bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a Yarrowia lipolytica Strain Collection for Its Lipid and Carotenoid Production Capabilities
Authors: Bruder Stefan , Melcher Felix Arthur , Zoll Thomas , Hackenschmidt Silke , Kabisch Johannes 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is capable of accumulating large amounts of fatty acids in the form of lipids which can serve as a platform polymer for a variety of applications. Additionally, through heterologous gene expression, Y. lipolytica is capable of producing carotenoids. Due to the observation that Y. lipolytica exhibits a high phenotypic inter‐strain variability, robotics and microwell scale cultivations are applied to examine 12 wild type strains of a Y. lipolytica collection. The strains are characterized with respect to their metabolic capabilities for fatty acid production as well as genetically manipulated to produce beta‐carotene. Furthermore, growth and production behavior of the strain collection at different temperatures as well as initial pH are assessed. A molecular discrimination between the strains is achieved by internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐sequencing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based methods. The best performing strain with respect to lipid production produces ≈2% lipids per dry cell weight (DCW) and 8 mg g−1 beta‐carotenoids in yeast nitrogen base (YNB) media. All strains show robust growth from 28 to 34 °C.Practical Applications: Unlocking nature's potential by screening natural isolates shows that even on inter‐strain level sufficient phenotypic diversity may arise. Automated growth‐based characterization of beta‐carotene‐producing strains in terms of media composition, effect of initial pH, and temperature tolerance shows that with modern cultivation techniques, rapid characterization of strain collections is feasible. Combining results of beta‐carotene and lipid formation could help to balance both pathways to improve the storage of hydrophobic compounds in the lipid droplets. The generalized findings could be further transferred to improve the production of any valuable compound, derived from the mevalonate pathway.
Developmental validation of the Microreader™ 20A ID system
Authors: Qu Shengqiu , Li Hang , Li Yifan , Lv Meili , Yang Fan , Zhu Jing , Yu Zailiang , Liu Yuqing , Chen Chuguang , Wang Yinji , Li Zhuo , Zhang Lin , Liang Weibo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe Microreader™ 20A ID system is designed for forensic applications such as personal identification, parentage testing, and research. It includes 13 combined DNA index system (CODIS) short tandem repeat (STR) loci (CSF1PO, FGA, TH01, TPOX, vWA, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, and D21S11), three expanded CODIS STR loci (D12S391, D19S433, and D2S1338), three non‐CODIS STR loci (D6S1043, Penta D, and Penta E), and the amelogenin locus in one reaction with a six‐dye fluorescent (FAM, HEX, TAMAR, ROX, PUR, and QD550) analysis system. In this study, the Microreader™ 20A ID system was validated according to the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods validation guidelines for forensic DNA Analysis methods and Chinese national standard, including PCR‐based studies, sensitivity study, precision, and accuracy evaluation, stutter calculation, inhibitor tests, species specificity, and DNA mixture studies. Our results suggest that the Microreader™ 20A ID system is a useful tool for personal identification and parentage testing.
A paradigm shift in German family policy: Applying a topic model to map reform and public discourse, 1990–2016
Authors: Gülzau Fabian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article explores the newspaper discourse surrounding a paradigm shift in social policy. The case at hand, Germany, is a prime example of a welfare state that was particularly resistant to reform. Hence, the rapid paradigm shift in German family policy since the late 1990s is puzzling. This study seeks to resolve this puzzle by drawing on the insight that public discourse is crucial for policy change. Politicians have to promote reforms prior to their implementation. The main channel for communication with the wider public is the mass media. I use newspaper coverage from 1990 to 2016 to analyze whether the media is responsive to reform initiatives. I use topic modeling, an innovative method from the computational social sciences (CSS), to identify dominant themes and shifts over time in a large corpus of newspaper articles (N = 1,459). The analysis shows that public discourse was responsive to the parliamentary debate. The article also clarifies the role of critical events and identifies discursive strategies.
Novel SS18‐NEDD4 gene fusion in a primary renal synovial sarcoma
Authors: Argani Pedram , Zhang Lei , Sung Yun‐Shao , Bacchi Carlos , Swanson David , Dickson Brendan C. , Antonescu Cristina R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe report a primary renal synovial sarcoma with a novel gene fusion and unusual morphology. The patient was a 35‐year‐old female who was found to have a 5 cm hypocellular, myxoid spindle cell renal neoplasm that subtly permeated amongst native renal tubules. The tumor cells showed elongated hyperchromatic nuclei with ill‐defined pale cytoplasm, lacking significant mitotic activity or necrosis. Based on its deceptively bland morphology, the differential diagnosis included mainly benign entities, such as metanephric stromal tumor, mixed epithelial stromal tumor (MEST), and myxoid peripheral nerve sheath tumors. A definitive diagnosis of synovial sarcoma was made only subsequently to RNA‐sequencing, which revealed a novel SS18‐NEDD4 gene fusion. These results were further confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using custom design break‐apart probes for both genes. This case illustrates the utility of targeted RNA‐sequencing in the classification of challenging tumors with deceptive morphology and identification of novel gene fusion variants. Apart from the canonical SS18‐SSX fusion, this is only the second alternative gene fusion variant described in synovial sarcoma to date, in addition to two cases harboring the SS18L1‐SSX1 fusion.
Self‐Assembly in Protein‐Based Bionanomaterials
Authors: Solomonov Aleksei , Shimanovich Ulyana 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSupramolecular self‐assembled structures, based on protein−protein interactions, have garnered widespread interest as prospective functional bionanomaterials. Possessing unique properties, proteins have been widely investigated in the last years, due to their capability to form a diversity of natural and artificially designed zero‐, one‐, two‐ and three‐dimensional assemblies. These structures laid the basis for bionanomaterials design, including films, foams, gels, and others, with widespread applications in electronics, biomedicine, and environmental sciences. In this context, the present review is devoted to revealing the diversity of protein assemblies and related bionanomaterials. Special interest is paid to recent advances and new trends in functional amyloids and fibrillar silk‐based self‐assembling architectures, as well as their current and potential applications. We emphasize the protein nanostructures’ diversity for the future design of functional protein‐based materials.
A review of maternal mortality trends in Lebanon, 2010–2018
Authors: El‐Kak Faysal , Kabakian‐Khasholian Tamar , Ammar Walid , Nassar Anwar 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLebanon invested in the prevention of maternal mortality after the civil war, which left a deficient vital registration system leading to unreliable estimates of maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Starting in 2004, the Ministry of Public Health integrated reproductive health into primary health care and established a national notification system of maternal and neonatal deaths. From 1990 to 2013, Lebanon achieved an annual change in MMR of −7.5%, which was the highest rate of reduction in the region and met the requirements of Millennium Development Goal 5. For the period 2010–2018, data collected through the national notification system indicate an MMR of 14.9, which is below the officially reported MMR of 23. Since the influx of Syrian refugees, Lebanon has experienced a rise in the number of live births with a slightly increasing trend in MMR, especially in regions with the highest concentration of refugees. Causes of maternal mortality in Lebanon align with the three‐delays model, pointing to deficiencies in the quality of maternity care. More efforts are needed toward strengthening the national notification system to include cases that occur outside hospitals, identifying near‐miss cases, reinforcing the emergency response system, and engaging with all stakeholders to improve quality of care.
The practice management components needed to support comprehensive medication management in primary care clinics
Authors: Pestka Deborah L. , Frail Caitlin K. , Sorge Lindsay A. , Funk Kylee A. , Roth McClurg Mary T. , Sorensen Todd D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPractice management (ie, the necessary resources and support to provide comprehensive medication management [CMM] in an efficient and productive manner) is a central part of CMM practice. However, research identifying the key components of CMM practice management was previously lacking.MethodsPharmacists providing CMM from 35 primary care clinics across five states were divided into three cohorts. One‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the lead pharmacist from all clinics in Cohort 1. Participants were asked to describe the essential components of CMM practice management as they applied to their practice. Inductive coding of transcripts led to an initial practice management framework. Participants in Cohorts 2 and 3 reviewed the essential components and participated in individual cognitive interviews. Throughout this process, a series of four focus groups with managers who oversaw pharmacists providing CMM also occurred to obtain their initial perspectives, as well as feedback on the evolving essential components of practice management.ResultsThirteen essential components of CMM practice management emerged: leadership support, availability and adequacy of clinic space, billing and revenue systems, methods for identifying patients in need of CMM, scheduling CMM services, care documentation, presence and scope of collaborative practice agreements, interprofessional collaboration, engagement of support staff, measuring CMM data, reporting CMM data and outcomes, quality assurance processes, and practitioner training. These essential components were grouped into five overarching domains: organizational support, care delivery processes, care team engagement, evaluating CMM services, and ensuring consistent and quality care.ConclusionThis study defined the essential components of CMM practice management which may be used to guide CMM practice development and advancement.
Development of the comprehensive medication management practice management assessment tool: A resource to assess and prioritize areas for practice improvement
Authors: Pestka Deborah L. , Frail Caitlin K. , Sorge Lindsay A. , Funk Kylee A. , Janke Kristin K. , Roth McClurg Mary T. , Sorensen Todd D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundSignificant attention has been given to developing a consistent patient care process for providing comprehensive medication management (CMM). However, little research exists that examines the structures required to effectively manage a CMM practice to achieve quality, consistency and sustainability.ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to create a CMM practice management assessment tool to identify and prioritize areas of CMM practice improvement.MethodsThirty‐four pharmacists providing CMM from 35 primary care clinics across five states were divided into three cohorts. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists from Cohort 1. Participants were asked to describe the essential components of CMM practice management and to detail the characteristics of these components in their practice. Themes were identified by two investigators and a descriptive practice assessment tool was developed from emergent themes. Using cognitive interviewing, participants in Cohorts 2 and 3 completed sections of the tool while verbalizing their thought process and providing feedback. This process led to simultaneous development and refinement of the tool, as well as developing evidence of content validity. Throughout tool development, a series of four focus groups with managers overseeing pharmacists providing CMM occurred to obtain their perspectives and feedback on the tool.ResultsA tool with five domains was developed. Each domain consists of two to three essential components of CMM practice management for a total of 13 components. Each component contains several questions which collectively form a 78‐item descriptive practice management assessment tool.ConclusionA descriptive practice management assessment tool was developed that can be used to aid in CMM practice advancement. This tool can provide direction for quality improvement work as pharmacists and managers seek to make their practices more efficient and sustainable.
Pectin biopolymer mechanics and microstructure associated with polysaccharide phase transitions
Authors: Pierce Aidan , Zheng Yifan , Wagner Willi L. , Scheller Henrik V. , Mohnen Debra , Tsuda Akira , Ackermann Maximilian , Mentzer Steven J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPolysaccharide polymers like pectin can demonstrate striking and reversible changes in their physical properties depending upon relatively small changes in water content. Recent interest in using pectin polysaccharides as mesothelial sealants suggests that water content, rather than nonphysiologic changes in temperature, may be a practical approach to optimize the physical properties of the pectin biopolymers. Here, we used humidified environments to manipulate the water content of dispersed solution of pectins with a high degree of methyl esterification (high‐methoxyl pectin; HMP). The gel phase transition was identified by a nonlinear increase in compression resistance at a water content of 50% (w/w). The gel phase was associated with a punched‐out fracture pattern and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images that revealed a cribiform (Swiss cheese‐like) pectin microstructure. The glass phase transition was identified by a marked increase in resilience and stiffness. The glass phase was associated with a star‐burst fracture pattern and SEM images that demonstrated a homogeneous pectin microstructure. In contrast, the burst strength of the pectin films was largely independent of water content over a range from 5 to 30% (w/w). These observations indicate the potential to use water content in the selective regulation of the physical properties of HMP biopolymers.
Matrine suppression of self‐renewal was dependent on regulation of LIN28A/Let‐7 pathway in breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Li Xiang , Liang Ting , Chen Si‐Si , Wang Meng , Wang Rui , Li Kai , Wang Ji‐Chang , Xu Chong‐Wen , Du Ning , Qin Sida , Ren Hong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMatrine, a natural product extracted from the root of Sophora flavescens Ait, was the main chemical ingredient of compounds of Kushen injection, which has been widely used for its remarkable anticancer effects for years. The underlying mechanisms for Matrine regulations of human breast cancer stem cells (BrCSCs) are barely known. LIN28, a well‐characterized suppressor of Let‐7 microRNA biogenesis, playing vital roles in regulations of stem cells’ renewal and tumorigenesis. Here we show that the compounds of Kushen injection derived Matrine could suppress the BrCSCs differentiation and self‐renewal through downregulating the expression of Lin28A, resulting in the inactivation of Wnt pathway through a Let‐7b‐dependent way. In opposite to Matrine, Cisplatin treatment increases the ability of tumorsphere formation and the expression of BrCSCs markers, which was partially blocked by either Let‐7b overexpression or CCND1 inhibition. Furthermore, Matrine sensitized BrCSCs to cisplatin's suppression of cancer expansion in vitro and in vivo. Our study uncovers the role of the LIN28A/Let‐7 in BrCSCs renewal, and more importantly, elucidated a novel mechanism by which Matrine induces breast cancer involution.
Evaluation of Occipital Nerve Blocks for Acute Pain Relief of Migraines
Authors: Ebied Alex M. , Nguyen Duong T. , Dang Tanaka 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMigraines are a debilitating neurological disease affecting as many as 1 of 6 adults in the United States. Occipital nerve block, consisting of a local anesthetic and/or corticosteroid, has shown to be an effective treatment for the management of migraines. Occipital nerve block has been reported to reduce migraine pain scores, frequency, and duration. We aimed to evaluate the impact of occipital nerve block for acute pain relief in patients with migraines. This was a single‐center retrospective observational study conducted at a 1162‐bed academic medical center in Gainesville, Florida. Included patients were ≥18 years old, diagnosed with migraine with or without aura, and received at least 1 occipital nerve block. Excluded patients received nerve blocks not specific to the occipital region. The outcomes observed were migraine pain before and after administration within the same initial encounter of receiving an occipital nerve block using a numeric pain rating scale, injection direction, medications used, duration of effect and frequency of additional injections, and adverse reactions. A total of 190 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 63% rating their pain to be 6‐8 of 10 prior to an occipital nerve block. After receiving an occipital nerve block, 27% of patients reported significant or immediate relief, and 42% experienced reduced pain scores of 0‐2. The majority of injections were bilateral using lidocaine with dexamethasone. Only 3% of patients reported an adverse reaction. Occipital nerve block as adjunctive therapy has shown safety and efficacy in treating patients with migraines, measured by the reduction in pain.
Bats relocate maternity colony after the natural loss of roost trees
Authors: Bondo Kristin J. , Willis Craig K. R. , Metheny Jackie D. , Kilgour R. Julia , Gillam Erin H. , Kalcounis‐Rueppell Matina C. , Brigham R. M. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the ephemerality of trees used as roosts by wildlife, and the number of roost trees needed to sustain their populations, is important for forest management and wildlife conservation. Several studies indicate that roosts are limiting to bats, but few studies have monitored longevity of roost trees used by bats over several years. From 2004–2007 in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Saskatchewan, Canada, several big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) from a maternity group roosted in cavities in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees approximately 7 km southeast away from their original known roosting area (RA1). Using a long‐term data set of the roost trees used by bats in this area from 2000–2007, we evaluated whether the movement of bats to the new roosting area (RA4) corresponded with annual and cumulative losses of roost trees. We also determined whether longevity of the roosts from the time we discovered bats first using them differed between the 2 roosting areas based on Kaplan‐Meier estimates. Bats began using RA4 in addition to RA1 in 2004, when the cumulative loss of roost trees in RA1 over 3 consecutive years reached 18%. Most bats exclusively roosted in RA4 in 2007, when the cumulative loss of roost trees over 6 consecutive years had reached 46% in RA1. Annual survival for roost trees, from when we first discovered bats using them, was generally lower in RA1 than in RA4. Our results suggest that the movement of bats to the new roosting area corresponded with high losses of roost trees in RA1. This provides additional evidence that to maintain high densities of suitable roost trees for bats in northern temperature forests over several decades, management plans need to recruit live and dead trees in multiple age classes and stages of decay that will be suitable for the formation of new cavities. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Counterion‐Switched Reversibly Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic TiO2‐Incorporated Layer‐By‐Layer Self‐Assembled Membrane for Nanofiltration
Authors: Guo Hongxia , Yu Shaocheng , Liu Tongtong , An Quan‐Fu , Ren Xiaoyan , Qin Zhenping , Liang Yucang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe manipulation of surface wettability has been regarded as an efficient strategy to improve the membrane performances. Herein, the counterion‐switched reversibly hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface of TiO2‐loaded polyelectrolyte membrane are prepared by layer‐by‐layer assembly of poly(sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(diallydimethyl‐ammoniumchloride (PDDA) containing TiO2@PDDA nanoparticles (NPs) on the hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) substrate membrane. The obtained polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) membranes [PEM‐TiO2]4.5+X− (X− = Cl−, PFO− [perfluorooctanoate] etc.) show different hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity with various counterions. The integration of TiO2 NPs obviously improves the wettability and nanofiltration (NF) performance of PEM membrane for (non)aqueous system of dyes (crystal violet, eriochrome black T) with a high recyclability. The highly hydrophilic [PEM‐TiO2]4.5+Cl− (water contact angle [WCA]: 13.2 ± 1.8°) and hydrophobic [PEM‐TiO2]4.5+PFO− (WCA: 115.4 ± 2.3°) can be reversibly switched via counterion exchange between Cl− and PFO−, verifying the surface with a reversible hydrophilic–hydrophobic transformation. For such membranes, the morphology, wettability, and NF performance rely on the loading of TiO2@PDDA NPs and surface counterion. Meanwhile, the motion and interaction of water or ethanol in the hydrophilic or hydrophobic membrane are revealed by low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance. This work provides a facile and rapid approach to fabricate smart and tunable wetting surface for potential utilization in (non)aqueous NF separation.
Age and Growth of Hardhead Catfish and Gafftopsail Catfish in Coastal Louisiana, USA
Authors: Flinn Shane , Midway Stephen , Ostrowski Andrew 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The Hardhead Catfish Ariopsis felis and Gafftopsail Catfish Bagre marinus are marine catfishes that have low recreational and commercial landings in U.S. waters, although they are among the most abundant species in coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Few biological studies exist on marine catfishes, with most studies focusing on their unique reproductive biology. This study evaluated weight–length relationships for Gafftopsail Catfish (n =264) and Hardhead Catfish (n =823) sampled from across coastal Louisiana, USA, during 2016–2018; subsamples (93 and 266, respectively) were aged using lapilli for age and growth analyses. Hardhead Catfish showed a small but significant difference in weight as a function of length between males and females, with females being slightly heavier than males at any given length. No sexual dimorphism in weight and length was observed in Gafftopsail Catfish. Ages ranged from 0 to 10 years for Gafftopsail Catfish and from 0 to 24 years for Hardhead Catfish. Both sexes of Gafftopsail Catfish attained larger maximum average sizes (asymptotic length L∞) and exhibited larger growth coefficients (k) than both sexes of Hardhead Catfish. Length at age of Hardhead Catfish in Louisiana was greater than that of Florida fish. The estimated k for Gafftopsail Catfish in Louisiana was almost three times greater than that observed in Florida, with fish reaching their L∞ rapidly compared to those in Florida. Given the increasing evidence for an equilibrium life history strategy (i.e., K strategy), the spatial differences in size at age, and the potential for increased exploitation, continued investigations into both species’ biology and life history should be undertaken.