bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scoliosis in Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome: Factors Associated With Curve Progression and Effects of Bisphosphonates
Authors: Berglund Jason A , Tella Sri Harsha , Tuthill Kaitlyn F , Kim Lauren , Guthrie Lori C , Paul Scott M , Stanton Robert , Collins Michael T , Boyce Alison M 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Scoliosis is a complication of fibrous dysplasia/McCune-Albright syndrome (FD/MAS); however, risk factors and long-term outcomes are unknown. Bisphosphonates are commonly used; however, it is unknown whether their use decrease the risk of progressive scoliosis. Clinical data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cohort study was reviewed. Cobb angles were measured, and variables associated with scoliosis progression were identified. Of 138 subjects with available radiographs, 84 (61%) had scoliosis, including 55 (65%) classified as mild (Cobb angle &gt;10 to ≤30 degrees), 11 (13%) as moderate (&gt;30 to ≤45 degrees), and 18 (22%) as severe (&gt;45 degrees). Total skeletal disease burden was highly associated with scoliosis severity (p &lt; 0.0001). Endocrinopathies associated with scoliosis included fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)-mediated hypophosphatemia (p &lt; 0.001) and hyperthyroidism (p &lt; 0.001). Bone turnover markers, including osteocalcin and NTX-telopeptides, were associated with severe scoliosis (p &lt; 0.01). Associations were identified between Cobb angle and functional metrics, including leg length discrepancy (p &lt; 0.01), hip range of motion (p &lt; 0.05), and strength of the gluteus medius and maximus (p &lt; 0.01). Longitudinal analyses were conducted in 69 subjects who had serial radiographs over a median 4.9-year period (range, 0.9 to 14.7 years). Twenty-two subjects were treated with bisphosphonates; there was no difference in Cobb angle progression compared to untreated subjects (0.10 versus 0.53 degrees/year, p = 0.36). Longitudinal data was available for 10 of 12 subjects treated with spinal fusion; one had instrumentation failure, but in nine subjects Cobb angles were stable with 6.1 years of follow-up (range, 0.9 to 14.7 years). Two fatalities from scoliosis-associated restrictive lung disease occurred in subjects managed non-operatively. Scoliosis occurs frequently in patients with polyostotic FD, and may be potentially fatal. The primary risk factor for progressive scoliosis is total skeletal disease burden. Treatable features that contribute to scoliosis progression include leg length discrepancy, FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemia, and hyperthyroidism. Current data do not support routine use of bisphosphonates to prevent progression of spinal curvature. Spinal fusion is frequently effective in providing long-term stability, and may be lifesaving. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Relationship between C‐reactive protein/albumin ratio and coronary artery disease severity in patients with stable angina pectoris
Authors: Karabağ Yavuz , Çağdaş Metin , Rencuzogullari Ibrahim , Karakoyun Süleyman , Artaç İnanç , İliş Doğan , Atalay Eray , Yesin Mahmut , Gürsoy Mustafa Ozan , Halil Tanboğa Ibrahim 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundSyntax score (SS), which is an angiographic tool used in grading the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD), has prognostic importance in coronary artery disease (CAD) and provides important information regarding selection of revascularization strategy. C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin are indicators of inflammation, and high levels of them are associated with high SS. We aimed to investigate whether baseline CRP to albumin ratio C‐Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio (CAR), an easily available and novel inflammatory marker, is associated with SS.MethodA total 403 consecutive patients with stabile angina pectoris, who underwent coronary angiography for suspected CAD from January 2015 to June 2016, were classified into two groups, low SS (≤22) and intermediate‐high SS (>22).ResultsC‐Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio was significantly higher in patients with intermediate‐high SS group (P < .001). In multivariate regression analysis, CAR remained an independent predictor of intermediate‐high SS group together with hypertension and LDL. The predictive performance of CAR, CRP, and albumin was compared by ROC curve analysis. CAR surpassed CRP and albumin in predicting intermediate‐high SS group. CAR >6.3 predicted an intermediate‐high SS with sensitivity and specificity of 86.8% and 43.4%, respectively.ConclusionC‐Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio was more tightly associated with the complexity and severity of CAD than CRP and albumin alone and was found to be an independent predictor for intermediate‐high SS group.
Structural investigations on green culms and charcoal of Bambusa multiplex
Authors: Yordsri Visittapong , Thanachayanont Chanchana , Junin Chabaiporn , Kawasaki Masahiro , Asahina Shunsuke , Oikawa Tetsuo , Saiki Atsushi , Nobuchi Tadashi , Shiojiri Makoto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractGreen culms of Bambusa multiplex and the bamboo charcoal carbonized from the green culms at 700°C have been studied by means of X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescent element analysis, analytical scanning electron microscopy, and analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), aiming at industrial applications as raw materials for functional devices and substances. It is revealed that the green culms and the charcoal contain a significant amount of Si, in particular, ∼18 wt % in the skin. The green culms comprise amorphous and crystalline celluloses. The charcoal has a so‐called amorphous structure which is composed of randomly distributed carbon nanotubes and fibers. The growth of Ag‐doped activated charcoal powders that were produced by two different methods using this charcoal powder has also been studied.
Peltate trichomes on biogenic silvery leaves of Elaeagnus umbellata
Authors: Kim Ki Woo 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExternal and internal features of Elaeagnus umbellata leaves were investigated by optical and electron microscopy. The adaxial (upper) and abaxial (lower) leaf surfaces appeared green and silver in color, respectively. There were peltate trichomes on both the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. The peltate trichomes were 200–300 μm in diameter and shield or umbrella‐shaped. They had a central dome and 20–30 radiating rays that were fused to form a circular cap in the center and tapered at the end. The density of peltate trichomes was apparently higher on the abaxial leaf surface than on the adaxial leaf surface. At least two layers of peltate trichomes were commonly observed on the abaxial leaf surface. The epidermal cells on the abaxial leaf surface had convex lens‐like shape in cross sections. No distinct chloroplasts were found in the cytoplasm of peltate trichomes. These results suggest that the silver coloration on the abaxial leaf surface is mostly due to structural coloration associated with the profuse overlapping peltate trichomes having a circular cap of radially fused rays. The shrub did not show any pigmentary cellular features associated with the silver coloration. With the silvery leaves as a reflective surface for shaded leaves in canopy, E. umbellata is likely to adapt to the harsh non‐native light‐demanding environments.
In‐house validation and small‐scale collaborative study to evaluate analytical performances of multimycotoxin screening methods based on liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry: Case study on Fusarium toxins in wheat
Authors: Ciasca Biancamaria , Pascale Michelangelo , Altieri Valerio Guido , Longobardi Francesco , Suman Michele , Catellani Dante , Lattanzio Veronica M.T. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA strong trend toward using highly selective mass spectrometry technologies for screening of multiple mycotoxins has been observed in recent years. In the present study, the process of validation of a multimycotoxin screening method based on liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry method is presented. The method was intended for the simultaneous screening of the major Fusarium toxins (deoxynivalenol, 3‐ and 15‐acetyl deoxynivalenol, T‐2 and HT‐2 toxins, zearalenone, enniatins A, A1, B, and B1, and beauvericin) in wheat. The sample preparation protocol was based on a double extraction (methanol followed by acetonitrile/water mixture) and purification through solid‐phase extraction C18 column. To provide insights for full exploitation of the potential of the double‐stage high‐resolution mass spectrometry detection, a full‐scan acquisition event followed by a sequence of 5 fragmentation events (variable data‐independent acquisition) was set for mycotoxin detection, the latter to be exploited for confirmatory purposes. Method analytical performances were evaluated through in‐house validation and small‐scale interlaboratory study, designed according to Commission Regulation 519/2014/EU, setting performance requirements for screening methods for mycotoxins. Screening target concentrations were close to European Union maximum permitted or indicative levels. The in‐house validation provided the precision of the response under repeatability conditions and the intermediate precision (both resulting lower than 30%), the cutoff value, and the rate of false suspect results for negative (free of the mycotoxin of interest) samples, which resulted lower than 0.1% in all cases. The collaborative study provided reproducibility and laboratory independent cutoff values. Analysis of reference materials proved method trueness and suitability for screening of the major Fusarium mycotoxins in wheat. Finally, the applicability of the full‐scan/variable data‐independent acquisition detection approach was successfully tested on a set of naturally contaminated wheat samples, where 2 characteristic product ions could be detected for all identified mycotoxins even at levels in the low μg/kg range.
Raman spectroscopy of the photosensitive pigment Prussian blue
Authors: Moretti Giulia , Gervais Claire 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPrussian blue is a pigment highly sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, visible light included. This photosensitivity, associated with a complex redox behavior, causes a vulnerability even to Raman lasers, with the possibility of sample alteration or irreversible damage. In this study, we systematically explored the influence of the laser wavelength and laser power on different types of Prussian blue pigments, soluble and insoluble. The use of different laser wavelengths does not influence the position of the characteristic peak, though it affects the signal‐to‐noise ratio. The latter can be improved by increasing the number of accumulations and/or the acquisition time. Furthermore, we evaluated a safe level of Raman laser excitation or “safe zone” with laser power between 0.005 and 0.06 mW, where Raman analysis can be performed without laser‐induced artifacts or damage for the sample. These artifacts may affect the characteristic spectral signature of the two different Prussian blue, leading to a wrong identification of the pigments. Moreover, artifacts can also hide features arisen from fading in objects presenting non‐visible alterations of Prussian blue.
Protective effects of resveratrol against high ambient temperature‐induced spleen dysplasia in broilers through modulating splenic redox status and apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Chen Kaikai , Zhao Xiaohui , Geng Zhaoyu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDResveratrol has been shown to prevent high ambient temperature (HT)‐induced spleen dysplasia, but the mechanisms of action are not clear. This study aims to examine the hypothesis that HT‐induced spleen dysplasia may be associated with HT‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and resveratrol may activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, thus reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.RESULTSResults showed that HT caused spleen dysplasia in broilers, reflecting the lower relative weight of the spleen (P < 0.05). Compared with birds in a normal ambient temperature group, birds in the HT group exhibited higher (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax) content, higher Bax, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 mRNA levels, and caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activity, and a higher Bax/B‐cell lympoma/leukemia‐2 (Bcl‐2) ratio, but they exhibited lower (P < 0.05) glutathione (GSH) and Bcl‐2 content, and lower Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), MnSOD, heme oxygenase 1, glutathione reductase (GR) and Bcl‐2 mRNA levels, and lower total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), T‐SOD and catalase and maganese superoixide dismutase (CAT) activity, indicating HT‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Compared with birds in the HT group, birds in the HT + Res group exhibited higher (P < 0.05) GSH and Bcl‐2 content, higher Nrf2, CAT, MnSOD, GR and Bcl‐2 mRNA levels, and higher T‐AOC, T‐SOD and CAT activity, but lower (P < 0.05) MDA content, and Bax and caspase‐3 mRNA levels, lower caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activities, and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, indicating that resveratrol activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and decreased apoptosis in the spleen.CONCLUSIONResveratrol was effective in ameliorating HT‐induced spleen dysplasia in broilers through the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby decreasing apoptosis, suggesting that resveratrol may offer a potential nutritional strategy to protect against some HT‐induced detriments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Social representations of genetically modified foods and public willingness to consume such foods in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Mei‐Fang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDGenetically modified (GM) foods have received substantial attention in recent years for being associated with unnaturalness, untrustworthiness, moral considerations, uncertainty, unhealthiness, and risks. This study highlighted the relevance of how social representations of genetically modified (GM) foods influence the Taiwanese public's willingness to consume GM foods.RESULTSModerated regression analysis results revealed that the social representation dimensions of adherence to technology and food as a necessity positively influenced the public's willingness to consume GM foods; however, the dimension of resistance to and suspicion of novelties had a negative influence. Food technology neophobia played a role in predicting people's willingness to consume GM foods and exerted moderating effects to enhance the negative relationship between the respondents' resistance to and suspicion of novelties and their willingness to consume GM foods. This neophobia also changed the positive relationship between food as a necessity and willingness to consume GM foods into negative. One‐way ANOVA results revealed that food technology neophobia influences the public's specific social representations of GM foods, personal domain‐specific innovativeness, and willingness to consume GM foods.CONCLUSIONInnovations in the food industry exhibit a high market failure rate partially because of the phenomenon known as food technology neophobia, which refers to rejection of new or unfamiliar foods. The findings of this empirical study can facilitate the development of a clearer understanding of people's acceptance and usage of emerging technologies applied in the innovation of food products in Taiwan. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Valorization of postharvest sweet cherry discard for the development of dehydrated fruit ingredients: compositional, physical, and mechanical properties
Authors: Franceschinis Lorena , Sette Paula , Salvatori Daniela , Schebor Carolina 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDSweet cherries are an excellent source of phenolic compounds, which may contribute to a healthy diet. The objective of this work was to generate dehydrated ingredients from postharvest discard of sweet cherries.RESULTSFour dried ingredients were obtained from fresh sweet cherry discard (Lapins var.) using an osmotic dehydration pretreatment and freeze drying or air drying. The ingredients showed an important phenolic contribution (2.8–6.6 g gallic acid kg−1 of product) and preserved the natural color of the fruit to a great extent. Freeze‐dried ingredients were less hygroscopic than air‐dried ones, and presented with a softer texture. All the ingredients were in a supercooled state at room temperature (Tg range: −23.0 to −18.8 °C). Sugar infusion pretreatment caused a decrease in water sorption capacity and molecular mobility; it also reduced the initial rehydration rate.CONCLUSIONRelevant differences in nutritional and structural characteristics of the ingredients were observed depending on the processing method used. These ingredients could be incorporated into different processed foods, such as snacks, cereal mixtures, cereal bars, and bakery and confectionery products. Air‐dried control ingredients presented better nutritional qualities and air‐dried sweet cherries with sugar infusion pretreatment could be appropriate ingredients for applications where sweet flavor and slow rehydration rate are required. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Wafer‐Scale Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Locked by In Situ Hydrogelation toward Strengthening Static and Dynamic Compressive Responses
Authors: Jing Lin , Li Hongling , Tay Roland Yingjie , Lin Jinjun , Tsang Siu Hon , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Tok Alfred Iing Yoong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWafer‐scale vertically aligned carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) (VACNT/PVA) hydrogels are fabricated by infiltration of PVA among VACNTs and subsequent in situ hydrogelation. Owing to the homogeneous PVA infiltration, uniform distribution and orientation of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are well retained, which in turn provide large CNT‐PVA interfaces throughout the resulting hydrogels. Compared to bare PVA hydrogels, such composite hydrogels perform significantly enhanced longitudinal compressive responses upon both static and dynamic loadings, achieving improvements of up to 25.2‐ and 9.0‐fold in strength and loss modulus, respectively. The novel scalable fabrication of VACNT/PVA hydrogels and their attractive performances hold great potential for a wide range of applications.
Genome sequence and description of Gracilibacillus timonensis sp. nov. strain Marseille‐P2481T, a moderate halophilic bacterium isolated from the human gut microflora
Authors: Diop Awa , Seck El hadji , Dubourg Gregory , Armstrong Nicholas , Blanc‐Tailleur Caroline , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre‐Edouard 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMicrobial culturomics represents an ongoing revolution in the characterization of the human gut microbiota. By using three culture media containing high salt concentrations (10, 15, and 20% [w/v] NaCl), we attempted an exhaustive exploration of the halophilic microbial diversity of the human gut and isolated strain Marseille‐P2481 (= CSUR P2481 = DSM 103076), a new moderately halophilic bacterium. This bacterium is a Gram‐positive, strictly aerobic, spore‐forming rod that is motile by use of a flagellum and exhibits catalase, but not oxidase activity. Strain Marseille‐P2481 was cultivated in media containing up to 20% (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth being obtained at 37°C, pH 7.0–8.0, and 7.5% [w/v] NaCl). The major fatty acids were 12‐methyl‐tetradecanoic acid and hexadecanoic acid. Its draft genome is 4,548,390 bp long, composed of 11 scaffolds, with a G+C content of 39.8%. It contains 4,335 predicted genes (4,266 protein coding including 89 pseudogenes and 69 RNA genes). Strain Marseille‐P2481 showed 96.57% 16S rRNA sequence similarity with Gracilibacillus alcaliphilus strain SG103T, the phylogenetically closest species with standing in nomenclature. On the basis of its specific features, strain Marseille‐P2481T was classified as type strain of a new species within the genus Gracilibacillus for which the name Gracilibacillus timonensis sp. nov. is formally proposed.
HLA‐DQβ1 amino acid position 87 and DQB1*0301 are associated with Chinese Han SLE
Authors: Sun Jingying , Yang Chao , Fei Wenmin , Zhang Xuelei , Sheng Yujun , Zheng Xiaodong , Tang Huayang , Yang Wanling , Yang Sen , Fan Xing , Zhang Xuejun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundSeveral susceptibility loci have been identified associated with Chinese Han systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe carried out imputation of classical HLA alleles, amino acids and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) across the MHC region in Chinese Han SLE genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of mainland and Hong Kong populations for the first time using newly constructed Han‐MHC reference panel followed by stepwise conditional analysis.ResultsWe mapped the most significant independent association to HLA‐DQβ1 at amino acid position (Phe87, p = 7.807 × 10−17) and an independent association at HLA‐DQB1*0301 (Pcondiational = 1.43 × 10−7).ConclusionOur study illustrates the value of population‐specific HLA reference panel for fine‐mapping causal variants in the MHC.
A novel analytical approach for predicting the noncylindrical pile penetration‐induced soil displacement in undrained soil by combining use of cavity expansion and strain path methods
Authors: Zhou Hang , Liu Hanlong , Yuan Jingrong 
Published: April 2018

SummarySince development of cavity expansion theory and strain path method, almost all the conventional analyses of pile penetration problem have been based on circular cross section penetrometer. However, noncylindrical pile (with noncircular cross section) is also required in geotechnical engineering such as rectangular cross‐sectional pile, X‐sectional cast‐in‐place concrete pile, H‐shaped steel pile, prefabricated vertical drains, and flat dilatometer. This paper presents a novel and general analytical approach for capturing the soil deformation mechanism around the pile with arbitrary cross section. The penetration problem is simulated by a new 2‐dimensional (radial and circumferential) cavity expansion model. Based on the theoretical framework of strain path method, the kinematics (velocity field) of the noncylindrical cavity expansion is reduced to solve the Laplace equation with arbitrary velocity boundary conditions by using the conformal mapping technique. Then, solutions for the strain and displacement, which could consider the large deformation effect, are obtained by the integration of the strain rate and velocity along the streamline. The analytical solution is validated by comparing the degenerate solution of this study with conventional circular (cylindrical) cavity expansion theory. Subsequently, typical numerical examples for the deformation mechanism of elliptical and rectangular cavity expansion are presented to prove the advantage of the proposed new solution particularly in capturing the noncylindrical symmetric displacement field. A brief application of the proposed new analytical solution to the interpretation of the smear effect of prefabricated vertical drain installation confirms its useful in geotechnical engineering.