bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water‐Mediated Surface Diffusion Mechanism Enables the Cold Sintering Process: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study
Authors: Sengul Mert Y. , Guo Jing , Randall Clive A. , van Duin Adri C. T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe cold sintering process (CSP) densifies ceramics at much lower temperatures than conventional sintering processes. Several ceramics and composite systems have been successfully densified under cold sintering. For the grain growth kinetics of zinc oxide, reduced activation energies are shown, and yet the mechanism behind this growth is unknown. Herein, we investigate these mechanisms in more detail with experiments and ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations. We investigated the recrystallization of zinc cations under various acidic conditions and found that their adsorption to the surface can be a rate‐limiting factor for cold sintering. Our studies show that surface hydroxylation in CSP does not inhibit crystallization; in contrast, by creating a surface complex, it creates an orders of magnitude acceleration in surface diffusion, and in turn, accelerates recrystallization.
Retarded Solid‐State Rotations of an Oval‐Shaped Guest in a Deformed Cylinder with CH–π Arrays
Authors: Matsuno Taisuke , Fukunaga Kengo , Sato Sota , Isobe Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2019

AbstractUpon encapsulating an oval‐shaped hydrocarbon guest, a cylindrical host deforms its shape to maximize intermolecular contacts. Structure–assembly relationship studies with a series of hydrocarbon guests disclosed the importance of molecular shapes and CH–π contacts. Multiple contacts and weak CH–π hydrogen bonds resulted in an optimal assembly; however, the shape deformation resulted in severe retardation of rotational motions in the crystal. Thus, unlike a circular guest, the oval‐shaped guest did not change its orientation in the host. Unexpectedly, the planar guest did not affect the packing structure to form a double helix in intertwined host arrays.
Stability analysis of state‐triggered impulsive boolean networks based on a hybrid index model
Authors: Guo Yuqian , Shen Yawen , Gui Weihua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSeveral real processes, such as gene expression, operate on very different timescales. This paper suggests a hybrid index model for discrete‐time impulsive systems exhibiting both macro‐ and micro‐timescale behaviors, and applies it to a stability study of state‐triggered impulsive Boolean networks (IBNs). The model conveniently characterizes the instantaneousness of jumping and essentially differs from the conventional switched‐system model. A necessary and sufficient condition for forward completeness (a basic problem in state‐triggered IBNs) is also obtained. The necessary and sufficient conditions for stability and set stability in the time and hybrid domains are derived by a quotient mapping method and a k‐domain method, respectively. The proposal results are demonstrated in examples.
Pembrolizumab in men with heavily treated metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Tucker Matthew D. , Zhu Jason , Marin Daniele , Gupta Rajan T. , Gupta Santosh , Berry William R. , Ramalingam Sundhar , Zhang Tian , Harrison Michael , Wu Yuan , Healy Patrick , Lisi Stacey , George Daniel J. , Armstrong Andrew J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundPembrolizumab is approved for patients with metastatic, microsatellite instability (MSI)‐high or mismatch repair‐deficient (dMMR) solid tumors. However, very few men with prostate cancer were included in these initial studies.MethodsWe performed a single institution retrospective review of men with metastatic castrate‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who were treated with pembrolizumab. The primary objective was to describe the clinical efficacy of pembrolizumab associated with patient and genomic characteristics.ResultsWe identified 48 men who received ≥1 cycle of pembrolizumab for mCRPC. Of these, 94% (45/48) had ≥3 prior lines of therapy for mCRPC. Somatic tumor sequencing was available in 18/48 men (38%). We found that 17% (8/48) had a ≥50% confirmed PSA decline with pembrolizumab, and 8% (4/48) had a ≥90% PSA decline with durations of response ranging from 3.1 to 16.3 months. Two of these four men had mutations in LRP1b, one of whom also had MSH2 loss and was MSI‐H and TMB‐high. Despite prior progression on enzalutamide, 48% (23/48) of men were treated with concurrent enzalutamide. The median PSA progression‐free‐survival was 1.8 months (range 0.4‐13.7 months), with 31% of patients remaining on pembrolizumab therapy and 54% of men remain alive with a median follow‐up of 7.1 months.ConclusionsIn a heavily pretreated population of men with mCRPC, pembrolizumab was associated with a ≥50% PSA decline in 17% (8/48) of men, including a dramatic ≥90% PSA response in 8% (4/48), two of whom harbored pathogenic LRP1b mutations suggesting that LRP1b mutations may enrich for PD‐1 inhibitor responsiveness in prostate cancer.
Changes in midlife fitness, body mass index, and smoking influence cancer incidence and mortality: A prospective cohort study in men
Authors: Robsahm Trude E. , Heir Trond , Sandvik Leiv , Prestgaard Erik , Tretli Steinar , Erikssen Jan E. , Falk Ragnhild S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCancer prevention efforts include modification of unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking cessation and resisting gain in body weight. Although physical activity is inversely related to risk of several cancers, it is poorly studied whether changes in physical activity or fitness influence future cancer risk. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether changes in midlife cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body mass index (BMI), and smoking habits influence cancer incidence and mortality. The study cohort includes 1689 initially healthy men, aged 40‐59 years. Measurements of CRF, BMI and information on smoking habits were collected in two repeated waves, 7 years apart. Cox regression models estimated associations as hazard rates (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), between midlife changes in the modifiable lifestyle factors and cancer incidence and mortality. The men were followed prospectively for more than 30 years. Compared to CRF loss (>5%), improved CRF (>5%) was associated with lower cancer incidence (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67‐0.98) and mortality (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.54‐0.92), and maintaining the CRF stable yielded lower cancer incidence (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61‐0.95). No association was seen for BMI gain, but maintaining the BMI stable was related to lower cancer incidence (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60‐0.98), compared to BMI loss. Continue smoking was associated with higher cancer incidence and mortality, compared to men who stopped smoking. In particular, this study adds new knowledge about the potential preventive role of CRF in cancer development and emphasizes lifestyle modification as a highly important effort in cancer prevention.
Simultaneous High Conversion and Selectivity in Olefin Oxidation with Oxygen Through Solid/Liquid/Gas Three‐Phase Interface Design
Authors: Li Zhaohua , Cao Changyan , Zhu Zhongpeng , Jiang Lei , Song Weiguo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn oxidation reactions with oxygen as oxidant, low O2 concentration on catalyst surface under ambient pressure is a major kinetic limitation for selective oxidation of olefins; while increasing O2 pressure to enhance the reaction rate suffers lower selectivity due to thermodynamic factors. In this study, we demonstrate that simultaneous enhancement of conversion and selectivity can be achieved under ambient pressure by solid/liquid/gas three‐phase interface design. We produced Au nanoparticles supported on graphene aerogel with superaerophilic surface (denoted as Au/GA) as the catalyst for demonstration. The results show that O2 gas shows “bursting” behavior on the surface of Au/GA under water, resulting in rapid adsorbing of O2 in 98 ms and therefore high O2 concentration on the surface of catalyst. Thus, solid/liquid/gas three‐phase interface is formed under this condition, leading to high conversion as well as high selectivity at ambient O2 pressure. Such strategy is expected to find wide applications in many other selective oxidation reactions that traditionally needed high pressure.
Nitrogen Atoms as Stabilizers and Promoters for Ru‐Cluster‐Catalyzed Alkaline Water Splitting
Authors: Hu Hao , Kazim Farhad M. D. , Zhang Quan , Qu Konggang , Yang Zehui , Cai Weiwei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHere, we report an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalyst, in which ruthenium clusters with a diameter of ∼1 nm are anchored on nitrogen doped carbon (Ru/N‐BP2000). Significantly low overpotentials are required for Ru/N‐BP2000 to catalyze HER (15 mV vs. RHE) and OER (285 mV vs. RHE) in 1 M KOH with current density of 10 mA cm−2, which outperforms Ru/BP2000 (HER: 54.2 mV vs. RHE; OER: 337 mV vs. RHE) as well as the benchmark Pt/C (52 mV vs. RHE) and IrO2 (301 mV vs. RHE). Moreover, ignorable losses in electrocatalytic activities toward HER and OER are recorded for Ru/N‐BP2000 electrocatalyst ascribed to the electronically delocalized Ru atoms induced by the nitrogen atoms. Only 1.53 V is needed for Ru/N‐BP2000 electrocatalyst to drive overall water splitting with stable current density of 10 mA cm−2 for 50 h, which is comparably lower than Pt/C−IrO2 demanding 1.59 V to attain 10 mA cm−2. This work demonstrates the importance of nitrogen doping for promoting the Ru based electrocatalyst's activity and stability in water splitting application.
Redox (In)activations of Metalloenzymes: A Protein Film Voltammetry Approach
Authors: del Barrio Melisa , Fourmond Vincent 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRedox metalloenzymes are omnipresent in living organisms where they catalyze key cellular reactions with great efficiency. These enzymes can often be reversibly placed into inactive states following changes in redox conditions. This is a hindrance for their use in biotechnological devices, and also a complication for their study via a structure/function approach, because structural data alone usually is not enough to discriminate between active and inactive states. However, these inactive states can also inform on the chemistry of the enzyme's active sites and on their catalytic cycles. A technique that has proved particularly valuable in the last decades for studying these processes is protein film voltammetry (PFV), in which an enzyme is immobilized on an electrode in a configuration where direct electron transfer is possible. In this article, we review the studies of redox (in)activation processes using PFV, present the theory for a number of cases (reversible inactivations, irreversible activations), and give guidelines to obtain and interpret suitable kinetic data.
Na+ Selective Fluorescent Tools Based on Fluorescence Intensity Enhancements, Lifetime Changes, and on a Ratiometric Response
Authors: Schwarze Thomas , Riemer Janine , Müller Holger , John Leonard , Holdt Hans‐Jürgen , Wessig Pablo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractOver the years, we developed highly selective fluorescent probes for K+ in water, which show K+‐induced fluorescence intensity enhancements, lifetime changes, or a ratiometric behavior at two emission wavelengths (cf. Scheme 1, K1–K4). In this paper, we introduce selective fluorescent probes for Na+ in water, which also show Na+ induced signal changes, which are analyzed by diverse fluorescence techniques. Initially, we synthesized the fluorescent probes 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10 for a fluorescence analysis by intensity enhancements at one wavelength by varying the Na+ responsive ionophore unit and the fluorophore moiety to adjust different Kd values for an intra‐ or extracellular Na+ analysis. Thus, we found that 2, 4 and 5 are Na+ selective fluorescent tools, which are able to measure physiologically important Na+ levels at wavelengths higher than 500 nm. Secondly, we developed the fluorescent probes 7 and 8 to analyze precise Na+ levels by fluorescence lifetime changes. Herein, only 8 (Kd=106 mm) is a capable fluorescent tool to measure Na+ levels in blood samples by lifetime changes. Finally, the fluorescent probe 9 was designed to show a Na+ induced ratiometric fluorescence behavior at two emission wavelengths. As desired, 9 (Kd=78 mm) showed a ratiometric fluorescence response towards Na+ ions and is a suitable tool to measure physiologically relevant Na+ levels by the intensity change of two emission wavelengths at 404 nm and 492 nm.
Fluorescent Phosphorus Dendrimers: Towards Material and Biological Applications
Authors: Qiu Jieru , Hameau Aurélien , Shi Xiangyang , Mignani Serge , Majoral Jean‐Pierre , Caminade Anne‐Marie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractFluorescent derivatives of phosphorhydrazone dendrimers are reviewed. Diverse types of fluorophores have been used, such as pyrene, naphthol, anthracene, dansyl, diketone, phthalocyanine, maleimide, julolidine, rhodamine, fluorescein, or fluorene derivatives. The fluorescent groups can be located either as terminal groups on the surface, at the core, linked to the core (off‐center), or to the branches of the dendritic structure. After fundamental research on their synthesis, these compounds have been used in the fields of catalysis, nanomaterials, OLEDs, sensors and biology/nanomedicine, in particular for monitoring transfection, or for their anti‐inflammatory or anti‐cancer properties.
Epigenetic treatment of dermatologic disorders
Authors: Moos Walter H. , Faller Douglas V. , Glavas Ioannis P. , Harpp David N. , Kanara Iphigenia , Pinkert Carl A. , Powers Whitney R. , Sampani Konstantina , Steliou Kosta , Vavvas Demetrios G. , Kodukula Krishna , Zamboni Robert J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHealthy skin protects us against a multitude of insults, but injured or maladapted skin can lead to infection, inflammation, or worse. Fortunately, naturally occurring bioactive products, many commonly found in olive oil and other plant and vegetable extracts, have shown utility in treating skin and related diseases as well as conditioning the skin to maintain its healthy function. Powerful agents targeting nuclear regulatory pathways continue to hold promise as new or repurposed therapies for a wide variety of ills and skin conditions. Epigenetic approaches that activate Nrf2 to effect detoxification, redox balance, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function are noteworthy. Some of the disease applications being actively investigated range from eczema and psoriasis to skin cancer and diabetes‐related wound healing to name just a few.
Climatic controls on peatland black spruce growth in relation to water table variation and precipitation
Authors: Dymond S.F. , D'Amato A.W. , Kolka R.K. , Bolstad P.V. , Sebestyen S.D. , Gill K. , Curzon M.T. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPrior research has demonstrated the importance of water limitations and increasing temperatures on upland black spruce (Picea mariana [Mill.] B.S.P.) tree growth, which is a dominant component of the North American boreal forest. However, little work has been done to investigate the connectivity between growth and hydro‐climate in peatland black spruce systems. The boreal forest is the largest global terrestrial biome and is highly threatened due to current and projected increases in temperatures for the northern latitudes. Here we explore the dynamics among annual black spruce growth, climate, and water table elevations using 45 years of in situ precipitation, temperature, and water table elevation coupled with dendrochronological analysis from six research peatlands at the Marcell Experimental Forest, MN, USA. From 1963 to 2010, we found weak relationships between water table elevation and black spruce growth at the six study sites. Instead, annual black spruce growth was most favourable during three climatic periods: (a) cool, moist conditions in mid‐summer; (b) warm mid‐spring temperatures; and (c) cool temperatures in the fall prior to the current growing season. The disconnect between black spruce growth and water table dynamics was surprising and suggests that either annual black spruce growth is minimally responsive to hydrological fluctuations at the timescale we analysed or there is great elasticity of black spruce growth to peatland water table and evapotranspiration dynamics under the range of hydrological fluctuations contained in our record.
Synthesis of CoZnAl‐layered double hydroxide/graphene oxide nanocomposite for the removal of methylene blue: Kinetic, thermodynamic, and isotherm studies
Authors: Sharifi‐Bonab Mina , Aber Soheil , Salari Dariush , Khodam Fatemeh 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was the synthesis of a novel nanocomposite (CoZnAl‐layered double hydroxide [LDH]/graphene oxide [GO]) to solve the adsorption problem of positively charged pollutants by LDHs. To prepare this nanocomposite, CoZnAl‐LDH and GO were synthesized by coprecipitation and modified Hummers methods, respectively. After ultrasonic pretreatment, they were combined to produce CoZnAl‐LDH/GO nanocomposite with a smooth and uniform texture which used to remove methylene blue as a cationic model pollutant. The synthesized nanocomposite showed a good adsorption capacity with the maximum adsorption capacity of 169.49 mg/g according to the Langmuir model. The effect of temperature on the adsorption process was surveyed by thermodynamic studies confirming the desirability and the spontaneity of the adsorption process. According to kinetic results, the pseudo‐second‐order model fitted the adsorption process, well. Meanwhile, it was determined that the adsorption process, especially in the beginning, had a high rate and 70% of the pollutant was removed within the first 5 min. Also, the effect of pH on the pollutant removal efficiency was investigated. Finally, the reusability of the nanocomposite was tested. High adsorption capacity and rate, the wide range of operational pH (4–10), and good reusability all suggest that CoZnAl‐LDH/GO is a promising adsorbent for industrial and practical uses.
Optimization of vacuum frying condition for producing silver carp surimi chips
Authors: Hu Jiamiao , Zeng Hongliang , Deng Changjun , Wang Peixing , Fan Liyi , Zheng Baodong , Zhang Yi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, we explored the feasibility of vacuum frying to produce crisp silver carp surimi chips. The influence of three process parameters (frying temperature, frying time, and slice thickness) on the quality parameters of vacuum‐fried surimi chips (oil uptake, crispness, and optical properties) was investigated. The experimental results showed the optimal conditions were chosen as 2‐mm surimi slice being vacuum‐fried at 118°C for 2.5 min. Under these conditions, the oil content, breaking force, and color difference to commercial potato chips were 24.33%, 15.21 N, and 14.03, respectively. Additionally, we also measured the water loss during vacuum frying and the oil quality changes during storage of surimi chips. Results demonstrated the rapid loss of water content of surimi chips during vacuum frying and oil deterioration was kept at acceptable low level up to 100 days. Taken together, our study supported the applicability of vacuum frying technology to produce high‐quality silver carp surimi chips.
Lebanon's essential health care benefit package: A gateway for universal health coverage
Authors: Hemadeh Randa , Hammoud Rawan , Kdouh Ola 
Published: July 2019

SummaryRecent years have demonstrated the resurgence of a global commitment toward universal health coverage (UHC). The first step toward developing a sustainable primary health care (PHC)‐oriented UHC program is the creation and service delivery of an explicit essential health care benefit package (EHCP). This paper aims to describe the development, features, and progress of the EHCP in Lebanon, in addition to outlining barriers, facilitators, and next steps. Building on the investments made in the PHC network, the ministry of public health in Lebanon piloted an essential PHC package program in 2016 targeting vulnerable Lebanese and was able to enroll over 87% of targeted population to date. In order to scale up the EHCP to the national level and achieve UHC, modifications need to be made to the package entitlements, provider payment mechanisms, and implementation arrangements. The paper also notes that further advocacy and lobbying are needed in order to place UHC and the EHCP on the national agenda and stimulate public demand.
Role of Chlamydia trachomatis serology in conservative management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2
Authors: Miralpeix Ester , Solé‐Sedeño Josep‐Maria , Agramunt Sílvia , Lloveras Belen , Gimeno Ramon , Alameda Francesc , Carreras Ramon , Mancebo Gemma 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the spontaneous progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) in accordance with Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) serology.MethodsA prospective observational study included women diagnosed with CIN2 by cervical biopsy and managed conservatively for 24 months at Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, between December 2011 and October 2013. Serum anti‐chlamydia immunoglobulin G (IgG), previous cytology, and high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping were recorded at baseline. The outcome was regression, persistence, or progression of CIN2.ResultsOverall, 93 women aged 18–56 years were enrolled. Spontaneous regression was observed for 61 (66%) women, and 21 (23%) progressed to CIN3. Eight (9%) women had chlamydia seropositivity at baseline. Multivariate analysis showed that anti‐chlamydia IgG seropositivity (odds ratio [OR], 19.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–189.7), previous high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.7–14.6), and HPV16 (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7–13.7) increased the risk of CIN2 persistence or progression.ConclusionWomen with CIN2 and chlamydia IgG seropositivity had increased risk of progression to CIN2+ and immediate treatment may be recommended for these women. Larger clinical studies are needed to confirm the results, but chlamydia serology might be introduced into CIN2 management to better individualize treatment.
Impact of DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5‐azacytidine on cardiac development of zebrafish in vivo and cardiomyocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and the homeostasis of gene expression in vitro
Authors: Yang Qian , Wu Fang , Wang Feng , Cai Ke , Zhang Yawen , Sun Quanya , Zhao Xiaolong , Gui Yonghao , Li Qiang 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCardiac development is a peculiar process involving coordinated cellular differentiation, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. DNA methylation plays a key role in genomic stability, tissue‐specific gene expression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Hypomethylation in the global genome has been reported in cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the impact and specific mechanism of global hypomethylation on cardiomyocytes. In the present study, we explored the impact of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors 5‐azacytidine on cardiac development. In vivo experiment showed that hypomethylation of zebrafish embryos with 5‐azacytidine exposure significantly reduced survival, induced malformations, and delayed general development process. Furthermore, zebrafish embryos injected with 5‐azacytidine developed pericardial edema, ventricular volume reduction, looping deformity, and reduction in heart rate and ventricular shortening fraction. Cardiomyocytes treated with 5‐azacytidine in vitro decreased proliferation and induced apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, 5‐azacytidine treatment in cardiomyocytes resulted in 20 downregulated genes expression and two upregulated genes expression in 45 candidate genes, which indicated that DNA methylation functions as a bidirectional modulator in regulating gene expression. In conclusion, these results show the regulative effects of the epigenetic modifier 5‐azacytidine in cardiac development of zebrafish embryos in vivo and cardiomyocyte proliferation and apoptosis and the homeostasis of gene expression in vitro, which offer a novel understanding of aberrant DNA methylation in the etiology of cardiovascular disease.