bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the toughening in poly(lactic acid)‐thermoplastic cassava starch reactive blends
Authors: Bher Anibal , Auras Rafael , Schvezov Carlos E. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTPoly(lactic acid) (PLA), a physical blend of PLA and thermoplastic cassava starch (TPCS) (PLA‐TPCS), and reactive blends of PLA with TPCS using maleic anhydride as compatibilizer with two different peroxide initiators [i.e., 2,5‐bis(tert‐butylperoxy)‐2,5‐dimethylhexane (L101) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP)] PLA‐g‐TPCS‐L101 and PLA‐g‐TPCS‐DCP were produced and characterized. Blends were produced using either a mixer unit or twin‐screw extruder. Films for testing were produced by compression molding and cast film extrusion. Morphological, mechanical, thermomechanical, thermal, and optical properties of the samples were assessed. Blends produced with the twin‐screw extruder resulted in a better grade of mixing than blends produced with the mixer. Reactive compatibilization improved the interfacial adhesion of PLA and TPCS. Scanning electron microscopy images of the physical blend showed larger TPCS domains in the PLA matrix due to poor compatibilization. However, reactive blends revealed smaller TPCS domains and better interfacial adhesion of TPCS to the PLA matrix when DCP was used as initiator. Reactive blends exhibited high values for elongation at break without an improvement in tensile strength. PLA‐g‐TPCS‐DCP provides promising properties as a tougher biodegradable film. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46140.
Lessons learned about prevalence and growth rates of abdominal aortic aneurysms from a 25-year ultrasound population screening programme
Authors: Oliver-Williams C , Sweeting M J , Turton G , Parkin D , Cooper D , Rodd C , Thompson S G , Earnshaw J J 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to assess how the prevalence and growth rates of small and medium abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) (3·0–5·4 cm) have changed over time in men aged 65 years, and to evaluate long-term outcomes in men whose aortic diameter is 2·6–2·9 cm (subaneurysmal), and below the standard threshold for most surveillance programmes.

Methods
The Gloucestershire Aneurysm Screening Programme (GASP) started in 1990. Men aged 65 years with an aortic diameter of 2·6–5·4 cm, measured by ultrasonography using the inner to inner wall method, were included in surveillance. Aortic diameter growth rates were estimated separately for men who initially had a subaneurysmal aorta, and those who had a small or medium AAA, using mixed-effects models.

Results
Since 1990, 81 150 men had ultrasound screening for AAA (uptake 80·7 per cent), of whom 2795 had an aortic diameter of 2·6–5·4 cm. The prevalence of screen-detected AAA of 3·0 cm or larger decreased from 5·0 per cent in 1991 to 1·3 per cent in 2015. There was no evidence of a change in AAA growth rates during this time. Of men who initially had a subaneurysmal aorta, 57·6 (95 per cent c.i. 54·4 to 60·7) per cent were estimated to develop an AAA of 3·0 cm or larger within 5 years of the initial scan, and 28·0 (24·2 to 31·8) per cent to develop a large AAA (at least 5·5 cm) within 15 years.

Conclusion
The prevalence of screen-detected small and medium AAAs has decreased over the past 25 years, but growth rates have remained similar. Men with a subaneurysmal aorta at age 65 years have a substantial risk of developing a large AAA by the age of 80 years.
Progression patterns under BRAF inhibitor treatment and treatment beyond progression in patients with metastatic melanoma
Authors: Hassel Jessica C. , Buder‐Bakhaya Kristina , Bender Carolin , Zimmer Lisa , Weide Benjamin , Loquai Carmen , Ugurel Selma , Slynko Alla , Gutzmer Ralf ,   the German Dermatooncology Group (DeCOG/ADO)
Published: December 2017

AbstractDespite markedly improved treatment options for metastatic melanoma, resistance to targeted therapies such as BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) or BRAFi plus MEK inhibitors (MEKi) remains a major problem. Our aim was to characterize progression on BRAFi therapy and outcome of subsequent treatment. One hundred and eighty patients with BRAF‐mutant metastatic melanoma who had progressed on treatment with single‐agent BRAFi from February 2010 to April 2015 were included in a retrospective data analysis focused on patterns of progression, treatment beyond progression (TBP) and subsequent treatments after BRAFi therapy. Analysis revealed that 51.1% of patients progressed with both new and existing metastases opposed to progression of only preexisting (28.3%) or only new (20.6%) metastases. Exclusive extracranial progression occurred in 50.6% of patients compared to both extra‐ and intracranial (29.4%) or sole cerebral progression (20%). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that single site progression and primary response to BRAFi were associated with improved progression‐free survival. Progression with exclusively new or only existing metastases and a baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) of 0 were associated with prolonged overall survival (OS). TBP had no significant impact on OS. Other subsequent treatments showed low efficacy with the exception of anti‐PD‐1 antibodies. In conclusion we identified specific patterns of progression which significantly correlate with further prognosis after progression on BRAFi treatment. In contrast to previously published data, we could not demonstrate a significant survival benefit for BRAFi TBP. Subsequent therapies had strikingly low efficacy except for PD‐1 inhibitors.
The “side‐BASE technique”: Combined side branch anchor balloon and balloon assisted sub‐intimal entry to resolve ambiguous proximal cap chronic total occlusions
Authors: Roy James , Hill Jonathan , Spratt James C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFailure to penetrate the proximal cap or cross with equipment remains the most frequent cause of procedural failure in CTO PCI. In the “BASE” technique concerns were raised over the risk of proximal side branch loss. We here describe the evolution of this technique and highlight examples where the sub‐intimal space was accessed proximal to the occlusion by using the side branch. This technique can be of use both in resolving proximal cap ambiguity and also in cases where there is difficulty crossing a resistant proximal cap.
Overview of Monoamine Transporters
Authors: Aggarwal Shaili , Mortensen Ole V. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe dopamine (DAT), serotonin (SERT), and norepinephrine (NET) transporters, which are collectively referred to as monoamine transporters (MATs), play significant roles in regulating the neuronal response to these neurotransmitters. MATs terminate the action of these neurotransmitters by translocating them from the synaptic space into the presynaptic neurons. These three transmitters are responsible for controlling a number of physiological, emotional, and behavioral functions, with their transporters being the site of action of drugs employed for the treatment of a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia, and psychostimulant abuse. Provided in this unit is information on the localization and regulation of MATs and the structural components of these proteins most responsible for the translocation process. Also included is a brief description of the evolution of ligands that interact with these transporters, as well as current theories concerning the pharmacological effects of substances that interact with these sites, including the molecular mechanisms of action of uptake inhibitors and allosteric modulators. Data relating to the presence, structure, and functions of allosteric modulators are included as well. The aim of this review is to provide background information on MATs to those who are new to this field, with a focus on the therapeutic potential of compounds that interact with these substrate transport sites. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The baubellum is more developmentally and evolutionarily labile than the baculum
Authors: Lough‐Stevens Michael , Schultz Nicholas G. , Dean Matthew D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUnderstanding the evolutionary forces that influence sexual dimorphism is a fundamental goal in biology. Here, we focus on one particularly extreme example of sexual dimorphism. Many mammal species possess a bone in their penis called a baculum. The female equivalent of this bone is called the baubellum and occurs in the clitoris, which is developmentally homologous to the male penis. To understand the potential linkage between these two structures, we scored baculum/baubellum presence/absence across 163 species and analyzed their distribution in a phylogenetic framework. The majority of species (N = 134) shared the same state in males and females (both baculum and baubellum present or absent). However, the baubellum has experienced significantly more transitions, and more recent transitions, so that the remaining 29 species have a baculum but not a well‐developed baubellum. Even in species where both bones are present, the baubellum shows more ontogenetic variability and harbors more morphological variation than the baculum. Our study demonstrates that the baculum and baubellum are generally correlated across mammals, but that the baubellum is more evolutionarily and developmentally labile than the baculum. The accumulation of more evolutionary transitions, especially losses in the baubellum, as well as noisier developmental patterns, suggests that the baubellum may be nonfunctional, and lost over time.
Siglec‐1 inhibits RSV‐induced interferon gamma production by adult T cells in contrast to newborn T cells
Authors: Jans Jop , Unger Wendy W.J. , Vissers Marloes , Ahout Inge M.L. , Schreurs Inge , Wickenhagen Arthur , de Groot Ronald , de Jonge Marien I. , Ferwerda Gerben 
Published: December 2017

AbstractInterferon gamma (IFN‐γ) plays an important role in the antiviral immune response during respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Monocytes and T cells are recruited to the site of RSV infection, but it is unclear whether cell‐cell interactions between monocytes and T cells regulate IFN‐γ production. In this study, micro‐array data identified the upregulation of sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐type lectin 1 (Siglec‐1) in human RSV‐infected infants. In vitro, RSV increased expression of Siglec‐1 on healthy newborn and adult monocytes. RSV‐induced Siglec‐1 on monocytes inhibited IFN‐γ production by adult CD4+ T cells. In contrast, IFN‐γ production by RSV in newborns was not affected by Siglec‐1. The ligand for Siglec‐1, CD43, is highly expressed on adult CD4+ T cells compared to newborns. Our data show that Siglec‐1 reduces IFN‐γ release by adult T cells possibly by binding to the highly expressed CD43. The Siglec‐1‐dependent inhibition of IFN‐γ in adults and the low expression of CD43 on newborn T cells provides a better understanding of the immune response against RSV in early life and adulthood.
Cultural learning and the Clovis colonization of North America
Authors: O'Brien Michael J. , Buchanan Briggs 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe timing of the earliest colonization of North America is debatable, but what is not at issue is the point of origin of the early colonists: Humans entered the continent from Beringia and then made their way south along or near the Pacific Coast and/or through a corridor that ran between the Cordilleran and Laurentide ice sheets in western North America. At some point, they abandoned their Arctic‐based tool complex for one more adapted to an entirely different environment. That new techno‐complex is termed “Clovis”; its dispersal allows us to examine, at a fine scale, how colonization processes played out across a vast continent that at the time had, at best, a very small resident population. Clovis has figured prominently in American archeology since the first Clovis points were identified in eastern New Mexico in the 1930s. However, the successful marriage of learning models grounded in evolutionary theory and modern analytical methods that began roughly a decade ago has begun to pay significant dividends in terms of what we know about the rapid spread of human groups across the last sizable landmass to witness human occupation.
RREB1–MKL2 fusion in biphenotypic “oropharyngeal” sarcoma: New entity or part of the spectrum of biphenotypic sinonasal sarcomas?
Authors: Siegfried Aurore , Romary Claire , Escudié Fréderic , Nicaise Yvan , Grand David , Rochaix Philippe , Barres Béatrice , Vergez Sébastien , Chevreau Christine , Coindre Jean‐Michel , Uro‐Coste Emmanuelle , Le Guellec Sophie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn increasing number of sarcomas displaying a primitive, monomorphic spindle cell phenotype have been shown to harbor recurrent gene fusions, including biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (SNS). Occurring in the sinonasal area of middle‐aged patients, SNS is a locally aggressive tumor harboring in 90% of cases recurrent gene fusions involving the PAX3 gene, in which the chimeric transcription factor induces an aberrant dual myogenic and neural phenotype. Here, we report an unusual oropharyngeal monomorphic spindle cell sarcoma in a 53‐year‐old man that revealed a novel RREB1–MKL2 gene fusion by RNA sequencing with the Illumina TruSight RNA Fusion Panel. The gene fusion was validated by RT‐PCR. Although the tumor location is unusual (but head and neck seated), most of the other clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic (focal combined expression of S100 protein, SMA, desmin, and myogenin) and oncogenic data suggest that this biphenotypic “oropharyngeal” sarcoma is closely related to the biphenotypic SNS spectrum. Notably, the RREB1–MKL2 chimeric transcription factor encoded by this fusion gene produced an increase in MKL2 expression, which regulates both neural and myogenic differentiation, mimicking the crucial role of PAX3 reported in SNS oncogenesis. NGS and especially RNA sequencing may be used to identify new candidate fusion oncogenes in soft tissue tumors, which would help in updating the existing classification. In turn, this would lead to better therapeutic management of patients.
Origin and petrogenetic implications of garnet from Rb‐rich pegmatites in North Qinling Orogen, China
Authors: Feng Yonggang , Lei Ruxiong , Ju Minghui , Song Gongshe , Xu Feng 
Published: December 2017

A group of Rb‐rich granitic pegmatites near Ziyugou, Danfeng, in the North Qinling Orogen lack typical lithological zoning and have a simple mineralogy dominated by quartz + microcline + albite with garnet in minor quantities. Biotite is rare, and muscovite was mostly formed during greisenization. Graphic texture can be observed within the pegmatites near the contact with the country rock. The pegmatites have localized garnet‐rich zones that contain 5–15 vol.% garnet and accessory zircon, columbite, xenotime, and thorite. The pegmatites are peraluminous (A/CNK = ~1.02–1.23) and contain low Ca but high alkali and elevated Rb (~600–1300 ppm). In REE patterns and spider diagrams, the pegmatites exhibit a pronounced negative Eu anomaly, strong Ti, P, Sr, and Ba depletion, and enrichment of Rb, HFSE, and HREE. In addition, the garnet‐rich zones contain lower K and Rb but higher Na, Mn, Fe, Zr, Hf, Nb, Y, Th, and U concentrations than the part with graphic texture and accessory garnet. Two types of garnets occur in the pegmatites. Type 1 garnet is well‐zoned and closely associated with the above‐mentioned HFSE minerals in the garnet‐rich zones, whereas Type 2 garnet included in either feldspar or quartz defining graphic texture has no associated HFSE minerals. Both types of garnets are almandine‐spessartine solid solution and contain trace to minor amounts of pyrope, grossular, and uvarolite. Based on garnet chemistry, Type 1 garnet can be subdivided into two subtypes, namely, Type 1a with higher Alm content and Type 1b with higher Sps and Prp contents. Unlike garnets from LCT‐type pegmatites but similar to those from NYF‐type pegmatites, the garnets from the Ziyugou pegmatites contain up to 1.12 wt.% Y2O3 and 1.16 wt.% Yb2O3, which makes garnet the main carrier of Y and HREE. This explains why the garnet‐rich part contains higher Y and HREE. Type 1 garnet has higher Mn/Fe ratio than Type 2 garnet, indicating that the garnet‐rich part of the pegmatites likely represents a more evolved melt. Although the pegmatites somehow show S‐type granite affinity (i.e., elevated Rb concentration and strong depletion in Sr and Ba), the HFSE and HREE enrichment of the pegmatites and garnet chemistry suggest that the pegmatites may have had a hybridized source.
Effects of modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy on the older spouse caregivers of stroke survivors in Chinese communities: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mei Yongxia , Lin Beilei , Li Yingshuang , Ding Chunge , Zhang Zhenxiang 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveOur aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy on the burden, positive experience, and life satisfaction of older spouse caregivers and the life satisfaction of stroke survivors.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial by using 75 older stroke couples recruited from communities in Zhengzhou, China. We randomly assigned participants to 1 of 3 groups: Group 1 (G1, 25 couples, all attend intervention) and Group 2 (G2, 22 couples, only caregivers attend intervention), who participated in a modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy, and a waiting list (control) group (G3, 28 couples). Interviewers blinded to treatment group assignment administered the life satisfaction to both stroke survivors and caregivers, caregiver burden, and positive experience for caregivers, at preintervention, immediately postintervention, and at 1 month and 3 months after cessation of the intervention.ResultsWe found a statistically significant interaction between treatment groups and assessment time points for the 4 outcome measures (P < .001). Although the effects were decreased after intervention at 1 month, the improvement in caregivers' positive experience, life satisfaction, burden, and life satisfaction of stroke survivors were still significant (P < .001).ConclusionsThe use of a modified 8‐week reminiscence therapy in this study sample improved the life satisfaction of stroke survivors and their spouse caregivers, improved the positive experience of caregivers, and decreased the burden of caregivers.
Efficacy of metacognitive therapy in improving mental health: A meta‐analysis of single‐case studies
Authors: Rochat Lucien , Manolov Rumen , Billieux Joël 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveMetacognitive therapy and one of its treatment components, the attention training technique, are increasingly being delivered to improve mental health. We examined the efficacy of metacognitive therapy and/or attention training technique on mental health outcomes from single‐case studies.MethodA total of 14 studies (53 patients) were included. We used the d‐statistic for multiple baseline data and the percentage change index to compute the effect sizes.ResultsMetacognitive therapy has a large effect on depression, anxiety, other psychopathological symptoms, and all outcomes together. Effect sizes were significantly moderated by the number of sessions, the severity and duration of symptoms, and patient gender, but not by study quality or attention training technique when used as a stand‐alone treatment. At the follow‐up, 77.36% of the individuals were considered recovered or had maintained improvement.ConclusionMetacognitive therapy and attention training technique strongly contribute to improving mental health outcomes. This study effectively informs evidence‐based practice in the clinical milieu.
Analysis of thyreostats in bovine feces using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Witek Sebastian , Wozniak Barbara , Matraszek‐Zuchowska Iwona , Posyniak Andrzej 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA method based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography was developed and validated to detect six thyreostatic compounds: tapazole, thiouracil, methylthiouracil, dimethylthiouracil, propylthiouracil, and phenylthiouracil in faeces of bovine. Thyreostats were extracted from the matrix with a mixture of methanol and buffer (pH = 8). Next step was derivatization of analytes with 3‐iodobenzylbromide. The liquid chromatographic separation of derivatives was obtained on a SB‐C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm; 1.8 μm, Agilent) with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/0.1% acetic acid within 7.5 min. The analysis was performed on a Shimadzu NEXERA X2 ultra‐high performance liquid chromatograph with triple quadrupole MS 8050 instrument operating in positive electrospray ionization mode. Depending on the target compound, two or three diagnostic signals (selected reaction monitoring transitions) were monitored. The procedure was validated according to the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Recovery and repeatability met the performance criteria specified by this document for banned compounds. The recovery ranged from 97.5 to 110.5%, and repeatability did not exceed 14.1%. Decision limits and detection capabilities were below 10 μg/kg. The highest decision limits and detection capabilities concentrations were observed for phenylthiouracil of 3.48 and 6.96 μg/kg, respectively.
Enantioseparation and determination of asenapine in biological fluid micromatrices by HPLC with diode array detection
Authors: Protti Michele , Vignali Alice , Sanchez Blanco Teresa , Rudge James , Bugamelli Francesca , Ferranti Anna , Mandrioli Roberto , Mercolini Laura 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAsenapine is a recent drug approved in the European Union for the treatment of bipolar disorder. An original approach has been developed for asenapine analysis in patients treated with the drug, including miniaturized microsampling procedures, separation and quantitation of drug enantiomers. An original enantioselective method based on high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was developed and applied to the determination of asenapine enantiomer levels in innovative haematic samples: four micromatrices have been tested, two based on dried matrix spots (dried blood spots and dried plasma spots) and two based on volumetric absorptive microsampling (from blood and plasma). Chiral separation was achieved on a cellulose‐tris(3,5 dimethylphenylcarbamate) column, with a mobile phase containing bicarbonate buffer and acetonitrile. The method was validated with satisfactory results of linearity and precision on all matrices that showed also a significant performance in terms of stability, feasibility and reliability, when compared to fluid plasma sampling, handling and processing. Among micromatrices, both volumetric absorptive microsampling types were superior to dried matrix spots in terms of data reproducibility and correspondence with plasma levels. The bioanalytical approach proposed herein provides for the first time a chiral high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for the determination of asenapine enantiomers, coupled to a very effective microsampling strategy.