bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and localization of retinoid receptors in the testis of normal and infertile men
Authors: Wang Gui‐Shuan , Liang Ajuan , Dai Yu‐Bing , Wu Xiao‐Long , Sun Fei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRetinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, is one of the most important factors regulating spermatogenesis. RA activates downstream pathways through its receptors (retinoic acid receptor alpha [RARA], retinoic acid receptor beta, and retinoic acid receptor gamma [RARG]) and retinoid X receptors (retinoid X receptor alpha [RXRA], retinoid X receptor beta [RXRB], and retinoid X receptor gamma [RXRG]). These receptors may serve as therapeutic targets for infertile men. However, the localization and expression of retinoid receptors in normal and infertile men were unknown. In this study, we found RARA and RARG were mostly localized in spermatocytes and round spermatids, RXRB was mainly expressed in Sertoli cells, and RXRG was expressed in most cell types in the fertile human testis. The localization of RARA, RARG, RXRB, and RXRG in men with hypospermatogenesis (HYPO) was similar to that of men with normal fertility. In addition, the messenger RNA expression levels of RARA, RARG, RXRA, RXRB, and RXRG were significantly decreased in men with Sertoli cell‐only syndrome (SCOS) and maturational arrest (MA), but not in men with HYPO. These results suggest that reduced levels of RARA, RARG, RXRB, RXRA, and RXRG are more closely associated with SCOS and MA spermatogenetic failure. These results could contribute to the development of new molecular indicators of spermatogenic dysfunction and might provide novel therapeutic targets for treating male infertility.
Comparison of single breath hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI with dynamic 19F MRI in cystic fibrosis lung disease
Authors: McCallister Andrew , Chung Sang Hun , Antonacci Michael , Z. Powell Margret , Ceppe Agathe S. , Donaldson Scott H. , Lee Yueh Z. , Branca Rosa Tamara , Goralski Jennifer L. 
Published: August 2020

PurposeTo quantitatively compare dynamic 19F and single breath hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI for the detection of ventilation abnormalities in subjects with mild cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease.MethodsTen participants with stable CF and a baseline FEV1 > 70% completed a single imaging session where dynamic 19F and single breath 129Xe lung ventilation images were acquired on a 3T MRI scanner. Ventilation defect percentages (VDP) values between 19F early‐breath, 19F maximum‐ventilation, 129Xe low‐resolution, and 129Xe high‐resolution images were compared. Dynamic 19F images were used to determine gas wash‐in/out rates in regions of ventilation congruency and mismatch between 129Xe and 19F.ResultsVDP values from high‐resolution 129Xe images were greater than from low‐resolution images (P = .001), although these values were significantly correlated (r = 0.68, P = .03). Early‐breath 19F VDP and max‐vent 19F VDP also showed significant correlation (r = 0.75, P = .012), with early‐breath 19F VDP values being significantly greater (P < .001). No correlation in VDP values were detected between either 19F method or high‐res 129Xe images. In addition, the location and volume of ventilation defects were often different when comparing 129Xe and 19F images from the same subject. Areas of ventilation congruence displayed the expected ventilation kinetics, while areas of ventilation mismatch displayed abnormally slow gas wash‐in and wash‐out.ConclusionIn CF subjects, ventilation abnormalities are identified by both 19F and HP 129Xe imaging. However, these ventilation abnormalities are not entirely congruent. 19F and HP 129Xe imaging provide complementary information that enable differentiation of normally ventilated, slowly ventilated, and non‐ventilated regions in the lungs.
Magneto‐optic effect of two‐dimensional materials and related applications
Authors: Lan Tianshu , Ding Baofu , Liu Bilu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMagneto‐optic effect is attracting wide interest as it renders a contactless, potentially power‐free, highly sensitive and spatio‐temporal resolved way in both magnetic material characterization and light manipulation. Intensive explorations exhibit its potential in diverse applications such as optical communication, data storage, phase modulator, optical isolator, and magnetic‐field sensor. Noteworthy, atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) materials represented by graphene demonstrate the interplay of large shape anisotropy as well as anisotropy in optical and magnetic properties, providing unlimited possibilities for the development of magneto‐optic effect and related applications. Here, we initiate the review with brief summary of the development history of magneto‐optic effect in parallel with the introduction of several typical 2D materials with unique magnetic properties. Thereafter, four important magneto‐optic effects of 2D materials are discussed, including Faraday effect, magneto‐optic Kerr effect, Zeeman effect and Cotton‐Mouton effect. Finally, we refine major challenges in further development of magneto‐optic effects and put forward prospects for several promising candidates of 2D magneto‐optic materials and related applications.
Transparent semi‐crystalline polymeric materials and their nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Lin Yunyin , Bilotti Emiliano , Bastiaansen Cees W.M. , Peijs Ton 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOptical transparency is an important property for a material, especially in certain fields like packaging, glazing, and displays. Existing commercial transparent polymeric materials are mostly amorphous. Semicrystalline polymers have often‐superior chemical resistance and mechanical properties particularly at elevated temperatures or after solid‐state drawing but they appear opaque or white in most cases. This review describes the present state‐of‐the‐art of methodologies of fabricating optically transparent materials from semicrystalline polymers. A distinction is made between isotropic, biaxially stretched, and uniaxially stretched semicrystalline polymers. Furthermore, some functionalities of transparent nanocomposites based on semicrystalline polymers are also discussed. This review aims to provide guidelines regarding the principles of manufacturing transparent high‐performance semicrystalline polymers and their nanocomposites for potential applications in fields like packaging, building, and construction, aerospace, automotive, and opto‐electronics.
Potentially Inappropriate Medication Combination with Opioids among Older Dental Patients: A Retrospective Review of Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Zhou Jifang , Calip Gregory S. , Rowan Susan , McGregor Jessina C. , Perez Rosanne I. , Evans Charlesnika T. , Gellad Walid F. , Suda Katie J. 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundOpioid prescribing by dentists for older patients receiving medications with potential contraindications and the subsequent impact on acute care outcomes is not well described.ObjectivesOur objective of this paper was to evaluate the use of potentially inappropriate medication combinations (PIMCs) involving opioids prescribed by dentists according to the Beers Criteria and risks of 30‐day emergency department (ED) visits and all‐cause hospitalization among commercially insured dental patients ages 65 years and older.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 40,800 older dental patient visits in which opioids were prescribed between 2011 and 2015 using the IBM MarketScan databases. Data collection from dental, medical, and pharmacy claims included information on the concurrent use of PIMCs and outcomes of all‐cause acute care utilization over the 30‐day period after dental encounters.ResultsFor the overall cohort, the median age was 69 years, and 45% were women. The prevalence of PIMCs per Beers Criteria was 10.4%. A total of 947 all‐cause acute care events were observed in the 30 days post‐dental visit. Patients with PIMCs involving opioids prescribed by dentists according to the Beers Criteria had higher rates of acute care use (3.3% vs 2.2%, p<0.001), which were associated with an increased risk of all‐cause acute care utilization (adjusted risk ratio [RR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.48). A dose‐response relationship was seen with increasing oral morphine equivalents prescribed and increased acute care utilization (p<0.001).ConclusionA significant proportion of older patients receiving opioids at dental visits use psychotropic medications that in combination should be avoided according to the American Geriatric Society Beers Criteria.
Quality improvement initiative to improve pulmonary function in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Filbrun Amy G. , Enochs Catherine , Caverly Lindsay , Rajala Kelsey , Powell Corey , Merrick Emily , Nasr Samya Z. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundOur Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center initiated a Quality Improvement (QI) project in November 2017 with the goal of improving our patients' forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) percent predicted (pp) and continued for 1 year. Our specific aim was to increase the relative mean FEV1 pp by 5% in 12 months for CF patients 6 to 21 years old with FEV1 ≤ 80 pp.MethodsWe identified patients with FEV1 ≤ 80 pp, developed cause and effect diagrams (fishbones) to identify contributing factors to FEV1 ≤ 80 pp, and created flowcharts to address barriers. The barriers to adherence that may result in FEV1 ≤ 80 pp were studied using a fishbone. A standardized approach across providers was implemented to individualize care for each patient. Each discipline developed a flowchart to address barriers to improving FEV1.ResultsForty patients were identified (43% male). Their mean age was 16.8 years (range 8.2‐21.5 years). Mean FEV1 pp at baseline was 58.6 (range 30‐80). The fishbone identified needs for continuing education for patients/families, and providing a treatment plan at each clinic visit. After 6 months of implementation, patients had an improvement in mean FEV1 pp by 6.4% (CI, 0.4%‐12.9%). At 12 months, mean FEV1 pp had improved by 14% (CI, 6.5%‐21.4%), which exceeded our goal of 5%.ConclusionThrough this ongoing project, team members, patients, and families partnered to improve lung function in pediatric CF patients. Flowcharts facilitated a standardized approach across providers to develop individualized treatment plans for patients, which resulted in improved lung function.
DMBT1 is upregulated in lung epithelial cells after hypoxia and changes surfactant ultrastructure
Authors: Müller Hanna , Schmiedl Andreas , Weiss Christel , Ai Maria , Jung Susan , Renner Marcus 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypoxia and asphyxia are known to induce surfactant inactivation in newborns. Deleted in Malignant Brain Tumors 1 (DMBT1) is an innate immunity protein with functions in epithelial differentiation and angiogenesis. It was detected in hyaline membranes of infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Human recombinant DMBT1 is able to increase the surface tension of exogenous surfactant preparations in a dose‐dependent manner.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was performed on lung sections of infants who died due to pre‐, peri‐ or postnatal hypoxia. The lung epithelial cell line A549 was stably transfected with a DMBT1 (DMBT1+ cells) expression plasmid or with an empty plasmid (DMBT1− cells). The cells were cultured in normoxic or hypoxic conditions, and then DMBT1 as well as HIF‐1α RNA expression were analyzed by using real‐time‐polymerase chain reaction. Human recombinant DMBT1 was added to the modified porcine natural surfactant Curosurf to examine the effect of DMBT1 on surfactant ultrastructure with electron microscopy.ResultsDMBT1 expression was upregulated in human lung tissue after fetal/peri‐/postnatal hypoxia. In addition, in vitro experiments showed increased DMBT1 RNA expression in A549 cells after hypoxia. HIF‐1α was upregulated in both DMBT1+ and DMBT1− cells in response to hypoxia. The addition of human recombinant DMBT1 to Curosurf caused an impaired surfactant ultrastructure.ConclusionsDMBT1 is upregulated in response to hypoxia and there seems to be a link between hypoxia and surfactant inactivation.
Assessment of pulmonary function by impulse oscillometry and spirometry in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Anık Ayşe , Anık Ahmet , Uysal Pınar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimTo assess the lung functions with impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsFifty‐one children with T1DM, and sex‐ and age‐matched 53 healthy control (HC) subjects were included in this study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the subjects were recorded and their pulmonary functions were analyzed by IOS and spirometry.ResultsIn IOS, zR5, zR10, and zR20 levels were higher in children with T1DM compared with HCs (P = .019, P = .017, and P = .002, respectively). In spirometry, zFEF75 and zFEF25‐75 were lower in children with T1DM compared with HCs (P = .025, P = .001, respectively). In IOS, zR5‐20 (P = .008, P = .005, respectively) and zAX (P = .013, P = .009, respectively) were significantly lower in good‐controlled group compared with moderate‐ and poor‐controlled group. In spirometry, zFEF25‐75 was significantly higher in good‐controlled group compared with moderate‐ and poor‐controlled group (P = .005, P = .009, respectively). HbA1c was positively correlated with zR5‐20 value (r = .339; P = .017) in male children with T1DM. The duration of the disease was positively correlated with zR5‐20 (r = .290; P = .043) and zFres (r = .358; P = .010). According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to estimate optimal cut‐offs to discriminate good control level of T1DM (HbA1c < 7%), a zR5‐20 ≤ 2.28 demonstrated a 75.0% sensitivity and 82.9% specificity, with an area under the curve of 0.805 ([confidence interval, 0.615‐0.995]; P = .007).ConclusionsThis study showed subclinical impairment of lung functions which is associated with disease duration and the degree of metabolic control in children with T1DM.
Microstructure determines floating ability of weed seeds
Authors: Shi Xinglei , Li Ruhai , Zhang Zheng , Qiang Sheng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDWeed seeds in rice‐wheat continuous cropping fields spread via flowing water during irrigation of the rice crop. However, the ability of their adaptation to water dispersal and their structural mechanisms remain unclear. One hundred and ten species of weed seeds from 35 families were selected for this study. Seed slices were made through freeze sectioning to observe and assess the proportions of parenchyma, aerenchyma and lignified tissue. Microstructure and morphological traits, such as relative size and appendages were integrated into an analysis.RESULTSMultivariate statistical analysis showed that floating time was significantly positively correlated with the shape, aerenchyma and parenchyma of the weed seeds and negatively with lignified tissue. Cluster analysis divided all the tested seeds into four categories. The first category was super floating weeds, which had a large proportion of parenchyma or air chamber and floated on water surfaces for > 400 h, including 16 species; the second category was strong floating weeds, which had a flat shape, parenchyma or air chamber structures and floated for 120 to 400 h, including 17 species; the third category was floating weeds, which were usually dense in structure with a floating time < 120 h, including 78 species; the fourth category showed no floating ability with a large size and mass, and dense structures including seven species.CONCLUSIONMost weeds had floating ability, which was closely related to the adaptability of their anatomical structures. This study takes an insight into understanding ecological adaptation of weeds and the sustainable ecological weed control through removing floating weed seeds.
Forensic identification of the keratin fibers of South American camelids by ambient ionization mass spectrometry: Vicuña, alpaca and guanaco
Authors: Price Erin , Larrabure Dominique , Gonzales Benito , McClure Pamela , Espinoza Edgard 
Published: August 2020

RationaleThe keratin fleece of the endangered vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) commands a high value in international markets, and this trade has caused illegal poaching and a substantial decrease in vicuña populations. Morphological analysis of hairs does not have the resolution to determine the species of origin of camelid natural fibers. In addition, commerce in camelid fleece also includes the legal trade of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) and guanaco (Lama guanicoe) wool.MethodsThe keratin fiber spectra of vicuña (n = 19), guanaco (n = 20) and alpaca (n = 20) were collected using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry, Horizontal attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (HATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy and direct analysis in real time time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (DART‐TOFMS). Analysis with each technique evaluated the data to determine if the three taxa could be separated using either descriptive or multivariate statistics.ResultsXRF analysis showed that the elements detected and their relative concentrations were similar in all three species, whereas HATR‐FTIR analysis could identify alpaca fleece but could not differentiate vicuña from guanaco. Ions detected by ambient ionization using DART‐TOFMS, in either positive‐ or negative‐ion mode, gave the best results and showed that each taxonomic group is distinctive. Multivariate analysis of the mass spectra created robust models which resolved each species (LOOCV = 99.9%). The analyses of eight validation samples were correctly assigned to the appropriate species and demonstrated the reliability of DART‐TOFMS to infer taxonomic source.ConclusionsThe DART‐TOFMS spectra of unmodified keratin fibers infer that the chemotype of each species is heavily influenced by fatty acids, cholesterol and its analogs, and that these ions are useful in separating the fleece of vicuña, alpaca and guanaco. We posit that the etiological source of these chemotype differences is consistent with genetic modulations and is less influenced by diet. Accurate taxonomic identification of fleece is important to identify violations and assists in the protection of rare species.
In situ Mg isotope measurements of biogenic carbonates using laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: A new tool to understand biomineralisation
Authors: Sadekov Aleksey , Lloyd Nicholas S. , Misra Sambuddha , D'Olivo Juan Pablo , McCulloch Malcolm 
Published: August 2020

RationaleMagnesium is one of the most abundant elements in the earth's crust and in seawater. Fractionation of its stable isotopes has been shown to be a useful indicator of many geological, chemical, and biological processes. For example, biogenic carbonates display an ~5‰ range of δ26Mg values, which is attributed to variable degrees of biological control on Mg ions during biomineralisation. Understanding this biological control is essential for developing proxies based on biogenic carbonates.MethodsIn this work, we present a new approach of measuring Mg isotopes in biogenic carbonates using Laser Ablation Multi‐Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICPMS).ResultsOur results show that this microanalytical approach provides relatively fast, high spatial resolution (<0.2 μm) measurements with high precision and accuracy down to 0.2‰ (2SE). To achieve high levels of precision and accuracy, baseline interferences need to be monitored and a carbonate standard with a relatively low trace metal composition similar to biogenic carbonates should be used. We also demonstrate that the matrix effect on Mg isotopes in carbonates with low Fe and Mn is limited to less than 0.2‰ fractionation under different laser parameters and low oxide condition (<0.3% ThO/Th).ConclusionsOur newly developed LA‐MC‐ICPMS method and its applications to biogenic carbonates show significant advantages provided by the microanalytical approach in understanding complex processes of biomineralisation in marine calcifiers.
When capital does not matter: How entrepreneurship training buffers the negative effect of capital constraints on business creation
Authors: Bischoff Kim Marie , Gielnik Michael M. , Frese Michael 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResearch summaryEntrepreneurship training is an effective means to promote business creation. We examine the effect of entrepreneurship training in conjunction with capital constraints, which entrepreneurs frequently experience in the context of developing countries and emerging economies. We develop a theoretical model that explains how entrepreneurship training attenuates the negative effect of capital constraints on business creation by developing financial mental models. To test our model, we conducted two longitudinal, randomized field experiments in developing countries. Our studies show a moderation effect of entrepreneurship training on the relationship between capital constraints and business creation. Results reveal that financial mental models mediated this moderation. The study demonstrates the role that entrepreneurship training plays in dealing with capital constraints in entrepreneurship in developing countries and emerging economies.Managerial summaryA major barrier for entrepreneurship is capital constraints. In the context of developing countries and emerging economies, where people experience severe capital constraints, the common thinking suggests improving access to capital as the major solution for overcoming capital constraints in business creation. Our study provides empirical evidence for a different point of view: It emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship training as an effective means to cope with capital constraints when starting businesses. Our findings show that entrepreneurship training reduces the negative effect of capital constraints on business creation through financial mental models. This implies that entrepreneurship training improves participants' financial mental models and hence supports them in starting businesses despite capital constraints. Consequently, we recommend promoting entrepreneurship training to overcome capital constraints in business creation.