bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gradient pretilt angle alignment materials with different photosensitivity for tunable polarization‐independent self‐aligned liquid crystal lens
Authors: Bezruchenko Veronika S. , Muravsky Alexander A. , Murauski Anatoli A. , Stankevich Alexander I. , Mahilny Uladzimir V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlignment of benzaldehyde materials with different photosensitivity thresholds, capable of changing the pretilt angles of nematic liquid crystal (LC) from 90° to 0° in a controlled manner under UV‐B exposure, has been developed. Inhomogeneous exposure of uniform rubbed alignment layers allows the formation of a refractive index gradient inside the LC cell. The concept of tunable polarization‐independent self‐aligned LC lens based on gradient pretilt angle alignment materials with different photosensitivity is demonstrated. Self‐alignment of two polarization‐dependent sub‐lens is achieved due to a single exposure act of two alignment layers, which are located on the same piece of glass on both sides, forming one common optical axis for a polarization‐independent LC lens. The sub‐lens cells have uniform cell gap and are independently controlled using low‐voltage driving. Devices based on gradient benzaldehyde alignment materials can be used in many modern optical and photonic devices.
Immune checkpoint blockade in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Rappold Phillip M. , Silagy Andrew W. , Kotecha Ritesh R. , Hakimi Ari A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractImmune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is the foundation of current first‐line therapies in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) with the potential for eliciting long‐lasting remissions. With the expanding arsenal of ICB‐based therapies, biomarkers of response are urgently needed to guide optimal therapeutic selection. We review the data behind ICB therapy in RCC, emerging biomarkers of response, and the evolving role of surgery in patients with mRCC.
Immunotherapy in lung cancer
Authors: Bravo Montenegro Gabriela , Farid Saira , Liu Stephen V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractImmunotherapy has emerged as an important treatment modality throughout oncology with a particularly important role in the treatment of lung cancer. Early signals showed responses could be achieved in nonsmall cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer and these monoclonal antibodies have become standards of care for advanced stage disease. They have also shown promise in earlier‐stage disease as complements to radiation or surgery, offering the potential for durable, meaningful survival gains.
The evolving landscape of immunotherapy in solid tumors
Authors: Keilson Jessica M. , Knochelmann Hannah M. , Paulos Chrystal M. , Kudchadkar Ragini R. , Lowe Michael C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhile surgical resection, local and cytotoxic therapies have long formed the basis of cancer care, immunotherapy now plays a key role in supplementing and even replacing these agents in the first line. Here we review the early success of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated protein 4 blockade and discuss biomarkers of therapeutic response. We next highlight a select group of novel targets in Phase III trials both as monotherapies and in combination with PD‐1 inhibitors. Finally, we discuss innovations which seek to improve outcomes in therapy‐resistant solid tumors.
Crohn's Disease Activity Evaluation by Transabdominal Ultrasonography: Correlation with Double‐Balloon Endoscopy
Authors: Yamanashi Kana , Katsurada Takehiko , Nishida Mutsumi , Onishi Reizo , Omotehara Satomi , Otagiri Shinsuke , Sakurai Kensuke , Nagashima Kazunori , Kinoshita Kenji , Takagi Ryo , Sakamoto Naoya 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTransabdominal ultrasonography (US) has been reported as a useful tool for evaluating Crohn's disease (CD) activity. Endoscopic findings and Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) are currently considered the gold standard for assessing CD activity. We assessed the correlation between US and double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE), and CDAI for evaluating CD activity.MethodsWe analyzed patients with CD undergoing US and DBE within 10 days between the procedures. The intestine was divided into four segments and analyzed by the US scoring system (US‐CD) and the simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES‐CD). CDAI was compared with US‐CD and SES‐CD. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis.ResultsTwenty‐five patients with CD (11 women, 14 men; mean age 35.4 ± 14.9 years, range 16–65 years) were enrolled. Twenty‐four patients received antitumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy. CDAI was 128.1 (range 36–227). A significant moderate correlation was found between the US‐CD and SES‐CD in all segments (ρ = .64, P < .01). The US‐CD showed a strong correlation with CDAI (ρ = .78, P < .01), whereas the SES‐CD showed a moderate correlation (ρ = .55, P < .05).ConclusionsUS‐CD and SES‐CD showed a moderate correlation for assessing CD activity. US‐CD showed a stronger correlation with CDAI than SES‐CD, suggesting that US could more accurately evaluate the disease activity.
Designing Timber Harvesting to Enhance New Zealand Falcon Populations
Authors: Horikoshi Chifuyu , Battley Phil F. , Minot Edward O. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTPrevious breeding‐season studies of threatened New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in plantation forests have suggested that falcons benefit when harvesting creates a mosaic of differently aged stands, especially where young and mature tree stands are adjacent. Thus, changes in the rate and pattern of harvesting may affect habitat heterogeneity by altering the size and distribution of forest patches. We sought to determine guidelines for harvesting that would most benefit falcons by increasing the carrying capacity of the forest for falcons. We used radio‐tracking to determine the home‐range sizes of non‐breeding falcons over 3 seasons and compared winter home‐range overlap in the most‐selected land cover types by falcons (mature‐young edges and open patches) with other land cover types. The distribution of open patches and edges between mature stands and recently cleared areas affected falcon home ranges, home‐range overlap, and the likelihood of nesting. Specifically, home ranges were smaller as the density of edges and percentage of open patch increased, and there was greater home‐range overlap between individuals in the most‐selected land cover types. Numbers of falcons decreased as the size of open patches increased, concomitant with a decrease in edge size, the number of edge borders, and the number of open patches. The likelihood of nesting also decreased as open patch size increased. Our results indicate that smaller open patches spread through a forest, maximizing the amount of mature‐young edges, will favor smaller home ranges and therefore potentially greater numbers of falcons. We recommend harvesting protocols that ensure that open patches (0–3‐yr‐old stands) are <4 km2 in size and retain at least small stands of mature pine to maintain a high density of edges. Similar protocols may increase the carrying capacity for other species occurring in managed systems involving fragmented landscapes or small reserves. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Prospective Evaluation of Safety of Singing on Steroids: Testing the Truth of Received Wisdom
Authors: Murphy Estes Christine , Chadwick Keith , Sadoughi Babak , Andreadis Katerina , Sussman Scott , Sulica Lucian 
Published: February 2021

Objectives/HypothesisPerforming while on steroids is widely considered to increase risk of vocal injury. This study aims to determine incidence and type of injury, and changes in performers' voices after treatment of vocal fold edema (VFE) with glucocorticoids.Study DesignProspective Cohort.MethodsFifty‐five performers (34 female; 21 male) treated for acute VFE with short‐course oral glucocorticoids were prospectively evaluated pre‐ and post‐treatment. Subjects underwent videostroboscopy, acoustic/aerodynamic assessment, and functional assessment with the Singing Voice Handicap Index‐10 (SVHI‐10) and Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE). Blinded reviewers rated videostroboscopic examinations and performed audio‐perceptual assessment. Chi‐square tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were applied for analyses of treatment changes.ResultsFollowing glucocorticoid treatment, two instances of vocal fold hemorrhage (3.6%) and three instances of glottic thrush (5.5%) were observed. These resolved without consequence. Mucosal wave dynamics and edema improved. Nearly all subjects completed scheduled performances, and significant improvement was noted on the EASE, reflecting improved function after treatment. These were further supported by statistically significant improvements in CAPE‐V and some acoustic and aerodynamic outcomes (semitone pitch range for females, airflow measures for males).ConclusionsOral glucocorticoids appear to be generally safe for performers presenting with acute VFE. The incidence of adverse effects, specifically hemorrhage and thrush, was low and the effects transient. Vocal fold examination should be considered obligatory before prescribing glucorticoids to working performers. A treatment strategy for acute VF edema incorporating glucocorticoids when appropriate appears to result in significant improvements in measures of glottal function including videostroboscopic appearance, subject perception, and auditory perception.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:2298–2304, 2021
Consumption of High‐Oleic Soybean Oil Improves Lipid and Lipoprotein Profile in Humans Compared to a Palm Oil Blend: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Baer David J. , Henderson Theresa , Gebauer Sarah K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPartially hydrogenated oils (PHO) have been removed from the food supply due to adverse effects on risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). High‐oleic soybean oils (HOSBO) are alternatives that provide functionality for different food applications. The objective of this study was to determine how consumption of diets containing HOSBO compared to other alternative oils, with similar functional properties, modifies LDL cholesterol (LDLc) and other risk factors and biomarkers of CHD. A triple‐blind, crossover, randomized controlled trial was conducted in humans (n = 60) with four highly‐controlled diets containing (1) HOSBO, (2) 80:20 blend of HOSBO and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (HOSBO+FHSBO), (3) soybean oil (SBO), and (4) 50:50 blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil (PO + PKO). Before and after 29 days of feeding, lipids/lipoproteins, blood pressure, body composition, and markers of inflammation, oxidation, and hemostasis were measured. LDLc, apolipoprotein B (apoB), NonHDL‐cholesterol (HDLc), ratios of total cholesterol (TC)‐to‐HDLc and LDLc‐to‐HDL cholesterol, and LDL particle number and small LDL particles concentration were lower after HOSBO and HOSBO+FHSBO compared to PO (specific comparisons p < 0.05). Other than TC:HDL, there were no differences in lipid/lipoprotein markers when comparing HOSBO+FHSBO with HOSBO. LDLc and apoB were higher after HOSBO compared to SBO (p < 0.05). PO + PKO increased HDLc (p < 0.001) and apolipoprotein AI (p < 0.03) compared to HOSBO and HOSBO+FHSBO. With the exception of lipid hydroperoxides, dietary treatments did not affect other CHD markers. HOSBO, and blends thereof, is a PHO replacement that results in more favorable lipid/lipoprotein profiles compared to PO + PKO (an alternative fat with similar functional properties).
Functionalized Graphene Oxide‐Reinforced Chitosan Hydrogel as Biomimetic Dressing for Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Liu Sijun , Yu Wei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA novel chitosan composite hydrogel by combining functionalized graphene oxide (CGO) is fabricated. The introduction of CGO significantly improves the mechanical property of CS hydrogel owing to the enhanced interaction between chitosan and CGO sheets. In comparison to the CS‐GO composite hydrogel, the compressive stress of the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel increases from 1.9 MPa at strain of 70.4% to 4.2 MPa at strain of 78.4%, the tensile stress and strain improve from 141.2 kPa and 134.6% to 300.2 kPa and 165.9%, respectively. An interconnected porous structure is formed in the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel and the pore size decreases as the CGO loading increases, which is desirable in improving its mechanical property. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity tests indicate that the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel possesses an excellent biocompatibility and can promote the adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts. In vivo evaluation on full‐thickness excision wounds in experimental rat shows that the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel significantly accelerates wound healing, and the wound closure rate reaches up to 92.2% after 21 days. A feasible strategy to fabricate an enhanced chitosan composite hydrogel for application in wound healing is offered.
Box‐Behnken Design a Key Tool to Achieve Optimized PCL/Gelatin Electrospun Mesh
Authors: Guerreiro Sara F. C. , Valente Joana F. A. , Dias Juliana R. , Alves Nuno 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHybrid electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin are considered as drug‐delivery systems for increasing the treatment efficacy in superficial (skin) wounds. Continuous delivery of therapeutic agents, skin extracellular matrix similarity, management of wound exudate, and antimicrobial barrier effect are the major advantages of electrospun nanofibers in skin applications. Additionally, combining the favorable properties of PCL and gelatin, regarding their biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical performance have been revealed promising parameters to be considered for blend in hybrid structures. However, the usual optimization protocol of nanofibers’ production in electrospinning is based on the observation of one‐variable‐at‐time being this methodology expensive and time‐consuming. Therefore, in this research work, a statistical model based on four input variables namely, the flow rate, the needle‐working distance, the applied voltage, and the ratio of PCL in the solution, is developed to predict the behavior of nanofibers. The performance of nanofibers is monitored by measurements of fiber's diameter, mesh's thickness, and mesh's permeability. Overall, the model showed to be statistically significant (p‐value < 0.05) and an independent analysis validated the predicted response for optimal condition. Finally, a delivery study is performed to evaluate the electrospun mesh performance as a drug carrier.
Strain Softening of Bimodal Isoprene Rubber Vulcanizates
Authors: Hou Fengyi , Xia Zhijie , Song Yihu , Chen Wei , Zheng Qiang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIsoprene rubber (IR) vulcanizates soften upon large‐amplitude oscillational shear and large‐strain cyclic tensile deformation. The mechanisms of these two strain softening behaviors remain unclarified and methods for reducing the accompanied mechanical dissipations are not well established. Herein IR/liquid isoprene rubber bimodal blends are cured into vulcanizates with similar cross‐linking densities. The results indicate that, in comparison with the pure IR network, the bimodal networks demonstrate lowered loss modulus and loss tangent at low strain amplitudes during oscillational shear and reduced loading−unloading dissipation energy at large strains during cyclic tensile deformation. The latter is ascribed to the weakened strain‐induced crystallization (SIC) as disclosed by in situ wide angle X‐ray diffraction. To the best of the current knowledge, the depression of SIC and thus dissipation energy in cyclic deformation is seldom reported for rubber materials. This work provides a new perspective for preparing rubber materials with balanced deformation resistance and mechanical hysteresis.
Isothermal and anisothermal creep behavior of the nickel base Alloy 602 CA
Authors: Schwing R. , Linn S. , Kontermann C. , Neubert S. , Oechsner M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractComponents in industrial furnaces and apparatus construction are usually exposed to temperatures up to 1,200 °C as well as mechanical loading and corrosive attack of the environmental atmosphere. Furthermore, they undergo numerous temperature cycles in service. To describe the characteristics of the nickel base Alloy 602 CA, which is often used in this industrial sector, the long term creep behavior of this alloy was studied at temperatures from 800 °C to 1,200 °C with and without thermal cycling. During these tests unexpected effects could be noticed. At load levels representing typical component loads and isothermal temperature control an anomalous decrease in creep rate in the third creep stage was observed. Experiments under thermal cycling showed a considerably higher creep rate in the whole range than in the isothermal case. Within the present article, these findings are outlined in detail together with a brief discussion of causes and consequences based on extensive microstructural examinations.
Metabolic potential of the moderate halophile Yangia sp. ND199 for co‐production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and exopolysaccharides
Authors: Romero Soto Luis , Thabet Habib , Maghembe Reuben , Gameiro Denise , Van‐Thuoc Doan , Dishisha Tarek , Hatti‐Kaul Rajni 
Published: February 2021

AbstractYangia sp. ND199 is a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from mangrove samples in Northern Vietnam, which was earlier reported to grow on several sugars and glycerol to accumulate poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA). In this study, the potential of the bacterium for co‐production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and PHA was investigated. Genome sequence analysis of the closely related Yangia sp. CCB‐M3 isolated from mangroves in Malaysia revealed genes encoding enzymes participating in different EPS biosynthetic pathways. The effects of various cultivation parameters on the production of EPS and PHA were studied. The highest level of EPS (288 mg/L) was achieved using sucrose and yeast extract with 5% NaCl and 120 mM phosphate salts but with modest PHA accumulation (32% of cell dry weight, 1.3 g/L). Growth on fructose yielded the highest PHA concentration (85% of CDW, 3.3 g/L) at 90 mM phosphate and higher molecular weight EPS at 251 mg/L yield at 120 mM phosphate concentration. Analysis of EPS showed a predominance of glucose, followed by fructose and galactose, and minor amounts of acidic sugars.
Allelic and genotype frequencies of major CYP2B6 polymorphisms in the Pakistani population
Authors: Ahmed Sagheer , Khan Saeed , Janjua Kholood , Imran Imran , Khan Arif Ullah 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCytochrome P450 (CYP2B6) is an important enzyme that metabolizes about 3.0% of therapeutic drugs. Drugs metabolized mainly by CYP2B6 include artemisinin, bupropion, cyclophosphamide, efavirenz, ketamine, and methadone. The genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2B6 gene have earlier been studied in many populations, but the data are lacking for the Pakistani population. This research study aimed to determine the frequencies of the three of the most important variant alleles and genotypes of the CYP2B6 gene in the Pakistani population.MethodsBlood was withdrawn from healthy volunteers after taking informed consent. DNA was extracted using commercial kits, and allelic and genotype frequencies were determined after PCR amplification followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and gel electrophoresis.ResultsOur results show a minor allele frequency of 33.8% for CYP2B6*6, 25.8% for CYP2B6*4, 6.5% for CYP2B6*3, whereas wild‐type genotype frequency was 48.57% for CYP2B6*6, 59.79% for CYP2B6*4, and 90.20% for CYP2B6*3. A significant interethnic variation was also observed.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the frequency of poor metabolizers of CYP2B6, especially *6 variant, is significant enough in the Pakistani population to be given an important consideration when drugs metabolized by this enzyme are prescribed.
Multiexciton state of singlet fission in triisopropylsilylethynyl‐pentacene
Authors: Cui Minghuan , Jiang Yuanzhi , Zhang Bo , Song Didi , Yuan Mingjian , Qin Chaochao , Liu Yufang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSinglet fission (SF) is a spin‐allowed conversion process, in which one singlet exciton is replaced by a pair of triplet excitons resided on adjacent molecules. To rationalize this phenomenon, a multiexcitonic spin‐zero triplet‐pair state is generally hypothesized as an intermediate state for SF. However, the details of its formation during the fission process, and its subsequent evolution over time are still remain unclear. Thus, this work provides a model of the SF system for triisopropylsilylethynyl‐pentacene by using femtosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. A mixed state of singlet and multiexciton, which mediates the ultrafast SF process is directly observed. This work represents a new viewpoint for the research on SF intermediates.
Comparison of deep phenotyping features of UCPPS with and without Hunner lesion: A MAPP‐II Research Network Study
Authors: Lai H. Henry , Newcomb Craig , Harte Steve , Appleby Dina , Ackerman A. Lenore , Anger Jennifer T. , Nickel J. Curtis , Gupta Priyanka , Rodriguez Larissa V. , Landis J. Richard , Clemens J. Quentin ,   The MAPP Research Network
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo use the phenotyping data from the MAPP‐II Symptom Patterns Study (SPS) to compare the systemic features between urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) with Hunner lesion (HL) versus those without HL.MethodsWe performed chart review on 385 women and 193 men with UCPPS who enrolled in the MAPP‐II SPS. 223 had cystoscopy and documentation of HL status. Among them, 12.5% had HL and 87.5% did not.ResultsUCPPS participants with HL were older, had increased nocturia, higher Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Indexes, and were more likely to report “painful urgency” compared with those without HL. On the other hand, UCPPS without HL reported more intense nonurologic pain, greater distribution of pain outside the pelvis, greater numbers of comorbid chronic overlapping pain conditions, higher fibromyalgia‐like symptoms, and greater pain centralization, and were more likely to have migraine headache than those with HL. UCPPS without HL also had higher anxiety, perceived stress, and pain catastrophizing than those with HL. There were no differences in sex distribution, UCPPS symptom duration, intensity of urologic pain, distribution of genital pain, pelvic floor tenderness on pelvic examination, quality of life, depression, pain characteristics (nociceptive pain vs. neuropathic pain), mechanical hypersensitivity in the suprapubic area during quantitative sensory testing, and 3‐year longitudinal pain outcome and urinary outcome between the two groups.ConclusionsUCPPS with HL displayed more bladder‐centric symptom profiles, while UCPPS without HL displayed symptoms suggesting a more systemic pain syndrome. The MAPP‐II SPS phenotyping data showed that Hunner lesion is a distinct phenotype from non‐Hunner lesion.