bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NF‐κB‐mediated inflammatory damage is differentially affected in SH‐SY5Y and C6 cells treated with 27‐hydroxycholesterol
Authors: Ma Wei‐Wei , Li Chao‐Qun , Zhao Lei , Wang Yu‐Shan , Xiao Rong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated that 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC), a cholesterol metabolite, was involved in the inflammatory process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The present study aimed to investigate the 27‐OHC‐induced inflammatory damage to neurons and astrocytes and the underlying mechanism(s) accounting for this damage. Human neuroblastoma cells (SH‐SY5Y cells) and rat glioma cells (C6 cells) were treated with vehicle or 27‐OHC (5, 10, or 20 μM) for 24 hr. The levels of secreted interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were determined by using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence staining was used to determine the cellular expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β). The mRNA and protein expression levels of nuclear factor‐κB p65 (NF‐κB p65), nuclear factor‐κB p50 (NF‐κB p50) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in both SH‐SY5Y and C6 cells were also detected by real‐time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The results of this study showed that 27‐OHC treatment increased secretion of TNF‐α and iNOS and decreased secretion of IL‐10, upregulated expression of TGF‐β, NF‐κB p65 and p50, and downregulated expression of COX‐2 in SH‐SY5Y cells. In C6 cells, treatment with 27‐OHC resulted in decreased secretion of IL‐1β, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and iNOS, and increased expression of TLR4 and TGF‐β. These results suggest that 27‐OHC may cause inflammatory damage to neurons by activating the TGF‐β/NF‐κB signaling pathway and to astrocytes by activating the TLR4/TGF‐β signaling, which results in the subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines.
Flow behavior, thixotropy, and dynamic viscoelasticity of ethanolic purified basil (Ocimum bacilicum L.) seed gum solutions during thermal treatment
Authors: Farahmandfar Reza , Salahi Mohammad Reza , Asnaashari Maryam 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDuring processing, foodstuffs may be treated at various thermal operations. Thus, this study investigated the functional properties and flow behavior at operation conditions to ensure safety and improve quality and stability at high temperatures and analyzed the ability of gum to be used in food formulation. The results showed that the purified basil seed gum (PBSG) solutions could beknown as non‐Newtonian liquids with pseudoplastic behavior. Frequency sweep revealed the storage modulus (G′) was higher than the loss modulus (G″) in the treatments. According to stress sweep, frequency sweep, complex viscosity (η*), and loss‐tangent (tan δ) outcomes, mechanical spectra of PBSG were categorized as weak gels. Besides, concentration and temperature were effect on G′ and G″. The results indicated that, in general, 1% PBSG‐121°C had the maximum yield stress, consistency coefficient (k), extent of thixotropy, and the minimum values of flow behavior index. Also, 1% PBSG showed the highest G′, G″, η*, yield stress values at the limit of the LVE range (τy), flow‐point stress (τf), and corresponding modulus Gf (G′ = G″), and the lowest value of tan δ. Exhibiting distinctive rheological characteristics of PBSG makes it as a worthy hydrocolloid to use in food products, which use thermal processing.
Effects of the P‐Glycoprotein Inhibitor Clarithromycin on the Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous and Oral Trospium Chloride: A 4‐Way Crossover Drug‐Drug Interaction Study in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Abebe Bayew Tsega , Weiss Michael , Modess Christiane , Roustom Tarek , Tadken Tobias , Wegner Danilo , Schwantes Ulrich , Neumeister Claudia , Schulz Hans‐Ulrich , Scheuch Eberhard , Siegmund Werner 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe quaternary ammonium compound trospium chloride is poorly absorbed from 2 “absorption windows” in the jejunum and cecum/ascending colon, respectively. To confirm whether intestinal P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is involved, a 4‐period, crossover drug interaction study with trospium chloride after intravenous (2 mg) and oral administration (30 mg) without and after comedication of clarithromycin (500 mg), an inhibitor for P‐gp, was initiated in 12 healthy subjects. Pharmacokinetics of trospium was evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, noncompartmental evaluation, and pharmacokinetic modeling. Trospium chloride was poorly absorbed after oral administration (absolute bioavailability, ∼8%–10%). About 30% of the bioavailable dose fraction was absorbed from the “narrow window”. Comedication with clarithromycin increased steady‐state distribution volumes by ∼27% (P < .01). Bioavailability was not increased as hypothesized. The geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval) for area under the plasma concentration–time curve, maximum concentration, and renal clearance accounted for 0.75 (0.56–1.01), 0.64 (0.45–0.89), and 1.00 (0.90–1.13), respectively. The amount of trospium absorbed from the “narrow window” was reduced in all subjects but from the “wider window” in only 9 of them. Bioavailability was strongly predicted by the maximum absorption rate of trospium in the distal “window” (rs2 = 0.910, P < .0001). In conclusion, the P‐gp inhibitor clarithromycin significantly increases distribution volumes but not oral absorption of trospium. The amount absorbed from the “narrow window” was lowered in all subjects. However, the extent of all influences seems not to be of clinical relevance.
The influence of Atlantic High on seasonal rainfall in Argentina
Authors: Garbarini Eugenia María , González Marcela Hebe , Rolla Alfredo Luis 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe objective of this work is to quantify the influence of the position and intensity of the Atlantic High (AH) on seasonal rainfall in Argentina. Monthly precipitation data in 68 stations from the National Meteorological Service of Argentina, the Secretariat of Water Resource and the Territorial Authority of the Limay, Neuquén, and Negro rivers basins (AIC) were used. Correlation was the methodology used to identify the link between seasonal rainfall and some indices especially defined to detect the position and intensity of the anticyclone. Precipitation composites of the years when the value of these indices was extremely high (greater than their second tercile) and extremely low (lower than their first tercile) were built for every season. They were analysed and compared with humidity anomaly transport composites for the same sets of years in order to study circulation patterns associated with seasonal rainfall anomalies. Results indicate that when the AH is intensified, winter rainfall increases in central Argentina and spring rainfall increases in northern Cuyo region. When the AH is displaced towards the north of its mean position, autumn rainfall is favoured in the northeast and central and south Patagonia, meanwhile winter and spring rainfall decreases in central Argentina. When the AH is displaced towards the east of its mean position, summer rainfall decreases in central Andes. Finally, AH indices were used to detect the influence on rainfall in advance. Correlations between seasonal rainfall and the defined indices that characterize the anticyclone in the previous month suggest that there is some rainfall predictability, especially during spring in almost every region in Argentina.
Anthocyanin composition of grapes from three different soil types in cv. Tempranillo A.O.C. Rioja vineyards
Authors: Pérez‐Álvarez Eva P , Martínez‐Vidaurre José M , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoil and climate are among the most determining factors for the composition of grapes. Among the compounds present in grapes, anthocyanins mainly determine their organoleptic and health‐related properties. The purpose of this work was to study the influence of three different soils on the anthocyanin content of Tempranillo grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) from 2016 and 2017 vintages. The soils of the vineyards were classified as Fluventic Haploxerepts (FH), Typic Calcixerepts (TC) and Petrocalcic Palexerolls (PP).RESULTSNon‐acylated anthocyanins, and those derived from malvidin and peonidin, were the most abundant in grapes, regardless of soil type and year. During the wetter season (2016), the grapes with the highest concentration of total anthocyanins and several of the major anthocyanins were those from TC and PP soils, in which nitrogen availability was lower than that in FH soil. However, during the drier season (2017), no significant differences were observed, although trends similar to those seen in the 2016 season were recognized. Principal component analysis showed a good separation of samples according to the two seasons and to the three soils in each season.CONCLUSIONIn vineyards that resemble each other closely and that are located in a unique mesoclimatic area where similar plant material is used and similar managements practices are applied, soil characteristics, which condition water holding capacity and nitrogen availability for the vines, in conjunction with seasonal conditions, were the factors that predominantly determined the anthocyanin composition in grapes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Disinfestation of stored wheat grain infested with Rhyzopertha dominica by ozone treatment: process optimization and impact on grain properties
Authors: Mishra Gayatri , Palle Aphiya Amulya , Srivastava Shubhangi , Mishra Hari N 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDOzone is a highly oxidative gas that has a long history of safe use as a disinfectant and sanitizer from producers of pharmaceuticals and many other organic compounds. In the current work, disinfestation of stored wheat grain infested with a common insect, Rhyzopertha dominica, was attempted through ozone (O3) treatment as an alternative to chemical fumigants.RESULTSThe optimized treatment conditions for ozone fumigation of stored wheat grain were 12% (w/w) grain moisture, 2.5 g m−3 ozone concentration and 8 h of treatment. The mortality of R. dominica adults, pupae, larvae and eggs was 97, 100, 99 and 100%, respectively. Moisture and protein content of the ozone‐treated wheat was found to be lower as compared to infested wheat. Microstructural changes in the treated samples were clearly visible on scanning electron microscopy images, whereas minimal changes at the molecular level and of rheological parameters were evident based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peak and rheometry data.CONCLUSIONOzone was found to be an effective reagent for disinfestation, aimed at all life stages of R. dominica in stored wheat grain, that leaves no residue behind. Rotational strategies can be applied to obtain increased mortality while maintaining the usability of the grain for different purposes. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of graphene coated with ZnO nanocomposites for microextraction in packed syringe of carbamate pesticides from juice samples
Authors: Sun Ting , Fan Yuwan , Fan Peizheng , Geng Fengyun , Chen Peiyu , Zhao Feng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this work, nanocomposites of reduced graphene oxide coated with ZnO were synthesized using a hydrothermal reduction strategy. Nanocomposite was then used as a sorbent for microextraction in a packed syringe, and its application to the extraction of carbamate pesticides from juice samples prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography detection was demonstrated. Factors affecting the enrichment efficiency of the microextraction in a packed syringe procedure were optimized, which included desorption conditions, sample pH, salting‐out effect, washing solution, and sample cycles. Under optimal conditions, the prepared materials exhibited excellent enrichment efficiency for carbamate pesticides. Good linearity existed in the concentration range of 0.5–200 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients of 0.9991–0.9997. The limits of detection of these carbamate pesticides were in the range of 0.23–1.21 ng/mL, and the average recoveries of the analytes at two spiked levels for real‐sample analysis ranged from 90.5 to 104.2% with relative standard deviations of 3.6–5.9%.
Developing dynamic capabilities to survive a crisis: Tourism organizations' responses to continued turbulence in Libya
Authors: Mansour Hafez E.L. , Holmes Kirsten , Butler Bella , Ananthram Subramaniam 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper identifies specific types of dynamic capabilities that enable tourism firms to survive the crisis caused by the Libyan civil war. The literature on dynamic capabilities has matured, but little is known about the specific types of dynamic capabilities that enable firms to survive turbulent conditions. Using case studies of eight Libyan tourism firms, we find that ongoing interactions between firms and their environments and the specific actions taken by managers and employees are crucial to firms' survival and adaptation to the new environment. Our paper makes a theoretical contribution to the dynamic capabilities and crisis management literature.
Epidemiology and treatment trends for primary tracheal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hararah Mohammad K. , Stokes William A. , Oweida Ayman , Patil Tejas , Amini Arya , Goddard Julie , Bowles Daniel W. , Karam Sana D. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveManagement of tracheal squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) has been complicated by the lack of prognostic data and staging. We describe the epidemiology of TSCC and current treatment approaches.MethodsFive hundred thirty‐two adult patients with primary TSCC from 2004 to 2012 in the National Cancer Database were identified. Demographic, clinical factors, and 5‐year overall survival were analyzed. Staging was classified as localized, regional extension, and distant spread. Treatment modality was defined as “no treatment (NT),” “limited surgery (LS),” “curative surgery (CS),” “LS with any adjuvant therapy (AT) (LS+AT),” “CS with AT (CS+AT),” “radiation therapy (RT),” or “chemoradiation (CRT).”ResultsOverall survival was 25%. Majority of cases were males, white, and occurred in sixth/seventh decades. Twenty‐six percent of cases received CRT, 20% underwent LS+AT or CS+AT, 20% underwent LS or CS only, and 17% underwent RT alone. On multivariate analysis, CS (HR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26–0.69), CS+AT (HR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.36–0.77), CRT (HR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35–0.67), and RT (HR, 0.66 95% CI: 0.46–0.94) were associated with decreased likelihood of death compared to NT. Elderly patients and those with poor performance status had worse outcomes even on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsTSCC is increasingly treated with surgery and systemic therapy in addition to RT, with improved survival outcomes. CS, CS+AT, CRT, or RT provided improved survival advantage in patients with variable levels of improvement based on the extent of the disease. Prospective trials would help differentiate survival advantages between treatment modalities. Patients’ goals of care, comorbidities, and age should be considered when deciding appropriate treatment recommendations.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:405–412, 2020
Aspergillus fumigatus induction of IL‐33 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis is PAR2‐dependent
Authors: Dietz Caroline J. , Sun Hua , Yao William C. , Citardi Martin J. , Corry David B. , Luong Amber U. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveIn the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) can upregulate IL‐33 from human sinonasal epithelial cells (SNECs), which then activates innate lymphoid cells causing release of IL‐13, an important driver of allergic inflammation. However, the mechanism by which A. fumigatus mediates the induction of IL‐33 expression remains to be elucidated. The objectives of this study were to determine the specific fungal component(s) and the receptor responsible for mediating the A. fumigatus induced increase in IL‐33 expression in SNECs from patients with CRSwNP.MethodsSNECs from CRSwNP patients were cultured and stimulated with various fungal components in the absence or presence of 4‐(2‐Aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride, an irreversible serine protease inhibitor, or GB83, a reversible protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) inhibitor. IL‐33 expression was evaluated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). PAR2 expression was examined in inflamed mucosa from nonatopic control and CRSwNP patients.ResultsElevation of IL‐33 expression in primary SNECs was found in response to fungal protease but not fungal cell wall components. PAR2 expression was elevated in inflamed mucosa from CRSwNP patients in comparison to controls. The A. fumigatus fungal protease‐mediated elevation in IL‐33 expression by human SNECs was serine protease‐ and PAR2‐dependent.ConclusionThese data suggest that serine protease activity of A. fumigatus is capable of inducing IL‐33 expression in CRSwNP SNECs via PAR2, a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of CRSwNP.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:2230–2235, 2019
The Entanglements of Macromolecules and Their Influence on the Properties of Polymers
Authors: Pawlak Andrzej 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMacromolecules form entanglements, the presence of which determines many of the polymer's properties; in solution, melt, and solid state. In this review, how the properties of polymers (rheological, thermal, and mechanical), depend on the concentration of the entanglements, is discussed. Although a typical polymer is characterized by the equilibrium density of entanglements, there are methods that can be applied for the reduction of this density. The methods used most often include dissolving a polymer and rapid freezing, crystallization during polymerization, and crystallization from a cooled dilute solution. The properties of disentangled polymers are significantly different from the properties of fully entangled polymers. These properties are discussed in relation to their dependence on the density of the entanglements. The disentangled material can be re‐entangled by the annealing of the polymer; however, reaching the equilibrium density of the entanglements is usually a slow process. It means that a polymer may be processed without losing its disentanglements. The properties of the re‐entangled polymer are usually close to the properties of the initial polymer.
Algebraic numbers with elements of small height
Authors: Göral Haydar 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we study the field of algebraic numbers with a set of elements of small height treated as a predicate. We prove that such structures are not simple and have the independence property. A real algebraic integer is called a Salem number if α and are Galois conjugate and all other Galois conjugates of α lie on the unit circle. It is not known whether 1 is a limit point of Salem numbers. We relate the simplicity of a certain pair with Lehmer's conjecture and obtain a model‐theoretic characterization of Lehmer's conjecture for Salem numbers.
The zero‐price effect in freemium business models: The moderating effects of free mentality and price–quality inference
Authors: Niemand Thomas , Mai Robert , Kraus Sascha 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn the digital world, many firms struggle in employing a freemium business model (simultaneously offering restricted free options and full featured premium options). Although this is an increasingly popular revenue strategy, conversion rates for premium options are relatively low as free options provide users an irrationally high value, the so‐called zero‐price effect. This study develops a framework of the zero‐price mechanism by shifting the attention to the more intuitive mode of decision making. When being confronted with freemium offers, users are expected to rely on different naïve intuitions, which diverge and, ironically, may even have opposite implications. This study identifies two central intuitions about freemium offers: a free mentality (the tendency to intuitively expect that all digital services should be available at no cost) and price–quality inference (the tendency to intuitively expect a positive relationship between price and quality). Individuals are expected to greatly vary in their degree of subscription to both intuitions. Even more important, it is this paper's overarching premise that the interplay between both opposing intuitions shapes user's response to freemium offers thereby providing a lever to tackle the issue of low conversions for premium options. The zero‐price framework is tested in two studies. First, the implicit association test identifies the opposing intuitions, and second, a choice‐based conjoint study for a highly relevant digital service (media streaming) examines the catalyzing role of both intuitions as well as their intricate interplay. Implications for marketing theory and directives for future research are developed.
Robot‐assisted microvascular anastomosis in head and neck free flap reconstruction: Preliminary experiences and results
Authors: Lai Chih‐Sheng , Lu Chen‐Te , Liu Shih‐An , Tsai Yueh‐Chi , Chen Yen‐Wei , Chen I‐Chen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe da Vinci Surgical System has facilitated considerable advancements in surgery. The process and results of robot‐assisted microvascular anastomosis in real clinical situations have rarely been reported. This study presents our experience of performing robot‐assisted microvascular anastomosis in free flap reconstruction in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.Patients and methodsThis was a retrospective study of reconstructive operations using a free radial forearm flap for oropharyngeal defects after tumor extirpation in 15 consecutive adult patients (12 men and 3 women). In total, 17 robot‐assisted microvascular vessel anastomoses (2 arteries and 15 veins) were performed; moreover, 13 arteries and 13 veins were anastomosed using the standard operating microscope and hand‐sewing technique.ResultsThe recipient and donor vessel diameters were 2.5 ± 0.7 and 2.1 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. The donor blood vessel diameter selected for anastomosis using da Vinci Surgical System was significantly smaller (2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 2.5 ± 0.6 mm) than that for a standard operating microscope and hand‐sewing technique (p = .021), the operating time spent (38.4 ± 10.4 vs. 28.0 ± 7.7 min) was significantly longer (p < .001). The vascular patency rate was 100%, and all flaps survived without requiring additional operation for revision.ConclusionRobotic surgical systems can facilitate vascular microanastomosis and provide a blood vessel patency rate comparable to that of a standard operating microscope and hand‐sewing technique.
Filling Data Gaps by Read‐across: A Mini Review on its Application, Developments and Challenges
Authors: Kovarich Simona , Ceriani Lidia , Fuart Gatnik Mojca , Bassan Arianna , Pavan Manuela 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRead‐across is a non‐testing data gap filling technique which provides information for toxicological assessments by inferring from known toxicity data of compound(s) with a “similar” property or chemical profile. The increased usage of read‐across was driven by monetary, timing and ethical costs associated with in vivo testing, as well as promoted by regulatory frameworks to minimize new animal testing (e. g., EU‐REACH). Several guidance documents have been published by ECHA and OECD providing guidelines on how to perform, assess and document a read‐across study. In parallel, much effort was invested by the scientific community to provide good read‐across practices and structured frameworks to enhance validity of read‐across justifications. Nevertheless, read‐across is an evolving method with several open issues and opportunities. A brief review is here provided on key developments on the use of read‐across, regulatory and scientific expectations, practical hurdles and open challenges.