bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Durability of the Mitroflow Pericardial Prosthesis: Influence of Patient–Prosthesis Mismatch and New Anticalcification Treatment
Authors: Blasi Stefania , Ravenni Giacomo , Celiento Michele , De Martino Andrea , Milano Aldo D. , Bortolotti Uberto 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Background The Mitroflow pericardial bioprosthesis (MPB) has been recently associated with a high incidence of early structural failures, questioning its validity as cardiac valve substitute. We have therefore reviewed our experience with this device.
Materials and Methods A total of 398 patients with a mean age of 75 ± 7 years (58% above the age of 75 years) had aortic valve replacement with a Mitroflow prosthesis (2005–2015). Most patients had calcific aortic stenosis (86%) and were in sinus rhythm (89%). Mean EuroSCORE II was 5.5 ± 6.2. Mean follow-up was 4 ± 2 years (range: 4 months to 10 years), which was 100% complete.
Results Hospital mortality was 6.5%; at discharge, 25% of patients had a moderate patient–prosthesis mismatch and none had a severe mismatch. Cumulative incidence of structural valve deterioration in the entire series was 2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1–4) at 5 years and 7% (95% CI: 4–14) at 8 years. Significant factors influencing MPB durability were age ≤ 65 years (p < 0.001) and the presence of patient–prosthesis mismatch (p = 0.01). No cases of structural valve deterioration were observed in patients with the new prosthetic model incorporating an anticalcification treatment the first 4 years of follow-up.
Conclusions The Mitroflow prosthesis has shown satisfactory results in the first decade of use. Durability appears adversely influenced by patient age and patient–prosthesis mismatch. Thus, a careful valve size selection and implantation in patients >65 years of age appears to be associated with excellent valve durability in the aortic position. Whether the new anticalcification treatment will provide a more durable prosthesis must be verified at a longer follow-up.
Normal Point of Care Glucose Values after Birth in the Well-Baby Nursery
Authors: Levy-Khademi Floris , Perry Assaf , Klinger Gil , Herscovici Tina , Kasirer Yair , Bromiker Ruben 
Published: July 2018

Objective Normal initial blood glucose values in healthy newborns are not well defined and are subject to controversy. Despite substantive research, there is no single initial value of glucose that can be used with certainty of safety in newborns, and thus various protocols and cutoffs have been proposed.
Study Design We sought to characterize the normal values of blood glucose levels in a large cohort of neonates admitted to the well-baby nursery in Shaare Zedek Medical Center. The blood glucose levels were measured with a point of care (POC) glucometer (Accu-Chek Performa) within 180 minutes after birth.
Results The study population included 3,912 newborns with a mean birth weight of 3,322 ± 439 g and a mean gestational age of 39.4 ± 1.3 weeks. Sampling was performed at a median age of 73 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 55–92 minutes). Median glucose concentration was 58 (IQR, 51–67) mg/dL, and first, third, and fifth percentiles were 34, 39, and 41 mg/dL, respectively.
Conclusion Our data describe the normal range of POC blood glucose levels in healthy neonates on admission to the nursery. Extreme low levels were rare.
FGFR1-mediated protocadherin-15 loading mediates cargo specificity during intraflagellar transport in inner ear hair-cell kinocilia
Authors: Honda Akira , Kita Tomoko , Seshadri Shri Vidhya , Misaki Kazuyo , Ahmed Zamal , Ladbury John E. , Richardson Guy P. , Yonemura Shigenobu , Ladher Raj K. 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Hair cells, the inner ear mechanosensory receptors, are responsible for hearing and balance. This occurs through a specialized apical organelle known as the hair bundle, which is made up of actin-based projections called stereocilia and a microtubule-based kinocilium. These are connected to each other by filaments of proteins composed of cadherin-23 and protocadherin-15 (Pcdh15). Removal of Pcdh15 from the hair cell results in a malformed hair bundle and impacts function. We asked how Pcdh15 is transported into the kinocilium and uncovered a mechanism involving phosphorylation by the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1. Our data suggest a mechanism of hair-cell specialization in which novel interactions enable molecules to enter novel subcellular locations that generate new morphologies and functions.
Osterixfunctions downstream of anti-Müllerian hormone signaling to regulate Müllerian duct regression
Authors: Mullen Rachel D. , Wang Ying , Liu Bin , Moore Emma L. , Behringer Richard R. 
Published: July 2018

SignificanceIn mammals, each embryo forms both male and female reproductive tract progenitor tissues. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted by fetal testes acts on mesenchyme cells adjacent to Müllerian duct (MD) epithelium, the progenitor tissue of female reproductive tract, to induce MD epithelial regression. While AMH and early AMH signaling components are elucidated, downstream gene networks directing this process are largely unknown. A global nonbiased approach using whole-transcriptome sequencing of fetal MD mesenchymal cells identified 82 factors as potential target genes of AMH includingOsterix(Osx). Our findings provide in vivo evidence thatOsxis an AMH-induced gene that regulates MD regression. Identification ofOsxmay provide key insights into gene-regulatory networks underlying MD regression, male sex differentiation, and mesenchyme–epithelial interactions.
Quantitative measurements of protein−surface interaction thermodynamics
Authors: Kurnik Martin , Ortega Gabriel , Dauphin-Ducharme Philippe , Li Hui , Caceres Amanda , Plaxco Kevin W. 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Protein−surface interactions play important roles across biology, medicine, and biotechnologies. Specifically, while proteins are often found associated with biological surfaces in the cell (e.g., biomembranes), where they retain their structure and augment surface function, proteins tend to unfold on and irreversibly adhere to artificial surfaces, limiting our ability to leverage their functionality in technologies such as biosensors, tissue engineering scaffolds, and drug delivery vehicles. In response, we describe here an experimental approach by which we can measure the thermodynamic consequences of protein−surface interactions, suitable for answering long-standing questions regarding the physicochemical origins of these interactions. The resulting understanding should facilitate rational optimization of the biocompatibility of artificial surfaces used in a wide range of biomolecule-based technologies.
Climate mediates the biodiversity–ecosystem stability relationship globally
Authors: García-Palacios Pablo , Gross Nicolas , Gaitán Juan , Maestre Fernando T. 
Published: July 2018

SignificanceSecuring the stable delivery of ecosystem services related to plant biomass (e.g., food, carbon sequestration, and soil fertility) is a pressing issue under ongoing climate change. Biodiversity increases ecosystem stability, but climate change may alter this positive relationship. We coupled a field survey of plant diversity conducted in drylands worldwide with remote sensing estimates of primary productivity to show a strong climate dependency of the biodiversity–ecosystem stability relationship. Our findings suggest that land management should be adapted to the aridity conditions if we aim to secure stable plant production. For instance, promoting higher species richness may represent a simple yet effective strategy to stabilize plant biomass over time in the face of the increasing aridity forecasted for drylands worldwide.
Histone methyltransferase Smyd1 regulates mitochondrial energetics in the heart
Authors: Warren Junco S. , Tracy Christopher M. , Miller Mickey R. , Makaju Aman , Szulik Marta W. , Oka Shin-ichi , Yuzyuk Tatiana N. , Cox James E. , Kumar Anil , Lozier Bucky K. , Wang Li , Llana June García , Sabry Amira D. , Cawley Keiko M. , Barton Dane W. , Han Yong Hwan , Boudina Sihem , Fiehn Oliver , Tucker Haley O. , Zaitsev Alexey V. , Franklin Sarah 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Smyd1 is a muscle-specific histone methyltransferase, and its role in the regulation of growth and differentiation in skeletal and cardiac muscle is well established. However, despite the persistent expression of Smyd1 in postnatal cardiomyocytes, the role of Smyd1 in the adult heart is largely unknown. We show that Smyd1 regulates energy metabolism in the heart. Cardiac-specific ablation of Smyd1 in the mouse adult heart resulted in global downregulation of mitochondrial proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, concurrent with reduced mitochondrial respiration capacity. We further demonstrate that the regulation of Smyd1 in metabolism is through transcriptional control of PGC-1α, a key regulator of mitochondrial energetics. Thus, our data reveal a role for Smyd1 as a master regulator of cardiac energetics.
Polyprotein strategy for stoichiometric assembly of nitrogen fixation components for synthetic biology
Authors: Yang Jianguo , Xie Xiaqing , Xiang Nan , Tian Zhe-Xian , Dixon Ray , Wang Yi-Ping 
Published: July 2018

Significance
The requirement of maintaining balanced expression of a large number of gene products represents a major challenge to the engineering of nitrogen fixation in cereal crops, necessitating reiterative combinatorial assembly cycles to optimize monocistronic gene expression. In this study, we have explored a “fuse-and-cleave” virus-derived polyprotein strategy to reduce gene numbers and achieve balanced expression of protein components required for nitrogenase biosynthesis and activity. After testing and regrouping assemblies on the basis of expression profiles, cleavage patterns, and activity, 14 essential genes were selectively assembled into 5 giant genes that enable growth on dinitrogen. This strategy has potential advantages, not only for transferring nitrogen fixation to plants, but also for the engineering of other complex systems of profound agronomic and ecological importance.
Inhibition of tumor–microenvironment interaction and tumor invasion by small-molecule allosteric inhibitor of DDR2 extracellular domain
Authors: Grither Whitney R. , Longmore Gregory D. 
Published: July 2018

SignificanceTo effectively prevent cancer spread from primary tumor sites, new treatments need to target tumor cells, the cells and extracellular matrix within the tumor environment, and communicating pathways between these sites simultaneously. The collagen receptor discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) has been implicated as such a target. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a small molecule inhibitor of DDR2 that uniquely acts in an allosteric manner via the extracellular domain to selectively inhibit the action of DDR2 in tumor cells and tumor stromal cancer-associated fibroblasts. In experimental mouse models of breast cancer, WRG-28 inhibits DDR2 signaling and tumor cell invasion.
Prevalence of tornado-scale vortices in the tropical cyclone eyewall
Authors: Wu Liguang , Liu Qingyuan , Li Yubin 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Tornado-scale vortices in the intense tropical cyclone eyewall have been speculated upon for more than two decades, but their small horizontal scale, their fast movement, and the associated severe turbulence make them very difficult to observe directly, except for the case of Hurricane Hugo (1989) in the Atlantic basin. Using the Advanced Weather Research and Forecast large eddy simulation framework with the unprecedented horizontal grid size of 37 m, the numerical experiment in this study confirms the existence of simulated tornado-scale vortices similar to the Hugo case in the turbulent eyewall boundary layer and further suggests that tornado-scale vortices are prevalent at the inner edge of the intense eyewall convection.
Identification of a biologically active fragment of ALK and LTK-Ligand 2 (augmentor-α)
Authors: Reshetnyak Andrey V. , Mohanty Jyotidarsini , Tomé Francisco , Puleo David E. , Plotnikov Alexander N. , Ahmed Mansoor , Kaur Navjot , Poliakov Anton , Cinnaiyan Arul M. , Lax Irit , Schlessinger Joseph 
Published: July 2018

Significance
The limited availability of the two ligands of the receptor tyrosine kinases ALK and LTK precluded the elucidation of their physiological roles and mechanism of action. In this report we describe two new approaches to produce full-length ALKAL2/AUG-α and an active variant lacking the N-terminal variable region. Detailed characterization of the primary structure and disulfide bridges using mass spectrometry demonstrates that the N-terminal variable region plays an important role in AUG-α dimerization and provides insight into the structural organization of a previously unknown augmentor fold. A variety of cellular experiments show that both AUG-α and its deletion mutant induce similar activation of ALK and LTK and stimulation neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma NB1 and rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells.
Juvenile hormone-regulated alternative splicing of thetaimangene primes the ecdysteroid response in adult mosquitoes
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Fu Xiaonan , Zhu Jinsong 
Published: July 2018

SignificanceMany physiological events in insects are controlled by both juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). The presence of JH sometimes alters the nature of the 20E action, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. InAedes aegyptimosquitoes, four protein isoforms are generated by thetaimangene, which plays an indispensable role in the action of both JH and 20E. Our study indicates that different hormone responses demand distinct Taiman isoforms. Moreover, JH controls the formation of the Taiman isoforms that are specifically required for 20E-regulated gene expression after blood feeding. Therefore, this study discovers a previously unknown mode of JH action and provides insight into how JH influences cellular responses to 20E in insects.
Aortic Root Dilatation Is Associated With Incident Cardiovascular Events in a Population of Treated Hypertensive Patients: The Campania Salute Network
Authors: Canciello Grazia , Mancusi Costantino , Losi Maria Angela , Izzo Raffaele , Trimarco Bruno , de Simone Giovanni , De Luca Nicola 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Aortic root (AR) dimension (ARD) at the Valsalva sinuses has been associated with incident cardiovascular (CV) events in population-based studies, but this effect could be due to the association with increased left ventricular (LV) mass. There is also uncertainty on how to define clear-cut AR dilatation. Thus, we analyzed the Campania Salute Network (CSN) registry to (i) establish criteria for evaluation of ARD, (ii) propose cut-points for AR dilatation, and (iii) determine whether AR dilatation has prognostic value independent of LV hypertrophy (LVH).

METHODS
We analyzed hypertensive patients with available follow-up, in sinus rhythm and free of prevalent valvular and CV disease (n = 8,573). AR exceeding the 75th percentile of the AR z-score (Ao-Z) obtained by comparison with the value predicted by age, sex, and height (i.e., Ao-Z &gt; 0.80) was considered dilated.

RESULTS
Patients with baseline-dilated ARD by Ao-Z were more likely to be younger, men, and obese and had higher baseline blood pressure (BP; all &lt;0.02) but similar kidney function as those without ARD dilatation. In multivariable Cox regression model, dilated ARD predicted 36% increased rate of CV events, independently of older age, male sex, systolic BP, LVH, and class of antihypertensive medications used during follow-up (95% confidence interval: 1.07–1.71, P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS
In the context of a population of treated hypertensive patients, ARD defined by z-score of predicted values is an independent predictor of CV events regardless of LVH and other common confounders.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION
Trial Number NCT02211365.
Gatifloxacin Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics–based Optimal Dosing for Pulmonary and Meningeal Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Deshpande Devyani , Pasipanodya Jotam G , Srivastava Shashikant , Bendet Paula , Koeuth Thearith , Bhavnani Sujata M , Ambrose Paul G , Smythe Wynand , McIlleron Helen , Thwaites Guy , Gumusboga Mourad , Van Deun Armand , Gumbo Tawanda 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background
Gatifloxacin is used for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The optimal dose is unknown.

Methods
We performed a 28-day gatifloxacin hollow-fiber system model of tuberculosis (HFS-TB) study in order to identify the target exposures associated with optimal kill rates and resistance suppression. Monte Carlo experiments (MCE) were used to identify the dose that would achieve the target exposure in 10000 adult patients with meningeal or pulmonary MDR-TB. The optimal doses identified were validated using probit analyses of clinical data from 2 prospective clinical trials of patients with pulmonary and meningeal tuberculosis. Classification and regression-tree (CART) analyses were used to identify the gatifloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) below which patients failed or relapsed on combination therapy.

Results
The target exposure associated with optimal microbial kill rates and resistance suppression in the HFS-TB was a 0–24 hour area under the concentration-time curve-to-MIC of 184. MCE identified an optimal gatifloxacin dose of 800 mg/day for pulmonary and 1200 mg/day for meningeal MDR-TB, and a clinical susceptibility breakpoint of MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/L. In clinical trials, CART identified that 79% patients failed therapy if MIC was &gt;2 mg/L, but 98% were cured if MIC was ≤0.5 mg/L. Probit analysis of clinical data demonstrated a &gt;90% probability of a cure in patients if treated with 800 mg/day for pulmonary tuberculosis and 1200 mg/day for meningeal tuberculosis. Doses ≤400 mg/day were suboptimal.

Conclusions
Gatifloxacin doses of 800 mg/day and 1200 mg/day are recommended for pulmonary and meningeal MDR-TB treatment, respectively. Gatifloxacin has a susceptible dose-dependent zone at MICs 0.5–2 mg/L.
How Can Autonomy Be Maintained and Informal Care Improved for People With Dementia Living in Residential Care Facilities: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Boumans Jogé , van Boekel Leonieke C , Baan Caroline A , Luijkx Katrien G 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background and Objectives
For people with dementia living in residential care facilities, maintaining autonomy and receiving informal care are important. The objective of this review is to understand how caregiving approaches and physical environment, including technologies contribute to the maintenance of autonomy and informal care provision for this population.

Research Design and Methods
A literature review of peer-reviewed articles published between January 1995 and July 2017 was performed. Realist logic of analysis was used, involving context, mechanism and outcome configurations.

Results
Forty-nine articles were included. The improvement of the relationship between residents and formal/informal caregivers is important. This increases the knowledge (sharing) about the resident and contributes to their autonomy. A social, flexible, and welcoming attitude of the formal caregiver improves the provision of informal care. Specially designed spaces, for instance, therapeutic gardens, create activities for residents that remind them of themselves and contribute to their autonomy. Use of technologies reduces caregiver’s time for primary tasks and therefore enables secondary tasks such as interaction with the residents.

Discussion and Implications
The results revealed how residential care facilities could maintain autonomy of their residents and improve informal care delivery using caregiving approaches and the physical environment including technologies. The results are supporting toward each other in maintaining autonomy and also helped in enhancing informal care provision. For residential care facilities that want to maintain the autonomy of their residents and improve informal care delivery, it is important to pay attention to all aspects of living in a residential care facility.
Nighres: processing tools for high-resolution neuroimaging
Authors: Huntenburg Julia M , Steele Christopher J , Bazin Pierre-Louis 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
With recent improvements in human magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at ultra-high fields, the amount of data collected per subject in a given MRI experiment has increased considerably. Standard image processing packages are often challenged by the size of these data. Dedicated methods are needed to leverage their extraordinary spatial resolution. Here, we introduce a flexible Python toolbox that implements a set of advanced techniques for high-resolution neuroimaging. With these tools, segmentation and laminar analysis of cortical MRI data can be performed at resolutions up to 500 μm in reasonable times. Comprehensive online documentation makes the toolbox easy to use and install. An extensive developer's guide encourages contributions from other researchers that will help to accelerate progress in the promising field of high-resolution neuroimaging.
The AGN luminosity fraction in merging galaxies
Authors: Dietrich Jamie , Weiner Aaron S , Ashby Matthew L N , Hayward Christopher C , Martínez-Galarza Juan Rafael , Ramos Padilla Andrés F , Rosenthal Lee , Smith Howard A , Willner S P , Zezas Andreas 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACT
Galaxy mergers are key events in galaxy evolution, often causing massive starbursts and fueling active galactic nuclei (AGNs). In these highly dynamic systems, it is not yet precisely known how much starbursts and AGNs, respectively, contribute to the total luminosity, at what interaction stages they occur, and how long they persist. Here we estimate the fraction of the bolometric infrared (IR) luminosity that can be attributed to AGNs by measuring and modeling the full ultraviolet to far-IR spectral energy distributions (SEDs) in up to 33 broad bands for 24 merging galaxies with the Code for Investigating Galaxy Emission. In addition to a sample of 12 confirmed AGNs in late-stage mergers, found in the Infrared Astronomical Satellite Revised Faint Source Catalog, our sample includes a comparison sample of 12 galaxy mergers from the Spitzer Interacting Galaxies Survey, mostly early stage. We also perform SED modeling of merger simulations to validate our methods, and we supplement the SEDs with mid-IR spectra of diagnostic lines obtained with Spitzer’s InfraRed Spectrograph. The estimated AGN contributions to the IR luminosities vary from system to system from 0 per cent up to ∼91 per cent but are significantly greater in the later-stage, more luminous mergers, consistent with what is known about galaxy evolution and AGN triggering.