bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endocannabinoid receptor CB2R is significantly expressed in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease: a pilot study
Authors: Corrado Alessia , Battle Monica , Wise Sarah K. , Lee F. Eun‐Hyung , Guidot David M. , DelGaudio John M. , Molina Samuel A. , Levy Joshua M. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe endocannabinoid system represents a highly conserved, innate signaling network with direct and indirect control of eicosanoid‐mediated inflammation. Activation of the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) leads to decreased type 2 inflammation and reduced production of arachidonic acid (AA). Given that altered AA metabolism is associated with aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), we hypothesized that expression of the CB2R gene CNR2 is increased in AERD.MethodsNasal polyps from consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for AERD or allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) were prospectively evaluated. Control sphenoid mucosa was collected from patients undergoing endoscopic skull base procedures. Expression and localization of endocannabinoid receptors were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcript–polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry. A 2‐group unpaired t test with unequal variances was used to evaluate group differences.ResultsThirteen subjects were included in this pilot study, including 5 controls, 5 AFRS patients, and 3 AERD patients. Upregulated expression of CNR2 was detected in subjects with AERD vs both AFRS (p = 0.049) and controls (p = 0.047), with a mean increase of 5.2‐fold. No significant differences in expression of the CB1R gene CNR1 were detected between control and AFRS groups. Immunohistochemistry predominantly localized CB1R and CB2R expression to the surface epithelium in all subjects.ConclusionThe endocannabinoid system is an emerging immunomodulatory network that may be involved in AERD. This is the first study of CB2R in sinonasal disease, showing significantly increased transcription in nasal polyps from subjects with AERD. Additional study is warranted to further evaluate the contribution and therapeutic potential of this novel finding in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Leak Detecton: Two Methods That Work—Part II
Authors: Cole G. Brewster 
Published: June 2018

This two‐part article is the second of several to be chosen for publication from over 30 papers presented at the first Distribution System Symposium (Feb. 24–27, 1980) in Los Angeles. OpFlow presents this and subsequent articles as examples of the high quality of material presented at the DSS.Part I presented last month (May) pointed out why the interest in leak detection has risen dramatically in the past few years, and noted that the approaches to the problem clustered around two basic methods of leak detection: (1) listening and (2) a combination of flow measurements and listening that is sometimes referred to as a “water audit.” The listening method, equipment, and procedure were discussed thoroughly in Part I.Part II of the article covers the audit method, and then gives advantages and disadvantages of both methods, and summarizes both Parts I and II.
Skeletal Consequences of Nephropathic Cystinosis
Authors: Florenzano Pablo , Ferreira Carlos , Nesterova Galina , Roberts Mary Scott , Tella Sri Harsha , de Castro Luis Fernandez , Brown Sydney M , Whitaker Adom , Pereira Renata C , Bulas Dorothy , Gafni Rachel I , Salusky Isidro B , Gahl William A , Collins Michael T 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

Nephropathic cystinosis is a rare lysosomal storage disorder. Patients present in the first year of life with renal Fanconi syndrome that evolves to progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite the multiple risk factors for bone disease, the frequency and severity of skeletal disorders in nephropathic cystinosis have not been described. We performed systematic bone and mineral evaluations of subjects with cystinosis seen at the NIH (n = 30), including history and physical examination, serum and urine biochemistries, DXA, vertebral fracture assessment, skeletal radiographs, and renal ultrasound. Additionally, histomorphometric analyses are reported on six subjects seen at the UCLA Bone and Mineral Metabolism Clinic. In NIH subjects, mean age was 20 years (range, 5 to 44 years), 60% were CKD stages G1 to G4, and 40% had a renal transplant. Mean bone mineral density (BMD) Z-scores were decreased in the femoral neck, total hip, and 1/3 radius (p &lt; 0.05). Low bone mass at one or more sites was present in 46% of subjects. Twenty-seven percent of subjects reported one or more long bone fractures. Thirty-two percent of subjects had incidental vertebral fractures, which were unrelated to transplant status. Long-bone deformity/bowing was present in 64%; 50% had scoliosis. Diffuse osteosclerosis was present in 21% of evaluated subjects. Risk factors included CKD, phosphate wasting, hypercalciuria, secondary hyperparathyroidism, hypovitaminosis D, male hypogonadism, metabolic acidosis, and glucocorticoid/immunosuppressive therapy. Sixty-one percent of the non-transplanted subjects had ultrasonographic evidence of nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis. Histomorphometric analyses showed impaired mineralization in four of six studied subjects. We conclude that skeletal deformities, decreased bone mass, and vertebral fractures are common and relevant complications of nephropathic cystinosis, even before renal transplantation. Efforts to minimize risk factors for skeletal disease include optimizing mineral metabolism and hormonal status, combined with monitoring for nephrocalcinosis/nephrolithiasis. © 2018 This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Changes in the expression of matrix extracellular genes and TGFB family members in rotator cuff tears
Authors: Santoro Belangero Paulo , Antônio Figueiredo Eduardo , Cohen Carina , de Seixas Alves Felipe , Hiromi Yanaguizawa Wânia , Cardoso Smith Marília , Vicente Andreoli Carlos , de Castro Pochini Alberto , Teresa de Seixas Alves Maria , Ejnisman Benno , Cohen Moises , Ferreira Leal Mariana 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTLack of synthesis of extracellular matrix compounds may contribute to degeneration of the tendons. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the expression of extracellular matrix and TGFB family members in ruptured and non‐ruptured tendons of the rotator cuff, as well as the effect of clinical factors on gene expression in tendon samples, and the relationship between histological findings and altered gene expression. Injured and non‐injured supraspinatus tendon samples and subscapular non‐injured tendon samples were collected from 38 patients with rotator cuff tears. Non‐injured supraspinatus tendons were obtained from eight controls. Specimens were used for histological evaluation, quantification of collagen fibers, and mRNA and protein expression analyses. Increased COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, FN1, TNC, and TGFBR1 mRNA expression was observed in the tear samples (p < 0.05). Duration of symptoms was correlated with the levels of collagen type I/III fibers (p = 0.032; ρ = 0.0447) and FN1 immunostaining (p = 0.031; ρ = 0.417). Smoking was associated with increased frequency of microcysts, myxoid degeneration, and COL5A1, FN1, TNC, and TGFB1 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). FN1 immunostaining was correlated with the number of years of smoking (p = 0.048; ρ = 0.384). Lower levels of collagen type I/III fibers were detected in samples with fissures (0 = 0.046). High frequency of microcysts was associated with increased COL5A1, FN1, and TNC expression (p < 0.05, for all comparisons). Neovascularization was associated with reduced FN1 (p = 0.035) and TGFBR1 expression (p = 0.034). Our findings show differential expression of matrix extracellular genes and TGFB family members in the degeneration process involved in rotator cuff tears. These molecular alterations are influenced by clinical factors. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2542–2553, 2018.
Design considerations for a pulse line ion accelerator (PLIA)‐based PET isotope generator
Authors: Westerly David C. , Behbahani Reza A. , Kavanagh Brian , Liu Arthur , Miften Moyed , Serkova Natalie J. , Diot Quentin 
Published: June 2018

PurposePositron emission tomography (PET) imaging remains limited due to the cost associated with on‐site production of short half‐life, positron‐emitting isotopes. In this work, we examine the use of a pulse line ion accelerator (PLIA) to accelerate protons for single‐dose PET isotope production.MethodsTime‐domain electromagnetic field and particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations were performed for a 1.5‐m PLIA structure modeled in CST Microwave Studio and Particle Studio software. Scaled measurements from a kV ramp‐pulse generator were incorporated into the simulations to accelerate a 1 A, 50 ns proton beam injected with initial kinetic energy of 100 keV. A uniform, 3 T, solenoidal magnetic field was used to provide external beam focusing. Electromagnetic fields and particle phase space were recorded with ns resolution for subsequent analysis.ResultsApplying a scaled 100 kV, 20 ns ramped voltage pulse to the PLIA input resulted in a travelling electric field wave inside the structure with accelerating gradient of 2.4 MV/m. The observed wave speed was 1.2 × 107 m/s and is in good agreement with theoretical predictions. Phase space monitors showed both acceleration and bunching of the proton beam, with a maximum kinetic energy of 2.5 MeV, observed at the exit of the single PLIA stage. Evaluation of beam position monitors at different locations in the accelerator showed bunch compression and minimal beam divergence, illustrating that the 3 T field is adequate to contain the beam over the length of the PLIA structure.ConclusionSimulations performed in this work demonstrate the feasibility of using a PLIA structure to accelerate protons with MV/m level gradients. Combining several PLIA stages in series could allow for a low‐cost accelerator suitable for dose‐on‐demand PET isotope production.
An historical overview over Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Fornasier Giulia , Francescon Sara , Leone Roberto , Baldo Paolo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPharmacovigilance started about 170 years ago, although it was not yet named as such at that time. It is structured activity in the professional health field, with important social and commercial implications aimed at monitoring the risk/benefit ratio of drugs, improving patient’s safety and the quality of life. In this commentary we report the milestones of pharmacovigilance up to the present day, in order to understand all the steps that have characterized the historical evolution; from the first reports, which were essentially letters or warnings sent by clinicians to publishers of important and famous scientific journals, up to today’s modern and ultra-structured electronic registries. The historical phases also help us to understand why pharmacovigilance helped us to achieve such important results for man’s health and for pharmacology itself, and to identify the challenges that await Pharmacovigilance in future years.
Early BCR-ABL1 decline in imatinib-treated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: results from a multicenter study of the Chinese CML alliance
Authors: Zhang Jingru , Wang Yingqiao , Wang Jianxiang , Hu Jianda , Chen Suning , Jin Jie , Liu Ting , Zhou Jianfeng , Hu Yu , Ma Daoxin , Huang Xiaojun , Ji Chunyan , Hou Ming 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn early molecular response is spectacularly predictive of outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and early response landmarks may identify the high-risk patients likely to be benefit from an early therapy switch. In this study, we evaluated the most relevant cutoffs for early molecular response markers (BCR-ABL1 values at 3 months, log reduction and halving time between diagnosis and 3 months) in 476 first-line imatinib-treated Chinese patients with chronic phase CML. All outcomes were significantly superior for the 324 patients with 3-month BCR-ABL1 ≤10%, so did for the 270 patients with BCR-ABL1 >0.61 log reduction. BCR-ABL1 halving time ≤22 days was identified for patients with the most favorable outcome. Moreover, the prognosis was significantly poorest for patients with both halving time >44 days and BCR-ABL1 >10%. Importantly, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that a BCR-ABL1 log reduction calculated at 3 months of 0.61 was the only variable that significantly predicted for OS. Our results highlight the importance of rapid initial decline of BCR-ABL1 in predicting satisfactory outcome. Our data support the evidence that monitoring BCR-ABL1 values at an early time point could contribute to accurately assess response and ultimately guide clinical decisions regarding the timing of therapeutic intervention.
Mechanism of neuroprotection by trehalose: controversy surrounding autophagy induction
Authors: Lee He-Jin , Yoon Ye-Seul , Lee Seung-Jae 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTrehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide with two glucose molecules linked through an α, α-1,1-glucosidic bond. Trehalose has received attention for the past few decades for its role in neuroprotection especially in animal models of various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson and Huntington diseases. The mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effects of trehalose remains elusive. The prevailing hypothesis is that trehalose protects neurons by inducing autophagy, thereby clearing protein aggregates. Some of the animal studies showed activation of autophagy and reduced protein aggregates after trehalose administration in neurodegenerative disease models, seemingly supporting the autophagy induction hypothesis. However, results from cell studies have been less certain; although many studies claim that trehalose induces autophagy and reduces protein aggregates, the studies have their weaknesses, failing to provide sufficient evidence for the autophagy induction theory. Furthermore, a recent study with a thorough examination of autophagy flux showed that trehalose interfered with the flux from autophagosome to autolysosome, raising controversy on the direct effects of trehalose on autophagy. This review summarizes the fundamental properties of trehalose and the studies on its effects on neurodegenerative diseases. We also discuss the controversy related to the autophagy induction theory and seek to explain how trehalose works in neuroprotection.
Predictive modeling of battery degradation and greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. state-level electric vehicle operation
Authors: Yang Fan , Xie Yuanyuan , Deng Yelin , Yuan Chris 
Published: June 2018

AbstractElectric vehicles (EVs) are widely promoted as clean alternatives to conventional vehicles for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ground transportation. However, the battery undergoes a sophisticated degradation process during EV operations and its effects on EV energy consumption and GHG emissions are unknown. Here we show on a typical 24 kWh lithium-manganese-oxide–graphite battery pack that the degradation of EV battery can be mathematically modeled to predict battery life and to study its effects on energy consumption and GHG emissions from EV operations. We found that under US state-level average driving conditions, the battery life is ranging between 5.2 years in Florida and 13.3 years in Alaska under 30% battery degradation limit. The battery degradation will cause a 11.5–16.2% increase in energy consumption and GHG emissions per km driven at 30% capacity loss. This study provides a robust analytical approach and results for supporting policy making in prioritizing EV deployment in the U.S.
High-veracity functional imaging in scanning probe microscopy via Graph-Bootstrapping
Authors: Li Xin , Collins Liam , Miyazawa Keisuke , Fukuma Takeshi , Jesse Stephen , Kalinin Sergei V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe key objective of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques is the optimal representation of the nanoscale surface structure and functionality inferred from the dynamics of the cantilever. This is particularly pertinent today, as the SPM community has seen a rapidly growing trend towards simultaneous capture of multiple imaging channels and complex modes of operation involving high-dimensional information-rich datasets, bringing forward the challenges of visualization and analysis, particularly for cases where the underlying dynamic model is poorly understood. To meet this challenge, we present a data-driven approach, Graph-Bootstrapping, based on low-dimensional manifold learning of the full SPM spectra and demonstrate its successes for high-veracity mechanical mapping on a mixed polymer thin film and resolving irregular hydration structure of calcite at atomic resolution. Using the proposed methodology, we can efficiently reveal and hierarchically represent salient material features with rich local details, further enabling denoising, classification, and high-resolution functional imaging.
Wild Norway Rats Do Not Avoid Predator Scents When Collecting Food in a Familiar Habitat: A Field Study
Authors: Stryjek Rafał , Mioduszewska Berenika , Spaltabaka-Gędek Ewelina , Juszczak Grzegorz R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe ability to avoid predators is crucial to wild prey animals’ survival. Potential danger is signalled, among others, by the presence of predator scents. These odors are used in research both to trigger and to study fear reactions in laboratory animals; they are also employed as repellents against pest rodent species. In our study, we assessed nine predator-derived odors for their effectiveness in eliciting avoidance responses in a free-living colony of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). The rats were studied in a field setting. Food was put in two compartments inside the experimental pen: in one of them, predator scent was introduced on experimental days. The rats did not avoid boxes with predator odor and did not display an increased latency of food-carrying behavior or any other fear-related behavior, such as freezing or increased grooming. The results confirm the hypothesis that the foraging of rodents in a well-known territory and in relative proximity to burrows and other shelters is not affected by indirect cues of predation risk, such as the presence of predator urine or feces. We have also concluded that in a well-established colony living in a familiar territory, predator scent holds little promise as rodent repellent.
(Fe0.2Ni0.8)0.96S tubular spheres supported on Ni foam as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Xu Peiman , Li Jingwei , Luo Jiaxian , Wei Licheng , Zhang Dawei , Zhou Dan , Xu Weiming , Yuan Dingsheng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEarth-abundant and efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are highly significant for renewable energy systems. However, the performance of existing electrocatalysts is usually restricted by the low electroic conductivity and the limited amount of exposed active sites. In this work, (Fe0.2Ni0.8)0.96S tubular spheres supported on Ni foam have been prepared by a sulfuration of FeNi layered double hydroxide spheres grown on Ni foam. Benefiting from the unique tubular sphere architecture, the rich inner defects and the enhanced electron interactions between Fe, Ni and S, this electrocatalyst shows low overpotential of 48 mV for HER at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 mol L−1 KOH solution, which is one of the lowest value of non-previous electrocatalyts for HER in alkaline electrolyte. Furthermore, assembled this versatile electrode as an alkaline electrolyzer for overall water splitting, a current density of 10 mA cm−2 is achieved at a low cell voltage of 1.56 V, and reach up to 30 mA cm−2 only at an operating cell voltage of 1.65 V.
Genetic and chemical differentiation characterizes top-geoherb and non-top-geoherb areas in the TCM herb rhubarb
Authors: Wang Xumei , Feng Li , Zhou Tao , Ruhsam Markus , Huang Lei , Hou Xiaoqi , Sun Xiaojie , Fan Kai , Huang Min , Zhou Yun , Song Jie 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMedicinal herbs of high quality and with significant clinical effects have been designated as top-geoherbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the validity of this concept using genetic markers has not been widely tested. In this study, we investigated the genetic variation within theRheum palmatumcomplex (rhubarb), an important herbal remedy in TCM, using a phylogeographic (six chloroplast DNA regions, five nuclear DNA regions, and 14 nuclear microsatellite loci) and a chemical approach (anthraquinone content). Genetic and chemical data identified two distinct groups in the 38 analysed populations from theR.palmatumcomplex which geographically coincide with the traditional top-geoherb and non-top-geoherb areas of rhubarb. Molecular dating suggests that the two groups diverged in the Quaternaryc. 2.0 million years ago, a time of repeated climate changes and uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Our results show that the ancient TCM concept of top-geoherb and non-top-geoherb areas corresponds to genetically and chemically differentiated groups in rhubarb.
Variability in stroke motor outcome is explained by structural and functional integrity of the motor system
Authors: Lam Timothy K. , Binns Malcolm A. , Honjo Kie , Dawson Deirdre R. , Ross Bernhard , Stuss Donald T. , Black Sandra E. , Chen J. Jean , Fujioka Takako , Chen Joyce L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBiomarkers that represent the structural and functional integrity of the motor system enable us to better assess motor outcome post-stroke. The degree of overlap between the stroke lesion and corticospinal tract (CST Injury) is a measure of the structural integrity of the motor system, whereas the left-to-right motor cortex resting state connectivity (LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity) is a measure of its functional integrity. CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity each individually correlate with motor outcome post-stroke, but less is understood about the relationship between these biomarkers. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity, individually and together, with motor outcome. Twenty-seven participants with upper limb motor deficits post-stroke completed motor assessments and underwent MRI at one time point. CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity were derived from T1-weighted and resting state functional MRI scans, respectively. We performed hierarchical multiple regression analyses to determine the contribution of each biomarker in explaining motor outcome. The interaction between CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity does not significantly contribute to the variability in motor outcome. However, inclusion of both CST Injury and LM1-RM1 rs-connectivity explains more variability in motor outcome, than either alone. We suggest both biomarkers provide distinct information about an individual’s motor outcome.