bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel approach to columellar reconstruction in a child
Authors: Scott Andrew R. , Boahene Kofi D. 
Published: May 2018

We present a novel method for columellar reconstruction using a hidden donor site and review the challenges and limitations of columellar reconstruction in children with Fitzpatrick VI skin type. A staged reconstruction was conceived in which a full‐thickness skin graft was transferred to the superior gingivolabial sulcus in the area of the maxillary frenulum. Six months later, the prelaminated soft tissue flap was delivered through a horizontal incision at the subnasale, and the donor site closed primarily. We report satisfactory results following a novel approach to composite soft tissue reconstruction of the columellar subunit in a 9‐year‐old child.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 128:2718–2720, 2018
One‐Step Fabrication of Uniform Biodegradable Microbeads with Unimodal and Bimodal Porous Structures Using Spontaneous Microphase Separation
Authors: Baek Seung Woon , Moon Seung‐Kwan , Kang Rae Hyung , Ah Youngchang , Kim Hyuk , Choi Sung‐Wook 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUniform poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) microbeads with unimodal or bimodal porous structures are fabricated using a simple fluidic device based on a single oil‐in‐water emulsion method, where an alkane (octane, undecane, tridecane, and pentadecane) serves as the porogen. During the solvent evaporation, the alkanes spontaneously undergo a microphase separation, resulting in a highly porous structure. The size and size distribution of the pores in the PLLA microbeads can be easily controlled by changing the alkane type and concentration. When the undecane, tridecane, and pentadecane are used as the porogen at 6 wt%, the PLLA microbeads have the bimodal porous structure with a large hollow pore in the center and many small pores. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that those PLLA microbeads with the bimodal porous structure readily facilitate the penetration and proliferation of cells and host tissues compared with the other PLLA microbeads. These results indicate that the superior properties of PLLA porous microbeads with a bimodal porous structure are suitable for diverse biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, cell delivery, and plastic surgery.
Understanding purchase determinants of luxury vintage products
Authors: Amatulli Cesare , Pino Giovanni , De Angelis Matteo , Cascio Robert 
Published: May 2018

AbstractDespite increasing interest toward luxury vintage products, companies often struggle to understand why consumers buy those products. This article is aimed to advance knowledge about luxury vintage product consumption by identifying the latent determinants of Italian consumersʼ purchasing of these products. The article utilizes the means‐end chain (MEC) approach and the laddering interview technique to achieve this goal. Results show that consumers buy luxury vintage products mainly to satisfy their individual identity, improve their self‐confidence, and achieve a sense of fulfillment. The hierarchical value mapping resulting from the MEC analysis demonstrates that luxury vintage product consumption is undeniably aimed to improve consumersʼ perception of their desired and ideal individual self‐image. The article discusses the managerial implications of the study, along with its limitations and directions for future research.
Reassessment of stopping power ratio uncertainties caused by mean excitation energies using a water‐based formalism
Authors: De Smet Valérie , Labarbe Rudi , Vander Stappen François , Macq Benoît , Sterpin Edmond 
Published: May 2018

PurposeIn proton therapy planning, the accuracy of the Stopping Power Ratios (SPR) calculated in the stoichiometric CT calibration is affected by, among others, uncertainties on the mean excitation energies (I‐values) of human tissues and water. Traditionally, the contribution of these uncertainties on the SPR has been conservatively estimated of the order of 1% or more for a reference tissue of known composition. This study provides a methodology that enables a finer estimation of this uncertainty, eventually showing that the traditional estimates of the uncertainty are too conservative.MethodsSince human tissues contain water, a correlation exists between the I‐values of tissues and water. As the SPR is the ratio of the tissue stopping power to that of water, this correlation decreases the uncertainty of the SPR. Our formalism considers this by expressing the I‐value of the tissue as a function of the water weight fraction and the I‐value of water, while applying Bragg's additivity rule only to the nonaqueous mixture of the tissue. For 22 reference tissue compositions, the SPR uncertainty was estimated by randomly sampling Gaussian distributions, based on ICRU data, for the I‐values of water and the nonaqueous mixture, as well as for the water weight fraction.ResultsThe relative standard deviation of the SPR, estimated at 150 MeV, is in the range of 0.1%–0.3% for soft tissues with an average water weight percentage of at least 60%. For tissues with a low water content (e.g., adipose and bones), this uncertainty is in the range of 0.5%–0.7%.ConclusionUncertainties on the I‐values of human tissues and water appear to have a significantly lower impact on the SPR uncertainty than traditionally expected. In the future, this may provide a rationale for using smaller distal and proximal margins on the target volume, provided that all other range uncertainty components are correctly estimated too.
Noncanonical interactions between serpin and β‐amylase in barley grain improve β‐amylase activity in vitro
Authors: Cohen Maja , Fluhr Robert 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSerpin protease inhibitors and β‐amylase starch hydrolases are very abundant seed proteins in the endosperm of grasses. β‐amylase is a crucial enzyme in the beer industry providing maltose for fermenting yeast. In animals and plants, inhibitory serpins form covalent linkages that inactivate their cognate proteases. Additionally, in animals, noninhibitory functions for serpins are observed such as metabolite carriers and chaperones. The function of serpins in seeds has yet to be unveiled. In developing endosperm, serpin Z4 and β‐amylase showed similar in vivo spatio‐temporal accumulation properties and colocalize in the cytosol of transformed tobacco leaves. A molecular interaction between recombinant proteins of serpin Z4 and β‐amylase was revealed by surface plasmon resonance and microscale thermophoresis yielding a dissociation constant of 10−7 M. Importantly, the addition of serpin Z4 significantly changes β‐amylase enzymatic properties by increasing its maximal catalytic velocity. The presence of serpin Z4 stabilizes β‐amylase activity during heat treatment without affecting its critical denaturing temperature. Oxidative stress, simulated by the addition of CuCl2, leads to the formation of high molecular weight polymers of β‐amylase similar to those detected in vivo. The polymers were cross‐linked through disulfide bonds, the formation of which was repressed when serpin Z4 was present. The results suggest an unprecedented function for a plant seed serpin as a β‐amylase‐specific chaperone‐like partner that could optimize β‐amylase activity upon germination. This report is the first to describe a noninhibitory function for a serpin in plants.
Intra‐ and inter‐tooth variation in strontium isotope ratios from prehistoric seals by laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Glykou A. , Eriksson G. , Storå J. , Schmitt M. , Kooijman E. , Lidén K. 
Published: May 2018

RationaleStrontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) in modern‐day marine environments are considered to be homogeneous (~0.7092). However, in the Baltic Sea, the Sr ratios are controlled by mixing seawater and continental drainage from major rivers discharging into the Baltic. This pilot study explores if variations in Sr can be detected in marine mammals from archaeological sites in the Baltic Sea.Methods87Sr/86Sr ratios were measured in tooth enamel from three seal species by laser ablation multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS). The method enables micro‐sampling of solid materials. This is the first time that the method has been applied to marine samples from archaeological collections.ResultsThe analyses showed inter‐tooth 87Sr/86Sr variation suggesting that different ratios can be detected in different regions of the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, the intra‐tooth variation suggests possible different geographic origin or seasonal movement of seals within different regions in the Baltic Sea through their lifetime.ConclusionsThe method was successfully applied to archaeological marine samples showing that: (1) the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in marine environments is not uniform, (2) 87Sr/86Sr differences might reflect differences in ecology and life history of different seal species, and (3) archaeological mobility studies based on 87Sr/86Sr ratios in humans should therefore be evaluated together with diet reconstruction.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Microvesicles Restore Protein Permeability Across Primary Cultures of Injured Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Hu Shuling , Park Jeonghyun , Liu Airan , Lee JaeHoon , Zhang Xiwen , Hao Qi , Lee Jae-Woo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) microvesicles (MV) reduced lung inflammation, protein permeability, and pulmonary edema in endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in mice. However, the underlying mechanisms for restoring lung protein permeability were not fully understood. In this current study, we hypothesized that MSC MV would restore protein permeability across injured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) in part through the transfer of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) mRNA to the injured endothelium. A transwell coculture system was used to study the effect of MSC MV on protein permeability across HLMVECs injured by cytomix, a mixture of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ (50 ng/ml). Our result showed that cytomix significantly increased permeability to FITC-dextran (70 kDa) across HLMVECs over 24 hours. Administration of MSC MVs restored this permeability in a dose dependent manner, which was associated with an increase in Ang1 mRNA and protein secretion in the injured endothelium. This beneficial effect was diminished when MSC MV was pretreated with an anti-CD44 antibody, suggesting that internalization of MV into the HLMVEC was required for the therapeutic effect. Fluorescent microscopy showed that MSC MV largely prevented the reorganization of cytoskeleton protein F-actin into “actin stress fiber” and restored the location of the tight junction protein ZO-1 and adherens junction protein VE-cadherin in injured HLMVECs. Ang1 siRNA pretreatment of MSC MV prior to administration to injured HLMVECs eliminated the therapeutic effect of MV. In summary, MSC MVs restored protein permeability across HLMVEC in part by increasing Ang1 secretion by injured HLMVEC.
Plasmonic Heterodimers with Binding Site‐Dependent Hot Spot for Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Tian Yuanyuan , Shuai Zhenhua , Shen Jingjing , Zhang Lei , Chen Shufen , Song Chunyuan , Zhao Baomin , Fan Quli , Wang Lianhui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA novel plasmonic heterodimer nanostructure with a controllable self‐assembled hot spot is fabricated by the conjugation of individual Au@Ag core–shell nanocubes (Au@Ag NCs) and varisized gold nanospheres (GNSs) via the biotin–streptavidin interaction from the ensemble to the single‐assembly level. Due to their featured configurations, three types of heterogeneous nanostructures referred to as Vertice, Vicinity, and Middle are proposed and a single hot spot forms between the nanocube and nanosphere, which exhibits distinct diversity in surface plasmon resonance effect. Herein, the calculated surface‐enhanced Raman scattering enhancement factors of the three types of heterodimers show a narrow distribution and can be tuned in orders of magnitude by controlling the size of GNSs onto individual Au@Ag NCs. Particularly, the Vertice heterodimer with unique configuration can provide extraordinary enhancement of the electric field for the single hot spot region due to the collaborative interaction of lightning rod effect and interparticle plasmon coupling effect. This established relationship between the architecture and the corresponding optical properties of the heterodimers provides the basis for creating controllable platforms which can be exploited in the applications of plasmonic devices, electronics, and biodetection.
Translational PK-PD modeling analysis of MCLA-128, a HER2/HER3 bispecific monoclonal antibody, to predict clinical efficacious exposure and dose
Authors: de Vries Schultink Aurelia H. M. , Doornbos Robert P. , Bakker Alexander B. H. , Bol Kees , Throsby Mark , Geuijen Cecile , Maussang David , Schellens Jan H. M. , Beijnen Jos H. , Huitema Alwin D. R. 
Published: May 2018

Summary
Introduction MCLA-128 is a bispecific monoclonal antibody targeting the HER2 and HER3 receptors. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of MCLA-128 have been evaluated in preclinical studies in cynomolgus monkeys and mice. The aim of this study was to characterize the PK and PD of MCLA-128 and to predict a safe starting dose and efficacious clinical dose for the First-In-Human study. Methods A PK-PD model was developed based on PK data from cynomolgus monkeys and tumor growth data from a mouse JIMT-1 xenograft model. Allometric scaling was used to scale PK parameters between species. Simulations were performed to predict the safe and efficacious clinical dose, based on AUCs, receptor occupancies and PK-PD model simulations. Results MCLA-128 PK in cynomolgus monkeys was described by a two-compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear clearance. The xenograft tumor growth model consisted of a tumor compartment with a zero-order growth rate and a first-order dying rate, both affected by MCLA-128. Human doses of 10 to 480 mg q3wk were predicted to show a safety margin of >10-fold compared to the cynomolgus monkey AUC at the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL). Doses of ≥360 mg resulted in predicted receptor occupancies above 99% (Cmax and Cave). These doses showed anti-tumor efficacy in the PK-PD model. Conclusions This analysis predicts that a flat dose of 10 to 480 mg q3wk is suitable as starting dose for a First-in-Human study with MCLA-128. Flat doses ≥360 mg q3wk are expected to be efficacious in human, based on receptor occupancies and PK-PD model simulations.
Breeding value of selected blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) genotypes for early-age fruit yield and its quality
Authors: Masny Agnieszka , Pluta Stanisław , Seliga Łukasz 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe study was conducted in the years from 2011 to 2013 at the Research Institute of Horticulture in Skierniewice, Poland. The aim of the research was to assess the breeding value, based on the effects of general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA), of 15 parental genotypes of blackcurrant in terms of fruit yield and quality. The plant material consisted of F1 generation seedlings obtained by crossing, in a factorial mating design of twelve maternal (‘Bona’, ‘Big Ben’, ‘Chereshnieva’, Kupoliniai’, ‘Gofert’, ‘Tines’, ‘Sofievskaia’, ‘Tihope’, ‘Ores’, ‘Ruben’, ‘Titania’ and D13B/11) and three paternal cultivars (‘Ceres’, ‘Foxendown’ and ‘Saniuta’). It was found that the cultivars ‘Ruben’, ‘Big Ben’, ‘Gofert’ and D13B/11 had significant positive effects of GCA on fruit yield at least in two consecutive years. ‘Ruben’, ‘Saniuta’ and D13B/11 had positive GCA effects on fruit weight. For ‘Chereshnieva’, ‘Gofert’, ‘Tines’, ‘Sofievskaia’, ‘Tihope’, ‘Titania’, ‘Ceres’ and Saniuta’ positive GCA effects were estimated for soluble solids content, whereas ‘Ruben’, ‘Ceres’, ‘Gofert’ and ‘Ores’ had positive GCA effects on the ascorbic acid content in fruit. This indicated a high breeding value of these parental genotypes in terms of the evaluated traits. The significantly positive values of SCA, estimated for the crossing combinations: ‘Big Ben’ × ‘Saniuta’, ‘Ruben’ × ‘Foxendown’, ‘Titania’ × ‘Ceres’, ‘Kupoliniai’ × ‘Saniuta’, ‘Gofert’ × ‘Foxendown’, ‘Gofert’ × ‘Saniuta’, ‘Tines’ × ‘Ceres’ and ‘Tihope’ × ‘Foxendown’ for at least two traits describing fruit yield and quality, were evidence of the interaction of both these parental genotypes in the creation of new dessert-type cultivars of blackcurrant.
A case report of a functioning mediastinal parathyroid cyst with no 99mTc-MIBI uptake
Authors: Uchida Naotaka , Yoshida Manabu , Matsui Yasuki , Notsu Takeshi 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Functioning mediastinal parathyroid cysts are extremely rare. Technetium-99m-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) scintigrams usually helps to localize parathyroid lesions, but we report a case with no MIBI uptake.

Presentation of case:
A 79-year-old woman with lower extremity edema and dysphagia was referred to our hospital. Her blood calcium (Ca) level was 11.1 mg/dl, and the intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 132 pg/ml. Computed tomography showed a 3.5 cm solid nodule in the right thyroid lobe and a 5.4 cm cystic mass extending to the mediastinum. The 99mTc-MIBI scintigram showed abnormal uptake in the thyroid nodule but no uptake in the mediastinal mass. The diagnosis was a thyroid nodule in the right lobe, primary hyperparathyroidism and a mediastinal mass. Under general anesthesia, the thyroid nodule and the mediastinal mass were resected via a cervical incision. The right lower parathyroid gland was resected because it measured about 1 cm and had the dark red color of a parathyroid adenoma. The pathological diagnoses were adenomatous goiter, normal parathyroid gland and mediastinal parathyroid cystic adenoma. The histopathological examination of the mediastinal mass showed a uniform population of parathyroid cells. The postoperative serum Ca and intact-PTH levels were normal. There has been no relapse.

Discussion and Conclusion:
Patients with parathyroid cysts sometimes have negative 99mTc-MIBI scans. We should consider a parathyroid cyst when a mediastinal cystic mass is demonstrated. Surgical resection is thought to be the optimal therapeutic choice for mediastinal parathyroid cysts irrespective of functioning because mediastinal parathyroid cysts are large and produce compressive symptoms.

Highlights:
Cortical structures and their clinical correlates in antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients before and after 6 weeks of dopamine D2/3receptor antagonist treatment
Authors: Jessen Kasper , Rostrup Egill , Mandl Rene C.W. , Nielsen Mette Ø. , Bak Nikolaj , Fagerlund Birgitte , Glenthøj Birte Y. , Ebdrup Bjørn H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundSchizophrenia has been associated with changes in both cortical thickness and surface area, but antipsychotic exposure, illness progression and substance use may confound observations. In antipsychotic-naïve schizophrenia patients, we investigated cortical thickness and surface area as well as mean curvature before and after monotherapy with amisulpride, a relatively selective dopamine D2/3receptor antagonist.MethodsFifty-six patients and 59 matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent T1-weighted 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Forty-one patients and 51 HCs were re-scanned. FreeSurfer-processed baseline, follow-up values and symmetrized percentage changes (SPC) in cortical structures were analysed using univariate analysis of variance. Clinical measures comprised psychopathology ratings, assessment of functioning and tests of premorbid and current intelligence. We applied false discovery rate correction to account for multiple comparisons.ResultsAt baseline, groups did not differ in cortical thickness or surface area; however, curvature in the left hemisphere was higher in patients (p= 0.015). In both patients and HCs, higher curvature was associated with lower premorbid (p= 0.009) and current intelligence (p< 0.001). Lower surface area was associated with lower premorbid intelligence (p= 0.017). After 6 weeks, the cortical structures did not differ between groups. Amisulpride dose (275.0 mg/day) did not correlate with any cortical structures (p> 0.43). Cortical thickness SPC was negatively associated with symptom improvement (p= 0.002).ConclusionsSchizophrenia appears associated with subtle, yet clinically relevant aberrations in cortical structures. Mean curvature holds promise as a sensitive supplement to cortical thickness and surface area to detect complex structural brain abnormalities.
The proper object of non-doxastic religion: why traditional religion should be preferred over Schellenberg's simple ultimism
Authors: PALMQVIST CARL-JOHAN 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTaking for granted the view that belief-less, ‘non-doxastic’, engagement with religion is possible, this article discusses the proper object of such religiosity. Its focus is the claim of J. L. Schellenberg that non-doxastic religion should be directed at ’simple ultimism’. I argue that ‘simple ultimism’ is too abstract to allow for alignment with religious reality. Traditional religion is a better choice since it commonly contains religious experience. As long as the veridicality of such experience remains an epistemic possibility, it should guide our non-doxastic commitment. Objections commonly raised against reliance on religious experience become irrelevant on a non-doxastic approach.
Evaluation of ¡Vivir Mi Vida! to improve health and wellness of rural-dwelling, late middle-aged Latino adults: results of a feasibility and pilot study of a lifestyle intervention
Authors: Schepens Niemiec Stacey L. , Blanchard Jeanine , Vigen Cheryl L. P. , Martínez Jenny , Guzmán Laura , Concha Alyssa , Fluke Michelle , Carlson Mike 
Published: May 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally tailored lifestyle intervention, ¡Vivir Mi Vida! (Live My Life!). This intervention was designed to improve the health and well-being of high risk late middle-aged Latino adults and to be implemented in a rural primary care system.BackgroundRural-dwelling Latino adults experience higher rates of chronic disease compared with their urban counterparts, a disparity exacerbated by limited access to healthcare services. Very few lifestyle interventions exist that are both culturally sensitive and compatible for delivery within a non-metropolitan primary care context.MethodsParticipants were 37 Latino, Spanish-speaking adults aged 50–64-years-old, recruited from a rural health clinic in the Antelope Valley of California. ¡Vivir Mi Vida! was delivered by a community health worker-occupational therapy team over a 16-week period. Subjective health, lifestyle factors, and cardiometabolic measures were collected pre- and post-intervention. Follow-up interviews and focus groups were held to collect information related to the subjective experiences of key stakeholders and participants.FindingsParticipants demonstrated improvements in systolic blood pressure, sodium and saturated fat intake, and numerous patient-centered outcomes ranging from increased well-being to reduced stress. Although participants were extremely satisfied with the program, stakeholders identified a number of implementation challenges. The findings suggest that a tailored lifestyle intervention led by community health workers and occupational therapists is feasible to implement in a primary care setting and can improve health outcomes in rural-dwelling, late middle-aged Latinos.