bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Density Functional Theoretical Study on the Charge‐Transfer Enhancement in Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Gao Shu‐Ting , Xiang Shi‐Qin , Jiang Yimin , Zhao Liu‐Bin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe chemical enhancement due to ground‐state charge transfer (GSCT) and photon‐driven charge transfer (PDCT) in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been investigated by density functional theory. Para‐substituted thiophenol derivatives adsorbed on silver and gold surfaces are selected as model systems to evaluate the chemical enhancement factor. By changing the functional groups on thiophenol, we are allowed to modulate the chemical interactions between the thiophenol and the metal cluster in both ground state and charge transfer excited state. Both off‐resonance and pre‐resonance SERS spectra are simulated to calculate the chemical enhancement factors. The GSCT enhancement factor, EFGSCT, shows a roughly linear relationship to (ωTP/ωM‐TP)4, where ωTP denotes the HOMO‐LUMO gap of free molecule, and ωM‐TP denotes the energy difference between the HOMO of the molecule and the LUMO of the metal. The PDCT enhancement factor, EFPDCT, is governed by the energy difference between the incident light energy and the excitation energy to the CT excited state. EFPDCT first increases and then decreases with the increase of incident light energy.
The extracellular protease AdamTS‐B inhibits vein formation in the Drosophila wing
Authors: Pham Minh Ngoc , Schuweiler Mark , Ismat Afshan 
Published: October 2018

SummaryVein patterning in the Drosophila wing provides a powerful tool to study regulation of various signaling pathways. Here we show that the ADAMTS extracellular protease AdamTS‐B (CG4096) is expressed in the embryonic wing imaginal disc precursor cells and the wing imaginal disc, and functions to inhibit wing vein formation. Knock‐down of AdamTS‐B displayed posterior crossveins (PCVs) with either extra branches or deltas, or wider PCVs, and a wandering distal tip of the L5 longitudinal vein. Conversely, over‐expression of AdamTS‐B resulted in a complete absence of the PCV, an incomplete anterior crossvein, and missing distal end of the L5 longitudinal vein. We conclude that AdamTS‐B inhibits wing vein formation through negative regulation of signaling pathways, possibly BMP as well as Egfr, displaying the complexity of roles for this family of extracellular proteases.
Can large carnivores change streams via a trophic cascade?
Authors: Beschta Robert L. , Ripple William J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLarge carnivores were persecuted in Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA, during the late 1800s and early 1900s, leading to extirpation of grey wolves (Canis lupus) and cougars (Puma concolor). Soon thereafter increased herbivory of riparian plant communities by Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus elaphus) became widespread in the park's northern ungulate winter range or “northern range.” Wolves were reintroduced in 1995–1996, again completing the park's large carnivore guild. In 2004 and 2017, we sampled Geyer willow (Salix geyeriana), a commonly occurring tall willow, along the West and East Forks of Blacktail Deer Creek in the central portion of the northern range. Results indicated high levels of elk herbivory in the 1990s, as in previous decades, not only continued to keep willows short, generally ≤52 cm in height, but also resulted in stream widening and incision, leading to “oversized” channel cross‐sections and a drastically reduced frequency of overbank flows. However, by 2017, willow heights ≥200 cm ( = 310 cm) were prevalent, and canopy cover over the stream, essentially absent in 1995, had increased to 43% and 93% along the West Fork and East Fork, respectively. These recent increases in tall willow heights, greater canopy cover, well‐vegetated streambanks, and the recent development of an inset floodplain all pointed towards a riparian/aquatic ecosystem beginning to recover. Overall, results were consistent with a landscape‐scale trophic cascade, whereby reintroduced wolves, operating in concert with other large carnivores, appear to have sufficiently reduced elk herbivory in riparian areas to initiate the recovery of Blacktail Deer Creek's riparian plant communities and stream channels.
Intrarenal venous flow in cardiorenal syndrome: a shining light into the darkness
Authors: de la Espriella‐Juan Rafael , Núñez Eduardo , Miñana Gema , Sanchis Juan , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , González Jessika , Chorro Javier , Núñez Julio 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of this case report is to assess the potential role of intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography as a non‐invasive method to evaluate intrarenal venous flow (IRVF) in acute heart failure (AHF) and concomitant renal dysfunction. We report a case of an 81‐year‐old woman with valvular heart disease (previous mitral valve replacement) that presented with acutely decompensated heart failure and concomitant worsening renal function (WRF). In addition to complete physical examination, laboratory analysis, and echocardiography, IRVF was assessed at baseline and 48 h after the administration of diuretic treatment. At admission, physical examination and echocardiography revealed signs of intravascular congestion (jugular venous distension and severely dilated inferior vena cava). In addition, a significant increase in serum creatinine from 1.23 to 1.81 mg/dL was noted without signs of hypoperfusion at clinical evaluation. At baseline, intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography showed a monophasic IRVF pattern indicating a severely elevated interstitial renal pressure. After aggressive decongestion, a dynamic behaviour was found in IRVF changing from monophasic to biphasic pattern in parallel with an improvement in clinical parameters and renal function (serum creatinine changed from 1.81 to 1.44 mg/dL). In this case of a patient with AHF and WRF, IRVF changed after aggressive decongestion in agreement with clinical evolution. According to these findings, this technique could provide valuable information for identifying patients with a ‘congestion kidney failure’ phenotype. Further studies are needed confirming this observation and evaluating the potential role of this technique for guiding decongestive therapy in patients with AHF and WRF.
Proteomic fingerprinting of apple fruit, juice, and cider via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries and MS analysis
Authors: Lerma‐García María Jesús , Nicoletti Maria , Simó‐Alfonso Ernesto Francisco , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Fasoli Elisa 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCombinatorial peptide ligand libraries coupled to MS was applied to extensively map the proteome of apple fruit, and to detect its presence in commercial apple juice and cider to evaluate their authenticity and genuineness. Using the Uniprot_Malus database, 96 proteins were detected in apples, among which 30 proteins were specifically captured via combinatorial peptide ligand libraries. Next, three proteins, previously recognized in fruits, were found in apple juice, which were involved in cellular metabolism of fruit maturation and in allergenic reactions. On the other hand, only one Malus allergen was identified in cider beads eluate, demonstrating that the industrial processes did not prevent any negative effects in sensitive subjects. Thus, the present study not only increases the knowledge of the apple proteome but also offers a reliable analytical method to assess quality and genuineness of commercial products, which could be also used to inform consumers about the presence of allergens.
Synthesis of alginate‐silica hybrid hydrogel for biocatalytic conversion by β‐glucosidase in microreactor
Authors: Onbas Rabia , Yesil‐Celiktas Ozlem 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe organic–inorganic hybrid materials have been used in different fields to immobilize biomolecules since they offer many advantages. The aim of this study was to optimize and characterize the alginate‐silica hybrid hydrogel as a stable and injectable form for microfluidic systems using internal gelation method and increase the stability and activity of immobilized enzyme for biocatalytic conversions as well. Characterization was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy/mapping, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, Barrett–Joyner–Halenda, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, and the shrinkages of monoliths were evaluated. Subsequent to optimizing the enzyme concentration (40 μg), hydrolytic conversion of 4‐nitrophenyl β‐d‐glucopyranoside (pNPG) was performed to understand the behavior of the bioconversion in the microfluidic system. The yield was 94% which reached the equilibrium at 24 h indicating that the alginate‐silica gel derived microsystem overcome some drawbacks of monolithic systems. Additionally, bioconversion of Ruscus aculeatus saponins was carried out at the same setup in order to obtain aglycon part, which has pharmaceutical significance. Although pure aglycon could not be achieved, an intermediate compound was obtained based on the HPLC analysis. The developed formulation can be utilized for various life science applications.
The directional information content of options volumes
Authors: Ryu Doojin , Yang Heejin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study examines the directional information content realized by trades in a highly liquid options market by constructing put–call volume ratios and decoupled options‐to‐spot volume ratios. By investigating whether the specific investor type predicts underlying returns and the method used to exploit a directional information advantage, we find that foreign investment firms can leverage their directional information by executing buy trades to open new positions. Their open‐buy trades significantly predict next‐day spot returns, whereas trades initiated by domestic firms do not. This relationship becomes stronger for out‐of‐the‐money, large, and short‐horizon options trades and during the short‐sale restriction period.
Oxime derivative unsymmetrical azine, its Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopy and catecholase activity
Authors: Serbest Kerim , Göktekin Özge , Karaoğlu Kaan , Zengin Ali , Çoruh Ufuk 
Published: October 2018

Abstract1‐[(Z)‐{(2E)‐[(3E)‐3‐(hydroxyimino)butan‐lidene]hydrazinylidene}methyl]naphthalen ‐2‐ol, H2L (3) was synthesized by the agents of 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphtaldehyde, 2,3‐butanedione monoxime and hydrazine in two steps. The structures of the compounds have been proposed by elemental analyses, spectroscopic data, that is, IR, 1H NMR, UV‐vis, X‐ray, mass spectra (ESI or TOF), molar conductivities and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The ligand has potentially three nitrogens and an oxygen donor to be able to bind a metal center. In the light of analytical and physical results, it was suggested that the ligand may coordinate to by N,O/N2/N2O donor set to form square planar, octahedral, distorted square planar and tetrahedral complexes. Proton NMR evidence indicating that the ligand coordinates the metal ion through the phenolic oxygen and nitrogen of imine in the nickel and zinc complexes. Molar conductivity measurements reveal that all the complexes are non‐electrolytes. In addition, catecholase activities of the complexes were studied. However, the only one of the complexes, 1b, behaves as an effective catalyst toward oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (3,5‐DTBC) to its corresponding quinone derivative in MeOH saturated with O2. The reaction follows Michaelis‐Menten enzymatic reaction kinetics with turnover numbers (kcat) 1.19 × 103/hour.
The impact of China's latest population policy changes on maternity insurance—a case study in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Zhou Lvlin , Antwi Henry Asante 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThis study aims to examine the impact of China's population policy changes on social insurance. Nearly 4 decades ago, China ushered in the 1‐child policy as a family planning policy to control the adverse effect of high population growth. The current maternity insurance system in China is designed to fit the operations of the 1‐child policy. However, the implementation of the comprehensive 2‐child policy can pose a challenge to the sustainability of the current maternity insurance scheme hence the call for reform.The study empanels a novel and comprehensive system dynamic model that incorporates all the related factors that influence the income and expenditure of maternity insurance in the Jiangsu Province. Data are mainly derived from the historical data of the Statistical Yearbook of Jiangsu Province and the National Bureau of Statistics of China. These are used to construct and simulate a system dynamic model to determine a sustainable contribution rate for maternity insurance.In conclusion, if the rate of contribution of the current maternity insurance policy is not increased, the burden of implementing the comprehensive 2‐child policy will exacerbate the current deficit balance of the maternity insurance fund. The existing maternity insurance benefits thus cannot be maintained, and women's health will be threatened. In the short term, the study proposes an increase in the rate of premium payment to prolong the life of the maternity insurance. In the long term, there is a need to improve the level of coordination and expand the coverage of maternity insurance.
Retracted: MCL1 gene silencing promotes senescence and apoptosis of glioma cells via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Dong‐Mei , Hong Xiao‐Wu , Wen Xin , Han Xin‐Rui , Wang Shan , Wang Yong‐Jian , Shen Min , Fan Shao‐Hua , Zhuang Juan , Zhang Zi‐Feng , Shan Qun , Li Meng‐Qiu , Hu Bin , Sun Chun‐Hui , Lu Jun , Zheng Yuan‐Lin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGlioma is known to be the most prevalent primary brain tumor. In recent years, there has been evidence indicating myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (MCL1) plays a role in brain glioblastoma. Therefore, the present study was conducted with aims of exploring the ability of MCL1 silencing to influence glioma cell senescence and apoptosis through the mediation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. Glioma and tumor‐adjacent tissues were collected in order to detect the presence of higher levels of MCL1 protein expression. Next, the mRNA and protein expression of MCL1, PI3K, Akt, B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2‐associated X (Bax), B lymphoma Mo‐MLV insertion region 1 homolog (Bmi‐1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were determined. Cell counting kit‐8 assay was applied to detect cell proliferation, β‐galactosidase staining for cell senescence, and flow cytometry for cell cycle entry and apoptosis. Initially, the results revealed higher positive expression rate of MCL1 protein, increased mRNA and protein expression of MCL1, PI3K, Akt, Bmi‐1, and Bcl‐2 and decreased that of Bax and PTEN in human glioma tissues. The silencing of MCL1 resulted in a decrease in mRNA and protein expression of PI3K, Akt, Bmi‐1, and Bcl‐2 and an increase in Bax and PTEN expressions in glioma cells. Moreover, silencing of MCL1 also inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle entry in glioma cells, and promoted glioma cell senescence and apoptosis. In conclusion, the aforementioned results collectively suggested that the silencing of MCL1 promotes senescence and apoptosis in glioma cells through inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, decreasing the expression of MCL1 might have therapeutic functions in glioma. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):81–92, 2019
Impact of a multicenter stewardship‐targeted carbapenem justification requirement on the use of carbapenems in 23 hospitals
Authors: Johnk Sydney R. , Grindeland Carlina J. , Leedahl David D. , Carson Paul J. , Leedahl Nathan D. 
Published: October 2018

IntroductionIncreasing resistance to broad‐spectrum antibiotics is a growing concern. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are needed to ensure appropriate antibiotic use, but the most effective method remains unknown.ObjectiveTo measure the change in carbapenem days of therapy (DOT) across 23 hospitals after a stewardship intervention and determine changes in morbidity, mortality, and resistance rates.MethodsA retrospective, multicenter, sequential period analysis was initiated to evaluate carbapenem prescribing rates in 23 medical centers. We compared carbapenem utilization from December 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 when a stewardship‐targeted justification was active with utilization from December 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016 without the justification requirement. Stewardship‐targeted justifications are appropriate indications for the prescribing of carbapenems selected by ASP leaders in our health care system. The primary outcome was carbapenem DOT per 1000 patient days (PDs).ResultsCarbapenem utilization decreased from 35.8 DOT per 1000 PDs in the preintervention period to 23.7 DOT per 1000 PDs in the postintervention period (33.8% reduction, P < .01). Morbidity and mortality end points were not adversely affected, with resistance rates remaining unchanged.ConclusionsThis study suggests that a stewardship‐targeted justification requirement in computerized physician order entry is an effective approach to reducing carbapenem utilization.
Accuracy and usability of medication identifiers for solid oral medications
Authors: Jackevicius Cynthia A. , Lash David , Singh Divvjyot , Hines Kelli , Hata Micah 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundA comprehensive, contemporary evaluation of medication identifiers is necessary to keep up with the fast‐paced mobile and web‐based technology used by health care professionals and patients in order to safely identify and use oral medications. Prior studies evaluating the accuracy of medication identifiers are dated, with the most recent solely examining imprints of oral medications.ObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of different medication identifiers, and to identify and quantify ease of use between lay and professional medication identifiers.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 202 randomly selected oral medications, comparing the results of 14 lay and professional medication identifiers with reference standard‐identified medications. Investigators conducted three different searches for each medication using a standardized search methodology, including each medication's imprint, shape, color, scoring, and dosage form.ResultsIdent‐A‐Drug, Drugs.com, Facts & Comparisons, and web‐based Lexicomp were the four most accurate identifiers at 98%, 97.5%, 96.5%, and 96.5%, respectively. Web‐based identifiers correctly identified more medications compared with mobile‐based identifiers (93.2% vs 80.6%, P <0.001). Drugs.com displayed the medication as the first result most often (96%), followed by Facts & Comparisons (95%). Drugs.com found the medication on the first search most frequently (97%). Searches without color were more accurate than with color (P <0.001). The most user‐friendly identifiers were Facts & Comparisons, Drugs.com, Epocrates Mobile, and Lexicomp Mobile.Conclusion
Drugs.com, Facts & Comparisons, and Lexicomp (web and mobile) were determined to be the most accurate and easy‐to‐use medication identifiers. Searching without color was more accurate than searching with color.
Evaluating the impact of peer comparison on vancomycin dose order verification among pharmacists
Authors: Nguyen Cynthia T. , Davis Kyle A. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of blinded and unblinded peer comparison on appropriateness of vancomycin dose order verification.MethodsThis was a single center, prospective, quasi‐experimental study evaluating randomly selected inpatient vancomycin orders over a 6‐month period (January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2017). The interventions consisted of providing peer comparison reports describing the percentage of appropriately verified vancomycin orders based on the individual pharmacist. In intervention phase I, these reports were blinded. In intervention phase II, the reports were unblinded. Both intervention phases were compared with a pre‐intervention control group. The primary outcome was appropriate vancomycin dose order verification, defined as adherence to the institution's vancomycin dosing guideline.ResultsOne thousand six hundred twenty five vancomycin orders were included for evaluation (537 orders in the control group, 549 orders in intervention phase I, and 539 orders in intervention phase II). The percentage of appropriately verified vancomycin orders were 72%, 76%, and 83% in the control, phase I, and phase II groups, respectively. Unblinded peer comparison was associated with an increase in the percentage of appropriate vancomycin dose order verification (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.36‐2.34).ConclusionsUnblinded pharmacist peer comparison improved vancomycin dose order verification compared with education alone and blinded peer comparison. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of this type of intervention for quality metrics at other departments of pharmacy.
Chronic exposure to perfluorononanoic acid impairs spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and fertility in male mice
Authors: Singh Shilpi , Singh Shio Kumar 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPerfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are widely used in commercial applications and that they are ubiquitous and persistent in the environment. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), a member of PFAAs, has been detected in human and wildlife. Previous acute exposure studies have shown the adverse effect of PFNA on the testis. The present study was aimed to examine the effect of chronic PFNA exposure, from prepuberty to adulthood, on testicular functions and fertility in Parkes (P) male mice and to investigate the possible mechanism(s) of its action. PFNA (0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg) was orally administered to P male mice for 90 days from prepuberty (postnatal day [PND] 25) to adulthood (PND 114). Histologically, testes in PFNA‐treated mice showed non‐uniform degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules. The treatment also had adverse effects on testicular expression of steroidogenic markers, serum levels of cholesterol and testosterone, sperm parameters and on litter size. A marked increase in the level of lipid peroxidation and decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed in the testis of PFNA‐treated mice compared to controls. Further, a significant decrease in expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and in the number of PCNA‐positive cells, and an increase in expression of caspase‐3 were also noted in PFNA‐treated mice testis. In conclusion, the results suggest that chronic exposure to PFNA in male mice interferes with testosterone biosynthesis and causes oxidative stress in the testis, leading to alterations in spermatogenesis, sperm quality and fertility potential.