bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Liver Transplantation Among Older Recipients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in a Large Multicenter US Cohort: the Re‐Evaluating Age Limits in Transplantation Consortium
Authors: Kwong Allison J. , Devuni Deepika , Wang Connie , Boike Justin , Jo Jennifer , VanWagner Lisa , Serper Marina , Jones Lauren , Sharma Rajani , Verna Elizabeth C. , Shor Julia , German Margarita N. , Hristov Alexander , Lee Alexander , Spengler Erin , Koteish Ayman A. , Sehmbey Gurbir , Seetharam Anil , John Nimy , Patel Yuval , Kappus Matthew R. , Couri Thomas , Paul Sonali , Salgia Reena J. , Nhu Quan , Frenette Catherine T. , Lai Jennifer C. , Goel Aparna ,   Re‐Evaluating Age Limits in Transplantation (REALT) Consortium
Published: August 2020

The liver transplantation (LT) population is aging, with the need for transplant being driven by the growing prevalence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Older LT recipients with NASH may be at an increased risk for adverse outcomes after LT. Our objective is to characterize outcomes in these recipients in a large multicenter cohort. All primary LT recipients ≥65 years from 2010 to 2016 at 13 centers in the Re‐Evaluating Age Limits in Transplantation (REALT) consortium were included. Of 1023 LT recipients, 226 (22.1%) were over 70 years old, and 207 (20.2%) had NASH. Compared with other LT recipients, NASH recipients were older (68.0 versus 67.3 years), more likely to be female (47.3% versus 32.8%), White (78.3% versus 68.0%), Hispanic (12.1% versus 9.2%), and had higher Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease–sodium (21 versus 18) at LT (P < 0.05 for all). Specific cardiac risk factors including diabetes with or without chronic complications (69.6%), hypertension (66.3%), hyperlipidemia (46.3%), coronary artery disease (36.7%), and moderate‐to‐severe renal disease (44.4%) were highly prevalent among NASH LT recipients. Graft survival among NASH patients was 90.3% at 1 year and 82.4% at 3 years compared with 88.9% at 1 year and 80.4% at 3 years for non‐NASH patients (log‐rank P = 0.58 and P = 0.59, respectively). Within 1 year after LT, the incidence of graft rejection (17.4%), biliary strictures (20.9%), and solid organ cancers (4.9%) were comparable. Rates of cardiovascular (CV) complications, renal failure, and infection were also similar in both groups. We observed similar posttransplant morbidity and mortality outcomes for NASH and non‐NASH LT recipients. Certain CV risk factors were more prevalent in this population, although posttransplant outcomes within 1 year including CV events and renal failure were similar to non‐NASH LT recipients.
Maternal Fructose Intake Increases Liver H2S Synthesis but Exarcebates its Fructose‐Induced Decrease in Female Progeny
Authors: Fauste Elena , Rodrigo Silvia , Aguirre Rodrigo , Donis Cristina , Rodríguez Lourdes , Álvarez‐Millán Juan J. , Panadero María I. , Otero Paola , Bocos Carlos 
Published: August 2020

ScopeFructose intake from added sugars correlates with the epidemic rise in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, consumption of beverages containing fructose is allowed during gestation. Homocysteine (Hcy) is a well‐known risk factor for CVD while hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a product of its metabolism, has been proved to exert opposite effects to Hcy.Methods and resultsFirst, it is investigated whether maternal fructose intake produces subsequent changes in Hcy metabolism and H2S synthesis of the progeny. Carbohydrates are supplied to pregnant rats in drinking water (10% wt/vol) throughout gestation. Adult female descendants from fructose‐fed, control or glucose‐fed mothers are studied. Females from fructose‐fed mothers have elevated homocysteinemia, hepatic H2S production, cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) (the key enzyme in H2S synthesis) expression and plasma H2S, versus the other two groups. Second, it is studied how adult female progeny from control (C/F), fructose‐ (F/F), and glucose‐fed (G/F) mothers responded to liquid fructose and compared them to the control group (C/C). Interestingly, hepatic CSE expression and H2S synthesis are diminished by fructose intake, this effect being more pronounced in F/F females.ConclusionMaternal fructose intake produces a fetal programming that increases hepatic H2S production and, in contrast, exacerbates its fructose‐induced drop in female progeny.
A novel frequency scanning monopulse slotted waveguides array with enhanced scan sector
Authors: Zong Yao , Ding Jun , Guo Chenjiang , Li Chao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA wide‐angle frequency scanning narrow‐wall slotted waveguide array antenna with monopulse function is designed for two‐dimensional electrical scanning radar and communication systems. A novel slow wave waveguide formed by loading the periodic metal T‐shaped sheets onto the narrow wall is used to enhance the frequency scanning angular sector of the edge‐slotted waveguide traveling wave array. Two slotted waveguides with 35 radiation slots are arranged in a segmented frequency scanning structure to simultaneously achieve sum/difference patterns in the E‐plan. The prototype antenna fabricated and welded by aluminum is composed of 70 × 8 radiation slots with an overall size of 425 mm × 45 mm × 10 mm. The measured results show that the designed array exhibits a frequency scanning angle range of 20.6° at a relative operating bandwidth of 10% with greater than 50% aperture efficiency. The measured sidelobe level of sum beam is less than −17 dB, and null depth of difference beam pattern is below –25 dB over operating frequency band. This structure can be used to design the electrical two‐dimensional scanning array with a scanning sector greater than 20° × 80°.
Development of aMSTsensor probe, based on aSP3Tswitch, for biomedical applications
Authors: Donelli Massimo , Manekiya Muhammedhusen , Iannacci Jacopo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRecently wireless sensors based on modulated scattering techniques (MST) have been applied to different practical scenarios demonstrating their capabilities. A particular configuration of the MST sensor antenna permits to retrieve the electric characteristics of the media which surround the antenna tag. Thanks to the capability of MST probes to retrieve the dielectric characteristics of the surrounding media, MST probes can be applied efficiently for biomedical applications. The development of MST sensors working at microwave frequency bands require the development of suitable and expensive RF switches, to avoid this problem RF‐MEMS microwave switches could be considered. In this work the use of a customized SP3T MEMs for MST probes has been considered. Thanks to the MEMs switch an MST probe can be developed considering reduced dimensions, complexity, and good performances up to high frequency bands. In particular, an MST system able to transmit data and the dielectric characteristics of the surrounding media through a wireless channel has been designed, fabricated, and experimentally assessed. The obtained experimental results demonstrated the capabilities of MST probes as miniaturized biomedical sensors.
Improving contrast and spatial resolution in crystal analyzer‐based x‐ray dark‐field imaging: Theoretical considerations and experimental demonstration
Authors: Ando Masami , Nakao Yuki , Jin Ge , Sugiyama Hiroshi , Sunaguchi Naoki , Sung Yongjin , Suzuki Yoshifumi , Sun Yong , Tanimoto Michio , Kawashima Katsuhiro , Yuasa Tetsuya , Mori Kensaku , Ichihara Shu , Gupta Rajiv 
Published: August 2020

PurposeThis paper describes and experimentally validates a methodology for improving contrast and spatial resolution of the x‐ray dark‐field imaging (XDFI) by cutting the monochromator‐collimator asymmetrically and thinning the Laue angle analyzer.MethodsWe measure the spatial resolution of our XDFI setup using a test object consisting of wolfram tungsten meshes and compare it with the theoretical prediction. Using x‐ray dark‐field computed tomography of breast cancer specimens (lobular carcinoma in situ), we demonstrate that the resolution of XDFI is sufficient for histopathologic analysis.ResultsOur experimental results show that the overall spatial resolution of XDFI can be improved by approximately a factor of 2 when these modifications are implemented. The reconstructed images of breast cancer specimens provide sufficient details for radiologic histopathology.ConclusionsBy cutting the monochromator‐collimator and thinning the Laue angle analyzer, XDFI can achieve the resolution sufficient for radiologic histopathology.
Simultaneous proton density fat‐fraction and imaging with water‐specific T1 mapping (PROFIT1): application in liver
Authors: Thompson Richard B. , Chow Kelvin , Mager Diana , Pagano Joseph J. , Grenier Justin 
Published: August 2020

PurposeTo describe and validate a simultaneous proton density fat‐fraction (PDFF) imaging and water‐specific T1 mapping (T1(Water)) approach for the liver (PROFIT1) with mapping and low sensitivity to calibration or inhomogeneity.MethodsA multiecho gradient‐echo sequence, with and without saturation preparation, was designed for simultaneous imaging of liver PDFF, , and T1(Water) (three slices in ~13 seconds). Chemical‐shift‐encoded MRI processing yielded fat‐water separated images and maps. T1(Water) calculation utilized saturation and nonsaturation‐recovery water‐separated images. Several variable flip angle schemes across k‐space (increasing flip angles in sequential RF pulses) were evaluated for minimization of T1 weighting, to reduce the dependence of T1(Water) and PDFF (reduced flip angle dependence). T1(Water) accuracy was validated in mixed fat‐water phantoms, with various PDFF and T1 values (3T). In vivo application was illustrated in five volunteers and five patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (PDFF, T1(Water), ).ResultsA sin3(θ) flip angle pattern (0 < θ < π/2 over k‐space) yielded the largest PROFIT1 signal yield with negligible dependence for both T1(Water) and PDFF. Mixed fat‐water phantom experiments illustrated excellent agreement between PROFIT1 and gold‐standard spectroscopic evaluation of PDFF and T1(Water) (<1% T1 error). In vivo PDFF, T1(Water), and maps illustrated independence of the PROFIT1 values from inhomogeneity and significant differences between volunteers and patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease for T1(Water) (927 ± 56 ms vs. 1033 ± 23 ms; P < .05) and PDFF (2.0% ± 0.8% vs. 13.4% ± 5.0%, P < .05). was similar between groups.ConclusionThe PROFIT1 pulse sequence provides fast simultaneous quantification of PDFF, T1(Water), and with minimal sensitivity to miscalibration or inhomogeneity.
Micromechanical modeling for rate‐dependent behavior of salt rock under cyclic loading
Authors: Shen Xianda , Ding Jihui , Arson Chloé , Chester Judith S. , Chester Frederick M. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe dependence of rock behavior on the deformation rate is still not well understood. In salt rock, the fundamental mechanisms that drive the accumulation of irreversible deformation, the reduction of stiffness, and the development of hysteresis during cyclic loading are usually attributed to intracrystalline plasticity and diffusion. We hypothesize that at low pressure and low temperature, the rate‐dependent behavior of salt rock is governed by water‐assisted diffusion along grain boundaries. Accordingly, a chemo‐mechanical homogenization framework is proposed in which the representative elementary volume (REV) is viewed as a homogeneous polycrystalline matrix that contains sliding grain‐boundary cracks. The slip is related to the mass of salt ions that diffuse along the crack surface. The relationship between fluid inclusion‐scale and REV‐scale stresses and strains is established by using the Mori–Tanaka homogenization scheme. It is noted from the model that a lower strain rate and a larger number of sliding cracks enhance stiffness reduction and hysteresis. Thinner sliding cracks (i.e., thinner brine films) promote stiffness reduction and accelerate stress redistributions. The larger the volume fraction of the crack inclusions, the larger the REV deformation and the larger the hysteresis. Results presented in this study shed light on the mechanical behavior of salt rock that is pertinent to the design of geological storage facilities that undergo cyclic unloading, which could help optimize the energy production cycle with low carbon emissions.
Nursing students' views and satisfaction of their clinical learning environment in Singapore
Authors: Woo Ming Wei Jeffrey , Li Wenjie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsThis study aims to investigate final‐year nursing students' actual perception of their clinical learning environment in Singapore.DesignDescriptive cross‐sectional survey.MethodsAn online survey based on the clinical learning environment inventory (CLEI; “Actual” version) was administered to final‐year (third year) nursing students (N = 301) in a polytechnic in Singapore between May–July 2018.ResultsMost nursing students reported moderate satisfaction with their clinical learning environment, reflecting their positive (although not strongly positive) perceptions. Among the six constructs of the CLEI, the higher scores of the constructs of “Personalization” and “Task orientation” implied their greater contribution to the positive view. Conversely, the lower scores of “Individualization” and “Innovation” implied their lesser contribution. Additionally, the positive correlation between “satisfaction” and the other five CLEI constructs was found to be statistically significant.
Functional health literacy and caregiving burden among family caregivers of patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Abed Mona A. , Khalifeh Anas H. , Khalil Amani A. , Darawad Muhammad W. , Moser Debra K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFamily caregivers of patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) experience significant caregiver‐related burden, yet the contribution of their functional health literacy (FHL) to caregiving burden has not been elucidated. We investigated the magnitude of FHL and caregiving burden and their association in a descriptive, correlational cross‐sectional study of family caregivers of Jordanian patients with ESRD (N = 88). The short versions of the FHL for Adults and the Zarit Burden Interview were used for assessment of caregivers. Demographic and clinical information of patients and their family caregivers were self‐reported. Of family caregivers, 41% had limited FHL and 38% experienced high caregiver burden. FHL and history of comorbidity in family caregivers predicted caregiving burden independent of demographic and clinical factors. Consideration of FHL in support interventions for family caregivers may minimize some of the high perceived caregiving burden, but clinical trials of such interventions are needed to confirm this conclusion.
ZHX2 inhibits SREBP1c‐mediated de novo lipogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma via miR‐24‐3p
Authors: Yu Xiangguo , Lin Qinghai , Wu Zhuanchang , Zhang Yankun , Wang Tixiao , Zhao Songbai , Song Xiaojia , Chen Chaojia , Wang Zehua , Xu Leiqi , Li Chunyang , Gao Lifen , Liang Xiaohong , Yue Xuetian , Ma Chunhong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death worldwide. Lipogenesis has been considered as a critical player in HCC initiation and progression. However, the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. Here, we identified zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2), an HCC‐associated tumor suppressor, as an important repressor of de novo lipogenesis. Ectopic expression of ZHX2 significantly inhibited de novo lipogenesis in HCC cells and decreased expression of FASN, ACL, ACC1, and SCD1. In accordance with this, ZHX2 was negatively associated with SREBP1c, the master regulator of de novo lipogenesis, in HCC cell lines and human specimens. Results from silencing and overexpression demonstrated that ZHX2 inhibited de novo lipogenesis and consequent HCC progression via repression of SREBP1c. Furthermore, treatment with the SREBP1c inhibitor fatostatin dampened the spontaneous formation of tumors in liver‐specific Zhx2 knockout mice. Mechanistically, ZHX2 increased expression of miR‐24‐3p transcriptionally, which targeted SREBP1c and led to its degradation. In conclusion, our data suggest a novel mechanism through which ZHX2 suppresses HCC progression, which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of HCC. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of temperature and deformation rate on fracture behavior of S‐2 glass/epoxy laminated composites
Authors: Kaya Zafer , Balcıoğlu Hüseyin Ersen , Gün Halit 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCracks can occur in the composite structures during production, assembly, or usage. Environment temperature, deformation rate, and crack geometry have a direct influence on the fracture behavior of laminated composites. In this study, the fracture behavior of S‐2 glass/epoxy composites having different crack geometry at different temperatures and deformation rates was investigated experimentally and numerically. Within the scope of the study, the fracture toughness (K) and strain energy release rate (G) values of samples with 5 mm crack geometry were calculated for the crack tip opening conditions in Mode I and Mode I/II. Fracture tests at different environmental temperatures were performed to investigate the effects of temperature on fracture behavior. Fracture tests were achieved at three different deformation rates, to exhibit the relationship between crack initiation and deformation rate. Also, the fracture behavior of S‐2 glass/epoxy laminated composites was analyzed by using the finite element method (FEM). S‐2 glass fabric reinforced composite is used as a new alternative to traditional building materials, especially in the aviation, space and military industries. The results obtained from the experimental and FEM studies of this composite structure showed that different environmental and loading conditions were effective on the fracture behavior of the composite structure.
Simulation of differential structure and dynamics of disulfide bond isoforms of conopeptideAuIBin presence of humanα3β4nAChR
Authors: Sajeevan Karuna Anna , Roy Durba 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe structure and function of conopeptides are usually strongly modulated by disulfide bond linkage patterns. Conopeptide AuIB is a selective inhibitor of the mammalianα3β4nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), found in the neuromuscular junctions. The non‐native ribbon isoform ofα‐conotoxin, AuIB, is reported to be significantly more potent than the native globular isoform. However, experiments show that their binding sites on mammalian nAChR are different. The difference in the structure and dynamics of these two isoforms when bound to the globular isoform binding site in homology modeled human (α3)3‐(β4)2nAChR is explored in this work. The isoforms are compared in their unbound and bound states through equilibrium and replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. Interaction energy map between the key peptide and the receptor residues involved in binding, secondary structures of the peptide and intra‐peptide H‐bonding patterns bring out the difference in non‐bonding interactions and structure of the isoforms while being bound to the receptor. Dynamics exhibited by the isoforms as followed by principal component analysis (PCA), using internal coordinates of backbone dihedral angles, reveal that the ribbon isoform is significantly more flexible as compared to the globular isoform, when bound to the latter's binding site, near the Cys‐loop of theα3(+)β4(−) junction of human (α3)3(β4)2nAChR. The works brings out differences in the structure and dynamical modes exhibited by the isoforms as it explores the receptor surface.
Efficacy of fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage in childhood‐onset, complicated plastic bronchitis
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Wang , Sun Jing‐min , Ni Shen‐wang , Ding Jun‐li , Zhu Yu‐lin , Ding Sheng‐gang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundPlastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare, variable, and potentially fatal disease. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in treating children with PB.MethodsIn total, 15 children with PB, between 2012 and 2020, were enrolled in our study. Within 12 hours of admission, FOB and BAL were performed and reviewed under local anesthesia and sedation. Before and after FOB, clinical findings and chest imaging were evaluated.ResultsRegarding the onset of symptoms before FOB, all cases had prominent cough for 7.00 ± 4.55 days, and 14 had persistent high fever. In total, 13 cases had complete obstruction from bronchial casts, consistent with consolidated lesions; 2 had partial airway obstruction. Within 3 days, complete resolution was revealed in nine cases. Overall, six cases underwent repeated FOB (range, 2‐3 times) for persistent atelectasis and airway obstruction. Except for two cases with type 2 PB, cast histology confirmed type 1 PB for all cases. Only eight children had minor intra‐ and post‐procedure complications. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction for Mycoplasma pneumoniae in sputum and BAL samples were positive in 13 cases. Next‐generation sequencing of the BAL samples was positive for adenovirus and Human parainfluenza virus in one case, respectively. During 1 month to 7 years of follow‐up, no patient developed PB recurrence, asthmatic attacks, or chronic cough.ConclusionsEarly FOB and BAL were effective in alleviating clinical findings, atelectasis, and airway obstruction. Serial FOB could be performed in patients with recurrent symptoms.
‐Corrected Poisson‐Lie T‐Duality
Authors: Hassler Falk , Rochais Thomas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe propose leading order ‐corrections to the Poisson‐Lie T‐duality transformation rules of the metric, B‐field, and dilaton. Based on Double Field Theory, whose corrections to this order are known, we argue that they map conformal field theories to conformal field theories. Remarkably, Born geometry plays a central role in the construction.
Does resource‐mediated stress affect colony personality in leaf‐cutting ants?
Authors: Gandra Lailla C , Amaral Karina D , Couceiro Joel C , Guedes Raul NC , Della Lucia Terezinha MC 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnimal personality refers to behavioral consistency and propensity. In social insects, little is known about the interplay between colony personality and colony foraging. This study aimed to assess personality traits among colonies of the leaf‐cutting ants Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus and Acromyrmex subterraneus molestans and examine their behavioral consistency when provided with a toxic substrate, nasturtium leaves [Tropaeolum majus L. (Tropaeolaceae)], with potential as a management tool against these pest species. The association between colony behavioral traits and fungus garden growth was also examined, and thus the efficacy of the colony suppression.RESULTSBehavioral variation was higher between colonies than between subspecies. Behavioral traits were correlated before and after exposure to resource‐mediated stress in both subspecies, indicating the existence of behavioral syndrome. The dimensions that contributed most to colony personality (activity, aggressiveness, and boldness) are directly related to colony resource searching and foraging. However, these dimensions diverged in their contribution before and after exposure to nasturtium. Colony activity was the major determinant of fungus garden growth, which is probably a consequence of its relationship with foraging behaviors and maintenance of the fungus garden.CONCLUSIONAs the personality of a colony is unequally defined by its constituent castes, the relationship and network of interactions are determinants of foraging behaviors with relevant consequences for colony suppression using toxic foraging substrates that impair these relationships and interactions, as nasturtium leaves do. Therefore, it is plausible to say that resource‐mediated stress affects colonies personality exhibiting control potential against these species.