bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of PCSK9 in the course of ejection fraction change after ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction: a pilot study
Authors: Miñana Gema , Núñez Julio , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Revuelta‐López Elena , Ríos‐Navarro César , Núñez Eduardo , Chorro Francisco J. , López‐Lereu Maria Pilar , Monmeneu Jose Vicente , Lupón Josep , Sanchis Juan , Bodí Vicent 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a therapeutic target for reducing plasma low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Beyond lipid control, recent findings suggest a deleterious effect of this protein in the pathogenesis of postmyocardial infarction left ventricle remodelling and heart failure‐related complications. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between circulating PCSK9 and 6 month cardiac magnetic resonance imaging‐derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after a first ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods and resultsWe prospectively evaluated 40 patients with a first STEMI, LVEF < 50% and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in which PCSK9 was measured 24 h postreperfusion. All patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 1 week and 6 months after STEMI. Baseline characteristics were compared across median values of PCSK9. The association between PCSK9 levels and LVEF at 6 months was evaluated by analysis of covariance. The mean age of the sample was 60 ± 12 years and 33 (82.5%) were male patients. The infarct location was anterior in 27 patients (67.5%), and 9 patients (22.5%) were Killip class ≥ II. The mean 1 week and 6 month LVEF were 41 ± 7% and 48 ± 10%, respectively. The mean PCSK9 was 1.93 ± 0.38 U/mL. Testing the association between serum PCSK9 and 6 month LVEF with analysis of covariance revealed an inverse relationship (r = −0.35, P = 0.028). After multivariate adjustment, circulating PCSK9 remained significant and inversely associated with 6 month LVEF (P = 0.002).ConclusionsIn patients with a first STEMI with reduced ejection fraction at index admission and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, circulating PCSK9 was associated with lower LVEF at 6 months.
Analysis of the energy storage battery and fuel tank of a commercial electric vehicle with range extender during charge sustaining operation
Authors: Boretti Alberto 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe energy storage of a commercial plug‐in battery‐electric vehicle (BEV) with an internal combustion engine (ICE) range extender is here analyzed covering Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule, Hwy and US06 cycles during Charge Sustaining Operation. Instantaneous voltage, current and state‐of‐charge of the battery, vehicle speed, ICE speed, and fuel flow rate are obtained from chassis dynamometer measurements. A simple model for inertia, aerodynamics, and rolling forces for the vehicle, provides efficiencies of energy transfers/conversions through the different components, ICE, generator, discharge limiter, battery, traction motor/generator, and driveline. The results provide a benchmark of energy efficiency of current plug‐in BEV with range extender ICE. It is concluded that the energy efficiency may be dramatically improved if the low‐tech engine switched on/off when the battery is fully depleted, is replaced by a smaller high‐efficiency engine continuously operated over a fixed point. This way, a small battery can replace a large battery, with benefit to the economy and the environment, and better sustainability, for reduced construction costs and better economy of a lighter vehicle. Furthermore, the electricity production on demand may occur on board at a better fuel conversion efficiency than centralized produced distributed electricity from mostly fossil fuel sources with no need for infrastructure.
Skepticism toward globalization, technological knowledge flows, and the emergence of a new global system
Authors: Buckley Peter J. , Hashai Niron 
Published: January 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryThis article examines the potential effect of anti‐globalization on a key attribute of multinational enterprises (MNEs)—the ability to transfer efficiently complex firm‐specific technological knowledge internationally. Anti‐globalization policies can suppress the transfer of complex technological knowledge by limiting the international transfer of intellectual property, restricting the free movement of scientists and engineers or by disharmonizing regulations across nations. Such suppression is shown to significantly change the global system in terms of the location of value‐adding activities, their organizational firm boundaries and the origin of MNEs. The model predicts that after a “shock” of anti‐globalization policies, which significantly increases international technological knowledge flow costs, a smaller number of firm and MNE location and control configurations emerges, and domestic firms become more dominant.Managerial SummaryAnti‐globalization policies threaten a key feature of multinational enterprises (MNEs)—the ability to transfer efficiently complex technological knowledge across political borders. They do so through limitations on the international transfer of intellectual property, restrictions on the free movement of scientists and engineers as well as through dis‐harmonization of regulations across nations. We present a model that shows that such limitations are likely to change the global system making it much more similar to the one that existed pre‐WW1 and WW2. The emerging global system is predicted to include a large proportion of domestic firms engaging in international trade and MNEs that locate only a small number of value chain activities abroad.
Self‐assembled biomimetic Nano‐Matrix for stem cell anchorage
Authors: Zhou Libo , Yau Anne , Yu Hongchuan , Kuhn Liisa , Guo Wei , Chen Yupeng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely applied in biomedicine due to their ability to differentiate into many different cell types and their ability to synthesize a broad spectrum of growth factors and cytokines that directly and indirectly influence other cells in their vicinity. To guide MSC infiltration to a bone fracture site, we developed a novel self‐assembled Nano‐Matrix which can be used as an injectable scaffold to repair bone fractures. The Nano‐Matrix is formed by Janus base nanotubes (JBNTs) and fibronectin (FN). JBNTs are nucleobase‐derived nanotubes mimicking collagen fibers, and FN is one of the cell adhesive glycoproteins which is responsible for cell–extracellular matrix interactions and guides stem cell migration and differentiation to desired cells types. Here, we demonstrated the successful fabrication and characterization of the JBNT/FN Nano‐Matrix as well as its excellent bioactivity that encouraged human MSC migration and adhesion. This work lays a solid foundation for using the Nano‐Matrix as an injectable approach to improve MSC retention and function during bone fracture healing.
Equivalent mechanical properties of X‐ray and E‐beam cross‐linked vitamin E blended ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Mulliez Marie Anne , Schilling Christoph , Grupp Thomas M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe influence of X‐ray cross‐linking compared with electron beam cross‐linking on the mechanical and thermal properties of UHMWPE blended with 0.1 wt% vitamin E was investigated. Two X‐ray doses (80 and 100 kGy) and two irradiation temperatures (RT: room temperature; 100 °C: warm) were considered. The reference was Vitelene® a vitamin E stabilized UHMWPE cross‐linked with 80 kGy e‐beam at 100°C. Uniaxial tensile and small punch testing were conducted. The Izod impact strength and the thermal properties were determined. The yield, ultimate tensile strength and elongation were 21.7 MPa, 48 MPa, and 393% for Vitelene® and 21.7 MPa, 47 MPa, and 402% for X (80 kGy)‐warm, respectively. The peak load, ultimate displacement, and work to failure accounted for 63 N, 5.7 mm and 331 mJ for Vitelene® and 65 N, 5.6 mm, and 322 mJ for X (80 kGy)‐warm respectively. The Izod impact strength of Vitelene® amounted to 81 kJ/m2, that of X (80 kGy)‐warm to 82 kJ/m2. Crystallinity of both was 52%. The melt temperature of Vitelene® was 140 °C, that of X (80 kGy)‐warm 139°C. In conclusion, using the same irradiation temperature (100 °C) and dose (80 kGy), the different radiation sources e‐beam and X‐rays resulted in equivalent thermal and mechanical properties.
A functional variant in CHK1 contributes to increased risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Guo Zhen , Wang Youhong , Zhao Yu , Jin Yi , An Liang , Xu Heng , Liu Zhaoqian , Chen Xiaoping , Zhou Honghao , Wang Hui , Zhang Wei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDNA damage checkpoints act as a supervisor by preventing the course of cell cycle upon DNA damage and keeping the steadiness of genome. Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) cannot be ignore in the etiology of numerous human cancers including nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). To discuss genetic polymorphisms of CHK1 rs492510 in the occurrence of NPC was our objective. Rs492510 polymorphism of CHK1 was genotyped in 684 patients with NPC and 823 cancer‐free controls. We utilize logistic regression models to appraise the correlation of rs492510 and susceptibility of NPC. Comparative expression level about CHK1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. And we made use of Dual‐Luciferase Reporter Assay to assess the transcriptional ability of CHK1 with different rs492510 allele. Adjusting multivariate logistic regression based on age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and drinking status showed that CHK1 rs492510 GA + GG genotype carriers presented prominent higher risk in NPC (odds ratio = 1.376, 95% confidence interval: 1.087‐1.742; P = .008). As a consequence, we revealed that CHK1 relative expression levels in NPC tissues was higher than rhinitis tissues. Besides, the expressions of CHK1 in rs492510 GA genotype carriers were higher compared with people in AA genotype. The G allele of rs492510 generated remarkable higher transcription activity of CHK1 vs A allele by luciferase reporter assay. Our study considered that single nucleotide polymorphism rs492510 could increase transcription activity of CHK1 with the functionality, contributing to the susceptibility of NPC.
Interference with SMO increases chemotherapy drug sensitivity of A2780/DDP cells by inhibiting the Hh/Gli signaling pathway
Authors: Ma Shihong , Liu Dan , Tan Wenhua , Du Botao , Liu Wei , Li Weijia , Jiao Yufei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh)/Gli pathway contributes to the tumorigenesis of several human cancers, including ovarian cancers. We investigated the function of SMO on cell growth, drug resistance, and invasive ability in A2780/DDP cells. Moreover, we also tested the levels of the downstream target genes of the Hh/Gli pathway in SMO short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus‐infected A2780/DDP cells. Western blot analysis results revealed that the Hh/Gli pathway was activated in cisplatin‐resistant A2780/DDP cells. After infection by SMO shRNA lentivirus, the colony formation rate and invasive rate of cisplatin‐resistant A2780/DDP cells were decreased. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed that upon transfection with SMO shRNA, cell growth was decreased and drug sensitivity to cisplatin was upregulated. Moreover, interference with SMO decreased the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, VEGF, and Snail in cisplatin‐resistant cells. Thus, the Hh/Gli signaling pathway was aberrantly activated in A2780/DDP cells. The colony formation rate and invasive rate were decreased in SMO shRNA lentivirus–infected A2780/DDP cells. All results showed that inhibiting Hh/Gli signaling may negatively regulate the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cisplatin‐resistant A2780/DDP cells, as well as increase the sensitivity of A2780/DDP to the chemotherapeutic drug of cisplatin.
Nitrate leaching from suction cup data: Influence of method of drainage calculation and concentration interpolation
Authors: Vogeler Iris , Hansen Elly Møller , Nielsen Svend , Labouriau Rodrigo , Cichota Rogerio , Olesen Jørgen E. , Thomsen Ingrid Kaag 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe use of suctions cups is a common practice for estimating nitrate (NO3–N) leaching under agricultural systems despite the various uncertainties associated with the approach. One major uncertainty is water flux, which is required for calculating NO3–N leaching loads from measured concentrations. Another problem is the interpolation of NO3–N concentrations between measurement days. We investigated how differences in water flux, obtained from two different models (EVACROP and APSIM), affect NO3–N leaching loads. The effect of interpolation of NO3–N concentrations based on days or drainage was also addressed. The models were set up according to a 2‐yr field experiment with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. Quinch) with different levels of N fertilization rates on a loamy soil at Flakkebjerg, Denmark. Due to small differences in measured NO3–N concentrations between sequential samplings, the method of interpolation did not significantly affect NO3–N leaching in the two periods investigated. Although there is no standard against which leaching losses from different approaches can be tested, results highlight that the modeling of water uptake as affected by N supply influences the amount of drainage and thus calculated NO3–N leaching. Therefore, for experiments with varying N fertilization levels, the APSIM model, which accounts for N nutrition on crop water use, is likely more accurate. For common fertilization rates, the simpler EVACROP seems appropriate. Thus, when using suction cup data for testing models or for evaluating mitigation options for nitrate leaching, the use of an appropriate model for estimating water fluxes is important.
A geographical cline in craniofacial morphology across populations of Mesoamerican lake‐dwelling fishes
Authors: Powers Amanda K. , Garita‐Alvarado Carlos A. , Rodiles‐Hernández Rocío , Berning Daniel J. , Gross Joshua B. , Ornelas‐García C. Patricia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTogether, the complex geological history and climatic diversity of Mesoamerica create a rich source of biodiversity from which evolutionary processes can be studied. Here, we discuss highly divergent morphs of lake‐dwelling fishes distributed across Mexico and Central America, originally recognized as members of different genera (Astyanax and “Bramocharax”). Recent phylogenetic studies, however, suggest these morphs group within the same genus and readily hybridize. Despite genetic similarities, Bramocharax morphs exhibit stark differences in cranial shape and dentition. We investigated the evolution of several cranial traits that vary across morphs collected from four lakes in Mexico and Nicaragua and discovered an ecomorphological cline from northern to southern lakes. Northern populations of sympatric morphs exhibit a similar cranial shape and tooth morphology. Southern populations of Bramocharax morphs, however, showed a larger disparity in maxillary teeth, length and frequency of unicuspid teeth, an elongated snout, and a streamlined cranium compared to Astyanax morphs. This divergence of craniofacial morphology likely evolved in association with differences in trophic niches. We discuss the morphological differences across the four lake systems in terms of geological history and trophic dynamics. In summary, our study suggests that Bramocharax morphs are likely locally adapted members derived from independent Astyanax lineages, highlighting an interesting parallel evolutionary pattern within the Astyanax genus.
Resource availability and its effects on mother to embryo nutrient transfer in two viviparous fish species
Authors: Molina‐Moctezuma Alejandro , Hernández‐Rosas Ana L. , Zúñiga‐Vega José Jaime 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDifferent hypotheses have been proposed to explain the adaptive value of matrotrophy, which is the postfertilization maternal provisioning to developing embryos. The Trexler–DeAngelis model proposes that matrotrophy provides fitness advantages when food abundance is high and availability is constant. If food availability is low or unpredictable, prefertilization maternal provisioning (lecithotrophy) should be favored over matrotrophy. In this study, we tested this model in two fish species from the family Poeciliidae, Poeciliopsis gracilis and P. infans, using field and laboratory data. In the field study, we explored the effects of population, season, and food abundance on the degree of matrotrophy. In P. infans, we found evidence that supports this model: In the population where food abundance decreased during the dry season, females reduced the amount of postfertilization provisioning and thus exhibited a more lecithotrophic strategy. In P. gracilis, we observed patterns that were partially consistent with this model: Food abundance decreased during the wet season in three populations of this species, but only in one of these populations, females exhibited less postfertilization nutrient transfer during this season. In the laboratory study, we tested the effects of constant, fluctuating, and low food availability on the relative amounts of pre‐ and postfertilization provisioning of P. infans. Our laboratory results also support the Trexler–DeAngelis model because both low and fluctuating food regimes promoted a more lecithotrophic strategy. Together, our findings indicate that the benefits of matrotrophy are more likely to occur when females have constant access to food sources.
Rhamnolipid Effects on Water Imbibition, Germination, and Initial Root and Shoot Growth of Soybeans
Authors: Sancheti Ashwin , Ju Lu‐Kwang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRhamnolipid is a nontoxic and biodegradable bioproduct that offers sustainable solutions in agricultural, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and refinery applications. Its imminent uses in agriculture warrant thorough investigations of rhamnolipid interactions with plants. In this work, the effects of rhamnolipid on soybeans during imbibition and germination under different conditions were studied. Seed coat was determined to serve as the main barrier that regulates water imbibition, and rhamnolipid at 2 g L−1 was found to increase the imbibition rate to 16.1 (% dry bean weight)/h from 12.6% h−1 at 0 g L−1 rhamnolipid in intact soybeans for 0.5–5 h, when the soybean weight increased almost linearly due to the constant permeation rate through hydrated seed coat. Rhamnolipid, however, did not transport freely into beans; only about 50% of the rhamnolipid carried in the volume of water imbibed was absorbed by beans. Two different studies showed that absorbed rhamnolipid, from up to 1.5 g L−1 solutions, did not affect the germination percentages in wet cloths and soil pots. However, an additional study with constant (7‐day) exposure of germinating beans to more concentrated rhamnolipid solutions indicated a slight decrease of germination percentage, down to ~85% at 20 g L−1 rhamnolipid. Rhamnolipid had far more pronounced effects on root development. At high concentrations (5–20 g L−1), rhamnolipid severely stunted the root growth, causing reduced root and shoot weights and visible browning and damages of roots; however, low (0.5–1 g L−1) concentrations of rhamnolipid stimulated higher lateral root development while reducing the primary root extension, causing no change in the overall root or shoot weight. The findings indicated complex rhamnolipid interactions with soybeans and warranted further study while developing agricultural applications of rhamnolipid.
Climate and geographic adaptation drive latitudinal clines in biomass of a widespread saltmarsh plant in its native and introduced ranges
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Chen Xincong , Strong Donald R. , Pennings Steven C. , Kirwan Matthew L. , Chen Xiaolin , Zhang Yihui 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroduced plants provide a unique opportunity to examine how plants respond through plasticity and adaptation to changing climates. We compared plants of Spartina alterniflora from the native (United States, 27–43°N) and introduced (China, 19–40°N) ranges. In the field and greenhouse, aboveground productivity of Chinese plants was greater than that of North American plants. Aboveground biomass in the field declined with increasing latitude in the native range, a pattern that persisted in the greenhouse, indicating a genetic basis. Aboveground biomass in the field displayed hump‐shaped relationships with latitude in China, but this pattern disappeared in field and greenhouse common gardens, indicating phenotypic plasticity. Relationships in both geographic regions were explained by temperature, which is probably the underlying environmental factor affecting aboveground biomass. S. alterniflora has evolved greater biomass in China, but in the four decades since it was introduced, it has not yet evolved the genetic cline in biomass seen in its native range. By working at lower latitudes in the introduced range than have been sampled in the native range, we identified an optimum temperature in the introduced range above which aboveground productivity decreases.
Expanding construct validity of established and new PROMIS Pediatric measures for children and adolescents receiving cancer treatment
Authors: Reeve Bryce B. , McFatrich Molly , Mack Jennifer W. , Pinheiro Laura C. , Jacobs Shana S. , Baker Justin N. , Withycombe Janice S. , Lin Li , Mann Courtney M. , Villabroza Katie R. , Hinds Pamela S. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric measures were designed to assess symptoms and functioning in children and adolescents. The study goal was to evaluate the validity and responsiveness of the PROMIS Pediatric measures in a diverse cohort of children with cancer.MethodsChildren (7‐18 years) from nine pediatric oncology hospitals completed surveys at 72 hours preceding treatment initiation (T1) and at follow‐up (T2) approximately 7 to 17 days later for chemotherapy, and 4+ weeks later for radiation. Children completed PROMIS Pediatric measures (Mobility, Pain Interference, Fatigue, Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, Psychological Stress), Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS), and global impressions of change (GIC) questions on their symptoms and functioning at T2 reflecting on T1. Parents completed the Lansky Play‐Performance Status (PPS) scale and medication list for their child.ResultsThe children (n = 482) were average age 12.9 years, 46% female, 60% Caucasian, and had diverse cancers and treatments. There were moderate to strong correlations between PROMIS Pediatric and MSAS, supporting convergent validity. In support for known‐groups validity, the PROMIS Pediatric average scores were statistically different (P < 0.05) for most domains by PPS and if the child was on a medication (or not) for controlling a symptom. The PROMIS Pediatric measures were responsive over time in association with the GIC.ConclusionsIn a large, diverse sample of children and adolescents with cancer, there was strong evidence for the construct validity and responsiveness of the PROMIS Pediatric measures. This evidence supports PROMIS Pediatric measure use in pediatric oncology trials.