bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social interactions and social preferences in social networks
Authors: Hsieh Chih‐Sheng , Lin Xu 
Published: December 2020

SummaryWe study social interactions when individuals hold altruistic preferences in social networks. Rich network features can be captured in the resulting best response function. The inward network links provide unique information for identifying the altruism effect. We demonstrate that the often ignored altruism is another serious confounding factor of peer effects. Specifically, the estimates of peer effects are approximately 36% smaller after taking into account social preferences. Furthermore, we could identify two types of effects caused by peers' outcomes: the spillover effects and the externality effects, which is impossible in a conventional social interactions model based on the self‐interest hypothesis.
Molecular dynamic simulations, GIAO‐NMR and TD‐DFT spectroscopy analyze for zwitterionic isoleucine (ILE)N, 1 ≤ N ≤ 6, in water solution
Authors: Mendanha Karinna , Prado Richard Costa , Oliveira Leonardo Bruno Assis , Colherinhas Guilherme 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the effects of the isoleucine (ILE)N amino acid chain growth, N = 1.0.6, the ILE conformational effect as well as the solvent presence on the electrical and magnetic spectroscopic properties when these compounds are in aqueous solution. Computational molecular dynamics simulations were performed to include the solvent medium and generate uncorrelated configurations involving solute‐solvent structures. The charge point model for solvent was used to obtain the results for quantum mechanical calculation, in special DFT calculations, for (ILE)N structures. Our results for the magnetic shielding constant obtained via GIAO‐DFT‐NMR calculations show that there is evidence of a magnetic behavior that characterizes the number of peptide bonds and, therefore, how the N isoleucine polypeptide chain is composed. TD‐DFT results also show an absorption band shift to larger wavelengths indicating a dependence on N growth.
The potential therapeutic role of PTR1 gene in non‐healing anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania tropica
Authors: Sezavar Monireh , Sharifi Iraj , Ghasemi Nejad Almani Pooya , Kazemi Bahram , Davoudi Noushin , Salari Samira , Salarkia Ehsan , Khosravi Ahmad , Bamorovat Mehdi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundDrug resistance is a common phenomenon frequently observed in countries where leishmaniasis is endemic. Due to the production of the pteridine reductase enzyme (PTR1), drugs lose their efficacy, and consequently, the patient becomes unresponsive to treatment. This study aimed to compare the in vitro effect of meglumine antimoniate (MA) on non‐ healing Leishmania tropica isolates and on MA transfected non‐healing one to PTR1.MethodsTwo non‐healing and one healing isolates of L. tropica were collected from patients who received two courses or one cycle of intralesional MA along with biweekly liquid nitrogen cryotherapy or systemic treatment alone, respectively. After confirmation of L. tropica isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the recombinant plasmid pcDNA‐rPTR (antisense) was transfected via electroporation and cultured on M199. Isolates in form of promastigotes were treated with different concentrations of MA and read using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reader and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was calculated. The amastigotes were grown in mouse macrophages and were similarly treated with various concentrations of MA. The culture glass slides were stained, and the mean number of intramacrophage amastigotes and infected macrophages were assessed in triplicate for both stages.ResultsAll three transfected isolates displayed a reduction in optical density compared with the promastigotes in respective isolates, although there was no significant difference between non‐healing and healing isolates. In contrast, in the clinical form (amastigotes), there was a significant difference between non‐healing and healing isolates (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicated that the PTR1 gene reduced the efficacy of the drug, and its inhibition by antisense and could improve the treatment of non‐healing cases. These findings have future implications in the prophylactic and therapeutic modality of non‐ healing Leishmania isolates to drug.
Performance evaluation of immunoassay for infectious diseases on the Alinity i system
Authors: Nam Minjeong , Song Da Young , Song Sang Hoon , Roh Eun Youn , Shin Sue , Park Kyoung Un , Song Eun Young 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough a diagnosis of infectious diseases is essential for timely treatment, the performance of diagnostic tests has been hardly evaluated due to variable results that are influenced by multiple factors in different conditions. In the present study, the performance of the Alinity i system, which is a newly developed immunoassay to diagnose infectious diseases, was evaluated.MethodsWe evaluated the precision, linearity, correlation, and carryover of 16 analytes (HAV Ab IgG, HBsAg, HBeAg, anti‐HBc, anti‐HBe, anti‐HBs, anti‐HCV, HIV Ag/Ab, EBV VCA IgM, EBV VCA IgG, EBV EBNA IgG, CMV IgM, CMV IgG, Toxoplasma IgG, Rubella IgG, and Syphilis TP) of Alinity i by comparison with ARCHITECT i2000SR system following the rationale of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).ResultsFor quantitative tests, the coefficients of variation (CV) % of repeatability and intermediate precision were between 0% and 4.18%. The coefficients of the linearity (r2) over a widely tested analytical range were ≥ 0.990 and the correlation between Alinity i and the ARCHITECT i2000SR system was strong (r ≥ 0.994). For qualitative tests, the agreement between Alinity i and the ARCHITECT i2000SR system was excellent (kappa coefficient 1) with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Carryover rates for all analytes were less than 1.0% (−0.11% ~ 0.21%).ConclusionThe Alinity i system showed good analytical performance and favorable comparability with the ARCHITECT i2000SR. It could be suitable as a routine immunoassay analyzer for screening and diagnosis of infectious disease.
Model‐Based Selection and Recommendation for Subcutaneous Abatacept Dose in Patients With Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Gandhi Yash , Passarell Julie A. , Roy Amit , Murthy Bindu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe selective T‐cell costimulation modulator abatacept is approved for treatment of adult rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA; 6‐17 years [intravenous] and 2‐17 years [subcutaneous]). An extrapolation approach was taken to determine subcutaneous weight‐tiered doses of abatacept to evaluate in patients with pJIA. Population pharmacokinetic (PPK) and exposure‐response (E‐R) analyses were conducted to determine whether the weight‐tiered subcutaneous regimen provides near‐maximal efficacy and is therapeutically comparable to the intravenous regimen in patients with pJIA aged 2‐17 years. Combined study data from intravenous or subcutaneous abatacept were used to assess clinically relevant exposure outcomes. The PPK model was developed with data from 13 phase 2/3 studies in RA and pJIA; the E‐R model for the American College of Rheumatology pediatric scores (JIA‐ACR 30/50/70/100 responses) in month 4 was developed with data from 2 phase 3 pJIA studies. Predefined covariates were investigated in both analyses. PPK model‐predicted exposures were steady‐state peak, trough (Cminss), and time‐averaged concentrations. Abatacept PK was characterized by a linear 2‐compartment model (zero‐order intravenous infusion, first‐order subcutaneous absorption, first‐order elimination); body weight was the only clinically relevant covariate. Cminss was the best exposure predictor for the JIA‐ACR response: log odds for response increased in proportion to log‐transformed Cminss; JIA‐ACR30 approached a plateau when Cminss ≥ 10 μg/mL. The PPK and E‐R analyses demonstrated that the weight‐tiered subcutaneous and intravenous abatacept dosing regimens provide near‐maximal efficacy and are clinically comparable across children with pJIA who are > 2 years old.
The effect of imaging modality (magnetic resonance imaging vs. computed tomography) and patient position (supine vs. prone) on target and organ at risk doses in partial breast irradiation
Authors: Brown Emily , Dundas Kylie , Surjan Yolanda , Miller Daniela , Lim Karen , Boxer Miriam , Ahern Verity , Papadatos George , Batumalai Vikneswary , Harvey Jennifer , Lee Debra , Delaney Geoff P. , Holloway Lois 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionConventionally computed tomography (CT) has been used to delineate target volumes in radiotherapy; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being continually integrated into clinical practice; therefore, the investigation into targets derived from MRI is warranted. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of imaging modality (MRI vs. CT) and patient positioning (supine vs. prone) on planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs at risk (OARs) for partial breast irradiation (PBI).MethodsA retrospective data set, of 35 patients, was accessed where each patient had undergone MRI and CT imaging for tangential whole breast radiotherapy in both the supine and prone position. PTVs were defined from seroma cavity (SC) volumes delineated on each respective image, resulting in 4 PTVs per patient. PBI plans were generated with 6MV external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) using the TROG 06.02 protocol guidelines. A prescription of 38.5Gy in 10 fractions was used for all cases. The impact analysis of imaging modality and patient positioning included dose to PTVs, and OARs based on agreed criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted though Mann–Whitey U, Fisher’s exact and chi‐squared testing (P < 0.005).ResultsTwenty‐four patients were eligible for imaging analysis. However, positioning analysis could only be investigated on 19 of these data sets. No statistically significant difference was found in OAR doses based on imaging modality. Supine patient position resulted in lower contralateral breast dose (0.10Gy ± 0.35 vs. 0.33Gy ± 0.78, p = 0.011). Prone positioning resulted in a lower dose to ipsilateral lung volumes (10.85Gy ± 11.37 vs. 3.41Gy ± 3.93, P = <0.001).ConclusionsPBI plans with PTVs derived from MRI exhibited no clinically significant differences when compared to plans created from CT in relation to plan compliance and OAR dose. Patient position requires careful consideration regardless of imaging modality chosen. Although there was no proven superiority of MRI derived target volumes, it indicates that MRI could be considered for PBI target delineation.
Physicochemical Properties and Biological Performance of Polymethacrylate Based Gene Delivery Vector Systems: Influence of Amino Functionalities
Authors: Haladjova Emi , Chrysostomou Varvara , Petrova Maria , Ugrinova Iva , Pispas Stergios , Rangelov Stanislav 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPhysicochemical characteristics and biological performance of polyplexes based on two identical copolymers bearing tertiary amino or quaternary ammonium groups are evaluated and compared. Poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) block copolymer (PDMAEMA‐b‐POEGMA) is synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The tertiary amines of PDMAEMA are converted to quaternary ammonium groups by quaternization with methyl iodide. The two copolymers spontaneously formed well‐defined polyplexes with DNA. The size, zeta potential, molar mass, aggregation number, and morphology of the polyplex particles are determined. The parent PDMAEMA‐b‐POEGMA exhibits larger buffering capacity, whereas the corresponding quaternized copolymer (QPDMAEMA‐b‐POEGMA) displays stronger binding affinity to DNA, yielding invariably larger in size and molar mass particles bearing greater number of DNA molecules per particle. Experiments revealed that QPDMAEMA‐b‐POEGMA is more effective in transfecting pEGFP‐N1 than the parent copolymer, attributed to the larger size, molar mass, and DNA cargo, as well as to the effective cellular traffic, which dominated over the enhanced ability for endo‐lysosomal escape of PDMAEMA‐b‐POEGMA.
Gamma Secretase Inhibitors in Cancer: A Current Perspective on Clinical Performance
Authors: McCaw Tyler R. , Inga Evelyn , Chen Herbert , Jaskula-Sztul Renata , Dudeja Vikas , Bibb James A. , Ren Bin , Rose J. Bart 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), initially developed as Alzheimer's therapies, have been repurposed as anticancer agents given their inhibition of Notch receptor cleavage. The success of GSIs in preclinical models has been ascribed to induction of cancer stem-like cell differentiation and apoptosis, while also impairing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and sensitizing cells to traditional chemoradiotherapies. The promise of these agents has yet to be realized in the clinic, however, as GSIs have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in most solid tumors with the notable exceptions of CNS malignancies and desmoid tumors. Disappointing clinical performance to date reflects important questions that remain to be answered. For example, what is the net impact of these agents on antitumor immune responses, and will they require concurrent targeting of tumor-intrinsic compensatory pathways? Addressing these limitations in our current understanding of GSI mechanisms will undoubtedly facilitate their rational incorporation into combinatorial strategies and provide a valuable tool with which to combat Notch-dependent cancers. In the present review, we provide a current understanding of GSI mechanisms, discuss clinical performance to date, and suggest areas for future investigation that might maximize the utility of these agents.Implications for PracticeThe performance of gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) in clinical trials generally has not reflected their encouraging performance in preclinical studies. This review provides a current perspective on the clinical performance of GSIs across various solid tumor types alongside putative mechanisms of antitumor activity. Through exploration of outstanding gaps in knowledge as well as reasons for success in certain cancer types, the authors identify areas for future investigation that will likely enable incorporation of GSIs into rational combinatorial strategies for superior tumor control and patient outcomes.
Partially bio‐based furyl‐functionalized organosoluble poly(ether ether ketone)s
Authors: Kuhire Sachin S , Talanikar Aniket A , Tawade Bhausaheb V , Nagane Samadhan S , Wadgaonkar Prakash P 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA new series of partially bio‐based (co)poly(ether ether ketone)s bearing pendent furyl groups was synthesized by nucleophilic aromatic substitution polycondensation of varying molar proportions of 4,4′‐(furan‐2‐ylmethylene)bis(2‐methoxyphenol) and bisphenol‐A with 4,4′‐difluorobenzophenone. The chemical structures, compositions and random nature of (co)poly(ether ether ketone)s were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Inherent viscosities and number‐average molecular weights of the (co)poly(ether ether ketone)s were in the range 0.74–2.90 dL g−1and 33 500–46 300 g mol−1, respectively, indicating the formation of reasonably high molecular weight polymers. (Co)poly(ether ether ketone)s were readily soluble in common organic solvents and could be cast into tough, transparent and flexible films from chloroform solutions. (Co)poly(ether ether ketone)s exhibited 10% weight loss and glass transition temperatures in the range 429–464 and 152–156 °C, respectively. A representative copoly(ether ether ketone) was crosslinked with 1,1′‐(methylenedi‐1,4‐phenylene)bismaleimide via Diels–Alder reaction to form a crosslinked polymer which showed improved mechanical properties and was recycled twice without significant loss of mechanical properties. Diels–Alder/retro Diels–Alder reaction was demonstrated by studies of sol–gel transformation, solubility tests, DSC and stress–strain measurements. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Scalable, safer and greener syntheses of vinylimidazoles via reactive distillation of hydroxyethylimidazole intermediates
Authors: Alshaikh Ali , O'Harra Kathryn E , Liu Xiaoyang , Whitley John W , Mittenthal Max S , Taylor Wesley F , Turner C Heath , Bara Jason E 
Published: December 2020

Abstract1‐Vinylimidazole has been extensively utilized by the polymer science community, due to its high reactivity for free radical polymerization and the variety of uses for both neutral polyvinylimidazole and cationic polyvinylimidazolium forms. While much rarer, 4‐vinylimidazoles and 2‐vinylimidazoles are less synthetically accessible. In comparison to conventional methods for the synthesis of vinylimidazole derivatives from energy‐intensive reaction conditions utilizing hazardous, gaseous precursors, herein we demonstrate a simple and versatile two‐step method applied to the synthesis of seven 1‐vinylimidazoles with different substituents as well as an initial demonstration of a facile method to synthesize the rare compound 1‐methyl‐2‐vinylimidazole. The process relies upon the synthesis of N‐hydroxyethylimidazole precursors via a ring‐opening reaction from substituted imidazoles with ethylene carbonate, a ‘green’ substance formed from CO2 and ethylene oxide. For the synthesis of 1‐methyl‐2‐vinylimidazole, the hydroxyethylimidazole intermediate is conveniently formed from 1,2‐dimethylimidazole and paraformaldehyde. These hydroxyethylimidazoles are subsequently dehydrated to the corresponding 1‐ or 2‐vinylimidazole forms using a base‐catalyzed reactive distillation. The optimization of process conditions is discussed, and properties of the vinylimidazole derivatives were computationally studied using density functional theory calculations. This work reveals scalable synthetic methods for previously inaccessible vinylimidazole compounds which can enable the design of new polymers. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Registration of the wheat D‐genome nested association mapping (DNAM) population
Authors: Strauss Nikayla M. , Wiersma Andrew , DeMacon Patricia , Klarquist Emily , Carter Arron , Campbell Kimberly A. Garland , Olson Eric 
Published: December 2020

AbstractModern wheat is lacking diversity in the D genome due to the genetic bottleneck from the hybridization between tetraploid Triticum turgidum L. and diploid Aegilops tauschii Coss. The D‐genome nested association mapping (DNAM) population (Reg. no. MP‐14, NSL 536301 MAP) was developed to expand D‐genome variation in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The DNAM population is a wheat nested association mapping population developed with direct crosses between the hard‐white winter Kansas State University breeding line KS05HW14‐3 and Ae. tauschii accessions TA10187, TA1693, TA10171, TA1662, TA1617, TA1615, TA1642, and TA1718. In total, there are 1,164 BC₂F₄ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) in 19 families. The DNAM was originally created for introgression of novel stem rust resistance genes but has since been used to identify resistance to other fungal pathogens. A subset of 420 lines were selected for important agronomic traits, including height and threshability, and named the DNAM Core RILs. Research with the DNAM has potential to provide novel genes that can be introgressed into elite cultivars, as well as knowledge and understanding of the D genome in wheat.
Theoretical study on the atmospheric degradation mechanism and subsequent products of E,E‐2,4‐hexadienal with hydroxyl radical
Authors: Sun Yanan , Yao Junfang , Tang Yizhen , Zhang Yunju , Wu Wenzhong , Sun Jingyu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractE,E‐2,4‐hexadienal is probably a precursor of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and plays an important role in the atmospheric chemistry. Its main degradation routs are the reactions with OH, Cl, NO3 as well as photolysis. Atmospheric hydroxyl radical, as the most important oxidant, generally controls the removal of volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere. Thus, the quantum chemical calculations are used to investigate the reaction mechanism of E,E‐2,4‐hexadienal with hydroxyl radical, which would give us a better understanding for the main degradation products. The reaction paths of E,E‐2,4‐hexadienal with OH radical have been calculated accurately by using the BMC‐CCSD//M06‐2X/6‐311G (d, p) level at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. There are six hydrogen abstraction and four carbon addition paths at the first stages of this reaction. Due to the low energy barrier and exothermic reaction, the ten paths would contribute to the total reaction. Furthermore, the peroxy (RO2) and alkoxy (RO) radicals from the most important adduct IM1(CH3CHOHCHCHCHCHO) would be formed in the atmospheric environment. Hence, the reaction mechanism of the peroxy radical (CH3CHOHCHO2CHCHCHO) with NO, NO2, HO2, and self‐reaction have been also studied by using the same quantum chemical methods. And the reaction paths of alkoxy radical (CH3CHOHCHOCHCHCHO) have been also originally studied. It is found that the subsequent reactions play a key role in the cycling of atmospheric radicals, production of ozone, and SOA formation. What is more, the reaction mechanism of this study accords with the reported experimental observations. Meanwhile, the theoretical rate constant of 1.05 × 10−10 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 of E,E‐2,4‐hexadienal with OH reaction at 298 K is close to experimental data. The atmospheric lifetime of E,E‐2,4‐hexadienal with OH radical is about 2.6 h at 298 K. This study provides insight into the transformation of E,E‐2,4‐hexadienal in the atmospheric environment.
ColAtt‐Net: In Reducing the Ambiguity of Pedestrian Orientations on Attribute‐Aware Semantic Segmentation Task
Authors: Sulistiyo Mahmud Dwi , Kawanishi Yasutomo , Deguchi Daisuke , Ide Ichiro , Hirayama Takatsugu , Murase Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSemantic segmentation has become one of the trending topics in the world of computer vision and deep learning. Recently, due to an increasing demand to solve a semantic segmentation task simultaneously with attribute recognition of objects, a new task named attribute‐aware semantic segmentation has been introduced. Since the task requires to handle pixel‐wise object class estimation with its attributes such as a pedestrian's body orientation, previous works had difficulties to handle ambiguous attributes such as body orientations in object‐level, especially when segmenting the pedestrians with their attributes correctly. This paper proposes the ColAtt‐Net that is an attribute‐aware semantic segmentation model augmented by a column‐wise mask branch to predict the pedestrians' orientations in the horizontal perspective of the input image. We firmly assume that the pedestrians captured by a car‐mounted camera are distributed horizontally so that for each column of the input image, the pedestrian pixels can be labeled with one orientation uniformly. In the proposed method, we split the output of the base semantic segmentation model into two branches; one branch for segmenting the object categories, while the other one, as the novel column‐wise attribute branch, is to map the recognition of pedestrian's orientations that are distributed horizontally. This method successfully enhances the performance of attribute‐aware semantic segmentation by reducing the ambiguity on segmenting the pedestrian's orientation. Improvements on the pedestrian orientation segmentation are confidently shown by the proposed method in the experimental results, both in quantitative and qualitative views. This paper also discusses how the improved performance becomes an advantage in the autonomous driving system. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.