bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial function in fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction: Is there a cardiac remodeling effect due to renal damage?
Authors: Graupner Oliver , Enzensberger Christian , Götte Malena , Wolter Aline , Müller Vera , Kawecki Andreea , Weber Stefanie , Degenhardt Jan , Herrmann Johannes , Axt‐Fliedner Roland 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesCardiac remodeling due to renal dysfunction may have an impact on myocardial function (MF) of fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO). The aim was to identify possible differences in MF in LUTO fetuses compared with healthy controls and to look for interactions between urine biochemistry and MF indices.MethodsThis is a cohort study consisting of 31 LUTO fetuses and 45 healthy controls. Subgroups were generated according to intrauterine therapy (group 1: LUTO after therapy, group 2: LUTO without therapy at the time of examination, and group 3: controls). MF indices were measured using pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging and M‐mode. Furthermore, results of fetal urine biochemistry were gathered retrospectively.ResultsAmong other findings, right ventricular (RV) e’/a’ ratio was lower in group 1 compared with group 3 (p = .050). According to gestational age (GA) level‐dependent analysis, RV isovolumetric relaxation time was significantly longer in group 2 compared with group 1 and group 3 at GA level 1 (19 wk of gestation). A significant positive correlation between RV e’/a’ ratio and β‐2‐microglobulin as well as α‐1‐microglobulin and potassium could be observed.ConclusionWe observed differences in MF and an association between ventricular filling pattern and renal protein secretion in LUTO fetuses. This can be interpreted as a sign of intrauterine cardiac remodeling.
Teacher attributions for children's attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder behaviors predict experiences with children and with classroom behavioral management in a summer program practicum
Authors: Mikami Amori Yee , Smit Sophie , Johnston Charlotte 
Published: April 2019

AbstractElementary school teachers often implement classroom behavioral management systems to address student misbehavior. Common problems targeted by these systems are the inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviors characteristic of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined teachers' attributions for why children display ADHD behaviors, and how such attributions affect their experiences with children in the context of interventions to manage these behaviors. Participants were 32 preservice teachers undertaking a practicum in a summer program for 137 children (Grades 1–3), some of whom had ADHD. Teachers were trained to implement classroom‐wide behavioral management. Teachers' attributions for children's ADHD behaviors were assessed using a vignette measure, before teachers had met their students or begun training on intervention techniques. When controlling for attributions regarding oppositional behavior, teachers' initial attributions for ADHD behaviors as less internal/controllable predicted children reporting more positive relationships with that teacher during the summer program. Teachers' initial attributions for ADHD behaviors as less stable predicted teachers' greater satisfaction with the intervention techniques during the summer program and their greater attunement to children's social networks. Cognitions about the causes of children's ADHD behaviors held by preservice teachers may relate to their subsequent experiences with children in the context of implementing classroom behavioral management.
Nanoparticle‐enhanced bamboo‐like tubular nanofibers for active capture of particulate matter
Authors: Wu Guang , Luo Jiajun , Zhao Lingling , Liang Hongze , Liu Chaozong , Tan Hui , Li Weiping , Tang Youhong 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTWe proposed a thought of active capture of particles by improving the interaction force between fibers and particles. Nanoparticle‐enhanced tubular nanofibers (Ag‐SPNTs) were prepared by template‐free cationic polymerization followed by surface modification. Ag‐SPNTs have coarse surface and bamboo‐like tubular structure with a diameter of approximately 80‐150 nm. Ag nanoparticles were embedded on the nanofibers surface, and the content of Ag nanoparticles in the nanofibers could be tuned by changing the concentration of [Ag(NH3)2]+ in the preparation process. f‐d curve measured by AFM showed that increasing the content of Ag nanoparticles in the nanofibers resulted in the enhanced interaction force between the nanofiber surface and particles. Particle matter capture test showed that the number of captured microscaled/naonoscaled particles on the fiber surface increased obviously for the nanoparticle‐enhanced tubular nanofibers (Ag‐SPNTs) compared to the nanofibers without nanoparticle (SPNTs), probably due to the increased interaction force and adhesion energy between fiber surface and particles. Filtration property test showed that the Ag‐SPNTs fiber films had a better filtration performance with a higher filter efficiency and QF value than that of SPNTs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019
“It felt like unfinished business, it feels like that's finished now”: Women's experiences of decision making around contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM)
Authors: Tollow Philippa , Williams Victoria Suzanne , Harcourt Diana , Paraskeva Nicole 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveIncreasing numbers of women in the United Kingdom are choosing to have a contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) after diagnosis of breast cancer. Whilst research suggests that many experience high rates of psychological well‐being after CPM, professional guidelines suggest CPM is “not required” for the majority of unilateral breast cancer patients, and some individuals consider the surgery to be controversial. Existing research has explored patients' reasons for seeking CPM; however, little is known about their experiences of decision making. This study aimed to investigate women's experiences of decision making around CPM in the United Kingdom.MethodsSemistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with 27 women, recruited through breast cancer support charities. All participants had CPM in the United Kingdom after a diagnosis of unilateral breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or invasive ductal carcinoma. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsTwo main themes were generated from the analytic process: “sanity check” (“battling for CPM,” “feeling stigmatised,” “seeking similar others”) and “reclaiming the body” (“being true to self,” “moving forward”). Women described defending their decision to have CPM, concerns that their thoughts about surgery may be considered “abnormal,” and seeking support from peers. The decision to have CPM was discussed in terms of their future relationship with their body and moving forward after cancer.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of interactions with health care professionals in the decision‐making experience, the role of peer support, and the need to fully understand the potentially complex and multifaceted nature of each woman's decision to seek CPM.
Reference values for spirometric parameters in healthy children living in a Colombian city located at 2640 m altitude
Authors: Aristizabal‐Duque Ricardo , Castiblanco Edwin , Rodriguez Ingrid , Sossa‐Briceño Monica P. , Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo identify the spirometric equations that are most appropriate for use in children and adolescents living in Bogota, Colombia after evaluating a set of relevant previously‐developed equations, including the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) 2012 spirometry reference equations.MethodsHealthy children aged between 6 and 17 years that were attending two randomly‐selected schools in Bogota were invited to participate in the study, from January 2017 to January 2018. All participants underwent spirometry, following the procedures recommended by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) Task Force. To identify the model or group of models that best predict each spirometric parameter in our population, we performed extensive residuals analyses and constructed Bland‐Altman plots.ResultsThree hundred twenty‐six spirometric tests (149 boys, 177 girls) formed the reference data set. Knudson and GLI‐2012 spirometry reference equations proved to be the most accurate in predicting the majority of spirometry parameters in both sexes and both age groups, each providing the lowest median prediction error in the residual analyses or the narrowest limits of agreement in the Bland‐Altman plots in approximately one‐third of the spirometry parameters analyzed.ConclusionFor the majority of spirometry parameters, we recommend the use of Knudson and GLI‐2012 spirometry reference equations for evaluating the respiratory function of children living in Bogota, Colombia, a city located at an altitude of 2640 m. Future investigations should target additional spirometric equations from Latin American populations living at moderate to high altitude to improve the GLI‐2012 equations.
Optimizing live‐animal bioluminescence imaging prediction of tumor burden in human prostate cancer xenograft models in SCID‐NSG mice
Authors: Kim Sangyub , Zhang Yong , Tang Suni , Qin Chongtao , Karelia Deepkamal , Sharma Arati , Jiang Cheng , Lu Junxuan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundNoninvasive live‐animal longitudinal monitoring of xenograft tumor growth and metastasis by bioluminescent imaging (BLI) has been widely reported in cancer biology and preclinical therapy literature, mainly in athymic nude mice. Our own experience at calibrating BLI readout with tumor weight/volume in human prostate cancer xenograft models in haired, SCID‐NSG mice through intraprostatic (orthotopic) and subcutaneous (SC) inoculations revealed either nonexistent or poor correlation (coefficient of determination, R
2 = ~0.01‐0.3). The present work examined several technical and biological factors to improve BLI utility.MethodsAfter ruling out promoter‐luciferase (luc) specificity and luc gene loss in the cell inoculum with LNCaP‐AR‐luc cells expressing an androgen receptor (AR) and tagged with AR‐responsive probasin promoter‐luc gene, we evaluated different routes of d‐luciferin administration, imaging time during the day, charge‐coupled device camera image acquisition settings, and hair removal methods to improve the imaging protocol. For most imaging sessions, BLI was carried out within the same day of tumor volume measurement. After necropsy, histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were performed on the tumors to evaluate necrosis and expression of luciferase and AR, respectively.ResultsInjection of d‐luciferin by SC route, robust image‐capture setting (30 000 counts and autoexposure), imaging in the morning and thorough hair removal resulted in a substantial improvement of R2 to ~0.6. Histological analyses confirmed the lack of BLI signal in necrotic tumor masses consistent with luciferase‐mediated light emission only in oxygenated adenosine triphosphate‐producing viable cells. IHC staining detected heterogeneous expression of luciferase tracking generally with AR expression in nonnecrotic tumor tissues.ConclusionsOur body of work highlighted a framework to validate imaging protocols to ensure the acquisition of interpretable BLI data as an indicator of xenograft tumor burden. The vast tissue heterogeneity in prostate tumor xenografts and variable luciferase expression constrained this technology from achieving a high correlation.
Circulating microRNAs in plasma among men with low‐grade and high‐grade prostate cancer at prostate biopsy
Authors: McDonald Alicia C. , Vira Manish , Walter Vonn , Shen Jing , Raman Jay D. , Sanda Martin G. , Patil Dattatraya , Taioli Emanuela 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs or miR‐) have been linked to factors associated with aggressive prostate cancer such as biochemical recurrence and metastasis. We investigated whether circulating miRNAs in plasma could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for more aggressive prostate cancer at prostate biopsy.MethodsMen, aged 40 years and above, newly diagnosed with prostate cancer were categorized into two risk groups, low‐grade (Gleason score, 6 or 7 [3 + 4] and serum prostate‐specific antigen [PSA], <20 ng/mL) and high‐grade (Gleason score, ≥7 (4 + 3) and serum PSA, ≥20 ng/mL) prostate cancers. The limma R package was used to compare the expression of miRNAs in plasma between the two risk groups, adjusting for age.ResultsThere were 66 men, aged 46‐86 years, included: 40 men with low‐grade and 26 men with high‐grade prostate cancers. There were lower expressions of miR‐28, miR‐100, miR‐942, and miR‐28‐3p, and higher expressions of miR‐708, miR‐1298, miR‐886‐3p, miR‐374, miR‐376c, miR‐202, miR‐128a, and miR‐185 in high‐grade compared to low‐grade prostate cancer cases at biopsy, after adjusting for age (P < 0.05). These differences were no longer statistically significant after adjusting the P values for multiple comparisons.ConclusionThere was no circulating miRNA associated with high‐grade prostate cancer at biopsy after adjusting for age and multiple comparisons. Nevertheless, relationships between these circulating miRNAs and high‐grade prostate cancer were observed, which suggest them as promising prostate cancer biomarkers. Further investigation in a larger cohort may provide insight into their diagnostic potential for aggressive prostate cancer.
NMR characterization of conformational fluctuations and noncovalent interactions of SUMO protein from Drosophila melanogaster (dSmt3)
Authors: Kaur Anupreet , Gourav  , Kumar Sandeep , Jaiswal Nancy , Vashisht Ashutosh , Kumar Dinesh , Gahlay Gagandeep K. , Mithu Venus S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractStructural heterogeneity in the native‐state ensemble of dSmt3, the only small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) in Drosophila melanogaster, was investigated and compared with its human homologue SUMO1. Temperature dependence of amide proton's chemical shift was studied to identify amino acids possessing alternative structural conformations in the native state. Effect of small concentration of denaturant (1M urea) on this population was also monitored to assess the ruggedness of near‐native energy landscape. Owing to presence of many such amino acids, especially in the β2‐loop‐α region, the native state of dSmt3 seems more flexible in comparison to SUMO1. Information about backbone dynamics in ns‐ps timescale was quantified from the measurement of 15N‐relaxation experiments. Furthermore, the noncovalent interaction of dSmt3 and SUMO1 with Daxx12 (Daxx729DPEEIIVLSDSD740), a [V/I]‐X‐[V/I]‐[V/I]‐based SUMO interaction motif, was characterized using Bio‐layer Interferometery and NMR spectroscopy. Daxx12 fits itself in the groove formed by β2‐loop‐α structural region in both dSmt3 and SUMO1, but the binding is stronger with the former. Flexibility of β2‐loop‐α region in dSmt3 is suspected to assist its interaction with Daxx12. Our results highlight the role of native‐state flexibility in assisting noncovalent interactions of SUMO proteins especially in organisms where a single SUMO isoform has to tackle multiple substrates single handedly.
Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel high concentration formulation is clinically bioequivalent to commercial formulation
Authors: Rosebraugh Matthew , Kalluri Hari V. , Liu Wei , Locke Charles , Sidhu Dilraj , Han Jian‐Hwa , Benesh Janet 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA new levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) system featuring a higher levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) concentration and viscosity, LCIG‐HV, is being developed to reduce the intrajejunal volume of LD/CD that is administered as compared to the current commercial formulation, LCIG‐LV. This study characterizes the LCIG‐HV formulation and compares it to the LCIG‐LV formulation via dissolution testing and a clinical pharmacokinetic bioequivalence study. In vitro release profiles of LD/CD were determined using a USP Dissolution Apparatus 2 with 500 mL of phosphate buffer (pH 4.5) operating at 25 RPM. A single dose, open‐label study was conducted according to a two‐period, randomized, crossover design in 28 healthy subjects. The point estimate (PE) of the levodopa Cmax geometric mean for the LCIG‐HV formulation was 4% higher than that of the LCIG‐LV formulation. PEs of levodopa AUCt and AUCinf geometric means were comparable for both formulations. PEs of carbidopa Cmax, AUCt and AUCinf geometric means for the LCIG‐HV formulation were 3%‐5% higher than those of the LCIG‐LV formulation. For both formulations, the median Tmax for levodopa was 1.0 and 3.0 hours for carbidopa. The levodopa half‐life harmonic mean was 1.6 hour for both formulations. The carbidopa half‐life harmonic mean was 1.9 and 2.0 hour, respectively, for the LCIG‐HV and LCIG‐LV formulations. Cmax, AUCt and AUCinf of LD/CD carbidopa were comparable for both formulations. The current study demonstrates that the LCIG‐LV and LCIG‐HV formulations are clinically bioequivalent for LD/CD according to FDA guidance. However, the dissolution method was over discriminatory of formulation differences.
Provisioning predatory mites with entomopathogenic fungi or pollen improves biological control of a greenhouse psyllid pest
Authors: Liu Jian‐Feng , Zhang Zhi‐Qiang , Beggs Jacqueline R , Zou Xiao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDTomato/potato psyllid (TPP), Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), is a recently established invasive pest of solanaceous crops in New Zealand. No alternative control strategies are available against TPP due to the development of insecticidal resistance. We investigated the combined use of the predatory mites Amblydromalus limonicus or Neoseiulus cucumeris with either the fungus Beauveria bassiana (suspensions and dry conidia) or with Typha orientalis pollen as a control of TPP in greenhouse bell pepper over 7 weeks.RESULTSAll treatments significantly reduced TPP densities compared with the control. A. limonicus resulted in significantly lower TPP densities than any other combination with N. cucumeris. B. bassiana suspensions did not affect A. limonicus densities when they were combined. However, the application of dry B. bassiana conidia significantly reduced the densities of A. limonicus. The use of T. orientalis pollen resulted in significantly higher densities of A. limonicus but densities of N. cucumeris did not increase. The combined use of A. limonicus with B. bassiana suspensions or T. orientalis pollen resulted in significantly decreased TPP populations and greater crop yield.CONCLUSIONThe synergistic application of A. limonicus with B. bassiana suspensions could be a suitable strategy to control TPP in the greenhouse. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Robust LQR design for systems with probabilistic uncertainty
Authors: Bhattacharya Raktim 
Published: April 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we consider the design of robust quadratic regulators for linear systems with probabilistic uncertainty in system parameters. The synthesis algorithms are presented in a convex optimization framework, which optimize with respect to an integral cost. The optimization problem is formulated as a lower‐bound maximization problem and developed in the polynomial chaos framework. Two approaches are considered here. In the first approach, an exact optimization problem is formulated in the infinite‐dimensional space, which is solved approximately using polynomial‐chaos expansions. In the second approach, an approximate problem is formulated using a reduced‐order model and solved exactly. The robustness of the controllers from these two approaches are compared using a realistic flight control problem based on an F16 aircraft model. Linear and nonlinear simulations reveal that the first approach results in a more robust controller.
What are we talking about when we talk about STEM education? A review of literature
Authors: Martín‐Páez Tobías , Aguilera David , Perales‐Palacios Francisco Javier , Vílchez‐González José Miguel 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study is to examine how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is implemented in the published literature. To accomplish this, the educational experiences published in indexed magazines in the main Web of Science collection during the 2013–2018 period were examined, with special attention paid to (a) The STEM concepts defined in the theoretical frameworks; (b) the STEM disciplines that intervene; (c) the possible benefits of STEM education; and (d) the key aspects for the success of the educational intervention. The results indicate that the theoretical frameworks used normally focus more on the variables that are the object of the study than on STEM education, and that there are multiple interpretations of what STEM education is, and these interpretations do usually involve the integrated appearance of the four disciplines that make up the acronym.
A Facile Strategy to Construct Silver‐Modified, ZnO‐Incorporated and Carbon‐Coated Silicon/Porous‐Carbon Nanofibers with Enhanced Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Li Zebiao , Huang Weijian , Chen Lan , Lv Fucong , Zou Mingzhong , Qian Feng , Huang Zhigao , Lu Jian , Li Yangyang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFor Si anode materials used for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), developing an effective solution to overcome their drawbacks of large volume change and poor electronic conductivity is highly desirable. Here, the composites of ZnO‐incorporated and carbon‐coated silicon/porous‐carbon nanofibers (ZnO‐Si@C‐PCNFs) are designed and synthesized via a traditional electrospinning method. The prepared ZnO‐Si@C‐PCNFs can obviously overcome these two drawbacks and provide excellent LIB performance with excellent rate capability and stable long cycling life of 1000 cycles with reversible capacity of 1050 mA h g−1 at 800 mA g−1. Meanwhile, anodes of ZnO‐Si@C‐PCNFs attached with Ag particles display enhanced LIB performance, maintaining an average capacity of 920 mA h g−1 at a large current of 1800 mA g−1 even for 1000 cycles with negligible capacity loss and excellent reversibility. In addition, the assembling method with important practical significance for a simple pouch full cell is designed and used to evaluate the active materials. The Ag/ZnO‐Si@C‐PCNFs are prelithiated and assembled in full cells using LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2(NCM523) as cathodes, exhibiting higher energy density (230 W h kg−1) of 18% than that of 195 W h kg−1 for commercial graphite//NCM523 full pouch cells. Importantly, the comprehensive mechanisms of enhanced electrochemical kinetics originating from ZnO‐incorporation and Ag‐attachment are revealed in detail.