bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of the CatWalk system as a static and dynamic gait analysis tool for the assessment of functional nerve recovery in small animal models
Authors: Kappos Elisabeth A. , Sieber Patricia K. , Engels Patricia E. , Mariolo Alessio V. , D'Arpa Salvatore , Schaefer Dirk J. , Kalbermatten Daniel F. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionA range of behavioral testing paradigms have been developed for the research of central and peripheral nerve injuries with the help of small animal models. Following any nerve repair strategy, improved functional outcome may be the most important evidence of axon regeneration. A novel automated gait analysis system, the CatWalk™, can measure dynamic as well as static gait patterns of small animals. Of most interest in detecting functional recovery are in particular dynamic gait parameters, coordination measures, and the intensity of the animals paw prints. This article is designed to lead to a more efficient choice of CatWalk parameters in future studies concerning the functional evaluation of nerve regeneration and simultaneously add to better interstudy comparability.MethodsThe aims of the present paper are threefold: (1) to describe the functional method of CatWalk gait analysis, (2) to characterize different parameters acquired by CatWalk gait analysis, and to find the most frequently used parameters as well as (3) to compare their reliability and validity throughout the different studies.ResultsIn the reviewed articles, the most frequently used parameters were Swing Duration (30), Print Size (27), Stride Length (26), and Max Contact Area (24). Swing Duration was not only frequently used but was also the most reliable and valid parameter. Therefore, we hypothesize that Swing Duration constitutes an important parameter to be chosen for future studies, as it has the highest level of reliability and validity.ConclusionIn conclusion, CatWalk can be used as a complementary approach to other behavioral testing paradigms to assess clinically relevant behavioral benefits, with the main advantage that this system demonstrates both static and dynamic gait parameters at the same time. Due to limited reliability and validity of certain parameters, we recommend that only the most frequently assessed parameters should be used in the future.
A computational investigation of learning behaviors in MOOCs
Authors: Zhong Sheng‐Hua , Li Yanhong , Liu Yan , Wang Zhiqiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMassive open online courses (MOOCs) are the latest e‐learning initiative to attain widespread popularity in the world. Thus, it is highly required to have a throughout analysis of learning in MOOCs, from theoretical to practical. Our primary goal is to take a detailed and comprehensive investigation into the learning behaviors in MOOCs, as well as to identify issues that have not yet to be adequately resolved. We employed commonly used educational data mining methodologies to analyze and interpret the behaviors in a computer science course based on the questionnaire survey data and daily activity data. We find most of the students could be divided into several groups that are coincident with their learning styles. Moreover, we can easily predict students’ learning styles based on their learning behaviors. This finding means the learning style could be a factor to indicate students’ learning behaviors, or even measure whether a student is appropriate to learn via MOOCs.
Metal‐free Hydroalkoxylation‐Formal [4+2] Cycloaddition Cascade for the Synthesis of Ketals
Authors: Gharpure Santosh J. , Nanda Santosh K. , Padmaja  , Shelke Yogesh G. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA transition metal free, acid promoted cascade hydroalkoxylation–formal [4+2] cycloaddition of various alkynols with salicylaldehyde is demonstrated for the synthesis of tetrahydrofurano/pyrano‐chromenes and spiroketals. In general, alkynols underwent hydroalkoxylations in an endo‐dig manner when internal alkynes were used to furnish the heteroannular ketals, whereas terminal alkynes proceeded in an exo‐dig fashion leading to spiroketals. The study revealed that intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of alkynols is a preferred path over a generation of oxonium ions when coupling partner is salicylaldehyde. This metal‐free transformation provides a new avenue for the stereoselective synthesis of tetrahydrofurano‐ and pyrano‐chromenes in an expeditious manner.
Identification of Breast Cancer Inhibitors Specific for G Protein‐Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER)‐Expressing Cells
Authors: Aiello Francesca , Carullo Gabriele , Giordano Francesca , Spina Elena , Nigro Alessandra , Garofalo Antonio , Tassini Sabrina , Costantino Gabriele , Vincetti Paolo , Bruno Agostino , Radi Marco 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTogether with estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, the G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates important pathophysiological signaling pathways induced by estrogens and is currently regarded as a promising target for ER‐negative (ER−) and triple‐negative (TN) breast cancer. Only a few selective GPER modulators have been reported to date, and their use in cancer cell lines has often led to contradictory results. Herein we report the application of virtual screening and cell‐based studies for the identification of new chemical scaffolds with a specific antiproliferative effect against GPER‐expressing breast cancer cell lines. Out of the four different scaffolds identified, 8‐chloro‐4‐(4‐chlorophenyl)pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline 14 c was found to be the most promising compound able to induce: 1) antiproliferative activity in GPER‐expressing cell lines (MCF7 and SKBR3), similarly to G15; 2) no effect on cells that do not express GPER (HEK293); 3) a decrease in cyclin D1 expression; and 4) a sustained induction of cell‐cycle negative regulators p53 and p21.
Mixed Matrix Membranes with Excellent CO2 Capture Induced by Nano‐Carbon Hybrids
Authors: Pan Xinglong , Zhang Jianqiang , Xue Qingzhong , Li Xiaofang , Ding Degong , Zhu Lei , Guo Tianchao 
Published: May 2017

Abstract1 D multi‐walled carbon nanotube/graphene oxide nanoribbon (MWCNT@GONRs) hybrids were prepared using a chemical method as fillers for Pebax‐based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with excellent CO2 separation performance. Herein, the GONRs shell provided a selective barrier and large gas adsorption area, which contributed to enhancement of gas selectivity, while MWCNTs core with smooth internal surface acted as a rapid transport channel, which improved the gas permeability. It is found that MMMs with 1 wt % loading showed the highest separation factor (80 for CO2/N2 and 23 for CO2/CH4) and high CO2 permeability, far surpassing the upper bound line. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the MWCNTs core and GONRs shell in MWCNT@GONRs nanohybrids can effectively enhance the gas‐separation performance of MMMs at low loading. The unique microstructures, ease of synthesis and low filled loading make MWCNT@GONRs promising candidates in post‐combustion and sustainable chemistry.
Thermophysical and Electrochemical Properties of Ethereal Functionalised Cyclic Alkylammonium‐based Ionic Liquids as Potential Electrolytes for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Neale Alex R. , Murphy Sinead , Goodrich Peter , Hardacre Christopher , Jacquemin Johan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA series of hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquids (ILs) based on ethereal functionalised pyrrolidinium, piperidinium and azepanium cations bearing the bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide, [TFSI]−, anion were synthesized and characterized. Their physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity and electrolytic conductivity, and thermal properties including phase transition behaviour and decomposition temperature have been measured. All of the ILs showed low melting point, low viscosity and good conductivity and the latter properties have been discussed in terms of the IL fragility, an important electrolyte feature of the transport properties of glass‐forming ILs. Furthermore, the studied [TFSI]−‐based ILs generally exhibit good electrochemical stabilities and, by coupling electrochemical experiments and DFT calculations, the effect of ether functionalisation at the IL cation on the electrochemical stability of the IL is discussed. Preliminary investigations into the Li‐redox chemistry at a Cu working electrode are also reported as a function of ether‐functionality within the pyrrolidinium‐based IL family. Overall, the results show that these ionic liquids are suitable for electrochemical devices such as battery systems, fuel cells or supercapacitors.
Industrial growth and characterization of Si‐doped GaAs crystal by a novel multi‐crucible Bridgman method
Authors: Jin Min , Shen Hui , Fan Shiji , He Qingbo , Xu Jiayue 
Published: May 2017

In this wok, a novel multi‐crucible Bridgman method is developed to produce the Ø 2 inch Si‐doped GaAs crystals. Five placements are designed in the furnace means five ingots could be produced at the same time. Twinning and high dislocation density are the main growth defects that often take place in the crystals. After the solid‐liquid interface and crystal cooling rate are optimized, the Si‐doped GaAs crystals with favorable single crystalline yield are successfully obtained. The average etching pits density (EPD) of optimized GaAs crystals is <1500/cm2. Full width at half maximum (FWHM) are tested all less than 60″ that indicates GaAs crystals have high crystalline quality. The carrier concentration near the bottom and tail parts of ingots is in range of (4.5‐5.9) × 1017 /cm3 and (1.2‐2.1) × 1018 /cm3 due to segregation of Si element in GaAs crystals. Accordingly, the mobility is decreased from 2128–2651 cm2/v.s to 1581–1854 cm2/v.s. The result proves such multi‐crucible Bridgman method is a feasible way for industrial growth of Si‐doped GaAs crystals for opto‐electronic application.
Dopant‐Free Hole‐Transport Materials Based on Methoxytriphenylamine‐Substituted Indacenodithienothiophene for Solution‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoyuan , Zheng Xiaolu , Wang Yulong , Chen Zhiliang , Yao Fang , Zhang Qi , Fang Guojia , Chen Zhi‐Kuan , Huang Wei , Xu Zong‐Xiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSolution‐processed hole transporting materials (HTMs) that are dopant‐free show promise for use in low‐cost, high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The highest‐efficiency PSCs use organic HTMs, many of which have low mobilities and therefore require doping, which lowers the device stability. Additionally, these materials are not easily scaled because they often require complicated synthesis. Two new HTMs (IDT–TPA and IDTT–TPA) were synthesized, which contained either an extended fused‐ring indacenodithiophene (IDT) or indacenodithienothiophene (IDTT) core and strong electron‐donating methoxytriphenylamine (TPA) groups as the end‐capping units. The extended conjugation in the backbone of IDTT–TPA resulted in stronger π–π interactions (3.321 Å) and a higher hole mobility of 6.46×10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1 when compared with that of IDT–TPA (9.53×10−5 cm2 V−1 s−1). A dopant‐free, planar PSC that contained IDTT–TPA was fabricated and exhibited a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.7 %. This cell exhibited a higher PCE and less hysteresis than devices that contained IDT–TPA.
Host density increases parasite recruitment but decreases host risk in a snail–trematode system
Authors: Buck J. C. , Hechinger R. F. , Wood A. C. , Stewart T. E. , Kuris A. M. , Lafferty K. D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMost species aggregate in local patches. High host density in patches increases contact rate between hosts and parasites, increasing parasite transmission success. At the same time, for environmentally transmitted parasites, high host density can decrease infection risk to individual hosts, because infective stages are divided among all hosts in a patch, leading to safety in numbers. We tested these predictions using the California horn snail,Cerithideopsis californica(=Cerithidea californica), which is the first intermediate host for at least 19 digenean trematode species in California estuaries. Snails become infected by ingesting trematode eggs or through penetration by free‐swimming miracidia that hatch from trematode eggs deposited with final‐host (bird or mammal) feces. This complex life cycle decouples infective‐stage production from transmission, raising the possibility of an inverse relationship between host density and infection risk at local scales. In a field survey, higher snail density was associated with increased trematode (infected snail) density, but decreased trematode prevalence, consistent with either safety in numbers, parasitic castration, or both. To determine the extent to which safety in numbers drove the negative snail‐density–trematode‐prevalence association, we manipulated uninfected snail density in 83 cages at eight sites within Carpinteria Salt Marsh (California,USA). At each site, we quantified snail density and used data on final‐host (bird and raccoon) distributions to control for between‐site variation in infective‐stage supply. After three months, overall trematode infections per cage increased with snail biomass density. For egg‐transmitted trematodes, per‐snail infection risk decreased with snail biomass density in the cage and surrounding area, whereas per‐snail infection risk did not decrease for miracidium‐transmitted trematodes. Furthermore, both trematode recruitment and infection risk increased with infective‐stage input, but this was significant only for miracidium‐transmitted species. A model parameterized with our experimental results and snail densities from 524 field transects estimated that safety in numbers, when combined with patchy host density, halved per capita infection risk in this snail population. We conclude that, depending on transmission mode, host density can enhance parasite recruitment and reduce per capita infection risk.
Impacts of an invasive plant are fundamentally altered by a co‐occurring forest disturbance
Authors: Sokol Noah W. , Kuebbing Sara E. , Bradford Mark A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInvasive species frequently co‐occur with other disturbances, which can impact the same ecosystem functions as the invader. Yet invasion studies rarely control for the presence of these other disturbances, although their overlapping effects may influence the direction and magnitude of impacts attributed to the invader alone. Here, we ask whether controlling for the presence of a co‐occurring disturbance, as well as the time since disturbance, yields different values of an invader's ecosystem effects than when these factors remain unaddressed. We used a chronosequence of six forest stands at a single site: five logged stands that each contained paired invaded‐uninvaded plots of the forest understory invasive grassMicrostegium vimineum, as well as one unlogged and uninvaded control stand. By controlling for the presence of both logging and invasion, we untangled the effects of each through time.We found that the co‐occurring disturbance of logging can dramatically alter the measured effects ofM. vimineumby amplifying, dampening, negating, or entirely reversing the direction of the invader's impacts. During its period of peak impact, logging amplified the invader's positive effect on the size of the soil microbial biomass pool by 24%, reduced the invader's positive effect on soil water holding capacity by 5%, negated the invader's positive effect on the particulate organic matter carbon pool (from a 9% increase to no significant effect), and reversed the direction of the invader's impact on net nitrogen mineralization rate from a 51% increase to a 52% decrease. Furthermore, the influence of logging on the invader's impacts was not static, but dynamic through time. The results from our site therefore demonstrate that failure to account for the impacts of a co‐occurring disturbance, as well as the time since disturbance, can result in flawed inference about the nature of an invader's effects. Future research should determine how widespread such flawed inference might be among other invasive species and across different environmental contexts. To help guide such research, we describe a general framework for disentangling the overlapping effects of invasions and co‐occurring disturbances through time.
Fatty acid metabolism and prospects for targeted therapy of cancer
Authors: Chen Tingting , Li Hua 
Published: May 2017

Fatty acids are fundamental substrates required for energy storage, synthesis of membranes, generation of signaling molecules and lipid droplet formation in cancer cells. High levels of fatty acid metabolic activity are one of the most aberrant metabolic alterations in cancer cells. The de novo fatty acid synthesis pathway is the primary source of fatty acids in cancer cells, but cancer cells can also acquire fatty acids through the lipolytic pathway, which helps cells survive and maintain their invasiveness. Key enzymes, including ATP‐citrate lyase (ACLY), fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase (ACC), stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1(SCD1) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which are involved in fatty acid synthesis and degradation, are overexpressed in cancer cells. The alterations in fatty acid metabolomics in different cancers, at different stages of cancer, and in different tissues are clinically significant. This review focuses on current research into fatty acid metabolism to explore new targets against the fatty acid metabolic pathways for anticancer therapy.Practical applications: High levels of fatty acid metabolic activity are one of the most aberrant metabolic alterations in cancer cells. Reprogramming in fatty acid metabolism plays an important role in energy storage, membrane proliferation, the generation of signaling molecules and lipid droplet formation in cancer cells. Understanding the mechanism of regulated the fatty acid metabolic pathways in cancer would reveal novel targeted therapy of cancer.To maintain the balance of the free fatty acid composition and thus promote cancer cell growth, survival, and progression, the levels of de novo fatty acid synthesis and degradation are elevated. Therefore, the targeted inhibition of key enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism, such as ACLY, ACC, FASN, MAGL, and SCD1, and the utilization of anticancer exogenous fatty acids might constitute effective cancer therapies. ATP, adenosine‐triphosphate; DAG, diacylglycerol; IHBTIS, inhibitors; MUFA, monounsaturated fatty acids; MAG, monoacylglycerol; TAG triacylglycerol.
Effects of different spatial distributions of physical soil crusts on runoff and erosion on the Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Lu Pei , Xie Xinli , Wang Linhua , Wu Faqi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe response of runoff and erosion to soil crusts has been extensively investigated in recent decades. However, there have been few attempts to look at the effects of spatial configuration of different soil crusts on erosion processes. Here we investigated the effects of different spatial distributions of physical soil crusts on runoff and erosion in the semi‐arid Loess Plateau region. Soil boxes (1.5 m long × 0.2 m wide) were set to a slope of 17.6% (10°) and simulated rainfall of 120 mm h−1 (60 minutes). The runoff generation and erosion rates were determined for three crust area ratios (depositional crust for 20%, 33%, and 50% of the total slope) and five spatial distribution patterns (depositional crust on the lower, lower‐middle, middle, mid‐upper, and upper slope) of soil crusts. The reduction in sediment loss (‘sediment reduction’) was calculated to evaluate the effects of different spatial distributions of soil crusts on erosion. Sediment yield was influenced by the area ratio and spatial position of different soil crusts. The runoff rate reached a steady state after an initial trend of unsteadily increasing with increasing rainfall duration. Sediment yield was controlled by detachment limitation and then transport limitation under rainfall. The shifting time of erosion from a transport to detachment‐limiting regime decreased with increasing area of depositional crust. No significant differences were observed in the total runoff among treatments, while the total sediment yield varied under different spatial distributions. At the same area ratio, total sediment yield was the largest when the depositional crust was on the upper slope, and it was smallest when the crust was deposited on the lower slope. The sediment reduction of structural crust (42.5–66.5%) was greater than that of depositional crust (16.7–34.3%). These results provide a mechanistic understanding of how different spatial distributions of soil crusts affect runoff and sediment production. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute oligodendrocyte loss with persistent white matter injury in a third trimester equivalent mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Authors: Newville Jessie , Valenzuela Carlos Fernando , Li Lu , Jantzie Lauren L. , Cunningham Lee Anna 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAlcohol exposure during central nervous system (CNS) development can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Human imaging studies have revealed significant white matter (WM) abnormalities linked to cognitive impairment in children with FASD; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we evaluated both the acute and long‐term impacts of alcohol exposure on oligodendrocyte number and WM integrity in a third trimester‐equivalent mouse model of FASD, in which mouse pups were exposed to alcohol during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. Our results demonstrate a 58% decrease in the number of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) and a 75% decrease in the number of proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) within the corpus callosum of alcohol‐exposed mice at postnatal day 16 (P16). Interestingly, neither mature OLs nor OPCs derived from the postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) were numerically affected by alcohol exposure, indicating heterogeneity in susceptibility based on OL ontogenetic origin. Although mature OL and proliferating OPC numbers recovered by postnatal day 50 (P50), abnormalities in myelin protein expression and microstructure within the corpus callosum of alcohol‐exposed subjects persisted, as assessed by western immunoblotting of myelin basic protein (MBP; decreased expression) and MRI diffusion tensor imaging (DTI; decreased fractional anisotropy). These results indicate that third trimester‐equivalent alcohol exposure leads to an acute, albeit recoverable, decrease in OL lineage cell numbers, accompanied by enduring WM injury. Additionally, our finding of heterogeneity in alcohol susceptibility based on the developmental origin of OLs may have therapeutic implications in FASD and other disorders of WM development.