bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of hemodynamic risk for vascular disease in planar artery bifurcations
Authors: Otero-Cacho Alberto , Aymerich María , Flores-Arias M. Teresa , Abal Miguel , Álvarez Ezequiel , Pérez-Muñuzuri Vicente , Muñuzuri Alberto P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUnderstanding hemodynamics in blood circulation is crucial in order to unveil the mechanisms underlying the formation of stenosis and atherosclerosis. In fact, there are experimental evidences pointing out to the existence of some given vessel configurations that are more likely to develop the above mentioned pathologies. Along this manuscript, we performed an exhaustive investigation in a simplified model aiming to characterize by means of physical quantities those regions and configurations in vessel bifurcations that are more likely to develop such pathologies. The two-fold analysis is based, on the one hand, on numerical simulations (via CFD) and, on the other hand, on experiments realized in an ad-hoc designed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) channel with the appropriate parameters and appropriate fluid flows. The results obtained demonstrate that low velocity regions and low shear stress zones are located in the outer walls of bifurcations. In fact, we found that there is a critical range of bifurcation angles that is more likely to vascular disease than the others in correspondence with some experimental evidence. The effect of the inflow velocity on this critical range is also analyzed.
A Preferential Attachment Paradox: How Preferential Attachment Combines with Growth to Produce Networks with Log-normal In-degree Distributions
Authors: Sheridan Paul , Onodera Taku 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEvery network scientist knows that preferential attachment combines with growth to produce networks with power-law in-degree distributions. How, then, is it possible for the network of American Physical Society journal collection citations to enjoy a log-normal citation distribution when it was found to have grown in accordance with preferential attachment? This anomalous result, which we exalt as the preferential attachment paradox, has remained unexplained since the physicist Sidney Redner first made light of it over a decade ago. Here we propose a resolution. The chief source of the mischief, we contend, lies in Redner having relied on a measurement procedure bereft of the accuracy required to distinguish preferential attachment from another form of attachment that is consistent with a log-normal in-degree distribution. There was a high-accuracy measurement procedure in use at the time, but it would have have been difficult to use it to shed light on the paradox, due to the presence of a systematic error inducing design flaw. In recent years the design flaw had been recognised and corrected. We show that the bringing of the newly corrected measurement procedure to bear on the data leads to a resolution of the paradox.
Transcriptome analysis in tissue sectors with contrasting crocins accumulation provides novel insights into apocarotenoid biosynthesis and regulation during chromoplast biogenesis
Authors: Ahrazem Oussama , Argandoña Javier , Fiore Alessia , Aguado Carolina , Luján Rafael , Rubio-Moraga Ángela , Marro Mónica , Araujo-Andrade Cuauhtémoc , Loza-Alvarez Pablo , Diretto Gianfranco , Gómez-Gómez Lourdes 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCrocins, the red soluble apocarotenoids of saffron, accumulate in the flowers of Crocus species in a developmental and tissue-specific manner. In Crocus sieberi, crocins accumulate in stigmas but also in a distinct yellow tepal sector, which we demonstrate contains chromoplast converted from amyloplasts. Secondary metabolites were analysed by LC-DAD-HRMS, revealing the progressive accumulation of crocetin and crocins in the yellow sector, which were also localized in situ by Raman microspectroscopy. To understand the underlying mechanisms of crocin biosynthesis, we sequenced the C. sieberi tepal transcriptome of two differentially pigmented sectors (yellow and white) at two developmental stages (6 and 8) by Illumina sequencing. A total of 154 million high-quality reads were generated and assembled into 248,099 transcripts. Differentially expressed gene analysis resulted in the identification of several potential candidate genes involved in crocin metabolism and regulation. The results provide a first profile of the molecular events related to the dynamics of crocetin and crocin accumulation during tepal development, and present new information concerning apocarotenoid biosynthesis regulators and their accumulation in Crocus. Further, reveals genes that were previously unknown to affect crocin formation, which could be used to improve crocin accumulation in Crocus plants and the commercial quality of saffron spice.
Giant and tunable optical torque for micro-motors by increased force arm and resonantly enhanced force
Authors: Geng Yong , Tan Jiubin , Cao Yongyin , Zhao Yixuan , Liu Zhengjun , Ding Weiqiang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMicro-motors driven by light field have attracted much attentions for their potential applications. In order to drive the rotation of a micro-motor, structured optical beams with orbital angular momentum, spin angular momentum, anisotropic medium, and/or inhomogeneous intensity distribution should be used. Even though, it is still challenge to increase the optical torques (OT) in a flexible and controllable way in case of moderate incident power. In this paper, a new scheme achieving giant optical torque is proposed by increasing both the force arm and the force amplitude with the assistance of a ring resonator. In this case, the optical torque doesn’t act on the target directly by the incident beam, but is transmitted to it by rotating the ring resonator connected with it. Using the finite-difference in time-domain method, we calculate the optical torque and find that both the direction and the amplitude of the torque can be tuned flexibly by modifying the frequency, or the relative phases of the sources. More importantly, the optical torque obtained here by linearly polarized beams can be 3 orders larger than those obtained using the structured beams. This opt-mechanical-resonator based optical torque engineering system may find potential applications in optical driven micro-machines.
Comparative transcriptomics provides novel insights into the mechanisms of selenium tolerance in the hyperaccumulator plant Cardamine hupingshanensis
Authors: Zhou Yifeng , Tang Qiaoyu , Wu Meiru , Mou Di , Liu Hui , Wang Shouchuang , Zhang Chi , Ding Li , Luo Jie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSelenium (Se) is an essential mineral element for animals and humans.Cardamine hupingshanensis(Brassicaceae), found in the Wuling mountain area of China, has been identified as a novel Se hyperaccumulator plant. However, the mechanism for selenium tolerance inCardamineplants remains unknown. In this study, two cDNA libraries were constructed from seedlings ofC. hupingshanensistreated with selenite. Approximately 100 million clean sequencing reads werede novoassembled into 48,989 unigenes, of which 39,579 and 33,510 were expressed in the roots and leaves, respectively. Biological pathways and candidate genes involved in selenium tolerance mechanisms were identified. Differential expression analysis identified 25 genes located in four pathways that were significantly responsive to selenite inC. hupingshanensisseedlings. The results of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) confirmed that storage function, oxidation, transamination and selenation play very important roles in the selenium tolerance inC. hupingshanensis. Furthermore, a different degradation pathway synthesizing malformed or deformed selenoproteins increased selenium tolerance at different selenite concentrations. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of selenium tolerance in a hyperaccumulator plant, and should serve as a rich gene resource forC. hupingshanensis.
Modified Inguinal Microscope-Assisted Varicocelectomy under Local Anesthesia: A Non-randomised Controlled Study of 3565 Cases
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Qian , Wang Xun , Guan Rijian , Li Sen , Zhang Youpeng , Cheng Yongbiao , Zeng Hanqing , Tang Yong , Zhu Zhaohui 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVaricocele is a common abnormality, but the conventional microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (CMSV) has some disadvantages. We invented Modified Inguinal Microscope-Assisted Varicocelectomy (MIMV) under local anesthesia. This study aims to evaluate MIMV by comparing it to CMSV in operating duration, time to return to normal activity, postoperative complications, achievement of natural pregnancy and improvement of semen quality for patients with infertility, pain score for those with scrotal pain, and so on. We enrolled 3089 patients who underwent MIMV and 476 who underwent CMSV in our hospital. Both the operating duration and the time to return to normal activity of MIMV was shorter than that of CMSV (P < 0.001). The recurrence rate (P < 0.001) and injury rate of vas deferens (P = 0.011) after MIMV were lower than that after CMSV. Moreover, patients with MIMV showed higher degree of satisfaction with the surgery experience and outcome than those with CMSV (P < 0.001). However, no statistical difference was found between the two groups in scores of pain due to surgery, postoperative varicose veins diameters, reflux duration, and the postoperative complications of wound infection, hydrocele, atrophy of testis, epididymitis, and scrotal hematoma. In summary, MIMV is a promising varicocelectomy and could be applied more in clinical practice.
Communication in necrophagous Diptera larvae: interspecific effect of cues left behind by maggots and implications in their aggregation
Authors: Fouche Quentin , Hedouin Valery , Charabidze Damien 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNecrophagous Calliphoridae breed in vertebrate carrion. Their larvae aggregate and form large masses of individuals. These aggregated larvae can reach adulthood faster than scattered larvae, increasing their chances of survival. Furthermore, the gathering of larvae of different species suggests possible interspecific aggregation vectors. In this context, the effect of larval ground-left cues on larvae of Calliphora vomitoria and Lucilia sericata was studied. We used video tracking to follow larvae placed in binary choice tests. We observed (1) a preference of both species for a side marked by conspecific or heterospecific larvae compared to an unmarked side, (2) a preference of L. sericata larvae for a conspecific-marked side compared to a heterospecific-marked side but only at high concentration of cues and (3) a preference of both species for the side marked by the greater number of larvae. These results demonstrate that larvae leave a mark locally which is retentive, has an interspecific range, has an effect proportional to its intensity and whose strength varies depending on the emitting species. According to the self-organization theory, this mark could enhance larval gathering and promote interspecific aggregations. While not yet demonstrated, an interspecific Allee effect could explain the interspecific association of necrophagous calliphorid larvae.
Conn-Syndrom – mehr als nur Aldosteronexzess?
Authors: Lang Katharina , Reincke Martin 
Published: February 2018

Was ist neu?
Steroidhormonprofil im Conn-Syndrom Erstmalig wurde bei Conn-Patienten neben dem bekannten Mineralokortikoidexzess auch ein klinisch relevanter Glukokortikoidexzess demonstriert. Dieser fand sich unabhängig von Subtyp und zugrundeliegender somatischer Mutation.
Begleit- und Folgeerkrankungen Der Aldosteronexzess ist mit einem erhöhten Risiko für zerebro- und kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse und Nierenschäden verknüpft, welche unabhängig von der arteriellen Hypertonie auftreten. Dies ist auf eine direkte Aldosteronwirkung zurückzuführen. Das außerdem beim Conn-Syndrom vermehrte Vorkommen von metabolischen Störungen, Depression, Angsterkrankungen sowie Osteoporose lässt sich nun im Zusammenhang mit dem beobachteten Glukokortikoidexzess erklären. Die Glukokortikoidausscheidung konnte bei Conn-Patienten mit grundlegenden Parametern des metabolischen Risikoprofils korreliert werden.
Implikationen für Diagnostik und Therapie Das spezifische Steroidprofil im Rahmen des Conn-Syndroms birgt das Potenzial, Diagnose, Subtypdifferenzierung und Identifikation somatischer Mutationen zu ermöglichen. Im Hinblick auf die metabolischen Folgeerkrankungen gilt es nun zu untersuchen, ob zusätzlich zur Aldosteron- auch eine Glukokortikoid-antagonistische Medikation erfolgen muss. Auf jeden Fall muss, analog zum Vorgehen bei adrenalem Cushing-Syndrom, nach operativer Entfernung eines Conn-Adenoms postoperativ die adrenale Reserve evaluiert werden.
AT1 Receptor Antagonism Improves Structural, Functional, and Biomechanical Properties in Resistance Arteries in a Rodent Chronic Kidney Disease Model
Authors: Quek Ko Jin , Ameer Omar Z , Phillips Jacqueline K 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The renin–angiotensin system, in particular Angiotensin II (AngII), plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Effects of chronic AT1 receptor antagonism were investigated in a genetic hypertensive rat model of CKD, the Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK) rat.

METHODS
Mixed-sex LPK and Lewis control rats (total n = 31) were split between treated (valsartan 60 mg/kg/day p.o. from 4 to 18 weeks) and vehicle groups. Animals were assessed for systolic blood pressure and urine biochemistry, and after euthanasia, blood collected for urea and creatinine analysis, confirming the hypertensive and renal phenotype. Mesenteric resistance vasculature was assessed using pressure myography and histology.

RESULTS
Valsartan treatment improved vascular structure in LPK rats, increasing internal and external diameter values and reducing wall thickness (untreated vs. treated LPK: 53.19 ± 3.29 vs. 33.93 ± 2.17 μm) and wall–lumen ratios (untreated vs. treated LPK: 0.52 ± 0.09 vs. 0.16 ± 0.01, all P &lt; 0.0001). Endothelium dysfunction, as measured by maximal response to acetylcholine (Rmax), was normalized with treatment (untreated vs. treated LPK: 69.56 ± 4.34 vs. 103.05 ± 4.13, P &lt; 0.05), increasing the relative contributions of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization to vasorelaxation while downregulating the prostanoid contribution. Biomechanical properties also improved with treatment, as indicated by an increase in compliance, decrease in intrinsic stiffness and alterations in the artery wall composition, which included decreases in collagen density and collagen/elastin ratio.

CONCLUSIONS
Our results highlight the importance of AngII as a driver of resistance vessel structural, functional, and biomechanical dysfunction and provide insight as to how AT1 receptor blockade exerts therapeutic efficacy in CKD.
Lack of Prognostic Model Validation in Low Back Pain Prediction Studies
Authors: McIntosh Greg , Steenstra Ivan , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah , Carter Tom , Hall Hamilton 
Published: February 2018

Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency with which prediction studies for low back pain outcomes utilize prospective methods of prognostic model validation.

Method:
Searches of Medline and Embase for terms “predict/predictor,” “prognosis,” or “prognostic factor.” The search was limited to studies conducted in humans and reported in the English language. Included articles were all those published in 2 Spine specialty journals (Spine and The Spine Journal) over a 13-month period, January 2013 to January 2014. Conference papers, reviews, and letters were excluded. The initial screen identified 55 potential studies (44 in Spine, 11 in The Spine Journal); 34 were excluded because they were not primary data collection prediction studies; 23 were not prediction studies and 11 were review articles. This left 21 prognosis papers for review, 19 in Spine, 2 in The Spine Journal.

Results:
None of the 21 studies provided validation for the predictors that they documented (neither internal or external validation). On the basis of the study designs and lack of validation, only 2 studies used the correct terminology for describing associations/relationships between independent and dependent variables.

Discussion:
Unless researchers and clinicians consider sophisticated and rigorous methods of statistical/external validity for prediction/prognostic findings they will make incorrect assumptions and draw invalid conclusions regarding treatment effects and outcomes. Without proper validation methods, studies that claim to present prediction models actually describe only traits or characteristics of the studied sample.
Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Raftopoulos Emily , Royer Michael , Warren Mildred , Zhao Jin , Rush Walter 
Published: February 2018

Abstract:Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma (PHE; epithelioid sarcoma-like hemangioendothelioma) is a rare entity, with 129 reported cases. It is a rarely metastasizing, low-grade vascular tumor that can histologically mimic epithelioid sarcoma and often presents as multiple discontinuous nodules in the extremities. PHEs characteristically and consistently show immunoreactivity for cytokeratins and endothelial markers. We present a case in the thigh of a 65-year-old-man with a 3-month history of painful lesions in the dermis and review the published literature. In our case, the lesion exhibited the characteristic histologic findings and immunoprofile of a PHE: a solid proliferation of spindled to epithelioid cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and frequent rhabdoid cells. Cytologic atypia and mitotic figures were inconspicuous. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for CD31, ERG, AE1/3, and CK7 and negative for D2-40, P53, HMB45, desmin, CD34, SMA, EMA, and S100 protein. A balanced reciprocal translation between chromosomes 7 and 19 was present; this translocation seems unique to PHE. PHE is a unique and commonly misdiagnosed entity; therefore, we review the literature to describe the characteristics of this tumor.
Epidemiology of Exfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Konstas Anastasios G.P. , Ringvold Amund 
Published: February 2018

Background:From a historical standpoint the epidemiology of exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is one of the most controversial subjects in ophthalmic literature. Current literature abounds with studies on the prevalence of XFS in various ethnic populations and clearly XFS is a common condition, but its true prevalence is difficult to ascertain. Overall, XFS is considered to be the most common identifiable cause of glaucoma worldwide.Purpose:This review critically examines the published literature documenting the epidemiological features of XFS and attempts to provide a unified concept concerning existing controversy.Methods:A critical review of selected literature pertaining to the epidemiology of XFS.Results:It is well established that XFS and the ensuing exfoliative glaucoma have a worldwide prevalence and a progressively increasing age-related incidence. The prevalence of the condition is significantly underestimated. Many past studies have proposed clear geographic variations within and between ethnic groups. In contrast, there has also been some epidemiological evidence suggesting that the prevalence of XFS is similar within various ethnic groups. Published literature fails to address the potential role and impact of suspected exfoliation cases in the reported prevalence figures of the condition. Incidence figures for the condition are limited and vary extensively. Cumulative data have indicated that several, as yet partly understood genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors contribute to the varied prevalence of this condition.Conclusions:Further understanding on XFS epidemiology is needed. Only a future large prospective study conducted by the same investigators, using similar methodologies for different ethnic populations will prove beyond doubt the hypothesis that significant geographic variations exist. Since patients with exfoliative glaucoma are at significant risk of losing vision it is vital to elucidate the causes and the risk of developing XFS. To reach this goal, it is important to better delineate the early changes of XFS and to focus research efforts on modifiable factors for XFS development.
The genesis of systems of care for transition to adulthood services: emerging models in primary and subspecialty care
Authors: Wright Charmaine , Steinway Caren , Jan Sophia 
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review
Transitioning adolescents and young adults with chronic conditions can be complex. Expert recommendations support a transition process that starts in early adolescence, provides continuous guidance and support and allows for care opportunities with patients and caregivers, with the patient alone and between paediatric and adult providers. As most of the guidance is focused on individual patients, providers and clinical programmes, much less is known about how health systems as a whole might support effective transitions of care.

Recent findings
Many intervention studies focus on the preparation necessary to successfully transition adolescents, young adults and their families to adult care. Although randomized controlled trials of transition interventions are few and standards of care not yet established, promising models are being developed and tested. This review will describe the development and implementation of emerging models of transitional care in primary and subspecialty care, paying special attention to evaluation outcomes that can inform model selection.

Summary
The emerging models described here highlight the importance of and guidance for invested clinicians and health systems to create effective methods for successful transition. Additional research using rigorous methodology is necessary.
Conceptualizing Post Intensive Care Syndrome in Children—The PICS-p Framework*
Authors: Manning Joseph C. , Pinto Neethi P. , Rennick Janet E. , Colville Gillian , Curley Martha A. Q. 
Published: February 2018

Context:
Over the past several decades, advances in pediatric critical care have saved many lives. As such, contemporary care has broadened its focus to also include minimizing morbidity. Post Intensive Care Syndrome, also known as “PICS,” is a group of cognitive, physical, and mental health impairments that commonly occur in patients after ICU discharge. Post Intensive Care Syndrome has been well-conceptualized in the adult population but not in children.

Objective:
To develop a conceptual framework describing Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics that includes aspects of the experience that are unique to children and their families.

Data Synthesis:
The Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics (PICS-p) framework highlights the importance of baseline status, organ system maturation, psychosocial development, the interdependence of family, and trajectories of health recovery that can potentially impact a child’s life for decades.

Conclusion:
Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics will help illuminate the phenomena of surviving childhood critical illness and guide outcomes measurement in the field. Empirical studies are now required to validate and refine this framework, and to subsequently develop a set of core outcomes for this population. With explication of Post Intensive Care Syndrome in pediatrics, the discipline of pediatric critical care will then be in a stronger position to map out recovery after pediatric critical illness and to evaluate interventions designed to mitigate risk for poor outcomes with the goal of optimizing child and family health.