bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel functional screening assay to monitor sweet taste receptor activation in vitro
Authors: Bastiaan‐Net Shanna , van den Berg‐Somhorst Dianne B.P.M. , Ariëns Renata M.C. , Paques Marcel , Mes Jurriaan J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe human sweet taste receptor is a heterodimer comprised of the class C G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) subunits TAS1R2 and TAS1R3. A wide collection of sweet tasting compounds and modulators of sweet taste interact with this receptor. Although TAS1R2/TAS1R3‐mediated signaling is well‐studied, the molecular basis for its desensitization remains unclear while such knowledge would signify a profound step forward in understanding the mechanism behind sweet taste perception and taste modulation. In this work, the possible involvement of β‐arrestin in downstream signaling was investigated. A stable clonal Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK)‐derived cell line containing the PathHunter™ GPCR technology was developed, in which β‐arrestin‐mediated endosomal receptor internalization can be monitored by ligand‐induced enzyme complementation of β‐galactosidase (β‐gal). Stimulatory responses and antibody‐specific receptor detection indicated that the TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor is endogenously expressed in this clonal cell line. Natural sugars (including fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, maltitol and mannitol) and artificial sweeteners (acesulfame‐K and sucralose) stimulated enzyme complementation activity in a concentration dependent manner. Besides, we observed that the assay detected modification of sugar induced cell responses by sweetness enhancers. These results combined implicate that TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor desensitization by internalization is most likely mediated by β‐arrestin‐induced endocytosis. This assay approach, making use of naturally expressed TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptors and required co‐factors, further allows effective screening for and development of novel high potency non‐caloric sweeteners, sweet taste modulators or optimal blends with enhanced sweet taste.
A Direct Manufacturing Cost Model for Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks
Authors: Scataglini R. , Wei M. , Mayyas A. , Chan S. H. , Lipman T. , Santarelli M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis work details efforts to estimate the direct manufacturing cost of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack components for combined heat and power applications. The main research goals are to identify the major contributors to fuel cell stack manufacturing costs, examine the influence of both production volume and stack size on cost, and compare the results of the cost trajectories with the U.S. Department of Energy SOFC stack manufacturing cost target of $238 kWe−1 (in 2015) and industry reported cost projections and to identify critical areas for manufacturing research and development. Stack component direct manufacturing costs are modeled for net electricity capacity of 1, 10, 50, 100 and 250 kWe across annual production volumes of 10, 1,000, 10,000 and 50,000 systems per year. Overall stack manufacturing costs range from $5,387 kWe−1 to a minimum of about $166 kWe−1 for a 250 kWe system at 50,000 systems per year. To meet the manufacturing cost target of $238 kWe−1, a minimum annual production of 100–250 MWe per year would be required. Reduction opportunities for stack cost are expected to be available, mainly with the adoption of thinner cells and stack components, higher levels of factory automation, and more sensitive in‐line defect diagnostics.
Regularization in parallel magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Korti Amel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSPIRiT (iterative self‐consistent parallel imaging reconstruction) can be solved efficiently for data acquired on arbitrary k‐space trajectories, and its sparsity regularized variant L1‐SPIRiT accelerates reconstruction. In this paper, we propose a regularized SPIRiT reconstruction based on steerable pyramid decomposition. The directionally filter banks lead to a better separation of signal and noise compared to a discrete wavelet transform (DWT). In vivo datasets and eight‐channel Shepp‐Logan phantom studies demonstrate efficient reconstructions. We compared our work with five state‐of‐the‐art parallel imaging techniques; our method yields better reconstruction results.
Monocyte-Specific Knockout of C/ebpα Results in Osteopetrosis Phenotype, Blocks Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Mice, and Reveals an Important Function of C/ebpα in Osteoclast Differentiation and Function
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhu Guochun , Jules Joel , Nguyen Diep , Li Yi-Ping 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/ebpα) is critical for osteoclastogenesis by regulating osteoclast (OC) lineage commitment and is also important for OC differentiation and function in vitro. However, the role of C/ebpα in postnatal skeletal development has not been reported owing to lethality in C/ebpα–/– mice from hypoglycemia within 8 hours after birth. Herein, we generated conditional knockout mice by deleting the C/ebpα gene in monocyte via LysM-Cre to examine its role in OC differentiation and function. C/ebpαf/fLysM-Cre mice exhibited postnatal osteopetrosis due to impaired osteoclastogenesis, OC lineage priming defects, as well as defective OC differentiation and activity. Furthermore, our ex vivo analysis demonstrated that C/ebpα conditional deletion significantly reduced OC differentiation, maturation, and activity while mildly repressing macrophage development. At the molecular level, C/ebpα deficiency significantly suppresses the expressions of OC genes associated with early stages of osteoclastogenesis as well as genes associated with OC differentiation and activity. We also identified numerous C/ebpα critical cis-regulatory elements on the Cathepsin K promoter that allow C/ebpα to significantly upregulate Cathepsin K expression during OC differentiation and activity. In pathologically induced mouse model of osteoporosis, C/ebpα deficiency can protect mice against ovariectomy-induced bone loss, uncovering a central role for C/ebpα in osteolytic diseases. Collectively, our findings have further established C/ebpα as a promising therapeutic target for bone loss by concurrently targeting OC lineage priming, differentiation, and activity. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and impaired expression of amnionless during aging
Authors: Pannérec Alice , Migliavacca Eugenia , De Castro Antonio , Michaud Joris , Karaz Sonia , Goulet Laurence , Rezzi Serge , Ng Tze Pin , Bosco Nabil , Larbi Anis , Feige Jerome N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundPhysical frailty and loss of mobility in elderly individuals lead to reduced independence, quality of life, and increased mortality. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to several age‐related chronic diseases, including in the musculo‐skeletal system, where vitamin B12 deficiency is generally believed to be linked to poor nutritional intake. In the present study, we asked whether aging and frailty associate with altered vitamin B12 homeostasis in humans and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms using preclinical models.MethodsWe analysed a subset of the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study and stratified 238 participants based on age and Fried frailty criteria. Levels of methyl‐malonic acid (MMA), a marker for vitamin B12 deficiency, and amnionless, the vitamin B12 co‐receptor that anchors the vitamin B12 transport complex to the membrane of epithelial cells, were measured in plasma. In addition, vitamin B12 levels and the molecular mechanisms of vitamin B12 uptake and excretion were analysed in ileum, kidney, liver, and blood using a rat model of natural aging where nutritional intake is fully controlled.ResultsWe demonstrate that aging and frailty are associated with a higher prevalence of functional vitamin B12 deficiency that can be detected by increased levels of MMA in blood (ρ = 0.25; P = 0.00013). The decline in circulating vitamin B12 levels is recapitulated in a rat model of natural aging where food composition and intake are stable. At the molecular level, these perturbations involve altered expression of amnionless in the ileum and kidney. Interestingly, we demonstrate that amnionless can be detected in serum where its levels increase during aging in both rodents and human (P = 3.3e‐07 and 9.2e‐07, respectively). Blood amnionless levels negatively correlate with vitamin B12 in rats (r2 = 0.305; P = 0.0042) and positively correlate with the vitamin B12 deficiency marker MMA in humans (ρ = 0.22; P = 0.00068).ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that aging and frailty cause intrinsic vitamin B12 deficiencies, which can occur independently of nutritional intake. Mechanistically, vitamin B12 deficiency involves the physio‐pathological decline of both the intestinal uptake and the renal reabsorption system for vitamin B12. Finally, amnionless is a novel biomarker which can detect perturbed vitamin B12 bioavailability during aging and physical frailty.
Shoulder joint synovial chondromatosis presenting as multiple axillary masses: A case report
Authors: Chen Tai‐Jui , Tsai Yuh‐Feng , Chou Yi‐Hong , Chen Liang‐Kuang , Chiou Hong‐Jen , Lai Yi‐Chen , Lin Yung‐Hui , Wang Hsin‐Kai , Tiu Chui‐Mei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSynovial chondromatosis is a rare, benign, proliferative cartilaginous lesion arising from the synovial tissue, tenosynovium, or bursal lining. We describe the case of a patient who initially presented with multiple axillary masses. Breast ultrasound (US) was requested due to the concern of a breast tumor with axillary lymph node metastases. US study was helpful and provided adequate information to suggest the diagnosis.
Disjoint perfect matchings in 3‐uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Lu Hongliang , Yu Xingxing , Zhang Li 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFor a hypergraph H, let denote the minimum vertex degree in H. Kühn, Osthus, and Treglown proved that, for any sufficiently large integer n with , if H is a 3‐uniform hypergraph with order n and then H has a perfect matching, and this bound on is best possible. In this article, we show that under the same conditions, H contains at least pairwise disjoint perfect matchings, and this bound is sharp.
Persistent sample circulation microextraction combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for trace determination of heavy metals in fish species marketed in Kermanshah, Iran, and human health risk assessment
Authors: Safari Yahya , Karimaei Mostafa , Sharafi Kiomars , Arfaeinia Hossein , Moradi Masoud , Fattahi Nazir 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPersistent sample circulation microextraction (PSCME) combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was developed as a high pre‐concentration technique for the determination of heavy metals in fish species. In this method, a few microliters of organic solvent (40.0 µL carbon tetrachloride) was transferred to the bottom of a conical sample cup. Then 10.0 mL of aqueous solution was transformed to fine droplets while passing through the organic solvent. At this stage, metal–ligand hydrophobic complex was extracted into the organic solvent. After extraction, 20 µL of extraction solvent was injected into the graphite tube using an auto‐sampler.RESULTSUnder optimal conditions, enrichment factors and enhancement factor were in the range of 180–240 and 155–214, respectively. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.03–200 µg kg–1 and the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.01–0.05 µg kg–1. Repeatability (intra‐day) and reproducibility (inter‐day) for 0.50 µg L–1 Hg and 0.10 µg L–1 Cd and Pb were in the range of 3.1–4.2% (n = 7) and 4.3–6.1% (n = 7), respectively.CONCLUSIONPotential human health risk assessment was conducted by calculating estimated weekly intake (EWI) of the metals from eating fish and comparison of these values with provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values. EWI data for the studied metals through fish consumption were lower than the PTWI values. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
1 × 4 optical switch based on electrowetting
Authors: Wang Jin‐Hui , Li Lei , Yuan Rong‐Ying , Wang Qiong‐Hua 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we report a 1 × 4 optical switch using deformable liquid droplet. The deformation is produced by the electrowetting on dielectric phenomenon. The device consists of a dyed oil and a transparent conductive liquid sealed in a transparent cylinder. The top glass cover of the device has four independently addressable electrodes for the actuation of the liquid dome in each direction. In the voltage‐off state, incident light is absorbed by the dyed liquid. When the voltage is applied to the liquid, the dome of the transparent liquid is uplifted and then spreads to four different directions because of the effect of electrostatic force. Accordingly, the transparent liquid pushes the dyed oil out to form a light path. The device with simple structure can freely control multiple switch apertures through changing the driven voltage. In addition, we analyze the electro‐optical characteristics such as transmittance, response time (open time ~110 ms, close time ~160 ms), contrast ratio (~661:1).
Exploring the enantiorecognition mechanism of Cinchona alkaloid‐based zwitterionic chiral stationary phases and the basic trans‐paroxetine enantiomers
Authors: Sardella Roccaldo , Macchiarulo Antonio , Urbinati Fabrizio , Ianni Federica , Carotti Andrea , Kohout Michal , Lindner Wolfgang , Péter Antal , Ilisz István 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe enantiomers of trans‐paroxetine (the selectand) were separated on four chiral stationary phases incorporating either quinine [ZWIX(+), ZWIX(+A)] or quinidine [ZWIX(–), ZWIX(–A)] and (R,R)‐aminocyclohexanesulfonic acid [in ZWIX(–), and ZWIX(+A)] or (S,S)‐aminocyclohexanesulfonic acid [in ZWIX(+), and ZWIX(–A)] chiral selectors. The zwitterion nature of the phases is due to the presence of either (R,R)‐ or (S,S)‐aminocyclohexanesulfonic acid in the selector structure bearing the quinuclidine moiety. ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(–) phases are available on the market with the commercial names CHIRALPAK ZWIX(+) and CHIRALPAK ZWIX(–), respectively. With the aim of rationalizing the enantiomer elution order with the above chiral stationary phases, a molecular dynamic protocol was applied and two energetic parameters were initially measured: selectand conformational energy and selectand interaction energy. In the search for other descriptors allowing a better fitting with the experimental evidences, in the present work we consider an energetic parameter, defined as the selector conformational energy, which resulted to be relevant in the explanation of the experimental elution order in most of the cases. Very importantly, the computational data produced by the present study strongly support the outstanding role of the conformational energy of the chiral selector as it interacts with the analytes.
The Complex Trauma Inventory: A Self‐Report Measure of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Litvin Justin M. , Kaminski Patricia L. , Riggs Shelley A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe work group revising the criteria for trauma‐related disorders in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) made several changes. Specifically, they simplified the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and added a new trauma disorder called complex PTSD (CPTSD). These proposed changes to taxonomy require new instruments to assess these novel constructs. We developed a measure of PTSD and CPTSD (the Complex Trauma Inventory; CTI) according to the proposed domains, creating several items to assess each domain. We examined the factor structure of the CTI in two separate samples of diverse college students (n1 = 391; n2 = 391) who reported exposure to at least one traumatic event and at least occasional functional impairment. After reducing the original 50 items in the item pool to 20 items, confirmatory factor analyses supported two highly correlated second‐order factors—PTSD and disturbances in self‐organization (DSO)—with PTSD (i.e., reexperiencing, avoidance, sense of threat) and DSO (i.e., affect dysregulation, negative self‐concept, and disturbances in relationships), each loading on three of the six ICD‐11‐consistent first‐order factors, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .056, 95% confidence interval (CI) [.048, .064], comparative fit index (CFI) = .956, Tucker‐Lewis index (TLI) = .948, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = .043, Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = 641.55, χ2(163) = 361.02, p < .001. Internal consistencies for PTSD and DSO were good to excellent (Cronbach's αs = .89 to .92). Supplementary analyses supported the gender invariance of the CFA model, as well as convergent and discriminant validity of the CTI. The validity of the CTI supports the distinction between CPTSD and PTSD. Moreover, the CTI will assist clinicians with diagnosis, symptom tracking, treatment planning, and assessing outcomes.
Influence of natural regeneration on fractal features of residue microaggregates in bauxite residue disposal areas
Authors: Zhu Feng , Cheng Qingyu , Xue Shengguo , Li Chuxuan , Hartley William , Wu Chuan , Tian Tao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBauxite residue is often physically degraded, which limits vegetation establishment on the disposal areas. Microaggregate stability is an important physical property due to its significant effect on erosion and surface runoff; however, this is rarely reported for bauxite residue. Native plant encroachment on a bauxite residue disposal area in Central China has revealed that natural regeneration may ameliorate the residue and help to support plant growth. Residue samples from 5 different disposal ages were collected to determine microaggregate stability and to identify their fractal features. Following natural regeneration, the aggregate fraction 250–50 μm increased significantly from 27.4% to 40.3%, whilst the silt + clay size aggregate fraction decreased from 58.4% to 30.7%. With increasing disposal age, the residue clay dispersion ratio (CDR) ranged from 7.7% to 22.5%, whilst aggregated silt and clay ranged from 15.3% to 19.0%, indicating a stable microaggregate structure. The single‐fractal dimension (D) of the residues for different disposal ages varied from 2.2 to 2.4. The high pH and salinity of bauxite residue indicated a high value of single‐fractal dimension. The multifractal parameters of residue microaggregates, including capacity dimension (D0), information dimension (D1), and information dimension/capacity dimension (D1/D0), decreased, which resulted in homogeneity following natural regeneration. Correlation analysis revealed that both single‐fractal and multifractal dimensions had significant correlations with residue microaggregate stability. Our results suggested that natural regeneration may improve microaggregate stability of bauxite residue, and fractal parameters of residue microaggregates may be used to describe residue microaggregate stability and the physical condition of bauxite residue.
Nerve detection using optical spectroscopy, an evaluation in four different models: In human and swine, in‐vivo, and post mortem
Authors: Langhout Gerrit C. , Bydlon Torre M. , van der Voort Marjolein , Müller Manfred , Kortsmit Jeroen , Lucassen Gerald , Balthasar Andrea J.R. , van Geffen Geert‐Jan , Steinfeldt Thorsten , Sterenborg Henricus J.C.M. , Hendriks Benno H.W. , Ruers Theo J.M. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveIdentification of peripheral nerve tissue is crucial in both surgery and regional anesthesia. Recently, optical tissue identification methods are presented to facilitate nerve identification in transcutaneous procedures and surgery. Optimization and validation of such techniques require large datasets. The use of alternative models to human in vivo, like human post mortem, or swine may be suitable to test, optimize and validate new optical techniques. However, differences in tissue characteristics and thus optical properties, like oxygen saturation and tissue perfusion are to be expected. This requires a structured comparison between the models.Study DesignComparative observational study.MethodsNerve and surrounding tissues in human (in vivo and post mortem) and swine (in vivo and post mortem) were structurally compared macroscopically, histologically, and spectroscopically. Diffuse reflective spectra were acquired (400–1,600 nm) after illumination with a broad band halogen light. An analytical model was used to quantify optical parameters including concentrations of optical absorbers.ResultsSeveral differences were found histologically and in the optical parameters. Histologically nerve and adipose tissue (subcutaneous fat and sliding fat) showed clear similarities between human and swine while human muscle enclosed more adipocytes and endomysial collagen. Optical parameters revealed model dependent differences in concentrations of β‐carotene, water, fat, and oxygen saturation. The similarity between optical parameters is, however, sufficient to yield a strong positive correlation after cross model classification.ConclusionThis study shows and discusses similarities and differences in nerve and surrounding tissues between human in vivo and post mortem, and swine in vivo and post mortem; this could support the discussion to use an alternative model to optimize and validate optical techniques for clinical nerve identification. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:253–261, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexible water excitation for fat‐free MRI at 3T using lipid insensitive binomial off‐resonant RF excitation (LIBRE) pulses
Authors: Bastiaansen Jessica A.M. , Stuber Matthias 
Published: November 2017

PurposeTo develop a robust and flexible low power water excitation pulse that enables effective fat suppression at high magnetic field strength.MethodsA water excitation method that uses spatially non‐selective pulses was optimized in numerical simulations, and implemented and tested in phantoms and healthy volunteers at 3T. The lipid insensitive binomial off‐resonant excitation (LIBRE) pulse comprises two low power rectangular subpulses that have a variable frequency offset, phase offset and duration. The capability and extent of LIBRE fat suppression was quantitatively compared with conventional fat saturation (FS) and water excitation (WE) techniques.ResultsLIBRE enables simultaneous water excitation and near complete fat suppression in large volumes at 3T as demonstrated by numerical simulations, and experiments. In phantoms and in human subjects, the frequency responses matched well with those from the numerical simulation. Comparing FS and WE, LIBRE demonstrated an improved robustness to magnetic field inhomogeneities, and a much more effectively suppressed fat signal. This applied for a range of pulse durations and pulses as short as 1.4 ms.ConclusionA flexible water excitation method was developed that shows robust, near complete fat suppression at 3T. Magn Reson Med 79:3007–3017, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.