bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From macroplastic to microplastic: Degradation of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene in a salt marsh habitat
Authors: Weinstein John E. , Crocker Brittany K. , Gray Austin D. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

As part of the degradation process, it is believed that most plastic debris becomes brittle over time, fragmenting into progressively smaller particles. The smallest of these particles, known as microplastics, have been receiving increased attention because of the hazards they present to wildlife. To understand the process of plastic degradation in an intertidal salt marsh habitat, strips (15.2 cm × 2.5 cm) of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and extruded polystyrene were field-deployed in June 2014 and monitored for biological succession, weight, surface area, ultraviolet (UV) transmittance, and fragmentation. Subsets of strips were collected after 4 wk, 8 wk, 16 wk, and 32 wk. After 4 wk, biofilm had developed on all 3 polymers with evidence of grazing periwinkles (Littoraria irrorata). The accreting biofilm resulted in an increased weight of the polypropylene and polystyrene strips at 32 wk by 33.5% and 167.0%, respectively, with a concomitant decrease in UV transmittance by approximately 99%. Beginning at 8 wk, microplastic fragments and fibers were produced from strips of all 3 polymers, and scanning electron microscopy revealed surface erosion of the strips characterized by extensive cracking and pitting. The results suggest that the degradation of plastic debris proceeds relatively quickly in salt marshes and that surface delamination is the primary mechanism by which microplastic particles are produced in the early stages of degradation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1632–1640. © 2016 SETAC
Surface water input from snowmelt and rain throughfall in western juniper: potential impacts of climate change and shifts in semi‐arid vegetation
Authors: Niemeyer Ryan J. , Link Timothy E. , Seyfried Mark S. , Flerchinger Gerald N. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn the western USA, shifts from snow to rain precipitation regimes and increases in western juniper cover in shrub‐dominated landscapes can alter surface water input via changes in snowmelt and throughfall. To better understand how shifts in both precipitation and semi‐arid vegetation cover alter above‐ground hydrological processes, we assessed how rain interception differs between snow and rain surface water input; how western juniper alters snowpack dynamics; and how these above‐ground processes differ across western juniper, mountain big sagebrush and low sagebrush plant communities. We collected continuous surface water input with four large lysimeters, interspace and below‐canopy snow depth data and conducted periodic snow surveys for two consecutive water years (2013 and 2014). The ratio of interspace to below‐canopy surface water input was greater for snow relative to rain events, averaging 79.4% and 54.8%, respectively. The greater surface water input ratio for snow is in part due to increased deposition of redistributed snow under the canopy. We simulated above‐ground energy and water fluxes in western juniper, low sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush for two 8‐year periods under current and projected mid‐21st century warmer temperatures with the Simultaneous Heat and Water (SHAW) model. Juniper compared with low and mountain sagebrush reduced surface water input by an average of 138 mm or 24% of the total site water budget. Conversely, warming temperatures reduced surface water input by only an average of 14 mm across the three vegetation types. The future (warmer) simulations resulted in earlier snow disappearance and surface water input by 51 and 45 days, respectively, across juniper, low sagebrush and mountain sagebrush. Information from this study can help land managers in the sagebrush steppe understand how both shifts in climate and semi‐arid vegetation will alter fundamental hydrological processes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis and integrated modelling of groundwater infiltration to sewer networks
Authors: Thorndahl Søren , Balling Jonas Dueholm , Larsen Uffe Bay Bøgh 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInfiltration of groundwater to sewer systems is a problem for the capacity of the system as well as for treatment processes at waste water treatment plants. This paper quantifies the infiltration of groundwater to a sewer system in Frederikshavn Municipality, Denmark, by measurements of sewer flow and novel model set‐up, which simulates the interaction between groundwater and sewer flow.The study area has a separate waste water sewer system, but the discharged volumes from the system are approximately twice the volumes from a tight system without infiltration. The model set‐up makes use of two commercial models: mike she for simulation of groundwater transport and mike urban (mouse) [DHI, Hørsholm, Denmark] for simulation of sewer flow. By simulating the groundwater level and calibrating infiltration coefficients against sewer flow measurements, it has been possible to estimate the average infiltration to the sewer system with satisfying results. The infiltration processes are indeed complicated and to a large degree heterogeneous throughout the sewer system. The paper shows contribution from both saturated and unsaturated groundwater zones, which makes the modelling process complex. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing Performance of Small‐Scale Pumped Irrigation Systems in sub‐Saharan Africa: Evidence from a Systematic Review
Authors: Kamwamba‐Mtethiwa Jean , Weatherhead Keith , Knox Jerry 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSmall‐scale irrigation (SSI) has significant potential to increase crop productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Pumped irrigation systems are one of the technologies increasingly being used by smallholder farmers. The aim of this study was to systematically review evidence on the performance of SSI pumped systems, including motorized, treadle, rope and washer, solar and wind pumps. The study revealed a lack of standardization and use of a wide range of indicators to assess performance. Most evidence related to motorized pumps, and these studies confirmed mixed levels of performance; studies relating to other types of pumped system mostly reported a positive impact, although the method of assessment used was critical. Studies reporting positive impacts tended to be those that used socio‐economic based factors such as yield and profitability, whereas studies reporting mixed performance tended to be those that relied more on technically based indicators such as pumping and irrigation system efficiency. The analysis highlights the sensitivity of interpreting findings from different studies, and how caution should be exercised when comparing performance within and between different types of irrigation systems. The implications for supporting policy development and identifying future research gaps are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ex vivo study of photobiostimulation in the treatment of skin pathologies
Authors: de Jesus Priscila da Costa C. , Saeki Sabrina Ikeda N. , Tedesco Antonio Claudio 
Published: March 2016

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) may mutually improve the outcomes on the healing process of chronic wounds and other skin pathologies, through processes known to stimulate the proliferation of dermal cellular structures, as well as antimicrobial application. This study proposes the use of nanoemulsion containing aluminium phthalocyanine chloride (ClAlPc) as photosensitizer (PS), to establish the most appropriate protocol for photostimulation in human skin biopsies, associated to type I collagen and elastin production. The combined effect of PS and light (diode laser at 670 nm) at three different doses is compared to the effect of light itself at doses of 70, 140 and 700 mJ ċ cm–2, 7 and 14 days after irradiation. Histological analysis reveals the increase in collagen and elastin, higher than 20%, 14 days after treatment with PS and light at 140 mJ ċ cm–2. Higher doses of light promote an inhibitory effect, leading to tissue degradation. In addition, the expression levels of the enzymes MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 (Gelatinases A and B – participant in various processes including tumoral progression and wound healing) are detected by gelatin zymography, reinforcing the efficacy of the combined treatment with PS and light at the intermediate dose.
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Cell number and chondrogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cell aggregates is affected by the sulfation level of heparin used as a cell coating
Authors: Lei Jennifer , Trevino Elda , Temenoff Johnna 
Published: March 2016

AbstractFor particular cell‐based therapies, it may be required to culture mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) aggregates with growth factors to promote cell proliferation and/or differentiation. Heparin, a negatively charged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) is known to play an important role in sequestration of positively charged growth factors and, when incorporated within cellular aggregates, could be used to promote local availability of growth factors. We have developed a heparin‐based cell coating and we believe that the electrostatic interaction between native heparin and the positively charged growth factors will result in (1) higher cell number in response to fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) and 2) greater chondrogenic differentiation in response to transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), compared to a desulfated heparin coating. Results revealed that in the presence of FGF‐2, by day 14, heparin‐coated MSC aggregates increased in DNA content 8.5 ± 1.6 fold compared to day 1, which was greater than noncoated and desulfated heparin‐coated aggregates. In contrast, when cultured in the presence of TGF‐β1, by day 21, desulfated heparin‐coated aggregates upregulated gene expression of collagen II by 86.5 ± 7.5 fold and collagen X by 37.1 ± 4.7 fold, which was higher than that recorded in the noncoated and heparin‐coated aggregates. These observations indicate that this coating technology represents a versatile platform to design MSC culture systems with pairings of GAGs and growth factors that can be tailored to overcome specific challenges in scale‐up and culture for MSC‐based therapeutics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1817–1829, 2016.
Deletion of FGFR3 in Osteoclast Lineage Cells Results in Increased Bone Mass in Mice by Inhibiting Osteoclastic Bone Resorption
Authors: Su Nan , Li Xiaogang , Tang Yubin , Yang Jing , Wen Xuan , Guo Jingyuan , Tang Junzhou , Du Xiaolan , Chen Lin 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) participates in bone remodeling. Both Fgfr3 global knockout and activated mice showed decreased bone mass with increased osteoclast formation or bone resorption activity. To clarify the direct effect of FGFR3 on osteoclasts, we specifically deleted Fgfr3 in osteoclast lineage cells. Adult mice with Fgfr3 deficiency in osteoclast lineage cells (mutant [MUT]) showed increased bone mass. In a drilled-hole defect model, the bone remodeling of the holed area in cortical bone was also impaired with delayed resorption of residual woven bone in MUT mice. In vitro assay demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts derived from wild-type and Fgfr3-deficient bone marrow monocytes, suggesting that FGFR3 had no remarkable effect on osteoclast formation. The bone resorption activity of Fgfr3-deficient osteoclasts was markedly decreased accompanying with downregulated expressions of Trap, Ctsk, and Mmp 9. The upregulated activity of osteoclastic bone resorption by FGF2 in vitro was also impaired in Fgfr3-deficient osteoclasts, indicating that FGFR3 may participate in the regulation of bone resorption activity of osteoclasts by FGF2. Reduced adhesion but not migration in osteoclasts with Fgfr3 deficiency may be responsible for the impaired bone resorption activity. Our study for the first time genetically shows the direct positive regulation of FGFR3 on osteoclastic bone resorption. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Sulforaphane Inhibits c‐Myc‐Mediated Prostate Cancer Stem‐Like Traits
Authors: Vyas Avani R. , Moura Michelle B. , Hahm Eun‐Ryeong , Singh Krishna Beer , Singh Shivendra V. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTPreventive and therapeutic efficiencies of dietary sulforaphane (SFN) against human prostate cancer have been demonstrated in vivo, but the underlying mechanism(s) by which this occurs is poorly understood. Here, we show that the prostate cancer stem cell (pCSC)‐like traits, such as accelerated activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), enrichment of CD49f+ fraction, and sphere forming efficiency, are attenuated by SFN treatment. Interestingly, the expression of c‐Myc, an oncogenic transcription factor that is frequently deregulated in prostate cancer cells, was markedly suppressed by SFN both in vitro and in vivo. This is biologically relevant, because the lessening of pCSC‐like phenotypes mediated by SFN was attenuated when c‐Myc was overexpressed. Naturally occurring thio, sulfinyl, and sulfonyl analogs of SFN were also effective in causing suppression of c‐Myc protein level. However, basal glycolysis, a basic metabolic pathway that can also be promoted by c‐Myc overexpression, was not largely suppressed by SFN, implying that, in addition to c‐Myc, there might be another SFN‐sensitive cellular factor, which is not directly involved in basal glycolysis, but cooperates with c‐Myc to sustain pCSC‐like phenotypes. Our study suggests that oncogenic c‐Myc is a target of SFN to prevent and eliminate the onset of human prostate cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2482–2495, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Context Dependent Regulation of Human Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase Isoforms by DNA Promoter Methylation and RNA Stability
Authors: Seenappa Venu , Das Bidyadhar , Joshi Manjunath B. , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTCytoplasmic and mitochondrial isoforms of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK‐C and PEPCK‐M) regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis to control systemic glucose homeostasis. Transcriptional and post‐transcriptional mechanisms may govern synthesis, maintenance and cooperative function of compartmentalized PEPCK enzymes. In a comparative analysis, we show that tumor cells consistently transcribe and translate higher levels of enzymatically active PEPCK‐C than PEPCK‐M and both the isoforms were present at lower levels in normal fibroblasts. Unlike in PEPCK‐M, absence of glucose reduced the PEPCK‐C mRNA and protein levels only in HepG2 cells. Interestingly, isoflavone genistein significantly increased PEPCK‐C mRNA and protein levels in normal fibroblasts indicating cell type specific control mechanisms. Genistein also significantly affected RNA stability of PEPCK‐C but not PEPCK‐M in HepG2 cells. This was due to the conserved and functional mRNA destabilizing AU rich sequences at the 3′‐UTR region of PEPCK‐C gene and was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays suggesting that glucose deprivation and genistein targets these sequences for mRNA degradation in HepG2 cells but not in fibroblasts. Analysis of promoter methylation by luciferase reporter assays and bisulfite DNA sequencing suggested that PEPCK‐C but not PEPCK‐M promoter was activated by 5‐aza‐2‐deoxycytidine by inducing cytosine demethylation at the specific CpG dinucleotides of 5′‐UTR region. Taken together, our data suggests stable PEPCK‐M activity and identifies intricate relationship between (1) mRNA stability and (2) promoter DNA methylation as two mechanisms of gene expression that distinguishes PEPCK‐C and PEPCK‐M enzyme activities in a context and cell type dependent manner during gluconeogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2506–2520, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Establishment of an HE4‐CLIA Method and the Combined Analysis of HE4 and CA125 in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Wang Cong‐Rong , Yu Juan‐Ping , Ma Qiang , Xu Wei‐Wen 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundThe human epididymal secretory protein 4 (HE4) is a novel, verified biomarker for the early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.MethodsMagnetic beads were coated with capture antibodies and were used with acridinium ester labeled detection antibodies in a sandwich‐type immunoassay. The patient's HE4 serum levels were measured simultaneously with the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) kit we developed and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) kit from Roche (Mannheim, Germany). CA125 was also detected by time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay. The diagnostic value was analyzed.ResultsThe assay demonstrated a linear range from 2.5 to 2,000 pmol/l, with an analytical sensitivity of 2.5 pmol/l. The reproducibility, recovery, and specificity of the immunoassay were demonstrated to be acceptable. Compared with the ECLIA kit from Roche in 124 serum samples (40 patients with ovarian cancer, 35 patients with benign gynecological diseases, and 49 health controls), there is a satisfied correlation coefficient of 0.875. The area under the receiver‐operating curve (ROC‐AUC) was 0.903 (95% CI was 0.839–0.966, P < 0.001) for HE4, 0.787 (95% CI was 0.694–0.879, P < 0.001) for CA125, and 0.914 (95% CI was 0.866–0.962, P < 0.001) for combined analysis of HE4 and CA125.ConclusionsA quantitative method (HE4‐CLIA) for detecting HE4 in serum was successfully established. Preliminary clinical sample analysis showed HE4‐CLIA has a certain clinical value in the screening and diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Moreover, in distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian lesions, HE4 has higher demonstrated accuracy than CA125.
Validation of the board certification system for expert surgeons (hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic field) using the data of the National Clinical Database of Japan: part 1 ‐ Hepatectomy of more than one segment
Authors: Miura Fumihiko , Yamamoto Masakazu , Gotoh Mitsukazu , Konno Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Jiro , Yanaga Katsuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro , Yamaue Hiroki , Wakabayashi Go , Seto Yasuyuki , Unno Michiaki , Miyata Hiroaki , Hirahara Norimichi , Miyazaki Masaru 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to validate the board certification system of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS) using the data of hepatectomy cases from the National Clinical Database (NCD) of Japan.MethodsMinimal required annual numbers of high‐level hepato‐biliary‐pancreatic (HBP) surgeries were 50 for a board‐certified A training institution and 30 for a board‐certified B training institution. Records of 14,970 patients who had undergone hepatectomy of more than one segment (MOS), excluding lateral segmentectomy, during 2011 and 2012 were analyzed according to the category of board‐certified institution and with or without participation of board‐certified instructors or expert surgeons.ResultsThirty‐day mortality and operative mortality of 14,970 patients after MOS hepatectomy were 1.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Operative mortality rates after MOS hepatectomies performed at certified A institutions, certified B institutions, and non‐certified institutions were 3.1%, 3.8%, and 4.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). The operative mortality rates after MOS hepatectomies performed with participation of certified instructors or expert surgeons were better than those without (3.5% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.012). A multiple logistic regression model showed that the cutoffs of high‐level HBP surgeries performed per year at hospitals that predicted operative mortality after MOS hepatectomies were 10 and 50.ConclusionsCompetences and requirements for board‐certified institutions, instructors, and expert surgeons to perform hepatectomy were found to be appropriate.
Significance of imaging modalities for preoperative evaluation of the pancreaticobiliary system in surgery for pediatric choledochal cyst
Authors: Saito Takeshi , Terui Keita , Mitsunaga Tetsuya , Nakata Mitsuyuki , Yoshida Hideo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveRoles of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), drip infusion cholangiography with computed tomography (DIC‐CT), and intraoperative cholangiopancreatography (IOCP) in visualizing pancreaticobiliary anatomy for pediatric choledocal cyst (CC) operations were examined.MethodsFrom 1980–2013, 117 pediatric CC patients (median age, 3 years) underwent hepaticojejunostomy at our institution, with imaging modalities of ERCP (n = 81 over 34 years), MRCP, DIC‐CT, and IOCP (n = 45, 20, and 45 cases over the last 12 years). First, visualization rates for pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), common bile duct (CBD), pancreatic duct (PD), and intrahepatic bile duct (IHBD) were investigated. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting hepatic duct stricture were then compared between MRCP and IOCP.ResultVisualization rates of PBM, CBD, PD, and IHBD were 57%, 100%, 64%, and 100% for MRCP; 82%, 77%, 95%, and 32% for ERCP; 25%, 75%, 21%, and 85% for DIC‐CT; and 87%, 100%, 87%, and 100% for IOCP, respectively. Combination of MRCP and IOCP achieved rates of 89%, 100%, 91%, and 100%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for detecting stenosis were 86%, 68%, and 71% for MRCP, and 100%, 89%, and 91% for IOCP, respectively.ConclusionsCombining MRCP and IOCP can provide satisfactory pancreaticobiliary anatomical information for surgical planning for pediatric CC, with hepatic duct strictures evaluated more accurately by IOCP.
The Impact of the Sectoral Allocation of Foreign aid on Gender Inequality
Authors: Pickbourn Lynda , Ndikumana Léonce 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWhile many developing countries have made progress in human development, gender equality remains a challenge for most. This study uses data on bilateral official aid disbursements from the OECD Development Assistance Committee (OECD‐DAC) to examine the impact of aid and its sectoral allocation on overall gender inequality as well as on gender inequality in health and education. We find that the impact of aid on gender inequality is dependent on initial human development and per capita income. However, increased aid to the health and education sectors appears to be effective in reducing maternal mortality and gender inequality in youth literacy regardless of initial conditions. © 2016 UNU‐WIDER. Journal of International Development published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.