bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical characteristics of human IgG Fc fragments that expose regulatory rheumatoid factor neoepitopes and may show promise as antirheumatic agents
Authors: Sidorov Alexandr , Beduleva Liubov , Menshikov Igor , Terentiev Alexey , Cherepanov Igor 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPreviously, we showed that immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc fragments can expose neoepitopes specific to antibodies that were named regulatory rheumatoid factor (regRF). RegRF confers resistance to experimental autoimmune diseases. Immunization of rats with rat Fc fragments exposing neoepitopes recognized by regRF reduces the symptoms of collagen‐induced arthritis. Therefore, IgG Fc fragments that expose neoepitopes recognized by regRF are promising antirheumatic agents and regRF‐producing lymphocytes are potential therapeutic biotargets. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the physicochemical features of human IgG Fc fragments that are associated with the presence of immunosuppressive neoepitopes recognized by regRF. It was found that the acquisition of neoepitopes recognized by regRF is associated with a reduction of the hinge disulfide bonds and conformational changes in the Fc fragment domains. Alkylation of thiol groups in the hinge leads to loss of the epitopes. Therefore, the neoepitopes recognized by regRF may form directly in the hinge when interchain disulfide bonds are reduced or in the region of the CH2 domain as part of the conformational changes caused by the reduction of the interchain disulfide bonds in the hinge. Species‐specificity studies of neoepitopes recognized by regRF revealed that human and rat neoepitopes recognized by regRF are cross‐reactive.
When “decoy effect” meets gender bias: The role of choice set composition in hiring decisions
Authors: Keck Steffen , Tang Wenjie 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA large body of research has found evidence that hiring decisions are frequently subject to strong gender bias and has explored factors that help to predict and prevent such a bias from occurring. In this paper, we explore a novel factor that has received only little attention: the composition of the choice set. Drawing on prior research on the attraction effect of decoys in consumer choice and personnel decisions, we posit that when decision makers need to decide whether to hire a male or a female applicant for a stereotypically male position, the presence of a third applicant whose profile is asymmetrically dominated by one of the two applicants can in many circumstances strongly increase the odds that the male applicant will be selected, but will not be beneficial for the female applicant. We test our hypotheses in five experimental studies with different designs, experimental settings, and participant pools—including managers with professional experience in hiring decisions. Our results provide robust evidence demonstrating the strong effects of choice set composition on the emergence of gender bias. In addition, we found that the presence of asymmetrically dominated applicants makes decision makers more confident in their biased decisions and more likely to implement them immediately without searching for further information. Finally, our results also provide some initial evidence that our results for stereotypically male positions will be reversed when hiring decisions are made for stereotypically female positions where the presence of decoys instead gives an advantage to female over male applicants.
Microbial Secretion Platform for 3‐Hydroxybutyrate Oligomer and Its End‐Capped Forms Using Chain Transfer Reaction‐Mediated Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthases
Authors: Miyahara Yuki , Hiroe Ayaka , Tsuge Takeharu , Taguchi Seiichi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe biodegradable polyester 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB) polymer [P(3HB)] is intracellularly synthesized and accumulated in recombinant Escherichia coli. In this study, native polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthases are used to attempt to microbially secrete 3HB homo‐oligomers (3HBOs), which are widely distributed in nature as physiologically active substances. High secretory production is observed, especially for the two PHA synthases from Aeromonas caviae and Bacillus cereus YB4. Surprisingly, an ethyl ester at the carboxy terminus (ethyl ester form) of 3HBOs is identified for most of the PHA synthases tested. Next, 3HBOs with a functional carboxyl group (carboxyl form of 3HBO) are obtained by using the alcohol dehydrogenase gene (adhE)‐deficient mutant strain, suggesting that the endogenous ethanol produced in E. coli acts as a chain transfer (CT) agent in the generation of 3HBOs. Furthermore, an in vitro polymerization assay reveals that CT agents such as ethanol and free 3HB are involved in the generation of ethyl ester and carboxyl form of 3HBO, respectively. The microbial platform established herein allows the secretion of 3HBOs with desirable end structures by supplementation with various CT agents. The obtained 3HBOs and their end‐capped forms may be used as physiologically active substances and building blocks for polymeric materials.
Connect MM Registry as a national reference for United States multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Jagannath Sundar , Narang Mohit , Rifkin Robert M. , Terebelo Howard R. , Toomey Kathleen , Durie Brian G. M. , Hardin James W. , Gasparetto Cristina J. , Wagner Lynne , Omel James L. , Kumar Vivek , Yue Lihua , Kitali Amani , Agarwal Amit , Abonour Rafat ,   on behalf of Connect MM Registry Investigators
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and National Cancer Database (NCDB) show improved overall survival (OS) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) over the last 15 years. This analysis evaluated the validity of the largely community‐based Connect MM Registry as a national reference for MM.MethodsBaseline disease characteristics and survival in US newly diagnosed MM patients were examined using the Connect MM Registry as well as SEER and NCDB databases. Baseline characteristics predictive of longer survival in Connect MM were also identified.ResultsAs of February 2017, 3011 patients were enrolled in the Connect MM Registry; 2912 were treated. Median age at time of MM diagnosis and age range were numerically similar from 2010 to 2015 across all 3 registries; SEER had a higher representation of nonwhite racial groups than that in the other 2 registries. OS rates suggest proportionate improvement with year of diagnosis among the 3 registries. A Cox proportional hazards model suggests that younger age (<65 years) is associated with longer survival (vs ≥75; HR, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.34‐0.46) in the Connect MM Registry. However, sex (HR, 0.91; P = .15) and race (black vs white; HR, 0.88; P = .21) were not associated with longer OS.ConclusionsData from the Connect MM Registry appear to be largely representative of national trends, comprehensive, and reliable representations of the national MM population. Baseline characteristics were comparable, and survival similarly improved over time among the 3 registries.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifierNCT01081028.
Long noncoding RNA CERS6‐AS1 functions as a malignancy promoter in breast cancer by binding to IGF2BP3 to enhance the stability of CERS6 mRNA
Authors: Bao Gang , Huang Jianjun , Pan Wei , Li Xing , Zhou Tian 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) leads to the highest mortality in women worldwide, characterized by inevitable proliferation and metastasis of BC cells. Mounting evidence confirm that lncRNAs play a significant role in the tumorigenesis and development of BC. lncRNA CERS6‐AS1 is a novel discovery, and its role and molecular mechanism in BC has not been studied. In this study, it was discovered that CERS6‐AS1 was overexpressed in BC tissues and cells. CERS6‐AS1 accelerated cell proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis in BC. Moreover, molecular mechanism exploration uncovered that there was a positive association between CERS6 and CERS6‐AS1 (or IGF2BP3) expression in BC. Furthermore, IGF2BP3 serves as a RNA‐binding protein for CERS6‐AS1 and CERS6‐AS1 promoted CERS6 mRNA stability by binding to IGF2BP3. In the end, rescue experiments verified that overexpression of CERS6 rescues the inhibition of CERS6‐AS1 deficiency on BC progression in vitro and vivo. Taken together, these evidences suggested that CERS6‐AS1 promoted the progression of BC by binding to IGF2BP3 and thus enhancing the stability of CERS6 mRNA, providing a new underlying therapeutic target for BC to improve prognosis.
The prognostic role of soluble TGF‐beta and its dynamics in unresectable pancreatic cancer treated with chemotherapy
Authors: Park Hyunkyung , Bang Ju‐Hee , Nam Ah‐Rong , Park Ji Eun , Jin Mei Hua , Bang Yung‐Jue , Oh Do‐Youn 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesTransforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) is a multifunctional regulatory factor. Here we measured serum soluble TGF‐β (sTGF‐β) levels and evaluated its dynamics and prognostic capabilities during chemotherapy in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 60 patients treated with FOLFIRINOX as the first‐line palliative chemotherapy. We collected blood samples at the time of diagnosis, first response assessment, and disease progression and measured serum sTGF‐β using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe patients’ median overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 10.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.5‐12.1) and 6.5 (95% CI, 4.9‐8.1) months, respectively. Patients with low sTGF‐β at diagnosis (<31.2 ng/mL) had better OS and PFS than patients with high sTGF‐β, respectively, (OS, 13.7 vs 9.2 months; hazard ratio [HR], 2.602; P = .004; PFS, 9.0 vs 5.8 months; HR, 2.010; P = .034). At the time of disease progression, sTGF‐β was increased compared with that of diagnosis (mean, 26.4 vs 23.9 ng/mL). In particular, sTGF‐β was significantly increased at disease progression in patients with a partial response (mean, 25.7 vs 31.0 ng/mL; P = .049).ConclusionsPretreatment sTGF‐β levels can serve as a prognostic indicator in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients treated with FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. Likewise, the dynamics of sTGF‐β during chemotherapy have prognostic value.
Regulation of Immune Activation by Optical Control of TLR1/2 Heterodimerization
Authors: Hu Hong‐Guo , Chen Pu‐Guang , Wang Guanyu , Wu Jun‐Jun , Zhang Bo‐Dou , Li Wen‐Hao , Davis Rebecca L. , Li Yan‐Mei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe activation of toll‐like receptors (TLRs) plays important roles in the immune response. The ability to control the activities of TLRs could be usable as a switch for immune response. Here we have rationally designed and synthesized a photoswitchable Pam3CSK4 derivative—P10—to control the activation of TLR1/2. The ground‐state trans‐P10 was able to stimulate and activate antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) by promoting TLR1/2 heterodimerization. However, cis‐P10, derived from UV irradiation of trans‐P10, reduced the activities of APCs by impeding the TLR1/2 heterodimerization. In the absence of UV radiation, the cis‐P10 slowly returned to its ground trans state, restoring the activities of the APCs stimulation. Our results indicated that optical control of TLR1/2 heterodimerization mediated by the photoswitchable P10 offers the potential to regulate immune activation and inflammation.
Viscoelastic behavior of wheat dough with salt and a salt substitute studied by means of GlutoPeak®
Authors: Amoriello Tiziana , Carcea Marina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesThe effect of salt (NaCl) and a salt substitute (Pansalt®) on gluten network formation in the dough of 45 soft wheat cvs was studied by means of the GlutoPeak® device. Different salt levels (0%, 1.5%, and 2.5% NaCl and Pansalt®) were considered.FindingsThe presence of salts changes the dough viscoelastic behaviors. Two parameters, the maximum recorded torque occurring as gluten aggregates (BEM) and the peak maximum time (PMT), characterized the different cultivars, showing an increase of torque for doughs with salt (both salts) greater for weak flours than for strong flours, and a development time higher for strong flours. Moreover, the presence of salts showed a more significant effect on gluten structure in flours with high protein than with low protein content.ConclusionsThe GlutoPeak® curves well described the effect of salt on dough development. The salt effect on the flour mixing profile was found to be cv‐dependent and correlated to dough strength.Significance and noveltyThe GlutoPeak® viscometer has been used for the first time to study the effects of salts (sodium chloride and Pansalt) on dough performance in different soft wheat cvs. Data of GlutoPeak® parameters were statistically analyzed.
3D Hierarchical CNT‐Based Host with High Sulfur Loading for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Qiu Yue , Wu Xian , Wang Maoxu , Fan Lishuang , Tian Da , Guan Bin , Tang Dongyan , Zhang Naiqing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA host material capable of efficiently transporting electrons, uniformly impregnating sulfur and effectively anchoring lithium polysulfide, is the key to realizing high‐loading lithium‐sulfur batteries. In this paper, we construct a three‐dimensional hierarchical host formed by one‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes(NCNTs) grown in situ on both sides of two‐dimensional oxides nanosheets. The uniformly grown NCNTs not only provide excellent overall conductivity, but also prevent stacking between two‐dimensional nanosheets, providing hierarchical pores for diffusion of molten sulfur, which is beneficial to the uniform impregnating of sulfur. Meanwhile, the two‐dimensional oxides nanosheets(NS) and cobalt nanoparticles have a strong chemical affinity with polysulfide, promoting the polysulfides adsorption and redox kinetics. Benefiting from the synergistic effects, Li−S batteries based on Co‐NCNTs/NS@S cathode delivers a high discharge capability of 1552 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C with a high sulfur content of 80 %, excellent rate capability of 860 mAh g−1 at 2 C and outstanding cycle life with a low capacity decay rate of 0.04 % per cycle over 550 cycles. Even at high sulfur loading of 4.8 mg cm−2, the cathode still exhibits an areal capacity of 4.6 mAh cm−2 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C.
Wer hat bei der Digitalisierung die Nase vorn?
Authors: Wolters Antje 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDeutschland hat bei der Digitalisierung weltweit die zweitbesten Rahmenbedingungen – bei der Umsetzung allerdings teilweise noch Luft nach oben. Zu diesem Schluss kommt die aktuelle Studie „Enabling Digitalization Index 2019“ (EDI)* des Kreditversicherers
Reduzierter Kalibrieraufwand
Authors: Vormoor Michaela 
Published: November 2019

AbstractClariant bietet ein Beispiel, wie durch intelligente Nutzung von Daten und einer innovativen Technologie Prozessverbesserungen erreicht werden können. Befüllen von Bahnkesselwagen, Verwiegen und Entleeren – diese Arbeitsschritte für das Kalibrieren gehöre
Risikominimierung
Authors: Benneck Werner 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn der Prozesstechnik sind automatisierte Anlagen für einen langjährigen und sicheren Betrieb ausgelegt. Gefragt sind Lösungen, die dem individuellen Sicherheitsbedürfnis der jeweiligen Anwendung gerecht werden. Dafür kombinieren der Fluidikexperte Bürker
Risikobetrachtung
Authors: Sülük Hasan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMaschinen in verfahrenstechnischen Anlagen dienen normalerweise einem bestimmten Verwendungszweck und sind durch Druckgeräte wie Druckbehälter oder Rohrleitungen voneinander getrennt. Hinsichtlich der funktionalen Sicherheit sind Druckgeräte in Prozessanl
Trocknen im geschlossenen System
Authors: Schumacher Jochen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDie Trocknung ist in vielen Prozessen fester Bestandteil, wird aber bei der Planung allzu oft stiefkindlich behandelt. Stellt sie sich dann als Engpass im Herstellungsprozess heraus, entsteht für die Betreiber Handlungsbedarf. Auf die Lösung von Trocknung
7‐keto‐DHEAmetabolism in humans. Pitfalls in interpreting the analytical results in the antidoping field
Authors: Martinez‐Brito Dayamin , de la Torre Xavier , Colamonici Cristiana , Curcio Davide , Botrè Francesco 
Published: November 2019

Abstract7‐keto‐DHEA (3β‐hydroxy‐androst‐5‐ene‐7,17‐dione) is included in section S1 of the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) List of Prohibited Substances. The detection of its misuse in sports needs special attention, since it is naturally present in urine samples. The main goal of this study is to investigate the in vivo metabolism of 7‐keto‐DHEA after a single administration to healthy volunteers and to better describe the relationship between arimistane (androst‐5‐ene‐7,17‐dione) and 7‐keto‐DHEA after the application of the common routine procedures to detect anabolic steroids in WADA accredited antidoping laboratories. Free, glucuro‐, and sulpho‐conjugated steroids extracted from urine samples obtained before and after the administration of 7‐keto‐DHEA were analyzed by different gas chromatographic (GC)–mass spectrometric (MS) techniques. Gas chromatography coupled to tandem MS to study the effect on the endogenous steroid profile, coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) to investigate the potential formation of androgens derived from DHEA and coupled to high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (HRMS) to investigate new diagnostic metabolites. The analysis by IRMS confirmed that there is no formation of DHEA from 7‐keto‐DHEA. Ten proposed metabolites, not previously reported, were described. These include reduced and hydroxylated structures that are not considered part of the steroid profile in antidoping analyses. They showed considerable responses in all fractions analyzed. Some deoxidation reactions (including arimistane formation) were found and most probably can be linked to the sample preparation or instrumental analysis. This is important when interpreting the results after the application of procedures to detect steroids in urine currently used in antidoping laboratories. 7‐keto‐DHEA metabolism in humans for antidoping purposes was studied and unexpected results were found. This could lead to a misinterpretation of the data, depending on the procedure applied and the analytical instrumentation used.
Gender diversity of editorial boards and gender differences in the peer review process at six journals of ecology and evolution
Authors: Fox Charles W. , Duffy Meghan A. , Fairbairn Daphne J. , Meyer Jennifer A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDespite substantial progress for women in science, women remain underrepresented in many aspects of the scholarly publication process. We examined how the gender diversity of editors and reviewers changed over time for six journals in ecology and evolution (2003–2015 for four journals, 2007–2015 or 2009–2015 for the other two), and how several aspects of the peer review process differed between female and male editors and reviewers. We found that for five of the six journals, women were either absent or very poorly represented as handling editors at the beginning of our dataset. The representation of women increased gradually and consistently, with women making up 29% of the handling editors (averaged across journals) in 2015, similar to the representation of women as last authors on ecology papers (23% in 2015) but lower than the proportion of women among all authors (31%) and among members of the societies that own the journals (37%–40%). The proportion of women among reviewers has also gradually but consistently increased over time, reaching 27% by 2015. Female editors invited more female reviewers than did male editors, and this difference increased with age of the editor. Men and women who were invited to review did not differ in whether they responded to the review invitation, but, of those that responded, women were slightly more likely to agree to review. In contrast, women were less likely than men to accept invitations to serve on journal editorial boards. Our analyses indicate that there has been progress in the representation of women as reviewers and editors in ecology and evolutionary biology, but women are still underrepresented among the gatekeepers of scholarly publishing relative to their representation among researchers.
Possibility of reducing the on‐resistance in 1 kV‐class lateral superjunction power devices based on III‐V semiconductors
Authors: Kushida Tomoyoshi , Sakaki Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPotentials of lateral hetero superjunction (HSJ) power devices, that are based on III‐V semiconductors such as GaN and GaAs, are analyzed theoretically to clarify how the product RON·A of their on‐resistance RON and device area A depends on the breakdown voltage. By focusing on power devices having the breakdown voltage of about 1 kV, we clarify to which level the specific on‐resistance RON·A of various devices can be reduced by the selection of the device structures and materials. It has been found out that the lowest limit of RON·A for HSJ devices can be lower than that of Si‐insulated gate bipolar transistors, and also than that of vertical power FETs based on SiC and/or GaN. We note in particular that not only GaN‐based HSJ devices but also GaAs‐based HSJ devices possess outstanding potential because of the high electron mobility nature of these heterojunction structures.
Loss of foundation species revisited: conceptual framework with lessons learned from eastern hemlock and whitebark pine
Authors: Degrassi Allyson L. , Brantley Steven , Levine Carrie R. , Mohan Jacqueline , Record Sydne , Tomback Diana F. , Ellison Aaron M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEcologists and conservation biologists often prioritize the study of species that are declining, threatened, or endangered over species that are abundant and ecologically important, such as foundation species (FS). Because entire ecosystems and their biodiversity depend on FS, we argue that they have high conservation priority. A citation analysis reveals that FS are studied, but often are characterized ambiguously. More effort is needed to identify FS before they, and the ecosystems they define, are at risk of decline or loss. We suggest a new conceptual framework that includes: informed identification of FS in ecosystems; documentation of ecosystem services provided by FS; a long‐term monitoring strategy to detect threats to FS within specified ecosystems; and, if threats are identified, a comprehensive conservation and adaptive management strategy for FS. We use two widely distributed, rapidly declining North American foundation tree species (Tsuga canadensis [eastern hemlock] and Pinus albicaulis [whitebark pine]) to illustrate this framework. These species exemplify the importance of identifying FS early and conserving or restoring them when they are threatened.