bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal Evaporation of Sb2Se3 as Novel Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Panpan , Wu Zhixin , Ai Changzhi , Zhang Ming , Zhang Xintong , Huang Niu , Sun Yihua , Sun Xiaohua 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSb2Se3 was fabricated with a facile atmospheric pressure thermal evaporation procedure as counter electrode (CE) for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The introduction of a carbon nanoparticle (CNP) film as substrate was proved to facilitate Sb2Se3 deposition, resulting in the formation of a Sb2Se3 layer on the surface of carbon nanoparticles (denoted as CNP‐Sb2Se3). Electrochemical characterizations demonstrate the intrinsic catalytic ability of Sb2Se3 and better electrocatalytic activity and stability of Sb2Se3 deposited on CNP film in catalyzing I3‐ reduction. Evaporation temperature was found to affect the electrocatalytic activity of CNP‐Sb2Se3 and a lower temperature of 400oC was proved to be better in our case. As a result, the best performing DSSC with CNP‐Sb2Se3 CE yields a power conversion efficiency of 6.26%, which is comparable to that based on Pt CE (6.47%).
Synthesis of Substituted Pyrazole N‐Oxide and Pyrazole from Propargyl Amine
Authors: Unnava Ramanjaneyulu , Saikia Anil K. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPropargyl amine can be efficiently converted to pyrazole N‐oxide from the reaction of sodium nitrite in acetic acid catalysed by AgOTf in excellent yields. The pyrazole N‐oxides can be converted into pyrazole by treatment of phosphorous trichloride in refluxing chloroform. The pyrazole N‐oxide could be converted to highly substituted 4‐chloropyrazole by treating DMF and POCl3. On the other hand, some substituted pyrazole can be converted to pyrazolo[4,3‐c]cinnoline and pyrazolo[4,3‐c]quinoline.
Immunomodulatory Factors Control the Fate of Melanoma Tumor Initiating Cells
Authors: Tuccitto Alessandra , Tazzari Marcella , Beretta Valeria , Rini Francesca , Miranda Claudia , Greco Angela , Santinami Mario , Patuzzo Roberto , Vergani Barbara , Villa Antonello , Manenti Giacomo , Cleris Loredana , Giardiello Daniele , Alison Malcolm , Rivoltini Licia , Castelli Chiara , Perego Michela 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMelanoma is a highly heterogeneous tumor for which recent evidence supports a model of dynamic stemness. Melanoma cells might temporally acquire tumor-initiating properties or switch from a status of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) to a more differentiated one depending on the tumor context. However, factors driving these functional changes are still unknown. We focused on the role of cyto/chemokines in shaping TICs isolated directly from tumor specimens of two melanoma patients, namely Me14346S and Me15888S. We analyzed the secretion profile of TICs and of their corresponding melanoma differentiated cells and we tested the ability of cyto/chemokines to influence TIC self-renewal and differentiation. We found that TICs, grown in vitro as melanospheres, had a complex secretory profile as compared to their differentiated counterparts. Some factors, such as CCL-2 and IL-8, also produced by adherent melanoma cells and melanocytes did not influence TIC properties. Conversely, IL-6, released by differentiated cells, reduced TIC self-renewal and induced TIC differentiation while IL-10, produced by Me15888S, strongly promoted TIC self-renewal through paracrine/autocrine actions. Complete neutralization of IL-10 activity by gene silencing and antibody-mediated blocking of the IL-10Rα was required to sensitize Me15888S to IL-6-induced differentiation. For the first time these results show that functional heterogeneity of melanoma could be directly influenced by inflammatory and suppressive soluble factors, with IL-6 favoring TIC differentiation, and IL-10 supporting TIC self-renewal. Thus, understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) role in modulating melanoma TIC phenotype is fundamental to identifying novel therapeutic targets to achieve long-lasting regression of metastatic melanoma.
Regulation of WNT Signaling by VSX2 During Optic Vesicle Patterning in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Capowski Elizabeth E. , Wright Lynda S. , Liang Kun , Phillips M. Joseph , Wallace Kyle , Petelinsek Anna , Hagstrom Anna , Pinilla Isabel , Borys Katarzyna , Lien Jessica , Min Jee Hong , Keles Sunduz , Thomson James A. , Gamm David M. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Few gene targets of Visual System Homeobox 2 (VSX2) have been identified despite its broad and critical role in the maintenance of neural retina (NR) fate during early retinogenesis. We performed VSX2 ChIP-seq and ChIP-PCR assays on early stage optic vesicle-like structures (OVs) derived from human iPS cells (hiPSCs), which highlighted WNT pathway genes as direct regulatory targets of VSX2. Examination of early NR patterning in hiPSC-OVs from a patient with a functional null mutation in VSX2 revealed mis-expression and upregulation of WNT pathway components and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) markers in comparison to control hiPSC-OVs. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of WNT signaling rescued the early mutant phenotype, whereas augmentation of WNT signaling in control hiPSC-OVs phenocopied the mutant. These findings reveal an important role for VSX2 as a regulator of WNT signaling and suggest that VSX2 may act to maintain NR identity at the expense of RPE in part by direct repression of WNT pathway constituents.
Cryopreserved Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Are Susceptible to T-Cell Mediated Apoptosis Which Is Partly Rescued by IFNγ Licensing
Authors: Chinnadurai Raghavan , Copland Ian B. , Garcia Marco A. , Petersen Christopher T. , Lewis Christopher N. , Waller Edmund K. , Kirk Allan D. , Galipeau Jacques 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that cryopreservation and thawing lead to altered Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) functionalities. Here, we further analyzed MSC's fitness post freeze-thaw. We have observed that thawed MSC can suppress T-cell proliferation when separated from them by transwell membrane and the effect is lost in a MSC:T-cell coculture system. Unlike actively growing MSCs, thawed MSCs were lysed upon coculture with activated autologous Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and the lysing effect was further enhanced with allogeneic PBMCs. The use of DMSO-free cryoprotectants or substitution of Human Serum Albumin (HSA) with human platelet lysate in freezing media and use of autophagy or caspase inhibitors did not prevent thaw defects. We tested the hypothesis that IFNγ prelicensing before cryobanking can enhance MSC fitness post thaw. Post thawing, IFNγ licensed MSCs inhibit T cell proliferation as well as fresh MSCs and this effect can be blocked by 1-methyl Tryptophan, an Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor. In addition, IFNγ prelicensed thawed MSCs inhibit the degranulation of cytotoxic T cells while IFNγ unlicensed thawed MSCs failed to do so. However, IFNγ prelicensed thawed MSCs do not deploy lung tropism in vivo following intravenous injection as well as fresh MSCs suggesting that IFNγ prelicensing does not fully rescue thaw-induced lung homing defect. We identified reversible and irreversible cryoinjury mechanisms that result in susceptibility to host T-cell cytolysis and affect MSC's cell survival and tissue distribution. The susceptibility of MSC to negative effects of cryopreservation and the potential to mitigate the effects with IFNγ prelicensing may inform strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSC in clinical use.
Characterization of the Epigenetic Changes During Human Gonadal Primordial Germ Cells Reprogramming
Authors: Eguizabal C. , Herrera L. , De Oñate L. , Montserrat N. , Hajkova P. , Izpisua Belmonte J. C. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Epigenetic reprogramming is a central process during mammalian germline development. Genome-wide DNA demethylation in primordial germ cells (PGCs) is a prerequisite for the erasure of epigenetic memory, preventing the transmission of epimutations to the next generation. Apart from DNA demethylation, germline reprogramming has been shown to entail reprogramming of histone marks and chromatin remodelling. Contrary to other animal models, there is limited information about the epigenetic dynamics during early germ cell development in humans. Here, we provide further characterization of the epigenetic configuration of the early human gonadal PGCs. We show that early gonadal human PGCs are DNA hypomethylated and their chromatin is characterized by low H3K9me2 and high H3K27me3 marks. Similarly to previous observations in mice, human gonadal PGCs undergo dynamic chromatin changes concomitant with the erasure of genomic imprints. Interestingly, and contrary to mouse early germ cells, expression of BLIMP1/PRDM1 persists in through all gestational stages in human gonadal PGCs and is associated with nuclear lysine-specific demethylase-1. Our work provides important additional information regarding the chromatin changes associated with human PGCs development between 6 and 13 weeks of gestation in male and female gonads.
Anterior–Posterior Patterning of Definitive Endoderm Generated from Human Embryonic Stem Cells Depends on the Differential Signaling of Retinoic Acid, Wnt-, and BMP-Signaling
Authors: Davenport Claudia , Diekmann Ulf , Budde Insa , Detering Nora , Naujok Ortwin 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
As known from model organisms, such as frog, fish, mouse, and chicken, the anterior–posterior patterning of the definitive endoderm (DE) into distinct domains is controlled by a variety of signaling interactions between the DE and its surrounding mesoderm. This includes Wnt/FGFs and BMPs in the posterior half and all-trans-retinoic acid, TGF-β-ligands, Wnt-, and BMP-inhibitors in the anterior half of the DE sheet. However, it is currently unclear how these embryonic tissue interactions can be translated into a defined differentiation protocol for human embryonic stem cells. Activin A has been proposed to direct DE into a SOX2-positive foregut-like cell type. Due to the pleiotropic nature of SOX2 in pluripotency and developing cells of the foregut, we purified DE-cells by magnetic cell sorting and tested the effects of anteriorizing and posteriorizing factors on pure endoderm. We show in contrast to previous studies that the generation of the foregut marked by SOX2/FOXA2 double-positive cells does not depend on activin A/TGF-β-signaling but is mediated by the inhibition of Wnt- and BMP-signaling. Retinoic acid can posteriorize and at the same time dorsalize the foregut toward a PDX1-positive pancreatic duodenal cell type whereas active Wnt/beta-catenin signaling synergistically with FGF-2, BMP-4, and RA induces the formation of CDX2-positive posterior endoderm. Thus, these results provide new insights into the mechanisms behind cell specification of human DE derived from pluripotent stem cells.
Cytoarchitecture, Proliferative Activity and Neuroblast Migration in the Subventricular Zone and Lateral Ventricle Extension of the Adult Guinea Pig Brain
Authors: Jara Nery , Cifuentes Manuel , Martínez Fernando , Salazar Katterine , Nualart Francisco 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
In the mouse brain, neuroblasts generated in the subventricular zone (SVZ) migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) through the rostral migratory stream (RMS). Although the RMS is not present in the human brain, a migratory pathway that is organized around a ventricular cavity that reaches the OB has been reported. A similar cavity, the lateral ventricle extension (LVE), is found in the adult guinea pig brain. Therefore, we analyzed cytoarchitecture, proliferative activity and precursor cell migration in the SVZ and LVE of 1-, 6- and 12-month-old guinea pigs. In young animals, we used confocal spectral and transmission electron microscopy to identify neuroblasts, astrocytes, and progenitor cells in the SVZ and LVE. Analysis of peroxidase diffusion demonstrated that the LVE was a continuous cavity lined by ependymal cells and surrounded by neuroblasts. Precursor cells were mostly located in the SVZ and migrated from the SVZ to the OB through the LVE. Finally, analysis of 6- and 12-month-old guinea pigs revealed that the LVE was preserved in older animals; however, the number of neurogenic cells was significantly reduced. Consequently, we propose that the guinea pig brain may be used as a new neurogenic model with increased similarity to humans, given that the LVE connects the LV with the OB, as has been described in humans, and that the LVE works a migratory pathway.
Evaluation of 3-hydroxypropionate biosynthesis in vitro by partial introduction of the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle fromMetallosphaera sedula
Authors: Ye Ziling , Li Xiaowei , Cheng Yongbo , Liu Zhijie , Tan Gaoyi , Zhu Fayin , Fu Shuai , Deng Zixin , Liu Tiangang 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe chemical 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP) is an important starting reagent for the commercial synthesis of specialty chemicals. In this study, a part of the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle from Metallosphaera sedula was utilized for 3HP production. To study the basic biochemistry of this pathway, an in vitro-reconstituted system was established using acetyl-CoA as the substrate for the kinetic analysis of this system. The results indicated that 3HP formation was sensitive to acetyl-CoA carboxylase and malonyl-CoA reductase, but not malonate semialdehyde reductase. Also, the competition between 3HP formation and fatty acid production was analyzed both in vitro and in vivo. This study has highlighted how metabolic flux is controlled by different catalytic components. We believe that this reconstituted system would be valuable for understanding 3HP biosynthesis pathway and for future engineering studies to enhance 3HP production.
Public Perceptions and Knowledge of the Ebola Virus, Willingness to Vaccinate, and Likely Behavioral Responses to an Outbreak
Authors: Petrie Keith J , Faasse Kate , Thomas Mark G 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveWe examined public perceptions of the risk of an Ebola outbreak, knowledge about transmission, and the factors associated with planned protective behavior, including willingness to vaccinate.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey using random digit dialing of 750 members of the New Zealand public between February 12 and 19, 2015.ResultsMost of the sample (72%) reported that they had been following news of the outbreak closely and 28% were concerned that there would be a large outbreak in New Zealand. High rates of planned protective behavior, in terms of avoiding contact with other people, were reported, with 23% reporting they would avoid going to work, 49% reporting they would avoid using public transport, 42% reporting they would avoid sending children to school, and 52% reporting they would avoid public events. A younger age, a higher concern, and lower confidence in the ability of hospitals to contain the outbreak were significantly associated with both a greater willingness to vaccinate and a larger number of protective behaviors.ConclusionsAn Ebola outbreak would have large social and economic consequences owing to the large proportion of the population who intended to avoid social contact in order to protect their health. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:674–680)
The Intersection of Care Seeking and Clinical Capacity for Patients With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Indonesia: Knowledge and Treatment Practices of the Public and Physicians
Authors: Kreslake Jennifer M. , Wahyuningrum Yunita , Iuliano Angela D. , Storms Aaron D. , Lafond Kathryn E. , Mangiri Amalya , Praptiningsih Catharina Y. , Safi Basil , Uyeki Timothy M. , Storey J. Douglas 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundIndonesia has the highest human mortality from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus infection in the world.MethodsA survey of households (N=2520) measured treatment sources and beliefs among symptomatic household members. A survey of physicians (N=554) in various types of health care facilities measured knowledge, assessment and testing behaviors, and perceived clinical capacity.ResultsHouseholds reported confidence in health care system capacity but infrequently sought treatment for potential HPAI H5N1 signs/symptoms. More clinicians were confident in their knowledge of diagnosis and treatment than in the adequacy of related equipment and resources at their facilities. Physicians expressed awareness of the HPAI H5N1 suspect case definition, yet expressed only moderate knowledge in questioning symptomatic patients about exposures. Self-reported likelihood of testing for HPAI H5N1 virus was high after learning of certain exposures. Knowledge of antiviral treatment was moderate, but it was higher among clinicians in puskesmas. Physicians in private outpatient clinics, the most heavily used facilities, reported the lowest confidence in their diagnostic and treatment capabilities.ConclusionsEducational campaigns can encourage recall of possible poultry exposure when patients are experiencing signs/symptoms and can raise awareness of the effectiveness of antivirals to drive people to seek health care. Clinicians may benefit from training regarding exposure assessment and referral procedures, particularly in private clinics. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:838–847)
A new catostomid fish (Ostariophysi, Cypriniformes) from the Eocene Kishenehn Formation and remarks on the North American species of †AmyzonCope, 1872
Authors: Liu Juan , Wilson Mark V.H. , Murray Alison M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractFossil catostomids were very rare prior to the Eocene. After the Eocene, they suddenly decreased in diversity in Asia while becoming common fishes in the North American fauna. Knowledge of the taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of Eocene catostomids is critical to understanding the evolution of this fish group. We herein describe a new catostomid species of the genus †AmyzonCope, 1872 from the Eocene Kishenehn Formation in Montana, USA. The new species, †Amyzon kishenehnicum, differs from known species of †Amyzonin having hypurals 2 and 3 consistently fused to the compound centrum proximally, and differs from other Eocene catostomids in that the pelvic bone is intermediately forked. All our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the new species is the sister group of †A.aggregatumWilson, 1977 and that †Amyzonis the most basal clade of the Catostomidae. We reassessed the osteological characters of the North American species of †Amyzonfrom a large number of well-preserved specimens of the new species, as well as †A.gosiutenseGrande et al., 1982 and †A.aggregatum. Osteological characters newly discovered indicate that †A.gosiutenseis not a junior synonym of †A.aggregatum, but should be retained as a distinct species.
Water Stress and Grape Physiology in the Context of Global Climate Change
Authors: Gambetta Gregory A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPlant adaptation to global climate change has become one of the most pressing and important topics in biology. Changes in climate that lead to increased crop water use or decreases in water availability will increase the frequency and magnitude of plant water stress. Water stress reduces plant growth and crop yield, and for perennial crops like grape, there is an added consideration: their long-term ability to tolerate and recover from this stress. This primer introduces plant water relations basics, explaining how grape physiology is affected by water stress and discussing the physiological foundations for the development of drought-tolerant cultivars and rootstocks. (JEL Classifications: Q13, Q54)
Climate Change and Wine: A Review of the Economic Implications
Authors: Ashenfelter Orley , Storchmann Karl 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this article, we provide an overview of the extensive literature on the impact of weather and climate on grapes and wine with the goal of describing how climate change is likely to affect their production. We start by discussing the physical impact of weather on vine phenology, berry composition, and yields and then survey the economic literature measuring the effects of temperature on wine quality, prices, costs, and profits and how climate change will affect these. We also describe what has been learned so far about possible adaptation strategies for grape growers that would allow them to mitigate the economic effects of climate change. We conclude that climate change is likely to produce winners and losers, with the winners being those closer to the North and South Poles. There are also likely to be some substantial short-run costs as growers adapt to climate change. Nevertheless, wine making has survived through thousands of years of recorded history, a history that includes large climate changes. (JEL Classifications: Q54, Q13)
UK pension changes in 2015: some mathematical considerations
Authors: Stubbs John , Adetunji Jacob 
Published: June 2016

Since April 2015 there has been no legal requirement in the UK to purchase an annuity with pension savings [1] while for those who reach state pension age on or after 6th April 2016 the UK Government changed the state pension deferral arrangements [2]. The latter refers to an arrangement whereby a pensioner can receive an enhanced state pension by deferring its uptake for an arbitrary number of years. These two changes raise certain questions for prospective pensioners which are worthy of some mathematical consideration.An annuity is a guaranteed income for life in exchange for a certain sum of money: the pension pot. An alternative to the annuity since April 2015 is a ‘draw down scheme’ in which the pension pot can be used almost like an ordinary bank account and money periodically withdrawn. These two choices arise from ‘defined contribution’ pension arrangements. By contrast ‘defined benefit’ work-based (company) pensions allow no such choice and are not considered further here apart from the special case of the UK state pension. With an annuity a further option to consider, and one which predates the 2015 changes, is whether to take payments that are fixed or index-linked to inflation. Only the UK state pension offers a late retirement enhanced pension if its uptake is deferred.
An alternative recursive formula for the sums of powers of integers
Authors: Cereceda José Luis 
Published: June 2016

The sums of powers of the first n positive integers Sp(n) = 1p + 2p + …+np, (p = 0, 1, 2, … )satisfy the fundamental identity(1)from which we can successively compute S0 (n), S1 (n), S2 (n), etc. Identity (1) can easily be proved by using the binomial theorem; see e.g. [1, 2]. Several variations of (1) are also well known [3, 4, 5].In this note, we derive the following lesser-known recursive formula for Sp (n):(2)where denote the (unsigned) Stirling numbers of the first kind, also known as the Stirling cycle numbers (see e.g. [6, Chapter 6]). Table 1 shows the first few rows of the Stirling number triangle. Although the recursive formula (2) is by no means new, our purpose in dealing with recurrence (2) in this note is two-fold. On one hand, we aim to provide a new algebraic proof of (2) by making use of two related identities involving the harmonic numbers.