bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a five‐mRNA signature as a novel potential prognostic biomarker in pediatric Wilms tumor
Authors: Lin Xiao‐Dan , Wu Yu‐Peng , Chen Shao‐Hao , Sun Xiong‐Lin , Ke Zhi‐Bin , Chen Dong‐Ning , Li Xiao‐Dong , Lin Yun‐Zhi , Wei Yong , Zheng Qing‐Shui , Xu Ning , Xue Xue‐Yi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to generate a prognostic model to predict survival outcome in pediatric Wilms tumor (WT).MethodsThe data including mRNA expression and clinical information of pediatric WT patients were downloaded from the Therapeutically Available Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database. The differentially expressed genes were identified and a prognostic signature of pediatric WT was generated according to the results of univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the five‐mRNA signature in pediatric Wilms tumor patients. Bootstrap test with 500 times was used to perform the internal validation.ResultsWe identified 6,964 differentially expressed mRNAs associated with pediatric WT, including 3,190 downregulated mRNAs and 3,774 up‐regulated mRNAs. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis identified five mRNAs (SPRY1, SPIN4, MAP7D3, C10orf71, and SPAG11A) to establish a predictive model. The risk score formula is as follows: Risk score = 0.3036*SPIN4 + 0.8576*MAP7D3 −0.1548*C10orf71 −0.7335*SPRY1 −0.2654*SPAG11A. The pediatric WT patients were divided into low‐risk group and high‐risk group based on the median risk score (value = 1.1503). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed good performance of the 5‐mRNA prognostic model (the area under the curve [AUC] was 0.821). Bootstrap test (Bootstrap resampling times = 500) was used to perform the internal validation and revealed that the AUC was 0.822. REACTOME, KEGG, and BIOCARTA pathway analyses demonstrated that these survival‐related genes were mainly enriched in ErbB2 and ErbB3 signaling pathways, and calcium signaling pathway.ConclusionThe five‐mRNA signature can predict the prognosis of patients with pediatric WT. It has significant implication in the understanding of therapeutic targets for pediatric WT patients. However, further study is needed to validate this five‐mRNA signature and uncover more novel diagnostic or prognostic mRNAs candidates in pediatric WT patients.
Characterization and modeling of the reverse behavior of a vertical power MOSFET
Authors: Yan Lixi , Li Tianyu , Kallfass Ingmar 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this work, the static and dynamic reverse behavior of a vertical structure Si power MOSFET is characterized. The BSIM3 model is adopted and extended to describe the channel current considering asymmetric channel behavior caused by the vertical structure. The diffusion capacitance of the body diode is analyzed, which is critical for the reverse recovery behavior but currently not precisely defined in power MOSFET models. To accurately depict the reverse recovery current, two diode models with diffusion capacitance definitions based on the solution of different methods are built into the MOSFET model and their performance is compared. The result shows that to describe the reverse recovery of the body diode for smaller current range simulation, the stored charge model is recommended, but when scalability is necessary, the carrier distribution model is more suitable.
Pattern reconfigurable Yagi‐Uda antenna with seven switchable beams for WiMAX application
Authors: Gaya Sagiru , Hussain Rifaqat , Sharawi Mohammad S. , Attia Hussein 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this paper, a pattern reconfigurable printed Yagi‐Uda antenna with linear polarization is presented. The proposed design consists of three parts, including a driving element centered between two other parasitic elements. To achieve pattern reconfigurability, the approach of Yagi‐Uda configuration is employed, where the positions of the director and reflector are exchanged using PIN diodes. The proposed antenna employing six PIN diodes is designed to radiate the main beam at seven scanning angles (−60°, −40°, −20°, 0°, 20°, 40°, and 60°). The beam tilt depends on the size of the antenna's partial ground plane. The proposed design is simple in structure realized on a single substrate board of dimensions 75 × 70 mm2. The measured peak directivity obtained at various scanning angles is about 6.5 dB. The simulated and measured results are in good agreement. The proposed reconfigurable antenna is suitable for WiMAX applications operating around the frequency of 3.6 GHz.
Electronic intracavitary brachytherapy quality management based on risk analysis: The report of AAPM TG 182
Authors: Thomadsen Bruce R. , Biggs Peter J. , Cardarelli Gene A. , Chu James C. H. , Cormack Robert A. , Feng Wenzheng , Heaton H. Thompson , Hiatt Jessica R. , Law Jonathan N. , Limmer Jeffery P. , Ouhib Zoubir , Pai Sujatha , Pillai Sushakumari , Ringor Michael R. , Rivard Mark J. , Waldron Timothy J. , Caldwell Barrett S. , Holt Randall W. , Pike Tina L. , Safigholi Habib , Stacey Christopher , Weigand Frank 
Published: November 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to provide guidance on quality management for electronic brachytherapy.Materials and MethodsThe task group used the risk‐assessment approach of Task Group 100 of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Because the quality management program for a device is intimately tied to the procedure in which it is used, the task group first designed quality interventions for intracavitary brachytherapy for both commercial electronic brachytherapy units in the setting of accelerated partial‐breast irradiation. To demonstrate the methodology to extend an existing risk analysis for a different application, the task group modified the analysis for the case of post‐hysterectomy, vaginal cuff irradiation for one of the devices.ResultsThe analysis illustrated how the TG‐100 methodology can lead to interventions to reduce risks and improve quality for each unit and procedure addressed.ConclusionThis report provides a model to guide facilities establishing a quality management program for electronic brachytherapy.
Differential association between S100A4 levels and insulin resistance in prepubertal children and adult subjects with clinically severe obesity
Authors: Taxerås Siri D. , Galán María , Campderros Laura , Piquer‐Garcia Irene , Pellitero Silvia , Martínez Eva , Puig Rocío , Lucena Icíar , Tarascó Jordi , Moreno Pau , Balibrea José , Bel Joan , Murillo Marta , Martínez María , Ramon‐Krauel Marta , Puig‐Domingo Manel , Villarroya Francesc , Lerin Carles , Sánchez‐Infantes David 
Published: November 2019

SummaryObjectivesS100A4 has been recently identified as an adipokine associated with insulin resistance (IR) in adult subjects with obesity. However, no data about its levels in children with obesity and only a few approaches regarding its potential mechanism of action have been reported. To obtain a deeper understanding of the role of S100A4 in obesity, (a) S100A4 levels were measured in prepubertal children and adult subjects with and without obesity and studied the relationship with IR and (b) the effects of S100A4 in cultured human adipocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were determined.MethodsSixty‐five children (50 with obesity, age 9.0 ±1.1 years and 15 normal weight, age 8.4 ±0.8 years) and fifty‐nine adults (43 with severe obesity, age 46 ±11 years and 16 normal weight, age 45 ±9 years) were included. Blood from children and adults and adipose tissue samples from adults were obtained and analysed. Human adipocytes and VSMC were incubated with S100A4 to evaluate their response to this adipokine.ResultsCirculating S100A4 levels were increased in both children (P = .002) and adults (P < .001) with obesity compared with their normal‐weight controls. In subjects with obesity, S100A4 levels were associated with homeostatic model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in adults (βstd = .42, P = .008) but not in children (βstd = .12, P = .356). Human adipocytes were not sensitive to S100A4, while incubation with this adipokine significantly reduced inflammatory markers in VSMC.ConclusionsOur human data demonstrate that higher S100A4 levels are a marker of IR in adults with obesity but not in prepubertal children. Furthermore, the in vitro results suggest that S100A4 might exert an anti‐inflammatory effect. Further studies will be necessary to determine whether S100A4 can be a therapeutic target for obesity.
Psychosocial interventions for informal caregivers of lung cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Kedia Satish K. , Collins Andy , Dillon Patrick J. , Akkus Cem , Ward Kenneth D. , Jackson Bianca M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveCaregivers of patients with lung cancer often face physical, emotional, and financial distress, which not only negatively affects the caregivers' mental health and quality of life but may also impact patients' well‐being. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the content, delivery, and efficacy of psychosocial interventions targeting caregivers of lung cancer patients.MethodsStudies included in this systematic review assessed psychosocial interventions for caregivers of lung cancer patients that were published in English between January 2009 and December 2017. These interventions focused on burden, mental health, quality of life, self‐efficacy, and/or coping as outcome measures. CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms (lung cancer OR lung neoplasms OR thoracic cancer) AND (caregiver OR caregiving) AND (intervention OR program) to systematically review the relevant literature on this topic.ResultsFrom the 22 studies included in this systematic review, interventions were classified into four categories: communication‐based interventions, coping skills training interventions, multicomponent interventions, and stress reduction interventions. The majority of the interventions (especially communication‐based and multicomponent) led to improvement, albeit not always statistically significant, in one or more outcomes; however, the most frequently reported improvements included, burden, distress, anxiety, depression, overall quality of life, self‐efficacy, and coping abilities.ConclusionsThe unmet needs of informal caregivers of lung cancer patients have a significant impact on their mental health and quality of life, but this burden can be alleviated by psychosocial interventions that offer appropriate support, education, and resources.
Undergraduate training in breaking bad news: A continuation study exploring the patient perspective
Authors: Carrard Valerie , Bourquin Céline , Stiefel Friedrich , Schmid Mast Marianne , Berney Alexandre 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis paper reports on the continuation of an initial study that demonstrated the effectiveness, as rated by experts, of an undergraduate training in breaking bad news (BBN) using simulated patient (SP) and individual feedback. The current study aimed to further explore whether such an individualized training approach also has positive effects from the perspective of the patient, using the analogue patient (AP) methodology.MethodsA subsample of 180 videotaped interviews with SPs were selected from the existing data set (N = 332), consisting of 60 pre‐ and post‐training interviews of students benefiting from the individualized approach (intervention group) and 60 post‐training interviews of students having small‐group SP training and collective supervision (comparison group). Sixty‐eight APs—healthy untrained observers—were asked to view the videotaped interviews while “putting themselves in the patient's shoes” and evaluate satisfaction, trust, liking, and the competence of medical students.ResultsThe intervention group students improved significantly from pre‐ to post‐training on several dimensions evaluated by the APs: patient satisfaction, trust in the student, liking of the student, and perceived medical competence. Increased AP satisfaction was related to different changes in students' communication behavior between pre‐ and post‐training: increase in positive talk, emotional responsiveness, biomedical and psychosocial information, and biomedical counseling. There was no significant between‐group difference at post‐training.ConclusionsAP evaluation showed significant improvement between pre‐ and post‐training. This result provides additional and complementary evidence of the positive effects of individualized training in BBN from the AP perspective, a proxy of (real) patients.
A critical literature review of dyadic web‐based interventions to support cancer patients and their caregivers, and directions for future research
Authors: Luo Xingjuan , Gao Lihong , Li Jieyu , Lin Yi , Zhao Jie , Li Qiuping 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveWith the rapid development of the Internet, e‐health interventions are becoming popular and are showing positive impacts. Cancer affects not only patients but also their caregivers, leading to a recognition that cancer patient–caregiver dyads cope with cancer as a unit rather than as individuals. The objectives of this paper are to explore web‐based interventions for cancer patient–caregiver dyads coping with cancer from the aspects of intervention content, delivery format, outcome measurements, and outcomes and to provide recommendations on developing patient‐caregiver dyadic web‐based interventions for future research.MethodsLiterature focused on cancer patient–caregiver dyadic web‐based interventions, published in English or Chinese from the launch of five databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBase, Medline, Science Citation Index Expanded) to April 2019, was systematically searched. Manual searching through the references of full‐text articles was also conducted.ResultsOf a total of 812 articles, 17 articles met the inclusion criteria. The content of these web‐based dyadic interventions mainly included information support, communication and support, skills‐building, and psycho‐education. These web‐based interventions reported a small to large positive impact on patients with cancer and their caregivers in terms of physical health (d = 0.17‐0.75), psychological health (d = 0.04‐0.80), overall quality of life (d = 0.20‐0.68), and dyadic relationship (d = 0.30‐0.95).ConclusionsWeb‐based dyadic interventions can be designed for tailored content, which benefits both patients and their caregivers. Future research on cancer patient–caregiver web‐based interventions should be conducted in diverse cultures.
Mode transition and plasma characteristics of nanosecond pulse gas–liquid discharge: Effect of grounding configuration
Authors: Wang Sen , Yang De‐Zheng , Zhou Rusen , Zhou Renwu , Fang Zhi , Wang Wenchun , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTransitions between the streamer and spark modes affect the stability of gas–liquid discharges, limiting their practical applications, while the nature of such transitions is poorly understood. Here we clarify the often neglected effect of a dielectric on the gas–liquid discharge stability, using direct and indirect grounding configurations. Discharge modes and plasma characteristics in these two configurations are investigated. The discharge appears in a transient spark mode in the direct grounding while in a streamer mode in the indirect case. It is shown that the dielectric significantly improves the discharge stability. The gas temperature and electron density in the transient spark are 380 K and 1017/cm3 with a 30 kV pulse voltage, respectively, which are higher than those in the streamer mode.
ConSurf‐DB: An accessible repository for the evolutionary conservation patterns of the majority of PDB proteins
Authors: Ben Chorin Adi , Masrati Gal , Kessel Amit , Narunsky Aya , Sprinzak Josef , Lahav Shlomtzion , Ashkenazy Haim , Ben‐Tal Nir 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPatterns observed by examining the evolutionary relationships among proteins of common origin can reveal the structural and functional importance of specific residue positions. In particular, amino acids that are highly conserved (i.e., their positions evolve at a slower rate than other positions) are particularly likely to be of biological importance, for example, for ligand binding. ConSurf is a bioinformatics tool for accurately estimating the evolutionary rate of each position in a protein family. Here we introduce a new release of ConSurf‐DB, a database of precalculated ConSurf evolutionary conservation profiles for proteins of known structure. ConSurf‐DB provides high‐accuracy estimates of the evolutionary rates of the amino acids in each protein. A reliable estimate of a query protein's evolutionary rates depends on having a sufficiently large number of effective homologues (i.e., nonredundant yet sufficiently similar). With current sequence data, ConSurf‐DB covers 82% of the PDB proteins. It will be updated on a regular basis to ensure that coverage remains high—and that it might even increase. Much effort was dedicated to improving the user experience. The repository is available at https://consurfdb.tau.ac.il/.Broader audienceBy comparing a protein to other proteins of similar origin, it is possible to determine the extent to which each amino acid position in the protein evolved slowly or rapidly. A protein's evolutionary profile can provide valuable insights: For example, amino acid positions that are highly conserved (i.e., evolved slowly) are particularly likely to be of structural and/or functional importance, for example, for ligand binding and catalysis. We introduce here a new and improved version of ConSurf‐DB, a continually updated database that provides precalculated evolutionary profiles of proteins with known structure.
A reliability‐based fatigue design for mechanical components under material variability
Authors: Du Weiqi , Wang Yongqin , Luo Yuanxin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe mechanical components subjected cyclic load unusually fail due to fatigue. The traditional deterministic design method still has the risk of failure while the safety factor method sometimes is overconservative and uneconomic. In this study, reliability‐based design optimization is applied in structural design of components under low cycle fatigue. A constitutive model (Jiang and Sehitoglu model) was written into user‐defined material subroutine of finite element software to make simulation more accurate. In addition, an adaptive least squares support vector machines (LS‐SVM)‐based response surface method is employed to improve the efficiency of design process. After constructing the implicit life model, a hybrid directional step method is employed to implement the performance measure approach. Finally, a simple case (thickness optimization for cantilever tube) is used to demonstrate the whole procedure of proposed design procedure.
Interannual variation in spawning success of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the Saint John River, New Brunswick
Authors: Andrews Samuel N. , Linnansaari Tommi , Leblanc Nathalie , Pavey Scott A. , Curry R. Allen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBarriers such as dams have been cited as a serious threat to striped bass survival, especially when they affect or impede migration and access to spawning grounds. On the Saint John River, New Brunswick, the installation of the large Mactaquac Dam in the immediate vicinity of a historic striped bass spawning location was suspected to have caused the arrest of striped bass reproduction and the collapse of the native striped bass population. In 2014, juvenile striped bass of confirmed Saint John River origin were documented in the river for the first time since 1979. In the current study, we examined juveniles from 6 years of sampling to determine corresponding years of successful recruitment. We also tracked adult striped bass matching the ancestry of native Saint John River juveniles to determine the timing and location of spawning. Over 5 years, we observed an annual upstream migration by adult striped bass to historic spawning areas near Fredericton, identified a dominant year class of Saint John River origin juveniles reproduced in 2013, and linked the apparent successful production of year classes to definable discharge conditions, that is, extended periods of sustained flow >36 hr downstream from the Mactaquac Dam. The results of this study suggest important first management actions towards recovering and sustaining the re‐discovered striped bass population in the Saint John River, New Brunswick.
Antibacterial activity of human mesenchymal stem cells mediated directly by constitutively secreted factors and indirectly by activation of innate immune effector cells
Authors: Chow Lyndah , Johnson Valerie , Impastato Renata , Coy Jonathan , Strumpf Alyssa , Dow Steven 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to improve wound healing and suppress inflammatory immune responses. Newer research also indicates that MSC exhibit antimicrobial activity, although the mechanisms underlying this activity have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we conducted in vitro and in vivo studies to examine the ability of resting and activated MSC to kill bacteria, including multidrug resistant strains. We investigated direct bacterial killing mechanisms and the interaction of MSC with host innate immune responses to infection. In addition, the activity of MSC against chronic bacterial infections was investigated in a mouse biofilm infection model. We found that MSC exhibited high levels of spontaneous direct bactericidal activity in vitro. Moreover, soluble factors secreted by MSC inhibited Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation in vitro and disrupted the growth of established biofilms. Secreted factors from MSC also elicited synergistic killing of drug-resistant bacteria when combined with several major classes of antibiotics. Other studies demonstrated interactions of activated MSC with host innate immune responses, including triggering of neutrophil extracellular trap formation and increased phagocytosis of bacteria. Finally, activated MSC administered systemically to mice with established S. aureus biofilm infections significantly reduced bacterial numbers at the wound site and improved wound healing when combined with antibiotic therapy. These results indicate that MSC generate multiple direct and indirect, immunologically mediated antimicrobial activities that combine to help eliminate chronic bacterial infections when the cells are administered therapeutically.

Significance statement This study investigated the antimicrobial properties of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and extends the results of previous studies by describing both the direct antimicrobial activity of MSC and the indirect antimicrobial effects mediated via interaction with host innate immune cells. This article describes in detail how MSC secreted factors augment the antimicrobial activity of nearly all classes of conventional antibiotics examined, including generating enhanced activity against drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. This study with human MSC serves to bridge previous studies and suggests the utility of systemic delivery of activated MSC for treatment of chronic drug-resistant infection in human patients, in a scalable and clinically applicable manner.