bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory B cells and advances in transplantation
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Luo Yongsheng , Wang Xu , Feng Guiwen 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The effects of B cell subsets with regulatory activity on the immune response to an allograft have evoked increasing interest. Here, we summarize the function and signaling of regulatory B cells (Bregs) and their potential effects on transplantation. These cells are able to suppress the immune system directly via ligand–receptor interactions and indirectly by secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines, particularly IL-10. In experimental animal models, the extensively studied IL-10-producing B cells have shown unique therapeutic advantages in the transplant field. In addition, adoptive transfer of B cell subsets with regulatory activity may reveal a new approach to prolonging allograft survival. Recent clinical observations on currently available therapies targeting B cells have revealed that Bregs play an important role in immune tolerance and that these cells are expected to become a new target of immunotherapy for transplant-related diseases.
The effect of diabetes on tooth loss caused by periodontal disease: A nationwide population‐based cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Jin‐Joo , Kim Dong‐Wook , Kim Man‐Yong , Kim Young‐Taek , Yoon Joon‐Ho 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundOur purpose was to compare the risk of tooth loss caused by periodontal disease between diabetic and nondiabetic individuals and to estimate the relative risk of tooth loss according to the severity and control of diabetes.MethodsWe selected 10,215 individuals who were diagnosed as diabetics in the Korean National Health Insurance Service—National Sample Cohort (NHIS‐NSC) database in 2003 and the same number of individuals who had never been diagnosed with diabetes during the period covered by the NHIS‐NSC (2002‐2013) with propensity score matching. Diabetic individuals were divided into two groups according to the treatment modality. We counted the number of teeth lost in each group to determine the difference in the risk of tooth loss among groups and used the Cox proportional hazards model to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of tooth loss caused by periodontitis.ResultsDiabetic individuals had a higher risk of tooth loss than nondiabetic individuals (HR = 1.298, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.233 ≤ HR ≤ 1.366; P < 0.01). The severer the degree of diabetes, the higher the risk of tooth loss. As the number of dental visits increased, the risk of tooth loss declined (HR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.996 ≤ HR ≤ 0.999; P < 0.01).ConclusionsWithin the limits of this retrospective cohort study, the risk of tooth loss among diabetic individuals was higher than that among nondiabetic individuals. The risk of tooth loss declined with increasing numbers of dental visits and increased with the severity of diabetes.
Cracking and fracture properties of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers and their relation to dry matter, starch, and mineral distribution
Authors: Koch Mirjam , Naumann Marcel , Pawelzik Elke 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPotato disorders lead to a significant reduction in the yield and quality of marketable tubers. Thumbnail cracks are physiological tuber skin disorders that can significantly affect the tuber's appearance and, hence, the overall quality. The aim of this study was to characterize fracture properties of the tuber skin. Knowledge of the physiological reasons that influence the resistance of potato tubers to mechanical impacts and thus to cracking and fracturing is limited. Tuber dry matter (DM) and starch content were found to correlate with the rheological properties of tubers, which, in turn, could affect the resistance of the tubers to cracking and fracturing. Moreover, divalent cations, such as calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), and their distribution in the tuber can affect the tuber's resistance to mechanical impacts via cell‐wall stabilizing properties.RESULTSTubers with higher DM, starch, and Ca concentrations exhibited the highest resistance to mechanical impacts.CONCLUSIONSThe reason for the increased resistance of tubers with higher DM and starch concentrations to mechanical impacts is assumed to be related to a certain cell structure of these tubers, which is why considerable force is needed to damage the cell structures. The relation between higher Ca concentrations and an improved resistance of tubers to mechanical impacts is assumed to be connected with the role of Ca in linking cell‐wall polymers and thus stabilizing the cell wall. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Enzyme‐assisted development of biofunctional polyphenol‐enriched buckwheat protein: physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility, and antioxidant activity
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Wei , Chen Ya‐Jun , Li Jin‐Yu , Wang Yong‐Hui , Yang Xiao‐Quan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDDuring the last decade buckwheat was reported to have positive health effects. The present study investigated a high‐polyphenol buckwheat protein (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) prepared by enzyme‐assisted processing, together with its physicochemical properties, in vitro digestibility, and antioxidant activity.RESULTSBuckwheat protein prepared from the synergistic enzymatic action of α‐amylase and amyloglucosidase (E‐BWP) had much higher polyphenol content than buckwheat protein prepared by isoelectric precipitation (I‐BWP) or salt extraction (S‐BWP). Rutin degraded during the process, giving quercetin. The protein constituents and amino acid composition of E‐BWP were very similar to those of native buckwheat and were able to meet the WHO/FAO requirements for both children and adults. During in vitro digestion, E‐BWP showed anti‐digestive behavior with a nitrogen release that was lower than that of I‐BWP or S‐BWP. The positive effect of the polyphenol content of E‐BWP resulted in a higher 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) content and greater reducing activity.CONCLUSIONBuckwheat protein with high polyphenol content was successfully developed by enzyme‐assisted processing. It had a well‐balanced amino acid profile, antidigestive behavior, and high antioxidant activities. The results suggest that enzyme‐assisted processing is promising in the production of polyphenol‐enriched cereal protein, contributing higher functionality with good nutritional and antioxidant properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Association Between Muscle Strength and Modeling Estimates of Muscle Tissue Heterogeneity in Young and Old Adults
Authors: Harris‐Love Michael O. , Gonzales Tomas I. , Wei Qi , Ismail Catheeja , Zabal Johannah , Woletz Paula , DiPietro Loretta , Blackman Marc R. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesAssessing aging muscle through estimates of muscle heterogeneity may overcome some of the limitations of grayscale analyses. The objectives of this study included determining statistical model parameters that characterize muscle echogenicity and are associated with strength in younger and older participants.MethodsThirty‐three community‐dwelling participants were assigned to younger and older groups. Quantitative B‐mode ultrasound scanning of the rectus femoris and isometric grip strength testing were completed. Shape or dispersion parameters from negative binomial distribution, Nakagami, gamma, and gamma mixture models were fitted to the grayscale histograms.ResultsThe mean ages ± SDs of the younger and older groups were 24.0 ± 2.3 and 65.1 ± 6.5 years, respectively. Statistical model shape and dispersion parameters for the grayscale histograms significantly differed between the younger and older participants (P = .002–.006). Among all of the statistical models considered, the gamma mixture model showed the best fit with the grayscale histograms (χ2 goodness of fit = 62), whereas the Nakagami distribution displayed the poorest fit (χ2 goodness of fit = 2595). Grayscale values were significantly associated with peak grip strength force in younger adult participants (R2 = 0.36; P < .008). However, the negative binomial dispersion parameter k (adjusted R2 = 0.70; P < .001) and gamma shape parameter α (adjusted R2 = 0.68; P < .01) showed the highest associations with peak grip strength force in older adult participants.ConclusionsThe negative binomial dispersion parameter k and the gamma shape parameter α have clinical relevance for the assessment of age‐related muscle changes. Statistical models of muscle heterogeneity may characterize the association between muscle tissue composition estimates and strength better than grayscale measures in samples of community‐dwelling older adults.
Hepatocyte Injury Induced by Contrast‐Enhanced Diagnostic Ultrasound
Authors: Miller Douglas L. , Lu Xiaofang , Fabiilli Mario , Dou Chunyan 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesContrast‐enhanced diagnostic ultrasound (US) has a potential to induce localized biological effects. The potential for contrast‐enhanced diagnostic US bioeffects in liver were researched, with guidance from a report by Yang et al (Ultrasonics 2012; 52:1065–1071).MethodsContact and standoff scanning was performed for 10 minutes with a diagnostic US phased array at 1.6 MHz during bolus injection or infusion of a contrast agent at a high dose. The impact of the imaging on rat liver was investigated by measuring enzyme release, microvascular leakage, and staining of injured hepatocytes.ResultsThe results showed liver enzyme release at 30 minutes, indicating liver injury, and elevated extraction of Evans blue dye, indicating microvascular leakage. In addition, Evans blue and trypan blue vital‐staining methods revealed scattered stained cells within the US scan plane. For the Evans blue method, fluorescent cell counts in frozen sections were greatest for standoff exposure with contrast infusion. The count decreased strongly with depth for bolus injection, which was probably reflective of the high attenuation noted for this agent delivery method.ConclusionsThe results qualitatively confirmed the report by Yang et al and additionally showed hepatocyte vital staining. Research is needed to determine the threshold for the effects and the contrast agent dose response.
Vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for refractory paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder
Authors: deSilva Brad , Crenshaw Drew , Matrka Laura , Forrest L. Arick 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveDemonstrate efficacy of vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for treatment of refractory paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD).MethodsA retrospective review was completed of patients diagnosed with PVFMD who underwent vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for dyspnea symptoms that persisted despite laryngeal control therapy, medical management, and biofeedback therapy. Outcomes measured included overall improvement and resolution of dyspnea symptoms, number of botulinum toxin injections and dose range, change in dyspnea severity index (DSI) scores, and adverse effects of injection therapy.ResultsThirteen patients (9 female/4 male) underwent vocal fold botulinum toxin injection for refractory PVFMD. The average dose was 2.55 units per vocal fold (range 1.75–5.5 units). The average number of injections was 3.85 (range 1–12 injections). Eleven of 13 (84.6%) patients experienced improvement in dyspnea symptoms, with two of 11 (18.2%) having complete resolution of symptoms. There was a statistically significant improvement in DSI scores because the mean preinjection DSI was 30.43 and improved to 17.43 postinjection (P = 0.017). Temporary breathy voice quality was experienced by all patients with no other adverse side effects.ConclusionVocal fold botulinum toxin injection is a safe and effective treatment option for PVFMD and should be considered in patients with refractory dyspnea symptoms following appropriate medical therapy and respiratory retraining protocols.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:808–811, 2019
Three‐dimensional‐printed vaginal applicators for electronic brachytherapy of endometrial cancers
Authors: Lee Ju Hyuk , Kim Hyun Nam , Lim Hyung San , Cho Sung Oh 
Published: December 2018

PurposeVaginal applicators for a novel miniature x‐ray tube were developed using three‐dimensional (3D) printing to be used in brachytherapy of endometrial cancers.MethodsCylindrical vaginal applicators with various diameters, lengths, and infill percentages (IFPs) were fabricated using a 3D printer. X‐ray dose distributions and depth‐dose profiles were calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The performances of the applicators were evaluated by measuring and analyzing the dosimetric characteristics of x rays generated from the miniature x‐ray tube equipped with the applicators.ResultsQuite uniform dose distributions around the applicators were achieved by optimizing the dwell positions and the dwell times of the miniature x‐ray tube inside the applicators. In addition, identical absolute dose and depth‐dose profiles were obtained through the control of the IFP values even though different‐sized applicators are used.ConclusionThe presented 3D printing technique provides an efficient approach to provide vaginal applicators with optimal IFPs that allow consistent treatment time for patients of varying vaginal canal size.
Self‐prior image‐guided MRI reconstruction with dictionary learning
Authors: Li Jiansen , Liu Qiegen , Zhao Jun 
Published: December 2018

PurposeA novel method, named self‐prior image‐guided MRI reconstruction with dictionary learning (SPIDLE), is developed to improve the performance of MR imaging with high acceleration rates. “self‐prior" means that the prior image is obtained from the target image itself and any extra MRI scans are not needed.MethodsThe proposed method integrates self‐prior image constraint with compressed sensing (CS) and the dictionary learning (DL) technique. The self‐prior image is a preliminary result reconstructed using the undersampled k‐space measurements of the target image. Therefore, the self‐prior image has similar structural features with the target image, and they match each other accurately. CS approach is applied to the residual error of the target image with the self‐prior image, because the error image is much sparser than the target image. The split Bregman method is used to solve the proposed approach to promote fast convergence. For multicoil measurements, each coil image is reconstructed individually and the final result is produced as the square root of sum of squares (SOS) of all channel images.ResultsThe performance of the proposed SPIDLE method was inspected using different undersampling schemes and acceleration rates with various types of in vivo MR datasets. Experiments showed that the SPIDLE method is superior to other typical state‐of‐the‐art methods. Specifically, the SPIDLE method produces fewer reconstruction errors, and it is robust to initialization.ConclusionsThe proposed SPIDLE method substantially widens the applications of prior image‐guided MRI reconstruction, especially for applications that are not suitable to use existing MR scans as prior images. The SPIDLE method obviously improves the reconstruction quality for highly undersampled MRI. It is also promising for reconstruction of dynamic MRI and other imaging modalities, such as CT and CT‐MRI multimodality imaging.
Effect of BMP15 and/or AMH during in vitro maturation of oocytes from involuntarily culled dairy cows
Authors: Velásquez Alejandra , Mellisho Edwin , Castro Fidel Ovidio , Rodríguez‐Álvarez Lleretny 
Published: December 2018

The high metabolic activity to which the dairy cattle are exposed to maintain milk production altered steroid metabolism that affects reproductive physiology and reduce oocyte competence. Our aims were (a) to characterize the competence of immature oocytes collected from dairy cattle based on the expression of genes in cumulus cells (CCs) and (b) to improve oocyte competence to support preimplantation embryo development by the supplementation of maturation medium with bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and/or anti‐mullerian hormone (AMH). Oocyte donors were identified at the moment of ovary collection and grouped by involuntarily culled dairy cows (Holstein breed) or beef cattle. The embryo development speed to blastocyst of the cull dairy cattle versus beef cattle (control group) was lower. Besides, <10% of oocytes (with CC biopsies) derived from dairy cattle were able to develop to the blastocyst stage. In addition, a higher level of expression and a positive correlation were observed in the expression of most of the genes evaluated (LUM, KRT18, KRT8, CLIC3, BMPR1B, and SLC38A3) in the cumulus–oocyte complexes that produced blastocysts versus those which did not develop correctly (arrested development). Further, use of BMP15 in the maturation of oocytes from dairy cattle seems to increase competence, modulating the expression of OCT4, SOX2, CDX2, GATA6, and TP1 in resulting blastocysts.
Randomized low‐rank approximation methods for projection‐based model order reduction of large nonlinear dynamical problems
Authors: Bach C. , Ceglia D. , Song L. , Duddeck F. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryProjection‐based nonlinear model order reduction (MOR) methods typically make use of a reduced basis
to approximate high‐dimensional quantities. However, the most popular methods for computing V, eg, through a singular value decomposition of an m × n snapshot matrix, have asymptotic time complexities of
and do not scale well as m and n increase. This is problematic for large dynamical problems with many snapshots, eg, in case of explicit integration. In this work, we propose the use of randomized methods for reduced basis computation and nonlinear MOR, which have an asymptotic complexity of only
or
. We evaluate the suitability of randomized algorithms for nonlinear MOR and compare them to other strategies that have been proposed to mitigate the demanding computing times incurred by large nonlinear models. We analyze the computational complexities of traditional, iterative, incremental, and randomized algorithms and compare the computing times and accuracies for numerical examples. The results indicate that randomized methods exhibit an extremely high level of accuracy in practice, while generally being faster than any other analyzed approach. We conclude that randomized methods are highly suitable for the reduction of large nonlinear problems.
The history of chicken and other bird exploitation in Thailand: Preliminary analysis of bird remains from four archaeological sites
Authors: Eda M. , Shoocongdej R. , Auetrakulvit P. , Kachajiwa J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe origin of the domestication of chicken Gallus gallus domesticus is still a subject of debate. It principally originates from the red junglefowl G. gallus, which is distributed throughout Southeast Asia and South China. However, the prehistoric exploitation of chicken and red junglefowl in Southeast Asia has remained unclear due to a small number of samples for bone analysis. In this study, we analysed bird remains from four archaeological sites in Thailand: Ban Hua Ud (4,000–3,000 bp), Long Long Rak (1,900–1,600 bp), Ban Non Wat (3,750–1,500 bp), and Keed Kin (fifth–11th Century A.D.). Bones from pheasants/fowls (Phasianidae), storks (Ciconiidae), cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), crows (Corvidae), and passerines (Passeriformes) were found. A small number of stork bones were found at three lowland sites, with none found at Long Long Rak. Cormorant bones were dominant at Ban Hua Ud but were only found at that site. Pheasant/fowl bones were found at all sites except Ban Hua Ud and dominated the number of identified specimens, suggesting that they were the most commonly used bird, at least after the Iron Age. Morphological bone identification criteria for the 24 Phasianidae species in Thailand have not been established; ancient DNA analysis is required to differentiate chicken/red junglefowl bone from other indigenous pheasants/fowls. It is obvious that mitochondrial DNA remained unchanged in the early stages of the domestication process. Further studies combining ancient DNA and morphological analyses are required to judge whether all of the candidate chicken bones are indeed from red junglefowl or chicken. Although these results are regionally and temporally restricted, they give important quantitative information on bird exploitation during the Neolithic and early historic Dvaravadi periods in Thailand.
Proteomic Evidence of Biological Aging in a Child with a Compound Heterozygous ZMPSTE24 Mutation
Authors: Lucas‐Herald Angela K , Zürbig Petra , Mason Avril , Kinning Esther , Brown Catriona E , Mansoorian Bahareh , Mullen William , Ahmed Syed Faisal , Delles Christian 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundProgeria‐like syndromes offer a unique insight into aging. Here the case of a boy affected with mandibuloacral dysplasia and compound heterozygous mutations in ZMPSTE24 is presented.MethodsCapillary electrophoresis‐mass spectroscopy is used for proteome analysis to analyze peptides previously found to be differentially regulated in chronic kidney disease (273 peptides defining the CKD273 classifier), coronary artery disease (238 peptides defining the CAD238 classifier), and aging (116 peptides defining the AGE116 classifier).ResultsNo evidence of renal disease is identified. Although the boy has no overt cardiovascular disease other than a raised carotid intima media thickness relative to his age, a proteomic classifier for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease is mildly raised. The biological age based on the proteomic AGE116 classifier is 24 years compared to the chronological ages of 5 and 10 years. In contrast, a control group of healthy children has a significantly lower (p < 0.0001) calculated mean age of 13.ConclusionUrinary proteomic analysis is effective in confirming advanced biological age and to identify early evidence of renal or cardiovascular damage. This case highlights the value of proteomic approaches in aging research and may represent a method for non‐invasive monitoring of the effects of early aging.
Research Advances of Amorphous Metal Oxides in Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Yan Shihan , Abhilash K. P. , Tang Lingyu , Yang Mei , Ma Yifan , Xia Qiuying , Guo Qiubo , Xia Hui 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAmorphous metal oxides (AMOs) have aroused great enthusiasm across multiple energy areas over recent years due to their unique properties, such as the intrinsic isotropy, versatility in compositions, absence of grain boundaries, defect distribution, flexible nature, etc. Here, the materials engineering of AMOs is systematically reviewed in different electrochemical applications and recent advances in understanding and developing AMO‐based high‐performance electrodes are highlighted. Attention is focused on the important roles that AMOs play in various energy storage and conversion technologies, such as active materials in metal‐ion batteries and supercapacitors as well as active catalysts in water splitting, metal–air batteries, and fuel cells. The improvements of electrochemical performance in metal‐ion batteries and supercapacitors are reviewed regarding the enhancement in active sites, mechanical strength, and defect distribution of amorphous structures. Furthermore, the high electrochemical activities boosted by AMOs in various fundamental reactions are elaborated on and they are related to the electrocatalytic behaviors in water splitting, metal–air batteries, and fuel cells. The applications in electrochromism and high‐conducting sensors are also briefly discussed. Finally, perspectives on the existing challenges of AMOs for electrochemical applications are proposed, together with several promising future research directions.