bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Proteomic Profiling of Secreted Serine Proteases in Health and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Denadai-Souza Alexandre , Bonnart Chrystelle , Tapias Núria Solà , Marcellin Marlène , Gilmore Brendan , Alric Laurent , Bonnet Delphine , Burlet-Schiltz Odile , Hollenberg Morley D. , Vergnolle Nathalie , Deraison Céline 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhile proteases are essential in gastrointestinal physiology, accumulating evidence indicates that dysregulated proteolysis plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nonetheless, the identity of overactive proteases released by human colonic mucosa remains largely unknown. Studies of protease abundance have primarily investigated expression profiles, not taking into account their enzymatic activity. Herein we have used serine protease-targeted activity-based probes (ABPs) coupled with mass spectral analysis to identify active forms of proteases secreted by the colonic mucosa of healthy controls and IBD patients. Profiling of (Pro-Lys)-ABP bound proteases revealed that most of hyperactive proteases from IBD secretome are clustered at 28-kDa. We identified seven active proteases: the serine proteases cathepsin G, plasma kallikrein, plasmin, tryptase, chymotrypsin-like elastase 3 A, and thrombin and the aminopeptidase B. Only cathepsin G and thrombin were overactive in supernatants from IBD patient tissues compared to healthy controls. Gene expression analysis highlighted the transcription of genes encoding these proteases into intestinal mucosae. The functional ABP-targeted proteomic approach that we have used to identify active proteases in human colonic samples bears directly on the understanding of the role these enzymes may play in the pathophysiology of IBD.
Identification of Mycobacterium chimaera in heater-cooler units in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , Lin Ji , Feng Yu , Wang Xiaohui , McNally Alan , Zong Zhiyong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA global outbreak of infections due to Mycobacterium chimaera has been linked to the LivaNova (formerly Sorin) 3 T heater-cooler units (HCUs). We performed a study to investigate M. chimaera from HCUs in China. Water samples were collected from all 3 T HCUs (n = 5) at our hospital in May 2017. Mycobacteria isolates were subjected to genome sequencing using the HiSeq X10 Sequencer. Species were identified based on average nucleotide identity with M. chimaera type strain DSM 44623T. Paired-end reads of all M. chimaera genomes were retrieved from the SRA database and, together with our isolates, were mapped against the chromosome of M. chimaera reference strain ZUERICH-1 to call SNPs. Mycobacteria grew from three HCUs manufactured in 2009 but not from the two in 2016. The three isolates were identified as M. chimaera and differed from each other by 4 to 6 SNPs, and from ZUERICH-1 by 7 to 10 SNPs. The three isolates belonged to the subgroup 1.1 and were most closely related to strains of the subgroup 1.1 from HCUs or patients in Europe, Australia/New Zealand and USA, suggesting the same common source. This is the first report of M. chimaera from HCUs in China.
Electronic states of deep trap levels in a-plane GaN templates grown on r-plane sapphire by HVPE
Authors: Lee Moonsang , Vu Thi Kim Oanh , Lee Kyoung Su , Kim Eun Kyu , Park Sungsoo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe report on the defect states incorporated in a-plane GaN crystals grown on r-plane sapphire substrates by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Two defect states were observed at 0.2 eV and 0.55 eV below the conduction band minimum with defect densities of 5 × 1012/cm3 and 4.7 × 1013/cm3, respectively. The size of capture cross section, non-linear relation of trap densities from the depth profile, filling pulse width, and PL measurements indicated that the electronic deep trap levels in a-plane GaN on r-plane sapphire by HVPE originated from non-interacting point defects such as NGa, complex defects involving Si, O, or C, and VGa-related centres. Even though the a-plane GaN templates were grown by HVPE with high growth rates, the electronic deep trap characteristics are comparable to those of a-plane GaN layers of high crystal quality grown by MOCVD. This study prove that the growth of a-plane GaN templates on r-plane sapphire by HVPE is a promising method to obtain a-plane GaN layers efficiently and economically without the degradation of electrical characteristics.
Difructose dianhydride improves intestinal calcium absorption, wound healing, and barrier function
Authors: Lee Sang In , Kim In Ho 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is critical for nutrient absorption and is an important barrier against harmful pathogens and antigens. Difructose anhydrides (DFA)-IVs are nondigestible disaccharides that enhance calcium and iron absorption by affecting the intestinal epithelial tissue. However, their effects on intestinal functions are not fully understood. In this study, we performed a feeding trial and found that dietary DFA-IVs improved growth performance, relative breast muscle and liver weight, and digestibility and blood calcium and iron concentrations in broilers. Additionally, dietary DFA-IVs increased expression of genes related to growth in the liver, muscle development, and absorption of calcium and iron in the intestine. In vitro experiments revealed that DFA-IV treatment improved intestinal wound-healing (migration, proliferation, and differentiation) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in small intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, DFA-IV treatment enhanced the intestinal barrier function, which increased the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and decreased the permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FD-4) after LPS challenge in small intestinal epithelial cells. Collectively, these data indicate that DFA-IV could be used as a feed additive to enhance calcium and iron absorption by affecting the intestinal wound healing and permeability. This study may help improve our understanding of the molecular effects of DFA-IV on the intestine.
mRNA treatment produces sustained expression of enzymatically active human ADAMTS13 in mice
Authors: Liu-Chen Susan , Connolly Brendan , Cheng Lei , Subramanian Romesh R. , Han Zhaozhong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is primarily caused by deficiency of ADAMTS13 within the blood stream due to either genetic defects or presence of inhibitory autoantibodies. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human ADAMTS13 protein (rhADAMTS13) is effective and safe in treatment of TTP. However, frequent dosing would be required due to the relatively short half-life of rhADAMTS13 in circulation as well as the presence of inhibitory autoantibodies that collectively result in the poor pharmacological profile of rhADAMTS13. With technical breakthroughs in exploring mRNA as therapeutics, we hypothesized that restoration of ADAMTS13 activity for a prolonged duration of time can be achieved through systemic dosing of mRNA, wherein the dosed mRNA would utilize hepatic cells as bioreactors for continuous production of ADAMTS13. To test this hypothesis, mRNA encoding human ADAMTS13 WT or an ADAMTS13 variant, that had demonstrated resistance to predominant clinical TTP autoantibodies, was formulated in lipid nano-particles for liver-targeted delivery. In both ADAMTS13-sufficient and -deficient mice, a single dose of the formulated mRNAs at 1 mg/kg resulted in expression of hADAMTS13 at or above therapeutically relevant levels in mice for up to five days. This proof-of-concept study suggests that mRNA therapy could provide a novel approach for TTP treatment.
Comparing the asteroseismic properties of pulsating pre-extremely low mass white dwarf and δ Scuti stars
Authors: Sánchez Arias Julieta P. , Romero Alejandra D. , Córsico Alejandro H. , Pelisoli Ingrid , Antoci Victoria , Kepler S. O. , Althaus Leandro G. , Corti Mariela A. 
Published: May 2018

Context. Pulsating extremely low-mass pre-white dwarf stars (pre-ELMV), with masses between ~0.15 M⊙ and ~0.30 M⊙, constitute a new class of variable stars showing g- and possibly p-mode pulsations with periods between 320 and 6000 s (frequencies between 14.4 and 270 c/d), driven by the κ mechanism operating in the second He ionization zone. On the other hand, main sequence δ Scuti stars, with masses between 1.2 and 2.5 M⊙, pulsate in low-order g and p modes with periods in the range [700–28 800] s (frequencies in the range [3–123] c/d), driven by the κ mechanism operating in the He II ionization zone and the turbulent pressure acting in the HI ionization layer. Interestingly enough, the instability strips of pre-ELM white dwarf and δ Scuti stars nearly overlap in the Teff vs. log g diagram, leading to a degeneracy when spectroscopy is the only tool to classify the stars and pulsation periods only are considered.
Aims. Pre-ELM white dwarf and δ Scuti stars are in very different stages of evolution and therefore their internal structure is very distinct. This is mirrored in their pulsational behavior, thus employing asteroseismology should allow us to distinguish between these groups of stars despite their similar atmospheric parameters.
Methods. We have employed adiabatic and non-adiabatic pulsation spectra for models of pre-ELM white dwarfs and δ Scuti stars, and compare their pulsation periods, period spacings, and rates of period change.
Results. Unsurprisingly, we found substantial differences in the period spacing of δ Scuti and pre-ELM white dwarf models. Even when the same period range is observed in both classes of pulsating stars, the modes have distinctive signature in the period spacing and period difference values. For instance, the mean period difference of p-modes of consecutive radial orders for δ Scuti model are at least four times longer than the mean period spacing for the pre-ELM white dwarf model in the period range [2000–4600] s (frequency range [18.78–43.6] c/d). In addition, the rate of period change is two orders of magnitudes larger for the pre-ELM white dwarfs compared to δ Scuti stars. In addition, we also report the discovery of a new variable star, SDSSJ075738.94+144827.50, located in the region of the Teff versus log g diagram where these two kind of stars coexist.
Conclusions.The characteristic spacing between modes of consecutive radial orders (p as well as g modes) and the large differences found in the rates of period change for δ Scuti and pre-ELM white dwarf stars suggest that asteroseismology can be employed to discriminate between these two groups of variable stars. Furthermore, we found that SDSSJ075738.94+144827.50 exhibits a period difference between p modes characteristic of a δ Sct star, assuming consecutive radial order for the observed periods.
Dust cleansing of star-forming gas
Authors: Gustafsson Bengt 
Published: May 2018

Aims. We explore the possibility that solar chemical composition, as well as the similar composition of the rich open cluster M 67, have been affected by dust cleansing of the presolar or precluster cloud due to the radiative forces from bright early-type stars in its neighbourhood.
Methods. We estimate possible cleansing effects using semi-analytical methods, which are essentially based on momentum conservation.
Results. Our calculations indicate that the amounts of cleansed neutral gas are limited to a relatively thin shell surrounding the H II region around the early-type stars.
Conclusions. It seems possible that the proposed mechanism acting in individual giant molecular clouds may produce significant abundance effects for masses corresponding to single stars or small groups of stars. The effects of cleansing are, however, severely constrained by the thinness of the cleansed shell of gas and by turbulence in the cloud. This is why the mechanism can hardly be important in cleansing masses corresponding to rich clusters, such as the mass of the original M 67.
The spin of the second-born black hole in coalescing binary black holes
Authors: Qin Y. , Fragos T. , Meynet G. , Andrews J. , Sørensen M. , Song H. F. 
Published: May 2018

Context. Various binary black hole formation channels have been proposed since the first gravitational event GW150914 was discovered by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (AdLIGO). The immediate progenitor of the binary black hole is a close binary system composed of a black hole and a helium star, which can be the outcome of the classical isolated binary evolution through the common envelope, or alternatively of the massive close evolution through chemically homogeneous channel.
Aims. We study the spin angular momentum evolution of the helium star in order to constrain the spin of the second-born black hole. This work focuses on the common envelope formation channel, however, some of our conclusions are also relevant for the chemically homogeneous evolution channel.
Methods. We perform detailed stellar structure and binary evolution calculations that take into account, mass-loss, internal differential rotation, and tidal interactions between the helium star and the black hole companion, where we also calculate the strength of the tidal interactions from first principles based on the structure of the helium stars. We systematically explore the parameter space of initial binary properties, including initial black hole and helium star masses, initial rotation of the helium star as well as metallicity.
Results. We argue that the natal spin of the first-born black hole through the common envelope scenario is negligible (≲0.1), and therefore the second-born black hole’s spin dominates the measured effective spin, χeff, from gravitational wave events of double black hole mergers. We find that tides can be only important when orbital periods are shorter than 2 days. Upon core collapse, the helium star produces a black hole (the second-born black hole in the system) with a spin that can span the entire range from zero to maximally spinning. We show that the bimodal distribution of the spin of the second-born black hole obtained in recent papers is mainly due to oversimplifying assumptions. We find an anti-correlation between the merging timescale of the two black holes, Tmerger, and the effective spin χeff. Finally, we provide new prescriptions for the tidal coefficient E2 for both H-rich and the He-rich stars.
Conclusions. To understand the spin of the second-born black hole, careful treatment of both tides and stellar winds is needed. We predict that, with future improvements to AdLIGO’s sensitivity, the sample of merging binary black hole systems will show an overdensity of sources with positive but small χeff originating from lower-mass black hole mergers born at low redshift.
Gesundheitsökonomische deskriptive Analyse der häuslichen Intensivversorgung beatmeter Patienten
Authors: Lehmann Yvonne , Ostermann Julia , Reinhold Thomas , Ewers Michael 
Published: May 2018

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Langzeitbeatmete Patienten werden hierzulande überwiegend häuslich intensivpflegerisch versorgt. Über Art und Umfang der Ressourcennutzung für die Versorgung dieser kleinen, heterogenen, jedoch insgesamt wachsenden Patientengruppe und die damit verbundenen Kosten ist wenig bekannt.
Methodik Im Rahmen einer Teilstudie des Versorgungsforschungsprojekts SHAPE wurde eine deskriptive Kostenanalyse aus gesellschaftlicher Perspektive für 29 Patienten durchgeführt. Erfasst und analysiert wurden direkte und indirekte Kosten für die häusliche Intensivversorgung retrospektiv über 3 Monate. Grundlage bildeten standardisiert schriftlich erfasste Selbstauskünfte von Patienten und Angehörigen sowie Informationen aus der Befragung von Pflegedienstmitarbeitern und aus Pflegedokumentationen.
Ergebnisse Die mittleren Gesamtkosten für die häusliche Intensivversorgung, einschließlich ggf. von Krankenhausaufenthalten, über 3 Monate betrugen pro Patient 61 194 € (95% KI 53 884–68 504). Der Großteil der Kosten stand in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang mit ambulanten medizinischen und pflegerischen Leistungen, die auf Grundlage von SGB V und SGB XI gewährt wurden. Den größten Einzelposten bildeten Leistungen der häuslichen Krankenpflege gem. § 37(2) SGB V (65%). Ein Anteil von etwa 13% an den Gesamtkosten entfiel auf indirekte Kosten.
Schlussfolgerungen Die häusliche Intensivversorgung beatmeter Patienten ist ressourcen- und kostenintensiv, erfährt aber noch selten Aufmerksamkeit – auch in gesundheitsökonomischer Hinsicht. Im Interesse einer wirksamen und wirtschaftlichen Gestaltung und Steuerung der Langzeitversorgung dieser speziellen Nutzergruppe werden weitere valide Informationen und Transparenz über die Kostenstrukturen benötigt.
Effects of a 20-Min Nap Post Normal and Jet Lag Conditions on P300 Components in Athletes
Authors: Petit Elisabeth , Bourdin Hubert , Tio Grégory , Yenil Omer , Haffen Emmanuel , Mougin Fabienne 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPost-lunch sleepiness belongs to biological rhythms. Athletes take a nap to counteract afternoon circadian nadir, in prevision of disturbed sleep. This study examined the effects of brief post-lunch nap on vigilance in young and healthy athletes. The P300 components, physiological and cognitive performances were assessed either after nap or rest, following a night of normal sleep (NSC) or simulated jet lag condition (5-h advance-JLC). P300 wave is the positive deflection at about 300 ms in response to a rare stimulus, representing higher information processing. P300 amplitude reflects the amount of attention allocated whereas P300 latency reflects time spent on stimulus classification. P300 amplitude was significantly increased (Fz:11.14±3.0vs9.05±3.2 µV; p<0.05) and P300 latency was shorter (Pz:327.16±18.0vs344.90±17.0 ms; p<0.01) after nap in NSC. These changes were accompanied by lower subjective sleepiness (19.7±9.6vs27.5±16.5; p<0.05) and decrease in mean reaction times (MRT: divided attention, 645.1±74.2vs698±80.4 ms; p<0.05). In contrast, in JLC, only P300 amplitudes (Fz:10.30±3.1vs7.54±3.3 µV; p<0.01 and Cz: 11.48±3.1vs9.77±3.6 µV; p<0.05) increased but P300 latencies or MRT did not improve. These results indicated improvements in speed of stimulus evaluation time. Napping positively impacts on cognitive processing, especially when subjects are on normal sleep schedules. A nap should be planned for athletes whose performance requires speedy and accurate decisions.
Pharmacokinetics of Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate and its Primary Metabolites during Pregnancy
Authors: Boggess Kim , Baker Jeffrey , Murtha Amy , Peaceman Alan , Shah Dinesh , Siegfried Sylvia , Birch Robert 
Published: May 2018

Objective To measure pharmacokinetics of hydroxyprogesterone caproate (OHPC) and its major metabolites throughout pregnancy.
Study Design Thirty women were prescribed OHPC for recurrent preterm birth prevention. Three cohorts of subjects had blood drawn for 7 consecutive days at one of three times: cohort 1 (n = 6) after the first dose (weeks 16–20), cohort 2 (n = 8) between weeks 24 and 28, and cohort 3 (n = 16) between weeks 32 and 36. We measured serum trough levels after week 1 in cohort 1 or after two consecutive weekly doses in cohorts 2 and 3. In 10 subjects, we estimated OHPC terminal half-life at 28 days after their last dose.
Results In cohorts 1, 2, and 3, the areas under curve (ng × h/mL) for OHPC were 571.4 ± 195.2, 1,269.6 ± 285.0, and 1,268.0 ± 511.6, respectively. Maximum OHPC levels (ng/mL) were 5.0 ± 1.5, 12.5 ± 3.9, and 12.3 ± 4.9, respectively. The areas under the curve for mono-hydroxylated metabolites were 208.5 ± 92.4, 157.1 ± 64.6, and 211.2 ± 113.1, and maximum concentrations were 1.9 ± 0.7, 1.5 ± 0.7, and 1.8 ± 1.0, respectively. Di-hydroxylated metabolite levels were significantly lower than mono-hydroxylated metabolites. Estimated terminal half-life of OHPC was 16.3 ± 3.6 days and 19.7 ± 6.2 days for the mono-hydroxylated metabolites.
Conclusion After the first injection, OHPC maximum serum level was approximately half steady-state level. Measurable metabolites of unknown activity were detected.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Development, Technique, and Applications in Cutaneous Malignancies
Authors: Chen Eillen , Srivastava Divya , Nijhawan Rajiv 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a specialized technique for treating skin malignancies that offers the highest cure rate by allowing histological evaluation of the entire peripheral and deep margins. MMS also maximally preserves as much uninvolved, normal adjacent tissue as possible, allowing for the best cosmetic and functional outcomes. When used for appropriate indications, this technique is also more cost-effective than other treatment modalities. In this article, the authors will discuss the development of MMS, the steps involved in this procedure, and the indications for this technique. They will also review the use of MMS for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma in situ, and some less common skin malignancies.
Scalp and Forehead Reconstruction
Authors: Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Inman Jared , Ducic Yadranko 
Published: May 2018

AbstractReconstructing the scalp and forehead is a challenging endeavor frequently undertaken by facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. There are many anatomical factors to be considered in this area, including multiple neurovascular structure present that should be identified and preserved. Hair morphology and physiology should be considered, and trichophytic techniques should be incorporated into incision planning and closure. The reconstructive ladder must be used when considering options in reconstructing scalps and forehead defects. This article reviews reconstructive options including secondary intention, primary closure, skin grafting, allografts, tissue expanders, and local, regional, and free tissue transfers, among others in the surgical management of forehead and scalp defects. The reconstructive surgeon should be familiar with these techniques and be able to use them when indicated, based on the size, shape, and location of defects.
Approach to Reconstruction of Nasal Defects
Authors: Başağaoğlu Berkay , Ali Kausar , Hollier Pierce , Maricevich Renata 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe nose is the most central and anterior projecting facial feature. Therefore, the presence of a defect is easily noticeable to the untrained eye. Return of the defect to the original form is an achievable end goal of reconstruction, necessitating appropriate reformation of three-dimensional geometry, proper establishment of symmetry, and excellent color and texture match to the adjacent structures. Regarding its physiological importance, disruption of the normal function may cause respiratory obstruction and contribute to patient distress. To achieve successful repair, preoperative preparation must consider the location, the layers involved, and the size of the defect. Prompt and well-organized repair minimizes the occurrence of progressive necrosis and severe late-stage deformity. Here the authors provide a framework to approach various nasal defects and provide a review of the novel ideologies and techniques. The workhorse of nasal repair, the forehead flap, is discussed independently due to the breadth of innovation.