bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterisation of new microporous Elvaloy4170 coated PVDF membrane for desalination by air gap membrane distillation
Authors: Kebria Mohammadreza Shirzad , Rahimpour Ahmad , Abedini Reza 
Published: February 2019

The demand to fabricate membranes much cheaper than usual expensive methods creates an opportunity to find low‐cost and more available modifying agents for synthesising an appropriate membrane for membrane distillation (MD) process. In this work, reactive ethylene terpolymer was applied to modify a commercial polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane for using in the desalination process. Elvaloy4170 with a hydrophobic structure containing three different functional groups was coated (different contents of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt%) on the top surface of the microporous commercial PVDF membrane and the resultant membranes were analysed under air‐gap MD process. The fabricated membrane structures were determined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to investigate their elemental and topographical properties. After experiments, the membrane with 1.5 wt% of Elvaloy4170 showed water vapour flux of 1.93 kg/m2 h and salt rejection of >99.7 which confirmed its suitability to be used in the desalination process. Moreover, to assess the anti‐fouling properties of the membranes, real seawater was used as feed solution, and as a result the membrane with 1.5 wt% of Elvaloy4170 presented flux recovery of 87% indicating its enhanced anti‐fouling properties compared with the commercial PVDF membrane (flux recovery of 71%).
Preliminary investigation of the effect of environmental humidity on the nanoscale mechanical removal of KDP crystal
Authors: Zhou Zitong , Jiang Liang , Liu Jinwei , Deng Changbang , Qian Linmao 
Published: February 2019

In this paper, the effect of environmental humidity on the mechanical removal of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal was preliminarily investigated using an environment control atomic force microscope at the nanoscale. The results reveal that the pre‐wear storage time in humid environments has nearly no impact on the removal of KDP crystal with ∼50 nm wear depth whereas the post‐wear storage time imposes remarkable influence. Moreover, the material removal volume gradually increases from 29 × 105 to 127 × 105 nm3 when the relative humidity (RH) increases from 0 to 60%. Such significant increment is mainly attributed to the synergism of mechanical force and deliquescence. More specifically, mechanical force‐enhanced deliquescence is achieved by the acceleration of the deliquescence rate in the plastic deformation zone probably due to the high concentrations of catalytically active sites for water molecules adsorption; deliquescence‐enhanced mechanical force is achieved by the formation of a thin deliquescence layer with much reduced mechanical strength and the resultant promotion of the material removal. With the increase of RH, more water molecules will be adsorbed on the KDP crystal surface, leading to the continuous mutual promotion between mechanical force and deliquescence, and thereby the material removal volume greatly increases in a high RH environment.
Kutane Lymphome – ein vielgestaltiges Krankheitsbild
Authors: Röding K. , Schrüfer P. , Grän F. , Olk J. , Ueberschaar S. , Behle V. , Kneitz H. , Goebeler M. , Wobser M. 
Published: February 2019

ZusammenfassungKutane Lymphome präsentieren sich klinisch und histologisch oftmals ungewöhnlich und stellen nicht selten eine diagnostische Herausforderung für den Dermatologen dar. In dieser Arbeit werden die vielgestaltigen Präsentationsformen der Mycosis fungoides und anderer kutaner Lymphome anhand von Fallbeispielen aus der Würzburger Spezialsprechstunde für kutane Lymphome vorgestellt und ein Überblick über die Verwechslungsmöglichkeiten mit anderen Dermatosen gegeben.
Eosinophilic esophagitis and achalasia – just a coincidence?
Authors: Frieling Thomas , Heise Jürgen , Kreysel Christian , Blank Michael , Hemmerlein Bernhard , Beccu Lothar , Kuhlbusch-Zicklam Rita 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is detected frequently in dysphagia and noncardiac chest pain. Management of patients with EoE may be complicated because EoE is associated frequently with esophageal motility disorders. We present the rare case of esophageal achalasia (EA) associated with eosinophilic infiltration and a literature review.
Material and methods A patient with dysphagia and eosinophilic infiltration referred to our clinic underwent standardized diagnostic work-up including symptom questionnaire, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with esophageal biopsies, barium swallow, high-resolution esophageal manometry, and combined intraluminal 24-hour pH-impedance testing (pH/MII).
Results The patient had an Eckardt score of 8. EGD and mucosal biopsies showed typical EoE with > 15 eosinophil leucocytes per high-power field. Barium swallow revealed typical sign of achalasia. HREM indicated EA type 2 according to the Chicago classification. PH/MII was normal. Oral and systemic corticoid therapy were without effect. After successful treatment by pneumatic dilation of the cardia, symptoms relieved and eosinophilic infiltration returned to normal.
Conclusion The results suggest that the patient had primary EA associated with eosinophilic infiltration and that the combined occurrence of these rare diseases is not just a coincidence.
Cognitive attraction and online misinformation
Authors: Acerbi Alberto 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe spread of online misinformation has gained mainstream attention in recent years. This paper approaches this phenomenon from a cultural evolution and cognitive anthropology perspective, focusing on the idea that some cultural traits can be successful because their content taps into general cognitive preferences. This research involves 260 articles from media outlets included in two authoritative lists of websites known for publishing hoaxes and ‘fake news’, tracking the presence of negative content, threat-related information, presence of sexually related material, elements associated to disgust, minimally counterintuitive elements (and a particular category of them, i.e., violations of essentialist beliefs), and social information, intended as presence of salient social interactions (e.g., gossip, cheating, formation of alliances), and as news about celebrities. The analysis shows that these features are, to a different degree, present in most texts, and thus that general cognitive inclinations may contribute to explain the success of online misinformation. This account can elucidate questions such as whether and why misinformation online is thriving more than accurate information, or the role of ‘fake news’ as a weapon of political propaganda. Online misinformation, while being an umbrella term covering many different phenomena, can be characterised, in this perspective, not as low-quality information that spreads because of the inefficiency of online communication, but as high-quality information that spreads because of its efficiency. The difference is that ‘quality’ is not equated to truthfulness but to psychological appeal.
M-Ras/Shoc2 signaling modulates E-cadherin turnover and cell–cell adhesion during collective cell migration
Authors: Kota Pradeep , Terrell Elizabeth M. , Ritt Daniel A. , Insinna Christine , Westlake Christopher J. , Morrison Deborah K. 
Published: February 2019

Significance
Noonan syndrome belongs to a group of related developmental disorders termed the RASopathies, and both the M-Ras GTPase and its effector Shoc2 are signaling proteins mutated in specific subtypes of this disorder. Previously, the M-Ras/Shoc2 complex has been shown to act as a positive regulator of growth factor-mediated ERK cascade activation, and, here, we demonstrate a function for M-Ras/Shoc2/ERK cascade signaling in the dynamic control of cell–cell adhesion that is required for collective cell migration. Given the essential role of collective cell migration in human embryogenesis and organ development, our elucidation of M-Ras/Shoc2 function in this highly regulated process may provide insight regarding the cellular basis of defects associated with Noonan syndrome and other RASopathies.
Dopamine neuron-derived IGF-1 controls dopamine neuron firing, skill learning, and exploration
Authors: Pristerà Alessandro , Blomeley Craig , Lopes Emanuel , Threlfell Sarah , Merlini Elisa , Burdakov Denis , Cragg Stephanie , Guillemot François , Ang Siew-Lan 
Published: February 2019

Significance
Midbrain dopamine neurons play a role in motivational and cognitive control of behavior. In addition, they regulate motor functions. Dysregulation of dopamine neurons has been linked to depression, schizophrenia, and addiction and their degeneration is causal to Parkinson’s disease. Peripheral hormones have been shown to regulate dopamine neurons functions. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a hormone mainly produced in the liver. With this study we discovered that midbrain dopamine neurons synthesize and release IGF-1 in an activity dependent manner. In addition, dopamine neuron-derived IGF-1 modulates dopamine synthesis and dopamine neuron firing and ultimately it controls dopamine-dependent behaviors. This study highlights the neuromodulatory role of neuron-derived IGF-1 and its role in shaping dopamine transmission in the brain.
Imbalanced nucleocytoskeletal connections create common polarity defects in progeria and physiological aging
Authors: Chang Wakam , Wang Yuexia , Luxton G. W. Gant , Östlund Cecilia , Worman Howard J. , Gundersen Gregg G. 
Published: February 2019

Significance
The rare, premature aging syndrome Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) arises from expression of a pathological prelamin A variant, termed “progerin.” Studies of progerin may identify treatments for HGPS and reveal novel cellular and molecular characteristics of normal aging. Here, we show that progerin selectively affects mobilities of three nuclear membrane proteins—SUN2, nesprin-2G, and emerin—that position the nucleus and establish cell polarity essential for migration. We find that both processes are defective in fibroblasts from children with HGPS and aged (>60 y) individuals. The mechanism underlying these defects is excessive interaction of the nucleus with microtubules. Our work identifies nuclear-based defects in cell polarization as intrinsic factors in premature and physiological aging and suggests a means for correcting them.
Ligand biological activity predicted by cleaning positive and negative chemical correlations
Authors: Lee Alpha A. , Yang Qingyi , Bassyouni Asser , Butler Christopher R. , Hou Xinjun , Jenkinson Stephen , Price David A. 
Published: February 2019

Significance
Predicting ligand biological activity is a key challenge in drug discovery. Although there is an increasing amount of activity data, a data-driven approach needs to overcome the challenge that the number of molecules known to be active or inactive is vastly less than the number of possible chemical features that might determine binding. We develop a framework using random matrix theory that discovers important chemical features by disentangling undersampling noise. This method is used to prospectively discover four experimentally confirmed agonists of the human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1, a target for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Crucially, our method is interpretable and yields prospectively validated chemical insights on the binding modes of the M1 receptor.
In utero ultrafine particulate matter exposure causes offspring pulmonary immunosuppression
Authors: Rychlik Kristal A. , Secrest Jeremiah R. , Lau Carmen , Pulczinski Jairus , Zamora Misti L. , Leal Jeann , Langley Rebecca , Myatt Louise G. , Raju Muppala , Chang Richard C.-A. , Li Yixin , Golding Michael C. , Rodrigues-Hoffmann Aline , Molina Mario J. , Zhang Renyi , Johnson Natalie M. 
Published: February 2019

Significance
Particulate matter exposure causes infant respiratory morbidity and mortality, but the role of ultrafine particles (UFPs) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 0.1 μm in asthma and respiratory tract infections is unclear. Limited mechanistic information is available concerning UFP influence on the etiology of childhood asthma or susceptibility to respiratory infections. Here we exposed two strains of mice (sensitive to oxidative stress or allergen exposure) to UFPs throughout gestation at concentrations relevant to human exposures. Our results reveal a window of pulmonary immunosuppression in offspring following in utero UFP exposure. A dampened host immune response during early development underlies increased childhood susceptibility to respiratory infections, highlighting the necessity to develop strategies to protect the fetus during this vulnerable period.
Signaling pathway of globo-series glycosphingolipids and β1,3-galactosyltransferase V (β3GalT5) in breast cancer
Authors: Chuang Po-Kai , Hsiao Michael , Hsu Tsui-Ling , Chang Chuan-Fa , Wu Chung-Yi , Chen Bo-Rui , Huang Han-Wen , Liao Kuo-Shiang , Chen Chen-Chun , Chen Chi-Long , Yang Shun-Min , Kuo Chiung Wen , Chen Peilin , Chiu Ping-Tzu , Chen I-Ju , Lai Jiann-Shiun , Yu Cheng-Der Tony , Wong Chi-Huey 
Published: February 2019

Significance
Despite great advances in therapy for breast cancer, more than half of patients still face tumor recurrence and drug resistance. Therefore, a better understanding of tumor progression and drug resistance is needed for developing next-generation therapies. Here, we report the role of galactosyltransferase β3GalT5, a key enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of SSEA3 which is then converted to SSEA4 and Globo-H. We demonstrated that knockdown of β3GalT5 would destruct the complex formation of SSEA3/SSEA4/Globo-H with FAK/CAV1/AKT/RIP and cause the dissociation of RIP from the complex to interact with FADD, thus triggering cancer cell apoptosis and suppressing metastasis. These findings provide a strategy of therapeutics for breast cancer as demonstrated by the combination use of antibodies against Globo-H and SSEA4.
The neonatal Fc receptor is a pan-echovirus receptor
Authors: Morosky Stefanie , Wells Alexandra I. , Lemon Kathryn , Evans Azia S. , Schamus Sandra , Bakkenist Christopher J. , Coyne Carolyn B. 
Published: February 2019

SignificanceEchoviruses are associated with aseptic meningitis and induce severe and sometimes fatal disease in neonates and young infants. Here, we identify the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) as a pan-echovirus receptor. FcRn is expressed on the surface of the human placenta, and throughout life on intestinal enterocytes, liver hepatocytes, and in the microvascular endothelial cells that line the blood–brain barrier. This pattern of expression is consistent with the organ sites targeted by echoviruses in humans, as the primary entry site of infection is the intestinal and secondary sites of infection include the liver and brain. These findings provide important insights into echovirus pathogenesis and may explain the enhanced susceptibility of neonates to echovirus-induced disease.
Error estimates for Arnoldi–Tikhonov regularization for ill-posed operator equations
Authors: Ramlau Ronny , Reichel Lothar 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Most of the literature on the solution of linear ill-posed operator equations, or their discretization, focuses only on the infinite-dimensional setting or only on the solution of the algebraic linear system of equations obtained by discretization. This paper discusses the influence of the discretization error on the computed solution. We consider the situation when the discretization used yields an algebraic linear system of equations with a large matrix. An approximate solution of this system is computed by first determining a reduced system of fairly small size by carrying out a few steps of the Arnoldi process. Tikhonov regularization is applied to the reduced problem and the regularization parameter is determined by the discrepancy principle. Errors incurred in each step of the solution process are discussed. Computed examples illustrate the error bounds derived.
Outbreak of Foodborne Botulism Associated With Prepackaged Pouches of Liquid Herbal Tea
Authors: Kim Moon , Zahn Matt , Reporter Roshan , Askar Ziad , Green Nicole , Needham Michael , Rosen Hilary , Kimura Akiko , Terashita Dawn 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
In 2017, local public health authorities in California received reports of 2 elderly patients with suspected botulism who knew each other socially. A multijurisdictional investigation was conducted to determine the source.

Methods
Investigators reviewed medical records, interviewed family to establish food and drink histories, and inspected a facility that produced liquid herbal tea. Clinical specimens and product were tested for botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT).

Results
A total of 2 confirmed botulism cases were identified with BoNT type A; both were hospitalized, 1 died. Botulism was not suspected until several days after hospital admission. Case-patients ingested single-serving prepackaged liquid herbal tea. Inspection of the tea production facility identified conditions conducive to product contamination with C botulinum and toxin production. Samples of tea tested negative for botulinum toxin. Local and state public health authorities issued alerts and the facility recalled the liquid herbal tea.

Conclusions
Liquid herbal tea prepackaged in sealed pouches was the likely source of this type A botulism outbreak because the 2 cases were linked socially and shared no other foods. This type of product has not previously been described in the foodborne botulism literature. In the absence of known risk factors for botulism at the time of presentation, suspicion based on clinically compatible findings is critical so that and treatment with botulinum antitoxin is not delayed. A coordinated response by public health authorities is necessary in identifying a potential food source, inspecting facilities producing the product, alerting medical providers and the public, and preventing further illness.
Racial Disparities in Virologic Failure and Tolerability During Firstline HIV Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Bhagwat Priya , Kapadia Shashi N , Ribaudo Heather J , Gulick Roy M , Currier Judith S 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
Racial/ethnic disparities in HIV outcomes have persisted despite effective antiretroviral therapy. In a study of initial regimens, we found viral suppression varied by race/ethnicity. In this exploratory analysis, we use clinical and socioeconomic data to assess factors associated with virologic failure and adverse events within racial/ethnic groups.

Methods
Data were from AIDS Clinical Trial Group A5257, a randomized trial of initial regimens with either atazanavir/ritonavir, darunavir/ritonavir, or raltegravir (each combined with tenofovir DF and emtricitabine). We grouped participants by race/ethnicity and then used Cox-proportional hazards regression to examine the impact of demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors on the time to virologic suppression and time to adverse event reporting within each racial/ethnic group.

Results
We analyzed data from 1762 participants: 757 self-reported as non-Hispanic black (NHB), 615 as non-Hispanic white (NHW), and 390 as Hispanic. The proportion with virologic failure was higher for NHB (22%) and Hispanic (17%) participants compared with NHWs (9%). Factors associated with virologic failure were poor adherence and higher baseline HIV RNA level. Prior clinical AIDS diagnosis was associated with virologic failure for NHBs only, and unstable housing and illicit drug use for NHWs only. Factors associated with adverse events were female sex in all groups and concurrent use of medications for comorbidities in NHB and Hispanic participants only.

Conclusions
Clinical and socioeconomic factors that are associated with virologic failure and tolerability of antiretroviral therapy vary between and within racial and ethnic groups. Further research may shed light into mechanisms leading to disparities and targeted strategies to eliminate those disparities.
Awake Surgical Management of Third Ventricular Tumors: A Preliminary Safety, Feasibility, and Clinical Applications Study
Authors: Chakravarthi Srikant S , Kassam Amin B , Fukui Melanie B , Monroy-Sosa Alejandro , Rothong Nichelle , Cunningham Joseph , Jennings Jonathan E , Guenther Neil , Connelly Jeremy , Kaemmerer Tobias , Nash Kenneth C , Lindsay Mark , Rissell Janie , Celix Juanita M , Rovin Richard A 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Endoscopic and microneurosurgical approaches to third ventricular lesions are commonly performed under general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE
To report our initial experience with awake transsulcal parafascicular corridor surgery (TPCS) of the third ventricle and its safety, feasibility, and limitations.

METHODS
A total of 12 cases are reviewed: 6 colloid cysts, 2 central neurocytomas, 1 papillary craniopharyngioma, 1 basal ganglia glioblastoma, 1 thalamic glioblastoma, and 1 ependymal cyst. Lesions were approached using TPCS through the superior frontal sulcus. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative neurocognitive (NC) testing were performed on all patients.

RESULTS
No cases required conversion to general anesthesia. Awake anesthesia changed intraoperative management in 4/12 cases with intraoperative cognitive changes that required port re-positioning; 3/4 recovered. Average length of stay (LOS) was 6.1 d ± 6.6. Excluding 3 outliers who had preoperative NC impairment, the average LOS was 2.5 d ± 1.2. Average operative time was 3.00 h ± 0.44. Average awake anesthesia time was 5.05 h ± 0.54. There were no mortalities.

CONCLUSION
This report demonstrated the feasibility and safety of awake third ventricular surgery, and was not limited by pathology, size, or vascularity. The most significant factor impacting LOS was preoperative NC deficit. The most significant risk factor predicting a permanent NC deficit was preoperative 2/3 domain impairment combined with radiologic evidence of invasion of limbic structures – defined as a “NC resilience/reserve” in our surgical algorithm. Larger efficacy studies will be required to demonstrate the validity of the algorithm and impact on long-term cognitive outcomes, as well as generalizability of awake TPCS for third ventricular surgery.