bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of gut‐derived metabolites of maslinic acid, a bioactive compound from Olea europaea L
Authors: Lozano‐Mena Glòria , Sánchez‐González Marta , Parra Andrés , Juan M. Emília , Planas Joana M. 
Published: May 2016

ScopeMaslinic acid has been described to exert a chemopreventive activity in colon cancer. Hereby, we determined maslinic acid and its metabolites in the rat intestine previous oral administration as a first step in elucidating whether this triterpene might be used as a nutraceutical.Methods and resultsMaslinic acid was orally administered at 1, 2, and 5 mg/kg to male Sprague–Dawley for 2 days. At 24 h after the last administration, the content of the duodenum and jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon was collected and extracted with methanol 80% prior to LC‐APCI‐MS analysis. The developed method was validated providing suitable sensitivity (LOQ of 5 nM), good recovery (97.8 ± 3.6%), linear correlation, and appropriate precision (< 9%). Maslinic acid was detected in all the segments with higher concentrations in the distal part of the intestine. LC‐APCI‐LTQ‐ORBITRAP‐MS allowed the identification of 11 gut‐derived metabolites that were formed by mono‐, dihydroxylation, and dehydrogenation reactions.ConclusionMaslinic acid undergoes phase I reactions resulting in a majority of monohydroxylated metabolites without the presence of phase II derivatives. The high concentration of maslinic acid achieved in the intestine suggests that it could exert a beneficial effect in the prevention of colon cancer.
Single fiber EMG as a prognostic tool in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Baruca Mateja , Leonardis Lea , Podnar Simon , Hojs‐Fabjan Tanja , Grad Anton , Jerin Aleš , Blagus Rok , Šega‐Jazbec Saša 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) is the most sensitive diagnostic tool for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). Its prognostic value is not known. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of 232 MG patients who presented with only mild symptoms and had SFEMG of the orbicularis oculi muscle. We correlated their SFEMG results with the severity of their later clinical course. Results: During the observation period 39 patients (17%) developed severe disease exacerbations, and 193 (83%) remained stable. Patients with severe disease exacerbation had a significantly higher mean jitter value (P < 0.0001), a greater percentage of fibers with increased jitter (P < 0.0001), and/or impulse blocking (P < 0.0001) on SFEMG. Conclusions: The extent of the SFEMG abnormalities in this study correlated with the later clinical course of MG. Muscle Nerve 54: 1034–1040, 2016
The Productivity of NHLBI‐Funded Obesity Research, 1983‐2013
Authors: Nicastro Holly L. , Belter Christopher W. , Lauer Michael S. , Coady Sean A. , Fine Lawrence J. , Loria Catherine M. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveTo describe and elucidate the time trends of the academic productivity of NHLBI's obesity‐related research funding via bibliometric analysis of 30 years of NHLBI‐supported obesity‐related publications.MethodsIn total, 3,545 NHLBI‐funded obesity‐related publications were identified in the Thomson Reuters InCites™ database. Shared references in a community detection algorithm were used to identify publication topics. Characteristics of publications and topical communities were analyzed based on citation count and percentile rank. A percentile rank >90 was considered “highly cited.”ResultsObesity‐related publications increased more than 10‐fold over 30 years, whereas NHLBI‐funded publications only increased twofold NHLBI‐funded obesity publications were cited a median of 23 times (IQR 8‐55, range 0‐2,047, mean 52). Thirty percent of these publications were highly cited compared to the expected ten percent. Six topical communities were present in 1983 compared to 16 in 2013. The most highly cited topical areas were sleep (n = 199 publications, 38% highly cited), cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (n = 277, 36%), obesity correlates and consequences (n = 588, 35%), and asthma and inflammation (n = 283, 35%).ConclusionsNHLBI‐funded obesity publications have contributed substantially to the obesity literature, with many highly cited. Publications grew in number and topical diversity over 30 years and grew at a faster rate than total NHLBI publications.
Robust reliability method and reliability‐based performance optimization for non‐fragile robust control design of dynamic system with bounded parametric uncertainties
Authors: Guo Shu‐Xiang , Li Ying 
Published: May 2016

SummaryAn efficient robust reliability method for non‐fragile robust control design of dynamic system with bounded parametric uncertainties is presented systematically, in which the uncertainties existing in the controlled plant and controller realization are taken into account simultaneously in an integrated framework. Reliability‐based design optimization of non‐fragile robust control for parametric uncertain systems is carried out by optimizing the H2 and H∞ performances of the closed‐loop system, with the constraints on robust reliabilities. The non‐fragile robust controller obtained by the presented method may possess a coordinated optimum performance satisfying the precondition that the system is robustly reliable with respect to the uncertainties existing in controlled plant and controller. Moreover, the robustness bounds of uncertain parameters can be provided. The presented formulations are within the framework of linear matrix inequality and thus can be carried out conveniently. It is demonstrated by a numerical example that the presented method is effective and feasible. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical, Pathological, and Molecular Characterization of Infant Medulloblastomas Treated with Sequential High‐Dose Chemotherapy
Authors: Lafay‐Cousin Lucie , Smith Amy , Chi Susan N. , Wells Elizabeth , Madden Jennifer , Margol Ashley , Ramaswamy Vijay , Finlay Jonathan , Taylor Michael D. , Dhall Girish , Strother Douglas , Kieran Mark W. , Foreman Nicholas K. , Packer Roger J. , Bouffet Eric 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundHigh‐dose chemotherapy (HDC) strategies were developed to avoid unacceptable neurotoxicity associated with craniospinal irradiation in infants with embryonal brain tumors. However, the impact of molecular and pathological characterizations in such approaches and long‐term outcome have not been widely described in young children.MethodsWe retrospectively collected information from seven North American institutions, on young children with medulloblastoma (MB) treated with sequential HDC, as per the CCG 99703 protocol. Data collection included clinical presentation, histology, molecular subgroup, irradiation, ototoxicity, and neurocognitive evaluations.ResultsThe cohort included 53 patients diagnosed at a median age of 24 months (2.9–63.2). Seventeen patients (32.1%) had nodular desmoplatic MB, all belonging to the sonic Hedgehog (SHH) subgroup, as did 30% of classic MB. The 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was 69.6% (±6·9%) and 76.1% (±6.5%), respectively. Seventeen (32.1%) patients received irradiation (nine adjuvant radiotherapy [RT]). Patients with SHH and group 3 MB had a 5‐year PFS of 86·2% (±7.4%) and 49·1% (±14%), respectively (P = 0.03). The 5‐year PFS radiation free for group 3 MB was 46.4%. Patients with macroscopic metastasis (M2 and M3) had a worst survival. Fifteen (45.5%) patients had significant ototoxicity. Mean Full Scale Intellectual Quotient (FSIQ) for 24 survivors was 91.6 (range 52–119).ConclusionsThis HDC strategy led to an encouraging OS while only 20% of the patients received adjuvant RT. SHH MB, irrespective of histological subgroup, had an excellent outcome. Such intensive therapy may not be needed for this subgroup. Patients with classic histology or group 3 had an encouraging PFS of 58% and 46.4%, respectively, in the absence of adjuvant RT. The neurocognitive profile of the survivors appears to be within the normal range.
Development and characterization of bionanocomposites based on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and cellulose nanocrystals for packaging applications
Authors: Seoane Irene T , Fortunati Elena , Puglia Debora , Cyras Viviana P , Manfredi Liliana B 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPoly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)‐based bionanocomposites were prepared using various percentages of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by a solution casting method. CNCs were prepared from microcrystalline cellulose using sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The influence of CNCs on PHB properties was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and tensile testing. Vapor permeation and light transmission of the materials were also measured. Differential scanning calorimetric tests demonstrated that CNCs were effective PHB nucleation agents. Tensile strength and Young's modulus of PHB increased with increasing CNC concentration. Moreover, the PHB/CNC bionanocomposites exhibited reduced water vapor permeation compared to neat PHB and had better UV barrier properties than commodity polymers such as polypropylene. It was found that nanocomposites with 6 wt% of CNCs had the optimum balance among thermal, mechanical and barrier properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of well‐dispersed reduced graphene oxide and its mechanical reinforcement in polyvinyl alcohol fibre
Authors: Li Yajun , Sun Jun , Wang Jianjun , Qin Chuanxiang , Dai Lixing 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe current work reports the preparation and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite fibres reinforced with graphene reduced from graphene oxide (GO) by using oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC) as a reductant. After reduction, most of the oxygen‐containing groups were removed from the GO and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was prepared. As a result of combined OPC as a dispersant, rGO could be well dispersed in a dimethyl sulfoxide/H2O mixed solvent and in PVA matrix, and the PVA/rGO dispersion was wet spun followed by hot drawing to prepare continuous PVA/rGO composite fibres. The PVA/rGO composite fibres exhibited a significant enhancement of mechanical properties at low rGO loadings; in particular the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the 2.0 wt% rGO and PVA composite fibre increased to 244% and 294% respectively relative to neat PVA fibre. Moreover, the storage modulus (−10 °C) and Tg increased to 300% and 7.2 °C, respectively. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface Migration and Enrichment of Fluorinated TiO2 Nanocomposite Additives Inside Propellants
Authors: Sun Na , Tian Cuihua , Xiao Zhenggang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn order to tailor the surface properties of propellants to meet the requirements of progressive burning and anti‐erosion performance of propellant for high loading density tank guns, the surface migration and enrichment effects of fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives with low surface energy toward the air/solid interface of propellants were investigated. Fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared by emulsion polymerization and characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy, TEM, and TGA to obtain the information of chemical groups, morphology, and thermal stability. The propellant samples containing the fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives were manufactured by an extrusion process. The migration effect of the fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives was observed by SEM and X‐ray energy dispersive analysis. The influence factors on the migration and enrichment properties of fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives in propellants were discussed. The results showed that there exists a gradient distribution of fluorine element in the additive modified propellants, indicating a significant surface enrichment of fluorinated groups inside the propellants. The composition of propellants and the chain structure of fluoropolymer also have a significant influence on the migration and enrichment properties of fluorinated TiO2 nanocomposite additives in propellants. This study can bring forward the research of smart construction of slowing burning and anti‐wear layers in the propellants.
Proposal for a unified nomenclature for target‐site mutations associated with resistance to fungicides
Authors: Mair Wesley , Lopez‐Ruiz Francisco , Stammler Gerd , Clark William , Burnett Fiona , Hollomon Derek , Ishii Hideo , Thind Tarlochan S , Brown James KM , Fraaije Bart , Cools Hans , Shaw Michael , Fillinger Sabine , Walker Anne-Sophie , Mellado Emilia , Schnabel Guido , Mehl Andreas , Oliver Richard P 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEvolved resistance to fungicides is a major problem limiting our ability to control agricultural, medical and veterinary pathogens and is frequently associated with substitutions in the amino acid sequence of the target protein. The convention for describing amino acid substitutions is to cite the wild‐type amino acid, the codon number and the new amino acid, using the one‐letter amino acid code. It has frequently been observed that orthologous amino acid mutations have been selected in different species by fungicides from the same mode of action class, but the amino acids have different numbers. These differences in numbering arise from the different lengths of the proteins in each species. The purpose of the present paper is to propose a system for unifying the labelling of amino acids in fungicide target proteins. To do this we have produced alignments between fungicide target proteins of relevant species fitted to a well‐studied ‘archetype’ species. Orthologous amino acids in all species are then assigned numerical ‘labels’ based on the position of the amino acid in the archetype protein. © 2016 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Chronic High Dose Alcohol Induces Osteopenia via Activation of mTOR Signaling in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Yao , Kou Xiaoxing , Chen Chider , Yu Wenjing , Su Yingying , Kim Yong , Shi Songtao , Liu Yi 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Chronic consumption of excessive alcohol results in reduced bone mass, impaired bone structure, and increased risk of bone fracture. However, the mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced osteoporosis are not fully understood. Here, we show that high dose chronic alcohol consumption reduces osteogenic differentiation and enhances adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), leading to osteopenia in a mouse model. Mechanistically, impaired osteo/adipogenic lineage differentiation of BMMSCs is due to activation of a phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling cascade, resulting in downregulation of runt-related transcription factor 2 and upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma via activation of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase. Blockage of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin treatment ameliorates alcohol-induced osteopenia by rescuing impaired osteo/adipogenic lineage differentiation of BMMSCs. In this study, we identify a previously unknown mechanism by which alcohol impairs BMMSC lineage differentiation and reveal a potential rapamycin-based drug therapy for alcohol-induced osteoporosis.
A Closer Look at a Summer Reading Program: Listening to Students and Parents
Authors: Compton‐Lilly Catherine , Caloia Rachel , Quast Erin , McCann Kelly 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWhile existing research documents the effectiveness of summer reading programs, little is know about how and to what degree children actually read the books that are sent home or how families engage with these texts. We took this opportunity to dive in and explore what happened when books were sent home to low‐income, culturally diverse families. Specifically, my doctoral students and I used home visits and interviews to better understand how students and family members engaged with summer reading books. By the end of the summer, we had a gained an expanded understanding of how our summer reading program both built upon and extended families’ existing literacy practices.
Insights from synthetic yeasts
Authors: Coudreuse Damien 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSynthetic biology is one of the most exciting strategies for the investigation of living organisms and lies at the intersection of biology and engineering. Originally developed in prokaryotes, the idea of deciphering biological phenomena through building artificial genetic circuits and studying their behaviours has rapidly demonstrated its potential in a broad range of fields in the life sciences. From the assembly of synthetic genomes to the generation of novel biological functions, yeast cells have imposed themselves as the most powerful eukaryotic model for this approach. However, we are only beginning to explore the possibilities of synthetic biology, and the perspectives it offers in a genetically amenable system such as yeasts are endless. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigorous development of component-based systems using component metadata and patterns
Authors: Oliveira M. V. M. , Antonino P. , Ramos R. , Sampaio A. , Mota A. , Roscoe A. W. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
In previous work we presented a CSP-based systematic approach that fosters the rigorous design of component-based development. Our approach is strictly defined in terms of composition rules, which are the only permitted way to compose components. These rules guarantee the preservation of properties (particularly deadlock freedom) by construction in component composition. Nevertheless, their application is allowed only under certain conditions whose verification via model checking turned out impracticable even for some simple designs, and particularly those involving cyclic topologies. In this paper, we address the performance of the analysis and present a significantly more efficient alternative to the verification of the rule side conditions, which are improved by carrying out partial verification on component metadata throughout component compositions and by using behavioural patterns. The use of metadata, together with behavioural patterns, demands new composition rules, which allow previous exponential time verifications to be carried out now in linear time. Two case studies (the classical dining philosophers, also used as a running example, and an industrial version of a leadership election algorithm) are presented to illustrate and validate the overall approach.
Trocar Injuries in Laparoscopy: Techniques, Tools, and Means for Prevention. A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Cornette Bram , Berrevoet Frederik 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTrocar injuries are a possible cause for severe morbidity and mortality when performing laparoscopic surgery. This systematic review investigates the differences in the incidence of complications depending on the method of entry. A meta‐analysis of the medical literature was performed. Search results were limited to clinical trials and the following languages: English, French, German, or Dutch. All results that compared the Veress, Hasson, and direct entry technique or compared sharp, blunt, and radially expanding trocars (RET) were included (n = 19). Studies involving pediatric and pregnant patients were excluded. When comparing the Veress needle to direct trocar insertion (DTI), pooled analysis showed a borderline significant reduction for major complications (p = 0.04) based on five events in 2 RCT’s (n = 978) and a reduction in minor complications (p < 0.001) in favor of DTI. RCT’s comparing the Hasson and Veress techniques showed no significant reduction in major complications (p = 0.17), but the Hasson technique showed significantly less minor complications (p = 0.01) and failed entries (p = 0.002). CO2 leakage was far more common when using the Hasson technique (p < 0.001). Our search method did not reveal any studies comparing the Hasson technique to DTI. When comparing bladed to RET, three studies (n = 408) showed less minor complications when using a RET (p = 0.003) and a qualitative analysis showed a trend toward pain reduction when using RET. This meta‐analysis concludes that there are less minor complications and failed attempts when using the Hasson or direct entry technique when compared to the Veress method, but there is limited evidence regarding major complications. RET reduce minor vascular complications when compared to bladed trocars.
Spirometric Lung Age Predicts Postoperative Pneumonia After Esophagectomy
Authors: Okamura Akihiko , Watanabe Masayuki , Mine Shinji , Nishida Koujiro , Kurogochi Takanori , Imamura Yu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundDespite advances in treatment, postoperative pneumonia remains a major problem after esophagectomy. Lung age has been proposed as a comprehensive indicator for respiratory function. The aim of this study is to reveal the efficacy of lung age in predicting occurrence of pneumonia after esophagectomy.MethodsWe assessed 342 consecutive patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy for primary esophageal cancer from 2011 to 2014. Lung age was calculated from the preoperative spirometric test using the methods advocated by the Japanese Respiratory Society. We investigated factors predicting the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy.ResultsThe incidence of postoperative pneumonia was 28.9 %. According to the Clavien–Dindo classification, grade II and grade III–V pneumonia were observed in 21.3 and 7.6 % patients, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis for the factors predicting the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia, higher lung age (p = 0.010) and lower body mass index (p = 0.006) were independent factors. Patients with grade III–V pneumonia tended to have higher lung age than those with grade II pneumonia (p = 0.084). In addition, lung age was significantly higher in patients who experienced pneumonia within postoperative days 7 than those who experienced pneumonia after postoperative days 7 (p = 0.028).ConclusionSpirometric lung age was associated with occurrence, severity, and time of onset of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy. This simple parameter deserves a greater consideration as a predictor of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy and can support both surgeons and patients in understanding the status of respiratory function.
Characterization of Adsorption Behavior of Sucrose Monolaurate on Gold Substrate Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)
Authors: Kwek Jin W. , Kim Sanggu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractOne class of biodegradable surfactants, sucrose fatty acid esters (SEs), has attracted wide interest in the food and cosmetic industries due to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and lower pH‐ and temperature‐sensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adsorption behavior of pure sucrose monolaurate (SML) at the solid–liquid interface as a function of concentration, 0.02–0.5 % w/w, and medium pH, as these can be the pre‐determinants of their performance. The quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), an effective and versatile surface adsorption tool with customizable surfaces, was used for the first time in real‐time characterization of the adsorption behavior. Adsorption was fast, between 1 and 3 min, with a typical one‐step monolayer adsorption mechanism occurring at most concentrations and medium pH used, thus justifying the application of the Sauerbrey equation to determine the deposited mass. The adsorption isotherm was likely Langmuirian and the SML deposition on gold was significantly higher, at and beyond 0.1 % w/w, in de‐ionised water (pH 6.9) than in aqueous buffer (physiological pH 5.5) due to the interaction of water molecules with the adsorbed layer. The results from this work highlight the importance of media for studying the adsorption behaviors of SEs and serve as a reference for future investigations on different functionalized surfaces.