bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution of CYP2D6 genotypes in the Indian population – preliminary report
Authors: Paradkar Minal U. , Shah Swarup A.V. , Dherai Alpa J. , Shetty Dhanashri , Ashavaid Tester F. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) allelic distribution exhibits differences amongst worldwide populations. There is lack of data from Mumbai, Western India, on the major CYP2D6 alleles *2, *3, *4, *5, *10 and *41, and gene multiplication alleles. Hence, the present study was undertaken to determine the distribution of these clinically relevant CYP2D6 alleles.

Methods
Fifty-two healthy individuals were screened using TaqMan SNP genotyping and copy number variation (CNV) assays by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results
The allele frequencies of CYP2D6*2, *3, *4, *5, *10 and *41 alleles were observed to be 30.8%, 0%, 11.5%, 3.9%, 19.2% and 17.3%, respectively. The frequency of CYP2D6 gene one copy, two copies, three copies and four copies were observed to be 7.7%, 76.9%, 13.5% and 1.9%, respectively. The predicted phenotype frequency was observed to be 78.9%, 3.9% and 9.6% for extensive, intermediate, and ultrarapid metabolizers, respectively, whereas poor metabolizers were not detected.

Conclusions

CYP2D6 allele frequencies showed heterogeneous distribution in the present study as compared to worldwide populations. High frequency of CYP2D6*41 allele, gene duplication alleles and UMs was observed. The scarcity and/or lack of data from the Indian population on these alleles further substantiates the need for screening of CYP2D6 genotyping.
Simvastatin-related myopathy in shift workers: a report of two cases
Authors: Flores-Unzueta Saul , Sosa-Macias Martha , Marchat Laurence A. , Lares-Assef Ismael , Carrasco-Ortega Omar , Correa-Ramirez Miguel , Guerrero-Romero Fernando , Galaviz-Hernandez Carlos 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background
Simvastatin is a widely used drug for dyslipidemia treatment, and the best therapeutic effects are achieved at night time. Simvastatin administration has been associated with the development of myopathy. Some polymorphisms in genes that are involved in the metabolism and transport of simvastatin seem to have an important role in the development of simvastatin-associated myopathy. The administration of 40 mg of simvastatin to 19 hyperlipidemic subjects with regular sleep rhythms (RR) and shift workers (SW) with predominant evening rhythms and sleep-wake disturbances, uncovered two SW volunteers who developed myopathy.

Case presentation
We report two SWs who developed simvastatin-dependent myopathy after three weeks of treatment. The SLCO1B1 521T>C major risk allele was observed in one myopathy-affected and one unaffected subjects, the second affected patient shared polymorphisms with the unaffected subjects.

Conclusions
The lack of consonance in the studied genotypes between SWs affected with simvastatin-associated myopathy can be related to circadian misalignment. Hence, other genes with circadian behavior and induced by simvastatin should be evaluated in future studies.
Infinite-dimensional triangularizable algebras
Authors: Mesyan Zachary 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Let

End
k

⁢

(
V
)

{\mathrm{End}_{k}(V)}

denote the ring of all linear transformations of an arbitrary k-vector space V over a field k. We define

X
⊆

End
k

⁢

(
V
)

{X\subseteq\mathrm{End}_{k}(V)}

to be triangularizable if V has a well-ordered basis such that X sends each vector in that basis to the subspace spanned by basis vectors no greater than it. We then show that an arbitrary subset of

End
k

⁢

(
V
)

{\mathrm{End}_{k}(V)}

is strictly triangularizable (defined in the obvious way) if and only if it is topologically nilpotent. This generalizes the theorem of Levitzki that every nilpotent semigroup of matrices is triangularizable. We also give a description of the triangularizable subalgebras of

End
k

⁢

(
V
)

{\mathrm{End}_{k}(V)}

, which generalizes a theorem of McCoy classifying triangularizable algebras of matrices over algebraically closed fields.
Soil Moisture Retrievals in Aeolian Sand Mining Areas Using Temporal, Single-Polarization, High-Resolution SAR
Authors: MA Wei , MA Chao 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Changes in the soil moisture are a key factor in the deterioration of the ecological environment caused by mining geological disasters. In this study, which presents a case study of the arid and semi-arid aeolian sand mining area along the Inner Mongolia-Shaanxi Province boundary, a method for retrieving the soil moisture based on RADARSAT-2 SAR scattering data and Terra MODIS surface reflectance data was proposed. The retrieval of RADARSAT-2 mainly used the Alpha approximation model based on the change detection technique, a model proposed by Balenzano et al., which can effectively decouple the impact of surface vegetation and roughness on radar backscattering coefficient, when the volume scattering is not dominant. Using 12 periods of RADARSAT-2 HH polarization data in conjunction with the Alpha approximation model, a matrix equation was constructed, which contains 11 equations and 12 unknowns. To solve this underdetermined system, a bounded linear least-squares optimization was adopted. Once the unknowns were determined, the relative dielectric constant could be analytically derived and then the soil moisture could be estimated by using the dielectric mixing model and compared with the MODIS retrieval results based on the spatial feature method. Finally, the DInSAR results of RADARSAT-2 were used to investigate the effects of high-intensity underground mining activities on the surface soil moisture. The study found that the RADARSAT-2 soil moisture estimates demonstrated good consistency with the MODIS retrieval results. Among four comparison groups, the maximum correlation coefficient was 0.599, and the highest proportion of sampling points for which the absolute error was less than 3 % was 55.6 %. The absolute error of all of the sampling points did not exceed 10 %, which demonstrates the reliability of the RADARSAT-2 retrieval results. A comparison among the 72 soil moisture values from six mining subsidence areas and corresponding non-subsidence areas in the study area in 2012 showed that 38 soil moisture values from the non-subsidence areas were higher than those from the subsidence areas. These values accounted for 53 % of the total, indicating that high-intensity mining activities have a certain negative impact on the surface soil moisture, although this impact is slightly insignificant.
Reciprocal role of hBD2 and hBD3 on the adaptive immune response by measuring T lymphocyte proliferation in terms of CD4 and CCR6 expression
Authors: Taefehshokr Nima , Isazadeh Alireza , Oveisi Amin , Key Yashar Azari , Taefehshokr Sina 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Background
Human β-defensins (hBD2 and hBD3) are small cationic antimicrobial peptides of innate immune system which can act as a barrier against the majority of pathogens, contributing to the host immune defence.

Objective
The aim of study is to determine whether hBD2 and hBD3 play a role in development and proliferation of human effector CD4 T cells or not. Furthermore, if enhanced proliferation is observed in the presence of hBD2 and hBD3, these data will demonstrate whether chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6) is required to be present for this activity to occur.

Methods
In this study, we examined the effect of hBD2 and hBD3 on CD4+ T cell proliferation in CCR6+ and CCR6− T cells through co-culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation in the presence or absence of hBD2 and hBD3. Proliferation was assessed using flow cytometry.

Results
It was demonstrated that, co-culture with hBD2 and hBD3 led to up-regulation of CD4+ T cell proliferation after 72 h whereas, CD4+ T cell proliferation was suppressed after 96 h. On the other hand, CCR6− and CCR6+ T cell proliferation was up-regulated after 72 h. But, CCR6+ only was down-regulated in the second cycle in the presence of hBD3. In contrast, after 96 h CCR6+ and CCR6− T cell proliferation was decreased.

Conclusion
Collectively, our data indicated that hBD2 and hBD3 play a positive and negative regulatory role in development and proliferation of human effector CD4+ T cells which is essential for optimal adaptive immune responses and the control of immunopathology.
Studying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: the ins and outs of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro human models
Authors: Green Charlotte J. , Parry Siôn A. , Gunn Pippa J. , Ceresa Carlo D.L. , Rosqvist Fredrik , Piché Marie-Eve , Hodson Leanne 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing. Determining the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of human NAFLD will allow for evidence-based prevention strategies, and more targeted mechanistic investigations. Various in vivo, ex situ and in vitro models may be utilised to study NAFLD; but all come with their own specific caveats. Here, we review the human-based models and discuss their advantages and limitations in regards to studying the development and progression of NAFLD. Overall, in vivo whole-body human studies are advantageous in that they allow for investigation within the physiological setting, however, limited accessibility to the liver makes direct investigations challenging. Non-invasive imaging techniques are able to somewhat overcome this challenge, whilst the use of stable-isotope tracers enables mechanistic insight to be obtained. Recent technological advances (i.e. normothermic machine perfusion) have opened new opportunities to investigate whole-organ metabolism, thus ex situ livers can be investigated directly. Therefore, investigations that cannot be performed in vivo in humans have the potential to be undertaken. In vitro models offer the ability to perform investigations at a cellular level, aiding in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of NAFLD. However, a number of current models do not closely resemble the human condition and work is ongoing to optimise culturing parameters in order to recapitulate this. In summary, no single model currently provides insight into the development, pathophysiology and progression across the NAFLD spectrum, each experimental model has limitations, which need to be taken into consideration to ensure appropriate conclusions and extrapolation of findings are made.
The intertextual Jewish joke at the turn of the twentieth century and the poetics of a national renewal
Authors: Sebba-Elran Tsafi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe article examines the role of the intertextual Jewish joke at the turn of the twentieth century, in its historical and cultural contexts. The case studies would be Alter Druyanow’s popular anthology,Sefer Habediha Vehahiddud(The Book of Jokes and Witticisms, Frankfurt 1922), and his archived, unpublished collection of sexual jokes. The frequent use of quotations from sacred Jewish texts, characteristic of these collections, is discussed in light of the distinction between sub-genres of the intertextual joke: the allusive joke, the parodic joke, and the satiric joke. While most reflect the folklorist’s ambition to bridge the gap between Hebrew as a holy language and Yiddish as a Jewish vernacular, a deeper examination of the jokes may discover Druyanow’s subversive motivations as a national activist as well. Druyanow and his contemporaries engaged the biblical and rabbinical sources freely, as vessels capable of sanctifying the secular subject matter of the Jewish national revival. Moreover, the unpublished collection exposes satirical elements embodied in the intertextual Jewish joke of the time, potentially threatening the traditional Jewish worldview.
Simulation of Modified Flyback Snubber Circuit for Isolated Bidirectional DC-DC Converter
Authors: Bhatt Kunalkumar Prakashbhai , Gupta Ram Avtar , Gupta Nitin 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Abstract: In this paper, a modified flyback snubber circuit for isolated bidirectional DC-DC converter has been introduced. The soft switching isolated snubber circuit provides an alternative path for the current difference created due to source inductance and leakage inductance. The auxiliary snubber circuit operates during the step-up conversion, and it only persists of the two semiconductor switch, two inductors one diode and two capacitors. Both semiconductor devices (G1, G2) of flyback snubber circuit achieve soft switching during turn ON and turn OFF condition. The PWM technique has been used to control the semiconductor devices. The different mode of operation has been discussed in detail. The effective performance of proposed converter system has been validated with the PSIM simulation tool. The proposed converter is compared with the active clamp converter based on efficiency. The loss comparison proves that flyback snubber circuit has high efficiency compared to active clamp converter.
Artificial vascular models for endovascular training (3D printing)
Authors: Torres Inez , De Luccia Nelson 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe endovascular technique has led to a revolution in the care of patients with vascular disease; however, acquiring and maintaining proficiency over a broad spectrum of procedures is challenging. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology allows the production of models that can be used for endovascular training. This article aims to explain the process and technologies available to produce vascular models for endovascular training, using 3D printing technology. The data are based on the group experience and a review of the literature. Different 3D printing methods are compared, describing their advantages, disadvantages and potential roles in surgical training. The process of 3D printing a vascular model based on an imaging examination consists of the following steps: image acquisition, image post-processing, 3D printing and printed model post-processing. The entire process can take a week. Prospective studies have shown that 3D printing can improve surgical planning, especially in complex endovascular procedures, and allows the production of efficient simulators for endovascular training, improving residents’ surgical performance and self-confidence.
Reasoning, Representing, and Modeling in Babylonian Astronomy
Authors: Rochberg Francesca 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
This paper considers Babylonian astronomical predictive schemes as a source for the study of reasoning and representing via modeling. Two principal questions are addressed: first, whether Babylonian astronomical modeling can be usefully included in the conversation about scientific reasoning with models, and second, how and what the representational value of the practice of astronomical modeling was in ancient Babylonia. It is found that the Babylonian astronomical schemes demonstrate the adaptability and various capabilities of the process of modeling as a powerful tool of representation for scientific knowledge and theorizing.
A personal series of 100 children operated for Cushing’s disease (CD): optimizing minimally invasive diagnosis and transnasal surgery to achieve nearly 100% remission including reoperations
Authors: Crock Patricia A. , Lüdecke Dieter K. , Knappe Ulrich J. , Saeger Wolfgang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundTransnasal surgery (TNS) is the first choice in the treatment of pediatric Cushing’s disease. The question is how can high remission rates be achieved with minimally invasive investigations and TNS whilst avoiding radiotherapy or bilateral adrenalectomy in children.MethodsData from a published series 1 (n=55) of surgeon DKL will be compared with his recent series 2 (n=45) until 2009. All patients were operated by direct transnasal microsurgery. Over time, inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) was replaced by cavernous sinus sampling (CSS), restricted to unclear cases without increase of salivary cortisol in corticotropin-releasing hormone-test, difficult sellar anatomy or negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Multiple direct intra-operative micro-cytology, micro-doppler and adequate visualization techniques are described.ResultsIn series 1, IPSS was performed in 13 (24%) of whom 46% had false adenoma lateralization. All adenomas could be removed with extensive pituitary exploration. Three patients had early successful re-surgery. In series 2, with more refined MRI and endocrinology, CSS was used in only seven patients (15%) and all micro-adenomas were correctly localized. In three of four patients with persistent cortisol excess, repeat-TNS was necessary and successful. Side effects of TNS were minimal. Recurrence rates were 16% and 11% in series 1 and 2, respectively. Only four of 100 children with invasive adenomas were irradiated, significantly less than in other experienced pediatric centers.ConclusionsThus, 98% remission rate could be achieved with fewer invasive pre-surgical investigations, such as central catheter studies, refined TNS and early repeat-TNS. Repeat-TNS in recurrences minimized the need for irradiation.
Somatic development at birth as influenced by maternal characteristics – an analysis of the German Perinatal Survey
Authors: Olbertz Dirk Manfred , Knie Asja , Straube Sebastian , Hentschel Roland , Schleußner Ekkehard , Hagenah Hans-Peter , Däbritz Jan , Voigt Manfred 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
We investigated the effects of maternal age, body weight, body height, weight gain during pregnancy, smoking during pregnancy, previous live births and being a single mother on somatic development at birth. We analysed data from the German Perinatal Survey for the years 1998–2000 from eight German federal states. We had available data on 508,926 singleton pregnancies and neonates in total; for 508,893 of which we could classify the neonates as small, appropriate or large for gestational age (SGA, AGA or LGA) based on the 10th and 90th birth weight percentiles. Multivariable regression analyses found statistically significant effects of a clinically relevant magnitude for smoking during pregnancy [odds ratio (OR) 2.9 for SGA births for women smoking >10 cigarettes per day], maternal height (OR 1.4 for SGA births for women <162 cm; OR 1.4 for LGA births for women >172 cm), maternal weight (OR 1.5 for SGA births for women <59 kg; OR 1.9 for LGA births for women >69 kg), weight gain during pregnancy (OR 1.9 for SGA births for women with a weight gain <8 kg; OR 2.0 for LGA births for women with a weight gain >18 kg) and previous live births (OR 2.1 for LGA births for women with one or more previous live births). Maternal age and being a single mother also had significant effects but their magnitude was small. Our analysis confirms the clinically relevant effects of smoking, maternal anthropometric measures and weight gain during pregnancy on neonatal somatic development.
Wintering range of Pipistrellus nathusii (Chiroptera) in Central Europe: has the species extended to the north-east using urban heat islands?
Authors: Sachanowicz Konrad , Ciechanowski Mateusz , Tryjanowski Piotr , Kosicki Jakub Z. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Recent climate warming is thought to affect the migratory behavior and geographical range shifts of Pipistrellus nathusii. This bat of the European temperate woodland zone is known to migrate up to 1900 km between its breeding and wintering areas where it uses overground roosts for hibernation. New wintering areas of the species have been recorded lately mainly in the cities of Central Europe, largely extending its winter distribution to the north-east. The growing detection of the winter occurrence of P. nathusii has coincided with an increase in mean winter temperatures and urban warming. Our analysis shows that a winter isotherm of −2.5°C acts as a border for the winter occurrence of P. nathusii, and the species uses urban areas, most likely benefiting from the effect of urban heat islands. Accordingly, the island-like pattern of P. nathusii’s regular wintering habitats distribution in Central Europe seems to reflect the thermal and structural diversity of the environment. The use of diverse anthropogenic roosts suggests that the species is well-adapted to urban habitats, thus demonstrating its ecological plasticity.
Addition of corn fiber xylan to eucalyptus and pinus pulp and its effect on pulp bleachability and strength
Authors: Barbosa Bianca Moreira , Lino Alessandro Guarino , de Freitas Homem de Faria Bruno , de Aguiar Alex Ramos , Gomes Fernando José Borges , da Silva Juliana Cristina , Colodette Jorge Luiz 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Corn fibers are a significant residue of agriculture due to the huge amounts, which has fueled interest in a more rational use of its components, particularly regarding hemicelluloses. The impact of hemicellulose redeposition on printer and writing (P&W) paper grade pulp properties are discussed in this paper. Xylans extracted from corn fibers (16.9 % xylans) by cold caustic extraction (CCE) were added to commercial brown pulps (eucalypt and pine) in the oxygen delignification (O-stage) and further bleached to 90 % ISO brightness. Hemicelluloses deposition occurred at variable degree (up to 7 % on pulp weight). Pulp bleachability was not impaired by xylan deposition for eucalypt and pine pulps. Xylan deposition onto fibers was more efficient in eucalypt pulp than pine. Pulp beatability and strength properties were improved by xylan deposition for P&W paper grades.
Size-controlled atomically precise copper nanoclusters: Synthetic protocols, spectroscopic properties and applications
Authors: Das Nirmal Kumar , Mukherjee Saptarshi 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Noble metal nanoclusters (NCs) are a new class of nanomaterials which are considered being a missing link between isolated metal atoms and metal nanoparticles (NPs). The sizes of the NCs are comparable to the Fermi wavelength of the conduction electrons, and this renders them to be luminescent in nature. They exhibit size-dependent fluorescence properties spanning almost the entire breath of the visible spectrum. Among all the noble metal NCs being explored, copper NCs (CuNCs) are the most rarely investigated primarily because of their propensity of getting oxidised. In this chapter, we have given a comprehensive understanding as to why these NCs are luminescent in nature. We have also given a detailed overview regarding the various templates used for the synthesis of these CuNCs along with the respective protocols being followed. The various instrumental techniques used to characterize these CuNCs are discussed which provides an in-depth understanding as to how these CuNCs can be properly examined. Finally, we have highlighted some of the most recent applications of these CuNCs which make them unique to serve as the next-generation fluorophores.
Graphical Abstract:
The Graphical Abstract highlights some of the key spectroscopic signatures of the CuNCs and their applications.