bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Cysteine‐Rich Angiogenic Inducer 61 as a Potential Antifibrotic and Proangiogenic Mediator in Scleroderma
Authors: Tsou Pei‐Suen , Khanna Dinesh , Sawalha Amr H. 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveWe previously identified CYR61 as a histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC‐5)–repressed gene in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) endothelial cells (ECs). When overexpressed, cysteine‐rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR‐61) promoted angiogenesis in SSc ECs. This study was undertaken to examine the role of CYR‐61 in fibrosis and determine the mechanisms involved in CYR‐61–mediated angiogenesis in SSc.MethodsDermal ECs and fibroblasts were isolated from biopsy specimens from healthy subjects and patients with SSc. CYR‐61 level was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. CYR‐61 was overexpressed using a CYR61 vector or knocked down using small interfering RNA, and functional and mechanistic studies were then conducted in fibroblasts and ECs.ResultsLower CYR61 messenger RNA levels were observed in dermal fibroblasts and ECs from SSc patients than in those from healthy controls. In SSc fibroblasts, overexpression of CYR‐61 led to significant reduction in the expression of profibrotic genes, including COL1A1 (P = 0.002) and ACTA2 (P = 0.04), and an increase in the expression of matrix‐degrading genes, including MMP1 (P = 0.002) and MMP3 (P =0.004), and proangiogenic VEGF (P = 0.03). The antifibrotic effect of CYR‐61 was further demonstrated by delay in wound healing, inhibition of gel contraction, inactivation of the transforming growth factor β pathway, and early superoxide production associated with senescence in SSc fibroblasts. In SSc ECs, overexpression of CYR‐61 led to increased production of vascular endothelial cell growth factor. The proangiogenic effects of CYR‐61 were mediated by signaling through αvβ3 receptors and downstream activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase, AKT, and the endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide pathway system.ConclusionCYR‐61, which is epigenetically regulated by HDAC‐5, is a potent antifibrotic and proangiogenic mediator in SSc. Therapeutic intervention to promote CYR‐61 activity or increase CYR‐61 levels might be of benefit in SSc.
Meta-analysis of long-term survival after elective endovascular or open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Bulder R M A , Bastiaannet E , Hamming J F , Lindeman J H N 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the preferred strategy for elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) for many patients. However, the superiority of the endovascular procedure has recently been challenged by reports of impaired long-term survival in patients who underwent EVAR. A systematic review of long-term survival following AAA repair was therefore undertaken.

Methods
A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles reporting short- and/or long-term mortality of EVAR and open surgical repair (OSR) of AAA were identified. Pooled overall survival estimates (hazard ratios (HRs) with corresponding 95 per cent c.i. for EVAR versus OSR) were calculated using a random-effects model. Possible confounding owing to age differences between patients receiving EVAR or OSR was addressed by estimating relative survival.

Results
Some 53 studies were identified. The 30-day mortality rate was lower for EVAR compared with OSR: 1·16 (95 per cent c.i. 0·92 to 1·39) versus 3·27 (2·71 to 3·83) per cent. Long-term survival rates were similar for EVAR versus OSR (HRs 1·01, 1·00 and 0·98 for 3, 5 and 10 years respectively; P = 0·721, P = 0·912 and P = 0·777). Correction of age inequality by means of relative survival analysis showed equal long-term survival: 0·94, 0·91 and 0·76 at 3, 5 and 10 years for EVAR, and 0·96, 0·91 and 0·76 respectively for OSR.

Conclusion
Long-term overall survival rates were similar for EVAR and OSR. Available data do not allow extension beyond the 10-year survival window or analysis of specific subgroups.
An empirical study of computer science majors’ intentions in Vietnamese higher education
Authors: Chen Tim , Chen J.C.‐Y. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe study aimed to explore Vietnamese computer science (CS) majors' intentions of entering computer science professions in the future and to examine the factors influencing the intentions applying the theory of planned behavior as the framework. There are questionnaire surveys of 725 Vietnamese CS majors and were analyzed using path analysis by SPSS Statistics 17.0.1. We found that the CS majors' intentions of entering CS professions were moderately strong. The CS majors’ intentions of entering CS professions were directly influenced by the endeavor towards the expectation, subjective norm, and perceived expectation control. In addition, CS majors’ intentions of entering CS professions were also indirectly influenced by expectation desire *outcome endeavor evaluation vis‐à‐vis the effect on endeavor, by normative desire *motivation to comply vis‐à‐vis the effect on subjective norm, and by control desire * perceived facilitation vis‐à‐vis the effect on perceived expectation control.
Cognitive complaints in cancer survivors and expectations for support: Results from a web–based survey
Authors: Lange Marie , Licaj Idlir , Clarisse Bénédicte , Humbert Xavier , Grellard Jean‐Michel , Tron Laure , Joly Florence 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundCognitive complaints are common in cancer survivors. We aimed to assess cognitive complaints in cancer survivors and the associated factors using a large web–based survey.MethodsThis online survey was proposed to cancer survivors. Participants completed several questions on cognitive complaints experience, expectations for support of cognitive difficulties, preexisting knowledge about chemotherapy–associated cognitive problems and demographic and medical variables. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate Odds Ratios and 95% confidence intervals to estimate associations.ResultsAmong 1610 eligible participants (median age 52 [21‐84]), >85% (n = 1393) were breast cancer survivors. Median postcancer treatment time (excluding hormone therapy) was 2.83 years [0.8‐33]. Seventy five percent of the participants (n = 1214) reported cognitive complaints related to cancer treatments. Cognitive difficulties had an impact on work resumption for 76% of the participants (n = 754/982). Most cancer survivors would like to receive support (75%, n = 909) and especially cognitive training (72%, n = 658). Chemotherapy was strongly associated with cognitive complaints (multivariable OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.80‐4.82). Self–reported sleep difficulties (ORoften vs. never = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.80‐4.47), preexisting knowledge about chemotherapy–associated cognitive problems (ORNo vs. Yes = 1.69, 95% CI: 1‐29‐2.22) and age (OR21‐64 vs. ≥65 = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23‐0.58) were also associated with cancer–related cognitive complaints.ConclusionsAccording to this large web–based survey including mainly breast cancer survivors, cognitive complaints were reported by three quarters of participants, which reinforces that cognitive difficulties are a major issue in cancer survivors. Chemotherapy, self–reported sleep difficulties and preexisting knowledge about chemotherapy–associated cognitive problems were strongly associated with cancer–related cognitive complaints. Most cancer survivors wished to receive support and especially cognitive training.
Candidate genes involved in metastasis of colon cancer identified by integrated analysis
Authors: Zhou Yiming , Zang Yiwen , Yang Yi , Xiang Jianbin , Chen Zongyou 
Published: March 2019

AbstractColon cancer is one of the most malignant cancers worldwide. Nearly 20% of all colon cancer patients are diagnosed at stage IV (metastasis). However, further study of colon cancer is difficult due to a lack of understanding of its pathogenesis. In this study, we acquired high–throughput sequence data from TCGA datasets and performed integrated bioinformatic analysis including differential gene expression analysis, gene ontology and KEGG pathways analysis, protein–protein analysis, survival analysis, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis in order to identify a panel of key candidate genes involved in the metastasis of colon cancer. We then constructed a prognostic signature based on the expression of REG1B, TGM6, NTF4, PNMA5, and HOXC13 which could provide significant prognostic value for colon cancer.
Kinetics and Equilibrium Modeling of Sterol Adsorption on Styrene‐Divinylbenzene Cation‐Exchange Resins
Authors: Yuangsawad Ratanaporn , Sinpichai Sarawut , Bhamarasuta Thanutchaporn , Ladadok Chinakrit , Panchanon Surakan , Na-Ranong Duangkamol 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe potential of recovering phytosterols from fatty acid methyl esters by an adsorption‐desorption process is demonstrated using a strong‐acid ion‐exchange styrene‐divinylbenzene resin (SA‐R) as an adsorbent and ethanol as a desorbent. Since the operating cost of the overall process significantly depends on the efficiency of SA‐R in the adsorption step, the behavior of SA‐R in sterol adsorption is investigated in detail using a model solution of stigmasterol in n‐heptane. The results indicate that stigmasterol was associatively and exothermically adsorbed on SA‐R. Based on the experimental results, a simple pseudo‐second‐order model and a modified Langmuir isotherm with their parameters, which well predicted kinetics and adsorption capacity of SA‐R, are proposed.
Fabrication of Dual‐Modified Carbon Network Enabling Improved Electronic and Ionic Conductivities for Fast and Durable Li2TiSiO5 Anodes
Authors: Jin Liming , Gong Ruiqi , Zheng Junsheng , Zhang Cunman , Xia Yongyao , Zheng Jim P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLi2TiSiO5 was recently proposed as a Ti‐based anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), with the desirable characteristics of low discharge potential and relatively high specific capacity. However, the intrinsically poor electronic and ionic conductivities give rise to its sluggish electrochemical performance. In this work, Li2TiSiO5 modified with a dual‐carbon network (C@LTSO/CNT) is developed by performing a facile synthesis. The obtained dual‐carbon network coupled with small‐sized LTSO particles delivers enhanced electron conductivity frameworks, abundant active interfaces, and a notably higher inner porosity for multidirectional ion diffusion. Such a unique architecture leads to a high specific capacity as well as an ultrafast electrochemical process for LTSO through remarkable electronic and ionic transfer. C@LTSO/CNT electrodes with a low discharge plateau at 0.28 V achieve an extremely competitive specific capacity of over 430 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C, a superb high‐rate performance over 125 mAh g−1 up to 10 C, and a stable cycle lifespan of 1500 cycles without any degradation, displaying significant potential as an ideal anode candidate. Thus, a high‐performance LIB full cell is fabricated with a C@LTSO/CNT anode and a LiFePO4 cathode. This cell shows an energy density of 200 Wh kg−1 with greatly improved properties of high‐power density and pronounced cycling stability.
Extending substrate sensing capabilities of zinc tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine‐based stereodynamic probe
Authors: Scaramuzzo Francesca A. , Badetti Elena , Licini Giulia , Zonta Cristiano 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTripodal metal complexes have been widely used for catalysis and more recently also for molecular recognition applications. Their ability in recognition and signal amplification of chiral substrates is because of the setup of the ligand around the metal in a propeller shape. Within this subject, we have recently reported tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine‐ and triphenolamine‐based complexes for the determination of the enantiomeric excess of various substrates. Herein, we show the versatility of the zinc tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine‐based stereodynamic probe by performing a detailed study of the imine formation process, by the extension of the sensing capabilities to other chiral compounds. A principal component analysis study of the system together with TD‐DFT studies highlights the molecular origin of the observed chiroptical properties.
Profit‐aware coalition formation in fog computing providers: A game‐theoretic approach
Authors: Anglano Cosimo , Canonico Massimo , Castagno Paolo , Guazzone Marco , Sereno Matteo 
Published: March 2019

SummaryWe consider fog computing scenarios where data generated by a set of IoT applications need to be processed locally by a set of fog nodes, belonging to distinct Fog Infrastructure Providers (FIPs) sharing the same co‐location facility, with the aim of increasing their profits. This is a challenging goal as it requires reducing costs and meeting QoS targets despite time‐varying workloads. We argue that these FIPs may find it profitable to cooperate by mutually sharing their workload and resources, and we show (by using a game‐theoretical framework) that this is indeed the case when stable coalitions can be formed. Based on these results, in this paper, we present (1) a mathematical model for maximizing the profit obtained for allocating IoT applications to a group of FIPs, and (2) a coalition formation algorithm that allows each FIP to decide with whom to cooperate so as to increment its profits. The efficacy of the devised algorithm is assessed by means of an experimental evaluation taking into account different workload intensities. The results from these experiments show the capability of the proposed algorithm to form coalitions of FIPs that are profitable and stable in all the scenarios we take into consideration.
Theoretical ab Initio Study on Cooperativity Effects between Nitro π‐hole and Halogen Bonding Interactions
Authors: Galmés Bartomeu , Martínez Daniel , Infante‐Carrió Maria F. , Franconetti Antonio , Frontera Antonio 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article analyzes the interplay between nitro's π‐hole and halogen–bonding (XB) interactions in nitroarenes. Remarkable cooperativity effects are observed when π–hole and XB interactions coexist in the same complex. The nitroarene presents two π‐holes, one approximately over the N atom of the nitro group and the other over the aromatic ring, being the former more positive. The interplay between both interactions has been analyzed in terms of energetic and geometric features of the complexes, which are computed at the RI‐MP2/def2‐TZVPD level of theory. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface calculations have been used to explore the variation of the MEP values at the π‐hole upon the formation of halogen bonding interactions between the nitroarene and CF3X (X=Cl, Br and I) molecules. In addition, the Bader's theory of atoms in molecules” (AIM) is used to characterize the interactions by means of the distribution of bond critical points and bond paths and to analyze their strengthening or weakening depending upon the variation of charge density at critical points. The aforementioned computational methods are adequate to examine how these interactions mutually influence each other. Natural bond orbital (NBO) and noncovalent interaction plot (NCIPlot) computational tools have been also used in some representative complexes to further analyze cooperativity effects. Finally, the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) is used to provide some experimental evidence.
Impact of land composition and configuration on the functional trait assembly of forest communities in southern Ontario
Authors: Miedema Liane J. , Capmourteres Virginia , Anand Madhur 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe conversion of natural lands to agricultural and urban areas is the leading cause of biodiversity loss worldwide, and an understanding of functional trait assembly pattern can help to mitigate the ecological implications of this loss. We use plant functional traits—characteristics of the plant that determine how they react to and interact with the surrounding ecosystem—to assess the impacts of landscape composition and configuration on plant community assembly patterns in the multiple‐use Credit River watershed, Southern Ontario. We examine functional patterns in metacommunities to uncover how eight landscape variables (including both agricultural and urban uses) affect community assembly patterns and which traits explain these assembly patterns. We find that landscape variables result in significant trait‐divergence assembly patterns at two spatial scales (1 and 10 km), which means that these forest communities are more functionally diverse than would be expected by chance. Additionally, the optimal functional traits that maximize divergence in the community are dependent on landscape variables. We discuss three mechanisms—limiting similarity, niche availability, disturbance—that might be responsible for the trait divergence observed. First, we propose that limiting similarity could lead to trait divergence through niche differentiation and thus coexistence of more traits. Second, we argue that mosaic landscapes provide multiple and diverse habitats in which more species, likely with differing functional traits, can occur. Finally, we discuss how disturbances could prevent dominant species from competitively excluding others, thus favoring coexistence of functional traits.
Vegetation and precipitation shifts interact to alter organic and inorganic carbon storage in cold desert soils
Authors: Huber David P. , Lohse Kathleen A. , Commendador Amy , Joy Stephen , Aho Ken , Finney Bruce , Germino Matthew J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDryland ecosystems are experiencing shifts in rainfall and plant community composition, which are expected to alter cycling and storage of soil carbon (C). Few experiments have been conducted to examine long‐term effects on (1) soil organic C (SOC) pools throughout the soil profile, and (2) soil inorganic C (SIC) pools as they relate to dynamic changes in C storage and climate change. We measured SOC and SIC from 0 to 1 m beneath plants and in adjacent interplant microsites following nearly 20 yr of experimental manipulations of plant community (native sagebrush steppe or monoculture of exotic crested wheatgrass) and the amount and timing of water availability (ambient, or doubling of annual rainfall in the dormant, DORM, or growing, GROW, season). Under sagebrush plants, GROW increased both SOC and SIC pools, resulting in total carbon (TC) pools 15% greater than plots receiving ambient precipitation, while DORM decreased SOC and SIC pools, decreasing TC pools 20% from ambient. Under crested wheatgrass plants, GROW increased SOC by 73% but decreased SIC by 11% relative to ambient, netting no change in TC pools, while DORM SIC pools were 5% greater than ambient, with no significant increase in either SOC or TC pools. GROW significantly increased TC pools for interplant microsites, regardless of vegetation treatment. At the community scale and summing C pools weighted by percent patch cover, patterns of TC pool were similar to plot measurements. Our findings suggest that sagebrush communities can become a net C source to the atmosphere with increases in dormant season rainfall rather than a C sink as previously predicted.We also provide evidence of SIC as an important and dynamic C sequestration mechanism in drylands. Consideration of vegetation type, all or most of the soil profile, and both organic and inorganic C pools are all important to accurately predict C sequestration with changing climate and disturbance in drylands.
A camouflage conundrum: unexpected differences in winter coat color between sympatric species
Authors: Davis Brandon M. , Kumar Alexander V. , Mills L. Scott 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAcross the globe, more than 21 species undergo seasonal changes in coloration, molting white in winter to become camouflaged against snow. Given the adaptive value of seasonal camouflage against local snow duration, one might predict that sympatric coat color changing species would have similar winter coat color. This hypothesis, however, contrasts with anecdotal evidence and modeling results that predict sympatric winter white and winter brown species in some areas with transient snow cover. In one such area, West Virginia, we document coat color phenology between three sympatric species: snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), long‐tailed weasels (Mustela frenata), and least weasels (Mustela nivalis). Using a combination of field methods, we document and quantify each species’ winter coat color, illustrating an interspecific polymorphic response in winter coloration among sympatric winter white snowshoe hares and winter brown weasels. We then hypothesize what forces drive the interspecific differences between snowshoe hare and weasel winter coloration, highlighting areas of focus for future seasonal coat color research.
A microscopic physical description of electrothermal‐induced flow for control of ion current transport in microfluidics interfacing nanofluidics
Authors: Liu Weiyu , Ren Yukun , Chen Feng , Song Jingni , Tao Ye , Du Kai , Wu Qisheng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe phenomenon of electrothermal (ET) convection has recently captured great attention for transporting fluidic samples in microchannels embedding simple electrode structures. In the classical model of ET‐induced flow, a conductivity gradient of buffer medium is supposed to arise from temperature‐dependent electrophoretic mobility of ionic species under uniform salt concentrations, so it may not work well in the presence of evident concentration perturbation within the background electrolyte. To solve this problem, we develop herein a microscopic physical description of ET streaming by fully coupling a set of Poisson‐Nernst‐Planck‐Navier‐Stokes equations and temperature‐dependent fluid physicochemical properties. A comparative study on a standard electrokinetic micropump exploiting asymmetric electrode arrays indicates that, our microscopic model always predicts a lower ET pump flow rate than the classical macroscopic model even with trivial temperature elevation in the liquid. Considering a continuity of total current density in liquids of inhomogeneous polarizability, a moderate degree of fluctuation in ion concentrations on top of the electrode array is enough to exert a significant influence on the induction of free ionic charges, rendering the enhanced numerical treatment much closer to realistic experimental measurement. Then, by placing a pair of thin‐film resistive heaters on the bottom of an anodic channel interfacing a cation‐exchange medium, we further provide a vivid demonstration of the enhanced model's feasibility in accurately resolving the combined Coulomb force due to the coexistence of an extended space charge layer and smeared interfacial polarizations in an externally‐imposed temperature gradient, while this is impossible with conventional linear approximation. This leads to a reliable method to achieve a flexible regulation on spatial‐temporal evolution of ion‐depletion layer by electroconvective mixing. These results provide useful insights into ET‐based flexible control of micro/nanoscale solid entities in modern micro‐total‐analytical systems.