bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long term results of down-staging and liver transplantation for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the conventional criteria
Authors: Ravaioli Matteo , Odaldi Federica , Cucchetti Alessandro , Trevisani Franco , Piscaglia Fabio , De Pace Vanessa , Bertuzzo Valentina Rosa , Neri Flavia , Golfieri Rita , Cappelli Alberta , D’Errico Antonietta , Cescon Matteo , Del Gaudio Massimo , Fallani Guido , Siniscalchi Antonio , Morelli Maria Cristina , Ciccarese Francesca , Di Marco Maria , Farinati Fabio , Giannini Edoardo Giovanni , Pinna Antonio Daniele 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe objective of the study is to evaluate 10 years of down-staging strategy for liver transplantation (LT) with a median follow-up of 5 years. Data on long-term results are poor and less information is available for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) non-responder patients or those ineligible for down-staging. The outcome of 308 HCC candidates and the long-term results of 231 LTs for HCC performed between 2003 and 2013 were analyzed. HCCs were divided according to tumor stage and response to therapy: 145 patients were T2 (metering Milan Criteria, MC), 43 were T3 successfully down-staged to T2 (Down-Achieved), 20 were T3 not fully down-staged to T2 (Down-not Achieved), and 23 patients were T3 not receiving down-staging treatments (No-Down). The average treatment effect (ATE) of LT for T3 tumors was estimated using the outcome of 535 T3 patients undergoing non-LT therapies, using inverse probability weighting regression adjustment. The 24-month drop-out rate during waiting time was significantly higher in the down-staging groups: 27.6% vs. 9.2%, p < 0.005. After LT, the tumor recurrence rate was significantly different: MC 7.6%, Down-Achieved 20.9%, Down-not Achieved 31.6%, and No-Down 30.4% (p < 0.001). The survival rates at 5 years were: 63% in Down-Achieved, 62% in Down-not Achieved, 63% in No-Down, and 77% in MC (p = n.s.). The only variable related to a better outcome was the effective down-staging to T2 at the histological evaluation of the explanted liver: recurrence rate = 7.8% vs. 26% (p < 0.001) and 5-year patient survival = 76% vs. 67% (p < 0.05). The ATE estimation showed that the mean survival of T3-LT candidates was significantly better than that of T3 patients ineligible for LT [83.3 vs 39.2 months (+44.6 months); p < 0.001]. Long term outcome of T3 down-staged candidates was poorer than that of MC candidates, particularly for cases not achieving down-staging. However, their survival outcome was significantly better than that achieved with non-transplant therapies.
Structure-function relationship of a citrus salicylate methylesterase and role of salicylic acid in citrus canker resistance
Authors: Lima Silva Caio Cesar de , Shimo Hugo Massayoshi , de Felício Rafael , Mercaldi Gustavo Fernando , Rocco Silvana Aparecida , Benedetti Celso Eduardo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSalicylic acid (SA) and its methyl ester, methyl salicylate (MeSA) are well known inducers of local and systemic plant defense responses, respectively. MeSA is a major mediator of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and its conversion back into SA is thought to be required for SAR. In many plant species, conversion of MeSA into SA is mediated by MeSA esterases of the SABP2 family. Here we show that the Citrus sinensis SABP2 homologue protein CsMES1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of MeSA into SA. Molecular modeling studies suggest that CsMES1 shares the same structure and SA-binding mode with tobacco SABP2. However, an amino acid polymorphism in the active site of CsMES1-related proteins suggested an important role in enzyme regulation. We present evidence that the side chain of this polymorphic residue directly influences enzyme activity and SA binding affinity in CsMES proteins. We also show that SA and CsMES1 transcripts preferentially accumulate during the incompatible interaction between Xanthomonas aurantifolii pathotype C and sweet orange plants. Moreover, we demonstrate that SA and MeSA inhibited citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri, whereas an inhibitor of CsMES1 enhanced canker formation, suggesting that CsMES1 and SA play a role in the local defense against citrus canker bacteria.
Application of a Flow-Based Hollow-Fiber Co-Culture System to Study Cellular Influences under Hyperglycemic Conditions
Authors: Ebrahim Abdul Shukkur , Carion Thomas W. , Strand Eliisa , Young Laura A. , Shi Haoshen , Berger Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractElucidation of the basic mechanisms underlying human disease pathogenesis depends on the findings afforded to us through in vivo and in vitro approaches. While there are inherent limitations in any model system, 2D in vitro culture systems tend to be particularly restricted due to their static nature. Here, we adapted a flow-based hollow-fiber cartridge system to better understand the cellular influences of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells and mouse-derived neutrophils under high glucose conditions similar to those observed in diabetes. Analyses by western blot and flow cytometry indicate that pro-inflammatory molecules known to be associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy were significantly elevated following high glucose exposure, including VEGF, ICAM-1, and ROS. Changes in mitochondrial potential were also observed. Further, we demonstrate that this innovative system allows for cross-species co-culture as well as long-term culturing conditions. This in vitro modeling system not only mimics the retinal microvasculature, it also allows for the examination of cellular interactions and mechanisms that contribute to diabetic retinopathy, a visually debilitating complication of diabetes.
Development of a novel short 12-meric papiliocin-derived peptide that is effective against Gram-negative sepsis
Authors: Kim Jieun , Jacob Binu , Jang Mihee , Kwak Chulhee , Lee Yeongjoon , Son Kkabi , Lee Sujin , Jung In Duk , Jeong Myeong Seon , Kwon Seung-Hae , Kim Yangmee 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe development of novel peptide antibiotics with potent activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and anti-septic activity is urgently needed. In this study, we designed short, 12-meric antimicrobial peptides by substituting amino acids from the N-terminal 12 residues of the papiliocin (Pap12-1) peptide to alter cationicity and amphipathicity and improve antibacterial activity and bacterial membrane interactions. Pap12-6, with an amphipathic α-helical structure and Trp12 at the C-terminus, showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, especially against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Dye leakage, membrane depolarization, and electron microscopy data proved that Pap12-6 kills bacteria by permeabilizing the bacterial membrane. Additionally, Pap12-6 significantly reduced the secretion of NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 and secreted alkaline phosphatase reporter gene activity confirmed that Pap12-6 shows anti-inflammatory activity via a TLR4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. In a mouse sepsis model, Pap12-6 significantly improved survival, reduced bacterial growth in organs, and reduced LPS and inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum and organs. Pap12-6 showed minimal cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells and controlled liver and kidney damage, proving its high bacterial selectivity. Our results suggest that Pap12-6 is a promising peptide antibiotic for the therapeutic treatment of Gram-negative sepsis via dual bactericidal and immunomodulatory effects on the host.
Long-term Use of Clozapine is Protective for Bone Density in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Lin Chieh-Hsin , Lin Chun-Yuan , Wang Hong-Song , Lane Hsien-Yuan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLow bone mineral density (BMD) prevails among patients with schizophrenia. Antipsychotics use plays an important role in BMD. Previous cross-section study suggests that clozapine treatment may benefit BMD of women with schizophrenia. However, the effect of long-term clozapine therapy on BMD remains unknown. This prospective study compared clozapine and non-clozapine antipsychotics in long-term effects on BMD among both men and women with schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia and age-matched healthy individuals were enrolled from two centers. All patients, including clozapine receivers and non-clozapine antipsychotics recipients, kept clinically stable with unchanged antipsychotics and doses for at least 6 months at enrollment and during the follow-up period. BMD was examined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer upon enrollment and at 1- or 3-year follow-up. Thorough clinical and laboratory variables were measured too. The mean BMD of patients receiving clozapine was higher than that of the non-clozapine patients at both enrollment and follow-up. Overall, the patients in the clozapine group gained BMD, while those in the non-clozapine group lost BMD after 1–3 years (p = 0.015). There was no significant difference of BMD change between clozapine-treated patients and healthy controls. Factors associated with BMD change in the clozapine group included calcium level (B = −0.607, p = 0.021) and T3 level (B = −0.077, p = 0.007). This longitudinal study suggests that long-term clozapine treatment may protect BMD compared to prolactin-raising and non-clozapine prolactin-sparing antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia. Future prospective studies are warranted to testify whether switching from non-clozapine antipsychotics to clozapine can rescue BMD.
Research on the Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with two independent sources
Authors: Wang Si , Liu Chen-Xi , Li Jian , Wang Qin 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we carry out investigation on the HOM interference between two independent photons by using interference filters with different bandwidth both in theory and experiment. Our experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions. From the experimental and theoretical results, we find that interference filters with a narrower bandwidth can help to give a larger coherence length, due to the broadening of photon wave-packet in the spatial domain, resulting in an higher interference visibility. Furthermore, a combination of interference filters with different bandwidths may help to achieve a nice balance between coincidence counting rate and interference visibility. Our present work might provide valuable reference for further implementation of HOM interference in the field of quantum information.
Soil carbon is a useful surrogate for conservation planning in developing nations
Authors: Peri Pablo L. , Lasagno Romina G. , Martínez Pastur Guillermo , Atkinson Rachel , Thomas Evert , Ladd Brenton 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDefining the optimal placement of areas for biodiversity conservation in developing nations remains a significant challenge. Our best methods for spatially targeting potential locations for biodiversity conservation rely heavily on extensive georeferenced species observation data which is often incomplete or lacking in developing nations. One possible solution is the use of surrogates that enable site assessments of potential biodiversity values which use either indicator taxa or abiotic variables, or both. Among the plethora of abiotic variables, soil carbon has previously been identified as a potentially powerful predictor for threatened biodiversity, but this has not yet been confirmed with direct observational data. Here we assess the potential value of soil carbon for spatial prediction of threatened species using direct measurements as well as a wide range of GIS derived abiotic values as surrogates for threatened plant species in the PEBANPA network of permanent plots in Southern Patagonia. We find that soil carbon significantly improves the performance of a biodiversity surrogate elaborated using abiotic variables to predict the presence of threatened species. Soil carbon could thus help to prioritize sites in conservation planning. Further, the results suggest that soil carbon on its own can be a much better surrogate than other abiotic variables when prioritization of sites for conservation are calibrated on increasingly small sets of observation plots. We call for the inclusion of soil carbon data in the elaboration of surrogates used to optimize conservation investments in the developing world.
Ultra compact electrochemical metallization cells offering reproducible atomic scale memristive switching
Authors: Cheng Bojun , Emboras Alexandros , Salamin Yannick , Ducry Fabian , Ma Ping , Fedoryshyn Yuriy , Andermatt Samuel , Luisier Mathieu , Leuthold Juerg 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHere we show electrochemical metallization cells with compact dimensions, excellent electrical performance, and reproducible characteristics. An advanced technology platform has been developed to obtain Ag/SiO2/Pt devices with ultra-scaled footprints (15 × 15 nm2), inter-electrode distances down to 1 nm, and a transition from the OFF to ON resistance state relying on the relocation of only few atoms. This technology permits a well-controlled metallic filament formation in a highly confined field at the apex of an atomic scale tip. As a consequence of this miniaturization process, we achieve set voltages around 100 mV, ultra-fast switching times of 7.5 ns, and write energies of 18 fJ. Furthermore, we demonstrate very good cell-to-cell uniformity and a resistance extinction ratio as high as 6 · 105. Combined ab-initio quantum transport simulations and experiments suggest that the manufactured structures exhibit reduced self-heating effects due to their lower dimensions, making them very promising candidates as next-generation (non-)volatile memory components.
The regulatory effects of miR-138-5p on selenium deficiency-induced chondrocyte apoptosis are mediated by targeting SelM
Authors: Chi Qianru , Luan Yilin , Zhang Yiming , Hu Xueyuan , Li Shu 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Apoptosis is a common paradigm of cell death and plays a key role in cartilage damage and selenium (Se) deficiency. Selenoproteins play major roles in determining the biological effects of Se, and are potentially involved in the pathophysiological processes in bone tissue. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Based on the preliminary results, the expression of selenoprotein M (SelM) was significantly decreased (69%) in chicken cartilage tissues with Se deficiency, and we subsequently screened and verified that SelM is one of the target genes of miR-138-5p in chicken cartilage using a dual luciferase reporter assay and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The expression of miR-138-5p was increased in response to Se deficiency, and the overexpression of miR-138-5p increased caspase-3, caspase-9, BAX and BAK levels, while the BCL-2 level was decreased, suggesting that miR-138-5p induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in vivo and in vitro. We explored whether oxidative stress, mitochondrial fission and fusion, and energy metabolism might trigger apoptosis to obtain an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of miR-138-5p on Se deficiency-induced apoptosis in cartilage. The levels of indicators of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dynamics and energy metabolism were changed as well. This study confirmed that SelM is one of the target genes of miR-138-5p, and the overexpression of miR-138-5p induced by Se deficiency triggered oxidative stress, an imbalance in mitochondrial fission and fusion, and energy metabolism dysfunction. Therefore, miR-138-5p is involved in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway via targeting SelM in chicken chondrocytes.
Social–Cognitive and Speech Sound Production Abilities of Minimally Verbal Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Biller Maysoon F. , Johnson Cynthia J. 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
To date, there has been a dearth of systematic research that examines both social–cognitive (SC) and speech sound production (SSP) abilities simultaneously in minimally verbal (MV) children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Such an analysis would allow a unified and comprehensive view of the children's communication abilities. The purpose of this study was to develop detailed descriptive profiles of MV children with ASD and uncover patterns in their SC and SSP abilities that may pertain to spoken language.

Method
This study was a descriptive, multiple clinical case study that examined 5 MV children with ASD, 4 boys and 1 girl, aged 3–6 years. The case studies consisted of demographic information, parent report, and formal and informal assessment of the children. Four SC abilities and 3 SSP abilities were assessed.

Results

The 5 children's SC score, SSP score, and number of spoken words were converted to
z
scores. This analysis revealed 2 different patterns of development: 3 of the children had lower SC than SSP abilities, and 2 of the children had the reverse pattern.

Conclusions
The 5 children were low in both SC and SSP abilities. Although both domains were low, the measure that coincided most with spoken vocabulary among the 5 children was their SSP abilities. Specifically, the children had difficulty in demonstrating emerging control of the onset of voicing for specific speech sounds and verbal imitation of single speech sounds and syllables. Clinical implications of simultaneously assessing and treating SC and SSP abilities in MV children are discussed.
Evidence to Support Improved Outcomes for Older Adults From Dual-Task Training Through Interprofessional Collaboration
Authors: Milliken Lisa , Sullivan Neely 
Published: March 2019

Purpose
By implementing a plan of care that can simulate dual-task activities carried out in daily life, is it possible to reduce or even avoid functional decline due to aging? Research has illustrated that cognition and executive functioning largely determines how independent someone can be as well as many aspects of their quality of life. Studies have shown that, as people age, cognition and executive functioning predicts one's chance of falling, ability to participate in meaningful life activities, and other aspects of function. One area of promise for interprofessional collaboration (between speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy) is that of dual-tasking to simultaneously target improved outcomes for older adults.

Method
A state-of-the-art review was conducted for research published on dual-task interventions for older adults from November 2012 through November 2017. Twelve research articles were reviewed and revealed evidence-based dual-task interventions for older adults that were positive for supporting interprofessional collaborative dual-task training for improved clinical outcomes.

Results and Conclusion
This research examined if dual-task training was recommended for an aging client population. The findings reinforced the need for additional research and adaptation of evidence-based dual-task training in therapy interventions.
Wireless power transfer based on current non‐linear PT‐symmetry principle
Authors: Dong Wenjie , Li Changsheng , Zhang He , Ding Libo 
Published: March 2019

In this study, the authors propose a novel circuit topology based on the current non‐linear parity‐time (PT)‐symmetry principle. The exact analytical solutions of transfer efficiency and resonant frequency are deduced, a state switching phenomenon is observed, and the mathematical expression of the critical coupling coefficient (κc) corresponding to the state switching point is provided. When the coupling coefficient (κ) is ≥κc, the system has two real frequencies and can maintain near 100% transfer efficiency theoretically. When κ < κc, the system has only one real frequency, and the transfer efficiency attenuates rapidly. The correctness of the theoretical model is verified by simulation and experiment. Results show that when the distance between the two coils (38 cm in diameter) varies from 10 to 42.5 cm, the transfer efficiency remains ∼95%, without the need for any tuning. Theoretical analysis and experimental verification show that κc increases when the load resistance increases and the natural resonant frequency or the self‐inductance of the Rx coil decreases. Furthermore, the system can maintain the equivalent current of the Tx and Rx circuits when κ ≥ κc, which is convenient for controlling the circuit current, and suitable for the case of small load and large current.
Framing effects on public support for carbon capture and storage
Authors: Whitmarsh Lorraine , Xenias Dimitrios , Jones Christopher R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCarbon Capture and Storage (CCS) involves trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) from power generation and heavy industrial processes and directing it into long-term geological storage (e.g., in depleted oil fields or saline aquifers). In doing so, CCS could facilitate global carbon abatement efforts. Yet, it remains controversial with high-profile public opposition to particular CCS developments. For instrumental, normative and substantive reasons, it is increasingly recognised that public acceptance of CCS as a vital precondition for its commercial-scale rollout. While much is known about factors influencing public support for CCS, relatively few cross-national studies have so far been undertaken. Here, we present findings from a large-scale international experimental study of public perceptions of CCS, to examine how individual, geographical and informational factors influence support for CCS. In particular, we compare the lens through which CCS is seen – as a ‘techno-fix’ climate change solution, as reusing a waste product (through Carbon Dioxide Utilisation [CDU]), or as part of a systemic approach to climate change mitigation. Pairing CCS with CDU led to higher support for CCS, although information frames interacted with national and individual-level factors. Depending on which CCS lens is chosen, different groups will be more or less likely to support CCS implementation. As with other issues, targeting CCS information to audience values is likely to be more effective than untargeted communication. Our findings also show mentioning (modest) costs of deploying CCS can lead to lower support. Discussing CCS costs should be done in the context of costs of broader energy system transformation and of not mitigating climate change so that the public can deliberate over the relative risks and benefits of CCS and alternatives in the context of broader sustainability pathways.