bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low AMY1 Copy Number Is Cross‐Sectionally Associated to an Inflammation‐Related Lipidomics Signature in Overweight and Obese Individuals
Authors: Mayneris‐Perxachs Jordi , Mousa Aya , Naderpoor Negar , Fernández‐Real José‐Manuel , de Courten Barbora 
Published: May 2020

ScopeReduced amylase 1 (AMY1) copy numbers are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Although mechanisms linking AMY1 copy number with metabolic disorders are poorly understood, recent findings suggest that lipids play a key role.Methods and resultsPlasma lipidomic signatures associated with AMY1 copy number are explored in 57 non‐diabetic overweight/obese subjects aged 18–60. Serum amylase and inflammatory cytokines levels are also measured. AMY1 copy number is strongly associated with the serum amylase concentration. Participants are divided into low‐(≤4) and high‐(>4) AMY1 carriers based on the median. Low‐AMY1 carriers have higher BMI and fat mass. They also have higher levels of dihexosylceramides (R = −0.27, p = 0.044), cholesterol esters (CE) (R = −0.32, p = 0.020), alkylphosphatidylcholines [PC(O)] (R = −0.33, p = 0.014), and sphingomyelins (SM) (R = −0.38, p = 0.005). From 459 lipid species, 28 differ between low‐ and high‐AMY1 carriers. These include CE species with long‐chain PUFA; PC(O) and PC plasmalogens containing arachidonic acid; and PC, mono‐, di‐, and tri‐hexosylceramides, and SM containing saturated fatty acids (mainly C16:0 and C20:0). This lipidomic signature is strongly associated with inflammatory cytokines, which are also negatively associated with the AMY1 copy number.ConclusionA lipidomics signature associated with low AMY1 copy numbers is revealed, which is linked to obesity and chronic low‐grade inflammation.
High spectrum compression scheme based on DNN post equalization for multiband quadrature dual‐quaternary coded FTN CAP 49QAM signals in visible light communication system
Authors: Ha Yinaer , Niu Wenqing , Chi Nan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this article, we utilize the Faster‐Than‐Nyquist (FTN) mechanism combined with the deep neural network (DNN) nonlinear post‐equalization scheme to achieve spectrum compression of the multiband carrierless amplitude phase (CAP) signal in the case of a fixed channel spacing for visible light communication (VLC) system. We found that the number of input layer nodes plays a decisive role in the DNN equalization effect. And a 1.26 Gbps FTN CAP 49QAM VLC system over 1 m free space transmission is successfully demonstrated. We reduced the normalized bandwidth of the CAP 16QAM signal for each sub‐band from 1.05 to 0.9 after quadrature dual‐quaternary (QDQ) coding combined with DNN post‐equalizer, and the total bandwidth of three bands is compressed from 315 MHz to 270 MHz. The spectrum compression ratio is 14.29% while ensuring BER below 7% FEC threshold (3.8e−3), and the spectral efficiency (SE) is 4.67 b/s/Hz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time achieving such high compression ratio in Gb/s level DNN based multiband FTN CAP signals in VLC system.
Using Simulation Modeling to Guide the Design of the Girl Scouts Fierce & Fit Program
Authors: Ferguson Marie C. , Morgan Matthew J. , O’Shea Kelly J. , Winch Lucas , Siegmund Sheryl S. , Solano Gonzales Mario , Randall Samuel , Hertenstein Daniel L. , Montague Valerie , Woodberry Ayanna , Cassatt Trish , Lee Bruce Y. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveThe study aim was to help the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland evaluate, quantify, and potentially modify the Girl Scouts Fierce & Fit program.MethodsFrom 2018 to 2019, our Public Health Informatics, Computational, and Operations Research team developed a computational simulation model representing the 250 adolescent girls participating in the Fierce & Fit program and how their diets and physical activity affected their BMI and subsequent outcomes, including costs.ResultsChanging the Fierce & Fit program from a 6‐week program meeting twice a week, with 5 minutes of physical activity each session, to a 12‐week program meeting twice a week with 30 minutes of physical activity saved an additional $84,828 ($80,130‐$89,526) in lifetime direct medical costs, $81,365 ($76,528‐$86,184) in lifetime productivity losses, and 7.85 (7.38‐8.31) quality‐adjusted life‐years. The cost‐benefit of implementing this program was $95,943. Based on these results, the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland then implemented these changes in the program.ConclusionsThis is an example of using computational modeling to help evaluate and revise the design of a program aimed at increasing physical activity among girls.
Wash‐free, peptide‐based fluorogenic probes for microbial imaging
Authors: Baibek Assel , Üçüncü Muhammed , Blackburn Elizabeth A. , Bradley Mark , Lilienkampf Annamaria 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPeptides with pan‐antimicrobial affinity were synthesized and decorated with environmentally sensitive fluorophores nitrobenzoxadiazole (green) and merocyanine (red). The labeling efficacies against a range of clinically relevant fungal and Gram‐negative and positive bacterial species (Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) were explored. The fluorogenic probes containing exclusively l or d‐amino acids showed rapid and efficient labeling of all microbial species, whereas probes with a mixture of l or d‐amino acids failed to label fungi or bacteria, highlighting the importance of the α‐helical peptide structure for interaction with the microbial cell membrane. Importantly, the nature of the dye allowed fluorescence detection/labeling without the need for a wash step, paving the way for direct application of the probes.
Corneal stromal stem cells restore transparency after N2 injury in mice
Authors: Ghoubay Djida , Borderie Marie , Grieve Kate , Martos Raphaël , Bocheux Romain , Nguyen Thu-Mai , Callard Patrice , Chédotal Alain , Borderie Vincent M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Corneal scarring associated with various corneal conditions is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that corneal stromal stem cells have a therapeutic effect and are able to restore the extracellular matrix organization and corneal transparency in vivo. We first developed a mouse model of corneal stromal scar induced by liquid nitrogen (N2) application. We then reversed stromal scarring by injecting mouse or human corneal stromal stem cells in injured cornea. To characterize the mouse model developed in this study and the therapeutic effect of corneal stromal stem cells, we used a combination of in vivo (slit lamp, optical coherence tomography, in vivo confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography shear wave elastography, and optokinetic tracking response) and ex vivo (full field optical coherence microscopy, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and histology) techniques. The mouse model obtained features early inflammation, keratocyte apoptosis, keratocyte transformation into myofibroblasts, collagen type III synthesis, impaired stromal ultrastructure, corneal stromal haze formation, increased corneal rigidity, and impaired visual acuity. Injection of stromal stem cells in N2-injured cornea resulted in improved corneal transparency associated with corneal stromal stem cell migration and growth in the recipient stroma, absence of inflammatory response, recipient corneal epithelial cell growth, decreased collagen type III stromal content, restored stromal ultrastructure, decreased stromal haze, decreased corneal rigidity, and improved vision. Our study demonstrates the ability of corneal stromal stem cells to promote regeneration of transparent stromal tissue after corneal scarring induced by liquid nitrogen.

Significance statement Corneal scarring is a result of many corneal disorders, including infections, trauma, and genetic diseases, and one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Corneal stromal stem cells can be easily retrieved and cultured from patient or donor eyes. They can potentially regenerate the corneal stromal extracellular matrix, which is essential for maintaining corneal transparency. Results of this study demonstrated the therapeutic effect of these adult stem cells in a mouse model of corneal opacification.
Protein‐Based Artificial Nanosystems in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Nan , Mei Kun , Guan Ping , Hu Xiaoling , Zhao Yanli 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProteins, like actors, play different roles in specific applications. In the past decade, significant achievements have been made in protein‐engineered biomedicine for cancer therapy. Certain proteins such as human serum albumin, working as carriers for drug/photosensitizer delivery, have entered clinical use due to their long half‐life, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and inherent nonimmunogenicity. Proteins with catalytic abilities are promising as adjuvant agents for other therapeutic modalities or as anticancer drugs themselves. These catalytic proteins are usually defined as enzymes with high biological activity and substrate specificity. However, clinical applications of these kinds of proteins remain rare due to protease‐induced denaturation and weak cellular permeability. Based on the characteristics of different proteins, tailor‐made protein‐based nanosystems could make up for their individual deficiencies. Therefore, elaborately designed protein‐based nanosystems, where proteins serve as drug carriers, adjuvant agents, or therapeutic drugs to make full use of their intrinsic advantages in cancer therapy, are reviewed. Up‐to‐date progress on research in the field of protein‐based nanomedicine is provided.
Interface‐Strengthened Polymer Nanocomposites with Reduced Dielectric Relaxation Exhibit High Energy Density at Elevated Temperatures Utilizing a Facile Dual Crosslinked Network
Authors: Liu Jie , Shen Zhonghui , Xu Wenhan , Zhang Yu , Qian Xiaoshi , Jiang Zhenhua , Zhang Yunhe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHigh‐temperature ceramic/polymer nanocomposites with large energy density as the reinforcement exhibit great potential for energy storage applications in modern electronic and electrical power systems. Yet, a general drawback is that the increased dielectric constant is usually achieved at the cost of decreased breakdown strength, thus leading to moderate improvement of energy density and even displaying a marked deterioration under high temperatures and high electric fields. Herein, a new strategy is reported to simultaneously improve breakdown strength and discharged energy density by a step‐by‐step, controllable dual crosslinking process, which constructs a strengthened interface as well as reduces molecular chains relaxation under elevated temperatures. Great breakdown strength and discharged energy density is achieved in the dual crosslinked network BT‐BCB@DPAES nanocomposites at elevated temperatures when compared to noninterfacial‐strengthened, BT/DPAES composites, i.e., an enhanced breakdown strength and a discharged energy density of 442 MV m−1 and 3.1 J cm−3, increasing by 66% and 162%, and a stable cyclic performance over 10 000 cycles is demonstrated at 150 °C. Moreover, the enhancement through the synergy of two crosslinked networks is rationalized via a comprehensive phase‐field model for the composites. This work offers a strategy to enhance the electric storage performances of composites at high temperatures.
Luminescent Europium Complex‐Grafted Octenyl Succinylated Starch Nanoparticles
Authors: Mondragón Margarita , Desirena Haggeo , Moreno‐Ruiz Luis Alberto , Bello‐Pérez Luis Arturo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNovel luminescent starch nanoparticles are obtained by first grafting the Eu(TTA)3Phen‐NH2 complex (Eu, europium; TTA, 2‐thenoyltrifluoracetonato; Phen, 1,10‐phenanthroline) onto octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)‐modified corn starch and then using a nanoprecipitation method. The changes in the Fourier transform infrared spectra show that the Eu complex is grafted onto the OSA‐starch via amide bond formation. Transmission electron microscopy images show nanoparticles of irregular shape, with sizes in the range 35–270 nm. Eu complex‐grafted OSA‐starch nanoparticles (EuC‐OSA‐St‐NPs) exhibit red luminescence emission with long luminescence lifetimes. Their good biocompatibility supports their use for biomedical applications.
A function of fascin1 in the colony formation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Fan Yan-Lei , Li Bo , Zhao Hong-Ping , Zhao Hu-Cheng , Feng Xi-Qiao 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Fascin1 is known to participate in the migration of cancer cells by binding to actin filaments. Recent studies evidenced that fascin1 also modulates processes such as the tumorigenesis and maintenance of pluripotency genes in cancer stem cells. However, the function of fascin1 in embryonic stem cells remains unclear. In this article, we report that fascin1 is highly expressed and widely distributed in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), which are regulated by JAK-STAT3 and β-catenin. We found that the overexpression of fascin1 impairs the formation of mESC colonies via the downregulation of intercellular adhesion molecules, and that mimicking the dephosphorylated mutation of fascin1 or inhibiting phosphorylation with Gö6983 significantly enhances colony formation. Hyperphosphorylated fascin1 can promote the maintenance of pluripotency in mESCs via nuclear localization and suppressing DNA methyltransferase expression. Our findings demonstrate a novel function of fascin1, as a vital regulator, in the colony formation and pluripotency of mESCs and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic stem cell self-organization and development in vitro.
The effect of SNP rs400827589 in exon 2 of the MTNR1B gene on reproductive seasonality and litter size in sheep
Authors: He Xiaoyun , Zhang Zhuangbiao , Chu Mingxing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn mammals, the melatonin receptor gene has been widely studied since it has a great influence on reproductive traits. However, little is known about the association between polymorphism of the coding region of the MTNR1B gene and year‐round oestrus or the litter size in Small Tail Han sheep. To better understand the effects of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs400827589 in MTNR1B, a population polymorphism analysis was conducted using genotyping data in 45 sheep breeds around the world. The results indicated that TT was the dominant genotype in all sheep breeds. The associations of this SNP with reproductive seasonality and litter size in Small Tail Han sheep showed rs400827589 was correlated with fecundity as assessed by reproductive seasonality and litter size (p < .05). Bioinformatics analysis indicated the change in amino acid from Ile to Leu may affect the function of the MTNR1B protein by impacting the secondary and tertiary protein structures. The present results demonstrate that rs400827589 could be used in the marker‐assisted selection of the litter size in Small Tail Han sheep.
Coupling Tracking Technologies to Maximize Efficiency in Avian Research
Authors: Kirol Christopher P. , Kesler Dylan C. , Walker Brett L. , Fedy Bradley C. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTDirect marking and tracking of wildlife using telemetry is widespread and critical to understanding many aspects of wildlife ecology. For most species, researchers must select between multiple tracking technologies that represent trade‐offs among data requirements, mass, and cost. Options tend to be more limited for smaller, volant species. We developed and tested a unique combination of a store‐on‐board Global Positioning System logger with an independent very‐high‐frequency (VHF) tag (hereafter, hybrid tag) fitted on the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) with a modified harness design in northeastern Wyoming, USA, 2017–2018. We compared hybrid tags with other tracking technologies commonly used in avian research, namely VHF and Argos satellite relay tags. Given our research objectives, that required both frequent location data and field‐based observational data, we found the hybrid tags were the most cost‐effective option and capable of collecting more location data compared with Argos tags because of power savings associated with data transmission. Cost savings allowed us to avoid sacrificing sample size while still obtaining high‐resolution location data in addition to field‐based observational data such as the presence of chicks. We believe our hybrid tags and harness design would be beneficial to research on other avian species of comparable size to the greater sage‐grouse and those that are relatively localized year‐round, including many other Galliformes. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Regional differences in perceived oral dryness as determined with a newly developed questionnaire, the Regional Oral Dryness Inventory
Authors: Assy Zainab , Jager D. H. J. , Mashhour E. , Bikker F. J. , Brand H. S. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Several questionnaires, such as the internationally validated and frequently used Xerostomia Inventory (XI), have been developed to quantify the subjective feeling of a dry mouth. These questionnaires quantify the overall perception of dry mouth but lack the possibility to differentiate between various intra-oral regions. In this light, a novel questionnaire, the Regional Oral Dryness Inventory (RODI), which quantifies the severity of dryness at various locations in the mouth, was evaluated.

Materials and methods
A retrospective case report study was designed. Data were collected from patients who visited the saliva clinic for Special Care Dentistry in Amsterdam. Data, including the saliva secretion rates, RODI scores, the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) score, and Clinical Oral Dryness Score (CODS), were extracted from the electronic health record system Oase Dental.

Results
A total of 337 patients participated in this study with an average age of 54 ± 17 years. The majority of the patients were female (68.5%). The perceived dryness as determined by the RODI was the highest for the posterior palate and the lowest for the floor of the mouth. The highest correlations were found between the corresponding regions in the RODI and regionally related individual items of the XI and CODS.

Conclusion
There is a significant difference in dry-mouth feeling at different intra-oral locations.

Clinical relevance
Regional evaluation of xerostomia with RODI might improve diagnosis of xerostomia by helping to discriminate between different potential causes of oral dryness in patients and for evaluating the efficacy of mouth-moistening products. RODI is highly accessible and easy to perform in dental practices during routine clinical assessment.
Starch nanoparticles prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis and self-assembly of short-chain glucans
Authors: Oh Seon-Min , Lee Byung-Hoo , Seo Dong-Ho , Choi Hyun-Wook , Kim Byung-Yong , Baik Moo-Yeol 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEnzymatic hydrolysis and self-assembly are considered promising methods for preparation of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) because they are environmentally friendly, and time- and cost-effective. These methods are based on the self-assembly of short-chain glucans released from the α-1,6 bonds in amylopectin. Since their discovery, many studies have described the structural and physicochemical properties of self-assembled SNPs. Self-assembled SNPs can be prepared by two methods: using only the soluble portion containing the short-chain glucans, or using the whole hydrolyzate including both insoluble and soluble fractions. Although the structural and physical properties of self-assembled SNPs can be attributed to the composition of the hydrolyzates that participate in self-assembly, this aspect has not yet been discussed. This review focuses on SNPs self-assembled with only soluble short-chain glucans and addresses their characteristics, including formation mechanisms as well as structural and physicochemical properties, compared with SNPs prepared with total hydrolyzates.
Chemotherapy use near the end-of-life in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Edman Kessler Luisa , Sigfridsson Johnny , Hatzidaki Dora , Bergh Jonas , Foukakis Theodoros , Georgoulias Vasilios , Matikas Alexios 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Very few data are available regarding the use of chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) near the end-of-life, i.e., the final month. The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of its use in two different European geographic areas (Sweden and Greece).

Materials and methods
We retrospectively collected data regarding clinicopathologic characteristics, survival, and use of chemotherapy during the final 30 days of life using two sources: for the Swedish cohort, patients who were diagnosed with MBC in 2010–2015 were identified from the Stockholm-Gotland population-based Breast Cancer Registry and treatment data were collected using hospital charts. For the Greek cohort, patients with MBC were identified from hospital charts at two hospitals in Athens and Crete.

Results
In the Swedish cohort, 1571 patients were identified; median overall survival was 16.96 months (95% CI 15.4–18.4). 23.2% of patients were treated with chemotherapy during the final month of life, with higher rates among patients ≤ 60 years (p < 0.001). Per OS monotherapy such as capecitabine or vinorelbine was most commonly used. In contrast, median OS in the Greek cohort (n = 966) was 49.8 months (95% CI 45.6–54.1) and 46.5% of patients received chemotherapy at the end-of-life, most commonly intravenous drug combinations. In multivariable analysis, age and albumin levels were statistically significantly associated with chemotherapy use in the Swedish cohort.

Conclusion
Chemotherapy use near the end-of-life was common, which might negatively impact patient quality of life.
A Thematic Review on Research Integrity and Research Supervision: Relationships, Crises and Critical Messages
Authors: Muthanna Abdulghani , Alduais Ahmed 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis article focuses on reporting the relationship between research integrity and research supervision. Initially, it briefly discusses the positive research supervision. By following a detailed thematic analysis methodology, 66 published sources were compiled, disassembled, reassembled and interpreted. The findings of this study highlight that maintaining research integrity is the responsibility of all, and that more responsibility falls onto the shoulders of instructors and supervisors who need to ethically perform research supervision to maintain further research integrity. Further, they show crises related to how research supervision is at danger, and how danger at supervision exists. The insights reported in this study help raise further awareness towards effective research supervision that in return and in effect enhances the overall research integrity. The review also concludes with three critical messages (for higher education policymakers, administrators, instructor/supervisors, and students/supervisees) for a practical implementation.
Structure and electrical resistivity of individual carbonised natural and man-made cellulose fibres
Authors: Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang , Czabany Ivana , Unterweger Christoph , Gierlinger Notburga , Xiao Nannan , Bodner Sabine C. , Keckes Jozef 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCarbon fibres were produced from two natural and two man-made cellulose fibres, respectively, in a high-temperature carbonisation process. The structure of the fibres was analysed by means of wide-angle X-ray scattering and Raman spectroscopy. It was found that longitudinal shrinkage of the fibres during carbonisation is correlated with the degree of orientation of cellulose crystals as determined by wide-angle X-ray scattering. Numerous micro-scale defects were found in carbonised natural cellulose fibres, particularly hemp, whereas the structural integrity of carbonised man-made cellulose was better preserved. Both Raman spectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering revealed a trend of diminishing electrical resistivity with increasing structural (graphitic) order in the fibres. Overall, the electrical resistivity of cellulose-derived carbon fibres was between 40 and 70 Ω µm, which exceeds the resistivity of fossil-based carbon fibre by a factor ten.