bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro/Nano Gas Sensors: A New Strategy Towards In-Situ Wafer-Level Fabrication of High-Performance Gas Sensing Chips
Authors: Xu Lei , Dai Zhengfei , Duan Guotao , Guo Lianfeng , Wang Yi , Zhou Hong , Liu Yanxiang , Cai Weiping , Wang Yuelin , Li Tie 
Published: May 2015

AbstractNano-structured gas sensing materials, in particular nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanowires, enable high sensitivity at a ppb level for gas sensors. For practical applications, it is highly desirable to be able to manufacture such gas sensors in batch and at low cost. We present here a strategy of in-situ wafer-level fabrication of the high-performance micro/nano gas sensing chips by naturally integrating microhotplatform (MHP) with nanopore array (NPA). By introducing colloidal crystal template, a wafer-level ordered homogenous SnO2 NPA is synthesized in-situ on a 4-inch MHP wafer, able to produce thousands of gas sensing units in one batch. The integration of micromachining process and nanofabrication process endues micro/nano gas sensing chips at low cost, high throughput and with high sensitivity (down to ~20 ppb), fast response time (down to ~1 s) and low power consumption (down to ~30 mW). The proposed strategy of integrating MHP with NPA represents a versatile approach for in-situ wafer-level fabrication of high-performance micro/nano gas sensors for real industrial applications.
Synergistic Effect of S224P and N383D Substitutions in the PA of H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus Contributes to Mammalian Adaptation
Authors: Song Jiasheng , Xu Jing , Shi Jianzhong , Li Yanbing , Chen Hualan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe adaptation of H5N1 avian influenza viruses to human poses a great threat to public health. Previous studies indicate the adaptive mutations in viral polymerase of avian influenza viruses are major contributors in overcoming the host species barrier, with the majority of mammalian adaptive mutations occurring in the PB2 protein. However, the adaptive mutations in the PA protein of the H5N1 avian influenza virus are less defined and poorly understood. In this study, we identified the synergistic effect of the PA/224P + 383D of H5N1 avian influenza viruses and its ability to enhance the pathogenicity and viral replication in a mammalian mouse model. Interestingly, the signature of PA/224P + 383D mainly exists in mammalian isolates of the H5N1 influenza virus and pdmH1N1 influenza virus, providing a potential pathway for the natural adaptation to mammals which imply the effects of natural adaptation to mammals. Notably, the mutation of PA/383D, which is highly conserved in avian influenza viruses, increases the polymerase activity in both avian and human cells and may have roles in maintaining the avian influenza virus in their avian reservoirs and jumping species to infect humans.
Exome sequencing identifies novel compound heterozygous IFNA4 and IFNA10 mutations as a cause of impaired function in Crohn’s disease patients
Authors: Xiao Chuan-Xing , Xiao Jing-Jing , Xu Hong-Zhi , Wang Huan-Huan , Chen Xu , Liu Yuan-Sheng , Li Ping , Shi Ying , Nie Yong-Zhan , Li Shao , Wu Kai-Chun , Liu Zhan-Ju , Ren Jian-Lin , Guleng Bayasi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPrevious studies have highlighted the role of genetic predispositions in disease and several genes had been identified as important in Crohn’s disease (CD). However, many of these genes are likely rare and not associated with susceptibility in Chinese CD patients. We found 294 shared identical variants in the CD patients of which 26 were validated by Sanger sequencing. Two heterozygous IFN variants (IFNA10 c.60 T > A; IFNA4 c.60 A > T) were identified as significantly associated with CD susceptibility. The single-nucleotide changes alter a cysteine situated before the signal peptide cleavage site to a stop code (TGA) in IFNA10 result in the serum levels of IFNA10 were significantly decreased in the CD patients compared to the controls. Furthermore, the IFNA10 and IFNA4 mutants resulted in an impairment of the suppression of HCV RNA replication in HuH7 cells and the administration of the recombinant IFN subtypes restored DSS-induced colonic inflammation through the upregulation of CD4+ Treg cells. We identified heterozygous IFNA10 and IFNA4 variants as a cause of impaired function and CD susceptibility genes in Chinese patients from multiple center based study. These findings might provide clues in the understanding of the genetic heterogeneity of CD and lead to better screening and improved treatment.
Minocycline reduces neuroinflammation but does not ameliorate neuron loss in a mouse model of neurodegeneration
Authors: Cheng Shanshan , Hou Jinxing , Zhang Chen , Xu Congyu , Wang Long , Zou Xiaoxia , Yu Huahong , Shi Yun , Yin Zhenyu , Chen Guiquan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMinocycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic. A number of preclinical studies have shown that minocycline exhibits neuroprotective effects in various animal models of neurological diseases. However, it remained unknown whether minocycline is effective to prevent neuron loss. To systematically evaluate its effects, minocycline was used to treat Dicer conditional knockout (cKO) mice which display age-related neuron loss. The drug was given to mutant mice prior to the occurrence of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration and the treatment had lasted 2 months. Levels of inflammation markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule1 (Iba1) and interleukin6 (IL6), were significantly reduced in minocycline-treated Dicer cKO mice. In contrast, levels of neuronal markers and the total number of apoptotic cells in Dicer cKO mice were not affected by the drug. In summary, inhibition of neuroinflammation by minocycline is insufficient to prevent neuron loss and apoptosis.
Influence of immigration on prematurity in the context of a free healthcare system with universal coverage.
Authors: Cortés Ernesto , Mercedes Rizo-Baeza María , Palazón-Bru Antonio , Aguilar-Cordero María José , Francisco Gil-Guillén Vicente 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe assessed the risk of preterm birth according to the mother’s place of origin in the context of a free and universal healthcare system. We analysed 75,292 newborn infants born between 2008-2011 in Alicante (Spain). The outcomes were: 1) very preterm (gestational age ≤32 weeks) and 2) moderate-to-late preterm (gestational age 33-37 weeks). Other variables: infant’s gender, maternal age and origin. We estimated adjusted odds ratios to analyse the relationship between the outcomes and the other variables. The distribution of the gestational age groups in our sample was: very preterm, 812; moderate-to-late preterm, 5,295; full-term, 69,997. There were no statistically significant differences between the mother’s place of origin and the outcomes in this free universal healthcare system, which is experiencing the recent phenomenon of immigration. This equality should be maintained throughout the time the immigrants remain in the country.
Simultaneous real-time visible and infrared video with single-pixel detectors
Authors: Edgar Matthew. P. , Gibson Graham M. , Bowman Richard W. , Sun Baoqing , Radwell Neal , Mitchell Kevin J. , Welsh Stephen S. , Padgett Miles J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractConventional cameras rely upon a pixelated sensor to provide spatial resolution. An alternative approach replaces the sensor with a pixelated transmission mask encoded with a series of binary patterns. Combining knowledge of the series of patterns and the associated filtered intensities, measured by single-pixel detectors, allows an image to be deduced through data inversion. In this work we extend the concept of a ‘single-pixel camera’ to provide continuous real-time video at 10 Hz , simultaneously in the visible and short-wave infrared, using an efficient computer algorithm. We demonstrate our camera for imaging through smoke, through a tinted screen, whilst performing compressive sampling and recovering high-resolution detail by arbitrarily controlling the pixel-binning of the masks. We anticipate real-time single-pixel video cameras to have considerable importance where pixelated sensors are limited, allowing for low-cost, non-visible imaging systems in applications such as night-vision, gas sensing and medical diagnostics.
miRNA-148b suppresses hepatic cancer stem cell by targeting neuropilin-1
Authors: Liu Qinying , Xu Yangmei , Wei Shenghong , Gao Wei , Chen Li , Zhou Tong , Wang Zhen , Ying Mingang , Zheng Qiuhong 
Published: May 2015

The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is considered as a direct reason for the failure of clinic treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Growing evidences have demonstrated that miRNAs play an important role in regulation of stem cell proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal and their aberrances cause the formation of CSCs and eventually result in carcinogenesis. We recently identified miRNA-148b as one of the miRNAs specifically down-regulated in side population (SP) cells of PLC/PRF/5 cell line. However, it remains elusive how miRNA-148b regulates CSC properties in HCC. In the present study, we observed that overexpression or knockdown of miR-148b through lentiviral transfection could affect the proportion of SP cells as well as CSC-related gene expression in HCC cell lines. In addition, miR-148b blocking could stimulate cell proliferation, enhance chemosensitivity, as well as increase cell metastasis and angiogenesis in vitro. More importantly, miR-148b could significantly suppress tumorigenicity in vivo. Further studies revealed that Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), a transmembrane co-receptor involved in tumour initiation, metastasis and angiogenesis, might be the direct target of miRNA-148b. Taking together, our findings define that miR-148b might play a critical role in maintenance of SP cells with CSC properties by targeting NRP1 in HCC. It is the potential to develop a new strategy specifically targeting hepatic CSCs (HCSCs) through restoration of miR-148b expression in future therapy.
Acetic acid enhances endurance capacity of exercise-trained mice by increasing skeletal muscle oxidative properties
Authors: Pan Jeong Hoon , Kim Jun Ho , Kim Hyung Min , Lee Eui Seop , Shin Dong-Hoon , Kim Seongpil , Shin Minkyeong , Kim Sang Ho , Lee Jin Hyup , Kim Young Jun 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Acetic acid has been shown to promote glycogen replenishment in skeletal muscle during exercise training. In this study, we investigated the effects of acetic acid on endurance capacity and muscle oxidative metabolism in the exercise training using in vivo mice model. In exercised mice, acetic acid induced a significant increase in endurance capacity accompanying a reduction in visceral adipose depots. Serum levels of non-esterified fatty acid and urea nitrogen were significantly lower in acetic acid-fed mice in the exercised mice. Importantly, in the mice, acetic acid significantly increased the muscle expression of key enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation and glycolytic-to-oxidative fiber-type transformation. Taken together, these findings suggest that acetic acid improves endurance exercise capacity by promoting muscle oxidative properties, in part through the AMPK-mediated fatty acid oxidation and provide an important basis for the application of acetic acid as a major component of novel ergogenic aids.
Spawning Behavior of Cultured Delta Smelt in a Conservation Hatchery
Authors: LaCava Melanie , Fisch Kathleen , Nagel Meredith , Lindberg Joan C , May Bernie , Finger Amanda J 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Understanding reproductive behavior of sensitive species is crucial for their conservation. The Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus is a federally threatened, state-endangered fish whose reproductive behavior is poorly understood. We used genetic techniques to investigate the spawning behavior of cultured Delta Smelt in a conservation hatchery. We conducted a natural tank-spawning experiment in a total of four separate tanks during two spawning seasons. Delta Smelt were allowed to spawn in order to investigate spawning patterns using genetic parentage analysis of larvae produced. In total, 2,474 larvae were assigned two parents with &gt;80% likelihood. Of the adults that had larvae assigned to them, males spawned on average 2.8 times and females 1.7 times. The mean number of larvae produced by females was 40.7, while males produced a mean number of 19.2 larvae during a single spawning season. Genetic diversity was reduced from the parent population to the offspring population, as indicated by a small but significant reduction in heterozygosity. Finally, we found no evidence that Delta Smelt preferred to mate with unrelated individuals.
Regulatory B cells in anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Zhang Yu , Gallastegui Nicolas , Rosenblatt Joseph D. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAdvances in understanding of the immune microenvironment have highlighted the role of immunosuppressive T cell, myeloid, dendritic and monocytic sub-populations in inhibition of the anti-tumor immune response. The role of B cells in modulating the immune response to solid tumors as well as lymphoid malignancies is less well understood. Murine models of autoimmune disease have defined B regulatory cell (Breg) subsets with immune suppressive activity, including B cell subsets that express IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β, which can facilitate T regulatory cell recruitment and expansion. Multiple murine tumor models point to the existence of similar immune suppressive B cell sub-populations that can migrate into tumor deposits and acquire an immune suppressive phenotype, which then leads to attenuation of the local anti-tumor immune response. Other murine models of viral or chemically induced skin carcinogenesis have identified a pivotal role for B cells in promoting inflammation and carcinogenesis. While many human solid tumors demonstrate significant B cell infiltration and/or tertiary lymphoid structure formation, the functional properties of tumor-infiltrating B cells and their effects on immunity are poorly understood. Recent successes in early Phase I/II trials using anti-checkpoint inhibitor antibodies such as nivolumab or pidilizumab directed against PD-1 in the setting of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas validate the therapeutic utility of reversing B cell-mediated immune suppression. Further studies to define Breg subsets, and mechanisms of suppression, may provide new avenues for modulation of the immune response and meaningful therapeutic intervention in both lymphoid and solid tumors.
Effectiveness of mobile technologies delivering Ecological Momentary Interventions for stress and anxiety: a systematic review
Authors: Loo Gee Brendan , Griffiths Kathleen M , Gulliver Amelia 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectives Mobile technologies may be suitable for delivering Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMI) to treat anxiety in real-time. This review aims to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of EMI for treating anxiety conditions.Materials and Methods Four databases and the reference lists of previous studies were searched. A total of 1949 abstracts were double screened for inclusion. Sufficient studies were available to undertake a quantitative meta-analysis on EMIs on generalized anxiety symptoms.Results The 15 randomized trials and randomized controlled trials examined anxiety ( n = 7), stress ( n = 3), anxiety and stress ( n = 2), panic disorder ( n = 2), and social phobia ( n = 1). Eight EMIs comprised self-monitoring integrated with therapy modules, seven comprised multimedia content, and three comprised self-monitoring only. The quality of studies presented high risk of biases. Meta-analysis ( n = 7) demonstrated that EMIs reduced generalized anxiety compared to control and/or comparison groups (Effect Size (ES) = 0.32, 95% CI, 0.12-0.53). Most EMIs targeting stress were reported effective relative to control as were the two EMIs targeting panic disorders. The EMI targeting social phobia was not effective.Discussion EMIs have potential in treating both anxiety and stress. However, few high-quality trials have been conducted for specific anxiety disorders. Further trials are needed to assess the value of EMI technologies for anxiety in enhancing existing treatments.Conclusion This study found a small significant effect of EMI studies on reducing generalized anxiety. Studies on stress demonstrated EMI was effective compared to control, with the small number of studies on panic and social phobia demonstrating mixed results.
Parental and Youth Understanding of the Informed Consent Process for Pediatric Endoscopy
Authors: Jubbal Kevin , Chun Stanford , Chang Jeremy , Zhang Sherry , Terrones Laura , Huang Jeannie S. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTObjectives:Informed consent (IC) is an essential communication between patient/representative and physician that acknowledges patient autonomy; assent is the equivalent process performed between youth and physician. For clinical procedures involving youth, only the IC process between guardian/parent and physician is required to be performed. Nevertheless, experts recommend that youth undergo assent whenever possible. In the present study, we explored both parental and youth understanding of required IC elements in IC discussions before pediatric endoscopy.Methods:Following signing of IC documents on the day of endoscopy at a tertiary care academic medical center, youth and their parents underwent structured interviews to assess comprehension of key elements of the IC process.Results:A total of 88 children and adolescents and their parents were evaluated. Two youth and 12 parents demonstrated comprehensive understanding of key IC elements for pediatric endoscopy. Suboptimal youth understanding was demonstrated for nature of the procedure (25% with adequate understanding) and related risks (17%), and alternatives (14%) to the procedure. Suboptimal parental understanding was demonstrated for procedure alternatives (24%). Youth overall understanding of IC varied by age, whereas parental global understanding of IC varied by physician.Conclusions:Understanding of IC performed for pediatric endoscopy could be improved in both parents and youth. Our findings suggest that interventions targeting parents, youth, and physicians may be helpful. Further study is needed to determine whether our findings are representative of IC understanding at other pediatric endoscopy centers.
An Assessment of Basic Patient Safety Skills in Residents Entering the First Year of Clinical Training
Authors: Comunale Mark E. , Sandoval Mathew , Broussard La Toya 
Published: May 2015

Objectives
During safety rounds, we observed few residents demonstrating hand hygiene and patient identification as they began their postgraduate clinical training. We assessed baseline performance of these 2 basic safety skills in residents entering the first year of postgraduate clinical training (PGY1).

Methods
PGY1 residents beginning training on July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014, at our institution were examined using a simulated scenario testing for hand hygiene and patient identification. Nurse volunteers posed as patients and evaluated each resident using a standardized scoring tool. Residents were observed for the following behaviors when interacting: (1) hand hygiene before or upon entry into the patient's room (HHE); (2) resident introducing himself or herself (INTRO); (3) resident identifying patient (IDNB); (4) resident comparing patient's stated name and date of birth to patient's ID band (IDC); (5) resident explaining procedure to patient (EXP); and (6) resident performing hand hygiene upon exiting patient's room (HHL).

Results
A total of 114 residents were examined. Compliance results were as follows: HHE at 66% (75); INTRO at 96% (110); IDNB at 52% (59); IDC at 42% (48); EXP at 90% (103); and HHL at 58% (66).

Conclusions
Developing and hardwiring basic patient safety skills is essential for creating an institutional culture of safety. We used a simulated patient scenario to provide a baseline assessment of 2 important safety skills.
The results obtained demonstrate poor compliance with hand hygiene and patient identification. Our results suggest that there is a need for additional training and perhaps new methods of training and reinforcement in medical school and beyond, to hardwire these basic patient safety skills.
Engineering Cell Fate: The Roles of iPSC Transcription Factors, Chemicals, Barriers and Enhancing Factors in Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation
Authors: Ebrahimi Behnam 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDirect reprogramming technology has emerged as an outstanding technique for the generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and various specialized cells directly from somatic cells of different species. Recent studies dissecting the molecular mechanisms of reprogramming have methodologically improved the quality, ease and efficiency of reprogramming and eliminated the need for genome modifications with integrating viral vectors. With these advancements, direct reprogramming technology has moved closer to clinical application. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the cutting-edge findings regarding distinct barriers of reprogramming to pluripotency, strategies to enhance reprogramming efficiency, and chemical reprogramming as one of the non-integrating approaches in iPS cell generation. In addition to direct transdifferentiation, pluripotency factor-induced transdifferentiation or cell activation and signaling directed (CASD) lineage conversion is described as a robust strategy for the generation of both tissue-specific progenitors and clinically relevant cell types. Then, we consider the possibility that a combined method of inhibition of roadblocks (e.g. p53, p21, p57, Mbd3, etc.), and application of enhancing factors in a chemical reprogramming paradigm would be an almost safe, reliable and effective approach in pluripotent reprogramming and transdifferentiation. Furthermore, with respect to the state of native, aberrant, and target gene regulatory networks in reprogrammed cell populations, CellNet is reviewed as a computational platform capable of evaluating the fidelity of reprogramming methods and refining current engineering strategies. Ultimately, we conclude that a faithful, highly efficient and integration-free reprogramming paradigm would provide powerful tools for research studies, drug-based induced regeneration, cell transplantation therapies and other regenerative medicine purposes.
Entrepreneurship in Africa – a classificatory framework and a research agenda
Authors: Kuada John 
Published: May 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a classificatory framework for mapping out entrepreneurs and small businesses with growth potentials in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study undertakes a review of the existing development economics and entrepreneurship literature to determine the need for the framework and how to proceed in developing it.

Findings
– The literature review informs that although enterprise-led growth provides a greater promise for absolute poverty reduction, policymakers lack guidelines on how to identify those with highest potentials for job creation and tax revenue generation. Furthermore, African entrepreneurs can purposefully be classified in terms of their motives and degree of innovation. The classification produces a 2×2 matrix that maps out the growth capabilities of businesses found in a given country or community.

Research limitations/implications
– The framework provides researchers and policymakers with descriptive categories that can guide their strategies and decisions.

Originality/value
– Introducing innovation-imitation dimension into the classificatory framework extends and improves previous typologies of small enterprises available in the literature.