bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graphene Facilitated Removal of Labetalol in Laccase-ABTS System: Reaction Efficiency, Pathways and Mechanism
Authors: Dong Shipeng , Xiao Huifang , Huang Qingguo , Zhang Jian , Mao Liang , Gao Shixiang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe widespread occurrence of the beta-blocker labetalol causes environmental health concern. Enzymatic reactions are highly efficient and specific offering biochemical transformation of trace contaminants with short reaction time and little to none energy consumption. Our experiments indicate that labetalol can be effectively transformed by laccase-catalyzed reaction using 2, 2-Azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) as a mediator, while no significant removal of labetalol can be achieved in the absence of ABTS. A total of three products were identified. It is interesting that the presence of graphene greatly increased the reaction rate while not changed the products. In the presence of 100 μg/L graphene, the pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant was increased ~50 times. We found that the enhancement of graphene is probably attributed to the formation and releasing of ABTS2+ which has a much greater reactivity towards labetalol when graphene is present. This study provides fundamental information for laccase-ABTS mediated labetalol reactions and the effect of graphene, which could eventually lead to development of novel methods to control beta-blocker contamination.
Establishment of a Novel Primary Human Skeletal Myoblast Cellular Model for Chikungunya Virus Infection and Pathogenesis
Authors: Hussain Khairunnisa’ Mohamed , Lee Regina Ching Hua , Ng Mary Mah-Lee , Chu Justin Jang Hann 
Published: February 2016

AbstractChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging arbovirus known to cause chronic myalgia and arthralgia and is now considered endemic in countries across Asia and Africa. The tissue tropism of CHIKV infection in humans remains, however, ill-defined. Due to the fact that myositis is commonly observed in most patients infected with CHIKV, we sought to develop a clinically relevant cellular model to better understand the pathogenesis of CHIKV infection. In this study, primary human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMM) were established as a novel human primary cell line that is highly permissive to CHIKV infection, with maximal amounts of infectious virions observed at 16 hours post infection. Genome-wide microarray profiling analyses were subsequently performed to identify and map genes that are differentially expressed upon CHIKV infection. Infection of HSMM cells with CHIKV resulted in altered expressions of host genes involved in skeletal- and muscular-associated disorders, innate immune responses, cellular growth and death, host metabolism and virus replication. Together, this study has shown the establishment of a clinically relevant primary human cell model that paves the way for the further analysis of host factors and their involvement in the various stages of CHIKV replication cycle and viral pathogenesis.
An MRI-based classification scheme to predict passive access of 5 to 50-nm large nanoparticles to tumors
Authors: Karageorgis Anastassia , Dufort Sandrine , Sancey Lucie , Henry Maxime , Hirsjärvi Samuli , Passirani Catherine , Benoit Jean-Pierre , Gravier Julien , Texier Isabelle , Montigon Olivier , Benmerad Mériem , Siroux Valérie , Barbier Emmanuel L. , Coll Jean-Luc 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNanoparticles are useful tools in oncology because of their capacity to passively accumulate in tumors in particular via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. However, the importance and reliability of this effect remains controversial and quite often unpredictable. In this preclinical study, we used optical imaging to detect the accumulation of three types of fluorescent nanoparticles in eight different subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor models, and dynamic contrast-enhanced and vessel size index Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to measure the functional parameters of these tumors. The results demonstrate that the permeability and blood volume fraction determined by MRI are useful parameters for predicting the capacity of a tumor to accumulate nanoparticles. Translated to a clinical situation, this strategy could help anticipate the EPR effect of a particular tumor and thus its accessibility to nanomedicines.
Thermal electron-tunneling devices as coolers and amplifiers
Authors: Su Shanhe , Zhang Yanchao , Chen Jincan , Shih Tien-Mo 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNanoscale thermal systems that are associated with a pair of electron reservoirs have been previously studied. In particular, devices that adjust electron tunnels relatively to reservoirs’ chemical potentials enjoy the novelty and the potential. Since only two reservoirs and one tunnel exist, however, designers need external aids to complete a cycle, rendering their models non-spontaneous. Here we design thermal conversion devices that are operated among three electron reservoirs connected by energy-filtering tunnels and also referred to as thermal electron-tunneling devices. They are driven by one of electron reservoirs rather than the external power input and are equivalent to those coupling systems consisting of forward and reverse Carnot cycles with energy selective electron functions. These previously-unreported electronic devices can be used as coolers and thermal amplifiers and may be called as thermal transistors. The electron and energy fluxes of devices are capable of being manipulated in the same or oppsite directions at our disposal. The proposed model can open a new field in the application of nano-devices.
Long-term ex vivo maintenance of testis tissues producing fertile sperm in a microfluidic device
Authors: Komeya Mitsuru , Kimura Hiroshi , Nakamura Hiroko , Yokonishi Tetsuhiro , Sato Takuya , Kojima Kazuaki , Hayashi Kazuaki , Katagiri Kumiko , Yamanaka Hiroyuki , Sanjo Hiroyuki , Yao Masahiro , Kamimura Satoshi , Inoue Kimiko , Ogonuki Narumi , Ogura Atsuo , Fujii Teruo , Ogawa Takehiko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn contrast to cell cultures, particularly to cell lines, tissues or organs removed from the body cannot be maintained for long in any culture conditions. Although it is apparent that in vivo regional homeostasis is facilitated by the microvascular system, mimicking such a system ex vivo is difficult and has not been proved effective. Using the culture system of mouse spermatogenesis, we addressed this issue and devised a simple microfluidic device in which a porous membrane separates a tissue from the flowing medium, conceptually imitating the in vivo relationship between the microvascular flow and surrounding tissue. Testis tissues cultured in this device successfully maintained spermatogenesis for 6 months. The produced sperm were functional to generate healthy offspring with micro-insemination. In addition, the tissue kept producing testosterone and responded to stimulation by luteinizing hormone. These data suggest that the microfluidic device successfully created in vivo-like conditions, in which testis tissue maintained its physiologic functions and homeostasis. The present model of the device, therefore, would provide a valuable foundation of future improvement of culture conditions for various tissues and organs, and revolutionize the organ culture method as a whole.
Effects of agricultural practices on organic matter degradation in ditches
Authors: Hunting Ellard R. , Vonk J. Arie , Musters C.J.M. , Kraak Michiel H.S. , Vijver Martina G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAgricultural practices can result in differences in organic matter (OM) and agricultural chemical inputs in adjacent ditches, but its indirect effects on OM composition and its inherent consequences for ecosystem functioning remain uncertain. This study determined the effect of agricultural practices (dairy farm grasslands and hyacinth bulb fields) on OM degradation by microorganisms and invertebrates with a consumption and food preference experiment in the field and in the laboratory using natural OM collected from the field. Freshly cut grass and hyacinths were also offered to control for OM composition and large- and small mesh-sizes were used to distinguish microbial decomposition and invertebrate consumption. Results show that OM decomposition by microorganisms and consumption by invertebrates was similar throughout the study area, but that OM collected from ditches adjacent grasslands and freshly cut grass and hyacinths were preferred over OM collected from ditches adjacent to a hyacinth bulb field. In the case of OM collected from ditches adjacent hyacinth bulb fields, both microbial decomposition and invertebrate consumption were strongly retarded, likely resulting from sorption and accumulation of pesticides. This outcome illustrates that differences in agricultural practices can, in addition to direct detrimental effects on aquatic organisms, indirectly alter the functioning of adjacent aquatic ecosystems.
Nanoscale imaging of the photoresponse in PN junctions of InGaAs infrared detector
Authors: Xia Hui , Li Tian-Xin , Tang Heng-Jing , Zhu Liang , Li Xue , Gong Hai-Mei , Lu Wei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractElectronic layout, such as distributions of charge carriers and electric field, in PN junction is determinant for the photovoltaic devices to realize their functionality. Considerable efforts have been dedicated to the carrier profiling of this specific region with Scanning Probe Microscope, yet reliable analysis was impeded by the difficulty in resolving carriers with high mobility and the unclear surface effect, particularly on compound semiconductors. Here we realize nanometer Scanning Capacitance Microscopic study on the cross-section of InGaAs/InP photodetctors with the featured dC/dV layout of PN junction unveiled for the first time. It enables us to probe the photo-excited minority carriers in junction region and diagnose the performance deficiency of the diode devices. This work provides an illuminating insight into the PN junction for assessing its basic capability of harvesting photo-carriers as well as blocking leakage current in nanoscopic scale.
miR-223 contributes to the AGE-promoted apoptosis via down-regulating insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor in osteoblasts
Authors: Qin Yi , Ye Jichao , Wang Peng , Gao Liangbin , Wang Suwei , Shen Huiyong 
Published: February 2016

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been confirmed to induce bone quality deterioration in diabetes mellitus (DM), and to associate with abnormal expression of miRNAs in DM patients or in vitro. Recently, miRNAs have been recognized to mediate the onset or progression of DM. In the present study, we investigated the regulation on miR-223 level by AGE-BSA treatment in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, with real-time quantitative PCR assay. And then we examined the inhibition of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression by miR-223, via targeting of the 3′ UTR of IGF-1R with real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting and luciferase reporter assay. Then we explored the regulation of miR-223 and IGF-1R levels, via the lentivirus-mediated miR-223 inhibition and IGF-1R overexpression in the AGE-BSA-induced apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells. It was demonstrated that AGE-BSA treatment with more than 100 μg/ml significantly up-regulated miR-223 level, whereas down-regulated IGF-1R level in MC3T3-E1 cells. And the up-regulated miR-223 down-regulated IGF-1R expression in both mRNA and protein levels, via targeting the 3′ UTR of IGF-1R. Moreover, though the AGE-BSA treatment promoted apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells, the IGF-1R overexpression or the miR-223 inhibition significantly attenuated the AGE-BSA-promoted apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells. In summary, our study recognized the promotion of miR-223 level by AGE-BSA treatment in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. The promoted miR-223 targeted IGF-1R and mediated the AGE-BSA-induced apoptosis in MC3T3-E1 cells. It implies that miR-223 might be an effective therapeutic target to antagonize the AGE-induced damage to osteoblasts in DM.
Pragmatic Language Features of Mothers With the
FMR1
Premutation Are Associated With the Language Outcomes of Adolescents and Young Adults With Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Klusek Jessica , McGrath Sara E. , Abbeduto Leonard , Roberts Jane E. 
Published: February 2016

Purpose

Pragmatic language difficulties have been documented as part of the
FMR1
premutation phenotype, yet the interplay between these features in mothers and the language outcomes of their children with fragile X syndrome is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether pragmatic language difficulties in mothers with the
FMR1
premutation are related to the language development of their children.

Method

Twenty-seven mothers with the
FMR1
premutation and their adolescent/young adult sons with fragile X syndrome participated. Maternal pragmatic language violations were rated from conversational samples using the Pragmatic Rating Scale (Landa et al., 1992). Children completed standardized assessments of vocabulary, syntax, and reading.

Results
Maternal pragmatic language difficulties were significantly associated with poorer child receptive vocabulary and expressive syntax skills, with medium effect sizes.

Conclusions

This work contributes to knowledge of the
FMR1
premutation phenotype and its consequences at the family level, with the goal of identifying modifiable aspects of the child's language-learning environment that may promote the selection of treatments targeting the specific needs of families affected by fragile X. Findings contribute to our understanding of the multifaceted environment in which children with fragile X syndrome learn language and highlight the importance of family-centered intervention practices for this group.
Absorptive frequency selective surface using parallel LC resonance
Authors: Chen Qiang , Liu Liguo , Chen Liang , Bai Jiajun , Fu Yunqi 
Published: February 2016

A frequency selective surface with absorptive/ transmissive property is represented. It allows waves at high frequency around 10 GHz to transmit with very low insertion loss by using the resonance between a parallel microstrip LC structure. It also possesses a wide absorption over lower band by inserting lumped resistors into elements. The absorption band is over 3–9 GHz. A prototype is fabricated and its absorptive/ transmissive performance is measured.
Dual‐band long term evolution antenna for user equipment applications
Authors: Yang Lingsheng , Ji Ming 
Published: February 2016

A multiple‐input–multiple‐output dual‐antenna system covering the long term evolution (LTE700), LTE2500 and LTE3.5 GHz communication standards is proposed for user terminal applications. High isolation and good envelope correlation coefficient performances can be obtained in both bands. Gain, efficiency and radiation characteristics are also shown.
Executive control processes in verbal and nonverbal working memory
Authors: Sullivan Margot D. , Prescott Yolanda , Goldberg Devora , Bialystok Ellen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStudies across the lifespan have revealed modifications in executive control (EC) from bilingualism, but studies of working memory (WM), a key aspect of EC, have produced varied results. Healthy older (M = 71.0 years) and younger participants (M = 21.1 years) who were monolingual or bilingual, performed working memory tasks that varied in their demands for EC. Tasks included a star counting task, a flanker task, and a nonverbal recent probe memory task. Bilinguals performed similarly to monolinguals on the star counting task after controlling for differences in vocabulary. Monolinguals were faster than bilinguals on the flanker task with only age group differences significant for the WM manipulation. Bilinguals were faster than monolinguals on the nonverbal recent probe memory task, particularly for the condition that included proactive interference. The interpretation is that better bilingual performance in nonverbal working memory tasks is linked to the need for executive control.
Economic impacts of parasitic diseases in cattle.
Authors: Lopes L. B. , Nicolino R. , Capanema R. O. , Oliveira C. S. F. , Haddad J. P. A. , Eckstein C. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Economic evaluations can be very useful in animal health management, including adopting control and prevention measures based on financial and data analyses. Diseases can impact the production of livestock considerably through, e.g. treatment costs, prevention, technical assistance, lowered performance and/or quality of feedstock. This review focuses on economic analyses on the impacts of parasitic diseases, control costs and strategies to improve economic efficiency in cattle farms, as well as on methodological analyses to measure the impacts of livestock diseases. From an economic point of view, information on the animal health aspects of farm management is wanting. It is necessary to determine what livestock-related variables are considered and how much value is placed on each variable to reach an objective conclusion. In other words, it is important to determine how much resources should be allocated to the detection, control and prevention of infectious and parasitic diseases in livestock systems.
Golimumab Therapy in Six Patients With Severe Pediatric Onset Crohn Disease
Authors: Merras‐Salmio Laura , Kolho Kaija‐Leena 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTAnti‐tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) blockade is so far the most effective therapy for extensive pediatric Crohn disease (CD), but loss of response is frequently encountered. We describe here the use of golimumab (Simponi) in 6 pediatric CD patients with antibody formation/loss of response to infliximab and adalimumab. Most patients had undergone surgery but had poor disease control. After introduction of golimumab, the levels of inflammatory markers and fecal calprotectin declined at first, but the response was not sustained. Each patient needed dose escalation of golimumab from 4 to 2 week intervals, to maintain response and to increase trough levels. Importantly, most patients were able to attend school when undergoing golimumab therapy. As with other anti‐TNFα drugs, follow‐up of drug levels is advisable. Although golimumab therapy failed in most patients, it is an alternate treatment option in pediatric patients with severe CD. The therapeutic response, however, is suboptimal in anti‐TNFα exposed patients.
Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Strength of the Cultural Affiliation Scale
Authors: Kruse Julie A. , Williams Reg A. , Mood Darlene 
Published: February 2016

Background:
Within the United States, there are individuals who retain the traditions and beliefs of cultural groups that vary from the general majority population. Both healthcare providers and researchers have reported that many individuals who live in but are less affiliated with the dominant culture tend to have less positive health outcomes.

Objective:
The purpose of this study is to use factor analysis to assess the psychometric properties of Mood’s 18-item Strength of Cultural Affiliation Scale (SCAS).

Methods:
The SCAS was administered to 604 participants from a randomized clinical trial of cancer patients who were treated with radiotherapy at a large central city hospital located in the Midwest.

Results:
Confirmatory Factor Analyses using Principal Component Analysis with Oblimin Rotation indicated a 16-item, 4-factor final solution with the following subscales: factor 1, lifestyle (7 items); factor 2, language and cultural-specific holidays (3 items); factor 3, relationships (4 items); and factor 4, cultural health practices (2 items).

Conclusion:
The SCAS demonstrated high reliability and content, construct, discriminant, convergent, divergent, and predictive validity.

Implications for Practice:
The SCAS seems to be a reliable and valid tool for practitioners to use to assess a patient’s strength of cultural affiliation to provide the best culturally sensitive care possible for the patient.
Low Levels of Evidence on the Plastic Surgery In-Service Training Exam
Authors: Silvestre Jason , Bilici Nadir , Serletti Joseph M. , Chang Benjamin 
Published: February 2016

Background:
The Plastic Surgery In-Service Training Exam is written by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Examinees reasonably infer that tested material reflects the Society’s vision for the core curriculum in plastic surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of evidence on which credited answers to the examination questions are based.

Methods:
Two recent Plastic Surgery In-Service Training Exams (2014 and 2015) were analyzed. Questions were categorized using a taxonomy model. Recommended journal article references for Level III (decision-making) questions were assigned a level of evidence. Exam sections were analyzed for differences in question taxonomy distribution and level of evidence. To look for studies with higher levels of evidence, a PubMed search was conducted for a random sample of 10 questions from each section.

Results:
One hundred three Level I (25.8 percent), 138 Level II (34.5 percent), and 159 Level III (39.8 percent) questions were analyzed (p < 0.001). The hand and lower extremity section had the highest percentage of Level III questions (50.0 percent; p = 0.005). Journal articles had a mean level of evidence of 3.9 ± 0.7. The number of articles with a low level of evidence (IV and V) (p = 0.624) and the percentage of questions supported by articles with a high level of evidence (I and II) (p = 0.406) did not vary by section. The PubMed search revealed no instances of a higher level of evidence than the recommended reading list.

Conclusions:
A significant percentage of Plastic Surgery In-Service Training Exam questions test clinical management, but most are supported with a low level of evidence. Although that is consistent with low level of evidence of plastic surgery literature, educators should recognize the potential for biases of question writers.
Perfusion Assessment Using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion-Based Analysis of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Lee Ju Hee , Cheong Hyunhee , Lee Seung Soo , Lee Chang Kyung , Sung Yu Sub , Huh Jae-Wan , Song Jung-A , Choe Han 
Published: February 2016

Objectives
The aims of this study were to demonstrate the theoretical meaning of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters and to compare the robustness of 2 biexponential fitting methods through magnetic resonance experiments using IVIM phantoms.

Materials and Methods
Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging was performed on a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner using 15 b values (0–800 s/mm2) for 4 phantoms with different area fractions of the flowing water compartment (FWC%), at the infusion flow rates of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mL/min. Images were quantitatively analyzed using monoexponential free biexponential, and segmented biexponential fitting models.

Results
There were some inconsistent variations in D

slow
with changing flow rates. The perfusion fraction, f, showed a significant positive correlation with the flow rate for both the free and segmented fitting methods (ρ = 0.838 to 0.969; P < 0.001). The fast diffusion coefficient, D

fast
, had a significant positive correlation with the flow rate for segmented fitting (ρ = 0.745 to 0.969; P < 0.001), although it showed an inverse correlation with the flow rate for free fitting (ρ = −0.527 to −0.791; P ≤ 0.017). Significant positive correlations with the FWC% of the phantoms were noted for f (P = 0.510 for free fitting and P = 0.545 for segmented fitting, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
The IVIM model allows for an approximate segmentation of molecular diffusion and perfusion, with a minor contribution of the perfusion effect on D

slow
. The f and D

fast
can provide a rough estimation of the flow fraction and flow velocity. Segmented fitting may be a more robust method than free fitting for calculating the IVIM parameters, especially for D

fast
.