bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incident light adjustable solar cell by periodic nanolens architecture
Authors: Yun Ju-Hyung , Lee Eunsongyi , Park Hyeong-Ho , Kim Dong-Wook , Anderson Wayne A. , Kim Joondong , Litchinitser Natalia M. , Zeng Jinwei , Yi Junsin , Kumar M. Melvin David , Sun Jingbo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCould nanostructures act as lenses to focus incident light for efficient utilization of photovoltaics? Is it possible, in order to avoid serious recombination loss, to realize periodic nanostructures in solar cells without direct etching in a light absorbing semiconductor? Here we propose and demonstrate a promising architecture to shape nanolenses on a planar semiconductor. Optically transparent and electrically conductive nanolenses simultaneously provide the optical benefit of modulating the incident light and the electrical advantage of supporting carrier transportation. A transparent indium-tin-oxide (ITO) nanolens was designed to focus the incident light-spectrum in focal lengths overlapping to a strong electric field region for high carrier collection efficiency. The ITO nanolens effectively broadens near-zero reflection and provides high tolerance to the incident light angles. We present a record high light-conversion efficiency of 16.0% for a periodic nanostructured Si solar cell.
AP2 suppresses osteoblast differentiation and mineralization through down-regulation of Frizzled-1
Authors: Yu Shibing , Yerges-Armstrong Laura M. , Chu Yanxia , Zmuda Joseph M. , Zhang Yingze 
Published: November 2014

Transcription factor activating protein 2 (AP2) plays an important role in cellular differentiation. Although profound craniofacial and long bone developmental abnormalities have been observed in AP2-knockout mice, the molecular effects of AP2 on osteoblasts are poorly defined. We demonstrated that AP2 regulates the expression of human Frizzled 1 (FZD1), a co-receptor for the Wnt signalling pathway, in human osteoblast cell lines and primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). We also identified a putative AP2-binding site in the FZD1 proximal promoter in silico and characterized this binding element further in Saos2 in vitro by ChIP, electrophoretic mobility shift and promoter reporter assays. The transcriptional repression of the FZD1 promoter by AP2 was confirmed in normal human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB). Furthermore, overexpression of AP2 resulted in a significant reduction in both differentiation and mineralization of Saos2 cells. Knockdown of FZD1 expression before AP2 up-regulation diminished the AP2-dependent inhibition of Saos2 cell differentiation and mineralization. Similarly, overexpressing FZD1 before AP2 treatment in both Saos2 and BMSCs diminished the inhibitory effect of AP2 on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AP2 is a negative regulator of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, and its inhibitory effect may be mediated in part through down-regulation of FZD1 expression.
Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit D inhibits proliferation of HCT116 colon cancer cells
Authors: Yu Xiaojun , Zheng Bo’an , Chai Rui 
Published: November 2014

Dysregulation of protein synthesis is emerging as a major contributory factor in cancer development. eIF3D (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit D) is one member of the eIF3 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3) family, which is essential for initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Acquaintance with eIF3D is little since it has been identified as a dispensable subunit of eIF3 complex. Recently, eIF3D was found to embed somatic mutations in human colorectal cancers, indicating its importance for tumour progression. To further probe into its action in colon cancer, we utilized lentivirus-mediated RNA interference to knock down eIF3D expression in one colon cancer cell line HCT116. Knockdown of eIF3D in HCT116 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that depletion of eIF3D led to cell-cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and induced an excess accumulation of HCT116 cells in the sub-G1 phase representing apoptotic cells. Signalling pathways responsible for cell growth and apoptosis have also been found altered after eIF3D silencing, such as AMPKα (AMP-activated protein kinase alpha), Bad, PRAS40 [proline-rich Akt (PKB) substrate of 40 kDa], SAPK (stress-activated protein kinase)/JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), GSK3β and PARP [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase]. Taken together, these findings suggest that eIF3D might play an important role in colon cancer progression.
siRNA-mediated knockdown against NUF2 suppresses pancreatic cancer proliferation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hu Peng , Chen Xi , Sun Jing , Bie Ping , Zhang Lei-Da 
Published: November 2014

NUF2 (NUF2, Ndc80 kinetochore complex component) plays an important role in kinetochore-microtubule attachment. It has been reported that NUF2 is associated with multiple human cancers. However, the functional role of NUF2 in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. In this study, we found that NUF2 expression was stronger in tumour tissues than in normal pancreatic tissues, and its overexpression could be related to poor prognosis. Moreover, NUF2 was highly expressed in several human pancreatic cancer cell lines. We took advantage of lentivirus-mediated siRNA (small interfering RNA) to suppress NUF2 expression in PANC-1 and Sw1990 cell lines aiming to investigate the role of NUF2 in pancreatic cancer. NUF2 silencing by RANi (RNA interference) reduced the proliferation and colony formation ability of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Cell cycle analysis showed that NUF2 knockdown induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase via suppression of Cyclin B1, Cdc2 and Cdc25A. More importantly, NUF2 silencing was able to alleviate in vivo tumourigenesis in pancreatic cancer xenograft nude mice. Collectively, the present study indicates that the siRNA-mediated knockdown against NUF2 may be a promising therapeutic method for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Interval and continuous exercise regimens suppress neutrophil-derived microparticle formation and neutrophil-promoted thrombin generation under hypoxic stress
Authors: Chen Yi-Ching , Ho Ching-Wen , Tsai Hsing-Hua , Wang Jong-Shyan 
Published: November 2014

Acute hypoxic exposure increases vascular thrombotic risk. The release of procoagulant-rich microparticles from neutrophils accelerates the pathogenesis of inflammatory thrombosis. The present study explicates the manner in which interval and continuous exercise regimens affect neutrophil-derived microparticle (NDMP) formation and neutrophil/NDMP-mediated thrombin generation (TG) under hypoxic condition. A total of 60 sedentary males were randomized to perform either aerobic interval training [AIT; 3-min intervals at 40% and 80% V̇O2max (maximal O2 consumption)] or moderate continuous training (MCT; sustained 60% V̇O2max) for 30 min/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks, or to a control (CTL) group who did not receive any form of training. At rest and immediately after hypoxic exercise test (HE, 100 W under 12% O2 for 30 min), the NDMP characteristics and dynamic TG were measured by flow cytometry and thrombinography respectively. Before the intervention, HE (i) elevated coagulant factor VIII/fibrinogen concentrations and shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), (ii) increased total and tissue factor (TF)-rich/phosphatidylserine (PS)-exposed NDMP counts and (iii) enhanced the peak height and rate of TG promoted by neutrophils/NDMPs. Following the 5-week intervention, AIT exhibited higher enhancement of V̇O2max than did MCT. Notably, both MCT and AIT attenuated the extents of HE-induced coagulant factor VIII/fibrinogen elevations and aPTT shortening. Furthermore, the two exercise regimens significantly decreased TF-rich/PS-exposed NDMP formation and depressed neutrophil/NDMP-mediated dynamic TG at rest and following HE. Hence, we conclude that AIT is superior to MCT for enhancing aerobic capacity. Moreover, either AIT or MCT effectively ameliorates neutrophil/NDMP-promoted TG by down-regulating expression of procoagulant factors during HE, which may reduce thrombotic risk evoked by hypoxia. Moreover, either AIT or MCT effectively ameliorates neutrophil/NDMP-promoted TG by down-regulating expression of procoagulant factors during HE, which may reduce thrombotic risk evoked by hypoxia.
Racial Differences in Abnormal Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring Measures: Results From the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study
Authors: Muntner Paul , Lewis Cora E. , Diaz Keith M. , Carson April P. , Kim Yongin , Calhoun David , Yano Yuichiro , Viera Anthony J. , Shimbo Daichi 
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND
Several ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) measures have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk independent of clinic blood pressure (BP). African Americans have higher clinic BP compared with Whites but few data are available on racial differences in ABPM measures.

METHODS
We compared ABPM measures between African American (n = 178) and White (n = 103) participants at the Year 5 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study visit. BP was measured during a study visit and the second and third measurements were averaged. ABPM was conducted over the following 24 hours.

RESULTS
Mean ± SD age of participants was 29.8±3.8 years and 30.8±3.5 years for African Americans and Whites, respectively. Mean daytime systolic BP (SBP) was 3.90 (SD 1.18) mm Hg higher among African Americans compared with Whites (P &lt; 0.001) after age–gender adjustment and 1.71 (SD 1.03) mm Hg higher after multivariable adjustment including mean clinic SBP (P = 0.10). After multivariable adjustment including mean clinic SBP, nighttime SBP was 4.83 (SD 1.11) mm Hg higher among African Americans compared with Whites (P &lt; 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, the African Americans were more likely than Whites to have nocturnal hypertension (prevalence ratio: 2.44, 95% CI: 0.99–6.05) and nondipping (prevalence ratio: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.39–4.48). The prevalence of masked hypertension among African Americans and Whites was 4.4% and 2.1%, respectively, (P = 0.49) and white coat hypertension was 3.3% and 3.9%, respectively (P = 0.99). Twenty-four hour BP variability on ABPM was higher among African Americans compared with Whites.

CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest racial differences in several ABPM measures exist.
First Report of Cherry Stem Rot and Leaf Necrosis Disease Caused by Phytophthora nicotianae in Yantai, China
Authors: Yu X. L. , Liu X. Q. , Wang P. S. , Wang Y. Z. 
Published: November 2014

Cherry (Cerasus avium (Linn.) Moench) is the third most economically important fruit in Yantai, Shandong Province, China. In August 2012, brown spots or necrosis on cherry seedling leaves, with an incidence of 8.2 to 34.3%, were observed in some fields of cherry seedlings in Yantai. Our survey indicated that the economic losses could reach up to 15.3% if disease conditions, such as a cool rainy summer season, were favorable. Conspicuous watery lesions on the stems turned to brown streaks; the leaves all wilted; and finally the plants collapsed. Diseased stem and leaf samples were surface-disinfected in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, rinsed three times in sterile water, which was absorbed with filter paper, and then transferred to 10% V8 juice agar medium containing 50 μg/ml ampicillin and 5 μg/ml carbendazim (1). The plates were incubated at 22°C in the dark for 5 days. The colonies consisted of white, loose, fluffy aerial mycelia. Eight isolates were obtained, and all were identified as Phytophthora nicotianae based on morphological characteristics and the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA. The sporangia were ovoid/spherical, obturbinate with rounded bases and prominent papillae that were 37.5 to 62.5 × 30 to 50 μm (average 46.4 × 37.8 μm, n = 100) in size, with an average length-to-breadth ratio of 1.2. Chlamydospores were terminal, intercalary, and measured 19 to 42 μm (average 30.4 μm), which is typical of P. nicotianae (2). The genomic DNA of the eight isolates was extracted from mycelia. The ITS region of all eight isolates was amplified using primers ITS1 and ITS4, producing specific products that were directly sequenced. The sequence of a representative isolate P1401 (895 bp) was submitted to GenBank (Accession No. KJ754387). It was 100% similar to P. nicotianae strains NV-20T and TARI 22073 (KC768775 and GU111667). To confirm the pathogenicity, at least 10 cherry leaves and new stems were inoculated with mycelial plugs (5 × 5 mm) from each isolate. Necrosis of leaves and stems was observed 4 and 7 days after inoculation, respectively. No symptoms were observed on the control leaves and stems that were inoculated with blank agar plugs. P. nicotianae was re-isolated from the infected leaves, and the ITS sequence was analyzed to confirm its identity. Phytophthora species, such as P. cambivora, P. megasperma, and P. drechsleri, had been previously isolated from cherry (3), but to the best of our knowledge this is the first report of stem rot and leaf necrosis disease caused by P. nicotianae on cherry. Since the economic loss caused by this disease could reach 15% if an outbreak occurred in a rainy summer, control measures should be implemented. References: (1) Y. Balci et al. Mycol. Res. 112:906, 2008. (2) D. C. Erwin and O. K. Ribeiro. Phytophthora Diseases Worldwide. The American Phytopathological Society, St Paul, MN, 1996. (2) S. M. Mircetich and M. E. Matheron. Phytopathology 66:549, 1976.
Postoperative Bladder Catheterization Based on Individual Bladder Capacity
Authors: Brouwer Tammo A. , Rosier Peter F. W. M. , Moons Karel G. M. , Zuithoff Nicolaas P. A. , van Roon Eric N. , Kalkman Cor J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Background:
Untreated postoperative urinary retention can result in permanent lower urinary tract dysfunction and can be prevented by timely bladder catheterization. The author hypothesized that the incidence of postoperative bladder catheterization can be decreased by using the patient’s own maximum bladder capacity (MBC) instead of a fixed bladder volume of 500 ml as a threshold for catheterization.

Methods:
Randomized parallel-arm and single-blinded comparative effectiveness trial conducted in 1,840 surgical patients, operated under general or spinal anesthesia without an indwelling urinary catheter. Patients were randomized to either use their individual MBC (index) or a fixed bladder volume of 500 ml (control) as a threshold for postoperative bladder catheterization. Preoperatively, the MBC was determined at home by voiding in a calibrated bowl. All other bladder volumes were measured by ultrasound. Postoperatively, bladder catheterization was performed when spontaneous voiding was impossible, and the ultrasound measurement exceeded the threshold for the group in which the patient was randomized (500 or MBC). The primary outcome was the incidence of bladder catheterization.

Results:
The average MBC in the control group was 582 ml (±199 ml) and in the index group 611 ml (±209 ml). The incidence of catheterization decreased from 11.8% (107 of 909 patients) in the control group to 8.6% (80 of 931) in the index group (relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.96, P = 0.025). There were no adverse events in either group.

Conclusions:
In patients undergoing surgery under general or spinal anesthesia using the MBC rather than a fixed 500 ml threshold for bladder catheterization is a safe approach that significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative bladder catheterizations.
Effect of Minocycline on Lumbar Radicular Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Vanelderen Pascal , Van Zundert Jan , Kozicz Tamás , Puylaert Martine , De Vooght Pieter , Mestrum Roel , Heylen René , Roubos Eric , Vissers Kris 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAbstract
In a controlled trial of 60 patients with subacute lumbar radicular pain, a 2-week treatment with minocycline or amitriptyline reduced pain compared to placebo. Reductions in pain over this short time period were small and unlikely to be clinically significant.

Background:
Less than 50% of patients experience sufficient pain relief with current drug therapy for neuropathic pain. Minocycline shows promising results in rodent models of neuropathic pain but was not studied in humans with regard to the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Methods:
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients with subacute lumbar radicular pain received placebo, amitriptyline 25 mg, or minocycline 100 mg once a day (n = 20 per group) for 14 days. Primary outcome measure was the pain intensity in the leg as measured by a numeric rating scale ranging from 0 to 10 on days 7 and 14. Secondary outcome measures were the reduction of neuropathic pain symptoms in the leg as determined with a neuropathic pain questionnaire, consumption of rescue medication, and adverse events on days 7 and 14.

Results:
Sixty patients were randomized and included in an intention-to-treat analysis. After 14 days, patients in the minocycline and amitriptyline groups reported a reduction of 1.47 (95% confidence interval, 0.16–2.83; P = 0.035) and 1.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.05–2.78; P = 0.043), respectively, in the numeric rating scale compared to the placebo group. No differences were seen in the neuropathic pain questionnaire values at any time point during treatment between the three groups. The rate of adverse events in the amitriptyline group was 10% versus none in the minocycline and placebo groups. No differences were noted in the consumption of rescue medication.

Conclusions:
Although both groups differed from placebo, their effect size was small and therefore not likely to be clinically meaningful.
Self-referrals in a Dutch Emergency Department: how appropriate are they?
Authors: Kraaijvanger Nicole , Rijpsma Douwe , van Leeuwen Henk , van Dijk Nadine , Edwards Michael 
Published: November 2014

Objective
Self-referred visits account for an average of 30% of all Emergency Department (ED) visits in the Netherlands. Some of these are considered inappropriate, because patients receive care that a GP can provide. Worldwide, studies have used various methods to determine the proportion of inappropriate visits by self-referred patients, resulting in diverging percentages. The aim of this study was to find a reliable percentage of appropriate visits to the ED by self-referred patients in the Netherlands.

Methods
This observational, prospective study was performed in the ED of a hospital in the Netherlands. Data were collected on all self-referred patients in four separate months over 1 year. The appropriateness of an ED visit was determined at two time points: first, after primary assessment of the patient, using predefined criteria, and second the moment the patient left the ED, on the basis of the diagnosis and treatment received. Finally, the perspective of the patients was taken into account using a questionnaire.

Results
In 4 months 3196 self-referred patients were included. In all, 1862 (58.8%) visits were classified as appropriate according to the predefined criteria. When the second time point was taken into consideration, 48.1% of the patients had a secondary care diagnosis and/or needed secondary care treatment, classifying their visits as appropriate. According to the opinion of the patients 76.7% classified their visit as appropriate.

Conclusion
The percentage of appropriate ED visits by self-referred patients in the Netherlands ranges from 48.1 to 58.8%, as determined using two different methods.
Gastroesophageal Reflux in Young Children and Adolescents
Authors: Quitadamo Paolo , Di Nardo Giovanni , Miele Erasmo , Campione Severo , Mancusi Valeria , Oliva Salvatore , Rossi Paolo , Tiberti Antonio , Staiano Annamaria , D'Armiento Maria 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTBackground:The pediatric literature about the correlation between symptoms and histological lesions in patients investigated for gastroesophageal reflux disease is scarce and inconclusive. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the relation between the complained symptom severity and the esophageal histological grade, through the use of validated and reliable scores.Methods:All children ages between 2 and 17 years referred to perform upper gastrointestinal endoscopy because of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms were asked to complete the Pediatric Gastroesophageal Symptom and Quality of Life validated questionnaire, investigating the main symptoms complained and their impact on daily life and school activities. Esophageal mucosal samples taken during the procedure were analyzed and scored according to the Yerian‐Fiocca classification.Results:A total of 164 children were included in the study. No significant association was found between symptomatic score and histological score (rs: 0.05, P: 0.49). Even when focusing only on adolescents with heartburn or chest pain, no correlation between symptom severity and esophageal lesions was found (rs: −0.18, P: 0.264). Intercellular space diameter values did not mirror symptom severity.Conclusions:The main finding of this study on children with reflux symptoms is the lack of correlation between symptom severity and esophageal histological grade. The magnitude of intercellular spaces was found not to be related with the clinical score as well.
Surgery and Postoperative Recurrence in Children With Crohn Disease
Authors: Hansen Lars F. , Jakobsen Christian , Paerregaard Anders , Qvist Niels , Wewer Vibeke 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:The aim of this study was to describe surgery rates, complications, and risk of disease recurrence after surgery in paediatric Crohn disease (CD).Methods:Children <18 years with a diagnosis of CD and a least 1 intestinal resection from the period January 1, 1978 to December 31, 2007 were identified using the Danish National Patient Registry. Patient charts were used to extract data.Results:A total of 115 of 422 children with CD, who had surgery in 2 referral centres, were further studied. Disease extension according to the Montreal classification at the time of operation was available in 106/115 patients: B1, 39/106 (37%); B2, 59/106 (56%); and B3, 8/106 (7%). Before/after surgery 89%/36% of the patients received corticosteroids, 26%/61% azathioprine, and 15%/34% infliximab. Ileocoecal resection was performed in 54 (47%); 17 (15%) underwent ileal resection, 21 (18%) colectomy, 13 (11%) hemicolectomy, and 10 (9%) a combined colonic and ileal resection. Median time from diagnosis to surgery was 23 months (range 0–147). The median follow‐up time after surgery was 121 months (16–226), and median time to disease recurrence was 12 months (3–160). The cumulative clinical recurrence rates at 1, 5, and 10 years were 50%, 73%, and 77%, respectively. More than 1 bowel resection was needed in 39%. Postoperative azathioprine treatment did not affect rate of recurrence after surgery.Conclusions:In this large cohort of children with CD studied for >10 years postoperatively, we found a high postoperative recurrence rate of disease and a frequent need for >1 intestinal resection.