bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of the Formation and Activity of Factor V-phospholipid Complexes II. Molecular Properties of the Complexes
Authors: Kandall Carol L , Shohet Stephen B , Akinbami T. K , Colman Robert W 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe stability, buoyancy, and intrinsic activity of factor V-phospholipid complexes were investigated.The decay of factor V activity in the absence of phospholipid followed first order kinetics; however, in the presence of several phospholipids a biphasic decay curve was observed. The addition of phosphatidylethanolamine to factor V produced only a small loss of activity in the first 2 minutes but decreased the subsequent rate of inactivation fourfold. A PE-factor V complex with a low bouyant density was separated from uncomplexed factor V by sucrose density ultracentrifugation. The association constant for this complex was 5 × 106 M-1 with approximately 2 moles of factor V bound per mole of lipid micelle. The isolated complex was capable of increasing prothrombin conversion 10-fold without additional phospholipid. A still lighter complex increased the rate of prothrombin conversion 18-fold.Phosphatidyl serine produced a concentration-dependent loss of up to 95% of the factor V activity in the first 2 minutes. After ultracentrifugation on a sucrose density gradient, a PS-factor V complex of increased density was detected. This complex failed to accelerate prothrombin conversion in the intrinsic two-stage assay.Except at very high concentrations, phosphatidylcholine did not alter the kinetics of inactivation of factor V. A factor V-phosphatidylcholine complex could not be detected after ultracentrifugation.When added to factor V, cardiolipin (200 μg/ml), produced a rapid 50% decline in activity with a subsequent three-fold increase in the rate of inactivation. No activity was recovered after ultracentrifugation of factor V in the presence of cardiolipin.Saturated phosphatidylethanolamine produced a concentration dependent initial loss of activity, but only a minimal increase in the subsequent rate of inactivation. At 200 μg/ml almost no light complex was detected after ultracentrifugation, but at 800 μg/ml a light complex was observed. This behavior corresponds to the ability of saturated phosphatidylethanolamine to accelerate prothrombin conversion only at very high concentrations.Thus, phospholipids combine with factor V to form complexes which differ in their ability to accelerate prothrombin conversion. The most active species are stable lipoprotein complexes of lower buoyant density than factor V.
Studies on PIVKA-X
Authors: Gaudernack Gustav , Prydz Hans 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe incorporation of 14C-glucosamine and 3H-leucine into PIVKA-X and factor X has been studied in Macaca mulatta by means of a monospecific precipitating antiserum. No difference in the incorporation into PIVKA-X and factor X was found.The half-lives of PIVKA-X and factor X were similar (about 30-35 h and 27-31 h respectively) indicating that the vitamin K-induced modifications did not alter the survival of protein.A Russell’s-viper venom/cephalin test system for factor X was more sensitive to inhibition by PIVKA-X than was a tissue thromboplastin-based system.
Serial Changes in the Coagulation System Following Clotting Factor Concentrate Infusion
Authors: Preston F. E , Winfield D. A , Malia R. G , Blackburn E. K 
Published: July 2018

SummaryVarious parameters of the coagulation system have been monitored in patients with Christmas disease following the infusion of clotting factor concentrates. Significant reduction of clotting factor VIII and serum antithrombin III were observed in each of the five studies, whilst the plasma fibrinogen level fell in four subjects. The induced abnormalities were shortlived and there were no clinical sequelae. Further studies are required to assess the effects of similar concentrates in patients with liver disease.
Effects of Experimental Coronary Thrombosis upon Regional and Systemic Plasma Chromatographic Patterns
Authors: Chowdhury Parimal , Moschos Christos B 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAn evaluation of changes in the plasma chromatographic pattern was carried out in dogs with experimental coronary thrombosis. Sequential samples were taken simultaneously from the aorta and coronary sinus over a two, four and twenty-four hour period. In addition to gel-chromatography, immunodiffusion and electrophoresis were also employed to identify the protein components of the elution fractions. The results showed that there was a shift of the normal chromatographic pattern to the left from the control within two hours following thrombotic occlusion of the coronary artery and it was maintained over a twenty-four hour period. The shift to the left was presumably due to the earlier elution of the heavy molecular weight components forming as a result of the thrombotic process. The early appearance of the altered chromatographic pattern constitutes an important advantage worthy of further exploration for possible diagnostic application in the human subject.
Assessment of Different Mathematical Models for Calculating and Expressing the Results of Coagulation Test Procedures
Authors: Kahan J , Norén I 
Published: July 2018

SummaryCoagulation activity, expressed as percentage of normal and as clotting time ratio, was estimated in 220 specimens from patients on long-term anticoagulant treatment by 3 different coagulation test procedures, i.e. Thrombotest, Simplastin-A and Normotest. The estimates were calculated from the same determinations.The distribution of percentage values showed a fairly pronounced deviation from normality. After logarithmic transformation, the distribution was normalized, the regression lines between Thrombotest and other tests became parallel, and that between PIVKA-insensitive systems was shifted to a 45° line. Logarithmic transformation also stabilized the residual variance. These features make percentage values accessible for treatment according to the standard methods of bioassay statistics.Attempts to normalize the distribution of ratio values by various transformations were unsuccessful. Formal analysis of data revealed a variation in the proportionality of ratio values with the level of estimated coagulation defect. This may restrict the usefulness of the ratio approach. Logarithmic transformation partly reduced the discrepancy.
Standard for Human Thrombin
Authors: Robertson I , Gaffney P. J , Bangham D. R 
Published: July 2018

SummaryTen laboratories took part in an international study of the proposed standard for human thrombin. A freeze-dried preparation (coded 70/157) was shown, using clotting time tests, to be suitable to serve as a standard for the assay of human and bovine thrombin preparations. The study shows that assay variation within laboratories was much less than between laboratories. The preparation was stable, having a negligible estimated loss of potency after ten years under the recommended storage conditions (—20° C in the dark).Each ampoule of the standard was assigned a potency of 100 units of thrombin activity, and one unit was defined as the activity contained in 0.0853 mg of the freeze-dried preparation.It was agreed by the participants in the study and by the International Committee on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (Vienna, 1973) that the thrombin preparation coded 70/157 is suitable to serve as an international standard for human thrombin.
Calcium Ionophore A23187 (Eli Lilly)
Authors: Mürer Erik H , Stewart Gwendolyn J , Rausch Michael A , Day H. James 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe addition of 0.1 μM ionophore A23187 to washed platelets incubated in citrated saline caused massive release of stored serotonin accompanied by intracellular accumulation of inosine monophosphate, but produced no detectable influx of externally added calcium or abnormal structural alterations. With increasing ionophore concentration there was a significant influx of calcium and a drastic alteration in the platelet ultrastructure. The increase in ionophore concentration was accompanied by the conversion of the major part of metabolic adenine nucleotides to inosine monophosphate and an almost complete blockage of further conversion to inosine and hypoxanthine. The metabolic changes were accentuated by the addition of calcium at concentrations less than 1/10 of the citrate concentration. In the presence of Ca++, or when citrate was omitted, there was a substantial leakage of cytoplasmic material, which at times suggested complete exchangeability between cytoplasm and extracellular medium. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the platelet release reaction is triggered by intracellularly bound calcium. They also suggest that the application of high ionophore concentration has a toxicologic rather than a physiologic effect on platelets, and that a weak chelator added during incubation with the ionophore can in the absence of divalent cations prevent cell destruction, but not the toxic effect on cell metabolism.
Derivation and Validation of a Prediction Model for Risk Stratification of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome in Elderly Patients with a First Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Méan Marie , Limacher Andreas , Alatri Adriano , Aujesky Drahomir , Mazzolai Lucia 
Published: June 2018

Background Not all patients carry the same risk of developing a post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), we therefore aimed to derive a prediction rule for risk stratification of PTS in patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Methods Our derivation sample included 276 patients with a first acute symptomatic lower limb DVT enrolled in a prospective cohort. We derived our prediction rule using regression analysis, with the occurrence of PTS within 24 months of a DVT based on the Villalta score as outcome, and 11 candidate variables as predictors. We used bootstrapping methods for internal validation.
Results Overall, 161 patients (58.3%) developed a PTS within 24 months of a DVT. Our prediction rule was based on five predictors (age ≥ 75 years, prior varicose vein surgery, multi-level thrombosis, concomitant antiplatelet/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and the number of leg symptoms and signs). Overall, 16.3, 31.2 and 52.5% of patients were classified as low- (score, 0–3), moderate (score, 4–5) and high-risk (score, ≥ 6), for developing a PTS. Within 24 months of the index DVT, 24.4% of the patients in the low-risk category developed a PTS, 38.4% in the moderate and 80.7% in the high-risk category. The prediction model showed good predictive accuracy (area under the curve, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.82, calibration slope, 0.90 and Brier score, 0.20).
Conclusion This easy-to-use clinical prediction rule accurately identifies patients with DVT who are at high risk of developing PTS within 24 months who could potentially benefit from special educational or therapeutic measures to limit the risk of PTS.
Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Children Shifts the Coagulation System towards a Pro-Coagulant State
Authors: Långström Satu , Koskenvuo Minna , Huttunen Pasi , Lassila Riitta , Taskinen Mervi , Ranta Susanna , Heikinheimo Markku , Mäkipernaa Anne 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCoagulation system is disturbed by several mechanisms after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We evaluated the effect of HSCT on coagulation system by various conventional and investigational methods in 30 children and adolescents who received HSCT due to haematological malignancies. Pro-thrombin fragment 1 + 2, a specific measure of thrombin generation, and von Willebrand factor, a measure of endothelial activation, increased after conditioning treatment, and remained elevated until 3 months after HSCT (p < 0.05 for all comparisons to pre-conditioning treatment). D-dimer, a measure of fibrin turnover, was elevated from the second week onwards until 4 weeks after HSCT (p < 0.05). Endogenous thrombin potential was increased after conditioning, and at 2 weeks after HSCT (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the activities of acute phase reactants fibrinogen and coagulation factor VIII were increased (p < 0.05 for all comparisons to pre-conditioning treatment) from the first week onwards up to 3 weeks and 3 months after HSCT, respectively. Taken together, paediatric patients receiving HSCT demonstrate distinct and prolonged variations in the coagulation system towards a pro-coagulant state. This shift is of importance when estimating the risk of haemostatic and thrombotic complications in these children.
Backbone-free duplex-stacked monomer nucleic acids exhibiting Watson–Crick selectivity
Authors: Smith Gregory P. , Fraccia Tommaso P. , Todisco Marco , Zanchetta Giuliano , Zhu Chenhui , Hayden Emily , Bellini Tommaso , Clark Noel A. 
Published: July 2018

Significance
The columnar liquid crystal phases reported here are physical associations of the smallest molecular species to self-assemble into the duplex base-paired stacked columnar double-helical structures of nucleic acids. These assemblies of monomers can provide starting states capable of partitioning appropriate molecules from solution with a high degree of selectivity, acting as pathways for the prebiotic appearance of molecular selection, self-assembly, and, ultimately, of the sequence-directed assembly of polymers.
Serum exosomes mediate delivery of arginase 1 as a novel mechanism for endothelial dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Zhang Huina , Liu Jian , Qu Dan , Wang Li , Wong Chi Ming , Lau Chi-Wai , Huang Yuhong , Wang Yi Fan , Huang Huihui , Xia Yin , Xiang Li , Cai Zongwei , Liu Pingsheng , Wei Yongxiang , Yao Xiaoqiang , Ma Ronald Ching Wan , Huang Yu 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic vasculopathy, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we have revealed a previously undefined importance of serum exosomes in regulating endothelial function and vascular homeostasis in diabetes. Through comparative proteomics analysis, arginase1 was found enriched in diabetic serum exosomes and can be transferred to endothelial cells to inhibit NO production, thus impairing endothelial function. This is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism first identified to contribute to vascular dysfunction in diabetes.
Reprogrammable Braille on an elastic shell
Authors: Chung Jun Young , Vaziri Ashkan , Mahadevan L. 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Generically, memory requires a dynamical system that has multiple metastable states or in disordered systems, broken ergodicity. In living systems, memory is encoded biochemically, while in engineered systems, it is encoded electromagnetically. However, it can be realized using other means as well. We show how an otherwise featureless long cylindrical elastic plate can, when loaded appropriately, serve to store elastic bits, localized dimples and bumps that can be written and erased at will anywhere along it. Using experiments, theory, and computations, we determine the conditions under which we can write on such a linear device using a mechanical stylus and suggest that this might serve as the basis for small-scale mechanical memories.
Past role and future outlook of the Conservation Reserve Program for supporting honey bees in the Great Plains
Authors: Otto Clint R. V. , Zheng Haochi , Gallant Alisa L. , Iovanna Rich , Carlson Benjamin L. , Smart Matthew D. , Hyberg Skip 
Published: July 2018

SignificanceGlobal pollinator declines have raised significant concern over food security, human health, and agricultural productivity. Our work highlights how the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has a direct influence on landscape suitability for supporting honey bee apiaries in a region harboring >1 million colonies. Our analysis revealed recent conversion of CRP grassland to annual crops in core areas of the commercial beekeeping industry, thereby reducing forage lands for honey bees at a time when the number of colonies in this region has never been greater. Our land-use scenario models provide policy makers with direct information on how future CRP acreage caps established by the US Congress will affect the environmental carrying capacity for supporting honey bees and the US beekeeping industry.
Opposite outcomes of coinfection at individual and population scales
Authors: Gorsich Erin E. , Etienne Rampal S. , Medlock Jan , Beechler Brianna R. , Spaan Johannie M. , Spaan Robert S. , Ezenwa Vanessa O. , Jolles Anna E. 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Infection with multiple parasite species is common and the majority of coinfections involve at least one long-lasting infection. Our data-driven model of chronic coinfection dynamics shows that accurate prediction at the population level requires quantifying both the individual-level transmission and mortality consequences of coinfection. The infections characterized in this study compete at the population level. When one pathogen facilitates both the transmission and progression of the second pathogen, the prevalence of the first pathogen is reduced. This mechanism of competition is unique compared with previously described mechanisms and occurs without cross-immunity, resource competition within the host, or convalescence. We recommend assessing the generality of this mechanism, which could have important consequences for other chronic, immunosuppressive pathogens such as HIV or TB.
Minor zygotic gene activation is essential for mouse preimplantation development
Authors: Abe Ken-ichiro , Funaya Satoshi , Tsukioka Dai , Kawamura Machika , Suzuki Yutaka , Suzuki Masataka G. , Schultz Richard M. , Aoki Fugaku 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Results presented in this report demonstrate that minor zygotic gene activation (ZGA) must precede major ZGA to execute successfully the maternal-to-zygotic transition, and that the timely occurrence of minor ZGA is crucial for preimplantation development to continue beyond the two-cell stage. In addition, the results show that the gene-expression program proceeds in a step-by-step fashion, and at least initially, is not regulated by a “zygotic clock” (e.g., compaction) or cell cycle progression (e.g., major ZGA that occurs during the two-cell stage).
Growth suppression of ice crystal basal face in the presence of a moderate ice-binding protein does not confer hyperactivity
Authors: Bayer-Giraldi Maddalena , Sazaki Gen , Nagashima Ken , Kipfstuhl Sepp , Vorontsov Dmitry A. , Furukawa Yoshinori 
Published: July 2018

Significance
Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) can be considered a prominent example of macromolecules affecting ice growth kinetics. Until now, two groups of IBPs have been described based on their activity as ice growth inhibitors: moderate and hyperactive IBPs. The mechanism underlying these activity differences has not been clarified yet. Although it is commonly believed that hyperactivity is related to growth inhibition of the basal faces of ice crystals, we show that a moderate IBP can also attach to the basal faces and inhibit their growth. Our observations clearly indicate that this moderate IBP occupies a separate position in the classification of IBPs and contribute to our understanding of interaction between macromolecules and ice and more generally, between macromolecules and inorganic crystals.
Effects of gender and verbal aggression on perceptions of U.S. political speakers
Authors: Nau Charlotte , Stewart Craig O. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTwo experiments tested whether male and female political speakers in the United States are judged differently when they use verbal attacks. Participants read eight short excerpts of political speeches, half of which contained character and competence attacks (the other half without such attacks), and half of which were attributed to a female speaker (the other half a male speaker), and rated these in terms of agreement with the message, and perceptions of credibility, appropriateness, and aggressiveness. In both experiments, messages containing verbally aggressive attacks resulted in less perceived credibility and appropriateness, and these negative effects were consistent regardless of the speaker’s gender. In Experiment 1, women tended to penalize aggressive speakers more so than did men, suggesting the men are less sensitive to verbal aggression in their evaluations of political speakers. However, women tended to perceive non-aggressive female speakers as more aggressive than male speakers. Most of these interaction effects were not replicated in Experiment 2.
Strategy of computational predictions for mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured materials
Authors: Zinovieva O. , Zinoviev A. , Ploshikhin V. , Romanova V. , Balokhonov R. 
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a new computational framework to describe the evolution of grain structure during metal additive manufacturing and to simulate an inelastic deformation of the additively manufactured material, taking into account the grain structure explicitly. A combined effect of grain structure and loading conditions on the evolution of the stress–strain state in additively manufactured specimens is investigated. The results of the research highlight the need to account for the realistic microstructure, to properly describe the mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured specimens and parts. This is part of a thematic issue on Small Scale Mechanics - EUROMAT.
Circadian period of luciferase expression shortens with age in human mature adipocytes from obese patients
Authors: Kolbe Isa , Carrasco-Benso María Paz , Lόpez-Mínguez Jesús , Luján Juan , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Oster Henrik , Garaulet Marta 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTDaily rhythms in physiology and behavior change with age. An unresolved question is to what extent such age‐related alterations in circadian organization are driven by the central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), modifying timing signals to contributing peripheral tissue oscillators, and are mediated by underlying changes in the local cellular oscillators themselves. Using a bioluminescence reporter approach, we sought to determine whether circadian clock function in human adipocytes from subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissues changes with age. SAT and VAT biopsies were obtained from obese individuals during gastric bypass surgeries [n = 16; body mass index: 44.8 ± 11.4 kg/m2; age: 44 ± 9 yr (range: 30–58)]. Cells were isolated and transduced with a lentiviral circadian reporter construct [brain and muscle ary1 hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like:luciferase (BMAL:LUC)], and bioluminescence was recorded over a period of 3 d. Human BMAL1:LUC adipocytes displayed a robust luminescence rhythm with comparable within‐individual periods in mature and preadipocytes (P > 0.05). With increasing age, the circadian period decreased in mature adipocytes (P = 0.005) (β = 4 min/yr; P < 0.05). Our ex vivo approach indicated that ageing changes the organization of endogenous circadian oscillators in human adipocytes, independent of SCN signaling.—Kolbe, I., Carrasco‐Benso, M. P., López‐Mínguez, J., Luján, J., Scheer, F. A. J. L., Oster, H., Garaulet, M. Circadian period of luciferase expression shortens with age in human mature adipocytes from obese patients. FASEB J. 33, 175–180 (2019). www.fasebj.org
The new Israeli PA
Authors: Berkowitz Oren , Gelbshtein Udi , Segal Idit , Jacobson Eyal 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT
Israel launched its new physician assistant profession with its first class of students, who were graduated in October 2017. The program is run by the Ministry of Health's Training and Development Department. This first course was focused on emergency medicine and the plan is to expand to anesthesiology and pathology in the near future.