bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porogens and porogen selection in the preparation of porous polymer monoliths
Authors: Mansour Fotouh R. , Waheed Sidra , Paull Brett , Maya Fernando 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPorogens are key components required for the preparation of porous polymer monoliths for application in separation science. Porogens determine the stability, selectivity, and permeability of polymer monoliths. This review summarizes the role of porogens in the preparation of porous polymer monoliths with a focus on clear understanding of effect of porogens on morphological properties, porosity, surface area, mechanical stability, and permeability of monoliths, particularly targeting the field of separation science. This review also includes the use of different types of porogens with the focus on various approaches used to set criteria for their systematic selection, including porogen‐free techniques recently used for synthesis of porous monoliths. It discusses the current state‐of‐the‐art applications of porogens in column preparation as well as where the future developments in this field may be directed.
Valley Kink States and Topological Channel Intersections in Substrate‐Integrated Photonic Circuitry
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Yihao , He Mengjia , Wang Hai‐Xiao , Yang Zhaoju , Li Erping , Gao Fei , Zhang Baile , Singh Ranjan , Jiang Jian‐Hua , Chen Hongsheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractValley degrees of freedom, providing a novel way to increase capacity and efficiency of information processing, have become an important instrument for photonics. Experimental studies on photonic topological valley kink states at interfaces between regions with opposite valley‐Chern numbers have attracted much attention; however, they are restricted to zigzag‐type interfaces, largely limiting their applications such as geometry‐dependent topological channel intersections. Here, valley kink states at generic interfaces in subwavelength substrate‐integrated photonic circuitry are experimentally demonstrated and manipulated. The robustness of the kink states is verified by measuring transmissions of the kink states through twisted interfaces and interfaces with disorders. Based on the valley kink states at generic interfaces, several topological channel intersections where photonic transport paths are related to geometries of the intersections are realized. In comparison to those in previous work, these valley photonic crystals have subwavelength thicknesses and excellent self‐consistent electrical shielding, which are perfectly compatible with conventional substrate‐integrated photonic circuitry. This work opens a door to manipulate photonic valley pseudo‐spins in lightweight substrate‐integrated circuitry with robustness and easy access.
Arterial Blood Pressure at Liver Transplant Evaluation Predicts Renal Histology in Candidates With Renal Dysfunction
Authors: Wadei Hani M. , Abader Peter , Alsaad Ali A. , Croome Kristopher , Cortese Cherise , Geiger Xochiquetzal J. , Khouzam Samir , Mai Martin L. , Taner C. Burcin , Keaveny Andrew P. 
Published: October 2019

Renal dysfunction is common in liver transplantation (LT) candidates, but differentiating between reversible and irreversible renal injury can be difficult. Kidney biopsy might be helpful in differentiating reversible from irreversible renal injury, but it is associated with significant complications. We aimed to identify pre‐LT predictors of potentially reversible renal injury using histological information obtained on pre‐LT renal biopsy. Data on 128 LT candidates who underwent pre‐LT kidney biopsy were retrospectively collected and correlated with renal histological findings. Indications for kidney biopsy were iothalamate glomerular filtration rate (iGFR) ≤40 mL/minute, proteinuria >500 mg/day, and/or hematuria. According to the biopsy diagnosis, patients were grouped into the following categories: normal (n = 13); acute tubular necrosis (ATN; n = 25); membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n = 19); minimal histological changes (n = 24); and advanced interstitial fibrosis (IF) and glomerulosclerosis (GS) (n = 47). Compared with patients having advanced IF/GS, patients with normal biopsies and those with ATN had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and higher international normalized ratio and total bilirubin levels (<0.05 for all). Both SBP and DBP directly correlated with the degree of IF and GS (R = 0.3, P ≤ 0.02 for all). SBP ≤90 mm Hg was 100% sensitive and 98% specific in correlating with normal biopsies or ATN, whereas SBP ≥140 mm Hg was 22% sensitive and 90% specific in correlating with advanced IF/GS. Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, serum creatinine, iGFR, urinary sodium excretion, and renal size did not correlate with biopsy diagnosis or degree of IF or GS. In conclusion, SBP at the time of LT evaluation correlates with renal histology, and it should be included along with other clinical and laboratory markers in the decision‐making process to list patients with renal dysfunction for LT alone versus simultaneous liver‐kidney transplantation.
Increased Frequency of Heterozygous Alpha‐1‐Antitrypsin Deficiency in Liver Explants From Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Patients
Authors: Cheeney Gregory , Pac Lincoln J. , Gopal Purva , Landis Charles S. , Konnick Eric Q. , Swanson Paul E. , Greene Dina N. , Lockwood Christina M. , Westerhoff Maria 
Published: October 2019

Cirrhotic explanted livers occasionally have unexpected periodic acid–Schiff‐diastase (PASD)–positive globules within the hepatocyte cytoplasm. It is often unclear whether this finding is a nonspecific consequence of cirrhosis or is indicative of an underlying alpha‐1‐antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) contributing to the cirrhosis. In this study, explanted livers were retrospectively evaluated for histopathology (including PASD status with confirmatory alpha‐1‐antitrypsin [A1AT] immunohistochemistry [IHC]), and chart review provided etiology of liver failure and general clinical parameters. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect A1AT genotype (SERPINA1 S and Z alleles) by melting curve analysis on liver explant tissue from selected cases. Of 196 explanted livers, 21 (11%) had PASD+ globules, which were significantly enriched in patients with a clinical diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; 47%) compared with other causes (P < 0.001). IHC confirmed all PASD+ globules were A1AT+, with 20 of 21 cases demonstrating diffuse A1AT staining. In an expanded NASH cohort, 42% (14/33) of explants had PASD+ globules, 92% of which were homozygous (n = 1) or heterozygous (n = 11) for the SERPINA1 Z allele, corresponding to nearly 40% of all NASH patients. Overall, the Z allele was present in 10% of all tested liver explants, with 85% of PASD+ cases genotyping homozygous (n = 2) or heterozygous (n = 20), which is far in excess of the estimated 2% in the general population. These results indicate PASD+ A1AT globules (with confirmatory genotyping showing at least 1 Z allele) are commonly observed in NASH, suggesting a synergistic relationship toward liver fibrosis. In addition, the high frequency of SERPINA1 Z alleles in liver transplantation patients supports the utility of pretransplant genotyping.
CuxS/PAN 3D Nanofiber Mats as Ultra‐Lightweight and Flexible Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Materials
Authors: Li Heng , Jensen Martin , Wang Ning , Chen Yang , Gao Yaxue , Chen Xueyan , Li Xianfeng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractShielding materials are becoming increasingly important, but present materials suffer from either insufficient mechanical stability or limited shielding properties. In this study, 3D flexible copper sulfide (CuxS)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats are developed via air spinning followed by chemical reaction with copper salt. The CuxS/PAN nanofiber mats exhibit an ultra‐lightweight density of 0.044 g cm−3 and a thickness of 0.423 mm. Stable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) (29–31 dB) of the CuxS/PAN composite is achieved in the frequency range of 500–3000 MHz. EMI SE per unit surface density of 16 655.92 dB cm2 g−1 is several orders of magnitude higher than most copper sulfide containing EMI shielding materials reported in literature. In addition, the introduction of the CuxS improves the thermal stability and launderability of the PAN mats giving the mats thermal, mechanical, and aqueous stability. Finally, the shielding mechanism of the CuxS/PAN nanofiber mats for electromagnetic waves is proposed
Alternating Sequence Control for Poly(ester amide)s by Organocatalyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization
Authors: Liang Yang , Pan Jun‐Lin , Sun Lin‐Hao , Ma Ji‐Mei , Jiang Hong , Li Zi‐Long 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSequence‐controlled polymerization is the forefront of polymer chemistry. Herein, the feasibility of sequence regulation by using organocatalyzed ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) is demonstrated. In particular, ring expansion strategy is employed to synthesize pre‐organized monomers 1 and 2. ROP is conducted by using 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene and benzyl alcohol as the catalyst and initiator, respectively. Poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) P1–P3 comprising glycolic acid, lactic acid, and 7‐aminoheptanoic acid units are obtained in high molecular weights and good yields. NMR and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry results verify the microstructural integrity of P1 and P2. Differential scanning calorimetry results show that PEA without methyl branches is crystalline. Moreover, thermal stability, surface wettability, and degradation profiles of P1–P3 are also investigated.
Phases analysis and impact of phases on fracture mechanism of AZ61‐SiC composite
Authors: Besterci M. , Sulleiova K. , Ballokova B. , Nagy S. , Velgosova O. , Huang S.J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPhase composition of AZ61‐SiC composite with 5 wt.% of nanosized silicon carbide reinforcement was analysed and failure mechanism by in situ tensile test in scanning electron microscope was observed. Microstructure of the experimental materials was heterogeneous with grain size of 15 μm. Based on the quantitative analysis of composite, besides, silicon carbide strengthened particles added externally into the matrix magnesium silicide, magnesium oxide, and aluminium/manganese particles formed in situ were found in the matrix. In situ tensile test in scanning electron microscope has shown that reinforcing particles substantially influenced failure mechanism. Large, brittle magnesium silicide particles (size of 40 μm–50 μm) cracked during tensile deformation and at the same time, as a result of different physical properties, decohesion of the matrix and smaller aluminium/manganese, silicon carbide and magnesium oxide particles (size of 5 μm–10 μm, 10 μm and 50 nm respectively) occurred. Reinforcing particles and brittle secondary phases driven micro voids and their coalescence was found as a major cause of large cracks formation. Subsequently the increase of stress caused the cracks propagation by the coalescence of fractured particles and decohesively release smaller dispersed particles. The fracture propagated at approximately 90° angle to the direction of the tensile load direction. Fracture surface had feature of transcrystalline and intercrystalline failure.
Ultrawideband microstrip patch antenna with quadruple band notch characteristic using negative permittivity unit cells
Authors: Jeong Min Joo , Hussain Niamat , Bong Han‐Ul , Park Ji Woong , Shin Kook Sun , Lee Seung Woo , Rhee Seung Yeop , Kim Nam 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article presents the design of an ultrawideband antenna with quadruple band notch characteristic using negative permittivity unit cells. Quad notched band characteristics are achieved at desired frequency bands by etching four complementary split ring resonators on the modified rectangular patch, which is then validated by experimental results. The antenna has impedance bandwidth for voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) <2 from 2.85 to 11.52 GHz, with a notched band characteristic in the sub‐6 GHz 5G (3.39‐3.82 GHz), IEEE 802.11a WLAN at 5.2 GHz (5.13‐5.40 GHz), IEEE 802.11a WLAN at 5.8 GHz (5.71‐5.91 GHz), and ITU 8 GHz (7.5‐8.61 GHz) signal bands. Furthermore, the antenna has a compact overall size of 40 × 30 × 0.81 mm3 with a stable radiation patterns.
Validation of the Turkish version of the eight‐item actionable bladder symptom screening tool in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Polat Dunya Cansu , Tulek Zeliha , Vızvız Gizem Yagmur , Gündüz Tuncay , Panicker Jalesh N , Kürtüncü Murat , Eraksoy Mefkure 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to translate the eight‐item Actionable Bladder Symptom Screening Tool (ABSST) and determine its psychometric properties in Turkish speaking subjects.MethodsThe study was conducted at the multiple sclerosis (MS) outpatient clinic of the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University. First, the ABSST was translated into Turkish by an expert panel. We employed the back translation method for linguistic validation. Cronbach's α and test‐retest analysis were performed for reliability analysis. The overactive bladder‐v8 (OAB‐v8) questionnaire was also administered for concurrent validation, and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and multiple sclerosis quality of life scale‐54 (MSQL‐54) were used to evaluate construct validity.ResultsOne hundred and five patients (84 females; mean age, 39.5 ± 11.6 years; mean EDSS score, 3.2 ± 1.8) participated in the study. Mean duration of MS was 9.7 ± 8.3 years, and most (n = 96; 91.5%) had relapsing‐remitting MS. The mean ABSST score was 9.7 ± 5.8 (range, 0‐21). Highest scores were obtained from urgency and frequency, and the lowest from psychosocial effects of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.856, and item‐total score correlations ranged between 0.485 and 0.845. Correlations of ABSST scores with OAB‐v8, EDSS, and MSQL‐54 scales were significant (P < .001). According to the questionnaire, 38.1% (n = 40) of the patients needed a referral to a urologist or gynecologist for their LUT symptoms.ConclusionsThe Turkish version of the ABSST is a valid and reliable screening tool that can be used to identify LUT symptoms in an MS clinic.
Reliability and validity of intravaginal pressure measurements with a new intravaginal pressure device: The FemFit®
Authors: Cacciari Licia P. , Kruger Jennifer , Goodman Jonathan , Budgett David , Dumoulin Chantal 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimsTo test the reliability and validity of intravaginal pressure measurements acquired during pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tasks in different body positions using the FemFit®, a new intravaginal pressure device.MethodsTwenty healthy adult women participated in this study. Two assessment sessions were conducted. Intravaginal pressure measurements using the FemFit® were repeated during PFM contraction and straining maneuvers while lying and standing. Maximal intravaginal pressures were collated and compared within and between sessions. They were also correlated to maximal force measurements obtained by dynamometry and vaginal digital palpation. Test‐retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement and Bland‐Altman plots. The validity of the pressure measurements was assessed using Pearson's correlation (dynamometry) and Spearman's rho (palpation).ResultsThis test‐retest study indicate excellent reliability for PFM contraction and straining maneuver both in lying and standing, within and between sessions. For the straining maneuver while standing, increased variability was suggested by a wider limit of agreement on Bland‐Altman plots (spanning 31.3 to 43.3mm Hg). A significant moderate to strong correlation was found when comparing measurements of PFM contraction using the FemFit® and the dynamometer or the palpation (Pearson's coefficient = 0.72, P = .006; Spearman's rho = 0.68, P = .005, respectively).ConclusionOur research findings suggest that intravaginal pressures can be reliably measured during PFM contraction and straining manoeuver while lying and standing, using the FemFit® device, both within and between sessions. A moderate to strong correlation between the FemFit® pressure and the force measurements obtained by dynamometry or palpation reinforce the validity of measurements.
An explorative study of workplace violence against nurses who care for older people
Authors: El‐Hneiti Mamdouh , Shaheen Abeer M. , Bani Salameh Ayman , Al-dweeri Rami Mohammad , Al‐Hussami Mahmoud , Alfaouri Fathi Tawfiq , Ahmad Muayyad 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo explore the prevalence of workplace violence among nurses who care for older people and its association with working stress, job satisfaction and quality of care in Jordan.DesignA cross‐sectional design was used.MethodsA cluster random sampling was used to select three public hospitals, three private hospitals and 17 healthcare centres in Amman, Jordan. The researcher used a convenience sampling method to select 485 nurses. Data were collected between 2015–2016.ResultsAlmost 60% of the participants have been victims of violence at the workplace during the past year. Nurses who consider violence a problem at work have high levels of working stress (p < .01) as well as lower levels of quality of care (p < .01) and job satisfaction (p < .001).
Stability and Ignition of a Siloxane‐Coated Magnesium Powder
Authors: Hastings D. L. , Schoenitz M. , Ryan Kaleigh M. , Dreizin Edward L. , Krumpfer Joseph W. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMagnesium powders are used widely in reactive and energetic composite materials, such as pyrotechnic formulations, solid fuels and explosives, as a vital ignition source. However, magnesium powders are highly reactive with atmospheric oxygen and moisture, forming the inert magnesium oxide and hydroxide. These reactions limit their shelf life, decrease their potency and affects the overall stability of these materials. In order to increase their long‐term stability, protective magnesium coatings are desired. In this work, a method for coating magnesium powders using tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4H) through a vapor‐solid interface reaction is described. This reaction requires no solvents, little material, and does not produce any corrosive byproducts. Coated powders demonstrate increased stability when exposed to elevated temperatures and high humidity conditions, with no oxidation of the magnesium observable. Despite improved stability, the coatings do not negatively impact ignition temperature and dynamics for magnesium powders.
Geometrical characterization of T cell receptor binding modes reveals class‐specific binding to maximize access to antigen
Authors: Singh Nishant K. , Abualrous Esam T. , Ayres Cory M. , Noé Frank , Gowthaman Ragul , Pierce Brian G. , Baker Brian M. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRecognition of antigenic peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins by αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) is a hallmark of T cell mediated immunity. Recent data suggest that variations in TCR binding geometry may influence T cell signaling, which could help explain outliers in relationships between physical parameters such as TCR‐pMHC binding affinity and T cell function. Traditionally, TCR binding geometry has been described with simple descriptors such as the crossing angle, which quantifies what has become known as the TCR's diagonal binding mode. However, these descriptors often fail to reveal distinctions in binding geometry that are apparent through visual inspection. To provide a better framework for relating TCR structure to T cell function, we developed a comprehensive system for quantifying the geometries of how TCRs bind peptide/MHC complexes. We show that our system can discern differences not clearly revealed by more common methods. As an example of its potential to impact biology, we used it to reveal differences in how TCRs bind class I and class II peptide/MHC complexes, which we show allow the TCR to maximize access to and “read out” the peptide antigen. We anticipate our system will be of use in not only exploring these and other details of TCR‐peptide/MHC binding interactions, but also addressing questions about how TCR binding geometry relates to T cell function, as well as modeling structural properties of class I and class II TCR‐peptide/MHC complexes from sequence information. The system is available at https://tcr3d.ibbr.umd.edu/tcr_com or for download as a script.
Proton relay network in P450cam formed upon docking of putidaredoxin
Authors: Ugur Ilke , Chandrasekhar Prasanna 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCytochromes P450 are versatile heme‐based enzymes responsible for vital life processes. Of these, P450cam (substrate camphor) has been most studied. Despite this, precise mechanisms of the key O─O cleavage step remain partly elusive to date; effects observed in various enzyme mutants remain partly unexplained. We have carried out extended (to 1000 ns) MM‐MD and follow‐on quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics computations, both on the well‐studied FeOO state and on Cpd(0) (compound 0). Our simulations include (all camphor‐bound): (a) WT (wild type), FeOO state. (b) WT, Cpd(0). (c) Pdx (Putidaredoxin, redox partner of P450)‐docked‐WT, FeOO state. (d) Pdx‐docked WT, Cpd(0). (e) Pdx‐docked T252A mutant, Cpd(0). Among our key findings: (a) Effect of Pdx docking appears to go far beyond that indicated in prior studies: it leads to specific alterations in secondary structure that create the crucial proton relay network. (b) Specific proton relay networks we identify are: FeOO(H)⋯T252⋯nH
2O⋯D251 in WT; FeOO(H)⋯nH
2O⋯D251 in T252A mutant; both occur with Pdx docking. (c) Direct interaction of D251 with –FeOOH is, respectively, rare/frequent in WT/T252A mutant. (d) In WT, T252 is in the proton relay network. (e) Positioning of camphor appears significant: when camphor is part of H‐bonding network, second protonation appears to be facilitated.
GSTZ1 genotypes correlate with dichloroacetate pharmacokinetics and chronic side effects in multiple myeloma patients in a pilot phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Tian Dan Dan , Bennett Samuel K. , Coupland Lucy A. , Forwood Kathryn , Lwin Yadanar , Pooryousef Niloofar , Tea Illa , Truong Thy T. , Neeman Teresa , Crispin Philip , D’Rozario James , Blackburn Anneke C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDichloroacetate (DCA) is an investigational drug targeting the glycolytic hallmark of cancer by inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases (PDK). It is metabolized by GSTZ1, which has common polymorphisms altering enzyme or promoter activity. GSTZ1 is also irreversibly inactivated by DCA. In the first clinical trial of DCA in a hematological malignancy, DiCAM (DiChloroAcetate in Myeloma), we have examined the relationship between DCA concentrations, GSTZ1 genotype, side effects, and patient response. DiCAM recruited seven myeloma patients in partial remission. DCA was administered orally for 3 months with a loading dose. Pharmacokinetics were performed on day 1 and 8. Trough and peak concentrations of DCA were measured monthly. GSTZ1 genotypes were correlated with drug concentrations, tolerability, and disease outcomes. One patient responded and two patients showed a partial response after one month of DCA treatment, which included the loading dose. The initial half‐life of DCA was shorter in two patients, correlating with heterozygosity for GSTZ1*A genotype, a high enzyme activity variant. Over 3 months, one patient maintained DCA trough concentrations approximately threefold higher than other patients, which correlated with a low activity promoter genotype (−1002A, rs7160195) for GSTZ1. This patient displayed the strongest response, but also the strongest neuropathy. Overall, serum concentrations of DCA were sufficient to inhibit the constitutive target PDK2, but unlikely to inhibit targets induced in cancer. Promoter GSTZ1 polymorphisms may be important determinants of DCA concentrations and neuropathy during chronic treatment. Novel dosing regimens may be necessary to achieve effective DCA concentrations in most cancer patients while avoiding neuropathy.