bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current Progress and Future Directions in Gas‐Phase Metal‐Organic Framework Thin‐Film Growth
Authors: Han Sungmin , Mullins C. Buddie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDeposition of materials as a thin film is important for various applications, such as sensors, microelectronic devices, and membranes. There have been breakthroughs in gas‐phase metal‐organic framework (MOF) thin‐film growth, which is more applicable to micro‐ and nanofabrication processes and also less harmful to the environment than solvent‐based methods. Three different types of gas‐phase MOF thin film deposition methods have been developed using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and physical vapor deposition (PVD)‐CVD combined techniques. The CVD‐based method basically converts metal oxide layers into MOF thin films by exposing the surface to ligand vapor. The ALD‐based method allows growing MOF thin films following layer‐by‐layer (LBL) growth by sequentially exposing gas‐phase metal and ligand precursors. The PVD‐CVD method uses PVD for metal deposition and CVD for ligand deposition, which is similar to LBL growth. These gas‐phase growth methods can broaden the use of MOFs in diverse areas. Herein, the current progress of gas‐phase MOF thin film growth is discussed and future directions suggested.
A novel salvianolic acid A analog with resveratrol structure and its antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Qiu Jin‐Mei , Qin Chang‐Feng , Wu Shen‐Gen , Ji Tong‐Ying , Tang Guo‐Tao , Lei Xiao‐Yong , Cao Xuan , Xie Zhi‐Zhong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractE‐DRS is a novel salvianolic acid A (SAA) analog, which was synthesized from resveratrol (RES) and methyldopate. Its structure is similar to that of SAA, but the 3′,4′‐dihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene group and the ester structure in SAA were replaced by the RES structure and an amine group, respectively. E‐DRS scavenged free oxygen radicals effectively, including superoxide anion (ascorbic acid > E‐DRS > SAA ≥ rutin > RES) and DPPH radical (rutin > E‐DRS ≥ ascorbic acid > SAA > RES), and exhibited powerful total antioxidant capacity (ascorbic acid > E‐DRS > SAA ≥ rutin > RES) in vitro. Furthermore, oral administration of E‐DRS dose‐dependently and significantly decreased CCl4‐induced oxidative stress in mice as indicated by the decreased content of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, oral administration of E‐DRS also increased the content of nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione (GSH) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver of mice. All these results demonstrated that E‐DRS had good antioxidant activities both in vitro and in vivo, and could be a potential antioxidant agent after further optimization and evaluation.
The Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARγ2 modulates beta cell function and failure to oral glucose‐lowering drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Masulli Maria , Della Pepa Giuseppe , Cocozza Sara , Capasso Mario , Pignataro Piero , Vitale Marilena , Gastaldelli Amalia , Russo Marco , Dolce Pasquale , Riccardi Gabriele , Rivellese Angela A. , Vaccaro Olga 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluate whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) has a role in the progression of diabetes by modulating the occurrence of treatment failure to glucose‐lowering drugs.MethodsWe studied 215 patients with type 2 diabetes participating in the Thiazolidinediones Or Sulphonylureas and Cardiovascular Accidents Intervention Trial study. All participants were insufficiently controlled (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 7.0%‐9.0%) with metformin 2 g/day and were randomly allocated to add‐on pioglitazone or a sulfonylurea. Treatment failure was defined as HbA1c ≥8% on two consecutive visits, 3 months apart.ResultsCarriers or non‐carriers of the polymorphism had similar age, body mass index, and diabetes duration. Ala carriers had lower fasting plasma insulin, better insulin sensitivity (Homeostasis Model Assessment [HOMA]2‐%S), and worse beta cell secretion (HOMA2‐%B) than non‐carriers. During 24 months of follow‐up, 32.5% among the Ala carriers and 8.6% among non‐carriers (P < 0.001) developed treatment failure with a cumulative incidence of 18.6 vs 4.6/100 person‐years. Those patients who developed treatment failure were older, had a younger age at diabetes diagnosis (48 ± 10 vs 52 ± 7 years; P = 0.032), higher HbA1c (8.1 ± 0.5 vs 7.7 ± 0.5%; P < 0.001), and lower HOMA2‐%B (30 ± 12 vs 46 ± 29; P = 0.015) at study entry, as compared to those who did not develop treatment failure. At multivariate analysis, the Pro12Ala polymorphism was significantly associated with treatment failure (hazard ratio [HR] 4.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79‐11.1; P < 0.001); HbA1c at study entry was the other independent predictor of failure in this study population.ConclusionThe Pro12Ala polymorphism is associated with a greater insulin sensitivity, reduced beta cell function and a substantially increased risk of treatment failure.
The shape of the seismic response interaction diagram: The effect of combination rules in response spectrum analysis
Authors: Ritto‐Corrêa Manuel , Tomaz Ana Rita , Guerreiro Luís 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThis paper deals with the construction of seismic response interaction diagrams that show the correlation of multiple responses and are important to determine the critical combination of modal responses. Many design problems, such as column design under combined axial force and bending moments, fall into this category. We address general modal and multicomponent combination rules and study their effect on the shape of the response interaction diagrams, thus extending previous work done for quadratic combination rules. Special attention is given to multilinear combination rules which lead to polyhedral shapes. Having developed efficient methods to deal with polyhedral shapes, we explore the idea of adopting a multilinear modal combination rule to compose with a multicomponent percentage rule.
A load balancing algorithm for solving multi‐objective virtual network embedding
Authors: Li Zhen , Yuan Feng , Ma Lingyu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVirtual network embedding (VNE) is one of the most basic problems in network virtualization. VNE is to deploy virtual network resources to substrate network resources to solve the problem of network rigidity, which is essentially a problem of resource optimization. It can be divided into two stages: node embedding and link embedding. Previous embedding schemes focused on the algorithm research of single objective, but in the process of VNE, many factors need to be considered, such as the benefits, acceptance rate, substrate resource load, and so on. Therefore, this article considered the multi‐objective VNE algorithm, proposed a load balancing algorithm for solving multi‐objective VNE, took the node load value as one of the fitness functions, and introduced global resource capacity to measure the embedding ability of the underlying nodes, initialized the population, improved the embedding accuracy, and used group search algorithm algorithm for iterative optimization. Simulation results showed that the algorithm can balance the load, effectively improve the acceptance rate of virtual network requests, and improve the revenue of user service providers.
Self‐reported vision impairment, vision correction, and depressive symptoms among middle‐aged and older Chinese: Findings from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Qin , Cao Gui‐Ying , Yao Shan‐Shan , Wang Chunxiu , Chen Zi‐Shuo , Hu Yong‐Hua , Xu Beibei 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo investigate associations between vision impairment (VI), vision correction (VC) and depressive symptoms among middle‐aged and older Chinese.Methods22 203 participants aged ≥45 years from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011 to 2015 were divided into four self‐reported VI categories: no VI, distance VI (DVI) only, near VI (NVI) only, and both distance and near VI (DNVI); and four self‐reported VI/VC subgroups: VI(+)/VC(−), VI(+)/VC(+), VI(−)/VC(−) and VI(−)/VC(+). Depressive symptoms were evaluated by 10‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD‐10).ResultsCompared with no VI, DVI only (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.95, 2.31), NVI only (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.63) and DNVI (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: 2.47, 3.07) were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms. Compared with VI(+)/VC(−), VI(+)/VC(+) (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.98), VI (−)/VC(−) (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.53) and VI(−)/VC(+) (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.54) were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms. Compared with no VI at baseline, baseline DNVI was significantly associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms after two (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.88) and four (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.68) years. Baseline depressive symptoms were significantly associated with higher odds of VI after two (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.74) and four (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.76) years.ConclusionAdults with DNVI were more likely to report depressive symptoms in the future and those with depressive symptoms were more likely to report VI in the future. VC might be a protective factor for preventing depressive symptoms among adults with VI.
Financial inclusion and bank profitability in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Issaka Jajah Yussif , Anarfo Ebenezer B. , Aveh Felix K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of financial inclusion on banks' profitability in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The paper employed the system generalized method of moments (GMM) dynamic pooled estimator for the computation of the parameters using data spanning from 1990 to 2017. The results show that there is an affirmative relationship between financial inclusion index (FINDEX) and bank profitability in Sub‐Saharan Africa. This suggests that financial inclusion is a significant driver of banks' profitability in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The policy implication of this study is that for banks in Sub‐Saharan African countries to increase their profitability and get optimum results from financial inclusion they must formulate policies aimed at promoting financial inclusion. This suggests that banks in Sub‐Saharan African countries must be creative and innovative in pursuing financial inclusion policies. Such policies should be targeted at increasing the number of bank branches and ATMs. Banks should also make effort at finding ways of making opening of bank accounts much easier for the vulnerable and marginalized in society by relaxing the requirements for customer identification in specific situations where they may hamper financial inclusion goals and efforts.
The Oncosuppressors MEN1 and CDC73 Are Involved in lncRNA Deregulation in Human Parathyroid Tumors
Authors: Morotti Annamaria , Forno Irene , Verdelli Chiara , Guarnieri Vito , Cetani Filomena , Terrasi Andrea , Silipigni Rosamaria , Guerneri Silvana , Andrè Valentina , Scillitani Alfredo , Vicentini Leonardo , Ferrero Stefano , Corbetta Sabrina , Vaira Valentina 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
A role for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in endocrine cancer pathogenesis is emerging. However, knowledge regarding their expression pattern, correlation with known genetic defects, and clinical implications in parathyroid tumors is still unclear. Here, we profiled 90 known lncRNAs in a first series of normal (PaN = 2), adenomatous (PAd = 12), and carcinomatous (PCa = 4) parathyroid glands and we confirmed deregulation of 11 lncRNAs using an independent cohort of patients (PaN = 4; PAd = 26; PCa = 9). Expression of lncRNAs was correlated with cytogenetic aberrations, status of genes multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1) and cell division cycle 73 (CDC73), or clinical features. Globally, lncRNAs discriminate according to tissue histology. BC200 consistently identifies parathyroid cancers from adenomas and atypical adenomas. Loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) at chromosomes 1, 11, 15, 21, and 22 significantly impacts expression of lncRNAs in PAds. Silencing of the key parathyroid gene MEN1 modulates the expression of six lncRNAs in primary PAds-derived cultures. Analogous levels of lncRNAs are measured in PAds with the mutation in the MEN1 gene compared with PAds with wild-type MEN1. Similarly, carcinomas with mutated CDC73 differ from PCas with wild-type protein in terms of expression of lncRNAs. PCas harboring CDC73 mutations overexpress BC200 compared to wild-type carcinomas. Overall, these findings shed light on deregulation of lncRNAs in human parathyroid tumors and propose that circuits between lncRNAs and the oncosuppressors MEN1 or CDC73 may have a role in parathyroid tumorigenesis as epigenetic modulators. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) 5′UTR Deletion, in MEN1 Family, Decreases Menin Expression
Authors: Kooblall Kreepa G , Boon Hannah , Cranston Treena , Stevenson Mark , Pagnamenta Alistair T , Rogers Angela , Grozinsky-Glasberg Simona , Richardson Tristan , Flanagan Daniel EH ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Taylor Jenny C , Lines Kate E , Thakker Rajesh V 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACT
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the occurrence of parathyroid, pancreatic and pituitary tumors, and is due to mutations in the coding region of the MEN1 gene, which encodes menin. We investigated a family with identical twins that had MEN1, with different MEN1 tumors. DNA sequence analysis of the MEN1 coding region had not identified any abnormalities and we hypothesized that deletions and mutations involving the untranslated regions may be involved. Informed consent and venous blood samples were obtained from five family members. Sanger DNA sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analyses were performed using leukocyte DNA. This revealed a heterozygous 596bp deletion (Δ596bp) between nucleotides −1087 and −492 upstream of the translation start site, located within the MEN1 5′ untranslated region (UTR), and includes the core promoter and multiple cis-regulatory regions. To investigate the effects of this 5′UTR deletion on MEN1 promoter activity, we generated luciferase reporter constructs, containing either wild-type 842bp or mutant 246bp MEN1 promoter, and transfected them into human embryonic kidney HEK293 and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor BON-1 cells. This revealed the Δ596bp mutation to result in significant reductions by 37-fold (p &lt; 0.0001) and 16-fold (p &lt; 0.0001) in luciferase expression in HEK293 and BON-1 cells, respectively, compared to wild-type. The effects of this 5′UTR deletion on MEN1 transcription and translation were assessed using qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively, of mRNA and protein lysates obtained from Epstein-Barr-virus transformed lymphoblastoid cells derived from affected and unaffected individuals. This demonstrated the Δ596bp mutation to result in significant reductions of 84% (p &lt; 0.05) and 88% (p &lt; 0.05) in MEN1 mRNA and menin protein, respectively, compared to unaffected individuals. Thus, our results report the first germline MEN1 5′UTR mutation and highlight the importance of investigating UTRs in MEN1 patients who do not have coding region mutations. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The impact of primary sclerosing cholangitis or inflammatory bowel disease on cholangiocarcinoma phenotype, therapy, and survival
Authors: Chahal Daljeet , Shamatutu Chris , Salh Bill , Davies Janine 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimPrimary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), confers the risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Isolated IBD may be an independent risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. We sought to compare cholangiocarcinoma phenotype and outcomes between patients with PSC, IBD, and neither.MethodsPatients with malignancy were separated into cohorts by the presence of PSC and IBD. Data regarding demographics, clinical presentation, therapeutic regimens, and survival were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad and R‐Studio.ResultsOf 946 patients, 22 had PSC, and 18 had isolated IBD. PSC and IBD patients were younger than controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.01). Cholangiocarcinoma prevalence was estimated at 0.01% for IBD patients, 0.6% for PSC patients, and 0.002% for all other patients. All cohorts most often presented at stage 4. PSC patients presented more often at stage 3 (P = 0.04) and with perihilar disease (P = 0.001). Patients with PSC or IBD received less chemotherapy (P = 0.004, 0.01). Median overall survivals were 15 months (PSC), 11 months (IBD), and 10 months (controls) (P = 0.79). Patients with intrahepatic tumors had longer survival (P < 0.001). Curative intent resection improved survival in all cohorts (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression identified resection as a predictor of improved survival. Extrahepatic, perihilar, gallbladder, and unspecified biliary tumors were predictors of death.ConclusionsCholangiocarcinoma presents at a late stage and portends dismal survival regardless of PSC or IBD status. Survival was dependent on tumor location and surgical resection. These data suggest that efforts should focus on developing protocols that are able to detect and treat cholangiocarcinoma in high‐risk populations (PSC) at an early stage.
Combination of cyclophosphamide and cytarabine as induction regimen for newly diagnosed adult acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liu Qingguo , Gao Hongye , Li Junfan , Hu Yimin , Wu Lihua , Zhao Xin , Li Shangzhu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOptimizing the induction therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may improve the remission rate and reduce the risk of relapse, thereby extend survival. Cyclophosphamide (CTX) shows benefit in treating relapsed and refractory AML patients, but it has not been reported in first‐line induction regimens. To assess the efficacy and safety of CTX and moderate‐dosage cytarabine (Ara‐C) as induction chemotherapy in newly diagnosed adult AML, 40 patients were enrolled to receive CTX (20 mg/kg/d) for 4 consecutive days and Ara‐C for 3 (1 g/m2 q12h, CA4+3) or 5 (1 g/m2 qd, CA4+5) days. With one course of induction chemotherapy, the overall response rate and the complete remission rate (CR) was 82.5% (33/40) and 77.5% (31/40), respectively. The expected 5 years overall survival and relapse‐free survival was 64% in patients experienced CR and fulfilled consolidation therapy. The neutrophil and platelet recovery time were 17 (range, 10–20) days and 16.5 (range, 12–30) days in the CA4+3 group, faster than that of 20 (16‐36) days and 20 (14‐36) days in the CA4+5 group (P = .006 and P = .006). The cyclophosphamide and cytarabine (CA) regimen was generally safe and had reversible adverse effects. The patients who failed to respond to the CA regimen did not benefit from a second course of other traditional induction chemotherapy either. In conclusion, the combined regimen of CTX and Ara‐C represents a promising therapeutic approach to induce the first CR of newly diagnosed adult AML.
The placement of multiple plastic stents still has important roles in candidates for chemotherapy for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Iwasaki Akito , Kubota Kensuke , Kurita Yusuke , Hasegawa Sho , Fujita Yuji , Kagawa Koji , Kato Shingo , Sekino Yusuke , Hosono Kunihiro , Nakajima Atsushi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground/PurposePlacement of uncovered self‐expandable metallic stents (U‐SEMSs) of patients with unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (UPHC) is recommended as the treatment of first choice to address bile stasis. The aim of this study was to determine which of the following two endoscopic stents might be the stent of first choice for the treatment of biliary stasis in patients with UPHC: plastic stents (PSs) or U‐SEMSs.MethodsU‐SEMSs, deployed as a stent‐in‐stent, were selected as the stents of first choice from 2013 and 2014, while PSs began to be selected as the stents of first choice from 2015 onward.ResultsThe median time to recurrent biliary obstruction were 66 days in the PS group (N = 38) and 105 days in the U‐SEMS group (N = 37; P = .04). Emergency endoscopy was necessitated in 76.3% (29/38) of patients of the PS group and 54.1% (20/37) of patients of the U‐SEMS group (P = .0434). The success rate of the first reintervention was 96.5% (27/29) in the PS group and 55% (11/20) in the U‐SEMS group (P = .0002). Sustainable chemotherapy could be carried out in 55.2% of patients in the PS group and 32.4% of patients in the U‐SEMS group (P = .0472). Multivariate analysis identified selection of U‐SEMS as the stent of first choice as the only independent factor predictive of successful reintervention (P = .0016, odds ratio = 0.058). However, the stent selection was not an independent factor for feasible chemotherapy.ConclusionsPlastic stent placement could enhance the success rate of reintervention in patients with UPHC and might be facilitated by sustainable chemotherapy. However, stent selection might not have an influence on the prognosis.
Synthesis of new heterocycles festooned with thiophene and evaluating their antioxidant activity
Authors: Abed Nader A. , Hammouda Mohamed M. , Ismail Mohamed A. , Abdel‐Latif Ehab 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe chemical performance of 5‐bromo‐2‐(bromoacetyl)‐thiophene (1) was tested toward the reaction with numerous bi‐nucleophilic reagents (namely; 2‐aminobenzothiazoles, 2‐aminothiazole, 2‐aminotetrazole, 2‐aminotriazole, 2‐aminopyridines, 2‐aminobenzimidazole and o‐phenylenediamine). Therefore, a series of bridged nitrogen heterocycles bearing thiophene moiety 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15, respectively was synthesized. In addition, the reaction of 5‐bromo‐2‐(bromoacetyl)‐thiophene with the thiocarbamoyl compounds 17, 19 and/or 24 afforded the corresponding thienyl‐thiazoles 18 or dithien‐2‐yl ketones 20 and 25, based on the reaction conditions. Treatment of 1 with 2‐mercapto‐4,6‐dimethylnicotinonitrile was achieved to obtain the target dithien‐2‐yl ketone 28. The new synthesized scaffolds were examined for their antioxidant activity by means of ABTS antioxidant assay. The thienyl‐thiazole scaffold 18c and 2‐((2‐[thiophen‐2‐yl]‐2‐oxoethyl)thio)nicotinonitrile derivative 27 displayed a reasonable radical scavenging activity.