bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein–polymer interaction: Transfer loading at interfacial region of PES‐based membrane and BSA
Authors: Sadegh Hamidreza , Sahay Rahul , Soni Shivani 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThe adsorption of proteins onto polymeric surfaces is encountered in many natural and industrial processes and is a prerequisite to their efficient identification, separation, and purification by methods such as chromatography, and filtration. Nevertheless, the exact nature of the adsorption mechanisms and interfacial interactions is not easy to identify for a given protein–polymer system. Here, we aim to document the adsorption mechanism of a protein–polymer system by investigating the adsorption as well as desorption phenomenon of a protein [bovine serum albumin (BSA)] from the polymeric surface [polyethersulfone (PES)]. The analyses performed to document the adsorption mechanism of the BSA–PES system include scanning electron microscope (SEM), attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), contact angle, zeta potential, surface charge density measurement, and Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO). Here, SEM and FTIR identified the physical and chemical properties of pure PES and PES–BSA membranes. The low water contact angle of the PES–BSA membrane confirms its applicability for tissue engineering applications. Further, the zeta potential, surface charge density measurement, and DLVO analyses were performed to document the adsorption mechanism. The adsorption of BSA particles on the PES surface was carried out for pH values that ranged from 4 to 10 for contact times that ranged from 1 to 3 days. A monotonic increase in the zeta potential of the PES–BSA system indicated considerable adsorption of BSA particles on the PES surface. Further, BSA adsorption was very strong for pH values greater than 4.7 which confirms to strong electrostatic interactions between BSA and PES. The strong electrostatic interaction is also collaborated by low desorption rate, which was only ∼22% for pH 10 after 3 days of contact. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47931.
Targeting the signalling pathways regulated by deubiquitinases for prostate cancer therapeutics
Authors: Islam Md. Tariqul , Zhou Xi , Chen Fangzhi , Khan Md. Asaduzzaman , Fu Junjiang , Chen Hanchun 
Published: May 2019

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer diagnosed and the second most common cause of cancer‐related death in men worldwide. The current androgen deprivation therapy for PCa cannot fully cure this disease. Moreover, androgen receptor gene amplification and mutation are associated with PCa to develop castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This review focuses on the deubiquitinases (DUBs) involved in PCa development and progression. For PCa development and progression, several cellular pathways are regulated by specific DUBs which are also highlighted in here. The ubiquitin‐specific proteases (USPs), a family member of DUBs mostly involved in the regulation of cellular pathways for PCa development, and the ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolases (UCHs), another family member of DUBs, are responsible for PCa metastasis. Small molecular inhibitors against DUBs can inhibit or reduce the level of specific DUBs through the regulation of cellular pathway to treat this disease. Some small molecular inhibitors are already identified against some of the DUBs, but very few of them are clinically proved in PCa. So, to find out other DUBs involving in the regulation of PCa‐related pathways and to develop more effective small molecule inhibitors with greater potency would be a great idea to target PCa cells for future therapeutics and drug development with or without the combination of other anticancer drugs.Significance of the studyThis review is targeting DUB proteins which are responsible for PCa induction, proliferation, and metastasis by highlighting their signalling pathway so that the readers can get information about other mechanisms for PCa besides androgen receptor pathway and helps to find other oncogenic DUBs involving in these signalling pathways. This review also hopes to find other oncogenic DUBs involving in PCa‐related signalling pathways or to find the DUBs that can regulate multiple oncogenic signalling pathways which might be a good target for PCa therapeutics. In addition, there are some small molecule inhibitors that can inhibit the oncogenic DUBs and thus able to control the oncogenic pathways which would be a novel strategy to treat CRPC by using DUB inhibitor combined with or without other anticancer drugs.
A Self‐Assembly Process for the Immobilization of N‐Modified Au Nanoparticles in Ordered Mesoporous Carbon with Large Pores
Authors: Li Hui , Shen Hong , Pei Chun , Chen Shangjun , Wan Ying 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA self‐assembly approach has been developed for the immobilization of nitrogen‐modified gold nanoparticles in an ordered mesoporous carbon matrix with large pores. Self‐assembly of the polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) diblock copolymer template coordinated with gold ions and a low‐polymerized phenolic resin leads to a face‐centered cubic mesostructure with F
mm symmetry. Characterization with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy shows that after pyrolysis at 600 °C, monodispersed N‐modified gold nanoparticles approximately 4 nm in size are encapsulated in the ordered mesoporous carbon matrix with open and large pores. The aggregation of Au nanocatalysts into large particles is inhibited due to the coordination between gold and pyridine. The pore size can be tuned from 6 to 12 nm by changing the molecular weight of the PS block. The N‐modified gold catalyst is active in converting benzyl alcohol to benzoic acid using O2 as a green oxidant.
Earthworms affect growth and competition between ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal plants
Authors: Frouz Jan , Moradi Jabbar , Püschel David , Rydlová Jana 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPrevious research showed that during intermediate stages of primary succession, when vegetation is dominated by ectomycorrhizal (EcM) shrubs and trees, site colonization by earthworms substantially alters plant communities. Research has also shown that EcM shrubs and trees suppress arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants in the understory. To determine whether earthworm activity reduces this asymmetric competition, we conducted a full factorial laboratory experiment in which we grew EcM Betula pendula and AM Tripleurospermum inodorum, together or apart, in soils affected or not affected by earthworms. When both plants were grown together in soil unaffected by earthworms, growth of T. inodorum was significantly reduced by competition with B. pendula, but B. pendula growth was not reduced by T. inodorum. In soil affected by earthworms, the growth of both species was increased, and the negative effect of B. pendula on T. inodorum was no longer statistically significant (P < 0.05). These data indicate that earthworms weaken the asymmetric competition between EcM and AM plants. Consistent with this inference, EcM colonization of B. pendula was decreased and AM fungal bioassay in soil was increased by earthworms.
Understanding structure ignition vulnerabilities using mock‐up sections of attached wood fencing assemblies
Authors: Suzuki Sayaka , Manzello Samuel L. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryFirebrand production from structure combustion becomes a key factor in the magnitude of how quickly a large outdoor fire may spread. Post‐fire disaster investigations suggest that attached building components, such as wood fencing assemblies are known to be prone to ignition in these fires, and may provide pathways to structure ignition. Here, a comparison of ignition results from full‐scale fencing assembly experiments conducted using a full‐scale wind tunnel facility, to mock‐ups of full‐scale fencing assemblies using the recently developed experimental capability at the National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster (NRIFD) are discussed. In both experimental facilities, the fencing assemblies were exposed to firebrand showers using custom built continuous feed firebrand generators with size and mass distributions similar to those generated from structure combustion. Similar ignition behaviors were observed between the full‐scale fencing assemblies and the mock‐up of full‐scale fencing assemblies. Additional experiments are required for other fencing assembly types to further verify these important findings.
A ~2.5 Ga magmatic arc in NE China: New geochronological and geochemical evidence from the Xinghuadukou Complex
Authors: Hou Wenzhu , Zhao Guochun , Han Yigui , Eizenhoefer Paul R. , Zhang Xiaoran , Liu Qian 
Published: May 2019

This study reports new LA‐ICP‐MS U–Pb zircon ages from the Xinghuadukou Complex from the Erguna Block, NE China. A suite of the Palaeoproterozoic orthogneiss and a suite of the Vendian to Cambrian paragneiss are recognized with the co‐magmatic age of 2,464 ± 26 Ma and the maximum depositional age of 561 ± 10 Ma for their igneous and sedimentary protolith, respectively. The trace element geochemical analysis suggests a strong arc affinity for our orthogneiss, characterized by the enriched LREE and LILE, the elevated incompatible and fluid‐mobile elements and the depleted yet negligible fractionated HREE and HFSE. By comparing our samples with a suite of Cenozoic mantle‐derived granitoids from Hokkaido and a suite of Mesozoic active continental margin volcanics from NE China, it is suggested that the igneous protolith of our near Archaean orthogneiss formed in an arc environment and probably derived from the prior arc crust. The trace element features of the paragneiss highly resemble that of the orthogneiss, showing arc affinity, which suggests an arc basin environment for the sedimentary protolith of our Vendian to Cambrian paragneiss. Based on the synthesized evidence from the Xinghuadukou Complex, a new tectonic scenario is proposed that the basement of the Erguna Block might be forged by the accretion and collision of multi‐episodic igneous arcs and their correlated arc basins, which was probably lasting through the Proterozoic and followed by the Pan‐African period high‐grade metamorphism. The consolidated Erguna Block was later involved into the CAOB tectonic domain, modified and disrupted with the assembly of NE China.
A longitudinal characterization of perfusion in the aging brain and associations with cognition and neural structure
Authors: Staffaroni Adam M. , Cobigo Yann , Elahi Fanny M. , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Walters Samantha M. , Wolf Amy , Lindbergh Cutter A. , Rosen Howard J. , Kramer Joel H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCerebral perfusion declines across the lifespan and is altered in the early stages of several age‐related neuropathologies. Little is known, however, about the longitudinal evolution of perfusion in healthy older adults, particularly when perfusion is quantified using magnetic resonance imaging with arterial spin labeling (ASL). The objective was to characterize longitudinal perfusion in typically aging adults and elucidate associations with cognition and brain structure. Adults who were functionally intact at baseline (n = 161, ages 47–89) underwent ASL imaging to quantify whole‐brain gray matter perfusion; a subset (n = 136) had repeated imaging (average follow‐up: 2.3 years). Neuropsychological testing at each visit was summarized into executive function, memory, and processing speed composites. Global gray matter volume, white matter microstructure (mean diffusivity), and white matter hyperintensities were also quantified. We assessed baseline associations among perfusion, cognition, and brain structure using linear regression, and longitudinal relationships using linear mixed effects models. Greater baseline perfusion, particularly in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right thalamus, was associated with better executive functions. Greater whole‐brain perfusion loss was associated with worsening brain structure and declining processing speed. This study helps validate noninvasive MRI‐based perfusion imaging and underscores the importance of cerebral blood flow in cognitive aging.
Enhanced fully cellulose based forward and reverse blood typing assay
Authors: Casals‐Terré Jasmina , Farré‐Lladós Josep , López Joan A. , Vidal Teresa , Roncero Maria Blanca 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study presents an enhanced paper‐based analytical device (PAD) for forward and reverse group blood typing. The proposed PAD uses a novel methodology, which provides highly reliable results on a fully cellulose based device. The PAD was printed on different cellulose substrates. These substrates were made of different cellulose fibers (sisal and eucalyptus), different grammages, refining steps, and wet additive content. Best parameters were chosen to achieve high reliability on both forward and reverse blood typing. The substrates were patterned with five hydrophilic channels and two hydrophobic areas. For reverse blood typing, the hemoagglutination reaction took place on the hydrophobic surface of the paper before being transferred to the paper web, where together with the forward blood typing tests were all washed with saline solution to read the results by elution. This device allows direct read‐out of results; the stains show were agglutination happens. Different blood types were in full agreement between the reverse and forward method and in agreement with traditional methods. The time and simplicity of this methodology confirmed its utility.
Upper airway stimulation therapy and sleep architecture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Bohorquez Dominique , Mahmoud Ahmad F. , Yu Jason L. , Thaler Erica R. 
Published: May 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo quantify changes in sleep architecture before and after upper airway stimulation (UAS) therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsThis study was performed at a single‐institution tertiary academic care center. Patients who responded successfully to UAS implantation were selected for this study. Preoperative and postoperative sleep studies were compared to determine sleep architecture changes. Primary outcomes included sleep architecture parameters such as N1, N2, N3, and rapid eye movement (REM) in addition to others. Secondary outcomes included body mass index.ResultsThirty‐five patients met inclusion criteria for this study. There was significant improvement across several sleep architecture parameters. N1 sleep percent decreased from 16.7% ± 2.1% preoperatively to 10.1% ± 1.6% postoperatively (P = .023). Time spent in N2 increased from 148.0 ± 12.4 minutes to 185.5 ± 10.4 minutes (P = .030), whereas N3 increased from 21.9 ± 5.0 minutes to 57.0 ± 11.1 minutes (P = .013). No significant changes were observed in REM sleep. Arousal index decreased from 38.8 ± 4.0 to 30.3 ± 4.0 (P = .050).ConclusionsThere was significant improvement across several sleep architecture parameters among patients who responded successfully to UAS implantation.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 130:1085–1089, 2020
The surgical anatomy of soft tissue layers in the mastoid region
Authors: Hongo Takahiro , Komune Noritaka , Shimamoto Ryo , Nakagawa Takashi 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundAn understanding of the soft tissue layers in the mastoid region has become important for otologic reconstructive surgery. The objective of this study was to clarify the surgical anatomy of the soft tissue layers in the mastoid region and reveal its clinical significance.MethodsCadaveric study.ResultsOur dissections showed the soft tissue layers consisting of skin, subcutaneous layer, superficial and deep mastoid fasciae, and periosteum. The superficial mastoid fascia was continuous with the temporoparietal fascia cranially and the superficial cervical fascia caudally. The deep mastoid fascia could be clearly separated from the superficial mastoid fascia and has continuity to the loose alveolar layer in the temporoparietal region. However, it caudally fused with the fascia and ligament of the sternocleidomastoid.ConclusionsA comprehensive understanding of soft tissue layers would improve otologic reconstructive surgery.Level of EvidenceNA
Superior Wait‐List Outcomes in Patients with Alcohol‐Associated Liver Disease Compared With Other Indications for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Giard Jeanne‐Marie , Dodge Jennifer L. , Terrault Norah A. 
Published: May 2019

Alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States and Europe. A 6‐month alcohol abstinence period has been required by many transplant programs prior to listing, which may influence wait‐list (WL) outcomes. Therefore, we examined WL events in patients with ALD versus non‐ALD with a special interest in whether these outcomes differed by sex. All US adults listed for LT from January 2002 to December 2016 were eligible except status 1 patients, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease exceptions, retransplants and those with acute alcoholic hepatitis. The outcomes of interest were cumulative WL death or being too sick and WL removal for improvement within 2 years of listing. Competing risk regression models were used to evaluate recipient factors associated with the outcomes. Among the 83,348 eligible WL patients, 23% had ALD. Unadjusted cumulative WL removal within 2 years was 19.0% for ALD versus 21.1% for non‐ALD (P < 0.001). In fully adjusted models, ALD was associated with a significantly lower risk of WL removal for death or being too sick (subhazard ratio [SHR], 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81‐0.87; P < 0.001) and a higher risk of removal for improvement (SHR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.35‐3.61; P < 0.001) versus non‐ALD patients. After adjusting for potential confounders, women with ALD had a higher risk of removal for death or being too sick (SHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.08; P < 0.001) and a higher chance for improvement (SHR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.35‐3.61; P < 0.001) than men with ALD. In conclusion, WL candidates with ALD have more favorable WL outcomes than non‐ALD patients with a 16% lower risk of removal for deterioration and 191% higher risk of removal for improvement. This result likely reflects the benefits of alcohol abstinence, but it suggests that listing criteria for ALD may be too restrictive, with patients who might derive benefit from LT not being listed.
Silicon nitride enhances osteoprogenitor cell growth and differentiation via increased surface energy and formation of amide and nanocrystalline HA for craniofacial reconstruction
Authors: Awad Kamal R. , Ahuja Neelam , Shah Ami , Tran Henry , Aswath Pranesh B. , Brotto Marco , Varanasi Venu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe bioactive silicon nitride (Si3N4) has been FDA cleared for use as spinal intervertebral arthrodesis devices. Because its surface properties promote bone ongrowth and ingrowth, it also has the potential to benefit craniofacial reconstruction. Thus, the aim of this work was to determine whether the surface properties of Si3N4 could enhance the osteoblast cell growth, differentiation and nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals compared to conventional implant materials such as titanium (Ti) and polyether ether ketone (PEEK). X‐ray absorbance near‐edge structure analysis (XANES) indicated the presence of Si‐Si, Si‐O and Si‐N bonding. Surface wettability studies confirmed that Si3N4 exhibits the lowest contact angle and highest surface energy. Cell culture studies showed that osteoblast growth was enhanced on Si3N4 after 1 day and up to 7 days. Si3N4 surface induced highest surface coverage and thickness of nanocrystalline HA (211) and (203) in cell‐free in vitro studies after 7 days of culture. Raman spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of surface functional groups consisting of phosphate and carbonate species. Interestingly, Si3N4 surface showed amide and hydroxyproline groups, the precursors to collagen, which were not observed on Ti and PEEK surfaces. Furthermore, Si3N4 surface indicated high expression of RUNX2, enhanced cell differentiation and dense collagenous ECM after 30 days of the in vitro study. The present study concluded that Si3N4 surface enhances osteoprogenitor cell adhesion, growth, RUNX2 expression and ECM formation via the coupled effects of higher surface energy and the presence of amide and nanocrystalline HA functional groups.
Identification and mapping of worldwide sources of generic real‐world data
Authors: Wang Xuan , Lahoz Raquel , Jawla Shantanu , Przybysz Raymond , Kahler Kristijan H. , Burdukova Lisa , Venkata Shiva Kumar , Nassim Maria , Jalapu Anil , Justo Nahila 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeThe demand for real‐world data as supportive evidence to traditional clinical studies has increased in the past few years. The present study aimed to identify worldwide generic sources of real‐world data and to assess completeness and suitability of selected real‐world evidence (RWE) data sources to conduct prespecified research.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify generic (non‐disease specific) sources of real‐world data in Medline and Embase from January 1, 2010 to September 8, 2015. Data sources used in observational studies were identified and summarized based on their geographical distribution and the type of data. In the next step, the selected data sources were critically evaluated for their completeness.ResultsA total of 10,069 identified publications were screened, leading to 2635 unique data sources across 102 countries. Europe had the maximum number of data sources (n = 1163) followed by United States (n = 578), and Asia, Middle East, and African Countries (n = 374). The most common type of identified data sources across all countries was structured data sources, ie, administrative databases and registries. Of the identified data sources, 300 were selected for further investigation. From the selected databases, ~50% had confirmed information on over 60% of the investigated variables, ~61% were suitable for epidemiological research, and 60% had possibility of linkage.ConclusionsThe present study applied a systematic literature review approach and identified available generic sources of real‐world data worldwide, in addition to the United States and Europe, which are suitable for conducting pre‐defined researches and support future RWE studies.