bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of porous copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate
Authors: Maciejewska Małgorzata , Rogulska Magdalena , Józwicki Mateusz , Głodowska Natalia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe present study describes the synthesis and characterization of porous copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) cross‐linked ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). They were synthesized in the regular microspheric shape via suspension–emulsion polymerization using toluene as a porogen. Different molar ratios of monomers (1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1) were applied in the syntheses. It was interesting to check if any of the above mentioned ratios can provide materials with an advantageous proportion of hydroxyl groups to the value of specific surface area. Additionally, we aimed into polymers with a good thermal stability. The obtained materials were characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy, hydroxyl value (HV), low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption method, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). It was found that by tuning the molar ratio of functional monomer to the cross‐linker, it is possible to obtain copolymers with developed internal structure and a high HV. The optimal results were achieved for HEMA‐co‐EGDMA_1:2 (specific surface area: 111 m2/g, HV: 117 mg KOH/g). Furthermore, all the synthesized copolymers show a good thermal stability both in helium and air atmospheres. Their temperatures of 5% mass losses are over 230°C. The presented data indicate that the synthesized microspheres can be potentially use in various adsorption techniques including high temperature processes.
Effects of oil palm and montmorillonite nanofillers on stiffness and interfacial adhesion of kenaf/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Hammami Helmi , Jawaid Mohammad , Kallel Ali 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe dielectric properties of bio‐hybrid composites based on natural Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB), montmorillonite (MMT) and organomodified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay reinforced kenaf (KF)/epoxy are reported in this study. The molecular mobility, interfacial adhesion between KF fibers and epoxy resin matrix, and fragility near the glass transition temperature were evaluated using Broadband dielectric spectroscopy over a wide temperature range from 20 to 180°C and a frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz. Obtained results indicated different relaxations: the α glass‐rubbery transition and the interfacial polarization between KF/epoxy called Maxwell‐Wagner‐Sillars polarization “MWS(KF/epoxy)” whose amplitude, position and dielectric strength ∆εMWS(kenaf/epoxy) depends on the type of the added nanofillers. ∆εMWS(kenaf/epoxy) decrease for all the measured temperatures while the activation energy Ea of the α‐process and rigidity increase when the nanocharges are introduced. It has been found that the OPEFB, MMT, and OMMT are uniformly distributed in the matrix and act as a link between the KF fibers and the epoxy resin via the formation of new CO and SiOSi bonds.
Quantitative assessment of COVID‐19 pneumonia in neonates using lung ultrasound score
Authors: Li Wei , Fu Manli , Qian Chao , Liu Xin , Zeng Lingkong , Peng Xuehua , Hong Yue , Zhou Huan , Yuan Li 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundLung ultrasound (LUS) and lung ultrasound score (LUSS) have been successfully used to diagnose neonatal pneumonia, assess the lesion distribution, and quantify the aeration loss. The present study design determines the diagnostic value of LUSS in the semi‐quantitative assessment of pneumonia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) neonates.MethodsEleven COVID‐19 neonates born to mothers with COVID‐19 infection and 11 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were retrospectively studied. LUSS was acquired by assessing the lesions and aeration loss in 12 lung regions per subject.ResultsMost of the COVID‐19 newborns presented with mild and atypical symptoms, mainly involving respiratory and digestive systems. In the COVID‐19 group, a total of 132 regions of the lung were examined, 83 regions (62.8%) of which were detected abnormalities by LUS. Compared with controls, COVID‐19 neonates showed sparse or confluent B‐lines (83 regions), disappearing A‐lines (83 regions), abnormal pleural lines (29 regions), and subpleural consolidations (2 regions). The LUSS was significantly higher in the COVID‐19 group. In total, 49 regions (37%) were normal, 73 regions (55%) scored 1, and 10 regions (8%) scored 2 by LUSS. All the lesions were bilateral, with multiple regions involved. The majority of the lesions were located in the bilateral inferior and posterior regions. LUS detected abnormalities in three COVID‐19 neonates with normal radiological performance. The intra‐observer and inter‐observer reproducibility of LUSS was excellent.ConclusionsLUS is a noninvasive, convenient, and sensitive method to assess neonatal COVID‐19 pneumonia, and can be used as an alternative to the use of diagnostic radiography. LUSS provides valuable semi‐quantitative information on the lesion distribution and severity.
Insights into mineralocorticoid receptor homodimerization from a combined molecular modeling and bioinformatics study
Authors: Bianchetti Laurent , Sinar Deniz , Depenveiller Camille , Dejaegere Annick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn vertebrates, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a steroid‐activated nuclear receptor (NR) that plays essential roles in water‐electrolyte balance and blood pressure homeostasis. It belongs to the group of oxo‐steroidian NRs, together with the glucocorticoid (GR), progesterone (PR), and androgen (AR) receptors. Classically, these oxo‐steroidian NRs homodimerize and bind to specific genomic sequences to activate gene expression. NRs are multi‐domain proteins, and dimerization is mediated by both the DNA (DBD) and ligand binding domains (LBDs), with the latter thought to provide the largest dimerization interface. However, at the structural level, the dimerization of oxo‐steroidian receptors LBDs has remained largely a matter of debate and, despite their sequence homology, there is currently no consensus on a common homodimer assembly across the four receptors, that is, GR, PR, AR, and MR. Here, we examined all available MR LBD crystals using different computational methods (protein common interface database, proteins, interfaces, structures and assemblies, protein‐protein interaction prediction by structural matching, and evolutionary protein‐protein interface classifier, and the molecular mechanics Poisson‐Boltzmann surface area method). A consensus is reached by all methods and singles out an interface mediated by helices H9, H10 and the C‐terminal F domain as having characteristics of a biologically relevant assembly. Interestingly, a similar assembly was previously identified for GRα, MR closest homolog. Alternative architectures that were proposed for GRα were not observed for MR. These data call for further experimental investigations of oxo‐steroid dimer architectures.
Structure of MeuNaTxα‐1 toxin from scorpion venom highlights the importance of the nest motif
Authors: Mineev Konstantin S. , Kuzmenkov Alexey I. , Arseniev Alexander S. , Vassilevski Alexander A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOld world scorpions produce an abundance of toxins called α‐NaTx, which interfere with the fast inactivation of voltage‐gated sodium channels. Their selectivity to channels of mammals or insects depends on a part of toxin named the specificity module. We report here the spatial structure of a major and broadly active toxin MeuNaTxα‐1 from the venom of Mesobuthus eupeus. Notably, its specificity module is markedly different from other α‐NaTx with known 3D structure. Close inspection shows that its conformation is a result of an interplay between protein motifs such as the nest and niche, which eventually shape α‐NaTx structural diversity.
Plasmon's Fizeau‐dragging effect at the interface of atomic and nano‐composites media
Authors: Khan Gohar Zeb , Ashraf Imrana , Ullah Arif , Bacha Bakht Amin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe velocity uncertainty by Fizeaus plasmon dragging‐effect is investigated at the interface of four level atomic medium and Silver Silica (AgSiO2) nano‐composites material by using surface plasmon polaritons(SPPs) waves. We measured the real part of the dispersion relation Re(Ksp) = 1.5K0 with probe and control field detunings and Re(Ksp) = 1.36K0 with control field Rabi frequencies ∣Ω1,2 ∣ /γ. Furthermore, Re(Ksp/K0) = 1.8 with damping rate γ42/γ and volume frictional change fm. A large kink in the real part of dispersion relation of SPPs was measured in the large interaction region. The group index is in the range of ±20. The maximum dragging coefficient is ±20. The relative phase difference due to dragging is enhance by factor of −1.5 × 10−8rad. The propagation time is measured to be 0.8 ns with both control field Rabi frequencies. The volume fractional change of nano particles, probe/control field detuning and Rabi frequency of control field significantly influence the dragging coefficient, relative phase difference and velocity uncertainty. Including Fizeau‐Dragging effect in the given configuration the velocity uncertainty is measured to be 15 μm/s which is much larger than the velocity width of Kuan et al, used Δva = (8kBTln2/m)1/2 = 176 mm/s. The velocity uncertainty could be improved to 0.1 μm/s by taking large ensemble of atomic coherence and large delay/advance in time due to SPPs.
Secondary lymphoma development after chemotherapy in three dogs
Authors: Kim Jeong Mi , Yi Hong Jae , Song Kun Ho , Seo Kyoung Won 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLymphoma is widely recognized in veterinary medicine. However, studies focused on secondary lymphoma after chemotherapy do not exist in veterinary medicine. An 11‐year‐old, spayed female Shih‐Tzu dog was diagnosed with mammary gland carcinoma. Twenty‐five months after carboplatin treatment, the dog developed generalized lymphadenopathy (GL), diagnosed as high‐grade T‐cell lymphoma by immunohistochemistry. Another spayed female Shih‐Tzu dog who was 15‐year‐old had biopsy‐induced gastrointestinal stromal tumour. Three months after being treated with Toceranib, the dog developed GL that was diagnosed by PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement as T‐cell lymphoma. An eight‐year‐old, castrated male Mongrel dog was diagnosed with mast cell tumour. The dog was treated with vinblastine, but 14 months later, GL was revealed. Fine‐needle aspiration indicated lymphoma. The owner declined to investigate the cell lineage. All three dogs developed GL after chemotherapy. We suggest that secondary lymphoma can develop in dogs after chemotherapy for a primary cancer, and thus long‐term follow‐up is necessary.
Comparison Principle for Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman Equations via a Bootstrapping Procedure
Authors: Kraaij Richard C. , Schlottke Mikola C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe study the well-posedness of Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations on subsets of $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

in a context without boundary conditions. The Hamiltonian is given as the supremum over two parts: an internal Hamiltonian depending on an external control variable and a cost functional penalizing the control. The key feature in this paper is that the control function can be unbounded and discontinuous. This way we can treat functionals that appear e.g. in the Donsker–Varadhan theory of large deviations for occupation-time measures. To allow for this flexibility, we assume that the internal Hamiltonian and cost functional have controlled growth, and that they satisfy an equi-continuity estimate uniformly over compact sets in the space of controls. In addition to establishing the comparison principle for the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, we also prove existence, the viscosity solution being the value function with exponentially discounted running costs. As an application, we verify the conditions on the internal Hamiltonian and cost functional in two examples.
How family background shapes the relationship between human capital and fertility
Authors: Kramarz Francis , Rosenqvist Olof , Skans Oskar Nordström 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMany previous studies have shown that skilled and educated women have fewer children. By comparing twins and close siblings in Swedish register data, we show that the negative association between human capital and fertility mostly reflects family background factors. For males, human capital measures are unrelated to fertility in the overall population, but this again masks the influence of family background factors as high-skilled males tend to have more children than their less-skilled twins or siblings. Hence, family background factors have a strong negative impact on the overall association between human capital measures and fertility for both women and men. Non-cognitive abilities deviate from these patterns—these abilities remain strongly complementary to fertility both within and across families. Our results can be reconciled with a stylized model where family-specific preferences for fertility are shared across generations and shape investments in skills and traits when children are young.
RTEF-1 Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification through Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cong Jingjing , Cheng Bei , Liu Jinyu , He Ping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVascular calcification (VC) is highly prevailing in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease and, when present, is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. The osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is regarded as the foundation for mediating VC. Related transcriptional enhancer factor (RTEF-1), also named as transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) 4 or transcriptional enhancer factor-3 (TEF-3), is a nuclear transcriptional factor with a potent effect on cardiovascular diseases, apart from its oncogenic role in the canonical Hippo pathway. However, the role and mechanism of RTEF-1 in VC, particularly in calcification of VSMCs, are poorly understood. Our results showed that RTEF-1 was reduced in calcified VSMCs. RTEF-1 significantly ameliorated β-glycerophosphate (β-GP)-induced VSMCs calcification, as detected by alizarin red staining and calcium content assay. Also, RTEF-1 reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and decreased expressions of osteoblast markers such as Osteocalcin and Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), but increased expression of contractile protein, including SM α-actin (α-SMA). Additionally, RTEF-1 inhibited β-GP-activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway which plays a critical role in calcification and osteogenic differentiation of VSMCs. Specifically, RTEF-1 reduced the levels of Wnt3a, p-β-catenin (Ser675), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and p-GSK-3β (Ser9), but increased the levels of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37). Also, RTEF-1 increased the ratio of p-β-catenin (Ser33/37) to β-catenin proteins and decreased the ratio of p-GSK-3β (Ser9) to GSK-3β protein. LiCl, a Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator, was observed to reverse the protective effect of RTEF-1 overexpression on VSMCs calcification induced by β-GP. Accordingly, Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1), a Wnt antagonist, attenuated the role of RTEF-1 deficiency in β-GP-induced VSMCs calcification. Taken together, we concluded that RTEF-1 ameliorated β-GP-induced calcification and osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Near-occlusion is difficult to diagnose with common carotid ultrasound methods
Authors: Johansson Elias , Vanoli Davide , Bråten-Johansson Isa , Law Lucy , Aviv Richard I , Fox Allan J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the sensitivity and specificity of common carotid ultrasound method for carotid near-occlusion diagnosis.

Methods
Five hundred forty-eight patients examined with both ultrasound and CTA within 30 days of each other were analyzed. CTA graded by near-occlusion experts was used as reference standard. Low flow velocity, unusual findings, and commonly used flow velocity parameters were analyzed.

Results
One hundred three near-occlusions, 272 conventional ≥50% stenosis, 162 <50% stenosis, and 11 occlusions were included. Carotid ultrasound was 22% (95%CI 14–30%; 23/103) sensitive and 99% (95%CI 99–100%; 442/445) specific for near-occlusion diagnosis. Near-occlusions overlooked on ultrasound were found misdiagnosed as occlusions (n = 13, 13%), conventional ≥50% stenosis (n = 65, 63%) and < 50% stenosis (n = 2, 2%). No velocity parameter or combination of parameters could identify the 65 near-occlusions mistaken for conventional ≥50% stenoses with >75% sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion
Near-occlusion is difficult to diagnose with commonly used carotid ultrasound methods. Improved carotid ultrasound methods are needed if ultrasound is to retain its position as sole preoperative modality.
Screening of radiotracer for diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastasis based on MACC1-SPON2
Authors: Jiang Hao , Guo Wei , Huang Kuan , Jiang Huijie , Zhang Rongjun , Hu Hongbo , Lin Xue , Wang Song 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Metastasis-associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and Spondin2 (SPON2) are newly discovered oncogenes, but little is known about their role in colorectal cancer(CRC) liver metastases. PET has become an important molecular imaging technology due to its high sensitivity and quantifiability. In particular, its targeted, specific molecular probes can detect biological behaviors. This study was designed to evaluate the different biological properties of 18F-FDG, 18F-FLT, and 18F-FMISO PET. The value of the CRC liver metastasis model explores the correlation and potential mechanisms of three tracers uptakes with tumor-related biological characteristics.

Methods
Human CRC cell lines(LoVo and HCT8), were cultured for in vitro radionuclide uptake experiments to compare the molecular imaging features of colorectal cancer cells with different metastatic potentials. Two kinds of cells were injected into the spleen of nude mice to establish a liver metastasis model. After the tumor formation, three kinds of tracer PET images were performed to evaluate the characteristics of live PET imaging of high and low liver metastasis colorectal cancer models. The expression levels of MACC1 and SPON2 in tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Correlation between tracer uptake and expression of MACC1 and SPON2 in liver metastases was assessed by linear regression analysis.

Results
The uptake rate of in vitro three tracers uptake experiments was LoVo > HCT8. Micro-PET scan showed no significant difference between the 18F-FDG SUV values of the two cells (P > 0.05); there was significant difference between the 18F-FLT and 18F-FMISO SUV values (P < 0.05). All in vivo FLT and FMISO SUV values were significantly higher in LoVo tumors than in HCT8 tumors. The results of Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression levels of MACC1 and SPON2 in LoVo liver metastasis were higher than those in HCT8 (P < 0.05). The 18F-FLT SUVmax ratio was significantly correlated with the expression of MACC1 and SPON2 in hepatic metastases (r = 0.737, P = 0.0026; r = 0.842, P = 0.0002). The 18F-FMISO SUVmax ratio was only significantly correlated with the expression of MACC1 in hepatic metastasis (r = 0.770, P = 0.0013).

Conclusions
Early screening with 18F-FLT and 18F-FMISO tracers has important clinical value for the efficient diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases.
The Association Between Burn Unit Census and Operative Intervention in a Resource‐Limited Setting
Authors: Gallaher Jared , Purcell Laura N. , Banda Wone , Reid Trista , Charles Anthony 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe relationship between hospital volume and outcomes remains unclear in the delivery of burn care in resource‐limited settings, where demand often exceeds capacity. We sought to characterize the association between burn patient volume and the use of operative intervention at a tertiary burn unit in Malawi.MethodsThis study examined patients admitted to Kamuzu Central Hospital located in Lilongwe, Malawi, over years 2011–2019. We described the association between the census at the time of admission and the use of operative intervention, as well as the time to operation. Patient census was defined as low (≤ 15 patients), medium (16–29 patients), and high (≥ 30 patients).ResultsA total of 2484 patients were included. The mean daily burn unit census was 22.5 patients (SD 6.6) and varied significantly by season. For the medium and high census, the adjusted risk ratio of undergoing surgery was 0.79 (95% CI 0.64, 0.97) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.49, 0.85), respectively, adjusted for flame burn, age, %TBSA, and delayed presentation. At a low admission census, the adjusted mean time to operation was 17.2 days (95% CI 14.4, 20.1) compared to 28.3 days (95% CI 25.4, 31.2) at a high census.ConclusionsIn a resource‐limited setting, an increasing mean daily census significantly reduced the use of operative intervention and increased time to operation, potentially increasing burn‐associated morbidity. In order to improve the quality of burn care in similar environments, improved resource allocation during busier seasons and targeted burn prevention efforts are imperative.
Association of patients’ sex with treatment outcomes after intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin immunotherapy for T1G3/HG bladder cancer
Authors: D’Andrea David , Soria Francesco , Grotenhuis Anne J. , Cha Eugene K. , Malats Nuria , Di Stasi Savino , Joniau Steven , Cai Tommaso , van Rhijn Bas W. G. , Irani Jaques , Karnes Jeffrey , Varkarakis John , Baniel Jack , Palou Joan , Babjuk Marek , Spahn Martin , Ardelt Peter , Colombo Renzo , Serretta Vincenzo , Dalbagni Guido , Gontero Paolo , Bartoletti Riccardo , Larré Stephane , Malmstrom Per-Uno , Sylvester Richard , Shariat Shahrokh F. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the association of patients’ sex with recurrence and disease progression in patients treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) for T1G3/HG urinary bladder cancer (UBC).

Materials and methods
We analyzed the data of 2635 patients treated with adjuvant intravesical BCG for T1 UBC between 1984 and 2019. We accounted for missing data using multiple imputations and adjusted for covariate imbalance between males and females using inverse probability weighting (IPW). Crude and IPW-adjusted Cox regression analyses were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of patients’ sex with HG-recurrence and disease progression.

Results
A total of 2170 (82%) males and 465 (18%) females were available for analysis. Overall, 1090 (50%) males and 244 (52%) females experienced recurrence, and 391 (18%) males and 104 (22%) females experienced disease progression. On IPW-adjusted Cox regression analyses, female sex was associated with disease progression (HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.01–1.56, p = 0.04) but not with recurrence (HR 1.06, 95%CI 0.92–1.22, p = 0.41). A total of 1056 patients were treated with adequate BCG. In these patients, on IPW-adjusted Cox regression analyses, patients’ sex was not associated with recurrence (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.80–1.24, p = 0.96), HG-recurrence (HR 1.00, 95%CI 0.78–1.29, p = 0.99) or disease progression (HR 1.12, 95%CI 0.78–1.60, p = 0.55).

Conclusion
Our analysis generates the hypothesis of a differential response to BCG between males and females if not adequately treated. Further studies should focus on sex-based differences in innate and adaptive immune system and their association with BCG response.