bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isothermal melt crystallization and performance evaluation of polylactide/thermoplastic polyester blends with multi‐functional epoxy
Authors: Lu Xueli , Lv Qiaoqiang , Huang Xiulong , Song Zijian , Xu Nai , Pang Sujuan , Pan Lisha , Li Tan 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTA multi‐functional epoxy (ADR) was used to improve compatibilization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) blends. Influence of ADR on isothermal melt crystallization of the blends was investigated. The results show that isothermal melt crystallization rate of the samples increases with ADR loading. It can be attributed to a nucleation enhancement resulted from an increase of molecular weight and melt viscosity created by the chain extension/branched process of PLA in the presence of ADR. In addition, the maximum crystallinity of the samples shows a decrease with increasing ADR loading because of the chain extended and branched reaction. Quenched and crystallized samples were fabricated using compression molding under different cooling conditions in‐mold. Effects of crystallinity and ADR on mechanical performances of the PLA/TPEE sample were investigated. With increasing the crystallinity, the PLA/TPEE sample shows a marked enhancement in heat resistance. However, the tensile ductility of the crystallized PLA/TPEE sample drastically decreases due to the formation of firm crystal crosslinking and the incompatibility between PLA and TPEE. It is notable that the tensile ductility of the crystallized samples is improved with the introduction of ADR owing to its reactive compatibilization effect. Finally, the crystallized PLA/TPEE/ADR samples with improved heat resistance and relative higher ductility are obtained. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46343.
Clinical Evolution in Patients With New‐Onset Inflammatory Back Pain
Authors: Wang Runsheng , Crowson Cynthia S. , Wright Kerry , Ward Michael M. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveInflammatory back pain (IBP) is often an early manifestation of spondyloarthritis (SpA), but the prognosis of patients with incident IBP is unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate long‐term outcomes in patients with IBP, and predictors of progression to SpA, in a population‐based cohort.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, longitudinal study using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a longstanding population‐based cohort of residents of Olmsted County, MN. Patients ages 16–35 years with clinical visits for back pain from 1999 to 2003 were identified, and we screened these patients for the presence of new‐onset IBP and performed medical record reviews to collect data on clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of SpA. Outcomes in these patients were followed up until July 2016. We used survival analysis for competing risks to examine progression to either SpA, a non‐SpA diagnosis, or resolution of back pain. Recursive partitioning was used to identify predictors of progression to SpA.ResultsAmong 5,304 patients with back pain, we identified 124 patients with new‐onset IBP. After a median follow‐up of 13.2 years, IBP had progressed to SpA in 39 patients, 15 patients developed a non‐SpA diagnosis, and 58 patients had resolution of IBP. At 10 years, the probability of having SpA was 30%, while the probability of resolution of IBP was 43%. The most important predictors for progression to SpA were uveitis, male sex, and family history of SpA.ConclusionIn a minority of patients, new‐onset IBP progresses to SpA, while IBP resolves in many. That IBP often resolves may explain the difference between the prevalence of IBP (3–6%) and the prevalence of SpA (0.4–1.3%).
Long‐term strategies for sustainable biomass imports in European bioenergy markets
Authors: Pelkmans Luc , Van Dael Miet , Junginger Martin , Fritsche Uwe R. , Diaz‐Chavez Rocio , Nabuurs Gert‐Jan , Del Campo Colmenar Ines , Gonzalez David Sanchez , Rutz Dominik , Janssen Rainer 
Published: February 2018

AbstractProjections show that biomass will remain important for reaching future EU renewable energy targets. In addition to using domestic biomass, European bioenergy markets will also partly rely on imports of biomass, in particular in trade‐oriented EU member states like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. There has been a lot of debate on the sustainability of (imported) biomass and how policy should deal with this. In this research, therefore, we defined long‐term strategies for sustainable biomass imports in European bioenergy markets. We used the input of different stakeholders in our approach through focus‐group discussions and a global survey, focusing on the following aspects: key principles of sustainable biomass trade, risks and opportunities of biomass trade, both for import regions (EU countries) and for sourcing regions, and practical barriers for trade. Overall we conclude that policies should be stable and consistent within a long‐term vision. An overall sustainability assurance framework of biomass production and use is key, but should ultimately apply to all end uses of biomass. Furthermore, the mobilization of biomass should be supported, as well as commoditization, considering the large diversity of biomass. Side impacts of biomass use should be monitored. Reducing investors’ risk perception is crucial for future developments in the biobased economy, and a clear policy to phase out fossil fuels, e.g. through a carbon tax, needs to be implemented. The results of this research are of interest for policy makers when deciding on long‐term strategies concerning sustainable bioenergy markets. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Oxidation catalysis by iron and manganese porphyrins within enzyme‐like cages
Authors: Chino Marco , Leone Linda , Zambrano Gerardo , Pirro Fabio , D'Alonzo Daniele , Firpo Vincenzo , Aref Diaa , Lista Liliana , Maglio Ornella , Nastri Flavia , Lombardi Angela 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInspired by natural heme‐proteins, scientists have attempted for decades to design efficient and selective metalloporphyrin‐based oxidation catalysts. Starting from the pioneering work on small molecule mimics in the late 1970s, we have assisted to a tremendous progress in designing cages of different nature and complexity, able to accommodate metalloporphyrins. With the intent of tuning and controlling their reactivity, more and more sophisticated and diverse environments are continuously exploited. In this review, we will survey the current state of art in oxidation catalysis using iron‐ and manganese‐porphyrins housed within designed or engineered protein cages. We will also examine the innovative metal‐organic framework (MOF) systems, exploited to achieving an enzyme‐like environment around the metalloporphyrin cofactor.
A laboratory exercise for detecting microbial contaminants
Authors: Shen Jie , Zhu Xiang , Jin Kai , Li Ya , Gu YiTian , Huang Jiahong , Qu Yulan , Li Xiaoyu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe development and evaluation of a 6‐hours laboratory class, based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) and the detection of microbial contaminants, is described. It can be easily scaled up or down, to suit class sizes up to 188 and completed in a shorter time scale. CE uses narrow‐bore fused‐silica capillaries to separate a complex array of large and small molecules. A laboratory exercise has been devised to illustrate how CE‐based genetic analysis system processes DNA fragment analysis to detect three microbial contaminants. The protocol is relatively inexpensive and uses standard molecular biology reagents and equipment. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(3):279–284, 2018.
Clinical impact of ulceration width, lymphovascular invasion, microscopic satellitosis, perineural invasion, and mitotic rate in patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous melanoma: a retrospective observational study at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Namikawa Kenjiro , Aung Phyu P. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Milton Denái R. , Prieto Victor G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe prognostic significance of the width of the ulceration in primary melanomas remains unclear, and there is a relative paucity of data for lymphovascular invasion (LVI), microscopic satellitosis (MS), perineural invasion (PNI), and mitotic rate when compared with other pathological elements currently required for reporting. To evaluate the prognostic importance of the ulceration width and other important pathologic measurements, a single‐institutional retrospective study was conducted using records of cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2003 and 2008. We identified 1898 eligible patients with median tumor thickness of 1.25 mm and median follow‐up of 6.7 years. By multivariable analyses, the strongest risk factor for SLN positivity was high tumor thickness followed by the presence of LVI. The pathologic measures with the strongest influence on recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were tumor thickness and positive SLN status. Ulceration width and presence of MS were also significantly associated with RFS while PNI was not. Factors with the strongest influence on melanoma‐specific survival (MSS) were positive SLN status and mitotic rate. In conclusion, SLN biopsy should probably be offered if the primary tumor has LVI. MS is an adverse prognostic factor for RFS, but its influence on outcome is modest. Ulceration width predicts RFS but loses its independent prognostic significance for MSS when adjusting for currently used clinicopathological factors. In view of its impact on MSS, mitotic rate should be recorded for cutaneous invasive melanomas across all T categories.
MiR‐634 sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide by targeting CYR61 through Raf‐ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Tan Zhigang , Zhao Jizong , Jiang Yugang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGlioma is the most common intracranial malignant tumors, accounting for about 40% of intracranial tumors. Primary or secondary drug resistance is one of the main reasons for the failure of treatment. The oncogenic or tumor‐suppressive roles of miR‐634 have been revealed in different types of cancer. However, the role of miR‐634 in glioma remains unknown and whether miR‐634 could sensitize glioma cells to temozolomide also is unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the biological function of miR‐634 and the possible mechanisms in glioma. In this study, we found that miR‐634 was downregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and its expression was associated with tumor size and WHO grade. Importantly, glioma patients with low miR‐634 expression showed a shorter survival time than patients which had high expression of miR‐634. This study also showed that miR‐634 was decreased in temozolomide‐resistant glioma cells, and restoration of miR‐634 could sensitize the resistant cells to temozolomide by targeting CYR61 through Raf‐ERK signaling. Our study provides a potential target for overcome drug resistance in glioma.
Prediction of radiotherapy response with a 5‐microRNA signature‐based nomogram in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lin , Wen Yihui , Zhang Jingwei , Sun Wei , Lui Vivian W. Y. , Wei Yi , Chen Fenghong , Wen Weiping 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRadiotherapy is unlikely to benefit all patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Therefore, novel method is warranted to predict the radiotherapy response. Our study aimed to construct a microRNA (miRNA)‐based nomogram to predict clinical outcomes of patients with HNSCC receiving radiotherapy. We screened out 56 differential miRNAs by analyzing 44 paired tumor and adjacent normal samples miRNA expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 307 patients with HNSCC receiving adjuvant radiotherapy were randomly divided into a training set (n = 154) and a validation set (n = 153). In the training set, we combined the differential miRNA profiles with clinical outcomes, and LASSO regression model was applied to establish a 5‐miRNA signature. The prediction accuracy of the 5‐miRNA signature was further validated. In addition, target genes of these miRNAs were predicted, and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis as well as KEGG pathway analysis was executed. A 5‐miRNA signature including miR‐99a, miR‐31, miR‐410, miR‐424, and miR‐495 was identified. With a cutoff value of 1.2201 from Youden's index, the training set was divided into high‐risk and low‐risk groups, and the 5‐year overall survival was significantly different (30% vs. 73%, HR 3.65, CI 2.46–8.16; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, our 5‐miRNA signature revealed that only low‐risk group would benefit from radiotherapy. Then, a nomogram combining 5‐miRNA signature with clinical variables to predict radiotherapy response was constructed. The analysis of 108 target genes of these miRNAs revealed some potential mechanisms in HNSCC radiotherapy response for future investigations. In conclusion, the 5‐miRNA signature‐based nomogram is useful in predicting radiotherapy response in HNSCC and might become a promising tool to optimize radiation strategies.
A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative research into mandatory personal psychotherapy during training
Authors: Murphy David , Irfan Nisha , Barnett Harriet , Castledine Emma , Enescu Lily 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis study addresses the thorny issue of mandatory personal psychotherapy within counselling and psychotherapy training. It is expensive, emotionally demanding and time‐consuming. Nevertheless, proponents argue that it is essential in protecting the public and keeping clients safe; to ensure psychotherapists develop high levels of self‐awareness and gain knowledge of interpersonal dynamics; and that it enhances therapist effectiveness. Existing evidence about these potential benefits is equivocal and is largely reliant on small‐scale qualitative studies.MethodWe carried out a systematic review of literature searched within five major databases. The search identified 16 published qualitative research studies on the topic of mandatory personal psychotherapy that matched the inclusion criteria. All studies were rated for quality. The findings from individual studies were thematically analysed through a process of meta‐synthesis.ResultsMeta‐synthesis showed studies on mandatory psychotherapy had reported both positive and hindering factors in almost equal number. Six main themes were identified: three positive and three negative. Positive findings were related to personal and professional development, experiential learning and therapeutic benefits. Negative findings related to ethical imperatives do no harm, justice and integrity.ConclusionWhen mandatory personal psychotherapy is used within a training programme, courses must consider carefully and put ethical issues at the forefront of decision‐making. Additionally, the requirement of mandatory psychotherapy should be positioned and identified as an experiential pedagogical device rather than fulfilling a curative function. Recommendations for further research are made.
Antibody Epitope of Human α‐Galactosidase A Revealed by Affinity Mass Spectrometry: A Basis for Reversing Immunoreactivity in Enzyme Replacement Therapy of Fabry Disease
Authors: Kukacka Zdenek , Iurascu Marius , Lupu Loredana , Rusche Hendrik , Murphy Mary , Altamore Lorenzo , Borri Fabio , Maeser Stefan , Papini Anna Maria , Hennermann Julia , Przybylski Michael 
Published: February 2018

Abstractα‐Galactosidase (αGal) is a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyses the terminal α‐galactosyl moiety from glycosphingolipids. Mutations in the encoding genes for αGal lead to defective or misfolded enzyme, which results in substrate accumulation and subsequent organ dysfunction. The metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of human α‐galactosidase A is known as Fabry disease or Fabry–Anderson disease, and it belongs to a larger group known as lysosomal storage diseases. An effective treatment for Fabry disease has been developed by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which involves infusions of purified recombinant enzyme in order to increase enzyme levels and decrease the amounts of accumulated substrate. However, immunoreactivity and IgG antibody formation are major, therapy‐limiting, and eventually life‐threatening complications of ERT. The present study focused on the epitope determination of human α‐galactosidase A against its antibody formed. Here we report the identification of the epitope of human αGal(309–332) recognized by a human monoclonal anti‐αGal antibody, using a combination of proteolytic excision of the immobilized immune complex and surface plasmon resonance biosensing mass spectrometry. The epitope peptide, αGal(309–332), was synthesized by solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Determination of its affinity by surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed a high binding affinity for the antibody (KD=39×10−9 m), which is nearly identical to that of the full‐length enzyme (KD=16×10−9 m). The proteolytic excision affinity mass spectrometry method is shown here to be an efficient tool for epitope identification of an immunogenic lysosomal enzyme. Because the full‐length αGal and the antibody epitope showed similar binding affinities, this provides a basis for reversing immunogenicity upon ERT by: 1) treatment of patients with the epitope peptide to neutralize antibodies, or 2) removal of antibodies by apheresis, and thus significantly improving the response to ERT.
Copper Supported on Hybrid C@SiO2 Hollow Submicron Spheres as Active Ethanol Dehydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: Lu Wen‐Duo , Wang Qing‐Nan , He Lei , Li Wen‐Cui , Schüth Ferdi , Lu An‐Hui 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde (DHEA) is an environmentally benign alternative for synthetic chemistry and for the fine chemical industry. The key is to design Cu‐based catalysts with certain structures to obtain high acetaldehyde selectivity. Herein, hybrid C@SiO2 hollow submicron spheres were designed and synthesized using a confined pyrolysis method. This hybrid structure processes a layer of carbon‐silica hybrid shell. After loading the Cu, the Cu/C@SiO2 catalyst exhibited 36.1% conversion of ethanol and ∼99% acetaldehyde selectivity at 260 °C. The hybrid support combined the two favorable properties of carbon and silica and thus improving both selectivity and stability.
Thy1‐YFP‐H Mice and the Parallel Rod Floor Test to Evaluate Short‐ and Long‐Term Progression of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Richter Monique , Negro‐Demontel María Luciana , Blanco‐Ocampo Daniela , Taranto Eliseo , Lago Natalia , Peluffo Hugo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability and is a risk factor for the later development of neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Many models of TBI have been developed, but their further refinement and a more detailed long‐term follow‐up is needed. We have used the Thy1‐YFP‐H transgenic mouse line and the parallel rod floor test to produce an unbiased and robust method for the evaluation of the multiple effects of a validated model of controlled cortical injury. This approach reveals short‐ and long‐term progressive changes, including compromised biphasic motor function up to 85 days post‐lesion, which correlates with neuronal atrophy, dendrite and spine loss, and long‐term axonal pathology evidenced by axon spheroids and fragmentation. Here we present methods for inducing a controlled cortical injury in the Thy1‐YFP‐H transgenic mouse line and for evaluating the resulting deficits in the parallel rod floor test. This technique constitutes a new, unbiased, and robust method for the evaluation of motor and behavioral alterations after TBI. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Intravital Imaging of Neuroimmune Interactions Through a Thinned Skull
Authors: Manglani Monica , McGavern Dorian B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractInnate and adaptive immune interactions within the central nervous system (CNS) and surrounding meninges contribute significantly to neural homeostasis as well as a variety of different neurological disorders. Two‐photon laser scanning microscopy is a deep tissue imaging technique that provides a means to image immune cell dynamics and interactions in the living CNS with high spatial and temporal resolution. Optical access to the brain and meninges can be achieved through the creation of thinned skull windows, which can be made without inducing damage and inflammation in the underlying tissue. This protocol provides guidance on how to create a thinned skull window without causing CNS injury. We also describe a highly reproducible method to induce a mild traumatic brain injury using the thinned skull approach. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Growth and Laboratory Maintenance of Paenibacillus larvae
Authors: Mahdi Osama S. , Fisher Nathan A 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPaenibacillus larvae is a Gram‐positive, spore‐forming bacterium and the causative agent of American foulbrood disease (AFB), a highly contagious, fatal disease affecting managed honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies. As the etiological agent of American foulbrood disease, P. larvae is the most economically significant bacterial pathogen infecting honeybees. This unit includes protocols for the in vitro growth and laboratory maintenance of P. larvae. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
BioID: A Screen for Protein‐Protein Interactions
Authors: Roux Kyle J. , Kim Dae In , Burke Brian , May Danielle G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBioID is a unique method to screen for physiologically relevant protein interactions that occur in living cells. This technique harnesses a promiscuous biotin ligase to biotinylate proteins based on proximity. The ligase is fused to a protein of interest and expressed in cells, where it biotinylates proximal endogenous proteins. Because it is a rare protein modification in nature, biotinylation of these endogenous proteins by BioID fusion proteins enables their selective isolation and identification with standard biotin‐affinity capture. Proteins identified by BioID are candidate interactors for the protein of interest. BioID can be applied to insoluble proteins, can identify weak and/or transient interactions, and is amenable to temporal regulation. Initially applied to mammalian cells, BioID has potential application in a variety of cell types from diverse species. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Use of Human Embryoid Bodies for Teratology
Authors: Flamier Anthony , Singh Supriya , Rasmussen Theodore P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHuman birth defects are relatively common and can be caused by exposure to environmental teratogens or to pharmaceuticals with teratogenic activities. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), by virtue of their pluripotent nature, provide an excellent cellular platform for teratogen detection and risk assessment. This unit describes detailed protocols for the preparation and validation of highly pluripotent hESCs, the production of large quantities of aggregated multicellular spheroids composed of hESCs, and these spheroids’ differentiation into embryoid bodies (EBs). EBs contain a variety of cells of endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal origin and can be subjected to compound exposure in vitro. Hence, they are useful for the detection of chemicals with teratogenic activities. Beyond describing protocols to assemble and culture EBs, this unit details methods to exploit the EB system for teratological assessment. In addition, strategies to distinguish compounds with bona fide teratogenic activity versus simple toxicity are discussed. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.