bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of phytic acid–modified layered double hydroxide on flammability and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant polypropylene system
Authors: Kalali Ehsan Naderi , Montes Anabel , Wang Xin , Zhang Lu , Shabestari Marjan E. , Li Zhi , Wang De‐Yi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPhytic acid–modified layered double hydroxide (Ph‐LDH) was synthesized via coprecipitation method and subsequently was used in polypropylene (PP) by combining with an ammonium polyphosphate (APP) via melt compounding method. The synergistic effect between APP and Ph‐LDH on the thermal stability, flammability, and mechanical properties of the resultant PP composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter tests, tensile test, and impact test. Morphologies of the chars obtained from the samples after the cone calorimeter tests were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The combination of APP and Ph‐LDH slightly influenced the impact and tensile properties of PP. Also, the synergistic effect between APP and Ph‐LDH occurred in the cone calorimeter test. Moreover, the combination of APP and Ph‐LDH produced better quality char that effectively suppressed the spread of the flame and volatile and finally extinguished the fire.
Rare‐variant association tests in longitudinal studies, with an application to the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: He Zihuai , Lee Seunggeun , Zhang Min , Smith Jennifer A. , Guo Xiuqing , Palmas Walter , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Ionita‐Laza Iuliana , Mukherjee Bhramar 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOver the past few years, an increasing number of studies have identified rare variants that contribute to trait heritability. Due to the extreme rarity of some individual variants, gene‐based association tests have been proposed to aggregate the genetic variants within a gene, pathway, or specific genomic region as opposed to a one‐at‐a‐time single variant analysis. In addition, in longitudinal studies, statistical power to detect disease susceptibility rare variants can be improved through jointly testing repeatedly measured outcomes, which better describes the temporal development of the trait of interest. However, usual sandwich/model‐based inference for sequencing studies with longitudinal outcomes and rare variants can produce deflated/inflated type I error rate without further corrections. In this paper, we develop a group of tests for rare‐variant association based on outcomes with repeated measures. We propose new perturbation methods such that the type I error rate of the new tests is not only robust to misspecification of within‐subject correlation, but also significantly improved for variants with extreme rarity in a study with small or moderate sample size. Through extensive simulation studies, we illustrate that substantially higher power can be achieved by utilizing longitudinal outcomes and our proposed finite sample adjustment. We illustrate our methods using data from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis for exploring association of repeated measures of blood pressure with rare and common variants based on exome sequencing data on 6,361 individuals.
Managing money matters: Managing finances is associated with functional independence in MCI
Authors: Berezuk Courtney , Ramirez Joel , Black Sandra E. , Zakzanis Konstantine K. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2017

ObjectivePrevious research suggests that overall experience participating in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) is associated with reduced IADL impairment in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, possibly because of an increased functional reserve. Given that difficulties managing finances tend to occur with mild cognitive impairment, this study explores whether experience managing one's finances is associated with independence across various IADLs.MethodsParticipants with a screen or baseline diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (n = 862) were taken from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative study. Functional dependence and experience were quantified from the Functional Activities Questionnaire.ResultsNo group differences between those with and without financial management experience existed in Mini‐Mental State Examination scores, age, and years of education, although women were more likely to have experience managing finances (P < .001). Final chi‐square analyses suggest that financial management experience is significantly associated with greater independence in the ability to follow TV, books, or magazines (P = .009) and remember appointments and important dates (P = .002).ConclusionsIndividuals who are rated as having experience in managing their finances were also rated as being less dependent in their ability to follow and understand TV and books and in their ability to remember appointments and important dates. Neither causation nor the mechanisms underlying this relationship can be discerned from these analyses. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate whether engaging in financial tasks protects against early financial impairment, potentially through an increased functional reserve.
Swallowing outcomes after cricopharyngeal myotomy: A systematic review
Authors: Knigge Molly A. , Thibeault Susan L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundNo practice guidelines have been established for swallowing outcomes after cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM). The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize evidence for swallowing outcomes in patients undergoing CPM to treat symptomatic cricopharyngeal dysfunction, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.MethodsSwallowing outcomes examined included penetration/aspiration ratings, manometric measures, patient‐rated dysphagia scales, clinician‐rated dysphagia scales, diet level, and weight.ResultsThree databases were queried for studies published between January 1995 and July 2015, resulting in a total of 122 full‐text eligible records. Studies were screened and reviewed, culminating in 10 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Critical appraisal of study design, swallowing outcomes measures, and statistical analysis were summarized.ConclusionThis systematic review revealed insufficient evidence for guiding clinical practice. Future investigations should use validated patient‐rated and clinician‐rated instruments as well as detailed high‐resolution manometry measures to optimally capture postoperative swallowing outcomes.
Efficacy of postoperative neck irradiation for regional control in patients with pN0 oral tongue cancer: Propensity analysis
Authors: So Yoon Kyoung , Oh Dongryul , Choi Nayeon , Baek Chung‐Hwan , Ahn Yong Chan , Chung Man Ki 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is efficacious for regional control and survival in patients with pN0 oral tongue cancer.MethodsClinicopathological features of 166 patients with pN0 oral tongue cancer were compared between those who underwent adjuvant RT to the neck (neck RT‐positive) and those who did not (neck RT‐negative). Study endpoints were isolated regional recurrence and 3‐year regional recurrence‐free survival (RRFS). Propensity score matching was also performed.ResultsCox regression analysis did not reveal any significant predictor of isolated regional recurrence, including RT field. Three‐year RRFS showed modest improvement in neck RT‐positive group compared to neck RT‐negative group before (92.2% vs 91.9%) and after propensity analysis (93.8% vs 83.3%), without statistical significance (log‐rank P = .85 and .37, respectively).ConclusionDespite more frequent unfavorable factors, the neck RT‐positive group had a comparable oncologic outcome to the neck RT‐negative group, suggesting that a marginal benefit in regional control might be expected from extending the RT field to the neck for pN0 oral tongue cancer.
Alternating R‐CHOP and R‐cytarabine is a safe and effective regimen for transplant‐ineligible patients with a newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Klener Pavel , Fronkova Eva , Belada David , Forsterova Kristina , Pytlik Robert , Kalinova Marketa , Simkovic Martin , Salek David , Mocikova Heidi , Prochazka Vit , Blahovcova Petra , Janikova Andrea , Markova Jana , Obr Ales , Berkova Adela , Kubinyi Jozef , Vaskova Martina , Mejstrikova Ester , Campr Vit , Jaksa Radek , Kodet Roman , Michalova Kyra , Trka Jan , Trneny Marek 
Published: October 2017

AbstractImplementation of cytarabine into induction therapy became standard of care for younger patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). On the basis of its beneficial impact, many centers incorporated cytarabine at lower doses also into first‐line treatments of elderly patients. We conducted a multicenter observational study that prospectively analyzed safety and efficacy of alternating 3 + 3 cycles of R‐CHOP and R‐cytarabine for newly diagnosed transplant‐ineligible MCL patients. A total of 73 patients were enrolled with median age 70 years. Most patients had intermediate (39.7%) and high‐risk (50.7%) disease according to MCL international prognostic index. Rituximab maintenance was initiated in 58 patients. Overall response rate reached 89% by positron emission tomography–computed tomography, including 75.3% complete remissions. Two patients (2.7%) did not complete the induction therapy because of toxicity. Three patients (4.1%) were considered nonresponders, which led to therapy change before completion of induction. Estimated progression‐free survival and overall survival were 51.3% and 68.6% at 4 years, respectively. Mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index, bulky disease (≥ 5 cm), and achievement of positron emission tomography–negativity independently correlated with progression‐free survival. Grade 3 to 4 hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity was documented in 48% and 20.5% patients, respectively. Alternation of R‐CHOP and R‐cytarabine represents feasible and very effective regimen for elderly/comorbid MCL patients. This study was registered at GovTrial (clinicaltrials.gov) NCT03054883.
Modelling hydrological response to a fully‐monitored urban bioretention cell
Authors: Stewart Ryan D. , Lee Joong Gwang , Shuster William D. , Darner Robert A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMunicipalities and agencies use green infrastructure to combat pollution and hydrological impacts (e.g., flooding) related to excess stormwater. Bioretention cells are one type of infiltration green infrastructure intervention that infiltrate and redistribute otherwise uncontrolled stormwater volume. However, the effects of these installations on the rest of the local water cycle is understudied; in particular, impacts on stormwater return flows and groundwater levels are not fully understood. In this study, full water cycle monitoring data were used to construct and calibrate a two‐dimensional Richards equation model (HYDRUS‐2D/3D) detailing hydrological implications of an unlined bioretention cell (Cleveland, Ohio) that accepts direct runoff from surrounding impervious surfaces. Using both preinstallation and postinstallation data, the model was used to (a) establish a mass balance to determine reduction in stormwater return flow, (b) evaluate green infrastructure effects on subsurface water dynamics, and (c) determine model sensitivity to measured soil properties. Comparisons of modelled versus observed data indicated that the model captured many hydrological aspects of the bioretention cell, including subsurface storage and transient groundwater mounding. Model outputs suggested that the bioretention cell reduced stormwater return flows into the local sewer collection system, though the extent of this benefit was attenuated during high inflow events that may have exhausted detention capacity. The model also demonstrated how, prior to bioretention cell installation, surface and subsurface hydrology were largely decoupled, whereas after installation, exfiltration from the bioretention cell activated a new groundwater dynamic. Still, the extent of groundwater mounding from the cell was limited in spatial extent and did not threaten other subsurface infrastructure. Finally, the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the overall hydrological response was regulated by the hydraulics of the bioretention cell fill material, which controlled water entry into the system, and by the water retention parameters of the native soil, which controlled connectivity between the surface and groundwater.
Extracorporeal magnetic approach to reduce the unwanted side‐effects and improve antibacterial activity of Ag/Fe3O4 nanocomposites in rat
Authors: Chen Chao , Xia Dong‐Lin , Guo Ling‐Yan , Chen Yan‐Pei , Li Xiao‐Dong , Wang Yu‐Fei , Zhang Duo , Wang Yu‐Ying , Zhang Yu‐Xin , He Hong , Gu Hai‐Ying 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWhile Ag nanoparticles hold great promise for broad spectrum antibacterial activity, the potential risks of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on human health remain a challenge. In this study, Ag/Fe3O4 composites have been successfully prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and their magnetic and antibacterial properties have been assessed. In vivo results show that the antibacterial effect of 500 μg/mL Ag/Fe3O4 nanocomposites was significantly higher than that of 1000 μg/mL AgNPs after 72 h of treatment (p < 0.01). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed that squamous epithelium and dermis collagen fibers formed in the Ag/Fe3O4 group after 8 days treatment. Wound closure was significantly better for the Ag/Fe3O4 group than for the AgNPs group. On the other hand, there was less Ag in blood, liver, and kidney in the Ag/Fe3O4 group, as more Ag was retained in the wound. According to lactate dehydrogenase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, and reactive oxygen species results, Ag/Fe3O4 nanocomposites caused less unwanted side‐effects. This work presents a new paradigm to reduce the unwanted side‐effects of AgNPs and improve their antibacterial activity, providing a new avenue for wound healing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2029–2036, 2018.
In vitro and in vivo antithrombotic and cytotoxicity effects of ferulic acid
Authors: Choi Jun‐Hui , Park Jong‐Kook , Kim Ki‐Man , Lee Hyo‐Jeong , Kim Seung 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe discovered recently in vitro and in vivo antithrombotic and cytotoxicity effects of ferulic acid. The cytotoxicity assays showed that ferulic acid (∼300 μg/mL) did not cause any significant toxicity on three cell lines, platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes. In vitro assays showed inhibitory effects of ferulic acid on thrombin (THR)‐ or collagen/epinephrine‐stimulated platelet activation by inhibiting platelet aggregation, and decreasing clot retraction activity. The in vitro effect of ferulic acid on THR‐stimulated platelet activation was proved by the decrease in the secretion of serotonin from the platelets. The anticoagulant effects of ferulic acid were confirmed by the prolongation of the intrinsic or/and extrinsic pathways and the delay of recalcification time in plasma coagulation. Ferulic acid had antithrombotic effect in acute thromboembolism model in vivo, and decreased the expression of αIIbβ3/FIB and phosphorylation of AKT in THR‐stimulated platelet activation in vivo, and their antithrombotic efficacies hold promise for therapeutic targeting in our ongoing studies.
Class IIa HDACs inhibitor TMP269 promotes M1 polarization of macrophages after spinal cord injury
Authors: Qi Xiangbei , Wang Pengcheng 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease insulting neurological system, and it could be further exacerbated by overwhelming inflammatory responses, where macrophages play a central role. Depending on their heterogeneous phenotypes, macrophages contribute intricately to SCI's pathological processes and functional recovery. Although stimuli like interferons and cytokines are known to regulate their phonotypical transition, it remains elusive which epigenetic programs macrophages engage to complete phenotype shift. We report here that, the treatment of TMP269, a highly selective class IIa HDACs inhibitor, augments the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in macrophages after SCI, meanwhile, TMP269 also promotes their M1 phenotype activation, which is independent of Th1 or Th2 cytokines. Moreover, TMP269 exacerbates tissue damage and impairs functional recovery after SCI. At last, the adoptive transfer of bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) overexpressing class IIa HDACs shows beneficial effects in inflammation resolution and functional recovery after SCI. Thus, activating the class IIa HDACs to harness the anti‐inflammatory effects of macrophages may represent a potential target to treat SCI.
Polymerization shrinkage and porosity profile of dual cure dental resin cements with different adhesion to dentin mechanisms
Authors: Burey Adrieli , dos Reis Paulo José , Santana Vicentin Bruno Luiz , Dezan Garbelini Cássia Cilene , Grama Hoeppner Márcio , Appoloni Carlos Roberto 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis research aims to probe the porosity profile and polymerization shrinkage of two different dual cure resin cements with different dentin bonding systems. The self‐adhesive resin cement RelyX U200 (named RU) and the conventional Allcem Core (named AC) were analyzed by x‐ray microtomography (μCT) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Each cement was divided into two groups (n = 5): dual‐cured (RUD and ACD) and self‐cured (RUC and ACC). μCT demonstrated that the method of polymerization does not influence the porosity profile but the polymerization shrinkage. Fewer concentration of pores was observed for the conventional resin cement (AC), independently the method used for curing the sample. In addition, SEM showed that AC has more uniform surface and smaller particle size. The method of polymerization influenced the polymerization shrinkage, since no contraction for both RUC and ACC was observed, in contrast with results from dual‐cured samples. For RUD and ACD the polymerization shrinkage was greater in the lower third of the sample and minor in the upper third. This mechanical behavior is attributed to the polymerization toward the light. µCT showed to be a reliable technique to probe porosity and contraction due to polymerization of dental cements.
Peripheral nerve diffusion tensor imaging: Overview, pitfalls, and future directions
Authors: Jeon Tina , Fung Maggie M. , Koch Kevin M. , Tan Ek T. , Sneag Darryl B. 
Published: October 2017

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that measures the extent of restricted water diffusion and anisotropy in biological tissue. Although DTI has been widely applied in the brain, more recently researchers have used it to characterize nerve pathology in the setting of entrapment neuropathy, traumatic injury, and tumor. DTI artifacts are exacerbated when imaging off isocenter in the body. Anecdotally, the most significant artifacts in peripheral nerve DTI include magnetic field inhomogeneity, motion, incomplete fat suppression, aliasing, and distortion. High spatial resolution is also required to reliably evaluate smaller peripheral nerves. This article provides an overview of such technical issues, particularly when trying to apply DTI in the clinical setting, and offers potential solutions.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1171–1189.
Direct determination of δ44/42Ca isotope ratio by ion chromatography/low‐resolution multicollector ICPMS
Authors: Karasinski Jakub , Bulska Ewa , Halicz Ludwik , Wojciechowski Marcin , Krata Agnieszka Anna 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHigh‐precision on‐line procedure for measurement of calcium isotopic ratio by coupling ion chromatography to multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed. Calcium separation from the sample matrix was achieved on an ion chromatography column—IonPac CS16—ID 3 mm connected with CERS 500 2 mm suppressor and followed by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry calcium isotopic ratio determination. Dry plasma mode was used with Aridus II desolvation system. To sustained samples with high level of total dissolved salts as well as account capacity of applied analytical column, the method has been optimized regarding calcium isotope ratio measurements with low‐resolution mass spectrometry. Mass discrimination and instrument drift were corrected by sample‐standard bracketing method using the 44Ca/42Ca isotope ratio of SRM 915a as a standard. Good accuracy and reasonable precision of calcium isotope ratio (generally 0.20‰ [2SD]) were achieved, which are comparable to off‐line Ca separation and continuous measurement. The reproducibility of the proposed analytical procedure was verified by measuring the SRM 915a standard as a sample randomly over 3 months (n = 56). Applicability of the protocol was demonstrated for matrix‐rich natural water samples, coral samples, and bone standard reference materials.
A comprehensive in vitro and in vivo metabolism study of hydroxysafflor yellow A
Authors: Wu Liang , Tang Yuping , Shan Chenxiao , Chai Chuan , Zhou Zhu , Shi Xuqin , Ding Ning , Wang Jiaying , Lin Liping , Tan Renxiang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAs the most important marker component in Carthamus tinctorius L., hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) was widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, due to its effect of improving blood supply, suppressing oxidative stress, and protecting against ischemia/reperfusion. In this paper, both an in vitro microsomal incubation and an in vivo animal experiment were conducted, along with an LC‐Q‐TOF/MS instrument and a 3‐step protocol, to further explore the metabolism of HSYA. As a result, a total of 10 metabolites were searched and tentatively identified in plasma, urine, and feces after intravenous administration of HSYA to male rats, although no obvious biotransformation was found in the simulated rat liver microsomal system. The metabolites detected involving both phase I and phase II metabolism including dehydration, deglycosylation, methylation, and glucuronic acid conjugation. A few of the metabolites underwent more than one‐step metabolic reactions, and some have not been reported before. The study would contribute to a further understanding of the metabolism of HSYA and provide scientific evidence for its pharmacodynamic mechanism research and clinical use.