bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Guided Cell Attachment via Aligned Electrospinning of Glycopolymers
Authors: Liu Renjie , Becer Caglar Remzi , Screen Hazel R. C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe creation of biomaterials with aligned fibers offers broad applications in tissue regeneration, guiding cell organization and physiological cues, and providing appropriate mechanical properties for many biomedical applications. Herein, for the first time, highly aligned electrospun membranes are designed and developed using glycopolymers. The membranes retain the strong mechanical properties of polycaprolactone, and fiber alignment facilitates the creation of anisotropic mechanical properties, enabling failure stress to be manipulated by an order of magnitude relative to randomly ordered fibers. Biocompatibility and cell attachment in these materials are characterized using tenocytes as a cell model. Both random and aligned fiber glycopolymers show promising biocompatibility, but aligned glycopolymer fibers additionally offer patterning to guide cell organization. These materials potentially provide a novel platform for tissue regeneration studies, demonstrating that the sugar–lectin interaction can produce materials capable of managing cell guidance.
Crystalline CO2‐Based Aliphatic Polycarbonates with Long Alkyl Chains
Authors: Kunze Lena , Wolfs Jonas , Verkoyen Patrick , Frey Holger 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCarbon dioxide (CO2) is an easily available, renewable carbon source and can be utilized as a comonomer in the catalytic ring‐opening polymerization of epoxides to generate aliphatic polycarbonates. Dodecyl glycidyl ether (DDGE) is copolymerized with CO2 and propylene oxide (PO) to obtain aliphatic poly(dodecyl glycidyl ether carbonate) and poly(propylene carbonate‐co‐dodecyl glycidyl ether carbonate) copolymers, respectively. The polymerization proceeds at 30 °C and high CO2 pressure utilizing the established binary catalytic system (R,R)‐Co(salen)Cl/[PPN]Cl. The copolymers with varying DDGE:PO ratios are characterized via NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and SEC, exhibiting high molecular weights between 11 400 and 37 900 g mol−1 with dispersities (Ð = M
w/M
n) in the range of 1.37–1.61. Copolymers with T
gs of −11 °C or T
ms from 5 to 15 °C and thermal decomposition >200 °C depending on the comonomer ratio, are obtained as determined by differential scanning calorimetry/TGA.
Polylactide‐Based Amphiphilic Block Copolymers: Crystallization‐Induced Self‐Assembly and Stereocomplexation
Authors: Noack Sebastian , Schanzenbach Dirk , Koetz Joachim , Schlaad Helmut 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aqueous self‐assembly behavior of a series of poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(l‐/d‐lactide) block copolymers and corresponding stereocomplexes is examined by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Block copolymers assemble into spherical micelles and worm‐like aggregates at room temperature, whereby the fraction of the latter seemingly increases with decreasing lactide weight fraction or hydrophobicity. The formation of the worm‐like aggregates arises from the crystallization of the polylactide by which the spherical micelles become colloidally unstable and fuse epitaxically with other micelles. The self‐assembly behavior of the stereocomplex aggregates is found to be different from that of the block copolymers, resulting in rather irregular‐shaped clusters of spherical micelles and pearl‐necklace‐like structures.
Clinical whole‐exome sequencing results impact medical management
Authors: Niguidula Nancy , Alamillo Christina , Shahmirzadi Mowlavi Layla , Powis Zöe , Cohen Julie S. , Farwell Hagman Kelly D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical diagnostic whole‐exome sequencing (WES) is a powerful tool for patients with undiagnosed genetic disorders. To demonstrate the clinical utility, we surveyed healthcare providers (HCP) about changes in medical management and treatment, diagnostic testing, reproductive planning, and use of educational services subsequent to WES testing.MethodsFor a period of 18 months, an 18‐question survey was sent to HCPs attached to the WES reports. We analyzed the molecular diagnosis, patient clinical features, and the medical management changes reported in the returned surveys.ResultsA total of 62 (2.2% of 2,876) surveys were returned, consisting of 37.1% patients with a positive or likely positive pathogenic alteration, 51.6% negative results, 9.7% uncertain findings, and 1 patient (1.6%) with a novel candidate finding. Overall, 100% of the HCPs of patients with positive or likely positive WES results (n = 23) and HCPs of patients with uncertain WES results (n = 6) responded positively to one of the 18 queries. Of note, 37.5% of the HCPs of patients with negative WES results (n = 32) responded positively to at least one query.ConclusionOverall, these data clearly demonstrate the clinical utility of WES by demonstrating the impact on medical management irrespective of the exome result.
Mandatory Access Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs and Prescription Drug Abuse
Authors: Grecu Anca M. , Dave Dhaval M. , Saffer Henry 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDespite the significant cost of prescription (Rx) drug abuse and calls from policymakers for effective interventions, there is limited research on the effects of policies intended to limit such abuse. This study estimates the effects of prescription drug monitoring (PDMP) programs, which constitute a key policy targeting access to non‐medical use of Rx drugs. Based on objective indicators of abuse as measured by substance abuse treatment admissions and mortality related to Rx drugs, estimates do not suggest any substantial effects of instituting an operational PDMP. We find, however, that mandatory‐access provisions, which raised PDMP utilization rates by actually requiring providers to query the PDMP prior to prescribing a controlled drug, are significantly associated with a reduction in Rx drug abuse. The effects are driven primarily by a reduction in opioid abuse, generally strongest among young adults (ages 18 to 24), and underscore important dynamics in the policy response. Robustness checks are consistent with a causal interpretation of these effects. We also assess potential spillovers of mandatory PDMPs on the use of other illicit drugs and find a complementary reduction in admissions related to cocaine and marijuana abuse.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in chemotherapy‐induced aplasia in children with high‐risk acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplasia
Authors: Kussman Ashleigh , Shyr David , Hale Gregory , Oshrine Benjamin , Petrovic Aleksandra 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRelapse remains the most common cause of treatment failure after hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia. Inability to achieve hematologic complete remission has been a barrier to transplant for patients with refractory disease. We describe six children with refractory myeloid disease undergoing transplant in chemotherapy‐induced aplasia, as a strategy to facilitate curative therapy in refractory patients. Clofarabine‐ or high‐dose cytarabine‐based chemotherapy regimens were used to achieve marrow aplasia, followed by reduced‐intensity conditioning and allogeneic transplant before hematologic recovery. Long‐term disease control was achieved in five, with one transplant‐related mortality, suggesting the feasibility of this approach.
Development of pediatric oncology supportive care indicators: Evaluation of febrile neutropenia care in the north of the Netherlands
Authors: ten Berg Sanne , Loeffen Erik A. H. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , Martens Daniëlle H. J. , van Ede Carla M. , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Tissing Wim J. E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionFebrile neutropenia (FN) is a common complication of the intensive treatment strategies used in pediatric oncology. By close adherence to high‐quality guidelines, which can be evaluated by indicators, the burden of FN can potentially be reduced.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were tripartite—(1) to develop structure, process, and outcome indicators, (2) to evaluate the implementation of the Dutch Childhood Oncology Group (DCOG) guideline on FN, and (3) to produce baseline measures on local quality of FN care (in the north of the Netherlands).MethodsSeven indicators derived from the DCOG guideline were developed. Regarding structure indicators, we gathered information from all local centers providing care for children with cancer (n = 9). Regarding process and outcome indicators, we collected individual patient data from one academic and two shared‐care hospitals. Children (<18 years) were included if they had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014 or 2015 and had suffered from FN.ResultsSix out of nine hospitals used the DCOG guideline on FN and three hospitals used an outdated supportive care handbook. Regarding individual patient data, we included 119 FN episodes in 59 patients. All FN episodes without focus were initially treated with guideline‐based antibiotics. Of all FN episodes, 18.5% resulted in intensive care unit (ICU) admittance. Cumulative incidence of death during FN was 1.74%.ConclusionAdherence to the DCOG guideline at the individual patient level was excellent. However, indicators concerning mortality and ICU admittances showed that FN still has devastating consequences. Subsequently, we will implement these indicators nationwide in order to improve FN care.
Dark Proteins Important for Cellular Function
Authors: Schafferhans Andrea , O'Donoghue Seán I. , Heinzinger Michael , Rost Burkhard 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDespite substantial and successful projects for structural genomics, many proteins remain for which neither experimental structures nor homology‐based models are known for any part of the amino acid sequence. These have been called "dark proteins," in contrast to non‐dark proteins, in which at least part of the sequence has a known or inferred structure. It has been hypothesized that non‐dark proteins may be more abundantly expressed than dark proteins, which are known to have much fewer sequence relatives. Surprisingly, the opposite has been observed: human dark and non‐dark proteins had quite similar levels of expression, in terms of both mRNA and protein abundance. Such high levels of expression strongly indicate that dark proteins—as a group—are important for cellular function. This is remarkable, given how carefully structural biologists have focused on proteins crucial for function, and highlights the important challenge posed by dark proteins in future research.
The Platelet Releasate is Altered in Human Pregnancy
Authors: Szklanna Paulina B. , Parsons Martin E. , Wynne Kieran , O'Connor Hugh , Egan Karl , Allen Seamus , Ní Áinle Fionnuala , Maguire Patricia B. 
Published: October 2018

PurposeHealthy pregnancy is characterized by an increase in platelet activation and a decrease in the number of circulating platelets with gestation. Despite this recognized importance, proteomic studies investigating platelets in healthy pregnancy have not been performed. As platelet cargo can be altered in different conditions, it is hypothesized that platelets may store a relevant and bespoke collection of molecules during pregnancy.Experimental designComparative label‐free quantitative proteomic profiling of platelet releasates (PRs) is performed from 18 healthy pregnant and 13 non‐pregnant women using an MS/MS approach.ResultsOf the 723 proteins identified, 69 PR proteins are found to be differentially released from platelets in pregnancy, including proteins only expressed during pregnancy such as pregnancy‐specific glycoproteins and human placental lactogen. Moreover, the population of exosomal vesicles present in the PR is also modified in pregnancy. Receiver operating characteristic analysis shows the predictive ability of 11 PR proteins to distinctly classify pregnant and nonpregnant women with an area under the curve of 0.876, a sensitivity of 88.9%, and a specificity of 84.6%.Conclusions and clinical relevanceTaken together this demonstrates that platelets and their released cargo are ‘educated’ in physiologic stressful conditions such as pregnancy and may represent a promising platform to study pregnancy complications.
A framework based on Twitter and big data analytics to enhance sustainability performance
Authors: Queiroz Maciel M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study presents two environmental frameworks based on Twitter and the big data analytics approach. This research aims to provide novel frameworks for the use of environmental decision makers, practitioners, and scholars to enhance environmental management and sustainability performance. An example of framework utilization is supplied with a case study of the hashtag #CleanerProduction.
Carbon footprint of transportation habits in a Brazilian university
Authors: Barros Murillo Vetroni , da Silva Barbara Pavão Apolinário , Piekarski Cassiano Moro , da Luz Leila Mendes , Yoshino Rui Tadashi , Tesser Daniel Poletto 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCurrently, atmospheric emissions coming from industry and means of transportation are expanding at a fast pace across the globe. This study aims to measure the carbon footprint of the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR) Ponta Grossa Campus, in terms of the means of transportation used by instructors and students on their commutes between their homes and the university. A survey was applied within the academic community to obtain transportation data. Data were generated using the Umberto NXT Universal software, along with a life‐cycle assessment analysis, using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards ISO 14040, 14044, and the Ecoinvent 3 database. The results show that 90.67% of instructors travel to the university in their cars, which contributes to a high carbon footprint potential; that is, an emission of 51.91 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2equiv.) per month per instructor. For students, the emission is 6.97 kg CO2equiv. into the atmosphere per month per individual for those students who use the bus, as 63.32% of the university's students use public transportation to get around. In this way, the study provides a lesson regarding the environmental impact of the academic community, and it generates knowledge and aims at a more sustainable future by reducing environmental impacts through the means of transport that people choose to use.
Teaching the Key Traits of Expository Nonfiction With Children's Books
Authors: Stewart Melissa , Young Terrell A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo craft engaging nonfiction prose, young writers should focus on a specific idea or concept of interest and use acclaimed children's books as mentor texts to help them understand options for developing their ideas. In this article, the authors provide examples of high‐quality children's nonfiction for exploring various formats and text structures and for developing effective expressive voice and rich language—all craft techniques associated with excellent expository informational writing and consistent with the Common Core State Standards. Specific discussion questions and activities are included.
Confabulating as Unreliable Imagining: In Defence of the Simulationist Account of Unsuccessful Remembering
Authors: Michaelian Kourken 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
This paper responds to Bernecker’s (Front Psychol 8:1207, 2017) attack on Michaelian’s (Front Psychol 7:1857, 2016a) simulationist account of confabulation, as well as his defence of the causalist account of confabulation (Robins, Philos Psychol 29(3):432–447, 2016a) against Michaelian’s attack on it. The paper first argues that the simulationist account survives Bernecker’s attack, which takes the form of arguments from the possibility of unjustified memory and justified confabulation, unscathed. It then concedes that Bernecker’s defence of the causalist account against Michaelian’s attack, which takes the form of arguments from the possibility of veridical confabulation and falsidical relearning, is partly successful. This concession points the way, however, to a revised simulationist account that highlights the role played by failures of metacognitive monitoring in confabulation and that provides a means of distinguishing between “epistemically innocent” (Bortolotti, Conscious Cogn 33:490–499, 2015) and “epistemically culpable” memory errors. Finally, the paper responds to discussions by Robins (Synthese 1–17, 2018) and Bernecker (Front Psychol 8:1207, 2017) of the role played by the concept of reliability in Michaelian’s approach, offering further considerations in support of simulationism.
A randomized controlled trial of combined executive function and memory training on the cognitive and noncognitive function of individuals with mild cognitive impairment: Study rationale and protocol design
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Wang Jing , Sun Tingting , Wang Zhijiang , Lyu Xiaozhen , Yu Xin , Wang Huali 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionCognitive training has attracted considerable attention as a safe, economical, and scalable nonpharmacologic intervention in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, no study has yet placed sufficient emphasis on the training of executive function. The present study aimed to evaluate whether memory training combined with executive training could lead to improved cognitive and noncognitive performance in patients with MCI. Furthermore, we will explore the neural correlates underlying the changed performances.MethodsThe proposed study is a randomized controlled trial that will include 120 patients with MCI. The eligible patients will be randomized to either an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group will receive computerized combined training (executive function and memory) for 96 sessions for more than 24 weeks. The control group will receive no intervention during the research period. Behavior data collection and a magnetic resonance imaging/electroencephalogram/near‐infrared spectroscopy scan will be performed at baseline and after 24 weeks of intervention.ResultsThe study is currently ongoing. Recruitment began in July 2017 and will conclude in December 2018.DiscussionIf combined training results in positive changes to cognitive function and noncognitive function in patients with MCI, this might represent a new approach to delay the cognitive decline or even provide a potential method for dementia prevention. Furthermore, the evaluation of any training‐related structural changes or functional changes will help to reveal the mechanisms underlying the combined cognitive training.Trial registrationThis study was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03232047, August 18, 2017).
Online study partner‐reported cognitive decline in the Brain Health Registry
Authors: Nosheny Rachel L. , Camacho Monica R. , Insel Philip S. , Flenniken Derek , Fockler Juliet , Truran Diana , Finley Shannon , Ulbricht Aaron , Maruff Paul , Yaffe Kristine , Mackin R. Scott , Weiner Michael W. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionMethods for efficiently identifying cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are a critical unmet need. The goal of this work was to validate novel online study partner (SP)‐reported outcomes to identify cognitive decline in older adults.MethodsIn older adults enrolled in the Brain Health Registry, we analyzed associations between SP‐reported cognitive decline, measured by the Everyday Cognition Scale, and either (1) participant cognition, assessed by Cogstate Brief Battery or (2) participant‐reported diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or AD.ResultsWe found strong associations between SP‐reported Everyday Cognition Scale and both Cogstate scores and participant diagnosis. The associations were cognitive domain specific, dependant on participant diagnosis, and were stronger in spouse dyads and those who knew each other longer.DiscussionCollecting SP‐reported data online from a large cohort is feasible. Results support the construct validity of our approach, which has the potential to facilitate clinical AD and aging research.
Contingency Medical Countermeasures for Mass Nerve-Agent Exposure: Use of Pharmaceutical Alternatives to Community Stockpiled Antidotes
Authors: Schwartz Michael D. , Sutter Mark E. , Eisnor Derek , Kirk Mark A. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTHaving sufficient medical countermeasures (MCMs) available for the treatment of acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting nerve agent poisoned patients following a mass chemical exposure is a challenge for communities. After stockpiles containing auto-injectors are exhausted, communities need to be aware of alternative pharmaceutical options. The Department of Homeland Security Chemical Defense Program convened a federal interagency working group consisting of first responders, clinicians, and experts from the fields of medical toxicology, pharmacology, and emergency management. A literature review of pharmaceutical alternatives for treating nerve agent toxicity was performed. Pharmaceuticals that met the federal Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise Product Specific Requirements were prioritized. Food and Drug Administration approval for one indication, market availability, and alignment to government procurement strategy were considered. This article summarizes the literature on comparative pharmacokinetics and efficacy against nerve agents (where available) of Food and Drug Administration approved drugs with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist effects. This work is intended to serve as a resource of pharmaceutical options that may be available to communities (ie, emergency managers, planners, clinicians, and poison centers) when faced with a mass human exposure to a nerve agent and inadequate supplies of MCMs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:605-612)
Interfacial dynamics of a confined liquid–vapour bilayer undergoing evaporation
Authors: Pillai Dipin S. , Narayanan R. 
Published: October 2018

The dynamics of an interface between a thin liquid–vapour bilayer undergoing evaporation is studied. Both phases are considered to be hydrodynamically and thermally active, with momentum and thermal inertia taken into account. A reduced-order model based on the weighted-residual integral boundary layer method is used to investigate the dynamical behaviour for two cases,viz., phase change in the absence of gravity and then phase change in the presence of gravity. In the first case, it is shown that evaporative instability may cause rupture of either liquid or vapour layer depending on system parameters. Close to interfacial rupture, the disjoining pressure due to intermolecular forces results in the formation of drops (bubbles) separated by a thin film for low liquid (vapour) hold-up. Momentum inertia is shown to have a stabilizing effect, while thermal inertia has a destabilizing effect. In the second case, evaporative suppression of Rayleigh–Taylor (R–T) instability shows emergence of up to two neutral wavenumbers. Weak nonlinear analysis of these neutral wavenumbers suggests that the instability may be either supercritical or subcritical depending on the rate of evaporation. At high rates of evaporation, both neutral wavenumbers are supercritical and computations on the interface evolution lead to nonlinear saturated steady states. Momentum inertia slows down the rate of interface deformation and results in an oscillatory approach to saturation. Thermal inertia results in larger interface deformation and the saturated steady state is shifted closer to the wall. At very low evaporation rates, only one neutral wavenumber of subcritical nature exists. The nonlinear evolution of the interface in this case is then similar to pure R–T instability, exhibiting spontaneous lateral sliding as it approaches the wall.