bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peptidomimetics in Silico
Authors: Tomasella Cristina , Floris Matteo , Guccione Salvatore , Pappalardo Matteo , Basile Livia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEndogenous peptides as part of physiological processes are targets of interest when it comes to finding desirable therapeutics which are able to modulate molecular interactions. The major limits presented by peptides when they are used as drugs have motivated the research of the synthesis of peptidomimetics obtained through chemical modification and the use of in silico approaches. Here recent works on the discovery of peptidomimetics by computational methods are reported. Together with molecular dynamic simulations, the use of pharmacophore research simulations helps to gain insight into and understand the molecular determinants underlying the physiological processes.
A feasibility study of a real‐time visualization method for electromagnetic fields
Authors: Ishii Masanori , Kinoshita Moto 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe present a feasibility study of a real‐time visualization method for electromagnetic fields. When a resonant laser is used to irradiate gaseous atoms enclosed in a glass cell, the atoms absorb the light and immediately radiate as fluorescence. If a resonant laser and electromagnetic field are used to irradiate the gaseous atoms simultaneously, fluorescence of the light is stronger. The difference between the strength values of fluorescence of light can be used for electromagnetic field visualization. We succeeded in demonstrating a real‐time visualization of electromagnetic fields radiated from a horn antenna and an aperture of a waveguide in free space.
Effects of Water Filtration and Temperature on Microbial Colonization and Survival of Lake Sturgeon Eggs
Authors: Fujimoto Masanori , Marsh Terence L. , Scribner Kim T. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Physical and biotic factors that affect development and survival during the embryonic period of fish are major concerns in aquaculture, particularly when individuals are produced using natural surface water sources. We quantified the effects of bacterial community taxonomic composition and abundance, water filtration treatment, and incubation temperature on the development and survival of embryos from Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens, a threatened Great Lakes fish species. Eggs were fertilized and incubated using a two-by-two treatment design by manipulating water treatments (treated [filtered and UV treated] and untreated stream water) and temperature (12°C and 18°C) during incubation. Egg samples from five full-sibling families were exposed to each rearing treatment. At different stages during development, eggs were analyzed for egg surface microbial community composition and abundance using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism methods based on the 16S rRNA gene and quantitative PCR, respectively. Sanger sequencing identified egg-associated microbial taxa. Microbial community composition derived from terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism was visualized using principal component analysis. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the composition of microbial communities that developed on egg surfaces varied as a function of water filtration and temperature. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that significantly higher microbial abundance was present on surfaces of eggs reared in untreated stream water than on those reared in treated stream water. Temperature did not affect egg surface microbial abundance. Significantly higher egg mortality was documented for eggs reared in unfiltered stream water (mean ± SD = 77.4 ± 17.6%) than for eggs reared in treated stream water (50.3 ± 14.7%). Temperature during incubation did not affect levels of egg mortality. Sequence analysis revealed that certain microbial taxa were associated with eggs characterized by higher survival, including Acidovorax spp. and Massilia spp., suggesting that they may be candidates for natural probiotics. Filtration and UV treatment of surface water was an effective method for modification of egg microbial community composition and quantity and significantly reduced egg mortality.
Alkalinized lidocaine solution as a first‐line local anesthesia protocol for intradetrusor injection of onabotulinum toxin A: Results from a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pereira e Silva Ricardo , Ponte Carolina , Lopes Filipe , Palma dos Reis José 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsLocal anesthesia protocols for intradetrusor onabotulinum toxin A (BoNTA) injection lack standardization. We aimed to determine if an alkalinized lidocaine solution is more effective than lidocaine only.MethodsPatients of both genders aged 18 or above enlisted for intradetrusor BoNTA injection (idiopathic, neurogenic, and bladder pain syndrome) were included in a double‐blinded randomized controlled trial after obtaining their informed consent. All participants filled a bladder diary and a urine culture was performed. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to Protocol A (20 ml 2% lidocaine + 10 ml 8.4% sodium bicarbonate) or Protocol B (20 ml 2% lidocaine + 10 ml 0.9% saline solution). A Numeric Rating Scale (0–10) was used to assess the level of pain immediately after the procedure (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints included pain after 1 h, urinary tract infection, acute urinary retention, and hematuria related to the procedure.ResultsA total of 116 patients were randomized. Baseline characteristics (age, sex, indication, and bladder diary parameters) of patients in Group A and B were similar. Pain scores at the end of the procedure were significantly lower with the alkalinized solution (Protocol A and B, respectively, 2.37 ± 0.31 vs. 4.44 ± 0.36, p < .01). No differences were observed 1 h after treatment (Protocol A and B, respectively, 0.54 ± 0.17 vs. 0.69 ± 0.19, p = .487). The only adverse event reported was mild‐to‐moderate self‐limited hematuria in 15.4% of patients.ConclusionsThe use of an alkalinized lidocaine solution has proven to be significantly superior to lidocaine only as local anesthesia before intradetrusor BoNTA injection, suggesting that this may be considered a first‐line option.
A Lagrangian meshfree mesoscale simulation of powder bed fusion additive manufacturing of metals
Authors: Fan Zongyue , Wang Hao , Huang Zhida , Liao Huming , Fan Jiang , Lu Jian , Liu Chong , Li Bo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe present a powder‐scale computational framework to predict the microstructure evolution of metals in powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (PBF AM) processes based on the hot optimal transportation meshfree (HOTM) method. The powder bed is modeled as discrete and deformable three‐dimensional bodies by integrating statistic information from experiments, including particle size and shape, and powder packing density. Tractions in Lagrangian framework are developed to model the recoil pressure and surface tension. The laser beam is applied to surfaces of particles and substrate dynamically as a heat flux with user‐specified beam size, power, scanning speed, and path. The linear momentum and energy conservation equations are formulated in the Lagrangian configuration and solved simultaneously in a monolithic way by the HOTM method to predict the deformation, temperature, contact mechanisms, and fluid‐structure interactions in the powder bed. The numerical results are validated against single track experiments. Various powder bed configurations, laser powers, and speed are investigated to understand the influence of dynamic contact and inelastic material behavior on the deformation, heat transfer, and phase transition of the powder bed. The formation of defects in the microstructure of 3D printed metals, including pores, partially, and unmelted particles, is predicted by the proposed computational scheme.
Phase I/II Study of Cisplatin plus Nab-Paclitaxel with Concurrent Thoracic Radiotherapy for Patients with Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hayashi Hidetoshi , Ogura Masakazu , Niwa Takashi , Yokoyama Toshihide , Tanizaki Junko , Ozaki Tomohiro , Yoshioka Hiroshige , Kurata Takayasu , Tamura Yosuke , Fujisaka Yasuhito , Tanaka Kaoru , Hasegawa Yoshikazu , Kudo Keita , Chiba Yasutaka , Nakagawa Kazuhiko 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Lessons Learned
The combination of cisplatin plus nab-paclitaxel with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer is a promising therapeutic strategy. Further investigation is warranted.

Background
We conducted a phase I/II trial of cisplatin plus nab-paclitaxel with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine the recommended dose (RD) of nab-paclitaxel and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this regimen.

Methods
In the phase I study, escalating doses of weekly nab-paclitaxel were administered together with cisplatin at 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks and concurrent radiotherapy. In the phase II study, nab-paclitaxel was administered at the RD.

Results
In the phase I study, whereas no dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed with nab-paclitaxel at 50 or 60 mg/m2, one of six patients experienced DLT (esophagitis of grade 3) at 70 mg/m2, determined as the RD. Twenty-four patients at RD were evaluable for safety and efficacy in phase II. Common toxicities included esophagitis (87.5%) and leukopenia (79.2%). Pneumonitis and treatment-related deaths were not observed, but 20 patients (83.3%) experienced radiation pneumonitis, with one case of grade 3 and four of grade 2, after completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 73.9% and 56.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34.3%–74.7%), respectively.

Conclusion
Concurrent chemoradiation with nab-paclitaxel at 70 mg/m2 and cisplatin at 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks showed encouraging feasibility and activity for locally advanced NSCLC.
Management of Abemaciclib-Associated Adverse Events in Patients with Hormone Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer: Safety Analysis of MONARCH 2 and MONARCH 3
Authors: Rugo Hope S. , Huober Jens , García-Sáenz José A. , Masuda Norikazu , Sohn Joo Hyuk , Andre Valerie A.M. , Barriga Susana , Cox Joanne , Goetz Matthew 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Background
Abemaciclib demonstrated efficacy in hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer. Here we provide a comprehensive summary of the most common adverse events (AEs), their management, and whether AEs or dose reductions influenced progression-free survival (PFS), in the MONARCH 2 and 3 trials.

Materials and Methods
Incidence of the most clinically relevant AEs, management, and outcomes were summarized. Time-dependent covariate analyses examined the impact of dose reductions on PFS. PFS was estimated for patients with and without early onset of diarrhea or neutropenia.

Results
The most frequently reported AE was diarrhea, with clinically significant diarrhea (grade ≥2) reported for 42.8% of patients taking abemaciclib. Median time to onset was 1 week, and duration ranged from 6 to 12 days, depending on grade and study. Diarrhea was adequately managed by antidiarrheal medication (72.8%), dose omissions (17.3%), and reductions (16.7%). The highest rates of grade ≥2 diarrhea were observed in the first cycles and decreased in subsequent cycles. Neutropenia (grade ≥3) occurred in 25.4% of abemaciclib-treated patients. Neutropenia resolved with dose omissions (16.8%) and/or dose reductions (11.2%). Incidence of febrile neutropenia (0.7%) or other relevant grade ≥3 hematological events (&lt;9%) was low. Venous thromboembolic events (5.3%) were primarily treated with anticoagulants. Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis (3.4%) was treated with corticosteroids and/or antibiotics. PFS benefit of abemaciclib was not impacted by dose reductions or early onset of toxicities.

Conclusion
Abemaciclib was generally well tolerated. The most common AEs were effectively managed by supportive medications, and/or dose adjustments, with no detriment to PFS.

Implications for Practice
Treatment with abemaciclib plus fulvestrant or nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors is generally well tolerated in patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer. In MONARCH 2 and MONARCH 3, any-grade diarrhea and grade ≥3 neutropenia were effectively managed with supportive medication and/or dose adjustment. Venous thromboembolic events were treated with anticoagulants and did not often require treatment discontinuation. Interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis was infrequent and treated with corticosteroids and/or antibiotics. Clinicians should be aware of and implement management strategies, including dose adjustments according to local labels, for commonly occurring and serious adverse events to ensure continued treatment and optimize clinical benefit/risk ratio.
Isolation of nanocellulose from hemp (Cannabis sativa) fibers by chemo‐mechanical method and its characterization
Authors: Rana S. S. , Gupta M. K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNanocellulose of hemp fibers was obtained by employing the chemo‐mechanical technique, which included three stages of chemical treatments followed by mechanical grinding. Morphological analysis of untreated, treated, and nanocellulose of hemp fibers was performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Further, the crystalline behavior of these fibers was also measured by X‐ray diffraction and observed a higher crystallinity (80.95%) for the nanocellulose. Furthermore, change in chemical structure of fibers after chemical treatments and mechanical grinding was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elimination of hemicelluloses and lignin was confirmed. Higher thermal stability of nanocellulose was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The antibacterial analysis was also performed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and bacillus bacteria. An excellent antibacterial property was offered by the isolated nanocellulose, which makes it a suitable reinforcement to be used in polymeric films and composites for the packaging applications.
Trends in HbA1c thresholds for initiation of hypoglycemic agents: Impact of changed recommendations for older and frail patients
Authors: Ambrož Martina , de Vries Sieta T. , Hoogenberg Klaas , Denig Petra 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsLess strict glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) thresholds have been recommended in older and/or frail type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients than in younger and less frail patients for initiating hypoglycemic agents since 2011. We aimed to assess trends in HbA1c thresholds at initiation of a first hypoglycemic agent(s) in T2D patients and the influence of age and frailty on these trends.Materials and methodsThe groningen initiative to analyze type 2 diabetes treatment (GIANTT) database was used, which includes primary care T2D patients from the north of the Netherlands. Patients initiating a first non‐insulin hypoglycemic agent(s) between 2008 and 2014 with an HbA1c measurement within 120 days before initiation were included. The influence of calendar year, age, or frailty and the interaction between calendar year and age or frailty were assessed using multilevel regression analyses adjusted for confounders.ResultsWe included 4588 patients. The mean HbA1c threshold at treatment initiation was 7.4% up to 2010, decreasing to 7.1% in 2011 and increasing to 7.4% in 2014. This quadratic change over the years was significant (P < 0.001). Patients aged 60 to 79 initiated treatments at lower HbA1c and patients of different frailty at similar HbA1c levels. The interaction between year and age or frailty was not significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsHbA1c thresholds at initiation of a first hypoglycemic agent(s) changed significantly over time, showing a decrease after 2010 and an increase after 2012. The HbA1c threshold at initiation was not influenced by age or frailty, which is in contrast with recommendations for more personalized treatment.
Temporal evolution of OH density in a pulse‐modulated surface microdischarge
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Feng Chunlei , Gao Liang , Ding Hongbin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLaser‐induced fluorescence was used to determine the absolute OH density in a pulse‐modulated atmospheric‐pressure surface microdischarge in helium. Measurements were carried out during the discharge and post‐discharge in both plasma layer and downstream region. Experimental findings show that dissipated power, modulation on‐time duration, and the distance from the dielectric surface have more significant effects on the OH(X) lifetime than OH(X) density. The lifetime dependence on power is more pronounced as compared with the modulation duration. Moreover, a dielectric barrier discharge model was presented to estimate the density evolution and loss mechanisms of OH radicals. The results indicate that the decay of OH density is mainly due to the transport process and recombination reactions.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn
Authors: Mandell Erica , Kinsella John P. , Abman Steven H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPersistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a significant clinical problem characterized by refractory and severe hypoxemia secondary to elevated pulmonary vascular resistance resulting in right‐to‐left extrapulmonary shunting of deoxygenated blood. PPHN is associated with diverse cardiopulmonary disorders and a high early mortality rate for infants with severe PPHN. Surviving infants with PPHN have an increased risk of long‐term morbidities. PPHN physiology can be categorized by (1) maladaptation: pulmonary vessels have normal structure and number but have abnormal vasoreactivity; (2) excessive muscularization: increased smooth muscle cell thickness and increased distal extension of muscle to vessels that are usually not muscularized; and (3) underdevelopment: lung hypoplasia associated with decreased pulmonary artery number. Treatment involves adequate lung recruitment, optimization of cardiac output and left ventricular function, and pulmonary vasodilators such as inhaled nitric oxide. Infants who fail to respond to conventional therapy should be evaluated for lethal lung disorders including alveolar‐capillary dysplasia, T‐box transcription factor 4 gene, thyroid transcription factor‐1, ATP‐binding cassette A3 gene, and surfactant protein diseases.
Biochar changes the bioavailability and bioefficacy of the allelochemical coumarin in agricultural soils
Authors: Gámiz Beatriz , López‐Cabeza Rocío , Velarde Pilar , Spokas Kurt A , Cox Lucía 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAllelochemicals can act as biopesticides or enhance the action of synthetic pesticides. In this work, we assessed the bioavailability of the allelochemical coumarin in soils amended with fresh or field‐aged biochars (BCs). The fresh BC from oak wood (Fresh BC) was prepared at 550 °C and was buried for aging in two different places: in a sandy loam soil in Spain for 15 months (Aged BC_1) and a sandy loam soil in USA for six months (Aged BC_2).RESULTSSorption experiments showed that all BCs were able to increase the affinity of soil towards coumarin, with the distribution coefficient following the order: unamended soil < Aged BC_2‐amended soil < Aged BC_1‐amended soil < Fresh BC‐amended soil. All biochars ensure greater persistence of coumarin and the effect was more pronounced at high chemical dose (10 mg kg–1). Conversely, leaching studies in soil columns revealed that BCs were able to maintain coumarin within the first 5 cm of top‐soil with total amount extracted ranging between 17% and 22% for BC‐amended soil and <1% for unamended soil. Leaching was only observed when coumarin was added at the highest rate. Likewise, the bioefficacy of coumarin against lettuce was enhanced only at 10 kg ha–1 with BC‐amended soil.CONCLUSIONSBiochar application to agricultural soils is a promising tool for the management of natural compounds with potential use as biopesticides, such as coumarin, because it increases sorption, persistence and, in some cases, bioefficacy. The results reveal that this effect still persists with aging of BC in soils.
Dicamba resistance in kochia from Kansas and Nebraska evolved independently
Authors: Ou Junjun , Gaines Todd A , Fritz Allan K , Stahlman Phillip W , Jugulam Mithila 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDEvolution and spread of resistance to glyphosate in kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott] is a major challenge for the sustainability of glyphosate‐resistant crop technology in this region. Dicamba offers a viable option to manage glyphosate‐resistant kochia. However, the recent and rapid evolution of dicamba resistance in glyphosate‐resistant kochia populations in Kansas (KS), and other states in the USA is a threat to the management of this weed. Our previous research suggests that two distinct mechanisms confer dicamba resistance in KS (KSUR) and NE (CSUR) kochia. CSUR kochia is dicamba‐resistant due to a double mutation in an auxin and dicamba coreceptor gene (Aux/IAA16), and CSUR kochia plants show reduced dicamba translocation. However, the mechanism of dicamba resistance in KSUR is not known. The objective of this research was to determine if dicamba resistance in KSUR is due to a different mechanism and therefore evolved independently from CSUR by measuring whether the resistance traits are chromosomally linked.RESULTSThe F1 and F2 progenies from KSUR × CSUR were generated. Single dicamba rate tests were conducted using the F1 and F2 progeny. The results indicate that two different genes confer dicamba resistance in KSUR and CSUR; importantly, these two genes are not linked.CONCLUSIONThis research provides evidence that different populations of kochia have independently evolved resistance to dicamba by different mechanisms, and we confirmed that the genes conferring resistance to the same herbicide in different populations are not chromosomally linked.
Research on multiple‐state industrial robot system with epistemic uncertainty reliability allocation method
Authors: Bai Bin , Li Ze , Zhang Jun‐yi , Zhang De‐quan , Fei Cheng‐wei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractReliability allocation of industrial robot (IR) system is one of the important means to improve its whole life cycle, reduce maintenance cost, and characterize weak subsystems. The IR system is not only very complex but also has strong customization; meanwhile, its sample data are small, resulting in unclear degeneration and failure. Based on the above two epistemic uncertainties, a new methodology called multiple‐state IR system reliability allocation method with epistemic uncertainty (MIRS‐RAM‐EU) is proposed. First, the Dempster‐Shafer (D‐S) evidence theory is used to quantify the epistemic uncertainty. Then, the Kolmogorov differential equations of MIR's subsystems are calculated. The reliability index of MIRS is allocated based on Birnbaum importance degree theory, and the reliability allocation coefficient of each IR subsystem is clearly expressed by this method. Finally, compared with traditional importance allocation method, the MIRS‐RAM‐EU is more efficient and accurate. This method is usefully directive for reliability evaluation of IR.