bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic significance of lysosomal protective protein (cathepsin A) in breast ductal carcinoma in situ
Authors: Toss Michael S , Miligy Islam M , Haj‐Ahmad Rita , Gorringe Kylie L , AlKawaz Abdulbaqi , Mittal Karuna , Ellis Ian O , Green Andrew R , Rakha Emad A 
Published: February 2019

AimsCathepsin A (CTSA) is a key regulatory enzyme for galactoside metabolism. Additionally, it has a distinct proteolytic activity and plays a role in tumour progression. CTSA is differentially expressed at the mRNA level between breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast carcinoma (IBC). In this study, we aimed to characterise CTSA protein expression in DCIS and evaluate its prognostic significance.Methods and resultsA large cohort of DCIS [n = 776 for pure DCIS and n = 239 for DCIS associated with IBC (DCIS/IBC)] prepared as a tissue microarray was immunohistochemically stained for CTSA. High CTSA expression was observed in 48% of pure DCIS. High expression was associated with features of poor DCIS prognosis, including younger age at diagnosis (<50 years), higher nuclear grade, hormone receptor negativity, HER2 positivity, high proliferative index and high hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha expression. High CTSA expression was associated with shorter recurrence‐free interval (RFI) (P = 0.0001). In multivariate survival analysis for patients treated with breast conserving surgery, CTSA was an independent predictor of shorter RFI (P = 0.015). DCIS associated with IBC showed higher CTSA expression than pure DCIS (P = 0.04). In the DCIS/IBC cohort, CTSA expression was higher in the invasive component than the DCIS component (P < 0.0001).ConclusionCTSA is not only associated with aggressive behaviour and poor outcome in DCIS but also a potential marker to predict co‐existing invasion in DCIS.
Understanding the role of cutaneous allergy testing in anogenital dermatoses: a retrospective evaluation of contact sensitization in anogenital dermatoses
Authors: Foley Catherine C. , White Siobhan , Merry Subha , Nolan Una , Moriarty Blaithin , Kirby Brian , Collins Paul , Lally Aoife 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with anogenital symptoms may delay before seeking medical attention. Attempted self‐treatment with multiple topical preparations and excessive hygiene measures offer ideal conditions for sensitization. The aim of this study was to identify the common allergens detected on cutaneous allergy testing in patients presenting with anogenital symptoms.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients who underwent cutaneous allergy testing for perianal and/or genital symptoms over a 3‐year period, January 2013 to December 2015, n = 99. Information was gathered from medical records, pretesting questionnaires, and cutaneous allergy testing records.ResultsAt least one relevant allergen(s) was identified in 44/99 (45%) in our cohort, with allergic reactions to fragrances, Myroxylon pereirae, caine mix, sodium metabisulfite, and methylisothiazolinone most frequently observed.ConclusionsCutaneous allergy testing is a useful investigation in patients presenting with anogenital symptoms, but advice regarding general skin care measures should not be omitted. The most commonly identified relevant allergens in our study were those present in over‐the‐counter cleansing and hemorrhoid preparations.
Ba4R2Sn4Nb6O30 (R = La, Nd, Sm) lead‐free relaxors with filled tungsten bronze structure
Authors: Yang Zi Jin , Feng Wen Bin , Liu Xiao Qiang , Zhu Xiao Li , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBa4R2Sn4Nb6O30 (R = La, Nd, Sm) lead‐free relaxor ceramics were prepared by a standard solid‐state reaction process. The B‐site substitution effects of Sn4+ on crystal chemistry, dielectric, and ferroelectric nature were systematically discussed. Tetragonal tungsten bronze compound in space group P4/mbm was confirmed as the major phase for each composition. With decreasing temperature, a broad peak with strong frequency dispersion was observed for both the dielectric constant (ε′) and dielectric loss (tan δ), which could be well described by the Vogel‐Fulcher relation. Raman analysis revealed the transformation of the internal vibration modes, demonstrating the modification effects of Sn4+ on the crystal chemical environment owing to its d10 electron configuration. The ferroelectrically inert Sn4+ in B sites acted as disturbing centers which weakened the dipole coupling and the long‐range ferroelectric order, and subsequently led to the suppression of ferroelectric transition and the enhancement of relaxor behavior.
Enabling the low‐cost preparation of core‐shell WC–Ni powder by developing a non‐noble metal‐based catalytic
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xin Fengxia , Li Shaofu , Yang Yafeng , Zhu Qingshan , Wang Gang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA novel method of incorporating fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FBCVD) with electroless plating was developed to effectively prepare the core‐shell structured high‐Ni‐content WC–Ni composite powders. FBCVD offered a unique approach to decorating Ni particles on WC particles. The small Ni particle acted as an active catalyst to effectively produce high‐Ni‐content composite powders in the subsequent electroless plating process. The particle size and quantity of decorated Ni particle determined the electroless plating rate. FBCVD pretreatment temperature and time had a conflicting influence on obtaining both the fine size and large quantity of deposited Ni particles. For the conditions tested, the maximum electroless plating rate of 2.93 mg/g/min was obtained using an optimal FBCVD pretreatment at 750°C for 5 minutes, corresponding to a 0.11 wt. % Ni deposition and 50 nm particle size.
Intrinsic origin of enhanced piezoelectricity in alkali niobate‐based lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Tan Zhi , Peng Yuting , An Jiao , Zhang Qiming , Zhu Jianguo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn orientational average method is used to calculate the piezoelectric coefficients of KNbO3 and K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KN and KNN) piezoceramics, which is the first time that an ab initio method has been used to directly compare the piezoelectric coefficients with the experimental results of the orthorhombic alkali niobate‐based lead‐free piezoceramics. It is found that the longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient of orthorhombic KN and KNN piezoceramics is mainly contributed by d33 and d15 of their single crystal. The approximately 70% increase in the calculated is confirmed in pure orthorhombic KNN over KN piezoceramics. The increased response of the internal coordinates of Na and O atoms to macroscopic strain is considered the main origin of the enhanced piezoelectricity. The underlying mechanism is that the smaller atomic size of Na provides more room for itself and the adjacent O atoms in the perovskite structure, which leads to the increased local structural instability. In this case, the Na and its nearby O atoms are easier to move when an external stress is applied on the KNN and then induce the substantial change in polarization. This work provides a microscopic insight to understand the enhanced piezoelectricity in KNN piezoceramics.
Stable structure and electronic properties of Ru1−xTixO2 rutile type solid solutions from DFT calculations
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhao Zong‐Yan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTo design solid solution is an effective strategy for functional materials. The complex electron correlation and non‐equilibrium atomic interaction are the primary factors to impact the macro‐/micro‐structure and application performances of solid solution. Hence, this article concentrates on the stable crystal structure and the corresponding electronic structure of Ru1−xTixO2 solid solution by using density functional theory calculations. Based on analyzing the atomic interaction between solute and solvent atoms, the most stable supercell models for the specific solid solubility were obtained. In Ru1−xTixO2 solid solution, solute (and solvent) atoms preferentially arrange along the [110] direction, and tend to occupy the nearest sites of identical atoms, to arrange the symmetric ordered substitution configurations. Using the subregular solution model, the mixing enthalpy can be represented by the following expression: . The calculated phase diagram is consistent with the experimental results. Thus, the calculated results in this article are reliable and can provide more meaningful information. In the cases of Ru‐rich solid solutions, the metastable phase exists in the range of x < 0.27; while in the cases of Ti‐rich solid solutions, the metastable phase exists in the range of x > 0.81. Interestingly, the electron density of Ru1−xTixO2 solid solutions at Fermi level has a stronger dependence on the Ru composition, which intrinsically influences its electronic structure and optical properties. According to the basic application principle, Ru1−xTixO2 solid solutions with lower (x < 0.27) and higher (x > 0.81) solid solubility could act as suitable candidate for the applications in field electrochemistry and photocatalysis.
A confirmatory study of the relations between workplace sexism, sense of belonging, mental health, and job satisfaction among women in male‐dominated industries
Authors: Rubin Mark , Paolini Stefania , Subašić Emina , Giacomini Anna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe present study investigated the mediating role of sense of belonging in the relations between workplace sexism and (a) mental health and (b) job satisfaction. Participants were 190 women from a large Australian trade union that represented mainly male‐dominated jobs. They completed an online survey that contained measures of sexism, sense of belonging in the industry, mental health, and job satisfaction. As predicted, sense of belonging mediated the associations between organizational sexism and both mental health and job satisfaction. In addition, sense of belonging mediated the association between interpersonal sexism and mental health. These results are discussed in relation to strategies for supporting women and mitigating the effects of sexism in male‐dominated workplaces. The Open Science Framework webpage for this project is at: https://osf.io/a3yqc/.
Renal sympathetic denervation improves clinical outcomes in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation and history of hypertension: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Atti Varunsiri , Turagam Mohit K. , Garg Jalaj , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, there is limited data regarding the impact of adjunctive renal sympathetic denervation (RSDN) with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in hypertensive patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsA comprehensive literature search for studies comparing RSDN + PVI vs PVI alone for AF and history of hypertension until 1 January 2019 was performed. The results were expressed as risk ratio (RR) for the categorical variables and mean difference (MD) for the continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsA total of six eligible (four randomized and two prospective nonrandomized) studies consisting of 432 patients (306 paroxysmal AF and 126 persistent AF) were included (RSDN + PVI group: 186 patients and PVI group: 246 patients). Follow‐up is more than or equal to 1 year. Compared with PVI, RSDN + PVI significantly decreased the risk of AF recurrence (RR = 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47‐0.72, P < 0.00001) on follow‐up. Fluoroscopy (MD = +5.53 minutes, 95% CI = 0.76‐10.31, P = 0.02) and procedure time (MD = +34.85 minutes, 95% CI = 23.55‐46.16, P < 0.00001) was significantly longer with the PVI + RSDN group compared with PVI alone. There were no significant differences in complications between both groups. Test of heterogeneity was low for all clinical outcomes (I2 = 0%).ConclusionOur meta‐analysis demonstrates that RSDN as an adjunct to PVI appears to be safe and improves clinical outcomes in both paroxysmal and persistent AF and history of hypertension
Iterative navigation of multipole diagnostic catheters to locate repeating‐pattern atrial fibrillation drivers
Authors: Ganesan Prasanth , Salmin Anthony , Cherry Elizabeth M. , Huang David T. , Pertsov Arkady M. , Ghoraani Behnaz 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionTargeting repeating‐pattern atrial fibrillation (AF) sources (reentry or focal drivers) can help in patient‐specific ablation therapy for AF; however, the development of reliable and accurate tools for locating such sources remains a major challenge. We describe iterative catheter navigation (ICAN) algorithm to locate AF drivers using a conventional circular Lasso catheter.Methods and ResultsAt each step, the algorithm analyzes 10 bipolar electrograms recoded at a given catheter location and the history of previous catheter movements to determine if the source is inside the catheter loop. If not, it calculates new coordinates and selects a new position for the catheter. The process continues until a source is located. The algorithm was evaluated in a computer model of atrial tissue with various degrees of fibrosis under a broad range of arrhythmia scenarios. The latter included slow and fast reentry, macroreentry, figure‐of‐eight reentry, and fibrillatory conduction. Depending on the initial distance of the catheter from the source and scenario, it took about 3 to 16 steps to localize an AF source. In 94% of cases, the identified location was within 4 mm from the source, independently of the initial position of the catheter. The algorithm worked equally well in the presence of patchy fibrosis, low‐voltage areas, fragmented electrograms, and dominant‐frequency gradients.ConclusionsAF repeating‐pattern sources can be localized using circular catheters without the need to map the entire tissue. The proposed algorithm has the potential to become a useful tool for patient‐specific ablation of AF sources located outside the pulmonary veins.
Understanding policing as a mechanism of cheater control in cooperating bacteria
Authors: Wechsler Tobias , Kümmerli Rolf , Dobay Akos 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPolicing occurs in insect, animal and human societies, where it evolved as a mechanism maintaining cooperation. Recently, it has been suggested that policing might even be relevant in enforcing cooperation in much simpler organisms such as bacteria. Here, we used individual‐based modelling to develop an evolutionary concept for policing in bacteria and identify the conditions under which it can be adaptive. We modelled interactions between cooperators, producing a beneficial public good, cheaters, exploiting the public good without contributing to it, and public good‐producing policers that secrete a toxin to selectively target cheaters. We found that toxin‐mediated policing is favoured when (a) toxins are potent and durable, (b) toxins are cheap to produce, (c) cell and public good diffusion is intermediate, and (d) toxins diffuse farther than the public good. Although our simulations identify the parameter space where toxin‐mediated policing can evolve, we further found that policing decays when the genetic linkage between public good and toxin production breaks. This is because policing is itself a public good, offering protection to toxin‐resistant mutants that still produce public goods, yet no longer invest in toxins. Our work thus highlights that not only specific environmental conditions are required for toxin‐mediated policing to evolve, but also strong genetic linkage between the expression of public goods, toxins and toxin resistance is essential for this mechanism to remain evolutionarily stable in the long run.
Effect of microwave power on drying kinetics, structure, color, and antioxidant activities of corncob
Authors: Saha Suman Kumar , Dey Suhrita , Chakraborty Runu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this study, the effect of microwave drying (MWD) at four power levels (180, 300, 600, and 900 W) on kinetics, structure, color parameters, and antioxidant activity of corncob (CCB) was evaluated. Hot air‐dried (HAD) and freeze‐dried (FD) CCBs were used as controls. Drying conditions significantly affected the physicochemical characteristics as well as bioactivities of CCB. For MWD products, direct absorption of electromagnetic energy by water molecules greatly accelerated the evaporation process, leading to a faster dehydration with a very high moisture diffusivity value. Additionally, the application of microwave markedly enhanced disintegration of cellular components manifested in lowered values of structural and color attributes for MWD CCBs, which facilitated the liberation of bound polyphenols into fractions of free phenolic compounds and intensified the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of antioxidants. The presence of rutin, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin was responsible for high bioactivity of MWD CCB. However, thermal‐ and oxidation‐induced degradation of thermolabile polyphenols was responsible for the loss of antioxidant activity at higher (600 and 900 W) and lower (180 W) microwave powers. CCB dried using 300 W microwave power was the best drying process with the highest content of bioavailable antioxidants and antioxidant activity.Practical applicationsUsing lignocellulosic plant part as a source of functional food or nutritional compounds requires intensive studies on the nutritional quality of products as well as bioavailabilities of such compounds. As most of the antioxidant compounds remain bound to cellulose and hemicellulose in seed, cob, and peel, techniques that promote the disintegration of bound polymeric complexes improve the bioactivity of these products. The present research highlights the potential benefits of microwave drying for the improvement in the bioactivity of corncob (CCB). The presence of several key phenolic compounds suggests a potential application of CCB in medicinal, cosmetic, and food industries.
Nonketotic hyperglycinemia in captive‐bred Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) with cataracts
Authors: Khoza Sanele , Ngqaneka Thobile , Magwebu Zandisiwe Emilia , Chauke Chesa Gift 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundNonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a rare metabolic disorder that is characterized by high levels of glycine in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in humans. In this study, total congenital cataract captive‐bred Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) that are hyperglycinemic were screened to identify mutations in Bola type 3 (BOLA3), glutaredoxin 5 (GLRX5), and lipoate synthase (LIAS) genes.MethodsTwenty‐four Vervet monkeys (12 hyperglycinemic and 12 healthy controls) were selected for mutation analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing, and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).ResultsNovel sequence variants were identified in BOLA3 (R23H and Q38R) and LIAS (R369I and A371A), and gene expression in the control group was significantly lower compared to the hyperglycinemic group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe data obtained from this study will contribute to generation of new knowledge regarding the involvement of these genes in NKH development.
A new method for tongue rehabilitation with computer games: Pilot study
Authors: Furlan Renata Maria Moreira Moraes , Santana Guilherme André , Bischof Walter F. , Motta Andréa Rodrigues , de Las Casas Estevam Barbosa 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundLingual exercises are commonly used in clinical practice for swallowing rehabilitation. Associating lingual exercises with computer games increases motivation, which influences tongue motor performance.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of tongue movement direction; resistance force level; repetition number; sustained tongue contraction duration; age and gender on tongue motor performance in healthy adults using computer games.MethodsAn observational pilot study was carried out at a university laboratory. Nine healthy adults, aged 22 to 38 years, used an intra‐oral joystick controlled by the tongue to play four computer games. The participants had to reach 12 targets that appeared on the computer screen using the intra‐oral joystick. Motor performance was measured by the number of attempts to score and the time during which the target force was maintained. Tongue motor performance was compared among tongue movement direction, resistance force level, game round number, and continuous force application time on the target, age and gender.ResultsThe number of attempts depended significantly on the direction, continuous force application time on the target and age. The time during which the target force was maintained depended significantly on the direction, continuous force application time on the target and game round number. There were no significant differences in the comparisons by gender or by resistance force level.ConclusionsIt was seen that young adults had their best performance in the downward direction, on the third round, holding the force for a shorter time. The performance deteriorated as age increased.
Association of nitric oxide with oral lichen planus
Authors: Alamir Abdul Wahab H. , Arakeri Gururaj , Patil Shankargouda , Awan Kamran Habib , Kujan Omar , Aljabab Abdulsalam , Fonseca Felipe , Brennan Peter A. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe small signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO) has been postulated to have a mediator role in the pathogenesis of several diseases including oral lichen planus (OLP). This systematic review aimed to quantify the existing literature and assess the association of NO and OLP.MethodsThe focused question being addressed was “Is there an association between nitric oxide and OLP?” PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science, and grey literature from January 1990 to August 2018 were searched. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection using specified eligibility criteria.ResultsSeven studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. All of these were case‐control studies and 151 patients with OLP were evaluated (mostly females), with an age ranged from 20 to 75 years. The included studies showed a significant higher NO levels in OLP patients compared to the healthy controls, with two studies demonstrated a higher NO levels in erosive OLP compared to non‐erosive OLP.ConclusionThese findings support that an association exists between higher NO concentration and OLP. However, larger high‐quality studies with refined methodological design are needed to confirm the role of NO in the aetiology and pathogenesis of OLP.
The Multidimensional Illness Severity Questionnaire: Preliminary evaluation of a brief parent‐reported measure of illness severity
Authors: Paquette Erin T , Joffe Steven 
Published: February 2019

AimThis study describes the reliability and concurrent validity of the Multidimensional Illness Severity Questionnaire (MISQ), a five‐item measure for capturing parents' reports of their child's illness severity.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of parents of children participating in a paediatric research study (n = 20). We assessed parents' perceptions of illness severity using five measures: (i) the MISQ, (ii) the Lansky Play Performance scale, (iii) the Severity of Illness Scale, (iv) subscales of the Parent Experience of Child Illness and (v) general health. We calculated the internal reliability of the MISQ using Cronbach's alpha and assessed concurrent validity through correlations between scores on the MISQ and other measures.ResultsMISQ scores ranged from 6/21 to 17/21 (mean = 11.5). The MISQ had adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.76) and correlated strongly with other measures.ConclusionPreliminary evaluation suggests that the MISQ is an easy‐to‐administer and internally consistent multidimensional assessment of parent‐reported illness severity.