bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcitriol enhances fat synthesis factors and calpain activity in co‐cultured cells
Authors: Choi Hyuck , Myung Kyuho 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe have conducted an in vitro experiment to determine whether calcitriol can act as a fat synthesizer and/or meat tenderizer when skeletal muscle cells, adipose tissue, and macrophages are co‐cultured. When co‐cultured, pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression increased, whereas decreased anti‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐10 and IL‐15) expression decreased in both C2C12 and 3T3‐L1 cells. Calcitriol increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the media. While adiponectin gene expression decreased, leptin, resistin, CCAAT‐enhancer‐binding protein‐beta (C/EBP‐β), and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) gene expression was significantly (P < 0.047) increased with calcitriol in 3T3‐L1 cells co‐cultured with two different cell types. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein levels were also stimulated in the C2C12 and 3T3‐L1 cells, but arginase l was attenuated by calcitriol. Cacitriol highly amplified (P = 0.008) µ‐calpain gene expression in co‐cultured C2C12 cells. The results showed an overall increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines and a decrease in anti‐inflammatory cytokines of C2C12 and 3T3‐L1 cells with calcitriol in co‐culture systems. µ‐Calpain protein was also augmented in differentiated C2C12 cells with calcitriol. These findings suggest that calcitriol can be used as not only fat synthesizer, but meat tenderizer, in meat‐producing animals.
Facile Synthesis of Porous Mn2O3 Nanoplates and Their Electrochemical Behavior as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Yan Yang , Wang Xueyun , Li Gen , Deng Dingrong , Jiang Li , Shu Chunying , Wang Chunru 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPorous Mn2O3 nanoplates were prepared by a facile polyol solution method combined with a simple post‐annealing process. The porous Mn2O3 nanoplates were characterized by XRD, field‐emission SEM, high‐resolution TEM, and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm measurements. The formation process for the Mn2O3 nanoplates was proposed as a morphology‐conserved transformation strategy. These porous nanoplates exhibited improved electrochemical performance with excellent cycling stability and good rate capability when applied as anode materials in lithium ion batteries.
Enzyme‐Responsive Intracellular‐Controlled Release Using Silica Mesoporous Nanoparticles Capped with ε‐Poly‐L‐lysine
Authors: Mondragón Laura , Mas Núria , Ferragud Vicente , de la Torre Cristina , Agostini Alessandro , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Sancenón Félix , Amorós Pedro , Pérez‐Payá Enrique , Orzáez Mar 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of two new capped silica mesoporous nanoparticles for controlled delivery purposes are described. Capped hybrid systems consist of MCM‐41 nanoparticles functionalized on the outer surface with polymer ε‐poly‐L‐lysine by two different anchoring strategies. In both cases, nanoparticles were loaded with model dye molecule [Ru(bipy)3]2+. An anchoring strategy involved the random formation of urea bonds by the treatment of propyl isocyanate‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanoparticles with the lysine amino groups located on the ε‐poly‐L‐lysine backbone (solid Ru‐rLys‐S1). The second strategy involved a specific attachment through the carboxyl terminus of the polypeptide with azidopropyl‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanoparticles (solid Ru‐tLys‐S1). Once synthesized, both nanoparticles showed a nearly zero cargo release in water due to the coverage of the nanoparticle surface by polymer ε‐poly‐L‐lysine. In contrast, a remarkable payload delivery was observed in the presence of proteases due to the hydrolysis of the polymer’s amide bonds. Once chemically characterized, studies of the viability and the lysosomal enzyme‐controlled release of the dye in intracellular media were carried out. Finally, the possibility of using these materials as drug‐delivery systems was tested by preparing the corresponding ε‐poly‐L‐lysine capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with cytotoxic drug camptothecin (CPT), CPT‐rLys‐S1 and CPT‐tLys‐S1. Cellular uptake and cell‐death induction were studied. The efficiency of both nanoparticles as new potential platforms for cancer treatment was demonstrated.
Synthesis of α‐Dawson‐Type Silicotungstate [α‐Si2W18O62]8− and Protonation and Deprotonation Inside the Aperture through Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Minato Takuo , Suzuki Kosuke , Kamata Keigo , Mizuno Noritaka 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe design of structurally well‐defined anionic molecular metal–oxygen clusters, polyoxometalates (POMs), leads to inorganic receptors with unique and tunable properties. Herein, an α‐Dawson‐type silicotungstate, TBA8[α‐Si2W18O62]⋅3 H2O (II) that possesses a −8 charge was successfully synthesized by dimerization of a trivacant lacunary α‐Keggin‐type silicotungstate TBA4H6[α‐SiW9O34]⋅2 H2O (I) in an organic solvent. POM II could be reversibly protonated (in the presence of acid) and deprotonated (in the presence of base) inside the aperture by means of intramolecular hydrogen bonds with retention of the POM structure. In contrast, the aperture of phosphorus‐centered POM TBA6[α‐P2W18O62]⋅H2O (III) was not protonated inside the aperture. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the basicities and charges of internal μ3‐oxygen atoms were increased by changing the central heteroatoms from P5+ to Si4+, thereby supporting the protonation of II. Additionally, II showed much higher catalytic performance for the Knoevenagel condensation of ethyl cyanoacetate with benzaldehyde than I and III.
Zr4+ Doping in Li4Ti5O12 Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Open Li+ Diffusion Paths through Structural Imperfection
Authors: Kim Jae‐Geun , Park Min‐Sik , Hwang Soo Min , Heo Yoon‐Uk , Liao Ting , Sun Ziqi , Park Jong Hwan , Kim Ki Jae , Jeong Goojin , Kim Young‐Jun , Kim Jung Ho , Dou Shi Xue 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOne‐dimensional nanomaterials have short Li+ diffusion paths and promising structural stability, which results in a long cycle life during Li+ insertion and extraction processes in lithium rechargeable batteries. In this study, we fabricated one‐dimensional spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanofibers using an electrospinning technique and studied the Zr4+ doping effect on the lattice, electronic structure, and resultant electrochemical properties of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Accommodating a small fraction of Zr4+ ions in the Ti4+ sites of the LTO structure gave rise to enhanced LIB performance, which was due to structural distortion through an increase in the average lattice constant and thereby enlarged Li+ diffusion paths rather than changes to the electronic structure. Insulating ZrO2 nanoparticles present between the LTO grains due to the low Zr4+ solubility had a negative effect on the Li+ extraction capacity, however. These results could provide key design elements for LTO anodes based on atomic level insights that can pave the way to an optimal protocol to achieve particular functionalities.
Endplate deflection is a defining feature of vertebral fracture and is associated with properties of the underlying trabecular bone
Authors: Jackman Timothy M. , Hussein Amira I. , Adams Alexander M. , Makhnejia Kamil K. , Morgan Elise F. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTEndplate deflection frequently occurs with vertebral failure, but the relationship between the two remains poorly defined. This study examined associations between endplate deflection under compressive loading and characteristics of the neighboring subchondral bone and intervertebral disc (IVD). Ten L1 vertebrae with adjacent IVDs were dissected, compressed axially in a stepwise manner to failure, and imaged with micro‐computed tomography before each loading step. From the images, deflection was measured across the surface of each endplate at each step. Trabecular microstructure and endplate volume fraction were evaluated in 5 mm regions just under the superior endplate. IVDs were assessed using computed tomography and histology. A marked increase in superior endplate deflection coincided with a drop in the load‐displacement curve. Endplate deflection was higher in regions with less robust bone microstructure (p < 0.009), though these associations tended to weaken as loading progressed. Immediately following the ultimate point, endplate deflection was higher in regions underlying the nucleus pulposus versus annulus fibrosus (p = 0.035), irrespective of disc grade (p = 0.346). These results indicate that a sudden increase in endplate deflection signals that the mechanical competence of the vertebra has been compromised. The mechanisms of endplate failure likely relate to anatomical features of the endplate, neighboring trabecular bone, and IVD. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:880–886, 2014.
Pre‐harvest nitrogen and azoxystrobin application enhances raw product quality and post‐harvest shelf‐life of baby spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Conversa Giulia , Bonasia Anna , Lazzizera Corrado , Elia Antonio 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDBaby spinach was cultivated under spring or winter conditions to investigate the effect of azoxystrobin and, only in the winter cycle, of nitrogen fertilisation (0, 80 and 120 kg ha−1 of N) on yield and product morphological traits at harvest and on the physical, visual, bio‐physiological, nutritional and anti‐nutritional characteristics change during cold storage.RESULTSThe yield was 37% higher in spring than in the overwinter cycle. Spring grown plant had leaves of lighter colour, lower in dry matter content, higher in ascorbic acid, nitrate, and total phenol content. They had higher weight loss during storage than the winter product. Fresh weight was favoured by azoxystrobin only in the non‐fertilised plants. During storage azoxystrobin reduced leaf dehydration, contrasted weight loss and the increase in phenols in leaves from fertilised plants. N supply positively affected yield, and greenness of raw and stored leaves. N fertilisation lowered weight loss due to respiration and showed a protective effect on membrane integrity during storage. Azoxystrobin proved effective in reducing nitrate leaf content.CONCLUSIONAzoxystrobin, especially in fertilised crop, is useful in improving the physiological quality, the safety, and the nutritional quality of baby spinach. A rate of 80 kg ha−1 can be suggested as optimum N fertilisation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Accelerated Solvent‐ and Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazolium‐Based Poly(Ionic Liquid)s
Authors: Obadia Mona M. , Mudraboyina Bhanu P. , Allaoua Imène , Haddane Ali , Montarnal Damien , Serghei Anatoli , Drockenmuller Eric 
Published: April 2014

A straightforward and expeditious monotopic approach for the preparation of 1,2,3‐triazolium‐based poly(ionic liquids) (TPILs) is reported. It is based on the solvent‐ and catalyst‐free polyaddition of an α‐azide‐ω‐alkyne monomer in the presence of methyl iodide or N‐methyl bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide alkylating agents. Poly(1,2,3‐triazole)s generated in bulk or by thermal azide–alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) are quaternized in‐situ to afford TPILs composed of 1,3,4‐ and 1,3,5‐trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazolium units. The physical and ion‐conducting properties of the prepared samples are compared with the TPILs composed solely of 1,3,4‐trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazolium units obtained through a multistep approach involving copper(I)‐catalyzed AAC polyaddition, quaternization of the 1,2,3‐triazole groups, and anion metathesis. TPILs obtained through the monotopic approach display thermal stabilities and ionic conductivities comparable to their pure regioisomeric analogues.
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A chromatin structure‐based model accurately predicts DNA replication timing in human cells
Authors: Gindin Yevgeniy , Valenzuela Manuel S , Aladjem Mirit I , Meltzer Paul S , Bilke Sven 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe metazoan genome is replicated in precise cell lineage‐specific temporal order. However, the mechanism controlling this orchestrated process is poorly understood as no molecular mechanisms have been identified that actively regulate the firing sequence of genome replication. Here, we develop a mechanistic model of genome replication capable of predicting, with accuracy rivaling experimental repeats, observed empirical replication timing program in humans. In our model, replication is initiated in an uncoordinated (time‐stochastic) manner at well‐defined sites. The model contains, in addition to the choice of the genomic landmark that localizes initiation, only a single adjustable parameter of direct biological relevance: the number of replication forks. We find that DNase‐hypersensitive sites are optimal and independent determinants of DNA replication initiation. We demonstrate that the DNA replication timing program in human cells is a robust emergent phenomenon that, by its very nature, does not require a regulatory mechanism determining a proper replication initiation firing sequence.
Fabrication and characterization of Cu2O, ZnO and ITO thin films toward oxide thin film solar cell by mist chemical vapor deposition method
Authors: Ikenoue Takumi , Sakamoto Shin‐ichi , Inui Yoshitaka 
Published: March 2014

AbstractN‐type zinc oxide (ZnO) and p‐type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin films were fabricated by an ultrasonic spray‐assisted mist chemical vapor deposition (mist CVD) method. The films of transparent conductive gallium‐doped ZnO (ZnO:Ga) and indium tin oxide (ITO) were also formed by the same technique. ZnO thin films have showed n‐type conductivity with carrier concentration of 3.6 × 1019 cm–3 and mobility of 8.6 cm2/V·s. Cu2O thin films showed p‐type conductivity whose carrier density and mobility were 3.3 × 1015 cm–3 and 0.20 cm2/V·s, respectively. ZnO:Ga and ITO thin films have high transmittance over 85% in visible region and low resistivity values of 2.3 × 10–3 and 1.4 × 10–4 Ω·cm, respectively. These properties are suitable for transparent electrodes of solar cells. The results encourage the successive fabrication by the same process technique of solar cell structure, that is, the multilayer structure of ITO (or conductive ZnO), n‐ZnO, and p‐Cu2O films on a glass substrate. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The development of adolescent self‐regulation: Reviewing the role of parent, peer, friend, and romantic relationships
Authors: Farley Julee P. , Kim‐Spoon Jungmeen 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTSelf‐regulation plays an important role in adolescent development, predicting success in multiple domains including school and social relationships. While researchers have paid increasing attention to the influence of parents on the development of adolescent self‐regulation, we know little about the influence of peers and friends and even less about the influence of romantic partners on adolescent development of self‐regulation. Extant studies examined a unidirectional model of self‐regulation development rather than a bidirectional model of self‐regulation development. Given that relationships and self‐regulation develop in tandem, a model of bidirectional development between relationship context and adolescent self‐regulation may be relevant. This review summarizes extant literature and proposes that in order to understand how adolescent behavioral and emotional self‐regulation develops in the context of social relationships one must consider that each relationship builds upon previous relationships and that self‐regulation and relationship context develop bidirectionally.
Initial experience of robotic anterior pelvic exenteration at a single institute
Authors: Puntambekar Shailesh , Lawande Akhil , Desai Riddhi , Puntambekar Seema , Joshi Geetanjali A. , Joshi Saurabh N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo present the initial experience with robotic anterior pelvic exenteration in patients with advanced pelvic cancer at Galaxy Care Laparoscopy Institute, Pune, India.MethodsA retrospective chart review of data from 10 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma and bladder involvement or with vault recurrence following hysterectomy who were treated at the study hospital between November 2009 and May 2011. Clinicopathologic data and postoperative data including operative time, blood loss, blood transfusions, hospital stay, lymph node yield, and complications were recorded.ResultsThe mean operative time was 180 minutes, the mean blood loss was 110 mL, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 5 days. There were no treatment‐related morbidities or mortalities. A mean parametrial clearance of 3 cm with a distal vaginal margin of 3.5 cm was achieved. All patients had tumor‐free margins. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 24. Six patients had positive lymph nodes on pathologic examination and were treated with chemoradiotherapy. At a median follow‐up of 11 months, 8 patients were disease‐free.ConclusionRobot‐assisted anterior pelvic exenteration had favorable operative, pathologic, and short‐term clinical outcomes. A large multicenter study is required to confirm the results.
Community mobilization and service strengthening to increase awareness and use of postabortion care and family planning in Kenya
Authors: Undie Chi‐Chi , Van Lith Lynn M. , Wahome Mercy , Obare Francis , Oloo Esther , Curtis Carolyn 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether a community engagement and service‐strengthening intervention raised awareness of family planning (FP) and early pregnancy bleeding (EPB), and increased FP and postabortion care (PAC) use.MethodsThe intervention was carried out in 3 communities in Kenya over 18 months; 3 additional communities served as the comparison group. A pre–post, contemporaneously controlled, quasi‐experimental evaluation was conducted independently from the intervention.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar. Awareness of FP methods increased (P ≤ 0.001) in the intervention group. The incidence of reported EPB (before 5 months of pregnancy) in the comparison group was 13.3% at baseline and 6.0% at endline (P = 0.02); 79% at baseline and 100% at endline sought care (P > 0.05). In the intervention group, recognition and reporting of EPB increased from 9.8% to 13.1% (P > 0.05); 65% sought PAC at baseline and 80% at endline (P = 0.11). The relative increase in EPB reports after the intervention was over 3 times greater in the intervention group (P ≤ 0.01).ConclusionThe intervention raised FP and EPB awareness but not FP and PAC services use. As fewer comparison group respondents reported experiencing EPB, the PAC impact of the intervention is unclear. Mechanisms to improve EPB reporting are needed to avoid this reporting bias.
Obstetric competence among primary healthcare workers in Mali
Authors: Traoré Mamadou , Arsenault Catherine , Schoemaker‐Marcotte Camille , Coulibaly Aliou , Huchon Cyrille , Dumont Alexandre , Fournier Pierre 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine individual and contextual factors associated with emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) competency among primary healthcare staff in Mali.MethodsBetween November 2011 and April 2012, a competency test was administered to 196 healthcare workers in 65 community health centers in Mali. The test was scored from 0 to 100, and differences among 5 areas of EmONC were assessed. A multilevel linear regression model was used to determine individual and contextual factors associated with score.ResultsThe mean score was 66.7 (minimum, 15.9; maximum, 97.7). Knowledge was most deficient for postpartum infection and hypertensive complications. Type of health worker, years of experience, number of days absent, and availability of guidelines for management of obstetric complications within the health center were positively associated with test score (P < 0.05). Availability of guidelines was associated with higher competency of physicians, health technicians, and obstetric nurses (P < 0.001), and seemed to influence the competency of healthcare workers with fewer than 10 years of experience in particular.ConclusionGuidelines must be developed that will facilitate standardization of the management of postpartum infection and other less common complications for which healthcare workers show low competence. Strategies to increase use of these guidelines will be necessary.
Electromagnetic radiation from laser wakefields in underdense plasma
Authors: Liu Yue , Wang Wei-Min , Sheng Zheng-Ming 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIt is demonstrated by simulations and analysis that a wakefield driven by an ultrashort intense laser pulse in underdense plasma can emit tunable electromagnetic radiation along the laser propagation direction. The profile of such a kind of radiation is closely associated with the structure of the laser wakefield. In general, electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range with its frequency a few times the electron plasma frequency can be generated in the moderate intensity regime. In the highly nonlinear case, a chain of radiation pulses is formed corresponding to the nonlinear structure of the wake. Study shows that the radiation is associated with the self-modulation process of the laser pulse in the wakefield and resulting transverse electron momenta from modulated asymmetric laser fields.
Terrestrial bird population trends on Aguiguan (Goat Island), Mariana Islands
Authors: AMIDON FRED , CAMP RICHARD J. , MARSHALL ANN P. , PRATT THANE K. , WILLIAMS LAURA , RADLEY PAUL , CRUZ JUSTINE B. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe island of Aguiguan is part of the Mariana archipelago and currently supports populations of four endemic species, including one endemic genus,Cleptornis. Bird population trends since 1982 were recently assessed on the neighbouring islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota indicating declines in some native species. Point-transect surveys were conducted in 2008 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess population densities and trends on Aguiguan. Densities for six of the nine native birds—White-throated Ground-doveGallicolumba xanthonura, Collared KingfisherTodiramphus chloris, Rufous FantailRhipidura rufifrons, Golden White-eyeCleptornis marchei, Bridled White-eyeZosterops conspicillatusand Micronesian StarlingAplonis opaca—and the non-native bird—Island Collared-doveStreptopelia bitorquata—were significantly greater in 2008 than in 1982. No differences in densities were detected among the surveys for Mariana Fruit-dovePtilinopus roseicapilla, and Micronesian MyzomelaMyzomela rubratra. Three federally and locally listed endangered birds—Nightingale Reed-warblerAcrocephalus luscinius, Mariana SwiftletCollocalia bartschi, and Micronesian MegapodeMegapodius laperous)—were either not detected during the point-transect counts, the surveys were not appropriate for the species, or the numbers of birds detected were too small to estimate densities. The factors behind the increasing trends for some species are unknown but may be related to increased forest cover on the island since 1982. With declining trends for some native species on neighbouring islands, the increasing and stable trends on Aguiguan is good news for forest bird populations in the region, as Aguiguan populations can help support conservation efforts on other islands in the archipelago.