bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tissue-Nonspecific Alkaline Phosphatase Is Required for MC3T3 Osteoblast–Mediated Protection of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells from Apoptosis
Authors: Sterner Rosalie M. , Kremer Kimberly N. , Dudakovic Amel , Westendorf Jennifer J. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Hedin Karen E. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
The bone marrow microenvironment harbors and protects leukemic cells from apoptosis-inducing agents via mechanisms that are incompletely understood. We previously showed SDF-1 (CXCL-12), a chemokine readily abundant within the bone marrow microenvironment, induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells that express high levels of the SDF-1 receptor CXCR4. However, differentiating osteoblasts found within this niche protect cocultured AML cells from apoptosis. Additionally, this protection was abrogated upon treatment of the differentiating osteoblasts with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). In this study, we begin to characterize and target the molecular mechanisms that mediate this osteoblast protection. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that HDACi treatment of differentiating osteoblasts (mouse MC3T3 osteoblast cell line) reduced expression of multiple genes required for osteoblast differentiation, including genes important for producing mineralized bone matrix. Interestingly, pretreating differentiating osteoblasts with cyclosporine A, a drug known to inhibit osteoblast differentiation, similarly impaired osteoblast-mediated protection of cocultured AML cells (KG1a and U937 human AML cell lines). Both HDACi and cyclosporine A reduced osteoblast expression of the key mineralization enzyme tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP; encoded by Alpl). Moreover, specifically reducing TNAP expression or activity in differentiating osteoblasts significantly impaired the ability of the osteoblasts to protect cocultured AML cells. Together, our results indicate that inhibiting osteoblast matrix mineralization by specifically targeting TNAP is sufficient to significantly impair osteoblast-mediated protection of AML cells. Therefore, designing combination therapies that additionally target the osteoblast-produced mineralized bone matrix may improve treatment of AML by reducing the protection of leukemic cells within the bone marrow microenvironment.
A Diverse Lipid Antigen–Specific TCR Repertoire Is Clonally Expanded during Active Tuberculosis
Authors: DeWitt William S. , Yu Krystle K. Q. , Wilburn Damien B. , Sherwood Anna , Vignali Marissa , Day Cheryl L. , Scriba Thomas J. , Robins Harlan S. , Swanson Willie J. , Emerson Ryan O. , Bradley Philip H. , Seshadri Chetan 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Human T cells that recognize lipid Ags presented by highly conserved CD1 proteins often express semi-invariant TCRs, but the true diversity of lipid Ag–specific TCRs remains unknown. We use CD1b tetramers and high-throughput immunosequencing to analyze thousands of TCRs from ex vivo–sorted or in vitro–expanded T cells specific for the mycobacterial lipid Ag, glucose monomycolate. Our results reveal a surprisingly diverse repertoire resulting from editing of germline-encoded gene rearrangements analogous to MHC-restricted TCRs. We used a distance-based metric (TCRDist) to show how this diverse TCR repertoire builds upon previously reported conserved motifs by including subject-specific TCRs. In a South African cohort, we show that TCRDist can identify clonal expansion of diverse glucose monomycolate–specific TCRs and accurately distinguish patients with active tuberculosis from control subjects. These data suggest that similar mechanisms govern the selection and expansion of peptide and lipid Ag–specific T cells despite the nonpolymorphic nature of CD1.
Blocking TIR Domain Interactions in TLR9 Signaling
Authors: Javmen Artur , Szmacinski Henryk , Lakowicz Joseph R. , Toshchakov Vladimir Y. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Interaction of TLR9 with ligands activates NF-κB, leading to proinflammatory cytokine production. Excessive TLR activation is a pathogenic factor for inflammatory diseases. This study has examined cell-permeating decoy peptides (CPDPs) derived from the TLR9 Toll/IL-1R resistance (TIR) domain. CPDP 9R34, which included AB loop, β-strand B, and N-terminal BB loop residues, inhibited TLR9 signaling most potently. CPDPs derived from α-helices C, D, and E (i.e., 9R6, 9R9, and 9R11) also inhibited TLR9-induced cytokines but were less potent than 9R34. 9R34 did not inhibit TLR2/1, TLR4, or TLR7 signaling. The N-terminal deletion modification of 9R34, 9R34-ΔN, inhibited TLR9 as potently as the full length 9R34. Binding of 9R34-ΔN to TIR domains was studied using cell-based Förster resonance energy transfer/fluorescence lifetime imaging approach. Cy3-labeled 9R34-ΔN dose-dependently decreased fluorescence lifetime of TLR9 TIR–Cerulean (Cer) fusion protein. Cy3–9R34-ΔN also bound TIRAP TIR, albeit with a lesser affinity, but not MyD88 TIR, whereas CPDP from the opposite TIR surface, 9R11, bound both adapters and TLR9. i.p. administration of 9R34-ΔN suppressed oligonucleotide-induced systemic cytokines and lethality in mice. This study identifies a potent, TLR9-specific CPDP that targets both receptor dimerization and adapter recruitment. Location of TIR segments that represent inhibitory CPDPs suggests that TIR domains of TLRs and TLR adapters interact through structurally homologous surfaces within primary receptor complex, leading to formation of a double-stranded, filamentous structure. In the presence of TIRAP and MyD88, primary complex can elongate bidirectionally, from two opposite ends, whereas in TIRAP-deficient cells, elongation is unidirectional, only through the αE side.
Evaluation of real-time reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for clinical diagnosis of West Nile virus in patients
Authors: Kumar Jyoti S. , Saxena Divyasha , Parida Manmohan , Rathinam Sivakumar 
Published: June 2018

Background & objectives:
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. The disease can be diagnosed by isolation followed by fluorescent antibody tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. These diagnostic methods are laborious and time-consuming. The present study was aimed to evaluate the real-time reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for rapid, early and accurate diagnosis of WNV.

Methods:
A one-step single tube accelerated quantitative RT-LAMP assay was evaluated by targeting the Env gene of WNV. The gene amplification was accomplished by incubating the reaction mixture at 63°C for 60 min in both real time turbidimeter as well as routine laboratory water bath/dry heating bath. To rule out contamination issues, proper negative controls, including no template, no primer; and no enzyme, were always kept alongside each run. The RT-LAMP assay was evaluated on 105 clinical samples from individuals having ocular infection.

Results:
Of the 105 samples tested, 27 were positive for WNV by RT-LAMP assay. The comparative evaluation with conventional RT-PCR revealed 100 per cent accordance with sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 95 per cent, respectively. The specificity of this assay was confirmed with serum samples obtained from patients with dengue and chikungunya.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The RT-LAMP test seemed to be a sensitive and specific method for rapid detection of WNV infection and would be useful for rapid screening of a large number of clinical samples in endemic areas during outbreaks.
Transcriptional expression of PmrB and arnA within polymyxin-resistant nosocomial isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from India
Authors: ROY Sayani , PAUL Deepjyoti , ELİZABETH Rajkumari , DHAR Debadatta , CHAKARVARTY Atanu , BHATTACHARJEE Amitabha 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACT

Objective: The polymyxin group of antibiotics is considered to be
one of the most effective antimicrobial agents against many serious pathogenic
bacteria, but the excessive use of these antibiotics has led to the development
of drug resistance among bacteria. This study was designed to characterize polymyxin-resistant
P. aeruginosa and to explore the role
of PmrB and arnA in resistant phenotype.

Methods:
mRNA and cDNA of five selected polymyxin-resistant strains representing
different MIC range; isolated under normal condition of&nbsp; strain growth, after treating sample/media
with FeCl3 and MgCl2 alone, or after treating with FeCl3 and polymyxin
antibiotic. The transcriptional expression was observed for PmrB and arnA by quantitative real time RT-PCR in reference to P. aeruginosa PAO1. The presence of
plasmid mediated colistin resistance determinants mcr-1 was screened by PCR. Susceptibility of the strains was
determined by disc-diffusion method and DNA fingerprinting was carried out by
performing REP-PCR.

Results: A
down regulated expression of PmrB and
arnA was observed even after the
unique induction with FeCl3 and MgCl2. All the isolates were found to be
resistant against cefepime and different clonal patterns of resistance were
found among the isolates.

Conclusion: This study has drawn a new insight into polymyxin
resistance which will help in the detection and control of infections caused by
multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa.
The low susceptibility rate to aminoglycoside, piperacllin-tazobactam and
ciprofloxacin was found and in addition, detection of PmrB and arnA as
molecular markers in the follow up of infections caused by multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(2):61-68.
Endocarditis due to Aortic Root Abscess in a Patient with Rupture of Sinus of Valsalva
Authors: ALİ Arif Maqsood , WASEEM Gule Rana , ARİF Shazia 
Published: June 2018

A
ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rarely accompanies the aortic valve
endocarditis. A 40-year old female presented with low threshold exertional
dyspnea and fever. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography showed
ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in right ventricle with multiple vegetation
at the aortic root. Initial blood cultures were negative and an empirical
antibiotic therapy was started. Patient was operated for surgical repair of
sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. An aortic root abscess with rupture of sinus of
Valsalva was found at operation. However, postoperatively she developed sepsis
and multiorgan failure leading to her death. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 8(2):69-72
Hydrogen as Sustainable and Green Energy Resource
Authors: Dutta Suman 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHydrogen is a clean fuel that can be used as the major energy resource. Hydrogen can be produced from various renewable and sustainable sources. Cost of hydrogen is high when it is produced from alternative sources. Hydrogen can be utilized as an energy source when it can be produced from cheap and renewable source. Emphasis should be given to those methods that have a lowCO2footprint. Purification, transportation, and storing are important aspects that can be emphasized. Hydrogen is used as fuel in internal combustion engine (ICE) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The cost ofFCEVis higher than car withICE. However, theFCEVshave more fuel efficiency thanICEcar. Suitable materials should be developed for storing hydrogen in both liquid and compressed gas form. Lightweight, high mechanical strength, and low‐cost materials are preferred for this purpose. Safety issues should be taken care for production, fueling, and transportation systems.
Independent Control over Multiple Cell Types in Space and Time Using Orthogonal Blue and Red Light Switchable Cell Interactions
Authors: Yüz Simge G. , Ricken Julia , Wegner Seraphine V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIndependent control over multiple cell–material interactions with high spatiotemporal resolution is a key for many biomedical applications and understanding cell biology, as different cell types can perform different tasks in a multicellular context. In this study, the binding of two different cell types to materials is orthogonally controlled with blue and red light providing independent regulation in space and time. Cells expressing the photoswitchable protein cryptochrome 2 (CRY2) on cell surface bind to N‐truncated CRY‐interacting basic helix–loop–helix protein 1 (CIBN)‐immobilized substrates under blue light and cells expressing the photoswitchable protein phytochrome B (PhyB ) on cell surface bind to phytochrome interaction factor 6 (PIF6)‐immobilized substrates under red light, respectively. These light‐switchable cell interactions provide orthogonal and noninvasive control using two wavelengths of visible light. Moreover, both cell–material interactions are dynamically switched on under light and reversible in the dark. The specificity of the CRY2/CIBN and PhyB/PIF6 interactions and their response to different wavelengths of light allow selectively activating the binding of one cell type with blue and the other cell type with red light in the presence of the other cell type.
A Designed TEMPO‐derivate Catalyst with Switchable Signals of EPR and Photoluminescence: Application in the Mechanism of Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Yin Lu , Zhang Jiaxiang , Yao Jia , Li Haoran 
Published: June 2018

AbstractConstruction the in situ, real‐time monitoring methodology for chemical changes, especially in the mechanism of oxidation, has long been regarded as a significant and challenging concern. Herein, we designed and synthesized a TEMPO‐mediated alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine complex with switchable activity in photoluminescence and EPR (Electron Paramagnetic Resonance) spectra. This complex of alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine‐TEMPO [(2, 2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl] is paramagnetic, while the in situ formed alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine‐TEMPOH is diamagnetic, so that concentration changes of TEMPO/ TEMPOH species were obtained successfully by photoluminescence and EPR spectra in an operando way. As a model example, we investigated the mechanism of alcohol oxidation mediated by TEMPO/ bis(acetoxy)iodo]benzene (BAIB). It was found that, with the consumption of co‐oxidant (BAIB), the concentration and conformation of catalyst (TEMPO) were changed gradually, and the vital role of catalyst and co‐oxidant in the benzyl alcohol oxidation was clearly showed by photoluminescence and EPR spectroscopies. On the basis of these observations, we suggested an effective methodology to study the mechanism of chemical reaction, which is promising for further practical applications in analytical or environmental issues.
Design and Fabrication of TiO2/Lignocellulosic Carbon Materials: Relevance of Low‐temperature Sonocrystallization to Photocatalysts Performance
Authors: Lisowski Pawel , Colmenares Juan Carlos , Mašek Ondřej , Lisowski Wojciech , Lisovytskiy Dmytro , Grzonka Justyna , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe present a facile and green approach to produce crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles on a surface of different carbonaceous materials derived from lignocellulosic biomass such as STARBON‐800® obtained by carbonization at 800 °C and biochar‐SWP700 (Soft Wood Pellets (SWP) obtained by pyrolysis at 700 °C) via novel low‐temperature ultrasound‐promoted green methodology coupled with citric acid as a cross‐linking agent. In comparison to other methods, the developed method has several significant benefits such as simplicity, great ability to get crystalline TiO2 particles (elimination of high‐temperature treatment (material calcination at >300 °C) needed in the conventional sol‐gel method, which is extremely important in transforming amorphous TiO2 into a photoactive crystalline phase) elimination of risky chemicals and oxidizing agent, and also ability to change some parameters (e. g. ultrasound intensity). Prepared materials were characterized by XRD, DR UV−vis, N2 physisorption, HR‐XPS, XRF, HR‐TEM, FT‐IR and subsequently tested for their photocatalytic activities both in photocatalytic phenol degradation (in water) and oxidation of methanol (in air) under UV and visible light irradiation.
Fingerprint Stimulated Raman Scattering Imaging Reveals Retinoid Coupling Lipid Metabolism and Survival
Authors: Chen Andy J. , Li Junjie , Jannasch Amber , Mutlu Ayse Sena , Wang Meng C. , Cheng Ji‐Xin 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRetinoids play critical roles in development, immunity, and lipid metabolism, and their deficiency leads to various human disorders. Yet, tools for sensing retinoids in vivo are lacking, which limits the understanding of retinoid distribution, dynamics and functions in living organisms. Here, using hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy, we discover a previously unknown cytoplasmic store of retinoids in Caenorahbditis elegans. Following the temporal dynamics of retinoids, we reveal that their levels are positively correlated with fat storage, and their supplementation slows down fat loss during starvation. We also discover that retinoids promote fat unsaturation in response to high‐glucose stress, and improve organism survival. Together, our studies report a new method for tracking the spatiotemporal dynamics of retinoids in living organisms, and suggest the crucial roles of retinoids in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and enhancing organism fitness upon developmental and dietary stresses.
The Validity of GRE® General Test Scores for Predicting Academic Performance at U.S. Law Schools
Authors: Klieger David M. , Bridgeman Brent , Tannenbaum Richard J. , Cline Frederick A. , Olivera‐Aguilar Margarita 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEducational Testing Service (ETS), working with 21 U.S. law schools, evaluated the predictive validity of the GRE® General Test using a sample of 1,587 current and graduated law students. Results indicated that the GRE is a strong, generalizably valid predictor of first‐year law school grades and that it provides useful information even when undergraduate grade point average already is available to predict those grades. This report also reviews the reliability of the GRE General Test that had been determined in prior research.
Providing high‐quality pharmaceutical care for the dying older person in hospital
Authors: Tait Paul A. , Pirone Christy , To Timothy Hong Man 
Published: June 2018

AbstractHealthcare professionals working in hospitals are likely to care for people in their last year of life. Many of these people will be older, frail and at high risk of adverse events. The management of medicines forms a large part of the care of this population. The interdisciplinary healthcare team can identify patients who are near the end of their life and, in partnership with the patient (or substitute decision maker) and family, plan to achieve their goals of care. Pharmacists can contribute to quality outcomes through their specialist knowledge of the unique medication issues at the end of life. This is particularly important in the context of the frail older person with comorbidities that may complicate medication management. Effective medication management and team collaboration can relieve suffering and bring comfort to the dying patient and their family. This article outlines considerations for hospital‐based clinicians treating the older person approaching the end of their life.
Building Disciplinary Language and Literacy in Elementary Teacher Training
Authors: Siffrinn Nicole E. , Lew Shim 
Published: June 2018

AbstractGiven increased attention to disciplinary literacy in K–5 contexts, there is a need to explore how elementary preservice teachers are trained to engage in disciplinary instruction. The authors present a curriculum for fostering disciplinary language and literacy awareness in elementary teacher preparation. First, they explain how and why they support preservice teachers in critically reflecting on their language experiences. Second, the authors illustrate how they scaffold preservice teachers in moving from merely recognizing the speaking, listening, reading, and writing bound up in disciplinary practices to deconstructing and designing lessons that attend explicitly to the language of the disciplines. The authors conclude by addressing the opportunities and challenges of integrating this work into early childhood education programs.
Computation tree measurement language (CTML)
Authors: Jing Yaping , Miner Andrew S. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

In this work, we present a formal language, CTML, to reason over probabilistic systems. CTML extends stochastic temporal logics in a way that it takes a real value as input and output a real value in the range of

[
0
,
∞
)

, as opposed to 0/1 values as input and output, and it can
nest
real values. This allows CTML to express a rich set of queries towards the unification of model checking and performance evaluation. In fact, CTML covers PCTL. It can express a nontrivial subset of PLTL formulas that cannot be expressed by PCTL. The significance of this result is that the overall complexity of CTML is linear, as opposed to exponential as it is with PLTL, in the size of the operators for a given formula, and polynomial in the size of a given model. Moreover, CTML can express real-valued performance queries such as: “if a system encounters a failure, what is the expected time to reach a recovery state?” that cannot be expressed by a probabilistic model checking logic, because they are “probabilistic” at most. Along with the specification language, we present a set of algorithms for the evaluation of the language and show proofs for their correctness. Additionally, we include an application example and show experimental results.
Health-Promoting Lifestyles Among Health Care Workers in a Postdisaster Area: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yang Wanqiu , Sim Timothy , Cui Ke , Zhang Jun , Yang Yanchun , Ma Xiaohong 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveHealth care workers performing rescue tasks in large-scale disaster areas are usually challenged in terms of physical and mental endurance, which can affect their lifestyles. Nevertheless, data on whether health care workers tend to adopt healthy lifestyles after disasters are limited. This paper compares the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors among health care workers with that among non–health care workers in a postdisaster area.MethodsThis cross-sectional observational study was conducted in August 2016. The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II questionnaire was used to interview 261 health care workers and 848 non–health care workers.ResultsResults of the multivariable linear models showed that health care workers had lower physical activity levels (ß=−1.363, P&lt;.0001), worse stress management (ß=−1.282, P&lt;.0001), slower spiritual growth (ß=−1.228, P=.002), and poorer interpersonal relationships (ß=−0.814, P=.019) than non–health care workers. However, no significant differences were found in either nutrition (ß=−0.362, P=.319) or health responsibility (ß=−0.421, P=.283).ConclusionsHealth care workers had less healthy lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, stress management, spiritual growth, and interpersonal relationships. Further studies are needed to develop health-improving interventions for health care workers in postdisaster areas. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:230–235)