bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racial Discrimination, Disease Activity, and Organ Damage: The Black Women’s Experiences Living With Lupus (BeWELL) Study
Authors: Chae David H , Martz Connor D , Fuller-Rowell Thomas E , Spears Erica C , Smith Tianqi Tenchi Gao , Hunter Evelyn A , Drenkard Cristina , Lim S Sam 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Black women are disproportionately affected by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic, potentially debilitating autoimmune disease, and they also experience more rapid progression and worse outcomes compared with other groups. We examined if racial discrimination is associated with disease outcomes among 427 black women with a validated diagnosis of SLE, who live in the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area, and were recruited to the Black Women’s Experiences Living with Lupus Study (2015–2017). Frequency of self-reported experiences of racial discrimination in domains such as employment, housing, and medical settings was assessed using the Experiences of Discrimination measure. SLE activity in the previous 3 months, including symptoms of fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and ulcers, was measured using the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire; irreversible damage to an organ or system was measured using the Brief Index of Lupus Damage. Results of multivariable linear regression analyses examining the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire and log-transformed Brief Index of Lupus Damage scores indicated that increasing frequency of racial discrimination was associated with greater SLE activity (b = 2.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.32, 2.68) and organ damage (b = 0.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.02, 0.13). Comprehensive efforts to address disparities in SLE severity should include policies that address issues of racial discrimination.
Altered frequency and function of spleen CTLA-4+Tim-3+ T cells are associated with miscarriage†
Authors: Wang Songcun , Li Mengdie , Sun Fengrun , Chen Chunqin , Ye JiangFeng , Li Dajin , Qian Jinfeng , Du Meirong 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with several immune adaptations in both systemic and local maternal–fetal interface to allow the growth of semi-allogeneic conceptus. A failure in maternal immune tolerance to the fetus may result in abnormal pregnancies, such as recurrent spontaneous abortion. The regulation of T-cell homeostasis during pregnancy has important implications for maternal tolerance and immunity. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3) are important negative immune regulatory molecules involved in viral persistence and tumor metastasis. Here we described the lower frequency of splenic T cells co-expressing CTLA-4 and Tim-3 accompanied by higher levels of proinflammatory but lower anti-inflammatory cytokines production in abortion-prone mouse model. Blockade of CTLA-4 and Tim-3 pathways leaded to the dysfunction of splenic T cells. By the higher expression during normal pregnancy, CTLA-4 and Tim-3 co-expression on splenic T cells linked to immunosuppressive phenotype. As the spleen is an important site for peripheral immune activation, our data suggest potential noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for miscarriage.
Resection of hepatic and pulmonary metastasis from metastatic esophageal and gastric cancer: a nationwide study
Authors: Seesing M F J , van der Veen A , Brenkman H J F , Stockmann H B A C , Nieuwenhuijzen G A P , Rosman C , van den Wildenberg F J H , van Berge Henegouwen M I , van Duijvendijk P , Wijnhoven B P L , Stoot J H M B , Lacle M , Ruurda J P , van Hillegersberg R ,   Gastroesophageal Metastasectomy Group
Published: April 2019

SUMMARY
The standard of care for gastroesophageal cancer patients with hepatic or pulmonary metastases is best supportive care or palliative chemotherapy. Occasionally, patients can be selected for curative treatment instead. This study aimed to evaluate patients who underwent a resection of hepatic or pulmonary metastasis with curative intent. The Dutch national registry for histo- and cytopathology was used to identify these patients. Data were retrieved from the individual patient files. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed. Between 1991 and 2016, 32,057 patients received a gastrectomy or esophagectomy for gastroesophageal cancer in the Netherlands. Of these patients, 34 selected patients received a resection of hepatic metastasis (n = 19) or pulmonary metastasis (n = 15) in 21 different hospitals. Only 4 patients received neoadjuvant therapy before metastasectomy. The majority of patients had solitary, metachronous metastases. After metastasectomy, grade 3 (Clavien–Dindo) complications occurred in 7 patients and mortality in 1 patient. After resection of hepatic metastases, the median potential follow-up time was 54 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 28 months and the 1-, 3-, and 5- year OS was 84%, 41%, and 31%, respectively. After pulmonary metastases resection, the median potential follow-up time was 80 months. The median OS was not reached and the 1-, 3-, and 5- year OS was 67%, 53%, and 53%, respectively. In selected patients with gastroesophageal cancer with hepatic or pulmonary metastases, metastasectomy was performed with limited morbidity and mortality and offered a 5-year OS of 31–53%. Further prospective studies are required.
Post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal rupture in a patient with large secundum atrial septal defect: a case report
Authors: Shah Shabir Hussain , Shah Muhammad Azam 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Background
Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The management of VSR is challenging, and its surgical correction is associated with the highest mortality among all cardiac surgery procedures.

Case summary
A 57-year-old man with a history of smoking presented with AMI with a large apical VSR in addition to a large secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). His left ventricular ejection fraction was 30%, and the right ventricle was moderately dilated with normal systolic function. Cardiac catheterization revealed that the left anterior descending artery was diffusely diseased with total mid occlusion, whereas other coronary arteries had non-obstructive disease. This unique combination resulted in distinctive presentation with paradoxically better outcomes. After stabilization, the patient’s interventricular septum was reconstructed, and the ASD was closed with a pericardial patch. The post-operative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 1 week after surgery. A follow-up echocardiography revealed no residual shunt.

Discussion
Post-myocardial infarction VSR presents differently in patients with pre-existing right ventricular volume overload. In such cases, the absence of significant cardiogenic shock at presentation may result in better surgical outcomes.
Common Heritage of Mankind as a Limit to Exploitation of the Global Commons
Authors: Mickelson Karin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This contribution to the symposium on the economic exploitation of the commons focuses on the question of whether and to what extent the principle of the common heritage of mankind (CHM) imposes environmental limits on economic exploitation of the global commons. Focusing on the need to go beyond a unidimensional assessment of the principle, it considers how CHM was originally envisaged, the form it took in the deep seabed regime, in particular, how its role in that regime has developed over time and how it has been utilized as a basis for advocacy. It concludes with an assessment of CHM’s limitations and strategic advantages.
MgrA Governs Adherence, Host Cell Interaction, and Virulence in a Murine Model of Bacteremia Due to Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Liang , Wang Genzhu , Cheung Ambrose , Abdelhady Wessam , Seidl Kati , Xiong Yan Q 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundMgrA is an important global virulence gene regulator in Staphylococcus aureus. In the present study, the role of mgrA in host-pathogen interactions related to virulence was explored in both methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) strains.MethodsIn vitro susceptibilities to human defense peptides (HDPs), adherence to fibronectin (Fn) and endothelial cells (ECs), EC damage, α-toxin production, expression of global regulator (eg, agr RNAIII) and its downstream effectors (eg, α-toxin [hla] and Fn binding protein A [fnbA]), MgrA binding to fnbA promoter, and the effect on HDP-induced mprF and dltA expression were analyzed. The impact of mgrA on virulence was evaluated using a mouse bacteremia model.ResultsmgrA mutants displayed significantly higher susceptibility to HDPs, which might be related to the decreased HDP-induced mprF and dltA expression but decreased Fn and EC adherence, EC damage, α-toxin production, agr RNAIII, hla and fnbA expression, and attenuated virulence in the bacteremia model as compared to their respective parental and mgrA-complemented strains. Importantly, direct binding of MgrA to the fnbA promoter was observed.ConclusionsThese results suggest that mgrA mediates host-pathogen interactions and virulence and may provide a novel therapeutic target for invasive S. aureus infections.
Investing with Cryptocurrencies—a Liquidity Constrained Investment Approach*
Authors: Trimborn Simon , Li Mingyang , Härdle Wolfgang Karl 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCryptocurrencies have left the dark side of the finance universe and become an object of study for asset and portfolio management. Since they have low liquidity compared to traditional assets, one needs to take into account liquidity issues when adding them to a portfolio. We propose a Liquidity Bounded Risk-return Optimization (LIBRO) approach, which is a combination of risk-return portfolio optimization under liquidity constraints. Cryptocurrencies are included in portfolios formed with stocks of the S&P 100, US Bonds, and commodities. We illustrate the importance of the liquidity constraints in an in-sample and out-of-sample study. LIBRO improves the weight optimization in the sense that it only adds cryptocurrencies in tradable amounts depending on the intended investment amount. The returns greatly increase compared to portfolios consisting only of traditional assets. We show that including cryptocurrencies in a portfolio can indeed improve its risk–return trade-off.
Combining stellar populations with orbit-superposition dynamical modelling: the formation history of the lenticular galaxy NGC 3115
Authors: Poci Adriano , McDermid Richard M , Zhu Ling , van de Ven Glenn 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
We present a combination of the Schwarzschild orbit-superposition dynamical modelling technique with the spatially resolved mean stellar age and metallicity maps to uncover the formation history of galaxies. We apply this new approach to a remarkable five-pointing mosaic of VLT/MUSE observations obtained by Guérou et al. (2016) extending to a maximum galactocentric distance of ${\sim } {120}{\, {\rm arcsec}}\ \left({5.6}\, {\rm kpc}\right)$ along the major axis, corresponding to ∼2.5Re. Our method first identifies ‘families’ of orbits from the dynamical model that represent dynamically distinct structures of the galaxy. Individual ages and metallicities of these components are then fit for using the stellar-population information. Our results highlight components of the galaxy that are distinct in the combined stellar dynamics/populations space, which implies distinct formation paths. We find evidence for a dynamically cold, metal-rich disc, consistent with a gradual in situ formation. This disc is embedded in a generally old population of stars, with kinematics ranging from dispersion dominated in the centre to an old, diffuse, metal-poor stellar halo at the extremities. We find also a direct correlation between the dominant dynamical support of these components, and their associated age, akin to the relation observed in the Milky Way. This approach not only provides a powerful model for inferring the formation history of external galaxies but also paves the way to a complete population-dynamical model.
Structure and mechanism of pyrimidine–pyrimidone (6-4) photoproduct recognition by the Rad4/XPC nucleotide excision repair complex
Authors: Paul Debamita , Mu Hong , Zhao Hong , Ouerfelli Ouathek , Jeffrey Philip D , Broyde Suse , Min Jung-Hyun 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Failure in repairing ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA damage can lead to mutations and cancer. Among UV-lesions, the pyrimidine–pyrimidone (6-4) photoproduct (6-4PP) is removed from the genome much faster than the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD), owing to the more efficient recognition of 6-4PP by XPC-RAD23B, a key initiator of global-genome nucleotide excision repair (NER). Here, we report a crystal structure of a Rad4–Rad23 (yeast XPC-Rad23B ortholog) bound to 6-4PP-containing DNA and 4-μs molecular dynamics (MD) simulations examining the initial binding of Rad4 to 6-4PP or CPD. This first structure of Rad4/XPC bound to a physiological substrate with matched DNA sequence shows that Rad4 flips out both 6-4PP-containing nucleotide pairs, forming an ‘open’ conformation. The MD trajectories detail how Rad4/XPC initiates ‘opening’ 6-4PP: Rad4 initially engages BHD2 to bend/untwist DNA from the minor groove, leading to unstacking and extrusion of the 6-4PP:AA nucleotide pairs towards the major groove. The 5′ partner adenine first flips out and is captured by a BHD2/3 groove, while the 3′ adenine extrudes episodically, facilitating ensuing insertion of the BHD3 β-hairpin to open DNA as in the crystal structure. However, CPD resists such Rad4-induced structural distortions. Untwisting/bending from the minor groove may be a common way to interrogate DNA in NER.
Comparative RNA-Sequencing and DNA Methylation Analyses of Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) Buds with Diverse Flowering Capabilities Reveal Novel Insights into the Regulatory Mechanisms of Flower Bud Formation
Authors: Xing Libo , Li Youmei , Qi Siyan , Zhang Chenguang , Ma Wenchun , Zuo Xiya , Liang Jiayan , Gao Cai , Jia Pen , Shah Kamran , Zhang Dong , An Na , Zhao Caiping , Han Mingyu , Zhao Juan 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
In plants, DNA methylation (i.e. chromatin modification) is important for various biological processes, including growth, development and flowering. Because ‘Fuji’ apple trees are alternate bearing and have a long ripening period and poor-quality flower buds, we used bud types with diverse flowering capabilities to investigate the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms influencing flower bud formation. We examined the DNA methylation changes and the transcriptional responses in the selected apple bud types. We observed that in the apple genome, approximately 79.5%, 67.4% and 23.7% of the CG, CHG and CHH sequences are methylated, respectively. For each sequence context, differentially methylated regions exhibited distinct methylation patterns among the analyzed apple bud types. Global methylation and transcriptional analyses revealed that nonexpressed genes or genes expressed at low levels were highly methylated in the gene-body regions, suggesting that gene-body methylation is negatively correlated with gene expression. Moreover, genes with methylated promoters were more highly expressed than genes with unmethylated promoters, implying promoter methylation and gene expression are positively correlated. Additionally, flowering-related genes (e.g. SOC1, AP1 and SPLs) and some transcription factor genes (e.g. GATA, bHLH, bZIP and WOX) were highly expressed in spur buds (highest flowering rate), but were associated with low methylation levels in the gene-body regions. Our findings indicate a potential correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression in apple buds with diverse flowering capabilities, suggesting an epigenetic regulatory mechanism influences apple flower bud formation.
Petunia PLEIOTROPIC DRUG RESISTANCE 1 Is a Strigolactone Short-Distance Transporter with Long-Distance Outcomes
Authors: Shiratake Katsuhiro , Notaguchi Michitaka , Makino Haruko , Sawai Yu , Borghi Lorenzo 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Phytohormones of the strigolactone (SL) family have been characterized as negative regulators of lateral bud outgrowth and triggers of symbioses between plants and mycorrhizal fungi. SLs and their precursors are synthesized in root tips as well as along shoot and root vasculature; they either move shoot-wards and regulate plant architecture or are exuded from roots into the soil to establish mycorrhizal symbiosis. Owing to the difficulty in quantification of SL in shoot tissues because of low abundance, it is not yet clear how SL distribution in plants is regulated at short- and long-distances from SL biosynthetic and target tissues. To address this question, we grafted wild-type scions and rootstocks from different petunia mutants for SL biosynthesis/transport and investigated SL activity by quantifying lateral bud outgrowth in the main shoot. Based on these results, we show that (i) the previously reported petunia SL transporter PLEIOTROPIC DRUG RESISTANCE 1 (PDR1) directly accounts for short-distance SL transport and (ii) long-distance transport of SLs seems to be partially and not directly dependent on PDR1. These data suggest that the root-to-shoot transport of SLs occurs either via the vasculature bundle through transporters other than PDR1 or involves SL precursors that are not substrates of PDR1.
Quantifying circulating Th17 cells by qPCR: potential as diagnostic biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Burska Agata N , Thu Aye , Parmar Rekha , Bzoma Izabella , Samans Bjoern , Raschke Eva , Olek Sven , Conaghan Philip G , Emery Paul , Ponchel Frederique 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objective
The diagnosis of RA patients remains a challenge, especially in ACPA-negative disease. Novel T-cell subsets, particularly Th17 may be useful, although data on Th17 frequency using flow cytometry in RA are conflicting. We investigated whether a novel epigenetic qPCR assay for the quantification of Th17 could differentiate patients with RA from those with symptoms evolving towards an alternative diagnosis.

Methods
We used a qPCR assay measuring the extent of the methylation at a key position in the IL-17 and CD4 genes. Assays were performed on whole blood from 49 healthy controls (HC) and 165 early arthritis clinic patients. Flow cytometry was further used to detect the expression of CXCR4 on Th17 cells.

Results
In 75 inflammatory arthritis patients who progressed to RA, the qPCR assays showed significantly fewer Th17 cells compared with 90 patients who did not (P<0.0001). Regression models demonstrated a high predictive value for RA development (75.8% correct prediction), and particularly for the ACPA-negative group (n = 125) where Th17 and swollen joint count (SJC) were the only predictors (73% correct prediction). The chemokine receptor CXCR4 had significantly higher expression on Th17 from early RA patients (n = 11) compared with HC (n = 15).

Conclusion
The results of the epigenetic qPCR assay showed that low levels of Th17 cells were predictive of developing RA, particularly in the ACPA-negative patients. This could have value for insights into pathogenesis and management. The results suggest the recruitment of Th17 to the inflammatory disease site, consistent with high CXCR4 expression.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A LOW DOSE RATE GAMMA RAY CALIBRATION FIELD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES
Authors: Kowatari Munehiko , Yoshitomi Hiroshi , Nishino Sho , Tanimura Yoshihiko , Ohishi Tetsuya , Kessler Patrick , Neumaier Stefan , Röttger Annette 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
For routine calibration of dosemeters used for environmental radiation monitoring, a low dose rate 137Cs gamma ray calibration field that fully satisfies the requirement of the ISO 4037 series was established in the Facility of Radiation Standards in Japan Atomic Energy Agency. Two different methods were employed to determine the reference air kerma rate, namely a conventional ionisation chamber and a G(E) function method used a newly developed scintillation spectrometer. To fulfil the requirement of the ISO 4037 and suppress scattering of Cs gamma ray within the room as far as possible, a suitable lead collimator was introduced to limit the irradiation area at test points and placed at the middle height in an irradiation room with a grating floor. From measured results of de-convoluted photon fluence spectrum and the variation of evaluated reference air kerma rates between 1.0 m and 3.0 m from the centre of the source, gamma ray scattering from the room structures was found to be negligible. The reference air kerma rate at distances between1.0 m and 3.0 m could be then interpolated by simply considering the inverse square law of the distance and air attenuation. The resulting Cs gamma ray calibration field could provide ambient dose equivalent rates of 0.7–7.2 μSv h−1 for use with environmental radiation monitoring devices. Finally, we attempted to calibrate a widely used NaI(Tl) scintillation survey metre, obtaining a quite satisfactory calibration factor. These results also imply that such survey metres can be employed to monitor affected areas and assess the progress of decontamination, as they can provide appropriate measurements of the ambient dose equivalent rate.
Doing Identity: Power and the Reproduction of Collective Identity in Racially Diverse Congregations
Authors: Priest Kersten Bayt , Edwards Korie L 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCongregational identity formation is a challenge for any head clergy. It is particularly challenging for head clergy of racially and ethnically diverse congregations as these leaders occupy positions uniquely situated for destabilizing or instantiating racial hierarchies. Drawing upon the Religious Leadership and Diversity Project (RLDP), this article examines multiracial church pastors’ stories of how they achieve ethnic and racial inclusion in their congregations. We pay particular attention to how these leaders reference and draw upon four contestable cultural worship elements—language, ritual, dance, and music—that operate as primary terrain for collective identity construction. Integrating theories on identity, race, ethnicity, and culture, we take a realistic context-sensitive approach to the nature of how worship works as a bridge, recognizing that cultural markers are not neutral but can simultaneously activate ethno-specific identities in racially and ethnically diverse spaces, instantiating hierarchies of value and thus making worship a potential barrier to the formation of a unified diverse community.
Correlative evidence for co-regulation of phosphorus and carbon exchanges with symbiotic fungus in the arbuscular mycorrhizalMedicago truncatula
Authors: Konečný Jan , Hršelová Hana , Bukovská Petra , Hujslová Martina , Jansa Jan 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTIn the research of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis a considerable progress was made. But despite that, key questions still remain unanswered – for example it is well known that biotrophic fungus release phosphate (P) to- and recieves carbon (C) from the plant symbiont, but the particular genes, and their products, responsible for this exchange are still not fully understood. Here, we made ade novoquest for such genes involved in C transfer. Using physiological intervention of 90% shading and the correlation of expression levels of MtPT4, the AM-specific marker, and our candidate genes we demonstrate that several novel genes may be involved in AM symbiosis inMedicago truncatula. Also, we examined the expression of phosphate transporters (MtPT1-6) and we discuss the balance of “direct” and “mycorrhizal” P uptake pathways upon symbiotic fungus infection and C deprivation.