bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adams Method Prepared Metal Oxide Catalysts for Solar‐Driven Water Splitting
Authors: Browne Michelle P. , O'Rourke Christopher , Wells Nathan , Mills Andrew 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe widespread utilisation of solar‐driven water‐splitting devices is hindered by the use of expensive and unstable materials. Herein, we show that highly active earth‐abundant metal oxide oxygen and hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts can be synthesised using the Adams method, in which the metal salts are oxidised in a melt of sodium nitrate. We also demonstrate that such oxides are usually highly crystalline powders with high specific surface areas. Disc electrodes of the Adams method metal oxides, specifically RuO2, Mn2O3, Co3O4 and NiO, are prepared using a recently reported mechanical, solvent‐free method, involving pressing a mixture of the metal oxide and a small amount (5 wt %) of PTFE powder. Each electrode is tested as an electrode for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 m NaOH. In the former role, Mn2O3 appears better than a platinum wire electrode (overpotential at 10 mA cm−2, η10=61 mV compared to 70 mV for Pt). In the OER study, although RuO2 is the best electrocatalyst (with η10=267 mV), Co3O4 is also very effective (with η10=330 mV). Using Mn2O3 as the cathode and Co3O4 as the anode, a silicon solar cell is used to photocleave water into H2 and O2.
Phase I metabolism of the recently emerged synthetic cannabinoid CUMYL‐PEGACLONE and detection in human urine samples
Authors: Mogler Lukas , Wilde Maurice , Huppertz Laura M. , Weinfurtner Georg , Franz Florian , Auwärter Volker 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIndole‐, indazole‐, or azaindole‐based synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), bearing a cumyl substituent are a widespread, recreationally used subgroup of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The latest cumyl‐derivative, CUMYL‐PEGACLONE, emerged in December 2016 on the German drug market. The substance features a novel γ‐carboline core structure, which is most likely synthesized to bypass generic legislative approaches to control SCs by prohibiting distinct core structures. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry techniques, the main in vivo phase I metabolites of this new substance were detected. A pooled human liver microsome assay was applied to generate in vitro reference spectra of CUMYL‐PEGACLONE phase I metabolites. Additionally, 30 urine samples were investigated leading to 22 in vivo metabolites. A metabolite mono‐hydroxylated at the γ‐carbolinone core system and a metabolite with an additional carbonyl group at the pentyl side chain were evaluated as highly specific and sensitive markers to proof CUMYL‐PEGACLONE uptake. Moreover, 3 immunochemical assays commonly used for SC screening in urine were tested for their capability of detecting the new drug but failed due to insufficient cross‐reactivity.
Epizoochorous dispersal by ungulates depends on fur, grooming and social interactions
Authors: Liehrmann Océane , Jégoux Flore , Guilbert Marie‐Alice , Isselin‐Nondedeu Francis , Saïd Sonia , Locatelli Yann , Baltzinger Christophe 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe transport phase of the animal‐mediated plant dispersal process is critical to dispersal effectiveness as it determines the spatial distribution of the diaspores released and their chance for further recruitment. Assessing this specific phase of the dispersal process generally requires combining diaspore retention times with the associated distances covered. Here, we specifically tested the effect of grooming behavior, interindividual contacts and ungulate fur on diaspore retention times and associated dispersal distances for the hooked diaspores of Xanthium strumarium L. experimentally attached to tamed individuals of three ungulate species. We used a comparative approach based on differing fur quality on different body zones of these three ungulates. During 6‐hr sessions, we monitored for grooming and social interactions that may induce intended or inadvertent diaspore detachment. Additionally, we proposed innovative approaches to directly assessing diaspore dispersal distances by red deer in situ. Fat‐tailed functions fitted diaspore retention time, highlighting the potential for long‐distance dispersal events. The longer the hair, the higher the retention capacity of diaspores in the animal's fur. As predicted, donkey retained diaspores longer than red deer and dwarf goat; and we also confirmed that diaspores attached to the short hair of the head fell off more quickly than did those on the other body zones. Dwarf goat groomed more often than both red deer and donkey, but also when it carried diaspores. Up to 14% of the diaspores detached from animal fur after specific grooming behavior. We observed, in controlled conditions, for the first time and for each ungulate species, interindividual transfers of diaspores, representing 5% of the diaspores attached to animals’ fur. Our results militate for incorporating animal behavior into plant dispersal modeling approaches.
Loss and delay analysis of non‐Poisson M2M traffic over LTE networks
Authors: Zarrini Morteza , Ghasemi Abdorasoul 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this work, loss rate and delay of non‐Poisson machine‐to‐machine (M2M) traffic in LTE networks have been studied. In contrast to prior works, which used Poisson process model for M2M traffic in their analysis, more realistic traffic models have been proposed, which follow the traffic patterns of M2M communications reported lately by 3GPP. A Markov‐modulated Poisson process and an approximated coupled Markov‐modulated Poisson process are adopted for modeling the uncoordinated and coordinated M2M network traffic, respectively. Moreover, fixed‐access grant time interval algorithm is used as a low‐overhead cluster–based scheduling algorithm to serve packets. Using some approximations, we first derive analytical results for the delay violation and packet loss probabilities of M2M traffic in Long‐Term Evolution networks in different scenarios. We then investigate the effect of buffer size on the quality of service of M2M user equipments. Specifically, in contrast to uncoordinated traffic model, it is shown that for the coordinated traffic model increasing the buffer size above a threshold is not effective in decreasing the loss probability of user equipments. Simulation results are provided to justify the analysis and the effect of buffer size on delay and loss probabilities.
Do betting advertisements contain attention strategies that may appeal to children? An interpretative content analysis
Authors: Pitt Hannah , Thomas Samantha L. , Bestman Amy , Randle Melanie , Daube Mike 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssue addressedConcerns have been raised about the expansion of sports betting marketing and the impact it may have on children's gambling attitudes and behaviours. This study aimed to investigate the content of Australian betting advertisements to identify if they contained specific attention strategies that have been identified by tobacco, alcohol and gambling researchers as having particular appeal to children.MethodsAn interpretative content analysis of 91 advertisements from 11 corporate bookmakers was conducted. A search of specific attention strategies that may appeal to adults, but also have been demonstrated in the public health literature as having particular appeal for children was used to develop a coding framework. This framework was then applied to analyse the advertisements. Descriptive statistics were used to generate quantitative data and qualitative illustrations were used to provide examples of the strategies found within the advertisements.ResultsOn average there were 7.6 attention strategies found per advertisement. The most common attention strategies were music (n = 80), voiceovers (n = 79) and catchy slogans (n = 78). There were some attention strategies that related specifically to betting, such as technology, and risk‐reducing promotions.ConclusionThis research has demonstrated that the content of betting advertisements contains attention strategies that, based on the research findings from other areas of public health, may have particular appeal for children.So what?This research provides important evidence which could encourage researchers, regulators and policy makers to consider changes to current advertising regulations, to ensure children are protected from the potentially engaging and harmful attention strategies present in betting advertisements.
Body image diversity in the media: A content analysis of women's fashion magazines
Authors: de Freitas Catarina , Jordan Helen , Hughes Elizabeth K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssue addressedThe narrow representation of body image in the media has been linked to body dissatisfaction, particularly among readers of women's fashion magazines. Some countries have made efforts to improve body image diversity in the media and the fashion industry. This has included attempts to regulate minimum body size of models (eg, Israel, France), and the development of codes of practices such as the Australian Industry Code of Conduct on Body Image. However, there is little evidence of whether these efforts have impacted media content.MethodThis study aimed to gauge the state of body image diversity in the print media 5 years after the introduction of the Australian Code of Conduct via a content analysis of 13 Australian women's fashion magazines published in 2015.ResultsResults revealed low levels of diversity in body size, ethnicity and age among models depicted in fashion magazine images. Models were predominantly young, white and underweight.ConclusionThe results suggest that efforts to improve body image diversity have had little impact on print media. Further research is needed to understand the barriers to increased diversity in the representation of body image in the media so that the industry and regulatory bodies can further address this important issue. This is increasingly pressing given the proliferation of content now enabled through online media platforms.
Are older Australians with chronic diseases online?
Authors: Burns Pippa , Jones Sandra C. , Caputi Peter , Iverson Don 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIssue addressedHealth information can be easily and cheaply provided through the Internet. However, we do not know whether older adults, those people most likely to be living with a chronic disease, are online or whether they use the Internet to find health information.MethodsIn order to establish the proportion of older Australians online, the impact of their current health status and chronic disease diagnosis on Internet usage and whether they use the Internet to search for health information, a paper‐based survey was developed and mailed to 9000 older adults, resident in New South Wales, Australia (response rate = 46.8% ).ResultsResults showed that many older Australians are online (52.3%) and that the majority who are use the Internet to find health information (68.5%). Respondents were more likely to use the Internet if they reported good health. The presence of most chronic diseases reduced use of the Internet; however, this was not the case for those reporting asthma, anxiety or sleep apnoea. Internet use decreased as the number of reported co‐morbidities increased. However, once online, self‐perceived overall health and number of chronic diseases did not affect use of the Internet to find health information.ConclusionsThis study is important as there is currently little information available about Internet use for health information by older Australians. Findings show that the provision of health information online has the potential to reinforce existing barriers created by the social determinants of health.So what?There is a role for the Internet in providing preventative, health promotion information, to older adults, who are already online and younger, computer literate audiences. However, practitioners need to consider the fact that this mode of delivery reinforces existing social divides; requires people to have Internet access and be both literate and e‐literate.
Involvement of the delayed rectifier outward potassium channel Kv2.1 in methamphetamine‐induced neuronal apoptosis via the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Jingying , Zang Songsong , Chen Xufeng , Jiang Lei , Gu Aihua , Cheng Jie , Zhang Li , Wang Jun , Xiao Hang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMethamphetamine (Meth) is an illicit psychostimulant with high abuse potential and severe neurotoxicity. Recent studies have shown that dysfunctions in learning and memory induced by Meth may partially reveal the mechanisms of neuronal channelopathies. Kv2.1, the primary delayed rectifying potassium channel in neurons, is responsible for mediating apoptotic current surge. However, whether Kv2.1 is involved in Meth‐mediated neural injury remains unknown. In the present study, the treatment of primary cultured hippocampal neurons with Meth indicated that Meth induced a time‐ and dose‐dependent augmentation of Kv2.1 protein expression, accompanied by elevated cleaved‐caspase 3 and declined bcl‐2/bax ratio. The blockage of Kv2.1 with the inhibitor GxTx‐1E or the knockdown of the channel noticeably abrogated the pro‐apoptotic effects mediated by Meth, demonstrating the specific roles of Kv2.1 in Meth‐mediated neural damage. Additionally, the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was demonstrated to be involved in Meth‐mediated Kv2.1 upregulation and in the subsequent pro‐apoptotic effects, as treatment with a p38 MAPK inhibitor significantly attenuated Meth‐mediated Kv2.1 upregulation and cell apoptosis. Of note, PRE‐084, a sigma‐1 receptor agonist, obviously attenuated Meth‐induced upregulation of Kv2.1 expression, neural apoptosis and p38 MAPK activation. Taken together, these results reveal a novel mechanism involved in Meth‐induced neural death with implications for therapeutic interventions for Meth users.
Three‐dimensional extrusion bioprinting of single‐ and double‐network hydrogels containing dynamic covalent crosslinks
Authors: Wang Leo L. , Highley Christopher B. , Yeh Yi‐Cheun , Galarraga Jonathan H. , Uman Selen , Burdick Jason A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe fabrication of three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds is indispensable to tissue engineering and 3D printing is emerging as an important approach towards this. Hydrogels are often used as inks in extrusion‐based 3D printing, including with encapsulated cells; however, numerous challenging requirements exist, including appropriate viscosity, the ability to stabilize after extrusion, and cytocompatibility. Here, we present a shear‐thinning and self‐healing hydrogel crosslinked through dynamic covalent chemistry for 3D bioprinting. Specifically, hyaluronic acid was modified with either hydrazide or aldehyde groups and mixed to form hydrogels containing a dynamic hydrazone bond. Due to their shear‐thinning and self‐healing properties, the hydrogels could be extruded for 3D printing of structures with high shape fidelity, stability to relaxation, and cytocompatibility with encapsulated fibroblasts (>80% viability). Forces for extrusion and filament sizes were dependent on parameters such as material concentration and needle gauge. To increase scaffold functionality, a second photocrosslinkable interpenetrating network was included that was used for orthogonal photostiffening and photopatterning through a thiol‐ene reaction. Photostiffening increased the scaffold's modulus (∼300%) while significantly decreasing erosion (∼70%), whereas photopatterning allowed for spatial modification of scaffolds with dyes. Overall, this work introduces a simple approach to both fabricate and modify 3D printed scaffolds. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 865–875, 2018.
Alternative foaming agents for topical treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Asama Martin , Hall Alex , Qi Yijun , Moreau Branden , Walthier Heidi , Schaschwary Matthew , Bristow Blaine , Wang Qun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractApproximately 907,000 Americans currently suffer from ulcerative colitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the large intestine or rectum. Treatment of this disease often includes anti‐inflammatory medication or immunosuppressants. Here foams are an attractive delivery platform, offering relatively high bioavailability, low systemic exposure, and improved patient comfort. However, the surfactants that generate these foams may adversely affect the diseased mucosa. Therefore, this project evaluated two alternative surfactants for use in topical drug delivery platforms: sodium caseinate and l‐α‐phosphatidylcholine. Both were compared to the biocompatible surfactant Pluronic® F‐127 using stability and density tests, and biocompatibility tests performed on mini‐guts. Sodium caseinate foams were less stable but denser than Pluronic® foams; however, they exhibited an unexpectedly low shelf‐life. l‐α‐phosphatidylcholine was an unsuccessful primary foaming agent owing to poor foamability at low concentrations. Mini‐gut growth rates were not significantly altered by surfactants, while morphology and an MTT assay identified Pluronic® as the most biocompatible surfactant at higher concentrations. These results clarify the possible challenges that the tested surfactants may present in topical delivery platforms and show the relevance of permeability to tissue–surfactant interaction tests. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1448–1456, 2018.
Novel large‐pore lightweight polypropylene mesh has better biocompatibility for rat model of hernia
Authors: Qiu Wangwang , Zhong Cheng , Xu Rui , Zou Ting , Wang Fujun , Fan Youben , Wang Lu , Yang Zhili 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAbdominal wall hernias are repaired with tension‐free prosthetic materials but there remains a foreign body response (FBR) to commonly used polypropylene mesh. Thus, we should optimize mesh materials to improve the patient outcomes after surgery. A polypropylene mesh was developed with wrap knitting technique. The physical, mechanical and biocompatible characteristics were tested in a rat abdominal hernia model and compared to ULTRAPRO and Easy Prosthesis. Polypropylene mesh of two pore sizes was developed (LP‐WKPM and SP‐WKPM). Compared with ULTRAPRO and Easy Prosthesis mesh, the novel mesh were lighter, thinner, and stronger (p < 0.05). Among the four implanted mesh types, there were fewer inflammatory cells and foreign body giant cells surrounding LP‐WKPM fibers (p < 0.05), and significantly fewer mononuclear cells and less neovascularization between LP‐WKPM fibers (p < 0.05) On day 15, 30 and 90 after implantation there were no differences in foreign body giant cells compared to 15 days after implantation (p>0.05). We developed a novel large‐pore lightweight polypropylene mesh that produced less FBR and better biocompatibility in an abdominal wall hernia model. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1269–1275, 2018.
Effect of Zoledronic Acid and Denosumab in Patients With Low Back Pain and Modic Change: A Proof-of-Principle Trial
Authors: Cai Guoqi , Laslett Laura L , Aitken Dawn , Halliday Andrew , Pan Feng , Otahal Petr , Speden Deborah , Winzenberg Tania M , Jones Graeme 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zoledronic acid (ZA) and denosumab on low back pain (LBP) and Modic change (MC) over 6 months. Adults aged ≥40 years with significant LBP for at least 6 months duration and MC (type 1, 2, or mixed) were randomized to receive ZA (5 mg/100 mL), denosumab (60 mg), or placebo. LBP was measured monthly by visual analogue scale (VAS) and the LBP Rating Scale (RS). MC was measured from MRIs of T12–S1 vertebrae at screening and 6 months. A total of 103 participants with moderate/severe LBP (mean VAS = 57 mm; mean RS = 18) and median total MC area 538 mm2 were enrolled. Compared to placebo, LBP reduced significantly at 6 months in the ZA group for RS (–3.3; 95% CI, –5.9 to –0.7) but not VAS (–8.2; 95% CI, –18.8 to +2.4) with similar findings for denosumab (RS, –3.0; 95% CI, –5.7 to –0.3; VAS, –10.7; 95% CI, –21.7 to +0.2). There was little change in areal MC size overall and no difference between groups with the exception of denosumab in those with type 1 Modic change (–22.1 mm2; 95% CI, –41.5 to –2.7). In post hoc analyses, both medications significantly reduced VAS LBP in participants with milder disc degeneration and non-neuropathic pain, and denosumab reduced VAS LBP in those with type 1 MC over 6 months, compared to placebo. Adverse events were more frequent in the ZA group. These results suggests a potential therapeutic role for ZA and denosumab in MC-associated LBP. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Ostm1 Bifunctional Roles in Osteoclast Maturation: Insights From a Mouse Model Mimicking a Human OSTM1 Mutation
Authors: Pata Monica , Vacher Jean 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Ostm1 mutations are responsible for the most severe form of osteopetrosis in human and mice. To gain insight into Ostm1 cellular functions, we engineered a conditional in-frame deletion of the Ostm1 transmembrane domain and generated the first Ostm1 mouse model with a human mutation. Systemic targeting of Ostm1 loss of transmembrane domain produced osteopetrosis, as in the null Ostm1 gl/gl mouse. Significantly, conditional osteoclast targeting of Ostm1 resulted in similar osteopetrosis, thereby demonstrating that the intrinsic Ostm1 osteoclast deficiency is solely responsible for the mouse phenotype. Our analysis showed oversized osteoclasts with enhanced multinucleation associated with stimulation of intracellular calcium levels, of Nfatc1 nuclear re-localization, and of specific downstream Nfatc1 target genes, providing compelling evidence that Ostm1 is a negative regulator of preosteoclast fusion. Moreover, mature OCs with Ostm1 loss of transmembrane domain show appropriate levels of intracellular acidification but an altered distribution pattern, highlighting misregulation of endolysosome localization and dispersion. Consistently, the hydrolases tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K (Ctsk) normally produced are sequestered within the osteoclasts and are not extracellularly secreted. These studies defined bifunctional roles for Ostm1 as a major regulator of preosteoclast cytoskeletal rearrangements toward cell multinucleation and of mature osteoclast intracellular lysosomal trafficking and exocytosis mechanism, both of which are essential for bone resorption. Importantly, these Ostm1 molecular and regulatory functions could serve as preclinical targets in this mouse model toward osteoclastogenic pathologies as osteoporosis and inflammation-induced bone loss. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.