bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polypyrrole Whelk‐Like Arrays toward Robust Controlling Manipulation of Organic Droplets Underwater
Authors: Lu Xianyong , Kong Zhuang , Xiao Guozheng , Teng Chao , Li Yunan , Ren Guangyuan , Wang Shuangbao , Zhu Ying , Jiang Lei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWhelk‐like polypyrrole (PPy) arrays film is successfully prepared by electropolymerization of pyrrole in the presence of low‐surface‐energy tetraethylammonium perfluorooctanesulfonate (TEAPFOS) as dopant. The underwater wettability of PPy whelk‐like arrays can be successfully tuned by electrical doping/dedoping of PFOS ions. Interestingly, CCl4 droplets with microliter‐size as a representative sample are gathered together to form a larger droplet underwater at the potential of +0.8 V (vs Ag/AgCl), because PPy is in its PFOS‐doped states. Note that CCl4 droplet can climb uphill successfully on the inclined whelk‐like arrays PPy film under the applied potential of −1.0 V (vs Ag/AgCl), which may be attributed to wettability gradient derived from different oxidation states of PPy induced by electrochemical potential. These results may provide a simple strategy for on‐demand manipulation of organic droplets underwater at low voltage.
The mechanisms for lung cancer risk of PM2.5: Induction of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell properties in human non‐small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Wei Hongying , Liang Fan , Cheng Wei , Zhou Ren , Wu Xiaomeng , Feng Yan , Wang Yan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major component of air pollutions that are closely associated with increased risk of lung cancer. However, the role of PM2.5 in the etiology of lung cancer is largely unknown. In this study, we performed acute (24 hours) and chronic (five passages) exposure models to investigate the carcinogenetic mechanisms of PM2.5 by targeting the induction of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSC) properties in human non‐small cell lung cancer cell line A549. We found that both acute and chronic PM2.5 exposure enhanced cell migration and invasion, decreased mRNA expression of epithelial markers and increased mRNA expression of mesenchymal markers. Chronic PM2.5 exposure further induced notable EMT morphology and CSC properties, indicating the developing process of cell malignant behaviors from acute to chronic PM2.5 exposure. CSC properties induced by chronic PM2.5 exposure characterized with increased cell‐surface markers (CD44, ABCG2), self‐renewal genes (SOX2 and OCT4), side population cells and neoplastic capacity. Furthermore, the levels of three stemness‐associated microRNAs, Let‐7a, miR‐16 and miR‐34a, were found to be significantly downregulated by chronic PM2.5 exposure, with microarray data analysis from TCGA database showing their lower expression in human lung adenocarcinoma tissues than that in the adjacent normal lung tissues. These data revealed that the induction of EMT and CSC properties were involved in the lung cancer risk of PM2.5, and implicated CSC properties and related microRNAs as possible biomarkers for carcinogenicity prediction of PM2.5.
Functional characterisation of peroxisomal β‐oxidation disorders in fibroblasts using lipidomics
Authors: Herzog Katharina , Pras‐Raves Mia L. , Ferdinandusse Sacha , Vervaart Martin A. T. , Luyf Angela C. M. , van Kampen Antoine H. C. , Wanders Ronald J. A. , Waterham Hans R. , Vaz Frédéric M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPeroxisomes play an important role in a variety of metabolic pathways, including the α‐ and β‐oxidation of fatty acids, and the biosynthesis of ether phospholipids. Single peroxisomal enzyme deficiencies (PEDs) are a group of peroxisomal disorders in which either a peroxisomal matrix enzyme or a peroxisomal membrane transporter protein is deficient. To investigate the functional consequences of specific enzyme deficiencies on the lipidome, we performed lipidomics using cultured skin fibroblasts with different defects in the β‐oxidation of very long‐chain fatty acids, including ABCD1‐ (ALD), acyl‐CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1)‐, D‐bifunctional protein (DBP)‐, and acyl‐CoA binding domain containing protein 5 (ACBD5)‐deficient cell lines. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry revealed characteristic changes in the phospholipid composition in fibroblasts with different fatty acid β‐oxidation defects. Remarkably, we found that ether phospholipids, including plasmalogens, were decreased. We defined specific phospholipid ratios reflecting the different enzyme defects, which can be used to discriminate the PED fibroblasts from healthy control cells.
Myocardial T1 mapping and extracellular volume quantification: an overview of technical and biological confounders
Authors: Piechnik Stefan K. , Jerosch-Herold Michael 
Published: August 2017

Abstract
Novel tissue biomarkers based on the spin–lattice relaxation time T1, a fundamental property in the theory of magnetic resonance physics, have emerged as a new approach for myocardial tissue characterization with many validated clinical applications. This article is intended as an overview of the physical and physiological mechanisms underlying the interpretation and the accuracy of any practical measurement of T1, or derived biomarkers such as extravascular volume fraction, and also includes a discussion of potential pitfalls. Numerous caveats und knowledge gaps related to the precise interpretation of T1-based biomarkers remain, which are being addressed incrementally through ongoing research. Equally important, further careful standardization will pave the way for a wider clinical translation of these novel T1-based biomarkers of tissue remodeling, which have been well validated for their sensitivity to pathophysiological changes, though for the most part in single-center studies.
Analysis of multienvironment trials (MET) in the sugarcane breeding program of Réunion Island
Authors: Guilly Susie , Dumont Thomas , Thong-Chane Audrey , Barau Laurent , Hoarau Jean-Yves 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe sugarcane variety development program on Réunion Island is dedicated to an industry that encompasses numerous different agroclimatic production zones. The objective of this study is to characterize in detail the final selection stage of this program, consisting of multienvironment trials (MET) at seven representative locations, considering the genotypic response in terms of tonnes of cane per hectare (TCH), estimable recoverable sugar (ERS), fiber content (FIB), and an economic index (EI). Data from four recent variety series tested between one and three crop years were used. Each trait revealed a significant genotype × location (GL) interaction, always higher than the genotype × crop year (GC) interaction, indicating that testing genotypes across locations is more important than testing for ratooning ability. Broad-sense heritability (H) at MET level was relatively high for FIB compared with EI, while ERS and TCH exhibited intermediate H values. Genotype main effect plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis applied to a balanced set of genotypes tested over two crop years across all environments permitted reliable visualization at a glance of (i) the level of proximity between genotypes or environments, and (ii) the performance of varieties in each environment and their stability across all of them. No redundancy between any pair of environments was found for the most important selection trait (EI). These results confirm the relevance of a selection strategy firstly oriented toward selecting sugarcane genotypes for local adaptations with the objective of enhancing the mean productivity of the whole cane industry.
Multiple periodicity in a nanoparticle-based single-electron transistor
Authors: Bitton O. , Gutman D. B. , Berkovits R. , Frydman A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA single-electron transistor is a nano-device with large potential for low-power applications that can be used as logic elements in integrated circuits. In this device, the conductance oscillates with a well-defined period due to the Coulomb blockade effect. By using a unique technique, we explore single-electron transistors based on a single metallic nanoparticle with tunable coupling to electric leads. We demonstrate a unique regime in which the transistor is characterized by multi-periodic oscillations of the conductance with gate voltage where the additional periods are harmonics of the basic periodicity of the Coulomb blockade and their relative strength can be controllably tuned. These harmonics correspond to a charge change on the dot by a fraction of the electron charge. The presence of multiple harmonics makes these transistors potential elements in future miniaturization of nano-sized circuit elements.
Ultrathin metal–organic framework membrane production by gel–vapour deposition
Authors: Li Wanbin , Su Pengcheng , Li Zhanjun , Xu Zehai , Wang Fei , Ou Huase , Zhang Jiaheng , Zhang Guoliang , Zeng Eddy 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUltrathin, molecular sieving membranes composed of microporous materials offer great potential to realize high permeances and selectivities in separation applications, but strategies for their production have remained a challenge. Here we show a route for the scalable production of nanometre-thick metal–organic framework (MOF) molecular sieving membranes, specifically via gel–vapour deposition, which combines sol–gel coating with vapour deposition for solvent-/modification-free and precursor-/time-saving synthesis. The uniform MOF membranes thus prepared have controllable thicknesses, down to ~17 nm, and show one to three orders of magnitude higher gas permeances than those of conventional membranes, up to 215.4 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 for H2, and H2/C3H8, CO2/C3H8 and C3H6/C3H8 selectivities of as high as 3,400, 1,030 and 70, respectively. We further demonstrate the in situ scale-up processing of a MOF membrane module (30 polymeric hollow fibres with membrane area of 340 cm2) without deterioration in selectivity.
Evidence for disks at an early stage in class 0 protostars?
Authors: Gerin M. , Pety J. , Commerçon B. , Fuente A. , Cernicharo J. , Marcelino N. , Ciardi A. , Lis D. C. , Roueff E. , Wootten H. A. , Chapillon E. 
Published: August 2017

Aims. The formation epoch of protostellar disks is debated because of the competing roles of rotation, turbulence, and magnetic fields in the early stages of low-mass star formation. Magnetohydrodynamics simulations of collapsing cores predict that rotationally supported disks may form in strongly magnetized cores through ambipolar diffusion or misalignment between the rotation axis and the magnetic field orientation. Detailed studies of individual sources are needed to cross check the theoretical predictions.
Methods. We present 0.06–0.1′′ resolution images at 350 GHz toward B1b-N and B1b-S, which are young class 0 protostars, possibly first hydrostatic cores. The images have been obtained with ALMA, and we compare these data with magnetohydrodynamics simulations of a collapsing turbulent and magnetized core.
Results. The submillimeter continuum emission is spatially resolved by ALMA. Compact structures with optically thick 350 GHz emission are detected toward both B1b-N and B1b-S, with 0.2 and 0.35′′ radii (46 and 80 au at the Perseus distance of 230 pc), within a more extended envelope. The flux ratio between the compact structure and the envelope is lower in B1b-N than in B1b-S, in agreement with its earlier evolutionary status. The size and orientation of the compact structure are consistent with 0.2′′ resolution 32 GHz observations obtained with the Very Large Array as a part of the VANDAM survey, suggesting that grains have grown through coagulation. The morphology, temperature, and densities of the compact structures are consistent with those of disks formed in numerical simulations of collapsing cores. Moreover, the properties of B1b-N are consistent with those of a very young protostar, possibly a first hydrostatic core. These observations provide support for the early formation of disks around low-mass protostars.
Quantitative Imaging in Diffuse Liver Diseases
Authors: Garteiser Philippe , Leporq Benjamin , Rautou Pierre-Emmanuel , Valla Dominique , Van Beers Bernard 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCross-sectional imaging methods and more specifically ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have increasing roles in the quantitative evaluation of diffuse liver diseases. Particularly, ultrasound elastography is becoming the standard first-line examination for diagnosing severe liver fibrosis. Quantitative ultrasonography also brings information for staging portal hypertension in compensated cirrhosis and for grading liver steatosis. Quantitative MRI offers a multiparametric approach to assess the severity of liver steatosis, iron overload, fibrosis, inflammation, and portal hypertension. Regional liver transport function can be assessed with combined volumetric computed tomography and 99Tc mebrofenin single-photon emission computed tomography or with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI. It is concluded that multiparametric MRI complements the information brought with quantitative ultrasonography and has the potential to become a method of virtual liver biopsy that may decrease the need for invasive reference examinations in diffuse liver diseases.
Physical Therapy for Posterior and Horizontal Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Long-term Effect and Recurrence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rodrigues Daniele , Ledesma Alleluia , de Oliveira Carlos , Bahamad Júnior Fayez 
Published: August 2017

Introduction Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, and it is characterized by episodes of vertigo roundabout when the head is moved. A systematic review was performed using the most important scientific databases. This review included studies published in English in the last ten years, performed in adults, with emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of BPPV.
Objective To investigate the long-term effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) in patients with BPPV and the rate of recurrence of symptoms.
Data Synthesis A total of 38 studies were identified, of which only 12 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies stated that VR is effective in decreasing the symptoms, with a short-term efficacy of 84.7%, and 89.2% in the long term in the reviewed studies.
Conclusion Valuable studies show the beneficial effects of the maneuvers for the treatment of BPPV and their long-term effectiveness. This strengthens the conclusion that this treatment is effective in resolving symptoms and decreasing recurrences.
Epigenetics in Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Massey Veronica , Cabezas Joaquin , Bataller Ramon 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a common consequence of chronic liver injury and is a key determinant of liver-associated morbidity and mortality. Identification of new mechanisms of fibrosis, including disease-specific molecular drivers, remains relevant to reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Recently, greater accessibility to more advanced molecular methods that can assess changes in epigenetic regulation has stimulated more research investigating the epigenetic landscape of liver fibrosis. Such studies have revealed changes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNAs that regulate the fibrogenic response to injury including hepatic stellate cell activation. The aim of this review is to briefly introduce the general mechanisms and epigenetic regulation of liver fibrosis and to familiarize the reader with the chief epigenetic mechanisms implicated as drivers of liver fibrosis.
Efficacy of Myofunctional Therapy Associated with Voice Therapy in the Rehabilitation of Neurogenic Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: a pilot study
Authors: Fraga Bruno , Almeida Sheila , Santana Márcia , Cassol Mauriceia 
Published: August 2017

Introduction Dysphagia causes changes in the laryngeal and stomatognathic structures; however, the use of vocal exercises is poorly described.
Objective To verify whether the therapy consisting of myofunctional exercises associated with vocal exercises is more effective in rehabilitating deglutition in stroke patients.
Methods This is a pilot study made up of two distinct groups: a control group, which performed only myofunctional exercises, and an experimental group, which performed myofunctional and vocal exercises. The assessment used for oral intake was the functional oral intake scale (FOIS).
Results The FOIS levels reveal that the pre-therapy median of the experimental group was 4, and increased to 7 after therapy, while in the control group the values were 5 and 6 respectively. Thus, the experimental group had a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-therapy assessments (p = 0.039), which indicates that the combination of myofunctional and vocal exercises was more effective in improving the oral intake levels than the myofunctional exercises alone (p = 0.059). On the other hand, the control group also improved, albeit at a lower rate compared with the experimental group; hence, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups post-therapy (p = 0.126).
Conclusion This pilot study showed indications that using vocal exercises in swallowing rehabilitation in stroke patients was able to yield a greater increase in the oral intake levels. Nevertheless, further controlled blind clinical trials with larger samples are required to confirm such evidence, as this study points to the feasibility of conducting this type of research.
Parameters for Applying the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential with Speech Stimulus: Systematic Review
Authors: Gabriel Luísa , Vernier Luíza , Ferreira Maria , Silveira Adriana , Machado Márcia 
Published: August 2017

Introduction Studies using the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential with speech stimulus are increasing in Brazil, and there are divergences between the methodologies used for testing.
Objectives To analyze the parameters used in the study of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials with speech stimulus.
Data Synthesis The survey was performed using electronic databases. The search strategy was as follows: “Evoked potentials, auditory” OR “Brain stem” OR “Evoked potentials, auditory, brain stem” AND “Speech.” The survey was performed from June to July of 2016. The criteria used for including articles in this study were: being written in Portuguese, English or Spanish; presenting the description of the testing parameters and the description of the sample. In the databases selected, 2,384 articles were found, and 43 articles met all of the inclusion criteria. The predominance of the following parameters was observed to achieve the potential during study: stimulation with the syllable /da/; monaural presentation with greater use of the right ear; intensity of 80 dB SPL; vertical placement of electrodes; use of in-ear headphones; patient seated, distracted in awake state; alternating polarity; use of speech synthesizer software for the elaboration of stimuli; presentation rate of 10.9/s; and sampling rate of 20 kHz.
Conclusions The theme addressed in this systematic review is relatively recent. However, the results are significant enough to encourage the use of the procedure in clinical practice and advise clinicians about the most used procedures in each parameter.
Innervated Free Flap Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Therattil Paul , Viviano Stephen , Lee Edward , Keith Jonathan 
Published: August 2017

Background Reconstruction of large abdominal wall defects provides unique challenges to the plastic surgeon. Reconstruction with innervated free flaps has been described and allows for true functional replacement of “like with like.” The authors sought to determine the frequency and outcomes of such reconstructions.
Methods A literature review was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library for research articles related to innervated free flaps in abdominal wall reconstruction.
Results Nine case series (16 patients) were included who underwent free flap reconstruction of the abdominal wall with motor and/or sensory innervation. Reconstruction was performed with latissimus dorsi (n = 5), tensor fascia lata (n = 4), rectus femoris (n = 2), combined tensor fascia lata-anterolateral thigh (n = 2), combined vastus lateralis-tensor fascia lata-anterolateral thigh flaps (n = 2), and vastus lateralis-anterolateral thigh (n = 1). All but one reconstruction had motor neurotization performed (n = 15), while only 12.5% (n = 2) had sensory neurotization performed. At least 66.6% of patients (n = 10) who had motor neurotization regained motor function as evidenced by documented clinical examination findings while 93.3% (n = 14) had “satisfactory” motor function on author's subjective description of the function. Both flaps that had sensory innervation were successful with Semmes–Weinstein testing of 3.61.
Conclusion A majority of neurotized free flap reconstructions for abdominal wall defects have been performed for motor innervation, which is almost invariably successful. Sensory neurotization has been carried out for a small number of these reconstructions, and also has been successful. Improvements in techniques and outcomes in innervated free flap abdominal wall reconstruction are important to advancing efforts in abdominal wall transplantation.
Pelvic Floor 3D Ultrasound of Women with a TVT, TVT-O, or TVT-S for Stress Urinary Incontinence at the Three-year Follow-up
Authors: Rodrigues Claudinei A. , Bianchi-Ferraro Ana Maria H. M. , Zucchi Eliana Viana Monteiro , Sartori Marair G. F. , Girão Manoel J. B. C. , Jarmy-Di Bella Zsuzsanna I. K. 
Published: August 2017

Objective Using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US), we aimed to compare the tape position and the angle formed by the sling arms in different techniques of mid-urethral sling insertion for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence, three years after surgery. In addition, we examined the correlations between the US findings and the clinical late postoperative results.
Methods A prospective cross-sectional cohort study of 170 patients who underwent a sling procedure between May 2009 and December 2011 was performed. The final sample, with US images of sufficient quality, included 26 retropubic slings (tension-free vaginal tape, TVT), 42 transobturator slings (tension-free vaginal tape-obturator, TVT-O), and 37 single-incision slings (tension-free vaginal tape-Secur, TVT-S). The images (at rest, during the Valsalva maneuver, and during pelvic floor contraction) were analyzed offline by 2 different observers blinded against the surgical and urinary continence status. Group comparisons were performed using the Student t-test, the chi-squared and the Kruskal-Wallis tests, and analyses of variance with Tukey multiple comparisons.
Results Differences among the groups were found in the mean angle of the tape arms (TVT = 119.94°, TVT-O = 141.93°, TVT-S = 121.06°; p < 0.001) and in the distance between the bladder neck and the tape at rest (TVT = 1.65 cm, TVT-O = 1.93 cm, TVT-S = 1.95 cm; p = 0.010). The global objective cure rate was of 87.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 90.5%, TVT-S = 83.8%; p = 0.701). The overall subjective cure rate was of 83.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 88.5% and TVT-S = 78.4%; p = 0.514). The slings were located in the mid-urethra in 85.7% of the patients (TVT = 100%, TVT-O = 73.8%, TVT-S = 89.2%; p = 0.001), with a more distal location associated with obesity (distal: 66.7% obese; mid-urethra: 34% obese; p = 0.003). Urgency-related symptoms were observed in 23.8% of the patients (TVT = 30.8%, TVT-O = 21.4%, TVT-S = 21.6%; p = 0.630).
Conclusions The angle formed by the arms of the sling tape was more obtuse for the transobturator slings compared with the angles for the retropubic or single-incision slings. Retropubic slings were more frequently located in the mid-urethra compared with the other slings, regardless of obesity. However, the analyzed sonographic measures did not correlate with the urinary symptoms three years after the surgery.