bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-step breakdown of a SiN membrane for nanopore fabrication: Formation of thin portion and penetration
Authors: Yanagi Itaru , Hamamura Hirotaka , Akahori Rena , Takeda Ken-ichi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractFor the nanopore sensing of various large molecules, such as probe-labelled DNA and antigen-antibody complexes, the nanopore size has to be customized for each target molecule. The recently developed nanopore fabrication method utilizing dielectric breakdown of a membrane is simple and quite inexpensive, but it is somewhat unsuitable for the stable fabrication of a single large nanopore due to the risk of generating multiple nanopores. To overcome this bottleneck, we propose a new technique called “two-step breakdown” (TSB). In the first step of TSB, a local conductive thin portion (not a nanopore) is formed in the membrane by dielectric breakdown. In the second step, the created thin portion is penetrated by voltage pulses whose polarity is opposite to the polarity of the voltage used in the first step. By applying TSB to a 20-nm-thick SiN membrane, a single nanopore with a diameter of 21–26 nm could be fabricated with a high yield of 83%.
Objective evaluation of size and shape of superficial foveal avascular zone in normal subjects by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Shiihara Hideki , Terasaki Hiroto , Sonoda Shozo , Kakiuchi Naoko , Shinohara Yuki , Tomita Masatoshi , Sakamoto Taiji 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the size and shape of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) determined by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and the relationship of the size and shape to the clinical findings in normal subjects. This was a cross-sectional study with seventy eyes of 70 volunteers. The size of the superficial FAZs were assessed by its area, length of perimeter, and Feret’s diameter, and the shape by the circularity, axial ratio, roundness, and solidity. The correlations between each parameter and the clinical findings were statistically determined. The coefficients of variation (CV) of the parameters of FAZ size were higher than that of the parameters of FAZ shape. The refractive error and axial length were significantly correlated with area-related factors. The central macular thickness (CMT) was significantly correlated with all parameters. Although the CMT was a critical factor that was significantly correlated with the size and shape characteristics of the FAZ, the shape might be a better factor for characterizing the FAZ than the size because of the low CV of shape-related factors and the characteristics are less affected by the other ocular factors.
A theory on skyrmion size
Authors: Wang X. S. , Yuan H. Y. , Wang X. R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA magnetic skyrmion is a topological object consisting of a skyrmion core, an outer domain, and a wall that separates the skyrmion core from the outer domain. The skyrmion size and wall width are two fundamental quantities of a skyrmion that depend sensitively on material parameters such as exchange energy, magnetic anisotropy, Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, and magnetic field. However, quantitative understanding of the two quantities is still very poor. Here we present a general theory on skyrmion size and wall width. The two formulas we obtained agree almost perfectly with simulations and experiments for a wide range of parameters, including most of the existing materials that support skyrmions.
A comparison of the local spiral structure from Gaia DR2 and VLBI maser parallaxes
Authors: Xu Y. , Bian S. B. , Reid M. J. , Li J. J. , Zhang B. , Yan Q. Z. , Dame T. M. , Menten K. M. , He Z. H. , Liao S. L. , Tang Z. H. 
Published: June 2018

Context. The Gaia mission has released the second data set (Gaia DR2), which contains parallaxes and proper motions for a large number of massive, young stars.
Aims. We investigate the spiral structure in the solar neighborhood revealed by Gaia DR2 and compare it with that depicted by VLBI maser parallaxes.
Methods. We examined three samples with different constraints on parallax uncertainty and distance errors and stellar spectral types: (1) all OB stars with parallax errors of less than 10%; (2) only O-type stars with 0.1 mas errors imposed and with parallax distance errors of less than 0.2 kpc; and (3) only O-type stars with 0.05 mas errors imposed and with parallax distance errors of less than 0.3 kpc.
Results. In spite of the significant distance uncertainties for stars in DR2 beyond 1.4 kpc, the spiral structure in the solar neighborhood demonstrated by Gaia agrees well with that illustrated by VLBI maser results. The O-type stars available from DR2 extend the spiral arm models determined from VLBI maser parallaxes into the fourth Galactic quadrant, and suggest the existence of a new spur between the Local and Sagittarius arms.
Coenzym Q10 – der mitochondriale Blockbuster
Authors: Gröber Uwe 
Published: June 2018

ZusammenfassungCoenzym Q10 (Ubiquinon) spielt eine zentrale Rolle bei der Energiegewinnung in den Mitochondrien. Der mitotrope Mikronährstoff zeigte in einer Studie synergistische Wirkung mit Selen bei der Reduktion der kardiovaskulären Mortalität. Coenzym Q10 hat sowohl antioxidative als auch prooxidative, für multiple physiologische Funktionen des Metaboloms essenzielle, Wirkung. Sein Blutspiegel ist bei Erkrankungen mit oxidativem Stress häufig erniedrigt. Coenzym Q10 und seine besser bioverfügbare reduzierte Form Ubiquinol haben sich in Prävention und Therapie zahlreicher Erkrankungen bewährt.
Postural Adjustments Following ACL Rupture and Reconstruction: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Labanca Luciana , Laudani Luca , Mariani Pier , Macaluso Andrea 
Published: June 2018

AbstractLongitudinal changes in compensatory and anticipatory postural adjustments around the knee were investigated from rupture of ACL until return to play after reconstruction. Twelve ACL-injured participants (ACL-P) were asked to respond to unpredictable and predictable perturbations before (T1), 2 (T2) and 6 months after (T3) reconstruction. Twelve healthy participants served as controls. Compensatory and anticipatory latencies of vastus lateralis (VL) and medialis (VM) were measured with respect to the arrival of perturbations. ACL-P showed delayed compensatory latencies compared to controls at T1 for VL (101±32 ms vs 63±7 ms) and VM (117±36 ms vs 75±17 ms) and at T2 for VL (94±20 ms vs 63±7 ms) and VM (94±27 ms vs 71±11 ms). ACL-P showed earlier anticipatory latencies than controls for VL at T1 (-69±44 ms vs -12±12 ms) and T2 (-46±17 ms vs -16±12 ms). At T3, ACL-P showed delayed compensatory latencies for VL (91±18 ms vs 56±21 ms) and VM (95±13 ms vs 66±4 ms), whilst anticipatory latencies were restored. Rehabilitation should address delayed compensatory responses.
Metformin and Colorectal Cancer – A Systematic Review.
Authors: Kobiela Jarek , Dobrzycka Małgorzata , Jędrusik Piotr , Kobiela Paulina , Spychalski Piotr , Śledziński Zbigniew , Zdrojewski Tomasz 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Objectives Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The development of preventive strategies in CRC has been the subject of much research. Multiple studies have shown an association between diabetes and CRC. In addition to its glucose-lowering properties, metformin might have an additional role in the prevention and treatment of CRC.
Our objective was to summarize findings on role of metformin in colorectal cancer.
Methods We conducted a systematic review of the PubMed and Cochrane databases from January 2005 to December 2017 in search for studies on the association between metformin and CRC.
Results Of the total of 189 studies identified by the search, we excluded 123 studies and reviewed the remaining 66 studies on cell lines, animals, patients with diabetes, and healthy subjects. In vitro and animal studies have shown a protective effect of metformin use on the incidence of CRC and amplification of the therapeutic effects of CRC chemotherapy. Studies on patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin analyzed data on total of 146 496 patients. The results of those studies on the role of metformin in CRC suggest risk reduction and potential applications within therapeutic regimens, although some of those are conflicting.
Conclusion Further studies are warranted to define the role of metformin in both prevention and treatment of CRC.
Recent Developments on N-Heterocyclic Carbene Supported Zinc Complexes: Synthesis and Use in Catalysis
Authors: Dagorne Samuel 
Published: June 2018

The present contribution reviews the synthesis, reactivity, and use in catalysis of NHC–Zn complexes reported since 2013. NHC-stabilized Zn(II) species typically display enhanced stability relative to common organozinc species (such as Zn dialkyls), a feature of interest for the mediation of various chemical processes and the stabilization of reactive Zn-based species. Their use in catalysis is essentially dominated by reduction reactions of various unsaturated small molecules (including CO2), thus primarily involving Zn–H and Zn–alkyl derivatives as catalysts. Simple NHC adducts of Zn(II) dihalides also appear as effective catalysts for the reduction amination of CO2 and borylation of alkyl/aryl halides. Stable and well-defined Zn alkoxides have also been prepared and behave as effective catalysts in the polymerization of cyclic esters/carbonates for the production of well-defined biodegradable materials. Overall, the attractive features of NHC-based Zn(II) species include ready access, a reasonable stability/reactivity balance, and steric/electronic tunability (through the NHC source), which should promote their further development.1	Introduction2	NHC-Supported Zinc Alkyl/Aryl Species2.1	Synthesis2.2	Reactivity and Use in Catalysis3	NHC-Supported Zinc Hydride Species3.1	Synthesis3.2	Reactivity and Use in Catalysis4	NHC-Supported Zinc Amido/Alkoxide Species4.1	Synthesis4.2	Use in Catalysis5	NHC-Supported Zinc Dihalide Species5.1	Synthesis5.2	Use in Catalysis6	Other NHC-Stabilized Zn Species7	Conclusion
Kinetics and In Vivo Distribution of In-111-Labelled Platelets and Platelet Function in Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Wessels P , Heyns A du P , Esterhuysen A J , Badenhorst P N , Lötter M G , Pieters H , Kotzè H F 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe kinetics, in vivo distribution and sites of sequestration of autologous In-111-labelled platelets and other platelet function parameters were studied in ten patients with type IIa or IIb familial hypercholesterolaemia and thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis. The in vitro platelet aggregation response to ADP (P = 0.50) and collagen (P = 0.46); binding of fibrinogen to platelets (P = 0.61); and plasma beta-thromboglobulin levels (P = 0.42) of the patients and normal reference subjects did not differ significantly. The in vivo distribution of In-111-labelled platelets at equilibrium was within normal limits, and at the end of platelet life-span the sequestration pattern of labelled platelets in the reticuloendothelial system was also normal (spleen P = 0.31; liver P = 0.54). There was minimal evidence of in vivo platelet activation: only mean platelet lifespan (MPLS), 195±57 hours (difference between mean MPLS of patients and controls was 25 hours, with a 95% confidence interval from 23 to 31 hours; P = 0.02); mean platelet platelet turnover, 2298±824 platelets/μl/hour (P = 0.005); plasma platelet factor 4 (P = 0.02); and the mean circulating platelet aggregate ratio, 0.8±0.1 (P = 0.02); differed significantly from normal. These results suggest that abnormalities of platelet function and kinetics observed in type II hyperlipoproteinaemia cannot be ascribed wholly to the hyperlipidaemia, but may be induced by the associated atherosclerosis.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Urokinase in Normal, Dysplastic and Cancerous Squamous Epithelium of the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Larsson G , Larsson Å , Åstedt B 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe distribution of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase (u-PA) was investigated immunohistochemically in squamous epithelium of the uterine cervix, in normal and dysplastic conditions as well as in preinvasive and invasive carcinomas. Normal epithelium showed presence of both t PA and u-PA immunoreactivity only in the superficial cellular layer, whereas in preinvasive lesions they were present in all layers. In sections of normal specimens as well as preinvasive lesions the UK immunoreactivity was weaker compared to that of t-PA. Tnvnsivc lesions showed a patchy distribution of t-PA and u-PA immunoreactivity. Furthermore, it could be demonstrated that stromal cells close to the infiltrating malignant squamous epithelium contained t-PA immunoreactivity and also u-PA immunoreactivity. Further immunohistochemical studies disclosed that these cells were macrophages.
Does Increased Platelet Release Normalize During Anti-Hypertensive Treatment?
Authors: Lande Knut , Kjeldsen Sverre Erik , Eide Ivar , Leren Paul , Gjesdal Knut 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBlood platelet function was evaluated in 10 men, all 50 years old, with untreated, mild hypertension. Each patient was examined four times: At the beginning of the study, after 5 weeks on placebo treatment, after the following 5 weeks on propranolol 160 mg daily, and finally after a second period of 5 weeks on placebo. At baseline the plasma level of the platelet release product (β-thromboglobulin (BTG) was 41.6 (30.5-57.0) μg/l (median and 95% confidence interval). During the first placebo period BTG was normalized to 21.0 (14.1-25.9) μg/l. While systolic blood pressure and heart rate fell during β-adrenergic receptor blockade, BTG remained unchanged throughout the rest of the observation periods. Platelet size increased significantly during treatment with β-blocker. The present study indicates that the normalization of elevated platelet function which previously has been reported to occur during anti-hypertensive drug therapy, may be explained by patient adaptation to the blood sampling procedure.
Experimental Studies on the Relative Efficacy of Dermatan Sulphate and Heparin as Antithrombotic Agents
Authors: Merton R E , Thomas D P 
Published: June 2018

SummaryIn this study, the anticoagulant and antithrombotic properties of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and dermatan sulphate (DS) were compared. The ability of UFH and DS to impair thrombin generation in vitro and in ex vivo plasma samples was also studied. DS has minimal anticoagulant activity by conventional assays but impairs thrombin generation both in vitro and in ex vivo plasma samples. However, thrombin generation could not be suppressed below about 35% of control values at all doses of DS studied. While this was sufficient to impair experimental venous thrombosis during 10 minutes’ stasis, DS was ineffective in preventing thrombosis following 20 minutes’ stasis in doses up to 1.25 mg/kg. In contrast, 1 μg/ml of UFH completely suppressed thrombin generation in vitro, and 150 μg/kg prevented throm- bogenesis over a period of 20 minutes’ stasis. Neither drug prolonged the bleeding time (BT) at effective antithrombotic doses, but 2.5 mg/kg UFH significantly increased the BT, whereas DS did not. While DS has antithrombotic activity, it is less effective than UFH in inhibiting thrombin generation, and as an antithrombotic agent.
The Influence of Low Molecular Weight Heparin in Combination with Dihydroergotamine on Experimental Thrombosis and Haemostasis
Authors: Bergqvist David , Nilsson Bodil 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe influence of low molecular weight heparin in combination with dihydroergotamine (DHE) on thrombus formation and primary haemostasis was investigated in rabbit models. Conventional heparin in the dose of 60 units anti Xa activity/kg b. w. effectively prevented thrombus formation but the same dose of a low molecular weight fragment only gave a marginal decrease of the frequency of thrombosis. The thrombus weight was, however, significantly reduced. Doubling the dose of the heparin fragment totally abolished thrombus formation as did the combination of 60 units with DHE. With DHE it was also possible to diminish the low molecular weight heparin dose to 30 units with a good prophylactic effect. There was a small but significant increase of haemostatic plug formation time in all treatment groups except the one with low molecular weight heparin fragment 30 units anti Xa activity combined with DHE. Thus, by combining low molecular weight heparin in a low dose with DHE it is possible to prevent thrombus formation without influencing primary haemostasis in rabbits.
Human Gamma-Thrombin: Lack of Correlation Between a Platelet Functional Response and Glycoprotein V Hydrolysis
Authors: Jandrot-Perrus Martine , Guillin Marie-Claude , Nurden Alan T 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe ability of purified human gamma-thrombin to stimulate platelet function was related to its capacity to degrade GP V. Compared to alpha-thrombin, much greater amounts of gamma- thrombin were required to induce platelet aggregation; and this also applied to secretion from dense bodies, alpha-granules and lysosomal granules. Platelet stimulation by gamma-thrombin was additionally characterized by the presence of a lag-phase. Platelets with 3H-labelled surface glycoproteins showed the same functional response to both alpha- and gamma-thrombin as unlabelled platelets. But while threshold levels of alpha-thrombin induced little GP V hydrolysis confirming McGowan et al. (1), amounts of gamma-thrombin which induced substantial degradation (e. g. 8.3 nM degraded 36% of platelet GP V in 3 min) were unable to sustain either platelet aggregation or secretion. These results suggest that protein-binding regions remote from the catalytic site of alpha-thrombin are more important for platelet activation than GP V hydrolysis. They also provide further support to the argument that GP V hydrolysis may not be the essential trigger of platelet activation by thrombin.
Pharmacokinetics of Heparin and Low Molecular Weight Heparin Fragment (Fragmin®) in Rabbits with Impaired Renal or Metabolic Clearance
Authors: Palm M , Mattsson Ch 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe kinetics and tissue distribution of 3H-heparin and a 3H- labelled low molecular weight heparin fragment were compared in normal rabbits as well as in rabbits with blocked renal function or reticuloendothelial system (RES). Radioactivity in plasma, urine, liver and kidneys, as well as anti-FXa activity in plasma were determined. The plasma elimination of heparin was, when compared to normal controls, prolonged both in rabbits with renal dysfunction as well as in rabbits with blocked RES, while renal dysfunction was the only parameter that significantly prolonged the plasma half-life of Fragmin. Studies on tissue distribution in normal rabbits revealed that about 60 per cent of the radioactive heparin dose accumulated in the liver and kidney three hours after the injection, whereas the corresponding value was less than 10 per cent for the Fragmin-derived radioactivity. The recovery of radioactivity in urine within three hours was 5 and 35 per cent of the dose, respectively, for 3H-heparin and 3H- Fragmin. It is concluded from the present study that the rapid plasma elimination of heparin in the rabbit (tl/2 = 17 minutes) is mainly due to a high tissue distribution (liver and kidney) while the plasma elimination of Fragmin (t1/2 = 28 minutes) is mainly caused by renal excretion.
Redistribution of Platelet Glycoproteins Induced by Allo- and Autoantibodies
Authors: Santoso S , Kiefel V , Mueller-Eckhardt C 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe redistribution of platelet glycoproteins (GP) Ib, IIb and IIIa in response to stimulation with human platelet specific alloantibodies, autoantibodies and a quinidine-dependent antibody was investigated using immunofluorescence and a quantitative radioimmunoassay. The platelet GPs carrying the corresponding epitopes were determined using immunoblot technique or radioimmunoprecipitation. In accordance with previous results obtained with murine monoclonal platelet specific antibodies, redistribution upon stimulation with human platelet reactive antibodies was observed only due to reactions with epitopes on GP IIb, IIIa, respectively, but not on GP Ib. We therefore believe that membrane redistribution of human platelets induced by various antibodies is a function of the GP recognized by those antibodies rather than the source of the platelet reactive antibody.
Defective Fibrinolytic Response in Atherosclerotic Patients – Effect of lloprost and Its Possible Mechanism of Action
Authors: Bertelé Vittorio , Mussoni Luciana , Rosso Gianfranco del , Pintucci Giuseppe , Carriero Maria Rita , Merati Maria Grazia , Libretti Arnaldo , Gaetano Giovanni de 
Published: June 2018

SummaryPlasma fibrinolytic activity and tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) were defective in response to venous stasis in five out of ten patients with peripheral occlusive artery disease. Discontinuous infusions of iloprost, a stable synthetic analogue of prostacyclin, restored a normal fibrinolytic response in all five patients but did not induce a parallel increase of plasma t-PA. These findings suggest that in addition to the possible benefits due to its vasodilatory and antiplatelet activity, iloprost may improve the fibrinolytic activity in patients with atherosclerotic disease, providing them with further antithrombotic protection. The profibrinolytic effect of iloprost seems not to depend on its ability to induce vascular t-PA release. Rather, it might be related to its inhibitory effect on PAI release from platelets, endothelial cells and/or hepatocytes. Venous occlusion test represents an easy diagnostic approach to fibrinolytic defects, even if related to arterial disease, and may help select patients who need therapeutic intervention.
Correlation Between the Enzymatic Activity, Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Effects of Phospholipase A2 Isoenzymes from Naja nigricollis Venom
Authors: Manjunatha Kini R , Evans Herbert J 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe three phospholipase A2 isoenzymes from Naja nigricollis crawshawii snake venom inhibit both blood coagulation and platelet aggregation. To investigate the correlation between phospholipid splitting ability of these enzymes and their inhibitory activities, the effects of various preincubation times and the inclusion of EDTA were examined. Preincubation of plasma and thromboplastin with the phospholipase isoenzymes resulted in an increase in Ca2+-initiated clotting time with time of preincubation. Incubation of the isoenzymes with EDTA before their addition to the plasma-thromboplastin mixture reduced the anticoagulant effect. These results indicate that the catalytic activity contributes at least partially to the anticoagulant effect. However, inhibition of platelet aggregation appears to be independent of enzymatic activity since there is no increase in inhibition with time of preincubation of platelets and phospholipases, and inclusion of EDTA has no significant effect on inhibition of aggregation. All three enzymes appear to belong to class B of the platelet affector PLA2 enzymes as determined by platelet effects, since they do not initiate platelet aggregation.