bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial polyamide obtained by the incorporation of glass microparticles doped with ionic zinc and by zinc oxide nanoparticle: Evaluation with Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kirschner M. R. C. , Rippel T. , Ternus R. , Duarte G. W. , Riella H. G. , Dal Magro J. , Mello J. M. M. , Silva L. L. , Fiori M. A. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTFood security is very important in all processes executed for the manufacture of meat in meatpacking industries. Meat security can be improved by the use of accessories produced with antimicrobial materials in the manufacture lines. In this work, the antibacterial property was incorporated in the plates of polyamide 6 by the addition of two antibacterial compounds and the antimicrobial characteristics were studied. The antibacterial materials used were glass microparticles doped with ionic zinc and zinc oxide nanoparticles. The antibacterial polyamide 6 was produced containing different percentages of antibacterial compound and its microbiological characterization was realized with the bacteria Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus. The distribution of the antimicrobial compound in polyamide 6 matrix was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Atomic absorption spectrometry was applied to study the migration capacity of the antibacterial compound in the aqueous medium. The results demonstrated that the polyamide 6 containing glass microparticles doped with ionic zinc present better antibacterial action than the polyamide 6 containing zinc oxide nanoparticles. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45005.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate augments the therapeutic effects of benzo[a]pyrene‐mediated lung carcinogenesis
Authors: Cromie Meghan M. , Liu Zhongwei , Gao Weimin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOur previous study found curcumin and vitamin E to have protective effects against benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) exposure in human normal lung epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. The first objective of this study was to determine whether epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) elicited the same response. Co‐treatment with 5 µM BaP and 20 µM EGCG in BEAS‐2B promoted a significant reduction in cell viability and greater G2/M cell cycle arrest, induction of ROS, and reductions in BaP‐induced CYP1A1/CYP1B1/COMT, EGFR, p‐Akt (Ser473), p‐p53 (Thr55), and survivin mRNA/protein expression, as well as an increase in p‐p53 (Ser15). Based on these findings, the second objective was to extend the investigation by developing a novel BaP‐transformed BEAS‐2B cell line, BEAS‐2BBaP, to examine the effects of EGCG when co‐administered with gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Cell colony formation assay demonstrated in vitro tumorigenic potential of BEAS‐2BBaP, which had an overexpression of EGFR. Viability testing revealed gefitinib co‐treatment with EGCG resulted in more cell death compared with gefitinib alone. Co‐treated cells had greater reductions in gefitinib‐induced CYP1A1/CYB1B1, EGFR, cyclin D1, p‐Akt (Ser473), and survivin mRNA/protein expression, as well as an increase in p‐p53 (Ser15). Therefore, EGCG was found to promote greater cytotoxicity to BEAS‐2B co‐treated with BaP and BEAS‐2BBaP upon gefitinib co‐treatment through regulating metabolism enzymes and signaling pathways involving EGFR and p53. These findings suggest that EGCG did not act as a protective compound in BEAS‐2B after acute BaP exposure, but has the potential to be a useful adjuvant chemotherapeutic compound when coupled with gefitinib for chemosensitization. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):529–539, 2017
Acidified bile acids enhance tumor progression and telomerase activity of gastric cancer in mice dependent on c‐Myc expression
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Sun Lei , Wang Xijing , Kang Huafeng , Ma Xiaobin , Wang Meng , Lin Shuai , Liu Meng , Dai Cong , Dai Zhijun 
Published: March 2017

Abstractc‐Myc overexpression has been implicated in several malignancies including gastric cancer. Here, we report that acidified bile acids enhance tumor progression and telomerase activity in gastric cancer via c‐Myc activation both in vivo and in vitro. c‐Myc mRNA and protein levels were assessed in ten primary and five local recurrent gastric cancer samples by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis. The gastric cancer cell line MGC803 was exposed to bile salts (100 μmol/L glycochenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid) in an acid medium (pH 5.5) for 10 min daily for 60 weeks to develop an MGC803‐resistant cell line. Control MGC803 cells were grown without acids or bile salts for 60 weeks as a control. Cell morphology, proliferation, colony formation and apoptosis of MGC803‐resistant cells were analyzed after 60 weeks. To determine the involvement of c‐Myc in tumor progression and telomere aging in MGC803‐resistant cells, we generated xenografts in nude mice and measured xenograft volume and in vivo telomerase activity. The c‐Myc and hTERT protein and mRNA levels were significantly higher in local recurrent gastric cancer samples than in primary gastric cancer samples. MGC803‐resistant cells showed a marked phenotypic change under normal growth conditions with more clusters and acini, and exhibited increased cell viability and colony formation and decreased apoptosis in vitro. These phenotypic changes were found to be dependent on c‐Myc activation using the c‐Myc inhibitor 10058‐F4. MGC803‐resistant cells also showed a c‐Myc‐dependent increase in xenograft growth and telomerase activity in vivo. In conclusion, these observations support the hypothesis that acidified bile acids enhance tumor progression and telomerase activity in gastric cancer and that these effects are dependent on c‐Myc activity. These findings suggest that acidified bile acids play an important role in the malignant progression of local recurrent gastric cancer.
Unraveling the Oxygen‐Reduction Sites in Graphitic‐Carbon Co–N–C‐Type Electrocatalysts Prepared by Single‐Precursor Pyrolysis
Authors: Subramanian Palaniappan , Mohan Roopathy , Schechter Alex 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMetal‐ and nitrogen‐doped carbon‐based hybrid materials (M–N–C) are widely regarded as promising alternative to platinum for catalyzing the oxygen‐reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel‐cell cathodes. The two important steps involved in the preparation of these catalysts are acid washing and a second heat treatment of the pyrolyzed mixture made of carbon, nitrogen, and metal precursors (M). We have explored in detail the changes induced by the post‐treatment steps on structure, composition, and oxygen‐reduction activity of new hybrid catalysts prepared by the prolonged pyrolysis of a single well‐defined organometallic precursor. The marginal increase in nitrogen content, apparent BET surface area, porosity, surface defects, and the higher degree of graphitization positively contribute to the substantial improvement in ORR activity of post‐treated catalysts in alkaline solution, whereas this procedure is found to have a weaker influence on the ORR activity in acid solution. The findings from this study suggest that both free and nitrogen‐coordinated metal sites, specifically, “Co2N” sites, which are present in the catalyst bulk and protected by the nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon layer, are most likely the active sites in Co–N–C catalysts. Based on these experimental results, we propose a model that will assist in improving the understanding of plausible functioning of these active sites in acid and alkaline solution.
Recent Advances Based on Nanomaterials as Electrochemiluminescence Probes for the Fabrication of Sensors
Authors: Zhai Qingfeng , Li Jing , Wang Erkang 
Published: March 2017

AbstractElectrochemiluminescence (ECL) is chemiluminescence that is triggered by electrochemical techniques, and it has received broad applications because of its advantages, such as high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. In recent years, some novel luminescent nanomaterials have been developed and widely used to fabricate ECL biosensors with the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This Review presents a general description of luminescent nanomaterials as ECL emitters from the last five years, including semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), carbon‐based materials, metal nanoclusters (NCs), and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). The basic mechanisms, developments, and applications of these materials are given. Finally, we conclude with a brief look at the future challenges and prospects in the development of ECL sensors.
Next generation sequencing of the nidus of early (adenosquamous proliferation rich) radial sclerosing lesions of the breast reveals evidence for a neoplastic precursor lesion
Authors: Wilsher Mark J , Owens Thomas W , Allcock Richard JN 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe sought to determine if adenosquamous proliferation of early cellular radial sclerosing lesions of the breast harbours hot spot mutations and to help clarify its relationship to low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma as a potential form of early neoplasia. Four low‐grade adenosquamous carcinomas, early radial sclerosing lesions from 13 individuals, and 4 benign proliferative breast lesions were microdissected and assessed with a 50‐gene Hot‐spot cancer panel. Early radial sclerosing lesions were selectively microdissected concentrating on their adenosquamous proliferation (nidus). Hot spot mutations in PIK3CA were detected in ten (77% of) radial sclerosing lesions, in one low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma, and in usual ductal hyperplasia and apocrine adenosis. Over three quarters of individuals with cellular (adenosquamous proliferation rich) early radial sclerosing lesions tested harboured somatic mutations in PIK3CA suggesting that adenosquamous proliferation is a clonal lesion. Its relationship to low‐grade adenosquamous carcinoma remains unclear in view of the small sample size and unmatched radial sclerosing lesions and low‐grade adenosquamous carcinomas.
A hybrid computational model to explore the topological characteristics of epithelial tissues
Authors: González‐Valverde Ismael , García‐Aznar José Manuel 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEpithelial tissues show a particular topology where cells resemble a polygon‐like shape, but some biological processes can alter this tissue topology. During cell proliferation, mitotic cell dilation deforms the tissue and modifies the tissue topology. Additionally, cells are reorganized in the epithelial layer and these rearrangements also alter the polygon distribution.We present here a computer‐based hybrid framework focused on the simulation of epithelial layer dynamics that combines discrete and continuum numerical models. In this framework, we consider topological and mechanical aspects of the epithelial tissue. Individual cells in the tissue are simulated by an off‐lattice agent‐based model, which keeps the information of each cell. In addition, we model the cell‐cell interaction forces and the cell cycle. Otherwise, we simulate the passive mechanical behaviour of the cell monolayer using a material that approximates the mechanical properties of the cell. This continuum approach is solved by the finite element method, which uses a dynamic mesh generated by the triangulation of cell polygons. Forces generated by cell‐cell interaction in the agent‐based model are also applied on the finite element mesh. Cell movement in the agent‐based model is driven by the displacements obtained from the deformed finite element mesh of the continuum mechanical approach.We successfully compare the results of our simulations with some experiments about the topology of proliferating epithelial tissues in Drosophila. Our framework is able to model the emergent behaviour of the cell monolayer that is due to local cell‐cell interactions, which have a direct influence on the dynamics of the epithelial tissue.
Black Phosphorus: Properties, Synthesis, and Applications in Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Xue Yinghui , Zhang Qin , Zhang Tao , Fu Lei 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFollowing graphene, MXenes, and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorus (BP) has recently been introduced as a new member of the 2D materials family. Recently, the intensified research in BP has been motivated not only by its appealing properties, such as tunable band gap and high carrier mobility, but also by the strong light–matter interactions and lithium storage capability. The band gap of BP changes from 0.3 eV to 2.0 eV, and can be tuned efficiently for photon absorption. BP can undergo electrochemical reactions with both lithium and sodium as an anode material with a high theoretical specific capacity. The anisotropic structure of BP also makes it a fast ion conductor in a specific direction. The unique structure and properties of BP make it a promising material for various applications including energy conversion and storage. This review provides a summary of recent research progress for BP in terms of its properties, synthesis, and applications in energy conversion and storage, with a focus on enabling the important roles that BP could play in rechargeable batteries.
Nonmonotonic Hydration Behavior of Bovine Serum Albumin in Alcohol/Water Binary Mixtures: A Terahertz Spectroscopic Investigation
Authors: Das Dipak Kumar , Das Mahanta Debasish , Mitra Rajib Kumar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe report the experimental observation of nonmonotonic changes in the collective hydration of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of alcohols of varying carbon‐chain lengths, that is, ethanol, 2‐propanol, and tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA), by using terahertz (THz) time domain spectroscopy. We measured the THz absorption coefficient (α) of the protein solutions, and it was observed that α fluctuated periodically as a function of alcohol concentration at a fixed protein concentration. For a fixed alcohol concentration, an increase in the protein concentration resulted in nonmonotonic changes in α; thus, it first decreased rapidly and then increased, which was followed by a shallow decrease. An alcohol‐induced α helix to random coil transition of the protein secondary structure was revealed by circular dichroism spectroscopy measurements, and the effect was most prominent in TBA. The anomalous change in the hydration was found to be a delicate balance between the various interactions present in the three‐component system.
FKBP5 genotype and early life stress exposure predict neurobehavioral outcomes for preterm infants
Authors: D'Agata Amy L. , Walsh Stephen , Vittner Dorothy , Cong Xiaomei , McGrath Jacqueline M. , Young Erin E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPROBLEMThis study evaluated the relationship between stressful early life neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experiences, genetic variation of a stress response‐associated gene (FKBP5), and neurobehavioral outcomes.METHODThe impact of genetic variation and stress experience on neurobehavioral outcomes was examined for 41 preterm infants. Statistical analyses explored the main effects of FKBP5 genotype and NICU stress experience, as well as their interaction on infant neurobehavioral development prior to discharge.RESULTSStatistical analyses demonstrated a relationship between both FKPB5 genotype and stress related to NICU care that were independently associated with neurobehavioral outcomes; indicating a main effect of genotype and a main effect of stress on neurodevelopment. Additionally, we found an interaction between the minor allele genotype and NICU stress potentially associated with less favorable developmental progress at discharge.IMPLICATIONSEvidence of genetic and environmental risk factors for neurodevelopmental impairment suggests the need for improved evidence‐based practice initiatives to protect those most vulnerable to the combination of genetic susceptibility to stress and medical fragility.
Influences of multilocus heterozygosity on size during early life
Authors: Feiner Zachary S. , DeWoody J. Andrew , Breck James E. , Höök Tomas O. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGenetic diversity has been hypothesized to promote fitness of individuals and populations, but few studies have examined how genetic diversity varies with ontogeny. We examined patterns in population and individual genetic diversity and the effect of genetic diversity on individual fitness among life stages (adults and juveniles) and populations of captive yellow perch (Perca flavescens) stocked into two ponds and allowed to spawn naturally. Significant genetic structure developed between adults and offspring in a single generation, even as heterozygosity and allelic richness remained relatively constant. Heterozygosity had no effect on adult growth or survival, but was significantly and consistently positively related to offspring length throughout the first year of life in one pond but not the other. The largest individuals in the pond exhibiting this positive relationship were more outbred than averaged size individuals and also more closely related to one another than they were to average‐sized individuals, suggesting potential heritability of body size or spawn timing effects. These results indicate that the influence of heterozygosity may be mediated through an interaction, likely viability selection, between ontogeny and environment that is most important during early life. In addition, populations may experience significant genetic change within a single generation in captive environments, even when allowed to reproduce naturally. Accounting for the dynamic influences of genetic diversity on early life fitness could lead to improved understanding of recruitment and population dynamics in both wild and captive populations.
Lifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA): a new model for dementia prevention
Authors: Schiepers Olga J. G. , Köhler Sebastian , Deckers Kay , Irving Kate , O'Donnell Catherine A. , van den Akker Marjan , Verhey Frans R. J. , Vos Stephanie J. B. , de Vugt Marjolein E. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveModifiable risk factors for dementia were recently identified and compiled in a systematic review. The ‘Lifestyle for Brain Health’ (LIBRA) score, reflecting someone's potential for dementia prevention, was studied in a large longitudinal population‐based sample with respect to predicting cognitive change over an observation period of up to 16 years.MethodsLifestyle for Brain Health was calculated at baseline for 949 participants aged 50–81 years from the Maastricht Ageing Study. The predictive value of LIBRA for incident dementia and cognitive impairment was examined by using Cox proportional hazard models and by testing its relation with cognitive decline.ResultsLifestyle for Brain Health predicted future risk of dementia, as well as risk of cognitive impairment. A one‐point increase in LIBRA score related to 19% higher risk for dementia and 9% higher risk for cognitive impairment. LIBRA predicted rate of decline in processing speed, but not memory or executive functioning.ConclusionsLifestyle for Brain Health (LIBRA) may help in identifying and monitoring risk status in dementia‐prevention programmes, by targeting modifiable, lifestyle‐related risk factors. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of lithology on surface water sources
Authors: Nickolas Lydia B. , Segura Catalina , Brooks J. Renée 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the temporal and spatial variability of water sources within a basin is vital to our ability to interpret hydrologic controls on biogeochemical processes and to manage water resources. Water stable isotopes can be used as a tool to determine geographic and seasonal sources of water at the basin scale. Previous studies in the Coastal Range of Oregon reported that the variation in the isotopic signatures of surface water did not conform to the commonly observed “elevation effect,” which exhibits a trend of increasing isotopic depletion with rising elevation. The primary purpose of this research is to investigate the mechanisms governing seasonal and spatial variations in the isotopic signature of surface waters within the Marys River Basin, located in the leeward side of the Oregon Coastal Range. Surface water and precipitation samples were collected every 2–3 weeks for isotopic analysis for 1 year. Our results confirmed the lack of elevational variation of surface water isotopes within this leeward basin. Although we find elevational variation in precipitation in the eastern portion of the watershed, this elevation effect is counteracted by rainout with distance from the Pacific coast. In addition, we found significant variation in surface water isotope values between catchments underlain predominantly by basalt or sandstone. The degree of separation was strongest during the summer when low flows reflect deeper groundwater sources. This indicates that baseflow within streams drained by each lithology is being supplied from two distinctly separate water sources. In addition, the flow of the Marys River is dominated by water originating from the sandstone water source, particularly during the low‐flow summer months. We interpreted that the difference in water source results from sandstone catchments having highly fractured geology or locally tipping to the east facilitating cross‐basin water exchange from the windward to the leeward side of the Coast Range. Our results challenge topographic derived watershed boundaries in permeable sedimentary rocks; highlighting the overwhelming importance of underlying geology.
Advancing alternatives analysis: The role of predictive toxicology in selecting safer chemical products and processes
Authors: Malloy Timothy , Zaunbrecher Virginia , Beryt Elizabeth , Judson Richard , Tice Raymond , Allard Patrick , Blake Ann , Cote Ila , Godwin Hilary , Heine Lauren , Kerzic Patrick , Kostal Jakub , Marchant Gary , McPartland Jennifer , Moran Kelly , Nel Andre , Ogunseitan Oladele , Rossi Mark , Thayer Kristina , Tickner Joel , Whittaker Margaret , Zarker Ken 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Alternatives analysis (AA) is a method used in regulation and product design to identify, assess, and evaluate the safety and viability of potential substitutes for hazardous chemicals. It requires toxicological data for the existing chemical and potential alternatives. Predictive toxicology uses in silico and in vitro approaches, computational models, and other tools to expedite toxicological data generation in a more cost-effective manner than traditional approaches. The present article briefly reviews the challenges associated with using predictive toxicology in regulatory AA, then presents 4 recommendations for its advancement. It recommends using case studies to advance the integration of predictive toxicology into AA, adopting a stepwise process to employing predictive toxicology in AA beginning with prioritization of chemicals of concern, leveraging existing resources to advance the integration of predictive toxicology into the practice of AA, and supporting transdisciplinary efforts. The further incorporation of predictive toxicology into AA would advance the ability of companies and regulators to select alternatives to harmful ingredients, and potentially increase the use of predictive toxicology in regulation more broadly. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:915–925. © 2017 SETAC

Key Points
In chemical regulation, alternatives analysis (AA), also known as “alternatives assessment,” is a rapidly advancing method used to determine the relative safety and viability of potential alternatives to existing products or processes that use hazardous chemicals. The problem of data gaps is exacerbated in the AA context in which multiple chemicals contained in various alternatives must be characterized and compared. Predictive toxicological methods offer the potential for obtaining the necessary toxicity and exposure estimates in substantially less time and at significantly less cost than convention methods. Four steps will speed integrating predictive toxicology and AA: 1) Use case studies to advance the integration, 2) use predictive toxicology for screening chemicals of concern in the short term, 3) use existing resources to the fullest, and 4) support trans-sector and transdisciplinary activities.