bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dielectric Spectroscopy Can Predict the Effect of External AC Fields on the Dynamic Adsorption of Lysozyme
Authors: Benavidez Tomás E. , Guerra José D. S. , Garcia Carlos D. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis report describes the application of dielectric spectroscopy as a simple and fast way to guide protein adsorption experiments. Specifically, the polarization behavior of a layer of adsorbed lysozyme was investigated using a triangular‐wave signal with frequencies varying from 0.5 to 2 Hz. The basic experiment, which can be performed in less than 5 min and with a single sample, not only allowed confirming the susceptibility of the selected protein towards the electric signal but also identified that this protein would respond more efficiently to signals with lower frequencies. To verify the validity of these observations, the adsorption behavior of lysozyme onto optically transparent carbon electrodes was also investigated under the influence of an applied alternating potential. In these experiments, the applied signal was defined by a sinusoidal wave with an amplitude of 100 mV and superimposed to +800 mV (applied as a working potential) and varying the frequency in the 0.1–10000 Hz range. The experimental data showed that the greatest adsorbed amounts of lysozyme were obtained at the lowest tested frequencies (0.1–1.0 Hz), results that are in line with the corresponding dielectric features of the protein.
Myoepithelial carcinoma of soft tissue is a diagnostic challenge on fine‐needle aspiration: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Lucy , Yee‐Chang Melissa , Sun Wei , Melamed Jonathan , Simsir Aylin , Shi Yan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMyoepithelial carcinoma (MEC) of soft tissue, also known as malignant myoepithelial tumor, is an uncommon malignancy. Cytologic diagnosis of this entity is challenging due to its rarity and heterogeneous morphology. We report a case of MEC in a 22‐year‐old man, who presented with a 6.5 cm soft tissue mass on his right distal forearm that has been enlarging over the past 3 months. Ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) revealed abundant isolated neoplastic cells ranging from spindled cells to epithelioid and plasmacytoid morphology in a myxoid background. These cells showed moderate cytologic atypia characterized by high‐nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, irregular nuclear contours, and prominent nucleoli. The cytoplasm varied from dense to vacuolated and occasionally rhabdoid with intracytoplasmic inclusions. Scattered bi‐ and multinucleated cells were identified. A diagnosis of high‐grade malignancy was made with the differential diagnosis including rhabdomyosarcoma and melanoma. A subsequent core biopsy of the tumor showed immunoreactivity for pan‐cytokeratins, calponin, p63, and smooth muscle actin. INI‐1 was lost. SOX‐10 and Melan‐A were negative. Molecular studies showed loss ofSMARCB1(INI‐1) andCDKN2A. Gene fusion studies did not detect any fusion. A diagnosis of soft tissue MEC was made which is a challenge on FNA due to several cytologic mimickers including rhabdomyosarcoma, epithelioid sarcoma, extrarenal rhabdoid tumor, extra‐axial chordoma and melanoma. Recognition of the biphasic cell population in a myxoid background and a battery of immunohistochemical stains are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Super‐users and hyper‐experts in the provision of policy advice: Evidence from a survey of Canadian academics
Authors: Migone Andrea , McGregor Michael R. , Brock Kathy , Howlett Michael 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe relationships of influence and activity between academics and other actors (public, private, and non‐governmental) in the policy process are complex. Although older work often argued academic research at best had an indirect “environmental” or “enlightenment” effect on policy‐makers, (May et al. (2016). Journal of Public Policy, 36, 195) recently argued that in the US case previous studies misconstrued the role of academic policy advice because they surveyed “average” academics and in so doing missed the significant impact of a small elite group of “hyper‐experts” within an already small group of “super‐users” interacting on a constant basis with government policy‐makers. This article draws upon data from a survey of academics in four fields (Business, Engineering, Health and Politics) in six major Canadian Universities to map out the relationships existing between academics and other actors in the public, private, and non‐governmental sectors and test for the existence of this elite pattern of interaction in a second country.
Multiuser steered signed quadrature spatial modulation for millimeter‐wave massive multiple‐input multiple‐output with hybrid beamforming
Authors: Elganimi Taissir Y. , Abu‐Hudrouss Ammar M. , Rabie Khaled M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this article, signed quadrature spatial modulation (SQSM) scheme is intrinsically amalgamated with both fully digital geometric mean decomposition (GMD)‐based precoding technique and analog beamforming (ABF) for transmission over millimeter‐wave (mmWave) channel. Explicitly, the proposed scheme combines SQSM and GMD‐based hybrid beamforming (HBF) in downlink multiuser scenario, where the Frobenius norm‐based user selection algorithm is considered. This proposed scheme is denoted as multiuser steered SQSM (MUS‐SQSM). The ABF is used to mitigate the severity of the propagation loss in mmWave band by using power amplifiers and phase shifters. The performance of the proposed scheme in terms of both the bit error rate and the average mutual information is assessed in comparison to the conventional SQSM scheme performance. Simulation results show that significant improvements are realized by both the user selection algorithm and the application of ABF technique as the number of antenna array elements increases. It is also demonstrated that MUS‐SQSM scheme is robust against the channel estimation errors. Furthermore, the proposed MUS‐SQSM scheme with HBF benefits from the multiplexing gain of SQSM, the diversity gain of serving multiple users, and from the beamforming gain. All these gains increase the energy efficiency of the proposed model; thus, the proposed scheme can be considered in 5G wireless systems deployment.
Methodological advances of bioanalysis and biochemical targeting of intracellular G‐quadruplexes
Authors: Teng Xucong , Dai Yicong , Li Jinghong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractG‐quadruplexes (G4s) are a kind of non‐canonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which involve in various biological processes in living cells. The relationships between G4s and human diseases, such as tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections, have attracted great attention in the last decade. G4s are considered as a promising new target for disease treatment. For instance, G4 ligands are reported to be potentially effective in SARS‐COV‐2 treatment. However, because of the lack of analytical methods with high performance for the identification of intracellular G4s, the detailed mechanisms of the biofunctions of G4s remain elusive. Meanwhile, through demonstrating the principles of how the G4s systematically modulate the cellular processes with advanced detection methods, biochemical targeting of G4s in living cells can be realized by chemical and biological tools and becomes useful in biomedicine. This review highlights recent methodological advances about intracellular G4s and provides an outlook on the improvement of the bioanalysis and biochemical targeting tools of G4s.
Small molecule profiling to define synergistic EGFR inhibitor combinations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Michmerhuizen Nicole L. , Ludwig Megan L. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Nimmagadda Sai , Zhai Jingyi , Wang Jiayu , Jewell Brittany M. , Genouw Dylan , Remer Lindsay , Kim Daniel , Foltin Susan K. , Bhangale Apurva , Kulkarni Aditi , Bradford Carol R. , Swiecicki Paul L. , Carey Thomas E. , Jiang Hui , Brenner J. Chad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating disease with poor survival. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeting antibody cetuximab improves survival in some settings, responses are limited suggesting that alternative approaches are needed.MethodsWe performed a high throughput drug screen to identify EGFR inhibitor‐based synergistic combinations of clinically advanced inhibitors in models resistant to EGFR inhibitor monotherapies, and then performed downstream validation experiments on prioritized synergistic combinations.ResultsFrom our screen, we re‐discovered known synergistic EGFR inhibitor combinations with FGFR or IGF‐1R inhibitors that were broadly effective and also discovered novel synergistic combinations with XIAP inhibitor and DNMT inhibitors that were effective in only a subset of models.ConclusionsConceptually, our data identify novel synergistic combinations that warrant evaluation in future studies, and suggest that some combinations, although highly synergistic, will require parallel companion diagnostic development to be effectively advanced in patients.
Prospective investigation of herpesvirus infection and risk of glioma
Authors: Coghill Anna E. , Kim Youngchul , Hodge James M. , Bender Noemi , Smith‐Warner Stephanie A. , Teras Lauren R. , Grimsrud Tom K. , Waterboer Tim , Egan Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGlioma is an aggressive neoplasm of the brain with poorly understood etiology. A limited number of pathogens have been examined as glioma risk factors, but data from prospective studies with infection status determined before disease are lacking. Herpesviruses comprise a large family of DNA viruses that infect humans and are linked to a range of chronic diseases. We conducted a prospective evaluation of the association between antibody to six human herpesviruses and glioma risk in the Janus Serum Bank (Janus) and the Cancer Prevention Study‐II (CPS‐II). In Janus and CPS‐II, the risk for glioma was not related to seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus‐1, varicella zoster virus, or human herpes viruses 6A or 6B. In Janus, seropositivity to either the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) EA[D] or VCAp18 antigen was associated with a lower risk of glioma (ORs: 0.55 [95% CI 0.32‐0.94] and 0.57 [95% CI 0.38‐0.85]). This inverse association was consistent by histologic subtype and was observed for gliomas diagnosed up to two decades following antibody measurement. In Janus, seropositivity to at least one of three examined cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens (pp150, pp52, pp28) was associated with an increased risk of nonglioblastoma (OR: 2.08 [95% CI 1.07‐4.03]). This association was limited to tumors diagnosed within 12 years of antibody measurement. In summary, we report evidence of an inverse association between exposure to EBV and glioma. We further report that CMV exposure may be related to a higher likelihood of the nonglioblastoma subtype.
Corporate board and dynamics of capital structure: Evidence from UK, France and Germany
Authors: Ezeani Ernest , Kwabi Frank , Salem Rami , Usman Muhammad , Alqatamin Rateb Mohammad Hamad , Kostov Philip 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTheoretical arguments suggest that capital structure will adjust to the dynamics of the corporate governance environment. In line with this prediction, we examine the impact of board characteristics on capital structure dynamics and the speed of adjustment. Using 2690 firm‐year observations for 2009–2018, we find that firms in a stakeholder‐oriented corporate governance environment adjust their leverage faster than those in a shareholder‐oriented environment. We also find that corporate board characteristics influence firms' capital structure and speed of adjustment towards target leverage. Our findings are robust to alternative measures of leverage and endogeneity. The overall evidence supports the relevance of the corporate board's composition in both shareholder‐oriented and stakeholder‐oriented corporate governanc (CG) environments. We conclude that board composition mitigates agency conflict.
Comparison of procedure times and collection efficiencies using integrated and multistep nonintegrated procedures for extracorporeal photopheresis
Authors: Mayer Wolfgang , Kontekakis Antonis , Maas Christopher , Kuchenbecker Ulrike , Behlke Susanne , Schennach Harald 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundExtracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a blood‐based therapeutic procedure increasingly used for modulation of immune dysregulation in various underlying disease settings. The aim of this study was to compare the procedure times and blood collection efficiencies between the two approaches currently utilized in European centers: the integrated versus the multistep nonintegrated procedures.MethodsA retrospective data analysis was conducted, comparing treatment data from patients who received ECP therapy at the Central Institute for Blood Transfusion & Department of Immunology (ZIB) of the Tirol Kliniken GmbH, where the integrated and multistep nonintegrated procedures are routinely used in an approximated setup.ResultsDuring the observation period, a total of 15 patients who were treated with alternating systems on 2 consecutive days were identified. This allowed treatment pair comparisons with minimal interpatient variabilities, similar to a cross‐over design even though analyzed retrospectively. Total average procedure times with the integrated system were 99.3 vs 122.0 minutes with the multistep nonintegrated procedures, respectively. Significant differences were observed for all steps of the ECP procedure: (a) time for buffy coat collection, 66.5 vs 74.7; (b) handling/transfer, 2.8 vs 18.7; (c) irradiation, 20.3 vs 11.7; and (d) reinfusion/handling time, 9.6 vs 16.3 minutes. The calculated collection throughput was 7.79 mL/min for the integrated and 7.84 mL/min for the multistep nonintegrated procedures, and with a white blood cell (WBC) collection efficiency of 34.2% and 21.0%, respectively.ConclusionThe data presented in this study show a significant shorter overall procedure time and higher WBC collection efficiency for the integrated ECP system.
Synthesis of trifluoromethyl or trifluoroacetyl substituted heterocyclic compounds from trifluoromethyl‐α,β‐ynones
Authors: Zhang Cai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRecent advances in the synthesis of trifluoromethyl or trifluoroacetyl substituted heterocyclic compounds by use of trifluoromethyl‐α,β‐ynones are summarized. Seven approaches will be reviewed and divided into (a) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyridines, trifluoromethyl‐quinolines, and trifluoroacetyl‐quinolines; (b) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐oxazinopyridines and trifluoromethyl‐oxazinoquinolines; (c) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyrazoles, trifluoromethyl‐isoxazoles, and trifluoromethyl‐pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines; (d) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyrroles, trifluoromethyl‐thiophenes, trifluoromethyl‐dihydrofurans, and trifluoromethyl‐isochromanone; (e) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐pyrimidines, (f) synthesis of trifluoroacetyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles; (g) synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐aziridines and trifluoromethyl‐[1,4]diazepines.
The relationship between disordered eating behaviour and the five factor model personality dimensions: A systematic review
Authors: Gilmartin Tanya , Gurvich Caroline , Sharp Gemma 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe relationship between personality and eating disorders has received significant research attention. This review aimed to synthesize research regarding the Five Factor Model (FFM) and disordered eating behaviors, to gain an improved understanding of the relationship between normal‐range personality and subclinical eating disorders. Electronic Databases were used to identify studies published in English that utilized self‐report measures of disordered eating and the FFM. A qualitative synthesis of 45 papers was then conducted. High scores on Neuroticism were associated with increased disordered eating behavior. Different disordered eating behaviors were found to have unique relationships with personality dimensions. Facets within domains varied in direction of correlation with disordered eating behaviors, particularly in the Agreeableness, Contentiousness, and Openness domains. The results indicate that, further research is needed before generalizing treatment approaches for eating disorders for females, males, and gender diverse populations.
Crosstalk between ERK and MRTF‐A signaling regulates TGFβ1‐induced epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Nalluri Sandeep M. , Sankhe Chinmay S. , O'Connor Joseph W. , Blanchard Paul L. , Khouri Joelle N. , Phan Steven H. , Virgi Gage , Gomez Esther W. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEpithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process that is essential during embryogenesis and wound healing and also contributes to pathologies including fibrosis and cancer. EMT is characterized by marked gene expression changes, loss of cell–cell contacts, remodeling of the cytoskeleton, and acquisition of enhanced motility. In the late stages of EMT, cells can exhibit myofibroblast‐like properties with enhanced expression of the mesenchymal protein marker α‐smooth muscle actin and contractile activity. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 is a well‐known inducer of EMT and it activates a plethora of signaling cascades including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Previous reports have demonstrated a role for ERK signaling in the early stages of EMT, but the molecular impacts of ERK signaling on the late stages of EMT are still unknown. Here, we found that inhibition of the phosphorylation of ERK enhances focal adhesions, stress fiber formation, cell contractility, and gene expression changes associated with TGFβ1‐induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells. These effects are mediated in part by the phosphorylation state and subcellular localization of myocardin‐related transcription factor‐A. These findings indicate that the intricate crosstalk between signaling cascades plays an important role in regulating the progression of EMT and suggests new approaches to control EMT processes.
Laparoscopic Glissonian pedicle versus hilar dissection approach hemihepatectomy: A prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Ke‐Xi , Yu Fan , Cao Li , Wang Bao‐Lin , Li Xue‐Song , Wang Xiao‐Jun , Li Jian‐Wei , Fan Yu‐Dong , Chen Jian , Zheng Shu‐Guo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground/PurposeThis over 7‐year case study is the first to compare the results of laparoscopic Glissonian pedicle approach hemihepatectomy (LGAH) and laparoscopic hilar dissection approach hemihepatectomy (LHAH) in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodsPatients who had undergone laparoscopic hemihepatectomy, either LGAH or LHAH, between March 2012 and December 2019 at our center were prospectively enrolled and assigned to the LGAH or LHAH group. Both groups were stratified and compared, and the preoperative and follow‐up outcomes were analyzed. The primary endpoint was total operative time.ResultsThe groups were equally matched for age, sex, HBsAg, Child‐Pugh class, benign disease, malignancy, liver cirrhosis, tumor diameter and type of resection. Ninety‐six patients had undergone LGAH and 94 had undergone LHAH. No preoperative death occurred in the two groups. LGAH did not enhance the postoperative overall complication rates (P = .465) or intraoperative blood loss (P = .535) compared with LHAH. However, the overall operative time (P = .014) and hilar dissection time (P = .000) were significantly shorter in the LGAH group than in the LHAH group. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding the 1‐year (P = .384), 3‐year (P = .332), and 5‐year overall survival rates (P = .662) or 1‐year (P = .856), 3‐year (P = .348), and 5‐year disease‐free survival rates (P = .573).ConclusionsLGAH and LHAH are both effective procedures for treating the hilar structures in selected patients. LGAH has advantages over LHAH in reducing total operation time under the condition where both procedures can be used. LGAH for selected patients is worthy of promotion owing to its simplicity and convenience.Registration number: NCT01567631 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Intrathymic SIRPa cDC subsets organization in normal and stress conditions reveal another level of cDCs heterogeneity
Authors: Michaels Lopez Victoria , Legrand Agnès , Tejerina Emmanuel , Megret Jérome , Bordin Chantal , Quellec Véronique , Ezine Sophie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThree major subsets constitute the dendritic cells (DCs) pool in the thymus. They play key roles in self-antigen-specific thymocyte deletion and in the development of immunoregulatory T cells. Resident SIRPa− conventional DCs (cDCs, CD11c+PDCA1lo) are derived from intrathymic progenitors, whereas migratory SIRPa+ cDCs and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs, CD11c+PDCA1+) originate from extrathymic sites. Here, we describe the organization and the shaping of cDC populations at the steady state and under stress conditions in wild-type and mutant mice (CD3eKO, IL7RaKO, and Flt3LKO). In neonates, the thymus is mainly composed of SIRPa−-resident cDCs, whereas both cDC subsets are present in equal proportions in the adult. Upon thymus colonization, migratory SIRPa+ cDCs gain expression of phenotypic markers in a microenvironment dependent way. Here, we show that both processes are deeply impacted by mutations affecting T cell development. Under stress conditions such as sublethal irradiation, intrathymic resident SIRPa− cDCs are the first to regenerate the thymic cDC pool. Upon bone marrow transplantation, migratory SIRPa+ cDCs become the main source of thymic cDCs. These successive waves of regeneration eventually lead to a balance between resident and migratory DCs within the newly colonized thymus. These findings highlight an unrevealed division of labor between resident and migratory subsets for the organization/establishment of the thymic cDC compartment.
Fourfold Improved Odds of a Good First Trimester Outcome Once a Yolk Sac Is Seen in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Doubilet Peter M. , Phillips Catherine H. , Durfee Sara M. , Benson Carol B. 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesTo compare first trimester prognosis when an early pregnancy sonogram demonstrates a gestational sac with yolk sac versus gestational sac without yolk sac.MethodsOur study comprised 823 transvaginal sonograms without identifiable embryo performed at least 35 days from last menstrual period (LMP), in which mean sac diameter was <16 mm and first trimester outcome (live or early pregnancy loss) was known. We recorded the presence or absence of yolk sac, first trimester outcome, and several clinical features: maternal age, time since LMP, and presence or absence of vaginal bleeding. We compared the likelihood of a successful first trimester outcome in cases with a visible yolk sac to those without a yolk sac.ResultsAt the end of the first trimester, 113 of 270 (41.9%) cases without a yolk sac and 414 of 553 (74.9%) with a yolk sac were live (P < .000001, chi‐square). This corresponds to an odds ratio of 4.14 for the presence of yolk sac, a result confirmed by logistic regression. Advanced maternal age, ≥42 days since LMP, and vaginal bleeding all carried an increased risk of loss (P < .000001, chi‐square). Outcome was better with a visualized yolk sac than without a yolk sac, regardless of number of risk factors (P < .001, chi‐square).ConclusionsThe odds of successful first trimester outcome are 4‐fold higher when a yolk sac is seen on an early pregnancy sonogram than when no yolk sac is seen. For any level of risk, based on maternal age, vaginal bleeding, and time since LMP, outcome is significantly better when a yolk sac is seen.