bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of Sirt2 increases and prolongs a caerulein-induced pancreatitis permissive phenotype and induces spontaneous oncogenic Kras mutations in mice
Authors: Quan Songhua , Principe Daniel R. , Dean Angela E. , Park Seong-Hoon , Grippo Paul J. , Gius David , Horikoshi Nobuo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMice lacking Sirt2 spontaneously develop tumors in multiple organs, as well as when expressed in combination with oncogenic KrasG12D, leading to pancreatic tumors. Here, we report that after caerulein-induced pancreatitis, Sirt2-deficient mice exhibited an increased inflammatory phenotype and delayed pancreatic tissue recovery. Seven days post injury, the pancreas of Sirt2−/− mice display active inflammation, whereas wild-type mice had mostly recovered. In addition, the pancreas from the Sirt2−/− mice exhibited extensive tissue fibrosis, which was still present at six weeks after exposure. The mice lacking Sirt2 also demonstrated an enhanced whole body pro-inflammatory phenotype that was most obvious with increasing age. Importantly, an accumulation of a cell population with spontaneous cancerous KrasG12D mutations was observed in the Sirt2−/− mice that is enhanced in the recovering pancreas after exposure to caerulein. Finally, transcriptome analysis of the pancreas of the Sirt2−/− mice exhibited a pro-inflammatory genomic signature. These results suggest that loss of Sirt2, as well as increased age, enhanced the immune response to pancreatic injury and induced an inflammatory phenotype permissive for the accumulation of cells carrying oncogenic Kras mutations.
Piezoelectric Accelerator
Authors: Ivashchuk O. O. , Shchagin A. V. , Kubankin A. S. , Nikulin I. S. , Oleinik A. N. , Miroshnik V. S. , Volkov V. I. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHere we propose the conception of small-size piezoelectric accelerator of charged particles that operates due to the piezoelectric effect at varying mechanical force applied to piezoelectrics in vacuum. The accelerating voltage and the energy of accelerated particles are estimated. In the proof-of-principle experiment we demonstrate the effect of the emission of X-ray radiation at the mechanical compression of piezoelectric ceramics in vacuum. The compression leads to the appearance of charges and potentials on the surfaces of the piezoelectrics and also to the arising of the electric field in vacuum. Electrons are accelerated in the electric field, strike the matter and produce the X-ray radiation. In the experiment, we have observed emission of the characteristic and bremsstrahlung X-ray radiation of energy up to 60 keV due to the compression of piezoelectric ceramics in vacuum. This means that electrons are accelerated in the piezoelectric accelerator up to the energy at least of 60 keV. The agreement of calculated and experimental data confirms the conception. Advantages of the piezoelectric accelerator and possibilities of its development and applications are discussed.
Cellular signaling and gene expression profiles evoked by a bivalent macrocyclic peptide that serves as an artificial MET receptor agonist
Authors: Miao Wenyu , Sakai Katsuya , Ozawa Naoya , Nishiuchi Takumi , Suzuki Yoshinori , Ito Kenichiro , Morioka Tomomi , Umitsu Masataka , Takagi Junichi , Suga Hiroaki , Matsumoto Kunio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNon-native ligands for growth factor receptors that are generated by chemical synthesis are applicable to therapeutics. However, non-native ligands often regulate cellular signaling and biological responses in a different manner than native ligands. Generation of surrogate ligands comparable to native ligands is a challenging need. Here we investigated changes in signal transduction and gene expression evoked by a bivalent macrocyclic peptide (aMD5-PEG11) capable of high-affinity binding to the MET/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. Binding of aMD5-PEG11 to the MET extracellular region was abolished by deletion of the IPT3−IPT4 domain, indicating the involvement of IPT3−IPT4 in the binding of aMD5-PEG11 to the MET receptor. aMD5-PEG11 induced dimerization and activation of the MET receptor and promoted cell migration that was comparable to induction of these activities by HGF. Signal activation profiles indicated that aMD5-PEG11 induced phosphorylation of intracellular signaling molecules, with a similar intensity and time dependency as HGF. In 3-D culture, aMD5-PEG11 as well as HGF induced epithelial tubulogenesis and up-regulated the same sets of functionally classified genes involved in multicellular organism development. Thus, a non-native surrogate ligand that consisted of a bivalent macrocyclic peptide can serve as an artificial MET receptor agonist that functionally substitutes for the native ligand, HGF.
Brain structural connectivity and neuroticism in healthy adults
Authors: Ueda Issei , Kakeda Shingo , Watanabe Keita , Sugimoto Koichiro , Igata Natsuki , Moriya Junji , Takemoto Kazuhiro , Katsuki Asuka , Yoshimura Reiji , Abe Osamu , Korogi Yukunori 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the neural correlates of the neurotic brain is important because neuroticism is a risk factor for the development of psychopathology. We examined the correlation between brain structural networks and neuroticism based on NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) scores. Fifty-one healthy participants (female, n = 18; male, n = 33; mean age, 38.5 ± 11.7 years) underwent the NEO-FFI test and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging and 3D T1WI. Using MRI data, for each participant, we constructed whole-brain interregional connectivity matrices by deterministic tractography and calculated the graph theoretical network measures, including the characteristic path length, global clustering coefficient, small-worldness, and betweenness centrality (BET) in 83 brain regions from the Desikan-Killiany atlas with subcortical segmentation using FreeSurfer. In relation to the BET, neuroticism score had a negative correlation in the left isthmus cingulate cortex, left superior parietal, left superior temporal, right caudal middle frontal, and right entorhinal cortices, and a positive correlation in the bilateral frontal pole, left caudal anterior cingulate cortex, and left fusiform gyrus. No other measurements showed significant correlations. Our results imply that the brain regions related to neuroticism exist in various regions, and that the neuroticism trait is likely formed as a result of interactions among these regions. This work was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Comprehensive Brain Science Network) from the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Japan.
Drought-induced shift in tree response to climate in floodplain forests of Southeastern Europe
Authors: Mikac Stjepan , Žmegač Anja , Trlin Domagoj , Paulić Vinko , Oršanić Milan , Anić Igor 
Published: November 2018

AbstractFloodplain forests are the most rapidly disappearing ecosystem in the world, especially in temperate regions of Europe where anthropogenic influence has been pronounced throughout history. Research on primeval forests is crucial to further our understanding of their natural dynamics and interaction with climate but is limited by the lack of such preserved forests. The aim of this study was to investigate how a primeval floodplain forest in Southeastern Europe has responded to climate variability during the last 250 years through comparison of tree growth and climate, canopy disturbance and recruitment dynamic of two dominant tree species with different tolerances to flooding/drought. Our analysis revealed induced stress caused by several consecutive severe drought events in the 1940s, which led to a significant increase in sensitivity to increasing temperatures and decreasing river water levels. This trend is particularly pronounced in pedunculate oak. Age structure analysis revealed one larger episode of oak regeneration culminating after periods of intense growth release. Such period co-occurs with summer drought, which is part of a complex system of natural disturbances and a significant natural driver of the cyclical regeneration of primeval oak ecosystems.
A versatile method for the UVA-induced cross-linking of acetophenone- or benzophenone-functionalized DNA
Authors: Jakubovska Jevgenija , Tauraitė Daiva , Meškys Rolandas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBioconjugation, biosensing, bioimaging, bionanomaterials, etc., are only a few examples of application of functionalized DNA. Since base-modified nucleic acids contribute not only to a broad range of biotechnological fields but also to the understanding of various cellular processes, it is crucial to design novel modifications with unique properties. Here, we demonstrate the utilization of N4-cytidine modified oligonucleotides, which contain reactive acetophenone (AP) or benzophenone (BP) groups, for the UV-induced cross-linking. We find that terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 3′-tailing using AP/BP-containing modified nucleotides generates photoactive DNA, suitable for a straightforward covalent cross-linking with both interacting proteins and a variety of well-known solid polymeric supports. Moreover, we show that AP/BP-functionalization of nucleic acid molecules induces an efficient cross-linking upon exposure to UVA light. Our findings reveal that 3′-tailed single-stranded DNA bearing AP/BP-moieties is easily photoimmobilized onto untreated polystyrene, polypropylene, polylactate, polydimethylsiloxane, sol-gel and borosilicate glass substrates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that such immobilized DNA probes can be further used for successful hybridization of complementary DNA targets. Our results establish novel N4-cytosine nucleobase modifications as photoreactive labels and suggest an effortless approach for photoimmobilization of nucleic acids.
Water drainage from Kushiro Coal Mine decreased on the day of all M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes and increased thereafter
Authors: Fujii Yoshiaki , Ichihara Yoshihisa , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Kodama Jun-Ichi , Fukuda Daisuke , Dassanayake Anjula B. N. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe amount of water drainage from Kushiro Coal Mine in Hokkaido, Japan decreased on the day of all M ≥ 7.5 earthquakes with epicenters within 300 km of the mine during the monitoring period and increased after these earthquakes. This is a valuable finding which would give us a clue to understand pre- and post-seismic rockmass behaviors and contribute for progress in earthquake prediction in future.
Human Voice as a Measure of Mental Load Level
Authors: Boyer Stanislas , Paubel Pierre-Vincent , Ruiz Robert , El Yagoubi Radouane , Daurat Agnès 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine a reliable and efficient set of acoustic parameters of the human voice able to estimate individuals' mental load level. Implementing detection methods and real-time analysis of mental load is a major challenge for monitoring and enhancing human task performance, especially during high-risk activities (e.g., flying aircraft).MethodThe voices of 32 participants were recorded during a cognitive task featuring word list recall. The difficulty of the task was manipulated by varying the number of words in each list (i.e., between 1 and 7, corresponding to 7 mental load conditions). Evoked pupillary response, known to be a useful proxy of mental load, was recorded simultaneously with speech to attest variations in mental load level during the experimental task.ResultsClassic features (fundamental frequency, its standard deviation, number of periods) and original features (frequency modulation and short-term variation in digital amplitude length) of the acoustic signals were predictive of memory load condition. They varied significantly according to the number of words to recall, specifically beyond a threshold of 3–5 words to recall, that is, when memory performance started to decline.ConclusionsSome acoustic parameters of the human voice could be an appropriate and efficient means for detecting mental load levels.
Identification of power quality events: selection of optimum base wavelet and machine learning algorithm
Authors: Hafiz Faizal , Swain Akshya , Naik Chirag , Abecrombie Scott , Eaton Andrew 
Published: November 2018

This study comprehensively investigates power quality (PQ) identification problem and proposes the optimum combination of base wavelet and machine learning algorithm (MLA) which would yield the highest classification accuracy. Although this problem has been studied by various researchers in the recent past, the selection of appropriate base wavelet and MLA, which would give better classification accuracy, have received comparatively less attention. This study bridges this gap by investigating the classification performance of 110 wavelets and 7 well‐known MLAs across various noise levels using over 3500 PQ events generated as per IEEE Standard 1159. The results of this investigation demonstrate that the choice of base wavelet does significantly affect the classification performance. Further, it was observed that a single base wavelet does not provide optimum performance across all MLAs at various noise levels. In contrast, each MLA gives the maximum accuracy with a distinct base wavelet. The robustness of MLA against noise is studied which establishes that the simple MLAs, such as decision tree and Naive‐Bayes, are more robust against noise compared to the other intricate MLAs. Finally, several recommendations are drawn for the selection of base wavelet and MLA which yields the best possible accuracy.
A Complex Cross Link between the Tendons of Flexor Hallucis Longus and Flexor Digitorum Longus
Authors: Sirasanagandla Srinivasa , Taranikanti Varna , Jetti Raghu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAnatomical variations involving the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) and flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendons are clinically important because of their significant role in reconstructive surgeries of tibialis posterior tendon insufficiencies and Achilles tendinopathies. Harvesting of grafts from these complex variations of FDL and FHL are surgically challenging. In the present case, we report a complex structural cross link between the FDL and FHL associated with morphological variations of the first lumbrical and flexor digitorum accessorius (FDA) attachments. A connecting slip from FHL was found to be inserted into the FDL tendon of the second toe. The FDA was inserted into the fibular side of the connecting slip of the FHL as well as into the FDL tendons of the third and fourth toes. The first lumbrical took origin from the tibial side of FHL connecting slip and from the tibial side of FDL tendon for second toe.
Minimally Invasive Surgery in Mitral Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Fleißner Felix , Salman Jawad , Naqizadah Jamshid , Avsar Murat , Meier Julia , Warnecke Gregor , Kühn Christian , Cebotari Serghei , Ziesing Stefan , Haverich Axel , Tudorache Igor 
Published: November 2018

Background To minimize the surgical damage, minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has become the therapy of choice. However, this approach is technically more challenging, especially in endocarditis. The data on MIMVS in endocarditis are scarce, we therefore retrospectively analyzed the result at our institute.
Methods From January 2011 and July 2017, 420 MIMVS were performed, out of which 44 (10%) were for endocarditis. Mean age was 55 ± 17 years and 41% (n = 18) were male.
Results Euroscore II was 7.3 (range: 2–38). Operation times, cardiopulmonary bypass times, and clamp times were 230 (±77), 158 (±56), and 84 (±39) minutes, respectively. Seven cases (16%) were cardiac redo operations. Mitral valve repair and replacement was performed in 46 (n = 20) and 54% (n = 24) of patients, respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality, apoplexy, and reoperation rates (all for bleeding) were 7 (n = 3), 0 (n = 0), and 11% (n = 5), respectively. New onset of dialysis was required in three patients (7%). No patient developed superficial wound infection. Overall intensive care unit and hospital stay was 3 (±3) and 24 (±32) days, respectively.
Conclusion MIMVS can be performed with acceptable outcome and low perioperative morbidity in patients with mitral valve endocarditis. Especially absence of any postoperative wound infections and low rate of endocarditis recurrence; use of MIMVS must be encouraged as an eligible approach in most cases.
Perinatal Protein Undernutrition and Cardiovascular System: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xavier José , Antonio Erivaldo , Oliveira Lisiane , de Souza Sandra , de Medeiros Juliana , Lima Lavínia , de Carvalho Fraga Carlos , da Silva Miguel Rafael 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe present study is a systematic review of the literature that aimed to characterize the profile in animal models used to study perinatal protein malnutrition correlating with the cardiovascular system and the implications of malnutrition to the heart. Therefore, an extensive search was conducted in the PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases, using combinations of the descriptors protein malnutrition, pregnancy, heart, lactation, and cardiovascular system. A total of 247 articles were found, but after excluding duplicities and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, only 12 papers remained. The analysis of the results shows that the diet used in the studies has a protein content of between 17 and 22% for the control animals, and of between 0 and 9% for the animals submitted to perinatal protein malnutrition. The main morphofunctional changes observed in the cardiovascular system are related to high blood pressure, increased apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, and reduction in the absolute size of the heart, among other ultrastructural and molecular changes.
Suspensionplasty using Anchors and Non-Absorbable Sutures for Rhizarthrosis
Authors: Ribak Samuel , de Carvalho Giovanna , de Oliveira Ricardo 
Published: November 2018

Objective To analyze the clinical and radiographic results of patients with rhizarthrosis who underwent surgical treatment for resection of the trapezium bone using a fixation system with anchors and a non-absorbable suture.
Methods Fifteen patients with a mean age of 60.26 years old were studied. Fourteen patients had type III rhizarthrosis and 1 had type II rhizarthrosis, according to the Eaton-Littler classification. Data on the professional activity, affected side, and hand dominance were collected and evaluated for the presence of pain, degree of joint movement of the radial abduction of the thumb, opposition, and palmar grip strength. The upper limb function was assessed using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The patients were subjected to pre and postoperative radiographic examinations, by which the scaphoid-first metacarpal height was measured using the oblique view of the hand. Suspensionplasty by fixation was then performed using a system of two 2.0 mm threaded bone anchors and a 2.0 mm Ethibond (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA) suture wire. Finally, the trapezium bone was resected.
Results The mean follow-up duration was 21.50 ± 5.02 months. The patients showed a mean score of 1.6 in the final evaluation using the visual analog scale. The degree of joint movement of the abduction of the thumb was on average 61.67° postoperatively and 59.73° preoperatively. There was an improvement in thumb opposition and a significant improvement in the upper limb function, as assessed using the Quick DASH method. The scaphoid-first metacarpal height had a proximal migration of ∼ 50% in the postoperative radiographs. The mean time to return to daily living activities was 20.7 days, 24.7 days to practical life activities, and 101.3 days to work activities. There was no correlation between the level of professional activity and the incidence of the disease.
Conclusions Trapeziectomy and suspensionplasty, using an anchorage system and a non-absorbable suture, shows a significant improvement in pain, opposition, and function of the affected upper limb, and is efficient for the surgical treatment of rhizarthrosis. It allows for a rapid return to daily living activities with a low risk for complications.
Understanding if, How, and Why Women with Prior Spontaneous Preterm Births are Treated with Progestogens: A National Survey of Obstetrician Practice Patterns
Authors: Gallagher Jack , Gudeman Jennifer , Heap Kylee , Vink Joy , Carroll Susan 
Published: November 2018

Objective In 2017, the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Guideline Committee reaffirmed that 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) to prevent preterm birth (PTB) is underutilized. We sought to determine what drove progestogen treatment choice of obstetricians managing pregnant women with histories of 1+ singleton spontaneous PTBs (< 37 weeks) who then delivered singleton gestations within the previous 12 months.
Subjects We recruited a nationally representative random sample of obstetricians to abstract medical records of study-qualified patients. Of the 423 study-qualified physicians contacted, 358 (85%) participated; 56 (16%) maternal fetal medicine specialists and 302 (84%) general obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) extracted data from 991 eligible patient charts.
Results Almost three-fourths of patients (73.6%) were treated with 17-OHPC; 18.6% received vaginal progesterone, and 11.8% were not treated. Key drivers of physicians' choice to (1) prescribe branded 17-OHPC were “FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval” (52% relative influence [RI]) and “SMFM guidelines” (24% RI); (2) prescribe vaginal progesterone were “ease of administration” (32% RI) and “shortened cervix” (16% RI); and (3) not provide prophylaxis were “patient not informed of risk” (35% RI) and “no shortened cervix” (29% RI).
Conclusion Study findings support SMFM's contention of continued 17-OHPC underutilization to prevent PTB. Need for additional physician education merits assessment along with appropriate follow-up actions.
Sensitive economic personae and functional human beings
Authors: Dewandre* Nicole , Gulyás Orsolya 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
This study is aimed at unveiling the implicit assumptions underlying the language of EU policy-making, drawing on Hannah Arendt’s critique of modernity. It conducts a critical metaphor analysis of strategic EU policy documents from 1985 to 2014 to reveal the extent to which EU policy-making, by relentlessly focusing on the ‘competitiveness, growth, and jobs’ narrative, relies on modern conceptual frameworks. These are characterized by the prominence of rationality and causality, at the expense of sense of purpose, reality and meaning, which is revealed through the validation of four metaphorical keys. These are (i) sensitive inversion, i.e. economic agents are sensitive and humans are functional; (ii) size matters, i.e. big is better than small and one is better than many; (iii) deficit framing, i.e. potential is locked and present is broken/future is bright; and (iv) speed is of the essence, i.e. the world moves fast and we must hurry up.