bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the interleukin-17 effect on articular cartilage in a translational model: an explorative study
Authors: Sinkeviciute Dovile , Aspberg Anders , He Yi , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Önnerfjord Patrik 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, chronic disease characterized by articular cartilage destruction. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17 levels have been reported elevated in serum and synovial fluid of OA patients and correlated with increased cartilage defects and bone remodeling. The aim of this study was to characterize an IL-17-mediated articular cartilage degradation ex-vivo model and to investigate IL-17 effect on cartilage extracellular matrix protein turnover.

Methods
Full-depth bovine femoral condyle articular cartilage explants were cultured in serum-free medium for three weeks in the absence, or presence of cytokines: IL-17A (100 ng/ml or 25 ng/ml), or 10 ng OSM combined with 20 ng/ml TNFα (O + T). RNA isolation and PCR analysis were performed on tissue lysates to confirm IL-17 receptor expression. GAG and ECM-turnover biomarker release into conditioned media was assessed with dimethyl methylene blue and ELISA assays, respectively. Gelatin zymography was used for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP9 activity assessment in conditioned media, and shotgun LC-MS/MS for identification and label-free quantification of proteins and protein fragments in conditioned media. Western blotting was used to validate MS results.

Results
IL-17RA mRNA was expressed in bovine full-depth articular cartilage and the treatment with IL-17A did not interfere with metabolic activity of the model. IL-17A induced cartilage breakdown; conditioned media GAG levels were 3.6-fold-elevated compared to untreated. IL-17A [100 ng/ml] induced ADAMTS-mediated aggrecan degradation fragment release (14-fold increase compared to untreated) and MMP-mediated type II collagen fragment release (6-fold-change compared to untreated). MS data analysis revealed 16 differentially expressed proteins in IL-17A conditioned media compared to untreated, and CHI3L1 upregulation in conditioned media in response to IL-17 was confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusions
We showed that IL-17A has cartilage modulating potential. It induces collagen and aggrecan degradation indicating an upregulation of MMPs. This was confirmed by zymography and mass spectrometry data. We also showed that the expression of other cytokines is induced by IL-17A, which provide further insight to the pathways that are active in response to IL-17A. This exploratory study confirms that IL-17A may play a role in cartilage pathology and that the applied model may be a good tool to further investigate it.
Hylan G-F20 and galactomannan joint flares are associated to acute synovitis and release of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: de Melo Nunes Rodolfo , Cunha Pablyana Leila Rodrigues , Pinto Ana Carolina Matias Dinelly , Girão Virgínia Claudia Carneiro , de Andrade Feitosa Judith Pessoa , Rocha Francisco Airton Castro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Injection of Hylan G-F20 (HY) into joints may provoke local flares, which mechanisms may involve reaction to protein contaminants. We have previously developed a protein-free saline-soluble galactomannan derived from guar gum (GM) that displays both analgesia and chondroprotection in experimental osteoarthritis (OA). We now demonstrate that both GM and Hylan G-F20 (HY) promote mild synovitis with cytokine release after intra-articular injection.

Methods
Mice received 100 μg/25 μL GM or HY or saline into the knees. Joint pain was evaluated using von Frey test; cell influx, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and CXCL-1 (pg/mL) levels were assessed in joint lavage at 6 h. Synovia were excised for histopathology.

Results
Neither GM nor HY after being given into mice knee joints induced pain albeit promoting mild cell influx into joint washings as well as mild synovitis at histology, with no damage to the underlying cartilage. HY but not GM promoted IL-1 release into mice joints. Both compounds induced IL-6 and CXCL-1 release.

Conclusion
Intra-articular injection of HY or GM promote acute transient synovitis whilst not provoking detectable significant joint damage. Local administration of these polysaccharides induces acute intra-articular release of inflammatory cytokines, which may account for joint flares following viscosupplementation.
Evaluation of fecal Lactobacillus populations in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: a pilot study
Authors: Muñana Karen R. , Jacob Megan E. , Callahan Benjamin J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic epilepsy is a common neurological disorder of dogs characterized by recurrent seizures for which no underlying basis is identified other than a presumed genetic predisposition. The pathogenesis of the disorder remains poorly understood, but environmental factors are presumed to influence the course of disease. Within the growing body of research into the microbiota-gut-brain axis, considerable attention has focused on the protective role of Lactobacilli in the development and progression of neurological disease. Investigations into the association between the gut microbiome and epilepsy are in their infancy, but some preliminary findings support a role for Lactobacilli in drug resistant epilepsy. To date, there are no published studies evaluating the gut microbiome in dogs with epilepsy. This pilot study was undertaken to evaluate fecal Lactobacillus populations in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy compared to healthy dogs.

Results
Fecal samples were obtained from 13 pairs of dogs, consisting of a drug-naïve epileptic dog and a healthy dog from the same household and maintained on the same diet. Evaluation of large-scale microbial patterns based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing identified a household effect in the study population. Differential prevalence testing at the 16S rRNA gene sequence variant and genus levels did not identify any statistically significant differences between epileptic and control dogs. Quantitative PCR of Lactobacillus species isolated through culture revealed no statistically significant difference between the epileptic and control dogs (median concentration, 3.8 log10 CFU/g feces and 4.6 log10 CFU/g feces, respectively). Lactobacillus in culture was not killed by exposure to phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide, or levetiracetam.

Conclusions
This pilot study did not identify any difference in large-scale microbial patterns or relative or absolute abundance of Lactobacillus species in drug-naïve epileptic dogs compared to healthy dogs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the role of the gut microbiome in disease progression and treatment response in dogs with epilepsy. Lactobacilli in culture were not killed or inhibited from growing when exposed to phenobarbital, potassium bromide, zonisamide or levetiracetam, suggesting that antiepileptic drug administration is less likely to be a confounding factor in future studies evaluating the role of Lactobacillus in epilepsy.
Predicting Lung Cancer Survival Using Probabilistic Reclassification of TNM Editions With a Bayesian Network
Authors: Sieswerda Melle S. , Bermejo Inigo , Geleijnse Gijs , Aarts Mieke J. , Lemmens Valery E.P.P. , De Ruysscher Dirk , Dekker André L.A.J. , Verbeek Xander A.A.M 
Published: May 2020

PURPOSEThe TNM classification system is used for prognosis, treatment, and research. Regular updates potentially break backward compatibility. Reclassification is not always possible, is labor intensive, or requires additional data. We developed a Bayesian network (BN) for reclassifying the 5th, 6th, and 7th editions of the TNM and predicting survival for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without training data with known classifications in multiple editions.METHODSData were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (n = 146,084). A BN was designed with nodes for TNM edition and survival, and a group of nodes was designed for all TNM editions, with a group for edition 7 only. Before learning conditional probabilities, priors for relations between the groups were manually specified after analysis of changes between editions. For performance evaluation only, part of the 7th edition test data were manually reclassified. Performance was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Two-year survival was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC), and model calibration was visualized.RESULTSManual reclassification of 7th to 6th edition stage group as ground truth for testing was impossible in 5.6% of the patients. Predicting 6th edition stage grouping using 7th edition data and vice versa resulted in average accuracies, sensitivities, and specificities between 0.85 and 0.99. The AUC for 2-year survival was 0.81.CONCLUSIONWe have successfully created a BN for reclassifying TNM stage grouping across TNM editions and predicting survival in NSCLC without knowing the true TNM classification in various editions in the training set. We suggest binary prediction of survival is less relevant than predicted probability and model calibration. For research, probabilities can be used for weighted reclassification.
Quantitative Imaging Informatics for Cancer Research
Authors: Fedorov Andrey , Beichel Reinhard , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Clunie David , Onken Michael , Riesmeier Jörg , Herz Christian , Bauer Christian , Beers Andrew , Fillion-Robin Jean-Christophe , Lasso Andras , Pinter Csaba , Pieper Steve , Nolden Marco , Maier-Hein Klaus , Herrmann Markus D. , Saltz Joel , Prior Fred , Fennessy Fiona , Buatti John , Kikinis Ron 
Published: May 2020

PURPOSE We summarize Quantitative Imaging Informatics for Cancer Research (QIICR; U24 CA180918), one of the first projects funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Informatics Technology for Cancer Research program. METHODS QIICR was motivated by the 3 use cases from the NCI Quantitative Imaging Network. 3D Slicer was selected as the platform for implementation of open-source quantitative imaging (QI) tools. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) was chosen for standardization of QI analysis outputs. Support of improved integration with community repositories focused on The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). Priorities included improved capabilities of the standard, toolkits and tools, reference datasets, collaborations, and training and outreach. RESULTS Fourteen new tools to support head and neck cancer, glioblastoma, and prostate cancer QI research were introduced and downloaded over 100,000 times. DICOM was amended, with over 40 correction proposals addressing QI needs. Reference implementations of the standard in a popular toolkit and standalone tools were introduced. Eight datasets exemplifying the application of the standard and tools were contributed. An open demonstration/connectathon was organized, attracting the participation of academic groups and commercial vendors. Integration of tools with TCIA was improved by implementing programmatic communication interface and by refining best practices for QI analysis results curation. CONCLUSION Tools, capabilities of the DICOM standard, and datasets we introduced found adoption and utility within the cancer imaging community. A collaborative approach is critical to addressing challenges in imaging informatics at the national and international levels. Numerous challenges remain in establishing and maintaining the infrastructure of analysis tools and standardized datasets for the imaging community. Ideas and technology developed by the QIICR project are contributing to the NCI Imaging Data Commons currently being developed.
Mechano-responsiveness of fibrillar adhesions on stiffness-gradient gels
Authors: Barber-Pérez Nuria , Georgiadou Maria , Guzmán Camilo , Isomursu Aleksi , Hamidi Hellyeh , Ivaska Johanna 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Fibrillar adhesions are important structural and adhesive components in fibroblasts, and are required for fibronectin fibrillogenesis. While nascent and focal adhesions are known to respond to mechanical cues, the mechanoresponsive nature of fibrillar adhesions remains unclear. Here, we used ratiometric analysis of paired adhesion components to determine an appropriate fibrillar adhesion marker. We found that active α5β1-integrin exhibits the most definitive fibrillar adhesion localization compared to other proteins, such as tensin-1, reported to be in fibrillar adhesions. To elucidate the mechanoresponsiveness of fibrillar adhesions, we designed a cost-effective and reproducible technique to fabricate physiologically relevant stiffness gradients on thin polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels, embedded with fluorescently labelled beads. We generated a correlation curve between bead density and hydrogel stiffness, thus enabling a readout of stiffness without the need for specialized knowhow, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM). We find that stiffness promotes growth of fibrillar adhesions in a tensin-1-dependent manner. Thus, the formation of these extracellular matrix-depositing structures is coupled to the mechanical parameters of the cell environment and may enable cells to fine-tune their matrix environment in response to changing physical conditions.
Hydrogen Adsorption/Desorption Properties of Anhydrous Metal Oxalates; Metal = Mg2+ and Ca2+
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuru , Kita Takuji , Tanaka Kazuyoshi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Hydrogen adsorption/desorption properties of magnesium oxalate and calcium oxalate (M(ox); M = Mg2+ and Ca2+) were measured at selected temperatures between 77 K and 200 K. The hydrogen uptake amounts were 0.037 wt% for Mg(ox) and 0.147 wt% for Ca(ox) at 87 K, 0.15 MPa. Hydrogen adsorption enthalpy for Ca(ox) was estimated as −16 ∼ −13 kJ/mol-H2, which indicated the contribution of charge-transfer interaction between Ca2+ and H2 molecule. Limited hydrogen uptake for both Mg(ox) and Ca(ox) were attributed to the intermolecular interaction between M2+ and oxygen atoms of surrounding M(ox) molecules.
N-Acylcarbazole as a Selective Transamidation Reagent
Authors: Kang Bubwoong , Yasuno Yoko , Okamura Hironori , Sakai Asumi , Satoh Tetsuya , Kuse Masaki , Shinada Tetsuro 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
N-acylation reaction offers an opportunity to develop an efficient synthesis of amide group-containing molecules. We found that N-acyl carbazoles showed remarkable selectivity in transamidation. Sterically less hindered primary amines are selectively acylated with N-acyl carbazoles without any additives. Various functional groups such as alcohol, phenol, indole, and aniline moieties are tolerated under mild conditions. The synthetic utility was displayed in one-pot synthesis of an N-acyl polyamine natural product. The terminal amines of spermidine were selectively benzoylated with N-benzoyl carbazole, followed by acetylation reaction accomplished the total synthesis in a highly efficient manner.
Positron emission tomography PET/CT harmonisation study of different clinical PET/CT scanners using commercially available software
Authors: Lowe Gerry , Spottiswoode Bruce , Declerck Jerome , Sullivan Keith , Sharif Mhd Saeed , Wong Wai-Lup , Sanghera Bal 
Published: May 2020

Objectives: Harmonisation is the process whereby standardised uptake values from different scanners can be made comparable. This PET/CT pilot study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of harmonisation of a modern scanner with image reconstruction incorporating resolution recovery (RR) with another vendor older scanner operated in two-dimensional (2D) mode, and for both against a European standard (EARL). The vendor-proprietary software EQ•PET was used, which achieves harmonisation with a Gaussian smoothing. A substudy investigated effect of RR on harmonisation. Methods: Phantom studies on each scanner were performed to optimise the smoothing parameters required to achieve successful harmonisation. 80 patients were retrospectively selected; half were imaged on each scanner. As proof of principle, a cohort of 10 patients was selected from the modern scanner subjects to study the effects of RR on harmonisation. Results: Before harmonisation, the modern scanner without RR adhered to EARL specification. Using the phantom data, filters were derived for optimal harmonisation between scanners and with and without RR as applicable, to the EARL standard. The 80-patient cohort did not reveal any statistically significant differences. In the 10-patient cohort SUVmax for RR > no RR irrespective of harmonisation but differences lacked statistical significance (one-way ANOVA F(3.36) = 0.37, p = 0.78). Bland-Altman analysis showed that harmonisation reduced the SUVmax ratio between RR and no RR to 1.07 (95% CI 0.96–1.18) with no outliers. Conclusions: EQ•PET successfully enabled harmonisation between modern and older scanners and against the EARL standard. Harmonisation reduces SUVmax and dependence on the use of RR in the modern scanner. Advances in knowledge: EQ•PET is feasible to harmonise different PET/CT scanners and reduces the effect of RR on SUVmax.
Analyst Information Acquisition via EDGAR
Authors: Gibbons Brian , Iliev Peter , Kalodimos Jonathan 
Published: May 2020

We identify analysts’ information acquisition patterns by linking EDGAR (Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval) server activity to analysts’ brokerage houses. Analysts rely on EDGAR in 24% of their estimate updates with an average of eight filings viewed. We document that analysts’ attention to public information is driven by the demand for information and the analysts’ incentives and career concerns. We find that information acquisition via EDGAR is associated with a significant reduction in analysts’ forecasting error relative to their peers. This relationship is likewise present when we focus on the intensity of analyst research. Attention to public information further enables analysts to provide forecasts for more time periods and more financial metrics. Informed recommendation updates are associated with substantial and persistent abnormal returns, even when the analyst accesses historical filings. Analysts’ use of EDGAR is associated with longer and more informative analysis within recommendation reports. This paper was accepted by Shiva Rajgopal, accounting.
Modelling and Simulation for Small Signal Stability of Multi-machine Power System under Various Disturbance Conditions
Authors: Swe Ohnmar 
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the small signal stability of multi-machine power system over the 58-Bus, 26-Machine, Yangon Distribution Network and is validated with MATLAB software under various disturbance conditions. Time-domain solution analysis is employed to determine the small signal dynamic behavior of test system. Transtability model is used to perform time-domain simulation in SIMULINK. The simulation is carried out for normal condition, reference voltage of regulator (Vref) disturbance, mechanical torque (Tm)disturbance and network (fault) disturbance and the conditions of change in center of inertia for rotor angle (delta COI), slip for center of inertia (slip COI), field current and mechanical torque are observed. According to the simulation results, perturbation of Vref shows only instability on the system. But ramping of Tm and network disturbance can cause large disturbance on the system and unstable conditions can be observed.
Apathy and depression during the recovery stage after stroke
Authors: Kawasaki Megumi , Hoshiyama Minoru 
Published: May 2020

Background/Aims Both apathy and depression occur during the recovery period following stroke; however, the relationship between post-stroke apathy and depression is still unclear. The present study investigated the clinical course of apathy and its association with depression, cognitive function and daily function during the recovery period after stroke. Methods A total of 42 patients (29 male and 13 female, aged 69.1 ± 12.4 years) who had experienced stroke participated in this study. Each participant was assessed using the Apathy Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Assessment of Attention and Trail-Making-Test parts A and B. Quality of life was evaluated using the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. Physical function and functional status were assessed using the Brunnstrom Stages of Stroke Recovery and Functional Independence Measure respectively. Results The incidence of apathy did not change from the time of admission to discharge. Apathy Scale score did not correlate with Self-rating Depression Scale score at admission, but it did correlate at the time of discharge. Patients with apathy after stroke suffered from greater cognitive disturbance and attention and executive dysfunctions than those without apathy. Total Functional Independence Measure score did not correlate with Apathy Scale or Self-rating Depression Scale score, but there was an association between Self-rating Depression Scale score and the Functional Independence Measure motor and Brunnstrom scores at discharge. Conclusions Apathy and depression had different relationships with cognitive and physical function during the recovery stage after stroke. The prevalence of apathy and depression changed, with the interrelationship between apathy and depression altering during the recovery period. Symptoms of apathy and depression should be distinguished from each other and appropriately evaluated to provide effective intervention to support physical and mental recovery after stroke.
Silicon nitride waveguide devices based on gradient-index lenses implemented by subwavelength silicon grating metamaterials
Authors: Badri S. Hadi , Gilarlue M. M. 
Published: May 2020

The rapid development of photonic integrated circuits demands the design of efficient and compact waveguide devices such as waveguide tapers and crossings. Some components in the silicon nitride (SiN) waveguide platform are superior to their counterparts in the silicon waveguide platform. Designing a compact SiN waveguide taper and crossing is crucial to reduce the size of SiN photonic components. In this paper, we utilize the focusing property of the Luneburg lens to design an SiN taper connecting a 10-µm-wide waveguide to a 1-µm-wide waveguide. Three-dimensional full-wave simulations indicate that the designed 13-µm-long taper has an average transmission efficiency of 92% in the wavelength range of 1500–1600 nm. We also present an in-plane SiN waveguide crossing based on the imaging property of the square Maxwell’s fisheye lens designed with quasi-conformal transformation optics. The designed waveguide crossing occupies a compact footprint of

5.65

µ

m

×

5.65

µ

m

, while its average insertion loss is 0.46 dB in the bandwidth of 1500–1600 nm. To the best our knowledge, the designed SiN waveguide taper and crossing have the smallest footprints to date.
Pequeños eventos deportivos y su impacto en el turismo local: el caso de la prueba cicloturista La Quebrantahuesos
Authors: Mur Sangrá Melania , Abella Garcés Silvia , Barlés Arizón María José 
Published: May 2020

La proliferación de eventos deportivos ha despertado el interés por conocer su uso como herramienta de atracción turística en aquellas localidades que los albergan. Frente a la innegable repercusión de los grandes acontecimientos deportivos, surge la necesidad de evaluar si en el caso de eventos en zonas o localidades pequeñas, se producen efectos positivos desde un punto de vista turístico. En el presente trabajo se analiza el caso particular de la prueba cicloturista la Quebrantahuesos en la localidad de Sabiñánigo, situada al norte de la provincia de Huesca. A partir de una encuesta a los participantes en la edición de 2016, hemos podido conocer su valoración respecto a la experiencia vivida, los servicios y actividades que se ofrecen antes, durante y después de la prueba, así como la capacidad de atracción al destino y una aproximación al gasto medio realizado durante la estancia. A partir de los resultados de este estudio, se puede afirmar que La Quebrantahuesos es un producto consolidado y excelentemente bien valorado, con un impacto positivo sobre la promoción turística de un municipio de pequeño tamaño.