bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus distribution in stable aggregates of an Ultisol under contrasting land use and management history
Authors: Udom Bassey E. , Ogunwole Joshua O. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDifferent land‐use affects the organization of mineral soil particles and soil organic components into aggregates and the consequent arrangement of the aggregates will influence essential ecosystem functions. We investigated a continuous rubber plantation (forested), land fallowed for 10 y (fallow), 10‐y continuous arable cropping land and cropped land with top soil removed (TSR) for concentrations of C, N, and P in bulk soil and dry aggregates. Results showed that a high level of soil disturbance decreased the proportion of surface (0–15 cm) soil aggregate stability (low mean weight diameter) in TSR by 149% and arable cropping by 125% compared with the forested. Aggregate associated SOC was higher in aggregate‐size fractions of forested land‐use when compared with that in 10‐y fallow, continuous arable cropping, and TSR. For aggregate associated N, fallow and forested land‐use types concentrated higher proportion across aggregate sizes than the arable cropping and TSR. Macro aggregate fractions generally contained higher concentrations of C, N, and P compared with the micro‐aggregates. Water transmission indicators like total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity recorded higher values with forested and fallow land‐use than the others. We can thus conclude that long‐term soil disturbance due to cultivation and removal of top soil reduces the accumulation of soil C, N, and P in bulk soil and decreases water transmission properties. On the other hand, aggregate‐associated C, N and P accumulations are dependent on the level of soil surface disturbance and aggregate sizes.
D‐π‐A Conjugated Molecules for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Kim Tae‐Dong , Lee Kwang‐Sup 
Published: March 2015

Dipolar chromophores consisting of electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) groups connected through a conjugated π‐bridge have been actively studied and integrated in optoelectronic and electronic devices. Generally, such π‐conjugated molecules provide substantial delocalization of π‐electrons over the molecules. Here, a brief overview of recent research on D‐π‐A dipolar chromophores including their syntheses and several promising applications is reported, especially in nonlinear optical devices and organic photovoltaics. Structure/property relationships are discussed in order to exploit the potentials by tuning the π‐electron density, polarizability, and HOMO–LUMO band gap of the chromophores. Some of the examples may well set the stage for chip‐scale integration of optoelectronics as well as the realization of an important array of new device technologies.
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Synthesis and Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Functional Silacyclobutane Derivatives and Their Application to Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Matsumoto Kozo , Endo Takeshi 
Published: March 2015

SummaryPolycarbosilanes, which have a carbon‐silicone backbone, are highly flexible polymers with excellent thermal, chemical, and electrical stability. They can be readily prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of silacyclobutane derivatives. Although polysilacycobutanes are non‐polar in general, they can be compatible to carbonate‐based electrolyte solutions by introducing a 5‐membered cyclic carbonate structure as a pendant group, and if properly designed they can be promising candidates as gelators to prepare gel polymer electrolytes (GPE). We designed a new carbosilane‐based GPE system, which could be prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of a silacyclobutane having a 5‐membered cyclic carbonate structure, 4‐{2‐(1‐methylsilacyclobutyl)}ethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐2‐one (SBMC). The GPEs were directly synthesized by copolymerization of the monomer with a crosslinker, 1,6‐bis(1‐methylsilacyclobutyl)hexane (HMBS), in situ of a battery electrolyte solution consisting of 1 M LiPF6 in an ethylene carbonate (EC) / diethyl carbonate (DEC) mixed solvent. The obtained GPE showed relatively high ionic conductivity compared to usual liquid electrolytes, and the lithium ion batteries composed of this GPE showed charge/discharge performance as high as those composed of the usual liquid electrolyte.
Therapeutic Potential of Steroidal Alkaloids in Cancer and Other Diseases
Authors: Jiang Qi‐Wei , Chen Mei‐Wan , Cheng Ke‐Jun , Yu Pei‐Zhong , Wei Xing , Shi Zhi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSteroidal alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites isolated from plants, amphibians, and marine invertebrates. Evidence accumulated in the recent two decades demonstrates that steroidal alkaloids have a wide range of bioactivities including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive, etc., suggesting their great potential for application. It is therefore necessary to comprehensively summarize the bioactivities, especially anticancer activities and mechanisms of steroidal alkaloids. Here we systematically highlight the anticancer profiles both in vitro and in vivo of steroidal alkaloids such as dendrogenin, solanidine, solasodine, tomatidine, cyclopamine, and their derivatives. Furthermore, other bioactivities of steroidal alkaloids are also discussed. The integrated molecular mechanisms in this review can increase our understanding on the utilization of steroidal alkaloids and contribute to the development of new drug candidates. Although the therapeutic potentials of steroidal alkaloids look promising in the preclinical and clinical studies, further pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are mandated to define their efficacy and safety in cancer and other diseases.
Ability of the gut microbiota to produce PUFA‐derived bacterial metabolites: Proof of concept in germ‐free versus conventionalized mice
Authors: Druart Céline , Bindels Laure B. , Schmaltz Robert , Neyrinck Audrey M. , Cani Patrice D. , Walter Jens , Ramer‐Tait Amanda E. , Delzenne Nathalie M. 
Published: March 2015

ScopeThe gut microbiota is able to modulate host physiology through the production of bioactive metabolites. Our recent studies suggest that changes in gut microbiota composition upon prebiotics supplementation alter tissue levels of PUFA‐derived metabolites in mice. However, in vivo evidence that gut microbes produces PUFA‐derived metabolites is lacking. This study aimed to decipher the contribution of gut microbes versus that of the host in PUFA‐derived metabolite production.Methods and resultsTo achieve this goal, we compared the proportion of PUFA‐derived metabolites and the expression of fatty acid desaturases in germ‐free (GF) and conventionalized (CONV) mice fed either a low fat or Western diet. Higher concentrations of PUFA‐derived metabolites were found in the colonic contents of conventionalized mice (CONV) mice compared to GF mice. The abundance of these metabolites in host tissues was modulated by dietary treatments but not by microbial status. Although microbial status did significantly influence desaturase expression, no correlations between host enzymes and tissue PUFA‐derived metabolite levels were observed.ConclusionTogether, these results highlight the ability of the gut microbiota to produce PUFA‐derived metabolites from dietary PUFA. However, microbial production of these metabolites in colonic contents is not necessarily associated with modifications of their concentration in host tissues.
Isoflavones in soy flour diet have different effects on whole‐genome expression patterns than purified isoflavone mix in human MCF‐7 breast tumors in ovariectomized athymic nude mice
Authors: Liu Yunxian , Hilakivi‐Clarke Leena , Zhang Yukun , Wang Xiao , Pan Yuan‐Xiang , Xuan Jianhua , Fleck Stefanie C. , Doerge Daniel R. , Helferich William G. 
Published: March 2015

ScopeSoy flour diet (MS) prevented isoflavones from stimulating MCF‐7 tumor growth in athymic nude mice, indicating that other bioactive compounds in soy can negate the estrogenic properties of isoflavones. The underlying signal transduction pathways to explain the protective effects of soy flour consumption were studied here.Methods and resultsOvariectomized athymic nude mice inoculated with MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells were fed either Soy flour diet (MS) or purified isoflavone mix diet (MI), both with equivalent amounts of genistein. Positive controls received estradiol pellets and negative controls received sham pellets. GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array platform was used to evaluate gene expressions, and results were analyzed using bioinformatics approaches. Tumors in MS‐fed mice exhibited higher expression of tumor growth suppressing genes ATP2A3 and BLNK and lower expression of oncogene MYC. Tumors in MI‐fed mice expressed a higher level of oncogene MYB and a lower level of MHC‐I and MHC‐II, allowing tumor cells to escape immunosurveillance. MS‐induced gene expression alterations were predictive of prolonged survival among estrogen‐receptor‐positive breast cancer patients, whilst MI‐induced gene changes were predictive of shortened survival.ConclusionOur findings suggest that dietary soy flour affects gene expression differently than purified isoflavones, which may explain why soy foods prevent isoflavones‐induced stimulation of MCF‐7 tumor growth in athymic nude mice.
Multispectral labeling of embryonic cells with lipophilic carbocyanine dyes
Authors: Volnoukhin Maria , Brandhorst Bruce P. 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYIncubation of hatched Strongylocentrotus purpuratus sea urchin embryos or larvae with suspensions of the carbocyanine dyes DiI, DiO, and DiD resulted in the random labeling of membranes of some ectodermal epithelial cells and blastocoelar cells, producing a range of differentially colored cells that can be tracked during development. Simultaneous application of soluble Vybrant® preparations of the three dyes resulted in similar labeling of each cell. Dye labeling of the ectoderm was nearly eliminated by deciliation and some ciliated squamous epithelial cells adjacent to labelled cells were refractory to Vybrant® dye uptake irrespective of concentration or duration of treatment, together suggesting local variation in the properties of cell membranes or cilia. Furthermore, single cells possessing distinctive morphological features were detected. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 619–624, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resveratrol attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in epididymal white adipose tissue: Implications for its involvement in improving steroidogenesis in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Lv Zheng‐mei , Wang Qi , Chen Yuan‐hua , Wang Sheng‐hua , Huang Dao‐qi 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYChronic, low‐grade systemic inflammation has been shown to play an important role in the development of obesity‐related complications. Epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) can influence testicular function through its endocrine function. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of resveratrol on the epididymal WAT inflammatory response and on testicular steroidogenesis in obese individuals. Seven‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high‐calorie and high‐cholesterol diet (HCD group) or HCD supplemented with resveratrol (HCD+Res group) for 18 weeks. As we previously showed that resveratrol protects against Leydig cell steroidogenesis in HCD‐induced obese mice, this study assessed macrophage infiltration in fat depots by measuring crown‐like structure (CLS) density. Histological analysis showed that adipocyte size was significantly smaller and CLSs were less numerous in the HCD+Res group than the HCD group (P < 0.01). Additionally, resveratrol supplementation decreased Nfkb1 expression (P < 0.01) and increased the IκB‐α protein abundance (P < 0.01) in epididymal WAT. Consistent with this alteration in NF‐κB signaling, the expression of two classic proinflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α (Tnfa) and IL‐1β (Il1b), were significantly decreased in the HCD+Res group compared with the HCD group (P < 0.01). Significant differences were also found in the expression of sirtuin1 (Sirt1) (P < 0.01) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Sod2) (P < 0.01) between the HCD and HCD+Res groups. Our data suggest that resveratrol can attenuate obesity‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress in epididymal WAT, which partly accounts for its beneficial effects in testicular steroidogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 321–328, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐years results of native tissue versus vaginal mesh repair in the treatment of anterior prolapse according to different success criteria: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dias Márcia M. , de A. Castro Rodrigo , Bortolini Maria Augusta T. , Delroy Carlos A. , Martins Paulo C.F. , Girão Manoel J.B.C. , Sartori Marair G.F. 
Published: March 2015

AimsTo compare efficacy and safety of the traditional colporraphy and transvaginal polypropylene mesh for the treatment of advanced anterior vaginal prolapse according to different success criteria in two‐year follow‐up.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, women with anterior prolapse stage II or greater, with Ba point ≥ +1 (POP‐Q quantification), were randomly assigned to have either anterior colporraphy (n = 43) or transvaginal mesh repair (n = 43). The primary outcome was to compare objective success rate under two success definitions: prolapse stage I (Ba < −1) and stage II (Ba < 0). Secondary outcomes included complications and prolapse symptoms, satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). Intention to treat was used for the primary endpoint and per protocol analysis for the secondary outcomes.ResultsThe groups presented similar preoperative data. Thirty three patients from the colporraphy and 37 from the mesh groups completed two‐year follow‐up. Under Ba < −1 definition, success rate was 39.53% for both groups (P = 1.00). Considering success as Ba < 0, analysis favored the mesh group by 23% (51.16% and 74.42%; 95% CI for difference: 3–43%; P = 0.022). Patients from the mesh group were more satisfied after two years (81.8% and 97.3% for colporraphy and mesh, respectively, 15.5% difference; 95% CI for difference 1–29%; P = 0.032). Both procedures similarly improved women's symptoms and QoL. Some complications were observed, one being a 13.5% mesh exposure rate.ConclusionsTransvaginal synthetic mesh repair for advanced anterior vaginal prolapse provided higher anatomical success and satisfaction rates compared with traditional colporraphy. Both procedures equally improved quality of life. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:509–514, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autologous fascia pubovaginal slings after prior synthetic anti‐incontinence procedures for recurrent incontinence: A multi‐institutional prospective comparative analysis to de novo autologous slings assessing objective and subjective cure
Authors: Parker William P. , Gomelsky Alex , Padmanabhan Priya 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTAimsGiven the paucity of prospective data on the treatment of incontinent women with prior synthetic mid‐urethral sling (MUS), we sought to report our prospective experience with autologous fascia pubovaginal sling placement (AF‐PVS) after prior synthetic mid‐urethral sling (MUS).MethodsAn IRB‐approved, multi‐institutional, prospective cohort of patients from 2010 to 2013 undergoing AF‐PVS for urinary incontinence was evaluated and stratified for the presence of a prior MUS. Pre‐operative characteristics and validated quality of life questionnaires (IIQ‐7 and UDI‐6) were compared to post‐operative pad usage, scores on the IIQ‐7 and UDI‐6, complications, and visual analog scale assessment of improvement.Results288 patients met inclusion criteria, 59 (20.4%) of whom had undergone a prior MUS before AF‐PVS placement. Of these 59 patients, 20 (33.9%) had a prior vaginal extrusion and 5 (8.5%) had suffered from obstruction requiring sling lysis or excision. With a median of 14 months follow‐up, prior MUS placement was not associated with a significant difference in objective (55.9% vs. 62.4%, P = 0.37) or subjective cure (66.1% vs. 69.0%, P = 0.75) when compared to patients undergoing placement of an initial AF‐PVS. Patients undergoing AF‐PVS after prior MUS did have a significantly higher rate of urinary retention requiring intermittent catheterization (8.5% vs. 3.1%, P < 0.001) and re‐operation (13.6% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.01) for persistent incontinence.ConclusionsDespite higher rates of retention and need for repeat operation, AF‐PVS after failed MUS is an acceptable treatment option with no difference in success as compared to patients undergoing initial AF‐PVS placement. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:604–608, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel hybrid FS‐FEM/SEA for the analysis of vibro‐acoustic problems
Authors: Wu F. , Liu G. R. , Li G. Y. , Cheng A. G. , He Z. C. , Hu Z. H. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryPredicting the frequency response of a complex vibro‐acoustic system becomes extremely difficult in the mid‐frequency regime. In this work, a novel hybrid face‐based smoothed finite element method/statistical energy analysis (FS‐FEM/SEA) method is proposed, aiming to further improve the accuracy of ‘mid‐frequency’ predictions. According to this approach, the whole vibro‐acoustic system is divided into a combination of a plate subsystem with statistical behaviour and an acoustic cavity subsystem with deterministic behaviour. The plate subsystem is treated using the recently developed FS‐FEM, and the cavity subsystem is dealt with using the SEA. These two different types of subsystems can be coupled and interacted through the so‐called diffuse field reciprocity relation. The ensemble average response of the system is calculated, and the uncertainty is confined and treated in the SEA subsystems. The use of FS‐FEM ‘softens’ the well‐known ‘overly stiff’ behaviour in the standard FEM and reduces the inherent numerical dispersion error. The proposed FS‐FEM/SEA approach is verified and its features are examined by various numerical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐order methods for low Reynolds number flows around moving obstacles based on universal meshes
Authors: Gawlik Evan S. , Kabaria Hardik , Lew Adrian J. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryWe propose a family of methods for simulating two‐dimensional incompressible, low Reynolds number flow around a moving obstacle whose motion is prescribed. The methods make use of a universal mesh: a fixed background mesh that adapts to the geometry of the immersed obstacle at all times by adjusting a few elements in the neighborhood of the obstacle's boundary. The resulting mesh provides a conforming triangulation of the fluid domain over which discretizations of any desired order of accuracy in space and time can be constructed using standard finite element spaces together with off‐the‐shelf time integrators. We demonstrate the approach by using Taylor‐Hood elements to approximate the fluid velocity and pressure. To integrate in time, we consider implicit Runge‐Kutta schemes as well as a fractional step scheme. We illustrate the methods and study their convergence numerically via examples that involve flow around obstacles that undergo prescribed deformations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal weight change from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum—the influence of behavioral factors
Authors: Kirkegaard Helene , Stovring Henrik , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Abrams Barbara , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Nohr Ellen A. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveWe studied the influence of maternal behavior on weight change from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum.MethodsWe used linear regression to study the independent and combined associations between self‐reported behavior in pregnancy (dietary intake, leisure‐time exercise, sedentary activity, smoking) and postpartum (breastfeeding duration and smoking) on weights at 6 months, 18 months, and 7 years postpartum.ResultsWomen's average 7‐year weight gain was 2.07 kg, with 23% gaining >5 kg. Multivariable analyses suggested that women with healthier dietary intake, more leisure‐time exercise, less sedentary behavior, and longer duration of breastfeeding on average gained 1.66 kg [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40; 1.91] with a significantly reduced odds [OR 0.56 (95% CI: 0.49; 0.64)] of gaining >5 kg from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum compared to women with none or one of these behaviors [mean gain 3.03 kg (95% CI: 2.68; 3.39)]. Women who ceased smoking had higher long‐term weight gain than nonsmokers, but not smokers.ConclusionsAdherence to healthy behaviors during pregnancy lowered long‐term weight gain considerably by lowering postpartum weight retention and subsequent weight gain. Public health efforts to help mothers achieve healthy behaviors might prevent childbearing‐related weight gain.
Early skeletal muscle adaptations to short‐term high‐fat diet in humans before changes in insulin sensitivity
Authors: Anderson Angela S. , Haynie Kimberly R. , McMillan Ryan P. , Osterberg Kristin L. , Boutagy Nabil E. , Frisard Madlyn I. , Davy Brenda M. , Davy Kevin P. , Hulver Matthew W. 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveThe purpose of this investigation was to understand the metabolic adaptations to a short‐term (5 days), isocaloric, high‐fat diet (HFD) in healthy, young males.MethodsTwo studies were undertaken with 12 subjects. Study 1 investigated the effect of the HFD on skeletal muscle substrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Study 2 assessed the metabolic and transcriptional responses in skeletal muscle to the transition from a fasted to fed state using a high‐fat meal challenge before and after 5 days of the HFD.ResultsStudy 1 showed no effect of a HFD on skeletal muscle metabolism or insulin sensitivity in fasting samples. Study 2 showed that a HFD elicits significant increases in fasting serum endotoxin and disrupts the normal postprandial excursions of serum endotoxin, as well as metabolic and transcriptional responses in skeletal muscle. These effects after 5 days of the HFD were accompanied by an altered fasting and postprandial response in the ratio of phosphorylated‐ to total‐p38 protein. These changes all occurred in the absence of alterations in insulin sensitivity.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence for early biological adaptations to high‐fat feeding that proceed and possibly lead to insulin resistance.
Patient‐controlled analgesia at the end of life at a pediatric oncology institution
Authors: Anghelescu Doralina L. , Snaman Jennifer M. , Trujillo Luis , Sykes April D. , Yuan Y. , Baker Justin N. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundPatient controlled anesthesia (PCA) is increasingly used to manage pain in pediatric cancer patients and is important in the treatment of escalating pain at the end of life. The description of the use of opioid PCA in this population has been limited.ProcedureThis retrospective chart review of the last 2 weeks of life addressed the following objectives: (1) to describe the patient population treated with opioid PCA; (2) to describe the morphine‐equivalent doses (MED) (mg/kg/day); and (3) to describe the pain scores (PS).ResultsTwenty‐eight percent of inpatients used opioid PCA for pain control during the last 2 weeks of life. The mean MED (mg/kg/day) (SD) at 2 weeks prior and the day of death were 10.7 (17.9) and 19 (25.8). The mean MED increased over the last 2 weeks of life for all patients and across age groups and cancer diagnoses (all P < 0.05). The mean MED was significantly higher in the younger age group (age <13 vs. age ≥13) on the day of death (P < 0.04). There was a significant change in mean PS over the last 2 weeks of life (P < 0.001), with the highest PS on the day before death. The most frequently used concurrent medications were benzodiazepines (91%).ConclusionsChildren and young adults with cancer experience high opioid requirements and significant dose increases during the last 2 weeks of life. Additionally, PS increase toward the end of life. Opioid rotation and addition of adjuvant medications merit consideration in the context of escalating opioid requirements. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1237–1244. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.