bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐Analysis of Early Enteral Nutrition Provided Within 24 Hours of Admission on Clinical Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Qi Desheng , Yu Bo , Huang Jia , Peng Milin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundEnteral nutrition (EN) is more beneficial than parenteral nutrition (PN) in reducing organ failure, infectious complications, and mortality of acute pancreatitis (AP), but its timing is controversial. We attempted to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of early EN within 24 hours of admission in patients with AP, especially in predicted severe or severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE Databases, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for relevant articles before June 2016 using RevMan 5.2 software.ResultsEight studies containing 727 patients with AP were analyzed in the meta‐analysis. Comparing early EN to late EN or total parental nutrition in AP, the odds ratios (OR) were 0.56 (95% CI 0.23 –1.34) for the risk of mortality, 0.40 (95% CI 0.20–0.79) for multiple organ failure, 0.57 (95% CI 0.23–1.42) for infectious complications, 0.45 (95% CI 0.17–1.21) for adverse events, and 0.83 (95% CI 0.59–1.18) for pancreatic‐related infections. Furthermore, subgroup analysis for early EN in predicted severe or SAP showed a significant reduction in multiple organ failure (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.09–0.96) and pancreatic‐related infections (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29–0.88). Early EN provided no benefits for mild to moderate AP.ConclusionEarly EN within 24 hours of admission is safe and provides benefits for predicted severe or SAP, but not for mild to moderate pancreatitis.
Rapid characterization of chemical constituents and metabolites of Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai granule by using UHPLC–Q‐TOF‐MS
Authors: Wu Ran , Lin Shan , Wang Jinxin , Tian Saisai , Ke Xisong , Qu Yi , Tian Xinhui , Qi Xiaopo , Ye Ji , Zhang Weidong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractQi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai granule is an effective traditional Chinese medicine formula that has been widely used for the treatment of leukopenia post radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, its chemical constituents were still unclear, which hindered interpreting bioactive constituents and studying integrative mechanisms. In this study, we developed a three‐step strategy to characterize the chemical constituents and metabolites of Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai by using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. As a result, a total of 143 compounds, including 56 flavonoids, 51 saponins, and 36 other compounds, of which contained six pairs of isomers, were tentatively identified and characterized via reference standards and by comparing mass spectrometry data with literature. After oral administration of 15 g/kg Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai, a number of 42 compounds including 24 prototype compounds and 18 metabolites have been detected in the serum of rats. This work serves as the first reference for Qi‐Jing‐Sheng‐Bai chemical components and metabolites. Moreover, it provided a rapid and valid analytical strategy for characterization of the chemical compounds and metabolites of traditional Chinese medicine formula.
Modeling and predicting chiral stationary phase enantioselectivity: An efficient random forest classifier using an optimally balanced training dataset and an aggregation strategy
Authors: Piras Patrick , Sheridan Robert , Sherer Edward C. , Schafer Wes , Welch Christopher J. , Roussel Christian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPredicting whether a chiral column will be effective is a daily task for many analysts. Moreover, finding the best chiral column for separating a particular racemic compound is mostly a matter of trial and error that may take up to a week in some cases. In this study we have developed a novel prediction approach based on combining a random forest classifier and an optimized discretization method for dealing with enantioselectivity as a continuous variable. Using the optimization results, models were trained on data sets divided into four enantioselectivity classes. The best model performances were achieved by over‐sampling the minority classes (α ≤ 1.10 and α ≥ 2.00), down‐sampling the majority class (1.2 ≤ α < 2.0), and aggregating multicategory predictions into binary classifications. We tested our method on 41 chiral stationary phases using layered fingerprints as descriptors. Experimental results show that this learning methodology was successful in terms of average area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, Kappa indices and F‐measure for structure‐based prediction of the enantioselective behavior of 34 chiral columns.
Thermally Resistive Electrospun Composite Membranes for Low‐Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting
Authors: Hasan Syed Waqar , Said Suhana Mohd. , Sabri Mohd. Faizul Mohd , Jaffery Hasan Abbass , Bakar Ahmad Shuhaimi Bin Abu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this work, thermally insulating composite mats of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) blends are used as the separator membranes. The membranes improve the thermal‐to‐electrical energy conversion efficiency of a thermally driven electrochemical cell (i.e., thermocell) up to 95%. The justification of the improved performance is an intricate relationship between the porosity, electrolyte uptake, electrolyte uptake rate of the electrospun fibrous mat, and the actual temperature gradient at the electrode surface. When the porosity is too high (87%) in PAN membranes, the electrolyte uptake and electrolyte uptake rate are significantly high as 950% and 0.53 µL s−1, respectively. In such a case, the convective heat flow within the cell is high and the power density is limited to 32.7 mW m−2. When the porosity is lesser (up to 81%) in PVDF membranes, the electrolyte uptake and uptake rate are relatively low as 434% and 0.13 µL s−1, respectively. In this case, the convective flow shall be low, however, the maximum power density of 63.5 mW m−2 is obtained with PVDF/PAN composites as the aforementioned parameters are optimized. Furthermore, multilayered membrane structures are also investigated for which a bilayered architecture produces highest power density of 102.7 mW m−2.
Physical Polyurethane Hydrogels via Charge Shielding through Acids or Salts
Authors: Leiendecker Mai‐Thi , Licht Christopher J. , Borghs Jannik , Mooney David J. , Zimmermann Marc , Böker Alexander 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPhysical hydrogels with tunable stress‐relaxation and excellent stress recovery are formed from anionic polyurethanes via addition of acids, monovalent salts, or divalent salts. Gel properties can be widely adjusted through pH, salt valence, salt concentration, and monomer composition. We propose and investigate a novel gelation mechanism based on a colloidal system interacting through charge repulsion and chrage shielding, allowing a broad use of the material, from acidic (pH 4–5.5) to pH‐neutral hydrogels with Young's moduli ranging from 10 to 140 kPa.
Dual‐Crosslink Physical Hydrogels with High Toughness Based on Synergistic Hydrogen Bonding and Hydrophobic Interactions
Authors: Chang Xiaohua , Geng Yuhui , Cao Heqing , Zhou Jian , Tian Ye , Shan Guorong , Bao Yongzhong , Wu Zi Liang , Pan Pengju 
Published: January 2018

AbstractConstructing dual or multiple noncovalent crosslinks is highly effective to improve the mechanical and stimuli‐responsive properties of supramolecular physical hydrogels, due to the synergistic effects of different noncovalent bonds. Herein, a series of tough physical hydrogels are prepared by solution casting and subsequently swelling the films of poly(ureidopyrimidone methacrylate‐co‐stearyl acrylate‐co‐acrylic acid). The hydrophobic interactions between crystallizable alkyl chains and the quadruple hydrogen bonds between ureidopyrimidone (UPy) motifs serve as the dual crosslinks of hydrogels. Synergistic effects between the hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds render the hydrogels excellent mechanical properties, with tensile breaking stress up to 4.6 MPa and breaking strain up to 680%. The UPy motifs promote the crystallization of alkyl chains and the hydrophobic alkyl chains also stabilize UPy–UPy hydrogen bonding. The resultant hydrogels are responsive to multiple external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, and ion; therefore, they show the thermal‐induced dual and metal ion‐induced triple shape memory behaviors.
High‐Speed 3D Printing of High‐Performance Thermosetting Polymers via Two‐Stage Curing
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Zhao Zeang , Chen Kaijuan , Fang Daining , Kang Guozheng , Qi Hang Jerry 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDesign and direct fabrication of high‐performance thermosets and composites via 3D printing are highly desirable in engineering applications. Most 3D printed thermosetting polymers to date suffer from poor mechanical properties and low printing speed. Here, a novel ink for high‐speed 3D printing of high‐performance epoxy thermosets via a two‐stage curing approach is presented. The ink containing photocurable resin and thermally curable epoxy resin is used for the digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. After printing, the part is thermally cured at elevated temperature to yield an interpenetrating polymer network epoxy composite, whose mechanical properties are comparable to engineering epoxy. The printing speed is accelerated by the continuous liquid interface production assisted DLP 3D printing method, achieving a printing speed as high as 216 mm h−1. It is also demonstrated that 3D printing structural electronics can be achieved by combining the 3D printed epoxy composites with infilled silver ink in the hollow channels. The new 3D printing method via two‐stage curing combines the attributes of outstanding printing speed, high resolution, low volume shrinkage, and excellent mechanical properties, and provides a new avenue to fabricate 3D thermosetting composites with excellent mechanical properties and high efficiency toward high‐performance and functional applications.
Histone Methyltransferase Setd7 Regulates Nrf2 Signaling Pathway by Phenethyl Isothiocyanate and Ursolic Acid in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Shu Limin , Zhang Chengyue , Li Wenji , Wu Renyi , Guo Yue , Yang Yuqing , Kong Ah‐Ng 
Published: January 2018

ScopeThis study aims to investigate the role of the epigenetic regulator SET domain‐containing lysine methyltransferase 7 (Setd7) in regulating the antioxidant Nrf2 pathway in prostate cancer (PCa) cells and examines the effects of two phytochemicals, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) and ursolic acid (UA).Methods and resultsLentivirus‐mediated shRNA knockdown of Setd7 in LNCaP and PC‐3 cells decreases the expression of downstream Nrf2 targets, such as NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1) and glutathione S‐transferase theta 2 (Gstt2). Downregulation of Setd7 decreases soft agar colony formation ability of PCa cells. Knockdown of Setd7 increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, Setd7 knockdown attenuates Nqo1 and Gstt2 expression in response to H2O2 challenge, whereas increased DNA damage is observed in Setd7 knockdown cells in comet assay. Interestingly, Setd7 expression could be induced by the dietary phytochemicals PEITC and UA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays show that Setd7 knockdown decreased H3K4me1 enrichment in the Nrf2 and Gstt2 promoter regions, while PEITC and UA treatments elevated the enrichment.ConclusionTaken together, these results indicate that Setd7 knockdown decreases Nrf2 and Nrf2‐target genes expression and that PEITC and UA induce Setd7 expression, which activates the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway and protects DNA from oxidative damage.
Algebraic multigrid for directed graph Laplacian linear systems (NS‐LAMG)
Authors: Fox Alyson , Manteuffel Thomas 
Published: January 2018

SummaryWe propose nonsymmetric lean algebraic multigrid (NS‐LAMG), a new algebraic multigrid algorithm for directed graph Laplacian systems that combines ideas from undirected graph Laplacian multigrid solvers and multigrid algorithms for Markov chain stationary distribution systems. Low‐degree elimination, proposed in LAMG for undirected graphs, is generalized to directed graphs and is a key component of NS‐LAMG. In the setup phase, we propose a simple stationary‐aggregation multigrid algorithms for Markov chain stationary distribution systems solver enhanced by low‐degree elimination to find the right null‐space vector that is used for the intergrid transfer operators. Numerical results show that low‐degree elimination improves performance and that NS‐LAMG outperforms generalized minimal residual method with restart and stable bi‐conjugate gradient method for real‐world, directed graph Laplacian linear systems.
Two‐scale finite element modelling of reinforced concrete structures: Effective response and subscale fracture development
Authors: Sciegaj A. , Larsson F. , Lundgren K. , Nilenius F. , Runesson K. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryA two‐scale model is derived from a fully resolved model where the response of concrete, steel reinforcement, and bond between them are considered. The pertinent “effective” large‐scale problem is derived from selective homogenisation in terms of the equilibrium of reinforced concrete considered as a single‐phase solid. Variational formulations of the representative volume element problem are established in terms of the subscale displacement fields for the plain concrete continuum and the reinforcement bars. Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions (BCs) are imposed on the concrete (pertaining to uniform boundary displacement and constant boundary traction, respectively) and on the reinforcement bars (pertaining to prescribed boundary displacement and vanishing sectional forces, respectively). Different representative volume element sizes and combinations of BCs were used in FE2 analyses of a deep beam subjected to four‐point bending. Results were compared with those of full resolution (single‐scale). The most reliable response was obtained for the case of Dirichlet‐Dirichlet BCs, with a good match between the models in terms of the deformed shape, force‐deflection relation, and average strain. Even though the maximum crack widths were underestimated, the Dirichlet‐Dirichlet combination provided an approximate upper bound on the structural stiffness.
Possible involvement of IL‐6‐producing tissue‐resident macrophages in early‐onset pericardial effusion pathogenesis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hamada Satoru , Miyamoto Jiro , Oshiro Tokiko , Yagi Takeshi , Kiyuna Shinobu , Uehara Taichi , Matsuda Takehiro , Higa Takeshi , Hyakuna Nobuyuki , Nakanishi Koichi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposePericardial effusion (PE) is a potentially life‐threatening complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). A higher incidence of early‐onset PE, unrelated to graft‐versus‐host disease, before day 100 after HCT has been reported in pediatric patients, but the pathogenic mechanism is poorly understood. Aiming to determine the pathogenesis of early‐onset PE in pediatric patients, we analyzed the cytokine concentration and cell population in the pericardial fluid of four pediatric patients with PE.MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2015, four patients requiring pericardiocentesis for clinically significant PE were identified in 60 patients. We evaluated the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interferon‐γ, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels in PE. Two patients were available for analysis with intracellular cytokine flow cytometry and a chimerism assay.ResultsAll patients showed the accumulation of pericardial macrophages and high concentrations of IL‐6 in PE. Notably, the accumulated pericardial macrophages were CD163+CD15+CD14+ cells of host origin that produced IL‐6.ConclusionThese IL‐6‐producing tissue‐resident macrophages may be key players in the pathogenesis of early‐onset PE.
17th Chromosome‐Centric Human Proteome Project Symposium in Tehran
Authors: Meyfour Anna , Pahlavan Sara , Sobhanian Hamid , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis report describes the 17th Chromosome‐Centric Human Proteome Project which was held in Tehran, Iran, April 27 and 28, 2017. A brief summary of the symposium's talks including new technical and computational approaches for the identification of novel proteins from non‐coding genomic regions, physicochemical and biological causes of missing proteins, and the close interactions between Chromosome‐ and Biology/Disease‐driven Human Proteome Project are presented. A synopsis of decisions made on the prospective programs to maintain collaborative works, share resources and information, and establishment of a newly organized working group, the task force for missing protein analysis are discussed.
Circulating microRNAs in plasma as potential biomarkers for the early detection of prostate cancer
Authors: McDonald Alicia C. , Vira Manish , Shen Jing , Sanda Martin , Raman Jay D. , Liao Jason , Patil Dattatraya , Taioli Emanuela 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to prostate cancer (PC) risk; however, their role as a screening biomarker for PC has yet to be determined. We examined whether circulating miRNAs in plasma could be potential biomarkers for the early detection of PC among men undergoing prostate needle biopsy.MethodsMen who had a prostate biopsy due to an abnormal screening test were recruited. Linear regression was used to examine the association between miRNAs in plasma and PC status and to model individual miRNA expression on serum PSA and age to calculate the partial correlation coefficient (r).ResultsThere were 134 men, aged 46‐86 years, included, with 66 men with a PC diagnosis (cases), eight men with no PC diagnosis but atypical lesion, and 60 men without a PC diagnosis (controls). The most statistically significant PC circulating miRNAs were miR‐381, miR‐34a, miR‐523, miR‐365, miR‐122, miR‐375, miR‐1255b, miR‐34b, miR‐450b‐5p, and miR‐639 after adjusting for age (P‐values ≤0.05); however, they were no longer statistically significant after P‐value adjustment for multiple comparisons. MiR‐671‐3p was differentially expressed between black and white cases (P‐value = 0.03). Moderate positive correlations with serum PSA were observed for miR‐381 overall and among controls (r = 0.43‐0.60; P‐values ≤0.05) and miR‐34a among cases (r = 0.46; P‐value = 0.02).ConclusionsThere was no miRNA associated with PC diagnosis after adjusting for age and P‐values; however, moderate correlations between miRNAs and serum PSA were observed. Further investigation between miRNAs and PC risk is warranted in a larger population at high risk for PC.
Investigating the effect of key mutations on the conformational dynamics of toll‐like receptor dimers through molecular dynamics simulations and protein structure networks
Authors: Mahita Jarjapu , Sowdhamini Ramanathan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are critical components of the innate immune system due to their ability to detect conserved pathogen‐associated molecular patterns, present in bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Ligand detection by TLRs leads to a signaling cascade, mediated by interactions among TIR domains present in the receptors, the bridging adaptors and sorting adaptors. The BB loop is a highly conserved region present in the TIR domain and is crucial for mediating interactions among TIR domain‐containing proteins. Mutations in the BB loop of the Toll‐like receptors, such as the A795P mutation in TLR3 and the P712H mutation (Lpsd mutation) in TLR4, have been reported to disrupt or alter downstream signaling. While the phenotypic effect of these mutations is known, the underlying effect of these mutations on the structure, dynamics and interactions with other TIR domain‐containing proteins is not well understood. Here, we have attempted to investigate the effect of the BB loop mutations on the dimer form of TLRs, using TLR2 and TLR3 as case studies. Our results based on molecular dynamics simulations, protein–protein interaction analyses and protein structure network analyses highlight significant differences between the dimer interfaces of the wild‐type and mutant forms and provide a logical reasoning for the effect of these mutations on adaptor binding to TLRs. Furthermore, it also leads us to propose a hypothesis for the differential requirement of signaling and bridging adaptors by TLRs. This could aid in further understanding of the mechanisms governing such signaling pathways.
Effect of oral exposure to the acaricide pirimicarb, a new varroacide candidate, on Apis mellifera feeding rate
Authors: Riva Clémence , Sokolowski Michel BC , Normand Julien , Santos Jana Sopkova‐de Oliveira , Halm‐Lemeille Marie‐Pierre 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe ectoparasitic honey bee mite Varroa destructor is a main cause of the gradual decline in honey bees Apis mellifera. Beekeepers currently utilize a wide range of different synthetic acaricides, organic acids and essential oils to keep mite populations under control. Previous work has indicated that pirimicarb may be a new varroacide candidate. The aim of this study was to observe chronic effects on feeding activity in worker honey bees after oral exposure to 1.05 mm pirimicarb. The long‐term effects of 24 h exposure to pirimicarb were also tested.RESULTSAfter three successive trials, no mortality could be detected at the tested concentration, although oral exposure to pirimicarb had a significant effect on honey bees feeding behavior. Pirimicarb added to a sucrose solution led to a rapid decrease in food intake. These tendencies may be reversed when the pesticide is removed. However, recovery seemed to be trial dependent.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights seasonal variation in honey bee susceptibility, which should be considered in toxicology studies. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Adaptive bipartite consensus control of high‐order multiagent systems on coopetition networks
Authors: Hu Jiangping , Wu Yanzhi , Liu Lu , Feng Gang 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a bipartite consensus problem is considered for a high‐order multiagent system with cooperative‐competitive interactions and unknown time‐varying disturbances. A signed graph is used to describe the interaction network associated with the multiagent system. The unknown disturbances are expressed by linearly parameterized models, and distributed adaptive laws are designed to estimate the unknown parameters in the models. For the case that there is no exogenous reference system, a fully distributed adaptive control law is proposed to ensure that all the agents reach a bipartite consensus. For the other case that there exists an exogenous reference system, another fully distributed adaptive control law is also developed to ensure that all the agents achieve bipartite consensus on the state of the exogenous system. The stability of the closed‐loop multiagent systems with the 2 proposed adaptive control laws are analyzed under an assumption that the interaction network is structurally balanced. Moreover, the convergence of the parameter estimation errors is guaranteed with a persistent excitation condition. Finally, simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive bipartite consensus control laws for the concerned multiagent system.