bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demonstrating adequate safety for a concrete column exposed to fire, using probabilistic methods
Authors: Van Coile Ruben , Hopkin Danny , Elhami‐Khorasani Negar , Gernay Thomas 
Published: April 2020

SummaryDemonstrating adequate safety for exceptional designs and new design applications requires an explicit evaluation of the safety level, considering the uncertainties associated with the design parameters. The recently published PD 7974‐7:2019 provides five routes to demonstrate adequate safety through probabilistic methods but does not include worked examples. The case study in this paper presents three state‐of‐the‐art approaches for demonstrating achievement of an absolute safety target (acceptance concept “AC3” in PD 7974‐7:2019) for a concrete column in an office building with stringent reliability requirements, specified on the level of individual members and with respect to a standardized heating regime. The case study shows how fragility curves listed by, for example, industry organizations can support probabilistic approaches and a more comprehensive understanding of design performance.
Bioactivity‐guided isolation of anti‐inflammatory components from Phyllanthus emblica
Authors: Li Wei , Zhu Hua‐wei , Chen Yun‐jiao , Xiao Hang , Ge Ya‐zhong , Hu Hai‐e , Li Xue‐li , Cao Yong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPhyllanthus emblica (P. emblica) is a traditionally edible fruit that is good for treatment of biliary diseases, bronchitis, etc. It has obvious anti‐inflammatory activity, but few studies focus on its anti‐inflammatory active substance basis. The purpose of this study was to explore the material basis of anti‐inflammatory activity of P. emblica, purify, and identify anti‐inflammatory active monomers. Fisetin and gallic acid, which were identified after separation from ethanol extract components of P. emblica, exhibited the best anti‐inflammatory effects, markedly inhibiting nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokine levels in LPS‐stimulated macrophages. In particular, fisetin with significant anti‐inflammatory activity was firstly identified from P. emblica. For the first time, our research systematically revealed the material basis of the anti‐inflammatory effects of P. emblica from the perspective of the composition of the bioactive substances and provided scientific research methods and ideas for researching bioactive monomers in other plant extracts.
NTRKtesting: First results of theQuiP‐EQAscheme and a comprehensive map ofNTRKfusion variants and their diagnostic coverage by targetedRNA‐basedNGSassays
Authors: Kirchner Martina , Glade Julia , Lehmann Ulrich , Merkelbach‐Bruse Sabine , Hummel Michael , Lehmann Annika , Trautmann Marcel , Kumbrink Jörg , Jung Andreas , Dietmaier Wolfgang , Endris Volker , Kazdal Daniel , Ploeger Carolin , Evert Matthias , Horst David , Kreipe Hans , Kirchner Thomas , Wardelmann Eva , Büttner Reinhard , Weichert Wilko , Dietel Manfred , Schirmacher Peter , Stenzinger Albrecht , Pfarr Nicole 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGene fusions involving the three neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase genesNTRK1,NTRK2, orNTRK3were identified as oncogenic drivers in many cancer types. Two small molecule inhibitors have been tested in clinical trials recently and require the detection of aNTRKfusion gene prior to therapeutic application. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and targeted next‐generation sequencing (tNGS) assays are commonly used for diagnostic profiling of gene fusions. In the presented study we applied an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme in order to investigate the suitability of FISH and RNA‐/DNA‐based tNGS for detection ofNTRKfusions in a multinational and multicentric ring trial. In total 27 participants registered for this study. Nine institutions took part in the FISH‐based and 18 in the NGS‐based round robin test, the latter additionally subdivided into low‐input and high‐input NGS methods (regarding nucleic acid input). Regardless of the testing method applied, all participants received tumor sections of 10 formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks for in situ hybridization or RNA/DNA extraction, and the results were submitted via an online questionnaire. For FISH testing, eight of nine (88.8%) participants, and for NGS‐based testing 15 of 18 (83.3%) participants accomplished the round robin test successfully. The overall high success rate demonstrates that FISH‐ and tNGS‐basedNTRKtesting can be well established in a routine diagnostic setting. Complementing this dataset, we provide an updated in silico analysis on the coverage of more than 150NTRKfusion variants by several commercially available RNA‐based tNGS panels.
Parametric study and optimisation of hot K2CO3‐based post‐combustion CO2 capture from a coal‐fired power plant
Authors: Ayittey Foster Kofi , Saptoro Agus , Kumar Perumal , Wong Mee Kee 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDetailed parametric analyses on a post‐combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture system using a hot potassium carbonate solution was completed using a rate‐based simulation study. The system was simulated in Aspen Plus® V10, adopting the electrolyte non‐random two‐liquid property package. A base case study of the system was validated using literature data. Parametric analyses were then performed to study the effect of vital system parameters on CO2 capture rate and stripper reboiler duty. These system parameters include: (i) reflux ratio of stripping column (ii) lean solvent flowrate (iii) flue gas flowrate (iv) lean solvent concentration (v) lean solvent temperature (vi) flue gas temperature and (vii) absorber operating pressure. Changes in the lean solvent concentration (from 25 to 45 wt%) and absorber operating pressure (from 0.5 to 2.5 MPa) were observed to have the most significant effects on the overall performance of the capture system. Increasing both parameters showed substantial declines in the reboiler duty and resulted in remarkable increases in the corresponding carbon capture levels, and vice versa. The performance of various packing types in the absorber and stripper columns were also studied. Among the packing types examined, Flexipac Koch Metal 1Y was observed to yield the best system performance. The results from the parametric analyses were used to propose an optimised model that was able to improve carbon removal rate by 12.61% and decreased stripper reboiler duty by 14.86%. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From a deep learning model back to the brain—Identifying regional predictors and their relation to aging
Authors: Levakov Gidon , Rosenthal Gideon , Shelef Ilan , Raviv Tammy Riklin , Avidan Galia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe present a Deep Learning framework for the prediction of chronological age from structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. Previous findings associate increased brain age with neurodegenerative diseases and higher mortality rates. However, the importance of brain age prediction goes beyond serving as biomarkers for neurological disorders. Specifically, utilizing convolutional neural network (CNN) analysis to identify brain regions contributing to the prediction can shed light on the complex multivariate process of brain aging. Previous work examined methods to attribute pixel/voxel‐wise contributions to the prediction in a single image, resulting in “explanation maps” that were found noisy and unreliable. To address this problem, we developed an inference scheme for combining these maps across subjects, thus creating a population‐based, rather than a subject‐specific map. We applied this method to a CNN ensemble trained on predicting subjects' age from raw T1 brain images in a lifespan sample of 10,176 subjects. Evaluating the model on an untouched test set resulted in mean absolute error of 3.07 years and a correlation between chronological and predicted age of r = 0.98. Using the inference method, we revealed that cavities containing cerebrospinal fluid, previously found as general atrophy markers, had the highest contribution for age prediction. Comparing maps derived from different models within the ensemble allowed to assess differences and similarities in brain regions utilized by the model. We showed that this method substantially increased the replicability of explanation maps, converged with results from voxel‐based morphometry age studies and highlighted brain regions whose volumetric variability correlated the most with the prediction error.
Contemporary considerations in adjuvant radioiodine treatment of adults with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Juweid Malik E. , Tulchinsky Mark , Mismar Ayman , Momani Munther , Zayed Ayman A. , Al Hawari Hussam , Albsoul Nader , Mottaghy Felix M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDifferentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy with a growing incidence worldwide. The initial conventional management is surgery, followed by consideration of 131I treatment that includes three options. These are termed remnant ablation (targeting benign thyroid remnant), adjuvant (targeting presumed microscopic DTC) and known disease (targeting macroscopic DTC) treatments. Some experts mostly rely on clinicopathologic assessment for recurrence risk to select patients for the 131I treatment. Others, in addition, apply radioiodine imaging to guide their treatment planning, termed theranostics (aka theragnostics or radiotheragnostics). In patients with low‐risk DTC, remnant ablation rather than adjuvant treatment is generally recommended and, in this setting, the ATA recommends a low 131I activity. 131I adjuvant treatment is universally recommended in patients with high‐risk DTC (a primary tumor of any size with gross extrathyroidal extension) and is generally recommended in intermediate‐risk DTC (primary tumor >4 cm in diameter, locoregional metastases, microscopic extrathyroidal extension, aggressive histology or vascular invasion). The optimal amount of 131I activity for adjuvant treatment is controversial, but experts reached a consensus that the 131I activity should be greater than that for remnant ablation. The main obstacles to establishing timely evidence through randomized clinical trials for 131I therapy include years‐to‐decades delay in recurrence and low disease‐specific mortality. This mini‐review is intended to update oncologists on the most recent clinical, pathologic, laboratory and imaging variables, as well as on the current 131I therapy‐related definitions and management paradigms, which should optimally equip them for individualized patient guidance and treatment.
Capillary glucose concentration during oral glucose tolerance test for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes
Authors: García‐Claver Ainoha , Ramos‐Corral Raquel , Laviña‐Fañanás Concepción , Solans‐Blecua Isabel , Puzo‐Foncillas José 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess concordance between two point‐of‐care testing (POCT) devices and the standard laboratory method in screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Huesca.MethodsPregnant women who met criteria for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and attended the laboratory between October 2017 and November 2018 were recruited in this prospective observational study. Glucose was measured in venous (laboratory) and capillary blood (Accu‐Chek or Contour Next glucometers). GDM was diagnosed attending to NDDG criteria for venous samples or capillary‐specific cut‐off. Linear regression, Passing–Bablok, Bland–Altman, and the kappa coefficient were used to study concordance between POCT and laboratory method.ResultsData from 109 women were analyzed (57 for Accu‐Chek, 52 for Contour Next). Statistical analyses showed good agreement between both POCT and laboratory method. There were no statistical differences in fasting glucose measurements between capillary and venous samples and both POCT devices meet the ISO 15197 standard. Accu‐Chek showed good agreement (k=0.629) regarding the laboratory method in classifying GDM, with an acceptable inter‐evaluator bias of 3.5% (P<0.001).ConclusionPOCT can be used to obtain fasting values and reduce overall waiting times for patients. Additionally, Accu‐Chek can be used to diagnose GDM in remote areas applying specific cut‐off values.
The relationship between romantic and prenatal maternal attachment: The moderating role of social support
Authors: Ponti Lucia , Smorti Martina , Ghinassi Simon , Tani Franca 
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between three types of maternal attachment bonds: anxious romantic, avoidant romantic and prenatal. The moderating role of perceived social support is also analysed. Ninety‐one pregnant women in or near their thirtieth week of gestation (M = 29.59; SD = 4.57) were recruited, all of whom completed a series of questionnaires to assess the quality of their romantic and prenatal attachment bonds and their levels of perceived social support. The results reveal that both anxious and avoidant romantic attachments were significantly associated with low levels of maternal prenatal attachment. Moreover, the level of social support perceived during pregnancy moderated the relationship between anxious and prenatal attachments but had no effect on avoidant romantic and prenatal attachments. Our discussion of these findings considers the emotional and behavioural characteristics of various forms of insecure romantic attachments. Overall, the data highlight the relevance of the quality of intimate close relationships on maternity experiences and women's caregiving abilities.
Stabilization of elongated polyglutamine tracts by a helical peptide derived from N‐terminal huntingtin
Authors: Sethi Ratnika , Roy Ipsita 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn Huntington's disease, the length of the polyglutamine tract in the mutant protein correlates positively with the formation of aggregates and disease symptoms and severity of the disease. Some disease‐modifying factors exist. However, no organized study has been carried out to investigate the effect of polyglutamine length in the mutant protein on the efficacy of a therapeutic strategy. We had shown earlier that the helical peptide arising out of the N‐terminal stretch of normal huntingtin is able to inhibit aggregation of a number of proteins, including luciferase, α‐synuclein, p53, and Rnq1. In this work, we show that polyglutamine stretches of differing lengths, namely 51Q, 72Q, and 103Q, form a mixture of aggregates at different rates, with the rate increasing in a polyQ length‐dependent manner. The helical peptide is able to inhibit the rate of aggregation. The extent of inhibition was different when measuring either total aggregation or only fibrillar aggregates, suggesting that the helical peptide with benign polyQ stretch alters the aggregation landscape of different elongated polyQ lengths differently. Our results suggest that designing a therapeutic approach to inhibit protein aggregation must take note of polyQ length of the protein.
In vitro long‐term repeated exposure and exposure switching of a novel tobacco vapor product in a human organotypic culture of bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Ito Shigeaki , Matsumura Kazushi , Ishimori Kanae , Ishikawa Shinkichi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNext‐generation tobacco products and nicotine delivery systems such as heat‐not‐burn tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, the usage of which is expected to have a beneficial impact on public health, have gained popularity over the past decade. However, the risks associated with the long‐term use of such products are still incompletely understood. Although the risks of these products should be clarified through epidemiological studies, such studies are normally performed based on each product category, not product‐by‐product. Therefore, investigation of the risk on a product‐by‐product basis is important to provide specific scientific evidence. In the current study, we performed the 40‐day repeated exposure of in vitro human bronchial epithelial tissues to cigarette smoke (CS) or vapor from our proprietary novel tobacco vapor product (NTV). In addition, tissue samples exposed to CS were switched to NTV or CS exposure was stopped at 20 days to reflect a situation where smokers switched to NTV or ceased to smoke. All tissue samples were assessed in terms of toxicity, inflammation and transcriptomic alterations. Tissue samples switched to NTV and the cessation of exposure samples showed recovery from CS‐induced damage although there was a time‐course difference. Moreover, repeated exposure to NTV produced negligible effects on the tissue samples while CS produced cumulative effects. Our results suggest that the use of NTV, including switching to NTV from cigarette smoking, has fewer effects on bronchial epithelial tissues than continuing smoking.
Impact of exosome‐loaded chitosan hydrogel in wound repair and layered dermal reconstitution in mice animal model
Authors: Nooshabadi Vajihe Taghdiri , Khanmohamadi Mehdi , Valipour Elahe , Mahdipour Shadi , Salati Amir , Malekshahi Ziba Veisi , Shafei Shilan , Amini Elahe , Farzamfar Saeed , Ai Jafar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCombat or burn injuries are associated with a series of risks, such as microbial infection, an elevated level of inflammatory response, and pathologic scar tissue formation, which significantly postpone wound healing and also lead to impaired repair. Skin engineering for wound healing requires a biomimetic dressing substrate with ideal hydrophilicity, holding antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In addition, available bioactive specification is required to reduce scar formation, stimulate angiogenesis, and improve wound repair. In this study, we successfully fabricated chitosan (Ch)–based hydrogel enriched with isolated exosome (EXO) from easy‐accessible stem cells, which could promote fibroblast cell migration and proliferation in vitro. Full‐thickness excisional wound model was used to investigate the in vivo dermal substitution ability of the fabricated hydrogel composed Ch and EXO substrates. Our finding confirmed that the wounds covered with Ch scaffold containing isolated EXO have nearly 83.6% wound closure ability with a high degree of re‐epithelialization, whereas sterile gauze showed 51.5% of reduction in wound size. In summary, obtained results imply that Ch‐glycerol‐EXO hydrogel construct can be utilized at the full‐thickness skin wound substitution and skin tissue engineering.
Development of an extracellular matrix‐enriched gelatin sponge for liver wound dressing
Authors: Wang Bo , Johnson Alexia , Li Wuwei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGelatin, as a common hemostatic agent, has been processed into a variety of forms for clinical applications. To enhance wound healing and reduce postoperative complications after liver trauma or surgery, naturally‐derived materials can be incorporated into gelatin to improve its physical and biological properties. In this study, we developed an extracellular matrix (ECM) enriched gelatin (EG) sponge through combining liver ECM digestion and gelatin at different proportions. By increasing the gelatin concentration, the EG sponge exhibited reduced porous structure, lower water absorption rate, superior degradation resistant, and higher elastic modulus, whereas, by increasing the ECM concentration, the porous structure and swelling ratio of the EG sponge were significantly improved. We tested the in vivo response of EG sponge for liver parenchyma wound repair as compared with the ECM‐only or gelatin‐only sponges. Liver wound repaired with the gelatin‐only sponge exhibited a severe inflammation and tissue adhesion. In contrast, both ECM‐only and EG sponges repaired liver wound showed desired biocompatibility as evidenced by a smooth liver surface, reduced wound size, earlier material absorption, and accelerated liver regeneration. In conclusion, the properly designed EG sponge is a more effective and safer topical hemostatic agent than the traditional gelatin sponge for repairing liver injury.
Antibacterial graphene‐based hydroxyapatite/chitosan coating with gentamicin for potential applications in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Stevanović Milena , Djošić Marija , Janković Ana , Kojić Vesna , Vukašinović‐Sekulić Maja , Stojanović Jovica , Odović Jadranka , Crevar Sakač Milkica , Kyong Yop Rhee , Mišković‐Stanković Vesna 
Published: April 2020

AbstractElectrophoretic deposition process (EPD) was successfully used for obtaining graphene (Gr)‐reinforced composite coating based on hydroxyapatite (HAP), chitosan (CS), and antibiotic gentamicin (Gent), from aqueous suspension. The deposition process was performed as a single step process at a constant voltage (5 V, deposition time 12 min) on pure titanium foils. The influence of graphene was examined through detailed physicochemical and biological characterization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron analyses confirmed the formation of composite HAP/CS/Gr and HAP/CS/Gr/Gent coatings on Ti. Obtained coatings had porous, uniform, fracture‐free surfaces, suggesting strong interfacial interaction between HAP, CS, and Gr. Large specific area of graphene enabled strong bonding with chitosan, acting as nanofiller throughout the polymer matrix. Gentamicin addition strongly improved the antibacterial activity of HAP/CS/Gr/Gent coating that was confirmed by antibacterial activity kinetics in suspension and agar diffusion testing, while results indicated more pronounced antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus (bactericidal, viable cells number reduction >3 logarithmic units) compared to Escherichia coli (bacteriostatic, <3 logarithmic units). MTT assay indicated low cytotoxicity (75% cell viability) against MRC‐5 and L929 (70% cell viability) tested cell lines, indicating good biocompatibility of HAP/CS/Gr/Gent coating. Therefore, electrodeposited HAP/CS/Gr/Gent coating on Ti can be considered as a prospective material for bone tissue engineering as a hard tissue implant.
Bilobalide assuages morphine‐induced addiction in hippocampal neuron cells through upregulation of microRNA‐101
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhai Hongyin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBilobalide exhibits many biological activities, but its effects on morphine stimulation have not been elucidated. The research aims to explore the function and underlying mechanisms of bilobalide in morphine‐led hippocampal neuron cells. Cells were treated with or without morphine or oxaliplatin (OXA), bilobalide, or SCH772984 dilutions. miR‐101 inhibitor and negative control were transfected into cells. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction were, respectively, conducted to measure the relative expression of proteins or RNAs. Morphine improved the expression levels of orexin1 receptor (OX1R) and c‐FOS, the p/t‐ERK/PKC as well. The c‐FOS protein level and p/t‐ERK/PKC were significantly elevated by morphine + OXA. Bilobalide had no effect on OX1R and p/t‐PKC but evidently decreased the c‐FOS and p/t‐ERK. The p‐ERK and the c‐FOS accumulation levels were remarkably reduced by SCH772984. The production of miR‐101 was promoted by bilobalide but inhibited by the miR‐101 inhibitor. miR‐101 inhibitor abolished bilobalide's inhibitory effects on p/t‐ERK. Bilobalide exhibited morphine‐induced effects on hippocampal neuron cells by upregulating miR‐101.