bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soluble fibrinogen‐like protein 2 ameliorates acute rejection of liver transplantation in rat via inducing Kupffer cells M2 polarization
Authors: Pan Guangrui , Zhao Zhengfei , Tang Chengyong , Ding Liuyue , Li Zhongtang , Zheng Daofeng , Zong Liang , Wu Zhongjun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSoluble fibrinogen‐like protein 2 (sFGL2) could ameliorate acute rejection (AR) in rat cardiac transplantation. However, the role of sFGL2 in AR of liver transplantation has not been addressed. In this study, we found that FGL2 was upregulated in rat orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) models of tolerance and positive correlation with the frequency of M2 Kupffer cells (KCs). Gain‐of‐function experiments in vitro showed that sFGL2 promoted the secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐10, TGF‐β) and the expression of CD206, and inhibited the activities of STAT1 and NF‐κB signaling pathway. Consistently, in vivo assays showed that adeno‐associated virus‐mediated FGL2 (AAV‐FGL2) transfer to recipients could ameliorate AR of rat OLT and induce KCs M2 polarization in allografts. Notably, we found that the recipients receiving transferred KCs from AAV‐FGL2‐treated allograft showed alleviated AR. Taken together, we revealed that sFGL2 ameliorated AR by inducing KCs M2 polarization.
The case of the unwanted crystal: a case of pediatric pulmonary Actinomyces Odonolyticus
Authors: Gray Ashley , Do Paul 
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical MessageThis case report is one of the only known cases of Actinomyces odontolyticus causing thoracic disease in an immunocompetent pediatric patient. This case also exemplifies how bronchoscopy was able to remove the nidus of infection and prevent the potential for significant morbidity associated with a lobectomy.
Landtag Hannover – Plenarsaal
Authors: Vetter Marco , Osterkamp Dirk 
Published: May 2018

Für das Bauvorhaben – Sanierung des Niedersächsischen Landtags in Hannover – hat Colt International den Auftrag für die Fertigung und Installation von innenliegenden Schall‐Reflexionslamellen erhalten. Hintergrund der Installation ist die Lenkung des Schalls im Plenarsaal in Richtung Decke und die damit verbundene Schallminderung an den Pfosten‐Riegel‐Elementen, welche die Schallwirkung erheblich um bis zu 53 dB (RwP) reduzieren.Parliament Hanover – plenary hall. Interior glass design enables an unobstructive view into the plenary hall to provide transparency while still reducing the noise from the parliament to the enclosed office and parliament space. Colt designed and installed internal glass louvers as a second skin facade for the curtain wall facades on the inside of the parliament hall to enable noise reduction in combination with a clear and transparent design.
Absence of a primary role for TTN missense variants in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: From a clinical and pathological perspective
Authors: Chen Kai , Song Jiangping , Wang Zhen , Rao Man , Chen Liang , Hu Shengshou 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundArrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inheritable heart disease characterized by fibro‐fatty replacement of the myocardium. TTN missense variants were previously reported as a pathogenic factor for ACM.Hypothesis
TTN missense variants are commonly identified in ACM, but have limited effect on the phenotype of ACM.MethodsWe sequenced 15 ACM‐related genes in 35 patients who had a heart transplantation and quantified myocardium, and fibrous and adipose tissue in blocks of the explanted heart. Clinical and pathological characteristics were compared between patients with TTN variants and others. Pedigree analysis was performed in 3 families with TTN variants.Results
TTN variants were detected in 11 patients (all missense, 9 heterozygous and 2 oligogenic form). The TTN truncating variant was absent in the cohort. Patients with TTN variants had late onset age of the disease (31 ±13 years vs 17 ±3 years, P = 0.049) and age of heart transplantation (41 ±14 years vs 24 ±9 years, P = 0.027), larger left ventricle end‐diastolic diameter (62 ±10 mm vs 45 ±10 mm, P = 0.019), smaller right ventricular outflow tract (34 ±14 mm vs 50 ±15 mm, P = 0.046), more myocardium (40.8% ±29.4% vs 13.8% ±11.0%, P = 0.017), and less adipose tissue (43.0% ±30.9% vs 66.9% ±18.5%, P = 0.036) in right ventricle than those with desmosomal variants. There was few difference between patients with TTN variants and those without variants. Pedigrees showed none of the family members with TTN missense variants had a disease phenotype, indicating a very low penetrance.Conclusions
TTN missense variants was commonly identified in ACM patients in this cohort, but hardly played a primary role in ACM as causative variants.
Models for plant self‐thinning
Authors: Wade R. K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPlant self‐thinning, which is density‐dependent mortality, has several observed characteristics, including a certain mathematical relationship between growth and density. The original equation that describes self‐thinning is, = mean weight. The basic equation is supported by data from ecology and forestry, but there have been a number of reported slopes that differ from −3/2. This study proposed that change in plant density over time decreases exponentially and that plant growth (weight or volume) increases over time according to one of two models: either exponential growth or sigmoid growth. Exponential growth with a finite time limit, in conjunction with exponential decrease in density, led to the equation logw = C + α/γ × log density, where α/γ < 0,wis total weight, but did not imply any particular value for its slope. Sigmoid growth, in conjunction with exponential decrease in density, led to the equation log (w/(a1 + a2w)) (orv) = C + a1/γ × log density, wherea1/γ < 0,w(orv) is a total, but did not imply any particular value for its slope. For the data examined, exponential density decrease was supported by all data sets. For eight data sets, exponential growth was supported and in 7 of 8, logw = C + β log density was a good fit with α/γ a good predictor of β. For 31 data sets, sigmoid growth was supported, and in 29 of 31, log (w/(a1 + a2w)) (orv) = C + β log density was a good fit witha1/γ a good predictor of β. The numerical value of β can be regarded as an index, and there was some indication that a wide range of values (or lack) is associated with a wide (or narrow) range of environments to which the species is adapted. For the larch data, the initial spatial distribution of trees was aggregated but changed toward a random distribution of individuals over time.
Fe2V4O13 Nanoparticles Based Electrochemical Sensor for the Simultaneous Determination of Guanine and Adenine at Nanomolar Concentration
Authors: Adarakatti Prashanth Shivappa , Mahanthappa Mallappa , H Eranjaneya , Siddaramanna Ashoka 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA simple strategy has been proposed for the simultaneous quantification of guanine (GU) and adenine (AD) using Fe2V4O13 nanoparticles (Fe2V4O13 NPs) modified carbon paste electrode (Fe2V4O13NPs/CPE) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The Fe2V4O13 NPs were prepared by a simple solution combustion method where sucrose was used as a fuel. The electrochemical behavior of GU and AD at the electrochemical interface has been studied by using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV). The results illustrate that the Fe2V4O13 NPs shows enhanced electrocatalytic activity and voltammetric response towards GU and AD. The proposed sensor showed linearity between the concentration 0.5 and 60 μM with limit of detection (LOD) 32 and 37 nM for GU and AD respectively. The sensitivity towards GU and AD were respectively found to be 1.393 and 1.851 μA/μM. Further, the proposed electrochemical sensor has been successfully employed to determine GU and AD contents in milk powder and calf thymus DNA samples.
A Review Study on the Using of Diethyl Ether in Diesel Engines: Effects on Fuel Properties and Engine Performance
Authors: Sezer İsmet 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study was compiled from the results of various researches performed on using diethyl ether as a fuel or fuel additive in diesel engines. Three different techniques are used the reduction of the harmful exhaust emissions of diesel engines. The first technique for the reduction of harmful emissions is improved the combustion by modification of engine design and fuel injection system, but this process is expensive and time consuming. The second technique is the using various exhaust gas devices like catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter. However, the use of these devices affects negatively diesel engine performance. The final technique to reduce emissions and also improve diesel engine performance is the use of various alternative fuels or fuel additives. The major pollutants of diesel engines are oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). It is very difficult to reduce NOx and PM simultaneously in practice. The most researches declare that the best way to reduce is the use of various alternative fuels i. e. natural gas, biogas, biodiesel or using the additives with alternative fuels or conventional diesel fuel. Therefore, it is very important that the results of various studies on alternative fuels or fuel additives are evaluated together to practice applications. Especially, this study focus on the use diethyl ether in diesel engines as fuel or fuel additive in various diesel engine fuels. This review study investigates the effects of diethyl ether addition on the fuel properties and performance characteristics.
Gully head modelling: A Mediterranean badland case study
Authors: Torri Dino , Poesen Jean , Rossi Mauro , Amici Valerio , Spennacchi Daniele , Cremer Cati 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPredicting the location of gully heads in various environments is an important step towards predicting gully erosion rates. So far, field data collection and modelling of topographic thresholds for gully head development has mainly focused on gullies that formed in forested areas, rangelands, pastures and cropland. Such information for gullies in badlands however is very scarce. Therefore, this paper aims to extend the database on gully head topographical thresholds through data collection in a badland area and to improve the prediction of gully heads forming at sites with a very low erosion resistance value. For this, we chose a badland site located in central Italy that is characterized by biancana forms and both active and dormant gullies. The definition of the conditions under which present‐day gully heads developed allowed a better modelling of the gully head threshold equation, with modification of a previous model and the exemplification of how to use the updated model. The model shows that the resistance to gully head retreat depends on slope gradient and drainage area at gully heads, land use at the moment of gully development (as numerically expressed using parameters derived from the Runoff Curve Number method), surface rock fragment cover, presence of joints, pipes, and factors/processes affecting detachment rate. This study attempted to better understand environmental conditions that control the development of gully heads in badlands through a combination of field data collection of gully heads, an analysis of land use changes over 10 centuries, focusing on the period 1820–2005, and land use management through repeat photography and a critical examination of historical documents. © 2018 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A Long-Term Watershed-Scale Partnership to Restore Bull Trout Across Federal, State, Private, and Historic Tribal Land Near Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Authors: Buktenica M W , Hering D K , Scott N , Lambert C , McKee J , Maletis E , Pellissier J , Tinniswood W , Banish N 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
We review a 28-year project to restore a Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus population in a small Oregon watershed. Restoration evolved from eradication and exclusion of nonnative fishes within the boundaries of a national park to stream reconstruction and reconnection of a historical stream network across state and private property. Management of the project evolved from unilateral actions by a single federal agency to collaborative actions by multiple federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and private land owners. The project removed nonnative fish from 24 km of one stream by electrofishing and application of chemical piscicide. As a result, Bull Trout abundance and distribution increased from approximately 150 fish occupying 2 km of stream to over 2,000 fish occupying 19 km. Stream restoration included construction of 4 km of stream channel, planting riparian vegetation, fencing to exclude cattle, transfer of water rights to instream use, and facilities to manage fish passage and water withdrawals for irrigation.
Comparative Characterization of Osteoclasts Derived From Murine Bone Marrow Macrophages and RAW 264.7 Cells Using Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Ng Andrew YH , Tu Chengjian , Shen Shichen , Xu Ding , Oursler Merry J , Qu Jun , Yang Shuying 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTOsteoclasts are bone‐resorbing cells differentiated from macrophage/monocyte precursors in response to macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). In vitro models are principally based on primary bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), but RAW 264.7 cells are frequently used because they are widely available, easy to culture, and more amenable to genetic manipulation than primary cells. Increasing evidence, however, has shown that the vastly different origins of these two cell types may have important effects on cell behavior. In particular, M‐CSF is a prerequisite for the differentiation of BMMs, by promoting survival and proliferation and priming the cells for RANKL induction. RAW 264.7 cells readily form osteoclasts in the presence of RANKL, but M‐CSF is not required. Based on these key differences, we sought to understand their functional implications and how it might affect osteoclast differentiation and related signaling pathways. Using a robust and high‐throughput proteomics strategy, we quantified the global protein changes in osteoclasts derived from BMMs and RAW 264.7 cells at 1, 3, and 5 days of differentiation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with the identifier PXD009610. Correlation analysis of the proteomes demonstrated low concordance between the two cell types (R2 ≈ 0.13). Bioinformatics analysis indicate that RANKL‐dependent signaling was intact in RAW 264.7 cells, but biological processes known to be dependent on M‐CSF were significantly different, including cell cycle control, cytoskeletal organization, and apoptosis. RAW 264.7 cells exhibited constitutive activation of Erk and Akt that was dependent on the activity of Abelson tyrosine kinase, and the timing of Erk and Akt activation was significantly different between BMMs and RAW 264.7 cells. Our findings provide the first evidence for major discrepancies between BMMs and RAW 264.7 cells, indicating that careful consideration is needed when using the RAW 264.7 cell line for studying M‐CSF‐dependent signaling and functions. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Assessment of Cortical Interruptions in the Finger Joints of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Using HR-pQCT, Radiography, and MRI
Authors: Peters Michiel , van Tubergen Astrid , Scharmga Andrea , Driessen Annemariek , van Rietbergen Bert , Loeffen Daan , Weijers Rene , Geusens Piet , van den Bergh Joop 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Small cortical interruptions may be the first sign of an erosion, and more interruptions can be found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy subjects. First, we compared the number and size of interruptions in patients with RA with healthy subjects using high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT). Second, we investigated the association between structural damage and inflammatory markers on conventional radiography (CR) and MRI with interruptions on HR-pQCT. Third, the added value of HR-pQCT over CR and MRI was investigated. The finger joints of 39 patients with RA and 38 healthy subjects were examined through CR, MRI, and HR-pQCT. CRs were scored using the Sharp/Van der Heijde method. MRI images were analyzed for the presence of erosions, bone marrow edema, and synovitis. HR-pQCT images were analyzed for the number, surface area, and volume of interruptions using a semiautomated algorithm. Descriptives were calculated and associations were tested using generalized estimating equations. Significantly more interruptions and both a larger surface area and the volume of interruptions were detected in the metacarpophalangeal joints of patients with RA compared with healthy subjects (median, 2.0, 1.42 mm2, and 0.48 mm3 versus 1.0, 0.69 mm2, and 0.23 mm3, respectively; all p &lt; 0.01). Findings on CR and MRI were significantly associated with more and larger interruptions on HR-pQCT (prevalence ratios [PRs] ranging from 1.03 to 7.74; all p &lt; 0.01) in all subjects, and were consistent in patients with RA alone. Having RA was significantly associated with more and larger interruptions on HR-pQCT (PRs, 2.33 to 5.39; all p &lt; 0.01), also after adjustment for findings on CR or MRI. More and larger cortical interruptions were found in the finger joints of patients with RA versus healthy subjects, also after adjustment for findings on CR or MRI, implying that HR-pQCT imaging may be of value in addition to CR and MRI for the evaluation of structural damage in patients with RA. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Accelerated Bone Loss in Older Men: Effects on Bone Microarchitecture and Strength
Authors: Cauley Jane A , Burghardt Andrew J , Harrison Stephanie L , Cawthon Peggy M , Schwartz Ann V , Connor Elizabeth Barrett , Ensrud Kristine E , Langsetmo Lisa , Majumdar Sharmila , Orwoll Eric ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Research Group
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Accelerated bone loss (ABL) shown on routine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) may be accompanied by microarchitectural changes, increased cortical porosity, and lower bone strength. To test this hypothesis, we performed a cross-sectional study and used high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans (Scanco Medical AG, Brüttisellen, Switzerland) to measure estimated bone strength and microarchitecture in the distal radius and distal and diaphyseal tibia. We studied 1628 men who attended the year 14 exam of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. We retrospectively characterized areal bone mineral density (aBMD) change from the year 7 to year 14 exam in three categories: “accelerated” loss, ≥10% loss at either the total hip or femoral neck (n = 299, 18.4%); “expected” loss, &lt;10% (n = 1061, 65.2%), and “maintained” BMD, ≥0% (n = 268, 16.5%). The ABL cut-off was a safety alert established for MrOS. We used regression models to calculate adjusted mean HR-pQCT parameters in men with ABL, expected loss, or maintained BMD. Men who experienced ABL were older and had a lower body mass index and aBMD and experienced greater weight loss compared with other men. Total volumetric BMD and trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD were lower in men with ABL compared with the expected or maintained group. Men with ABL had significantly lower trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), fewer trabeculae, and greater trabecular separation at both the distal radius and tibia than men with expected loss or who maintained aBMD, all p trend &lt;0.001. Men with ABL had lower cortical thickness and lower estimated bone strength, but there was no difference in cortical porosity except at the tibia diaphyseal site. In summary, men with ABL have lower estimated bone strength, poorer trabecular microarchitecture, and thinner cortices than men without ABL but have similar cortical porosity. These impairments may lead to an increased risk of fracture. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Contemporary understanding of the secretory granules in human eosinophils
Authors: Melo Rossana C N , Weller Peter F 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Eosinophil secretory (specific) granules have a unique morphology and are both a morphologic hallmark of eosinophils and fundamental to eosinophil-mediated responses. Eosinophil mediators with multiple functional activities are presynthesized and stored within these granules, poised for very rapid, stimulus-induced secretion. The structural organization and changes of eosinophil specific granules are revealing in demonstrating the complex and diverse secretory activities of this cell. Here, we review our current knowledge on the architecture, composition, and function of eosinophil specific granules as highly elaborated organelles able to produce vesiculotubular carriers and to interplay with the intracellular vesicular trafficking. We reconsider prior identifications of eosinophil cytoplasmic granules, including “primary,” “secondary,” “microgranules,” and “small granules”; and consonant with advances, we provide a contemporary recognition that human eosinophils contain a single population of specific granules and their developmental precursors and derived secretory vesicles.
Review on the nomenclature, structure, composition and function of eosinophil specific granules as organelles underlying immune responses in human eosinophils.
Mutation analysis of the PAH gene in phenylketonuria patients from Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Vieira Neto Eduardo , Laranjeira Francisco , Quelhas Dulce , Ribeiro Isaura , Seabra Alexandre , Mineiro Nicole , d. M. Carvalho Lilian , Lacerda Lúcia , G. Ribeiro Márcia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundPhenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive disease resulting from mutations in the PAH gene. Most of the patients are compound heterozygotes, and genotype is a major factor in determining the phenotypic variability of PKU. More than 1,000 variants have been described in the PAH gene. Rio de Janeiro's population has a predominance of Iberian, followed by African and Amerindian ancestries. It is expected that most PKU variants in this Brazilian state have originated in the Iberian Peninsula. However, rare European, African or pathogenic variants that are characteristic of the admixed population of the state might also be found.MethodsA total of 102 patients were included in this study. Genomic DNA was isolated from dried blood spots. Sanger sequencing was used for PAH gene variant identification. Deletions and duplications were also screened using MLPA analysis. Haplotypes were also determined.ResultsNine (8.8%) homozygous and 93 (91.2%) compound heterozygous patients were found. The spectrum included 37 causative mutations. Missense, nonsense, and splicing pathogenic variants corresponded to 63.7%, 2.9%, and 22.6% of the mutant alleles, respectively. Large (1.5%), and small deletions, inframe (5.4%) and with frameshift (3.9%), comprised the remainder. The most frequent pathogenic variants were: p.V388M (12.7%), p.R261Q (11.8%), IVS10‐11G>A (10.3%), IVS2+5G>C (6.4%), p.S349P (6.4%), p.R252W (5.4%), p.I65T (4.4%), p.T323del (4.4%), and p.P281L (3.4%). One novel variant was detected: c.934G>T (p.G312C) [rs763115697].ConclusionThe three most frequent pathogenic variants in our study (34.8% of the alleles) were also the most common in other Brazilian states, Portugal, and Spain (p.V388M, p.R261Q, IVS10‐11G>A), corroborating that the Iberian Peninsula is the major source of PAH mutations in Rio de Janeiro. Pathogenic variants that have other geographical origins, such IVS2+5G>C, p.G352Vfs*48, and IVS12+1G>A were also detected. Genetic drift and founder effect may have also played a role in the mutation spectrum we observed.