bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kras Is Critical for B Cell Lymphopoiesis
Authors: Chen Yuhong , Zheng Yongwei , You Xiaona , Yu Mei , Fu Guoping , Su Xinlin , Zhou Fen , Zhu Wen , Wu Zhihong , Zhang Jing , Wen Renren , Wang Demin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The three major Ras members, Kras, Hras, and Nras, are highly homologous and individual Ras genes can have distinct biological functions. Embryonic lethality of Kras-deficient mice precludes study of the biological functions of this Ras family member. In this study, we generated and examined mice with hematopoietic-specific deletion of Kras and bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice with B cell–specific targeted deletion of Kras. Hematopoietic-specific deletion of Kras impaired early B cell development at the pre–B cell stage and late B cell maturation, resulting in the reduction of BM pre–, immature, and mature B cells and peripheral follicular, marginal zone, and B1 mature B cells. In contrast, Kras deficiency did not affect T cell development. Studies of BM chimeric mice with B cell–specific deletion of Kras demonstrated that Kras deficiency intrinsically impaired B cell development. Kras deficiency reduced BCR-induced B cell proliferation and survival. Furthermore, Kras deficiency specifically impaired pre–BCR- and BCR-induced activation of the Raf-1/MEK/ERK pathway in pre–B and mature B cells, respectively. Thus, Kras is the unique Ras family member that plays a critical role in early B cell development and late B cell maturation through controlling the Raf-1/MEK/ERK pathway.
Vaccine Induction of Lymph Node–Resident Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Env-Specific T Follicular Helper Cells in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Vargas-Inchaustegui Diego A. , Demers Andrew , Shaw Julia M. , Kang Guobin , Ball David , Tuero Iskra , Musich Thomas , Mohanram Venkatramanan , Demberg Thorsten , Karpova Tatiana S. , Li Qingsheng , Robert-Guroff Marjorie 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Measurement of Ag-specific T follicular helper (TFH) cell activity in rhesus macaques has not previously been reported. Given that rhesus macaques are the animal model of choice for evaluating protective efficacy of HIV/SIV vaccine candidates and that TFH cells play a pivotal role in aiding B cell maturation, quantifying vaccine induction of HIV/SIV-specific TFH cells would greatly benefit vaccine development. In this study, we quantified SIV Env-specific IL-21–producing TFH cells for the first time, to our knowledge, in a nonhuman primate vaccine study. Macaques were primed twice mucosally with adenovirus 5 host range mutant recombinants encoding SIV Env, Rev, Gag, and Nef followed by two i.m. boosts with monomeric SIV gp120 or oligomeric SIV gp140 proteins. At 2 wk after the second protein boost, we obtained lymph node biopsy specimens and quantified the frequency of total and SIV Env-specific IL-21+ TFH cells and total germinal center B cells, the size and number of germinal centers, and the frequency of SIV-specific Ab-secreting cells in B cell zones. Multiple correlation analyses established the importance of TFH for development of B cell responses in systemic and mucosally localized compartments, including blood, bone marrow, and rectum. Our results suggest that the SIV-specific TFH cells, initially induced by replicating adenovirus-recombinant priming, are long lived. The multiple correlations of SIV Env-specific TFH cells with systemic and mucosal SIV-specific B cell responses indicate that this cell population should be further investigated in HIV vaccine development as a novel correlate of immunity.
Methods of sociological diagnostics in the assessment of staff's competencies: a case of a state museum (St. Petersburg, Russia)
Authors: Usiaeva Asiia , Rubtcova Mariia , Pavlenkova Irina , Petropavlovskaya Svetlana 
Published: January 2016

The study is dedicated to research of methods of sociological diagnostics, which can be used in the assessment of staff's competencies. Theoretical framework of this survey is T. Parson’s structural functionalism, the approach that sees the society as a complex system. The research questions were how we can analyze competencies by using sociological diagnostics and what the features of sociological diagnostics are. In order to achieve the target, it was analyzed the assessment of staff's competencies in the museum complex “The Cathedral”, Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Methodology of the research was structured observation, data collected by using “Mystery shopper” method. As a result, it was showed which techniques were applied in the staff’s assessment in this museum. Besides, the researcher discovered the level of museum staff’s competencies and revealed that the least developed employees’ competence was communication with visitors.
Driving Rehabilitation Specialists’ Perspectives on Older Driver Evaluations
Authors: Jones Jacqueline , Dickerson Anne , Flaten Hanna K. , Belmashkan Saddyna , Betz Marian E. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. We explored driving rehabilitation specialists’ (DRSs’) perspectives on older driver evaluations.
METHOD. We conducted interviews with 26 DRSs across the United States who evaluate older drivers. Transcript analysis followed general inductive techniques to identify themes related to current systems and barriers to use.
RESULTS. Themes, by Social–Ecological Model level, were as follows: (1) individual occupational therapists’ commitment to mobility and safety, perceived responsibilities, and experience; (2) DRSs’ relationships with drivers, medical providers, and licensing bureaus; (3) the community surrounding the DRSs, including the health care system and transportation resources; and (4) societal factors, including DRS reimbursement, reporting requirements and liability coverage, and role of national organizations.
CONCLUSIONS. This qualitative study identified barriers to the development of an effective system for older driver evaluations. Future work should verify, refine, and expand these findings by targeting other stakeholder groups.
Evidence-Based Approach to Treating Lateral Epicondylitis Using the Occupational Adaptation Model
Authors: Bachman Stephanie 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The occupational therapy Centennial Vision reinforces the importance of informing consumers about the benefit of occupational therapy and continuing to advocate for the unique client-centered role of occupational therapy. Occupational therapy practitioners working in hand therapy have traditionally found it difficult to combine the biomechanical foundations of hand therapy with the fundamental client-centered tenets of occupational therapy. Embracing our historical roots will become more important as health care evolves and third-party payers continue to scrutinize the need for the profession of occupational therapy. This article outlines a client-centered approach for hand therapists for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis using the Occupational Adaptation Model.
The association between maternal psychological stress and inflammatory cytokines in allergic young children
Authors: Tsuji Mayumi , Koriyama Chihaya , Yamamoto Megumi , Anan Ayumi , Shibata Eiji , Kawamoto Toshihiro 
Published: January 2016

Background.Previous studies have shown that psychological stress is linked to asthma prevalence. Parental psychological stress may potentially influence inflammatory responses in their allergic children. The purpose of this study is to clarify the association between maternal psychological status and inflammatory response of allergic young children.Methods.The study subjects were 152 young allergic children (median age: 13 months) who had not shown any allergic symptoms in the past one month. mRNA expression levels of the inflammatory response genes IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-22 were quantified by qRT-PCR. Maternal psychological status was assessed by standardized questionnaires: the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for depression and the Japanese Perceived Stress Scale (JPSS) for perceived stress.Results.A significant positive association was observed between maternal CES-D scores and IL-6 mRNA expression in the children with asthma. The JPSS scores were also positively associated with IL-8mRNAexpression in asthmatic children and IL-6 mRNA expression in children with allergic rhinitis. Similar trends were observed among children positive for house dust mite-specific IgE, but these associations were not significant.Conclusion.This study supports the hypothesis that maternal psychological stress affects the inflammatory response in their allergic children.
Returning Incidental Research Findings From 18F‐Fluorodeoxyglucose–Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography to Participants: A Survey of Investigators From a Clinical Trial of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kang Jane S. , Andrews Howard F. , Giles Jon T. , Liao Katherine P. , Solomon Daniel H. , Bathon Joan M. 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThere are limited data on researchers’ attitudes and beliefs on returning and managing incidental research findings from whole body 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) imaging.MethodsSite principal investigators (PIs) who enrolled participants for the Treatments Against Rheumatoid Arthritis and Effect on FDG PET/CT (TARGET) trial were surveyed.ResultsOf the 28 TARGET site PIs eligible for the study, 18 consented to participate (response rate: 64%). Many site PIs returned incidental findings to participants (61%), and the most common finding that was returned was serious (but not life‐threatening) and treatable (54.5%). More than half of the investigators believed that adequacy of clinical follow up (58.8%) and legal liability if incidental findings are not disclosed (55.6%) were extremely important factors in returning incidental research findings from whole body FDG PET/CT. All investigators felt very obligated to return incidental research findings if scans revealed a treatable, high‐risk medical condition. Most investigators felt very obligated to disclose incidental findings with important health implications (94.4%), for which proven preventive or therapeutic interventions exist (77.8%), that provide early detection of a health problem (72.2%), if participants ask for their incidental findings (72.2%), and if scans have established validity for a particular medical condition (61.1%).ConclusionAlthough it is recommended that researchers report and manage incidental research findings, our data show differing views and uncertainties on what and how to return, and the extent of follow up needed to manage, incidental findings from whole body FDG PET/CT; this highlights the need for more specific and standardized guidance.
Genetic Contributions to Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Authors: Hiltebeitel Lilian R. , Seltzsam Steve , Wang Chunyan , Lee Ted , Bolsius Leah , Shalaby Mohamed , El Desoky Sherif , Kari Jameela A. , Shril Shirlee , Hildebrandt Friedhelm , Mann Nina 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTLower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) can manifest as a spectrum of voiding symptoms in childhood, including urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, and incontinence. In severe cases, it can lead to frequent urinary tract infections, hydronephrosis, kidney scarring, and chronic kidney disease. Non‐neurogenic neurogenic bladder (NNNB) is a diagnosis of exclusion in which children develop discoordination between the detrusor smooth muscle and external urethral sphincter in the absence of neurological or obstructive lesions, resulting in severe LUTD. Historically, such disorders of voiding were thought to result from behavioral maladaptation. However, it is now increasingly recognized that some individuals may have an underlying genetic etiology for their symptoms. Here, we performed exome sequencing for five probands with NNNB or other forms of severe LUTD, and we identified two individuals with monogenic etiologies for their symptoms. One individual had a homozygous exon 9 deletion in HPSE2 and another had a homozygous single amino acid deletion (p.Gly167del) in ARL6. We performed PCR experiments to identify the breakpoints of the HPSE2 exon 9 deletion and implicate microhomology‐mediated end joining as a potential mechanism by which the deletion arose. These findings suggest that genetic testing should be considered for children with severe LUTD.
Evolutionary selection and morphological integration in the hand of modern humans
Authors: Arlegi Mikel , Lorenzo Carlos 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo enhance our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of the modern human hand by analyzing the degree of integration and ability to respond to selection pressures of each phalanx and metacarpal bone.Materials and MethodsThe sample comprised 96 adult individuals, both female and male, from Euro‐American, Afro‐American, and European populations. We collected 10 linear measurements from the 19 metacarpals and proximal, middle, and distal phalanges that constitute the five digits of the hand. Using these data, we constructed variance/covariance matrices to quantify the degree of integration and assess the hand ability to respond to selective pressures.ResultsDistal phalanges are the most evolvable and flexible elements, while being the least integrated and constrained. The thumb is similarly integrated as the second and third rays, while medial rays (fourth and fifth digits) are more integrated. However, the thumb presents different integration and response to selection patterns. No significant relationship was found between functionality and the indices of selection and integration. Finally, the correlation between hand and foot indices yielded significant results for conditional evolvability and flexibility.DiscussionThe findings suggest different evolutionary trajectories for the metacarpal and distal phalanx in the modern human thumb, likely reflecting varying functional and developmental pressures. The first metacarpal, characterized by high flexibility and low evolvability, appears to have reached a stable, optimal morphology, under stabilizing selection. In contrast, the distal phalanx seems to have undergone directional evolution, suggesting specialization for a specific function. Comparisons between hands and feet suggest that these structures evolve differently under directional selection but similarly under stabilizing selection.
Quartärstrukturen abiotischer Foldamere
Authors: Wang Shuhe , Allmendinger Lars , Huc Ivan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBei abiotischen aromatischen Foldamer‐Sequenzen wurde bereits gezeigt, dass sie sich in organischen Lösungsmitteln zu Helix‐Turn‐Helix‐Motiven falten. Mithilfe einfacher rechnergestützter Werkzeuge wurde ein neues Helix‐Turn‐Helix‐Motiv entworfen, das zusätzliche OH‐Gruppen als Wasserstoffbrückenbindungs‐Donoren trägt, um die Aggregation zu einer echten, trimeren abiotischen Quartärstruktur zu fördern. Diese Sequenz wurde synthetisiert und ihre Selbstorganisation in Lösung durch Kernmagnetresonanz (NMR), Zirkulardichroismus (CD) und Molekulardynamiksimulationen (MD) untersucht. Es wurde das Vorhandensein zweier stabiler abgrenzbarer Aggregate nachgewiesen, von denen eines dem ursprünglich entworfenen Trimer und das andere einem Dimer mit mehreren Wassermolekülen zugeordnet wird. Die beiden Spezies können bei Änderung des Wassergehalts der Lösung oder der Temperatur quantitativ ineinander umgewandelt werden. Diese Ergebnisse sind ein wichtiger Schritt auf dem Weg zur Entwicklung von proteinähnlichen abiotischen Architekturen.
Cobalt Single‐Atom Catalyst: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Syal Bindu , Gupta Princy 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTOne‐pot synthesis of acetamides, benzimidazoles, and benzothiazoles are central reactions for synthesizing pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Despite tremendous progress in heterogeneous catalysis, the synthesis of these nitrogen‐containing compounds still remains challenging. Here, we report an efficient, simple, and cost‐effective nitrogen‐doped CeO2‐supported Co single‐atom catalyst (SAC) (Co/N‐CeO2) enabled synthesis of acetamides, benzimidazoles, and benzothiazoles. As far as we know, this is the first to report that SACs catalyze the synthesis of acetamides, benzimidazoles, and benzothiazoles. Detailed spectroscopic characterization revealed the structure of catalytic center. Harnessing the catalytic activity of SACs, the work offers promising routes for future synthesis of heterocycles.
Superhydrophobic anti‐fouling medicine box material: A dual modification method of UHMWPE surface melting snow wax
Authors: Ning Mengyao , Sun Wei , Kong Linghao , Han Wei , Xu Yuan , Shi Binghong , Li Peiwen , Li Jianwei , Song Guanglong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis article researches a superhydrophobic anti‐fouling material that can be used for agricultural medicine boxes, aiming to solve the problems of residual medicine, difficult recovery, and low reuse rate in medicine boxes. Double modification (volume and surface modification) is carried out on the ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix, and the high fluidity of melted snow wax is connected to UHMWPE and gas‐phase silica (SiO2) to prepare superhydrophobic composite materials U‐C‐WSiO2, achieving multiple combinations of superhydrophobicity, high mechanical properties, and high stability. The high‐strength bonding between snow wax and UHMWPE matrix acts as an adhesive, strengthening the bonding degree between silica particles and the matrix, achieving excellent superhydrophobicity, static contact angle reaches 157.0° on its surface while maintaining a relatively stable hydrophobic surface after multiple droplet impacts. In addition, unique surface modification methods endow U‐C‐WSiO2 composite materials with high stability, which can resist pesticide erosion and maintain surface corrosion resistance. This superhydrophobic composite material can solve the problem of pesticide residue in medicine boxes and has broad prospects for agricultural applications. Its surface water repellent and drug repellent properties further expand the application of thermoplastic engineering plastics in agricultural production.
Study on mechanical and thermal properties of coir fibers reinforced thermoplastic starch/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composites
Authors: Tang Xianggang , Tan Jianwei , Hu Yongxiang , Su Chengzhuang , Liu Zhekun , Wei Chuncheng , Dong Shuhua , Meng Fantao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel biodegradable coir fiber (CF) reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composites (CF/TPS/PBAT) with a constant TPS: PBAT weight ratio of 70:30 and 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% additions of CF were prepared by the melt blending and injection molding. The effects of fiber content and fiber surface modification on the mechanical and thermal properties of the prepared biocomposites were investigated. The incorporation of fibers effectively enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of TPS/PBAT blends. Due to the removal of hemicellulose and impurities on the fiber surface after alkali treatment, the interfacial adhesion of the fiber was enhanced, thus improving the compatibility between the fibers and the matrix. At 20 wt% CFs with alkali treatment, the tensile strength exhibited 393% improvement and flexural strength exhibited 536% improvement over TPS/PBAT blends. Thermal analysis showed that the thermal stability, storage modulus, and glass transition temperature of the composites increased with the increase of fiber content. This work is significant for the development of biodegradable materials.
On the thermal degradation of telechelic poly (lactic acid) and FLAX fiber biocomposites
Authors: Albuquerque Ananda K. C. , Nicácio Pedro H. M. , Boskamp Laura , Arnaut Katharina , Koschek Katharina , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRenewable resources based polymers have been the focus of materials science scientists since they help to protect the environment in addition to reducing the petroleum resources use. Among renewable polymers poly (lactic acid) (PLA) has emerged due to its biodegradable character and proper performance similar to engineering resins, which afford wide field of applications. In this work the thermal degradation of esterified PLA with itaconic acid (PLA ITA) and the biocomposite PLA ITA FLAX was investigated using thermogavimetry (TG) which data were corroborated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Isothermal TGs scans and FTIRs spectra were acquired from 150 to 600°C, collected data evidenced that FLAX improved PLA ITA thermal stability, delaying the decomposition of PLA ITA by up to 100 min at 250°C, ensuring safer processability at higher temperatures. From the deconvolution of the DTG peaks, the peak at lower temperature is suggested to be linked to itaconic anhydride decomposition which undergoes macromolecule dissociation, converting into itaconic anhydride and releasing water and afterwards being converted into citraconic anhydride, while the peak at higher temperature is associated to the thermal degradation of telechelic PLA. Degradation mechanism is proposed, evidenced by changes in the wavelength of CO group under the effect of temperature, as evidenced in TG‐IR spectra.
Do Existing Magnetic Resonance Imaging Definitions of Knee Osteoarthritis Identify Knees That Will Develop Clinically Significant Disease Over Up To 11 Years of Follow‐Up?
Authors: Chang Alison H. , Roemer Frank W. , Guermazi Ali , Almagor Orit , Lee Jungwha (Julia) , Chmiel Joan S. , Muhammad Lutfiyya N. , Song Jing , Sharma Leena 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveIn individuals without radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA), we investigated whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–defined knee OA at baseline was associated with incident radiographic and symptomatic disease during up to 11 years of follow‐up.MethodsOsteoarthritis Initiative participants without tibiofemoral radiographic knee OA at baseline were assessed for MRI‐based tibiofemoral cartilage damage, osteophyte presence, bone marrow lesions, and meniscal damage/extrusion. We defined MRI knee OA using alternative, reported definitions (Def A and Def B). Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade, joint space narrowing (JSN), and frequent knee symptoms (Sx) were assessed at baseline, 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, 6‐, 8‐, and 10/11‐year follow‐up visits. Incident tibiofemoral radiographic knee OA (outcome) was defined as (1) KL ≥2, (2) KL ≥2 and JSN, or (3) KL ≥2 and Sx. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models examined associations of baseline MRI‐defined knee OA (Def A and Def B) with incident outcomes during up to 11 years of follow‐up.ResultsAmong 1,621 participants (mean ± SD age 58.8 ± 9.0 years, mean ± SD body mass index 27.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2, 59.5% women), 17% had MRI‐defined knee OA by Def A and 24% by Def B. Baseline MRI‐defined knee OA was associated with incident KL ≥2 (odds ratio 2.94 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.34–3.68] for Def A and 2.44 [95% CI 1.97–3.03] for Def B). However, a substantial proportion of individuals with baseline MRI‐defined knee OA did not develop incident KL ≥2 during follow‐up (59% for Def A and 64% for Def B). Findings were similar for the other two outcomes.ConclusionCurrent MRI definitions of knee OA do not adequately identify knees that will develop radiographic and symptomatic disease.