bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technical Note: Feasibility study of titanium markers in choroidal melanoma localization for proton beam radiation therapy
Authors: Daftari Inder K. , Quivey Jeanne M. , Chang Jennifer S. , Mishra Kavita K. 
Published: January 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of the use of titanium fiducial markers to minimize the metallic artifact seen with tantalum markers which causes significant distortion on postoperative orbital CT scans.MethodWe designed and constructed the titanium markers in the shop of Crocker Nuclear Laboratory, UC Davis, CA. The markers were placed on an eyeball phantom. The eyeball was inserted into the Rando phantom in the orbital space. The Rando phantom was imaged with coplanar x rays on Nucletron simulator at UCSF, on digital panel on the eye beam line at CNL eye treatment facility and on CT scanner at UCSF.ResultsThe titanium markers can be clearly seen on the hard copy of x rays and on digital panel. The CT scan of an orbit using tantalum markers on the right eye and titanium markers on the left eye shows the metal artifact from tantalum markers. Titanium markers show very little distortion on CT images.ConclusionThe present study describes these markers and their relative benefit in comparison with tantalum marker, which has been used for localizing ocular tumor for decades.
Upregulation of Foreign Body Response in Obese Mice
Authors: Orellano Laura Alejandra Ariza , de Almeida Simone Aparecida , Pereira Luciana Xavier , Couto Letícia Chinait , de Lazari Marcela Guimarães Takahashi , Viana Celso Tarso Rodrigues , Andrade Silvia Passos , Campos Paula Peixoto 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveObesity is a highly prevalent multifactorial metabolic condition in which the need for functional bioengineered substitutes (e.g., scaffolds for tissue engineering) is likely to occur. However, the adverse foreign body response (FBR) that invariably takes place adjacent to implant devices impairing their function is poorly characterized in this condition. This study investigated the influence of obesity on the host response to a synthetic matrix implanted subcutaneously in high‐fat‐fed obese mice.MethodsHistological analysis of 14‐day‐old implants was performed to identify collagen deposition, capsule thickness, fibroblast‐like cells, foreign body giant cells, and mast cells. In addition, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) levels in the implants and serum were determined.ResultsAll fibrogenic markers (and TGF‐β1 levels) increased in the implants of obese mice compared with their nonobese counterparts. Particularly relevant was the fibrous capsule thickness in implants of obese mice (234.2 ± 22.1 µm vs. 109.2 ± 13.4 µm in implants of nonobese animals).ConclusionsThe study results showing that obesity upregulates the main features of the FBR induced by subcutaneous implants in mice may be relevant in understanding biomaterial integration and performance in this condition. This is crucial to the development of strategies to maintain the integrity and function of implantable devices.
Evaluation of pulmonary reexpansion in a porcine model of bronchial foreign body
Authors: Wang Saibin , Tu Junwei , Song Yong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis study was designed to establish a porcine model of reversible obstruction of endobronchial foreign body (FB) and to assess the natural pulmonary reexpansion process using radiology and histopathology after removal of the bronchial FB.MethodsA metal stent was placed in the right lower lobe bronchial lumen of 15 pigs by bronchoscopy and removed after 2 weeks of stent retention. Animals were divided into two groups (group I and II), based on when they were sacrificed (week 2 or week 4) after stent removal. Pigs underwent computerized tomography scan to document pulmonary radiological changes. The lungs were harvested for electron microscopy examination, and the expression of pulmonary surfactant‐associated protein A (SPA) was determined by immunohistochemistry.ResultsThirteen (86.7%) animals successfully responded to the intervention. Atelectasis was formed by stent implantation within 2 weeks. The ratio of the residual atelectasis area was smaller in group II compared to that in group I (P < 0.01). The histological manifestations of experimental lungs were significantly improved in group II. Moreover, the expression of SPA in group II was higher compared to that in group I (P < 0.01).ConclusionsWe have established a model of reversible bronchial FB obstruction in pigs that is both feasible and appropriate for evaluating the long‐term process of pulmonary reexpansion after removal of FB. Bronchial metal FB retention for a period of 2 weeks could form atelectasis, and a natural pulmonary recovery process related to atelectasis takes approximately 4 weeks after removal of metal FB.
Large reductions in pesticides made possible by use of an insect‐trapping lamp: a case study in a winter wheat‐summer maize rotation system
Authors: Guo Liyue , Muminov Mahmud Abdimuratovich , Wu Guanglei , Liang Xiaotian , Li Caihong , Meng Jie , Li Lijun , Cheng Da , Song Yanjie , Gu Xian , Zhao Jianshe , Jiang Gaoming 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreasing attention is being paid to physical methods to control pests such as insect trapping. In order to examine how pesticides can reasonably be combined with the use of an insect‐trapping lamp and by how much this can reduce the amount of pesticide used, five treatments were applied to a winter wheat–summer maize rotation system in eastern China: a treatment in which only pesticides were used; a treatment with only insect‐trapping lamps; insect‐trapping lamps plus one application of pesticides; insect‐trapping lamps plus two applications of pesticides; insect‐trapping lamps plus three applications of pesticides.RESULTSThe results showed that, when pesticides were reduced by 25–35%, the insect‐trapping lamps controlled the insect population well and yields were not decreased but were actually increased, with pesticides being applied only at 2 days before winter wheat planting, at winter wheat flowering and at the big flare stage of summer maize. Reducing pesticides by 35–65% had no adverse effect on crop yields, and thus had the potential to reduce the costs of pest control and produce the greatest economic benefit. When no pesticides were used in the insect‐trapping lamp control area, the annual yield was still >15 t hm‐2.CONCLUSIONIf pesticides are used in a timely fashion and at the appropriate stage, their use may be greatly reduced with the help of an insect‐trapping lamp. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Pangesti Krisna N.A. , Abd El Ghany Moataz , Walsh Michael G. , Kesson Alison M. , Hill‐Cawthorne Grant A. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of viral acute respiratory tract infections in young children. The virus is characterised by distinct seasonality that is dependent upon the latitude and its ability to cause reinfection. Respiratory syncytial virus demonstrates a complex molecular epidemiology pattern as multiple strains and/or genotypes cocirculate during a single epidemic. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between RSV genetic diversity, reinfection, and clinical features. Here, we review the evidence behind this relationship together with the impact that the advancement of whole genome sequencing will have upon our understanding and the need for reconsidering the classification of RSV genotypes.
Modelling upstream fish passage in standard box culverts: Interplay between turbulence, fish kinematics, and energetics
Authors: Wang H. , Chanson H. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBox culverts are common hydraulic structures along rivers and streams, in rural and urban water systems. The expertise in fish‐friendly culvert design is limited, sometimes leading to adverse impact on the catchment ecosystem or to uneconomical structures. Basic dimensional considerations highlight a number of key parameters relevant to any laboratory modelling of upstream fish passage, including the ratio of fish speed fluctuations to fluid velocity fluctuations, the ratios of fish dimensions to turbulent length scale, and the fish species. Alternately, the equation of conservation of momentum may be applied to an individual fish, yielding some deterministic estimate of instantaneous thrust and power expended during fish swimming, including the associated energy consumption. The rate of work required by the fish to deliver thrust is proportional to the cube of the local fluid velocity, and the model results demonstrate the key role of slow‐velocity regions in which fish will minimize their energy consumption when swimming upstream.
Synthesis of Porphyrin‐Appended Poly(fluorene‐alt‐triphenylamine)s: Effect of Appending Groups on Optical and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Sannasi Veeman , Jeyakumar Duraisamy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSeries of poly(fluorene‐alt‐triphenylamine)s having 5 and 10% equivalent of porphyrin appended through oxyethylene spacer in carbazole and aldehyde as side chain in triphenylamine unit (P2‐P5 CHO) were synthesized using Suzuki polycondensation. The synthesized polymers were compared with their parent polymer (P1 CHO). The effect of side chains in polymer backbone was studied by using aldehyde and dicyanomethane as side chain in triphenylamine moiety of polymer. Further, the role of spatial arrangement of appended porphyrin group on the polymer's optical and electrochemical properties was also studied. Thermal studies of the polymers showed that, these polymers were thermally stable up to 200 °C. Optical absorption studies of the porphyrin appended polymers showed absorption maxima at around 301 nm, 375 nm, and 421 nm with Q bands of porphyrin. As thin film, photoluminescence emission studies of the polymers showed emission maxima at around 650 and 719 nm. Electrochemical study reveals that m‐phenyloxy trisphenylporphyrin appended polymers showed HOMO energy level at around −5.45 eV and LUMO energy level at around −3.45 eV. While, p‐phenyloxy trisphenylporphyrin appended polymers showed a marginal shift in HOMO and LUMO energy levels. Photovoltaic studies of the porphyrin appended polymer showed up to 0.1% power conversion efficiency with an open circuit voltage of 0.76 V and the details are reported.
Production and Characterization of Bio‐Oil by Pyrolysis of Mahua De‐Oiled Seed Cake
Authors: Mulimani Hanumanth V. , Navindgi Mallinath C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe focus of this paper is to analyse the de‐oiled seed cake of madhuca indica (mahua) to produce bio‐oil by pyrolysis process, carry the characterisation of bio‐oil and use a simple economical method for utilization in diesel engine. The suitability of de‐oiled seed cake is analysed by proximate and ultimate analysis, TGA and FTIR, which reveals that the de‐oiled seed cake could be a viable option of energy source. The maximum yield of bio‐oil obtained was 38.6%, for the particles size of 0.85–1.25 mm at an optimum temperature of 450 °C with the heating rate of 20 °C/min. The characterisation of bio‐oil is done by density, viscosity, calorific value, flash point, moisture and ash content. The characterisation revealed that the bio‐oil obtained by pyrolysis process can′t be directly used in diesel engines as it is immiscible with petroleum products; hence the miscibility study of bio‐oil with diesel is carried out by emulsification. Tween 20 is used as a surfactant and diethylether is used as an cetane improver so that it can be used as an alternative fuel.
Photodegradation of Eosin Yellow Dye in Water under Simulated Solar Light Irradiation Using La–Doped ZnO Nanostructure Decorated on Graphene Oxide as an Advanced Photocatalyst
Authors: Oppong Samuel Osei‐Bonsu , Anku William Wilson , Opoku Francis , Shukla Sudheesh Kumar , Govender Penny Poomani 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOrganic pollutants from the industries and anthropogenic sources pose severe problems to both the environment and human health. Hence, there is the need to eliminate these pollutants from our water bodies, as safe drinking water is a major prerequisite for healthy life and also as precious resources for human civilisation. In this study, a photocatalyst (La‐ZnO‐GO) with improved photocatalytic properties is synthesised using co‐precipitation approach. The photocatalytic activities, morphologies and structures of the photocatalyst are investigated by means of advanced technologies such as Ultraviolet‐Visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy. Under visible light irradiation, Eosin Yellow (EY) dye was used to calculate the photocatalytic behaviour of La‐ZnO‐GO composite. The photocatalytic outcome shows that the 0.3% La‐ZnO‐GO photocatalyst displayed a better photoactivity towards the degradation of organic pollutant. This effective photodegradation of EY dye solution is ascribed to the mutual effect of La and graphene oxide, as well as the improved visible light absorbance and the separation of electron‐hole pairs. The total organic carbon result shows a significant mineralisation of EY dye, which drops the formation of potentially harmful degradation by‐products. The stability results show a recyclability of the 0.3% La‐ZnO‐GO composites with 89% degradation efficiency after the five (5) cycles.
Magnetic Bisphosphonic Acid Nanohybrid Catalyzed Heterogeneous Synthesis of Heterocylcles
Authors: Farrokhi Alireza , Jafarpour Maasoumeh , Feizpour Fahimeh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA novel inorganic‐organic hybrid nanocomposite (PBA@SMNP) was synthesized by functionalization of starch‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles with bisposphonic acid. The particles were characterized by XRD, FT‐IR, TEM, SEM, EDS, TGA and VSM. TEM images demonstrate a quasispherical particle shape for the as‐synthesized nanocomposite with an average diameter of 11 nm. The phosphonic acid functionalized nanoparticles catalysed the synthesis of quinoxaline and benzimidazole derivatives in ethanol. This catalytic system has an extensive substrate domain, and is eco‐friendly and cost effective. The heterogeneity of system with simple work‐up procedure that uses a green solvent are the advantages of the present high yielding protocol. More importantly, the catalyst is readily removed from the reaction medium with an external magnet and can be retrieved several times without any loss of efficiency.
Hydroxyl‐Terminated Dendrimer Acting as a High Exhaustion Agent for Chrome Tanning
Authors: Yao Qi , Chen Hualin , Jiao Qi , Huang Henghui , Liu Bailing , Ding Keyi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSevere restrictions for chromium discharge and scarcity of chromium resources have forced the tanners to seek for low‐waste and high exhaust chrome tanning technology. Based on the structural traits of dendrimers, in this paper, a series of hydroxyl terminated dendrimers (HTD) with different molecules weight (Mw) was synthesized and applied in the chrome tanning of pigskin. The effect of HTD was investigated on chromium discharge in effluent, and on the shrinkage temperature (Ts), denaturation temperature (Td), mechanical properties, and microstructure of the leather. The experimental results indicated that the chromium discharge in effluent by applying HTD (A1) was reduced to 236.0 mg/L, almost one‐sixth of the conventional chrome tanning. HTD that, possesses high hydroxyl density, has endowed the obtained leather with higher chrome uptake, Ts, and mechanical properties. Specially, HTD could slow down the basification process by the forming of hydrogen bonds with collagen residues. In addition, HTD could combine more chromium and form net crosslink, notably improve the chrome uptake and hydrothermal stability. Therefore, it is conceivable that the HTD could act as a high exhaustion agent in chrome tanning process.
A Highly Selective “On‐Off‐On” Optical Switch for Sequential Detection of Cu2+and S2−Ions Based on 2, 6‐Diformyl‐4‐methyl Phenol and Catecholase Activity by Its Copper Complex
Authors: Parua Sankar P. , Sinha Debopam , Rajak Kajal K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA new highly selective chemosensor for Cu2+and S2−ions, Ethyl 2‐cyano‐3‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐3‐(p‐tolylimino)methyl)phenyl)acrylate) (HL) based on 2, 6‐diformyl‐4‐methylphenol was designed and synthesized. The ligand exhibited excellent sensitivity towards copper ion by the emission quenching even in the presence of other biologically important metal ions. Once HL combine with Cu2+it can display a rapid response and high selectivity toward sulfide anion resulting in off‐on sensingviaCu2+displacement assay. The signal transduction happen via reversible formation–separation of complex L–Cu and CuS and the complex L−Cu was synthesized by the reaction of HL and Cu2+and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and DFT optimization studies. The catecholase like activity for L−Cu complex have been studied by using 3,5‐di‐tertbutylcatechol (3,5‐DTBC) as the substrate.
Unprecedented Synthesis of 2‐Aminochromones and 2‐Aminoquinolones through an Electrophilic C–Cyanation and 6‐exo‐dig Cyclization Cascade with the Intermediary of β‐Ketonitriles
Authors: Sudhakar Kadari , Goud Erukala Yadaiah , Thirupathi Gogula , Hemasri Yerrabelly , Mahesh Kasthuri , Raghavendar Avula , Babu H. Sharath , Kumar K. Shiva 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFor the first time, a domino electrophilic cyanation, using environmentally benign electrophilic cyanating reagent N‐cyano‐N‐phenyl‐p‐toluenesulfonamide (NCTS) to form β‐ketonitriles, and 6‐exo‐dig cyclization were employed for the synthesis of 2‐aminochromones and 2‐aminoquinolones in very good yields. This protocol can also be regulated to get β‐ketonitriles as the products.
Metal‐Free Reduction of NO over a Fullerene‐like Boron Nitride Nanocluster: A Mechanistic Study by DFT Calculations
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Abdollahpour Hadi , Saeidi Nasibeh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDensity functional theory calculations are performed to investigate how the incorporation of a C atom into B12N12 fullerene‐like nanocluster modifies its catalytic activity towards the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) in the presence of CO molecule. The most stable adsorption configurations, adsorption energies, binding distances and net charge transfers are obtained to understand the impact of NO and CO molecules on the electronic properties of B12N12 and B11N12C nanoclusters. Our results suggest a dimer mechanism for the reduction of NO over both surfaces. First, two NO molecules are attached together to form (NO)2 dimer. Then, (NO)2 is dissociated into N2O molecule and an activated O atom (O*). The O* is then removed by a CO or NO molecule, due to a small activation energy. The results indicate that the C‐doping can significantly decrease the activation energies needed for the reduction of NO over B12N12.
Reduced Cell Division Control Protein 42 Activity Compromises Hematopoiesis-Supportive Function of Fanconi Anemia Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Xu Jian , Li Xue , Cole Allison , Sherman Zachary , Du Wei 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells preserve their ability to self-renew and differentiate to different lineages in the bone marrow (BM) niche, which is composed in large part by BM stromal cells. Studies have shown that altered signaling in the BM niche results in leukemia initiation or progression. Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited BM failure syndrome associated with extremely high risk of leukemic transformation. By using two FA mouse models, here we have investigated the hematopoiesis-supportive function of FA BM mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs). We found that MSCs deficient for Fanca or Fancc gene are defective in proliferation and prone to undergo senescence in vitro. Mechanistically, we show that the activity of cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42), a Rho GTPase known to be a critical regulator for cytoskeleton organization, is significantly reduced in FA MSCs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this reduction in Cdc42 activity plays a causal role in defective hematopoiesis-supportive function of the FA MSCs. The progenies of wild-type hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells cocultured on FA MSCs exhibit compromised self-renewal capacity both in vitro and in vivo. Genetic correction of FA deficiency restores Cdc42 activity and improves the hematopoiesis-supportive capacity of FA MSC. Finally, ectopic expression of a constitutively active Cdc42 mutant, Cdc42F28L, or pretreatment with Wnt5a, increases the active Cdc42 level and rescues the hematopoietic supportive defects of FA MSCs. Taken together, our results identify a novel link between Cdc42 activity and the hematopoiesis-supportive function of MSCs and suggest that a niche-specific increase of Cdc42 activity may be beneficial for FA therapy.
Inhibition of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-Activity Expands Multipotent Myeloid Progenitor Cells with Vascular Regenerative Function
Authors: Cooper Tyler T. , Sherman Stephen E. , Kuljanin Miljan , Bell Gillian I. , Lajoie Gilles A. , Hess David A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBlood-derived progenitor cell transplantation holds potential for the treatment of severe vascular diseases. Human umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells purified using high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDHhi) activity demonstrate pro-angiogenic functions following intramuscular (i.m.) transplantation into immunodeficient mice with hind-limb ischemia. Unfortunately, UCB ALDHhi cells are rare and prolonged ex vivo expansion leads to loss of high ALDH-activity and diminished vascular regenerative function. ALDH-activity generates retinoic acid, a potent driver of hematopoietic differentiation, creating a paradoxical challenge to expand UCB ALDHhi cells while limiting differentiation and retaining pro-angiogenic functions. We investigated whether inhibition of ALDH-activity during ex vivo expansion of UCB ALDHhi cells would prevent differentiation and expand progeny that retained pro-angiogenic functions after transplantation into non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice with femoral artery ligation-induced unilateral hind-limb ischemia. Human UCB ALDHhi cells were cultured under serum-free conditions for 9 days, with or without the reversible ALDH-inhibitor, diethylaminobenzaldehyde (DEAB). Although total cell numbers were increased &gt;70-fold, the frequency of cells that retained ALDHhi/CD34+ phenotype was significantly diminished under basal conditions. In contrast, DEAB-inhibition increased total ALDHhi/CD34+ cell number by ≥ 10-fold, reduced differentiation marker (CD38) expression, and enhanced the retention of multipotent colony-forming cells in vitro. Proteomic analysis revealed that DEAB-treated cells upregulated anti-apoptotic protein expression and diminished production of proteins implicated with megakaryocyte differentiation. The i.m. transplantation of DEAB-treated cells into mice with hind-limb ischemia stimulated endothelial cell proliferation and augmented recovery of hind-limb perfusion. DEAB-inhibition of ALDH-activity delayed hematopoietic differentiation and expanded multipotent myeloid cells that accelerated vascular regeneration following i.m. transplantation in vivo.