bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL-32 and its splice variants are associated with protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and skewing of Th1/Th17 cytokines
Authors: Koeken Valerie A. C. M. , Verrall Ayesha J. , Ardiansyah Edwin , Apriani Lika , dos Santos Jéssica C. , Kumar Vinod , Alisjahbana Bachti , Hill Philip C. , Joosten Leo A. B. , van Crevel Reinout , van Laarhoven Arjan 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Studies in IL-32 transgenic mice and in vitro suggest that IL-32 may have protective effects against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but so far there are barely any studies in humans. We studied the role of IL-32 and its splice variants in tuberculosis (TB) in vivo and in vitro. Blood transcriptional analysis showed lower total IL-32 mRNA levels in pulmonary TB patients compared to patients with latent TB infection and healthy controls. Also, among Indonesian household contacts who were heavily exposed to an infectious TB patient, IL-32 mRNA levels were higher among those who remained uninfected compared to those who became infected with M. tuberculosis. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors, we found that IL-32γ, the most potent isoform, was down-regulated upon M. tuberculosis stimulation. This decrease in IL-32γ was mirrored by an increase of another splice variant, IL-32β. Also, a higher IL-32γ/IL-32β ratio correlated with IFN-γ production, whereas a lower ratio correlated with production of IL-1Ra, IL-6, and IL-17. These data suggest that IL-32 contributes to protection against M. tuberculosis infection, and that this effect may depend on the relative abundance of different IL-32 isoforms.
Frontline Science: Rev-Erbα links blue light with enhanced bacterial clearance and improved survival in murine Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia
Authors: Griepentrog John E. , Zhang Xianghong , Lewis Anthony J. , Gianfrate Gianmarino , Labiner Hanna E. , Zou Baobo , Xiong Zeyu , Lee Janet S. , Rosengart Matthew R. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The wavelength of light is a critical determinant of light's capacity to entrain adaptive biological mechanisms, such as enhanced immune surveillance, that precede and prepare us for the active circadian day, a time when the risk of encountering pathogen is highest. Light rich in the shorter wavelength visible blue spectrum maximally entrains these circadian rhythms. We hypothesized that exposure to blue light during sepsis will augment immunity and improve outcome. Using a clinically relevant Klebsiella pneumoniae acute lower respiratory tract infection model, we show that blue spectrum light shifts autonomic tone toward parasympathetic predominance and enhances immune competence, as characterized by accelerated pathogen clearance that is accompanied by reduced alveolar neutrophil influx, inflammation, and improved survival. Blue light functioned through an optic-cholinergic pathway and expansion of splenic Ccr2+ monocytes to increase control of the infection and improve survival. The “keystone” mediating these effects is the circadian clock protein Rev-Erbα, and biochemical activation with Rev-Erbα agonist SR9009 enhanced mononuclear cell phagocytosis in vitro and recapitulated the enhanced pathogen elimination in vivo observed with blue light. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic value of blue light and modulating Rev-Erbα to enhance host immunity against infection.
Autoradioluminography, a powerful and reliable tool for drug development: Accelera's experience
Authors: Marzorati Simona , Messina Monica , Ghiglieri Alberto 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA deeper understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of a drug candidate is a pivotal component of drug discovery and development. Autoradiography is an excellent technique allowing exploiting the advantages of the use of radioisotopes in the drug disscovery field. The introduction of phosphor imaging technology has revolutionized the handling of drug distribution studies providing high‐resolution images. Specifically, quantitative whole‐body autoradioluminography is employed for preclinical study where the aim is to obtain information about the route of elimination and tissue distribution of a drug candidate. Autoradioluminography is also the technique of choice pursued to deal with all the issue that it is possible to encounter in all stage of drug development (ie, site‐specific drug localization and retention, drug‐drug interactions, penetration into specific target, specific tissue binding, crossing of brain blood barrier, and placental transfer). The purpose of this review is to give a picture of how autoradiography is employed in our laboratory as a key tool for advances in the assessment of the drug disposition and to validate new experimental models.
Detection, variability, and predictability of monsoon onset and withdrawal dates: A review
Authors: Bombardi Rodrigo J. , Moron Vincent , Goodnight James S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis article presents a review of the scientific literature on detection, sources of variability, and predictability of the timing of monsoons. The timing of monsoons is characterized by the beginning (commonly referred to as onset) and end (commonly referred to as demise, cessation, retreat, or withdrawal) dates of the summer monsoons. The main methods used to detect the timing of monsoons are divided into two categories: local‐scale methods and regional to large‐scale methods. The sources of variability of the timing of monsoons are also separated into two categories: local‐scale and large‐scale sources. Finally, the article presents a summary of the literature on the predictability of the timing of monsoons using both dynamical and statistical approaches. We show that all methods are parameterized in some way. A comparison between two different methods shows that while there might be large differences in the definition of onset and demise dates at the local level, spatial aggregation usually reduces the noise and enhances the regional monsoonal signal, which may be predictable.
Downregulation of Linc‐RNA activator of myogenesis lncRNA participates in FGF2‐mediated proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Wu Xiayi , Cao Zeyuan , Chen Huan , Ou Qianmin , Huang Xiaojun , Wang Yan 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundAccelerated proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) is present in periodontitis. It is known that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) regulates the proliferation of PDLSCs, while the function of FGF2 in myogenic cell differentiation is mediated by Linc‐RNA Activator of Myogenesis (Linc‐RAM) lncRNA. Therefore, Linc‐RAM lncRNA may also participate in periodontitis.MethodsThis study included 28 patients with periodontitis (patient group) and 22 patients without periodontitis but received orthodontic treatment (control group) in the stomatological hospital of Sun Yat‐Sen university. Gingival biopsies were obtained from participants. RT‐qPCR, cell transfection, cell proliferation assay and western blot were carrying out to analyze the samples.ResultsWe found that FGF2 mRNA was upregulated, while Linc‐RAM was downregulated in PDLSCs derived from periodontitis‐affected teeth than in healthy teeth. FGF2 mRNA and Linc‐RAM were inversely correlated in both types of PDLSCs. FGF2 overexpression led to inhibited Linc‐RAM expression in PDLSCs derived from periodontitis‐affected teeth and promoted the proliferation of PDLSCs. Linc‐RAM overexpression failed to significantly affect FGF2 expression but attenuated the enhancing effects of FGF2 overexpression on the proliferation of PDLSCs.ConclusionsTherefore, downregulation of Linc‐RAM lncRNA may participate in FGF‐2 mediated‐ proliferation of human PDLSCs.
Surface Properties and Solubility Enhancement of Anionic/Nonionic Surfactant Mixtures Based on Sulfonate Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Wu Juan , Mei Ping , Chen Wu , Li Zhong‐Bao , Tian Qing , Mei Qi‐Xiang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAs a class of novel surfactants, Gemini surfactants usually exhibit fairly excellent interfacial properties in aqueous solutions on account of the unique structure. They have significant application and development potential for industrial production. However, the mixing properties of Gemini surfactants with conventional surfactants are the key to their application. The equilibrium surface tension curves of anionic/nonionic surfactant mixtures based on the sulfonate Gemini surfactant (SGS‐12) were measured using the Wilhelmy Plate method. The parameters of surface adsorption, the interaction parameters between anionic and nonionic surfactants, and the thermodynamic parameters of micelle formation were calculated from the corresponding equations. In addition, the dynamic surface tension (DST) curves of anionic/nonionic surfactant mixtures were examined through bubble profile analysis, and the diffusion performance parameters were acquired from empirical formulas. The solubilization of pyrene in micelle solutions was studied using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. The results show that the interaction parameters of all anionic/nonionic surfactants are negative, indicating that there is a synergistic effect on reducing the surface tension. For the SGS‐12/OP‐10, SGS‐12/Tween 80, SGS‐12/AEO9, and SGS‐12/APG0810 mixtures, the optimum mixing ratios are 6:4, 7:3, 7:3, and 8:2, respectively. The thermodynamic data of micelles show that the formation of mixed micelles for SGS‐12/APG0810 mixtures is an enthalpy‐driven process. The tendency of DST curves of the SGS‐12/APG0810 mixture is similar to that of SGS‐12. In comparison with single‐surfactant solutions, the anionic/nonionic surfactant mixtures show stronger solubilization capacity toward pyrene.
The health utility of mild and severe dysphonia
Authors: DeVore Elliana K. , Shrime Mark G. , Wittenberg Eve , Franco Ramon A. , Song Phillip C. , Naunheim Matthew R. 
Published: August 2019

Objectives/HypothesisThe impact of disease states can be measured using health state utilities, which are values that reflect economic preferences for health outcomes. Utilities for dysphonia have not been studied using direct methods. The objective of this project was to establish the baseline health utilities of mild and severe dysphonia from a societal perspective.Study DesignDirect utility elicitation survey.MethodsFour health states (monocular blindness, binocular blindness, mild dysphonia, and severe dysphonia) were evaluated by a convenience sample of adults recruited from the general public with three computer‐aided estimation techniques (visual analog scale [VAS], standard gamble [SG], and time trade‐off [TTO]). Standardized descriptions and voice recordings from multiple dysphonic patients were employed. Perfect health was defined as a utility of 1, with death 0. Analysis of variance with post hoc pairwise comparison was used to calculate significant differences between health states.ResultsThree hundred participants were surveyed, and 225 (75.0%) responses met quality thresholds. Severe dysphonia (VAS = 48.3, SG = 0.810, TTO = 0.798) was valued significantly worse than monocular blindness (VAS = 56.2, SG = 0.834, TTO = 0.839) on the VAS (P < .001) and equivalent on SG and TTO; it was preferred over binocular blindness (VAS = 25.7, SG = 0.631, TTO = 0.622;P < .001) with all methods. Mild dysphonia evaluated favorably with all methods to the other health states (VAS = 78.5, SG = 0.902, TTO = 0.908;P < .001).ConclusionsVoice disorders may have a measurable impact on utility, with severe dysphonia valued equivalently to monocular blindness. Mild dysphonia has a utility decrement from perfect health. These estimates are critical for quality‐of‐life assessment and could be used to assess cost‐effectiveness of treatments for voice disorders.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 130:1256–1262, 2020
Outcomes of Liver Transplantation in Small Infants
Authors: Yamamoto Hidekazu , Khorsandi Shirin E. , Cortes‐Cerisuelo Miriam , Kawano Yoichi , Dhawan Anil , McCall John , Vilca‐Melendez Hector , Rela Mohamed , Heaton Nigel 
Published: August 2019

Liver transplantation (LT) for small infants remains challenging because of the demands related to graft selection, surgical technique, and perioperative management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term and longterm outcomes of LT regarding vascular/biliary complications, renal function, growth, and patient/graft survival in infants ≤3 months compared with those of an age between >3 and 6 months at a single transplant center. A total of 64 infants ≤6 months underwent LT and were divided into 2 groups according to age at LT: those of age ≤3 months (range, 6‐118 days; XS group, n = 37) and those of age >3 to ≤6 months (range, 124‐179 days; S group, n = 27) between 1989 and 2014. Acute liver failure was the main indication for LT in the XS group (n = 31, 84%) versus S (n = 7, 26%). The overall incidence of hepatic artery thrombosis and portal vein thrombosis/stricture were 5.4% and 10.8% in the XS group and 7.4% and 11.1% in the S group, respectively (not significant). The overall incidence of biliary stricture and leakage were 5.4% and 2.7% in the XS group and 3.7% and 3.7% in the S group, respectively (not significant). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of renal function. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups for each year after LT in terms of height and weight z score. The 1‐, 5‐, and 10‐year patient survival rates were 70.3%, 70.3%, and 70.3% in the XS group compared with 92.6%, 88.9%, and 88.9% in the S group, respectively (not significant). In conclusion, LT for smaller infants has acceptable outcomes despite the challenges of surgical technique, including vascular reconstruction and graft preparation, and perioperative management.
Prediction model of surface roughness parameters of structural steel created by plasma arc cutting via full factor experiment
Authors: Duplák J. , Hatala M. , Dupláková D. , Botko F. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis article is focused on the prediction model of surface roughness parameters of structural steel created by plasma arc cutting. Optimization of the cutting process is very important from both quality and economy point of view. The presented paper shows the carrying out of the experiment with the specification of the design of experiments method. In these experiments, the influence of three factors ‐ the plasma current, the traverse speed, and plasma gas pressure was observed. Experimental material was selected structural steel S355. Along with the influence of controllable process factors was observed the influence of different plasma gasses. Application of different plasma gas significantly changes surface quality. The result of each experiment series is a regression function that can predict the Rz values according to the process parameters at given intervals. Presented equations can be applied in the production process for adjusting the plasma cutting process in order to achieve required surface quality.
Risk and diversification of nonprofit revenue portfolios: Applying modern portfolio theory to nonprofit revenue management
Authors: Qu Heng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis study uses modern portfolio theory (MPT) to estimate the risk of nonprofit revenue portfolios and examines to what degree the revenue concentration measure based on Herfindahl–Hirschman Index is associated with the portfolio risk measure based on MPT. The findings suggest that nonprofits with greater revenue concentration have lower revenue portfolio risk in the whole sample analysis. However, it is plausible that this result is dominated by organizations reliant on commercial income, which comprise over half of the sample. In fact, when examined separately, the relationship varies by an organization's primary funding structure. While higher revenue concentration is positively associated with portfolio risk for organizations relying on donations or those without a consistent primary funding source, it appears to associate with a lower portfolio risk for commercial organizations and those relying on government grants. This study reflects on the concept of diversification derived from portfolio theory and calls attention to a more nuanced approach to nonprofit revenue strategy.
Paget's disease of bone in two medieval skeletons from Poulton Chapel, Cheshire, UK
Authors: Burrell Carla L. , Emery Michael M. , Gonzalez Silvia 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPaget's disease of bone (PDB) is a chronic, metabolic disease disrupting normal bone turnover and is reported as one of the most common bone diseases after osteoporosis. PDB is characterised by excessive bone remodelling resulting in bone enlargement, fragility, deformity and additional complications. Typically, PDB affects one or a few bones of the axial skeleton and is commonly recorded in older individuals (over 55 years of age) affecting more males than females. Although PDB has been reported worldwide, there is a high concentration of reported cases in the UK, with a regionalhotspotin the northwest of England. This study reviews an adult male (SK463) and female (SK750) with skeletal lesions of PDB from Poulton Chapel, Cheshire. Full macroscopic and radiographic analysis has identified the skeletal distribution of PDB, with up to 75% of both skeletons affected. SK463 presents noticeable anterior bowing to both tibiae, likely the result of PDB. AMS radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analysis performed on teeth samples confirmed that both individuals' dates were medieval, had a mixed/varied diet and were local to the northwest of England. This research adds to the emerging paleopathological literature on PDB, while providing additional support for the identification of a geographical hotspot observed in contemporary populations.
Exploring life patterns using entheseal changes in equids: Application of a new method on unworked specimens
Authors: Bindé Marion , Cochard David , Knüsel Christopher J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractUnderstanding changes in the relationships between humans and horses through time and across geographic space is of great interest for researchers due to the fundamental economic, social, and symbolic importance of the horse for human societies. Altered muscular or ligamentous attachments serve as a means to explore this subject. Entheseal changes (ECs) are widely employed in biological anthropology for reconstructions of past activity patterns in human groups. This kind of analysis is far more rare in zooarchaeology, but interest has been increasing over the past decade, particularly for reindeer and equid remains.This contribution introduces a new recording protocol focused on 23 entheses located on the equine appendicular skeleton. In this contribution, this protocol is applied to unworked equids of various species and from diverse contexts in order to develop a baseline to gauge the extent of such changes for broad archaeological application. Bone formation and erosion of the surface of the attachment and, in some cases, its margins are considered. Intraobserver and interobserver tests reveal a general level of agreement of between 70% and 80% with variations from one enthesis to another. Examination of 27 complete skeletons of captive equids with no history of human use is investigated here to identify possible confounding factors, apart from activity, that influence the development of ECs. This study shows ECs to be age‐related and influenced by sexual dimorphism. Both aetiologies must be considered in future analyses. Some attachments in these specimens appear not to be influenced by sex and/or age at death, and this is promising. It is clear, however, that further studies of equids with documented activities are necessary to achieve a better appreciation of the factors responsible for the appearance of ECs before being applied to archaeological remains.
Effect of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) residue and coupling agent on the mechanical and thermal properties of polyolefin‐based composites
Authors: Bavasso Irene , Bracciale Maria P. , Sbardella Francesca , Tirillò Jacopo , Sarasini Fabrizio , Di Palma Luca 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, the feasibility of giving added value to spent yerba mate residues by manufacturing thermoplastic composites, and their potential benefits, is investigated. Experimental tests performed on yerba mate residues demonstrated that such residue, after a simple extraction procedure by water/ethanol solution, showed an acceptable level of interfacial compatibility with polyolefins. Biocomposites at different yerba mate residue amount in polypropylene and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) were produced by a two‐stage process, involving extrusion and injection molding, and their mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated through tensile, TGA, and DSC tests, respectively. The addition of yerba mate residues resulted in a significant improvement (up to 23% when 20 wt% of filler was added to HDPE) of tensile properties compared to the neat matrices. This result was obtained without showing a positive effect on their crystallization behavior, as found from DSC results. Composite materials modified with maleic anhydride as coupling agent exhibited an even greater reinforcing efficiency due to enhanced interfacial compatibility. Basing on the results of this study, yerba mate residue/thermoplastic composites appear to be a viable alternative to wood composite materials, with associated environmental benefits related to the valorization of such agro‐food waste.
Fabrication of capacitive yarn torsion sensors based on an electrospinning coating method
Authors: Choi Sejin , Moon Sung Hyeok , Kim Tae Kyun , Kim Han Seong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA yarn‐based capacitive torsion sensor was produced using a simple electrospinning coating method. It was expected that nonwoven nanofiber mats, as a coating layer, would exhibit excellent performance owing to their high surface area and porous three‐dimensional nonwoven structure, which is more deformable than that of films. The electrospinning process was investigated by image analysis to generate a suitable structure of the nanofiber coating layer. The thickness of the layer was controlled by varying the electrospinning coating time (10, 20 and 30 min). Yarn sensors with coating layers of different thicknesses were manufactured by twisting two coated fibers, while simultaneously measuring the capacitance. The best sensitivity was observed with the 10 min coated yarn, due to the largest valid twist level range. It is proposed that the distance between the electrodes and the dielectric constant of the material play an important and complex role in the capacitive response of the twisted yarn, caused by the porous three‐dimensional nonwoven structure of the coated layer and the molecular mobility of the polymer. This simple coating method is expected to be useful in a wide range of applications, such as wearable devices, by facilitating convenient fabrication and repair of the flexible sensors. Moreover, high performance of the sensor could be realized due to the structural advantage of the sensing layer. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry