bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Citrullinated Aggrecan Epitopes as Targets of Autoreactive CD4+ T Cells in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Rims Cliff , Uchtenhagen Hannes , Kaplan Mariana J. , Carmona‐Rivera Carmelo , Carlucci Philip , Mikecz Katalin , Markovics Adrienn , Carlin Jeffrey , Buckner Jane H. , James Eddie A. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveRecognition of citrullinated antigens such as vimentin, fibrinogen, and α‐enolase is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Emerging data suggest that the matrix protein aggrecan is also recognized as a citrullinated antigen. This study was undertaken to directly visualize Cit‐aggrecan–specific T cells and characterize them in patients with RA.MethodsCitrullinated aggrecan peptides with likely DRB1*04:01 binding motifs were predicted using a previously published scanning algorithm. Peptides with detectable binding were assessed for immunogenicity by HLA tetramer staining, followed by single cell cloning. Selectivity for citrullinated peptide was assessed by tetramer staining and proliferation assays. Ex vivo tetramer staining was then performed to assess frequencies of aggrecan‐specific T cells in peripheral blood. Finally, disease association was assessed by comparing T cell frequencies in RA patients and controls and correlating aggrecan‐specific T cells with levels of aggrecan‐specific antibodies.ResultsWe identified 6 immunogenic peptides, 2 of which were the predominant T cell targets in peripheral blood. These 2 epitopes were citrullinated at HLA binding residues and shared homologous sequences. RA patients had significantly higher frequencies of Cit‐aggrecan–specific T cells than healthy subjects. Furthermore, T cell frequencies were significantly correlated with antibodies against citrullinated aggrecan.ConclusionOur findings indicate that T cells that recognize citrullinated aggrecan are present in patients with RA and correlate with antibodies that target this same antigen. Consequently, aggrecan‐specific T cells and antibodies are potentially relevant markers that could be used to monitor patients with RA or at‐risk subjects.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in the setting of HELLP Syndrome
Authors: Sarkissian Sarmen , Khan Yasir , Farrell Daniel , Constable David , Brem Elizabeth 
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical MessageHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life‐threatening hyper activation of the immune system. Rare cases associated with HELLP syndrome and other similar conditions in pregnancy have been reported. Despite the improved survival rates with etoposide and dexamethasone‐based regimens, HLH remains a challenging disease. Experience in pregnant patients is exceedingly rare.
Recanalization of bilateral axillaris/brachialis artery occlusion in a patient with Takayashu arteritis: First case report on using a novel drug‐coated nitinol “chocolate” balloon catheter
Authors: Leigh Mariatu Binta , Kor Samad , Czantrak Petar , Sacirovic Mesud , Pagonas Nikolaos , Hillmeister Philipp , Zeidler Gabriele , Bramlage Peter , Buschmann Ivo 
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical MessageWhen fibrosis develops in Takayasu arteritis (TA), endovascular treatment may become necessary. A 63‐year‐old woman with TA underwent PTA with a nitinol‐structured (chocolate‐like) drug‐coated balloon (C‐DEB PTA). She remained in remission for >1 year. The case may foster research into the use of C‐DEB PTA in TA.
Laparoscopic repair of the vaginal cuff dehiscence: Dehiscence occurring after the first sexual intercourse after the laparoscopic modified radical hysterectomy
Authors: Suzuki Yukio , Imai Yuichi , Ruiz‐Yokota Naho , Miyagi Etsuko 
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical MessageTotal vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is an important adverse event after hysterectomy. Here, we showed two cases in whom laparoscopic repair of VCD was successful. This procedure is effective, safe, and thus minimally invasive for patients after hysterectomy.
Analysis and implementation of a new zero current switching flyback inverter
Authors: Arab Ansari Sajad , Moghani Javad Shokrollahi , Mohammadi Mohammad 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a novel zero current switching (ZCS) flyback inverter in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) is proposed. In the proposed flyback inverter, the ZCS for the primary switch is achieved by adding a simple auxiliary circuit to the conventional flyback inverter. Also, the auxiliary switch is turned on and turned off at ZCS condition. Therefore, the switching losses of the switches are negligible, which increases the efficiency and allows higher switching frequency and more compact design. The resonant auxiliary cell is activated only in short transition times that makes its conduction losses negligible. Furthermore, the voltage overshoot of the main switch is limited during the turn‐off process, which allows utilization of lower voltage metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs) with low conduction losses and low cost. The detailed operation of the flyback inverter with auxiliary circuit and design considerations are presented. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the performance of the proposed inverter.
Antenna array techniques for nonuniform cell zooming and adaptive frequency planning
Authors: Lahiry Archiman 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes the antenna array system and the techniques for the nonuniform cell zooming and adaptive frequency planning which is suitable for the energy‐efficient LTE network and multitier 5G heterogeneous network. The antenna array system is designed for the beam width control and scan control in the azimuth plane. The beam tilt is controlled in the elevation plane to control the cell radius. The first feature of the antenna array system is to perform nonuniform sector size control in order to deal with the nonuniform traffic distribution. The second feature of the antenna array system is to control the beam scan in the azimuth plane for the adaptive frequency planning. The footprint control of the current work is evaluated considering the antenna array's radiation pattern and all the physical parameters. Adaptive frequency planning can mitigate cochannel interference (CCI), which may be caused due to the cell zooming techniques proposed in this work. The footprint simulations confirm that the antenna array system can control the sector size with the highest possible flexibility. The antenna array system due to these features can effectively mitigate the interference. The results also confirm that the current antenna array system outperforms the existing antenna array systems.
Means‐end problem solving in infancy: Development, emergence of intentionality, and transfer of knowledge
Authors: Babik Iryna , Cunha Andrea Baraldi , Ross Samantha M. , Logan Samuel W. , Galloway James C. , Lobo Michele A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBehaviors and performance of 23 typically developing infants were assessed longitudinally at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months in two means‐end tasks: pulling a towel or rotating a turntable to obtain a supported object. With age, infants performed more goal‐directed behaviors, leading to increased problem‐solving success. Intentionality emerged earlier in the towel task than in the turntable task (6.9 vs. 10.8 months). Potential knowledge transfer between the tasks was first observed at 9 months. This study provides insight into the development of means‐end learning, the emergence of intentionality, and potential transfer of knowledge in tasks involving a similar concept (support) but requiring different modes of action for success (pulling vs. rotating).
Beyond the model: expert knowledge improves predictions of species’ fates under climate change
Authors: Reside April E. , Critchell Kay , Crayn Darren M. , Goosem Miriam , Goosem Stephen , Hoskin Conrad J. , Sydes Travis , Vanderduys Eric P. , Pressey Robert L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe need to proactively manage landscapes and species to aid their adaptation to climate change is widely acknowledged. Current approaches to prioritizing investment in species conservation generally rely on correlative models, which predict the likely fate of species under different climate change scenarios. Yet, while model statistics can be improved by refining modeling techniques, gaps remain in understanding the relationship between model performance and ecological reality. To investigate this, we compared standard correlative species distribution models to highly accurate, fine‐scale, distribution models. We critically assessed the ecological realism of each species’ model, using expert knowledge of the geography and habitat in the study area and the biology of the study species. Using interactive software and an iterative vetting with experts, we identified seven general principles that explain why the distribution modeling under‐ or overestimated habitat suitability, under both current and predicted future climates. Importantly, we found that, while temperature estimates can be dramatically improved through better climate downscaling, many models still inaccurately reflected moisture availability. Furthermore, the correlative models did not account for biotic factors, such as disease or competitor species, and were unable to account for the likely presence of micro refugia. Under‐performing current models resulted in widely divergent future projections of species’ distributions. Expert vetting identified regions that were likely to contain micro refugia, even where the fine‐scale future projections of species distributions predicted population losses. Based on the results, we identify four priority conservation actions required for more effective climate change adaptation responses. This approach to improving the ecological realism of correlative models to understand climate change impacts on species can be applied broadly to improve the evidence base underpinning management responses.
Environmental DNA analysis as a non‐invasive quantitative tool for reproductive migration of a threatened endemic fish in rivers
Authors: Maruyama Atsushi , Sugatani Kousuke , Watanabe Kazuki , Yamanaka Hiroki , Imamura Akio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuantitative information regarding reproduction is essential for conserving endangered animals; however, some conventional quantitative methods can be damaging to the target population and their habitats. In the present study, the reproductive migration of a threatened endemic fish, three‐lips (Opsariichthys uncirostris uncirostris), was non‐invasively monitored by quantitative PCR of species‐specific environmental DNA (eDNA), the usefulness of which has been not sufficiently explored. Water sampling and from‐shore visual inspection were performed weekly along a tributary of Lake Biwa (Japan), where adult fish seasonally migrate upstream to reproduce as well as at lake sites near the river mouth. Species‐specific eDNA was collected at all locations at times when the fish were visually observed and at certain sites where the fish were not observed. Log‐transformed individual counts from visual inspection were positively correlated with log‐transformed eDNA concentration in the river sites, indicating that eDNA analysis can be a reliable quantitative tool for fish abundance in rivers. Furthermore, distance from the lake did not influence eDNA concentration, suggesting that eDNA transport by river flow had a negligible effect on eDNA quantification. Both eDNA concentration and individual counts gradually increased from May–July, and decreased in August. Importantly, eDNA analysis showed that the fish occupied more habitats in the peak reproductive season and stayed for longer time at any given site. An additional underwater survey confirmed unexpected eDNA detections as true positives. eDNA analysis has great potential to quantitatively monitor reproductive fish migrations under certain conditions.
Physicochemical property, antioxidant activity, and cytoprotective effect of the germinated soybean proteins
Authors: Gao Chunxia , Wang Fengzhong , Yuan Li , Liu Junyi , Sun Dan , Li Xuyan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAppropriate germination can improve the nutritional value and bioactivity of soybeans; however, few studies have assessed the effect of germination on soybean proteins. This study examined the physicochemical property, antioxidation, and cytoprotective effect of the germinated soybean proteins (Gsp). Gsp was extracted from soybeans which germinated for 0–3 days using the method of alkali‐solution and acid‐isolation extraction. The results showed that germination could digest soybean proteins into the smaller molecules; enhance the degree of hydrolysis, emulsifiability, and foaming capacity; increase the removal rate of ABTS, DPPH, ˙, and ˙OH radical; and decrease the reducing power and lipid peroxidation of Gsp. Additionally, Gsp was able to protect HL‐7702 human hepatocyte cells against benzo(a)pyrene (BaP)‐induced cytotoxicity through mediating the cell cycle arrest, suppressing apoptosis, and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. This work demonstrated that germination could enhance the physicochemical property and antioxidant activity of Gsp, which also displayed the remarkable cytoprotective effect. This study provided a fundamental basis for substantiating dietary of Gsp used for resistance to oxidation and hepatic injury.
Volatility information implied in the term structure of VIX
Authors: Chang Kai‐Jiun , Hung Mao‐Wei , Wang Yaw‐Huei , Yen Kuang‐Chieh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study uses multiple maturity‐independent variables to examine whether the volatility information implied in the term structure of volatility index can improve the prediction of realized volatility. The empirical results for the S&P 500 index show that, in terms of both the in‐sample estimation and out‐of‐sample forecasting, the term structure variables provide substantial incremental contribution to the models with only level variables. Our empirical results are robust to various forms of volatility, alternative ways to develop the term structure variable, the impact of macroeconomic variables, and alternative underlying assets.
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy of the jaw bones: Update on the factors influencing survival and recurrence
Authors: Pontes Flavia Sirotheau Correa , de Souza Lucas Lacerda , Uchôa Daniel Cavalléro Colares , Joaquim Andrea Maia Correa , do Nascimento Liliane Silva , da Mata Rezende Diogo dos Santos , Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to integrate the available data published on melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) of the jaw bones. An electronic search was undertaken in April 2018. Hundred forty‐seven publications and 371 patients were included. The lesion was more prevalent in males and in the second to sixth months of life. The lesions mostly presented as a rapidly growing bluish swelling and the most commonly involved was the anterior maxilla. The mean follow‐up was 51.1 months (range 1‐408 months). Age (P ≤ .0001), location (P = .007), occurrence of lymph node metastasis (P ≤ .0001), treatment (P = .001), recurrence (P ≤ .0001), and distant metastasis (P = .0001) were independently associated with survival. Recurrence was significantly correlated with age (P = .0001), distant metastasis (P = .0001), and treatment (P = .0001). Patients older than 12 months, with lesions in the mandible, positive regional lymph node metastasis, treated with chemotherapy, recurrence, or distant metastasis presented the worst prognosis.
Getting the right fit: Convergence between preferred and perceived involvement in treatment decision making among medical oncology outpatients
Authors: Mansfield Elise , Bryant Jamie , Carey Mariko , Turon Heidi , Henskens Frans , Grady Alice 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsWhile cancer patients' preferences for their level of involvement in treatment decision making (TDM) vary, previous research indicates a large proportion of patients are not experiencing TDM that meets their preferences. Evidence is needed to identify the characteristics of cancer patients who are less likely to report experiencing their preferred level of involvement in TDM, so that appropriate decision‐making support can be provided to them. We examined in a sample of medical oncology outpatients (1) the level of agreement between preferred and perceived involvement in TDM and (2) demographic, psychological, disease, and treatment characteristics associated with having unmet preferences for involvement in TDM.Methods and ResultsCancer patients from three medical oncology treatment centers in Australia completed surveys assessing demographic, disease and treatment variables, psychological distress, and preferred and perceived involvement in TDM. Data were collected between February 2013 and December 2014. Factors associated with having unmet TDM preferences were examined using logistic regression. There were 355 patients included in the analysis (75% response rate). The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 61 (±12), and 45% were male. Overall, 60% of participants reported that their preferences for involvement in TDM were met. No demographic, psychological, disease, or treatment characteristics were significantly associated with an increased probability of not having TDM preferences met.ConclusionsIn line with previous research, a large proportion (40%) of patients reported TDM experiences that were not in alignment with their preferences. Future research should explore additional characteristics that are associated with a lower likelihood of having TDM preferences met.
Investigation of survival and migration potential of differentiated cardiomyocytes transplanted with decellularized heart scaffold
Authors: Akbay Esin , Onur Mehmet Ali 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMesenchymal stem cell‐derived cardiomyocytes are employed as a source for myocardial cell transplantation as well as for tissue engineering in decellularized tissue scaffolds. The present study aimed at investigating the survival and migration potential of differentiated cardiomyocytes integrated to decellularized scaffolds after implantation into retroperitoneum of rats, and to assess the feasibility of their ectopic use for future cardiovascular tissue engineering. For this purpose, adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) were first isolated. Cells were labeled by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Decellularized cardiac tissue scaffolds were acquired by application of ionic and non‐ionic detergents and the labeled differentiated cells were seeded onto these tested decellularized scaffolds. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks of implantation, either cell free scaffold (CFS) or cell scaffold (CS) composites were examined by various techniques for ectopic migration potential of the implanted cells and interaction between the seeded cells on scaffolds. Throughout the first and second weeks of implantation, positively stained cells were observed in renal tissue samples. Observations, for cardiomyocytes‐specific gene expression during weeks 1, 2, and 4, showed potential increased over each time period. A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) results revealed an increased interaction between cells seeded on scaffolds, however CFS test groups showed no significant difference in gene expression. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 561–570, 2019.
miR‐384 suppressed renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation and migration through targeting RAB23
Authors: Yan Lihua , Wu Kunxiang , Du Feng , Yin Xianzhe , Guan Hongmei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractmicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding, short, and endogenous RNAs that play crucial roles in tumor progression at the post‐transcriptional level. Here, we studied the role of miR‐384 in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We demonstrated that miR‐384 expression was downregulated in the RCC specimens compared with nontumor specimens. Moreover, we showed that RAB23 expression was upregulated in the RCC tissues compared with nontumor tissues. Furthermore, we demonstrated that low expression of miR‐384 was correlated with high levels of RAB23 in RCC tissues. We also demonstrated that the RAB23 was a direct target gene of miR‐384 in RCC cells. In addition, overexpression of miR‐384 suppressed RCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell migration. Furthermore, ectopic expression of RAB23 promoted RCC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell migration. These data suggested that miR‐384 played a tumor suppressor microRNA in the development of RCC partly through inhibiting RAB23 expression.
Effects of major ozonated autoheamotherapy on functional recovery, ischemic brain tissue apoptosis and oxygen free radical damage in the rat model of cerebral ischemia
Authors: Wu Xiaona , Liu Xiaoyan , Huang Huai , Li ZhenSheng , Xiong TieGen , Xiang Wei , Liu Liu , Tao Zhang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractStroke is the second leading cause of death and disability in the world, with a heavy burden on patients, their families, and society. At present, a major focus of cerebrovascular disease research is to find a safe and effective new method to promote early functional recovery in the acute phase of cerebral infarction. Major ozonated autohemotherapy (MOAH) can maintain ATP and energy metabolism in cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, and reduce cell apoptosis. In the current study, the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in the Sprague Dawley rat was established and evaluated by the clinical functional score, Hoechst staining, immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and biochemical detection. Then, the effects of MOAH on neurological function, apoptosis, and oxygen free radical damage after acute ischemia in middle cerebral artery were evaluated. Moreover, the potential two mechanisms have been illustrated for MOAH effects. This study would lay a theoretical foundation for the application of MOAH and find an effective and early treatment method for the cerebral infarction.
Prognostic value of a two‐microRNA signature for papillary thyroid cancer and a bioinformatic analysis of their possible functions
Authors: Liu Tong , You Xin , Sui Jing , Shen Bo , Zhang Yan , Zhang Xiao‐Mei , Yang Sheng , Yao Yong‐Zhong , Yang Fei , Yin Li‐Hong , Pu Yue‐Pu , Liang Ge‐Yu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundRecent scientific evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In the current study, we aim to identify a miRNA‐related signature as the sensitive and novel prognostic biomarkers.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive analysis of the data downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The association between survival outcome and miRNA was assessed by the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. The risk score model was built to evaluate the predicting value of miRNA signature. The potential biofunctions and transcription factors of target miRNAs were investigated through bioinformatic analysis. The result was verified by the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) in 32 pairs of PTC and adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, the results were verified by other cohorts from gene expression omnibus (GEO) as detected by microarrays.ResultsA total of 1030 miRNAs were identified from the TCGA database. Thirty‐six key intersection miRNAs were obtained. The associations between clinical features and key miRNAs were evaluated. Eventually, a two‐miRNA signature (hsa‐miR‐181a‐2‐3p and hsa‐miR‐138‐1‐3p) was identified. The power of the miRNA prognostic signature was effective. In total, we identified 202 genes that were associated with 2 miRNAs above, and the top 10 enriched transcript factors that highly related with the target miRNAs were explored. The qRT‐PCR and GEO data validation were consistent with bioinformatics results.ConclusionsA tumor‐specific miRNA signature was identified, and the joint prognostic power was evaluated, which may be potential biomarkers for prognosis of PTC.Impact: The two‐miRNA signature could become the potential prognostic indicator of PTC in the future.