bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Optimization of an Ion‐selective Electrode for Serotonin Detection
Authors: Bliem Christina , Fruhmann Philipp , Stoica Anca‐Iulia , Kleber Christoph 
Published: April 2017

AbstractOur studies are focused on the development of novel potentiometric sensors for the quantification of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Therefore, ion‐selective electrodes based on plasticized PVC membranes are applied. The electroactive part of the membrane consists of an ion pair complex formed between the protonated analyte and a carborane anion [Co(1,2‐C2B9H11)2]−. The analytical performance of the electrode was studied regarding sensitivity, concentration range, limit of detection and potential stability. The ion‐selective electrodes were optimized with respect to the material of the transducing element, as well as the membrane thickness and its composition. Stable, all solid state ISEs could be developed, using the non‐polar plasticizer NPOE and a graphite rod with high surface area as transducing element. We thus achieved a near Nernstian response over three decades of concentration (2.25⋅10‐5‐1.00⋅10‐2 M) and a limit of detection in the μ‐molar range for the optimized electrodes. The electrodes could successfully be miniaturized using carbon based screen printed electrodes.
Fabrication of Supercapacitors from NiCo2O4 Nanowire/Carbon‐Nanotube Yarn for Ultraviolet Photodetectors and Portable Electronics
Authors: Wang Qiufan , Zhang Daohong , Wu Yunlong , Li Ting , Zhang Aiqing , Miao Menghe 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLinear flexible supercapacitors are of considerable interest for future wearable electronics and photodetectors. Inorganic metallic oxide‐based electrochemical pseudocapacitors have a high energy density whereas supercapacitors based on carbon‐nanotube (CNT) yarns show high flexibility and high power densities. Besides high power density and energy density, fabrication of linear supercapacitors with excellent flexibility is still a challenge. Here, we report a linear supercapacitor architecture obtained by integrating CNT yarn and a Cu filament with NiCo2O4 nanowires. NiCo2O4 nanowires grow in situ on the surface of CNT yarn intertwined with the Cu filament. Due to the high electrochemical performance of both NiCo2O4 nanowires and CNT yarn and the high charge‐transport efficiency of the Cu filament as current collector, the supercapacitor demonstrates a specific areal capacitance as high as 277.3 mF cm2 and an energy density of 35.76 μWh cm−2 coupled with a power density 0.154 mW cm−2. The linear supercapacitor is very flexible and can be woven into a fabric without losing its capacity to store energy. Its capacitance remains at 89 % after 5000 charge/discharge cycles. The linear supercapacitor may be used as an ultraviolet photodetector with good stability in response to the UV light signal and also to power light‐emitting diodes (LEDs).
Mn0.5Co2.5O4 Nanofibers Intercalated into Graphene Frameworks with Mesoporous Structure for Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Jinzuan , Huang Tao , Yin Wenyan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSelf‐assembled manganese cobalt oxide (Mn0.5Co2.5O4) nanofibers intercalated into graphene frameworks (Mn0.5Co2.5O4@G) with a mesoporous structure are successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal treatment and annealing process. The unique structure can effectively prevent volume changes of Mn0.5Co2.5O4 nanofibers and graphene layers from restacking, and enhance the electrode kinetics, so the composite demonstrates superior electrochemical performances for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and supercapacitors. As an anode material for LIBs, the Mn0.5Co2.5O4@G composite shows a large reversible specific capacity of 950 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g−1. In a three‐electrode system, it achieves specific capacitances of 1926 F g−1 at a current density of 10 A g−1, and capacitances of 1575 and 1211 F g−1 at ultrahigh current densities of 30 and 40 A g−1, respectively. For an asymmetric supercapacitor, Mn0.5Co2.5O4@G//AC (AC=activated carbon) can achieve high energy densities of 64.9 and 14.6 Wh kg−1 at power densities of 75.2 and 3754.3 W kg−1, respectively.
Toward the Automated Scoring of Written Arguments: Developing an Innovative Approach for Annotation
Authors: Song Yi , Deane Paul , Beigman Klebanov Beata 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis project focuses on laying the foundations for automated analysis of argumentation schemes, supporting identification and classification of the arguments being made in a text, for the purpose of scoring the quality of written analyses of arguments. We developed annotation protocols for 20 argument prompts from a college‐level test under the framework of the theory of argumentation schemes, which defines reasoning patterns in argumentation. The annotation protocols listed critical questions associated with each argumentation scheme, which makes the argument structure in a text explicit and classifiable. Furthermore, we annotated 200 student essays across four selected argument prompts to test if the annotation protocols can be applied reliably by human annotators. Preliminary results indicate that this method of analyzing argument structure is reliable and promising.
Genome‐wide copy number variation pattern analysis and a classification signature for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhe‐Wei , Bi Jia‐Hao , Gazdar Adi F. , Song Kai 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe accurate classification of non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) into lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is essential for both clinical practice and lung cancer research. Although the standard WHO diagnosis of NSCLC on biopsy material is rapid and economic, more than 13% of NSCLC tumors in the USA are not further classified. The purpose of this study was to analyze the genome‐wide pattern differences in copy number variations (CNVs) and to develop a CNV signature as an adjunct test for the routine histopathologic classification of NSCLCs. We investigated the genome‐wide CNV differences between these two tumor types using three independent patient datasets. Approximately half of the genes examined exhibited significant differences between LUAD and LUSC tumors and the corresponding non‐malignant tissues. A new classifier was developed to identify signature genes out of 20 000 genes. Thirty‐three genes were identified as a CNV signature of NSCLC. Using only their CNV values, the classification model separated the LUADs from the LUSCs with an accuracy of 0.88 and 0.84, respectively, in the training and validation datasets. The same signature also classified NSCLC tumors from their corresponding non‐malignant samples with an accuracy of 0.96 and 0.98, respectively. We also compared the CNV patterns of NSCLC tumors with those of histologically similar tumors arising at other sites, such as the breast, head, and neck, and four additional tumors. Of greater importance, the significant differences between these tumors may offer the possibility of identifying the origin of tumors whose origin is unknown.
AJRM as basis for design and construction of more than 70 km of tunnels of the Railway Project Stuttgart‐Ulm
Authors: Wittke Walter , Wittke Martin , Erichsen Claus , Wittke‐Schmitt Bettina , Wittke‐Gattermann Patricia , Schmitt Dieter 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe tunnels of the railway project Stuttgart‐Ulm are located in sedimentary rock of the Keuper Formation, the Black Jurassic, the Brown Jurassic and the White Jurassic formation. The two longest tunnels are excavated by tunnel boring machine over most of their length. The remaining tunnels, which the authors are involved in, are excavated by conventional tunnelling. All tunnels are designed on the basis of the AJRM‐method. This method is based on an anisotropic, elasto‐viscoplastic model for jointed rock and corresponding FE‐software, which has been extended to seepage and swelling. The method has been applied to practical projects for the last 40 years. By means of rock mechanical test programs and back‐analyses of projects in a variety of rocks, the reliability of the predictions is quite high and the application leads to safe and economic solutions.Special emphasis is given to tunnels located in swelling gypsum Keuper. The phenomena of swelling and leaching are described and a swelling model is outlined. The evaluation of the rock mechanical parameters and a method of analyses are explained. On this basis, the design principles and package of measures applied for the tunnels located in anhydrite‐bearing rock are described. Some important aspects with regards to tunnelling in leached Gypsum Keuper and in the other Keuper layers as well as the Black Jurassic are addressed. For the 8.8 km long Boßler Tunnel, located in the Brown and White Jurassic, for an approx. 900 m long section in the Aalenium 2 with a maximum overburden of 280 m squeezing rock conditions had to be anticipated. By means of a vertical exploration shaft and a connecting exploration gallery, an improvement of the predicted characteristic rock mechanical parameters could be justified, thus enabling TBM‐tunnelling also in this section, with an increase of the segment thickness from 45 to 65 cm. For the Steinbühltunnel located in White Jurassic, special emphasis was placed on karstic rocks. The corresponding measures are described.
Suppression of SNARE‐dependent exocytosis in retinal glial cells and its effect on ischemia‐induced neurodegeneration
Authors: Wagner Lysann , Pannicke Thomas , Rupprecht Vanessa , Frommherz Ina , Volz Cornelia , Illes Peter , Hirrlinger Johannes , Jägle Herbert , Egger Veronica , Haydon Philip G. , Pfrieger Frank W. , Grosche Antje 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNervous tissue is characterized by a tight structural association between glial cells and neurons. It is well known that glial cells support neuronal functions, but their role under pathologic conditions is less well understood. Here, we addressed this question in vivo using an experimental model of retinal ischemia and transgenic mice for glia‐specific inhibition of soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE)‐dependent exocytosis. Transgene expression reduced glutamate, but not ATP release from single Müller cells, impaired glial volume regulation under normal conditions and reduced neuronal dysfunction and death in the inner retina during the early stages of ischemia. Our study reveals that the SNARE‐dependent exocytosis in glial cells contributes to neurotoxicity during ischemia in vivo and suggests glial exocytosis as a target for therapeutic approaches.
Transcription factor Sox10 regulates oligodendroglial Sox9 levels via microRNAs
Authors: Reiprich Simone , Cantone Martina , Weider Matthias , Baroti Tina , Wittstatt Jan , Schmitt Christian , Küspert Melanie , Vera Julio , Wegner Michael 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDuring development of myelin‐forming oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system the two closely related transcription factors Sox9 and Sox10 play essential roles that are partly shared and partly unique. Whereas Sox9 primarily functions during oligodendroglial specification, Sox10 is uniquely required to induce terminal differentiation and myelination. During this process, Sox10 protein levels rise substantially. As this coincides with a reciprocal decrease in Sox9, we postulated that Sox10 influences Sox9 amounts in differentiating oligodendrocytes. Here we show that Sox9 levels are indeed inversely coupled to Sox10 levels such that Sox10 deletion in oligodendroglial cells evokes a reciprocal increase in Sox9. We furthermore provide evidence that this coupling involves upregulation of microRNAs miR335 and miR338 as direct transcriptional targets of Sox10. The two microRNAs in turn recognize the 3′‐UTR of Sox9 mRNA and may thereby reduce Sox9 protein levels posttranscriptionally in oligodendroglial cells. Such a mechanism may enable oligodendroglial cells to adapt the ratio of both related Sox proteins in a manner required for successful lineage progression and differentiation. Mathematical modeling furthermore shows that the identified regulatory circuit has the potential to convert a transient stimulus into an irreversible switch of cellular properties and may thus contribute to terminal differentiation of oligodendrocytes.
Neural mechanisms for integrating consecutive and interleaved natural events
Authors: Lahnakoski Juha M. , Jääskeläinen Iiro P. , Sams Mikko , Nummenmaa Lauri 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTo understand temporally extended events, the human brain needs to accumulate information continuously across time. Interruptions that require switching of attention to other event sequences disrupt this process. To reveal neural mechanisms supporting integration of event information, we measured brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) from 18 participants while they viewed 6.5‐minute excerpts from three movies (i) consecutively and (ii) as interleaved segments of approximately 50‐s in duration. We measured inter‐subject reliability of brain activity by calculating inter‐subject correlations (ISC) of fMRI signals and analyzed activation timecourses with a general linear model (GLM). Interleaving decreased the ISC in posterior temporal lobes, medial prefrontal cortex, superior precuneus, medial occipital cortex, and cerebellum. In the GLM analyses, posterior temporal lobes were activated more consistently by instances of speech when the movies were viewed consecutively than as interleaved segments. By contrast, low‐level auditory and visual stimulus features and editing boundaries caused similar activity patterns in both conditions. In the medial occipital cortex, decreases in ISC were seen in short bursts throughout the movie clips. By contrast, the other areas showed longer‐lasting differences in ISC during isolated scenes depicting socially‐relevant and suspenseful content, such as deception or inter‐subject conflict. The areas in the posterior temporal lobes also showed sustained activity during continuous actions and were deactivated when actions ended at scene boundaries. Our results suggest that the posterior temporal and dorsomedial prefrontal cortices, as well as the cerebellum and dorsal precuneus, support integration of events into coherent event sequences. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3360–3376, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of change from copayment to coinsurance on medical care usage and expenditure in outpatient setting in older Koreans
Authors: Bae Byoungjun , Choi Bo Ram , Song Inmyung 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPatient cost‐sharing change was implemented on August 1, 2007, for outpatient care in the clinic setting in Korea from copayment to coinsurance. This study aims to estimate the effect of the policy change on medical care usage and expenditure in older Koreans. By using national health insurance claims data from the Health Insurance Reimbursement Assessment Service, this study analyzed the entire 137 million claims for a total of approximately 4.1 million patients aged 60 to 69 years who had been diagnosed and/or treated for outpatient care in clinics from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2008. Medical care usage was defined as the proportion of all beneficiaries in each group who visited clinics and the mean number of visit days per beneficiary. Medical care expenditure per visit day was expressed as total costs, reimbursed amount, and patient's out‐of‐pocket payment. Data on January through June of 2008 were analyzed as compared with the same months of 2007. Raw difference‐in‐difference and multiple regression analyses were performed. The interaction coefficients, which measured the impact of cost‐sharing change, was −0.078 in model 1 and −0.039 in model 2 (P < .0001). In conclusion, a cost‐sharing change from copayment to coinsurance reduced medical care usage and expenditure.
Ketone bodies mimic the life span extending properties of caloric restriction
Authors: Veech Richard L. , Bradshaw Patrick C. , Clarke Kieran , Curtis William , Pawlosky Robert , King M. Todd 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe extension of life span by caloric restriction has been studied across species from yeast and Caenorhabditis elegans to primates. No generally accepted theory has been proposed to explain these observations. Here, we propose that the life span extension produced by caloric restriction can be duplicated by the metabolic changes induced by ketosis. From nematodes to mice, extension of life span results from decreased signaling through the insulin/insulin‐like growth factor receptor signaling (IIS) pathway. Decreased IIS diminishes phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) triphosphate (PIP3) production, leading to reduced PI3K and AKT kinase activity and decreased forkhead box O transcription factor (FOXO) phosphorylation, allowing FOXO proteins to remain in the nucleus. In the nucleus, FOXO proteins increase the transcription of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase 2, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and hundreds of other genes. An effective method for combating free radical damage occurs through the metabolism of ketone bodies, ketosis being the characteristic physiological change brought about by caloric restriction from fruit flies to primates. A dietary ketone ester also decreases circulating glucose and insulin leading to decreased IIS. The ketone body, d‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (d‐βHB), is a natural inhibitor of class I and IIa histone deacetylases that repress transcription of the FOXO3a gene. Therefore, ketosis results in transcription of the enzymes of the antioxidant pathways. In addition, the metabolism of ketone bodies results in a more negative redox potential of the NADP antioxidant system, which is a terminal destructor of oxygen free radicals. Addition of d‐βHB to cultures of C. elegans extends life span. We hypothesize that increasing the levels of ketone bodies will also extend the life span of humans and that calorie restriction extends life span at least in part through increasing the levels of ketone bodies. An exogenous ketone ester provides a new tool for mimicking the effects of caloric restriction that can be used in future research. The ability to power mitochondria in aged individuals that have limited ability to oxidize glucose metabolites due to pyruvate dehydrogenase inhibition suggests new lines of research for preventative measures and treatments for aging and aging‐related disorders. © 2017 The Authors IUBMB Life published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 69(5):305–314, 2017
Cationic osteogenic peptide P15‐CSP coatings promote 3‐D osteogenesis in poly(epsilon‐caprolactone) scaffolds of distinct pore size
Authors: Li Xian , Ghavidel Mehr Nima , Guzmán‐Morales Jessica , Favis Basil D. , De Crescenzo Gregory , Yakandawala Nandadeva , Hoemann Caroline D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractP15‐CSP is a biomimetic cationic fusion peptide that stimulates osteogenesis and inhibits bacterial biofilm formation when coated on 2‐D surfaces. This study tested the hypothesis that P15‐CSP coatings enhance 3‐D osteogenesis in a porous but otherwise hydrophobic poly‐(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold. Scaffolds of 84 µm and 141 µm average pore size were coated or not with Layer‐by‐Layer polyelectrolytes followed by P15‐CSP, seeded with adult primary human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and cultured 10 days in proliferation medium, then 21 days in osteogenic medium. Atomic analyses showed that P15‐CSP was successfully captured by LbL. After 2 days of culture, MSCs adhered and spread more on P15‐CSP coated pores than PCL‐only. At day 10, all constructs contained nonmineralized tissue. At day 31, all constructs became enveloped in a “skin” of tissue that, like 2‐D cultures, underwent sporadic mineralization in areas of high cell density that extended into some 141 µm edge pores. By quantitative histomorphometry, 2.5‐fold more tissue and biomineral accumulated in edge pores versus inner pores. P15‐CSP specifically promoted tissue‐scaffold integration, fourfold higher overall biomineralization, and more mineral deposits in the outer 84 µm and inner 141 µm pores than PCL‐only (p < 0.05). 3‐D Micro‐CT revealed asymmetric mineral deposition consistent with histological calcium staining. This study provides proof‐of‐concept that P15‐CSP coatings are osteoconductive in PCL pore surfaces with 3‐D topography. Biomineralization deeper than 150 µm from the scaffold edge was optimally attained with the larger 141 µm peptide‐coated pores. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2171–2181, 2017.
Fabrication and characterization of a decellularized bovine tendon sheet for tendon reconstruction
Authors: Ning Liang‐Ju , Jiang Yan‐Lin , Zhang Cheng‐Hao , Zhang Yi , Yang Jie‐Liang , Cui Jing , Zhang Yan‐Jing , Yao Xuan , Luo Jing‐Cong , Qin Ting‐Wu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObtaining a performing decellularized tendon scaffold with proper dimensions and adequate availability is highly desirable. However, the combined study of complete decellularization and detailed characterization of native tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) from large animals is still lacking. In the present study, we developed a new decellularization protocol, including physical methods and enzymatic solutions for processing bovine Achilles tendons, and produced a decellularized bovine tendon sheet (DBTS) scaffold for tendon reconstruction. The decellularization effectiveness was demonstrated by DNA quantification and histological qualification. The removal of the alpha‐gal epitopes was confirmed by ELISA analysis and immunohistochemical staining. After decellularization, there were no significant alterations of the native tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, including the internal ultrastructure, biochemical compositions such as collagen, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), fibronectin and decorin, as well as substantial mechanical strength. Furthermore, the DBTS scaffold showed no cytotoxic and promoted the proliferation of NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts in vitro. When implanted into rat subcutaneous tissue, the DBTS scaffold displayed excellent histocompatibility in vivo. Our results, while offering a new decellularization protocol for large tendons, can provide a promising biologic scaffold with a combination of mechanical strength and tendon ECM bioactive factors that may have many potential applications in tendon reconstruction. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2299–2311, 2017.
Bicomponent fibrous scaffolds made through dual‐source dual‐power electrospinning: Dual delivery of rhBMP‐2 and Ca‐P nanoparticles and enhanced biological performances
Authors: Wang Chong , Lu William Weijia , Wang Min 
Published: April 2017

AbstractElectrospun scaffolds incorporated with both calcium phosphates (Ca‐P) and bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) have been used for bone tissue regeneration. However, in most cases BMP‐2 and Ca‐P were simply mixed and loaded in a monolithic structure, risking low BMP‐2 loading level, reduced BMP‐2 biological activity, uncontrolled BMP‐2 release and inhomogeneous Ca‐P distribution. In this investigation, novel bicomponent scaffolds having evenly distributed rhBMP‐2‐containing fibers and Ca‐P nanoparticle‐containing fibers were made using an established dual‐source dual‐power electrospinning technique with the assistance of emulsion electrospinning and blend electrospinning. The release behavior of rhBMP‐2 and Ca2+ ions could be separately tuned and the released rhBMP‐2 retained a 68% level for biological activity. MC3T3‐E1 cells showed high viability and normal morphology on scaffolds. Compared to monocomponent scaffolds, enhanced cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, cell mineralization, and gene expression of osteogenic markers were achieved for bicomponent scaffolds due to the synergistic effect of rhBMP‐2 and Ca‐P nanoparticles. Bicomponent scaffolds with a double mass elicited further enhanced cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2199–2209, 2017.