bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic field enhancement of organic photovoltaic cells performance
Authors: Oviedo-Casado S. , Urbina A. , Prior J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCharge separation is a critical process for achieving high efficiencies in organic photovoltaic cells. The initial tightly bound excitonic electron-hole pair has to dissociate fast enough in order to avoid photocurrent generation and thus power conversion efficiency loss via geminate recombination. Such process takes place assisted by transitional states that lie between the initial exciton and the free charge state. Due to spin conservation rules these intermediate charge transfer states typically have singlet character. Here we propose a donor-acceptor model for a generic organic photovoltaic cell in which the process of charge separation is modulated by a magnetic field which tunes the energy levels. The impact of a magnetic field is to intensify the generation of charge transfer states with triplet character via inter-system crossing. As the ground state of the system has singlet character, triplet states are recombination-protected, thus leading to a higher probability of successful charge separation. Using the open quantum systems formalism we demonstrate that the population of triplet charge transfer states grows in the presence of a magnetic field, and discuss the impact on carrier population and hence photocurrent, highlighting its potential as a tool for research on charge transfer kinetics in this complex systems.
Intrinsic map dynamics exploration for uncharted effective free-energy landscapes
Authors: Chiavazzo Eliodoro , Covino Roberto , Coifman Ronald R. , Gear C. William , Georgiou Anastasia S. , Hummer Gerhard , Kevrekidis Ioannis G. 
Published: June 2017

Significance
Direct simulations explore the dynamics of physical systems at their natural pace. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations (e.g., of macromolecular folding) extensively revisit typical configurations until rare and interesting transition events occur. Biasing the simulator away from regions already explored can, therefore, drastically accelerate the discovery of features. We propose an enhanced sampling simulation framework, where MD and machine learning adaptively bootstrap each other. Machine learning guides the search for important configurations by processing information from previous explorations. This search proceeds iteratively in an algorithmically orchestrated fashion without advance knowledge of suitable collective variables. Applied to a molecular sensor of lipid saturation in membranes, a helix dissociation pathway not seen in millisecond simulations is discovered at the second iteration.
Structure of human Fe–S assembly subcomplex reveals unexpected cysteine desulfurase architecture and acyl-ACP–ISD11 interactions
Authors: Cory Seth A. , Van Vranken Jonathan G. , Brignole Edward J. , Patra Shachin , Winge Dennis R. , Drennan Catherine L. , Rutter Jared , Barondeau David P. 
Published: June 2017

Significance
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms use analogous pathways to synthesize protein cofactors called iron–sulfur clusters. An unexplained difference between pathways is the functional requirements of the respective cysteine desulfurases. In eukaryotes, the cysteine desulfurase NFS1 requires additional accessory subunits for function. The lack of structural information has limited mechanistic insight into the role of these accessory proteins in mitochondrial Fe–S cluster biosynthesis. Here we determined crystallographic and electron microscopic structures of the NFS1–ISD11–ACP subcomplex. These results reveal an unexpected cysteine desulfurase architecture that reconciles mechanistic differences between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, reveals the basis of control of iron–sulfur cluster assembly through fatty acid synthesis, and serves as a structural foundation for investigating human diseases related to iron–sulfur cluster assembly.
Analyses of PDE-regulated phosphoproteomes reveal unique and specific cAMP-signaling modules in T cells
Authors: Beltejar Michael-Claude G. , Lau Ho-Tak , Golkowski Martin G. , Ong Shao-En , Beavo Joseph A. 
Published: June 2017

SignificanceWe have coupled mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomic analyses with treatment using various selective PDE inhibitors to characterize the PDE-regulated phosphoproteome of CD3/CD28-stimulated Jurkat cells. Predictive algorithms were used to identify likely upstream regulatory kinases, metabolic pathways, and biological processes that can be regulated by different PDEs. Here we compare the phosphoproteomes of different functional compartments subserved by combinations of individual PDE isozymes in a T-cell model. We observed unique phosphoproteomes associated with specific combinations of PDEs. These data allow one to prioritize future experiments to understand further how these pathways are regulated by specific PDEs. The results also have substantial implications for the design and use of selective PDE inhibitors in clinical practice.
Lectin microarray analysis of isolated polysaccharides from Sasa veitchii
Authors: Yagi Hirokazu , Tateno Hiroaki , Hayashi Kyoko , Hayashi Toshimitsu , Takahashi Katsuhiko , Hirabayashi Jun , Kato Koichi , Tsuboi Masamichi 
Published: June 2017

Abstract
We report lectin microarray profile of the polysaccharide fraction derived from Sasa veitchii leaf that exhibits anti-influenza activity. This fraction showed higher reactivities with lectins known as binders to oligo-mannose, fucose, or galactose. Our findings along with previously reported monosaccharide components suggest that the polysaccharide can be cross-reactive with cell surface receptors involved in immune system, thereby exerting anti-influenza activity.
Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) Promotes BMP9-Induced Osteogenesis and Suppresses Inflammatory Responses in Human Periodontal Ligament-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Kusuyama Joji , Nakamura Toshiaki , Ohnishi Tomokazu , Eiraku Nahoko , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Matsuguchi Tetsuya 
Published: June 2017

Objective:
We previously reported that low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) promotes marrow stromal cell (MSC) osteogenesis and suppresses the LPS-induced inflammatory response in osteoblasts. Here, we examined the effects of LIPUS on human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (hPDLSCs) in chronic inflammatory bone disease, such as periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:
hPDLSCs were collected from 3 healthy third molars. hPDLSCs were induced to differentiate by either recombinant BMP2 or BMP9 with or without daily LIPUS treatment (20 min/d). hPDLSCs were also stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived LPS (LPS-PG), IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha with or without LIPUS. Matrix mineralization was evaluated by alizarin red S staining. The expression of genes for osteogenic makers and for inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by real time RT-PCR.

Results:
LIPUS promoted BMP9-induced osteogenesis of hPDLSCs based on increases in both cell calcification and osteogenic marker expression. In contrast, LIPUS did not affect BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation. LIPUS-induced Noggin expression was potentially involved in the differential response of the cells. Either LPS-PG, IL-1beta, or TNF-alpha-induced ERK phosphorylation and IL-8, CCL2, and RANKL expression were decreased in LIPUS-treated hPDLSCs. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of LPS-PG and IL-1beta on osteogenesis of hPDLSCs were significantly blocked by LIPUS.

Discussion:
LIPUS is an effective tool to promote osteogenic differentiation under inflammatory conditions.
Mistletoe fig (Ficus deltoidea Jack) leaf extract prevented postmenopausal osteoarthritis by attenuating inflammation and cartilage degradation in rat model
Authors: Che Ahmad Tantowi Nur Adeelah , Hussin Paisal , Lau Seng Fong , Mohamed Suhaila 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objective:

Ficus deltoidea Jack (mistletoe fig) is an ornamental plant found in various parts of the world and used as traditional herbal medicine in some countries. This study investigated the potential use of F deltoidea leaf extract to mitigate osteoarthritis (OA) in ovariectomized (estrogen-deficient postmenopausal model) rats and the mechanisms involved. Diclofenac was used for comparison.

Methods:
Sprague-Dawley female rats (12 weeks old) were divided randomly into five groups (n = 6): healthy; nontreated OA; OA + diclofenac (5 mg/kg); OA + extract (200 mg/kg); and OA + extract (400 mg/kg). Two weeks after bilaterally ovariectomy, OA was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate into the right knee joints. After 28 days of treatment, the rats were evaluated for knee OA via physical (radiological and histological observations), biochemical, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gene expression analysis, for inflammation and cartilage degradation biomarkers.

Results:
The osteoarthritic rats treated with the extract, and diclofenac showed significant reduction of cartilage erosion (via radiological, macroscopic, and histological images) compared with untreated osteoarthritic rats. The elevated serum interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2, and C-telopeptide type II collagen levels in osteoarthritic rats were significantly reduced by F deltoidea leaf extract comparable to diclofenac. The extract significantly down-regulated the interleukin-1β, prostaglandin E2 receptor, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA expressions in the osteoarthritic cartilages, similar to diclofenac.

Conclusions:

F deltoidea leaf extract mitigated postmenopausal osteoarthritic joint destruction by inhibiting inflammation and cartilage degradation enzymes, at an effective extract dose equivalent to about 60 mg/kg for humans. The main bioactive compounds are probably the antioxidative flavonoids vitexin and isovitexin.
Transcranial direct current stimulation effects on menopausal vasomotor symptoms
Authors: Bianchi Mônia Steigleder , Ferreira Charles Francisco , Fregni Felipe , Schestatsky Pedro , Caumo Wolnei , Wender Maria Celeste Osório 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objective:
To assess the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) compared with tDCS-sham on vasomotor symptoms of postmenopausal women.

Methods:
Postmenopausal women (N = 30), aged between 45 and 68 years, with at least four episodes of vasomotor symptoms per day, were recruited from a specialized outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital in the south of Brazil and through a media call after inclusion and exclusion criteria were ensured. Active and tDCS-sham were administered over the motor cortex position (anode electrode) and contralateral supraorbital region (cathode electrode) for 10 consecutive days, except weekends. The number and intensity records of hot flashes were evaluated for 7 days before and along 30 days after the intervention. The Women's Health Questionnaire and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were applied to assess the quality of life and the depressive symptoms, respectively.

Results:
The frequencies of hot flashes per day happened in a similar way in both groups, with a reduction in the first 3 weeks after the intervention. There was a return in hot flash frequencies to baseline in the fourth week (week 0: 79.0 ± 6.2 and 75.8 ± 6.0, week 1: 61.6 ± 9.6 and 57.0 ± 7.8, week 2: 56.8 ± 8.9 and 55.9 ± 7.1, week 3: 56.8 ± 8.9 and 54.2 ± 7.2, week 4: 64.9 ± 10.7, 70.1 ± 8.9; tDCS-sham and tDCS groups, respectively). In the tDCS group, a trend towards a conversion of intensive hot flashes into mild ones was observed.

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the tDCS technique showed small trends on postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, justifying searches for more effective methods by which tDCS could reduce hot flashes.
The impact of Fiera, a women's personal care device, on genital engorgement as measured by thermography: a proof-of-principle study
Authors: Goldstein Irwin , Goldstein Sue , Millheiser Leah 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Objective:
To determine the degree of vasoengorgement of the external genitalia caused by Fiera, a personal care device developed specifically to increase sexual arousal and interest. Time to onset of self-reported genital sexual arousal and development of responsive sexual desire were also measured.

Methods:
This nonblinded, prospective cohort, single-site study was conducted in women without sexual dysfunction between the ages of 18 and 70. Each participant underwent a single-visit procedure that established a baseline temperature of the external genitalia, followed by 15 minutes of Fiera use. A post-Fiera temperature assessment lasting 10 minutes was performed. Subjective measures assessed the development of genital arousal and responsive desire as a result of Fiera use.

Results:
Fourteen premenopausal and 12 postmenopausal participants completed the study. Mean time to reach genital arousal was 5.2 + 4.2 minutes in the premenopausal group, and 4.5 + 4.3 minutes in the postmenopausal group. Statistically significant increases in the temperature of the clitoris and vestibule were demonstrated in both groups up to 10 minutes after removal of Fiera. At the labia, temperature increase was significant up to 8 minutes in the premenopausal group and up to 2 minutes in the postmenopausal group. All of the participants experienced responsive sexual desire as a result of Fiera.

Conclusions:
Use of Fiera produced statistically significant increases in the temperature of the external genitalia, markers of vasoengorgement, in both the premenopausal and postmenopausal participants. The onset of genital sexual arousal was rapid in both groups, and responsive sexual desire was experienced by all of the participants.
Reduction in Diarrhea- and Rotavirus-related Healthcare Visits Among Children <5 Years of Age After National Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mujuru Hilda A. , Yen Catherine , Nathoo Kusum J. , Gonah Nhamo A. , Ticklay Ismail , Mukaratirwa Arnold , Berejena Chipo , Tapfumanei Ottias , Chindedza Kenneth , Rupfutse Maxwell , Weldegebriel Goitom , Mwenda Jason M. , Burnett Eleanor , Tate Jacqueline E. , Parashar Umesh D. , Manangazira Portia 
Published: June 2017

Background:
In Zimbabwe, rotavirus accounted for 41%–56% of acute diarrhea hospitalizations before rotavirus vaccine introduction in 2014. We evaluated rotavirus vaccination impact on acute diarrhea- and rotavirus-related healthcare visits in children.

Methods:
We examined monthly and annual acute diarrhea and rotavirus test-positive hospitalizations and Accident and Emergency Department visits among children <60 months of age at 3 active surveillance hospitals during 2012–2016; we compared prevaccine introduction (2012–2013) with postvaccine introduction (2015 and 2016) data for 2 of the hospitals. We examined monthly acute diarrhea hospitalizations by year and age group for 2013–2016 from surveillance hospital registers and monthly acute diarrhea outpatient visits reported to the Ministry of Health and Child Care during 2012–2016.

Results:
Active surveillance data showed winter seasonal peaks in diarrhea- and rotavirus-related visits among children <60 months of age during 2012–2014 that were substantially blunted in 2015 and 2016 after vaccine introduction; the percentage of rotavirus test-positive visits followed a similar seasonal pattern and decrease. Hospital register data showed similar pre-introduction seasonal variation and post-introduction declines in diarrhea hospitalizations among children 0–11 and 12–23 months of age. Monthly variation in outpatient diarrhea-related visits mirrored active surveillance data patterns. At 2 surveillance hospitals, the percentage of rotavirus-positive visits declined by 40% and 43% among children 0–11 months of age and by 21% and 33% among children 12–23 months of age in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

Conclusion:
Initial reductions in diarrheal illness among children <60 months of age, particularly among those 0–11 months of age, after vaccine introduction are encouraging. These early results provide evidence to support continued rotavirus vaccination and rotavirus surveillance in Zimbabwe.
Vitamin D Deficiency Is Not Associated With Growth or the Incidence of Common Morbidities Among Tanzanian Infants
Authors: Sudfeld Christopher R. , Manji Karim P. , Smith Emily R. , Aboud Said , Kisenge Rodrick , Fawzi Wafaie W. , Duggan Christopher P. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTObjective:The objective of this study was to examine risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and determine the association of vitamin D status with child growth and incidence of common morbidities among Tanzanian infants.Methods:A prospective cohort of 581 Tanzanian infants born to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐uninfected mothers had serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months of age. Infants were seen at monthly clinic visits for growth monitoring until 18 months of age. Physicians examined infants every 3 months or when an illness was noted to document morbidities.Results:The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) declined from 76.4% at 6 weeks of age to 21.2% at 6 months. Infants who were exclusively breastfed at 6 weeks of age had 2.05 (95% confidence interval 1.11–3.79; P = 0.02) times the risk of vitamin D deficiency as compared formula‐fed infants. After multivariate adjustment, there was no association of vitamin D status at 6 weeks or 6 months with the incidence of stunting, wasting, or underweight. There was also no association of low vitamin D with the incidence of diarrhea, upper respiratory infection, acute lower respiratory tract infection, or malaria.Conclusions:Vitamin D deficiency is common during early infancy, particularly among exclusively breastfed infants; however, these observational data suggest it may not be an important contributor to morbidity and growth among the general population of Tanzanian infants. Future studies of vitamin D among high‐risk infants, including those with low birthweight and exposed to HIV, may be warranted.
European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition's Educational Offer and the Training Syllabus
Authors: Maglione Marco , Finizio Daniela , Veres Gabor , Pop Tudor L. , Continisio Grazia I. , Papadopoulou Alexandra , Guarino Alfredo 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe basic knowledge necessary for a European pediatric gastroenterologist/hepatologist/nutritionist is set‐out in the training syllabus (TS) of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). We retrospectively compared the topics covered in ESPGHAN's training events between 2013 and 2016 with the basic knowledge TS items. Thirty‐six initiatives including e‐learning were identified. Twelve (33%) courses focused on gastroenterology, 9 (25%) on hepatology, and 10 (28%) on nutrition. Five (14%) courses covered >1 field and were classified “General.” The initiatives covered 12 of 57 (21%) TS items; 31 of 57 items (54%) were partially covered; and 14 of 57 (25%) not covered. Five of 9 e‐learning courses covered gastroenterology topics, whereas none covered hepatology topics. ESPGHAN's 3‐year educational offer partially met the training needs listed in the TS. A coordinated educational program covering all TS items would harmonize training within Europe and would provide trainees with a professional portfolio for employment purposes.
Prostate cancer immunotherapy: the path forward
Authors: Madan Ravi A. , Gulley James L. 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
To provide an overview of current strategies being investigated in the development of immunotherapy in prostate cancer.

Recent findings
Development of immunotherapy in prostate cancer actually began in 2010 with FDA approval of sipuleucel-T. Given that immune checkpoint inhibitor trials have either been negative at the phase III level or underwhelming in smaller studies, it is likely that combination strategies will be required to further maximize the impact immune-based therapies on the clinical course of the disease. Emerging data suggests the presence of multiple checkpoint inhibitors in the prostate cancer tumor microenvironment highlighting the need for combination immunotherapy platforms that would potentially include androgen deprivation, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Summary
Preclinical and clinical data support immune-based combinations in prostate cancer and several trials are underway to better define the future of immunotherapy in prostate cancer.
The role of bone-targeted therapies for prostate cancer in 2017
Authors: Traboulsi Samer L. , Saad Fred 
Published: June 2017

Purpose of review
Bone-targeted agents (BTAs), such as zoledronic acid and denosumab, delay the occurrence of skeletal-related events (SREs) in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Recently, several agents, such as abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide and radium-223, were approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant PCa (mCRPC). These agents resulted in improved overall survival (OS), pain control and had positive effects on bone health. Combining BTAs to the newly approved agents demonstrates additional benefits that warrant a review of available evidence looking at appropriate combination therapies and timing of BTAs for optimizing the management of advanced and metastatic PCa.

Recent findings
Post-hoc analyses of randomized trials demonstrated some benefits from combination therapy, such as increased OS when denosumab was used concurrently with radium-223 and when BTAs were used with abiraterone acetate. BTAs were not beneficial for the prevention of bone metastases.

Summary
There is a suggestion of synergy or additive effects between BTAs and new agents approved for the treatment of metastatic PCa, resulting in potential clinical benefits. Therefore, prospective randomized studies evaluating the safety and benefits of combination therapies to address gaps in the literature are needed to optimize treatment of mCRPC.
Neural Correlates of the Natural Observation of an Emotionally Loaded Video
Authors: Nanni Melanni , Martínez-Soto Joel , Gonzalez-Santos Leopoldo , Barrios Fernando A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractStudies based on a paradigm of free or natural viewing have revealed characteristics that allow us to know how the brain processes stimuli within a natural environment. This method has been little used to study brain function. With a connectivity approach, we examine the processing of emotions using an exploratory method to analyze functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. This research describes our approach to modeling stress paradigms suitable for neuroimaging environments. We showed a short film (4.54 minutes) with high negative emotional valence and high arousal content to 24 healthy male subjects (36.42 years old; SD=12.14) during fMRI. Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to identify networks based on spatial statistical independence. Through this analysis we identified the sensorimotor system and its influence on the dorsal attention and default-mode networks, which in turn have reciprocal activity and modulate networks described as emotional.