bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Noninvasive Sonographic Study of Multisite Atherosclerosis in an Elderly Chinese Population
Authors: Huang Manwei , Hippe Daniel S. , Huang Lingyun , Zhao Xihai , Luo Jianwen , Zeng Qingyu , Yuan Chun 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesA sonographic study was conducted to determine the prevalence of atherosclerosis across multiple arterial beds in an elderly Chinese population and to examine relationships between detected atherosclerosis and traditional risk factors.MethodsA total of 197 participants underwent sonography of the abdominal aorta and bilateral carotid, femoral, and lower limb arteries. Images were reviewed to determine the presence or absence of plaques in each artery. Plaque thickness was measured as the indicator of plaque burden. Plaque prevalence was estimated per site and correlated with age, sex, and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Plaque frequency and thickness were compared between different arterial beds.ResultsOf the 197 participants (54% female; age range, 58–86 years), 90% had plaques present in at least 1 artery, and 55% had plaques present in at least 4 arteries. The most common sites for plaques were the carotid arteries (80%), followed by the lower limb arteries (59%), femoral arteries (57%), and abdominal aorta (37%). Plaque prevalence in each arterial bed except the abdominal aorta was significantly associated with male participants (P < .05), increasing age (P < .003) and FRS (P < .04). Male participants were more likely to have carotid (P = .04), femoral (P = .045), and lower limb (P = .006) plaques than female participants, but there was no significant difference in aortic plaque prevalence between male and female participants (P = .9).ConclusionsPlaque prevalence increased significantly in the carotid and peripheral arteries with increasing FRS. These findings should be considered for designing screening programs for stroke and heart attack prevention.
Removal of atmospheric ethanol by wet deposition
Authors: Felix J. David , Willey Joan D. , Thomas Rachel K. , Mullaugh Katherine M. , Avery G. Brooks , Kieber Robert J. , Mead Ralph N. , Helms John , Giubbina Fernanda F. , Campos M. Lucia A. M. , Cala John 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe global wet deposition flux of ethanol is estimated to be 2.4 ± 1.6 Tg/yr with a conservative range of 0.2–4.6 Tg/yr based upon analyses of 219 wet deposition samples collected at 12 locations globally. This estimate calculated by using observed wet deposition ethanol concentrations is in agreement with previous models (1.4–5 Tg/yr) predicting the wet deposition sink using Henry's law coefficients and atmospheric ethanol concentrations. Wet deposition is estimated to remove between 6 and 17% of the total ethanol emitted to the atmosphere on an annual basis. The concentration of ethanol in marine rain (25 ± 6 nM) is an order of magnitude less than in the majority of terrestrial rains (345 ± 280 nM). Terrestrial rain samples collected in locations impacted by high local sources of biofuel usage and locations downwind from ethanol distilleries were an order of magnitude higher in ethanol concentration (3090 ± 448 nM) compared to rain collected in terrestrial locations not impacted by these sources. These results indicate that wet deposition of ethanol is heavily influenced by local sources. Results of this study are important because they suggest that as biofuel production and usage increase, the concentration of ethanol in the atmosphere will increase as well the wet deposition flux. Additional research constraining the sources, sinks, and atmospheric impacts of ethanol is necessary to better assist in the debate as whether or not to increase consumption of the alcohol as a biofuel.
Observed strengthening of interbasin exchange via the Indonesian seas due to rainfall intensification
Authors: Hu Shijian , Sprintall Janet 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA proxy of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) transport, developed using in situ hydrographic measurements along with assimilations, shows a significant strengthening trend during the past decade. This trend is due to a freshening and subsequent increase in the halosteric component of the ITF transport associated with enhanced rainfall over the Maritime Continent over the same period. The strengthening of the ITF transport leads to a significant change in heat and freshwater exchange between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and contributes to the warming and freshening of the eastern Indian Ocean. The combined effect of the ITF transport of mass and freshwater along with tropical rainfall plays a very important role in the climate system.
Luminescence, Plasmonic, and Magnetic Properties of Doped Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Pradhan Narayan , Das Adhikari Samrat , Nag Angshuman , Sarma D. D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroducing a few atoms of impurities or dopants in semiconductor nanocrystals can drastically alter the existing properties or even introduce new properties. For example, mid‐gap states created by doping tremendously affect photocatalytic activities and surface controlled redox reactions, generate new emission centers, show thermometric optical switching, make FRET donors by enhancing the excited state lifetime, and also create localized surface plasmon resonance induced low energy absorption. In addition, researchers have more recently started focusing their attention on doped nanocrystals as an important and alternative material for solar energy conversion to meet the current demand for renewable energy. Moreover, the electrical and magnetic properties of the host are also strongly altered on doping. These beneficial dopant‐induced changes suggest that doped nanocrystals with proper selections of dopant–host pairs may be helpful for generating designer materials for a wide range of current technological needs. How properties relate to the doping of a variety of semiconductor nanocrystals are summarized in this Review.
Electrospinning of porous polylactic acid fibers during nonsolvent induced phase separation
Authors: Rezabeigi Ehsan , Sta Marwa , Swain Mitasha , McDonald Julia , Demarquette Nicole R. , Drew Robin A. L. , Wood‐Adams Paula M. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, porous micron‐sized fibers of polylactic acid (PLA) are fabricated via electrospinning of PLA‐dichloromethane (DCM)‐hexane systems with no post treatment involved. Several compositions from the liquid‐liquid phase separated region of the phase diagram of this ternary system are selected and their electrospinnability are investigated throughout their phase separation process before gelation. We show that under constant processing and ambient parameters, there is a phase separation shelf time for each composition wherein the viscoelasticity of the systems is optimum to produce long, uniform porous fibers. For the first time, we investigate the effect of aging time during phase separation on the morphology of the electrospun fibers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on our results, certain phase separated systems provide a range of viscosity allowing for the production of porous spherical micro beads or fibers via electrospraying and electrospinning, respectively. It is also shown that obtaining long, uniform fibers from electrospinning of highly phase separated systems, e.g., a gel, is not feasible due to the high degree of crystallinity of their polymer‐rich domains and the solid‐like yielding behavior. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44862.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐4 inhibits cell growth, migration and invasion, and downregulates COX‐2 expression in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Li Weiwen , Sun Debin , Lv Zhuqing , Wei Yueqiu , Zheng Liyun , Zeng Tingting , Zhao Jialu 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInsulin‐like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP‐4) and cyclooxygenase2 (COX‐2) are associated with tumor inflammatory microenvironment which is involved in the progression of tumor. However, it is unclear that the roles of IGFBP‐4 in lung cancer and the effects of IGFBP‐4 on COX‐2 expression. In this study, we showed that IGFBP‐4 could decrease COX‐2 production in lung cancer A549 cells. IGFBP‐4 expression was significantly lower but COX‐2 expression was higher in lung cancer tissues compared to matched adjacent normal tissues. In addition, IGFBP‐4 could inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and suppress the phosphorylation of PI3 K/AKT, ERK, and CREB. These results indicate that IGFBP‐4 has potent antitumor effects in non‐small cell lung cancer cells.
Analysis of Protein O‐GlcNAcylation by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ma Junfeng , Hart Gerald W. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractO‐linked β‐D‐N‐acetyl glucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) addition (O‐GlcNAcylation), a post‐translational modification of serine/threonine residues of proteins, is involved in diverse cellular metabolic and signaling pathways. Aberrant O‐GlcNAcylation underlies the initiation and progression of multiple chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous methods have been developed for the analysis of protein O‐GlcNAcylation, but instead of discussing the classical biochemical techniques, this unit covers O‐GlcNAc characterization by combining several enrichment methods and mass spectrometry detection techniques [including collision‐induced dissociation (CID), higher energy collision dissociation (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) mass spectrometry]. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Behavior is a major determinant of predation risk in zooplankton
Authors: Almeda Rodrigo , van Someren Gréve Hans , Kiørboe Thomas 
Published: February 2017

AbstractZooplankton exhibit different small‐scale motile behaviors related to feeding and mating activities. These different motile behaviors may result in different levels of predation risk, which may partially determine the structure of planktonic communities. Here, we experimentally determined predation mortality associated with (1) feeding activity (ambush feeders vs. feeding‐current vs. cruising feeders) and (2) mate‐finding behavior (males vs. females). The copepods Oithona nana, O. davisae (ambush feeders), Temora longicornis (feeding‐current feeder), and Centropages hamatus (cruising feeder) were used as prey for different predatory copepods. Copepods with “active” feeding behaviors (feeding‐current and cruising feeders) showed significantly higher mortality from predation (~2–8 times) than similarly sized copepods with low motility feeding behavior (ambush feeders). Copepod males, which have a more active motile behavior than females (mate‐seeking behavior), suffered a higher predation mortality than females in most of the experiments. However, the predation risk for mate‐searching behavior in copepods varied depending on feeding behavior with ambush feeders consistently having the greatest difference in predation mortality between genders (~4 times higher for males than for females). This gender‐specific predation pressure may partially explain field observations of female‐biased sex ratios in ambush feeding copepods (e.g., Oithonidae). Overall, our results demonstrate that small‐scale motile behavior is a key trait in zooplankton that significantly affects predation risk and therefore is a main determinant of distribution and composition of zooplankton communities in the ocean.
Leaf‐litter microbial communities in boreal streams linked to forest and wetland sources of dissolved organic carbon
Authors: Emilson Caroline E. , Kreutzweiser David P. , Gunn John M. , Mykytczuk Nadia C. S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractLeaf‐litter microbial activity is influenced by several stream characteristics that may be affected by alterations in watershed condition. However, there have been few studies and little direct evidence that leaf‐litter microbial communities are affected by disturbance‐induced watershed condition, particularly in boreal streams. To test this linkage, we compare the associations of stream physical–chemical characteristics with landscape features (e.g., percent wetlands, roads, riparian woody stem diversity), and leaf‐litter microbial activity and structure in streams across varying disturbance‐induced watershed conditions. Our findings suggest that the increased stream water conductivity associated with roads can have a negative impact on leaf‐litter microbial extracellular enzyme activity associated with a decrease in the abundance of Betaproteobacteria. Wetlands and forests in contrast are important providers of dissolved organic carbon that stimulates the microbial, and in particular fungal, cycling of energy and nutrients. We present a novel and in‐depth perspective of leaf‐litter microbial communities as a critical link to our understanding and management of the influences of watershed condition on aquatic ecosystems.
Tailored approach to oromandibular reconstruction in patients with compromised lower limb vessels
Authors: Barry Conor P. , Brown James , Hanlon Rebecca , Shaw Richard 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare outcomes for segmental reconstruction of the mandible between patients who underwent reconstruction with a fibula flap (group 1), and those with an alternative osseous free flap in which the fibula flap was unsuitable either for defect reasons (group 2) or in which the fibula flap could not safely be harvested because of compromised leg vessels (group 3).MethodsOne hundred fifty‐two patients who underwent osseous free flap reconstruction of a mandibular segmental defect between January 2008 and June 2014 were identified from operating records. Outcomes between groups was compared.ResultsThe flap success rate was 97% and the late recipient‐site complication rate was 19%. There was no difference in flap success or complication rates between groups.ConclusionBony reconstruction of the mandible can be achieved with no compromise in flap success even where preoperative vascular studies or the nature of the defect deem the fibula unsuitable. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 916–920, 2017
Similarity between the Usher Plug and the Repeating Domain of an Ice‐adhesin: Evolution via Surface Reshaping
Authors: Kessel Amit , Kolodny Rachel , Ben‐Tal Nir 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe PapC usher and MpAFP ice‐adhesin feature Ig‐like domains, which are similar in shape and sequence but are engaged in very different functions. We explore how evolution reshaped the surfaces of these two domains to fit to their respective functions. In PapC, the Ig‐like domain forms a rigid plug that seals the translocation channel in the inactive state. Upon activation, it undergoes a hinge motion, as an intact domain, to allow passage and assembly of the pili that goes through the pore. In accordance with this function, our calculations show that its surface is, in essence, electrostatically neutral, to facilitate the interaction with the PapC pore, and that this feature is evolutionarily conserved among its close homologues. On the other hand, within the context of MpAFP, the Ig‐like domain is the main repeating unit, and our calculations show that its surface features a negative electrostatic potential of unusually high magnitude. The potential is balanced by bound Ca2+ ions. This is consistent with Ca2+‐dependent secretion of unfolded MpAFP across the double membrane of the bacterium, and folding outside, where Ca2+ concentration is high.
Roles of palmitoylation in axon growth, degeneration and regeneration
Authors: Holland Sabrina M. , Thomas Gareth M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe protein‐lipid modification palmitoylation plays important roles in neurons, but most attention has focused on roles of this modification in the regulation of mature pre‐ and post‐synapses. However, exciting recent findings suggest that palmitoylation is also critical for both the growth and integrity of neuronal axons and plays previously unappreciated roles in conveying axonal anterograde and retrograde signals. Here we review these emerging roles for palmitoylation in the regulation of axons in health and disease. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphometry of the human clavicle and intramedullary canal: A 3D, geometry‐based quantification
Authors: Aira Jazmine R. , Simon Peter , Gutiérrez Sergio , Santoni Brandon G. , Frankle Mark A. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTMidshaft clavicle fractures are a very common occurrence. The current treatment of choice involves internal fixation with superior or anterior clavicle plating, however their clinical success and particularly patient satisfaction are decreasing. The implementation of intramedullary devices is on the rise, but data describing the intramedullary canal parameters are lacking. The aim of this study is to quantify the geometry of the clavicle and its intramedullary canal, and to evaluate the effect of gender and anatomical side. This study used three‐dimensional image‐based models with novel and automated methods of standardization, normalization, and bone cross‐section evaluation. The data obtained in this study present intramedullary canal, and clavicle diameter and center deviation parameterized as a function of clavicle length as well as its radius of curvature and true length. Results showed that both right‐sided and female clavicles were shorter and thicker, but only females showed a statistically significant difference in size compared to males (p < 0.0001). The smallest clavicle and intramedullary canal diameters were seen at different clavicle lengths (45% and 52%), suggesting that the narrowest region of intramedullary canal cannot be appreciated based on external visualization of the clavicle alone. The narrowing of the intramedullary canal is of special interest because this is a potential limiting region for surgical planning and intramedullary device design. Furthermore, the location and value of maximum lateral curvature displacement is different in the intramedullary canal, implying there exists an eccentricity of the intramedullary canal center with respect to the clavicle center. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2191–2202, 2017.
Synthesis and swelling property of superabsorbent starch grafted with acrylic acid/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid
Authors: Meng Yeqiao , Ye Lin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn order to develop starch‐based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with high water absorbency, both acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) were graft copolymerized onto cassava starch, and St‐g‐AA‐AMPS SAP was successfully synthesized. The effect of AA/AMPS molar ratio on the structure and swelling property of SAP was investigated.RESULTSIntroduction of AMPS units improved the storage modulus and crosslinking density of St‐g‐AA‐AMPS SAP, and was beneficial in forming a perfect network structure. With increasing AMPS content, the equilibrium swelling ratio and swelling rate constant (k) of the SAP first increased and then decreased, and the maximum swelling ratio reached 1200.0 and 90.0 g/g in distilled water and brine respectively, resulting from the high ionization constant and hydrophilic ability of AMPS, and improved tolerance to brine. By introducing AMPS units, the re‐swelling capability of SAP was improved, and more hydrogen bonds could form between molecules of water and SAP, leading to an increase in non‐freezing bound water and freezing bound water, and the water retention of SAP was enhanced.CONCLUSIONIntroduction of AMPS units improved the water absorption capacity, swelling rate, and water retention ability of St‐g‐AA‐AMPS SAP, presenting wide application potential in agriculture and horticulture of desert regions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural losses in tuber weight during storage as a predictor of susceptibility to post‐wounding blackspot in advanced potato breeding materials
Authors: Grudzińska Magdalena , Barbaś Piotr 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn potatoes, mechanical damage and the formation of black spots in the tuber flesh cause substantial economic losses and degradation of quality. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of new potato genotypes (178 elite breeding lines) to blackspot damage after 7 months' storage at 5 and 8 °C, and to examine whether this susceptibility correlated with natural losses.RESULTSThe lowest index of blackspot damage after harvest was found in genotypes from the mid‐late group of earliness and low‐susceptibility group, and after storage in genotypes from the early group of earliness and low‐susceptibility group. After storage at 5 °C tubers were characterized by a lower susceptibility to bruising compared with tubers stored at 8 °C. The storage temperature significantly affected the natural losses in advanced potato breeding materials after storage in the case of all earliness and susceptibility groups. The highest susceptibility to blackspot damage and natural losses occurred in potatoes stored at 8 °C (r = 0.85–0.91). Such a relationship was not observed in potatoes stored at 5 °C.CONCLUSIONFor potato tubers susceptible to the formation of after‐wounding blackspot, the natural losses arising as a result of storage at 8 °C can be used as a subjective method to evaluate the susceptibility of potatoes to the formation of black spots in the flesh. However, this observation needs further studies and stronger proof of this theory. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Treatment and outcome of neuroblastoma with intraspinal extension: A systematic review
Authors: Kraal Kathelijne , Blom Thomas , van Noesel Max , Kremer Leontien , Caron Huib , Tytgat Godelieve , van der Pal Heleen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe performed a systematic review to define the long‐term health problems and optimal treatment strategy for patients with neuroblastoma with intraspinal extension. Of 685 identified studies, 28 were included in this review. The burden of long‐term health problems is high; a median of 50% of patients suffered from neurological motor deficit, 34% from sphincter dysfunction, and 30% from spinal deformity. The currently available literature remains suboptimal as a guide for treatment of NBL with intraspinal extension. More well‐designed, prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy.
Surfactant administration via a thin endotracheal catheter during spontaneous breathing in preterm infants
Authors: Wu Wanliang , Shi Yan , Li Fengxia , Wen Zhuoyu , Liu Hongli 
Published: February 2017

SummaryTo systematically review the clinical outcomes of surfactant administration via a thin endotracheal catheter during spontaneous breathing compared with conventional administration involving tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation (MV), and tracheal extubation, in preterm infants. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant clinical trials. Data were analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration methods. Primary outcome measures included the incidence of MV and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Finally, four RCTs, two prospective cohort trials, and six historical controlled trials involving 5,261 preterm infants were analyzed. In RCTs, surfactant administration though a thin catheter reduced the incidence of MV (risk ratio [RR]: 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66, 0.81) in 72 hr and BPD (RR: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.50, 0.97) compared with conventional administration and in non‐RCTs, there was also significant reduction in the incidence of MV (RR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.45, 0.68) and BPD (RR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.60, 0.82) in favor of the thin catheter group. There were no significant differences between the two procedures in terms of short‐term pulmonary complications, intracranial pathology, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and mortality. Thus, surfactant administration via a thin endotracheal catheter to preterm infants has promising benefits, including reducing the incidences of MV and BPD, while providing comparable breathing support to conventional administration in MV. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017; 52:844–854. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.