bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mixing Properties of Room Temperature Patch‐Antenna Receivers in a Mid‐Infrared (λ ≈ 9 µm) Heterodyne System
Authors: Bigioli Azzurra , Gacemi Djamal , Palaferri Daniele , Todorov Yanko , Vasanelli Angela , Suffit Stephan , Li Lianhe , Davies A. Giles , Linfield Edmund H. , Kapsalidis Filippos , Beck Mattias , Faist Jérôme , Sirtori Carlo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA room‐temperature mid‐infrared (λ = 9 µm) heterodyne system based on high‐performance unipolar optoelectronic devices is presented. The local oscillator (LO) is a quantum cascade laser (QCL), while the receiver is an antenna coupled quantum well infrared photodetector optimized to operate in a microcavity configuration. Measurements of the saturation intensity show that these receivers have a linear response up to very high optical power, an essential feature for heterodyne detection. By providing an accurate passive stabilization of the LO, the heterodyne system reaches at room temperature the record value of noise equivalent power (NEP) of 30 pW at 9 µm and in the GHz frequency range. Finally, it is demonstrated that the injection of microwave signal into the receivers shifts the heterodyne beating over the large bandwidth of the devices. This mixing property is a unique valuable function of these devices for signal treatment in compact QCL‐based systems.
Non‐Reciprocity in High‐Q Ferromagnetic Microspheres via Photonic Spin–Orbit Coupling
Authors: Chai Cheng‐Zhe , Zhao Hao‐Qi , Tang Hong X. , Guo Guang‐Can , Zou Chang‐Ling , Dong Chun‐Hua 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNon‐reciprocal devices serving as fundamental elements in photonic and microwave circuits have attracted great attention for its applications in both classical and quantum information processing. The spin–orbit coupling (SOC) of light in microstructures shows that the polarization affects and controls the spatial degrees of freedom of light, which could been exploited to break the reciprocity of light transmission. Here, non‐reciprocal light transmission is demonstrated experimentally in high‐quality factor yttrium iron garnet microspheres via photonic SOC and Faraday effect. By applying an magnetic field in the vertical direction of resonator equator, the degeneracy of the clockwise and counter‐clockwise whispering gallery modes are lifted. The non‐reciprocal effect is shown for both polarizations and promises applications including non‐reciprocal photonic devices, magneto‐optic modulators, and magnetometers.
Transforming Nanofiber Mats into Hierarchical Scaffolds with Graded Changes in Porosity and/or Nanofiber Alignment
Authors: Li Haoxuan , Wu Tong , Xue Jiajia , Ke Qinfei , Xia Younan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA method for generating hierarchical scaffolds with graded changes in porosity and/or fiber alignment through solution‐masked, vapor‐induced welding of electrospun poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers is reported. The success of this method relies on the fact that the PLGA nanofibers are swollen and welded more slowly by ethanol when immersed in its aqueous solution relative to direct exposure to its vapor. For a mat composed of random nanofibers, the treatment generates a gradation in porosity (both surface and bulk), with the over‐welded region evolving from a highly porous mat into a dense film. If uniaxially aligned nanofibers are involved, however, graded changes are observed in both surface porosity and fiber alignment. When bone marrow stem cells are cultured on such a scaffold, they exhibit highly organized and random morphologies on the regions of uniaxially aligned nanofibers and dense film, respectively, with gradual changes in between. Such a scaffold shows promise in mimicking the connective tissue, such as the tendon‐to‐bone insertion, that relies on a graded transition in cell morphology from uniaxially aligned to random.
Transglycosylating β‐d‐galactosidase and α‐l‐fucosidase from Paenibacillus sp. 3179 from a hot spring in East Greenland
Authors: Thøgersen Mariane S. , Christensen Stefan J. , Jepsen Morten , Pedersen Lars H. , Stougaard Peter 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThermal springs are excellent locations for discovery of thermostable microorganisms and enzymes. In this study, we identify a novel thermotolerant bacterial strain related to Paenibacillus dendritiformis, denoted Paenibacillus sp. 3179, which was isolated from a thermal spring in East Greenland. A functional expression library of the strain was constructed, and the library screened for β‐d‐galactosidase and α‐l‐fucosidase activities on chromogenic substrates. This identified two genes encoding a β‐d‐galactosidase and an α‐l‐fucosidase, respectively. The enzymes were recombinantly expressed, purified, and characterized using oNPG (2‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside) and pNP‐fucose (4‐nitrophenyl‐α‐l‐fucopyranoside), respectively. The enzymes were shown to have optimal activity at 50°C and pH 7–8, and they were able to hydrolyze as well as transglycosylate natural carbohydrates. The transglycosylation activities were investigated using TLC and HPLC, and the β‐d‐galactosidase was shown to produce the galactooligosaccharides (GOS) 6'‐O‐galactosyllactose and 3'‐O‐galactosyllactose using lactose as substrate, whereas the α‐l‐fucosidase was able to transfer the fucose moiety from pNP‐fuc to lactose, thereby forming 2'‐O‐fucosyllactose. Since enzymes that are able to transglycosylate carbohydrates at elevated temperature are desirable in many industrial processes, including food and dairy production, we foresee the potential use of enzymes from Paenibacillus sp. 3179 in the production of, for example, instant formula.
High COX‐2 expression in cancer‐associated fibiroblasts contributes to poor survival and promotes migration and invasiveness in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Yinghong , Shi Chen , Zeng Liang , Liu Guizhu , Jiang Weihong , Zhang Xin , Chen Shilian , Guo Jiaojiao , Jian Xingxing , Ouyang Jian , Xia Jiliang , Kuang Chunmei , Fan Songqing , Wu Xuan , Wu Yangbowen , Zhou Wen , Guan Yongjun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has the highest rate of metastasis among head and neck cancers, and distant metastasis is the major reason for treatment failure. We have previously shown that high cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression is associated with a poor prognosis of patients with NPC and inhibits chemotherapy‐induced senescence in NPC cells. In this study, we found that COX‐2 was upregulated in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from NPC by RNA‐Seq. Furthermore, elevated COX‐2 expression in CAF was detected in NPC patients with poor survival and distant metastasis by using immunohistochemistry. Then, we identified that COX‐2 is highly expressed in CAF at the distant metastasis site in seven paired NPC patients. High expression of COX‐2 and secretion of prostaglandin E2, a major product catalyzed by COX‐2 in fibroblasts, promotes migration and invasiveness of NPC cells in vitro. On the contrary, inhibition of COX‐2 has the opposite effect in vitro as well as in the COX‐2−/− mouse with the lung metastasis model in vivo. Mechanistically, we discovered that COX‐2 elevates tumor necrosis factor‐α expression in CAF to promote NPC cell migration and invasiveness. Overall, our results identified a novel target in CAF promoting NPC metastasis. Our findings suggested that high expression of COX‐2 in CAF may serve as a new prognostic indicator for NPC metastasis and provide the possibility of targeting CAF for treating advanced NPC.
Reconstruction of wide soft tissue defects with extended anterolateral thigh perforator flap turbocharged technique with anteromedial thigh perforator
Authors: Lee Yoon Jae , Lee Yeon Ji , Oh Deuk Young , Jun Young Joon , Rhie Jong Won , Moon Suk‐Ho 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe necrotic change may sometimes occur in peripheral parts of the flap when harvesting a wide flap in a patient with a relatively thin thigh in anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. Here, we explore the prophylactic measure of turbocharging the ALT flap with anteromedial thigh (AMT) perforator based on the circumference of the patient's thigh to reduce the risk of partial flap necrosis for the reconstruction of wide defects.Patients and MethodsFrom January 2015 to December 2017, extended ALT perforator turbocharged flaps were done in nine patients. The majority of patients had post oncological or traumatic defects of upper & lower extremities and groin. The age group ranged from 22 to 86 years. The flap size ranged from 12 × 20 cm to 15 × 28 cm. To augment the viability of the ALT flap, we performed an additional microvascular augmentation of the distal or descending branch of the lateral circumflex artery (LCFA) with the sizable AMT perforator.ResultsThe extended ALT turbocharged flaps survived completely without peripheral necrosis. The average flap width to circumference ratio of the deep tissues including muscles of thigh was 0.379, and the patients' average harvested flaps width and thigh circumference were 14.3 cm and 40.2 cm, respectively. The mean follow‐up was 9.3 months. No complications were recorded during the follow‐up.ConclusionWe believe that augmentation of the ALT and AMT perforator flaps by turbocharging can repair wide soft tissue defects. This method may be another promising option when reconstructing wide defects in the supine position.
Establishment of a Reproducing Population of Endangered Humpback Chub through Translocations to a Colorado River Tributary in Grand Canyon, Arizona
Authors: Healy Brian D. , Omana Smith Emily C. , Schelly Robert C. , Trammell Melissa A. , Nelson Clay B. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Translocations, defined herein as the human-assisted movement of individuals from a source population to other waters within their historical range, are prevalent in recovery plans for endangered fishes. Many translocations fail to establish new populations, however, and outcomes are often poorly documented. Endangered Humpback Chub Gila cypha persist as a self-sustaining population in Grand Canyon, Arizona, despite threats from introduced nonnative competitors and predators and modified flow, thermal, and sediment regimes due to river regulation. In the decades following the completion of Glen Canyon Dam, the Grand Canyon population has been primarily sustained through reproduction in a single Colorado River tributary, the Little Colorado River (LCR). To establish population redundancy and aid in recovery, we annually translocated between 243 and 509 juvenile Humpback Chub from the LCR to Havasu Creek, a smaller Colorado River tributary in Grand Canyon National Park. Juvenile Humpback Chub were collected from the wild and reared in a hatchery for 8–12 months prior to the translocations. Through biannual mark–recapture sampling in Havasu Creek, we estimated annual abundance for all of the translocated cohorts and found that apparent survival and growth rates met or exceeded the demographic rates that are published for the LCR. We observed reproductively mature adults each year in May, beginning in 2012, and untagged juvenile Humpback Chub beginning in the following year and every year thereafter, with results that indicated successful reproduction. Beginning in 2016, we noted recruitment to maturity of fish that were produced in situ and the population's abundance increased through 2018, indicating potential for the establishment of a self-sustaining population. As an example of the successful translocation of an endangered species that demonstrates the potential importance of tributaries in the recovery of large-river fishes, our study may help to inform future recovery planning.
A bounding surface model for anisotropically overconsolidated clay incorporating thermodynamics admissible rotational hardening rule
Authors: Chen Yanni , Yang Zhongxuan 
Published: December 2019

SummaryA bounding surface model is formulated to simulate the behavior of clays that are subject to an anisotropic consolidation stress history. Conventional rotational hardening is revisited from the perspective of thermodynamics. As the free energy cannot be accumulated infinitely upon critical state failure, the deviatoric back stress must vanish. This requires the rotated yield surface to be turned back to eventually align on the hydrostatic axis in the stress plane. Noting that most of the previous propositions violate this restriction, an innovative rotational hardening rule is formulated that is thermodynamically admissible. The bounding surface framework that employs the modified yield surface is applied to simulate elastoplastic deformations for overconsolidated clays, with which the overprediction of strength on the “dry” side can be greatly improved with reasonable results. Other important features, including contractive or dilative response and hardening or softening behavior, can also be well‐captured. It has been shown that the model can simulate three types of reconstituted clays that are sheared with initial conditions over a wide range of anisotropic consolidation stress ratios and overconsolidation ratios under both triaxial undrained and drained conditions. Limitations and potential improvement of the model regarding the fabric anisotropy at critical state have been discussed.
Blockchain‐based access control for enterprise blockchain applications
Authors: Xu Lei , Markus Isaac , I Subhod , Nayab Nikhil 
Published: December 2019

SummaryAccess control is one of the fundamental security mechanisms of IT systems. Most existing access control schemes rely on a centralized party to manage and enforce access control policies. As blockchain technologies, especially permissioned networks, find more applicability beyond cryptocurrencies in enterprise solutions, it is expected that the security requirements will increase. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an access control system that works in a decentralized environment without compromising the unique features of a blockchain. A straightforward method to support access control is to deploy a firewall in front of the enterprise blockchain application. However, this approach does not take advantage of the desirable features of blockchain. In order to address these concerns, we propose a novel blockchain‐based access control scheme, which keeps the decentralization feature for access control–related operations. The newly proposed system also provides the capability to protect user's privacy by leveraging ring signature. We implement a prototype of the scheme using Hyperledger Fabric and assess its performance to show that it is practical for real‐world applications.
Is Weight Bias Evident in Peer Interactions Between Young and Older Children?
Authors: Kilmurray Michelle , Collins Sylvie C. , Caterson Ian D. , Hill Andrew J. 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether weight bias is apparent in young and older children’s interactions during a paired reading activity.MethodsOne hundred seventy‐two children (57% girls) read a book in which the main character, “Alfie,” was portrayed either as average weight or as having obesity. Younger children (mean = 6.1 years) were paired with a same‐sex older child (mean = 9.5 years). Questions within and at the end of the story prompted discussion. Children’s conversations were analyzed according to valence (emotional tone). Nonverbal behavior was noted via observation.ResultsPairs of children reading about the Alfie character with obesity made significantly more negative and fewer positive comments when offering story completions. Just one pair of boys spoke about him being “fat.” There was no evidence that older children passed negative attitudes to younger children. Covertly expressed weight bias was more common. There was more frequent laughter while reading about the character with obesity, and two pairs made nonverbal reference to Alfie’s appearance.ConclusionsCovert weight bias was apparent in the interactions of some of these children, but overt weight bias was rare. There is a need to establish a better chronology of children’s awareness of, and attitudes toward, obesity and how they are acquired.
Examining barriers, physical activity, and weight change among parents and nonparents in a weight loss intervention
Authors: Nezami Brooke T. , Jakicic John M. , Lang Wei , Davis Kelliann , Tate Deborah F. 
Published: December 2019

SummaryIntroductionLittle is known about the influence of children in the home on physical activity and weight among adults in weight loss interventions. This study evaluated the association between number of children in the home, weight loss, and weight regain in a behavioural weight loss intervention, and whether those relationships were mediated in sequence by physical activity barriers and physical activity changes.MethodsThe sample included 267 participants from a randomized trial who had complete data on study variables. Variables at baseline, 6, and 18 months included physical activity barriers, objectively measured minutes of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and objectively measured weight used to calculate percent weight loss (PWL) from baseline to 6 months and percent weight regained (PWG) from 6 to 18 months.ResultsA greater number of children in the home was associated with less PWL at 6 months. This relationship was mediated by greater baseline physical activity barriers and a smaller increase in MVPA at 6 months. The mediated effect was no longer significant when controlling for changes in dietary intake. There was no relationship between number of children and PWG from 6 to 18 months.ConclusionsParents may need unique intervention supports to overcome barriers to initiation of physical activity to help them reach optimal weight loss.
Prevalence of Cardiac Risk Factors in Patients Prescribed Azithromycin before and after the 2012 FDA Warning on the Risk of Potentially Fatal Heart Rhythms
Authors: Patel Haridarshan , Calip Gregory Sampang , DiDomenico Robert J. , Schumock Glen T. , Suda Katie J. , Lee Todd A. 
Published: December 2019

Study ObjectiveTo measure the prevalence of cardiac risk factors among patients prescribed azithromycin before and after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on May 17, 2012, on the risk of potentially fatal heart rhythms associated with the drug.DesignRetrospective cohort study using administrative claims data.Data SourceTruven Health Analytics MarketScan database.PatientsA total of 12,971,078 unique patients with 23,749,652 azithromycin prescriptions dispensed between January 2009 and June 2015 were included. Patients had to be continuously enrolled in a health plan for at least 365 days (baseline) before the date of azithromycin dispensing (index date). Cohorts were assigned based on the index dates of the azithromycin prescriptions, either before (January 1, 2009–May 1, 2012) or after (June 1, 2012–June 30, 2015) the FDA warning was issued.Measurements and Main ResultsA cardiac risk factor included either a cardiac condition (heart failure or dysrhythmias) or concurrent use of drugs that prolong the QT interval. The unit of analysis was each prescription of azithromycin. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the prevalence of cardiac risk factors. Mean age of the patients was 40.1 ± 21.3 years old, with 60.8% females. Prior to the FDA warning, 11,596,022 (48.8%) azithromycin prescriptions were identified, and 12,153,630 (51.2%) were identified after the warning. The prevalence of a preexisting cardiac condition was 7.3% versus 7.9% (p<0.0001) before and after the FDA warning, respectively. Concurrent use of a QT‐interval–prolonging drug was 23.3% versus 24.2% (p<0.0001) before and after the FDA warning, respectively. After controlling for confounders, the odds of having a cardiac risk factor after the FDA warning were significantly lower (odds ratio 0.938, 95% CI 0.936–0.940) compared with before the FDA warning.ConclusionDespite the 2012 FDA warning, a nontrivial number of azithromycin prescriptions was prescribed concurrently in patients with preexisting a cardiac condition (1 of 12 azithromycin prescriptions) and in those using a QT‐interval–prolonging drug (1 of 5 azithromycin prescriptions). After adjusting for confounders, the odds of cardiac risk factors being present in patients prescribed azithromycin were modestly lower after the warning; however, the prevalence remained essentially unchanged before and after the FDA warning was issued.
Role of NT‐proBNP in the prediction of moderate to severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in preterm infants
Authors: Khan Safdar , Concina Vanessa Anne , Schneider Douglas , Westgate Philip , Arriagada Susana , Bada Henrietta 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine the clinical utility of brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) for prediction of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We hypothesized that elevated NT‐proBNP levels at 4 weeks of postnatal age may predict the severity of BPD in preterm infants.Study DesignThe study design was a prospective observational study. The research team enrolled and followed a cohort of 70 infants with gestational age less than or equal to 30 weeks. The plasma NT‐proBNP levels were measured at the postnatal day 28th. We further followed and categorized infants into two groups. Infants with no or mild BPD (Group 1) and infants with moderate or severe BPD (Group 2). We compared plasma NT‐proBNP levels at 28th day of postnatal life between Groups 1 and 2. The difference in NT‐proBNP levels on day 28th between groups was used to predict the severity of BPD.ResultsPlasma NT‐proBNP was significantly elevated in Group 2 compared with Group 1, median (IQR) of 845 pg/mL (553, 1632) compared with 726 pg/mL (391, 923), P = 0.02. NT‐proBNP had a fair predictive accuracy (C statistics of 0.68) to determine moderate to severe BPD.ConclusionNT‐proBNP may be a useful biomarker in conjunction with clinical factors as a predictor of severe BPD. For future directions, the trend of NT‐proBNP in infants with BPD may have clinical significance in monitoring of the disease.
Misannotations of the genes encoding sugar N‐formyltransferases
Authors: Girardi Nicholas M. , Thoden James B. , Holden Hazel M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTens of thousands of bacterial genome sequences are now known due to the development of rapid and inexpensive sequencing technologies. An important key in utilizing these vast amounts of data in a biologically meaningful way is to infer the function of the proteins encoded in the genomes via bioinformatics techniques. Whereas these approaches are absolutely critical to the annotation of gene function, there are still issues of misidentifications, which must be experimentally corrected. For example, many of the bacterial DNA sequences encoding sugar N‐formyltransferases have been annotated as l‐methionyl‐tRNA transferases in the databases. These mistakes may be due in part to the fact that until recently the structures and functions of these enzymes were not well known. Herein we describe the misannotation of two genes, WP_088211966.1 and WP_096244125.1, from Shewanella spp. and Pseudomonas congelans, respectively. Although the proteins encoded by these genes were originally suggested to function as l‐methionyl‐tRNA transferases, we demonstrate that they actually catalyze the conversion of dTDP‐4‐amino‐4,6‐dideoxy‐d‐glucose to dTDP‐4‐formamido‐4,6‐dideoxy‐d‐glucose utilizing N10‐formyltetrahydrofolate as the carbon source. For this analysis, the genes encoding these enzymes were cloned and the corresponding proteins purified. X‐ray structures of the two proteins were determined to high resolution and kinetic analyses were conducted. Both enzymes display classical Michaelis–Menten kinetics and adopt the characteristic three‐dimensional structural fold previously observed for other sugar N‐formyltransferases. The results presented herein will aid in the future annotation of these fascinating enzymes.