bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preclinical evaluation of local prolonged release of paclitaxel from gelatin microspheres for the prevention of recurrence of peritoneal carcinomatosis in advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: De Clercq Kaat , Xie Feifan , De Wever Olivier , Descamps Benedicte , Hoorens Anne , Vermeulen An , Ceelen Wim , Vervaet Chris 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPatients with advanced ovarian cancer develop recurrence despite initial treatment response to standard treatment of surgery and intravenous/intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy, partly due to a limited peritoneal exposure time of chemotherapeutics. Paclitaxel-loaded genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres (PTX-GP-MS) are evaluated for the treatment of microscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis and prevention of recurrent disease. The highest drug load (39.2 µg PTX/mg MS) was obtained by immersion of GP-MS in aqueous PTX nanosuspension (PTXnano-GP-MS) instead of ethanolic PTX solution (PTXEtOH-GP-MS). PTX release from PTX-GP-MS was prolonged. PTXnano-GP-MS displayed a more controlled release compared to a biphasic release from PTXEtOH-GP-MS. Anticancer efficacy of IP PTX-GP-MS (PTXEtOH-GP-MS, D = 7.5 mg PTX/kg; PTXnano-GP-MS D = 7.5 and 35 mg PTX/kg), IP nanoparticular albumin-bound PTX (D = 35 mg PTX/kg) and controls (0.9% NaCl, blank GP-MS) was evaluated in a microscopic peritoneal carcinomatosis xenograft mouse model. PTXnano-GP-MS showed superior anticancer efficacy with significant increased survival time, decreased peritoneal carcinomatosis index score and ascites incidence. However, prolonged PTX release over 14 days from PTXnano-GP-MS caused drug-related toxicity in 27% of high-dosed PTXnano-GP-MS-treated mice. Dose simulations for PTXnano-GP-MS demonstrated an optimal survival without drug-induced toxicity in a range of 7.5–15 mg PTX/kg. Low-dosed PTXnano-GP-MS can be a promising IP drug delivery system to prevent recurrent ovarian cancer.
Possible quantum critical behavior revealed by the critical current density of hole doped high-Tc cuprates in comparison to heavy fermion superconductors
Authors: Naqib S. H. , Islam R. S. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe superconducting critical current density, Jc, in hole doped cuprates show strong dependence on the doped hole content, p, within the copper oxide plane(s). The doping dependent Jc mainly exhibits the variation of the intrinsic depairing critical current density as p is varied. Jc(p) tends to peak at p ~ 0.185 in copper oxide superconductors. This particular value of the hole content, often termed as the critical hole concentration, has several features putative to a quantum critical point (QCP). Very recently, the pressure dependences of the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) and the critical current (Ic) in pure CeRhIn5 and Sn doped CeRhIn5 heavy fermion compounds have been reported (Nature Communications (2018) 9:44, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-02899-5). The critical pressure demarcates an antiferromagnetic quantum critical point where both Tc and Ic are maximized. We have compared and contrasted this behavior with those found for Y1−xCaxBa2Cu3O7−δ in this brief communication. The resemblance of the systematic behavior of the critical current with pressure and hole content between heavy fermion systems and hole doped cuprates is significant. This adds to the circumstantial evidence that quantum critical physics probably plays a notable role behind the unconventional normal and superconducting state properties of copper oxide superconductors.
A novel submerged Rotala rotundifolia, its growth characteristics and remediation potential for eutrophic waters
Authors: Gu Chaoguang , Li Feifei , Xiao Jibo , Chu Shuyi , Song Shuang , Wong Ming Hung 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe vegetative growth and remediation potential of Rotala rotundifolia, a novel submerged aquatic plant, for eutrophic waters were investigated on different sediments, and under a range of nitrogen concentrations. Rotala Rotundifolia grew better on silt than on sand and gravel in terms of plant height, tiller number and biomass accumulation. Percent increment of biomass was enhanced at low water nitrogen (ammonium nitrogen concentration ≤10 mg/L). The maximum total nitrogen and total phosphorus removals in the overlying water were between 54% to 66% and 42% to 57%, respectively. Nitrogen contents in the sediments increased with increasing water nitrogen levels, whereas, nitrogen contents in the plant tissues showed no apparent regularity, and the greatest value was obtained at ammonium nitrogen concentration 15 mg/L. Both phosphorus contents in the sediments and tissues of plants were not affected significantly by additional nitrogen supply. Direct nitrogen uptake by plants was in the range of 16% to 39% when total phosphorus concentration was 1.0 mg/L. These results suggested that Rotala Rotundifolia can be used to effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus in eutrophic waters.
A collagen gel-coated, aligned nanofiber membrane for enhanced endothelial barrier function
Authors: Kim Dohui , Eom Seongsu , Park Sang Min , Hong Hyeonjun , Kim Dong Sung 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHerein, a collagen gel-coated and aligned nanofiber membrane named Col-ANM is developed, which remarkably improves endothelial barrier function by providing biochemical and topographical cues simultaneously. Col-ANM is fabricated by collagen gel coating process on an aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber membrane, which is obtained by a simple electrospinning process adopting a parallel electrode collector. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured on Col-ANM exhibit remarkably enhanced endothelial barrier function with high expression levels of intercellular junction proteins of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin, a high TEER, and a cellular permeability compared with the artificial porous membranes in commercial cell culture well inserts. The enhanced endothelial barrier function is conjectured to be attributed to the synergistic effects of topographical and biochemical cues provided by the aligned PCL nanofibers and collagen gel in the Col-ANM, respectively. Finally, the reactive oxygen species is applied to the HUVEC monolayer formed on the Col-ANM to destroy the tight junctions between HUVECs. The destruction of the tight junctions is demonstrated by the decreased TEER value over time. Results indicate the potential of Col-ANM in modeling endothelial barrier dysfunction-related diseases.
Bmal1 regulates circadian expression of cytochrome P450 3a11 and drug metabolism in mice
Authors: Lin Yanke , Wang Shuai , Zhou Ziyue , Guo Lianxia , Yu Fangjun , Wu Baojian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMetabolism is a major defense mechanism of the body against xenobiotic threats. Here we unravel a critical role of Bmal1 for circadian clock-controlled Cyp3a11 expression and xenobiotic metabolism. Bmal1 deficiency decreases the mRNA, protein and microsomal activity of Cyp3a11, and blunts their circadian rhythms in mice. A screen for Cyp3a11 regulators identifies two circadian genes Dbp and Hnf4α as potential regulatory mediators. Cell-based experiments confirm that Dbp and Hnf4α activate Cyp3a11 transcription by their binding to a D-box and a DR1 element in the Cyp3a11 promoter, respectively. Bmal1 binds to the P1 distal promoter to regulate Hnf4α transcriptionally. Cellular regulation of Cyp3a11 by Bmal1 is Dbp- and Hnf4α-dependent. Bmal1 deficiency sensitizes mice to toxicities of drugs such as aconitine and triptolide (and blunts circadian toxicity rhythmicities) due to elevated drug exposure. In summary, Bmal1 connects circadian clock and Cyp3a11 metabolism, thereby impacting drug detoxification as a function of daily time.
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on vitamin D supplement and cancer incidence and mortality
Authors: Zhang Xinran , Niu Wenquan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to meta-analyze the results of published randomized controlled trials to test the hypothesis that low vitamin D supplement is associated with an increased risk of cancer incidence and mortality.
Methods: Randomized controlled trials that explored the association between vitamin D supplement and cancer incidence or mortality as primary outcomes were identified through searching the PubMed and EMBASE. Literature search and data extraction were performed independently and in duplicate.
Results: Ten randomized controlled trials pooled in 81362 participants. The incidence rate of cancer was 9.16% (3716 cases) and 9.29% (3799 cases) in vitamin D intervention group and placebo group, respectively, resulting in a nonsignificant relative risk (RR) (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) of 0.99 (0.94–1.03) (P=0.532). The mortality rate of cancer was 2.11% (821 cases) and 2.43% (942 cases) in vitamin D intervention group and placebo group, respectively, resulting in a significant reduction in risk (RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79–0.95, P=0.003). There was no observable heterogeneity or publication bias. Subgroup analyses revealed that history of cancer, extra use of vitamin D and calcium supplement were potential sources of heterogeneity.
Conclusions: Our findings support a beneficial effect of vitamin D supplement on lowering cancer mortality, especially in subpopulations with no history of cancer, extra use of vitamin D, or calcium supplement.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma amplified sequence 1 alleviates inflammation and renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting TLR4
Authors: Lian Huan , Cheng Yi , Wu Xiaoyan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). The signal pathway and molecular mechanism of renal fibrosis are not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to explore the function of malignant fibrous histiocytoma amplified sequence 1 (MFHAS1) in DN.
Method: Mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) were treated with low glucose (LG) or high glucose (HG). TAK242 or short hairpin TLR4 (shTLR4) were employed to down-regulate Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The effect of MFHAS1 knockdown or overexpression on fibrosis-related factors, inflammatory factors and TLR4 in MMCs were examined after transfecting with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or MFHAS1 overexpressed plasmid, respectively. The expression levels of MFHAS1, inflammatory factors, fibrosis factors and TLR4 in db/db or streptozotocin (STZ) mice tissues and MMCs were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The effect of MFHAS1 overexpression in vivo was also evaluated.
Results: The expression of MFHAS1 in db/db or STZ mice and HG-treated MMCs were significantly increased compared with normal control mice and LG-treated MMCs. Overexpression of MFHAS1 inhibited the expression of inflammatory and fibrotic factors, while knockdown of MFHAS1 promoted them. MFHAS1 suppressed the activation of TLR4 pathway via inhibiting the expression of TLR4, and then alleviating inflammation and fibrosis in DN. MFHAS1 overexpression in vivo improved the symptoms of STZ-induced DN mice.
Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that MFHAS1 relieved inflammation and renal fibrosis in DN mice via inhibiting TLR4. The results revealed that the MFHAS1 may be a molecular target in DN therapy.
Predictors of Purchasing a Hearing Aid After an Evaluation Period: A Prospective Study in Dutch Older Hearing Aid Candidates
Authors: Pronk Marieke , Meijerink Janine F. J. , Kramer Sophia E. , Heymans Martijn W. , Besser Jana 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
The current study aimed to identify factors that distinguish between older (50+ years) hearing aid (HA) candidates who do and do not purchase HAs after having gone through an HA evaluation period (HAEP).

Method

Secondary data analysis of the SUpport PRogram trial was performed (
n
= 267 older, 1st-time HA candidates). All SUpport PRogram participants started an HAEP shortly after study enrollment. Decision to purchase an HA by the end of the HAEP was the outcome of interest of the current study. Participants' baseline covariates (22 in total) were included as candidate predictors. Multivariable logistic regression modeling (backward selection and reclassification tables) was used.

Results

Of all candidate predictors, only pure-tone average (average of 1, 2, and 4 kHz) hearing loss emerged as a significant predictor (odds ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [1.03, 1.17]). Model performance was weak (Nagelkerke
R
2
= .04, area under the curve = 0.61).

Conclusions
These data suggest that, once HA candidates have decided to enter an HAEP, factors measured early in the help-seeking journey do not predict well who will and will not purchase an HA. Instead, factors that act during the HAEP may hold this predictive value. This should be examined.
Logarithmic Versus Linear Change in Step Size When Using an Adaptive Threshold-Seeking Procedure in a Frequency Discrimination Task: Does It Matter?
Authors: Zaltz Yael , Roth Daphne Ari-Even , Amir Noam , Kishon-Rabin Liat 
Published: October 2019

Different rules for changing step sizes (e.g., logarithmic, linear) are alternately used in adaptive threshold-seeking procedures, with no clear justification. We hypothesized that the linear rule may yield more accurate thresholds for poor performers because the step sizes are predetermined and fixed across listeners and thus can be small, in contrast to the logarithmic rule, in which step sizes are changed with respect to the listener's performance.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to test the effect of logarithmic and linear rules on frequency discrimination (FD) thresholds.

Method

Three experiments involving human subjects and Monte Carlo computer simulations were designed and conducted. In the 1st experiment, FD thresholds were estimated in 40 young adults with either 3-interval 2-alternative forced choice (3I2AFC;
n
= 19) or 2-interval 2AFC (
n
= 21) in a within-subject design. In the 2nd experiment, thresholds were estimated in 16 children (7–8 years old) in a within-subject design, using 3I2AFC. In the 3rd experiment, thresholds were estimated in 30 young adults in a between-subjects design using 3I2AFC.

Results
No significant differences were shown between the 2 rules, regardless of age group, method, or level of FD performance. Computer simulations supported the empirical findings, predicting similar FD thresholds for both rules in the majority of runs. However, they also yielded more accurate thresholds with the linear rule, but with a larger number of outliers, which increased as the listener's attention level decreased.

Conclusion
Overall, the use of a particular rule has little influence on FD thresholds. Possible outliers may be minimized by monitoring the participant's attention at the beginning of the run.
Carrier‐storage‐enhanced superjunction IGBT with n‐Si and p‐3C‐SiC pillars
Authors: Li Rui , Huang Mingmin , Yang Zhimei , Ma Yao , Gong Min 
Published: October 2019

A carrier‐storage‐enhanced superjunction (SJ) insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) with n‐Si and p‐3C‐SiC pillars (Si/SiC SJ IGBT) is studied. At the on‐state, the n‐Si/p‐SiC heterojunction acts as a barrier for holes in the n‐Si pillar, which helps to enhance the carrier‐storage effect in the n‐Si pillar and improves the tradeoff between turn‐off loss (Eoff) and on‐state voltage drop (VCE(sat)). It is found by simulations that VCE(sat) of the Si/SiC SJ IGBT can be 0.35 V lower than that of the conventional SJ IGBT with the same breakdown voltage (VB = 1450 V). Under Eoff = 5 mJ/cm2, VCE(sat) of the Si/SiC SJ IGBT is 1.22 V, which is 0.30 and 0.81 V lower than VCE(sat) of the conventional SJ IGBT and the field stop IGBT, respectively.
2D flat Luneburg lens antenna for multibeam scanning application
Authors: Liu Kunning , Yang Shiwen , Qu Shi‐Wei , Chen Yikai , Hu Jun 
Published: October 2019

A two‐dimensional (2D) flat Luneburg lens antenna (LLA) operating at Ka‐band is presented in this Letter. Based on the transformation optics, the 2D conventional Luneburg lens is compressed to the flat form. The proposed flat LLA is composed of six discretised dielectric layers with different permittivity, two metallic parallel plates and an E‐shaped microstrip patch antenna array. By switching on/off the array elements, the lens antenna is able to achieve 1D beam‐scanning with a scan coverage of ±30° at 28 GHz. The proposed lens antenna has a low profile of 7 mm, a focus‐to‐diameter ratio of 0.42, and the simulated/measured aperture efficiency for the on‐axis beam is 56.8/36% at 28 GHz. The proposed 2D flat LLA is highly suitable for 5G mm‐wave wireless communication with the advantages of low profile, wide beam‐scanning range, low cost, and easy fabrication.
Compact filtering power divider with extended stopband using out‐of‐phase feeding scheme
Authors: Shen Guangxu , Feng Wenjie , Che Wenquan 
Published: October 2019

A compact filtering power divider is proposed with very wide stopband suppression in this letter. First, the dual‐composite right‐ and left‐handed (D‐CRLH) resonator is employed, while one extended stopband can thus be achieved due to its inherently slow‐wave response. Secondly, one out‐of‐phase feeding scheme is introduced to realise D‐CRLH filtering power divider. By putting the input and output ports on the different sides of D‐CRLH resonators, the mismatching can be realised for the harmonics below 10 GHz and wide stopband suppression is obtained accordingly. For experimental verification, a compact filtering power divider is designed, fabricated, and measured. Wide stopband suppression is observed until 5f0 without using bandstop structures or complex coupling topology.
A few StePS forward in unveiling the complexity of galaxy evolution: light-weighted stellar ages of intermediate-redshift galaxies with WEAVE
Authors: Costantin L. , Iovino A. , Zibetti S. , Longhetti M. , Gallazzi A. , Mercurio A. , Lonoce I. , Balcells M. , Bolzonella M. , Busarello G. , Dalton G. , Ferré-Mateu A. , García-Benito R. , Gargiulo A. , Haines C. , Jin S. , La Barbera F. , McGee S. , Merluzzi P. , Morelli L. , Murphy D. N. A. , Peralta de Arriba L. , Pizzella A. , Poggianti B. M. , Pozzetti L. , Sánchez-Blázquez P. , Talia M. , Tortora C. , Trager S. C. , Vazdekis A. , Vergani D. , Vulcani B. 
Published: October 2019

Context. The upcoming new generation of optical spectrographs on four-meter-class telescopes, with their huge multiplexing capabilities, excellent spectral resolution, and unprecedented wavelength coverage, will provide invaluable information for reconstructing the history of star formation in individual galaxies up to redshifts of about 0.7.
Aims. We aim at defining simple but robust and meaningful physical parameters that can be used to trace the coexistence of widely diverse stellar components: younger stellar populations superimposed on the bulk of older ones.
Methods. We produced spectra of galaxies closely mimicking data from the forthcoming Stellar Populations at intermediate redshifts Survey (StePS), a survey that uses the WEAVE spectrograph on the William Herschel Telescope. First, we assessed our ability to reliably measure both ultraviolet and optical spectral indices in galaxies of different spectral types for typically expected signal-to-noise ratios. We then analyzed such mock spectra with a Bayesian approach, deriving the probability density function of r- and u-band light-weighted ages as well as of their difference.
Results. We find that the ultraviolet indices significantly narrow the uncertainties in estimating the r- and u-band light-weighted ages and their difference in individual galaxies. These diagnostics, robustly retrievable for large galaxy samples even when observed at moderate signal-to-noise ratios, allow us to identify secondary episodes of star formation up to an age of ∼0.1 Gyr for stellar populations older than ∼1.5 Gyr, pushing up to an age of ∼1 Gyr for stellar populations older than ∼5 Gyr.
Conclusions. The difference between r-band and u-band light-weighted ages is shown to be a powerful diagnostic to characterize and constrain extended star-formation histories and the presence of young stellar populations on top of older ones. This parameter can be used to explore the interplay between different galaxy star-formation histories and physical parameters such as galaxy mass, size, morphology, and environment.
Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Alleviates-Induced Intracellular
Inflammation in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Wang Ya-Di , Li Jiao-Yang , Qin Yu , Liu Qiong , Liao Zhe-Zhen , Xiao Xin-Hua 
Published: October 2019

AbstractFatty acids induced hepatic inflammation plays an important role in
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. Hydrogen sulfide
(H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, has been established to
possess potent anti-inflammation in various human organs. However, the
anti-inflammation property of H2S in the fatty liver is still
needed to further elucidate. Hence, this study aimed to investigate whether
exogenous H2S can protect hepatocytes against inﬂammation
induced by palmitic acid (PA). HepG2 hepatocytes were exposed to PA for
24 h to induce free fatty acids-induced inflammation. The cells were
pretreated with NaHS (a donor of H2S) before exposure to PA. Cell viability,
inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), NLRP3
inflammasome and NF-κB were measured by a combination of MTT assay,
ELISA, Western blot and Immunofluorescence. Here, we found that exogenous
H2S dose-dependently inhibited the expression of
pro-inflammatory cytokines, NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of
NF-κB signaling in PA-induced HepG2 cells. Thus, H2S
might be a candidate therapeutic agent against NAFLD.
Evaluation of Threaded External Skeletal Fixation Pin Insertion with and without Predrilling in Avian Bone
Authors: Lam Griselda , Nelson Jacqueline Tai Li , Wei Feng , Kim Sun-Young 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to document the effects of positive-profile threaded external skeletal fixation (ESF) pin insertion without predrilling on heat generation, structural damage and pullout strength in avian bone than that with predrilling.
Study design This study was an ex vivo study.
Materials and Methods Twenty paired tibiotarsi and 40 paired humeri from 20 Mallard duck cadavers were used. Specimens were randomized to have positive-profile threaded ESF pins placed with or without predrilling insertion sites. Heat generation (maximum—baseline temperature) was measured during drilling and pin insertion with infrared thermography. Structural damage (gross trans-cortical damage and thread quality) was evaluated and scored using a visual analog scale (VAS). Mechanical testing was performed to evaluate pullout strength of inserted pins.
Results VAS scores for trans-cortical surfaces were significantly higher than for cis-cortical surfaces; however, no difference was noted between predrilled and non-predrilled specimens. No significant difference in heat generation or pullout strength was noted between pins placed with and without predrilling.
Conclusion Pin insertion without predrilling in avian humeri and tibiotarsi does not cause significantly more structural damage or heat generation, or reduced pullout strength, compared with predrilling. Overall, our results indicate that predrilling prior to ESF pin placement provides no obvious advantage in avian bone.