 9.3 × 10−3m−1 s−1, which is threefold higher than that of free Gd chelate. Light scattering analysis reveals that F‐8‐arm PEG‐Gd is formed by self‐assembly. When the F‐8‐arm PEG‐Gd is intravenously injected, cerebrovasculature as small as 100 µm in diameter is clearly visualized. However, signals are not enhanced when Gd chelate and Gd chelate‐conjugated 8‐arm PEG are injected. Furthermore, small vasculature around infarct region in rat stroke model can be visualized. These results suggest that F‐8‐arm PEG‐Gd enhances the MR imaging of cerebrovasculature.
Engineered Hsp Protein Nanocages for siRNA Delivery
Authors: Guan Xingang , Chang Yu , Sun Jinghui , Song Jianxi , Xie Yu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe efficient delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumor cells still remains a great challenge. Of the various nanocarriers, protein nanocages have attracted extensive interest due to their unique structure and suitable characteristics derived from their proteinaceous nature. However, most reported protein nanocages that are developed are based on virus capsid proteins, which may raise safety concerns, including those related to gene mutation and carcinogenesis. The development of nonviral protein‐based systems for siRNA delivery is greatly needed. In this study, a novel siRNA delivery system based on heat shock protein (Hsp) nanocages is developed by a genetic engineering method. The delivery system could condense siRNA into stable complexes and protect the condensed siRNA from degradation. A cellular uptake analysis shows that siRNA is introduced into tumor cells mediated by Hsp‐R9 nanocages. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in HeLa‐EGFP cells is significantly downregulated by Hsp‐R9/siRNA complexes. The results indicate that Hsp nanocages may be a good platform for siRNA delivery into tumor cells.
Dual‐Functionalization Device for Therapy through Dopamine Release and Monitoring
Authors: Fabregat Georgina , Giménez Alessia , Díaz Angélica , Puiggalí Jordi , Alemán Carlos 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA dual‐functional device is fabricated to release progressively dopamine (DA) from a biohydrogel under real‐time monitoring via electrochemical detection. For this purpose, a poly‐γ‐glutamic acid biohydrogel is assembled with a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) layer, previously deposited onto a screen printed electrode. The biohydrogel is formulated to achieve dimensional stability and maximum DA‐loading capacity. Conditions for DA‐loading are influenced by the oxidation of the neurotransmitter in acid environments and the poor resistance of PEDOT to the lyophilization. The performance of the device is proved in a medium with the physiological pH of blood and the cerebrospinal fluid. The progressive release of DA is successfully monitored by the device, the limit of detection and sensitivity of the integrated sensor being 450 × 10−9m and 8 × 10−5 mA µm−1, respectively. The effect of electrochemical stimulation in the kinetics of the DA release is also investigated applying potential ramps in cyclic phase to alter the biohydrogel morphology.
Photo‐Induced Programmable Morphological Transition of the Hybrid Coassembles
Authors: Li Jin , Su Zhilong , Xu Hongjie , Ma Xiaodong , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMorphology and nanoparticle's distribution are both key factors to the hybrid coassemblies. A fancy method to dynamically control the morphology of hybrid core–shell microspheres (CSMs) with UV light is introduced. The CSMs used here are fabricated with azobenzene (AZO) ended hyperbranched poly(ether amine) in the shell and AZO containing polyhedral oligomer silsesquioxane in the core through coassembly. Upon UV irradiation, the dynamic morphology transition from core–shell microsphere to vesicle is realized by synergistic effects and photothermal effects of AZO, resulting in the size of coassemblies increasing from 1.2 to 2.5 µm. And versatile multivesicular structures can be fixed and captured as mid‐states in taking advantage of the easy control of ON/OFF of UV light. This programmable morphology transition provides a new insight for fabricating light‐controlled hybrid materials with ideal structure in soft nanotechnology which matches with requirements in in situ tunable functions, controlled release, and so on.
Clubs on quasi measurable cardinals
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Shelah Saharon 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe construct a model satisfying “κ is quasi measurable”. Here, we call κ quasi measurable if there is an ℵ1‐saturated κ‐additive ideal on κ. We also show that, in this model, forcing with adds one but not κ Cohen reals. We introduce a weak club principle and use it to show that, consistently, for some ℵ1‐saturated κ‐additive ideal on κ, forcing with adds one but not κ random reals.
Bishop's Lemma
Authors: Diener Hannes , Hendtlass Matthew 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBishop's Lemma is a centrepiece in the development of constructive analysis. We show that

its proof requires some form of the axiom of choice; and that
the completeness requirement in Bishop's Lemma can be weakened and that there is a vast class of non‐complete spaces that Bishop's Lemma applies to.
Facile Preparation of Polydimethylsiloxane Elastomer with Self‐Healing Property and Remoldability Based on Diels–Alder Chemistry
Authors: Wang Jinke , Lv Chi , Li Zhongxiao , Zheng Junping 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe polydimethylisioxane elastomer based on Diels–Alder (DA) chemistry is successfully prepared by directly crosslinking bis(3‐aminopropyl)‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane with the bisepoxide containing two DA bonds in one molecule via epoxy‐amine reaction. The elastomer prepared based on DA chemistry exhibits good mechanical property, high self‐healing, and remolded efficiencies. The as‐prepared elastomer can be stretched to over 400% and its tensile strength can reach 0.80 MPa. The self‐healing efficiency and remolded efficiency are up to 93% and 95%, respectively. This work provides a simple and efficient way to fabricate the self‐healing and remolded polydimethylsiloxane elastomer with good mechanical properties. The as‐prepared elastomer has a promising potential in artificial muscles, protective coatings, and intelligent flexible electronics.
Maximal and fractional integral operators on generalized Morrey spaces over metric measure spaces
Authors: Sihwaningrum Idha , Gunawan Hendra , Nakai Eiichi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe establish the boundedness and weak boundedness of the maximal operator and generalized fractional integral operators on generalized Morrey spaces over metric measure spaces without the assumption of the growth condition on μ. The results are generalization and improvement of some known results. We also give the vector‐valued boundedness. Moreover we prove the independence of the choice of the parameter in the definition of generalized Morrey spaces by using the geometrically doubling condition in the sense of Hytönen.
Clustering of motor and nonmotor traits in leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 G2019S Parkinson's disease nonparkinsonian relatives: A multicenter family study
Authors: Mestre Tiago A. , Pont‐Sunyer Claustre , Kausar Farah , Visanji Naomi P. , Ghate Taneera , Connolly Barbara S. , Gasca‐Salas Carmen , Kern Drew S. , Jain Jennifer , Slow Elizabeth J. , Faust‐Socher Achinoam , Kasten Meike , Wadia Pettarusp M. , Zadikoff Cindy , Kumar Prakash , de Bie Ronald M. , Thomsen Teri , Lang Anthony E. , Schüle Birgitt , Klein Christine , Tolosa Eduardo , Marras Connie 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine phenotypic features that differentiate nonparkinsonian first‐degree relatives of PD leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) G2019S multiplex families, regardless of carrier status, from healthy controls because nonparkinsonian individuals in multiplex families seem to share a propensity to present neurological features.MethodsWe included nonparkinsonian first‐degree relatives of LRRK2 G2019S familial PD cases and unrelated healthy controls participating in established multiplex family LRRK2 cohorts. Study participants underwent neurologic assessment including cognitive screening, olfaction testing, and questionnaires for daytime sleepiness, depression, and anxiety. We used a multiple logistic regression model with backward variable selection, validated with bootstrap resampling, to establish the best combination of motor and nonmotor features that differentiates nonparkinsonian first‐degree relatives of LRRK2 G2019S familial PD cases from unrelated healthy controls.ResultsWe included 142 nonparkinsonian family members and 172 unrelated healthy controls. The combination of past or current symptoms of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio, 4.16; 95% confidence interval, 2.01‐8.63), less daytime sleepiness (adjusted odds ratio [1 unit], 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.83‐0.97], and worse motor UPDRS score (adjusted odds ratio [1 unit], 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.20‐1.67) distinguished nonparkinsonian family members, regardless of LRRK2 G2019S mutation status, from unrelated healthy controls. The model accuracy was good (area under the curve = 79.3%).ConclusionsA set of motor and nonmotor features distinguishes first‐degree relatives of LRRK2 G2019S probands, regardless of mutation status, from unrelated healthy controls. Environmental or non‐LRRK2 genetic factors in LRRK2‐associated PD may influence penetrance of the LRRK2 G2019S mutation. The relationship of these features to actual PD risk requires longitudinal observation of LRRK2 familial PD cohorts. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dietary Mannan Oligosaccharides Modulate Gut Microbiota, Increase Fecal Bile Acid Excretion, and Decrease Plasma Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis Development
Authors: Hoving Lisa R. , Katiraei Saeed , Heijink Marieke , Pronk Amanda , van der Wee‐Pals Lianne , Streefland Trea , Giera Martin , Willems van Dijk Ko , van Harmelen Vanessa 
Published: April 2018

ScopeMannan oligosaccharides (MOS) have proven effective at improving growth performance, while also reducing hyperlipidemia and inflammation. As atherosclerosis is accelerated both by hyperlipidemia and inflammation, we aim to determine the effect of dietary MOS on atherosclerosis development in hyperlipidemic ApoE*3‐Leiden.CETP (E3L.CETP) mice, a well‐established model for human‐like lipoprotein metabolism.Methods and resultsFemale E3L.CETP mice were fed a high‐cholesterol diet, with or without 1% MOS for 14 weeks. MOS substantially decreased atherosclerotic lesions up to 54%, as assessed in the valve area of the aortic root. In blood, IL‐1RA, monocyte subtypes, lipids, and bile acids (BAs) were not affected by MOS. Gut microbiota composition was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and MOS increased the abundance of cecal Bacteroides ovatus. MOS did not affect fecal excretion of cholesterol, but increased fecal BAs as well as butyrate in cecum as determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry.ConclusionMOS decreased the onset of atherosclerosis development via lowering of plasma cholesterol levels. These effects were accompanied by increased cecal butyrate and fecal excretion of BAs, presumably mediated via interactions of MOS with the gut microbiota.
Technical Note: Iterative megavoltage CT (MVCT) reconstruction using block‐matching 3D‐transform (BM3D) regularization
Authors: Lyu Qihui , Yang Chunlin , Gao Hao , Xue Yi , O'Connor Daniel , Niu Tianye , Sheng Ke 
Published: April 2018

PurposeMegavoltage CT (MVCT) images are noisier than kilovoltage CT (KVCT) due to low detector efficiency to high‐energy x rays. Conventional denoising methods compromise edge resolution and low‐contrast object visibility. In this work, we incorporated block‐matching 3D‐transform shrinkage (BM3D) transformation into MVCT iterative reconstruction as nonlocal patch‐wise regularization.MethodsThe iterative reconstruction was achieved by adding to the existing least square data fidelity objective a regularization term, formulated as the L1 norm of the BM3D transformed image. A Fast Iterative Shrinkage‐Thresholding Algorithm (FISTA) was adopted to accelerate CT reconstruction. The proposed method was compared against total variation (TV) regularization, BM3D postprocess method, and filtered back projection (FBP).ResultsIn the Catphan phantom study, BM3D regularization better enhances low‐contrast objects compared with TV regularization and BM3D postprocess method at the same noise level. The spatial resolution using BM3D regularization is 2.79 and 2.55 times higher than that using the TV regularization at 50% of the modulation transfer function (MTF) magnitude, for the fully sampled reconstruction and down‐sampled reconstruction, respectively. The BM3D regularization images show better bony details and low‐contrast soft tissues, on the head and neck (H&N) and prostate patient images.ConclusionsThe proposed iterative BM3D regularization CT reconstruction method takes advantage of both the BM3D denoising capability and iterative reconstruction data fidelity consistency. This novel approach is superior to TV regularized iterative reconstruction or BM3D postprocess for improving noisy MVCT image quality.
Clinical outcomes of detrusor underactivity in female with advanced pelvic organ prolapse following vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery
Authors: Lo Tsia‐Shu , Chua Sandy , Uy‐Patrimonio Ma. Clarissa , Kao Chuan C. , Lin Chih H. 
Published: April 2018

AimTo determine the impact of vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS) on detrusor underactivity (DU) patients having advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).MethodsA retrospective study of patients who underwent PRS for advanced POP (POP‐Q ≥ 3) with DU. Data regarding preoperative evaluation, surgical procedure, and post‐operative management were collated. Patients were considered to have DU when detrusor pressure at maximum flow (PdetQmax) was ≤10 cmH20 and peak flow rate (Qmax) of ≤12 mL/s. Post‐operative values more than the cut‐off were considered objectively cured. Subjective cure was defined as having a negative response to UDI‐6 Question 5, “Do you experience difficulty emptying your bladder?”ResultsA total of 49 patients were evaluated. Majority of the population were post‐menopausal and multiparous. Preoperatively, 38 patients (75%) had stage III prolapse and 13 patients (26%) had stage IV. Subjective cure rate of DU was 76% (37/49) and objective cure rate was 47% (23/49). Post‐operative DU (P < 0.001) significantly improved together with patients having normal urodynamic diagnosis (P < 0.001). Voiding function showed significant increase in Qmax (P < 0.001) and PdetQmax (P < 0.001) while PVR (P < 0.001) and cystometric capacity (P < 0.001) significantly decreased. These findings were observed in 89% (43/49) of patients with post‐void residual urine (PVR) of <200 mL, 63% (31/49) with Qmax > 12 mL/s, and 57% (28/49) with PdetQmax >10 cmH20.ConclusionReversal of short‐term or long‐term obstruction through vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery enables bladders to regain detrusor muscle function. Although objective cure of DU was at 47%, detrusor function recovered in 57% of patients provided that mechanical obstruction was the cause.