bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wintersweet Branch‐Like C/C@SnO2/MoS2 Nanofibers as High‐Performance Li and Na‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Zhou Huimin , Xia Xin , Lv Pengfei , Zhang Jin , Pang Zengyuan , Li Dawei , Cai Yibing , Wei Qufu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractStructure and morphology of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) play an important role in improving its reversible lithium storage and sodium storage as anodes. In this study, a facile method is developed to prepare C/C@SnO2/MoS2 nanofibers with MoS2 nanoflakes anchoring on the core–shell C/C@SnO2 nanofibers through hydrothermal reaction. By adjusting the concentration of MoS2 precursors, the synthesized MoS2 with different slabs dimensions, size, and morphologies are obtained, constituting budding and blooming wintersweet branch‐like composite structure, respectively. Owing to scattered MoS2 nanoparticles and sporadic MoS2 nanoflakes, the budding wintersweet branch‐like composite nanofibers processes less slabs of staking in number and large specific surface area. Benefiting from the exposed C@SnO2 shell layer, the synergistic effect among SnO2, carbon, and MoS2 is strengthened, which maximizes the advantage of each material to exhibit stable specific capacities of 650 and 230 mAh g−1 for Li‐ion batteries and Na‐ion batteries after 200 cycles.
Role of SDF-1:CXCR4 in Impaired Post-Myocardial Infarction Cardiac Repair in Diabetes
Authors: Mayorga Maritza E. , Kiedrowski Matthew , McCallinhart Patricia , Forudi Farhad , Ockunzzi Jeremiah , Weber Kristal , Chilian William , Penn Marc S. , Dong Feng 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Diabetes is a risk factor for worse outcomes following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that SDF-1:CXCR4 expression is compromised in post-AMI in diabetes, and that reversal of this defect can reverse the adverse effects of diabetes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice (control MSC) were induced to overexpress stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1). SDF-1 expression in control MSC and SDF-1-overexpressing MSC (SDF-1:MSC) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). AMI was induced on db/db and control mice. Mice were randomly selected to receive infusion of control MSC, SDF-1:MSC, or saline into the border zone after AMI. Serial echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function. SDF-1 and CXCR4 mRNA expression in the infarct zone of db/db mice and control mice were quantified. Compared to control mice, SDF-1 levels were decreased 82%, 91%, and 45% at baseline, 1 day and 3 days post-AMI in db/db mice, respectively. CXCR4 levels are increased 233% at baseline and 54% 5 days post-AMI in db/db mice. Administration of control MSC led to a significant improvement in ejection fraction (EF) in control mice but not in db/db mice 21 days after AMI. In contrast, administration of SDF-1:MSC produced a significant improvement in EF in both control mice and db/db mice 21 days after AMI. The SDF-1:CXCR4 axis is compromised in diabetes, which appears to augment the deleterious consequences of AMI. Over-express of SDF-1 expression in diabetes rescues cardiac function post AMI. Our results suggest that modulation of SDF-1 may improve post-AMI cardiac repair in diabetes.
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 5A2 Contributes to the Maintenance of CD133(+) Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via the c-Myc/microRNA-29b Axis
Authors: Bai Hai-Yan , Liao Yi-Ji , Cai Mu-Yan , Ma Ning-Fang , Zhang Qi , Chen Jie-Wei , Zhang Jia-Xing , Wang Feng-Wei , Wang Chen-Yuan , Chen Wen-Hui , Jin Xiao-Han , Xu Rui-Hua , Guan Xin-Yuan , Xie Dan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs)/cancer-initiating cells (CICs) are suggested responsible for driving cancer resistance to conventional therapies and for cancer recurrence and/or metastasis. CD133 is served as a key biomarker to identify and characterize this subpopulation of cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous study indicated that overexpression of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) promotes HCC cell metastasis and angiogenesis. In this study, we demonstrated that EIF5A2 might play a crucial role in CSCs regulation and investigated its potential molecular mechanisms. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, we observed that the expression of EIF5A2 positively correlated with CD133 levels in a cohort of cancerous and noncancerous liver tissues and cells. Next, HCC cells with high expression of EIF5A2 have a strong capacity to form undifferentiated tumor spheres in vitro and show elevated levels of stem cell-related genes, leading to an increased ability to develop tumors when subcutaneously injected into nude mice. Furthermore, differential microRNA expression was profiling between two EIF5A2-depleted HCC cell lines and their control one identified a decreased expression of miR-29b in EIF5A2-depleted cell lines. Further functional studies illustrated that downregulated miR-29b level is responsible for EIF5A2-maintained HCC cell stemness either in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, enforced expression of EIF5A2 in HCC cells largely enhanced the binding of c-Myc on the promoter of miR-29b and downregulation of miR-29b by EIF5A2 was dependent on c-Myc. Our findings, collectively, reveal that EIF5A2 contributes to the maintenance of CD133+ HCC cells via the c-Myc/miR-29b axis.
Glabridin inhibits the activation of myofibroblasts in human fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts through TGF‐β/smad signaling
Authors: Lee Ping‐Hui , Chu Pei‐Ming , Hsieh Pei‐Ling , Yang Hui‐Wen , Chueh Pin Ju , Huang Yu‐Feng , Liao Yi‐Wen , Yu Cheng‐Chia 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has been recognized as one of the oral potentially malignant disorders. Areca nut chewing is implicated in this pathological fibrosis, and it causes chronic inflammation and persistent activation of myofibroblasts. As yet, existing treatments only provide temporary symptomatic relief and there is a lack of an effective intervention to cure OSF. Therefore, development of approaches to ameliorate myofibroblast activities becomes a crucial objective to prevent the malignant progression of OSF. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effect of glabridin, an isoflavane extracted from licorice root, on the myofibroblast characteristics in human fibrotic buccal mucosal fibroblasts (fBMFs). Our results showed that myofibroblast activities, including collagen gel contractility, migration, invasion and wound healing abilities were reduced after exposure of glabridin in a dose‐dependent manner. Most importantly, we demonstrated that the arecoline‐induced myofiroblast activities were abolished by glabridin treatment. Additionally, the expression of the myofibroblast marker α‐smooth muscle actin and other fibrogenic marker, type I collagen, in fBMFs were dose‐dependently downregulated. Moreover, we showed that the production of TGF‐β was suppressed by glabridin in fBMFs and the protein expression of phospho‐Smad2 was decreased as well. In summary, our data suggested that glabridin repressed the myofibroblast features in fBMFs via TGF‐β/Smad2 signaling pathway. Glabridin also prevented the arecoline‐increased myofibroblast activities, and could serve as a natural anti‐fibrosis compound for OSF.
Vocabulary by Gamification
Authors: Kingsley Tara L. , Grabner‐Hagen Melissa M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGamification uses game elements such as quests, challenges, levels, and rewards to motivate and engage students in the classroom. Given the engagement that students feel during gameplay, it is sensible to include elements of game design to motivate students and create a space for comprehensive vocabulary instruction. Designing a gamified vocabulary curriculum begins with clear learning goals, a careful selection of key terms, and the transformation of activities into quest challenges. This article shares how to design a gamified vocabulary curriculum to scaffold higher order thinking skills. Snapshots and examples of vocabulary gamification, along with suggestions for everyday practice, are included and aligned to the levels of Bloom's taxonomy. A discussion on how gamification supports student autonomy and mastery learning in a goal‐oriented environment is provided.
Learning About and Through Picturebook Artwork
Authors: Pantaleo Sylvia 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPicturebooks are highly sophisticated multimodal ensembles. Understanding the semiotic resources and affordances of the visual mode to represent and communicate meaning is fundamental to appreciating the artistry and complexity of picturebooks. A recent classroom‐based research project with grade 2 students featured explicit instruction on particular elements of visual art and design to develop and enhance students’ visual competences and aesthetic appreciation and understanding of picturebooks. In addition to being provided with multiple opportunities to talk and write about picturebook artwork, the students created their own multimodal print texts. The students’ composition of this multimodal work required them to intentionally apply the focus elements of visual art and design featured during the study. Examples of students’ writing, talking, and artwork reveal how they remade meaning across modes as they described, explained, interpreted, and analyzed visual images in both the picturebooks and their own multimodal texts.
Tunneling decay of false vortices with gravitation
Authors: Dupuis Éric , Gobeil Yan , Lee Bum-Hoon , Lee Wonwoo , MacKenzie Richard , Paranjape Manu B. , Yajnik Urjit A. , Yeom Dong-han 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We study the effect of vortices on the tunneling decay of a symmetry-breaking false vacuum in three spacetime dimensions with gravity. The scenario considered is one in which the initial state, rather than being the homogeneous false vacuum, contains false vortices. The question addressed is whether, and, if so, under which circumstances, the presence of vortices has a significant catalyzing effect on vacuum decay. After studying the existence and properties of vortices, we study their decay rate through quantum tunneling using a variety of techniques. In particular, for so-called thin-wall vortices we devise a one-parameter family of configurations allowing a quantum-mechanical calculation of tunneling. Also for thin-wall vortices, we employ the Israel junction conditions between the interior and exterior spacetimes. Matching these two spacetimes reveals a decay channel which results in an unstable, expanding vortex. We find that the tunneling exponent for vortices, which is the dominant factor in the decay rate, is half that for Coleman-de Luccia bubbles. This implies that vortices are short-lived, making them cosmologically significant even for low vortex densities. In the limit of the vanishing gravitational constant we smoothly recover our earlier results for the decay of the false vortex in a model without gravity.
An explicit transition system construction approach to LTL satisfiability checking
Authors: Li Jianwen , Zhang Lijun , Zhu Shufang , Pu Geguang , Vardi Moshe Y. , He Jifeng 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We propose a novel algorithm for the satisfiability problem for linear temporal logic (LTL). Existing automata-based approaches first transform the LTL formula into a Büchi automaton and then perform an emptiness checking of the resulting automaton. Instead, our approach works on-the-fly by inspecting the formula directly, thus enabling to find a satisfying model quickly without constructing the full automaton. This makes our algorithm particularly fast for satisfiable formulas. We construct experiments on different pattern formulas, the experimental results show that our approach is superior to other solvers under automata-based framework.
Low Lifetime Risk of Contralateral Breast Cancer in a Middle‐Income Asian Country: Evidence to Guide Post‐treatment Surveillance
Authors: See M. H. , Bhoo‐Pathy N. , Jamaris S. , Kiran A. , Evans D. G. , Yip C. H. , Taib N. A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe rate of contralateral risk‐reducing mastectomy (CRRM) is increasing in the West with controversial evidence of improved survival in early breast cancer patients. Although uptake of CRRM in Asia appears low, the trends may rise, and there is currently an urgent need to provide evidence for informed decision‐making in clinical practice. This study aims to determine the risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) and its associated factors in an Asian setting.MethodA total of 2937 newly diagnosed patients with stage I and stage II breast cancer in University Malaya Medical Centre between Jan 1993 to Dec 2012 were included in the study. Multinomial logistic regression analysis allowing death to compete with CBC as a study outcome was used; patients with unilateral breast cancer who were alive were taken as reference. A stepwise backward regression analysis including age at diagnosis, ethnicity, family history of breast cancer, TNM stage, hormonal receptor status, HER2 status, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy was conducted.ResultsFifty women developed CBC, over a median follow‐up of 6 years. The 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative risk of contralateral breast cancer was 1.0% (95% CI 0.6–1.4%) and 2.8% (95% CI 2.0–3.6%), respectively. Young age at diagnosis of first cancer, positive family history, and stage I disease were independent predictors of CBC.DiscussionThe current study suggests that the risk of CBC is very low in a Southeast Asian setting. Any recommendations or practice of CRRM should be reviewed with caution and patients must be counseled appropriately.
The effect of mental fatigue on critical power during cycling exercise
Authors: Salam Hawbeer , Marcora Samuele M. , Hopker James G. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Purpose
Time to exhaustion (TTE) tests used in the determination of critical power (CP) and curvature constant (W′) of the power–duration relationship are strongly influenced by the perception of effort (PE). This study aimed to investigate whether manipulation of the PE alters the CP and W′.

Methods
Eleven trained cyclists completed a series of TTE tests to establish CP and W′ under two conditions, following a mentally fatiguing (MF), or a control (CON) task. Both cognitive tasks lasted 30 min followed by a TTE test. Ratings of PE and heart rate (HR) were measured during each TTE. Blood lactate was taken pre and post each TTE test. Ratings of perceived mental and physical fatigue were taken pre- and post-cognitive task, and following each TTE test.

Results
Perceived MF significantly increased as a result of the MF task compared to baseline and the CON task (P < 0.05), without a change in perceived physical fatigue (P > 0.05). PE was significantly higher during TTE in the MF condition (P < 0.05). Pre-post blood lactate accumulation was significantly lower after each TTE in MF condition (P < 0.05). HR was not significant different between conditions (P > 0.05). Neither cognitive task induced any change in CP (MF 253 ± 51 vs. CON 247 ± 58W; P > 0.05), although W′ was significantly reduced in the MF condition (MF 22.8 ± 4.5 vs. CON 29.3 ± 6.3 kJ; P < 0.01).

Conclusion
MF has no effect of CP, but reduces the W′ in trained cyclists. Lower lactate accumulation during TTE tests following MF suggests that cyclists were not able to fully expend W′ even though they exercised to volitional exhaustion.
Perifoveal interdigitation zone loss in hydroxychloroquine toxicity leads to subclinical bull’s eye lesion appearance on near-infrared reflectance imaging
Authors: Chew Avenell L. , Sampson Danuta M. , Chelva Enid , Khan Jane C. , Chen Fred K. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Purpose
To characterize the ultrastructural and functional correlates of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-induced subclinical bull’s eye lesion seen on near-infrared reflectance (NIR) imaging.

Methods
An asymptomatic 54-year-old male taking HCQ presented with paracentral ring-like scotoma, abnormal multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and preserved ellipsoid zone on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Dense raster OCT was performed to create en face reflectivity maps of the interdigitation zone. Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA) microperimetry and mfERG findings were compared with NIR imaging, en face OCT, retinal thickness profiles and wave-guiding cone density maps derived from flood-illumination adaptive optics (AO) retinal photography.

Results
The bull’s eye lesion is an oval annular zone of increased reflectivity on NIR with an outer diameter of 1450 µm. This region corresponds exactly to an area of preserved interdigitation zone reflectivity in en face OCT images and of normal cone density on AO imaging. Immediately surrounding the bull’s eye lesion is an annular zone (3°–12° eccentricity) of depressed retinal sensitivity on MAIA and reduced amplitude density on mfERG. Wave-guiding cone density at 2° temporal was 25,400 per mm2. This declined rapidly to 12,900 and 1200 per mm2 at 3° and 4°.

Conclusion
Multimodal imaging illustrated pathology in the area surrounding the NIR bull’s eye, characterized by reduced reflectance, wave-guiding cone density and retinal function. Further studies are required to investigate whether the bull’s eye on NIR imaging and en face OCT is prominent or consistent enough for diagnostic use.
An update of the Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) on systemic insecticides. Part 2: impacts on organisms and ecosystems
Authors: Pisa Lennard , Goulson Dave , Yang En-Cheng , Gibbons David , Sánchez-Bayo Francisco , Mitchell Edward , Aebi Alexandre , van der Sluijs Jeroen , MacQuarrie Chris J. K. , Giorio Chiara , Long Elizabeth Yim , McField Melanie , Bijleveld van Lexmond Maarten , Bonmatin Jean-Marc 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNew information on the lethal and sublethal effects of neonicotinoids and fipronil on organisms is presented in this review, complementing the previous Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) in 2015. The high toxicity of these systemic insecticides to invertebrates has been confirmed and expanded to include more species and compounds. Most of the recent research has focused on bees and the sublethal and ecological impacts these insecticides have on pollinators. Toxic effects on other invertebrate taxa also covered predatory and parasitoid natural enemies and aquatic arthropods. Little new information has been gathered on soil organisms. The impact on marine and coastal ecosystems is still largely uncharted. The chronic lethality of neonicotinoids to insects and crustaceans, and the strengthened evidence that these chemicals also impair the immune system and reproduction, highlights the dangers of this particular insecticidal class (neonicotinoids and fipronil), with the potential to greatly decrease populations of arthropods in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Sublethal effects on fish, reptiles, frogs, birds, and mammals are also reported, showing a better understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity of these insecticides in vertebrates and their deleterious impacts on growth, reproduction, and neurobehaviour of most of the species tested. This review concludes with a summary of impacts on the ecosystem services and functioning, particularly on pollination, soil biota, and aquatic invertebrate communities, thus reinforcing the previous WIA conclusions (van der Sluijs et al. 2015).
Male Obesity: Epigenetic Origin and Effects in Sperm and Offspring
Authors: Houfflyn Sam , Matthys Christophe , Soubry Adelheid 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Purpose of Review
The prevalence of obesity has increased substantially in the current generations of Western countries, and the burden of obesity-related complications has been growing steadily. In men, obesity is not only a major risk factor for serious chronic diseases, concern is growing that the reproductive capacity, and more particularly, their offspring’s health may be affected. Obesity-related impaired spermatogenesis is associated with a decrease in microscopic and molecular sperm characteristics and pregnancy success. We hypothesize that epigenetics is an important mediator explaining interactions between an obesogenic environment and sperm/offspring outcomes.

Recent Findings
Recent studies have explored inter- and transgenerational epigenetic effects in sperm cells and in offspring. Father-to-child effects have been reported in relation to preconceptional nutritional and life-style related factors.

Summary
Here, we summarize the current understanding about obesity and molecular or epigenetic underlying mechanisms in sperm. We identify the obesogenic environment of the father before conception as a potential origin of health or disease in the offspring and include it as part of a new concept, the Paternal Origins of Health and Disease (POHaD).
Blood DNA methylation as a potential biomarker of dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Fransquet Peter D. , Lacaze Paul , Saffery Richard , McNeil John , Woods Robyn , Ryan Joanne 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDementia is a major public health issue with rising prevalence rates, but many individuals remain undiagnosed. Accurate and timely diagnosis is key for the optimal targeting of interventions. A noninvasive, easily measurable peripheral biomarker would have greatest utility in population‐wide diagnostic screening. Epigenetics, including DNA methylation, is implicated in dementia; however, it is unclear whether epigenetic changes can be detected in peripheral tissue. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence for an association between dementia and peripheral DNA methylation. Forty‐eight studies that measured DNA methylation in peripheral blood were identified, and 67% reported significant associations with dementia. However, most studies were underpowered and limited by their case‐control design. We emphasize the need for future longitudinal studies on large well‐characterized populations, measuring epigenetic patterns in asymptomatic individuals. A biomarker detectable in the preclinical stages of the disease would have the greatest utility in future intervention and treatment trials.
Refractory Epilepsy: The Role of Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Chan Tommy L.H. , Romsa Jonathan , Steven David A. , Burneo Jorge G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRationale: Presurgical localization of the epileptogenic focus is critical to successful surgery. Traditionally, localization of the epileptogenic focus depends on seizure semiology, scalp video-electroencephalography (vEEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neuropsychological assessment, and, when needed, intracranial EEG (iEEG). We aimed to explore the role of positron emission tomography (PET) in the presurgical evaluation of patients with refractory epilepsy. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients from London Health Sciences Centre (London, Ontario) with refractory epilepsy who underwent PET from September of 2011 to April of 2016. The accuracy of epileptogenic focus localization was compared between different investigative modalities (MRI, vEEG, iEEG, PET), and the outcomes were documented, including seizure freedom after surgical resection, improvement of seizure frequency, guidance for further investigations, and exclusion of patients from further evaluation. Patients who underwent surgery were followed up at 3 months and onward. Results: We identified 62 patients with refractory epilepsy who underwent PET. The mean age was 34 years (range=20-68). A total of 36 had concordant PET and vEEG findings: 6 had surgical resection and either became seizure-free (29.4%) or had improvement in seizure frequency (5.9%) at 3 months; 11 had surgical resection and either became seizure-free (29.4%) or had improvement in seizure frequency (35.3%) at 3 months, but required iEEG for final verification. Conclusions: PET has an important role in presurgical evaluation of patients with refractory epilepsy. It may allow resection of the epileptogenic focus without the need for iEEG, guiding intracranial electrode placement for further localization of the epileptogenic focus, or exclusion of patients from further evaluation.