bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deletion of Cdc42 in embryonic cardiomyocytes results in right ventricle hypoplasia
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Jian , Li Jieli , Wang Rui , Tharakan Binu , Zhang Shenyuan L. , Tong Carl W. , Peng Xu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundCdc42 is a member of the Rho GTPase family and functions as a molecular switch in regulating cytoskeleton remodeling and cell polarity establishment. Inactivating Cdc42 in cardiomyocytes resulted in embryonic lethality with heart developmental defects, including ventricular septum defects and thin ventricle wall syndrome.FindingsIn this study, we have generated a Cdc42 cardiomyocyte knockout mouse line by crossing Cdc42/flox mice with myosin light chain 2a (MLC2a)‐Cre mice. We found that the deletion of Cdc42 in embryonic cardiomyocytes resulted in an underdeveloped right ventricle. Microarray analysis and real‐time PCR data analysis displayed that the deletion of Cdc42 decreased dHand expression level. In addition, we found evaginations in the ventricle walls of Cdc42 knockout hearts.ConclusionWe concluded that Cdc42 plays an essential role in right ventricle growth.
Depth-conversion techniques and challenges in complex sub-Andean provinces
Authors: Velásquez Antonio J. , Alfonso Héctor 
Published: November 2017

The reliability of depth conversion in complex land areas is particularly challenging. Accuracy and precision are usually difficult to achieve simultaneously because of the limited amount and quality of seismic data and sparse control from well data. Ideally, depth-migration methods would be the right tools to produce such data for interpreters. However, despite recent significant breakthroughs in seismic imaging, the ability to provide precise depths is not always achievable with depth-imaging techniques. Therefore, depth conversion remains a crucial tool for converting a seismic image and its interpretation to geologic depth. We have developed an overview of the techniques used for depth conversion through a carefully selected set of geologically diverse field examples. We determine the challenges faced while applying each methodology and, more importantly, share our own experiences and pitfalls. We also evaluate the steps taken to overcome these limitations. All these studies highlight the pragmatic application of techniques and their common pitfalls to improve the workflows that can be implemented to solve other depth-conversion problems. Depth-conversion techniques can be classified depending on the approach used for velocity model building (VMB) (i.e., time-depth and instantaneous velocity functions, layer-cake models, or geostatistical velocity interpolations) and also depending on the ray-tracing procedure (i.e., vertical stretching or image ray). To verify the reliability of the VMB, we establish the following criteria for an acceptable velocity model: (1) honors hard data, (2) integrates all the available sources of velocity information, and (3) makes geologic sense. We reinforce the latter in complex areas where geologic control drives the chosen approach. For instance, in cases with strong velocity gradients (e.g., basement-involved structures), vertical depth conversion may not be able to solve all possible scenarios, resulting in an incomplete assessment of the structural uncertainty. To model such situations, we use a time-to-depth conversion based on the image-ray concept.
Tectonic inversion of salt-detached ramp-syncline basins as illustrated by analog modeling and kinematic restoration
Authors: Roma Maria , Vidal-Royo Oskar , McClay Ken , Ferrer Oriol , Muñoz Josep Anton 
Published: November 2017

Salt-detached ramp-syncline basins are developed in extensional settings and are characterized by wide synclinal sedimentary basins detached on salt and formed above the hanging wall of active ramp-flat-ramp extensional faults. They are rarely fault bounded; instead, they are bounded by salt structures that are in general parallel to the major subsalt structures. As such, the formation of these extensional systems requires the presence of (1) a subsalt extensional fault with significant dip changes and (2) an evaporitic unit above the extensional fault, which partially or completely decouples the basin from a subsalt extensional fault. Salt-detached ramp-syncline basins have a significant exploration potential when their extensional geometry is preserved and when they have undergone positive tectonic inversion and consequent uplift and fold amplification. However, in some cases, their subsalt geometry may not be fully recognizable, especially when subsalt seismic imaging is poor. To obtain a deeper understanding of the geometry and kinematic evolution of these salt-detached ramp-syncline basins, we performed a series of analog modeling experiments, in which the models’ cross sections had been sequentially restored. Analog models and restoration results reveal that the kinematic evolution of the salt-detached ramp-syncline basins during extension and inversion depends on the interaction of different factors that may function simultaneously. Our results are used to improve the interpretation of seismic sections in inverted Mesozoic salt-detached ramp-syncline basins on the Atlantic margins, where subsalt faults are not well-imaged, and thus the suprasalt geometries must be used to infer the subsalt structure.
Thyroid Hormone Receptor α– and β–Knockout Xenopus tropicalis Tadpoles Reveal Subtype-Specific Roles During Development
Authors: Nakajima Keisuke , Tazawa Ichiro , Yaoita Yoshio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThyroid hormone (TH) binds TH receptor α (TRα) and β (TRβ) to induce amphibian metamorphosis. Whereas TH signaling has been well studied, functional differences between TRα and TRβ during this process have not been characterized. To understand how each TR contributes to metamorphosis, we generated TRα- and TRβ-knockout tadpoles of Xenopus tropicalis and examined developmental abnormalities, histology of the tail and intestine, and messenger RNA expression of genes encoding extracellular matrix–degrading enzymes. In TRβ-knockout tadpoles, tail regression was delayed significantly and a healthy notochord was observed even 5 days after the initiation of tail shortening (stage 62), whereas in the tails of wild-type and TRα-knockout tadpoles, the notochord disappeared after ∼1 day. The messenger RNA expression levels of genes encoding extracellular matrix–degrading enzymes (MMP2, MMP9TH, MMP13, MMP14, and FAPα) were obviously reduced in the tail tip of TRβ-knockout tadpoles, with the shortening tail. The reduction in olfactory nerve length and head narrowing by gill absorption were also affected. Hind limb growth and intestinal shortening were not compromised in TRβ-knockout tadpoles, whereas tail regression and olfactory nerve shortening appeared to proceed normally in TRα-knockout tadpoles, except for the precocious development of hind limbs. Our results demonstrated the distinct roles of TRα and TRβ in hind limb growth and tail regression, respectively.
SDHC Promoter Methylation, a Novel Pathogenic Mechanism in Parasympathetic Paragangliomas
Authors: Bernardo-Castiñeira Cristóbal , Valdés Nuria , Sierra Marta I , Sáenz-de-Santa-María Inés , Bayón Gustavo F , Perez Raúl F , Fernández Agustín F , Fraga Mario F , Astudillo Aurora , Menéndez Rafael , Fernández Belén , del Olmo Maribel , Suarez Carlos , Chiara María-Dolores 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Context
Germline mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase A, B, C, and D genes (collectively, SDHx) predispose to the development of paragangliomas (PGLs) arising at the parasympathetic or sympathetic neuroendocrine systems. SDHx mutations cause absence of tumoral immunostaining for SDHB. However, negative SDHB immunostaining has also been found in a subset of PGLs that lack SDHx mutations.

Settings
Here, we report the comprehensive molecular characterization of one such a tumor of parasympathetic origin compared with healthy paraganglia and other PGLs with or without SDHx mutations.

Results
Integration of multiplatform data revealed somatic SDHC methylation and loss of the 1q23.3 region containing the SDHC gene. This correlated with decreased SDHC messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. Furthermore, another genetic event found affected the VHL gene, which showed a decreased DNA copy number, associated with low VHL mRNA levels, and an absence of VHL protein detected by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the tumor displayed a pseudohypoxic phenotype consisting in overexpression of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and miR-210, as well as downregulation of the iron-sulfur cluster assembly enzyme (ISCU) involved in SDHB maturation. This profile resembles that of SDHx- or VHL-mutated PGLs but not of PGLs with decreased VHL copy number, pointing to SDHC rather than VHL as the pathogenic driver.

Conclusions
Collectively, these findings demonstrate the potential importance of both the SDHC epigenomic event and the activation of the HIF-1α/miR-210/ISCU axis in the pathogenesis of SDHx wild-type/SDHB-negative PGLs. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a sporadic parasympathetic PGL that carries silencing of SDHC, fulfilling the two-hit Knudson’s model for tumorigenesis.
Dysglycemic states and hypertension: A relationship dependent on low-grade inflammation
Authors: Salazar Juan , Bermúdez Valmore , Torres Wheeler , Arias Víctor , Martínez María Sofía , Chavez-Castillo Mervin , Wilches-Durán Sandra , Graterol-Rivas Modesto , Villasmil Nelson , Navarro Carla , Graterol-Silva Rosemily , D´Addosio Rosanna , Hoedebecke Kyle , Velasco Manuel , Rojas Joselyn 
Published: November 2017

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is a prominent cardiovascular risk factor, affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. Identification of closely associated cardiometabolic conditions may be crucial for its early detection. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with HTN and prehypertension (PHT) in an adult population sample from Maracaibo City, Venezuela. Methods: A randomized multi-staged sampling cross-sectional study was performed in 2230 individuals from Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study database. PHT and HTN were defined according to JNC-7 criteria. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the main risk factors for each condition. Results: 52.6% (n=1172) of the subjects were female, the prevalence of HTN was 32% (n=714), while the prevalence of PHT was 31.1% (n=693). The main risk factors for HTN were age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR]: 40.99; 95%CI: 16.94-99.19; p<0.001) and the local indigenous ethnic group (OR: 3.06; 95%CI: 1.09-8.62; p=0.03). Adjustment for high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels increased the OR of these factors and diminished the impact of other factors. Meanwhile, age ≥60 years (OR: 3.39; 95%CI: 1.41-8.18; p=0.007) and alcohol consumption (OR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.06-2.00; p=0.02) were the main risk factors for PHT. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the risk factor profiles for HTN and PHT. Additionally, low-grade inflammation appears to link multiple metabolic factors and preexisting vascular characteristics.
Organic chromium modifies the expression of orexin and glucose transporters of ovarian in heat-stressed laying hens
Authors: Ozdemir O. , Tuzcu M. , Sahin N. , Orhan C. , Tuzcu Z. , Sahin K. 
Published: November 2017

In this study, the effect of the supplemental organic chromium (Cr) forms on the expression of ovarian orexin(hypocretin), glucose transporters (GLUTs), heat shock proteins (HSPs) andnuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ÎºB)were investigated in laying hens (HS). Laying hens (n=1800; 16-wk-old; Lohmann LSL-Lite) were allocated to 6 random groups according to a 2"‰í—"‰3 factorial trial scheme with two different environmental temperatures [Thermoneutral (TN groups; at either 22±2 °C 24 h/d) and heat stress (HS groups; at 34±2 °C for 8 h/d, 08:00 to 17:00 h, followed by 22°C for 16 h for a period of 12 wks)], andhens reared under both environmental conditions were fed either a basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 1.600 mg of chromium-picolinate (CrPic, 12.43% Cr) and 0.788 mg of chromium-histidinate (CrHis, 25.22% Cr) per kg of diet, delivering 200 µg elemental Cr per kg diet. HS groups showed decreased levels of orexin and GLUTs(GLUT1, GLUT4), and increased NFÎºB, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 levels compared to the TN groups in ovarian tissue of hens (P < 0.0001 for all).However, dietary chromium supplementation (CrPic–CrHis) increasedorexin and GLUTs levels and significantly reduced the NF-ÎºB and HSPs levels making them closer to those of thermoneutral group (P < 0.0001).In conclusion, CrPic and CrHis showed supported the relief and treatment of stress complications.
Cardioprotective effect of Pycnogenol in ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats
Authors: Xiao P. , Zhang K. , Tao Z. , Liu N. , Ge B. 
Published: November 2017

Oxidative stress plays a critical task in the biochemical and pathological alteration linked with myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI). This warrants identifying agents with a potential for preventing such damage in an effective way. A novel plant based product, Pycnogenol, obtained from the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica) bark extract was known for its tremendous antioxidant potential (both in vivo, in vitro). It was able to attenuate the symptoms of immune dysfunction through restoring a cellular antioxidant status in low micronutrient-induced immune deficient mice. Consequently, the present study was deals with the determination of protective effect of Pycnogenol in ischemic–reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats via Non-recirculating Langendorff's technique. The effect of Pycnogenol on the level of various key biomarkers in the rat heart homogenate was determined, such as, myocardial thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS, a marker of lipid peroxidation), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (a marker of tissue injury) and effect on endogenous antioxidants, e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The activity of these biomarkers appreciably improved in Pycnogenol-treated group than IRI group (P < 0.05). The effect of Pycnogenol was further confirmed via histopathological examination of cardiac tissues, which suggests that, it considerably improved the injury related to tissue damage through suppression of edema and infiltration of neutrophil compared to IRI group. It also showed modulation of the expression of apoptotic factors, e.g. Bcl-2, bax and caspase-9 as confirmed by western blot analysis.
Polyamide 1010/Polythioamide Blend Reinforced with Graphene Nanoplatelet for Automotive Part Application
Authors: Kausar A. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Novel polythioamide (PTA) was prepared and blended with polyamide 1010 (PA1010). Based on morphology, molecular weight, polydispersity index, thermal, and shear stress behavior, PA1010/PTA (90:10) blend was opted as matrix for graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforcement. Inclusion of functional GNP resulted in crumpled gyroid morphology. T0 (502°C) of PA1010/PTA/GNP was increased by 145°C than unfilled blend (357°C). Limiting oxygen index measurement indicated better non-flammability of PA1010/PTA/GNP1-3 nanocomposites (53-55%) relative to PA1010/PTA1-3 (41-48%). PA1010/PTA/GNP1-3 also attained V-0 rating in UL94. Furthermore, PA1010/PTA/GNP3 nanocomposite revealed optimum tensile strength (40 MPa), impact strength (1.9 MPa), and flexural modulus (1373 MPa) to manufacture automotive part.
Inspection of Gas Pipelines Using Magnetic Flux Leakage Technology
Authors: Usarek Z. , Warnke K. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Magnetic non-destructive testing methods can be classified into the earliest methods developed for assessment of steel constructions. One of them is the magnetic flux leakage technology. A measurement of the magnetic flux leakage is quite commonly used for examination of large objects such as tanks and pipelines. Construction of a magnetic flux leakage tool is relatively simple, but a quantitative analysis of recorded data is a difficult task. Therefore, methods of magnetic flux leakage signal processing and analysis are still under development. A magnetic flux leakage in-line-inspection tool called FLUMAG 500 was constructed. FLUMAG 500 was designed for gas and oil pipelines inspection. In this paper principle of operation of FLUMAG 500 was described. Advanced algorithms of the signal processing and analysis was also developed. Results coming from the development stage as well as from the final construction of the tool were presented. Analysis of these results shows that FLUMAG 500 is a suitable tool for detection of corrosion defects in a pipeline wall.
Prosthetic Elements Made of the Ti-13Zr-13Nb Alloy by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Seramak T. , Zasińska K. , Zieliński A. , Andryskowski J. , Andryskowska-Ignaczak A. , Motyl M. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The fabrication of the prosthetic foundations and bridges from the Ti-13Zr-13Nb alloy is described. The process was started from CAD/CAM design of 3D models of the foundations based on scanning of patient’s mouth. Next, 3D models were transformed into *.stl files for the manufacturing stage and then the manufacturing process by means of the selective laser melting with the SLM Realizer 100 equipment was made. The intrinsic structure of the obtained parts was investigated with X-ray microtomography. The observed imperfections in the foundation's internal structure can be eliminated by a proper setting of the laser melting process. The thermal stresses, which resulted of the temperature change during melting and caused the bending of titanium made bridges, were eliminated at a design stage.
Prediction of adsorption efficiencies of Ni (II) in aqueous solutions with perlite via artificial neural networks
Authors: Turp Sinan Mehmet 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the estimated adsorption efficiency of artificial Nickel (II) ions with perlite in an aqueous solution using artificial neural networks, based on 140 experimental data sets. Prediction using artificial neural networks is performed by enhancing the adsorption efficiency with the use of Nickel (II) ions, with the initial concentrations ranging from 0.1 mg/L to 10 mg/L, the adsorbent dosage ranging from 0.1 mg to 2 mg, and the varying time of effect ranging from 5 to 30 mins. This study presents an artificial neural network that predicts the adsorption efficiency of Nickel (II) ions with perlite. The best algorithm is determined as a quasi-Newton back-propagation algorithm. The performance of the artificial neural network is determined by coefficient determination (R2), and its architecture is 3-12-1. The prediction shows that there is an outstanding relationship between the experimental data and the predicted values.
Removal of 4-chlorophenol from aqueous solution by granular activated carbon/nanoscale zero valent iron based on Response Surface Modeling
Authors: Majlesi Monireh , Hashempour Yalda 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe phenolic compounds are known as priority pollutants, even in low concentrations, as a result of their toxicity and non-biodegradability. For this reason, strict standards have been established for them. In addition, chlorophenols are placed in the 38th to 43th in highest priority order of toxic pollutants. As a consequence, contaminated water or wastewaters with phenolic compounds have to be treated before discharging into the receiving water. In this study, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) has been used in order to optimize the effect of main operational variables responsible for the higher 4-chlorophenol removal by Activated Carbon-Supported Nanoscale Zero Valent Iron (AC/NZVI). A Box-Behnken factorial Design (BBD) with three levels was applied to optimize the initial concentration, time, pH, and adsorbent dose. The characterization of adsorbents was conducted by using SEM-EDS and XRD analyses. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherm and kinetics of 4-chlorophenol on AC and AC/NZVI under various conditions were studied. The model anticipated 100% removal efficiency for AC/NZVI at the optimum concentration (5.48 mg 4-chlorophenol/L), pH (5.44), contact time (44.7 min) and dose (0.65g/L). Analysis of the response surface quadratic model signified that the experiments are accurate and the model is highly significant. Moreover, the synthetic adsorbent is highly efficient in removing of 4-chlorophenol.
Optimization of induced crystallization reaction in a novel process of nutrients removal coupled with phosphorus recovery from domestic wastewater
Authors: Zou Haiming , Wang Yan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPhosphorus removal and recovery from domestic wastewater is urgent nowadays. A novel process of nutrients removal coupled with phosphorus recovery from domestic sewage was proposed and optimization of induced crystallization reaction was performed in this study. The results showed that 92.3% of phosphorus recovery via induced Hydroxyapatite crystallization was achieved at the optimum process parameters: reaction time of 80 min, seed crystal loads of 60 g/L, pH of 8.5, Ca/P mole ratio of 2.0 and 4.0 L/min aeration rate when the PO43--P concentration was 10 mg/L in the influent, displaying an excellent phosphorus recovery performance. Importantly, it was found that the effect of reaction temperature on induced Hydroxyapatite crystallization was slight, thus favoring practical application of phosphorus recovery method described in this study. From these results, the proposed method of induced HAP crystallization to recover phosphorus combined with nutrients removal can be an economical and effective technology, probably favoring the water pollution control and phosphate rock recycle.
Microbial air contamination on the premises of the sewage treatment plant in Bydgoszcz (Poland) and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus spp.
Authors: Małecka-Adamowicz Marta , Kubera Łukasz , Donderski Wojciech , Kolet Katarzyna 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe study was aimed at evaluating microbial contamination on the premises of the sewage treatment plant by determining the concentrations of selected groups of airborne microorganisms. Another objective was to determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolated strains of staphylococci. The research was conducted in a seasonal cycle, by the impaction method using Merck MAS-100 air sampler. Samples were collected at six sites, each representing a different stage of sewage treatment. The susceptibility of isolated staphylococci was assessed with the disc-diffusion method, following the recommendations of the EUCAST. The results indicate that the microbial population in the air of the investigated area was dominated by mold fungi, whose highest average concentration was recorded at site IV located near the final clarifier (7672 CFU•m-3). Heterotrophic bacteria and mannitol-positive staphylococci were the most numerous at locations where sewage undergoes primary treatment. In each subseuqent stage the number of microorganisms emitted into the air from the sewage was lower. Antibiograms show that more than 50% of Staphylococcus spp. exhibited resistance to penicillin and 20% to rifampicin. In addition, 90% of the analyzed strains were sensitive to other antibiotics. The fungal community included the following genera: Cladosporium, Fusarium, Alternaria, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, and Acremonium.The highest air contamination with all studied groups of microorganisms was recorded at the locations where mechanical sewage treatment was performed. During the subsequent stages lower numbers of heterotrophic bacteria were emitted into the air. The air in the investigated sewage treatment plant did not contain multidrug-resistant staphylococci.