bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractional 1,927 nm Thulium Laser Plus Photodynamic Therapy Compared and Combined for Photodamaged Décolleté Skin: A Side‐by‐Side Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hendel Kristoffer , Mogensen Mette , Wenande Emily , Dierickx Christine , Haedersdal Merete , Togsverd‐Bo Katrine 
Published: December 2019

Background and ObjectivesDécolleté photodamage is a common condition typically treated with light and energy‐based devices. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a fractional 1,927 nm thulium laser (TL) alone and combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT).Study Design/Materials and MethodsIn a 12‐week follow‐up study, participant décolletés were divided into four treatment areas and randomized to receive a single treatment with field‐directed TL, PDT, combination TL‐PDT, or lesion‐directed curettage control. All actinic keratoses (AKs) underwent lesion‐directed curettage before randomization. TL was delivered at 20 mJ/mb, 500 mJ/cm2 fluence, 5 W, and 8 (n = 6 pts.) or 16 (n = 6 pts.) passes. PDT was performed with 16% methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) creme incubated for 3 h, followed by red light‐emitting diode light at 37 J/cm2. Outcome measures included clinical assessment of overall photodamage and specific subcomponents, assisted by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging.ResultsTwelve women with moderate to severe photodamage on the décolleté and a cumulative total of 184 thin grade I AKs were included. Field‐directed treatments TL and combination TL‐PDT equally improved the overall photodamage, mottled pigmentation, and rhytides compared with lesion‐directed control (P < 0.05). The skin texture improved by TL alone and was further improved by combining TL and PDT (P < 0.05). Median AK complete responses were similar for field‐directed interventions TL‐PDT (100%), TL (90%), PDT (82%), and lesion‐directed curettage control (52%) (P = 0.464). Patients presented with mild local skin responses, slightly more pronounced when combining TL with PDT versus individual treatments (P < 0.05). No scarring or adverse events were observed.ConclusionsThe 1,927 nm fractional thulium laser is an effective, tolerable, and safe field‐directed treatment for décolleté photodamage. Provided alone, TL proved to be as effective as combined TL‐PDT for overall photodamage, while a greater improvement in skin texture was achieved using TL and PDT in combination. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In Situ Polymer Analogue Generation of Azlactone Functions at Poly(oxazoline)s for Peptide Conjugation
Authors: Liebscher Julia , Teßmar Jörg , Groll Jürgen 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe physical and chemical stability of peptides for biomedical applications can be greatly enhanced through the conjugation of polymers. A well‐known but rather underemployed selective coupling functionality is the azlactone group, which readily reacts with a number of different nucleophiles without the need for activation and the formation of any by‐products. For example, azlactone functional polymers are used to react with peptides and proteins, rich in amino and thiol groups, to form polymeric beads for affinity‐based column chromatography. So far, side chain functional azlactone polymers have been mainly synthesized by radical polymerization using 2‐vinyl‐4,4‐dimethyl azlactone together with different acrylate monomers. Here, a new azlactone precursor equipped with a functional thiol is presented, which can be attached to any vinyl functional polymer by thiol–ene chemistry. Subsequently, the formation of the reactive azlactone ring can be performed in situ at high conversion rate without the need for illumination. This approach is tested on an azlactone side functional poly(2‐oxazoline) by coupling amine containing molecules including a model peptide and is proven via 1H NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, as well as HPLC measurements.
Battery‐free implantable insulin micropump operating at transcutaneously radio frequency‐transmittable power
Authors: Yan Bingxi , An Duo , Wang Xi , DeLong Brock J. , Kiourti Asimina , Dungan Kathleen , Volakis John L. , Ma Minglin , Guo Liang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractImplantable insulin pumps that can be wirelessly powered may provide a pain‐free solution to continual treatment of Type‐1 diabetes. However, their design and development have long been prohibited by the lack of low‐voltage actuators operated at a wirelessly deliverable small power. Here we introduce a battery‐free insulin pump actuated by a soft and inherently biocompatible polymeric squeezer. At a low voltage below 1.5 V and a small power below 2 mW, which is deliverable using a miniature wireless harvester, our pump consistently delivers a volumetric output of 10 µl within 1 min at a flow rate of 0.21 µl/s. Moreover, comparative studies based on diabetic mice show well agreed blood glucose responses of pump‐ and syringe‐delivery solutions. These encouraging results pave the way for a lightweight, small‐dimension and battery‐free solution to overcome major disadvantages in current implantable insulin pumps.
Relationship between HLA‐DPA1 genetic polymorphism and anembryonic pregnancy
Authors: Wang Zhendong , Lu Xiaolin , Yao Xiuying , Liu Xinli , Zhao Linlin , Chang Shaoyan , Zhang Ting , Niu Bo , Wang Li 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundHuman leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DP is an HLA class II molecule. Overexpression of HLA class II molecules in placental trophoblast cells may induce pregnancy loss. However, the association between HLA‐DP and pregnancy loss remains unclear. HLA‐DPA1 is an HLA‐DP peptide chain. The objective of this study was to assess the association between HLA‐DPA1 genetic polymorphism and anembryonic pregnancy, a type of early pregnancy loss, in the Chinese population.MethodsA case–control study was designed to compare the frequencies of HLA‐DPA1 gene polymorphisms in an anembryonic pregnancy group and a control group. Sixty‐eight cases and 122 controls were recruited. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and anembryonic pregnancy susceptibility. MassARRAY high‐throughput DNA analysis was used to analyze 19 HLA‐DPA1 SNPs. To explore how HLA‐DPA1 polymorphism could affect anembryonic pregnancy, HLA‐DPA1 serum levels were analyzed by ELISA.ResultsHomozygous typing of rs1431403 (CC and TT) significantly increased the risk of anembryonic pregnancy in the case group (ORCC = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.50–6.53; ORTT = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.31–6.66; ORCC+TT = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.62–5.78). In samples with high HLA‐DPA1 levels (≥1,500 pg/ml), the homozygous rs1431403 genotypes (nCC = 21, 43.8%; nTT = 20, 57.1%) were observed more frequently than were heterozygous genotypes.ConclusionHLA‐DPA1 rs1431403 may be a risk factor for anembryonic pregnancy in the Chinese population. Homozygous rs1431403 genotypes (CC and TT) may increase the risk of anembryonic pregnancy by aberrantly increasing the HLA‐DPA1 levels.
Social and medical need for whole genome high resolution NIPT
Authors: Srebniak Malgorzata I. , Knapen Maarten F. C. M. , Govaerts Lutgarde C. P. , Polak Marike , Joosten Marieke , Diderich Karin E. M. , van Zutven Laura J. C. M. , Prinsen Krista A. K. E. , Riedijk Sam , Go Attie T. J. I. , Galjaard Robert‐Jan H. , Hoefsloot Lies H. , Van Opstal Diane 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundTwo technological innovations in the last decade significantly influenced the diagnostic yield of prenatal cytogenetic testing: genomic microarray allowing high resolution analysis and noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) focusing on aneuploidy. To anticipate future trends in prenatal screening and diagnosis, we evaluated the number of invasive tests in our center and the number of aberrant cases diagnosed in the last decade.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed fetal chromosomal aberrations diagnosed in 2009–2018 in 8,608 pregnancies without ultrasound anomalies.ResultsThe introduction of NIPT as the first‐tier test led to a substantial decrease in the number of invasive tests and a substantially increased diagnostic yield of aneuploidies in the first trimester. However, we have also noted a decreased detection of submicroscopic aberrations, since the number of invasive tests substantially decreased. We have observed that pregnant women were interested in broader scope of prenatal screening and diagnosis than detection of common trisomies.ConclusionSince the frequency of syndromic disorders caused by microdeletions/microduplications is substantial and current routine NIPT and ultrasound investigations are not able to detect them, we suggest that a noninvasive test with resolution comparable to microarrays should be developed, which will also meet patient's needs.
Red Raspberry Polyphenols Attenuate High‐Fat Diet–Driven Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome and its Paracrine Suppression of Adipogenesis via Histone Modifications
Authors: Fan Rong , You Mikyoung , Toney Ashley M. , Kim Judy , Giraud David , Xian Yibo , Ye Feng , Gu Liwei , Ramer‐Tait Amanda E. , Chung Soonkyu 
Published: December 2019

ScopeThe authors aim to investigate the mechanisms by which red raspberry (RR) polyphenolic fractions regulate obesity and inflammation with an emphasis on the crosstalk between adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) and adipocyte progenitors.Methods and ResultsC57BL/6 male mice are fed either a high‐fat (HF) diet or an HF diet supplemented with a RR polyphenolic fraction from whole fruit, pulp, or seed. Supplementation with pulp significantly increases energy expenditure and reduces HF‐diet‐induced obesity and insulin resistance. The pulp, and to a lesser extent, whole polyphenols, decreases the recruitment of ATM, activation of the nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and adipocyte hypertrophy, which is associated with epigenetic modulation of adipogenesis (e.g., H3K27Ac, H3K9Ac). Results from an IL‐1β reporter assay in J774 macrophages recapitulate the inhibitory role of RR polyphenols on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Using conditioned media from macrophages, it is demonstrated that RR polyphenols reverse the IL‐1β‐mediated epigenetic suppression of H3K27Ac in adipocyte progenitor cells.ConclusionsRR polyphenols from pulp and whole fruit serve as an inhibitor for NLRP3 inflammasome activation and an epigenetic modifier to regulate adipogenesis, which confers resistance against diet‐induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Thickness effects on the dielectric dispersion and optical conductivity parameters of CuO thin films
Authors: Qasrawi Atef F. , Hamamdah Alaa A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this article, the effect of film thickness on the structural, optical, dielectric, and optical conductivity parameters of CuO thin films are reported. CuO thin films which are prepared by the physical vapor deposition technique under vacuum pressure of 10−5 mbar with various thicknesses in the range of 50 to 1000 nm are observed to exhibit amorphous nature of growth. The values of the energy bands gaps, the spectral response of the dielectric constant and of the optical conductivity parameters are highly sensitive to the film thickness. Particularly, while the 50 nm thick CuO films exhibits quantum confinement which forces the material to have wide band gap (2.70 eV), the thicker films display an energy band gap in the infrared range of spectrum. It was also observed that the thicker the films, the more pronounced the nonlinear dielectric response. In addition, analysis of the optical conductivity parameters using Drude‐Lorentz approach for optical conduction has shown that the 50 nm thick films can display drift mobility value of 4.65 cm2/Vs accompanied with plasmon frequency of 1.20 GHz and free carrier density of 7.5×1017 cm3. The Drude‐Lorentz analysis has also shown that the free carrier density and the plasmon frequency of CuO decreases with increasing film thickness. This decrement is accompanied with enhancement in the drift mobility values which reaches 12.56 cm2/V s as the film thickness exceeds 250 nm. Such features of the thin layer of CuO make them suitable for the production of nano/microthin film transistors.
Analyses of mRNA‐seq and miRNA‐seq of the brain reveal the sex differences of gene expression and regulation before and during gonadal differentiation in 17β‐estradiol or 17α‐methyltestosterone‐induced olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)
Authors: Zou Yuxia , Wu Zhihao , Fan Zhaofei , Liang Dongdong , Wang Lijuan , Song Zongcheng , You Feng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOlive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) is a commercially important flatfish species cultured in East Asia. Female flounders generally grow more rapidly than males, therefore control of the sex ratio seems to be a proposed way to increase production. However, the sex determination gene and sex determination mechanism have yet been elucidated. The brain is an important organ that is involved in gonadal development. To explore the sex differences of gene expression in the brain before and during the flounder gonadal differentiation, we used messenger RNA (mRNA)‐seq technology to investigate transcriptomes of male and female brains. Between female and male brains, 103 genes were differentially expressed before ovarian differentiation, 16 genes were differentially expressed before testicular differentiation, and 64 genes were differentially expressed during gonadal differentiation. According to annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes information, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in circadian rhythm, circadian rhythm—fly, circadian entrainment, dopaminergic synapse, calcium signaling, glutamatergic synapse, taste transduction, herpes simplex infection, long‐term depression, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, and the synaptic vesicle cycle pathways. MicroRNA (miRNA)‐seq was performed during the gonadal differentiation and the target genes of miRNAs were predicted. Integrated analysis of mRNA‐seq and miRNA‐seq showed that 29 of the 64 DEGs were regulated by the differentially expressed miRNAs during the gonadal differentiation. Our study provides a basis for further studies of brain sex differentiation and the molecular mechanism of sex determination in olive flounder.
Daten speichern im Kristallgitter
Authors: Kunkel Nathalie , Clemens Oliver 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDie Quanteninformationstechnik ist ein lebendiges Thema in der Forschung an anorganischen Materialien, beispielsweise bei der Verschlüsselung für Datentransfer oder für den Traum vom Quantencomputer. Neben supraleitenden Qubits oder Defektzentren in Diamant eignen sich möglicherweise seltenerddotierte Materialien dafür.
Energie aus der Wüste
Authors: Offermanns Heribert 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDie energetische und stoffliche Nutzung von Sonnenenergie in sonnenreichen Gebieten der Erde mit CO2‐Verwertung zu koppeln, hat das Potenzial, Erdöl als Ressource abzulösen. Zudem könnten dort neue Kohlekraftwerke sinnvoll sein.
Influence of global sea‐surface temperature on ultra‐low‐frequency variability in Indian summer monsoon rainfall
Authors: Karmakar Nirupam , Chakraborty Arindam , Nanjundiah Ravi S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA multidecadal or ultra‐low‐frequency mode of variability in Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) with a spectral peak at nearly 67 years is identified using a nonparametric approach, namely, singular spectrum analysis. Not only does this mode modulate the seasonal mean rainfall over India, but also frequent occurrences of excess or below normal rainfall over India are favored by the phases of this mode. We show that 80% of all droughts occur during the negative phase of this mode, compared with 60% of all floods during its positive phase. Although the existence of this mode was reported in many previous studies, proper understanding of its exact nature and driving mechanism, and how it relates to global sea‐surface temperature (SST), is still not clear. Here, we show that the 67‐year variability in ISMR is associated with a SST mode of similar periodicity, which primarily exhibits a hemispheric SST difference, with the strongest signals over the northern Pacific and Atlantic. The positive phase of this SST mode induces low surface pressure over the northern Arabian Sea. Changes in surface pressure over the northern Arabian Sea govern changes in ISMR. The bridge between the SST mode and central Asian circulation is possibly established through the North Pacific Oscillation. The positive phase of this mode enhances the meridional temperature gradient over India, which acts to strengthen the tropical easterly jet, and subsequently the low‐level westerly jet over India. These lead to a negative surface pressure anomaly over the Indian subcontinent and an associated anomalous cyclonic circulation. The environment thus created is conducive to increased seasonal mean monsoon rainfall over India. The phase of the SST mode is remarkably similar to, and leading by 2–3 years, that of the multidecadal mode in ISMR up to the 1990s. However, the relationship weakens after the early 1990s.
The AP‐1 pathway; A key regulator of cellular transformation modulated by oncogenic viruses
Authors: Mirzaei Habibollah , Khodadad Nastaran , Karami Chiman , Pirmoradi Roya , Khanizadeh Sayyad 
Published: December 2019

SummaryCancer progression is critically associated with modulation of host cell signaling pathways. Activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) signaling is one such pathway whose deregulation renders the host more susceptible to cancer development. Oncogenic viruses, including hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human papilloma virus, Epstein‐Barr virus, human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1, and Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpes virus, are common causes of cancer. This review discusses how these oncoviruses by acting through various aspects of the host cell signaling machinery such as the AP‐1 pathway might affect oncoviral tumorigenesis, replication, and pathogenesis. The review also briefly considers how the pathway might be targeted during infections with these oncogenic viruses.
A study on the effects of torsional component of ground motions on seismic response of low‐ and mid‐rise buildings
Authors: Rahat Dahmardeh Saman , Motamedi Mehrtash , Aziminejad Armin 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThe torsional component of ground motion is a potential factor to excite the torsional response of buildings during earthquake, which is not explicitly considered in seismic design codes. Building codes have proposed accidental eccentricity to consider the effect of torsional component and other unpredicted factors, which may contribute to torsion in buildings. This study investigated the effects of torsional component on the buildings' responses and the adequacy of the accidental eccentricity. For this purpose, the torsional component of some selected ground motions was generated using single‐station procedure. Subsequently, 5, 10, and 15‐story buildings with different ratios of rotational to translational frequencies were analyzed; first, by translational components only, and second, by simultaneous application of translational and torsional components. Also, the role of mass eccentricity in the effects of torsional component was studied. Furthermore, all models were reanalyzed by applying the 5% accidental eccentricity, and the effects of torsional component and accidental eccentricity were compared accordingly. Results indicated that torsional component has significant impact on the buildings' responses and can increase the displacement and drift ratio up to 36% and 41%, respectively. However, the 5% accidental eccentricity is not sufficient to take account the torsional component effects, and leads to unreliable responses.
Effect of single dose N-acetylcysteine administration on resting state functional connectivity in schizophrenia
Authors: McQueen Grant , Lay Aderlee , Lally John , Gabay Anthony S. , Collier Tracy , Lythgoe David J. , Barker Gareth J. , Stone James M. , McGuire Philip , MacCabe James H. , Egerton Alice 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Rationale
There is interest in employing N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the treatment of schizophrenia, but investigations of the functional signatures of its pharmacological action are scarce.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify the changes in resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) that occur following administration of a single dose of NAC in patients with schizophrenia. A secondary aim was to examine whether differences in rs-FC between conditions were mediated by glutamate metabolites in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC).

Methods
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 20 patients with schizophrenia had two MRI scans administered 7 days apart, following oral administration of either 2400 mg NAC or placebo. Resting state functional fMRI (rsfMRI) assessed the effect of NAC on rs-FC within the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure Glx/Cr (glutamate plus glutamine, in ratio to creatine) levels in the ACC during the same scanning sessions.

Results
Compared to the placebo condition, the NAC condition was associated with reduced within the DMN and SN, specifically between the medial pre-frontal cortex to mid frontal gyrus, and ACC to frontal pole (all p < 0.04). There were no significant correlations between ACC Glx/Cr and rs-FC in either condition (p > 0.6).

Conclusions
These findings provide preliminary evidence that NAC can reduce medial frontal rs-FC in schizophrenia. Future studies assessing the effects of NAC on rs-FC in early psychosis and on repeated administration in relation to efficacy would be of interest.
Identification of human remains using Rapid DNA analysis
Authors: Turingan Rosemary S. , Brown Jessi , Kaplun Ludmila , Smith Jake , Watson Jenna , Boyd Derek A. , Steadman Dawnie Wolfe , Selden Richard F 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRapid identification of human remains following mass casualty events is essential to bring closure to family members and friends of the victims. Unfortunately, disaster victim identification, missing persons identification, and forensic casework analysis are often complicated by sample degradation due to exposure to harsh environmental conditions. Following a mass disaster, forensic laboratories may be overwhelmed by the number of dissociated portions that require identification and reassociation or compromised by the event itself. The interval between the disaster and receipt of victim samples at a laboratory is critical in that sample quality deteriorates as the postmortem interval increases. When bodies decompose due to delay in collection, transport, and sample processing, DNA becomes progressively fragmented, adversely impacting identification. We have previously developed a fully automated, field-forward Rapid DNA identification system that produces STR profiles (also referred to as DNA IDs or DNA fingerprints) from buccal and crime scene samples. The system performs all sample processing and data interpretation in less than 2 h. Here, we present results on Rapid DNA identification performed on several tissue types (including buccal, muscle, liver, brain, tooth, and bone) from exposed human bodies placed above ground or stored in a morgue/cooler, two scenarios commonly encountered following mass disasters. We demonstrate that for exposed remains, buccal swabs are the sample of choice for up to 11 days exposure and bone and tooth samples generated excellent DNA IDs for the 1-year duration of the study. For refrigerated remains, all sample types generated excellent DNA IDs for the 3-month testing period.