bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slovenia: Interest group developments in a postsocialist‐liberal democracy
Authors: Novak Meta , Fink‐Hafner Danica 
Published: January 2019

Slovenia has a rich tradition of associations and interest group activity dating back to the 19th century. To some extent, the development of the group system was stymied by the 60 years of authoritarian rule from the early 1930s to the late 1980s. However, the resilience of this tradition is evident in major developments in group activity since the return to democracy. In addition to influences from the past, including a neocorporatist tradition, is the impact of Slovenia's process of integration into the European Union. This article considers the extent to which the modern nature of the interest group system is both constrained by hangovers from the past but enhances by European integration, both of which have affected the development of Slovenia's majoritarian democracy.
Hepatitis C virus infection induces endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in human fetal liver stem cells
Authors: Guo Xuan , Liu Wei‐Li , Yang Dong , Shen Zhi‐Qiang , Qiu Zhi‐Gang , Jin Min , Li Jun‐Wen 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe cellular mechanisms by which hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication might mediate cytopathic effects are controversial and not entirely clear. In this study, we found that blood‐borne HCV (bbHCV) infection could lead to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐stress and mitochondria‐related/caspase‐dependent apoptosis at the early stages of infection based on use of the highly efficient bbHCV cell culture model established previously. Sections of bbHCV‐infected human fetal liver stem cells (hFLSCs) revealed convolution and nonlinear ER, cell vacuolization, swelling of mitochondria, and numerous double membrane vesicles (DMVs). The percentage of apoptotic hFLSCs infected by bbHCV reached 29.8% at 16 h postinfection, and the amount of cytochrome c increased remarkably in the cytosolic protein fraction. However, over time, apoptosis was inhibited due to the activation of NF‐κB. The expression of NF‐κB‐p65, Bcl‐xL, XIAP, and c‐FLIPL in hFLSCs was increased significantly 24 h after in infection by bbHCV. The accelerated cell death cycles involving apoptosis, regeneration and repair by bbHCV infection might give rise to the development of cirrhosis, and ultimately to hepatocellular carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The innate immune architecture of lung tumors and its implication in disease progression
Authors: Milette Simon , Fiset Pierre O , Walsh Logan A , Spicer Jonathan D , Quail Daniela F 
Published: January 2019

AbstractLung malignancies are the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality. By virtue of its unique physiological function, the lung microenvironment is highly dynamic and constantly subjected to mechanical, chemical and pathogenic stimuli. Thus, the airways rely on highly organized innate defense mechanisms to rapidly protect against pathogens and maintain pulmonary homeostasis. However, in the context of lung malignancy, these defenses often provide collateral inflammatory insults that can foster tumor progression. This review summarizes the interactions between cancer cells, recruited immune cells and tissue‐resident cell subpopulations, such as airway epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages, during homeostasis and disease. Furthermore, we examine the role of the lung immune landscape in response to current therapeutic interventions for cancer. Given the prevalence of lung malignancies, we propose that consideration of lung physiology as a whole is necessary to understand and treat these lethal diseases. Copyright © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling interaction between gp120 HIV protein and CCR5 receptor
Authors: Guryanov I. , Real‐Fernández F. , Sabatino G. , Prisco N. , Korzhikov‐Vlakh V. , Biondi B. , Papini A.M. , Korzhikova‐Vlakh E. , Rovero P. , Tennikova T. 
Published: January 2019

The study of the process of HIV entry into the host cell and the creation of biomimetic nanosystems that are able to selectively bind viral particles and proteins is a high priority research area for the development of novel diagnostic tools and treatment of HIV infection. Recently, we described multilayer nanoparticles (nanotraps) with heparin surface and cationic peptides comprising the N‐terminal tail (Nt) and the second extracellular loop (ECL2) of CCR5 receptor, which could bind with high affinity some inflammatory chemokines, in particular, Rantes. Because of the similarity of the binding determinants in CCR5 structure, both for chemokines and gp120 HIV protein, here we expand this approach to the study of the interactions of these biomimetic nanosystems and their components with the peptide representing the V3 loop of the activated form of gp120. According to surface plasmon resonance results, a conformational rearrangement is involved in the process of V3 and CCR5 fragments binding. As in the case of Rantes, ECL2 peptide showed much higher affinity to V3 peptide than Nt (KD = 3.72 × 10−8 and 1.10 × 10−6 M, respectively). Heparin‐covered nanoparticles bearing CCR5 peptides effectively bound V3 as well. The presence of both heparin and the peptides in the structure of the nanotraps was shown to be crucial for the interaction with the V3 loop. Thus, short cationic peptides ECL2 and Nt proved to be excellent candidates for the design of CCR5 receptor mimetics.
Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation (CWAO) of Phenol in a Fixed Bed Reactor Using Supported Ru and Ru‐Au Catalysts: Effect of Gold and Ce Loading
Authors: Izquierdo‐Colorado Armando , Torres‐Torres Gilberto , Gamboa‐Rodríguez María Teresa , Silahua‐Pavón Adib Abiu , Arévalo‐Pérez Juan C. , Cervantes‐Uribe Adrián , Cordero‐García Adrián , Beltramini Jorge N. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCatalysts of Ru and Ru−Au prepared by the wet impregnation and Deposition‐Precipitation methods supported on ZrO2 modified by CeO2(10 and 20 wt%) synthetized by sol‐gel method, in order to study Au and CeO2 addition effect in the catalytic wet air oxidation of phenol, carried out in an automatized continuous fixed‐bed reactor using oxygen as an oxidizing source. Characterizations of the catalysts were made by X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Specific Surface Area (BET), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electronic Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), Ultraviolet–visible Spectroscopy (UV‐vis) and Temperature Programmed Desorption of Ammonia (NH3‐TPD). The effect of Au is reflected in the selectivity to CO2 of the catalysts Ru‐ZrO2 and Ru−Au‐ZrO2 with the increase in selectivity from 89 to 95% related to the increase in acidity which increases from 70 to 102 (μmol of NH3/ gCat). Ce loading effect in this case was important to the enhance the CO2 selectivity explained by the formation of Ce4+‐O2−‐M that could favor the oxygen transfer between the catalyst surface and the adsorbed species by a redox mechanism.
Preparation and Characterization of Erythritol/Graphene Oxide Shape‐Stable Composites with Improved Thermal‐Physical Property
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Zhengfei , Zhang Ting , Qin Ziyi , Zhang Deyi , Ji Hui 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn order to improve thermal‐physical properties of erythritol (ET), two kinds of shape‐stabilized phase change materials (SSPCMs) were fabricated and the effects of graphene oxide (GO), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on supercooling degree and heat release performance of ET were discussed. The results revealed that the encapsulated ET displays excellent shape stability and slightly improved thermal‐physical performance, while the capsules containing 0.7 wt% CMC exhibit significant enhancement in thermal‐physical properties. The optimal composites, with ET content as high as 97 wt%, melt at 121.9 °C with latent heat of 316.8 J g−1 and freeze at 104.0 °C with enthalpy of 295.1 J g−1. The heat release percentage increased to 93.2% and the supercooling degree decreased to 17.9 °C due to the heterogeneous nucleation of GO and the inhibition of CMC on components separation. Also, the two composites present similar core–shell‐like structure, excellent thermal reliability and stability during repeated utilization. In a word, GO can be used as shell to improve thermal conductivity and prevent leakage while CMC can be employed to relax the supercooling degree of ET.
3D Laser Scribed Graphene Derived from Carbon Nanospheres: An Ultrahigh‐Power Electrode for Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Wenli , Lei Yongjiu , Jiang Qiu , Ming Fangwang , Costa Pedro M. F. J. , Alshareef Husam N. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractLaser scribed graphene (LSG) electrodes hold great potential as supercapacitor electrodes. However, the rate performance of LSGs has been limited by the micropore‐dominated electrode structure. Here, a new method is proposed to prepare LSG electrodes with a 3D porous framework dominated by meso‐ and macro‐pores, a property that enables exceptional rate performance. The process uses amorphous carbon nanospheres (CNS) as precursors, which, after laser scribing, are transformed into highly turbostratic graphitic carbon electrodes (henceforth denoted as CNS‐LSG) with a 3D framework structure dominated by meso‐ and macro‐pores. When used as electrodes in conventional supercapacitor devices, the CNS‐LSG electrodes exhibit a high volumetric power density of 28 W cm−3, which is 28 times higher than that of current commercial activated carbon supercapacitors, and is the highest among all the reported laser scribed/induced graphene electrodes.
Preparation and evaluation of partially‐substituted 3‐chloro‐4‐methylphenylcarbamate‐β‐cyclodextrin bonded silica particles as chiral stationary phase for multi‐mode HPLC
Authors: Meng Min , Ma Mingxuan , Yi Jingxuan , Xu Lu , Yin Xiaoxing , Gu Qinglong , Yin Jiale , Du Lei , Zhu Xia , Zhou Xueyan , Wei Qunli , Gong Yinhan 
Published: January 2019

Abstract3‐Chloro‐4‐methylphenylcarbamate‐(3‐(2‐O‐β‐cyclodextrin)‐2‐hydroxypropoxy)‐propylsilyl‐appended silica particles (CMP‐CD‐HPS), a new type of partially‐substituted cyclodextrin‐bonded phase, have been successfully synthesized and applied as a chiral stationary phase in high‐performance liquid chromatography under multi‐mode conditions including normal phase, reversed phase, and polar organic mobile phase conditions. Chemical characterization for the CMP‐CD‐HPS was carried out by elemental analysis. The chromatographic performance of CMP‐CD‐HPS‐packed column was evaluated by separating the positional isomers of nitrophenol and nitraniline and the enantiomers of some chiral drug compounds. The separation results show that CMP‐CD‐HPS exhibited excellent selectivity for separating the positional isomers of disubstituted benzenes and the enantiomers of the chiral drugs. The hydroxyl residues of partially‐substituted β‐cyclodextrin and the stable spacer linking to secondary hydroxyl site of the β‐cyclodextrin in the new CMP‐CD‐HPS phase play important roles in the chromatographic separations.
CRX Expression in Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Photoreceptors Marks a Transplantable Subpopulation of Early Cones
Authors: Collin Joseph , Zerti Darin , Queen Rachel , Santos-Ferreira Tiago , Bauer Roman , Coxhead Jonathan , Hussain Rafiqul , Steel David , Mellough Carla , Ader Marius , Sernagor Evelyne , Armstrong Lyle , Lako Majlinda 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDeath of photoreceptors is a common cause of age-related and inherited retinal dystrophies, and thus their replenishment from renewable stem cell sources is a highly desirable therapeutic goal. Human pluripotent stem cells provide a useful cell source in view of their limitless self-renewal capacity and potential to not only differentiate into cells of the retina but also self-organize into tissue with structure akin to the human retina as part of three-dimensional retinal organoids. Photoreceptor precursors have been isolated from differentiating human pluripotent stem cells through application of cell surface markers or fluorescent reporter approaches and shown to have a similar transcriptome to fetal photoreceptors. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional profile of CRX-expressing photoreceptor precursors derived from human pluripotent stem cells and their engraftment capacity in an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa (Pde6brd1), which is characterized by rapid photoreceptor degeneration. Single cell RNA-Seq analysis revealed the presence of a dominant cell cluster comprising 72% of the cells, which displayed the hallmarks of early cone photoreceptor expression. When transplanted subretinally into the Pde6brd1 mice, the CRX+ cells settled next to the inner nuclear layer and made connections with the inner neurons of the host retina, and approximately one-third of them expressed the pan cone marker, Arrestin 3, indicating further maturation upon integration into the host retina. Together, our data provide valuable molecular insights into the transcriptional profile of human pluripotent stem cells-derived CRX+ photoreceptor precursors and indicate their usefulness as a source of transplantable cone photoreceptors. Stem Cells 2019;37:609–622
Optimum design of multiple positioned tuned mass dampers for structures constrained with axial force capacity
Authors: Nigdeli Sinan Melih , Bekdaş Gebrail 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe stories of structure may have different and limited axial force capacity. In order to passively control the translational movement of structures, a tuned mass damper (TMD) positioned on a story may cause to exceed axial force capacity of a story. The optimum performance is achieved when all additional masses are positioned on the top story. Whereas, the top stories of structure may be constructed with lower axial force capacity than the lower stories. In that case, the maximum allowed TMD mass for upper stories may be low. In that situation, several TMDs may be positioned on several stories. In the current study, the optimum tuning of TMDs positioned on multiple stories of structure is investigated. By using small masses, it is also possible to obtain effective passive control with dampers that have small damping coefficients comparing with a single TMD on the top of the structure. The design variables of the optimization problem such as the period and damping ratio of TMD are tuned according to a metaheuristic algorithm called flower pollination algorithm. The TMD is optimized for near‐fault excitations by using impulsive motions during the optimization process. The proposal was applied to four case studies. According to the results, the multiple positioned TMDs may be a practical and effective option comparing with the use of a single heavy TMDs on the top of a structure.
Web‐based evaluation system for closing the education gap in Kampo medicine between facilities
Authors: Iizuka Norio , Nakae Hajime , Segawa Makoto , Tanaka Koichiro , Fujita Yusuke , Ogihara Hiroyuki , Nakahara Kyoko , Takeo Eiichiro , Itasaka Kazumasa , Hasunuma Naoko , Hamamoto Yoshihiko 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of this study was to clarify whether the common three‐question test works well in assessing learning effectiveness in medical students (MS) who took heterogeneous programs in kampo medicine (KM) education in Japan.MethodsWe performed Web‐based tests composed of the three common and other questions at two medical universities with different KM education programs. We examined performance of the common three‐question test in the assessment of learning effectiveness.ResultsIn total, 105 and 123 fourth‐year MS took the Web‐based test after KM education at universities A and B, respectively. MS with total scores higher than the mean + 1 SD (n = 19) and those with total scores lower than the mean – 1 SD (n = 11) on the Web‐based tests were defined as high and low achievers, respectively, at university A. Likewise, 25 and 19 MS were defined as high or low achievers, respectively, at university B. The predictor, consisting of the three common questions, classified MS as high achievers if they correctly answered two or three of the three common questions, and as low achievers if they gave only one or no correct answers. The predictor accurately classified high and low achievers in 30/30 (accuracy, 100%; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 100%) and in 36/44 cases (accuracy, 81.8%; sensitivity, 96.0%; specificity, 63.1%) at universities A and B, respectively.ConclusionA test composed of only three common questions could consistently assess the effectiveness of different education programs for KM at two medical universities.
Spinning faster: protein NMR at MAS frequencies up to 126 kHz
Authors: Penzel Susanne , Oss Andres , Org Mai-Liis , Samoson Ago , Böckmann Anja , Ernst Matthias , Meier Beat H. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
We report linewidth and proton T1, T1ρ and T2′ relaxation data of the model protein ubiquitin acquired at MAS frequencies up to 126 kHz. We find a predominantly linear improvement in linewidths and coherence decay times of protons with increasing spinning frequency in the range from 93 to 126 kHz. We further attempt to gain insight into the different contributions to the linewidth at fast MAS using site-specific analysis of proton relaxation parameters and present bulk relaxation times as a function of the MAS frequency. For microcrystalline fully-protonated ubiquitin, inhomogeneous contributions are only a minor part of the proton linewidth, and at 126 kHz MAS coherent effects are still dominating. We furthermore present site-specific proton relaxation rate constants during a spinlock at 126 kHz MAS, as well as MAS-dependent bulk T1ρ (1HN).
Possibility of Strengthening Aluminum Using Low-Symmetry Phases of the Fe-Al Binary System
Authors: Ciołek Sylwia , Jóźwiak Stanisław , Karczewski Krzysztof 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
This study analyzes the effects of manufacturing parameters such as the temperature and heating time on the shape and size of high-aluminum-phase precipitates produced from a 95.5 wt pct Al and 4.5 wt pct Fe powder mixture. The samples were prepared by powder metallurgy, and the changes in the heat flux during the simulation of the sintering process by differential thermal analysis were recorded to determine the temperature of the transformation. To identify the resulting structures, microscopic observations (scanning electron microscope) and chemical composition analyses were performed simultaneously. The distribution and shape of the resulting high-aluminum-phase precipitates were determined. Microhardness measurements were also performed, and Meyer’s law and Kick’s similarity law were applied to the results to analyze the influence of the high-aluminum phases on the reinforcement of the aluminum matrix.
Adherence to Guidelines at a Stroke Prevention Clinic: A Follow-up Study
Authors: Chen Bing Yu , Perkins Heather , Ehrensperger Eric , Minuk Jeffrey , Vieira Lucy , Wein Theodore , Côté Robert 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn 2010, we published our stroke prevention clinic’s performance as compared to Canadian stroke prevention guidelines. We now compare our clinic’s adherence with guidelines to our previous results, following the implementation of an electronic documentation form.MethodsAll new patients referred to our clinic (McGill University Health Center) for recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke between 2014 and 2017 were included. We compared adherence to guidelines to our previous report (N=408 patients for period 2008–2010) regarding vascular risk management and treatment.ResultsThree hundred and ninety-two patients were included, of which 36% had a TIA and 64% had an ischemic stroke, with a mean age of 70 years and 43% female. Although the more recent cohort has shown a higher proportion of cardioembolic stroke compared to previous (19.1% vs. 14.7%) following new guidelines regarding prolonged cardiac monitoring, increased popularity in CT angiography has not translated into greater proportion of large-artery stroke subtype (26.3% vs. 26.2%). Blood pressure (BP) targets were achieved in 83% compared with 70% in our previous report (p<0.01). Attainment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target was also improved in our recent study (66% vs. 46%, p<0.01). No significant difference was found in the consistency of antithrombotic use (97.7% vs. 99.8%, p=0.08). However, there was a decline in smoking cessation (35% vs. 73%, p=0.02). Overall, optimal therapy status was better attained in the present cohort compared to the previous one (52% vs. 22%, p<0.01). The male sex was associated with better attainment of optimal therapy status (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.51). The number of follow-up visits and the length of follow-up were not associated with attainment of stroke prevention targets.ConclusionsOur study shows improvement in attainment of therapeutic goals as recommended by Canadian stroke prevention guidelines, possibly attributed in part to the implementation of electronic medical recording in our clinic. Areas for improvement include smoking cessation counseling and diabetes screening.
Nutrients in Alzheimer’s Disease: The Interaction of Diet, Drugs and Disease
Authors: Liyanage S. Imindu , Vilekar Prachi , Weaver Donald F. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn recent decades, clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have failed at an unprecedented rate. The etiology of AD has since come under renewed scrutiny, both to elucidate the underlying pathologies and to identify novel therapeutic strategies. Here, diet has emerged as a potential causative/protective agent. A variety of nutrients, including lipids, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and sugars as well as broader dietary patterns and microbiotal interactions have demonstrated associations with AD. Although clinical trials have yet to definitively implicate any singular dietary element as therapeutic or causative, it is apparent that dietary preferences, likely in complex synergies, may influence the risk, onset and course of AD. This review catalogs the impact of major dietary elements on AD. It further examines an unexplored reciprocal association where AD may modulate diet, as well as how potential therapeutics may complicate these interactions. In doing so, we observe diet may have profound effects on the outcome of a clinical trial, either as a confounder of a drug/disease interaction or as a generally disruptive covariate. We therefore conclude that future clinical trials in AD should endeavor to control for diet, either in study design or subsequent analyses.