bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of dietary supplement use among female health workers in Tehran
Authors: Baygi Fereshteh , Sotoudeh Gity , Qorbani Mostafa , Sadrzadeh-Yeganeh Haleh , Rahimi Abbass , Koohdani Fariba , Asayesh Hamid 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Background
Despite the lack of evidence on the necessity of dietary supplements to meet nutrients requirements, the majority of people use them all over the world. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with supplement use in women who work in health centers in the city of Tehran.

Methods
Five hundred sixty three female health workers participated in a cross-sectional study carried out in 2010 in health centers of Tehran. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured and body mass index was calculated. Data on demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary supplement use were collected by interviewing. The analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) in SPSS version 16.

Results
The prevalence of dietary supplement use was 53.8%. In univariate logistic regression model, age, education, husband’s education, duration of employment, and tendency for changing weight at the time of the study were statistically significant predictors (P < 0.05). After MLR analysis, education (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.17) and duration of employment (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06) remained significant in the model. Women with higher education and longer duration of employment had more tendency to use nutrient supplements.

Conclusion
Our findings showed that education and duration of employment were the most important predictors for taking dietary supplements in this population.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells survive, migrate, differentiate, and improve neurologic function in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Yuan Ting , Liao Wei , Feng Nian-Hua , Lou Yuan-Lei , Niu Xin , Zhang Ai-Jun , Wang Yang , Deng Zhi-Feng 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Stroke is a major cause of permanent neurologic damage, with few effective treatments available to restore lost function. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the potential to generate all cell types in vitro and can be generated from a stroke patient. Therefore, iPSCs are attractive donor sources of genetically identical “patient-specific” cells to hold promise in therapy for stroke. In the present study, we established a four-stage culture system by using serum-free medium and retinoic acid (RA) to differentiate iPSCs into neural stem cells (NSCs) effectively and stably. Our hypothesis was that iPSC-derived NSCs would survive, migrate, and differentiate in vivo, and improve neurologic function after transplantation into the brains of rats with ischemic stroke.

Methods
Human iPSCs (iPS-S-01) and human ESCs (HuES17) were used to differentiate into NSCs by using our four-stage culture system. iPSCs and differentiated NSCs were characterized by immunocytochemistry staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. After establishment of focal cerebral ischemia with occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and cell transplantation, animals were killed at 1 week and 2 weeks to analyze survival, migration, and differentiation of implanted cells in brain tissue. Animal behavior was evaluated via rope grabbing, beam walking, and Morris water maze tests.

Results
iPSCs were efficiently induced into NSCs by using a newly established four-stage induction system in vitro. iPSCs expressed pluripotency-associated genes Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog before NSC differentiation. The iPSC-derived NSCs spontaneously differentiated into neurons and astrocytes, which highly express β-tubulin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), respectively. On transplantation into the striatum, CM-DiI labeled iPSC-derived NSCs were found to migrate into the ischemia area at 1 week and 2 weeks, and animal-function recovery was significantly improved in comparison with control groups at 3 weeks.

Conclusions
The four-stage induction system is stable and effective to culture, differentiate, and induce iPSCs to NSCs by using serum-free medium combined with retinoic acid (RA). Implanted iPSC-derived NSCs were able to survive, migrate into the ischemic brain area to differentiate into mature neural cells, and seem to have potential to restore lost neurologic function from damage due to stroke in a rat model.
Kupffer cells potentiate liver sinusoidal endothelial cell injury in sepsis by ligating programmed cell death ligand-1
Authors: Hutchins Noelle A , Wang Fei , Wang Yvonne , Chung Chun-Shiang , Ayala Alfred 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTPD-1 and PD-L1 have been reported to provide peripheral tolerance by inhibiting TCR-mediated activation. We have reported that PD-L1−/− animals are protected from sepsis-induced mortality and immune suppression. Whereas studies indicate that LSECs normally express PD-L1, which is also thought to maintain local immune liver tolerance by ligating the receptor PD-1 on T lymphocytes, the role of PD-L1 in the septic liver remains unknown. Thus, we hypothesized initially that PD-L1 expression on LSECs protects them from sepsis-induced injury. We noted that the increased vascular permeability and pSTAT3 protein expression in whole liver from septic animals were attenuated in the absence of PD-L1. Isolated LSECs taken from septic animals, which exhibited increased cell death, declining cell numbers, reduced cellular proliferation, and VEGFR2 expression (an angiogenesis marker), also showed improved cell numbers, proliferation, and percent VEGFR2+ levels in the absence of PD-L1. We also observed that sepsis induced an increase of liver F4/80+PD-1+-expressing KCs and increased PD-L1 expression on LSECs. Interestingly, PD-L1 expression levels on LSECs decreased when PD-1+-expressing KCs were depleted with clodronate liposomes. Contrary to our original hypothesis, we document here that increased interactions between PD-1+ KCs and PD-L1+ LSECs appear to lead to the decline of normal endothelial function—essential to sustain vascular integrity and prevent ALF. Importantly, we uncover an underappreciated pathological aspect of PD-1:PD-L1 ligation during inflammation that is independent of its normal, immune-suppressive activity.
Diet-Induced Obesity Increases Tumor Growth and Promotes Anaplastic Change in Thyroid Cancer in a Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Won Gu , Park Jeong Won , Willingham Mark C. , Cheng Sheue-yann 
Published: June 2013

AbstractRecent epidemiological studies provide strong evidence suggesting obesity is a risk factor in several cancers, including thyroid cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms by which obesity increases the risk of thyroid cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effect of diet-induced obesity on thyroid carcinogenesis in a mouse model that spontaneously develops thyroid cancer (ThrbPV/PVPten+/− mice). These mice harbor a mutated thyroid hormone receptor-β (denoted as PV) and haplodeficiency of the Pten gene. A high-fat diet (HFD) efficiently induced the obese phenotype in ThrbPV/PVPten+/− mice after 15 weeks. Thyroid tumor growth was markedly greater and survival was significantly lower in ThrbPV/PVPten+/− mice fed an HFD than in controls fed a low-fat diet (LFD). The HFD increased thyroid tumor cell proliferation by increasing the protein levels of cyclin D1 and phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein to propel cell cycle progression. Histopathological analysis showed that the frequency of anaplasia of thyroid cancer was significantly greater (2.6-fold) in the HFD group than the LFD group. The HFD treatment led to an increase in parametrial/epididymal fat pad and elevated serum leptin levels in ThrbPV/PVPten+/− mice. Further molecular analyses indicated that the HFD induced more aggressive pathological changes that were mediated by increased activation of the Janus kinase 2-signaling transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway and induction of STAT3 target gene expression. Our findings demonstrate that diet-induced obesity exacerbates thyroid cancer progression in ThrbPV/PVPten+/− mice and suggest that the STAT3 signaling pathway could be tested as a potential target for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
New Ionic Plastic Crystals of NR4BEt3Me (R = Me and Et) and NRxR′4−xBEt3Me (R = Et, R′ = Me and Pr, x = 1–3) in a New Class of Plastic Crystals
Authors: Hayasaki Tomoyuki , Hirakawa Satoru , Honda Hisashi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
New ionic plastic crystals of NR4BEt3Me (R = Me and Et) and NRxR′4−xBEt3Me (R = Et, R′ = Me and Pr, x = 1–3) were formed in a new region of plastic crystal. In this area, globular cations and anions are assembled by weak interactions. On the basis of our results of 1H and 13C NMR spectra and electrical conductivity measurements, we could conclude that isotropic reorientation and self-diffusion of globular cations and anions were detected in the crystal. X-ray diffraction (XRD) lines observed in RxR′4−xBEt3Me (R = Et, R′ = Me, x = 0–4) revealed a CsCl-type cubic crystal structure. Additionally, DSC spectra revealed that this new class of plastic crystals displays low phase-transition temperatures in the plastic phase and have high melting points. The former tendency is frequently detected in molecular plastic crystals while the latter is often found in ionic plastic crystals.
Different Photochromic Rates of Azopyridine Derivatives in New Dual Photoisomeric Cobaloxime Complex Crystals
Authors: Yamagiwa Hiroki , Sekine Akiko 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Two cobaloxime complexes, namely (3-cyanopropyl)(3-phenylazopyridine)cobaloxime and (3-cyanopropyl)(4-phenylazopyridine)cobaloxime, were synthesized as new dual photoisomeric complexes for controlling the reactivity of trans–cis photoisomerization of phenylazopyridine derivatives in the solid state. The phenylazopyridine moieties of the crystals were transformed from the trans to the cis-form on exposure to UV light. In contrast, the 3-cyanopropyl groups of the crystals were isomerized to 1-cyanopropyl groups on irradiation with visible light. Moreover, the 3–1 photoisomerization of the 3-cyanopropyl group occurred with retention of the single-crystal form. The rates of the trans–cis transformations of the phenylazopyridine moieties of the crystals before the 3–1 phototransformation were compared with those after the phototransformation in the solid state. For the two crystals, the rates of the trans–cis phototransformations significantly increased after 3–1 photoisomerization. The crystal structures before and after 3–1 photoisomerization were analyzed. The free space around the phenylazopyridine moieties expanded as a result of 3–1 photoisomerization. It is clear that the reaction rates of the trans–cis transformations of the phenylazopyridine moieties on exposure to UV light can be modified by introducing another photoreactive group that is photoisomerized by visible light.
A Reworkable Photothermal Dual-curing System
Authors: Adachi Masanori , Okamura Haruyuki , Shirai Masamitsu 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A reworkable photothermal dual-curing system was devised using an epoxide and methacrylates with acid anhydride units connected with tertiary ester linkages. The mixture of these compounds was curable by photoirradiation at 365 nm and subsequent heating. The cured sample can be redissolved in methanol after irradiation at 254 nm followed by baking above 100 °C. The system is useful for the development of high-performance UV-curing materials.
Rational Design of a Fluorescence-amplified Aptasensor Based on Enzyme-assisted Target Recycling Strategy
Authors: Nakao Shingo , Oishi Motoi 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A fluorescence-amplified sensing system composed of a fluorophore-labeled adenosine DNA-aptamer/quencher-labeled capture DNA duplex, assistant DNA, and exonuclease III (Exo III) was designed and prepared. The newly constructed enzyme-assisted aptasensor exhibited amplification of fluorescent signal in response to adenosine (target) through an Exo III-assisted target recycling process.
Deregulated Serum Concentrations of Circulating Cell–Free MicroRNAs miR-17, miR-34a, miR-155, and miR-373 in Human Breast Cancer Development and Progression
Authors: Eichelser Corinna , Flesch-Janys Dieter , Chang-Claude Jenny , Pantel Klaus , Schwarzenbach Heidi 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND
MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, noncoding RNAs that target genes involved in tumor development and progression. In the current study, we investigated the use of circulating miR concentrations as biomarkers in the serum of breast cancer patients.

METHODS
We analyzed serum samples from 120 patients with primary breast cancer after surgery and before chemotherapy (M0, classified into 3 subgroups of 40 patients with progesterone/estrogen-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative cancer), 32 patients with overt metastasis (M1), and 40 healthy women. Using quantitative TaqMan MicroRNA PCR, we measured the relative concentrations of 6 circulating microRNAs (miR-10b, -17, -34a, -93, -155, and -373) known to be relevant for tumor development and progression. The data were correlated with clinicopathologic risk factors, with particular reference to HER2 and hormone receptor status of the primary tumor and the presence of metastases.

RESULTS
The relative serum concentrations of circulating miR-34a [P = 0.013, area under the curve (AUC) 0.636], miR-93 (P = 0.001, AUC 0.699), and miR-373 (P = 0.0001, AUC 0.879) were significantly different between M0 breast cancer patients and healthy women, whereas miR-17 (P = 0.002, AUC 0.679) and miR-155 (P = 0.0001, AUC 0.781) were differently expressed between M0 and M1 patients. Increased concentrations of miR-373 were associated with negative HER2 status of the primary tumor (P = 0.0001). Deregulated concentrations of miR-17 (P = 0.019) and miR-34a (P = 0.029) were detected in patients with progesterone/estrogen receptor–positive and –negative status, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that serum concentrations of deregulated microRNAs may be linked to a particular biology of breast carcinomas favoring progression and metastatic spread.
Complete Numerical Solution of the Diffusion Equation of Random Genetic Drift
Authors: Zhao Lei , Yue Xingye , Waxman David 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A numerical method is presented to solve the diffusion equation for the random genetic drift that occurs at a single unlinked locus with two alleles. The method was designed to conserve probability, and the resulting numerical solution represents a probability distribution whose total probability is unity. We describe solutions of the diffusion equation whose total probability is unity as complete. Thus the numerical method introduced in this work produces complete solutions, and such solutions have the property that whenever fixation and loss can occur, they are automatically included within the solution. This feature demonstrates that the diffusion approximation can describe not only internal allele frequencies, but also the boundary frequencies zero and one. The numerical approach presented here constitutes a single inclusive framework from which to perform calculations for random genetic drift. It has a straightforward implementation, allowing it to be applied to a wide variety of problems, including those with time-dependent parameters, such as changing population sizes. As tests and illustrations of the numerical method, it is used to determine: (i) the probability density and time-dependent probability of fixation for a neutral locus in a population of constant size; (ii) the probability of fixation in the presence of selection; and (iii) the probability of fixation in the presence of selection and demographic change, the latter in the form of a changing population size.
Probing the Boundaries of Orthology: The Unanticipated Rapid Evolution ofDrosophila centrosomin
Authors: Eisman Robert C , Kaufman Thomas C 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe rapid evolution of essential developmental genes and their protein products is both intriguing and problematic. The rapid evolution of gene products with simple protein folds and a lack of well-characterized functional domains typically result in a low discovery rate of orthologous genes. Additionally, in the absence of orthologs it is difficult to study the processes and mechanisms underlying rapid evolution. In this study, we have investigated the rapid evolution of centrosomin (cnn), an essential gene encoding centrosomal protein isoforms required during syncytial development in Drosophila melanogaster. Until recently the rapid divergence of cnn made identification of orthologs difficult and questionable because Cnn violates many of the assumptions underlying models for protein evolution. To overcome these limitations, we have identified a group of insect orthologs and present conserved features likely to be required for the functions attributed to cnn in D. melanogaster. We also show that the rapid divergence of Cnn isoforms is apparently due to frequent coding sequence indels and an accelerated rate of intronic additions and eliminations. These changes appear to be buffered by multi-exon and multi-reading frame maximum potential ORFs, simple protein folds, and the splicing machinery. These buffering features also occur in other genes in Drosophila and may help prevent potentially deleterious mutations due to indels in genes with large coding exons and exon-dense regions separated by small introns. This work promises to be useful for future investigations of cnn and potentially other rapidly evolving genes and proteins.
A New Family of Anionic Surfactants for Enhanced-Oil-Recovery Applications
Authors: Gao Bo , Sharma Mukul M. 
Published: June 2013

Summary
A new family of anionic surfactants that has great potential for enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) applications was synthesized and characterized in our laboratory. The unique and versatile structure of these surfactants has endowed them with properties that are attractive for EOR. A detailed experimental study was carried out and is presented here on the oil/water and solid/water interfacial properties of seven novel molecules.
The interfacial properties of this series of seven anionic surfactants with different lengths of hydrophobic tail and linking spacer group show systematic trends in interfacial tension (IFT) and static adsorption density with changes in solution conditions. These molecules showed excellent aqueous stability even in high-salinity and hard brines. Ultralow IFT (ULIFT) values were measured at low surfactant concentrations. The synthesized Gemini surfactants also showed lower maximal adsorption densities than the conventional single-chain surfactants. The results from this study showed the potential of using these surfactants at low concentrations and in harsh reservoir conditions.
A New 3D Compositional Model for Hydraulic Fracturing With Energized Fluids
Authors: Ribeiro Lionel H. , Sharma Mukul M. 
Published: June 2013

Summary
While several 3D fracturing models exist for incompressible water-based fluids, none are able to capture the thermal and compositional effects that are important when using energized fluids such as CO2, N2, LPG, and foams. This paper introduces a new 3D, compositional, non-isothermal fracturing model. The new model predicts changes in temperature and fluid density. These changes are treated on a firm theoretical basis by using an energy-balance equation and an equation of state, both in the fracture and in the wellbore. The model is capable of handling any multicomponent mixture of fluids and chemicals. Changes in phase behavior with temperature, pressure, and composition can be modeled.
A new simulator has been developed based on the compositional model presented in this paper. The simulator is validated for traditional fluid formulations against known analytical solutions and against a well-established commercial fracturing simulator. Results from the new simulator are then presented for energized fluids such as CO2 and LPG. In particular, the compositional model shows how fluid expansion and viscosity reduction impact fracture growth. These effects are not captured by traditional fracturing simulators. The compositional tool is specifically suited for fracture design in formations in which energized fluids constitute a viable alternative to traditional fracturing fluids.
Comparing the use of two kinds of droop control under microgrid islanded operation mode
Authors: Gao Dengke , Jiang Jianguo , Qiao Shutong 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
A microgrid with parallel structure operating under islanded mode is considered in this paper. Under microgrid islanded operation mode, lines bring adverse effect for power distribution between microsources (MSs). Because traditional droop control ignores this effect, MSs adopting this method can not achieve satisfactory power distribution. A kind of droop control including line compensation applied to this microgrid is proposed. It can eliminate this effect to obtain satisfactory power distribution. The relationship of two kinds of droop control with power distribution is analyzed. The reference voltage generated by droop control is applied to control output voltage of MSs. Comparison of two kinds of droop control through MATLAB/Simulink simulation is made to verify the superiority of droop control including line compensation for power distribution. The relationship between PCC voltage and output power of MSs is also presented.
Equilibrium of chiral extraction of 4-nitro-d,l-phenylalanine with BINAP metal complexes
Authors: Liu Jia-Jia , Wu Guo-Hui , Tang Ke-Wen , Liu Xiong , Zhang Pan-Liang 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe enantioselective extraction of 4-nitro-phenylalanine (Nphy) was studied with metal-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAP) complexes as the chiral selector. The complex with palladium (BINAP-Pd) exhibits the highest selectivity out of the selectors studied, which is solubilised in the organic phase and preferentially extracts d-Nphy from the aqueous phase. Efficiency of extraction depends, often substantially, on a number of process variables, including types of organic solvents and metal precursors, concentration of ligand, pH, and temperature. A reactive extraction model was established to interpret the experimental data. The equilibrium formation constants and other important parameters required by the model were determined experimentally. The equilibrium formation constants were 6.73 and 1.93 for d-Nphy and l-Nphy. By way of modelling and experiment, an optimal extraction condition with pH of 7 and BINAP-Pd concentration of 1 mmol L−1 was obtained with enantioselectivity (α) of 3.37, which was close to the maximum of 3.48, and a performance factor (pf) of 0.195. The model was verified experimentally with excellent results.
Synthesis of a photoactive gemini surfactant and its use in AGET ATRP miniemulsion polymerisation and UV curing
Authors: Cheng Chuan-Jie , Bai Xiong-Xiong , Fan Wu-Qin , Wu Hai-Ming , Shen Liang , Huang Qing-Hua , Tu Yuan-Ming 
Published: June 2013

AbstractA novel photoactive gemini surfactant was easily synthesised in high yields. The multi-functional molecule can be used as a gemini surfactant, a benzophenone type photoinitiator, and as an ATRP initiator. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(allyl methacrylate) (PMMA-b-PAMA) were prepared using the photoactive gemini surfactant as an ATRP initiator under soap-free miniemulsion polymerisation conditions. Kinetic results of the miniemulsion polymerisation of methyl methacrylate (MMA) indicate that the reaction has controlled/living characteristics. UV curing was performed by irradiation of the linear PMMA-b-PAMA polymer, in which PMMA-b-PAMA containing a benzophenone moiety functioned as a macromolecular photoinitiator.