bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Categorization Working Memory Span Task: Validation study of two Brazilian alternate versions
Authors: Brum Paula Schimidt , Borella Erika , Carretti Barbara , Guidotti Elena , Yassuda Mônica Sanches 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundThe Categorization Working Memory Span Task (CWMS task) is a complex working memory (WM) span test that has been used previously to assess age and individual differences in WM as well as the relationship between WM and complex aspects of cognition such as listening comprehension. Two alternate versions of the task have been developed to be used as outcome variables in WM training protocol, which mirrors the task involved in the CWMS task.Objectives(1) To translate and adapt the CWMS task for Brazilian Portuguese; (2) to test the equivalence of its 2 alternate versions; (3) to examine temporal stability; (4) to examine the influence of age and schooling on CWMS task; (5) to establish its relationship with other tests of WM.MethodsEighty‐one older adults completed version A, and 86 completed version B of the CWMS task. After 6 months, a subsample (n = 85) completed the same version of the task.ResultsVersions A and B of the task generated comparable scores. Both versions had adequate temporal stability, which was higher for the CWMS total recall, which is the classical variable in this task to represent WM performance, when compared to the other variables generated by the test. The CWMS task variables were moderately correlated with schooling and other cognitive tests (Mini Mental State Examination, Letter‐Number Sequencing, Spatial Span Backward, Digit Span Forward).ConclusionsThe 2 versions of the CWMS task were equivalent and stable temporally. The task was influenced by schooling and global cognition.
Carbon dioxide embolism during transoral robotic thyroidectomy: A case report
Authors: Kim Kyu Nam , Lee Dong Won , Kim Ji Yeon , Han Kyoung‐Hee , Tae Kyung 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundCarbon dioxide (CO2) embolism is a serious, although rare, complication of remote access thyroidectomy using CO2 insufflation. Recently, we encountered a case of CO2 embolism during transoral thyroidectomy, and present it here with a review of the literature.Methods and ResultsA 59‐year‐old female patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomy with CO2 insufflation. During skin flap elevation, the anterior jugular vein was lacerated. Simultaneously, an electrocardiogram (ECG) showed bradycardia with premature atrial complexes, followed by asystole. After 2 cycles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with an injection of 1‐mg epinephrine, spontaneous circulation returned, and sinus tachycardia with ST segment elevation was noted in ECGs. The patient's vital signs returned to normal within 30 minutes, and normal sinus rhythm was observed. She was discharged on postoperative day 7, without neurologic and cardiac deficit.ConclusionThe possibility of CO2 embolism during transoral thyroidectomy with CO2 insufflation should not be overlooked.
Printing inks of electroactive polymer PEDOT:PSS: The study of biocompatibility, stability, and electrical properties
Authors: Stříteský Stanislav , Marková Aneta , Víteček Jan , Šafaříková Eva , Hrabal Michal , Kubáč Lubomír , Kubala Lukáš , Weiter Martin , Vala Martin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBiocompatibility tests and a study of the electrical properties of thin films prepared from six electroactive polymer ink formulations based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) were performed. The aim was to find a suitable formulation of PEDOT:PSS and conditions for preparing thin films in order to construct printed bioelectronic devices for biomedical applications. The stability and electrical properties of such films were tested on organic electrochemical transistor (OECT)‐based sensor platforms and their biocompatibility was evaluated in assays with 3T3 fibroblasts and murine cardiomyocytes. It was found that the thin films prepared from inks without an additive or any thin film post‐treatment provide limited conductivity and stability for use in biomedical applications. These properties were greatly improved by using ethylene glycol and thermal annealing. Addition or post‐treatment by ethylene glycol in combination with thermal annealing provided thin films with electrical resistance and a stability sufficient to be used in sensing of animal cell physiology. These films coated with collagen IV showed good biocompatibility in the assay with 3T3 fibroblasts when compared to standard cell culture plastics. Selected films were then used in assays with murine cardiomyocytes. We observed that these cells were able to attach to the PEDOT:PSS films and form an active sensor element. Spontaneously beating clusters were formed, indicating a good physiological status for the cardiomyocyte cells. These results open the door to construction of cheap printed electronic devices for biointerfacing in biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1121–1128, 2018.
Stat5 phosphorylation is responsible for the excessive potency of HB‐EGF
Authors: Heo Jeongyeon , Kim Jae Geun , Kim Sunghwan , Kang Hara 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHeparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) is a potent growth factor involved in wound healing and tumorigenesis. Despite the sequence similarity between HB‐EGF and EGF, HB‐EGF induces cellular proliferation and migration more potently than EGF. However, the differential regulation by HB‐EGF and EGF has not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we compared signaling pathways activated by HB‐EGF and EGF to understand the details of the molecular mechanism of the high potency induced by HB‐EGF. HB‐EGF specifically induced the phosphorylation of EGFR‐Y1045 and activated Stat5, which is responsible for promoting cell proliferation, and migration. The competition of phosphorylated EGFR‐Y1045 inhibited Stat5 activation and consequently lowered the effect of HB‐EGF on cell proliferation, suggesting that the phosphorylation of EGFR‐Y1045 is essential for the activation of Stat5. The phosphorylation of EGFR‐Y1045 and Stat5 induced by HB‐EGF was prevented by sequestering the heparin‐binding domain, suggesting that the heparin‐binding domain is critical for HB‐EGF‐mediated signaling and cellular responses. In conclusion, the heparin‐binding domain of HB‐EGF was responsible for EGFR‐mediated Stat5 activation, resulting in a more potent cellular proliferation, and migration than that mediated by EGF. This molecular mechanism is useful for understanding ligand‐specific EGFR signaling and developing biomedicines for wound healing or cancer therapy.
T cell exhaustion in cancer: Mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Wang Jin‐Cheng , Xu Yong , Huang Zheng‐Ming , Lu Xiao‐Jie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDuring chronic viral infection or cancer, the immune system usually induces a corresponding immune response against pathogens or cancer cells so as to prevent worsening disease. T cell exhaustion in which reduced and dysfunctional effector T cells lead to immune escape is one of the mechanisms that pathogens or cancer cells get rid of control from the immune system. In this review, we discuss some mechanisms associated with T cell exhaustion and enumerate current methods of reversing T cell exhaustion. We also summarize current targeted treatment strategies and put forward following aspects that required to research.
Down‐regulation of FN1 inhibits colorectal carcinogenesis by suppressing proliferation, migration, and invasion
Authors: Cai Xun , Liu Chuan , Zhang Tie‐Ning , Zhu Yi‐Wen , Dong Xiao , Xue Peng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFibronectin 1 (FN1) is involved in cell adhesion and migration processes including embryogenesis, wound healing, blood coagulation, host defense, metastasis, and implicated in various biochemical processes. However, its effects on the development and progression of human cancer, especially colorectal cancer (CRC), are unclear. To evaluate the relationship between the expression of FN1 and the histopathologic parameters of patients with CRC or the proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer cell lines, we screened FN1 as a new candidate gene which promotes development of CRC, in an independent dataset (The Human Protein Atlas website). Here, we reported that FN1 was elevated in CRC tissues compared with normal colon tissues. Further, FN1 expression level was correlated with age, lymph vascular invasion, and survival rate. Knockdown of FN1 in two CRC cell lines, LOVO, and SW1116, significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis showed that down‐regulation of FN1 significantly decreased the expression of Bcl‐2, MMP‐9, Twist, and increased the expression of Bax, Caspase‐3, and E‐cadherin in LOVO and SW1116 cells. Then, we found that the protein ITGA5 was identified as a binding partner of FN1 and ITGA5 overexpression reversed FN1‐induced tumorigenesis of CRC in vitro. Taken together, FN1 suppressed apoptosis and promoted viability, invasion, and migration in CRC through interacting with ITGA5. FN1 may be a prognostic factor and potential target for CRC treatment.
Differential mechanisms of adenosine‐ and ATPγS‐induced microvascular endothelial barrier strengthening
Authors: Bátori Róbert , Kumar Sanjiv , Bordán Zsuzsanna , Cherian‐Shaw Mary , Kovács‐Kása Anita , MacDonald Justin A. , Fulton David J. R. , Erdődi Ferenc , Verin Alexander D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMaintenance of the endothelial cell (EC) barrier is critical to vascular homeostasis and a loss of barrier integrity results in increased vascular permeability. While the mechanisms that govern increased EC permeability have been under intense investigation over the past several decades, the processes regulating the preservation/restoration of the EC barrier remain poorly understood. Herein we show that the extracellular purines, adenosine (Ado) and adenosine 5′‐[γ‐thio]‐triphosphate (ATPγS) can strengthen the barrier function of human lung microvascular EC (HLMVEC). This ability involves protein kinase A (PKA) activation and decreases in myosin light chain 20 (MLC20) phosphorylation secondary to the involvement of MLC phosphatase (MLCP). In contrast to Ado, ATPγS‐induced PKA activation is accompanied by a modest, but significant decrease in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels supporting the existence of an unconventional cAMP‐independent pathway of PKA activation. Furthermore, ATPγS‐induced EC barrier strengthening does not involve the Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 (EPAC1) which is directly activated by cAMP but is instead dependent upon PKA‐anchor protein 2 (AKAP2) expression. We also found that AKAP2 can directly interact with the myosin phosphatase‐targeting protein MYPT1 and that depletion of AKAP2 abolished ATPγS‐induced increases in transendothelial electrical resistance. Ado‐induced strengthening of the HLMVEC barrier required the coordinated activation of PKA and EPAC1 in a cAMP‐dependent manner. In summary, ATPγS‐induced enhancement of the EC barrier is EPAC1‐independent and is instead mediated by activation of PKA which is then guided by AKAP2, in a cAMP‐independent mechanism, to activate MLCP which dephosphorylates MLC20 resulting in reduced EC contraction and preservation.
Facile synthesis of high specific activity 4‐[1‐14C]butyl‐1,2‐diphenylpyrazolidine‐3,5‐dione (phenylbutazone) using nucleophilic substitution
Authors: Singh Anuradha , Hakk Heldur , Lupton Sara J. 
Published: December 2017

Metabolism, environmental fate, and low concentration food residue studies would be facilitated by the use of radiolabeled test articles that can be readily quantified within complex matrices. However, radiochemical approaches for such studies require high specific activities to allow analytical detection of correspondingly low masses of test article. The synthesis of high specific activity (>50 μCi/μmol) [14C]‐radiolabeled phenylbutazone presents a challenge using existing methodology, mainly due to the low solvent volumes required and vigorous refluxing needed to close the pyrazolidinedione ring. Herein, we report on the significant modification of an existing method that allows the synthesis of low masses of high specific activity (>50 μCi/μmol) [14C]‐phenylbutazone under mild conditions with simple purification and high yield. The closure of the pyrazolidinedione ring of 1,2‐diphenyl‐3,5‐pyrazolidinedione was accomplished as a first step with unlabeled 1,2‐diphenylhydrazine and diethyl malonate in 32% yield under gram‐scale conditions, which avoided the challenges of low solvent use and vigorous refluxing. Low mass of high specific activity n‐[1‐14C]‐butyl bromide was then added via a nucleophilic substitution reaction as a final step. Yields ranged from 65% to 92% during multiple synthetic attempts with unlabeled butyl bromide and were greatly influenced by reaction stoichiometry and the selection of base.
Simultaneous enantioselective determination of six pesticides in aqueous environmental samples by chiral liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Pengfei , Lei Shuo , Xing Mingming , Xiong Shihang , Guo Xingjie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA robust and sensitive method was developed for the enantiomeric analysis of six chiral pesticides (including metalaxyl, epoxiconazole, myclobutanil, hexaconazole, napropamide, and isocarbophos) in aquatic environmental samples. The optimized chromatographic conditions for the quantification of all the 12 enantiomers were performed with Chiralcel OD‐RH column using mobile phase consisting of 0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile operated under reversed‐phase conditions and then analyzed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Twelve enantiomers were detected in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Solid‐phase extraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction were employed in this study. Response surface methodology was applied to assist in the dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction optimization. Under the optimum conditions, recoveries of pesticides enantiomers varied from 83.0 to 103.2% at two spiked levels with relative standard deviation less than 11.5%. The concentration factors were up to 1000 times. Method detection and quantification limits varied from 0.11 to 0.48 ng/L and from 0.46 to 1.49 ng/L, respectively. Finally, this method was used to determination of the enantiomers composition of the six pesticides in environmental aqueous matrices, which will help better understand the behavior of individual enantiomer and make accurate risk assessment to ecosystems.
Observational Study Using Ultrasound to Assess Midline Labor Epidural Analgesia Placement and Analgesic Efficacy
Authors: Weiniger Carolyn F. , Cobb Benjamin , Wang Rachel R. , Carvalho Brendan 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesLabor epidural analgesia failure may relate to nonmidline placement of epidural catheters. We hypothesized that greater deviations of the epidural catheter insertion point from the ultrasound (US)‐determined midline would be associated with less effective labor analgesia.MethodsA prospective ethically approved cohort study was conducted. Fifty‐two healthy average‐sized women receiving labor epidural analgesia, inserted by the landmark technique, were approached after delivery. Immediately after removing the epidural catheter, we determined the epidural space midline using US and compared it to the epidural catheter insertion point and to the patient‐identified midline (assessed by a pinprick in 1‐mm increments). Correlations between the US midline‐to‐catheter insertion point distance and additional epidural local anesthetic requirements (primary outcome), pain verbal numeric rating scale scores (0–10) 1 hour after epidural insertion, and maternal satisfaction with analgesia were determined. The differences in distances were assessed by a Bland‐Altman analysis.ResultsThere were no significant correlations between the US midline‐to‐epidural catheter insertion point distance and additional epidural local anesthetic requirements (R2 = 0.138; P = .33), pain verbal numeric rating scale scores 1 hour after the epidural (R2 = 0.121; P = .40) or maternal satisfaction (R2 = 0.085; P = .57). The Bland‐Altman analysis revealed that the mean ± SD US midline‐to‐epidural catheter insertion point distance and patient‐identified midline distances were 0.38 ± 0.31 and 0.35 ± 0.46 cm, respectively.ConclusionsIn our laboring population, the hypothesis that nonmidline epidural insertion is associated with less‐effective labor analgesia was not confirmed in this study cohort. We found minimal differences in distances between the US midline to epidural catheter insertion point and US midline to patient‐identified midline.
Time‐resolved monitoring of enzyme activity with ultrafast Hyper‐CEST spectroscopy
Authors: Döpfert Jörg , Schnurr Matthias , Kunth Martin , Rose Honor May , Hennig Andreas , Schröder Leif 
Published: December 2017

We propose a method to dynamically monitor the progress of an enzymatic reaction using NMR of hyperpolarized 129Xe in a host–guest system. It is based on a displacement assay originally designed for fluorescence experiments that exploits the competitive binding of the enzymatic product on the one hand and a reporter dye on the other hand to a supramolecular host. Recently, this assay has been successfully transferred to NMR, using xenon as a reporter, cucurbit[6]uril as supramolecular host, and chemical exchange saturation transfer with hyperpolarized Xe (Hyper‐CEST) as detection technique. Its advantage is that the enzyme acts on the unmodified substrate and that only the product is detected through immediate inclusion into the host. We here apply a method that drastically accelerates the acquisition of Hyper‐CEST spectra in vitro using magnetic field gradients. This allows monitoring the dynamic progress of the conversion of lysine to cadaverine with a temporal resolution of ~30 s. Moreover, the method only requires to sample the very early onset of the reaction (<0.5% of substrate conversion where the host itself is required only at μM concentrations) at comparatively low reaction rates, thus saving enzyme material and reducing NMR acquisition time. The obtained value for the specific activity agrees well with previously published results from fluorescence assays. We furthermore outline how the Hyper‐CEST results correlate with xenon T2 measurements performed during the enzymatic reaction. This suggests that ultrafast Hyper‐CEST spectroscopy can be used for dynamically monitoring enzymatic activity with NMR.
Crosslinked anion exchange membranes with connected cations
Authors: Zhang Wenxu , Liu Ye , Liu Xiaohui , Horan James L. , Jin Ying , Ren Xiaoming , Ertem S. Piril , Seifert Soenke , Liberatore Matthew W. , Herring Andrew M. , Coughlin Edward Bryan 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe selective transport of ions has crucial importance in biological systems as well as modern‐day energy devices, such as batteries and fuel cells, and water purification membranes. Control over ion movement can be exerted by ligation, ion channel dimensions, solvation, and electrostatic interactions. Polyelectrolyte hydrogels can provide aligned pathways for counter ion transport but lack mechanical integrity, while polyelectrolyte membranes typically suffer from the absence of an ion transport channel network. To develop polymer membranes for improved ion transport, we present the design of a novel material that combines the advantages of aligned pathways found in polyelectrolyte hydrogel and mechanical robustness in conventional membranes. The ionic species were organized via controlled copolymerization of a quaternizable monomer. Additionally, dimensional stability was then incorporated through a cast/crosslinking method to lock in the network of connected cationic groups. This strategy resulted in dramatically enhanced ion transport, as characterized by ionic conductivities (>80 mS/cm for Cl–, and ∼200 mS/cm for OH–). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 618–625
Factors driving public tolerance levels and information‐seeking behaviour concerning insects in the household environment
Authors: Schoelitsz Bruce , Poortvliet P Marijn , Takken Willem 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe public's negative attitudes towards household insects drive tolerance for these insects and their control. Tolerance levels are important in integrated pest management (IPM), as are pest knowledge and information. The risk information seeking and processing (RISP) model describes the relationships between personal factors and information‐seeking behaviour. We combined IPM and RISP to determine important relationships between factors driving insect tolerance levels and information‐seeking behaviour through an online survey and tested whether this model is valid and generally applicable.RESULTSRelationships between variables from both IPM and RISP models were tested for seven insect species. Tolerance levels were measured with two factors: willingness to pay for pest control and whether insects are tolerated. Willingness to pay for control was positively affected by age, experience, risk perception, insect characteristics, and negative emotions and affected behavioural intention, by influencing information sufficiency and information‐seeking behaviour. Tolerability was influenced by perception of insect characteristics and determines whether control measures are taken.CONCLUSIONIt was possible to combine the RISP and IPM models. Relevant driving factors were a person's age, experience, risk perception, negative affective responses, tolerance levels, relevant channel beliefs about online forums, information sufficiency and information‐seeking behaviour. There was, however, variation in important factors between different insects. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Finding all‐nonmetal transition‐metal‐like superatom and its magnetic building block
Authors: Jiang Hui‐Hui , He Hui‐Min , Li Ying , Wu Di , Liu Jia‐Yuan , Yang Hui , Sun Wei‐Ming , Zhong Rong-Lin , Zhou Zhong-Jun , Hou Jian‐Hua , Wang Jia‐Jun , Li Zhi‐Ru 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn novel superatom chemistry, it is very attractive that all‐metal clusters can mimic the behaviors of nonmetal atoms and simple nonmetal molecules. Wizardly all‐metal halogen‐like superatom Al13 with 2P5 sub shell (corresponding to the 3p5 of chlorine) is the most typical example. In contrast, how to mimic the behaviors of magnetic transition‐metal atom using all‐nonmetal cluster is an intriguing challenge for superatom chemistry. In response to this based on human intuition, using quantum chemistry methods and extending jellium model from metal cluster to all‐nonmetal cluster, we have found out that all‐nonmetal octahedral B6 cluster with characteristic jellium electron configuration 1S21P62S21D8 in the triplet ground state can mimic the behaviors of transition‐metal Ni atom with electron configuration 3s23p64s23d8 in electronic configuration, physics and chemistry. Interestingly, the characteristic order of 1S1P2S1D for the B6 nonmetal cluster with short B‐B lengths is different from that of the traditional jellium model—1S1P1D2S for metal clusters with long M‐M lengths, which exhibits a novel size effect of nonmetal cluster on jellium orbital ordering. Based on the jellium electron configuration, the B6 with the spin moment value of 2μB is a new all‐nonmetal transition‐metal nickel‐like superatom exhibiting a new kind of all‐nonmetal magnetic superatom. Finding the application of the all‐nonmetal magnetic superatom, we encapsulate the magnetic superatom B6 inside fully hydrogenated fullerene forming a clathrate B6@C60H60 with the spin moment value of 2μB. As the C60H60 cage as a polymerization unit can conserve the spin moment of endohedral B6, the clathrate B6@C60H60 is a new all‐nonmetal magnetic superatom building block. Naturally, magnetic superatom structures of the B6 and B6@C60H60 may be metastable.