bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal exercise upregulates mitochondrial gene expression and increases enzyme activity of fetal mouse hearts
Authors: Chung Eunhee , Joiner Hayli E. , Skelton Tracer , Looten Kalli D. , Manczak Maria , Reddy P. Hemachandra 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMaternal exercise during pregnancy has been shown to improve the long‐term health of offspring in later life. Mitochondria are important organelles for maintaining adequate heart function, and mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of maternal exercise during pregnancy on mitochondrial biogenesis in hearts are not well understood. Thus, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that mitochondrial gene expression in fetal myocardium would be upregulated by maternal exercise. Twelve‐week‐old female C57BL/6 mice were divided into sedentary and exercise groups. Mice in the exercise group were exposed to a voluntary cage‐wheel from gestational day 1 through 17. Litter size and individual fetal weights were taken when pregnant dams were sacrificed at 17 days of gestation. Three to four hearts from the same group were pooled to study gene expression, protein expression, and enzyme activity. There were no significant differences in litter size, sex distribution, and average fetal body weight per litter between sedentary and exercised dams. Genes encoding mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, including nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (Nrf1), Nrf2, and dynamin‐related GTPase termed mitofusin‐2 (Mfn2) were significantly upregulated in the fetal hearts from exercised dams. Cytochrome c oxidase activity and ATP production were significantly increased, while the hydrogen peroxide level was significantly decreased in the fetal hearts by maternal exercise. Our results demonstrate that maternal exercise initiated at day 1 of gestation could transfer the positive mitochondrial phenotype to fetal hearts.
Plasma serpinB1 is related to insulin sensitivity but not pancreatic β‐Cell function in non‐diabetic adults
Authors: Glicksman Michael , Asthana Asha , Abel Brent S. , Walter Mary F. , Skarulis Monica C. , Muniyappa Ranganath 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPancreatic β‐cell dysfunction because of reduced β‐cell mass and function is a primary determinant in the progression of diabetes. Increase in β‐cell mass and compensatory hyperinsulinaemia is frequently associated with insulin‐resistant states. Although the humoral factors mediating this compensatory response are unknown, serpinB1, a protease inhibitor, has recently been proposed to be one such factor. In this study, we examine the relationships between plasma serpinB1, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic β‐cell function in non‐diabetic individuals. 117 subjects (women, n = 50, men, n = 67; age= 37.6 ± 10.8; BMI=31.1 ± 7.7 kg/m2) underwent an insulin‐modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT) at the NIH Clinical Research Center. Acute insulin response (AIR) and insulin sensitivity index (SI) were obtained from the FSIVGTT with MINMOD analysis. The Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) was calculated from fasting insulin and glucose values. Plasma serpinB1 levels were measured using an ELISA assay. Simple linear correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between serpinB1 and measures of insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function. Circulating serpinB1 levels were unrelated to age, sex, race, BMI, or percent body fat. SI but not AIR significantly correlated with circulating serpinB1 levels (r = 0.23, P < 0.05). QUICKI tended to positively correlate with serpinB1 (r = 0.16, P = 0.09). Circulating serpinB1 is directly associated with insulin sensitivity but not β‐cell function in non‐diabetic adults. Whether this modest association plays a role in insulin sensitivity in humans remains to be clarified.
Entwurf von Proportional-Multi-Integral Beobachtern in Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Form zur Schätzung unbekannter Eingänge
Authors: Schulte Horst , Pöschke Florian 
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung
In dieser Arbeit wird das Konzept der Proportional-Multi-Integral Beobachter zur Schätzung unbekannter Eingänge behandelt.
Für nichtlineare Systeme wird ein Proportional-Multi-Integral Beobachter in Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Form vorgestellt. Es werden zwei verschiedene Methoden für den Entwurf eingesetzt: Eine Lyapunov-basierte und eine modifizierte optimale Beobachterauslegung. Hierfür werden formale Stabilitätskriterien mit der direkten Methode nach Lyapunov hergeleitet. Die Anwendbarkeit des Verfahrens wird anhand der Fehlerrekonstruktion bei einer 5 MW Windenergieanlage, welche mit dem aero-elastischen Programm FAST von NREL simuliert wird, aufgezeigt.
Regulatory Coherence and Standardization Mechanisms in the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Authors: Cai Phoenix X. F. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
This article posits a new taxonomy and framework for assessing regulatory coherence in the new generation of mega-regional, cross-cutting free trade agreements. Using the Trans-Pacific Partnership as the primary example, this article situates the rise of regulatory coherence within the current trade landscape, provides clear definitions of regulatory coherence, and argues that the real engine of regulatory coherence lies in the work of international standard setting organizations. This work has been little examined in the current literature. The article provides a detailed examination of the mechanics by which the Trans-Pacific Partnership promotes regulatory standardization and concludes with some normative implications and calls for future research.
The Two Noble Kinsmen: Internal and Legal Transparency in the WTO and Their Connection to Preferential and Regional Trade Agreements
Authors: Panezi Maria 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The proliferation of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) has given rise to significant debate on the need to measure, understand and possibly regulate the impact these agreements have on the multilateral trading system under the umbrella of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This article will discuss the two Doha Transparency Mechanisms (legal transparency) regarding regional trade agreements, as they appear in two General Council decisions from 2006 and 2010. I will argue based on a closer look and a consistent interpretation of Paragraph 10 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration that there is another type of transparency that is relevant to the discussion on PTAs/RTAs, namely “internal transparency.” “Internal transparency stricto sensu” highlights the significance of trust in the WTO institutional processes, such as negotiations, decision-making, dispute settlement and trade monitoring that the representatives of developing member states should have in order for the WTO system to function productively. “Internal transparency lato sensu” is introduced in this article as an extension to include any decision-making deficits, exclusionary and asymmetrical outcomes specifically in the area of unchecked Preferential Trade Agreement proliferation. Instead of a conclusion, the article offers some proposals for more a meaningful progress in the WTO with respect to PTAs/RTAs The proposals aim at raising the profile of both legal and internal of transparency and posit that raising the profile of one will inevitably lead in improvements in the other.
Analysis of Power Supply Heating Effect during High Temperature Experiments Based on the Electromagnetic Steel Teeming Technology
Authors: He Ming , Wang Qiang , Liu Xin’an , Shi Chunyang , Liu Tie , He Jicheng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFor further lowering inclusions and improving the quality of steel, a new electromagnetic steel-teeming technology based on electromagnetic induction heating was proposed. To assess the proposed technology, an experimental platform that imitates the actual production condition of steelmakers was established. High temperature experiments were performed to investigate the melting length of Fe-C alloy under different power and frequency conditions. The heating effect was analyzed, and the method of magnetic shielding to reduce the power loss of power supply was put forward. The results show that when the power is 40 kW and frequency is 25 kHz, the melting length of the Fe-C alloy is 89.2 mm in 120 s, which meets the requirements of steel teeming. In addition, when magnetic shielding material is installed under the induction coil, the power loss is reduced by about 64 %, effectively improving the heating effect of power supply.
Methanol Steam Reforming in a Spiral-Shaped Microchannel Reactor over Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 Catalyst: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: heidarzadeh Meisam , Taghizadeh Majid 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Hydrogen production in microchannel reactor by reforming reaction is applied for fuel cells in order to effectively avoid the problem of hydrogen storage. In this study, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of methanol steam reforming process was studied for the purpose of producing hydrogen in an annular microchannel coated with Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst. The modeling mechanism included methanol reforming reaction, methanol decomposition, and water-gas shift reaction. Furthermore, the effects of temperature variations were investigated and the conducted surveys were compared with the experimental results. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data in that the temperature increases at various feed flow rates would lead to enhanced amounts of carbon monoxide and dioxide, while at a constant temperature, the amounts of hydrogen and carbon monoxide and dioxide reduce with increasing feed flow rates.
Nonlinear Dissipation Heat Devices in Finite-Time Thermodynamics: An Analysis of the Trade-Off Optimization
Authors: Lu Can-can , Bai Long 
Published: March 2017

Abstract:The nonlinear dissipation heat devices are proposed by means of generalizing the low-dissipation heat devices to the quadratic order case. The dimensionless formulas of the output (input) power and the efficiency (coefficient of performance) for the nonlinear dissipation heat engines (refrigerators) are derived in terms of characteristic parameters for heat devices and the dimensional analysis. Based on the trade-off criterion, the optimal performance of the nonlinear dissipation heat devices is discussed in depth, and some system-specific properties for the nonlinear dissipation heat devices under the trade-off optimization are also uncovered. Our results may provide practical insight for designing actual heat engines and refrigerators.
Evaluating regional variability in the use of the most commonly requested laboratory tests in primary care in Spain: data from the multi-center national scale REDCONLAB initiative
Authors: Salinas Maria , Lopez-Garrigos Maite , Flores Emilio , Leiva-Salinas Carlos 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Background:
The aim was to study the regional variability in the request of the ten most frequently ordered laboratory tests in primary care in Spain.

Methods:
Spain is divided into autonomous communities (AACC), first level health care divisions. Every AACC is divided into health departments (HDs). A laboratory attends the needs of every HD inhabitant. Laboratories from different HDs participated in the study. They reported the request of the ten most commonly requested laboratory tests in primary care during the year 2014 according to prior evidence: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, creatinine, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and urinalysis. Test-utilization rates were calculated as tests per 1000 inhabitants. Laboratories were grouped in the different AACC and the results for each region were compared using the coefficient of quartile dispersion (CQD), calculated using the first (Q1) and third (Q3) quartiles for each data set, as follows: (Q3−Q1)/(Q3+Q1).

Results:
One hundred and ten laboratories participated, corresponding to 27,798,262 inhabitants (59.8% Spanish population) from 15 AACC. 82,710,869 tests were requested. AST, GGT and uric acid showed the greatest variation.

Conclusions:
There were significant regional differences in how the most common laboratory tests were ordered in Spain.
Spectroscopic investigation of defects in two-dimensional materials
Authors: Wu Zhangting , Ni Zhenhua 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) materials have been extensively studied in recent years due to their unique properties and great potential for applications. Different types of structural defects could present in 2D materials and have strong influence on their properties. Optical spectroscopic techniques, e.g. Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, have been widely used for defect characterization in 2D materials. In this review, we briefly introduce different types of defects and discuss their effects on the mechanical, electrical, optical, thermal, and magnetic properties of 2D materials. Then, we review the recent progress on Raman and PL spectroscopic investigation of defects in 2D materials, i.e. identifying of the nature of defects and also quantifying the numbers of defects. Finally, we highlight perspectives on defect characterization and engineering in 2D materials.
Hydrogel based 3D carriers in the application of stem cell therapy by direct injection
Authors: Luan Chengxin , Liu Ping , Chen Runzhe , Chen Baoan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCompared with systematic administration such as peripheral intravenous infusion, stem cell therapy by direct injection is theoretically more effective, but some technical barriers such as low stem cell retention rate and low engraftment rate still need to be overcome before its application in humans. Stem cell therapy supported by hydrogel carriers has been increasingly studied in recent years. These hydrogels with properties similar to natural tissues are able to fabricate various forms of carriers, which includein situforming hydrogels,ex situforming hydrogels, surface immobilization carriers, microencapsules, and microgels. Some of them are 3D carriers and promise to overcome the technical barriers of stem cell therapy by direct injection. They have different characteristics, application, and prospect in the application of stem cell therapy by direct injection, which is summarized by this review.
Monitoring of the injection and holding phases by using a modular injection mold
Authors: Sykutera Dariusz , Czyżewski Piotr , Kościuszko Artur , Szewczykowski Piotr , Wajer Łukasz , Bieliński Marek 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Introducing pressure and temperature sensors into the mold cavity allows us to determine the rheological properties of the polymeric materials being processed. Furthermore, signals registered by sensors inside the mold cavity allow us to monitor the injection and holding phases as well as the subsequent solidification of the polymer melt. The aim of this research work was to verify the operational abilities of a laboratory injection mold with pressure and temperature sensors and was designed for research purposes. Standardized test pieces to investigate the mechanical properties of polymeric materials were obtained by using a laboratory injection mold. This article presents the investigation results of the influence of microcellular foaming of polyamide on the conditions inside an injection mold cavity. Apparent viscosity fluctuations of polymer melt in subsequent processing cycles were investigated as well. Additionally, the effect of changes in the injection speed of the polypropylene melt on its rheological parameters were investigated.
Topological methods for complex intermetallics
Authors: Akhmetshina Tatiana G. , Blatov Vladislav A. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
We show how the topological methods realized in the so-called nanocluster approach can be applied to elucidating extremely complex intermetallic compounds. We have constructed the nanocluster models for the most complicated cubic structures and collected the motifs of their nanocluster assembling. These motifs are revealed to be similar to the most typical motifs in simple intermetallics. The most complicated nanoclusters up to 4273-atom nine-shell building unit in Al55.4Cu5.4Ta39.1 (ACT-71) are isolated and deposited in the topological types of nanoclusters collection.
Optogenetic Activation of Accessory Olfactory Bulb Input to the Forebrain Differentially Modulates Investigation of Opposite versus Same-Sex Urinary Chemosignals and Stimulates Mating in Male Mice
Authors: Kunkhyen Tenzin , McCarthy Elizabeth A. , Korzan Wayne J. , Doctor Danielle , Han Xue , Baum Michael J. , Cherry James A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSurgical or genetic disruption of vomeronasal organ (VNO)-accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) function previously eliminated the ability of male mice to processes pheromones that elicit territorial behavior and aggression. By contrast, neither disruption significantly affected mating behaviors, although VNO lesions reduced males’ investigation of nonvolatile female pheromones. We explored the contribution of VNO-AOB pheromonal processing to male courtship using optogenetic activation of AOB projections to the forebrain. Protocadherin-Cre male transgenic mice received bilateral AOB infections with channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) viral vectors, and an optical fiber was implanted above the AOB. In olfactory choice tests, males preferred estrous female urine (EFU) over water; however, this preference was eliminated when diluted (5%) EFU was substituted for 100% EFU. Optogenetic AOB activation concurrent with nasal contact significantly augmented males’ investigation compared to 5% EFU alone. Conversely, concurrent optogenetic AOB activation significantly reduced males’ nasal investigation of diluted urine from gonadally intact males (5% IMU) compared to 5% IMU alone. These divergent effects of AOB optogenetic activation were lost when males were prevented from making direct nasal contact. Optogenetic AOB stimulation also failed to augment males’ nasal investigation of deionized water or of food odors. Finally, during mating tests, optogenetic AOB stimulation delivered for 30 s when the male was in physical contact with an estrous female significantly facilitated the occurrence of penile intromission. Our results suggest that VNO-AOB signaling differentially modifies males’ motivation to seek out female vs male urinary pheromones while augmenting males’ sexual arousal leading to intromission and improved reproductive performance.
Alteration of Neuronal Excitability and Short-Term Synaptic Plasticity in the Prefrontal Cortex of a Mouse Model of Mental Illness
Authors: Crabtree Gregg W. , Sun Ziyi , Kvajo Mirna , Broek Jantine A.C. , Fénelon Karine , McKellar Heather , Xiao Lan , Xu Bin , Bahn Sabine , O'Donnell James M. , Gogos Joseph A. 
Published: March 2017

Using a genetic mouse model that faithfully recapitulates aDISC1genetic alteration strongly associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, we examined the impact of this mutation within the prefrontal cortex. Although cortical layering, cytoarchitecture, and proteome were found to be largely unaffected, electrophysiological examination of the mPFC revealed both neuronal hyperexcitability and alterations in short-term synaptic plasticity consistent with enhanced neurotransmitter release. Increased excitability of layer II/III pyramidal neurons was accompanied by consistent reductions in voltage-activated potassium currents near the action potential threshold as well as by enhanced recruitment of inputs arising from superficial layers to layer V. We further observed reductions in both the paired-pulse ratios and the enhanced short-term depression of layer V synapses arising from superficial layers consistent with enhanced neurotransmitter release at these synapses. Recordings from layer II/III pyramidal neurons revealed action potential widening that could account for enhanced neurotransmitter release. Significantly, we found that reduced functional expression of the voltage-dependent potassium channel subunit Kv1.1 substantially contributes to both the excitability and short-term plasticity alterations that we observed. The underlying dysregulation of Kv1.1 expression was attributable to cAMP elevations in the PFC secondary to reduced phosphodiesterase 4 activity present in Disc1 deficiency and was rescued by pharmacological blockade of adenylate cyclase. Our results demonstrate a potentially devastating impact of Disc1 deficiency on neural circuit function, partly due to Kv1.1 dysregulation that leads to a dual dysfunction consisting of enhanced neuronal excitability and altered short-term synaptic plasticity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSchizophrenia is a profoundly disabling psychiatric illness with a devastating impact not only upon the afflicted but also upon their families and the broader society. Although the underlying causes of schizophrenia remain poorly understood, a growing body of studies has identified and strongly implicated various specific risk genes in schizophrenia pathogenesis. Here, using a genetic mouse model, we explored the impact of one of the most highly penetrant schizophrenia risk genes,DISC1, upon the medial prefrontal cortex, the region believed to be most prominently dysfunctional in schizophrenia. We found substantial derangements in both neuronal excitability and short-term synaptic plasticity—parameters that critically govern neural circuit information processing—suggesting that similar changes may critically, and more broadly, underlie the neural computational dysfunction prototypical of schizophrenia.
Nonhomologous End-Joining with Minimal Sequence Loss Is Promoted by the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1-Ctp1 Complex in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Li Yanhui , Wang Jinyu , Zhou Gang , Lajeunesse Michael , Le Nga , Stawicki Brittany N , Corcino Yalitza Lopez , Berkner Kathleen L , Runge Kurt W 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
While the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex has known roles in repair processes like homologous recombination and microhomology-mediated end-joining, its role in nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) is unclear as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, and mammals have different requirements for repairing cut DNA ends. Most double-strand breaks (DSBs) require nucleolytic processing prior to DNA ligation. Therefore, we studied repair using the Hermes transposon, whose excision leaves a DSB capped by hairpin ends similar to structures generated by palindromes and trinucleotide repeats. We generated single Hermes insertions using a novel S. pombe transient transfection system, and used Hermes excision to show a requirement for MRN in the NHEJ of nonligatable ends. NHEJ repair was indicated by the &gt;1000-fold decrease in excision in cells lacking Ku or DNA ligase 4. Most repaired excision sites had &lt;5 bp of sequence loss or mutation, characteristic for NHEJ and similar excision events in metazoans, and in contrast to the more extensive loss seen in S. cerevisiae. S. pombe NHEJ was reduced &gt;1000-fold in cells lacking each MRN subunit, and loss of MRN-associated Ctp1 caused a 30-fold reduction. An Mre11 dimer is thought to hold DNA ends together for repair, and Mre11 dimerization domain mutations reduced repair 300-fold. In contrast, a mre11 mutant defective in endonucleolytic activity, the same mutant lacking Ctp1, or the triple mutant also lacking the putative hairpin nuclease Pso2 showed wild-type levels of repair. Thus, MRN may act to recruit the hairpin opening activity that allows subsequent repair.