bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical vacuum filter-derived stromal cells are superior in proliferation to human bone marrow aspirate
Authors: Henze Katharina , Herten Monika , Haversath Marcel , Busch André , Brandau Sven , Hackel Alexander , Flohé Stefanie B. , Jäger Marcus 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuring joint replacement, surgical vacuum suction guarantees a sufficient overview on the situs. We assume high concentrations of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) on surgical vacuum filters.We compared the in vitro proliferative and differentiation potency of cells from the following: (i) bone marrow (BM), (ii) cancellous bone (CB), (iii) vacuum filter (VF), and (iv) cell saver filtrate reservoir (SF) in 32 patients undergoing elective total hip replacement.MethodsMononuclear cells (MNC) were isolated, and cell proliferation and colony-forming units (CFU) were measured. Adherent cells were characterized by flow cytometry for MSC surface markers. Cells were incubated with osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic stimuli. Cells were cytochemically stained and osteoblastic expression (RUNX-2, ALP, and BMP-2) investigated via qPCR.ResultsDependent on the source, initial MNC amount as well as CFU number was significantly different whereas generation time did not vary significantly. CFU numbers from VF were superior to those from SR, BM, and CB. The resulting amount of MSC from the respective source was highest in the vacuum filter followed by reservoir, aspirate, and cancellous bone. Cells from all groups could be differentiated into the three mesenchymal lines demonstrating their stemness nature. However, gene expression of osteoblastic markers did not differ significantly between the groups.ConclusionWe conclude that surgical vacuum filters are able to concentrate tissue with relevant amounts of MSCs. A new potent source of autologous regeneration material with clinical significance is identified. Further clinical studies have to elucidate the regenerative potential of this material in an autologous setting.
A magic kick for regeneration: role of mesenchymal stromal cell secretome in spermatogonial stem cell niche recovery
Authors: Sagaradze Georgy , Basalova Nataliya , Kirpatovsky Vladimir , Ohobotov Dmitry , Nimiritsky Peter , Grigorieva Olga , Popov Vladimir , Kamalov Armais , Tkachuk Vsevolod , Efimenko Anastasia 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Injury of stem cell niches may disturb tissue homeostasis and regeneration coordinated by specific niche components. Yet, the mechanisms of stem cell niche restoration remain poorly understood. Herein, we examined the role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as pivotal regulators of stem cell niche recovery focusing on the effects of their secretome.

Methods
The spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche was selected as a model. SSC niches were injured by inducing abdominal cryptorchidism in rats. Briefly, testes of anesthetized rats were elevated into the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal for 14 days. After descent of testes, MSC or MSC secretome treatment was applied to the animals by local subtunical injections.

Results
Local administration of MSC or MSC secretome was sufficient to recover spermatogenesis and production of functional germ cells. The effects of MSC and their secreted components were comparable, leading to restoration of Sertoli cell pools and recovery of Leydig cell secretory functions.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that MSCs mimic the functions of lost supportive cells within the stem cell niche, transiently providing paracrine stimuli for target cells and triggering tissue regenerative processes after damage.
A comprehensive analysis of the history of DFT based on the bibliometric method RPYS
Authors: Haunschild Robin , Barth Andreas , French Bernie 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis bibliometric study aims at providing a comprehensive analysis of the history of density functional theory (DFT) from a perspective of chemistry by using reference publication year spectroscopy (RPYS). 114,138 publications with their 4,412,152 non-distinct cited references are analyzed. The RPYS analysis revealed three different groups of seminal papers which researchers in DFT have drawn from: (i) some long-known experimental studies from the 19th century about physical and chemical phenomena were referenced rather frequently in contemporary DFT publications. (ii) Fundamental quantum-chemical papers from the time period 1900–1950 which predate DFT form another group of seminal papers. (iii) Finally, various very frequently employed DFT approximations, basis sets, and other techniques (e.g., implicit descriptions of solvents) constitute another group of seminal papers. The earliest cited reference we found was published in 1806. The references to papers published in the 19th century mainly served the purpose of referring to long-known physical and chemical phenomena which were used to test if DFT approximations deliver correct results (e.g., Van der Waals interactions). The foundational papers of DFT by Hohenberg and Kohn as well as Kohn and Sham do not seem to be affected by obliteration by incorporation as they appear as pronounced peaks in our RPYS analysis. Since the 1990s, only very few pronounced peaks occur as most years were referenced nearly equally often. Exceptions are 1993 and 1996 due to seminal papers by Axel Becke, John P. Perdew and co-workers, and Georg Kresse and co-workers.
CRISPRa-mediated FOXP3 gene upregulation in mammalian cells
Authors: Forstnerič Vida , Oven Irena , Ogorevc Jernej , Lainšček Duško , Praznik Arne , Lebar Tina , Jerala Roman , Horvat Simon 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Forkhead box P3+ (FOXP3+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of lymphocytes, critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Loss-of-function mutations of the FOXP3 gene in animal models and humans results in loss of differentiation potential into Treg cells and are responsible for several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Strategies of increasing FOXP3 expression represent a potential approach to increase the pool of Tregs within the lymphocyte population and may be employed in therapies of diverse autoimmune conditions. In the present study, a dCas9 CRISPR-based method was systematically employed to achieve upregulation and sustained high expression of endogenous FOXP3 in HEK293 and human Jurkat T cell lines through targeting of the core promotor, three known regulatory regions of the FOXP3 gene (CNS1–3), and two additional regions selected through extensive bioinformatics analysis (Cage1 and Cage2).

Results
Using an activator-domain fusion based dCas9 transcription activator, robust upregulation of FOXP3 was achieved, and an optimal combination of single guide RNAs was selected, which exerted an additive effect on FOXP3 gene upregulation. Simultaneous targeting of FOXP3 and EOS, a transcription factor known to act in concert with FOXP3 in initiating a Treg phenotype, resulted in upregulation of FOXP3 downstream genes CD25 and TNFR2. When compared to ectopic expression of FOXP3 via plasmid electroporation, upregulation of endogenous FOXP3 via the Cas9-based method resulted in prolonged expression of FOXP3 in Jurkat cells.

Conclusions
Transfection of both HEK293 and Jurkat cells with dCas9-activators showed that regulatory regions downstream and upstream of FOXP3 promoter can be very potent transcription inducers in comparison to targeting the core promoter. While introduction of genes by conventional methods of gene therapy may involve a risk of insertional mutagenesis due to viral integration into the genome, transient up- or down-regulation of transcription by a CRISPR–dCas9 approach may resolve this safety concern. dCas9-based systems provide great promise in DNA footprint-free phenotype perturbations (perturbation without the risk of DNA damage) to drive development of transcription modulation-based therapies.
λ-Analogues of Stirling polynomials of the first kind and their applications
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Kim Han Young , Pyo Sung-Soo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecently, λ-analogues of Stirling numbers of the first kind were studied. In this paper, we introduce, as natural extensions of these numbers, λ-Stirling polynomials of the first kind and r-truncated λ-Stirling polynomials of the first kind. We give recurrence relations, explicit expressions, some identities, and connections with other special polynomials for those polynomials. Further, as applications, we show that both of them appear in an expression of the probability mass function of a suitable discrete random variable, constructed from λ-logarithmic and negative λ-binomial distributions.
Robust adaptive synchronization of complex network with bounded disturbances
Authors: Xu Chengjie , Su Housheng , Liu Chen , Zhang Guohua 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate distributed robust adaptive synchronization for complex networked systems with bounded disturbances. We propose both average synchronization protocol and leader-following synchronization protocol based on adaptive control and variable structure control strategies. The synchronization conditions do not require any global information except a connection assumption under the adaptive control method. Furthermore, the external disturbances are attenuated effectively. Finally, we present numerical simulations to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Impulsive boundary value problems containing Caputo fractional derivative of a function with respect to another function
Authors: Promsakon Chanon , Suntonsinsoungvon Eakachai , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Tariboon Jessada 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we study the existence and uniqueness for a new class of impulsive fractional boundary value problems with separated boundary conditions containing the Caputo fractional derivative of a function with respect to another function. The existence of solutions is established by using the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative, and the uniqueness result is proved via Banach’s contraction mapping principle. Some examples are also constructed to demonstrate the application of main results.
Unidirectional animal-to-human transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in pig farming; evidence from a surveillance study in southern Italy
Authors: Pirolo Mattia , Visaggio Daniela , Gioffrè Angela , Artuso Irene , Gherardi Monica , Pavia Grazia , Samele Pasquale , Ciambrone Lucia , Di Natale Rossella , Spatari Giovanna , Casalinuovo Francesco , Visca Paolo 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) belonging to clonal complex 398 is recognized as an occupational hazard for workers employed in intensive animal husbandry, especially in the swine-breeding chain. In this study, we compared the prevalence and epidemiological type of MRSA isolates from swine and farm workers in a large area of southern Italy.

Methods
Between January and March 2018, 88 workers from 32 farms where we had previously performed a survey for MRSA colonization of farmed pigs, were sampled by nasal swabbing. A follow-up investigation was conducted on seven workers 1 year after primary screening. MRSA isolates were characterized by MLST, spa and SCCmec typing, and tested for susceptibility to 15 antimicrobials. Epidemiological correlations between human and swine MRSA isolates were supported by Rep-MP3 and RAPD PCR fingerprinting, and whole-genome sequencing.

Results
The overall colonization rate of MRSA in swine farm workers was 21.6%, being significantly higher in intensive farms and in workers with direct animal contact. All human MRSA isolates were multi-drug resistant, belonged to the ST398 livestock clade, and did not carry Panton-Valentine leukocidin and enterotoxin genes. Notably, 94.1% of human MRSA isolates belonged to the same epidemiological type as swine MRSA isolates from the corresponding farm. Persistent MRSA carriage was documented in some workers 1 year after primary sampling.

Conclusions
We report a high prevalence of MRSA among swine farm workers, with higher colonization rates associated with intensive breeding and animal exposure. Our findings suggest unidirectional animal-to-human transmission of LA-MRSA and denote the high zoonotic transmissibility of the ST398 livestock clade.
Common polymorphic inversions at 17q21.31 and 8p23.1 associate with cancer prognosis
Authors: Ruiz-Arenas Carlos , Cáceres Alejandro , Moreno Victor , González Juan R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundChromosomal inversions are structural genetic variants where a chromosome segment changes its orientation. While sporadic de novo inversions are known genetic risk factors for cancer susceptibility, it is unknown if common polymorphic inversions are also associated with the prognosis of common tumors, as they have been linked to other complex diseases. We studied the association of two well-characterized human inversions at 17q21.31 and 8p23.1 with the prognosis of lung, liver, breast, colorectal, and stomach cancers.ResultsUsing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we observed that inv8p23.1 was associated with overall survival in breast cancer and that inv17q21.31 was associated with overall survival in stomach cancer. In the meta-analysis of two independent studies, inv17q21.31 heterozygosity was significantly associated with colorectal disease-free survival. We found that the association was mediated by the de-methylation of cg08283464 and cg03999934, also linked to lower disease-free survival.ConclusionsOur results suggest that chromosomal inversions are important genetic factors of tumor prognosis, likely affecting changes in methylation patterns.
Effect of nicotine 6 mg gum on urges to smoke, a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hansson Anna , Rasmussen Thomas , Perfekt Roland , Hall Elin , Kraiczi Holger 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Ability to manage urges to smoke is fundamental to maximizing the chances of success in smoking cessation. Previous studies have linked a higher dose of nicotine in nicotine replacement therapy to a higher success rate for smoking cessation. Thus, this study was performed to compare relief of urges to smoke, up until 5 h following treatment with a new 6 mg nicotine gum versus currently marketed 4 mg nicotine gum.

Methods
This was a randomized crossover clinical study. Following 12 h of abstinence from smoking, either one 6 mg or one 4 mg nicotine gum was given to 240 healthy adult smokers. Thereafter, urges to smoke were scored on a 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale repeatedly over 5 h.

Results
The reductions in urges to smoke over the first 1 and 3 h after administration were statistically significantly greater with 6 mg than 4 mg gum, (p < 0.005). A 50% reduction in perceived urges to smoke was reached in 9.4 min with 6 mg gum compared to 16.2 min with 4 mg gum (median values). The median duration of a 50% or more reduction in VAS urges to smoke score was 111 min with the 6 mg gum, versus 74 min for the 4 mg gum.

Conclusion
This study provides evidence that the 6 mg nicotine gum provided a greater reduction, faster and longer relief of urges to smoke than the 4 mg nicotine gum.

Trial registration
EudraCT Number: 2010–023268-42. Study was first entered in EudraCT 2011-02-23.
Blood brain barrier leakage is not a consistent feature of white matter lesions in CADASIL
Authors: Rajani Rikesh M. , Ratelade Julien , Domenga-Denier Valérie , Hase Yoshiki , Kalimo Hannu , Kalaria Raj N. , Joutel Anne 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a genetic paradigm of small vessel disease (SVD) caused by NOTCH3 mutations that stereotypically lead to the vascular accumulation of NOTCH3 around smooth muscle cells and pericytes. White matter (WM) lesions (WMLs) are the earliest and most frequent abnormalities, and can be associated with lacunar infarcts and enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS). The prevailing view is that blood brain barrier (BBB) leakage, possibly mediated by pericyte deficiency, plays a pivotal role in the formation of WMLs. Herein, we investigated the involvement of BBB leakage and pericyte loss in CADASIL WMLs. Using post-mortem brain tissue from 12 CADASIL patients and 10 age-matched controls, we found that WMLs are heterogeneous, and that BBB leakage reflects the heterogeneity. Specifically, while fibrinogen extravasation was significantly increased in WMLs surrounding ePVS and lacunes, levels of fibrinogen leakage were comparable in WMLs without other pathology (“pure” WMLs) to those seen in the normal appearing WM of patients and controls. In a mouse model of CADASIL, which develops WMLs but no lacunes or ePVS, we detected no extravasation of endogenous fibrinogen, nor of injected small or large tracers in WMLs. Moreover, there was no evidence of pericyte coverage modification in any type of WML in either CADASIL patients or mice. These data together indicate that WMLs in CADASIL encompass distinct classes of WM changes and argue against the prevailing hypothesis that pericyte coverage loss and BBB leakage are the primary drivers of WMLs. Our results also have important implications for the interpretation of studies on the BBB in living patients, which may misinterpret evidence of BBB leakage within WM hyperintensities as suggesting a BBB related mechanism for all WMLs, when in fact this may only apply to a subset of these lesions.
Discovery and material study of the missing feet part from Magritte’s L’évidence éternelle of 1954
Authors: Defeyt Catherine , Vandepitte Francisca , Herens Elodie , Strivay David 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
One of the two missing canvases from L’évidence éternelle of 1954, the one of the feet, has been discovered beneath a small woman portrait painted in 1958, La toile de Pénélope. Indeed, the underlying woman’s feet revealed through the IRR and XRR images leave little doubt about the identity of the hidden composition. All the more so as the canvas dimensions perfectly match with the format ascribed to the feet part in the diagram Magritte made of the 1954 variant of L’évidence éternelle. This paper presents the main results of the material study conducted on La toile de Pénélope by means of non-invasive and complementary imaging and analytical techniques. Furthermore, it proposes a virtual colorized reconstruction of the hidden picture, built on the basis of the XRR and IRR images, the elemental information provided by the MA-XRF analysis, the Raman results and the microscope examination of the painting surface.
Analyzing the influence of correlation length in permeability on convective systems in heterogeneous aquifers using entropy production
Authors: Niederau Jan , Wellmann J. Florian , Börsing Nele 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHydrothermal convection in porous geothermal reservoir systems can be seen as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, regions of upflow in convective systems can increase the geothermal energy potential of the reservoir; on the other hand, convection introduces uncertainty, because it can be difficult to locate these regions of upflow. Several predictive criteria, such as the Rayleigh number, exist to estimate whether convection might occur under certain conditions. As such, it is of interest which factors influence locations of upwelling regions and how these factors can be determined. We use the thermodynamic measure entropy production to describe the influence of spatially heterogeneous permeability on a hydrothermal convection pattern in a 2D model of a hot sedimentary aquifer system in the Perth Basin, Western Australia. To this end, we set up a Monte Carlo study with multiple ensembles. Each ensemble contains several hundred realizations of spatially heterogeneous permeability. The ensembles only differ in the horizontal spatial continuity (i.e., correlation length) of permeability. The entropy production of the simulated ensembles shows that the convection patterns in our models drastically change with the introduction and increase of a finite, lateral correlation length in permeability. An initial decrease of the average entropy production number with increasing lateral correlation length shows that fewer ensemble members show convection. When neglecting the purely conductive ensembles in our analysis, no significant change in the number of convection cells is seen for lateral correlation lengths larger than 2000 m. The result suggests that the strength of convective heat transfer is not sensitive to changes in lateral correlation length beyond a specific factor. It does, however, change strongly compared to simulations with a homogeneous permeability field. As such, while the uncertainty in spatial continuity of permeability may not strongly influence the convective heat transfer, our findings show that it is important to consider spatial heterogeneity and continuity of permeability when simulating convective heat transfer in an aquifer.
An uppermost haze layer above 100 km found over Venus by the SOIR instrument onboard Venus Express
Authors: Takagi Seiko , Mahieux Arnaud , Wilquet Valérie , Robert Séverine , Vandaele Ann Carine , Iwagami Naomoto 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe Solar Occultation in the InfraRed (SOIR) instrument onboard Venus Express was designed to measure the Venusian atmospheric transmission at high altitudes (65–220 km) in the infrared range (2.2–4.3 μm) with a high spectral resolution. In this work, we investigate the optical properties of Venus’s haze layer above 90 km using SOIR solar occultation observations. Vertical and latitudinal profiles of the extinction coefficient, optical thickness, and mixing ratio of aerosols are retrieved. One of the most remarkable results is that the aerosol mixing ratio tends to increase with altitude above 90 km at both high and low latitudes. We speculate how aerosols could be produced at such high altitudes.