bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simon Papp, a prominent Hungarian petroleum geologist: how to run exploration projects from a prison cell
Authors: Tari Gábor , Bérczi István 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Simon Papp (1886–1970) is regarded as the ‘father’ of Hungarian petroleum exploration. He was also considered internationally as an exceptional oil finder, as his exploration career took him from Hungary to Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Albania, Canada, Australia and Papua New Guinea.
In 1932, Dr Papp returned to Hungary and became engaged in exploration in western Hungary, working for EUROGASCO (an international consortium headed by Standard Oil of New Jersey). His prospecting work was very successful, resulting in the discovery of four oil fields with reserves totalling about 100 MMbbl (million barrels).
In 1948, after returning from a trip to the USA, Dr Papp was arrested by the communist secret police in Hungary, allegedly because of sabotage and attempting to overthrow the communist government. After being forced to ‘confess’, he was sentenced to death but, probably due to worldwide protest by scientific organizations, the sentence was changed to life in prison.
As his exceptional knowledge of the petroleum industry was a major asset, the communist regime arranged for him to continue his work from his prison cell. He was finally released from prison in 1955 and lived in retirement in Budapest until his death in 1970.
The Mouse Heart Attack Research Tool 1.0 database
Authors: DeLeon-Pennell Kristine Y. , Iyer Rugmani Padmanabhan , Ma Yonggang , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Zamilpa Rogelio , Chiao Ying Ann , Cannon Presley L. , Kaplan Abdullah , Cates Courtney A. , Flynn Elizabeth R. , Halade Ganesh V. , de Castro Brás Lisandra E. , Lindsey Merry L. 
Published: May 2018

The generation of big data has enabled systems-level dissections into the mechanisms of cardiovascular pathology. Integration of genetic, proteomic, and pathophysiological variables across platforms and laboratories fosters discoveries through multidisciplinary investigations and minimizes unnecessary redundancy in research efforts. The Mouse Heart Attack Research Tool (mHART) consolidates a large data set of over 10 yr of experiments from a single laboratory for cardiovascular investigators to generate novel hypotheses and identify new predictive markers of progressive left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) in mice. We designed the mHART REDCap database using our own data to integrate cardiovascular community participation. We generated physiological, biochemical, cellular, and proteomic outputs from plasma and left ventricles obtained from post-MI and no-MI (naïve) control groups. We included both male and female mice ranging in age from 3 to 36 mo old. After variable collection, data underwent quality assessment for data curation (e.g., eliminate technical errors, check for completeness, remove duplicates, and define terms). Currently, mHART 1.0 contains >888,000 data points and includes results from >2,100 unique mice. Database performance was tested, and an example is provided to illustrate database utility. This report explains how the first version of the mHART database was established and provides researchers with a standard framework to aid in the integration of their data into our database or in the development of a similar database. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The Mouse Heart Attack Research Tool combines >888,000 cardiovascular data points from >2,100 mice. We provide this large data set as a REDCap database to generate novel hypotheses and identify new predictive markers of adverse left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction in mice and provide examples of use. The Mouse Heart Attack Research Tool is the first database of this size that integrates data sets across platforms that include genomic, proteomic, histological, and physiological data.
Human cerebral collateral arteriole function in subjects with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia
Authors: Migrino Raymond Q. , Truran Seth , Karamanova Nina , Serrano Geidy E. , Madrigal Calvin , Davies Hannah A. , Madine Jillian , Reaven Peter , Beach Thomas G. 
Published: May 2018

Clinical and preclinical studies have suggested a link between cardiovascular disease and dementia disorders, but the role of the collateral brain circulation in cognitive dysfunction remains unknown. We aimed to test the hypothesis that leptomeningeal arteriole (LMA) function and response to metabolic stressors differ among subjects with dementia, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and normal cognition (CN). After rapid autopsy, LMAs were isolated from subjects with CN ( n = 10), MCI ( n = 12), or dementia [ n = 42, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), or other dementia], and endothelial and smooth muscle-dependent function were measured at baseline and after exposure to β-amyloid (2 μM), palmitic acid (150 μM), or medin (5 μM) and compared. There were no differences among the groups in baseline endothelial function (maximum dilation to acetylcholine, CN: 74.1 ± 9.7%, MCI: 67.1 ± 4.8%, AD: 74.7 ± 2.8%, VaD: 72.0 ± 5.3%, and other dementia: 68.0 ± 8.0%) and smooth muscle-dependent function (CN: 93.4 ± 3.0%, MCI: 83.3 ± 4.1%, AD: 91.8 ± 1.7%, VaD: 91.7 ± 2.4%, and other dementia: 87.9 ± 4.9%). There was no correlation between last cognitive function score and baseline endothelial or smooth muscle-dependent function. LMA endothelial function and, to a lesser extent, smooth muscle-dependent function were impaired posttreatment with β-amyloid, palmitic acid, and medin. Posttreatment LMA responses were not different between subjects with CN/MCI vs. dementia. Baseline responses and impaired vasoreactivity after treatment with metabolic stressors did not differ among subjects with CN, MCI, and dementia. The results suggest that the cognitive dysfunction in dementia disorders is not attributable to differences in baseline brain collateral circulation function but may be influenced by exposure of the vasculature to metabolic stressors. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we present novel findings that brain collateral arteriole function did not differ among subjects with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia (Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia). Although arteriole function was impaired by vascular stressors (β-amyloid, palmitic acid, and medin), responses did not differ between those with or without dementia. The cognitive dysfunction in dementia disorders is not attributable to differences in baseline brain collateral circulation function but may be influenced by vascular exposure to metabolic stressors.
Apelin and APJ orchestrate complex tissue-specific control of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and contractility in the hypertrophy-heart failure transition
Authors: Parikh Victoria N. , Liu Jing , Shang Ching , Woods Christopher , Chang Alex C. , Zhao Mingming , Charo David N. , Grunwald Zachary , Huang Yong , Seo Kinya , Tsao Philip S. , Bernstein Daniel , Ruiz-Lozano Pilar , Quertermous Thomas , Ashley Euan A. 
Published: May 2018

The G protein-coupled receptor APJ is a promising therapeutic target for heart failure. Constitutive deletion of APJ in the mouse is protective against the hypertrophy-heart failure transition via elimination of ligand-independent, β-arrestin-dependent stretch transduction. However, the cellular origin of this stretch transduction and the details of its interaction with apelin signaling remain unknown. We generated mice with conditional elimination of APJ in the endothelium (APJendo−/−) and myocardium (APJmyo−/−). No baseline difference was observed in left ventricular function in APJendo−/−, APJmyo−/−, or control (APJendo+/+, APJmyo+/+) mice. After exposure to transaortic constriction, APJendo−/− mice displayed decreased left ventricular systolic function and increased wall thickness, whereas APJmyo−/− mice were protected. At the cellular level, carbon fiber stretch of freshly isolated single cardiomyocytes demonstrated decreased contractile responses to stretch in APJ−/− cardiomyocytes compared with APJ+/+ cardiomyocytes. Ca2+ transients did not change with stretch in either APJ−/− or APJ+/+ cardiomyocytes. Application of apelin to APJ+/+ cardiomyocytes resulted in decreased Ca2+ transients. Furthermore, hearts of mice treated with apelin exhibited decreased phosphorylation in cardiac troponin I NH2-terminal residues (Ser22 and Ser23) consistent with increased Ca2+ sensitivity. These data establish that APJ stretch transduction is mediated specifically by myocardial APJ, that APJ is necessary for stretch-induced increases in contractility, and that apelin opposes APJ’s stretch-mediated hypertrophy signaling by lowering Ca2+ transients while maintaining contractility through myofilament Ca2+ sensitization. These findings underscore apelin’s unique potential as a therapeutic agent that can simultaneously support cardiac function and protect against the hypertrophy-heart failure transition. NEW & NOTEWORTHY These data address fundamental gaps in our understanding of apelin-APJ signaling in heart failure by localizing APJ’s ligand-independent stretch sensing to the myocardium, identifying a novel mechanism of apelin-APJ inotropy via myofilament Ca2+ sensitization, and identifying potential mitigating effects of apelin in APJ stretch-induced hypertrophic signaling.
Uromodulin mRNA from Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Correlate to Kidney Function Decline in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yamamoto Cindy M. , Murakami Taku , Oakes Melanie L. , Mitsuhashi Masato , Kelly Colleen , Henry Robert R. , Sharma Kumar 
Published: May 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Extracellular vesicles (EVs) enclose mRNA derived from their cell of origin and are considered a source of potential biomarkers. We examined urinary EV mRNA from individuals with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and obese and healthy controls to determine if such biomarkers had the potential to classify kidney disease and predict patients at higher risk of renal function decline. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 242 participants enrolled in this study. Urinary EV mRNA from all subjects were isolated by a filter-based platform, and the expression of 8 target genes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 161 T2DM patients were evaluated for 2 consecutive years and compared with EV RNA profiles at baseline. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We observe that mild and severe DKD groups show a significant 3.2- and ­4.4-fold increase in UMOD compared to healthy controls and expression increases linearly from healthy, diabetic, and DKD subjects. UMOD expression is significantly correlated to albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), eGFR, and HbA1c. Using linear discriminant analyses with mRNA from severe DKD and T2DM as training data, a multi-gene signature classified DKD and ­non-DKD with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 73% with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.90. Although 6% of T2DM were determined to have a &#x3e; 80% posterior probability of developing DKD based on this mRNA profile, eGFR changes observed within the 2-year follow-up did not reveal a decline in kidney function. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Urinary EV UMOD mRNA levels are progressively elevated from T2DM to DKD groups and correlate with widely used eGFR and ACR diagnostic criteria. An EV mRNA signature could identify DKD with greater than 90% sensitivity and 70% specificity.
Low Plasma Hydrogen Sulfide Is Associated with Impaired Renal Function and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Kuang Qing , Xue Ning , Chen Jing , Shen Ziyan , Cui Xiaomeng , Fang Yi , Ding Xiaoqiang 
Published: May 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been proposed to associate with decreased hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) level. Nevertheless, the role of H<sub>2</sub>S in the pathogenesis of CKD has not been fully investigated. Our study aimed to investigate the plasma level of endogenous H<sub>2</sub>S in patients with different stages of CKD, and to identify the role of H<sub>2</sub>S in the progression of CKD and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A total of 157 non-dialysis CKD patients were recruited in our study, with 37 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals as control. Plasma concentration of H<sub>2</sub>S was measured with spectrophotometry. Sulfhemoglobin, the integration of H<sub>2</sub>S and hemoglobin, was characterized and measured by dual wavelength spectrophotometry. Serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide were measured using automated analyzers. Conventional transthoracic echocardiography was performed and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was analyzed as a sensitive parameter of cardiac dysfunction. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The plasma H<sub>2</sub>S level (μmol/L) in CKD patients was significantly lower than those in healthy controls (7.32 ± 4.02 vs. 14.11 ± 5.24 μmol/L, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). Plasma H<sub>2</sub>S level was positively associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ρ = 0.577, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01) and negatively associated with plasma indoxyl sulfate concentration (ρ = –0.554, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). The mRNA levels of cystathionine β-synthase and cystathionine γ-lyase, 2 catalytic enzymes of H<sub>2</sub>S formation, were significantly lower in blood mononuclear cells of CKD patients with respect to controls; however, the mRNA level of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, as another H<sub>2</sub>S-producing enzyme, was significantly higher in CKD patients. The serum concentration of Hcy, acting as the substrate of H<sub>2</sub>S synthetase, was higher in the CKD group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). Specifically, the content of serum Hcy in CKD stages 3–5 patients was significantly higher than that in CKD stages 1–2, indicating an increasing trend of serum Hcy with the decline of renal function. Examination of ultrasonic cardiogram revealed a negative ­correlation between plasma H<sub>2</sub>S level and LVEF (ρ = –0.204, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05) in CKD patients. The H<sub>2</sub>S level also correlated negatively with cTnT concentration (ρ = –0.249, <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.01). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Plasma H<sub>2</sub>S level decreased with the decline of eGFR, which may contribute to the cardiac dysfunction in CKD ­patients.
Sudden Death in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis: Observations From the CURRENT AS Registry
Authors: Taniguchi Tomohiko , Morimoto Takeshi , Shiomi Hiroki , Ando Kenji , Kanamori Norio , Murata Koichiro , Kitai Takeshi , Kawase Yuichi , Izumi Chisato , Kato Takao , Ishii Katsuhisa , Nagao Kazuya , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Toyofuku Mamoru , Saito Naritatsu , Minatoya Kenji , Kimura Takeshi ,   the CURRENT AS Registry Investigators
Published: May 2018

Background

The annual incidence of sudden death has been reported to be low (<1%/year) in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (
AS
), and there is a paucity of data on the risk factors of sudden death in patients with severe
AS
.

Methods and Results

We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of sudden death during the median follow‐up period of 1334 days in the Contemporary Outcomes After Surgery and Medical Treatment in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis (CURRENT AS) registry enrolling 3815 consecutive patients with severe
AS
between 2003 and 2011. The mean age was 78 years, and the prevalences of male sex and prior myocardial infarction were 38% and 8%, respectively. Sudden death occurred in 175 patients without aortic valve replacement. The cumulative 5‐year incidences of sudden death, censored at aortic valve replacement, which accounted for the competing risk, were 9.2% in symptomatic patients and 7.2% (1.4%/year) in asymptomatic patients (
P
<0.001). Among 82 asymptomatic patients experiencing sudden death, 54 patients (66%) died abruptly without any preceding symptoms, and 35 (65%) of these sudden deaths occurred within 3 months of the last clinical follow‐up visit. Independent risk factors for sudden death were hemodialysis (hazard ratio [
HR
] 3.63; 95% confidence interval [
CI
] 2.42‐5.43), prior myocardial infarction (
HR
2.11; 95%
CI
1.28‐3.50), body mass index <22 (
HR
1.51; 95%
CI
1.03‐2.21), peak aortic jet velocity ≥5 m/s (
HR
1.76; 95%
CI
1.12‐2.78), and left ventricular ejection fraction <60% (
HR
1.52; 95%
CI
1.08‐2.14).

Conclusions

The incidence of sudden death in asymptomatic patients with severe
AS
might be higher than that reported in previous reports. Several baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were associated with increased risk of sudden death.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm
. Unique identifier:
UMIN
000012140.
Effect of Combined Treatment With Folic Acid, Vitamin B
6
, and Vitamin B
12
on Plasma Biomarkers of Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction in Women
Authors: Christen William G. , Cook Nancy R. , Van Denburgh Martin , Zaharris Elaine , Albert Christine M. , Manson JoAnn E. 
Published: May 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether reducing plasma homocysteine concentrations with long‐term, combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B
6
, and vitamin B
12
alters plasma biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

We conducted a blood substudy of 300 treatment‐adherent participants (150 in the active treatment group, 150 in the placebo group) in the WAFACS (Women's Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study), a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial testing a daily combination of folic acid (2.5 mg), vitamin B
6
(50 mg), vitamin B
12
(1 mg), or matching placebo, in cardiovascular disease prevention among women at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Plasma concentration of 3 biomarkers of inflammation (C‐reactive protein, interleukin‐6, and fibrinogen) and a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) were measured at baseline and at the end of treatment and follow‐up. After 7.3 years of combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B
6
, and vitamin B
12
, homocysteine concentrations were reduced by 18% in the active treatment group as compared with the placebo group (
P
<0.001). However, there was no difference between treatment groups in change in blood concentration from baseline to follow‐up for C‐reactive protein (
P
=0.77), interleukin‐6 (
P
=0.91), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (
P
=0.38), or fibrinogen (
P
=0.68).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that long‐term, combined treatment with folic acid, vitamin B
6
, and vitamin B
12
lowers homocysteine concentrations, but does not alter major biomarkers of vascular inflammation, consistent with the lack of clinical cardiovascular disease benefit in the trial.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00000541.
An Identification key to the species of Auchenorrhyncha of Iranian fauna recorded as pests in orchards and a review on the pest status of the species
Authors: MOZAFFARIAN FARIBA 
Published: May 2018

An illustrated dichotomous identification key for a total of 54 Auchenorrhyncha species of Iran is presented. The studied species have been recorded as pests and vectors of diseases to fruit trees. Twenty nine records were contributed to Iranian orchards and 25 of which were from other parts of the world. Hence, the latter group can be considered as potential pests and vectors in Iran. Reviewing the published information on the former group suggests 12 species as pests (4, 2 and 6 species with significant, minor, and unknown recorded economic damage levels, respectively). The pest status of 14 recorded pest species were quite doubtful and 3 of them could not be present in Iran due to the lack of evidence or their limited distribution in other parts of the world. The 4 species which were recognized as well known and significantly important pests belonged to the families: Tropiduchidae (Ommatissus lybicus Bergevin, 1930), Cicadidae (Cicadatra alhageos (Kolenati, 1857)), and Cicadellidae (Hishimonus phycitis (Distant, 1908) and Neoaliturus haematoceps (Mulstant et Rey, 1855)). One species Orosanga japonicus is recording for the first time from Iran and added to the key.
Attitudes towards severe mental illness and social distance: A survey of volunteer befrienders in Austria
Authors: Toner Sarah , Fabisch Karin , Priebe Stefan , Klug Gϋnter 
Published: May 2018

Background: Research suggests there is a propensity for people in the general population to distance themselves from people with severe mental illness (SMI), which reportedly decreases with increased contact with individuals with SMI. Volunteer befrienders in the mental health sector have ongoing contact with this population, yet little data exist to reflect their attitudes towards people with SMI. Method: A questionnaire was distributed to all volunteer befrienders for people with SMI within volunteering programmes organised in five Austrian regions. A vignette described an individual with SMI and was followed by questions assessing willingness to interact with this person in personal or professional contexts. Social distance scores, calculated based on responses to attitude items, were used as the dependent variable in regression analyses. Independent variables included participant characteristics, experience of family/friends with mental illness, time spent befriending and satisfaction with the relationship. Results: Questionnaires were completed and returned by 360 volunteers (54.0%). A minority would allow someone with SMI to look after their children (6.2%), while most volunteers positively endorsed other personal interactions such as having the individual marry into their family (67.8%) or become a neighbour (99.7%). Social distance ( M = 2.5, standard deviation [ SD] = 1.16) was not associated with any independent variables. Conclusions: Volunteers had a lower desire for social distance from individuals with SMI as compared to findings from the general population. Future research may establish whether lower social distance is part of the motivation to volunteer as a befriender to people with severe mental illness or develops over time in that role or both.
Do Multiple Homework Attempts Increase Student Learning? A Quantitative Study
Authors: Archer Kathy K. 
Published: May 2018

Learning must inherently involve practice. It is true for athletes, for musicians, for almost any area of learning. However, this commonsense approach stops short when it comes to student homework where the debate about whether to allow multiple attempts continues. Proponents claim the value of practice and learning by reworking. Opponents cite grade inflation, student guessing behaviors, and superficial learning rather than true mastery. Meanwhile, the increased use of online homework management systems that easily allow for multiple graded attempts intensifies the need for a data-based answer to the question. It is further complicated by the increase in adult learners and online education. Would multiple homework attempts increase student learning? Would the effect be the same for adult learners in a fully online environment as found in previous studies of traditional students? This natural experiment divided a sample of 917 online students in an entry-level university economics course into two groups to look at the relationship between multiple graded homework attempts and exam scores. The results show mean exam scores increased from 60.34% to 70.77%, when multiple homework attempts were allowed. In addition, 76.89% of variance in exam scores was explained by variance in homework scores. This strong relationship suggests that multiple graded homework attempts increased student learning as measured by the increased exam scores. JEL Classifications: A22, C93, D01, 121