bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Injectable ROS‐Responsive Self‐Healing Hydrogel Based on tetra‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐oligo(l‐methionine)
Authors: Zhao Dinglei , Zhou Qiang , Yang Kaixiang , Yang Haiyang , Tang Quan , Zhang Xingyuan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAbnormal physiological conditions provide an ideal stimulus for the design of responsive hydrogels which function as controlled and site‐specific release of drugs. Here, an injectable reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsive self‐healing hydrogel based on tetra‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐oligo (l‐methionine) (t‐PEG56‐b‐OMethn) synthesized by a novel and facile method is reported. The hydrophobic interactions between the side chains of l‐methionine make the polymer chains crosslinked and lead to the formation of hydrogels which can be injected and self‐healed, meanwhile, the cross‐linker also provides a hydrophobic domain to encapsulate Dox. In presence of ROS, the side chain of l‐methionine can be oxidized to methionine sulfoxide. The side chain of l‐methionine is changed accordingly from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. As a result, both the hydrophobic domain and the hydrogel itself are destroyed. The controlled release of Dox by ROS at site‐specific is realized. The excellent biocompatibility of hydrogel based on t‐PEG56‐b‐OMethn indicates the door of the potential application in controlled release of drug in a truly physiological environment.
Numerical simulation of reinforced concrete structures under impact loading
Authors: Živaljić N. , Nikolić Ž. , Smoljanović H. , Munjiza A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study presents the performance of a combined finite‐discrete element method for prediction of the structural response of reinforced concrete beams under impact loading. A combination of finite and discrete element methods enables the modelling of the concrete and the reinforcement before the concrete cracking, as well as a discontinuous nature of the concrete caused by fracture and fragmentation under high impact loading. Discretization of the concrete with triangular finite elements is coupled with one‐dimensional reinforcing bars embedded inside the concrete finite elements. The cracking in the concrete activates the joint elements used to simulate the non‐linear behavior of both concrete and reinforcement. Numerical analysis based on experimental test data has been carried out to simulate the main features of the reinforced concrete beams impacted by free‐falling drop‐weights. A high level of accuracy was demonstrated in various comparisons between the experimental tests and the analysis results, including peak displacement, crack pattern, damage level and failure modes of reinforced concrete beams.
Shear effect on seismic behaviour of masonry walls
Authors: Smilović M. , Radnić J. , Harapin A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFirstly, a finite element numerical model for nonlinear dynamic analysis of masonry walls is briefly presented. The model can simulate the main nonlinear effects of masonry and reinforced concrete. It is simple and intended to the engineering application. A macro model of masonry is adopted for simulation its behaviour in compression and for cracks modelling in tension. Two constitutive models are implemented to describe the shear resistance of the masonry wall: One that does not take the effect of the shear failure of masonry (Model 1), and second which takes into account shear failure of masonry (Model 2). By using the numerical model, the shear effect of masonry on the behaviour of two‐storey unreinforced and confined masonry walls exposed to harmonic base acceleration was investigated. The height to length ratio of the walls and the quality of masonry are varied. Analysis results for Model 1 and Model 2 are significantly different. Model 1 gives a significantly higher load bearing capacities of masonry. It was concluded that the shear effect of masonry significantly depends on the type of the masonry walls (unreinforced, confined), the quality of the masonry and height to length ratio of masonry walls.
Sound quality analysis of slide adjuster for automotive power seat using stepwise regression
Authors: Kim S.Y. , Oh J.S. , Kim K.S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study has analyzed the effect of noise sources of power seat slide adjuster on sound quality and human sensitivity through statistical methods. First, sound quality analysis using sound quality metrics was performed to analyze objective data. Next, the subjective evaluation of sound quality was performed by a jury test. There were two types of sound sources used for the jury test; one was two original sounds measured in the operating test and the other one was eight virtual sound sources that were produced by amplifying a specific frequency of original sounds. It was designed to derive the causal relationship between each noise source and human sensitivity. Thirdly, we analyzed the correlation between the sound quality metrics and the sound pressure level of the noise source through the factor analysis. As a result, four independent variables were derived. Lastly, stepwise regression analysis was performed using four independent variables and the results of the jury test. The derived regression models had considerable explanatory power. From this, it was possible to understand the influence of the noise source of the seat slide adjuster on the sound quality and human sensitivity.
Targeted fetal cell‐free DNA screening for aneuploidies in 4,594 pregnancies: Single center study
Authors: Koc Altug , Ozer Kaya Ozge , Ozyilmaz Berk , Kutbay Yasar B. , Kirbiyik Ozgur , Ozdemir Taha R. , Erdogan Kadri M. , Saka Guvenc Merve , Oztekin Deniz C. , Ozeren Mehmet , Pala Halil G. , Ekin Atalay , Gezer Cenk , Sahingoz Yildirim Alkim G. , Konuralp Atakul Bahar , Kurtulmus Secil , Turhan Ugur , Taner Cuneyt E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) and discovery of fetal cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in the maternal circulation render possible prenatal screening for trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, trisomy 13, and sex chromosome aneuploidies. The approach is called “fetal cfDNA screening” and in contrast to noninvasive conventional serum screening, it provides the identification of 98%–99% of fetuses with Down syndrome.MethodsRetrospective analysis of targeted noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) (Clarigo Test) pregnancies with moderate risk, which we have reported between 2016 and 2018 years is presented. Two separate laboratory workflows and NGS platforms are used for the same targeted NIPT analysis.ResultsIn total, 4,594 pregnant women were investigated. Initial 3,594 cases are studied by MiSeq platform, the last 1,000 cases by NextSeq. Failure rate for MiSeq platform is 10.9% and for NextSeq is 8.7%. Automatically reported cases constitute 75% of the MiSeq group and 87% of the NextSeq group.ConclusionsTargeted NIPT results suggest that MiSeq platform could be used for NIPT which would be an essential option particularly for laboratories with low sample flow. And, the NextSeq platform has easier wet lab process and also increased success rate in automatic reporting which is suitable for centers with high number of NIPT cases.
The influence of ACYP2 polymorphisms on gastrointestinal cancer susceptibility in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Duan Xianglong , Hong Jiajing , Wang Fuchun , Wei Kun , Wang Pengyuan , Hou Feng , Zhang Min , Liu Dengfeng , Yuan Dongya , Liu Sida 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal cancer (GI cancer) is a type of cancer that has a high death rate. It has been reported that ACYP2 gene was associated with the development of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, but it is not clear that the relationship between ACYP2 gene and GI cancer in Chinese Han population. This study aimed to investigate the association between polymorphisms of ACYP2 and GI cancer in the Chinese Han population.MethodsWe used Agena MassARRAY to determine the genotypes of 1,160 GI cancer patients and 495 healthy controls. The correlation between ACYP2 variants and GI cancer risk was examined by logistic regression analysis.ResultsWe identified that rs6713088 (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00–1.36, p = 0.047), rs843711 (OR = 1.17, 95 CI: 1.01–1.36, p = 0.035), and rs11896604 (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00–1.45, p = 0.048) were correlated with an increased risk of GI cancer under allele model. Rs11125529 under the recessive model (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.00–4.23, p = 0.038), rs843711 in recessive model (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04–1.82, p = 0.026), and rs11896604 under log‐additive model (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.51, p = 0.042) were associated with an increased risk of GI cancer.ConclusionOur study suggested that polymorphisms of ACYP2 gene might be associated with susceptibility to GI cancer.
A mutation in Site‐1 Protease is associated with a complex phenotype that includes episodic hyperCKemia and focal myoedema
Authors: Schweitzer George G. , Gan Connie , Bucelli Robert C. , Wegner Daniel , Schmidt Robert E. , Shinawi Marwan , Finck Brian N. , Brookheart Rita T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundSite‐1 Protease (S1P) is a Golgi‐resident protein required for the activation of regulatory proteins that drive key cellular functions, including, the unfolded protein response (UPR) and lipid and cholesterol biosynthesis. While disruptions in S1P function have been widely characterized in animal models, to date, the implications of disrupted S1P function in human disease states are not completely known.MethodsThe patient and both parents underwent whole exome and mitochondrial DNA sequencing, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the mutation. Western blotting and immunofluorescence studies were performed on either proband‐derived fibroblasts or on an established cell line to assess protein expression and cellular localization of the mutated S1P protein. Quantitative real‐time PCR and luciferase reporter assays were used to examine activation of S1P target pathways in the context of the S1P mutation.ResultsWe describe a female patient with a de novo heterozygous missense mutation in the transmembrane domain of S1P (p. Pro1003Ser). The patient presented to our neuromuscular clinic with episodic, activity‐induced, focal myoedema and myalgias with hyperCKemia. Her clinical phenotype was complex and included gastrointestinal hypomotility, ocular migraines, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Molecular analysis using proband‐derived fibroblasts and cell lines harboring the Pro1003Ser mutation demonstrated increased activation of UPR and lipid and cholesterol regulatory pathways and localization of S1P Pro1003Ser in the Golgi.ConclusionThese findings suggest a critical function for S1P in several human organ systems and implicate an important role for S1P in various human disease states.
Predicting pKa for Small Molecules on Public and In‐house Datasets Using Fast Prediction Methods Combined with Data Fusion
Authors: Kalliokoski Tuomo , Sinervo Kai 
Published: May 2019

AbstractData fusion approach was investigated in the context of pKa prediction for 391 small molecules derived from a public data source as well as for 681 compounds from an internal corporate database. Four different pKa prediction methods (Simulations Plus ADMET‐Predictor S+pKa, ACD/Labs Percepta Classic, ACD/Labs Percepta GALAS and Epik) were used to predict the most acidic or basic pKa for each of the compounds. By using data fusion, the median absolute error for the internal compounds was reduced from the best performing single model's value of 0.69 down to 0.50. In addition to the improved accuracy, data fusion also enabled predictions for all of the compounds in the dataset as individual methods failed on some of the molecules.
A nonprobabilistic reliability–based topology optimization method of compliant mechanisms with interval uncertainties
Authors: Wang Lei , Liang Jinxiong , Chen Wenpin , Qiu Zhiping 
Published: May 2019

SummaryOn account of the inevitable multisource uncertainty factors in compliant mechanisms, which seriously affect the accuracy of output motion, a nonprobabilistic reliability–based topology optimization (NRBTO) framework for compliant mechanisms with interval uncertainties is introduced. Combined with the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) model and the set‐theoretical interval method, the uncertainty quantification analysis is conducted to obtain mathematical approximations and boundary laws of considered mean compliance. By normalization treatment of the limit‐state function, a new quantified measure of the nonprobabilistic reliability is then defined. The compliance‐based NRBTO design method ensures the output motion realizing its target value accurately considering the uncertainty factors. The sensitivities of the nonprobabilistic reliability index with respect to design variables are calculated by the adjoint vector method. Two engineering examples are eventually presented to illustrate the applicability and the validity of the present problem statement as well as the proposed numerical techniques.
X‐chromosome inactivation pattern of amniocytes predicts the risk of dystrophinopathy in fetal carriers of DMD mutations
Authors: He Wen‐Bin , Du Juan , Xie Ping‐Yuan , Zhou Shuang , Zhang Ya‐Xin , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Lin Ge , Li Wen , Tan Yue‐Qiu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo predict the risk of dystrophinopathy in fetal carriers of dystrophin gene (DMD) mutations.MethodsTwenty‐three pregnant women, with a total of 25 female fetuses carrying DMD mutations, were recruited. Among them, 13 pregnant women who participated in this study were only used to analyse the incidence of induced abortion after fetuses were diagnosed as dystrophinopathy carriers. Eleven fetal carriers from 10 pregnant women were tested to analyse X‐chromosome inactivation (XCI) using amniocytes to assess the risk of dystrophinopathy. Follow‐ups were conducted on all cases.ResultsApproximately one‐third of fetuses were aborted before assessing the risk of dystrophinopathy. XCI analysis of amniocytes showed that 10 fetuses had random XCI patterns, and one fetus exhibited a highly skewed XCI pattern (100:0) with primary expression of the maternal X chromosome that carried the mutant allele. These 11 fetal carriers were born, and follow‐up showed that the girl who showed the skewed XCI pattern as a fetus was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) at the age of four. The others did not present with dystrophinopathy‐associated symptoms.ConclusionsXCI was significantly implicated in symptomatic female carriers of dystrophinopathies, and XCI pattern analysis of amniocytes may be useful in predicting the risk of dystrophinopathy in fetal carriers.
Treatment of Relapsed Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Four Young Children with Atorvastatin and Low‐dose Dexamethasone
Authors: Huang Jinhao , Li Lihong , Zhang Jingyi , Gao Chuang , Quan Wei , Tian Ye , Sun Jian , Tian Qilong , Wang Dong , Dong Jingfei , Zhang Jianning , Jiang Rongcai 
Published: May 2019

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) can develop in children in rare cases. Burr‐hole drainage (BHD) is the treatment of choice, but it is associated with a high rate of recurrence. This report describes four cases of pediatric patients (1–7 yrs of age) with post‐BHD relapsed CSDH who were successfully treated with a drug regimen that included 2.5–5 mg atorvastatin daily combined with dexamethasone with stepwise‐decreasing dosing for a total of 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, the hematoma was completely resolved in three patients and significantly reduced in one patient. During the treatment, no patient reported clinically significant adverse events. No patient experienced hematoma relapse during the follow‐up period that lasted for up to 4 years. This case report suggests the need for a randomized placebo‐controlled trial to evaluate this drug regimen for nonsurgical treatment of patients with relapsed CSDH.
The Proteome of Pancreatic Cancer‐Derived Exosomes Reveals Signatures Rich in Key Signaling Pathways
Authors: Han Song , Huo Zhiguang , Nguyen Kathy , Zhu Fanchao , Underwood Patrick W. , Basso Kari B. Green , George Thomas J. , Hughes Steven J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractExosomes are membrane‐bound vesicles that traffic small molecular cargos. These cargos participate in cell–cell communication and contribute to the pathogenesis of many disease including cancer. How these mechanisms contribute to communication within the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment and how they contribute to PDAC biology are poorly understood. Performed in this study are comprehensive, quantitative comparisons of the proteomes of three PDAC cell lines to those of the exosomes they produce. Approximately 35% of whole cell proteins sort into exosomes. Analysis of composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) determined a cluster of 98 enriched pancreatic cancer exosome core proteins (ePC‐ECPs). Further, these proteins are predicted by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) as actively involved in signaling pathways regulating cell death and survival, cellular movement, and cell‐to‐cell signaling and interaction in particular (top three p‐value significant pathways). Significant enrichment of canonical pathways of acute phase response signaling (inflammatory response signaling pathways) and FXR and RXR activation in biosynthetic pathways are also predicted; 97 ePC‐ECPs are associated with cancer and among them, 34 are specifically associated with PDAC. In conclusion, exosomes from PDAC are enriched with cancer‐associated signaling proteins. Further assessment of these proteins as PDAC biomarkers or therapeutic targets is warranted.
Identification of equol‐7‐glucuronide‐4′‐sulfate, monoglucuronides and monosulfates in human plasma of 2 equol producers after administration of kinako by LC‐ESI‐MS
Authors: Obara Aki , Kinoshita Mizuki , Hosoda Kaori , Yokokawa Akitomo , Shibasaki Hiromi , Ishii Kazuo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEquol is a product formed during the biotransformation of the naturally occurring isoflavone daidzein by intestinal bacteria. The role of equol in the prevention of several hormone‐dependent diseases such as prostate cancer and osteoporosis as well as vasomotor symptoms has been extensively investigated. Equol primarily occurs in the form of major metabolites such as glucuronides and sulfates, while intact equol has been detected at only ca. 1% in human plasma. However, to date, conjugated metabolites have been evaluated by measuring the free equol obtained after selective enzymatic hydrolysis. Thus, the precise types of conjugates circulating in vivo and the position(s) of the conjugation sites on the equol skeleton have yet to be clarified. Our study describes the identification of polar equol metabolites in the plasma of 2 equol‐producers obtained at 8 hours after consuming 50 g of kinako (approximately 37 mg of daidzein). The structural identification of these conjugated metabolites in plasma was performed by comparison to the LC‐ESI‐MSn and 1H‐NMR spectral data of the corresponding chemically synthesized compounds. The results of the LC‐ESI‐MS/MS analysis indicated that the main conjugated metabolite in plasma was (S)‐equol‐7‐glucuronide‐4′‐sulfate along with lower amounts of 7‐ and 4′‐monoglucuronides as well as 7‐ and 4′‐monosulfates.
Recent Progress in Organic Electron Transport Materials in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Said Ahmed Ali , Xie Jian , Zhang Qichun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOrganic n‐type materials (e.g., fullerene derivatives, naphthalene diimides (NDIs), perylene diimides (PDIs), azaacene‐based molecules, and n‐type conjugated polymers) are demonstrated as promising electron transport layers (ETLs) in inverted perovskite solar cells (p–i–n PSCs), because these materials have several advantages such as easy synthesis and purification, tunable frontier molecular orbitals, decent electron mobility, low cost, good solubility in different organic solvents, and reasonable chemical/thermal stability. Considering these positive factors, approaches toward achieving effective p–i–n PSCs with these organic materials as ETLs are highlighted in this Review. Moreover, organic structures, electron transport properties, working function of electrodes caused by ETLs, and key relevant parameters (PCE and stability) of p–i–n PSCs are presented. Hopefully, this Review will provide fundamental guidance for future development of new organic n‐type materials as ETLs for more efficient p–i–n PSCs.
Stepwise transition to agile: From three agile practices to Kanban adaptation
Authors: Diebold Philipp , Theobald Sven , Wahl Johannes , Rausch Yves 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMany smaller companies cannot afford the time and effort to change their development processes all at once. In some cases, companies are not aware of the fact that many aspects of agile development are already in place. The aim of this work was to evaluate if an evolutionary transition to agile software development is suitable for small companies. We conducted a case study with a small company to start their step‐by‐step agile transition. Initially, three agile software development practices were introduced. Based on the assessment of improvements, the transition continued with three Kanban practices. Experiences with the improvement process and the selected practices were elicited by means of qualitative interviews for data collection. Our case study reports details on the implementation of the first practices as well as the way the resulting agile transition has taken so far. The positive experiences reported by all employees during the agile transition indicate that an evolutionary transition is suitable for small companies. The experiences concerning the transition process and the positive effects of the selected practices motivate practitioners to start their own agile transition.
Radical empathy, the imaginary and affect in (post)colonial records: how to break out of international stalemates on displaced archives
Authors: Lowry James 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAs the European powers appeared to withdraw from their colonies, they often took with them records that were subsequently claimed by the governments of the newly independent countries. These records are post-colonial examples of displaced archives. In recent history, the problem of displaced archives has been approached as a legal problem, and this has produced relatively few resolutions to archival claims. This article approaches displaced archives from a new perspective, applying theories and concepts recently introduced into archival theory by Michelle Caswell, Anne Gilliland and Marika Cifor: affect, imagined records and impossible archival imaginaries, and radical empathy. This article will show that these concepts, which have been deployed to decolonise diverse aspects of archival work, could also help resolve a persistent international problem, which is both technical and geopolitical/diplomatic. This article will argue that archival theory, as recently influenced by Caswell, Gilliland and Cifor, demands a significantly changed approach to archival displacement, even as it sometimes arrives at established positions on repatriation and access. This change involves opening up dialogues about displaced archives to considerations beyond the juridical or geopolitical, to form richer understandings of archival displacement and its effects on individuals and communities. The article challenges individual archivists to apply the concepts of affect, imagined records and impossible archival imaginaries, and radical empathy in their work with colonial records as a component of decolonial archival praxis, and finally proposes a critical theorisation of displaced archives.